Issue #4 Living by Your Core Values

Building meaningful human connections is at the heart of everything I do. I continue sharing my thoughts through this newsletter to deepen that connection between us and add value to our shared journey. I hope these reflections resonate with you as much as they do with me.

In case we haven’t met—I'm Utkarsh Narang, Founder of IgnitedNeurons, a learning facilitator, executive coach, and Courage catalyst. I love creating experiences that help managers grow into impactful leaders. Living in Melbourne, Australia, I work with clients globally, helping them tap into their potential.

The newsletter has four sections: A Big Idea, A Question for You, BrainWave for the Fortnight, and A Lesson from a Book I Finished.

Big Idea: Living by Your Core Values

If there’s one thing that keeps me grounded through the highs and lows of life, it’s my commitment to my 5 Core Values: Discipline, Excellence, Growth, Freedom, and Love. These values aren’t just words on paper; they’re my guiding light when life gets messy, and things feel overwhelming.

1. Discipline: As someone who juggles multiple roles—coach, leader, husband, and father—discipline is my backbone. It shows up in small, everyday choices: waking up early for meditation, staying consistent with my fitness routine, and giving my full attention to every client call. Discipline, for me, isn’t about rigid rules but about showing up, especially when it’s tough.
2. Excellence: Excellence is something I strive for, but I’ve learned not to confuse it with perfection. It’s about putting in the effort to do my best—whether it’s creating a leadership program, parenting my two boys, or something as simple as crafting this newsletter. I aim to create value in everything I do, knowing that each moment is an opportunity to grow.
3. Growth: One thing I’ve realized is that I’m happiest when I’m learning. Growth for me isn’t just about hitting milestones; it’s about remaining curious, embracing challenges, and constantly evolving as a person. Whether it’s reading new books, engaging in deep conversations, or just being open to feedback, I’m always looking for ways to become a better version of myself.
4. Freedom: This value hits close to home for me. Freedom is the ability to choose how I live my life, to be authentic, and to create space for myself and others to thrive. Whether it’s giving my boys the freedom to express themselves or carving out time for my passions, I believe freedom allows me to be alive!
5. Love: This is the heartbeat of my life. Love fuels everything—from how I show up for my clients, to how I connect with my family, to how I face the world. It reminds me to be kind, to listen deeply, and to lead with empathy.

These values help me stay true to myself, especially when the road gets rough. They remind me what really matters, and they guide me in every decision I make—both big and small. Living by them hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve found that when I align with my values, I feel a sense of peace and purpose that carries me through anything.

“Strive not to be of success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein

A Question for You

What core values guide your life and work, and how do they show up in your day-to-day decisions?

BrainWave

When you live by your values, you create a life that’s truly yours—not one dictated by others' expectations.

Lesson from a Book

I recently finished Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead, and it couldn’t have hit closer to home. One of the key takeaways was her emphasis on the importance of leading with clear, operationalized values. She talks about how knowing and practising your values is what allows you to lead with integrity and courage. For me, this was a great reminder of the power of being grounded in your values, especially when navigating difficult situations.

As I reflect on this, I’m reminded of how important it is to not only define our values but to live them out every single day. It’s something I strive to do—whether in my coaching practice, as a leader, or in my role as a father.

I help individuals, teams and organisations live with courage. If you want me to support you, let’s schedule a call.