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Coffee with Colm

Coffee with Colm

By Colm O'Brien

Ruminations over Coffee about Life and Business
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Hedgehog for Breakfast, Anyone? Life and Business Lessons from a Most Unlikely Source … A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Coffee with ColmJul 02, 2022

00:00
04:16
Caroline Rigney, a renowned Co. Limerick farmer took time out to attend Pendulum Summit in January – and then to have “Coffee with Colm”.

Caroline Rigney, a renowned Co. Limerick farmer took time out to attend Pendulum Summit in January – and then to have “Coffee with Colm”.

Caroline Rigney, a renowned Co. Limerick farmer took time out to attend Pendulum Summit in January – and then to have “Coffee with Colm”.

 

From pigs breaking through fences, to packaging delicious pork and bacon product for fans nationwide, to Killaloe Farmer’s Market, to forgiving ourselves and our parents, to letting go of the past, and embracing the present with one eye on the future, I had the most enjoyable coffee chat with Caroline Rigney.

 

I know Caroline and Joe Rigney, primarily because myself and Mrs. O’B are regular imbibers of their delicious (no, seriously!) fresh food at Killaloe Farmer’s Market of a Sunday.

 

They are a class act and to watch them work in harmony is always a treat. You join the queue (always a queue – which tells you something) and watch Caroline interact with her regulars, as she effortlessly relieves them of a few bob, while Joe cooks away in the background, turning to the front to ask, “Salad, tomato and onion with that?” during which time Caroline has moved on to take another order. Poetry in motion!

 

So, I was delighted when Caroline decided to join our little group of Vagabonds to attend Pendulum Summit in January.

 

We finally got a chance to grab a virtual coffee together and have the chats. It was fabulous, very real, totally life-affirming.

 

Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think alongside Caroline (and Joe popped in for a sec, too) and me for a few minutes; you’ll fall in love with the Rigneys…

 

Enjoy...

Mar 17, 202413:21
A "Coffee with Colm" Special recorded LIVE while immersed in 7 degree water in the Shannon River as the sun dawned on the last Sunday of February 2024
Mar 03, 202403:19
Karen Pappin’s Standout Pendulum Speaker had an Immediate and Profound Impact on her – one she was not expecting!

Karen Pappin’s Standout Pendulum Speaker had an Immediate and Profound Impact on her – one she was not expecting!

Karen Pappin is a fellow Dub (South Side, but we’ll let her off – although I had to address it over our coffee chat!) living in and working from beautiful Kinvara, Co. Galway.

 

She’s a storyteller – a Brand Storyteller - and she came along to Pendulum as part of our little group of Vagabonds, not knowing what to expect.

 

The speaker that ‘spoke’ to her was not even on her radar before she attended, and interestingly he did so through story – no surprise there perhaps?

 

Before the conference had even ended, Karen had made a decision (and taken action!) to make changes in certain aspects of her life and puts those changes on public record in this week’s episode of “Coffee with Colm”.

 

Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think alongside Karen and me for a few minutes, you’ll have a laugh, and learn something along the way.

 

Enjoy

Feb 25, 202414:01
Coaches! Disruption Incoming! If you Coach, this episode of "Coffee with Colm" is for you...

Coaches! Disruption Incoming! If you Coach, this episode of "Coffee with Colm" is for you...

The Biggest Challenge Most Coaches Face is Filling Your Diary.
We have the solution for you.
As a Professional Coach myself (part-time), like you, I learned that the hardest part of coaching is… prospecting… to find clients.
Coaching is not the problem, prospecting is.
When I looked around me at all the coaches I know (and know of), I realised the majority had the same problem; you and me, we would coach all day long - oftentimes evenings, and weekends - helping people with their life and business challenges. All you want to do is serve people with your knowledge, your empathy, your listening skills and if only you could get them on a Discovery Call, you know they’d hire you.
Am I right?
So, I set about creating a team to solve the prospecting problem – and we think we may have just done that.
As Uber is to the Transport sector, and Airbnb is to the Accommodation sector, COACHY (launching May 1st 2024) is to the Coaching sector.
Currently in beta testing phase – COACHY is built solely to facilitate more Discovery Calls for you.
Embrace your inner FOMO to find out how COACHY can help you to stop selling and start serving more people in 2024, register your Pre-Launch interest here:
https://adsuite.clickfunnels.com/coachy-pre-launch

Or stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think alongside young Ciaran Griffin and me for 10 minutes, and get a feel for what COACHY can do for you, and how you can pre-register your interest so you don’t miss out on Launch Day, May 1st 2024.
Ciaran is my fellow COACHY co-Founder along with Tim Kelly and Christopher Heaney.

 

Enjoy...

Feb 18, 202411:34
From Early Retirement to Pendulum to Teaching Future Generations ~ Paul Massey has Coffee with Colm

From Early Retirement to Pendulum to Teaching Future Generations ~ Paul Massey has Coffee with Colm

Paul Massey was a retailer back in the day. One thing he insisted on was that he trained his staff what to do in the event of a robbery – no eye contact, open the till, step away, no heroes.

 

When two guys arrived one evening, one with a sawn-off shotgun, the other with a hammer, Paul found himself instinctually NOT following his own advice!

 

Paul is lucky to be alive. He retired from retail shortly thereafter but has never stopped contributing.

We were blessed to enjoy Paul’s company as part of our little group of Vagabonds attending Pendulum Summit in January.

 

In this “Coffee with Colm” episode we discuss what Paul took from it, and what is happening as a result. Wonderful stuff indeed.

 

Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think alongside Paul  and me for a few minutes, and get a feel for Pendulum (and maybe consider joining us next year on Jan 8th and 9th 2025 in Dublin, PM either of us if you’d like to find out more) Enjoy

Feb 11, 202418:10
He (or She) Who Collects The Most Nos Wins

He (or She) Who Collects The Most Nos Wins

How do some people, get ahead, and many don't? 


Those who get ahead in any area of life, take more shots than those who don't - simple! In so doing, they experience more rejection, and the natural outflowing of experiencing more rejection, is... more success!


