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“X factor noun / [singular] a special quality, especially one that is essential for success and is difficult to describe.”  Oxford Dictionary Our Shine X Factor Success series will help you to develop a wide range of strategic and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in today’s world.  

  • The Power of Referral Partnerships: How to Build Meaningful, Mutually Beneficial Relationships Growing a business isn’t just about closing individual deals—it’s about building long-term, trust-based relationships that open doors to new opportunities. One of the most effective and sustainable ways to achieve this is through strong referral partnerships. A well-nurtured network of referral partners can become your most valuable asset, helping you…
  • Likeability and Respect at Work: Why You Need Both to Succeed – Getting the Balance Right In the workplace, some people strive to be liked, while others focus on being respected. The truth is, to be truly effective in business, you need both. Being likedmakes collaboration smoother, builds strong relationships, and creates a positive work environment. Being respectedensures that people take you seriously, trust your expertise,…
  • Stepping Beyond the Shore: The Courage to Embrace New Horizons at Work "A ship in the harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." – John A. Shedd We all know that growth and success come from embracing change and stepping into the unknown. The biggest rewards come from the biggest challenges, beginning where certainty ends. Yet, pushing…
  • The Love Languages of Leadership: What our people want most from us (beyond the blah blah corporate speak) With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love is in the air—but what does love actually look like in leadership and the workplace? It’s not about heart-shaped chocolates or grand gestures. Instead, it’s about genuine connection, care, and the courage to show up authentically for the people we lead. The Neuroscience…
  • The Sales Manager’s Superpower: Power Hour Calling Programs If you’re a Sales Manager looking to spark momentum, boost proactive activity, and drive consistent results, there's one simple yet powerful strategy you can deploy: Power Hour Calling Programs. This isn’t just another sales initiative—it’s your superpower to overcome business challenges, build high-performing habits, and ignite a culture of accountability…
  • Finding Your Voice: How to Build Confidence, Speak Up, and Own Your Power The ability to speak up with confidence is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for career growth, leadership, and personal fulfilment. Yet, many professionals struggle with self-doubt, fear of judgement, or uncertainty about how to articulate their thoughts. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A study by the Harvard…
  • Creating High Impact Players – Beyond the Numbers in Banking & Finance Banks and financial institutions thrive on performance—but true, sustainable performance isn’t just about hitting targets. It’s about unlocking the full potential of your people. In my 30+ years within the Banking & Finance sector, I’ve seen many people come and go. Those who truly thrive—and create lasting impact—are the ones…
  • Productive Conflict: The Secret Weapon of High Performing Teams When we hear the word conflict, it often conjures up images of tension, discomfort, or disruption. But what if conflict, when approached the right way, could actually be a catalyst for growth, creativity, and trust? This is the power of productive conflict—an often overlooked but essential ingredient in building truly…
  • The Transformational Power of Lifelong Learning: Who We Become Through Growth Imagine if you remained exactly the same as you were five years ago—same skills, same mindset, same perspectives. Life would feel stagnant, opportunities would pass by, and growth would be replaced by complacency. Learning is one of the most powerful forces for transformation, shaping not only what we know but…
  • The Hunter’s Mindset: Winning New Business & Getting in the Door with Decision-Makers In sales, developing new business is an art and a science. It takes more than just making calls or sending emails—it requires precision, persistence, and performance. Being a hunterin sales means identifying the right opportunities, engaging decision-makers in a way that resonates, and confidently closing deals. But here’s the challenge:…