I have had a wonderful week reviewing my reading list. As always, I asked some trusted people for their recommendations. Mervyn Sloman, the owner of Cape Town’s fantastic The Book Lounge, made these non-fiction and fiction recommendations. Then, Prof Sarah Mosoetsa, CEO of the National Institute for…
Two weeks ago, I told you that the letter had written itself. Today’s letter most certainly didn’t. I have struggled. There are successes and joy in the world. There is tragedy. There is the additional complication that it is always…
Ten days ago, Aqeela Davids did an unusual thing. She posted this. She told the world that she had failed her South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) exam. Her post triggered hundreds of comments. In amongst the advice and the encouragement were…
Good morning We live in a world in which millions in one part get vaccinated and speak of a return to normal whilst COVID devastation tears apart the families of India and elsewhere. I have felt overwhelmed by the inequities…
Good morning friends Earlier this year the prestigious Philadelphia Museum of Art acquired one of South African ceramicist Zizipo Poswa’s works. This followed a 2019 purchase of two of her works by the LA County Museum of Art. On 25 March, Poswa’s debut exhibition…
Good morning everyone We’re in March. I had planned this week’s letter to focus on the tweaks we can make to our work-lives to alleviate stress and burnout. However, I think we’re all a little gatvol of feeling gatvol (my international readers, please ask…
In my average week, I work with 8 clients for 90 minutes at a time. Then I have about 5 conversations with people who are interested in working with me, or someone connected to me wanting to think through a…
This year will be overwhelming and tiring. In this context, it’s tempting to draw the curtains and hide out until ‘it’s all over.’ Yet, as famous baseball player and coach, ‘Yogi’ Berra, once put it, “If you don’t know where…
Good morning friends This is our last email for the year. Thank you for reading, for all the times you’ve reached out to me, for the times you’ve gifted me with suggestions that have enriched my knowledge, for inspiring me…
Today’s introduction is longer than normal. It’s December, it feels right to reflect a little. Next week will be our last email for the year. I will resume our conversation on 10 January 2021. This week I shared a photograph of…
Before we get started, if you find today’s email to be useful please forward it to some friends. Also, if you know anyone who has had a particularly tough year (it might be you), please share this offer with them. The warm…
Can you believe that this is the 40th edition of Strategy, Soul and Self? I am feeling quite proud of myself. Indulge me, but I am. Each week for the last 40, I have sat down and drawn on my…