I was a tad under the weather for the past week and as such missed the opportunity to have coffee with one of the Pendulum Vagabond Crew - don't worry, we've some crackers lined up over the coming weeks, this is just a blip - life throwing a curve ball.
Instead, this week I'm up-cycling a "Coffee with Colm" Classic from early on in my podcast journey.
Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with (younger) me for a few minutes.
Enjoy 

Feb 04, 202405:02
Such FUN as well as DEEP LEARNING - Emma Owen talks all things Pendulum '24 over "Coffee with Colm"

Such FUN as well as DEEP LEARNING - Emma Owen talks all things Pendulum '24 over "Coffee with Colm"

Galway Girl, and Film Industry Pro, Emma Owen, had “Coffee with Colm” during the week to share her experience of attending Pendulum Summit.

 

It was FUN!

 

Then, on one of my questions, Emma began her response with, “Can I be a bit controversial here?” I knew right there that my answer to that question wasn’t going to matter; the train had left the station…

 

She also named her Standout Speaker and shared why his talk had such an impact on her.

 

It was a thoroughly enjoyable conversation and looking back on it, it’s interesting to listen to Emma think out loud to find the words to express what the whole experience meant to her. Great chat.

 

Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think alongside Emma and me for a few minutes, and get a feel for Pendulum (and maybe plan to join us next year on Jan 8 and 9 2025 in the Shmoke, PM either of us if you’d like to find out more) Enjoy

Jan 28, 202417:31
Nicola Connolly Byrne has "Coffee with Colm" and names her Standout Speaker from Pendulum Summit 24

Nicola Connolly Byrne has "Coffee with Colm" and names her Standout Speaker from Pendulum Summit 24

So, a group of Business Vagabonds got together, and we went along to The Pendulum Summit 2024 to witness the 10th anniversary of its founding by Frankie and Norma Sheehan, to listen and learn from each other as well as from the world-class speakers on stage.

 

We all came from different walks of life and diverse businesses (thus the Vagabond moniker); some small, others larger, all making a difference in their respective spaces.

 

We had fun. We laughed, many of us cried, all of us learned something about ourselves, but we all left The Convention Centre with renewed sense of hope for humanity, chomping at the bit to get back to work to play our individual parts.

 

Over the next number of Coffees with Colm (or as we’d say on the Northside, “Coffee with Colms”) I’m inviting any of the Vagabonds that want to, to join me for coffee and a quick chat about their experience, focussing on who was their Standout Speaker.

 

Nicola Connolly Byrne – Empowerment Specialist – is first up.

 

Her Standout Speaker was… (do you really think I’m going to spoil it? – I’d be killed!)

 

Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think alongside Nicola and me for a few minutes, and get a feel for Pendulum (and maybe decide to join us next year

Jan 21, 202413:47
"It'll Be OK, Friend." Mental Health - The Elephant in the Room - Yours Truly Considers Brent Pope's Phenomenal Pendulum Talk

"It'll Be OK, Friend." Mental Health - The Elephant in the Room - Yours Truly Considers Brent Pope's Phenomenal Pendulum Talk

There is a Global Pandemic affecting 1 in 4 of us – Mental Health IS The Elephant in the Room.

 

I was blessed to attend Pendulum Summit in Dublin during the week along with another 2,000 souls, twenty of whom had come together as The Vagabonds’ to have fun and learn and make friends over the few days. It was everything I expected, and more.

 

I was moved to action (or consideration at least) by several of the speakers, but the one that ‘hit me’ unexpectedly was Brent Pope talking about his mission to normalize the conversation about Mental Health, through his organization “The Elephant in the Room”.

 

Brent is six foot three inches, 17 stone, the last man you would pick out of a lineup as someone who might be vulnerable, yet he was.

 

When he hit rock bottom, he picked up the phone, in a last-ditch attempt to avoid the seemingly inevitable, and the guy who answered the phone saved his life (and likely thousands of lives through Brent’s work now). Instead of answering “Hello, Samaritans.”, his first words were, “It’ll Be OK, Friend.”

Please, please stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think alongside Brent and me for a few minutes; it could make all the difference to someone you know.

Jan 13, 202410:02
From Wheelchair To Twice World Champion - Steve Judge has "Coffee with Colm" and explains how...

From Wheelchair To Twice World Champion - Steve Judge has "Coffee with Colm" and explains how...

You've had a car accident. They rush you to hospital. They tell you they're going to operate to save your legs.
They lie!They are in fact operating to save your life; your crushed legs are incidental (to them!)
When you wake up, they tell you you'll never walk again.You disagree! So instead, you become twice world champion!That, my friends, is the potted history of my first guest on 'Coffee with Colm' for 2024.Steve Judge joined me for coffee and to say his story is inspirational is an understatement. 
What better way to kick off the new year...You know the score, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee and think alongside Steve and me for a few minutes.

Happy New Year.

Enjoy.

Jan 06, 202436:24
3 Life Tips From Hollywood Actor, Dubliner Colin Farrell

3 Life Tips From Hollywood Actor, Dubliner Colin Farrell

You all know Colin Farrell - Hollywood Actor, and a fellow Dub.

Colin was interviewed by Miriam O'Callaghan on the stage at Pendulum Summit back in 2019 and he lived up to all my expectations of the man; being at once a global celebrity and a humble man who hasn't forgotten his roots. 


Not ugly either, it has to be said!
Anyway, I chose the podcast I created on foot of his interview with which to finish this pre-Pendulum '24 mini-series because of what Colin said. He said, "The day has yet to reveal itself."


As 2023 comes to a close, I feel Colin's words are pregnant with promise for 2024 - "The day has yet to reveal itself."


To hear the context of this phrase as well as two more life tips, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think along with Colin and me for a few minutes in this final episode of “Coffee with Colm” for the season.


Merry Christmas to you and yours, and in the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one!"


