Category: Uncategorized

Monday 12 January.

New year, new plans?

For me… yes and no.

You may recall, last year I shared that the book Atomic Habits gave me a wonderful idea. I had cards printed (12, one for each month) and a list of things I wanted to get better at. And guess what, I did it!

And for 2026, I’m carrying some of them forward. For example, Reading. I love to read now. And I’m making a habit of reading for at least 15 minutes a day (if not more).

I had ‘going to the gym’ on my card last year. Something I’ll carry over, but adapt. To ‘exercise – weights or cardio’. And that’s the great thing, you can adapt and improve.

So is there anything new for 2026?

Yes.

Some of you may be aware of the Baller League

So what is it?

The Baller League is an innovative six-a-side indoor football competition that blends high-level sport with digital entertainment. Originally founded in Germany in 2024 by entrepreneur Felix Starck with backing from Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski, it has since expanded to the United Kingdom and the United States.

Last night, we had the final of season 2 in the UK. Wembley Rangers won the title. SDS came 2nd. My preferred team, NDL FC.

I have found the Baller league to be wonderful. It’s a combination of quick high intensity football (very similar to futsal) and then you have the social element, with content creators (so many people with camera’s!) all filming, recording, commentating, etc…

So I’ve decided, I’d love to coach one of the teams.

And how do I get to do that?

Well simple, I need to showcase my talents. My football coaching talents. And this is one of the new items for my 2026 Atomic Habits card. That’s right – football coaching with a process and an end goal. If I don’t make the end goal, that’s ok – I’ll have fun along the way and learn alot.

What are you committing to doing in 2026?

2025 has been a wonderful year of learning.

Work-wise, (in case you missed my Linkedin post), I was asked to step into my boss’ role (VP Technology Business Management) as he went on a secondment.

Honestly – had a great time! Led the time, went to Seattle to talk to tech partners and did so much more!

As the saying goes… you learn by doing!

Oh… and if you’re a Matt Armstrong fan like me, Hard Work Beats Talent!

So what are my key lessons from this year?

1. Think Fast & Slow
   • (It’s a book also) But essentially, what I’ve started to do is slow down where I don’t have the knowledge so I fully understand and then go at speed where I’m comfortable!
   • Honestly, the more you slow down, the more you realise, see and understand.
   • If you have the opportunity, read the book.
2. Do More… (Just Do It!)
   • Honestly, throw yourself into positions and conversations
   • If you’re not meant to be there – you’ll read the room and realise
   • The more you do, the more rewards you’ll get. Just think, should I do this and go above and beyond – if the answer is yes… go ahead and do it!
   • But also – learn about timing. Because timing is everything!
3. Increase your EQ!
   • As the saying goes – people remember what you did than what you said
   • Increase your Emotional Intelligence
   • The little things will always mean something big to another person
4. Read a book
   • Honestly, i’ve enjoyed reading some great books this year.
   • Grab yourself a book, and in the words of Nas (the famous rapper who was an early investor of Ring and other startups and has made alot of money!) Read more, learn more, change the globe

So they are my top 4 main lessons from 2025

I’d be interested to know what your top lesson this year was…

Hope you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

I appreciate you reading my blogs this year. Next year, I’m planning to do more videos, photos and graphics to share more about tech and leadership.

Hope Santa got you what you wanted…

Take care, enjoy the festive break and be good.

First and foremost… Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrated yesterday.

I know it’s Black Friday sales today, and most people will be out shopping.

However… I still wanted to share my Friday Thought. Which today, is all about being you…

As it was Diwali recently (Happy Diwali) to all those celebrating.

Today’s Friday thought, is based on something Krishna shared…

I was talking to someone the other day, about how after 13 years I left Coca-Cola. They said, you must have been comfortable… why did you leave?

You’ve probably read it in the news… how AI is going to takeover. A lot of current jobs will no longer exist.

The interesting thing here is, and why I wanted to write this blog post – whilst, yes… AI will takeover a number of current ‘office’ type of jobs, it’s like when robots were introduced in manufacturing. People were re-trained. Different skills were picked up. And people survived.

I was talking to a VP of AI, and asked her – what’s next after AI?

I didn’t get an answer.

Type into google – AI taking over jobs and..

AI is already taking over jobs, particularly entry-level and repetitive roles, with estimates suggesting millions of jobs could be displaced by trends like AI in the coming years

And this, to be honest is true. I use AI (mainly Co-Pilot) to do some basic tasks. And it’s good. Why do I need an analyst or someone at a junior level to do this work?

Well, two reasons – 1) We need entry people to grow and become leaders in companies and 2) I have them use AI to do the tasks – they’re growing up with AI (unlike me).

But can AI do everything?

Can it make me a cup of tea in the morning?

Now, the above makes sense. But let’s look at it from an industry perspective…

And so, are people worried?

I’ve gone all graphical and visual in this blog!

But in all honesty.. let’s not hide away from the fact that AI is coming for those basic admin type of roles. And as it grows, it’ll takeover more.

Whilst I don’t know what the future holds, what I do know is that if you’re in one of those roles – it might be worth thinking about a) embracing AI or b) what other roles you can do.

Don’t be the people on the manufacturing line… who were replaced by robots.

And here’s a great video from Julia talking about AI and jobs..

Who would’ve thought. A platform, that shares videos would be so popular.

A simple idea. Tested by the founders of YouTube, by uploading a video of them at the zoo. And then… boom! people wanted to watch it. And it got popular. Quick. More and more people started uploading and more and more people started watching.

Not just that.

People have made good money from it!

Take Mr Matt Armstrong as a UK YouTuber example.

His first few videos were of him fixing a Audi A3 in his driveway. He wasn’t sure why people would even want to watch it! But he filmed it, and put it on YouTube. Guess what, people did want to watch it. And then he made more videos. More people watched it. And so…. he’s now fixing multi-million pound super cars like Lamborghini’s and Ferrari’s. He’s even been able to purchase his dream home, a new garage, etc… He’s got people working for him!

So what’s the secret?

1. It’s all about what you’re good at!
   • Your niche. Your passion. Your hobby. That’s what will make you successful.
   • Finance, Cars, Football, etc… whatever it is, specialise in one area and explore it to the fullest!
2. Engage with your audience!
   • Matt is always asking his audience how to fix something or help with something – people out there may know a little more than you and that’s ok!
   • Ask questions, film videos with them, etc…
3. Consistency wins!
   • Keep producing and sharing videos!
   • Don’t give up after a few
   • Branch out from YouTube but keep your channel going with content
4. What will keep you audience tuning in?
   • Level up! Get onto bigger challenges! Bigger better bolder!
   • There’s YouTubers who keep pushing boundaries!

And remember… it’s not too late!

I’m sure you’ve got a skill people would want to learn from.

There was a gentleman who started a channel aimed for young boys who don’t have fathers, teaching them fatherly things such as shaving, changing a tire, etc…

If you started a channel tomorrow… what would it be about?