Dragons Nest with Gold eggs

Journals - Major Programs
#61
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 1
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

Birds of same feather, flock together

The phrase originally “birds of a feather flock together” refers to the natural phenomena of a single bird species flying in groups or flocks. These flocks, or called murmurations, can become quite dense as thousands of birds join in together. The reasoning behind this, is that there is safety in numbers. Together, the birds are stronger and safer from predators than they are separately.

People usually join together with those they feel had similar interests to them, and together, they can face what comes as a group. Similarly after an exposure with Emperor, I tend to be alone, working alone, but I often decide to socialize when I’m ready to f*ck.

I don’t choose to what type of people to mingle around but I often noticed I always end up with people having the same interest as I do, and people that I used to have some time before are less interested on me.

On social media I have a lot of followers even though I seldom posts, or interact with what people are sharing. And my likes are very different too, one of my closed friends had told me that I loved liking babies at social media.

Usually I would block bad news, wars, corruptions and the likes. I don’t participate on minor inconvenience.

A Theory of Human Motivation | Abraham Maslow
He pitched that humans needs/motivation generally move in five stages.

  • Physiological (food, water, warmth, rest)
  • Safety (Security, safety)
  • Belonging & love (relationships, friends)
  • Esteem (prestige, the feeling of accomplishment)
  • Self-Actualization (achieving one’s full potential)

The first three stages are common for us all. It’s the last two stages that talk about accomplishment, achieving potential where we differ from them.

These are the stages that define our professional life and we love to work with people who have similar tastes, interests but we are also easily adaptable if interests differ.

If you are doing where your passion resides meeting of interests and tastes with your colleagues doesn’t matter, we adapt, we flock, or f*ck.

Byrdes of on kynde and color flok and flye together.

#62

Stephen Covey also has books that might help with management.

1 Like
#63
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 1
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

There are Four Types of Intelligence

Each of these types of quotients (or intelligence) are needed by entrepreneurs.
I only know two of them, IQ and EQ.

Preparation | intelligence quotient (IQ), the capacity to think and reason;
Marketing | creativity quotient (CQ), the capacity to innovate;
Execution | emotional quotient (EQ), the capacity to sense and empathize; and
Self-leadership | adversity quotient (AQ), the capacity to recover and make progress.

In the entrepreneurial landscape, success relies on a delicate interplay of four essential quotients.

It does not mean that IQ is only needed at the preparation gate or CQ is only needed during the marketing gate, though it may be that these specific capacities will be needed most during a particular gate.

The same goes with EQ and AQ. For bigger business ventures, one way of solving lack of capacity is to get business partners who can oversee some functions. For instance, one can oversee finance, another can be in marketing and another in execution or operations. It is rare that one person possesses all the capacities.

#64
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 1
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

The Four Areas of Negligence

A failure in self-leadership is typically associated with the failure to learn, lead and love, and this includes not just love for others but also for one’s self. Instead of evaluating and redirecting until things are done right, there are people who limit themselves and their own potential.

A failure in preparation is typically associated with the failure to source, to sense and to socialize. Instead of careful deliberation, focused reflections and purposeful networking and relationship building that could be powerful sources of information, assumptions are substituted and unchallenged, and fatal shortcuts are resorted to.

A failure in marketing is typically associated with the failure to converse, to differentiate and to communicate. Instead of being customer-centered, personal preferences and uninspired works are promoted. Standard testing of concepts and messages is not done, perhaps due to the proponent blindly falling in love with his or her own idea too much.

A failure in execution is typically associated with the failure to organize, systematize and humanize. Instead of increasing needed capabilities and reducing uncertainties, relevant data (especially when not readily available) is not sought or pursued.

When implementation is left to inexperienced people, when there are delays due to analysis paralysis, or when stakeholders are constantly treated in transactional mode, instead of building relationships—expect that the strategy will fail because of poor implementation.

While starting to be an entrepreneur may be easy, succeeding as one is not.

It is not enough to learn about the key factors for business success.

Entrepreneurs need to be aware of possible negligence in certain areas that can be barriers to sustainable progress in their businesses.

#65
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 1
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

The Four-Gate Model of Entrepreneurship

In order that the promise of financial independence, personal freedom and the realization of their deepest desires, entrepreneurs must sustain passing through four gates leading to the “House of Prosperity”.

Preparation (Gate 1) should be complemented by execution (Gate 3).

Without an action orientation (or sometimes being too much of a perfectionist) to implement, there will be inertia and therefore, many missed opportunities.

Even if entrepreneurs have passed through the first gate, they must navigate subsequent gates for sustained success.

