"What do you do?"

It's often the first question we ask when meeting someone new, and the answer typically determines how impressed we should be. Doctor? Very impressed. CEO? Extremely impressed. Cashier? Not so impressed.

Our society has created an unspoken hierarchy of occupations based largely on prestige, power, and salary. We're taught to climb toward certain roles and away from others, often without questioning whether those "impressive" jobs would actually make us happy.

But what if we've been using the wrong measuring stick all along? What if, instead of designing careers around status and external validation, we designed them around what brings us true happiness?

"Rise and grind!" "Hustle harder!" "No days off!" "Sleep is for the weak!"

These battle cries of hustle culture have dominated our feeds and minds for years. We've been told that success requires sacrifice, specifically, the sacrifice of our sleep, health, relationships, and any semblance of work-life balance.

But what if this narrative is completely backwards? What if working less not more is the secret to both greater success and a more fulfilling life?

A revolution is brewing, and it's turning hustle culture on its head. Let's explore why working less might be the most productive thing you can do.

Polished. Polished. Polished.

For decades, this has been the golden rule of professional life. Don't show cracks. Don't reveal struggles. Keep your personal life separate. Never let them see you sweat.

We've been taught that success depends on projecting an image of flawless competence and unwavering confidence. Vulnerability has been seen as weakness, something to hide at all costs.

But what if this conventional wisdom is not just outdated but counterproductive? What if vulnerability, far from being a liability, is actually one of your most valuable professional assets?

Welcome to the Courage Economy - where authenticity generates trust, shared struggles create connection, and the willingness to be seen a an imperfectly perfect human is becoming the new professional superpower.

Remember when you were a kid, hand shooting up in class, desperately hoping the teacher would pick you?

"Choose me! Choose me!"

For many of us, that early conditioning never quite wore off. We're still waiting to be chosen - by employers, publishers, gatekeepers, audiences - before we feel allowed to pursue our dreams or share our gifts.

"I'll start that business once I get funding." "I'll write that book when a publisher shows interest." "I'll share my expertise once I get the right certification." "I'll apply for that role when I have more experience."

It's as if we believe that someone else holds the magical power to grant us permission to do the things we feel called to do. But here's the paradox: the most successful people in any field aren't waiting for permission - they're giving it to themselves.

Let's be honest: most of us don't wake up in the morning bursting with excitement to create a powerpoint deck or sit through another two-hour meeting that could have been an email. We work because we need money to live. It's a simple transaction, we trade our time and skills for a chunky deposit in our bank account each month.

But somewhere along the way, work has gone from being a part of our lives to consuming our lives. The average full-time employee spends more waking hours with colleagues than with their own family. We've normalised checking emails at midnight, working through weekends, and cancelling personal plans when work "needs" us.

And now, after a global pandemic showed us there's another way, companies are scrambling to pull people back into offices. But is this really about productivity, or is it about control?

Have you ever had one of those days where you're finishing a work presentation while helping with homework, planning tomorrow's dinner, scheduling a doctor's appointment, and remembering it's your mother-in-law's birthday all simultaneously? If you're a woman, chances are you're nodding in recognition right now.

The modern woman's life can feel like an impossible juggling act. We're told we can "have it all" but nobody mentioned we'd have to do it all, all at once, and often with minimal support.

Is this really progress? Or have we simply traded one set of limitations for another, more exhausting version?

When you hear people say ‘I left my corporate job to start my own business’, do you think - Wow, that was brave, I could never take that risk?

The underlying assumption is clear: corporate jobs are safe, stable, and secure. Entrepreneurship is risky, unstable, and financially precarious.

But what if we've got it all backwards? What if clinging to the illusion of corporate security is the riskier move in today's economy?

"So, what do you do?"

It's probably the most common question we hear at parties, networking events, or when meeting someone new. Not "What are you passionate about?" or "What brings you joy?" or even "What kind of person are you?" Just... what do you do for money?

And most of us have our answer ready, a neat little package that sums up our professional identity in a job title or industry. "I'm a teacher." "I work in marketing." "I'm a nurse."

