The Unremarkable Entrepreneur

“Oftentimes, our harsh opinions of others are simply a mirror reflecting our own unnamed isolation.”Our nervous system reacts the exact same way it does in our relationships. When we sense the distance growing between where we are and where everyone else seems to be, we panic. We try to fix it. We try to defend our relevance.We try to perform our way back to safety.Creating content on an endless treadmill, not to serve, but to prove we exist. Chasing metrics simply to feel seen.We tell ourselves stories to make sense of the friction, often ‘othering’ people to ease our own pain. When we can’t name the isolation we feel, we project it outward: our boss has favourites, our colleagues lack vision, the people succeeding ahead of us are just shallow or lucky, or simply that people just aren’t listening.This is a reading from The Unremarkable Entrepreneur, a book written with deep affection and released weekly for the exhausted practitioner who is ready to build differently.Free for everyone at unremarkable.co------Where We Are:This is Week 6 of a year-long practice.Movement 1: Presence - eight weeks, eight stanzas, exploring how to show up as yourself.* The Weight We Carry ← You are here* What Presence Requires* The Majesty* Don’t Worship the Outcome* Start with WHO* The Increment is the Way* Invite Like an Artist* The World is AbundantFrom there we’ll explore Movement 2: Empathy - eight weeks exploring kindness and respect for self and the power genuine connection.------Subscribe to receive a new chapter each week. Written with great affection for every practitioner who’s built differently. Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

“It’s the language of shared space, not certainty.”We need to move through the world to a different beat.A world that expects you to build a stage, project power, and curate who gets in. A world full of saviours offering certainty to those who can afford the entry fee.Make no mistake, people are tired of having their insecurities provoked and ambitions monetised. The invasive demand for attention that floods their social feeds, their inboxes, and screams from every headline is sucking the joy out of life.When all we really want is somewhere to belong, a place to sit, where the currency of relationship is trust.This is a reading from The Unremarkable Entrepreneur, a book written with deep affection and released weekly for the exhausted practitioner who is ready to build differently.Free for everyone at unremarkable.co------Where We Are:This is Week 5. The opening note of a year-long practice.The Overture (Weeks 1-5): Tuning together before the work begins.* The Reader’s Note* The Other 1%* The Prophecy* The Workbench* The Spark ← You are hereFrom there we’ll explore Movement 1: Presence - eight weeks exploring how to show up as yourself. Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

“As I sat down to write this chapter, I experienced a mix of fear and shame.”The fear and shame I experience don’t make me a fraud. They make me someone others can sit with, someone who knows the stakes, someone who can serve. It is my job to notice how I sometimes feel and welcome those emotions as signals from the soul.This is a reading from The Unremarkable Entrepreneur, a book written with deep affection and released weekly for the exhausted practitioner who is ready to build differently.Free for everyone at unremarkable.co------Where We Are:This is Week 4. The opening note of a year-long practice.The Overture (Weeks 1-5): Tuning together before the work begins.* The Reader’s Note* The Other 1%* The Prophecy* The Workbench ← You are here* Field Notes: How to Start a CampfireFrom there we’ll explore Movement 1: Presence - eight weeks exploring how to show up as yourself. Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

“Because in our endless pursuit of outcomes, we failed to become ourselves.”This is the second failure: works without faith. Where action disconnected from belief actively prevents good things from finding you! It's why so many burnt-out entrepreneurs and creators are still showing up, still working hard, still miserable. This is a reading from The Unremarkable Entrepreneur, a book written with deep affection and released weekly for the exhausted practitioner who is ready to build differently.Free for everyone at unremarkable.co---Where We Are:This is Week 2. The opening note of a year-long practice.The Overture (Weeks 1-5): Tuning together before the work begins.* The Reader’s Note* The Other 1%* The Prophecy ← You are here* How to Use This Book* Field Notes: How to Start a CampfireFrom there we’ll explore Movement 1: Presence - eight weeks exploring how to show up as yourself. Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

"Remember who you are."Here’s why: you are the product. Your fears and insecurities have been monetised. You’ve been handed a playbook that demands you become someone you’re not, playing a rigged game that penalises anyone who refuses to perform.The problem isn’t your strategy.The problem is the system speaks a different language to your soul. And effort without alignment just amplifies the wrong frequency.This is a reading from The Unremarkable Entrepreneur, a book written with deep affection and released weekly for the exhausted practitioner who is ready to build differently.Free for everyone at unremarkable.co---Where We Are:This is Week 2. The opening note of a year-long practice.The Overture (Weeks 1-5): Tuning together before the work begins.• The Reader’s Note• The Other 1% ← You are here• The Prophecy• How to Use This Book• Field Notes: How to Start a CampfireFrom there we’ll explore Movement 1: Presence - eight weeks exploring how to show up as yourself. Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

