Sometimes as leaders we face situations that feel overwhelming, whether it’s uncertainty, financial struggles, or the fear of letting others down. These challenges can take a toll on our mental and physical health, and even our confidence in moving forward.

But we can overcome these tough moments by staying focused, being resourceful, and never giving up.

In this episode, Caffe Nero founder Pablo Ettinger shares how he managed to navigate both personal risks and business challenges by maintaining a clear vision, leaning on the right people, and preparing with a plan B.

Letting fear or stress control us leads to poor decisions, burnout, or to us giving up on something that could have succeeded with just a little more effort or support. But there are small, deliberate actions we can take to move forward, and hopefully, someone close you can turn to for guidance.

Reasons to listen

• Discover practical strategies for handling high-stakes business situations while maintaining composure and making thoughtful decisions rather than reactive choices.
• Learn how successful entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty and financial challenges by leveraging support networks and maintaining a clear vision.
• Understand the importance of balancing personal wellbeing with business responsibilities when facing stressful leadership situations.

Highlights

• [00:02:02] Meeting Pablo
• [00:04:23] When things are out of your control
• [00:08:35] Never give up
• [00:10:00] To the edge of fear
• [00:12:53] There's always a way
• [00:16:46] Working with others
• [00:17:38] Taking the leap
• [00:27:30] Bringing music to Caffe Nero
• [00:30:40] Talent Banq
• [00:33:32] Bringing musicians to the mountain
• [00:37:08] What Fearless Forward means to Pablo
• [00:38:15] Takeaways from Sally-Anne

Resources

• Connect with Pablo via LinkedIn
• Talentbanq
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

When Osian was born after only 23 weeks, he had to fight through countless medical complications. For his mother, Georgina, it was an exhausting time filled with uncertainty, pushing her to her limits as a parent and caregiver.

Despite this, Georgina focused on creating a life filled with love, joy, and connection for Osian. She embraced her role with determination, learning complex medical care and ensuring her son felt loved and supported every single day.

Sadly, Osian’s short life ended in March 2023, but Georgina has kept his memory alive through Osian’s Fishes, a fundraising scheme to help hospitals acquire more cot soothers for babies spending weeks or months in hospital.

Reasons to listen

• Learn how to transform adversity into meaningful action by hearing how Georgina channeled personal tragedy into multiple projects that help others.
• Discover how to maintain strength and purpose while facing extreme uncertainty and emotional challenges.
• Understand how focusing on love and connection, even in the most difficult circumstances, can provide clarity and direction when navigating life's toughest moments.

Resources

• Osian’s Fishes fundraiser
• Osian’s Fishes Facebook page
• Connect with Georgina via LinkedIn

Failing to prepare and adapt can lead to dangerous situations, like getting lost in treacherous conditions. These outcomes can be life-threatening and make it difficult for us to reach safety.

Arno de Jong faced that when taking his friend on a winter hike in the Alps. They encountered more snow than Arno had expected, which posed a risk of avalanches and made navigation difficult.

In his conversation with Sally-Anne, Arno recounts his adventure, how he dealt with the fear and led his friend to safety, and what his encounter can teach others.

Reasons to listen

• Hear an inspiring story of partnership, decision-making, and overcoming fear in high-stakes situations.
• Discover how to effectively assess and adapt to unpredictable conditions in challenging environments.
• Learn about the importance of having contingency plans and being ready to adapt to changing circumstances.

Highlights

• [00:01:21] A simple winter hike
• [00:05:03] Breaking in to escape the cold
• [00:14:48] A steep and icy climb
• [00:25:35] Arno's risk assessment grid
• [00:29:11] Post-adventure analysis
• [00:33:00] What Arno learned
• [00:37:43] Mountains speak, wise men listen
• [00:40:35] What "fearless forward" means for Arno
• [00:44:24] What we’ve learned

Resources

• Connect with Arno via LinkedIn
• AlpAdventures
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn