Off The Record

A working library of frameworks, observations, and field guides for founders, operators, and people building businesses worth owning.

NOT EVERYONE GETS IT BUT BUILD ANYWAY

Most people do not understand what you are building until they can see that it works. And even then, some will still have notes. If you have ever had someone squint at your business idea, frown at your career pivot, or express unsolicited concern, you are not alone. It is the unwritten rite of passage for anyone choosing to carve out their own version of success. Your vision was given to you. Not to your cousin, not to your accountant, and definitely not to the guy in the of

On leading people

Behavioural intelligence, difficult conversations, and the human patterns underneath every people problem founders blame on culture.

WHY STARTING MESSY MIGHT BE YOUR MOST STRATEGIC MOVE

Readiness is a myth that has haunted careers, stalled businesses, and drained more momentum than my dog’s morning zoomies! We are told to prepare, to wait for the right time, to polish the plan, get another qualification, tighten the spreadsheet, align the stars, take a deep breath, and then begin. Meanwhile, someone with half the skill and three times the boldness has already launched, failed twice, figured it out, and posted a humble brag about it on LinkedIn. Welcome to th

STARTING A BUSINESS CAN FEEL LIKE GRIEF & THAT'S NOT A BAD THING

When you quit your job to start a business, everyone congratulates you like you just got engaged. “You’re so brave!” “Living the dream!” “Finally doing it!” No one mentions the identity crisis that hits on your first Monday as the founder, when you are still in pyjamas, wondering if invoicing yourself counts as progress, and seriously contemplating a side hustle in indoor plant care! What I expected was excitement, freedom, fierce boss energy. What I got (initially) was exist

PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS ARE THE INVISIBLE THREAT

If someone tripped over a loose cord in the office, there would be an incident report, a fix, maybe even a safety audit. But if someone burns out quietly because of impossible deadlines, poor communication, or relentless micromanagement, it often gets chalked up to them not being the right fit. Welcome to the world of psychosocial hazards, the hidden workplace risks that do not leave bruises but do leave damage. Psychosocial hazards refer to aspects of work design, managemen

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Off the Record

Acquisition

Leadership

Behaviour

Operating

Reflection

NOT EVERYONE GETS IT BUT BUILD ANYWAY

On leading people

WHY STARTING MESSY MIGHT BE YOUR MOST STRATEGIC MOVE

STARTING A BUSINESS CAN FEEL LIKE GRIEF & THAT'S NOT A BAD THING

PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS ARE THE INVISIBLE THREAT

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