Point Pressure’s Post

Beware the believing and doing gap. I’ve just returned from Barcelona where I’ve been working with a customer to develop a learning and development strategy to align with future business changes. I was thoroughly impressed by the level of preparation for my work with this multinational team. All the necessary data and resources had been prepared beforehand and they provided comprehensive background information on the project. In contrast to a recent contractual experience where obtaining essential data was a painfully time-consuming process, hindering productivity, this meticulous preparation enabled significant progress right from the start. It was clear that my host had put a lot of thought into creating an experience to positively impact effective collaboration. The location selected for our first team meeting was Park Güell. Our host Aleix gathered us to listen to the story of the park which began as a visionary project to accommodate 60 houses. Count Eusebi Guell was a “real estate developer”, in the early 20th century, wanted to build a luxurious and exclusive walled residential neighbourhood, on a 15-hectares rocky hill with little vegetation. The vision was a personal passion. Yet, without substantive ideas and resource to provide necessary infrastructure and evidence of concrete actions the process came to a screeching halt. Failure to buy into the vision led to a lack of buyers and the project was abandoned. Park Güell eventually became a public park. Beware the believing and doing gap, a failure of leadership to follow through on the work required to bring a vision to life. The choice of location provided a sensory experience, the story connected us to our purpose for being there and reminded us to avoid the vision being so aspirational and lacking in practicality people become sceptical of its feasibility. The vision of the organisation’s future aroused powerful emotions however, we were constantly grounded reminded of the failures in the story, and of our responsibility to provide process and to follow through on the work required to bring a vision to life. Influenced by that story and the amazing surroundings we set to work on a plan to support the vision and provide direction for shaping people process and performance. While I pull together the pieces of the puzzle to frame the vision into a strategic plan, I realise the enormous challenge and commitment that this process demands, some of the pieces are missing and many will change shape however, I am confident that it provides a basis to formulate strategy that can be acted on.

With the beautiful clear light in Zurich yesterday evening, the sunset skyline, and the full moon behind me, I had to stop and capture this moment. I chose to include the net because it reminded me of my journey over the past few days and its lessons. The net above the train tracks symbolizes the power of networking—an intricate web connecting diverse paths and people. Like Zurich’s main station, where tracks lead in countless directions, every connection holds the potential to spark opportunity, collaboration, and growth. To build meaningful connections, I’ve found three things essential: 💫Bravery and Initiative: Don’t hesitate to reach out or take the first step in starting a conversation. ✨Openness and Curiosity: Be genuinely interested in others’ stories and perspectives. 🌟Empathy and Authenticity: Build trust by listening and engaging with sincerity. ⚡️And remember to be attentive—ensure the interest and connection is mutual. Don’t forget to ask if you’d like to stay in touch and exchange contacts (e.g., LinkedIn). Building connections goes both ways. #Networking #ConnectionsMatter #GrowthMindset #Opportunities #Collaboration #SunsetMoments

Yesterday was an incredible day in NYC! 🌆 💜 It was busy, yes, but incredibly productive!! What made it even more special was meeting RUNNINGDIGITAL's CEO, Josafá Rohde, in person for our business meetings in North America. The energy in New York is unmatched, is hectic but I LOVE it. And we were at WeWork in Times Square, and I just love working there. It's my favorite place at the moment, it's so clean, quiet, and cozy... We brainstormed, strategized, and laid the groundwork for some exciting projects. So much is in the pipeline, and the momentum is real. One thing I realized: hard work and meaningful connections are the catalysts for extraordinary outcomes. Success isn't just about putting in the hours and being busy; it's also about being strategic with your work and building meaningful connections and friendships. It was so special to me to have Josafá visit North America for this incredible meeting. Isn't it great to work with people you admire? 🤩 What steps are you taking to forge meaningful connections in your career? Stay tuned for more updates. Big things are coming!! 👀

🎉Today marks my 15th day in New York City, and I've come to realize just how incredibly busy this city is. The streets are always bustling with people, and there's a constant hum of activity that never seems to pause. The corporate offices here are particularly intense; they're filled with professionals who are perpetually on the move, juggling numerous meetings, projects, and deadlines. The pace is relentless, with a palpable sense of urgency that permeates the business districts. It's clear that this city thrives on a high-octane environment where efficiency and productivity are paramount. Navigating this fast-paced corporate world can be both exhilarating and exhausting. The competition is fierce, and the expectations are sky-high, but this also means there are countless opportunities for growth and advancement. Every day presents a new challenge and a chance to learn something new. The diversity of the workforce is another striking aspect; people from all over the world bring their unique perspectives and skills, creating a dynamic and innovative atmosphere. However, it's crucial to find balance amidst the chaos. Taking breaks in quieter parts of the city, like Central Park or small community gardens, can provide much-needed respite. Networking is vital here, as connections can often lead to new opportunities and collaborations. The city also offers an abundance of cultural and recreational activities that can help decompress after a long day at the office. From world-class museums and theaters to diverse culinary experiences and vibrant nightlife, there's always something to explore and enjoy. In conclusion, New York City's busy nature and bustling corporate scene can be overwhelming, but with the right approach and mindset, it also offers unparalleled opportunities for professional and personal growth.

