Chase the commercials, not the connections.

This is the biggest learning I (Karl) gained from 25+ years in FTSE100 retail and ecommerc start-ups.

Ever felt that Monday dread creeping in on Sunday night?

I’ve been there. Plenty of times.

Sometimes it’s the culture.

Maybe it’s a confidence thingMost of the time though - It’s just not knowing enough.

What I’ve learned after years in leadership…

You’ve got to stop the mind talk and create actions.Took me a long time to figure that one out.

My biggest advice if you’re feeling the Sunday sickness?

👉 "Go into Monday chasing the commercials, not the connections."

In all the noise of business today, leaders aren’t looking for who’s the most popular.

They’re looking for who makes a difference - adds the most value.

Sounds a bit harsh doesn’t it? But it’s true.

Whether you’re at home on Teams or back in the office, 9am is game day.You need to be match ready.

Chase the commercials. Understand the numbers. Figure out what actually drives the business forward, because when you do, you help the business and yourself. That drives confidence.

I’ve grown the most in roles where I’ve felt uncomfortable, the ones where I had to dig for the answers, fast.

I’m a far better leader now because of it. But I had my fair share of sick-feeling Sundays.

Worrying about looking daft, losing credibility or messing up. It happens.

So, to pay it forward…

👉 If you’re just starting out, go find the person who owns the boardroom metrics. Learn how to influence them. Learn from them, go upskill yourself.

👉 If you’re already leading, go book a 1-1 with the finance lead, not just your direct reports. Get closer to the numbers.

If you don’t know what’s causing the Sunday sickness?Learn more. Build your confidence. Create actions.

Connections matter. But real respect comes from the value you bring, not from keeping everybody happy.

Lead with value, by example, pay it forward.