Enjoy
Yours Truly
Colm O'BrienPs, ONE SEAT HAS OPENED UP. I am bringing a group of 20 souls to Pendulum ’24 with a special price and all sorts of add-ons. As I publish this, 19 of 20 seats are committed! One opened up unexpectedly. If you’d like to join us, pm me - first come, first served. And no, I’m not on commission, I simply love business and I love people – why would I attend alone when I can attend with friends and fellow entrepreneurs? No better Christmas present to give yourself or the entrepreneur in your life!
#coffeewithcolm #hwrs #healthwealthrelationshipsspirit #poyoomf #onepercentliving #fouroverseven #wintheweekwinthewar #wigwamwisdom #60MPH #81patchworkquilts #100yearwork #themanonthetrain #coffee #vlog #podcast #sustainablebusiness #makehasteslowly #feedingjohnny #pendulumsummit
Ps. To get a FREE copy of my own book “Feeding Johnny – How To Build A Business Despite The Roadblocks” (audio version with Yours Truly narrating) simply connect with me on LinkedIn 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colmobrienmotivation/ 
Yours Truly
Colm O'Brien

Dec 15, 202304:10
4 Lessons From One Of The Heroes Of The Thai Cave Rescue in 2018 - Jim Warny

4 Lessons From One Of The Heroes Of The Thai Cave Rescue in 2018 - Jim Warny

Jim Warny is a real-life hero! 


He is the Belgian-born, Cave Diver, living in Ennis, who led the Coach to safety during that tremendous superhuman effort that saw the coach and all twelve young boys rescued when the caves they entered got flooded.


He spoke from stage at Pendulum in 2019 and from his talk I gleaned some life and business lessons, which I am happy to share here as life hacks for you to consider.


Regardless of the lessons and tips, it's one cracking story!


You know the drill, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think along with Jim and me for a few minutes in this archive episode of “Coffee with Colm”.


Enjoy.
Yours Truly
Colm O'Brien Ps, I am bringing a group of 20 souls to Pendulum ’24 with a special price and all sorts of add-ons. As I publish this, all 20 seats are committed! However if you’d like to join us, pm me, and I'll see what I can do. And no, I’m not on commission, I simply love business and I love people – why would I attend alone when I can attend with friends and fellow entrepreneurs?
#coffeewithcolm #hwrs #healthwealthrelationshipsspirit #poyoomf #onepercentliving #fouroverseven #wintheweekwinthewar #wigwamwisdom #60MPH #81patchworkquilts #100yearwork #themanonthetrain #coffee #vlog #podcast #sustainablebusiness #makehasteslowly #feedingjohnny #pendulumsummit
Ps. To get a FREE copy of my own book “Feeding Johnny – How To Build A Business Despite The Roadblocks” (audio version with Yours Truly narrating) simply connect with me on LinkedIn 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colmobrienmotivation/ 
Yours Truly
Colm O'Brien

Dec 10, 202305:00
3 Tips For Moving Forward At Speed Safely from Mandy Hickson Former RAF Fighter Pilot – Episode 4 of 6 in a Pre-Pendulum ’24 'Coffee with Colm' Mini-series

3 Tips For Moving Forward At Speed Safely from Mandy Hickson Former RAF Fighter Pilot – Episode 4 of 6 in a Pre-Pendulum ’24 'Coffee with Colm' Mini-series

Fighter Jets Don't Have Wing Mirrors! Did you know that? I didn't. Sort of makes sense though. Apart from aerodynamics perhaps, I imagine it true that they are moving too fast in combat to have time to look behind them. Regardless, Fighter Jets Don't Have Wing Mirrors!

 

Mandy Hickson, former RAF Fighter Jet Pilot, was one of the very few female pilots operating at that level, only the second ever female pilot to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line, amassing and surviving 45 live combat sorties.

 

And Mandy was just one of the amazing people who graced the Pendulum stage in Dublin in 2019.

 

I was enthralled.

 

From her story, I gained three tips to help me move forward with speed safely and in this week's 'Coffee with Colm' episode, I'd like to share them with you, they are:

 

        1.

        2.

        3.

 

To hear me recount all three tips, and what they may mean for you, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think along with Mandy and me for a few minutes in this archive episode of “Coffee with Colm”.


Enjoy

Dec 02, 202304:25
5 Tips On How To Get The Most Out Of Life, From Nick Vujicic, A Man Born Without Limbs – Episode 3 of 6 in a Pre-Pendulum ’24 'Coffee with Colm' Mini-series

5 Tips On How To Get The Most Out Of Life, From Nick Vujicic, A Man Born Without Limbs – Episode 3 of 6 in a Pre-Pendulum ’24 'Coffee with Colm' Mini-series

I actually can’t imagine it – and truthfully, wasn’t sure I believed what I was seeing when Nick Vujicic was ‘placed’ on stage at Pendulum Summit in Dublin the year before COVID struck – yet there he was this tiny, incredible human confidently talking with 3,500 mesmerised souls telling us to be more grateful!

 

 

Be More Grateful was the first of 5 Tips On How To Get The Most Out Of Life; truly amazing, coming from a man who had a much, much tougher star than most.

 

 

To hear me recount the 5 Tips, and what they may mean for you, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think along with Nick and me for a few minutes in this archive episode of “Coffee with Colm”.

 


Enjoy

Nov 25, 202303:50
Admirals Don't Make Suggestions

Admirals Don't Make Suggestions

Right. Episode 2 of 6 in a Pre-Pendulum '24 Mini-series, curated by Yours Truly to allow you experience some of the world class magic, and diversity of thought that can only be found at The Pendulum Summit.This week, Marshall Goldsmith tells us why Admirals Don't Make Suggestions; in other words, Leaders - like you and me - can actually damage our organizations by opening our big fat mouths! (I know! shocked me, too!)
I'm sayin' nothin'.Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think along with my friend Marshall and me for a few minutes in this archive episode of “Coffee with Colm

Nov 18, 202305:00
Be A Dream Doer in 2024 – Episode 1 of 6 in a Pre-Pendulum ’24 'Coffee with Colm' Mini-series

Be A Dream Doer in 2024 – Episode 1 of 6 in a Pre-Pendulum ’24 'Coffee with Colm' Mini-series

Be A Dream Doer in 2024 – Episode 1 of 6 in a Pre-Pendulum ’24 'Coffee with Colm' Mini-series

Nov 11, 202304:37
'When Colm Met Frankie' - a Pendulum Summit 10th Anniversary Special 'Coffee with Colm'

'When Colm Met Frankie' - a Pendulum Summit 10th Anniversary Special 'Coffee with Colm'

I had the most amazing experience during the week! I had a virtual coffee with Frankie Sheahan, former Munster and Ireland Rugby Legend, laterally known around the world for, along with his wife and business partner, Norma, co-founding The Pendulum Summit – The World's No.1 Leadership & Self-Empowerment Summit, held annually in Dublin, since 2014. What a pleasure.