For instance, a well-prepared plan (Gate 1) that is poorly or inadequately executed (Gate 3) can result in disastrous consequences.

Failing to progress through any gate disrupts momentum, underscoring the significance of self-leadership or the final gate, which is dependent on personal discipline.

Investors often scrutinize entrepreneurs’ personal qualities to gauge their emotional and adversity quotients. The ability to execute and bounce back from challenges is a crucial trait observed among successful entrepreneurs.

In between preparation and execution is marketing (Gate 2). Without good marketing, businesses will struggle to connect with their target audience, unable to differentiate their offering or incapable of effectively communicating their value proposition—all impacting their ability to attract and retain customers.

Self-leadership (Gate 4) becomes particularly evident during a crisis.

Without self-leadership, individuals will struggle in dealing with challenges effectively.

Leaders should remain resilient and agile amidst obstacles and in constantly changing environments.

The Gatekeepers

On each gate, there are gatekeepers with different interests and expectations. “CEO” is sometimes an acronym for (managing) customers, employees and owners. The entrepreneur-CEO needs to find a good balance based on what is valuable to each party.

Preparation | Owners and stockholders interested in profit and dividend.
Marketing | Customers interested in quality and good price.
Execution | Employees interested in high pay and work-life balance.
Self-leadership | One’s self interested in fulfillment.

Going into the gates, is not always linear. It stands as the embodiment of the goals and symbols of business and personal success for every aspiring entrepreneur.

This model eluded most entrepreneurs because of lack of balance and foresight, and must be emphasized early for the awareness of entrepreneurs to become better.

#66
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 1
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

The PMESs to a successful entrepreneurship

Preparation

  • Money. The cash (or equivalent) component that creates the cycle of wealth conversion and prosperity.
  • Model. The business model or the big-picture plan to generate sales revenues, profit, cash flow and growth, as well as the blueprint on how to scale up.
  • Mentors. The experienced advisers who can add value to the entrepreneur by giving sound guidance to increase competency, lessen risks and help open more opportunities for the entrepreneur to succeed.

Marketing

  • Mindset. It is about beliefs—that innovation is better than commoditization, is better than being just an entrepreneur.
  • Market. The set of buyers that an entrepreneur focuses attention on, starting from a beachhead market in the beginning, and then adjacent markets for future expansion.
  • Message. The brand positioning that will be communicated to persuade the target customers to buy.

Execution

  • Machinery. An organization structure that can deliver the value planned.
  • Methods. Systems and processes that provide the entrepreneur information and control.
  • Management skills. The ability to carry out the plans through people, rewards and leadership.

Self-leadership

  • Moving forward. Having the grit to continue the business despite obstacles.
  • Mission. The purpose or the reason why the business exists beyond making profit.
  • Mastery. Building capabilities, knowing the nuts and bolts of the business well and eliminating gaps in the know-how.
#67
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 1
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

I become a voracious reader, I can’t leave home without carrying any books and I always carry a notebook and pen with me. I crave for peanuts and chocolate a lot. I will be switching to stage 2 after a washout.

A few days ago @RVconsultant suggest Stephen R. Covey and I took some time searching, he got old books but very valuable ones. I bought the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Again thank you so much for this suggestion @RVconsultant.

Habit 1 | Be Pro-active
Assume responsibility and focus on the things that can be influenced rather than what can’t.

Between stimulus and response lies your ability to choose

How to react, and that nothing can hurt a person without the person’s consent.

Recognizing one’s circle of influence and circle of concern.
To focus one’s responses and focusing on the center of one’s influence.

Habit 2 | Begin With the End in Mind
Define clear measures for success and create a plan to achieve them—in the next few hours, over the next few months, or across a lifetime.

To be effective one needs to act based on principles and constantly review one’s mission statements.

Habit 3 | Put First Things First
Prioritize and spend time on achieving the most important goals.

What is important versus what is urgent

:diamonds: Quadrant I. Urgent and important (Do) – important deadlines and crises
:diamonds: Quadrant II. Not urgent but important (Plan) – long-term development
:diamonds: Quadrant III. Urgent but not important (Delegate) – distractions with deadlines
:diamonds: Quadrant IV. Not urgent and not important (Eliminate) – frivolous distractions

Habit 4 | Think Win-Win
Approach each situation looking for ways everyone can win.

Valuing and respecting people by seeking a “win” for all is ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only one person in the situation gets their way.

Habit 5 | Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Listen, understand, and honor others’ perspectives, and have the courage to express thoughts and feelings respectfully.

Habit 6 | Synergize
Leverage diverse perspectives to solve problems, innovate, and achieve more than any one individual alone.

