Boldness Unleashed!

Why Others’ Perceptions Should Never Define You

In life and business, boldness is not just a trait; it’s a strategy. It’s the willingness to step into the world unapologetically, knowing your worth and communicating it without hesitation. But boldness often bumps into a stubborn barrier: other people’s perceptions of who they think you are. The truth is, their limited view should never dictate your actions, your value, or your success.

The Power of Knowing Your Value

Before you can project confidence outward, you need to solidify it within. Knowing your value is the foundation for any bold move. It’s not just about skills or experience but about recognising the unique qualities you bring to the table. Once you internalise this, communicating your worth becomes second nature. Imagine walking into a room filled with doubt—not yours, but theirs. Their perception might question your capabilities or dismiss your ambitions. But when you are grounded in your value, their doubts don’t define you. Instead, they become irrelevant noise.

Rejection Is Proof of Progress

The fear of rejection often holds people back from bold action. But here’s the truth: rejection is a sign you’re aiming high enough. Chris Dixon’s words resonate deeply here: “If you aren’t getting rejected on a daily basis, your goals are not ambitious enough.” Rejections aren’t failures; they’re the stepping stones to success. Each “no” brings you closer to the “yes” that matters. Once you stop caring about how others perceive your “no’s,” you’ll realise they’re simply a numbers game. In sales, in networking, and in personal growth, the equation is simple: the more you ask, the more you get.

Committing to the “No’s”

Commitment to rejection may sound counterintuitive, but it’s essential. Every successful person has a story of persistence in the face of countless “no’s.” They didn’t stop because of the opinions of others. They kept pushing, knowing each rejection was a necessary step to achieve their goals. When you embrace the “no’s,” you remove the emotional weight they carry. A “no” is no longer personal; it’s part of the process. And with each one, you build resilience, sharpen your pitch, and move closer to the “yes” that will change everything.

Boldness Is a Practice

Boldness is not an innate gift; it’s a skill you can develop. Start small:

– Practice articulating your value clearly and confidently
– Challenge yourself to take risks that make you uncomfortable.
– Set goals so ambitious that rejection becomes inevitable—and welcome.

The more you push yourself, the less other people’s perceptions will matter. Over time, boldness becomes second nature, and their opinions fade into irrelevance.

Final Thoughts

The world’s perception of you should never limit your boldness. Know your value first, communicate it relentlessly, and embrace rejection as part of the journey. When you stop fearing the “no’s” and start seeing them as milestones, you’ll find that success is not a matter of if—but when. So, go out there and be bold. Not because others believe you can, but because you know you can.

We’re here to help you take the next step, whether that’s handing over the reins temporarily or finding the right long-term leadership solution.

Contact businessadvice@theengine.biz for a conversation.

– Catherine Cooke

Founder and Leading Business Advisor

Subscribe to  The Engine Business Coach.

Save thousands of dollars by avoiding simple but often-overlooked business mistakes with our monthly advisory newsletter.

Is it time to step back from your business?

Welcome to The Engine’s Interim CEO/Business Manager Service.

As an entrepreneur, knowing when to step back from your business or bring in a dedicated leader is one of the most pivotal decisions you’ll face. Your business is your passion, but as it grows, so do the demands on your time and energy. What once felt like a manageable challenge can gradually become overwhelming. Juggling the operational tasks, nurturing the vision, and ensuring long-term strategy all at once can lead to burnout—not just for you but for your team as well. It’s important to realise that reaching this point isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. Instead, it signals a critical moment for your business to evolve.

Recognising when it’s time to step back can be tricky, but there are telltale signs to look out for. One of the clearest indicators is when you find yourself constantly bogged down in day-to-day operations, with little time or mental space to plan for the future. You may feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel, always busy but not moving the business forward in terms of innovation or long-term growth. This is a strong sign that it’s time to delegate some of your responsibilities.

