Inclusive companies are 1.7 times more likely to be innovation leaders in their industry.
You’ve done it all.
You hire external consultants, pay your employees fairly, offer respectable benefits, invest in learning and development, encourage new ideas and support your employees well being.
You think you’ve done it all, but have you?
“The friction which results from ignorance … can be reduced only by the spread of knowledge and the unification of the heterogeneous elements of humanity. No effort could be better spent.” – Nikola Tesla
Diversity brings change. Change is the catalyst for innovation.
How do you view conflict? Do you view it positively or negatively?
On the one hand, too much conflict causes negative disruption. On the other hand, a healthy amount of conflict promotes conversation, discussion and evolution.
If all members of your team think exactly the same way, come from the same backgrounds and uphold the same ideals, then your organisation is likely to become stagnant.
There are two sides to the diversity and inclusion conversation: the human side and the business side.
From a human perspective, diversity and inclusion promotes employee growth, employee happiness, organisational culture and employee retention.
From a business perspective, diversity and inclusion supports financial gains, higher returns on investment, employee performance and corporate reputation.
Where do you start?
Here are some steps you can begin implementing to improve diversity and inclusion in your organisation:
1. Review your hiring process
Does your hiring process support diversity and inclusion? Look at your job postings and evaluate the language you use to ensure it’s inclusive. Discuss the hiring process with your hiring managers to ensure they’re confident to apply appropriate and inclusive hiring methods.
2. Analyse your work policies
Do your work policies include, support and empower all members of your organisation? What are your organisation’s current diversity and inclusion policies? You may find it necessary to update policies regarding working from home, flexible working or hiring policies.
3. Assess your organisational culture
Organisational culture includes everything in your organisation, including your policies, your employees and your norms. Organisational culture is a complex structure and can pose a challenge to analyse. You may identify norms that exist within your organisation that are harmful to diversity and inclusion.
If you want to achieve ultimate success in your organisation, diversity and inclusion is a critical piece of the puzzle.
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Pendulum Rewind: Robin Sharma on Regret, Distraction, and the Power of Purposeful Leadership
🔁 Revisiting a Standout Moment from Pendulum 2018 At Pendulum Summit 2018, Robin Sharma stepped onto the stage not to impress, but to provoke reflection. He began not with a strategy or success story, but with a poem once taped to his family fridge: “Spring has passed, summer has gone, and winter is here. And the song I meant to sing remains unsung, for I have spent my days stringing and unstringing my instrument.” This was no ordinary opening. It was a warning: don’t spend your life preparing instead of living. The central message of his keynote, similar to many others who have shared their message from the Pendulum stage was that success without presence is empty, and leadership without purpose is noise. 1. The Age of Dramatic Distraction Sharma painted a vivid picture of the modern professional’s daily reality: “We are addicted to distraction. We are addicted to technology. We are addicted to applause.” He cautioned that even the most talented leaders and performers are being pulled into a vortex of shallow focus, checking inboxes, chasing likes, and mistaking busyness for effectiveness. “We are distracted every 11 minutes, and it takes us 20 minutes to refocus.” That claim is more than anecdotal. A UC Irvine study confirms that it takes over 23 minutes to fully regain focus after an interruption. Add to that the growing pressure to multitask, and it’s clear: we’re paying for distraction with depth. Robin didn’t just present this as a personal failing. He called it a systemic leadership issue. When executives can’t concentrate, they don’t just lose productivity, they lose clarity. And without clarity, purpose fades. “If you want to do your greatest work, you need solitude. You need stillness.” 2. Efficiency Is Not the Goal In a world that often celebrates hustle as virtue, Robin challenged the audience to reconsider what they were actually working toward. He warned against the seductive trap of being busy but aimless, asking: Are you filling your days, or fulfilling your purpose? “The job of a leader is not to be busy, it’s to be valuable,” he told the audience, setting the tone for what became a central theme of his talk: intention over motion. Referencing Peter Drucker, he reminded us that “there is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done.” Too many professionals, he suggested, are executing at full tilt without ever asking whether their efforts are meaningful. “You can be world-class at being busy… and still not get a single important thing done.” That insight is echoed by the data. According to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace, only 23% of employees feel engaged at work. The remaining majority are active but disconnected. Productive, but not purposeful. Robin’s call was clear: stop equating efficiency with effectiveness. Leadership isn’t about speed, it’s about steering. And without a clear direction, even your most productive days can lead nowhere. 