James Wallis’ Post

Just start Aim High

This resonates with me for a number of reasons but importantly for those in leadership and business, when we get knocked down, how do we respond? Those who know me well know that I've had some very public and very high profile knock downs. They have forced me to seek refuge at the back of the room. Being at the top is lonely, being at the top in a crisis is completely isolating. What I've learnt is that its ok to retreat to the back of the room, we all need somewhere to heal and re-energise, but you can't get "stuck" there in the darkness. At some stage we all need to collect our thoughts, summon our energy, use our strength to lift our chin, swallow the pride, brush off the dented ego, and once again take our seats at the front of the room! #resilience #advisory #businessadvisory #growth #the360talent

My 2 favourite take outs of this - sit at the front and start, do something. That's great advice. At the front you hear more, you engage more, you get noticed. So why do most people shuffle to the back, hide behind others, try to disappear? Doing something is vital, even if it's not THE thing, you don't know where it will lead. Life isn't linear. that's why it is interesting. Thanks Davina Mccall, your messages were simple and clear, exactly what your audience needed to hear! What advice do you wish you were given on your graduation? #advice #business #mentor #coach

I’m not a big “smoother-over-er” or a “Let’s pretend that didn’t happen” person. I'm not going to hold someone's discomfort for them if they say something that’s rude, insensitive, racist, homophobic, or something designed to make me or someone else feel small on purpose. I'm not gonna make a joke about it. I'm not gonna laugh it off. I'm not gonna change the subject quickly so no one has to live in that space of discomfort. Instead, I'll let them sit with it. Sitting with the truth of their impact is one of the ways people learn. And the more comfortable I am with others' discomfort, the more I learn to dismantle the deep pattern of placating and over-giving society programmed into me to keep me hustling for my worthiness. Discomfort can be a powerful teacher, helping us all to do better. Want to break free from societal expectations and create a more authentic, empowered version of yourself? Join my June 14th at 10:00 PST/1:00 EST for a Masterclass in Courageous Authenticity & Confident Presence. It’s FREE and the registration link is in the comments!

I recently listened to a webinar by Brandon Turner where he shared a profound Chinese proverb: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." This quote really resonated with me and its simple wisdom is incredibly applicable to so many areas of our lives - our careers, businesses, education, personal growth, you name it. How often do we let the years slip by without taking action on our dreams and goals because we think the timing isn't quite right or we're not fully ready yet? The reality is, there will never be a perfect time to start something new or pursue that big audacious goal. There will always be obstacles, doubts, and reasons to delay a little longer. But the clock keeps ticking away. As the proverb reminds us, the best time to get started was in the past, but the next best opportunity is right now in this present moment. I know I'm personally guilty of procrastinating on some key things I want to achieve, always saying I'll get to it eventually. But this quote inspires me to stop putting it off and start planting those seeds today, even if it feels small or imperfect. One tiny step in the right direction, taken consistently over time, can lead to amazing results in the long run. What goal or dream have you been putting off that you can start taking action on today? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Great insight, but I think that we all do what we think is the most impactful, most important, and perhaps the most long-lasting....at that point in time, and per our personal criteria. Maybe not someone else's criteria (i.e. our partner, our boss, or our friend,/family) but it's what we think it should be. When we look back, we may not have the same conclusion, but that is just because hindsight is 20:20. Even when we "waste time", we probably justify it as "chillin'"...and that's ok. Unfortunately, there is only one "optimum" but several "sub-optimum" scenarios. Hopefully we pick an impactful and important option. No one has a personal algorithm that tells them exactly what is the "most" and/or how to always play it out exactly as planned. We work towards what is the best...at that point in time and with the resources we have available. Play the life cards as best you can, with what was dealt. 😊

Is your Inner Critic stopping you from being visible? Then this masterclass is for you! You'll learn to 'tame' your inner voice from critic into supporter so it lifts you up instead of putting you down. I'd love to see you in the masterclass.

In pop culture, picking a jury includes a lot of stereotyping and striking jurors based off things you can learn about them on paper. In reality, picking a fair jury depends on asking questions that help you learn about the jurors' ACTUAL attitudes and beliefs, including questions about their life experience. Try asking questions like: - Between your Mom and Dad, who loved you more? - When you take a Buzzfeed quiz online, what kind of vegetable does it say you are? or - If the Spice Girls were taken hostage, and you had to choose one of them to be executed in order for the others to be saved, who would you choose, and why? Don't be afraid to get to know these jurors. Show them you care and are interested!

A great reminder about difficult conversations: "Set a goal. Do you want to explain how you feel, understand the other person’s point of view, or solve a problem? 'It’s important to understand why you want to have the conversation in the first place,'" Something we frequently hear is that the ability (and willingness) to have difficult conversations is one of the most sought-after - and lacking - skills of managers. https://lnkd.in/dj7bFXPj

Ever found yourself cornered by a colleague at a lively company event, faced with the obligatory small talk dilemma? Let's be honest—the pre-meeting chit-chat phase can be challenging. As an ENTP, former fraternity president, and youngest child, I've navigated my fair share of awkward moments. Take, for instance, the handshake fiasco at my high school freshman semi-formal (I shook this poor girl's hand goodnight) —still cringing two decades later. The good news? Small talk doesn't have to induce discomfort. You can engage in a brief, meaningful conversation, and both parties can gracefully conclude, ready to enjoy the rest of the evening. Try this out.