Another warning sign is when your passion starts to dwindle because you’re too caught up in the details to focus on the big picture. As an entrepreneur, your greatest value lies in steering the vision of the company—not being buried in tasks that others can handle. When you’re consumed by the minutiae of running the business, creativity and strategic thinking take a back seat. This not only hinders your growth but also limits the potential of your team to rise to the occasion.

Additionally, if your team’s morale starts to decline, it could be because you’re too stretched to foster the strong company culture you once had. Employees can sense when a leader is burnt out or distracted, which can lead to disengagement. Bringing in a fresh leader with the right skillset and energy can revitalize the team, realign everyone’s efforts toward your long-term goals, and even infuse new ideas that could be transformative for your business.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to step away entirely. For many business owners, the ideal solution is to shift from being involved in every aspect to focusing on strategic, high-level decisions. Bringing in a strong leader, whether that’s a CEO, COO, or another executive role, allows you to maintain control over the vision while empowering someone else to manage the day-to-day operations. This not only frees up your time but also helps prevent decision fatigue, ensuring that you can focus on driving innovation and expansion. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out to make this pivotal decision. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about your next steps, it may be time to explore your leadership options.

Contact us today to discuss how interim leadership could benefit your business, or visit our Interim CEO page here:

We’re here to help you take the next step, whether that’s handing over the reins temporarily or finding the right long-term leadership solution.

Contact businessadvice@theengine. biz for a conversation.

– Catherine Cooke

Founder and Leading Business Advisor

Subscribe to  The Engine Business Coach.

Save thousands of dollars by avoiding simple but often-overlooked business mistakes with our monthly advisory newsletter.

Do You Feel Like You’re Stuck in the Mud, or Going Around and Around the Merry-Go-Round?’

Welcome to The Engine’s Think Tank.

As 2024 winds down, many business owners find themselves stuck in a cycle—working hard but not seeing the growth or progress they desire. It’s easy to feel like you’re spinning your wheels, moving but not really getting anywhere. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to shift gears and set yourself up for a powerful start to 2025. At The Engine, our Think Tank Business Group Coaching program is designed to help you break free from the rut and start driving your business forward with other like-minded business owners. Whether you’re struggling to gain clarity on your next steps, overwhelmed by day-to-day operations, or simply need a fresh perspective, our coaching sessions provide the structure and support you need to make meaningful progress.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Take Action : As we approach the end of the year, it’s tempting to coast through the final months, waiting for January to bring new energy and opportunities. But here’s the thing: the success of your 2025 starts now. The groundwork you lay in the coming weeks will determine whether you hit the ground running or spend the first quarter playing catch-up.

Our group coaching sessions are designed to:

– Clarify Your Vision: What do you want to achieve in 2025? Together, we’ll define your goals and create a roadmap to get there.
– Build Accountability: With the support of a group of like-minded business owners, you’ll be held accountable for taking the actions needed to move forward.
– Unlock New Strategies: Gain fresh insights and strategies from experienced coaches and peers who have faced similar challenges and overcome them.
– Boost Confidence: With a clear plan and the right support, you’ll head into the new year with confidence and motivation.

Don’t Wait for the New Year—Start Building Your Success Today: Imagine entering 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose, a clear plan, and the momentum to achieve your business goals. That’s what our Business Group Coaching can offer you. Don’t wait until January to start working on your dreams—take action now and give yourself the gift of a strong start to the new year. Ready to get unstuck and take your business to the next level? Join our next group coaching session and start building the foundation for a successful 2025.

Read more here or take action and Sign Up Today and make the commitment to invest in your business’s future. Let’s break the cycle of procrastination and start driving your business forward—2025 is yours to conquer!

– Catherine Cooke

Founder and Leading Business Advisor

Subscribe to  The Engine Business Coach.

Save thousands of dollars by avoiding simple but often-overlooked business mistakes with our monthly advisory newsletter.

No Growth Without Change:

It’s been said that change begins at the end of your comfort zone. But change can also mean entering a growth zone.

