The darkest hour is just before dawn…which also happens to be when the best ideas come. A tribute to reflection, growth and the power of stepping back

The eve of my Physics A-Level exam was a whirlwind of emotions. My friends, having completed their exams, were at the local pub, immersed in a friendly game of pool. As I wrestled with my notes, my mother offered me a piece of wisdom; she suggested that if I didn't understand it by now, perhaps it was too late. Instead, she proposed, stepping away might clear my head. With this advice, she encouraged me to join my friends and relax. So of course, I returned to my desk to stare blankly at my notes until it was time to toss and turn in bed for the night.

Fast forward nearly 30 years, and I still find myself grappling with the same tendency – to sit, stew, and stagnate. Yet, time and again, I've found that when I step away, the answer – or at least the beginnings of it – unfolds more effortlessly.

Stepping away from a problem without a concrete plan can be daunting. It's easy to convince ourselves that we don't have time for a break. But here's the truth – you'll never have time unless you make time.

This Friday marks AxiCom's fourth Brake Day, a unique opportunity for our global teams to set aside their daily workload and focus on personal growth. Whether it's career planning, training, volunteering, or a refreshing run in the crisp February air followed by a warm bath, the goal is simple: emerge from Brake Day with greater clarity and focus than you had before.

Brake Day is a tribute to Henry Brake, our former agency leader who passed away suddenly in early 2020. The number of times he'd return from a break, brimming with fresh ideas and perspectives, was a testament to the power of stepping away. Today, as I jog through Putney Heath and into Richmond Park, I find that I deeply understand what he and my mother always knew.

Einstein once said, "We cannot solve problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." In essence, we need fresh perspectives to find solutions.

So here we are, four years later, honouring Henry's legacy by emulating his most productive and freeing behaviours. It's truly an honour to offer every AxiCommer this time to reflect, grow, and recharge.

This powerful legacy means something to everyone, including all the new faces and new clients at AxiCom. It speaks to a rich history of authenticity and integrity – we’re proud of our roots, and we’re proud to carry our rich learnings from yesterday into our future.

In today’s volatile and turbulent world, people are seeking a human connection. We’ve seen a real shift towards teasing out the heritage in brands as a grounding value, suggesting we could all do with the space for this lesson; control what you can control, and give yourself some grace for the rest.

Come Monday, we'll return stronger than ever. At which point I recommend everyone adopts the brace position ready for the surge of energy, action and inspiration.