“I wonder what note you’ve heard?”Einstimmung: It’s a word in the German musical tradition.It means getting into harmony.It’s the tuning that happens before the conductor arrives, when each musician finds their pitch from the oboe’s A.That distinctive cacophony isn’t chaos. It’s preparation. It’s presence.This is a reading from The Unremarkable Entrepreneur, a book written with deep affection and released weekly for the exhausted practitioner who is ready to build differently.Free for everyone at unremarkable.co---Where We Are:This is Week 1. The opening note of a year-long practice.The Overture (Weeks 1-5): Tuning together before the work begins.• The Reader’s Note ← You are here• The Other 1%• The Prophecy• How to Use This Book• Field Notes: How to Start a CampfireFrom there we’ll explore Movement 1: Presence - eight weeks exploring how to show up as yourself. Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

Have you been worshipping your job?You've been told your job should provide purpose, fulfilment, and identity. But what if the problem is expecting work to fill every gap in your life? This is your permission slip to stop asking your job - or your business - to save you. Instead, learn how to serve the work by first tending to your life beyond it.In this article read-through, I break apart the perilous myth that work alone should carry all our burdens, value, and ambitions. You’ll walk away with a grounded framework for building a life where work is a partner, not the whole structure, and meaningful growth emerges from intentional practice, not desperate performance.What You’ll Learn➡ Why most jobs cannot and should not be responsible for your identity, worth, or happiness.➡ The “tent pole” philosophy: how distributing your hopes and energy across work, purpose, value, wonder, and relationships creates resilience and perspective.➡ Practical steps for auditing your life and raising new “tent poles” that support your wellbeing.➡ How chasing financial freedom or external validation without inner clarity sets a trap for dissatisfaction.➡ The liberating truth: constraints, not unending ambition, foster abundance and true contentment.Chapters0:00 Welcome and Intentions for the Unremarkable Entrepreneur Project1:22 Stop Asking Work To Save You3:38 Why Changing Work Won’t Solve Every Problem5:06 The Danger of Making Work a Religion7:00 When Work Amplifies What’s Missing in Life8:57 Rethinking Financial Freedom and the Pursuit of Value11:10 Constraints Matter More Than Ambition11:52 Activity: Tent Pole Audit15:05 Parabel: The Gardener's Choice16:51 Closing Challenge & Final ThoughtsAre you still asking your work to be the centre pole of your life?Share how you’re redistributing your attention or what “tent pole” needs reinforcing right now - your unremarkable wins are always welcome in the comments.For more permission slips to practise, reflect, and grow intentionally (no hype required), subscribe to the newsletter: unremarkable.co Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

Have you asked the 50K question? You've spent months, maybe years, reworking your offer behind closed doors—polishing, tweaking, waiting for "ready." But what if the market can't respond simply because you never asked? The hardest part isn't the work itself, but daring to serve the work by inviting dialogue.This is a call to swap performance and posturing for genuine practice. In this reflective read-through, I unpack why most entrepreneurs never ask the £50,000 question and how, after 18 months of hiding behind perfectionism, a simple act of asking turned silent effort into real opportunity. If you've been protecting yourself with busyness, this is your permission slip to reconnect with the world through honest inquiry, not just perfected "pitches."What You’ll Learn> Why most businesses stay stuck in "waiting mode" and how genuine invitations change everything.> The overlooked practice of asking: Not for extraction, but for discovery.> Why serving the work is about letting the world respond, not manipulating for control.> How curiosity, not certainty, is the fuel for sustainable progress and “unremarkable wins.”> A practical 30-day challenge to build your asking muscles—one invitation at a time.Chapters 0:00 - The Silent Reason Businesses Fail 2:55 - The Simple Power of "Ask" 4:06 - Asking as Dialogue, Not Transaction 5:39 - Asking: The Origin of Momentum 6:03 - Three Ways to Ask (and the Artist’s Approach) 8:08 - Courage over Control (Choosing Conversation) 9:09 - Getting the Answers We ‘Ask For’ 10:28 - The Tides of Opportunity (and How to Shift Them) 10:56 - The Difference Between Amateurs & Artists 11:56 - The 30-Day Asking Challenge 12:27 - Measuring Success by Discovery, Not Results When was the last time you asked for something without rehearsing the outcome?If you’re ready to drop the armour, move past controlled offers, and start creating through real conversation, share your own unremarkable wins below. Are you willing to try the 30-day challenge of asking, inviting, and seeing what actually happens? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments.Subscribe to the newsletter if you haven’t already: unremarkable.co Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

