3 Things Business Leaders Don’t Want to Discuss, But Should

3 Things Business Leaders Don’t Want to Discuss, But Should

In July, I had the privilege of hosting one of my Boardroom Retreats© on the breathtaking Makepeace Island, and it was nothing short of extraordinary.

We gathered fabulous guests, welcomed amazing speakers, and were blessed with spectacular weather.

A highlight of the event was the lineup of exceptional guest speakers, each having my utmost respect and admiration for their commitment to pioneering in their fields while upholding values and integrity.

We were fortunate to hear from Tim Douglas, Justin Pettett, James Hunter, and Rob Brown OAM, the America’s Cup winner from the Team of the Century.

Before our James Bond-themed dinner, James Hunter was our very own ‘007’ joining us from London on the big screen. He provided invaluable global perspectives and self-leadership insights that challenged us to step outside our comfort zones.

As founders, CEOs, and business owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to 'look up.'

Here are some of those key insights. As a seasoned leader at KPMG with a distinguished career in the Australian Navy, James underscored principles that resonate deeply with my mission for our companies: the importance of self-leadership, maintaining discipline, and always planning ahead while keeping an eye on the bigger picture.

James emphasised the importance of radical accountability for our well-being and how we present ourselves each day.

He discussed the necessity of thorough planning and staying informed about true global issues. By expanding our horizons beyond familiar surroundings, we can engage in international trade and grasp the agility needed to navigate today’s ever-changing commercial and political landscape.

3 Things Business Leaders Don’t Want to Discuss, But Should:

1. Succession Planning: As a founder or CEO, it’s difficult to think about what happens when you step down. But succession planning isn’t just about retiring—it’s about ensuring the company thrives beyond your leadership and you thrive in what ever is next for you too.

• Are you leading from the front, setting strong values, identifying clear leaders within your ecosystem and attracting the right talent and growth that will have you set up the runway for continued success and an ability for you to pivot as desired.
• Are you surrounding yourself with the right people, looking up and ahead rather than constantly putting out fires?
• Do you actually have a strategy in place or just "know you need to". What's the next right step you can take after reading this blog today?
• Research who to talk to, consider others in your circle of trust who've done succession planning really well, considered what your next phase of 'great' looks like and more importantly don't label "retirement".

Look at your mental and physical agility as a long term asset and what the options are with an open mind.

2. Burnout: Many high-performing leaders are reluctant to admit when they’re burning out. However, the long-term health of your business is tied to your ability to manage stress, delegate, and find balance. I like to call this radical accountability for work/life BLEND.

We all know your health is your wealth and to handle critical decisions, a fast paced environment and make conscious choices as a leader you need a fit brain and body.

James radical rituals are a good reflection of knowing your vital ingredients.

You can't wing peak performance.

• Good sleep
• Exercise
• Healthy food choices
• Conscious use of time
• Measure your heart rate and performance and exercise accordingly
• Plan this into your day
• Win the morning and the rest of the day will follow

I don't need to remind you where to look to master the winning week and start setting functional SMART goals you know you will achieve - after all it's all I ever harp on about :). Just download the free Goal Set Done PDF here and I walk you through how to define what you need and how to get there.

3. Pivoting a Successful Business: It’s challenging to acknowledge when a successful business model might need to change. However, the most successful founders are those who constantly evolve, even when it’s uncomfortable. 

In our conversation on the economy, global market conditions and forward planning - James made the very valid point that business owners need to get back in person into the right rooms to network, connect and really understand international and national commercial and political landscapes properly.

• Get informed. Lean into better conversations where you can be curious and not just read a couple of reports as gospel.
• What markets would you love to be in but really don't know anything about?
• Have you reached out to your respective consulates and business communities in other regions and made a point of face to face conversations?
• Do you have a good set of advisors to assist with the commercial as well as capacity side of pivoting business and personal goals?

I'm constantly grateful for the calibre of people around me and their willingness to share their insights, vision and tactics with the groups we bring together.

Over the coming weeks I look forward to sharing more valuable out takes from this retreat, and as we gear up for the 3 day November one as a strategic couple of days to create your 2025 playbook - I know once again it will be time well spent.

I'm unwavering in the mission to create a safe place without interruption to ensure good leaders do well. You can't run a Ferrari on an empty engine. For every moment you invest in yourself as a leader to be healthy, wealthy and wise the ripple effect for those you lead and live with is far more positive. Nikki

Please reach out with questions or if this article resonated. You can also connect with James Hunter on LinkedIn. A wealth of knowledge and experience and a mentor to so many.

Remember, life has no remote - we have to get up and change things ourselves.

Have a winning week

Nikki

The Boardroom Retreats© are 15 years strong - I've designed these from day one for business owners, founders and CEO's as the time out you really need (and actually deserve) to reignite vision, creativity, curiosity and get energy back.

We're about to release next years Makepeace Island Legacy series date, so don't worry if you missed out there may be a chance to grab a seat at the table for 2025. Up and coming retreats in Noosa for those who REALLY NEED/DESERVE this right now - November 22 2024 and February 20th 2025. Micro moments that add up to massive rewards.

www.nikkifogdenmoore.com/theboardroomretreat

Hope to see you there