Darren Fleming

“Strategic Thinking” can sometimes be a vague topic. I try to consolidate it into 4 key dimensions of thinking: 1. Think “BIG” - Are you seeing the bigger picture and context of your business? 2. Think “FORWARD” - Are we aware of the trends happening in the next 5-10 years? 3. Think “WIDE” - Are we considering enough options to find the best solution? 4. Think “FOCUS” - Despite everything external, are we staying focus on our core strengths and values? It’s a special experience to make this an open class for the first time at Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) 香港總商會, where it is always interesting to learn about how different industries adopt different strategies. Thanks for all those who joined and I hope you found this an interesting networking opportunity as well! Strategic Thinking is about widening our scope, so we can see through the implications of our actions and plan accordingly. #strategicthinking #hkgcc

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I was telling everyone to simplify their speaking, I was wrong, we need to DRAMATICALLY simplify it! I've been analysing the popular TED Talks. THEY ALL USE GRADE 2! What grade are most conversations and talks? Grade 9-11. Reasons to use simple language: 1️⃣ Quicker to understand therefore faster to action 2️⃣ Complicated language takes more energy to process, increasing the chance of distraction 3️⃣ Complex language does not mean increased impact Simon Sinek, Jill Bolte-Taylor, Sir Ken Robinson et all, all had huge impact and all used Grade 2 language in their talks. As educators, they don't make mistakes when it comes to making a point. Here is why most people don't simplify their language: 1️⃣ It takes time and effort 2️⃣ It requires you to think about words your audience will use 3️⃣ You need to be hyper-clear on your message AND outcome (In my experience, only 3% can do this off the top of their heads) I can help anyone create a compelling narrative in 5 mins using 3 tools that connect and engage audiences. If there is enough interest, I'll do a session here on LinkedIn. (Edit: Given the huge response, here is where you can sign up https://lnkd.in/gb2HZk3a)

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Balanced Breathing: The Hidden Key to Mental & Physical Performance ( 4 mins video but this can serve you across life 🙏) Most of us don’t realize how strongly our breathing pattern impacts our brain and body. What happens when we breathe too fast (hyperventilation)? • Excess CO₂ is washed out from the blood. • Low CO₂ makes blood vessels constrict. • Result: reduced blood flow to the brain → dizziness, headaches, even fainting. 💡 The solution is simple: • Practice slow, calm, diaphragmatic breathing (through the nose, deep into the belly). • If you ever feel lightheaded, a short breath-hold helps restore CO₂ levels, relax the vessels, and normalize brain circulation. AOHMantra ✅ Bottom line: Balance in breathing = balance in life. Not too fast, not too shallow — just mindful, steady breathing. This ensures the brain gets proper oxygen, the body stays relaxed, and performance improves #Breathwork #MindfulBreathing #StressManagement #BrainHealth #ConsciousLiving #MentalWellbeing #WorkplaceWellness #PerformanceOptimization #ScienceOfBreathing #HealthAndProductivity

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Seven Habits for Sales Excellence: Inspired by Covey Sharing the stage with Dr Stephen Covey was an inspirational moment for me. His “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” reshaped how we think about performance, collaboration, and growth. His lesson was clear: success is about character, habits, and values. Inspired by that wisdom, I’ve adapted seven habits for the world of sales - practical behaviours that turn competence into excellence and trust into long-term results: 1️⃣ Own the Pipeline - Prospect daily and nurture relationships consistently. 2️⃣ Set Sales Vision - Begin with bold goals and clarity of purpose. 3️⃣ Put Impact First - Focus on high-value conversations, not admin noise. 4️⃣ Seek Mutual Benefit - Build win-win solutions rooted in authenticity. 5️⃣ Master Discovery - Listen deeply before pitching- understand their pain. 6️⃣ Win Bigger Together - Sales is a team sport - everyone is a sales person. 7️⃣ Be a Sponge - Learn from every client, colleague, and experience. Live these habits daily and you’ll transform not only your results but your reputation. 👉 Which of the seven habits do you rely on most in your sales journey? Follow Kevin Kelly for more tips on Sales, Motivation and Public Speaking.

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One of the hardest things to hold onto in any organisation is your sense of confidence, especially when power structures shift overnight. One of my clients, a senior leader, experienced this firsthand. She had just been promoted to Director and truly believed she had “arrived.” But right as she stepped into her new role, a new layer of Senior Directors was introduced. Suddenly, her decision-making power felt diluted, her growth felt questioned and her confidence started shaking. I have seen that happen with a lot of leaders I work with. But no matter how good you are, organisations will restructure. Layers will get added, and decisions will be taken that may not reflect your journey. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻? You don’t internalise it as a lack in you. You don’t assume you’ve fallen behind. Instead, you zoom out and ground yourself in this truth: 1/ These shifts are structural. Not personal. 2/ Your growth is still valid. 3/ Your value doesn’t need validation from a new title. Once my client worked through this, she realised something powerful: - Standing tall in the face of shifting power is the real leadership. - You don’t get shaken with process improvements, but get sharper. So, if you’re facing a similar shift, don’t fight the change. Learn to hold your ground and lead through it. ♻️ Save & share this with someone navigating a leadership transition right now.

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Do you sometimes wonder how to get noticed by senior leadership? 🤔 Doing your job well is important — but it’s not always enough. If you wish to grow into senior roles, you need to build a strategic leadership voice. It makes people see you as someone ready for bigger things. 🗣️ Now, that sounds heavy, doesn’t it? 😅 In simple words — you need to sound like a leader. Because what you say, How you say it, Where you say it, And to whom you say it… matters! Here are 3 simple practices (recommended by Harvard) to help you sound like a leader: 1️⃣ Think visionary – Widen your lens. Understand and try to connect your team’s work to the company’s bigger goals. 2️⃣ Build cross-functional relationships – Don’t just stay within your team. Reach out weekly to someone in another function, understand their challenges, and see how you can support. (Remember: your network is your “net worth.”) 3️⃣ Be solution-oriented – Don’t stop at raising problems. Bring possible solutions. Leaders remember problem-solvers. These small shifts in communication help you build trust — and earn credibility with senior leadership. 💫👔 What’s one thing you do to make your voice count with senior leaders? Let me know in the comments below. 💬

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