Over the next few weeks, I’ll share some theories.
These theories are mainly about life, leadership and self-navigation.
This blog is usually about tech, leadership and growth, but these quotes are directly linked to the latter. Growth.
You can’t have tech without good leadership. Leadership doesn’t occur unless you’ve have growth. Everything is linked.
So today it’s the Storm Theory. Some of you may have heard about this one.
During a storm, everything goes a little crazy and chaotic. But after the storm, there’s calm and clarity. It’s usually about the re-build. They don’t stay for long. It’s a harsh reality to make some adjustments in your life that you need.
So, now we have the rest of 2026. And the question is, what does it hold for us?
For me – I’ve started to write and publish a few posts on Medium.com (platform for news and information). I was contemplating writing about football on Substack, but as we’re half way through the season… makes it a little more interesting, right?
This blog will always be dedicated to technology, leadership, behaviors and such topics.
And the biggest thing is… we are only getting closer to 2027!
So what are your goals and habits that you are forming?
One of the things I’ve been talking for a while is coaching. Executive coaching. Many of you know, I’m a football coach. I’ve done all the training and received some great qualifications/badges. And I’m transferring some of that, mixed with my fondness of John Wooden and a little bit of Ted Lasso (yes… I know it’s a made up character!) and offering executive coaching!
It’s being pulled together, but if you’d like to learn more, drop me a message.
I’ve been coaching for a while. And I thought, why not set it up in a manner that, if you’re an executive, professional or someone who needs some coaching, then I can help!
There’s the usual frameworks.
There’s the usual goals, timelines, etc…
And yes, we’ll document all that. Because it’s important to measure the success. But most important of all is… improvement.
Did you improve?
Have you moved to where you want to be?
I’ve been blessed with so many great mentors and coaches in my life. I’ve taken a lot of learnings from them, and been able to identify what really helps… and what, doesn’t.
I’ll keep you updated how this journey goes for the rest of 2026.
But more importantly.. what have you planned for February and 2026? (remember Atomic Habits?… if not, find it in my previous blog post)
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.
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?
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.
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!
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
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…
The longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere is marked by different events and traditions around the world.
So basically, today is the shortest day of the year – but just how short it is depends on where you are in the world.
For me, in London, the sunrise was at about 08:04 GMT and sunset will be around 15:53 GMT
From now on, the days, slowly, will start to get longer and the nights shorter.
And I’ll be honest with you. I prefer longer days an shorter nights. Why? Because I just feel, I can get more done!
But tech does help me when the nights are shorter – and I’ve got plans to help me next winter! Such as…
Additional smart lighting.
I’ve decided to clean up the garage – at long last! And install some smart lighting in there. Now, it won’t be Hue (which I have in my house), because in the past few years, plenty of newer and lower cost lighting modules are available. I’ll keep you updated to what I get
Staying warmer
I do like to be out doors. But in the winter, I do tend to hibernate a little. And what I did to get out more during winter is have some rechargable hand warmers! That’s right, little devices, you charge them via USB C and then turn them on, they emit a low heat and keep your hands warm! Next year, looking for that heated jacket!
Eating healthier
I’ll be honest. During winter/Christmas, I do tend to pig out a little. And it’s not good. So I’ve decided, next year – I’m going to meal prep but also, take ideas from insta-famous celebs and ensure I’ve got their healthy meals ready!
