33 Insights from the Duet Voices: Issue 15

This Duet Journal newsletter contains select snippets from what 33 of the Duet Voices (leaders in wellness, coaching, and careers) have posted on LinkedIn this week.

A concentrated dose of inspiration.

There might be something in there that changes your day.

Before we get into the insights,

Would you like to know how anonymous journaling can benefit your business?

How you can help yourself and your colleagues (present, past, and future)...

My fave five

We live in a world built on narratives that were never really ours. These stories shape our sense of “shoulds”—how we’re meant to be, what’s “acceptable,” what isn’t. They’re embedded, ingrained, passed down from generation to generation and system to system. We all crave belonging, whether it’s in our workplaces, friendships, families, communities or the cultures we hold close. But in that pursuit of fitting in, how often do we quietly give up pieces of who we are? Sacrificing our true desires, our unique spark. And the more we deny what fuels us, the more we suffer in silence, disconnected from the life energy that feeds joy, fulfilment, and love. But I can’t shut off where my life energy takes me anymore. That voice in my gut, the one I once ignored for too long, is louder than ever. It’s bigger than the protective voice in my head that kept me “safe,” even when safety meant standing still. Because here’s the thing: there’s more magic in you than you might see. And the world changes when we start changing within. Dipti Shah

“If only Heaven will give me just another ten years … Just another five more years, then I could become a real painter.” - Hokusai. These were Hokusai’s words on his deathbed, reflecting a mindset shared by the most dedicated professionals I know: Mastery isn’t a destination - it’s a journey. When we approach our goals, our teams, or even entire companies with this perspective, we unlock the potential for continual, resilient growth. Transformation is never “done”; it’s a commitment to improvement, every day. Paul Littlejohn

The Power of Words. Maybe the most powerful thing in the world. Words can make or break you and has a huge impact in all areas of your life. I still remember the negative words over the years in my mind. As a sensitive soul I held them to be true. Over the years my words have impacted many people, and I now know that some of the choice words I used unconsciously stuck with people. Words can be: Careless, ignorant, thoughtful, transformative. But they should always be intentional. You have the right to speak about yourself, your life, and your future how you want to. And you should exercise that right daily. Mind your words because they: Become thoughts, inspire actions, spark emotions, influence behaviours. Be very careful and intentional with the words you say to others and about yourself. Narinder Sheena

Wobbles… We all have them. We doubt ourselves. We get in our own head about it. We worry about where the money is going to come into our business from. We tell ourselves that we aren’t doing well ‘enough’. We wonder when the success that everyone else seems to be happening, will happen for us… And wonder if we are kidding ourselves. And the kicker is - if you look at where you actually are now, you once would have killed to be here. We get it. And whilst you might feel lonely AF (and exhausted AF from making it look like you’ve got your shit together to the rest the world)… The truth is that most of us feel this way along the journey. It will pass. Look how far you’ve come. Remember why you started. You’ve got this. Ok? Dr Donna Elliott

If you’re feeling stuck. It’s probably because of this: You’re waiting for that 100% certainty. You’re waiting for the clarity before you make your move. But here’s the thing: Clarity doesn’t only come from trying to figure it out. It also comes from taking the action. It’s in action that you’ll discover things you would never discover by trying to figure it out. Yes, maybe you’re scared the wrong decision will make you miserable. But you’re already miserable because of your indecision. So, take the step… even if it’s messy, imperfect or uncertain. Learn from it. Adjust. Try again. You can stand still, hoping for a sign. Or you can move forward and create the clarity you’re looking for. Alex ?stergaard

Know when perfection matters - and when it doesn't. Here’s 5 strategies to maintain high standards without burning out: 1.) Define 'good enough’ Set clear parameters for what quality work looks like in your role. Write them down. 2.) Calculate your return. Measure time invested against actual impact. Will an extra hour truly improve outcomes? 3.) Build resilience through acceptance. Notice when perfectionism creeps in. Pause. Ask: "Is this serving my goals?" 4.) Embrace Wabi Sabi. Learn lessons from mistakes. They are the way we learn best. 5.) Take intentional action. Pick one task today where 'good enough' can be your standard. Jill Avey

