Leadership Under Fire: When You Feel Like Going Full Capone

When you’re about to lose it, BUFCA helps you lead instead.

“Leadership Under Fire: When You Feel Like Going Full Capone”

 “I want him DEAD! I want his house burned to the GROUND!”

— Al Capone, The Untouchables

 That scene is iconic — and exaggerated, and my client didn’t say it, but it sounds more dramatic, right? But let’s be honest: if you’re in a leadership role, you’ve probably felt a version of that firestorm when something critical goes wrong.

A CEO client of mine recently experienced that moment. A repeated error led to a financial loss. He was furious and ready to terminate the employee immediately.

But here’s the twist — this time, the problem wasn’t the employee. It was a system failure.

In that high-pressure moment, I drew on a tool I was first introduced to during my ICF coach training with Accomplishment Coaching. It’s called BUFCA — and it has become a cornerstone of how I help leaders think and lead under pressure:

🔹 B = Breakdown – What went wrong? What shouldn’t have happened?

🔹 U = Upset – What’s the emotional impact? What’s alive in you?

🔹 F = Facts – Strip away story and judgment. What’s objectively true?

🔹 C = Commitment – What are you really committed to in this situation?

🔹 A = Action – What’s the next step that aligns with your commitment?

BUFCA helped this CEO take a breath, reframe the issue, and ultimately avoid making a decision he would’ve regretted.

🔥 Leadership doesn’t mean not feeling the heat. It means learning how to move through it with clarity.

 🧭 Learn more about how I help business leaders across the USA and UK lead with perspective, courage, and precision at: www.petergourri.com

 📨 If this helped, share it with someone navigating leadership under pressure.

 #BUFCA #executivecoaching #accomplishmentcoaching #lawyersofgoogle #attorneysatlaw #pgcc #SuccessStartsInside

Wisdom from the Most Unexpected Place: A Lesson from Resident Alien

In a recent episode of Resident Alien, we witnessed something completely unexpected: a flash of profound insight from Harry Vanderspeigle, the usually self-centered, socially awkward, and clueless alien who rarely contributes anything truly helpful.

Yet in a moment that stunned even Asta Twelvetrees, he said something that stopped us in our tracks:

🌱 “You are both a failure and a success. The difference is which voice you listen to.”

Simple. Deep. And entirely true.

We often think insight must come from polished mentors or proven leaders. But sometimes, it arrives in the unlikeliest of places. The truth is, we all have that duality within us, especially those navigating high-stakes environments such as law, business, or leadership.

The inner critic is always ready to point out the failures. But there’s another voice—the one that remembers what you’ve survived, adapted to, and overcome.

As an executive coach, I see this truth play out with clients across the US and UK every day: your past doesn’t define your potential. The version of you who has already navigated a challenge? Let that version lead now.

Explore coaching that meets you exactly where you are—at www.petergourri.com.

And if Harry Vanderspeigle’s moment made you pause, too, share this post. Someone else may need to hear it today.

#ResidentAlien #Resilience #ExecutiveCoaching #SelfLeadership #GrowthMindset #SuccessStartsInside #pgcc #petergourri

When Leadership Scandals Go Viral—The Human Cost Is Greater Than We Admit

When Leadership Scandals Go Viral—The Human Cost Is Greater Than We Admit

By Peter Gourri | Executive Coach | www.petergourri.com

You won’t see the photo here.

It has been broadcast, meme-ified, and replayed over 62 million times. It doesn’t need my help spreading further.

This isn’t commentary—it’s a boundary.

Recirculating the image now feels like a perverse form of voyeurism, not insight. And we must be better than that.

What happened: Astronomer’s CEO, Andy Byron, was caught on a kiss-cam at a Coldplay concert with his Chief People Officer. Both are married to others. The clip went viral. He’s since resigned.

What’s really happening:

Spouses were blindsided.

Children became involuntary witnesses to adult humiliation.

An HR department, meant to safeguard culture, is now at the epicentre of a breach of trust.

Employees are left reeling.

The entire organisation is asking: What do we stand for now?

This is a crisis—but it’s also a mirror.

It reveals the truth that leadership is public, whether you like it or not. Human mess and executive responsibility cannot be separated in a values-based culture.

As an executive coach working with lawyers, founders, and senior leaders across the UK and the US, here’s what I guide clients through in these moments:

🔹 Protect those in the shadows. The families. The silent colleagues. The people who didn’t choose the spotlight but are suffering in it.

