Doing some work on values? How about doing it for the human race?

When I ask people what really matters to them, they usually say family, friends, health, love, happiness. But when you look at how our society and cultures are set up and function, that’s not what it seems to be about.

We have ended up in a place where most people in decision making positions and positions of influence perceive ‘success’ as wealth, power and status. And what counts as ‘status’ is the big job title, the big house, the expensive car. Regardless of the consequences.

And where has that led us?

The challenge leaders face is immense. They need to be purposeful, resilient, energised, and values-led in the face of huge pressure and adversity. They need to create a powerful culture, enabling teams and organisations to innovate, grow and excel. And to create climates that are inclusive, ensuring everyone can bring their true and best self. And that’s before you even start to consider expectations around share price, sales figures, or profit margins. The days of good leadership being seen as knowing more than others, setting direction on their own, expecting people to do what they say and not what they do, and never under any circumstances admitting you’re wrong, are long gone. Thankfully. What we need now is openness, honesty, vulnerability. Real people. The willingness to speak out about what you truly believe in, what you don’t know, and to admit mistakes. Great leaders have a purpose beyond the balance sheet – as a person and a leader. And they share that. We need leaders who’s purposeful, values-based leadership, passion and positive energy infuse teams and organisations.

Positivity is a choice we can all make every day. Admittedly it takes focus and commitment, but nonetheless it can be simple and is impactful. This article brings that choice to life and shares two fail-safe tools to having a positive mindset.

Being my authentic self has always been important to me. It’s not always easy because the truth is sometimes people don’t like it. They might prefer you were more like them! But it’s a core part of who I am so I do it anyway. The more people who are their authentic selves, the richer all our lives are for it. The more people who are their authentic selves, the more that - rather than conformity - is the norm.

What does being authentic mean to you?

It’s easy to get caught in daily patterns that don’t serve us well. Not enough fun, joy, relaxation? Too much stress, busyness and pressure? Work-Life Symbiosis is about connecting with what’s deeply important to you and creating positive symbiotic connections between different parts of life and work to get more out of each because of the other. Dependent and mutually beneficial. It’s a model for happiness and balance, so you can lead a happier, healthier life, and do your best job, in whatever it is you choose to do.

There is a lot to celebrate about LGBT+ diversity, equality and inclusion. Never has it been such a prevalent topic in the boardroom, company-wide, and in the media. But we are certainly not there yet. We are still fighting for justice and equality all over the world, and it’s important to recognise the journey we’ve been on. Why am I so passionate? Because LGBT+ rights are fundamental basic human rights. And because I came out when I was 16, and I have plenty of my own experiences – both good and bad.

So, for those not familiar, here’s 10 key moments in UK LGBT+ history you should know about.