During my trip to Oman, I was constantly reminded of how powerful it is to simply be present. Whether it was watching the sunset over the desert dunes or savouring local delicacies. It’s so easy to get swept up in the rush of daily life -- I couldn’t help but feel immense gratitude for the beauty of Oman and the kindness of the people. Gratitude shifts our mindset from scarcity to abundance, which is key to staying motivated and inspired. -- Oman’s serene landscapes reminded me of the importance of slowing down and living by the rhythm of nature. Traveling across the country in a 4x4 with a rooftop tent, I learned to embrace a slower pace, allowing myself to fully experience my surroundings. One of the most valuable parts of my trip was the opportunity to disconnect from digital distractions. I had the space to reset. Wellbeing isn’t a single moment; it is a journey. Paola Elena Brignoli

Old is not an insult. Isn't it funny that we aren't offended when someone calls us young, yet being called old seems to have negative connotations. When the reality is, being either is just a chronological fact. All that changes is the perception society has put on one title versus the other. Ageing is celebrated in fine wines, in antiques, in stunning period properties. And yet the media and beauty industries shame humans for getting older. For staying alive. Getting older is not shameful or embarrassing. It's something to celebrate! I couldn't actually be more pro ageing. And I'm reflecting that by living as full a life as I can every single day! Cheers to my 51-year-old strong, healthy body - and every line and wrinkle I've earned from being alive! Rhoda Cameron

Right now, I know my season is about to shift. I’m in a great rhythm with everything hitting the gym, spending time with my daughter, Pearl, seeing friends and growing my business. I feel like I’m spending the right amount of time on everything (because I decide I am). But the reality is, things are about to blow up. My new baby boy is due any day now. Priorities will change, sleep will take a hit, and my wife and I will both take on single-parenting mode at times. The season will change, and I will change with it. I’ll adjust my priorities, set new Gold Standards for myself, and create a new Peak Week that suits this season of life. Blunt-forcing my way through won’t work—and I wouldn’t want it to. But now, with systems in place, it’s easier than ever for me to adjust. Steve Cardwell

If you are struggling to find the right opportunity, try this: Change what you are saying to yourself. Because thoughts become things. If you believe it isn't going to work out for you then guess what? It won't! It's like physically closing your eyes to new opportunities (which are actually everywhere by the way!) So why not try something new? How about saying to yourself "What if I can?" "What if it's possible?" Just keep asking those questions and be curious about what might happen. Keep your eyes open and you may just start seeing things you never noticed before. Opportunities might just start coming your way. Elaine Champion

“I don’t know what I’m doing here—and everyone assumes I do.” Believe it or not many senior leaders I coach feel this way. Impostor syndrome is common, especially when you’re stretching yourself. Here are three quick ways to re-centre in high-stakes moments: 1.) Focus on who you are, not what you do: Imagine your long-term impact. How would you distil it into three words? 2.) Use a micro-affirmation: Take 10 seconds to remind yourself why you’re the right person for this. 3.) Let go of what doesn’t matter: List what feels urgent, identify what’s important, and let go of the rest. When you believe in yourself, others feel it too. Rosie Dalling

I’d be a millionaire if I was given a pound every time I was told this… “I can’t meditate.” The truth is - there are many different ways to meditate. Mindfulness is a type of meditation. Staring into space is a type of meditation. Observing a flower is a type of mediation. Listening to the birds singing is a type of meditation. All mental fitness techniques are a type of meditation. ?Your body and mind already know how to do it. You just need to do it. Allow yourself to do it. It’s simple but not necessarily easy to make it a practice. Like any new habit….it takes consistency and discipline. But the benefits are so worth it. Penny Delve ??♀?