 

The reason I wanted to have the chat was because of how instrumental The Pendulum Summit has been in my journey, both personally and professionally, having attended in-person from 2015 through to when COVID derailed our world. I am so excited to be heading back to Dublin on January 10th and 11th 2024 for its 10th Anniversary… and it promises to be a cracker!

 

In this extended (33 mins) ‘Coffee with Colm’ episode, we cover: (with approximate timings should you wish or need to skip. However, I recommend you don’t skip because then you will never know what you missed – embrace your FOMO)

·       Setting the scene (0 mins)

·       Frankie on where the idea came from (1 min)

·       Frankie on why so early in the year? (6 mins)

·       Frankie’s Pendulum highlights? (10 mins)

·       Frankie about COVID personally? (15 mins)

·       Frankie about COVID for Pendulum? (19 mins)

·       Frankie’s Top Three Reasons why people should go (22 mins)

·       Frankie on the Networking opportunities (27 mins)

·       Frankie’s thoughts on attending alone, or as part of a group. (28 mins)

·       Frankie says, “If You’re 50:50 GO! – and makes a very generous offer (31 mins)

·       How to get tickets. (32 mins)

 

Do yourself a favour; stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think along with Frankie and me for a half an hour (just 2% of your day) in the extra special episode of “Coffee with Colm”


Enjoy.

Nov 04, 202332:60
Another €750k Tax Free ONLY IF Financial Planning Is Played As A Team Sport Facing Forward Ep 4 of 4

Another €750k Tax Free ONLY IF Financial Planning Is Played As A Team Sport Facing Forward Ep 4 of 4

Another €750k Tax Free ONLY IF Financial Planning Is Played As A Team Sport Facing Forward Ep 4 of 4

Oct 27, 202308:15
How You Can Pay Your Family To Reduce Your Tax - Ep 3/4, Paul Overy QFA FLIA has 'Coffee with Colm'

How You Can Pay Your Family To Reduce Your Tax - Ep 3/4, Paul Overy QFA FLIA has 'Coffee with Colm'

How You Can Pay Your Family To Reduce Your Tax - Ep 3/4, Paul Overy QFA FLIA has 'Coffee with Colm'

Oct 18, 202304:56
How You Can Access €2m Tax Free To Retire - Part 2 of 4, Paul Overy QFA FLIA has 'Coffee with Colm'

How You Can Access €2m Tax Free To Retire - Part 2 of 4, Paul Overy QFA FLIA has 'Coffee with Colm'

How You Can Access €2m Tax Free To Retire - Part 2 of 4, Paul Overy QFA FLIA has 'Coffee with Colm'

Oct 18, 202305:35
How To Reduce Your Taxes Forever - Paul Overy QFA, FLIA Part 1 / 4 a 'Coffee with Colm' Mini-series

How To Reduce Your Taxes Forever - Paul Overy QFA, FLIA Part 1 / 4 a 'Coffee with Colm' Mini-series

How To Reduce Your Taxes Forever - Paul Overy QFA, FLIA Part 1 / 4 a 'Coffee with Colm' Mini-series

Oct 18, 202310:12
The €100 Million Meeting - Telling ‘The Man on The Train’ Story - a “Coffee with Colm” Classic recorded LIVE in 2019

The €100 Million Meeting - Telling ‘The Man on The Train’ Story - a “Coffee with Colm” Classic recorded LIVE in 2019

What if the next person you meet led to €100 million in sales? Would you be excited? Or nervous?This week's "Coffee with Colm" retells my famous "Man on the Train" story recorded live at an Amanda Delaney 'We Can and We Will Talk' Event in Dublin in 2019.The actual Man on the Train meeting took place twenty years ago, in 2003 and I didn't know it at the time, nor even in 2019, but that one single meeting has led to an eight-figure business, employing hundreds, with sales to date exceeding one hundred million euro - and we're only getting started!Great news, not-so-great news...The great news is, there is a Man on the Train moment with your name on it out there in the Universe.The not-so-great news is around what you must do to meet it.To find out what my €100m meeting was, and what you can do to give yourself the best opportunity to bump into yours, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for a few minutes in your preferred way…
Enjoy...

Apr 15, 202304:54
I Am Delighted To Have Just Turned 60! Here’s Why… – A Special Roundy Birthday Celebration Episode Over “Coffee with Colm”  

I Am Delighted To Have Just Turned 60! Here’s Why… – A Special Roundy Birthday Celebration Episode Over “Coffee with Colm”  

I Am Delighted To Have Just Turned 60! Here’s Why… – A Special Roundy Birthday Celebration Episode Over “Coffee with Colm”

 

 

Level 60! Woohoo. SO excited.

 

In this week’s once in a lifetime episode of “Coffee with Colm” I share why I am so excited about ageing.

 

In only 8 minutes I ruminate on some of the lessons I have learned and share my excitement as to what I believe is to come. Stuff like:

 

·       Levelling Up Vs Ageing

·       The Speed of Life

·       POYOOMF

·       HWRS

·       Winning The Week

·       One Percent Living

·       Four Over Seven

·       81 Patchwork Quilts

·       Setting One Hundred Year Goals

 

Seriously… Soooo excited!

To find out why I am so excited about turning 60, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for 8 minutes in your preferred way…

 

Enjoy...


Mar 22, 202307:57
What Happens When Your Parachute Fails? Mine Did. Here's What I Learned - a Coffee with Colm Classic

What Happens When Your Parachute Fails? Mine Did. Here's What I Learned - a Coffee with Colm Classic

Recently I had cause to revisit my 'Parachute Story', reflecting on what I learned when my parachute failed as I plummeted to earth at terminal velocity (no kidding!) which is c200kmh, having exited a perfectly good aircraft two miles above the earth by choice!