3. Leadership as Humanity, Not Hierarchy As he shifted into the emotional core of his talk, Robin posed a striking question to the audience: “How many of you want to learn how to be a better human being?” What followed wasn’t a tactic. It was a philosophy. He spoke about leaders who lift others not with authority, but with attention. Leaders who prioritise emotional intelligence over ego. And who understand that their job is not to be the hero, but to build heroes. 🎥 Watch the clip: https://pendulumsummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/robin-sharma-newsletter-for-linkedin.mp4 This message is echoed in recent research: a 2021 study published in Harvard Business Review found that leaders who model vulnerability, coach rather than command, and seek feedback significantly outperform their peers in team engagement and resilience, especially in times of uncertainty. As Robin put it: “If you’re not building your people, you’re not leading. You’re following.” 💬 Final Thought: Tune the Instrument Robin Sharma’s Pendulum keynote didn’t offer hacks or hacksaws. It offered a moment to stop. To think. To question whether we’ve spent too long “stringing and unstringing the instrument” instead of playing the song our life was meant to sing. He reminded us that the currency of real leadership is not productivity, it’s purpose, clarity, and character. The leaders who change lives are the ones who return, again and again, to what truly matters. 🎟️ Want to reconnect with your own purpose and learn from the world’s most transformational speakers? Join us at Pendulum Summit 2026 for two days of mindset, mastery, and movement. Looking Ahead to Pendulum 2026 If this year’s event is anything to go by, Pendulum Summit 2026 is set to raise the bar yet again. The early buzz suggests another powerhouse line-up and even more tailored leadership content. Tickets are already in demand, with early-bird packages available now for teams looking to secure their place at the world’s leading business and self-empowerment summit. Visit here for more information.
Feedback Loops: How Great Leaders Build Cultures That Grow
Feedback Is Fuel, Only If You Know How to Use It In high-pressure environments, feedback often becomes a performance tool used to correct, evaluate, or drive urgency. But the best leaders see it differently. They use feedback not just to manage performance, but to build trust, develop self-awareness, and create cultures of growth. Reason being that high-performing teams aren’t built by telling people what they got wrong, they’re built by helping people understand how to get better. 1. Feedback Is a Relationship, Not a Transaction Many leaders treat feedback like a checklist item: give it, tick the box, move on. But truly effective feedback starts with context, care, and credibility. When people don’t trust the messenger, they won’t take the message on board. That’s why feedback culture begins long before a performance conversation. It starts with how safe people feel speaking up, asking questions, or admitting when they’re stuck. As one study from MIT Sloan Management Review found, teams with high feedback receptivity showed significantly better collaboration, innovation, and adaptability, especially in fast-changing environments. Furthermore, according to Google‘s Project Oxygen, one of the top behaviours of effective managers is the ability to coach and give timely, helpful feedback. It’s not just nice to have, it’s core to team performance. 2. Great Leaders Give Feedback That Feeds Forward While traditional feedback focuses on what went wrong, the most effective leaders focus on what’s next. They guide people toward growth by framing feedback around potential, not just performance. This “feed forward” approach makes feedback more actionable and future-oriented. This helps in turning it into a development tool, not a judgment. The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) found that forward-focused feedback leads to higher engagement, stronger initiative, and greater problem-solving within teams. It keeps people moving forward rather than stuck in what already happened. The message is clear: feedback shouldn’t just revisit the past. It should unlock the future. 3. They Make Feedback Normal, Not Formal Waiting for quarterly reviews to share insight is like waiting until the end of the race to tell someone they were running the wrong way. In high-trust teams, feedback is part of the rhythm, not a big event. It’s frequent, fast, and embedded in everyday interactions. A comment after a meeting, a Teams message of encouragement, or even a two-minute conversation that shifts perspective. The key isn’t quantity, it’s quality. And consistency builds confidence. 4. They Model It Before They Expect It The most powerful feedback doesn’t come from the top down, it’s mutual. The best leaders ask for feedback as often as they give it. They show that growth isn’t just for junior staff, it’s for everyone. And in doing so, they send the message: this is a team that gets better together. According to Harvard Business Review, employees who see their leaders request and act on feedback are more likely to report stronger team cohesion, higher job satisfaction, and greater openness to change. Feedback becomes less about evaluation, and more about evolution. 💬 Final Thought Feedback isn’t just a skill. It’s a culture. And when it’s done well, it unlocks growth that no strategy or system can match. Because the teams that improve fastest are the ones that talk to each other honestly and often. Looking Ahead to Pendulum 2026 If this year’s event is anything to go by, Pendulum Summit 2026 is set to raise the bar yet again. The early buzz suggests another powerhouse line-up and even more tailored leadership content. Tickets are already in demand, with early-bird packages available now for teams looking to secure their place at the world’s leading business and self-empowerment summit. Visit here for more information.