You've been told to plan every step perfectly before you start. But what if that overthinking is the only thing stopping you from generating momentum?The planning trap is real. It’s a form of intelligent paralysis where we mistake thinking for doing. In this read-through of a recent article, I share my own struggle with being stuck in "planner mode" and the simple weekly cadence I committed to in order to liberate myself.This is your permission slip to stop worshipping the outcome and start serving the work.What You’ll Learn> Why building a business is about practice over performance.> The painful truth: You cannot plan your way to clarity—clarity emerges from action.> The power of constraint: How defining a simple, non-negotiable weekly cadence guarantees action over anxiety.> Why "imperfect action" is the only way to beat the paralysis of the forward thinker.My commitment: One article, one offer post, one video, and repeat.Timestamps0:00 - The Planning Trap: A Diagnosis1:20 - Why Planning Feels Like Progress2:45 - The First Casualty: Your Content4:10 - The Power of Constraint (Family & Time)5:30 - The Paralysis of the Forward Thinker7:15 - My New Unremarkable Weekly Practice9:40 - Serve the Work, Not the Outcome10:30 - Your Permission Slip: Start MondayAre you ready to trade performance for practice?If you’re stuck in the same trap, overthinking, over planning, and waiting for the perfect structure, this is your signal. Drop a comment below and share your own "unremarkable wins" this week.Subscribe to the newsletter if you haven’t already: unremarkable.co Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

I quit the hustle after it worked. I replaced my income, built a community, and still felt misaligned. This is the story of how a new constraint (my first child) forced me to stop chasing "spectacular" and start building something sustainable.Hustle culture promises everything but delivers burnout. I spent a decade on the professional treadmill, launched a successful business (Culture Crush), and realized the system was still broken. The breakthrough wasn't a new playbook - it was leveraging 15 years of my own "unremarkable" notes and experiences.This video is about the evolution from a successful podcast to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur - a practice built on depth, resonance, and the courage to pursue "enough" instead of "everything."We'll be redefining success by focusing on:> The Increment: Why ordinary, consistent actions beat giant leaps.> Serving the Work: Prioritising meaning over outcome worship.> Constraints as Fuel: How limited time and a specific niche force innovation.> Resonance over Reach: Building a small, deeply connected community that lasts.If you're tired of funnel fatigue, personal brand theatre, and platform slavery, this is your invitation.Join the Community:1. The Newsletter: The foundational work, articles, and practical application happens here each week. Subscribe here.2. The Podcast: Stay subscribed for conversations focused on living this path.3. Engage: Comment and message with your own "unremarkable wins."Thank you for being part of the journey. Welcome to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur. Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

On this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan sits down with Ashley Faus, author of the just-launched “Human Centered Marketing”, to break down what truly makes communities tick in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Ashley, fresh off her book launch and gearing up to teach at Stanford, shares candid lessons from her own experiences, from resisting broadcast-style marketing to embracing vulnerability and real human connection (even in a post-Zoom-fatigue era).Grab your copy of Ashley's book here.Questions to reflect on while listening:1️⃣ Think of a brand you love - what helps you feel a sense of deeper connection?2️⃣ When have you felt truly seen by a group? What made the difference?3️⃣ Are connections being damaged by tech and efficiency? Episode Highlights:Community isn’t about YOU! Move from broadcast to real conversation.Ashley shared the “social spectrum” of community, showing how the most impactful brands go beyond ‘amplify our message’ and start creating spaces where others talk to each other, and not just about the brand.Small, deep connections matter more than big numbers.Forget the pressure to “go big or go home.” Meaningful progress often starts with 10 purposeful relationships, not 10,000 faceless likes. Focus on value exchanges and helping each other out, even if it’s behind the scenes.Be honest about your intention: don’t fake community for sales.People can spot a pitch from a mile away. Ashley’s advice: if you’re here to sell, be transparent. If you want to build trust, think about what you can genuinely offer, (connections, knowledge, referrals, etc) not just a sales transaction.Wondering whether to build your own group or join existing ones? We unpacked that too, plus why investing in self-sustaining communities (where members talk more than you do!) is the new competitive advantage.Join the Crush?Every episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers. Sadly, the Crush is coming to an end, but there are exciting evolutions to come. See you soon.Loved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.Ps.Culture Crush is brought to you by ⁠Anthem⁠. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.Chapters00:00 Failed Book Attempt Shared05:30 Embracing Connection on Stage09:19 Connecting Meaningfully Amidst Zoom Fatigue12:49 Balancing AI, Video, and Human Connection13:57 "Trust Famine and Authentic Community"18:35 "Brands Stuck in Conversation Phase"22:49 "Joining Conversations: Brands & Creators"26:35 Mutually Beneficial Networking Connections30:11 Value Deep, Not Wide, Connections31:31 Build or Join a Community?36:42 Event Planning Challenges at Atlassian40:16 Creating Authentic Group Experiences44:08 "The Art of Genuine Curiosity"46:44 "Networking: It Depends on Goals" Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