5 Key Lessons on Creating Purpose-Led, Impactful Gatherings 🔑 As a facilitator of purpose-driven gatherings, I’ve discovered that fostering deep, meaningful connections requires thoughtful and intentional design. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of organizing a convening of 30+ leaders from philanthropy and nonprofits, and here are 5 key lessons I learned from that experience: 1️⃣ Start with WHY Before diving into logistics, clarify the purpose of your gathering. As Priya Parker highlights in The Art of Gathering, it’s easy to confuse an event's category (e.g., conference, summit) with its true purpose. A clear purpose guides every decision, ensuring a cohesive and meaningful experience. 2️⃣ The Power of Place The location can dramatically shape the experience. Major cities may be accessible but can also be distracting. Inclusivity and accessibility should go beyond basic compliance—ensure your venue choice doesn’t exclude important voices. If you want your event to be truly global in nature, consider visa challenges; countries with lengthy approval processes might not be the best choice. 3️⃣ Let the Agenda Breathe No one, not even the highest-performing leaders, can sit through nine hours of back-to-back meetings. Your schedule impacts whether participants leave drained or energized. Avoid over-scheduling; allow ample time for transitions and organic connections through spacious meal breaks or low-pressure activities like nature walks. 4️⃣ Lose the “Expert” in the Room In a room full of leaders, anyone could give a keynote or sit on a panel. Move away from traditional formats that create divides between the “expert” and everyone else. Opt for formats like fishbowls or small group discussions, allowing multiple voices to be heard. Design prompts that encourage reflection and vulnerability—this is where real connection happens! 5️⃣ Embrace Experimentation The most popular session at my convening was one with no planned agenda! On the final day, we used the "Open Spaces" format, allowing participants to propose and lead discussions. This approach fostered organic relationships and collaboration during the event, rather than waiting until after. Creating spaces where people connect deeply with each other and a larger purpose is transformative work. It's about fostering meaningful interactions, one conversation at a time. 🌱 What strategies have you found effective in creating purposeful gatherings? #Facilitation #Leadership #PurposeDriven #ImpactfulGatherings #Connection #CommunityBuilding #InclusiveLeadership

What a whirlwind of excitement at the 21st Anniversary Frost & Sullivan Executive MindXchange Conference! Huge shoutout to Rebecca Witherington and her incredible team for orchestrating such an unforgettable experience! From the epic sip and savor cruise to the captivating workshops and mouthwatering lunches, every moment was simply sensational! But you know what truly made this week one of a kind? It wasn't just about business—it was about building genuine connections and fostering friendships that will last beyond the business world. From day one, it felt like catching up with old friends rather than attending a conference! I walked away not only with invaluable relationships but also with a newfound term that I'm absolutely in love with: "RoR" = Return on Relationship! How powerful is that! This concept perfectly encapsulates our ethos at Inktel Contact Center Solutions — we prioritize building meaningful connections first and foremost. And guess what? The cherry on top of an already incredible week was taking 1st PLACE in the Events 21st Anniversary Olympics! 🏆 Team Canada-A brought the heat and we couldn't be prouder! #FillYerBoots #FrostandSullivan #Inktel #ContactCenter #BPO #BestInTheBusiness #innovation #management #digital #technology #creativity #futurism #socialnetworking #motivation #personaldevelopment #sustainability #education #productivity #sales #socialentrepreneurship #strategy #culture #business #networking #inspiration 

4️⃣ 8️⃣ 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗖𝗘𝗢 #𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲 Ever wondered what a CEO’s day-to-day looks like? Join me on my 48-hour business trip to Hamburg, where I had the privilege of engaging in dynamic and insightful meetings across this vibrant city. btw: it's the only city I would leave my beloved Karlsruhe for 😉 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁 I kicked off my trip by meeting with a former client, someone who was there when I first founded my company. It was an incredible experience to catch up and see how our respective businesses have evolved. Reflecting on our journeys reminded me of the importance of long-term relationships in business. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 Next, I had meetings with two new clients. This was a revelation for me. Instead of the traditional keynote presentation, we engaged in deep, meaningful conversations. Listening to their needs and ideas opened up new perspectives and underscored the value of genuine dialogue over structured presentations. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 I also met with our current clients to review project statuses and discuss strategic directions. Each meeting took place in unique settings, from classic office environments to a fancy hotel bar at The Fontenay with a stunning view, and even a refreshing walk along the Alster. These diverse backdrops not only made the meetings more memorable but also fostered creativity and openness. This trip reinforced a key lesson for me: the best insights often come from varied environments and authentic conversations. Hamburg, with its rich blend of tradition and innovation, proved to be the perfect setting for this intense yet fulfilling series of engagements. See you soon!   Would you like to read more behind-the-scene stories on my account? #business #ceo #worklife #career #ilovemyjob

