Woops!

Did you know Finland dedicates an entire day to celebrating “failure”? I found out this week, thanks to the ever-informative @Sophie  Every 13 October, Finland marks National Failure Day (Kepä Päivä), encouraging individuals and businesses to share openly stories of setbacks. And I think it’s a cacking idea (although, I could fill more than a day with stories of things that did not go to plan).  Finland understands a simple truth: failure isn’t the end—it’s the foundation of innovation.  

 

 Failure = Learning in Disguise  

From Nokia’s decline in mobile dominance to startups that never took off, Finland’s cultural embrace of failure has fuelled its reputation as a hub for resilience and creativity. Schools even teach students to view mistakes as growth opportunities. As the Finnish proverb goes: “The one who never failed, never achieved anything.”  

 

 The Secret Sauce? A No-Blame Culture  

Businesses thrive when teams feel safe to take risks without fear of ridicule or punishment. Consider Google’s “20% Time”, where employees spend a fifth of their workweek on passion projects. Many “failed” experiments emerged, but so did Gmail and Google Maps. Or Pixar, whose candid post-mortem meetings after films dissect ‘what went wrong’—not ‘who’—to drive future success.  

 

In a similar vein, Tata Group’s “Dare to Try” Award honours failed initiatives that delivered valuable insights. As Chairman Ratan Tata said: “You can walk cautiously, but you won’t reach anywhere.”  

 

 Building a Failure-Friendly Workplace  

1. Normalise vulnerability: Leaders sharing their own failures sets the tone.  

2. Reward risk-taking: Celebrate “intelligent failures” (well-planned efforts that didn’t pan out).  

3. Focus on solutions: Ask “What can we learn?” instead of “Whose fault is this?” 

 

In a world obsessed with perfection, where ideal images and apparently perfect lives are constantly shared on social media, Finland’s approach is a timely reminder: Progress isn’t born from flawless execution—it’s forged through trial, error, and the courage to keep going.  

Celebrating 33 Years

The 4th January marks 33 years since I said "I do" in the atmospheric and historic Temple Church in London, surrounded by family, friends, and the echoes of centuries past. I wore a dress made by my stepsister and both my sisters were bridesmaids. Reflecting on this milestone, I’m struck by the resonance of the number 33—a number deeply tied to cycles, beginnings, and growth.

The moon takes 33 years to complete its full solar cycle, so tonight is the first time, since my wedding, that the moon is back in its original position. I intend to go outside tight and look into the night sky. The lunar calendar, with its 33-year cycle, shows that life often brings us back to where we began, albeit with new perspectives and deeper wisdom. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, our journey together has seen moments of light and shadow. The shadow can help you appreciate the light.

Staying on the theme of 33 - the human spine has 33 vertebrae, serving as the central support system for the body. Our marriage, like a backbone, has had to be strong and flexible - capable of withstanding the pressures of time while adapting to new circumstances. We are certainly very different from how we were 33 years ago.

Over the past three decades, we’ve navigated change, celebrated triumphs, and weathered challenges. Our two sons are, without doubt, my highlights. Each has developed into a clever, independent, successful young man led by clear values and I know that they have great futures ahead of them.

My anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a reminder to continue evolving, adapting, and finding strength in shared experiences. Whether in personal relationships or professional endeavours, the lesson remains the same: resilience, growth, and renewal go hand in hand.

Here’s to embracing life’s cycles, cherishing the past, and looking forward to the journey ahead.

#AnniversaryReflections #CyclesOfLife #33YearsStrong

Farewell to The Rockbroker

It’s with great sadness that I share the loss of my dear friend, Richard Berry. He was a true inspiration, someone who left school to join a successful rock & roll band that knocked The Beatles off the Number One spot. But that was just the beginning. Richard’s life took many remarkable turns. He left the world of music to care for his parents, earning a business degree and helping to wind down the family business in the Midlands. He later became first a stockbroker and then a wealth manager, advising many household-name musicians on their investments. He mentored and encouraged many at Charles Stanley and in other firms in the UK and America.

Richard was incredibly intelligent, humble, irreverent and always put others first. He was a rebel with a cause – constantly giving back. Whether running charity events, playing music to raise money or awareness, or helping to establish a world-famous vintage guitar shop on London’s New King’s Road, his passion for music and people shone through. Without being pushy, he was generous with his advice, even consulted by the Royal Albert Hall, where he had a special connection. He was a respected member of the Economic Research Forum and established "The Family," a group of leading specialist companies working together to support clients.