Episode 66: Why Goal Setting Is Slowly Killing Your Confidence (and what you can do about it).Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life but you're not actually getting anywhere meaningful? You're not alone. In this week's episode of Culture Crush, we sat down with leadership strategist and 'high-performance whisperer' Justin Hills to crack open a big question:Is traditional goal setting slowly killing your confidence? And how can we finally break the cycle?Questions to reflect on while listening:1️⃣ Does the to-do list fill you with dread?2️⃣ Do you have a clear 6-month vision?3️⃣ Do you react & regret or reflect & respond?Episode Highlights:Why “Action = Progress” Is a Trap Are you stuck in motion, mistaking busyness for real progress? Justin reveals why we’re conditioned to jump to action (often busywork) instead of pausing to make the right moves, for the right reasons, at the right time. (Spoiler: Tackling just one high-impact action beats a dozen distractions every time.)Introducing: The MAPS System Justin’s signature MAPS framework flips goal setting on its head:➡️ Measure: Look back before you move forward. What are you proud of from the last 6 months?➡️ Aspire: Define what success looks—and feels—like 6 months from now.➡️ Prioritise: Get ruthless. What are the 1–3 focus areas that move the needle most?➡️ Stack: Reverse engineer milestones all the way from your big vision down to today’s next step.Fav Takeaways:⭐️ “Right action, right time, right reason” over mindless task-ticking.⭐️ We often procrastinate by “learning” instead of doing—sound familiar?⭐️ Only 10% of people achieve their ambitious goals. Most simply shrink goals over time to avoid disappointment. Ouch.⭐️ Reflecting on past wins radically boosts your self-confidence and motivation (try it!).⭐️ Busy ≠ meaningful. Are your daily tasks actually tied to your dreams?Join the CrushEvery episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers. Join the next event: ⁠https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush⁠Loved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.Ps.Culture Crush is brought to you by ⁠Anthem⁠. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.Chapters00:00 "Reflective Mindset and Life Goals"04:36 "Nonlinear Marketing Journey"07:07 "Diverse Goals, Common Struggles"13:12 Procrastination Through Endless Learning14:23 "Risk Avoidance vs. Taking Action"19:26 Burnout vs. Inspiration21:20 MAPS Goal Setting Essentials26:54 "Transformation Through Celebration"28:15 "MAPS Goal Setting Insights"34:22 Reflecting on Last Year's Vacation35:57 Six-Month Reflection and Goal Assessment41:27 "Embrace the Present Moment"45:02 Defining Personal Satisfaction48:28 Reverse Goal Stacking Strategy49:34 "Steps to Long-Term Success"55:19 "Simple Planning for Enjoyment"57:54 Reflecting on Our Collaborative Journey Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