🔹 Stop recycling trauma. Don’t repost. Don’t perform empathy for clicks. Lead with dignity.

🔹 Respond with candour and compassion. Clarity is powerful when delivered with care.

🔹 Repair trust from the inside out. A policy change won’t undo betrayal. Culture repair must start with human connection.

🔹 Anchor leadership in values. What you tolerate today becomes your reputation tomorrow.

This scandal isn’t just a headline—it’s a cautionary tale. If your firm, board, or leadership team is grappling with crisis or cultural trust issues, I can help you lead through it—quietly, professionally, and with integrity.

If this perspective might help someone else, please share it.

#pgcc #executivecoaching #valuesbasedleadership #reputationmanagement #humanleadership #lawyersofgoogle #attorneysatlaw #petergourri #coldplay

The Real Cost of Undercharging: It’s Not About the Money - It’s About Your Visibility

The Real Cost of Undercharging: It’s Not About the Money—It’s About Your Visibility

Many of the brilliant professionals I work with—lawyers, executives, and business owners- aren’t being held back by skill, strategy, or work ethic. They’re being held back by something far subtler: undercharging.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re running a firm, scaling a business, or stepping into your next leadership role. If you’re shrinking to fit—delivering too much for too little, overexplaining your value, or letting unclear messaging stand in the way—you’re not just undervaluing your service. You’re keeping yourself invisible.

This isn’t just about rates. It’s about mindset, structure, and the subtle self-sabotage that keeps high performers stuck:

🔹 You’re amazing at what you do, but your method only exists in your head. That’s not scalable. Codify it. Own it. Protect it.

🔹 You’re communicating through jargon or fluff. Speak in real language. If your clients can’t see themselves in your message, they won’t lean in.

🔹 You’re pricing for approval, not positioning. Your fees send a message. If you want to attract high-impact clients, align your pricing with the transformation you deliver.

Actual growth doesn’t mean chasing trends or becoming a content machine. It’s about defining success on your terms—and stepping into a business model that reflects your full value.

Playing big isn’t about working more. It’s about being brave enough to simplify, humanize, and claim space in your market with clarity and confidence.

If this strikes a chord, ask yourself:

Where am I still undervaluing my voice, my method, or my message… when the next version of my business is asking me to take up more space?

You didn’t build all of this to stay small.

🔗 Ready to shift into a model that honours your expertise and scales sustainably? Let’s talk. Book a call here

#executivecoaching #lawyersoflinkedin #growthmindset #pgcc #successstartshere #valueyourwork #scaleyourimpact #petergourri

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

What the Fourth of July Can Teach Us About Leadership Today

 “We hold these truths to be self-evident…”

With those words, 56 individuals signed a document in 1776 that would change the course of history—the United States Declaration of Independence. They weren’t all alike. Some were lawyers, others were merchants, farmers, or scholars. But they shared a vision of freedom—freedom from tyranny, yes, but also the freedom to build something new.

As we mark July 4th, it’s easy to focus on fireworks and food. But there’s something deeper we can take away—especially for those of us in leadership roles.

The founding of the United States was a masterclass in:

·       Courageous decision-making

·       Visionary leadership under pressure

·       Negotiation amidst difference

·       Commitment to shared purpose

Today, leaders in law, business, and beyond face a different kind of pressure: constant change, rapid demands, and high expectations. But the principles still apply.

So I’ll ask:

What do you want to declare independence from this year?

→ Fear-based leadership

→ Saying “yes” to everything

→ The myth that you must go it alone

Freedom isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters—purposefully, clearly, and with integrity.

As an executive coach, I work with professionals in the UK and USA who are ready to lead boldly—just like those who signed that revolutionary declaration 248 years ago.

So today, as we celebrate America’s founding, let’s also ask:

How do we lead with the same clarity and courage in our own roles?

🎇 Happy Independence Day to my clients, colleagues, and friends across the U.S.

And if this post resonates, or could help someone in your network—please share it.

What D-Day Still Teaches Us About Leadership Under Fire

At 12:16 a.m. French time on June 6, 1944, British glider troops began landing in Normandy. It was the opening act of the largest seaborne invasion in history—the beginning of the end of Nazi tyranny.

Nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed that day. Among them were men like Mr. Arthur Middleton, a British infantryman who landed in the first wave on Juno Beach. I was privileged to hear his story firsthand. With a faraway look and pain in his eyes, he described how friends fell beside him—some to enemy fire, others crushed by the tragic momentum of Allied tanks that couldn’t stop on the bloodied sands.

D-Day isn’t just history. It’s a masterclass in what leadership really means:

– Having clarity of mission in chaos

– Trusting your team with your life

– Taking responsibility even when the risk is overwhelming

As an executive coach and former officer, I see this mirrored in the modern workplace—not in war zones, but in boardrooms, courtrooms, and crisis meetings. Great leaders don’t wait for perfect conditions. They act with courage, conviction, and care—often without knowing the outcome.

This week, as we honour those who led on D-Day, I invite you to reflect:

     •           Where in your life are you being called to lead?

     •           Are you clear on your mission?

     •           Are you building the kind of trust that endures under pressure?

 If you’re ready to lead with greater purpose and resilience, I support lawyers, executives, and business owners across the UK and the US through tailored executive coaching.

 Learn more by having a complimentary conversation.

Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking: 11 Tools You Were Never Taught in School

For years, I dreaded public speaking. 

My heart raced. My face flushed. I’d get embarrassed about being embarrassed. 

So I avoided it—until I realised that the real shift wasn’t in my voice. It was in my focus. I stopped worrying about myself and started focusing on the audience. I’m there to serve them—not to prove myself. 

Now, I coach and speak professionally every week. Here’s what helped: 

 1. The 5-5-5 Rule 

 Scan 5 faces. Hold each gaze for 5 seconds. Repeat every 5 minutes to build connection. 

2. Power Pause 

 Pause for 3 seconds after delivering a key idea. Let your message land. 

3. The 3-Part Open 

 Hook them with a question. Share a relevant story. Then make a promise about what’s to come. 

4. Palm-Up Principle 

 Open palms convey trust. Avoid pointing—it can seem aggressive. 

5. The 90-Second Reset 

 Before you speak, breathe deeply for 90 seconds. It grounds your body and calms your mind. 

6. Rule of Three 

 Group information into threes. It’s how our brains process and remember best. 

7. 2-Minute Story Rule 

 Keep stories under two minutes. You’ll keep the room engaged and avoid losing attention. 

8. Lighthouse Method 

 Create “anchor points” in the room. Rotate your gaze naturally between them. 

9. Power Position 

 Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Hands relaxed. This projects calm confidence. 

10. Callback Technique 

 Refer back to something you said earlier. Audiences love connection and narrative threads. 

11. The Rehearsal Truth 

 Rehearse your opening three times more than the rest. Nail the first 30 seconds, and you’ll likely nail the whole talk. 

Public speaking isn’t about performing. It’s about connecting. And like any leadership skill—it’s learnable. 

Coaching the Toxic Leader: What Most People Won’t Tell You

Let’s be honest: toxic leaders aren’t rare. They’re often sitting at the top of the org chart—smart, ambitious, driven… and deeply dysfunctional. 

Over the years, I’ve coached leaders who: 

• Alienate teams through narcissism 

• Drain energy with emotional highs and lows 

• Undermine progress through passive-aggression 

• Lead with logic but lack emotional presence 

These behaviors aren’t always malicious. They’re often patterns rooted in fear, trauma, and survival mechanisms. 

So, can these leaders change? Sometimes. But only when coaching is: 

✔ Structured 

✔ Empathic 

✔ Boundary-driven 

✔ Rooted in behavioral accountability 

For example: 

• A narcissist needs esteem—but also challenge, tactfully framed. 

• A manic-depressive needs structure and perspective from allies. 

• A passive-aggressive leader needs confrontation—without conflict. 

• An emotionally disconnected exec needs help linking physical symptoms to emotional cues. 

The job of an executive coach isn’t to diagnose—it’s to create a safe, honest space for reflection and behavior change. Coaching can’t replace therapy, but it can be a bridge to insight. 

With the right support, even the most difficult leaders can begin to shift. Not because they’re forced to—but because they’re finally understood. 

“I Quit”—Written on Toilet Paper: A Harsh Reminder for Leaders

It’s the kind of thing you’d think was a joke on social media—until it lands on your desk. A resignation written on toilet paper.

The message? “I’ve chosen this type of paper as a symbol of how this company has treated me.”

Painful. Poignant. Preventable.

