Dan Valenti’s Post

#2024outlook I am optimistic for the year ahead as broad market sentiments double-down on inflationary retreat and a 'softer' economic landing. We should see this play through with a more settled interest rate scenario which will unlock investor appetite to deploy capital.

Thanks, Christian Freese 🏒🎣 for this post. I really love the meme but want to challenge the post language somewhat. Yes, we've all been there. We "see" the change that needs to be made and are fighting hard to make them quickly because we have the experience to know what needs to be done. ... and when we join a complex organization, with institutionalized processes and ways of working (which all successful organizations over time create), there will be things that we look on with our outsiders' (or newbie's) mind and say to ourselves "that's obviously messed up, and needs to be changed NOW." Yet, there are rational reasons that those systems and processes exist that as a new person, you are unaware of. Attempting to rush in and fix it now will actually create more friction and harm than good. I've been there. I get it. This is a very pessimistic view of the world. I have shared it, ...but I also believe because I've seen it that creating positive change is possible when you approach it the right way. You may not get the ideal (not all of us get to be employee #{anything less than 10} and create the world... and not all of us want to be in that world), but you can through advocacy, leading by example, and winning hearts and minds move the needle. Ultimately, organizations are made up of people. The people (and the culture we create) make our organizations tick and that goes for small startups as well as companies with thousands of employees. We have to understand how to work with them, create trust, and win them over through hard work, leading by example, and advocacy rather than authority (even if we have authority). There are also reasons that the systems in place exist, even the ones that aren't optimal. We ignore this fact at great risk. We have to work within the system to make changes. Most good organizations (and I think most of us work in good organizations) have systematic ways of enabling change that we can healthily work within. We need to discover them and work within them (and yes, challenging norms once we understand how we can move forward) to make our great ideas work. Great ideas won't go to die if they are nurtured properly. Oftentimes, however, if we put the seeds of great ideas into soil that isn't prepared, they will die and they don't have to. Understand, therefore, how you can nurture the soil within your organizations so that your great ideas can thrive and grow.

The educational approach in Asia teaches students to learn the "correct" standard answers from a young age to university, acquire scores, and then achieve success. However, we have not been educated on the "importance of failure". As Thomas J. Watson said, "The path to success is to take massive, determined action." In my view, there is never permanent success or permanent failure on the path of life. Another quote according to Winston Churchill famously, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." We live one day at a time in this world, facing different challenges every day, and making appropriate decisions at the right time. Even if we fail, we can start anew tomorrow. Because each experience brings richer and more mature thinking and experience for the future. "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - I believed.

We start again

Ever had doubts? The kind of doubts, uncertainties, worries, fears ... that have held you back? That have stopped you doing that thing you wanted to do. Maybe in business. Starting a business, levelling up a business, investing in a business. Maybe in relationships. Reaching out, carving out time for one another. Maybe in health. Starting your fitness journey. Starting to eat healthier. Maybe in life in general. Living the life You want, on your terms, with better boundaries and balance. If you don't slay these doubts, uncertainties, worries, fears ... they'll dominate your life. You'll play small, living a shadow of what you're capable of. Imagine the cost of letting that happen. Imagine the regret. Imagine the impact on you and those around you. THAT'S what we're going to tackle at the Extreme Confidence Breakthrough Experience, on 9th July. We're going to slay the dragons holding you back and Unleash your Extreme Confidence! 💥🏹 Tickets available now, including early bird tickets, saving you 25%. Click the link below, and I look forward to you joining us at Llanthony Secunda Priory, in historic Gloucester Docks on 9th July. ⬇️ https://buff.ly/3R4QSL0

Starting a business can feel like walking a tightrope, where every step—every decision—seems to have the weight of the world on it. Each new opportunity could either be a tremendous success or a potential pitfall. But as time passes and our businesses grow, we gain insight into our true capabilities and what our ventures can handle. We learn, adapt, and grow stronger. I'm curious to know: What was one challenge that initially seemed like a hill you could not climb, but now feels like just another part of the day? Share your experiences below and let's celebrate how far we've come together!

Career change and preparing for the next stage in life.

🚀 Reflections on my new role at NZTE 🚀   Excited to be three weeks into my role as a Sector Advisor at NZTE. Here are three insights from my journey: 1. Finish Strong: This is relevant before you even get to the start line. I do my best to apply this valuable advice from a previous manager, when it comes to leaving your old role. That said, time for a thorough handover is a luxury and not always practical. I was very lucky this time round to do a thorough handover. From previous experience, writing handover notes can feel like a gamble; unsure if they'll be relevant (or even read?). And balancing an overlap of roles if you are moving internally, can feel like drinking from two fire-hoses at once 🌊 🌊! 2. Embrace Uncertainty: Beyond the job description, the vastness of a new role can feel overwhelming. I'm remembering to keep curious and keep learning . While delivering value is important, you need an understanding of context, stakeholders, and objectives to make an impact. 3. People Power: I have loved hitting the ground running. This has only been possible, thanks to my amazing colleagues. Every 1:1 has helped me to broaden my understanding. Their support and knowledge sharing have been invaluable. 💪💪 Any fellow newcomers to a role, I'd love to hear your tips on getting up to speed! Share your insights below. 👇

Lessons from managing part-time interns: 1. Overtly communicate *and* document: Instructions, examples, and purpose help you receive what you *actually* want. Proper documentation enables you to scale. 2. *Give* and take: Enrichment sessions for their benefit and connections to help them on their career journeys help build relationships. 3. Seek feedback: Continuous feedback (shout out to Kaizen and the andon cord) on what can improve *and* what's working yields better outcomes. Don't forget to also offboard intentionally!