It might seem a bit dramatic to say that this innocuous little connector has changed my life, but it’s certainly made a big impact in a specific part of my life.

Let me explain…

When I run a courses I often stay in a hotel and deliver the training in a different hotel or venue.  This involves me transporting my equipment for the day from one place to another at the start of the day.  And bringing it back it back again when I’ve finished for the day.

No problem there, I hear you thinking.

Well, not generally.  I’m quite a low-tech presenter and don’t always use slides, therefore don’t need a laptop.  However,  on occasions when  I’m travelling on the London Undergound and I’m carrying my laptop, course notes, flipchart pens etc etc in a bag that isn’t light (but is secure) the weight can be considerable.  I like my laptop and have no reason to replace it except that it’s quite heavy.

Result:  I find myself grumbling about the weight of stuff I’m carrying around and often end up with aching back or shoulders as a consequence.

Not any more…

I was looking at something on my iPad one day and wondered whether I could use it in place of my laptop when I have a slide presentation.  Hmmm.  No HDMI port and I don’t want to gamble on a venue having wireless connection (although many do)

I did a little research on the internet and I found the above.  It provides me with an HDMI connection to my iPad and also allows me to connect it to power at the same time.

No more lugging the laptop around.  No more aching shoulders.  No more grumbling from me.

Now, I don’t expect you to be inspired by my little connector (I’m guessing you might have known this was possible long before I did), but I would encourage you to think about the places in life where you’re putting up with something that isn’t a massive problem but is a niggling issue.  By giving it some focused thought and taking action, can you change the situation for the better?

Or even change your life….

On the evening that I went to the cinema last week, I was tired, somewhat stressed and – if I’m honest – a bit grumpy.

By the time I was getting in my car to come home all that had changed. ‘Conclave’ is a wonderful film!

Yes, I went to see it because it stars Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci.  Plus it’s set in my favourite city in the world (I’m very keen to make another trip there now).

I was not expecting it to be quite as brilliant as it is…

Magnificent performances form all the lead actors.  Wonderful, intimate photography – lots of close-up shots.  A plot that delivers a few unexpected twists.  And some very thought-provoking messages.

This is what stayed with me…

“…the sin of certainty.  Certainty is the enemy of tolerance…”

I think I’m going to see it again, to relish the experience and possibly retain more of the lovely words.

Wilma and I are in Wales and for once it’s not raining! Join us for a wide-ranging conversation that includes a film review, some musings on religion, the increasing informality of business and life and the AI granny.

 

This week’s inspiration is a pop song.  I heard it on the radio and it’s been in my head for days…

M People’s ‘Search for the Hero‘ is on my playlist of songs with uplifting lyrics.  It’s important to me to play music that has an upbeat message and positive lyrics.  We all know how powerful words can be, so if you’re going to sing the same few lines to yourself over and over and again, they’d better have a positive impact!

Looking for a video to share, I realised that this track was released in the period of my life when I didn’t have a tv, so I’d never seen the official music video.  However, YouTube wasn’t letting me share that one, so this is the best alternative – recorded live at the Euro 96 Extravaganza.  What can say except – I WAS THERE!

Enjoy!

 

I’m back from a business trip to Dubai, Wilma is surrounded by water in Wales. In this episode we’re talking about the need to visit the highest places, Wilma shares another tale from her travels in South America and we discuss the power of Nature in all its glory. Somehow, from there we find ourselves discussing the reason why management has become difficult and debate the label ‘human resources’.

 

Amazingly, there are no reference books this week! But if you’d like to read the article mentioned, it’s here:
https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1894065/pressure-why-squeezed-middle-having-hard-time