Are you feeling stuck in a rut?This week on Culture Crush, we're going from beige to brilliant with three mindset shifting questions to unlock your awesome! These question are power: they can ignite personal and professional growth, dial up your self-awareness and help you hit new levels of confidence... so lean in as we welcome LinkedIn rabble-rouser and HR disruptor, Michelle Hartley, to the show!Check out Michelle’s workQuestions to Reflect On While ListeningThese questions are designed to help you step into a reflective mindset as you listen. Consider them as you follow along.Are you giving yourself enough credit? Who sets the crazy high standards you’re trying to reach? Who told you that you needed to hit certain goals and milestones or post consistently? And where does that pressure come from? Are you getting in your own way and making things too complicated? How do you keep things simple? Do you find your goals liberating or are they a constant guilt trip?Episode HighlightsThe Power of “How Do We Get to Yes?”: This question helps shift perspectives from resistance to solutions. It encourages creative problem-solving and a more positive approach to challenges, especially within teams and organisations. [14:30] Michelle shares how this question transformed her previous corporate role, breaking down resistance and fostering a more collaborative environment.Simplicity and Experimentation: Overcomplicating things is a common hurdle. The episode emphasises the importance of simplifying processes and embracing experimentation, encouraging listeners to ask “What does easy look like?” and to adopt an experimental mindset to overcome obstacles. Michelle shares how this simple question helped her overcome self-doubt and perfectionism. [21:24]The 1% Better Mindset: Instead of aiming for dramatic overnight changes, focus on small, incremental improvements. Ask, “What does 1% better feel like?” and identify those tiny actions that can create a ripple effect. The episode emphasises the power of small daily actions and celebrates the benefits of micro-goals and micro-praise in team settings. [31:29] Michelle shares how this approach helped her manage depression and fatigue, advocating for gentle, achievable steps toward well-being.LinkedIn Controversy and Authentic Self-Expression: Michelle shares a humorous anecdote about getting a video banned from LinkedIn. This sparked a conversation about the importance of authenticity and the potential risks of expressing unconventional opinions, reminding listeners that sometimes, expressing one’s true voice can lead to opportunities and stronger connections. [09:44]Join the CrushEvery episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrushLoved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.Ps.Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush00:16 Introducing Michelle Hartley03:14 Reflective Questions: Giving Yourself Credit, Over complication, Liberating Goals08:06 Michelle’s Work: Transforming HR Teams09:44 LinkedIn Ban and Authentic Self-Expression13:36 Three Big Questions: How to Get to Yes, What Does Easy Look Like, What Does 1% Better Feel Like?14:30 How Do We Get to Yes?21:24 What Does Easy Look Like?31:29 What Does 1% Better Feel Like?42:58 Where to Start Your Experimentation Journey45:19 Episode Wrap-Up Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

