August 2023

The Enemy called Average

August 3, 2023 In Musings 8 Mins Read By Lanre Dahunsi

The word “average” comes from the Old French word “avarie” which means “damage to ship or cargo,” and is derived from the Arabic word “awar” which means “damaged merchandise.” In the Middle Ages, “avarie” came to refer to the distribution of the cost of such damage among the ship’s owners and cargo owners. By the 16th century, “average” had taken on the meaning of a division of a loss or expense among several parties. Today, “average” is used to describe a number or quantity that represents a typical or ordinary value within a larger group or population.

The Leadership Handbook: 26 Critical Lessons Every Leader Need.

August 3, 2023 In Book Summaries 8 Mins Read By Lanre Dahunsi

In The Leadership Handbook, author John C. Maxwell presents 26 insights intended to help build the leader within not only those aspiring to new positions of leadership but also those veterans who aim to improve upon the steps that led them to the front of the line.

Measure Everything.

August 2, 2023 In Musings 6 Mins Read By Lanre Dahunsi

Greek Philosopher Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I add that an unlived life is not worth examining. I have been obsessed with measuring almost everything I have done in the past eighteen months, from my exercise regimen to goal-setting activities. Here are some ways I have experimented with measuring my daily activities.

The Zen Master and his Dog.

August 2, 2023 In Uncategorized 2 Mins Read By Lanre Dahunsi

The Zen master’s dog loved his evening walks with his master. The dog would run to fetch a stick, then run back to the master, and wait eagerly for the next round.

One day, the Zen master decided to take one of his favorite disciples. He was the brightest of his disciples. He was intelligent and so rational that he was troubled by the contradictions in Buddhist doctrine.

‘You must understand,’ said the master, ‘that words are only guideposts. Never let the words or the symbols get in the way of truth. Here, I will show you.’

Having said that, the master called his dog.

‘Fetch me the moon,’ said the master and pointed to the full moon.

‘Where is my dog looking?’ asked the master to his bright disciple.

‘He’s looking at your finger,’ replied the boy.

‘Exactly. Don’t be like my dog,’ said the master, ‘Don’t confuse the pointing finger with the thing that is being pointed at. The Buddhist words are simply guideposts. Every man fights his way through other men’s words to find his own truth.’

Moral of the Story

It would be best if you found your truth by discernment; religious texts, articles, books, and other materials are guideposts for enlightenment. As per the story above, focus on the moon, not the pointing finger, your purpose (intention), and not necessarily the process. Your path differs from where you are headed or your reason for going there. There are usually multiple paths to reaching your goal; the journey is the reward. Don’t get caught up in reaching your goal; you lose sight of your ultimate aim.

Go the Extra Mile.

August 1, 2023 In Musings 6 Mins Read By Lanre Dahunsi

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. – T. S. Eliot

Going the extra mile means doing more than is expected, required or anticipated. In the business world, it means under-promising and over-delivering, paying attention to details, obsessing about customer satisfaction and getting things done. Going the extra mile is a great analogy, especially when you run a lot like I do; it means pushing yourself to go one extra mile while running, do one more rep in the gym, one more lap in the swimming pool, one more practice session before that all important presentation.

Book Summary – Raise Capital on Your Own Terms by Jenny Kasan.

August 1, 2023 In Book Summaries 7 Mins Read By Lanre Dahunsi

In Raise Capital on Your Own Terms: How to Fund Your Business without Selling Your Soul, attorney and capital raising coach Jenny Kassan describes various capital-raising strategies available to mission-driven entrepreneurs and provides a six-step process for finding and enlisting investors who are a match with your personal goals and aspirations.

Jenny has over 25 years of experience as an attorney and advisor for mission-driven enterprises. She has helped her clients raise millions of dollars from values-aligned investors and raised over $2 million for her own businesses.