Welcome back to my monthly reflections 🎉

This newsletter has three purposes:

A dedicated time for me to reflect on and draw meaning out of the last month ✏️.
An entry for conversation – if anything of what I write awakens something in you, I encourage you to reply 🙋‍♂️.
An insight into my thoughts regarding the topics I write about 💭.

If a person you know would benefit from what I write about, forward this newsletter to them! At the bottom, they'll find a link in case they want to subscribe, too.

In this very email, I write about essentialising vs. simplifying, having the conversation, running a marathon, Courney Dauwaters (best ultrarunner worldwide) lack of a training plan, being on stage and the last episodes of More Life.

I hope you enjoy!

Essentialise

In the podcast interview with Giles Hutchins (will come out on 9-Aug), he mentioned the idea of not simplifying but essentialising. The difference is that simplifying does not first ponder what's most essential, most core to what one is doing.

For example, I could simplify my podcast in many different ways: automate more, streamline how I work, etc. When I ask myself what's most essential about More Life, it's obvious: the conversations that I have.

If I essentialised my podcast, it would be a recorded conversation. Nothing more nothing less. No intro, no outro, no description or show notes. Just the conversation, that's what's most essential.

Regarding this example, I want to have a bit of the non-essential surrounding my podcast but it helps me keep in mind what's actually most important: having good conversations.

I've actually brought this concept to many of the startups I currently work with at the European Innovation Academy, which brings me to my next point...

Having the Conversation

Many startup accelerators do not have life and leadership coaches. Generally, these "soft" topics fly below the level of awareness. It's not that accelerators don't know they aren't important but they assume leadership is what founders come with or that it can be grouped with other disciplines such as strategy.

The one thing that stands out to me is that many of the founders at the European Innovation Academy are aware of, for example, team dynamics that are off or communication that doesn't work. But then, they don't do anything with that awareness.

They don't have the conversation.

Awareness is good but only the beginning.

Admittedly, it's not easy to have such conversations, especially not for the first time. That's where I step in and support.

Most issues in a team can be resolved by conversation. Sometimes, it requires a 1-on-1 conversation, other times it's better to involve the whole team.

The better the emotional intelligence of everyone involved but especially the CEO, the easier it is to navigate these challenges.

A couple of years ago, I gave a workshop at the BLUES accelerator and the most impactful exercise was to prompt the teams to have conversations about the elephant in the room. Simple but powerful.

So, I want to ask you: is there any topic that is important but that you haven't addressed yet in your life?

And then the follow-up: when could you address it?

If you'd like some support with this, I'm happy to have a conversation about it. Just let me know what the topic is.

Finished a Marathon!

On my way of running 80km, I crossed the milestone of running about half of that: a marathon (~42km). I felt bad after what was possibly a heat stroke in early July and didn't train for 1.5 weeks. Then, I decided to move the marathon one week closer.

And with that, on the 23rd of July, I ran alongside the Douro river and the Atlantic ocean to complete the challenge of the month!

The first 29km were relatively easy but after the improvised aid station, things got tough. I was in a lot of pain and decided to do a combination of speed walking and running to get to the finish line.

Mentally, it didn't feel that difficult actually. I train myself to be blank and that helps. Doubts creep up but I don't let them fester, I tell them "thanks, I've noticed and I made my decision already'.

I was hoping to have some other runners join me but unfortunately, all three candidates cancelled in the end, so I had to face the challenge by myself. Not something unfamiliar but I would've wished it different... maybe next time!

Running Without a Plan?

I watched an interview of Courney Dauwater, considered to be the best ultrarunner of the world. She shared that her training plan was to go out and run when she feels like it and do the kind of workout she feels like. Which supplements does the take? None.

That deeply impacted me because her plan is based on enjoying herself. Sure, she pushes through the challenges of 400km+ races and faces doubts but still, it's done with lightness and fun.

I previously shared how I run to challenge myself but now I also want to add a stronger enjoyment component. I like running trails because it connects me with nature. I don't run for time so it's ok to stop and admire or take a picture.

I also like how her approach to running can be extrapolated to life in general. Here's the best athlete in ultrarunning and she doesn't have a plan, goes with the flow and does what she likes doing. And that is how she got to be the best!

Sure, not the only way to be on top of the list but it certainly worked for her. How would your life be if you'd approach it like this?

Being on Stage

One of my yearly resolutions professionally was to be on stage more. I've actually already accomplished the number I wrote down for myself, thanks to the European Innovation Academy and the Global Entrepreneurship Education Summit.

My friend Felipe told me after I was on stage for the EIA that I just upped the level of having fun on stage. I first was a bit confused but then recognised he was right: I enjoy being on stage. And apparently others notice that, too.

You know what's my secret? I am myself. I don't pretend. I just show up fully, authentically, vulnerably and passionately myself.

If I forget what I wanted to say, I say that. If I receive a question from the audience that I don't know how to answer, it doesn't affect my confidence. I'm not there to deliver knowledge, I'm there to be myself. At least that's what I tell myself.

Pictures taken by Beatriz Ramires for the European Innovation Academy

In July, I had the honour to share my views and insights on team building, cultural differences, mental health, and the future of education. Are more stages to come this year? At least one at Startup Olé on the 3rd of September.

More Life Slowdown

July was a bit slower for More Life as I had a lot going on. I missed one week but still published the below episodes. I also already interviewed Giles Hutchins and Carol Sanford whose episodes will come out next.

Do you have any topics that you'd like me to address?

Any potential guests you'd like to recommend?

Let me know by replying to this email!

Thanks a lot, let's do this together!

Made it!

And that's my reflection for July!

There are two things I'd like you to consider:

Reflect on my reflections. I'd be happy to receive a reply from you.
Forward this newsletter to a person you think would appreciate it.

Until next month,

Jorim

Hi! I'm Jorim.

Focus on What's Essential