Being a true performer, Richard was a much-loved member of the CHELSEA ARTS CLUB LIMITED. He was also a passionate sailor and will doubtless be missed at the SEA VIEW YACHT CLUB LIMITED on the Isle of Wight. His energy and generosity were boundless, and he made a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Today, I will be escorting his widow, Paula, to register his death. She is devastated by this sudden loss, as are so many others, including his sisters and their families. Richard’s humour, compassion, genuine interest in others, bonhomie, and flair endeared him to all who met him. I am truly honoured to call him my friend and to have shared such wonderful times with him. The world feels darker and far less interesting now that he is gone. Rest in peace, Richard – you will be missed by so many, but your legacy will live on – we will try to keep playing your tune.

hashtag#InMemoriam hashtag#Farewell hashtag#RichardBerry hashtag#Death hashtag#Loss hashtag#Respect hashtag#Contribution hashtag#Inspiration hashtag#Music hashtag#Stockbroker hashtag#Sailor hashtag#Support

Flying the nest

This weekend, I experienced what I suspect will be a profound moment in my life – I helped my eldest son to fly the family nest and move into his own home. The experience made me reflect on the nature of change and the importance of recognising when it’s time to embrace new chapters in life and career. My eldest son moved into his own home the same month the world saw President Biden acknowledge that he should stand down from the US election. Both events, though vastly different, share a common theme: the right time to accept change.

Seeing my son step into his new home filled me with a mix of pride and nostalgia (and yes, a few tears were shed). It’s a monumental step, signifying his transition into true adulthood. For years, he has prepared for this moment— saving diligently, learning to budget, buying useful items, and making plans. As a parent, it’s a bittersweet milestone. We nurture our children, provide them with guidance, and support them until they’re ready to fly solo. When that moment arrives, it’s both a validation of our efforts and a poignant reminder that change is constant and inevitable. I am going to miss waving him off to work in the mornings – he always left the house earlier than me. However, as the saying goes: If you truly love something, let it go. On a more positive note, I am glad not to be loading up and driving a transit van again this week.

On a broader stage, President Biden’s decision to step down from the upcoming election is a pivotal moment in political leadership. Leadership is not just about knowing how to govern but also understanding when to pass the baton. President Biden’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements and challenges. His decision to not run is a testament to his self-awareness and commitment to the greater good. It’s an acknowledgment that new leadership might bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy, essential for addressing future events.

These two occurrences prompted me to think about the right time to accept change in life and career. Here are a few reflections:

1.     Self-awareness: Understanding your strengths, limitations, and the context around you is crucial. Whether it’s moving out, like my son, or stepping down from a role, like President Biden, recognising when your current path no longer aligns with your goals or the needs of those you serve is key.

2.     Preparation and Planning: Change is less daunting when it’s planned. My son’s move was the result of years of preparation (if his lawyer had had any more involvement, it might even now still be an on-going project). Similarly, effective career transitions often come from thoughtful planning and readiness to embrace new opportunities.

3.     Courage to Let Go: It takes courage to let go of the familiar. For my son, it was the comfort of home – laundry, cleaning, a full fridge all laid on; for President Biden, it’s the power and responsibility of leadership. Embracing change often means stepping into the unknown, which requires bravery and confidence in the future.

4.     Openness to Growth: Change often brings growth. New challenges and environments push us to adapt and evolve. By moving into his own home, my son will learn and grow in ways he couldn’t under my roof. For President Biden, stepping aside allows for new leadership to tackle emerging issues with fresh vigour.

5.     Legacy and Impact: Ultimately, the decision to embrace change should consider the legacy you leave behind. My son’s independence is a part of the legacy of our family’s values and way of being (we are all strong-minded individuals). President Biden’s decision reflects his desire to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the nation, valuing the legacy of his leadership.

Change is inevitable and necessary for personal and collective growth. Whether it’s watching a loved one embark on a new journey or witnessing a leader make a selfless decision, these moments remind us that the right time to accept change is when it aligns with our values, readiness, and the greater good.

Here’s to embracing change with wisdom, courage, and a forward-looking perspective. And may Charles be very happy in his new home.