Use empathetic listening to genuinely understand a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to be influenced.

Habit 7 | Sharpen the Saw
Increase motivation, energy, and vitality by making time for renewal activities.

One should balance and renew one’s resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle. one must continue consistently educating the conscience with increasing levels in order to grow and develop on the upward spiral.

This is a self-improvement book. He believe that the way we see the world is entirely based on our own perceptions. In order to change a given situation, we must change ourselves, and in order to change ourselves, we must be able to change our perceptions.

True success is more than just achieving wealth or fame. Instead, it necessitates personal growth and fulfillment.

A paradigm shift is necessary to cultivate effective habits. These models for perception and understanding shape how we view and interact with the world. Principles as fundamental truths you must live and internalize to achieve lasting success. Principles, such as integrity, humility, and continuous learning, essential for personal effectiveness.

Many seek quick solutions to problems through shortcuts and techniques from successful individuals or organizations.

However, shortcuts often fail to address the root cause of the problem. Instead, the problem lies in how you perceive it. To bring about genuine and lasting change, you need to undergo a paradigm shift. That means changing your fundamental beliefs, assumptions, and values.

1 Like
#68
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 1
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

Experienced during washout | There are always a strong urge to do productive things.

Differences among market, market segmentation and target market

It’s important to define the target market accurately, as it directly impacts the value proposition and pricing strategy. An erroneous target market definition can detrimentally affect product/service offerings and financial sustainability.

• Understand the perspectives and needs of all stakeholders, including both end-users and channels/merchants.

What is good for the consumers may not be good for the channel.

The merchants value brand loyalty and control over rewards redemption.

• Potential market is one where you can best satisfy their needs continuously, so a target market should offer mutual benefits and support the overall business strategy.

Avoid buyer’s remorse.

Correcting missteps is essential for business resilience and growth. One must recognized the ineffectiveness of its initial target market strategy and promptly pivoted its business model to address merchant concerns. The promptness of this pivot enabled its revenue to soar.

Market segmentation
Market segmentation is the act of dividing a market into smaller markets, each different from another but each sharing commonality within. Market segments help the firm analyze the market needs better.

Target market is a homogeneous group of people who are most likely to appreciate and benefit from what the business offers. Identifying the target market is the step following market segmentation, after which a positioning message is crafted.

Culture and traditions can be fundamental aspects of societal practices, yet they are influenced by laws, trends, complementary products, discretionary income, price and education— all of which shape consumer preferences and expectations.

With more awareness on health and the implementation of government bans on public smoking, cigarettes have been removed from this tradition.

Concerns about animal cruelty have led to the removal of the dove ritual.

Due to evolving ethical and environmental concerns, many progressive hotels and restaurants have removed shark fin from their menu.

Choosing target market
There are four key criteria to choose the target market.

F.A.S.T.: fit, accessible, scalable and triumphal/winnable.

• Fit | The value of the solution to the target market. The “fit” either solves their current pain points or makes them want to avoid the pain points, or embrace the pleasure point in the future by buying the offer.

• Accessible | It means your target market can be identified and quantified, and there are ways to connect with them. Consider your sales model when you start identifying your target market.

• Scalable | It is about growing an attractive market. A scalable business model cannot happen if you don’t have a scalable target market. One way is to do a “benefit segmentation” that combines different market segments with common needs.

• Triumphal | It is about winning in the marketplace: winning against competitors and substitutes alike, and winning for profit sustainably as well. To win, identify a market where there is a reasonable time to close a sale, even better if the market has the urgency to buy, and is willing to pay your price and pay promptly. This can ensure both your profitability and cash flow.

Depending on your resources, it is possible to start in a much smaller but winnable beachhead market before entering the target market.

Choosing a profitable target market is often wiser than going after high sales in a fiercely competitive space. Steer away from the “red ocean,” where everyone competes on price or promotions, but makes little or no profit. It is a zero-sum game where nobody wins. So, avoid the following actions as much as possible unless you have the resources and can benefit from it the most:

• Enter a market that is price or promo-driven.

• Launch a price or promo war.

Give more weight to financial and value soundness, which are essential ingredients for long-term success because you offer a different but legitimate customer value.

Do not use good money to run after bad money.

1 Like
#69
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

“Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker

:diamonds: Master Your Money Blueprint
The importance of understanding and reshaping your “money blueprint,” which consists of your beliefs, attitudes, and habits related to money. By identifying and changing limiting beliefs about wealth, you can create a mindset conducive to financial success.

:diamonds: Think Like a Millionaire
Adopt the mindset and habits of successful millionaires. This includes cultivating a positive attitude towards wealth, embracing abundance, and taking proactive steps to achieve financial goals.
This is much easier said than done, but the subliminal titles will definitely help you think like a millionaire.