Who you decide to become in your business is the needle-mover. Not hacks, or tricks or fads. It boils down to the solid foundations you decide to build. To start to build a deep and lasting belief in who you are choosing to become. It’s not about perfection either. It’s commitment to you. To know that you can not only heal all the old stories you’ve carried around, but to also hold space for yourself emotionally, set healthy boundaries and build a business you love. Following your heart. Making a difference in other people’s lives. Making a massive difference in your own life at well. To create mental space, impact and learn to lean into the journey feeling excited and lit up. Sophie Fraser

This one’s for the women who sometimes… Feel alone, bear too much, say “yes” too often, carry others expectations, are the go to everyone looks up to. Sometimes - ha - try all the time! It’s exhausting, overwhelming isn’t it? Maybe you don’t feel ready to speak up, ready to confide and actually let the barriers down. But, you need a break. Now maybe a one-way trip to Bora Bora isn’t on the cards so I’ve got the next best thing for you – Date yourself. Whether that’s a local cafe, a swanky restaurant, a cinema, whatever you choose. It’s about being comfortable in your own company and putting you first. So, get ready, book the time and go date yourself. Notifications off, do not disturb, this is your time. Because it gets easier when you start. I bet you’ll start to enjoy those pockets of peace. Laura Joy

?Many of us grow up being told that being agreeable and always saying yes is a good thing. We're taught that going along with others and putting ourselves second are positive traits. But honestly, trying to please everyone - your team, your boss - can be counterproductive. If you're always trying to make others happy, you might end up feeling unsatisfied and never reaching your goals. It's easy to get caught in a cycle. Chasing perfection and approval might seem like the way to succeed, but it often leads to burnout and feeling stuck. There is a common pattern: individuals stepping into their first managerial role, those beginning a new job aiming to "make a good impression," and managers taking over an "old team." Renata Junkova

Shifting my focus from seeking confidence to cultivating self-belief transformed me. 1.) Recognise that confidence is situational. I found myself confident in some areas and not in others, leading to frustration. Understanding that confidence can vary helped me see that it’s not fixed. 2.) Shift focus from external validation. I relied too much on others’ opinions to feel good about myself. Learning to trust my own judgment and value my thoughts made a significant difference in my self-belief. 3.) Practice self-compassion. I used to be harsh on myself for mistakes, which eroded my self-belief. By treating myself with kindness and understanding, I started to believe in my potential. 4.) Set small, achievable goals. I began to set and accomplish small goals, which built a sense of accomplishment. Each success reinforced my belief in my abilities. 5. Surround myself with positive influences. I realised that the people around me greatly impacted my self-belief. I made a conscious effort to connect with those who uplifted and encouraged me. Beth Hocking

William Bridges' Transition Model identifies the three stages an individual experiences during change: 1.) Ending What Currently Is. 2.) The Neutral Zone. 3.) The New Beginning. It's a helpful reminder as we transition in recognising that before New Beginnings, there has to be an Ending What Currently Is. So, if you're trying to move forward in your career and feeling stuck: What do you need to let go of? (Ending What Currently Is). What planning can you do for your next phase? (The Neutral Zone). What excites and compels you to move forward? (The New Beginning). Gemma Hogan - Coach / NLP Master Practitioner

Why do we burn the candle at both ends? Of course, it’s often because there’s just too much to do. But sometimes, there’s more to it than just workload. We might be pushing ourselves hard because we have a need for approval, a fear of not being enough, or simply avoiding uncomfortable feelings. This might work in the short term, but over time it will take its toll. We lose energy, focus, and even enjoyment in our work. Instead of achieving more, we risk burning out and becoming less effective. The key to success isn’t to keep pushing non-stop but to find a rhythm that allows for both hard work and recovery. ?This way, we avoid burnout, stay engaged, and ultimately perform better in the long run. Setting healthy boundaries doesn’t slow us down; it actually fuels sustainable achievement. Remember, the candle won’t last if it’s burning at both ends. Marc Hogan MSc, EMCC SP

Here are five communication-based steps to help you start taking initiative: 1.) Ask clarifying questions – Don’t wait for all the answers to come to you. Seek clarity on expectations, goals, and challenges so you can move forward confidently. 2.) Share your ideas early – Bring your thoughts to the table and ask for feedback. Communicating your ideas shows others you’re engaged and ready to act. 3.) Offer help where it’s needed – Take the initiative to step in when you see a gap or an opportunity to assist. Even a small offer of help can make a big impact. 4.) Follow up on next steps – Keep momentum by checking in and confirming what’s needed next. Your follow-through shows commitment and keeps projects moving. 5.) Come prepared - don't put more work on your leaders' plate by asking them to think about how your idea could work. Show them why it will work instead. Kendra J.