As the year draws to a close, it’s crucial to stay focused and finish strong, setting the tone for the year ahead. Partnering with an expert specialist will help you gain momentum, achieve your goals, and start the new year with confidence. We want to share conversations we usually have at this time of the year with prospective business owners looking to work with us.

Catherine: Hi Richard, as we approach the end of the year, have you given any thought to how you’re planning to wrap things up for your business?
Richard – Business Owner: I’ve been thinking about it, but with everything going on, it’s easy to lose focus.

Catherine: I get it, unless you have a co-pilot it’s easy to be dragged in the trenches. But the way you finish the year can really make or break your momentum heading into the next. Even if the year didn’t start off perfectly, ending it strong can set a powerful tone for your business’s future.
Richard – Business Owner: That’s true. But how do I stay on track when things are winding down?

Catherine: It’s all about staying laser-focused on your goals and maintaining a strong mindset. The effort you put in now can create the momentum you need to hit the ground running next year. It also gives you the best chance to meet or even exceed your goals, setting a new standard for what your business can achieve.
Richard – Business Owner: That sounds like the push we need, but it’s easier said than done.

Catherine: That’s where a business expert specialist, such as The Engine comes in. Working with someone who can provide tailored capability, action plans and keep you accountable can make all the difference. You can gain ground much quicker and ensure you’re ending the year with the momentum you need to propel you into the next. No change = no change Richard. In fact we know those businesses who don’t do anything will be in the same place they are now, this time next year.
Richard – Business Owner: I can’t do another year like this – I’m ready.

Catherine: Great! Let’s get you co-funding, engaged and make sure you finish this year on a better note, setting you up to propel success in the new year.

– Catherine Cooke

Founder and Leading Business Advisor

Subscribe to  The Engine Business Coach.

Save thousands of dollars by avoiding simple but often-overlooked business mistakes with our monthly advisory newsletter.

Navigating Decision Paralysis:

The Role of Effective Governance in Business Success.

“Like an ostrich with its head in the sand, avoiding challenges may offer temporary solace, but it won’t propel you forward. In fact, the only direction burying your head in the sand leads is backward, where problems fester and potential remains untapped.”

When numerous directors are involved in decision-making processes, decision paralysis can often set in, hindering progress and creating inefficiencies. At times, real-life examples of businesses we have worked with here at The Engine Limited illustrates the need for streamlining decision-making for the long-term success of a business:

1. The Engine had to take action by separating two directors over a period of 2-3 months who harboured mutual animosity for six years. Their personal conflict impeded productive decision-making and impeded the company’s growth potential. What a waste of 6 years!

2. It became necessary for family members with a conflict of interest at the board table to step down and make way for unbiased decision-making. Their continued presence was undermining the business’s strategic direction and overall success. Results – damage & a broken family!

3. In some cases, directors may have differing exit strategy expectations, leading to conflicting decisions and confusion about the company’s future direction. Aligning these expectations is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and purposeful business strategy. Litigation resulted to recover losses for stakeholders who had been hamstrung with business growth!

4. Businesses can face challenges when directors operate more as managers, lacking clear leadership and strategic vision. This can result in a lack of guidance, decision paralysis, and difficulty in driving the company towards its goals effectively. The ship was rudderless!

In times of turbulence or disruption, having experienced leadership and a clear decision-making framework is essential for navigating uncertainties and challenges. A well-defined governance structure, clear roles and responsibilities, effective communication, and a focus on strategic direction are all key components that can help businesses overcome decision paralysis and drive sustainable growth. Making informed decisions, fostering collaboration, and prioritising the company’s interests above personal agendas are crucial steps towards ensuring the long-term success and prosperity of the business.

– Catherine Cooke

Founder and Leading Business Advisor

Subscribe to  The Engine Business Coach.

Save thousands of dollars by avoiding simple but often-overlooked business mistakes with our monthly advisory newsletter.