Feeling stuck in a life that isn’t truly yours? This week on Culture Crush, we explore three powerful strategies for designing a life filled with purpose, impact, and genuine fulfilment with Wilson Obeneme. Wilson is a coach who helps leaders unlock their potential and create a legacy that matters, and in this episode we focus on actionable steps you can take towards self-discovery, mindful living, and lasting personal growth.Check out Wilson’s workQuestions to Reflect On While Listening↳ Do you keep doubting yourself? And why do you think that might be? This links to Wilson’s discussion on identifying and leveraging your strengths to build confidence and overcome self-doubt (10:01).↳ Do you find yourself chasing other people’s expectations of you? Reflect on this as Wilson explores the importance of aligning your actions with your core values and personal vision (17:07).↳ Are you looking to other people for a sense of validation? Or are you able to find that from within? This ties back to the discussion on building a life based on intrinsic motivation and fulfilling your own definition of success (20:27).Episode Highlights↳ Living by Design, Not Default: Wilson introduces the concept of consciously designing your life rather than passively accepting societal expectations (06:33). He emphasises understanding your strengths and aligning them with what genuinely brings you fulfilment (9:35).↳ Uncovering Your True Fulfilment: The episode explores the difference between happiness and fulfilment (8:51). Wilson encourages listeners to identify activities or states that naturally excite them and bring them into a “flow state” (9:56), where they feel truly engaged and fulfilled (10:01).↳ How You Want to Be Remembered: Wilson emphasises the importance of identifying your core values and attributes (17:29). He suggests reflecting on what characteristics you want people to associate with you, even in your absence (18:58). The discussion includes considering the legacy you want to leave behind and the impact you want to have on others’ lives (22:26).↳ Impact and Achievement Beyond Material Success: The conversation shifts towards defining achievement and impact not solely through monetary success, but also through the positive influence you have on others (29:31). Wilson underscores the significance of considering the ripple effect of your actions and striving to create positive change in the lives of others, even if on a smaller scale (31:03).↳ The Importance of Authenticity: Both Dan and Wilson discuss the importance of being authentic in your pursuits. Authenticity helps you connect with the right people and build a business or career that truly aligns with your values and passions (36:49).Join the CrushEvery episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers. Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrushLoved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.Ps.Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush06:33 Living by Design, Not Default08:51 Uncovering Your True Fulfilment17:07 How You Want to Be Remembered29:31 Impact and Achievement Beyond Material Success36:49 The Importance of Authenticity Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges?Emotional intelligence is key to navigating the complexities of work and personal life, but there’s a secret ingredient often overlooked: resilience. This week on Culture Crush, we delve into the power of resilience with returning guest Justin Bariso, an expert in emotional intelligence. Justin reveals a crucial element for high-achievers seeking to build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and achieve greater success. Discover Justin's work.Questions to Reflect On While ListeningWhat is the secret that you think makes people successful? Connect this to Justin’s discussion of resilience as a key trait amongst successful leaders, such as Barbara Corcoran (15:13).What are the character traits that you’re really investing in? Reflect on this as Justin explains the importance of building inner resources and the practice of cognitive reframing (29:28).Do you find yourself reacting and regretting or reflecting and responding? This ties back to Justin’s explanation of resilience as not just bouncing back from setbacks, but also making conscious choices about your response (22:14).Episode HighlightsThe Four Core Elements of Emotional Intelligence & The Secret Fifth: Justin outlines the four core components of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management (08:53). He introduces resilience as the often-overlooked fifth element, crucial for navigating challenges and bouncing back from adversity (12:11).Resilience: A Muscle to Be Built, Not Just a Trait: The conversation explores resilience not as an innate trait, but a skill that can be developed through targeted exercises (14:49). Justin shares Barbara Corcoran’s inspiring story of overcoming setbacks to illustrate this point (15:13).Cultural Influences on Resilience: The discussion highlights the cultural differences in how resilience is perceived and cultivated, comparing the “tough and grit” approach of some Eastern European cultures with the more praise-focused approach prevalent in the United States (18:28).Building Inner Resources and Cognitive Reframing: Justin introduces two key exercises for building resilience: “replay,” which involves reflecting on positive experiences, and the “milk carton rule,” which emphasises focusing on what you can control (30:40). The importance of journaling is highlighted as a way to reinforce these practices (32:37).The Power of Cognitive Reframing: The episode explores using the question, “What advice would you give yourself?”, to gain a fresh perspective during difficult times. This exercise aids in detaching from immediate emotions, allowing for more logical decision-making (36:30).Join the CrushEvery episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrushLoved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.Ps.Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem: https://www.anthem.ooo. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush08:53 The Four Core Elements of Emotional Intelligence12:11 Introducing Resilience: The Secret Fifth Element14:49 Resilience: A Skill to Be Developed15:13 Barbara Corcoran’s Story: Overcoming Setbacks18:28 Cultural Influences on Resilience22:14 Reacting vs. Responding: Conscious Choices29:28 Building Inner Resources and Cognitive Reframing30:40 Practical Exercises for Building Resilience: Replay and the Milk Carton Rule36:30 Cognitive Reframing: Seeking External Perspective39:37 Neuroplasticity and Building Resilience Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