In my work as an executive coach to lawyers, executives, and business owners, I’ve learned this: People don’t leave jobs. They leave their cultures.

And too often, they leave without saying a word—until the damage is done.

Here’s how to avoid losing your best employees:

1. Your culture speaks louder than your strategy.

Mission statements and value posters are meaningless if daily behaviors don’t reflect them. Culture is how people feel at work. Do they feel safe to speak up? Respected? Heard?

2. Your managers make or break trust.

The number one reason people leave? Poor management. Invest in developing your team leaders. Give them the coaching, tools, and feedback to lead well—not just manage output.

3. Recognition is not optional.

High performers won’t beg to be seen. If their effort is consistently ignored, they’ll move on quietly, often to your competitor.

4. Exit interviews come too late.

Schedule stay interviews instead. Understand what motivates your top people—and what might drive them away.

5. Don’t wait for dramatic exits to pay attention.

When someone metaphorically (or literally) uses toilet paper to resign, it’s already too late. But their message is worth listening to.

Leadership starts with awareness and builds through action. If you’re serious about retaining talent, it’s time to lead like it.

National Small Business Week: The Quiet Power of Executive Coaching

Small businesses are the heartbeat of the economy, but they’re also under pressure like never before.

This National Small Business Week, I want to highlight the challenges small business owners face and how coaching can offer real, practical support.

 As a former lawyer turned executive coach, I’ve worked with business owners across industries. What do they all share? A need for:

     •           Stability in unstable markets

     •           Leadership habits that last

     •           Strategic direction for scaling

     •           Space to think, grow, and breathe

Coaching is not about giving you more to do. It’s about helping you do the right things—faster, smarter, and with more impact.

 Through personalized coaching, we tackle:

✅ Your leadership blind spots

✅ Your team challenges

✅ Your decision fatigue

✅ Your strategic goals

 And we do it with clarity, accountability, and respect for your time.

 This week, celebrate your grit.

Next week, let’s talk about your growth.

National Law Day: From London Outdoor Clerk to New York Executive Coach

National Law Day: From Outdoor Clerk to Executive Coach

That grainy photo from the early 1990s? That was me, trying to look important. I was a young lawyer, learning quickly, working hard, and proud to be part of something that mattered.

My journey began in 1987 as an outdoor clerk at One King’s Bench Walk, Inner Temple, London. I spent those early days observing, running documents between courts, and soaking up every bit of experience I could.

Eventually, I became a Senior Commercial Litigation Lawyer. I handled disputes of all shapes and sizes—from the County Court Small Claims Track to the European Court of Justice.

In 2016, I moved to the United States and worked in-house in Manhattan.

But what mattered most to me wasn’t the case law or the court hierarchy. It was the relationships.

I have helped large corporations and small business owners. I have always believed that the size of the client doesn’t determine the importance of the case because trust, care, and clarity matter at every level.

Law gave me an opportunity to serve.

Today, as an executive coach, I draw from that deep well of legal experience to support lawyers, executives, and business owners navigating their own challenges.

On National Law Day, I’m grateful for the profession that shaped me and still inspires how I lead and coach.

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month—Let’s Make It Mean Something

Mental health awareness isn’t a seasonal trend. It’s a leadership priority.

 As a coach to lawyers, executives, and business owners, I see it constantly: driven professionals who are exhausted, anxious, and emotionally depleted—but afraid to talk about it.

 The culture of high achievement often rewards stress and burnout. But the truth is, you can’t lead well if your mind isn’t well.

This month is an opportunity—not just to raise awareness, but to rethink how we approach performance, energy, and resilience.

Here’s how to lead with mental health in mind:

🧠 Set boundaries—and stick to them.

Not every call is urgent. Not every email needs a midnight reply.

🗣 Talk openly about emotional fatigue.

When leaders normalize these conversations, teams become safer, healthier, and more productive.

📆 Build in breaks, just as you would in meetings.

Protecting your schedule is protecting your performance.

🌱 Engage in daily renewal.

Meditation, exercise, sleep, journaling—whatever helps you reset.

Leadership is not about being unbreakable. It’s about knowing how to reset, recharge, and return stronger.

Let’s make this May a turning point—for ourselves, our teams, and our culture.

Protect Your Team from Strategy Fatigue

You’ve seen it: your people aren’t lazy or disengaged—they’re overwhelmed. They’re suffering from strategy fatigue. 