:diamonds: Set Clear Goals
Define clear, specific, and achievable financial goals. Create a plan to reach these goals and take consistent action towards their attainment. Setting goals provides direction and motivation to succeed.
I don’t have goal when I started with SC, nothing at all. I only set goals when I have changed.

:diamonds: Manage Your Money Wisely
Develop good money management habits, including budgeting, saving, and investing. Practice frugality and discipline in your spending habits, and prioritize building wealth for the long term.
I think NO, whenever I wanted something money will always become available to me, whenever possible.

:diamonds: Invest in Yourself
Invest in your personal and professional development to increase your earning potential and create more opportunities for success. Continuous learning, self-improvement, and skill-building are essential for achieving financial independence.
Definitely true.

:diamonds: Take Calculated Risks
Be willing to take calculated risks to achieve financial success. Recognize that all successful entrepreneurs and investors have encountered setbacks and failures along the way. Learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth.
If we are afraid to fail then we don’t want to learn and it will hinder us to experienced abundance.

:diamonds: Give Back and Pay It Forward
Cultivate a mindset of generosity and abundance by giving back to others and supporting charitable causes. Sharing your wealth with others not only benefits those in need but also reinforces a sense of gratitude and fulfillment in your own life.
Yes this is my secret, it will fatten your heart to receive a much abundance into your life.

:diamonds: Focus on Value Creation
Instead of chasing money, focus on creating value for others. Find ways to solve problems, meet needs, and provide value through your work or business endeavors.
If you take good take of yourself and your employees, the employees will take good care of your business.

:diamonds: Embrace Persistence and Resilience
Success rarely comes overnight. Embrace persistence and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. Stay committed to your goals and keep pushing forward, even when obstacles arise.
Once the mind is stuck on the success-outcome it will always turn a bad situation into good one.

:diamonds: Practice Gratitude and Positive Thinking
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and positive thinking towards money and success. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and maintain a positive outlook on your financial journey.
This is the Easter egg for being very wealthy.

These will provide valuable insights into mindset, goal-setting, money management, personal development, risk-taking, and generosity that can help individuals achieve financial success and abundance.

1 Like
#70
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

Steady learning organization and leadership development for organizations and startup accelerator, as well as a good grasp in marketing and strategy management. This is what motivates me on this major shift and what I did earlier, experiences, what influence me on this transition.

I am always fascinated by strategy. A well-calculated decisions we make can underpinned by our theory of success. But when I became an accidental product manager and later a strategy manager, I realized business leaders were lying to themselves a story that the “enemy” was a competitor out in the market, when in reality the real enemy was the internal complexity that built up that suffocated their best ideas, decision-making practices that lost sight of the users and slowed down execution, and an organization culture that saw good people leave and ass*ole ones stay. There number of percentage of startups fail due to people problems. The human factor in business is the most troublesome part of the journey to success, and I wanted to focus my mental energy on that.

Some groups came together to form dream teams, while others turned into nightmare collaborations.

Socializing in group like volunteer organization (youth group or church organization) were the best schools for leadership– you had to inspire energy, creativity and commitment solely through the merits of your vision and your trustworthiness as a leader.

When I left the manufacturers industry for a boring job of self-employment for the less defined field of organization development, I found few role models with my business background who valued a rigorous, evidence-based approach to leadership and organizational challenges. Most of my encounters were life stories and poetic platitudes about leadership that lacked rigorous evidence. It turned out, this unconventional path excited me far more than a predictable one.

#71
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

Common threads observed on companies in fostering innovation

With a tolerance to failure, a leader needs an intolerance for incompetence.

Openness to experimentation must be paired with a disciplined approach to killing ideas that don’t prove out.

Collaboration and psychological safety require strong individual accountability and brutal honesty. And while having flat hierarchies, you need strong decision-makers guiding teams.

Innovation in most companies tends not to match the romantic conceptions many outsiders have.

Innovative environments are not just places where you tolerate failure, fund experimentation and create collaborative, psychologically safe environments with flat hierarchies.

The most successful innovators have an undeniable harsh side to their culture.

#72
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

How can traditional companies in other industries adapt to the waves of technological change, whether it involves digitizing their old operations or integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their tools and processes, both safely and effectively?

Some ‘expert’ claimed to understand the technology argued that creativity and empathy were uniquely human traits that couldn’t be replicated. They were dead wrong.

Don’t fear technology either. And don’t assume there’s too much to learn before trying it out.