Feeling icky about traditional marketing? This week on Culture Crush, we challenge the status quo with Justin Foster, exploring how to create content that aligns with your values and resonates deeply with your audience, regardless of the algorithm. Learn to ditch the funnel mentality, connect authentically, and build a brand that’s not just profitable but purposeful.Check out Justin Foster’s work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fosterjustin/Questions to Reflect On While ListeningDo traditional marketing approaches make you feel icky? Justin’s unpacks the inherent ickiness of manipulative marketing techniques rooted in fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) at [27:21].Do you find yourself diluting your message in order to appease the algorithm? Reflect on this as Justin explains how focusing on authentic expression and brand poetry can attract the right audience organically, bypassing the need for constant algorithm manipulation at [38:05].If there were no rules, if there were no best practice guidelines, if you were to allow your inner activist to roar, what would you create? This ties back to Justin’s core message: creating impact through values alignment, elite skills, and a focus on spiritual ROI at [08:05].Episode HighlightsThe Funnel Mentality is King? Justin challenges the pervasive funnel mentality in marketing, advocating for authentic conversations and invitations instead of manipulation at [13:54]. He argues that treating humans as mere leads to be funneled leads to poor results.Direct-to-Consumer Marketing is Always Effective? Justin explains how the high cost of customer acquisition in direct-to-consumer models often leads to compromises in quality and ultimately hurts the brand at [20:40].Fact: Marketing Copy is About Persuasion, Not Truth. Justin reveals the dark origins of marketing copy, tracing its roots back to propaganda techniques used by authoritarian regimes, and advocates for brand poetry as a way to express truth authentically at [38:05].Practical Techniques for Authentic Marketing. This episode provides practical advice on using brand poetry and simple language, understanding deeper motivators beyond FUD, and avoiding the automation of intimacy at [32:36] and [52:33]. Discover how to create an experience rather than a transaction.The Power of Love in Marketing. Justin emphasizes that love—for yourself, your team, and your customers—is the ultimate algorithm hack. Focusing on creating amazing experiences organically builds word-of-mouth marketing that transcends the need for algorithm game playing at [33:27].Join the CrushEvery episode is co-curated by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrushLoved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.Ps.Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush08:05 Values Alignment: The Core of Purposeful Business13:54 Ditching the Funnel Mentality: Marketing as Conversation20:40 The High Cost of Customer Acquisition: A Critical Look at Direct-to-Consumer27:21 Understanding Deeper Motivators: Beyond FUD33:27 The Ultimate Algorithm Hack: Love38:05 Brand Poetry: Communicating Authentically52:33 Don’t Automate Intimacy: Building Genuine Connections Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work and life? Emotional intelligence isn’t about suppressing your feelings; it’s about mastering them to find your confidence and build resilience.This week on Culture Crush, we debunk three common myths about emotional intelligence with Tahira Jamani, a Google certified expert in emotional intelligence and mindfulness. Tahira shares practical strategies and real-world examples to help you navigate your emotions with more confidence and resilience.Check out Tahira’s work: https://www.chainreaction.life/Questions to Reflect On While ListeningThink about how emotions show up in your body. How does anger feel? How does fear feel? What’s your body telling you about this conversation? This connects to Tahira’s discussion of body mapping emotions and how physical sensations reflect inner emotional states. [10:35]Are there emotions that you fail to express sometimes? Do you think that’s a good or a bad thing? Reflect on this as Tahira discusses the importance of emotional expression and the societal conditioning that often leads to suppression. [03:40]Are there emotions that you were told to stop or mask when you were growing up? This ties back to Tahira’s discussion of how childhood experiences can impact adult emotional responses and the importance of re-evaluating those patterns. [02:17]Episode HighlightsMyth #1: Ignoring your emotions is key to emotional intelligence. [08:08] Emotional intelligence isn’t about ignoring feelings; it’s about understanding and managing them. Tahira uses the example of a client who suppressed her frustration at work, resulting in a negative outburst at home. This highlights the importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation.Myth #2: Emotional intelligence makes you soft. [17:14] The opposite is true! Embracing emotions builds courage and confidence. Tahira shares a client story of a first-time manager who initially felt anxious about difficult conversations. By learning to confront discomfort, he improved his leadership skills and relationships.Myth #3: “I don’t need emotional intelligence; others do.” [39:37] Emotional intelligence is about personal responsibility and control over your reactions. Tahira describes how a client’s focus on self-improvement, rather than blaming external factors, helped him gain confidence and control during a stressful job interview.Practical Techniques and Takeaways:Tahira introduces practical tools for emotional regulation including body mapping emotions [10:35], micro-practices such as grounding exercises [29:33], and the “name it to tame it” approach [30:29]. The episode also explores the power of positive self-affirmations such as “I am not afraid to fail” [37:17].Downloads3 Myths Presentation and Frameworks PDFJoin the CrushEvery episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrushLoved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.Ps.Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush01:03 Reflective Questions on Emotional Responses08:08 Myth #1: Ignoring Your Emotions17:14 Myth #2: Emotional Intelligence Makes You Soft39:37 Myth #3: “I Don’t Need It, But Others Do”25:49 Practical Techniques for Emotional Regulation53:53 Letting Go vs. Ignoring Emotions Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