Apart from the tongue in cheek insight that skydiving as a sport is a missed sponsorship opportunity for one of the nappy brands, I gained some valuable life lessons which I will take with me to the grave (and nearly did!)To find out what I learned, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, take a seat, feet firmly panted on the ground, and think with me for 8 or 9 minutes in your preferred way…


Enjoy...

Mar 20, 202308:53
What Are Your 100 Year Goals? - a Coffee with Colm Classic Revisited
Mar 17, 202309:54
81 Patchwork Quilts in Honour of my Mother who passed Peacefully on Feb 20th 2023 at Age 84. RIP Mam - a "Coffee with Colm" Classic (like my Mam)

81 Patchwork Quilts in Honour of my Mother who passed Peacefully on Feb 20th 2023 at Age 84. RIP Mam - a "Coffee with Colm" Classic (like my Mam)

81 Patchwork Quilts in Honour of my Mother who passed Peacefully on Feb 20th 2023 at Age 84. RIP Mam - a "Coffee with Colm" Classic (like my Mam)

Doreen O'Brien (nee Stenson) was a beautiful woman in every sense. Being named Irish Press Bride of the Month in June1961 (her work colleagues in Brown Thomas on Grafton St nominated her - fist she heard about it was when the Press called her to say she'd won!) was only the beginning.

She married my dad, Tommy, and together they raised 5 of us.

One of my sisters said she grew up believing that Mams' never got cold, hungry or tired, because if any of us was cold, we'd get Mam's coat wrapped around us, if we were hungry, she'd share what was on her plate, and if we were tired, she's sit with us so we could sleep.

She was completely happy in herself; Mam said to Aideen, my wife, that she never met anyone on life that she would want to be. There aren't many of us who can make that claim in today's InstaWorld, I fear.

In her honour, I'm reposting my 81 Patchwork Quilts vlog this week and so I invite you to stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for 6 or 7 minutes in your preferred way…

#coffeewithcolm #hwrs #healthwealthrelationshipsspirit #poyoomf #onepercentliving #fouroverseven #wintheweekwinthewar #wigwamwisdom #60MPH #81patchworkquilts

Mar 01, 202307:30
The Three Important Business Lessons We Can Learn from The Humble Hedgehog – a “Coffee with Colm" Classic

The Three Important Business Lessons We Can Learn from The Humble Hedgehog – a “Coffee with Colm" Classic

The Three Important Business Lessons We Can Learn from The Humble Hedgehog – a “Coffee with Colm" Classic

What do Hedgehogs do best in the world? They do Hedgehog; they don't try to be anything else.

If you want better results with less stress in your business or career, then this "Coffee with Colm" Classic episode is for you.

To find out the Three Important Business Lessons We Can Learn from The Humble Hedgehog, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for 4 minutes in your preferred way…

#coffeewithcolm #hwrs #healthwealthrelationshipsspirit #poyoomf #onepercentliving #fouroverseven #wintheweekwinthewar #wigwamwisdom #60MPH #81patchworkquilts

Feb 17, 202304:16
How To Set Yourself Apart In Your Very Crowded Marketplace - A "Coffee with Colm" Classic originally recorded in 2017.

How To Set Yourself Apart In Your Very Crowded Marketplace - A "Coffee with Colm" Classic originally recorded in 2017.


What is your USP? Your Unique Selling Point? No, really, what is it? Do you have one? Or are you just like the business down the road, or that other one online?

If so, you’re banging your head against the wall and will most likely fail over time – probably by throwing in the towel rather than because of some catastrophic circumstance - you most likely will simply decide that all the hard work is not worth the mediocre results.

You will give up!

You can however set yourself apart, re-energize your business, can become one of the market leaders if you follow one very simple rule.

To find out what that rule is, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for 6 minutes in your preferred way…

Feb 04, 202305:60
POYOOMF - Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First in 2023 - a Coffee with Colm Favourite Revisited

POYOOMF - Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First in 2023 - a Coffee with Colm Favourite Revisited

POYOOMF - Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First in 2023 - a Coffee with Colm Favourite Revisited

That went fast! January.

I'm just back from a trip to Helsinki with Mrs. O'B and some really cool people and as we took off, we were reminded to POYOOMF - Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First in the case of emergency.

So I thought I'd revisit a 'Coffee with Colm Classic' from 2028 - POYOOMF.

Do you realize you have only 48 weeks left to achieve your goals for 2023?

One way to stay on top, is to practice POYOOMF - Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First each week.

Want to be healthier this time next year? POYOOMF around your diet and exercise habits.

Want to be wealthier this time next year? POYOOMF around your earning and spending habits.

Want to be happier this time next year? POYOOMF around your relationships.

Want to be more peaceful this time next year? POYOOMF around your personal habits.

Self-Care is Not Self-ish.

To get some ideas as to how you can practice POYOOMF, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for 5 minutes by watching the captioned video below...

Jan 28, 202305:42
NEW EPISODE – I Don’t Like Karaoke. Are You a Karaoke Coach (or Manager) With Nothing Original to Say? – This Week’s ‘Coffee with Colm’ Episode

NEW EPISODE – I Don’t Like Karaoke. Are You a Karaoke Coach (or Manager) With Nothing Original to Say? – This Week’s ‘Coffee with Colm’ Episode

I don’t like Karaoke; there, I’ve said it. To me it’s a bunch of wannabes trying to live somebody else’s best life – what a waste! Be original!

A trend I’m sensing in Coaching today (whether professionally, or as a manager coaching a team) is an exponential rise in the number of Karaoke Coaches – defined (by me) as those who have nothing original to contribute – those simply rehashing others’ work, others’ ideas.

Great Coaches are like Great Chefs – there are no new food ingredients out there, just creative ways of combining them to produce something magical! In the same way there is no (or very little) ground-breaking new coaching information out there, just creative ways of combining them to produce something magical!

