The cost of yes

Published: Thu, 06/26/25

Updated: Sun, 06/29/25

Ever said yes just to please?To avoid an awkward moment.To look good.To keep the peace.To not rock the boat (even when you’re the one bailing out…

64% of people still prefer a human. But that won’t last.

Published: Thu, 06/19/25

Updated: Thu, 06/19/25

A Gartner survey found that 64% of consumers would rather companies didn’t use AI for customer service. While that’s a clear majority, it also hints…

Reasons to Be Cheerful – Part 25

Published: Thu, 06/12/25

Updated: Mon, 06/16/25

🎶The juice of the carrotThe smile of the parrotHealth service glassesGigolos and brassesRound or skinny bottomsTake your mum to ParisLighting up the…

Your job is not to annoy me

Published: Thu, 06/05/25

Updated: Thu, 06/05/25

My wife smiled and said, ‘Your job today is not to annoy me.’ I smiled back and said, ‘Or, your job is not to be annoyed by me.’ We laughed (well I…

My last LIVE in How to Be Brilliant starts soon

Published: Sun, 06/01/25

Hi You clicked the button to say that you would like a reminder of my last live in How to Be Brilliant which takes place at 6 pm. Yes that's the 6pm…

Never ask for ‘Honest Feedback’

Published: Thu, 05/29/25

Updated: Sat, 05/31/25

Yes, you read that right. You should NEVER ask for honest feedback. Asking for honest feedback sounds magnanimous, but it’s a trap. ‘Why?’ you cry!…

The True Cost of ‘Thank You’

Published: Thu, 05/22/25

Updated: Thu, 05/22/25

Every day, 376 billion emails fly through the ether. If just 1% are the polite-but-pointless ‘Thank you’ replies, that’s 3.7 billion digital nods.. I…

The How to Be Brilliant Facebook Group Is Closing

Published: Sat, 05/17/25

Let’s Go Out on a High! After five amazing years, I’ve decided to close the How to Be Brilliant Facebook group. The last day will be June 1st. This…

You don’t like whisky?

Published: Thu, 05/15/25

Updated: Thu, 05/15/25

It’s not that you don’t like whisky… It’s World Whisky Day on Saturday. The first time I tasted a proper single malt whisky was at a Burns Night in…

Ten new words to add to your vocabulary

Published: Thu, 05/08/25

Updated: Thu, 05/08/25

Seven years ago, I wrote a newsletter where I made up five new words. It can be found (freshly transferred to my new website) here:I thought it might…