Prospects

New Year's resolution. Playing on the theme '24, one of the resolutions was to lose 24 lbs. Early June I was 5.75lb UP not DOWN. So do I give up, seems easy to think 30+lbs is now unattainable. 15-month-old at home, a newborn on the way too many distractions at work. But I decided to stop using excuses and focus. So far 17.25 lbs in 8 weeks, leaves me with 12.5 lbs to go. I wrote a vision board with other targets, a promise to myself and I think writing it down as a visual for others to see will help. The Diet Bet you see at the bottom, was a family WhatsApp group set up which has helped me focus and hold me accountable. There was serious money on the line, and I'm nearly there... I don't have time for hours in the gym, or going to play football socially. Quick wins are walking more (With a pram currently), cooking fresh food (Prep for lunches) and drinking less alcohol (Kids don't allow me to be hungover anyway). Sorry for sharing, but selfishly I've thrown this out there because now I HAVE to hit the target, I am making myself accountable. Also, the moral of the story. Just because the year has not gone as planned. Doesn't mean you can't save it with hard work and determination. What intentions did you have? Can you resurrect them?

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Why an OFFER DECLINE isn't always so bad! In reality, it can be a very positive thing in the long run. Last week, a previous candidate of mine who rejected an offer 5 years ago, gave me a small gift for the arrival of our newborn. A very nice gesture, which got me thinking how have we got here? By the way, this is not the only ex-candidate rejection I've spoken to in the past week. They both happen to be clients of mine, we have a very good relationship. In the past 12 months, I can count 7 placements, that have been born from old candidates who rejected my client's offer years ago, but are now senior finance professionals and hiring managers. There are MANY recruiters out there, who the second they hear the dreaded rejection on a call, or via email, Panic, go hard on re-selling an offer they've already just rejected and hate on the candidate's other offer, use the cliche counter-offer language "you will regret this decision". 99% of the time they will not change their mind, but they try foolishly anyway. But this is not going to be beneficial in 5 years when that candidate remembers how you treated them. For me, I try to be diplomatic, weigh up all the pros and cons with the candidate and if the other offer is better, I genuinely wish them the best of luck. Lots of recruiters will never speak to that candidate again, they are annoyed about the rejection they hold it against them like a bad break-up. I get the psychology of it, but is it beneficial? I try to follow up with their career and keep in touch, some candidates will Ghost me because they feel some guilt in rejecting an offer. But most keep in touch and some become really good clients. The moral of the story is just to be sound with people and it generally comes back to you. Take a step back, breathe and have a chat like the person is your friend you are offering advice to, not a fee!

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I am looking forward to speaking at todays Law Society of Ireland Skillnet Ireland event in the Imperial Hotel in Cork. Hopefully the torrential rain won’t dampen spirits….

DANKE JURGEN - Yesterday was a very tough day. All weekend to be fair, even typing this brings back emotions. I know not everyone here is into sports, many won't even like football but Jurgen has managed to leave an indelible mark on a City and every single person he met like nobody I've seen before. I was born 8 miles from Anfield, worked there as a football steward, and even got to Istanbul in '05. I watched the '01 team win 5 cups in 5 months, I'd had some great times as a fan. But nothing even remotely compare to the last 9 years. I had to write a quick thank you to the man who for 9 years has given me the greatest nights and sporting memories that will last a lifetime, I will be able to tell my kids where I was when we won the Champions League, how we overturned a 3-0 semi-final against Messi's Barcelona and how after 30 years we finally won the league, the list is long... But regardless of the trophies, the epic nights, more importantly in some ways are the way he made you feel. The HOPE he gave you in adversity, that never give up mantra and the "mentality monsters" we became is so much more. Jurgen a German native arrived in Liverpool, a place where we are very skeptical of outsiders, politics, and people who think they have an entitlement, which especially includes the monarchy and wealth. What we do appreciate is people being "Sound" (normal) and humble, and buying into Scouse life and if they can take a joke, we are famous for our comedy. Jurgen instantly got us, called himself the normal one, made journalists laugh, and was just a funny guy, but those HUGS. People would pay good money for a hug from Jurgen, he just seems genuine, a dad to the players, he would hug the canteen staff, knew their names and kids' names. He was the most normal, humble person I've seen in any sport. So we have a great human, humble, funny, and many more words and adjectives but you get my point. We have a profound manager/leader. A Guy who promised us a big Trophy in 4 years and delivered on that promise. He turned doubters into believers and made average players great, and great players world-class. We were 2 games from the Quadruple, that HOPE is priceless. He brought a rock & roll football, the likes of which English football had never seen. ALL fans bar Utd loved watching Liverpool games, we became an overnight sensation to watch. He gave us back the PRIDE we had lost in the 90's. Lastly, Jurgen has left the club in a much better place than when he found it. Our stadium is 40% larger, we have a world-class training facility and a team ready to compete. This is LEADERSHIP! Jurgen left on his terms, 3 jobs in 20-odd years. Never fired, can you name many football managers in this Era to have never been fired? Some of the words that best describe Jurgen: Inspirational, Warm, Honest, Passionate, Funny, Articulate, Genuine, Humble, Scouser. Can you imagine working for someone like this? For Liverpool fans, it does mean more. Jurgen. YNWA.

Starbucks Shocking Results - Slowing demand and revenue decline (-4%). Their shares had their biggest 1-day decline in share price last week. Analysts expected an 8% Revenue increase so this was a shock. I am curious, are we all finding €5 too much for a coffee?

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