Stop, collaborate and listen… That’s exactly what Chris Holmes, Eleonora G., Jonathan Parsons and I did with the incredible Madrid Team. Carlos Rey Micolau is doing a superb job leading the team, but it’s crucial we all feel part of one whole, and that’s what we focused on. I’ve always believed you can drop the word ‘working’ from ‘working relationships’ because, essentially, they are just relationships. And arguably, you spend more time in these than any other relationship you have. We spent time together having face to face 1:1s over coffees, smoothies, walks, and lunches together. A huge thanks to Candelaria Grasso for the amazing organisation, drinks, lunches, and dinner. Building and nurturing relationships will always be key in any organisation. At Foresight Group, we are incredibly lucky that doing this isn’t a chore because we have amazing people. Top three tips when visiting colleagues: 🤔 Plan ahead – What is the purpose of your trip? Who do you want face-to-face time with? Ask others who you should meet – you might not even know which gems are in your other offices. 📆 Clear your diary of non-essential commitments – Focus your time on being present in the office you are visiting (not always possible, but you can keep yourself in check). 🤗 Be open, honest, and transparent – Recognise that while you might all be speaking the same language, it doesn’t always mean you are thinking in the same way. Take time to understand what is being said. It’s a privilege to work in a global business which is doing great things, to be able to travel for work, and to have colleagues I would choose to spend time with inside and outside of work. Thank you to the Madrid team for their amazing hospitality and I look forward to continuing to be part of driving positive change. #TeamCollaboration #Leadership #WorkRelationships #TeamBuilding #GlobalBusiness #ForesightGroup #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkCulture #BusinessTravel #Networking #EmployeeEngagement #OfficeLife

Over one year now living in London from the US. Here’s what I’ve learned about living in London for the first year: 1. Adaptability is Key: Moving countries is like moving markets—each one has its quirks. Embrace the differences, and you’ll thrive both personally and professionally. The UK’s cautious approach in business decision-making contrasts with the US’s urgency to close deals quickly. Adaptability has been crucial in navigating these differences. 2. Networking Matters: London is a goldmine of opportunities. Building connections here has opened doors I never knew existed. Engage, connect, and watch your network grow. This is true in both the US and UK, where strong professional networks are crucial for business development and career advancement. 3. Work-Life Balance: The UK’s approach to work-life balance is refreshing. With more vacation days and an emphasis on not overworking, this mindset has boosted my productivity and overall happiness. This contrasts with the US, where longer hours and fewer vacation days are the norm. 4. Cultural Insight: Understanding cultural differences is crucial in global sales and business development. In the UK, meetings often start with small talk and can be slightly more formal, whereas in the US, meetings might dive straight into business. My time here has sharpened my skills in navigating diverse business landscapes. 5. Continuous Learning: Whether it’s picking up new slang or understanding local market trends, there’s always something new to learn. Both markets emphasize the importance of understanding and meeting customer needs to drive business success. Stay curious, stay ahead. 6. Innovation and Technology: Both the UK and US markets are at the forefront of technological innovation and digital transformation, driving significant changes in various industries. 7. Competitive Landscapes: Both the US and UK markets are highly competitive. In the UK, the business market can be more homogeneous but still requires understanding of regional differences, whereas the vast and diverse US market often requires region-specific strategies. 8. Decision-Making Process: The UK tends to have a more consensus-driven approach, often involving multiple stakeholders, while the US can be more hierarchical, with decisions often made by higher-level executives. Here’s to more growth, new experiences, and making the most of this incredible journey! 🌍✨ #LondonLife #BusinessDevelopment #SalesLeadership #Networking #WorkLifeBalance #ContinuousLearning #GlobalExperience #TechInnovation #CompetitiveMarkets

12 days working from Costa Rica, visiting partners and refreshing perspectives. Stepping outside your comfort zone and into a world of diverse perspectives, and cultures and fueled by fresh ideas. That's the magic of global collaboration! Forget just expanding your network - think about transforming your entire approach. By partnering with individuals from varied backgrounds, you challenge your assumptions and see issues, solutions and yourself through new angles: * Ignite Innovation: Collaborate on solutions that transcend borders and spark true creativity. * Amplify empathy: Deepen your understanding of different needs and viewpoints, fostering meaningful connections. * Harmonize holistically: Create solutions that resonate with a wider audience, addressing global challenges with impactful results. Don't be afraid to lean in! The world is waiting to enrich your professional journey. #globalcollaboration #culturaldiversity #internationalbusiness #growthmindset #linkedinlearning P.S. Share your experiences with global collaboration in the comments!