Are you a Karaoke Coach or not? You decide. Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for five minutes by watching the short, captioned video...

Jan 17, 202306:17
NEW EPISODE - Wax On, Wax Off, Wax On, Wax Off - What We Can Learn from Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid Movie– This Week’s ‘Coffee with Colm’ Episode

NEW EPISODE - Wax On, Wax Off, Wax On, Wax Off - What We Can Learn from Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid Movie– This Week’s ‘Coffee with Colm’ Episode

Do you remember the movie, “The Karate Kid?” The original one was released in 1984 -just in case you weren’t feeling old! And do you remember Mr. Miyagi?

And do you remember Mr. Miyagi teaching the kid karate, by having him polish his car? Wax on, wax off, wax on, wax off? Do you? Remember?

Whether you remember or not, you can find out how you can benefit in 2023, from Mr. Miyagi’s sage advice, ‘wax on, wax off’, and to do so, simply stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for five minutes in your preferred way...

#coffeewithcolm #hwrs #healthwealthrelationshipsspirit #poyoomf #onepercentliving #fouroverseven #wintheweekwinthewar #wigwamwisdom #60MPH #81patchworkquilts

Jan 15, 202305:43
Why I'm Only Setting Four Goals in 2023

Why I'm Only Setting Four Goals in 2023

NEW EPISODE - Why I'm Only Setting Four Goals in 2023 – An all-new Coffee with Colm Episode

“Not another Goal Setting Video, Colm – give me a break!” I can hear some of you moan; ‘Hould yer whisht awhile… you see, I’m turning 60!’

Sixty! how did that happen? I’m absolutely fine about it too. I’ve come to believe that rather than ageing we are in fact levelling up in the Game of Life and therefore I am becoming more bad-ass with each level achieved! (also, I am embracing the universally accepted premise around the inverse relationship between levelling up and amount of f**ks given!)

Anyhow… Goal Setting still features even at 60. But they are fewer (like f**ks given) and more holistic.

To find out how you can set fewer - but bad-ass - goals in 2023 (and expend fewer f**ks to boot), stick on the kettle, grab a coffee and think with me for five minutes in your preferred way...

#hwrshour #coffeewithcolm #poyoomf #onepercentliving #fouroverseven #wintheweekwinthewar #wigwamwisdom #60MPH #81patchworkquilts

Jan 07, 202305:08
I'm Not Afraid Any More. Here's Why... - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

I'm Not Afraid Any More. Here's Why... - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

Who remembers Kevin (Macaulay Kulkin) in Home Alone? (btw it was released in 1990 - that is 32 years ago, just sayin'!) Many of us do.

Remember the scene where he's jumping up and down on his parents' bed shouting "I'm not afraid any more, I'm not afraid any more."? Well there are profound business and life lessons to be gleaned from that memorable cinematic moment; would you like to know what they are?

What if you weren't afraid any more as 2022 draws to a close and we creep towards the promising dawn of 2023, wouldn't that be nice?

To find out how you can be braver in 2023, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee and think with me (and Kevin) for four minutes in your preferred way...

#hwrshour #coffeewithcolm #poyoomf #onepercentliving #fouroverseven #wintheweekwinthewar #wigwamwisdom #60MPH #81patchworkquilts

Dec 17, 202204:13
'Do. Or Do Not. There Is No Try.' Words To Live By From The World's Favorite Jedi Master - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

'Do. Or Do Not. There Is No Try.' Words To Live By From The World's Favorite Jedi Master - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

I'm a Star Wars Fan, having seen the first movie in the cinema when it first came out, way back in 1977 as a fourteen year old, and then, along with the rest of the world, fell in love with the little green Jedi Master, Yoda, when he first graced cinema screens in 1980 in Star Wars sequel, The Empire Strikes Back.

There's a great scene where Luke Skywalker and Yoda, along with the adorable R2D2, are standing by the side of a swamp, and Skywalker is trying to use 'The Force' to retrieve their crashed spaceship out of the murky water. Skywalker is overwhelmed by the 'size' of the challenge, given that he had already proven that he can move stuff using 'The Force'. He basically says, 'it's all very well moving a few stones around, but this (a spaceship) is different, it's a much bigger deal' and so he'll try.

Yoda gently slaps him down with the immortal phrase, 'Do. Or Do Not. There Is No Try,' and reminds Luke that a few stones, a spaceship, there is no difference, it's only different in his mind.

What are you facing as 2022 comes to a close? What have you been trying to accomplish? Have you been trying instead of doing? What will you do in 2023?

In this week's 'Coffee with Colm' from the archives, I use Yoda's words to encourage you to reflect on where you are making excuses in your life, allowing yourself off the hook with, "At least, I tried." Can't you just hear Yoda with his condescending 'Hmmmm'.

So, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee and think with me and Yoda for four minutes in your preferred way...

Dec 11, 202203:59
Want To Know Why Me Ma Used Refer To Me As The Man With The Big Kidneys? Here's Why - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

Want To Know Why Me Ma Used Refer To Me As The Man With The Big Kidneys? Here's Why - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

“Here he comes - the man with the big kidneys.” said my mother. At first I thought she was talking about some poor unfortunate (or Telpis as they are often referred to in Limerick) and I was tempted to look behind to see who was following, and from what sort of disfiguration the poor soul was suffering? But she was talking to me about me! Her own son. Her eldest son at that!

Confused, I asked her what she meant and she explained that when she was growing up in Dublin, first in Rialto and then Coolock, the term big kidneys was used to describe someone who thought above his station, someone with big dreams. So instead of being offended, I chose to accept the compliment.

I am proud to be the man with the big kidneys. I always ask why can’t life be bigger, better, brighter today than it was yesterday? And bigger, better, brighter again tomorrow? No reason.

In this week's 'Coffee with Colm' from the archives, I encourage you to bigger thinking - not to be confused with working more, but working smarter, not harder, employing leverage, not just pure grunt.

So, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee and think with me for five minutes in your preferred way... who knows, we might form the Big Kidney Clun someday.