No best practices. Instead, adopt a unique mindset of your own, experiment with as many ideas as you can in the cheapest way possible, and collect evidence to learn what truly works for your context.

In this current AI tech wave, no one truly knows what needs to be done or what skills will be relevant in the future.

The cost of really getting to know AI is at least three sleepless nights.
Wharton Ethan Mollick

#73
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

Innovative teams that work on a near-impossible goal under severe time constraints can sometimes feel like being in the fire.

Boot camps or workshops allows colleagues to step back from the flaming pit for just a day and consider their collaboration—especially its flashpoint—in safer, cooler air. This are structured place and time to regroup, get back in touch with their mission, bandage relational wounds and prepare for the next push.

Startups builders often don’t anticipate the extent of people problems they will face, which can be more painful than most other challenges. Boot camps addresses these issues and provides practical tools. To be helpful rather than novel or flashy towards the participants.

#74
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

Startups common traps, speed, inner circle, maverick mindset and confidence.

First-time founders are almost predictably bound to fall into these traps. It takes a great deal of awareness and maturity to anticipate and allocate energy to solving these issues.

The works of innovation leads to many challenges.

  1. Investors focus on short-term results at the risk of losing sight of the long game.

  2. Entrepreneurs take the expedient path of building teams with trusted friends (and sometimes family members), which most people is the least stable partnership configuration because they are unlikely to face sensitive challenges head on to avoid risking their relationships.

  3. The brag culture that typifies the startup ecosystem and many corporate cultures leads founders to believe they’re alone in their self-doubt. This causes them to wear masks that can be aggressive, overly optimistic or detached and cold, inadvertently creating toxic team cultures in the process.

#75
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

Ignoring people issues in favor of technical, financial and strategic issues is a fatal trap.

Most very smart people get this balance wrong and that is why human factors is a critical issue for startups.

The thing with smart people is that they tend to dismiss people problems as not truly difficult, often labeling them as “soft” problems and leadership skills as “soft” skills. Majority often downplay their importance by saying, “it’s not rocket science.” The irony is that civilization has gotten incredibly good at rocket science.

1 Like
#76
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

Starting and growing your business

Where dreams take root, challenges become triumphs, and businesses evolve. From the inception of an idea to strategic scaling, navigating global markets, and leaving a lasting legacy, the journey that encapsulates the diverse and dynamic path of entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship thrives on simplicity. A vision sparks, fueled by passion. The genesis—the moment your idea takes root, setting the stage for a transformative journey into the world of business.

Success hinges on understanding. Master market research as your compass. Delve deep into audience insights, identify opportunities, and dissect competition. This isn’t just data; it’s the strategic core fueling your business trajectory.

Think of a business plan as your silent partner. More than paperwork, it’s the architectural blueprint of success. It’s essential for any budding business owner to have a plan of action to point you in the direction you want to go.

The legal realm is an entrepreneurial rite. Make sure you get the correct advice to guide you on how to untangle the legal web, guiding your journey from choosing a business structure to navigating permits. Learn to navigate regulations, ensuring your venture operates securely within legal boundaries.

Money meet dreams in the realm of funding. From strategic bootstrapping to courting investors, funding is critical to accelerate the growth of your business.

Scaling demands a delicate dance between ambition and practicality. Prioritize scalability in your initial business model. Ensure each operational component seamlessly expands as your customer base grows, laying the groundwork for sustained growth.

Your team is the backbone. Cultivate a culture where every member feels valued and aligned with the mission. Fostering open communication and recognizing individual strengths create a powerhouse of collective innovation, propelling your business forward.

Strategic growth demands strategic hiring. Identify roles crucial for scaling and hire individuals for their potential to evolve with the company. A scalable team is versatile, adapting to evolving needs and contributing to your business’ dynamic growth.

Beyond conventional methods, embrace a holistic marketing approach. Combine digital strategies, content marketing, and traditional channels for a comprehensive brand presence. Craft a compelling narrative that resonates, fostering brand loyalty amid evolving market dynamics.

In the digital age, every marketing move should be backed by data. Analyze campaign performance, identify audience resonance, and adapt accordingly. This data-backed approach ensures your marketing efforts yield measurable results, contributing to overall business success.

Social media isn’t just a platform; it’s a dynamic tool for brand building. Strategically engage with your audience, fostering a community around your brand. Authenticity and consistency transform your social media presence into a powerful catalyst for brand awareness and customer loyalty.

Social media landscapes evolve rapidly. Stay ahead by adapting to emerging platforms and trends. Embrace innovative content formats, collaborate with influencers, and participate in trending conversations. Your brand’s adaptability in the digital sphere is pivotal for maintaining relevance and capturing new audiences.

