Are We Losing Sight of Who We Want to Be?

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to look up and check if we’re still headed in the right direction. Imagine tirelessly climbing a ladder only to realise it’s up against the wrong wall. That’s a real risk for many of us, especially when we’re deep in the trenches solving problem after problem. But the big question we often skip is: are these efforts actually in line with what our brand stands for?

Think about it—every business has its heart, its core values and identity. Yet, under the pressures to stay ahead and innovate, we might drift away from these fundamentals. We end up solving the immediate issues, sure, but at what cost to our brand's identity?

For instance, a tech company that started with a mission to boost educational outcomes might stray into projects that are more about the bottom line than real impact. Yes, these projects might bring in revenue and growth, but they dilute the mission, making the brand’s unique voice less recognisable and, frankly, less meaningful.

That’s why it's crucial to hit the pause button now and then. We need to reflect: Are our efforts really aligned with our brand’s mission? It’s not just about sticking to the plan; it’s about ensuring that our growth is meaningful and doesn’t betray what we stand for.

Moving forward means being brave enough to ask ourselves tough questions: Is this really us? Are we okay with where we're heading? Sometimes, it might even mean turning down lucrative opportunities that don't fit our brand’s vision.

To my fellow professionals and leaders, let's make it a point to regularly check our brand’s compass. It’s the quiet guide that ensures the solutions we come up with are not just effective but true to our identity.

Staying true to our brand’s essence is the key to creating a path that’s not just successful but also authentic—a path that genuinely reflects what we aim to achieve. Let’s make sure our ladders are leaning against the right walls.