David Meade: Small Changes, Big Impact at Pendulum Summit 2025
When David Meade walked on stage at Pendulum Summit 2025, he wasted no time in energising the audience. With his trademark wit, engaging delivery, and razor-sharp insights, he delivered a keynote that was both deeply entertaining and highly practical for today’s business leaders. As an internationally renowned mentalist, academic, and advisor to global brands, David brought a fresh lens to one of the most overlooked drivers of success in any organisation — the power of decision making. The Underrated Force Behind Every High-Performing Team “Decisions are the oxygen of great teams, individuals, and organisations,” David declared early in his talk. It was a line that landed powerfully — not just because of its simplicity, but because of its truth. In a fast-paced world, businesses often obsess over strategy, innovation and execution — but the quality of those outcomes all stem from one core behaviour: decision making. David guided the audience through a thought-provoking exploration of what makes a decision truly great. Not just a good call in the moment, but one that holds up over time. He reminded attendees that in moments of change or disruption, how we think and decide becomes the defining factor in how we lead and perform. Behavioural Science Meets Real-World Leadership What makes David’s delivery stand out is how he seamlessly blends science with storytelling. Drawing on his academic background and years of consulting experience with Fortune 500 companies, he shared real-world examples of how small behavioural shifts can unlock extraordinary results. He tackled the behavioural biases that often derail decision making — from overthinking and inertia to the illusion of certainty — and offered simple, science-backed ways to overcome them. “People don’t need more information,” he said. “They need better frameworks for action.” By making the science of human behaviour accessible and actionable, David gave leaders tools they could take back to their teams immediately — not theoretical ideas, but practical insights that shift how people think, act and perform. Micro-Decisions, Macro Impact Another key theme that ran throughout David’s keynote was the idea of marginal gains — the concept that success isn’t about massive, overnight change, but the accumulation of consistent, small wins. “It’s not the big, sweeping decisions that shape high-performance cultures — it’s the hundreds of small choices made every day,” he explained. Whether it’s how leaders open meetings, respond to setbacks, or manage their energy and focus, those micro-moments influence culture, productivity and engagement more than any single grand strategy ever could. Creating Cultures That Thrive in Uncertainty With businesses across the globe facing ongoing disruption, economic headwinds and shifting workforce dynamics, David’s message was particularly relevant: leadership today is less about certainty and more about clarity. He challenged leaders to reduce complexity, eliminate decision fatigue, and design environments that make good decisions easier to make — and easier to stick to. “People don’t fail because they’re lazy,” he said. “They fail because the system around them isn’t designed for success.” His call to action was clear: if you want your team to think better, perform better, and feel more engaged, you need to build a culture where good decisions are the default — not the exception. Key Takeaways from David Meade’s Talk Decisions drive performance – Every action and outcome stems from a decision. Build better habits around how decisions are made and taken. Small changes create big results – Sustainable success comes from marginal gains, not monumental overhauls. Knowledge without application is useless – The gap between knowing and doing is where most organisations struggle. Reduce decision fatigue – Leaders should focus on clarity, simplicity, and helping teams prioritise what really matters. Culture is shaped by behaviour, not slogans – What people experience every day becomes your brand and culture. People thrive in systems designed for success – It’s not about pushing harder, but designing smarter. A Standout Talk That Left a Lasting Impression David Meade’s keynote was one of the most energising and insightful moments at Pendulum Summit 2025. Blending humour, science, and practical tools, he reminded us that high performance doesn’t require complex systems — it starts with better thinking and better choices. For business leaders, managers and aspiring entrepreneurs in the room, it was a timely reminder that the way we make decisions — and the systems we create to support them — are some of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future of our organisations. Looking Ahead to Pendulum 2026 If this year’s event is anything to go by, Pendulum Summit 2026 is set to raise the bar yet again. The early buzz suggests another powerhouse line-up and even more tailored leadership content. Tickets are already in demand, with early-bird packages available now for teams looking to secure their place at the world’s leading business and self-empowerment summit. Visit here for more information.