But when did our jobs become our entire identities? When did what we do for a living start defining who we are as human beings?

Remember what we were told when we were growing up? Study hard, get good grades, find a stable job, work your way up, retire with a nice pension. Simple, right?

But as I hear what my kids have done at school - learning Roman numerals, memorising facts, and preparing for standardised tests, I can't help but wonder: are we setting kids up for a world that doesn't exist anymore?

When Was the Last Time You HUGGED a Tree?

No, seriously—when was the last time you actually put your hand on a tree trunk, walked barefoot on the grass, or even just sat outside doing nothing?

If you can’t remember, we need to talk.

Because while we humans love to think we’re separate from nature (hello, city life, WiFi, and air conditioning), the truth is… we are nature. And when we disconnect from it for too long, we start to feel it—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

So if you’ve been feeling drained, stuck, overwhelmed, or just off, your environment might be missing something big: the natural world.

Let’s dive into why nature isn’t just “nice” to have—it’s a non-negotiable for your well-being.

The Silent Productivity Killer: Your Space

Have you ever sat down to work, full of motivation, only to find yourself distracted, sluggish, or just completely uninspired? Maybe your to-do list is staring at you, but suddenly, scrolling Instagram or making yet another cup of tea seems like a great idea.

If that sounds familiar, it’s not just your mindset—it’s your environment.

Your workspace is one of the biggest influences on your energy, creativity, and productivity. And yet, most of us don’t give it much thought. We just set up shop at the kitchen table, shove some papers aside, and wonder why we can’t focus.

But what if your workspace was designed intentionally to support your best work?

Let’s talk about how to create an environment that makes you feel inspired, clear-headed, and actually excited to sit down and get things done.

The Hotel Room Epiphany

Have you ever walked into a hotel room and immediately felt lighter? The perfectly made bed, the uncluttered surfaces, the soft lighting—it’s like a breath of fresh air. For a moment, you feel at peace, free, and calm.

Then, after a few days, you go home. You drop your bags at the door, glance at the overflowing laundry basket, sigh at the dishes in the sink, and suddenly, that calm disappears.

Why? Because spaces hold energy.

Your Space = Your Energy

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt drained—even if you weren’t doing anything exhausting? Or maybe you’ve entered a beautifully designed space and felt an instant mood boost, like a weight had been lifted?

That’s not just in your head. The environment around you is constantly shaping your energy levels, emotions, and even your ability to focus.

Yet, most of us don’t even realise how much our surroundings are either fuelling us or exhausting us. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unmotivated, your space might be part of the problem.

Let’s dive into the hidden ways your environment could be draining your energy—and, more importantly, how to turn it into a space that recharges you instead!

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? Or maybe the opposite—you step into a space, and suddenly, your stress levels spike, your mind feels cluttered, and you can’t quite put your finger on why? That, my friend, is the undeniable power of your environment.

When Life Feels Off—Your Values Might Be to Blame

Ever feel like you’re living someone else’s life? Like you’re playing a part in a movie you never auditioned for? That’s a surefire sign you’re out of sync with your values.

How to Make Decisions Without Losing Sleep (or Your Mind)

Decision fatigue is real. But what if I told you there’s a way to make choices that feel right every time? Spoiler: it all comes down to your values.

We all want those ride-or-die friendships, the kind of love that feels like home, and a community that just gets us. But how do you find your people—the ones who actually align with your energy, your ambitions, and, most importantly, your values?

The Secret Sauce to a Life That Actually Feels Good

Ever wonder why some people just seem to have it all together? They move through life like they’ve cracked the code while the rest of us are left wondering if we missed the memo. Spoiler alert: their secret isn’t luck—it’s values. Yep, those deep-down, non-negotiable beliefs shape every decision, every relationship, and ultimately, their entire life experience.

We all have dreams, but not everyone achieves them. Why? Often, it comes down to a simple truth: They’re waiting for someone or something to make it happen for them. Let’s flip the script—because your life, your vision, is your responsibility.

How often do you dream of something extraordinary, only to dismiss it as “unrealistic”? Bold dreams require bold belief. Let’s shatter the limits you’ve placed on yourself.