In 2018/2019 I had the privilege of joining the leadership faculty of Homeward Bound projects in Antarctica's surreal and stunning landscape. This experience changed my perspective and actions, deepening my awareness of the impact if we do not act by changing our behaviours. It was more than a lightbulb moment. Here’s what I realised: You do not have to be a scientist to advocate or lead with sustainability in mind. You do not have to be a politician to advocate for climate policies. We can all practice self-leadership, educate ourselves on the issues through credible sources, and bring our voices to the table. This is a together we will make a difference thing. Not a leave it up to the scientists they will solve it for us thing. What changes are you willing to make? Pollyanna Lenkic (She/Her)

Comms professionals be like “I hate self-promotion”. I get it. You spend your working life using your voice and influence to speak for other people - for your clients and your leadership teams. You're not meant to be the story. It feels counter-intuitive to put yourself in the spotlight. I want you to write with the reader in mind. Like you do at work. Think of LinkedIn the same way as your communications channels at work: to inform, engage, entertain and inspire. Pay it forward. What do you imagine your ideal reader wants you to write about? If you don't know, ask your network. Most likely they want to understand what problems you solve, and how you solve them. With a dash of personality. Vicki Marinker ACC

A word that has been in my consciousness all year is ‘transition.’ It keeps popping up in different places and I think is apt to describe where every organisation, country and individual in the world is right now. Every organisational client I have worked with this year is grappling with their own transitions or changes. Old ways and structures of working, leading and managing aren’t effective anymore and we haven’t yet created new ones. Transition is the central phase in a process. A shifting from one state to another. Being fully open with every possibility on the table. All is possible. No one knows how and when the process will end. You just have to breathe through and go with it. Make sure you are supported and trust. Go with the flow. Amy McKeown

We need men in this fight. But are we making it too hard for them to join? As women, we often call for men to speak up about inequities in the workplace and beyond. But here’s the problem: when some men do speak out, they face backlash - not just from other men but from women too. They’re labelled as performative or accused of trying to centre themselves in the conversation. Or worse, being publicly shamed for not being “perfect” in how they are trying… ?And so, what happens? They stay quiet. Sitting comfortably on their throne of privilege, they watch from the sidelines rather than engaging in the fight. This silence helps no one. It maintains the status quo, leaving us women to carry the burden of advocating for change. What we truly need are allies who aren’t afraid to call out injustice and stand with us, even when it’s uncomfortable. Michelle Minnikin

Trip did a two-year hybrid work experiment. When they split 1,600 employees into two groups — one fully in-office and the other hybrid (3 days in, 2 days remote) there was zero difference in productivity. At least with this employer, the data do not support the belief that a hybrid model dampens productivity. But guess what else this A/B test produced? There was also no difference in performance, learning, innovation However, the hybrid model did some things for the company. It boosted employee satisfaction and lowered attrition. They saw a 35% drop in employee quit rates in the hybrid group. Guess which group quit less because of the hybrid opportunity? Women. Shelley Piedmont

Ever tried supporting someone only to be met with pushback? It’s frustrating, and often feels like a breakdown in leadership. But here’s the thing — resistance doesn’t occur as “resistance” to us. It feels like a justified, rational perspective on how the world is. When we can see our own resistance and hold it with compassion, we’re better equipped to lead others through theirs. Instead of labelling people as “uncoachable” or “lazy,” we start viewing their resistance as part of their growth. Someone’s resistance stops being something that is wrong and needing to be fixed — instead, it becomes something you learn to welcome and work with. Adam Quiney

A stranger on the tube winked at me. You see, all I did was smile at him as he was getting up from his seat to get off at the next station. It was a reminder to me of our shared humanity. Of the felt sense of being part of a global collective. Separate but connected. Another meaning of the word mindfulness, heartfulness. When will you take the opportunity to also connect with others? It doesn't have to be much. A smile, a firm handshake, a hug. Even taking the time to just acknowledge others. This is what makes the world tick over, above and beyond everything else. Scott Robinson

