20 lessons from 20 years in business

Morgan James Consulting celebrated 20-years in business in 2022, and as I reflect on those 20 years, here are 20 little pieces of advice & wisdom I’ve acquired along the way:

1. Take 1-minute every day to stop and reflect on the beauty of our world. If you look for the joy, you’ll find it

2. Considering the average 35-yr-old will spend another 65,000 hours in work, then fun & fulfilment should be at the heart of everyone’s working life

3. Opticians are the unheralded heroes of our world – how amazing to give people the gift of sight

4. Our war veterans & heroes from the front line are the most inspirational people I have ever met

5. What some might perceive as a disability is actually a superpower – something which makes you unique and like no-one else in this world

6. The value of enduring relationships cannot be overstated – always make time for the ones you care about

7. Always be open to learn something new from someone, no matter how long you’ve known them

8. Apple is by far my best customer service experience

9. Tesco is my worst – BUT, be careful not to have such a closed mindset you don’t give a brand the opportunity to evolve and make up for past mistakes (I love Tesco Didsbury!)

10. Never miss a chance to dance. The best song ever written is the one that makes your heart sing the most and feel glad to be alive

11. Yes, I think Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Anita Roddick and others like them are so impressive. But for me, it is the everyday people who have really left their mark, who have crossed my path, challenged me to see other perspectives or held my hand a while whilst I’ve sought to furrow my own route

12. “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up & do something” (thank you Barack Obama for that one)

13. Watch a TedTalk – then watch some more. Our horizons need to be challenged and broadened every day

14. If you’re struggling, please talk to someone. Don’t drown in your sense of helplessness. There is always someone you can talk to, and you can always talk to me

15. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, you can always inspire others

16. Put on your iron underpants & have that difficult conversation. It’s so important in work & life that everyone knows where they stand – only then can we truly be the most authentic version of ourselves

17. The path to success is never without its setbacks. No matter how talented you are, success is built on dedication, passion, commitment and the ability to turn your tragedies into triumph

18. My 4 dream dinner party guests would be: Robin Williams, Aristotle, Lady Gaga and Sir Ken Robinson

19. Be happy in your own skin. When you consider people in the world are literally fighting for their lives, not knowing where their next meal will come from, it has become so clear to me that vanity is a complete waste of time.

20. I am grateful. I feel fulfilled, purposeful, and my life is blessed with an abundance of the kindest, most humble, talented, capable and beautiful people in my life.