Nuala Moore: Fear, Fortitude and Finding Strength in Uncharted Waters
One of the most gripping and powerful moments at Pendulum Summit 2025 came from open-water swimmer and endurance athlete Nuala Moore, whose breathtaking story of survival, mental strength, and pushing past fear captivated every person in the room. Known globally for her record-breaking swims in some of the world’s most extreme and hostile environments, Nuala took the audience on a deeply personal and emotional journey — one that went far beyond the cold water — into the very core of human resilience and courage. Her message about facing fear head-on and mastering our internal narrative left a profound and lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to hear it. Into the Unknown: Swimming at the Edge of the World Nuala opened her keynote by transporting the audience to Cape Horn — the southernmost headland of South America, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans collide in one of the most dangerous stretches of water on Earth. This was the setting of her 2018 expedition, a solo swim from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, across the meridian of Cape Horn — a feat so extreme, few could even imagine it. Travelling 100 nautical miles to the starting point, through channels and islands, Nuala described how the ocean’s energy shifted — growing colder, darker, deeper. But it wasn’t just the physical challenge that stood out — it was the emotional and psychological demands of stepping into the unknown. “As I stood there ready to enter the water,” she said, “all I could think was — this is insane. I have to be home for work on Monday.” When Courage Becomes a Decision Nuala’s talk wasn’t simply about endurance — it was about decision-making under pressure. She spoke of the moment we all recognise: standing at the edge of something frightening, questioning whether we’re capable, and choosing to step forward anyway. “Sometimes we don’t fully realise what we’ve committed to until we’re standing in it,” she said. “And by then, there’s only one option — forward.” Her message was deeply relatable to leaders in the room. Whether launching a business, taking a risk, or navigating uncertainty, Nuala’s story reminded everyone that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s what you do in spite of it. Leading with Self-Belief, Grit and Vulnerability One of the most impactful parts of Nuala’s keynote was her honesty about vulnerability — not just physical, but emotional. She spoke about the isolation, the internal dialogue, and the moments of doubt that come even to the most seasoned professionals. Yet it was precisely this vulnerability, she explained, that fuels her strength. Because to perform at the edge of your limits, you must first understand your mind — and trust it. Her story became a metaphor for leadership in its truest form: not bravado or perfection, but deep, internal fortitude and the ability to stay composed in chaos. Lessons From the Water for Business and Life Though her story came from the sea, Nuala’s insights hit home for leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals across every sector. Her keynote highlighted the importance of adaptability, situational awareness, and resilience — not as traits reserved for adventurers, but as essential qualities for anyone navigating a world of rapid change. She reminded us that challenges will always come — but how we meet them is where true growth happens. https://vimeo.com/1065562506?share=copy Key Takeaways from Nuala Moore’s Talk Fear is not the enemy — it’s a compass – The presence of fear often signals where we grow next. Courage is a decision, not a feeling – You don’t need to feel brave to take brave action. Mental strength is built in discomfort – You discover what you’re capable of when you step outside your comfort zone. Vulnerability fuels resilience – Real strength comes from understanding your limits and still choosing to go forward. Leadership means staying calm in chaos – Whether in icy waters or in boardrooms, composure is a competitive advantage. Every challenge changes you – You don’t come out the same person who went in — and that’s where the magic lies. A Defining Moment at Pendulum Summit 2025 Nuala Moore didn’t just talk about resilience — she embodied it. Her presence on the Pendulum Summit stage was a masterclass in mindset, grit and unwavering belief in human potential. Her story reminded everyone in the room that while our oceans may differ, we all have our own cold waters to cross — and the courage to face them lives within us all. Looking Ahead to Pendulum 2026 If this year’s event is anything to go by, Pendulum Summit 2026 is set to raise the bar yet again. The early buzz suggests another powerhouse line-up and even more tailored leadership content. Tickets are already in demand, with early-bird packages available now for teams looking to secure their place at the world’s leading business and self-empowerment summit. Visit here for more information.