#hwrshour #coffeewithcolm #poyoomf #onepercentliving #fouroverseven #wintheweekwinthewar #wigwamwisdom #60MPH #81patchworkquilts

Nov 19, 202205:47
You Need To Be Open To New Ideas, But Beware Magpie Syndrome - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

You Need To Be Open To New Ideas, But Beware Magpie Syndrome - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

Ever get fed up when successive idea after idea fails to materialize into the business or career of your dreams? And at the same time you see other 'eejits' (we don't say it out loud, but that's what we're thinkin, right?) seemingly killing it? Well, do you? Be honest, no one's watching.

What if I said the problem could be you?

Ouch! "Hurtful." I hear some of you whimper.

The reason the 'eejits' appear to be killing it is... wait for it... 'perseverance!'

And the reason for every idea you've tried, and there have been many is because,... you've tried and when the going got tough, you simply switched to the next great idea. and tried that. I'm reminded of, "Do or Do Not, There is No Try - Yoda"

If you are going to succeed at anything, you must stick to something!

In this week's 'Coffee with Colm' from the archives, I encourage being open to new ideas, whilst simultaneously warning of the fatal (in business terms) disease known as Magpie Syndrome, flitting from one bright and shiny idea to the next, and never committing fully to any.

You know the score, stick on the kettle, grab a coffee and think with me for four minutes in your preferred way... (no distractions mind - you can focus for four minutes, surely!)

#hwrshour #coffeewithcolm #poyoomf #onepercentliving #fouroverseven #wintheweekwinthewar #wigwamwisdom #60MPH #81patchworkquilts

Nov 12, 202203:60
‘Leverage’ - The Reason Why Michael O’Leary and Sir Richard Branson Get Paid Whether They Go To The Office Or Not - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

‘Leverage’ - The Reason Why Michael O’Leary and Sir Richard Branson Get Paid Whether They Go To The Office Or Not - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

‘Leverage’ - The Reason Why Michael O’Leary and Sir Richard Branson Get Paid Whether They Go To The Office Or Not - A Coffee with Colm Episode From The Archives.

I had the great pleasure of being interviewed by Nicola Connolly Byrne during the week, for her Soul Chats Podcast Series. We could have chatted for hours! Nic and I grew up in the same area, five minutes (and given she’s only a young one, fifteen years) apart. We’ve both gone off on our own paths of discovery since and contribute in our own unique ways.

The chat was fascinating, not least because Nicola allowed it go wherever it needed to go and at one point I found myself talking about Robert Kiyosaki’s book, ‘The Cashflow Quadrant’, which is the most influential book I’ve read to date in terms of my business decision making.

In it Kiyosaki talks about the four players in the world of business,

· Employee

· Self-employed or Small Business

· Big Business Owner

· Investors

·

Two of these quadrants employ ‘leverage’ and two do not.

Which one(s) do you operate from?

Nov 06, 202205:25
Thumbs Up To The Problems In Life – How To Stay Focused On Your Goals – A ‘Coffee with Colm’ Episode from the Archives

Thumbs Up To The Problems In Life – How To Stay Focused On Your Goals – A ‘Coffee with Colm’ Episode from the Archives

Thumbs Up To The Problems In Life - How To Stay Focused On Your Goals

Can you see your future in 2020 vision? Do problems and obstacles knock you off course too easily and too often? If so, welcome to the club I USED to be a member of, until I discovered the power of giving a thumbs up to the problems life throws my way.

In this Coffee with Colm episode, I used the familiar term '2020 Vision' however I used it in respect to asking you do you have a 2020 Vision for your life as a whole? But because it was originally recorded back in 2017 (when my hair was darker!) I thought I would point it to a specific date in the year 2020 - and that specific date was YOUR Birthday. Clever, huh? I thought so, until I went to repurpose it in 2022!

So, shamelessly ignoring that it is out of date, I offer it to you again (because it's very good in fairness) and I ask you to consider your birthday in 2025 as you watch, listen and/or work through the visioning process outlined.

These eight short minutes could save you years in the achievement of your goals and realization of your dreams, so I invite you to stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for a few minutes in your preferred way...

Enjoy.

#hwrshour #coffeewithcolm #poyoomf #onepercentliving #fouroverseven #wintheweekwinthewar #wigwamwisdom #sixtyMPH

Oct 15, 202207:58
The Three Things You Must Have To Build A Sustainable Business Part 3, Wonderful People - A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

The Three Things You Must Have To Build A Sustainable Business Part 3, Wonderful People - A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

This is the final part in this trilogy, or mini-series if you will on How to Build a Sustainable Business.

Have you ever noticed, a three-legged stool never wobbles? Never. It's not possible. Doesn't matter what the ground under it is like, it will always sit steady - not necessarily level, but steady; we can learn a business lesson from that.

Your business, and ours can benefit by us focusing on three things, legs if you will, Brand, Systems, and People,

We looked at Brand and Systems over the last few weeks, today, let's discuss the third and final leg, People.

As always, I invite you to stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for a few minutes in your preferred way...

Sep 30, 202206:12
The Three Things You Must Have To Build A Sustainable Business Part 2, Great Systems - A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

The Three Things You Must Have To Build A Sustainable Business Part 2, Great Systems - A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

A three-legged stool never wobbles, ever. It's not possible. Doesn't matter what the ground under it is like, it will always sit steady - not necessarily level, but steady. We can learn a business lesson  from that.

Your business, and ours can benefit by us focusing on three things, legs if you will, Brand, Systems, and People,

The first leg is Brand - we looked at that last week. Today, let's discuss the second leg, Systems.

As always, I invite you to stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for a few minutes in your preferred way...

Enjoy.

Sep 24, 202204:60
The Three Things You Must Have To Build A Sustainable Business Part 1 - A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

The Three Things You Must Have To Build A Sustainable Business Part 1 - A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

The Three Things You Must Have To Build A Sustainable Business Part 1 - A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

As Carambola commences its twentieth year of business with an annual turnover of €10m, I am happy to share what we learned about building a sustainable business - by considering the humble three-legged stool.

A three-legged stool never wobbles, ever. It's not possible. Doesn't matter what the ground under it is like, it will always sit steady - not necessarily level, but steady.

