Stephen Burrell

Start by slowing down

In a world that rewards speed, performance, and certainty, leadership can become narrowly defined. The leaders who create real, lasting change are often those who can slow down long enough to listen to themselves, to others, and to the systems they’re part of. These are the leaders who understand that storytelling isn’t just communication, it’s a tool for connection, transformation, and vision-building.

““Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” ”
— Dale Carnegie
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Nuance not noise

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Conversations about DEI require more than opinions, they demand data, rigour, and reflection. It’s easy to reduce these topics to headlines or soundbites, but real progress depends on our ability to lead with nuance. I think that as leaders, we must hold space for complex conversations. We must ask difficult questions without defaulting to fear, and we must challenge our own assumptions and those of others with facts, not just feelings. DEI is not about lowering standards, it’s about expanding access. It’s about creating systems where talent, skill, and potential aren’t limited by bias or structural barriers. What do you think?

Time and energy are valuable resources

I remind myself daily that my true power lies in how I choose to respond. I can’t control how others behave, but I can control where I direct my time and energy. Stressing over rude people or petty situations only drains my power, and if I let that happen too often, I risk never reaching my full potential. Time and energy are the two most valuable resources we have, and how we use them shapes the quality of our lives. I think real strength begins by asking myself on a daily basis: Am I investing in my growth? Am I protecting my peace?

What makes a great mentor?

When we think about the people who have shaped our personal and professional growth, mentors often rise to the top of the list. What actually makes a mentor great? It’s not just about experience or expertise, it’s about how they show up for you, challenge you, and help you grow into your best self.

Great mentors often see your potential before you do, they challenge you to stretch beyond your comfort zone, pushing you in ways you may not expect but always need. Instead of handing you answers, they encourage you to ask better questions, refining your thinking, sharpening your curiosity, and helping you navigate uncertainty with more confidence. They understand that growth is a journey, not a destination. That's why they expect and encourage continuous improvement, cheering you on through small wins and big lessons alike. And while they support you in setting goals, they also dare you to dream bigger than you thought possible.

One of the most powerful things a mentor can do is challenge your assumptions. They help you uncover blind spots, see from new perspectives, and think more critically about your choices and beliefs. And here’s something you might not always notice right away: the best mentors are still learning, too, as they embody humility and curiosity, showing that growth never really ends. Good mentors also value independence. They respect mentees who take initiative, explore ideas on their own, and come to the table with insights and questions. Self-taught learners are often deeply appreciated, because they reflect the kind of drive and ownership that makes mentorship truly meaningful.

At the heart of it all, a great mentor isn’t trying to mold you into their image. Their goal is to teach you how to think, not what to think. So, you can step fully into your own voice, vision, and power. Whether you're lucky enough to have a great mentor now or hoping to become one yourself, I think it’s important to remember that mentorship is less about giving answers and more about creating space for growth, reflection, and transformation.

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Branding vs. Marketing

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Branding is why                             
Marketing is how

Branding is your story                  
Marketing is how you tell it

Branding earns loyalty                 
Marketing drives action

Branding is the foundation         
Marketing is the structure

Branding is the being                  
Marketing is the doing

Branding is macro                         
Marketing is micro

Branding defines trajectory       
Marketing defines tactics

Branding is long-term                  
Marketing is short-term

Branding shapes culture             
Marketing shapes campaigns

Branding is the promise of value    
Marketing is the proof of value

I see branding as the essence of who you are, the identity and character of your business. Marketing, on the other hand, is how you build awareness of that brand. Branding is your long-term strategy, while marketing is made up of the tactical actions you take to reach your goals. Do you agree?

Increased trust and relatability

Coaching effectiveness is influenced by a variety of factors, and research suggests that racial and cultural alignment can significantly enhance engagement, trust, and overall outcomes. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that employees are more likely to trust and actively engage with mentors and leaders who share similar racial or ethnic backgrounds. This shared experience fosters deeper connections and strengthens the coaching relationship. Similarly, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) underscores the importance of cultural competence, emphasising that coaches who understand and reflect their clients’ backgrounds are better equipped to tailor their approach to meet specific needs.

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We are all being shaped

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As leaders, we are often encouraged to focus on external metrics, for example, visibility, performance, recognition. When we neglect the internal work, we risk losing our centre. Blaming society or systems may feel justified, and it also gives away our power. Yes, we have all been shaped, some may say manipulated by the pace of social media and the pressure to stay constantly "on." And in that, many have drifted from the deeper roots of community whether that’s Church, Synagogue, Mosque, or simply meaningful service to others. In my opinion, you can't lead with clarity if your life is led by everything else around you. I think by reclaiming your focus, values, and connection it isn’t just personal, it’s part of your leadership responsibility.

The importance of letting go

When you face criticism, see it as an opportunity to sharpen your focus and reaffirm your commitment to your vision. There’s a key difference between focus and attachment. Focus is rooted in clarity and intention, it’s about knowing what you want and why you want it. Attachment, on the other hand, is about trying to control the outcome, often driven by fear or a sense of lack. When you're attached to a specific result, you may inadvertently block the very thing you're trying to attract. Instead, practice focusing on what you desire, then release your grip on how and when it will come. Trust that the universe or life itself knows the best way to bring your vision into reality. Be open to possibilities you may not have considered. Focus on the what and the why, and let the universe take care of the how and when.


I think it’s essential to remember that maintaining your focus when things don’t go as planned is just as important. These moments may be invitations to grow, opportunities to become the person who is not only capable of achieving, but also sustaining, what you truly want.

Time well spent

Some things in life are best when we can telescope, compress, accelerate, and streamline them, making the process more efficient. And then there are things where the true value lies in the inefficiency, in the time spent, the time endured, and the effort invested.

““As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.””
— Sam Levenson
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Nature is our teacher

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Self-assessment is a superpower as it allows you to challenge and change self-limiting beliefs, giving you the ability to choose your emotional state rather than be at the mercy of it. The more aware you become, the more power you have to direct your focus and attract what you truly want. While humans are self-aware, the contents of our minds differ because we all have unique life experiences. As a result, our unconscious mind is often in a constant state of judging, complaining, liking, and disliking, based on what it believes to be true. I understand that if you grow up rooting for one sports team, you may be told to hate another, but if you consciously observe this belief, you may ask: Why should hate exist at all?