The Sincere Advisor: The Conversations We Must Have With Ourselves

As an advisor who coaches, solves problems and act as soundboard, my role has never been about titles, contracts, or transactions—it has always been about impact. I have had the pleasure of working with some great businesses and individuals, and over time, strong relationships are built. But unlike those who are deeply embedded within an organisation, I come in as an outsider—without baggage, internal politics, or bias.

My presence is simple: I am here to help.

I listen. I solve problems, nudge, challenge, and guide—but mostly, I listen more than I speak. (This is often the hardest part of my engagement, as the excitement sometimes makes me want to blurt out a response and dive in.)

And when you operate with sincerity, it shows—not just in words but in actions.

Sincerity Starts With an Internal Conversation

Before engaging with any client, I ask myself some difficult questions:

• Can I actually help?
• Do I have the knowledge and experience to solve this problem?
• Can I listen—truly listen—to what is needed?
• Can I coach and guide without forcing my own beliefs?

If I cannot honestly answer "yes", then I don’t engage. It’s that simple.

This is not about a fee or securing a long-term contract—it’s about being genuine in what I offer. The world is filled with people who will take on anything for the right price. But sincerity is about knowing your limits and being honest with yourself first, before being honest with others.

As a Muslim, I hold a fundamental belief that Rizq (provision) is already written—your wealth is not dependent on clients, contracts, or deals; it is determined by Allah alone.

The Prophet Muhammad ? said:

"No soul will die until it has received all of its provision and lived its full lifespan. So fear Allah and seek provision in a good way. Take what is lawful and leave what is unlawful." (Ibn Majah 2144, Sahih by Al-Albani)

?????????? ????????? ???? ??????????? ????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ???? ????????? ???? ????? ????????? ???? ????? ???????????? ???? ??????? ???? ?????? ???????? ????? ????? ??????? ??????? ? ??? ???? ???? ???? ? " ???????? ???????? ???????? ??????? ???????????? ??? ????????? ??????? ??????? ???? ??????? ?????? ???????????? ????????? ?????? ???????? ??????? ?????????? ??????? ???????????? ??? ????????? ?????? ??? ????? ???????? ??? ?????? " .

Sunan Ibn Majah 2144

Understanding that your wealth is more certain than death frees you from making money the object that makes the world go round. You no longer chase opportunities at the cost of integrity, nor compromise sincerity for the illusion of financial security.

Instead, you work with clarity, sincerity, and trust—knowing that what is written for you will reach you, and what is not meant for you was never yours to begin with.

The Rare but Inevitable Offers: Shares, Partnerships, and Staying Involved

One of the most interesting aspects of my work is how often clients offer more than what was originally agreed—shares, partnerships, positions, and contracts to stay involved in their business.

It usually happens when the impact has been significant—when a client has seen real change, real clarity, and real progress. In those moments, they don’t want to let go of the person who helped untangle the knots, see blind spots, and challenge their thinking.

But here is where sincerity is tested once again.

I’ve had to tell clients:

"You don’t need me like that."

Not every advisor needs to become a partner. Not every consultant needs to remain embedded in a company. My role was to solve a problem, to advise, to guide—and that has been fulfilled.

And yet, turning down such offers has often led to them insisting even more—because sincerity is rare, and when someone truly acts without personal gain, it is felt deeply.

But I know my limits. I know where I can contribute and where I cannot. I know when my presence adds value and when it becomes unnecessary.

And so, I move on—taking the experience, the knowledge, and the relationship with me to the next engagement.

Sincerity is a Discipline

Sincerity is not a one-time decision—it is an ongoing internal conversation.

It’s easy to convince yourself that taking more is justified. That staying involved is necessary. That adding another title is beneficial.

But sincerity is about aligning your intentions with your actions, even when no one is watching.

The Prophet Muhammad ? taught:

"Actions are judged by intentions." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1)

It’s a simple yet profound truth: Deeds are based on what is in the heart.

And so, sincerity in business, in advising, in life—it all comes back to the same principle:

• Be honest with yourself first.
• Only engage when you can truly help.
• Know when to walk away.
• Never stay for the sake of status, power, or comfort.

Because the value of your work is not in the contracts you sign, but in the impact you leave behind.

The Legacy of Sincerity

Over time, you become more than a single engagement. You become their confidant, friend, and trusted voice. The strongest relationships are not built on transactions but on trust, honesty, and knowing that your presence is based on value, not obligation.

And when I leave, I leave knowing that what was built was real, what was said was sincere, and what was done had impact.

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