It happens when: 

• Everything becomes a priority 

• New ideas flood in weekly 

• Direction keeps changing without clarity 

The result? Confusion. Burnout. Paralysis. 

Your team wants to execute. But they need to focus. Here’s how to deliver it: 

1. Set Screening Criteria 

Define what fits your strategic goals—and what doesn’t. Create clear thresholds that every new idea must pass. If it doesn’t align? Say no or defer it. 

2. Use Scoring Tools 

Adopt a value vs. effort matrix or weighted scoring model. Ground your decisions in logic, not passion. This adds clarity, fairness, and consistency. 

3. Test Before Committing 

Every idea doesn’t require full resources upfront. Run a proof-of-concept. Small, focused tests reduce risk and validate assumptions. 

4. Create a Single Visible Pipeline 

List every non-routine initiative in one place. Review it regularly. Spot duplication, overload, or distractions. Apply the “one in, one out” rule. 

Final Thought 

Your team’s capacity is one of your most precious assets. Protect it. Strategy is only as strong as your ability to deliver. 

Clarity is the new leadership currency. Spend it wisely. 

Why Asset Protection Is a Leadership Essential: Lessons from the NC-CBA Event

Why Asset Protection Is a Leadership Essential: Lessons from the NC-CBA Event

 Building a business is hard work. Protecting it should be just as intentional.

 This week, I had the privilege of attending the monthly networking event hosted by the North Carolina Chinese Business Association (NC-CBA), featuring an outstanding talk by Fiona Wang of Wang Law Firm.

Fiona delivered an important reminder: proactive asset protection is critical for business owners and entrepreneurs.

It’s not enough to focus on growth. We must also focus on safeguarding what we’re building.

Key insights from the session:

🔹 Protecting personal and business assets is non-negotiable.

🔹 Smart legal structures matter at every stage of business growth.

🔹 Resilience isn’t reactive—it’s built intentionally.

It was also a real pleasure to meet members of the RTP Chinese business community. As someone who worked with Chinese businesses in the UK and China during my legal career in London, it reminded me of the powerful role global partnerships play in business success.

Protect your future. Build your resilience. That’s leadership.

From Fear to Flow: Highlights from XPX Triangle’s Networking Lunch & Learn

On April 17th, I had the privilege of leading a Lunch & Learn for XPX Triangle at Milton’s Pizza & Pasta in Raleigh. The session, “The Art & Strategy of Networking,” was designed to help professionals reframe how they approach in-person networking—from fear and awkwardness to structure, confidence, and results.

The group was phenomenal—open, curious, and highly engaged. We dove into:

     •           The common survival mechanisms that hinder networking success

     •           How structure and small wins create confidence

     •           Why your goal should be to connect, not perform

     •           How to re-enter conversations, move with intention, and follow up meaningfully

Attendees were also given two valuable tools:

        1.      My presentation: From Fear to Flow – Mastering the Art of Networking

        2.      A free PDF copy of my book: 52 Rules to Work the Room

As I often say, “You are the asset. Design the room you walk into.”

If you’re interested in learning more about how to elevate your executive presence, boost team performance, or become a more powerful connector in your industry, let’s connect.

Thank you again to everyone who attended, and to XPX Triangle for the warm welcome.

Peter Gourri

Executive Coach | Author | Business Growth Strategist

28-Day Positivity Challenge

The 28 Days of Positivity Program aims to provide a focused, time-limited framework that helps individuals consciously shift their mindsets, habits, and behaviors toward a more optimistic, resilient, and growth-oriented lifestyle and work approach. It offers value both personally and professionally by:

🔹 1. Resetting Default Thinking Patterns

Many high performers, particularly in demanding roles, find themselves caught in reactive or critical thinking loops. A structured 28-day approach provides the opportunity to break these patterns and substitute them with intentional, constructive alternatives.

🔹 2. Building Psychological Fitness

Just like physical health, emotional resilience needs regular practice. Daily positive prompts aid in strengthening:

   •    Self-awareness

   •    Emotional regulation

   •    Gratitude

   •    Optimism

   •    Empathy

These principles are essential for leadership, teamwork, and decision-making.

🔹 3. Develop Sustainable Micro-Habits

Significant transformations often begin with small, daily actions. The program employs micro-shifts—5 to 10-minute practices—that gradually evolve into lasting changes in mindset, relationships, and communication style.