Innovation isn’t a sporadic event; it’s a mindset cultivated within your business. Foster a culture where every team member is encouraged to ideate and contribute. An innovation-driven culture propels your business beyond industry norms, turning ideas into transformative actions.

The entrepreneurial landscape is ever changing. Successful businesses are those adept at pivoting in response to market shifts. Regularly assess market dynamics, consumer behavior, and industry trends. An agile approach positions your business to proactively adapt, staying ahead in the face of change.

Missteps are inevitable, but they’re not roadblocks; they’re learning opportunities. Reflect on mistakes, extract valuable lessons, and integrate those insights into your business strategy.

Instill a continuous improvement mindset within your team. Encourage feedback, conduct regular retrospectives, and embrace a proactive approach to refinement. The journey to success is a dynamic process of constant enhancement, ensuring that each iteration brings your business closer to its peak performance.

Your business extends beyond profit margins; it’s a legacy in the making. Establish a purpose-driven narrative that transcends transactions. Whether through sustainable practices, philanthropy, or a commitment to social impact, crafting a legacy ensures your business leaves an indelible mark on the world.

Beyond products and services, businesses play a vital role in community development. Integrate corporate social responsibility into your core values. From supporting local initiatives to championing causes, your business becomes a force for positive change, forging deep connections within the communities it serves.

Planning for the next chapter is as crucial as the first. Explore exit strategies that align with your long-term goals. Whether through acquisition, succession, or strategic partnerships, a well-thought-out exit plan ensures a smooth transition and safeguards the legacy of your entrepreneurial endeavor.

Entrepreneurship encounters storms and unforeseen challenges. Navigate with resilience, implementing crisis management strategies. Entrepreneurs need to weather turbulent times, ensuring their business emerges stronger on the other side.

Your customers hold invaluable insights. Establish a continuous feedback loop, actively seeking and implementing customer input. This iterative process not only enhances products and services, but also fosters a customer-centered business approach.

Time management is the entrepreneur’s ally. Explore productivity hacks to optimize your workflow. From efficient task prioritization to adopting effective tools, it’s critical to educate yourself on strategies to maximize your time and output.

Entrepreneurship is a juggling act. Strive for balance, recognizing the importance of personal well-being. Implement work-life balance strategies to prevent burnout, ensuring sustained productivity and fulfillment in both your professional and personal spheres.

The entrepreneurial journey weaves through unforeseen challenges. Equip yourself with resilience and crisis management strategies to navigate turbulent times. This isn’t just about survival; it’s about emerging stronger and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Leadership transcends authority; it’s about leading with empathy and mindfulness. Explore the transformative impact of mindful leadership. This isn’t just a leadership style; it’s a journey that fosters a positive organizational culture and propels your team toward shared success.

Beyond profits, businesses bear a social responsibility. Integrate community development into your business ethos. This isn’t just corporate social responsibility; it’s a commitment to making a positive impact, paying it forward to the communities that nurture your growth.

Celebrate milestones and reflect on the odyssey. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a strategic pause to gather insights. By looking back, you’re not just remembering: you’re gathering wisdom to propel your business forward.

#77
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

The old adage “change is the only constant” is Wrong. These was some companies critical pitfall facing, the peril of bureaucratic rigidity.

An old company so entrenched in its ways, so beholden to outdated processes, that it was clear they were on a trajectory toward obsolescence. Despite their size, their inability to adapt swiftly to market changes made us question whether our efforts could truly effect the necessary transformation.

This encounter is not unique. Many large organizations fall into the trap of becoming slaves to their own processes. What starts as a framework to ensure efficiency and consistency morphs into a monolithic barrier to innovation and agility. This rigidity can be fatal, particularly in an era where flexibility and speed often trump sheer scale.

The hidden cost of bureaucracy

Historically, there were giants topple due to their inability to adapt. Kodak, for example, clung to traditional film while the world embraced digital photography. Similarly, Blockbuster failed to pivot in the face of streaming technology, allowing Netflix to revolutionize home entertainment.

The crux of the issue lies in a fundamental shift in the business environment. Economies of scale, once a significant advantage, are no longer the primary determinant of success.

Today’s winners are those who can pivot quickly, innovate constantly and remain agile in the face of change.

Companies like Amazon, with its “Day One” mentality, exemplify this approach, constantly reinventing themselves to stay ahead.

The cultural element of innovation vs. bureaucracy

A company being global with a diverse perspective of services that they can bring to a client/s.

With a blend of broad, global outlook with an intimate understanding of local cultures. This unique combination allows a company to frame problems and challenges within a proper global context, crafting solutions that elevate our clients to the next level with ease and speed.

