My Philosophy & Values

The Journey is the Destination

In German we have a saying, “Der Weg ist das Ziel” – in English this means something similar to, “the journey is the destination.” 

I’ll never forget the time my family went on holiday to China and walked the Great Wall. I was no more than 3 or 4 years old. As we were walking it, I started to pretend that I couldn’t walk anymore and my father was pretty much forced to carry me the whole way! He was annoyed…but he did it. I’m not sure why I started to pretend but I think I was just smart – I realised that he’d have no choice but to pick me up! And at the end of it, even though he was frustrated, he still gave me a giant glass bottle of cold orange Fanta. I can remember the taste of it to this day. It’s something we still laugh about – me getting carried along the Great Wall. I knew that my father would take care of me no matter what. I knew he wouldn’t leave me there. 

____

Whether it’s going on a family trip or creating a successful company, it’s the journey that counts. And knowing that everyone carries each other from time to time. Being able to trust in that support means everything. 

Quality Matters

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘it’s the little things that count’. Over the many years I’ve worked in this field, I’ve seen time and again how impactful small gestures are. Simple changes in communication style. A smile. A warm hello. These are the things that change our daily lives. At home, at work, and in the world.

I remember working for a company where I’d been appointed ‘Feel Good Manager’. (Great title, right?) My job was to ensure everyone – hundreds of people! – was happy. It was an amazing position, but not as easy as it might sound...

One day a young graphic designer came up to me and asked for some Sharpies. They were her favorite. So I quickly filled out an order form. But Sharpies are expensive! And I wanted to save the company money. To solve this dilemma, asap, I ordered some cheap off-brand ‘Sharpées’, which could arrive that same day. Problem solved. Or so I thought. When I excitedly presented the designers with their new markers, I was met with a wall of disappointed, fallen faces. It was like watching dominos falling down. “But...these aren’t Sharpies! They’re not the same, they don’t work as well.” They walked back to their desks, glumly, enthusiasm gone. 

I immediately ordered real Sharpies, determined to right my wrong. The next day the designers were thrilled.

____

Little things count. Not only have I never ordered cheap markers again, but I learned a lesson that day. Quality matters and details are important.  

Together We’re Better 

I’ll never forget the time when a company I worked for did a massive move – migrating 150 people from one office to another. Organising everything was a huge ordeal. And I was in charge of it. Moving furniture, paperwork, packing, cleaning...everything! The possibility for chaos was infinite. The company needed to be in full swing the very next day after the move. My schedule was watertight. Zero room for errors. The nights leading up to the big day were sleepless. 

But then something magical happened...everything actually went off without a hitch. I led hundreds of people, like an army, into battle. Every single person pitched in, with a smile, packing, cleaning, and problem-solving like rockstars. The CEOs were thrilled. Impressed with how smoothly it all went, they thanked me with arms full of flowers and a spa certificate, their faces overflowing with genuine gratitude. But it wasn’t just me – it was our team that succeeded. Everyone did their part. We were all filled with pride at the end of that big day. Exhausted and happy.  

____

They say that the top three stressors in life are the death of a loved one, divorce, and moving. But that day we all pulled together and, through teamwork, did a move that worked. Really, truly worked. This is the power of clarity, direct communication, and smart teamwork.

Go Your Own Way 

Companies are like people – each is different and has its own unique set of strengths and challenges. There is no universal recipe for success. Instead, each of us needs to find our own way...the way that works for us. 

When I first started practicing with Linda and Jozef and their training called Fighting Monkey®, their methods surprised me. They constantly put you in situations where you struggle, and it’s your job to figure out a solution.

One time, they gave us the challenge: how many different ways can you lift someone heavier than yourself? I’m pretty small, so this was not easy. They don’t tell you how to do it; they just let you figure it out. Maybe you use your back and leg muscles, or maybe you just stand still and observe, or perhaps you choose to ask the instructors for their advice. I tried everything! I hurt myself a bit and then ended up standing still and listening, observing what was going on around me. And then after a while I asked a bigger person to lift the other person for me so I didn’t hurt myself more.

Ultimately, the question is: how do you want to learn? It’s all about finding what works for you and the other people involved. Sometimes you need to try and fail; other times you need to ask for help; and sometimes you just need to be silent, listen, and accept. 

____

This is part of what we do in our work together. We look at your company’s unique situation and together we create the right recipe for success – so that you know your team is supporting each other through the wins & losses and coming out stronger in the end.