You can't do it all. But you can hold space for it all and see what happens. Not everything is all or nothing (most things aren't). Not everything is now or never (most things aren't). Not everything is succeed or fail (most things aren't). When you stop placing invisible assumptions and barriers around what's allowed and available to you, what you can and can't do and when it all has to happen - possibility opens up. Possibilities that help you find more space. Find a way. And allow the way to find you. What if it was ok just to hold that space and put one foot in front of the other, without having to have all the answers right now? Abi Rogers

What if the secret to career success lies beyond just your technical abilities? For job seekers and leaders, soft skills are non-negotiable for achieving future success. In today's job market, hard skills are crucial for getting hired and performing tasks, but it's a misconception to think they're the only requirements. Employers increasingly value soft skills—like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence—as critical components of success. These interpersonal skills enhance collaboration and drive innovation, creating a more positive workplace culture. The real strength lies in combining hard and soft skills, which helps individuals adapt, lead, and excel. Rosalinde Rosado

Jobseekers - was last week one you'd rather forget? One of searching, struggling and striving - with seemingly few results? Customizing your resume to apply for a job you are excited about? You've got this! Lining up your "happiest ending" career stories for your next interview? You've got this! Summoning the courage to ask someone new for time to discuss their career path and recent organization over coffee? You've got this! Calling colleagues and leaders you used to work with to line up your references? You've got this! Remember - every application, every interview, and every setback is a step forward. Michelle Schafer

I've waited for this, felt it in dreams - to stand here, finally, breathing this air drenched in ions, waking up to the steady embrace of mama nature, her arms wide open around me, closer to the Creator. This sea view, this place - I cannot get enough, reminding me that I am here, that I belong, at least for now, in this patch of world that found its way to me. We followed breadcrumbs of synchronicity, chance, all those tiny miracles aligning like stars to lead us here. I plant my heart here, call this land home for now. I wish this could be forever, yet life, ever shifting, has other plans, I know - taking me from place to place, like tides carrying driftwood. Still, I choose letting roots stretch down, even if they’ll one day pull free. Hedi Shah ??

When I feel overwhelmed, I become avoidant. We don’t want to be downers, do we? People have enough problems of their own, we tell ourselves. In Braving the Wilderness, Brene Brown tells the story of a group of women washing clothes and talking by the river. This daily ritual created a space for them to connect and support each other – a “village” in the purest sense. Then washing machines appeared and shortly after there was a rise in depression among the women. No one could understand why. Of course, it wasn’t the washing machines themselves causing the depression but the fact that the women had stopped gathering by the river. This past year has been one of the hardest in my life so far, but I am fortunate to have found my village. People who see me. Believe me. Value me. Cristina Tiberian

According to the Men’s Health Forum, 190,000 men a year in the UK report stress, depression or anxiety that is caused or exacerbated by work. Studies show that men are?less likely than women?to seek help for mental health issues, especially in professional environments. In fact, only 36% of psychological therapy referrals?in the UK are for men. Men are often conditioned to avoid appearing vulnerable, resulting in chronic stress and unspoken struggles. One solution? Research shows that?breathwork can lower cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, and?reduce anxiety by up to 44%. It has also been shown to improve focus, clarity, and emotional resilience in high-pressure environments, making it especially relevant to men dealing with workplace stress. Lisa Winn

Are you successful at work but worrying that nobody else looks like or is like you? Does this stop you from sharing your views, your thoughts or contributing to projects? Have you ever passed up the chance to make a high-stakes presentation because you thought nobody else in the room would look like you? If you feel that you don’t belong where you are (whatever the reason may be: gender, age, disability, race, etc), then it's really important that you speak up! Your being unique makes your contribution not just interesting or valuable but indispensable. Claim your seat at the table. Karine Zbinden, Ph.D.

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Having been an HR Ghostwriter for a decade until 2023, I am now encouraging people to find their voices rather than lend them mine.

Thoughts make more sense when you take the time to write them down.

When you share your journal (anonymously) with another person, it has more impact.

All the best, Parzival11