Your business, and ours can benefit by us focusing on three things, legs if you will, Brand, Systems, and People, and over the next three weeks, I will discuss each in detail.

The first leg is Brand.

Per usual, I invite you to stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for a few minutes in your preferred way...

Enjoy.

Sep 17, 202206:21
Most People Do Not Want What You Have To Sell. Here's How To Turn That Fact Into A Positive - A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Most People Do Not Want What You Have To Sell. Here's How To Turn That Fact Into A Positive - A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Most People Do Not Want What You Have To Sell. Here's How To Turn That Fact Into A Positive - A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

None of us likes to hear the word 'NO'. Yet, it can be the most liberating word in the English language looked at it in a certain way.

He, she, or they who collects the most nos wins, simple as that.

Everything is a numbers game; sales, succeeding at building a business, searching for the right employee, business or life partner, inventing something, - indeed in response to a question about his missteps, Thomas Edison, the inventor of the electric lightbulb, once said, “I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.”

Everything is a numbers game, so if you are not progressing, you are simply failing too slowly. If you want to make more sales, collect more nos more quickly, simple.

I invite you to stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for a few minutes in your preferred way...

Enjoy.

Sep 10, 202204:15
Having Problems is a Fact of Life. Deal with it! Here's How...

Having Problems is a Fact of Life. Deal with it! Here's How...

Having Problems is a Fact of Life. Deal with it! Here's How...

Sep 04, 202204:27
How To Break Free From The Gravity Of Bad Habits… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

How To Break Free From The Gravity Of Bad Habits… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

How To Break Free From The Gravity Of Bad Habits…  A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Aug 27, 202205:45
What To Do When A Key Player Leaves Your Organization… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

What To Do When A Key Player Leaves Your Organization… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

What To Do When A Key Player Leaves Your Organization… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Aug 20, 202204:54
Is That Your Own Milk, Madam?" How NOT To Do Customer Care. Then... How To Knock It Out Of The Park!

Is That Your Own Milk, Madam?" How NOT To Do Customer Care. Then... How To Knock It Out Of The Park!

Is That Your Own Milk, Madam?" How NOT To Do Customer Care Then... How To Knock It Out Of The Park!

Aug 13, 202205:60
Why Your Business (or career) Can Never Outgrow You, And What You Can Do About It… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Why Your Business (or career) Can Never Outgrow You, And What You Can Do About It… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Someone once said, if you won a million in the lottery, you'd better become a millionaire real quick, or you'll lose it and for a while that confused me. I used think if you won a million, you'd be a millionaire, and technically that may be true in the moment, but the reality is, if you don't have a millionaire mindset, and millionaire habits, you won't remain millionaire for long. Same goes for business (or career). Unless you grow personally, and develop the habits required (by the universe) for a larger business or loftier heights on the corporate ladder, it cannot happen, and if it does by some quirk of fate, it won't last!

So, if you want more, if you want a larger business, or simply your own business, or you want the CEO chair in your company, then you must do the work - the internal work - first and then your business or job will grow to meet you, never the other way around.

In this week's reprise of an earlier 'Coffee with Colm', I explain what I did, indeed what my dad did, to put us in the way of more opportunity.

As ever, I invite you to stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for a few minutes in your preferred way...

Enjoy.

Aug 06, 202205:58
Have You Fired Any Clients Recently? Why Not?… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Have You Fired Any Clients Recently? Why Not?… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Originally recorded back in 2017, this week's 'Coffee with Colm' from the archives refers to two particular clients that were clearly annoying me - truth be told I now can't even recall who they were! But I fired them.

Now, clients are hard enough to come by, without us firing them because they annoy us, I hear some say, and while that may be true at times, we have to ask the question, 'are they worth it?' and I don't just mean in monetary terms - time, after all, is the one truly irreplaceable resource for you and me.

If working with someone is stressing you out, and you are handing over one hour of your precious, precious time to them, you'd be better off perhaps sitting overlooking water with a nice coffee in hand (one of my favorite pastimes) than having your beautiful spirit vexed as you hurtle at the Speed of Life - which is 60MPH (Minutes Per Hour) by the way - towards the inevitable!

You can always replace a client, you can never get that hour back #fireaclienttoday :-)

As ever, I invite you to stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for a few minutes in your preferred way...

Jul 31, 202206:12
Networking ~ Still The Most Powerful Way To Do Business… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Networking ~ Still The Most Powerful Way To Do Business… A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

I met some people in 3D for the first time this week!

Some, I've known for years but only from the shoulders up, and up until this week, only through a video screen.

But this week, I had the privilege of attending All Ireland Business Foundation's Munster Entrepreneurs Meet-Up and Summer BBQ. It was wonderful and congratulations are due to Elaine, Kapil, Ciaran, Briga et al for creating something special through AIBF.

Nothing meaningful or sustainable happens without networking - it's about knowing, liking, and trusting someone you want to do business with - and how else are you going to do that effectively, other than networking?

Anyway, fresh from the joy of meeting friends, old and new, and making connections, I found this video in my archive, which (despite being recorded pre-covid) is as relevant today as when it was first recorded in 2016.

As ever, I invite you to stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for a few minutes in your preferred way...

Jul 23, 202206:15
Being An Optimist Could Be The Death Of You - Here's Why … A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

Being An Optimist Could Be The Death Of You - Here's Why … A 'Coffee with Colm' Episode from the Archives

I used to be an optimist. These days I'm optimistic. Subtle difference, but different nonetheless.

Years ago, I stumbled across a story about an American POW (Prisoner of War), Admiral James Stockdale, who managed to survive more than seven years in the most horrendous conditions in the prison camps in Hanoi, North Vietnam, where he was taken when his fighter plane was shot down.

How he survived - as well as why many didn't - intrigued me and I've been living by 'The Stockdale Paradox' ever since.

To hear about The Stockdale Paradox, I invite you to stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, and think with me for a few minutes in your preferred way...

Ps. Admiral Stockdale was in prison for seven years; you can benefit from what he learned in just 4 minutes here - not bad.

Jul 17, 202204:13