Different cultures around the world naturally foster either an innovation mindset or a bureaucratic one.

The United States, for example, is renowned for its pragmatic, entrepreneurial approach, contributing to Silicon Valley’s status as a global innovation hub. This region marries Californian playfulness with a business mindset, creating a fertile ground for tech giants.

In contrast, countries like Germany, Switzerland and some Southeast Asian nations such as the Philippines, lean towards bureaucratic tendencies, making it challenging for larger organizations to embrace agility.

The Middle East, though evolving with innovation hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, generally remains rooted in traditional corporate structures. However, these countries are now prioritizing innovation, with Oman serving as a contrasting example where traditional mindsets still contribute to bureaucratic tendencies.

Having a global insight, coupled with local expertise, empowers companies to navigate these cultural nuances. To understand how an innovation-friendly environment can be a game-changer for the clients. By recognizing and adapting to these cultural differences, a company can devise strategies that foster innovation and agility, propelling our clients toward success in a complex, interconnected world.

Examples of successful turnarounds

We have turned many slow dinosaurs into agile jaguars. If you know how, it is definitely possible. Companies can successfully rejuvenate themselves by embracing a startup mentality.

The global business landscape is full of many successful examples. For instance, Microsoft underwent a cultural shift under Satya Nadella’s leadership, breaking down silos and fostering a more collaborative, innovative environment. Similarly, Ford revitalized its culture by focusing on transparency and lean decision-making, transforming from a legacy automaker into a more agile company.

We have seen that even the most established organizations can avoid the pitfalls of bureaucracy with the right leadership and strategy. The key lies in fostering a culture that values speed, collaboration, and continuous innovation.

A case study | Bureaucracy in action

There is this company, a successful business owner, who envisioned a groundbreaking deal poised to catapult his company to new heights. However, as the proposal moved through various departments, the layers of bureaucracy began to distort the original vision. Each department added its own requirements and procedures, creating a complex web of red tape that deviated from the owner’s intent. The deal, once promising, was on the brink of collapse due to this bureaucratic quagmire.

If you suspect that your company has fallen prey to the silent killer of bureaucracy, it’s crucial to take decisive action. Begin by conducting a thorough audit of your processes to identify bottlenecks and redundancies. Encourage open communication across departments to ensure alignment with the company’s core objectives. Empower employees to challenge inefficient practices and propose innovative solutions.

​​Similarly, Nokia offers another cautionary tale. Once a leader in mobile phones, Nokia failed to adapt quickly to the smartphone revolution, clinging to outdated systems and processes. This bureaucratic inertia allowed competitors like Apple and Samsung to overtake Nokia, which struggled to regain relevance.

Your ‘Five to Thrive’

In the modern business environment, agility, not size, determines success. Bureaucracy can be a silent assassin, stifling the very dynamism that fuels growth. By prioritizing flexibility, empowering employees, and embracing innovation, business leaders can ensure their organizations not only survive but thrive in the long term.

So, how can business leaders avoid the trap of bureaucratic stagnation? Here are five practical steps:

  1. Prioritize flexibility over rigidity. Foster a culture that values adaptability. Encourage employees at all levels to challenge the status quo and propose improvements.
  2. Streamline processes. Regularly review and refine workflows to eliminate redundancies. Keep structures lean to maintain agility.
  3. Empower decision-making. Decentralize authority to enable faster responses. Train teams to make informed decisions without excessive oversight.
  4. Encourage innovation. Advocate for a fail-fast approach, where experimentation is rewarded, and learning from failures is part of the process. Encourage cross-functional collaboration to spark creative solutions.
  5. Leverage technology. Embrace new technologies to streamline operations and gain a competitive edge. Digital transformation is no longer optional; it’s essential for survival.
#78
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

These are the things are parents had taught us, key steps to ensure kids become financially literate.

Implement the spend, save, give method
Spend 50 per cent of the allowance, but save 40 per cent and donate the last 10 per cent

We’re taught about money from as early on, and we had games like Monopoly every family day

The key to making sure your kids will grow up to be wealthy is giving them as much knowledge about money as possible.

Get them working from a young age
The importance of making children earn their money through chores or helping around the house

It’s all about the mindset
Teach your kids to spend on things that will make them more money in the end, rather than ‘liabilities’ like cars and houses.

I still believe these will work, but after listening to the wealth titles, I usually spend to make more cash. I always reinvest my money to make more money. I don’t try to save on the bank because that will take more time, instead I invest them. I donate my time and invest my money for the benefits of the society.

