Confidence is a fragile bird..........

We all need help to fly, never mind soar to even greater heights. One email can make all the difference and be the wind beneath our wings

Four months after being made redundant in 2009 , I accepted a role on the other side of the world. It was a massive decision. Not moving per se, but moving away from my young son Tom and also moving back into the corporate world. I had been badly burnt by the whole experience of having to make a significant number of great people redundant and I was not sure I wanted to return to corporate life!

After much conversation, we decided to accept the job and move to Queensland, Australia. We arrived in Brisbane on the 8th January 2010. Two months and a day later one of the most important emails I have ever received arrived. Although I was loving the work, my emotions were really mixed up being so far away from Tom.

I printed the email and have kept it close beside me ever since. It gives me enormous strength to this day. 

The email was from Jim Brandon, who had a long career in pro basketball. 

'Andy old rhino, how goes it? Spreading the magic of the silent leader no doubt! Your biggest hurdle sir is that you are ahead of your time when it comes to corporate psychology. But so was Jerry McGuire (Help me, help you!). Keep pushing the bar!

Don't ever underestimate the impact you made at RBS. I was uniquely able to observe objectively. It was a phenomenal movement that inspired all who dared to open their minds and dream to be the best they could be. Masterful and underspoken you conducted the orchestra of success that allowed so many people to achieve their impressive goals, goals that many of them were not sure they could accomplish. Just think about that for a moment Andy.......the word is revolutionary.

Now you have a new canvas to work your artistry on with a vast inventory of knowledge and experience. Now you will better understand the upside of being a veteran baller joining a new team. It's straight all about the vision Yo! It is great to see what most people are not looking at! Should have been a point guard sir. 

Have fun Andy, stay true to your values. Treat business like a sport. Employ the immigrant mind. Dare to be great, share with others, make them great.

Much love and respect, peace, Jim'

I have read and reread the email. I have used it as a source of strength, resilience, inspiration and to find the courage to take the plunge, leave corporate at 50 and set up my own business. It helped me in 2010, 2017, 2020 and many times in between.  Retyping the words feels amazing. 

👉Why share it?

🦅We all have the power to create that feeling within others! It takes effort and commitment. It can transform someone's self-worth and belief system.

🦅One hand-written card or personal email can create a lifetime of value for the receiver!

🦅I am, like many, a confidence player. I need my inner champion to overpower my inner critic. As well as my winning habits/routines and my visual reminders of my goals and vision, I have a folder of such emails and cards.

🦅Develop a winning circle of awesome people who become the wind beneath your wings and help you soar.

🦅 Go for it! Be true to you. Do it your way. Leave your legacy. Work your artistry.

🦅 #give2get - pour effort into those around you.

🦅Be there for those who 'dare to open their minds and dream to be the best they can be.'