In episode 60 of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman sits down with emotional intelligence expert Justin Bariso to discuss leadership challenges and building effective cultures.Sponsored by Anthem, this milestone episode touches on overcoming personality differences in the workplace, leveraging emotional intelligence, and fostering meaningful conversations.Justin also shares insights from his work with EQ Applied and his experiences as a columnist for Inc. Magazine. Practical frameworks and tools, such as the ‘Three Question Rule’ and ‘Disagree and Commit,’ are highlighted to help listeners manage their emotions and improve team dynamics.Culture Crush:🧡 Starbucks➡️ For historically investing in the wholeness of your people through education and healthcare. Whilst things might have changed in the last few years, this employee focus remains a beautiful template for others to follow. We’ll be paying close attention to the next chapter…🧡 (…and speaking of the next chapter) Brian Niccol➡️ For your clear and actionable intentions about Starbucks’ future, and for actually spending one-on-one time with your baristas where they work in their home neighbourhoods.Key Takeaways:✅ Emotional intelligence is a lifelong journey; it’s essential to keep practising and learning from experiences.✅ Understanding personality differences can enhance collaboration and reduce friction within teams.✅ Utilising frameworks like “disagree and commit” can help build trust and improve decision-making processes.✅ Practising self-reflection after challenging interactions leads to personal growth and better emotional management.✅ Small, intentional conversations can pave the way for improved workplace relationships.Sound Bites:📢 “Good things come to those who ask.”📢 “The key is learning from those mistakes and doing what I like to call an emotional post-mortem.”📢 “Emotional intelligence is the ability to make emotions work for you instead of against you.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush00:25 Meet Justin Bariso02:14 Emotional Intelligence Explained05:25 The Model of Collective Fluency11:52 Justin’s Career Journey18:34 The Power of Showing Up23:33 Culture Crush: Starbucks’ New Leadership30:14 Leadership and Wholeness38:02 Practical Tools for Emotional Intelligence43:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman sits down with Steve Chalke, a true pioneer in social justice and community transformation across the UK and around the world.They dive into Steve’s journey from his early days in South London to founding Oasis, an organisation that now runs over 50 schools and community hubs across the country. The conversation covers everything from authentic leadership and transformative education to the vital role of holistic care in building stronger communities.Steve opens up about his own path, including a defining moment in his teenage years that led him to community work, as well as groundbreaking initiatives like Oasis Restore for youth justice. This episode is packed with real-world insights on building trust, engaging communities, and creating a genuine sense of belonging in leadership.Culture Crush🧡 Oasis (Oasis UK, Oasis Community Learning, and globally) ➡️ For your relentless pursuit of inclusion and your transformative approach to social justice. Key Takeaways✅ Building trust takes time, but a genuine commitment to community can bridge gaps and foster belonging.✅ Authenticity in leadership is crucial; what’s inside a leader will come out under pressure.✅ The journey of transformation often starts with individual stories and personal connections.✅ Education is not just about academic achievement; it’s about nurturing the whole person and addressing community needs.✅ Creating opportunities and being present in conversations can lead to impactful partnerships and initiatives.Sound Bites📢 “You can’t harm someone to heal them. You can’t punish them into a better life.”📢 “What’s inside you leaks out. People have a completely different impression of us than the ones we’re trying to give because they see us.”📢 “Trust takes time to build, but people will judge you when you walk through the door within 30 seconds.”Chapters00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush01:30 The Origins of Oasis07:40 A Journey of Purpose14:00 The Power of Opportunity.21:45 Building Schools and Community29:15 Healing Through Understanding31:56 Oasis Saint Martin’s: A New Beginning36:36 Building Trust in Communities40:46 Fostering a Sense of Belonging44:34 Authenticity in Leadership Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman is joined by Kate Sotsenko, Founder of thegoodbusy.com, to explore the complex relationship between productivity and well-being in the workplace. Kate shares her journey from luxury brand management to creating a culture that values intentionality over mere busyness.Together, they discuss how societal programming drives the hustle mentality, the importance of asking the right questions, and how to redefine productivity to nurture a more fulfilling work experience.Culture Crush:🧡 Levi’s➡️ For your outstanding approach to onboarding and for creating leaders who ask, ‘What can I do for you?’ instead of ‘What can you do for me?’🧡 Soneva Resorts➡️ For making your ‘SLOW LIFE’ philosophy real for guests and through the Soneva Foundation.Key Takeaways:✅ The hustle mentality often stems from societal programming that equates busyness with productivity.✅ Productivity should focus on what to eliminate, not just what to do more of.✅ A simple framework can transform your to-do list into a must-do list, prioritising high-impact tasks.✅ Open conversations and asking the right questions can clarify priorities and reduce unnecessary pressure.✅ Embracing a slower pace at work can enhance creativity and overall satisfaction.Sound Bites:📢 “Productivity is not about doing more. It’s about knowing what and when to stop doing.”📢 “Questions help us to say yes more slowly.”📢 “The real challenge is that mindset of doing more and more and more.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush00:24 Meet Kate Sotsenko01:23 Kate's Career Journey03:33 The Philosophy of thegoodbusy.com07:19 Leadership and Productivity Insights19:25 Culture Crush: Levi’s24:04 Culture Crush: Soneva Resorts26:36 Leadership Challenges and Solutions30:50 Practical Framework for Productivity34:32 Final Thoughts and Takeaways36:03 Conclusion and Wrap-Up Get full access to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur at www.unremarkable.co/subscribe