Say Yes! Then Commit & Figure it Out

I recently watched an interview with Formula 1 mechanic Calum Nicholas on the High Performance Podcast that sparked something in me. He spoke about his journey into F1, sharing a simple yet profound piece of advice: "Say yes and figure it out." Those words resonated deeply, mirroring my own journey and the lessons I've gathered along the way.

A Mindset Shift: From Hesitation to Action

I've always been eager to prove myself and take on new challenges, so have never hesitated to grab opportunities, but these have always been within certain self-imposed constraints. Think of it as saying "yes" but only to things I felt comfortable with, things I had done before, but in a limited capacity. For example, I might have done multiple stock-flow analyses for individual products or articles to help with determining ideal product locations in a warehouse, but never done that on its own. I would say yes to that, because it builds on top of a current skillset.

My relationship with saying "yes" has evolved significantly over the years. Looking back, I can pinpoint the exact moment the true mental shift began. I worked at a scaling company, fresh from a corporate background where my role had been clearly defined. The CEO approached me to lead the development of an in-house ERP and WMS system—something I'd worked with extensively but had never built from scratch.

I still remember that visceral reaction: the immediate tightening in my chest, the flood of doubts. My corporate experience had taught me to stay within well-defined boundaries and embrace expertise in specific areas. The thought of stepping beyond that was uncomfortable, to say the least.

"I appreciate the opportunity," I told him, "but I've never actually developed a system like this before." The words came out automatically, a protective reflex born from years of specialisation.

But something interesting happened in that conversation. The CEO didn't accept my initial hesitation. Instead, he helped me see something I hadn't considered—that my understanding of ERPs and having been involved with launching WMSs from an operational perspective, combined with my process-driven approach, might actually be exactly what the project needed.

When Necessity Breeds Innovation

While that experience planted the seed, it wasn't until much later that I truly embraced this mindset. After my co-founded company went under, I found myself in a position where saying "no" simply wasn't an option. The safety net was gone. Bills needed paying. The comfortable corporate path I'd once known felt like a step backwards.

That's when a connection of mine reached out, asking if I could conduct a market analysis for a potential investment opportunity. The old me might have hesitated, might have pointed out that I'd never formally done this type of analysis before, and felt uncomfortable with stretching myself so far out of my level of expertise. But circumstances had changed, and with them, my perspective.

This time, I said yes.

What I discovered in that process was transformative. While I hadn't specifically conducted market analyses before, I had all the foundational elements:

• Years of reading business books and case studies
• Experience building financial models
• The analytical mindset from my engineering background
• Real-world experience and mistakes learnt from co-founding a business
• A deep understanding of operational processes and market dynamics

The key wasn't that I already knew exactly how to do what was asked—it was recognising that I had the transferable skills to figure it out. I spent countless hours researching best practices, studying successful market analyses, and applying my existing knowledge in new ways.

That single "yes" led to more than ten similar projects, each one building on the last. But more importantly, it taught me something crucial about learning and growth.

The Interconnected Nature of Skills

What I've come to understand is that our skills and knowledge aren't as siloed as we might think. While deep expertise in specific areas is valuable, the opportunity lies in the overlap between different domains.

Take my background in process optimisation, for instance. Initially, I saw it as purely operational—something for manufacturing floors and supply chains. But that same systematic thinking proved invaluable in marketing strategy, product development, and even consulting work.

This realisation fundamentally changed how I approach new opportunities. Instead of asking, "Have I done this exact thing before?" I began asking:

• What aspects of this challenge align with my existing skills?
• How can my current knowledge translate to this new context?
• What gaps do I need to fill, and how can I systematically address them?

The Strategic Yes: Understanding Your Skill Intersections

Not every "yes" is equal. This isn't about blind optimism or reckless commitment—it's about recognising where your unique skill combinations create value.

I visualise this as a skill intersection matrix. Imagine mapping out your core competencies: process mapping, financial modelling, strategic thinking, research capabilities, and analytical skills. Each has its own depth—a vertical dimension where you've developed expertise.

But the magic happens at the crossover points—those horizontal connections where skills overlap and create new capabilities.

For example, when I took on that market analysis project, I wasn't an expert in market research specifically. But I had:

• Process mapping skills that helped me structure the analysis methodology
• Financial modelling experience to quantify market opportunities
• Strategic thinking to translate findings into actionable recommendations
• Research capabilities to gather and synthesise information
• Analytical skills to identify patterns and draw meaningful conclusions

These intersection points created a capability that was greater than the sum of its parts. I wasn't just applying isolated skills—I was leveraging unique combinations that few others possessed in exactly the same way.

This framework gives you clarity about when to say "yes" and when to decline:

Say yes when:

• You have multiple relevant skills that intersect at the challenge
• You possess the foundational capabilities needed, even if in different contexts
• The knowledge gaps are ones you can systematically address
• You can deliver value while learning simultaneously

Consider saying no when:

• The opportunity requires deep expertise you genuinely don't have
• There are no meaningful skill intersections with your existing capabilities
• The stakes are too high for a learning curve (if you are not a doctor, don't say you can do brain surgery)
• The timeline doesn't allow for the necessary preparation

The distinction is crucial. Saying "yes and figuring it out" isn't about pretending to have capabilities you don't possess—it's about recognising the transferable nature of your existing skills and having the confidence (and grit) to apply them in new contexts.

Beyond Comfort Zones: The Growth Space

What I've found most fascinating about this journey is how it challenges our traditional notions of expertise. We often think of professional growth as a vertical progression—getting better at what we already do. But some of the most valuable opportunities lie in horizontal growth—applying our skills in new contexts.

This approach requires:

• A deep understanding of your core competencies
• The humility and self-awareness to acknowledge what you don't know
• The confidence to trust in your ability to learn
• A commitment to delivering excellence, even if the path there involves more work

The Reality of Execution

The truth is, saying yes is just the beginning. What follows is often intense research, late nights of learning, and the occasional moment of doubt. When I took on that first market analysis project, I probably spent three times longer than an experienced analyst would have. But that extra effort ensured I delivered quality work while building a foundation for future projects.

This commitment to excellence is crucial. It's what transforms a courageous "yes" from a mere leap of faith into a stepping stone for growth.

Looking Forward: The Continuous Journey

As I reflect on these experiences, I'm struck by how this mindset has shaped my approach to business and life. Each "yes" has built upon the last, creating a web of interconnected skills and experiences that I never could have planned for.

Today, when I encounter new opportunities, I still feel that initial flutter of uncertainty. But now I recognise it not as a warning to retreat, but as a signal that I'm at the edge of a growth opportunity.