Andre Agassi: From World Number One to Living with Purpose
When tennis legend Andre Agassi appeared on stage at Pendulum Summit 2025, attendees expected stories of glory, Grand Slams and global fame. But what they experienced was something far more powerful — a deeply honest and moving conversation about identity, pressure, and what it really means to find purpose beyond success. From the very first moment, Agassi had the audience engaged — blending his trademark humour with striking vulnerability. What stood out most was his willingness to share not just the triumphs, but the inner turmoil that accompanied his journey to the top. The Man Behind the Medals Despite being one of the most recognisable athletes in history, Agassi quickly shattered the myth that fame equals fulfilment. With disarming openness, he admitted that he didn’t love the game that made him a global icon. “I hated tennis,” he said plainly. “It was never my choice — it was my father’s.” This wasn’t the confession of a disgruntled star, but a reflection from someone who had spent years trying to understand how external achievement could feel so empty when it didn’t come from within. Redefining Success Beyond the Spotlight Throughout the session, Agassi spoke about the contrast between public success and private struggle. He explored the pressure to perform, the weight of expectation, and the disconnect he often felt between who he was and who the world wanted him to be. With humility and clarity, he explained how it took years — and deep personal reflection — to separate his identity from his success. Only then could he begin to lead a life that felt authentic, meaningful and aligned with his own values. From the Court to Community Impact What made Agassi’s Pendulum Summit appearance so impactful was not just what he had achieved in sport, but what he’s gone on to achieve outside it. He spoke passionately about his work in education — particularly through the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy — and how it gave him a deeper sense of purpose than any trophy ever could. “My greatest wins have happened after I left tennis,” he said. “Helping others find opportunity, especially through education, is how I’ve truly measured success.” Vulnerability as a Strength in Leadership Agassi’s message resonated not just with sports fans, but with leaders, entrepreneurs and executives in the room — many of whom saw themselves reflected in his story. The relentless pursuit of success, the pressure to meet expectations, the questioning of purpose — these are not exclusive to elite athletes. His willingness to show vulnerability made a powerful point: in today’s world, real leadership is not about invincibility. It’s about truth, self-awareness, and finding the courage to grow beyond the metrics of performance. Key Takeaways from Andre Agassi’s Talk Success without purpose can feel empty – True fulfilment comes from doing what aligns with your values, not just your skills. Pressure can mask identity – It’s easy to lose yourself in external expectations. Rediscovering who you are is a leadership act in itself. Your past doesn’t define your future – You can reinvent, reframe and redirect your life, no matter where you started. Vulnerability is strength – Real impact comes from honest reflection, not just polished performance. Purpose-driven work matters most – Agassi’s post-tennis impact in education highlights the power of legacy beyond career titles. Achievement isn’t the end goal — contribution is – Leaders today must move from success-driven to significance-driven thinking. A Defining Moment at Pendulum Summit 2025 Andre Agassi’s keynote was more than a sports story — it was a human story. It was a rare glimpse into the mind of someone who reached the pinnacle of global success, only to discover that true fulfilment lies elsewhere. At Pendulum Summit 2025, he didn’t just inspire — he connected. And in doing so, he reminded every leader in the room that real greatness is not found in titles or trophies, but in how we choose to live, lead and give back. Looking Ahead to Pendulum 2026 If this year’s event is anything to go by, Pendulum Summit 2026 is set to raise the bar yet again. The early buzz suggests another powerhouse line-up and even more tailored leadership content. Tickets are already in demand, with early-bird packages available now for teams looking to secure their place at the world’s leading business and self-empowerment summit. Visit here for more information.
