"If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission."

I was telling a mentee at the start of the week about a mantra that used to hang above my desk during my time in a large bureaucracy: "If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission." While I may not always achieve greatness, I believe in giving it my best shot.

But of course, if you want to achieve greatness, you actually have to do something—and do something different. As Scott Belsky wisely put it, "It's not about ideas, it's about making ideas happen." Sometimes, we need to stop overthinking and just take action. Waiting for the perfect conditions might mean missing the chance to make an impact right now.

In a world where the common response is often "computer says no," I always ask, "Why? Why not try?" Review the evidence and best practice, innovate to solve real-world problems, identify gaps in the market, manage risks thoughtfully, execute it safely and effectively - give it a go.

There are people who need our support and help right now, there are problems that need to be solved and we can make a difference today. Let’s focus on making things happen. 🌟