Abraham Lincoln said, “most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” I think this is a simple maxim that we could all live by. What does this mean? Another way of saying this is, “what you put your attention on grows.” How we see the world and our experience, becomes our personal reality. For example, do you know wealthy people who appear to be consistently miserable, and you know poor people who seem to be consistently happy? How then do we manage our minds and be more expansive, open-hearted and positive, despite, not because of our circumstances? In my talks and workshop ..read more

There are 4 steps, or phases that I’ve learned from being ridiculous and I cover these in my new, re-shaped keynote speech. Let me know if you are keen to hear it! I am looking to practice it in the market. Drop me an email. I got on a late-night bus in 1999 in Brixton, South London and without being drunk or talking about Jesus, made a speech that turned out to be a ‘Damascus Experience’ of sorts. What I learned from that was just how powerful and pervasive fear is and how it dissolved, when I faced it head on. (I had had some experience of this, but never as vivid as that day.) I discovere ..read more

Life throws curveballs. Deadlines loom, presentations go sideways, and unexpected situations can leave us feeling flustered and overwhelmed. But amidst the chaos, staying calm is crucial. A clear head allows for better decision-making, fosters resilience, and helps us navigate challenges with a sense of control. So, how do we stay cool under pressure? Here are some tips that I use: Breathe Deeply – Your Anchor in the Storm: When stress hits, our breath becomes shallow and rapid. This throws our body’s fight-or-flight response into overdrive. Deep breathing acts as an anchor, slowing your heart ..read more

I first came across this talk by Peter Kaufman a couple of years ago. It seemed a bit of a complicated title so I put it off but when eventually I read it I found it one of the most profound talks had ever heard in my life. You can watch it here: https://fs.blog/great-talks/multidisciplinary-approach-thinking-peter-kaufman/ I love how he goes methodically through the last 13.7 billion years of existence and pulls out incredible and simple threads of truth that are as applicable today, as since the dawn of time, and yet we keep trying to do new things! What do you think? Does this resonate with ..read more

I’ve been working on my keynote speech for some months now. It’s been no easy feat! It’s not like mainstream society is queuing up to hear about nakedness! But my intention is clear: I believe that my message of ‘being more naked (on the inside and/ or the outside) is an idea who’s time has come. I believe and know this: that being present, being in our bodies, here and now, with no ulterior and unnoble intention, with courage and heart, is the way to be in the world. Anything else is just a poor imitation. Here is a snippet from the start of my keynote. What’s your reaction? When I say the w ..read more

The word ‘ego’ was originally coined by Freud who died in 1939 so it’s important to acknowledge that this idea developed over 80 years ago. Freud had a very cerebral approach to the ego:  he said it was the moderator between the ‘id’, which is our basic desires and the ‘superego’; our idealistic desires. This all sounds very well but a little over complicated and heavy in my view. The ego is fundamentally a survival system that is designed to protect us. It gauges what it perceives to be good and bad, and right and wrong, and places itself and therefore us, at the very centre of the unive ..read more

Simon Ekin, The Naked Speaker. Bet you’re curious, right? What’s with the unconventional moniker? Trust me, I’ve asked myself the same question. Let’s unravel it together. “Naked” – a word that often conjures images of bare skin, exposed vulnerability, and raw honesty. It’s precisely this vulnerability that most of us grapple with in our lives. Have you ever stood in front of a mirror, unable to meet your own gaze? I’ve been there too. Some days, I look and think, “Hey, not bad!” Others, it’s more of an “Ah, well…” moment. For me, being naked isn’t just about shedding physical layers; it’s a m ..read more

In the dynamic world of sales, success hinges on more than just product knowledge and persuasive skills. It’s about igniting that spark within, that unwavering belief in yourself and your ability to make a meaningful impact. It’s about discovering your Mojo. Mojo, that intangible yet powerful force, is the driving energy that propels you forward, fuelling your passion, resilience, and authenticity. It’s the confidence that radiates from within, allowing you to connect with others on a deeper level and build genuine relationships. As a life, business and sales coach, I’ve witnessed first-hand t ..read more

In the realm of personal growth and achieving our goals, persistence often stands out as a key ingredient for success. We’ve all heard the adage, ‘If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again,’ emphasising the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles and reaching our desired outcomes.  This concept is beautifully illustrated by the childhood experience of using a magnifying glass to start a fire. The initial attempts may be frustrating, yielding little to no result, but with persistence, that ‘poof’ moment arrives – the moment when our efforts ignite the spark of success. Thi ..read more

One topic which frequently surfaces and which I cover in my sales training and coaching sessions, is the Fear of Rejection. It’s a universal experience that we all grapple with, weaving its way into the fabric of our daily lives. Whether it’s the hesitation to strike up a difficult conversation or the reluctance to pick up the phone, the fear of rejection casts a looming shadow over our interactions. The key, however, lies not in avoiding rejection but in confronting it head-on. Watch my video below: Consider the moments when you want to initiate a conversation that feels challenging. The mer ..read more