Mary Portas: Redefining Leadership with Heart, Humanity and Purpose
One of the most thought-provoking sessions at Pendulum Summit 2025 came from renowned business leader and changemaker Mary Portas, who took to the stage with an honest, grounded and inspiring talk on identity, values and the urgent need for more human-centred leadership in the business world. From the moment she began speaking, Mary struck a chord. She shared a deeply personal account of her upbringing, shaped by her Irish roots, a strong sense of community, and a belief that people, not profit, are the real drivers of meaningful success. From Identity to Impact: The Roots That Shape Leadership Reflecting on her early years, Mary spoke about her unique family background — a Belfast Protestant father, a Catholic mother from County Tyrone, and a household full of character, warmth and resilience. “I still say things like ‘a weak cup of tea’ — it never leaves you,” she laughed, capturing both the humour and heritage that have influenced her approach to life and leadership. This sense of identity and belonging, she explained, is what gives leaders their compass. It’s what grounds decisions, relationships, and the legacy we leave behind in business and beyond. The Shift from Transactional to Transformational Leadership At the heart of Mary’s talk was a clear message: the business world is changing — and the old models of transactional, profit-first leadership are no longer fit for purpose. “We need a new kind of leadership,” she said. “One that puts people, values and purpose at the centre of how we do business.” She urged leaders to step away from outdated thinking and embrace a more compassionate, inclusive, and emotionally intelligent way of leading — not just as a ‘nice to have’, but as a commercial necessity in today’s world. The Power of Human-Centred Business Mary outlined a bold vision for a future where business isn’t just about margins and KPIs, but meaning. A future where organisations thrive by focusing on the wellbeing of their people, the quality of their relationships, and the impact they have on society. She spoke about the rise of conscious consumerism, shifting employee expectations, and the need for companies to stand for something beyond profit. The businesses that will succeed, she said, are the ones that recognise the power of empathy, trust and shared purpose. “People don’t just want to buy from businesses anymore — they want to believe in them.” Authenticity, Courage and Leadership with Soul Throughout her talk, Mary shared insights from her own journey as a leader, entrepreneur and change agent. She reflected on the importance of staying true to your values, even when it’s uncomfortable, and of leading with integrity, even when it’s not the easy path. She encouraged leaders to have the courage to challenge norms, listen deeply, and build businesses that don’t just serve markets — but serve people. “The future belongs to those who bring their full humanity to work,” she said. “That’s where the real power lies.” Key Takeaways from Mary Portas’s Talk Human connection is the foundation of great leadership – Business is ultimately about people, relationships and trust. Your roots shape your values – Authentic leadership starts with understanding who you are and where you’ve come from. Purpose is no longer optional – The businesses that thrive will be those with values at their core. Compassionate leadership drives performance – People perform at their best when they feel seen, heard and valued. Courage is a leadership skill – Stand for something, challenge outdated thinking, and lead with soul. Culture is your true legacy – The way you lead becomes the way your people live and work. A Defining Moment at Pendulum Summit 2025 Mary Portas’s presence at Pendulum Summit 2025 served as a powerful reminder that leadership is evolving — and it’s no longer just about strategy or scale. It’s about soul. Her keynote cut through the noise with authenticity, wisdom and clarity, leaving attendees inspired to lead differently — not just for better business, but for a better world. Looking Ahead to Pendulum 2026 If this year’s event is anything to go by, Pendulum Summit 2026 is set to raise the bar yet again. The early buzz suggests another powerhouse line-up and even more tailored leadership content. Tickets are already in demand, with early-bird packages available now for teams looking to secure their place at the world’s leading business and self-empowerment summit. Visit here for more information.