#79
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

Money can incentivize us to work long and hard, but it may not always give us job satisfaction or even enjoyment.

We need a certain amount to meet basic needs, but thereafter, peer respect, personal autonomy, a sense of purpose matter more.

Pay increases are often weaponized to keep employees in line, but these are not guaranteed to work for long.

When we get a raise, we experience the high, but this may last just a week or so.

Any amount of money is surprisingly easy to adapt to and once it becomes normal, its effect on motivation wears off.

This additional money does not necessarily lead to intrinsic motivation to work better.

Envy often is a spoiler.

Often the money people make, the more aware they are of other people who are richer, more powerful or more influential than them.

Wealth is a competitive sport where it is almost impossible to come out on top.

Money cannot buy everything, something that the rich know far too well

Wealthy, their main aspiration is not to safeguard their wealth to pass down to their children—in fact, they fear that too much wealth may end up causing harm.

Their main wish? To be better parents, more attuned to their children’s needs.

Extra vacation time, closer relationships with friends or colleagues, freedom from work and the responsibilities that come with greater income and work responsibilities all become scarcer commodities at the same time as personal wealth builds up.

More money frequently means more anxiety.

Paradoxically, since money can help solve some problems, its presence can shift the attention to other problems that are more difficult or impossible to solve, such as interpersonal conflict, family or health problem, and this can leave one feeling out of control or helpless when personal financial resources can’t seem to solve the problems that seem the most important.

Money can be an effective way to attract and keep good employees, but wise leaders create a workplace that also values respect, interdependence, fun and shared purpose.

I believe that if the fear still reside on anyone, I know fear always exist, but if someone do not know how to manage fear that will become a problem. Anyone can have a lot of money as long as he/she is prepared for it.

#80
Listening Schedule

Dragon Reborn RED Multistage Stage 2
15 mins, Sunday, 7 days break after 21 days

The constant pursuit of more goods and services to consume, contentment often seems elusive.

It stands as one of the most profound financial principles, offering a pathway to true wealth that transcends monetary measures. Rooted in both practical wisdom and biblical teachings, contentment fosters financial stability, reduces stress and cultivates a deeper sense of peace.

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV),
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

This passage highlights that contentment is not dependent on external circumstances but is a state of inner peace and satisfaction that comes from trusting in God.

Another key verse is found in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV)
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Paul underscores that contentment, coupled with godliness, leads to true gain. It shifts the focus from accumulating wealth to appreciating the essentials provided by God.

One of the most practical benefits of contentment is financial stability. When individuals are content with what they have, they are less likely to engage in impulsive spending or accumulate unnecessary debt.

Proverbs 21:20 (ESV)
Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

This wisdom suggests that those who are content and wise in their spending habits will have resources saved and stored, while those who are constantly chasing more will quickly deplete their wealth.

Contentment encourages living within one’s means, which is a cornerstone of sound financial management.

By focusing on needs rather than wants, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of consumer debt and build a solid financial foundation.

This principle is particularly relevant in today’s society, where the pressure to keep up with others can lead to financial ruin.

The pursuit of material wealth often brings with it significant stress and anxiety. The constant desire for more can lead to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and worry.

Matthew 6:25-26 (ESV)
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

This passage reminds believers to trust in God’s provision and not to be consumed by worry over material needs. Contentment allows individuals to focus on what truly matters, such as relationships and spiritual growth, rather than being burdened by the constant pursuit of wealth.

A heart of contentment is naturally inclined toward generosity. When individuals are satisfied with what they have, they are more willing to share their resources with others.

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’

Recognizing that God’s presence and provision are sufficient enables believers to give freely, knowing that their needs will be met.

Generosity, in turn, leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Acts 20:35 (ESV) quotes Jesus, saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

By cultivating contentment, individuals can experience the joy of giving and contributing to the well-being of others, which enriches their own lives in ways that material possessions cannot.

Finally, contentment promotes a balanced and holistic approach to life. It helps individuals prioritize their time and energy toward meaningful pursuits rather than the relentless acquisition of wealth.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (ESV)
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.”

The pursuit of wealth for its own sake is ultimately unfulfilling and can detract from more significant aspects of life, such as family, faith and personal growth.

By embracing contentment, individuals can achieve a healthier balance between work, rest and relationships. This balance contributes to overall well-being and allows for a more joyful and purpose-driven life.

Contentment is a great financial principle because it offers a pathway to true wealth that transcends material possessions.

In a world where the pursuit of more is often glorified, embracing contentment can lead to a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment.

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV), learning to be content in all circumstances is a valuable lesson that leads to enduring satisfaction and joy.

But really wants to spend a lot and enjoy life while I’m here.