🔹 4. Reconnect with Purpose and People

Participants are encouraged to reflect on values, recognize what is effective, and strengthen their human connections at work and home. This enhances morale, engagement, and trust.

🔹 5. Create Momentum for Change

Twenty-eight days is long enough to create a meaningful impact but short enough to feel manageable. It is designed to catalyze longer-term shifts in:

   •    Personal outlook

   •    Team culture

   •    Organizational energy

It serves as the springboard for more consistent well-being and productivity practices.

Who It’s For:

   •    Individuals feeling stretched, negative, or stuck

   •    Teams looking to improve morale and cohesion

   •    Leaders wanting to boost engagement and emotional intelligence

   •    Anyone seeking to live and lead with more clarity, calm, and connection

Here are my suggestions for 28 days

Week 1: Foundations of Positive Awareness

Day 1 – Set Your Intention

Write down why you’re doing this. Who do you want to be in 28 days?

Day 2 – Three Good Things

Before bed, list three good things that happened today and why they mattered.

Day 3 – Positive Self-Talk Audit

Pay attention to your inner critic today. Jot down three instances when you transformed a negative thought into a positive one.

Day 4 – Gratitude Note

Send a thank-you message or letter to someone who has positively impacted your life.

Day 5 – Move with Joy

Engage in 20 to 30 minutes of movement- such as walking, stretching, or dancing- while reflecting on what feels good about being alive.

Day 6 – Kindness Act

Perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone else. Observe how it influences your mood.

Day 7 – Digital Detox Hour

Turn off devices for one hour. Be present. Write in your journal about how it made you feel.

Week 2: Rewiring Through Routine

Day 8 – Morning Positivity Primer

Start your day with a 5-minute gratitude or affirmation practice.

Day 9 – The Compliment Challenge

Offer five sincere compliments today. Consider how this alters interactions.

Day 10 – Nature Reset

Spend over 15 minutes in nature. Observe, breathe, and absorb. Write down your observations.

Day 11 – Celebrate a Small Win

Identify one small win today and celebrate it—out loud.

Day 12 – Positive Reflection

Reflect on a challenging moment from your past. What strength did it cultivate within you?

Day 13 – Smile on Purpose

Smile at everyone you encounter today. Observe the ripple effect.

Day 14 – Declutter One Space

Clear out a drawer, a desk, or your inbox. Observe how physical space influences mental space.

Week 3: Cultivating Positivity in Relationships

Day 15 – Forgiveness Practice

Compose (but don’t send) a letter of forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. Release it.

Day 16 – Lift Someone Up

Contact someone to express how they’ve positively influenced you.

Day 17 – Listen Deeply

Engage in one conversation today with the sole goal of listening without trying to fix or judge.

Day 18 – Social Media Detox

Unfollow or mute accounts that regularly drain or annoy you.

Day 19 – Share Your Joy

Share, discuss, or express something that truly brings you joy—without feeling the need to apologize for it.

Day 20 – Family Gratitude Circle

Gather those you live with and have everyone share one thing they appreciate about each other.

Day 21 – Write Your Future Self a Letter

Imagine yourself thriving six months from now. What does that version of you want you to understand today?

Week 4: Sustaining and Spreading Positivity

Day 22 – Affirmation Reboot

Create three affirmations that resonate with you and inspire motivation. Recite them throughout the day.

Day 23 – Mindful Breathing Break

Take three intentional breathing breaks today. Just pause, inhale, exhale, and reset.

Day 24 – Highlight Reel

Reflect on your journal or notes from the past three weeks. What themes stand out to you? What surprised you?

Day 25 – Support Someone’s Dream

Inquire about someone's dream and suggest a small way you can offer support or encouragement.

Day 26 – Celebrate Your Growth

List five things you’ve learned, felt, or changed through this process.

Day 27 – Revisit Your Why

Reflect on Day 1’s intention. How have you honored it? What do you wish to continue?

Day 28 – The Ripple Effect

Consider three ways to keep spreading positivity—at home, at work, and in your community. Take action on one today.

Good Luck, and enjoy your newfound outlook!

5 Years After COVID — Leadership Lessons That Still Matter.

It’s been five years since COVID-19 upended our lives, but its impact still shapes how we live and lead. For me, that lesson is personal.

In the middle of the pandemic, I found myself on the floor of my bathroom in Jersey City, New Jersey, battling what I initially believed was moderate COVID-19. I later learned it was a profound and serious case. I was hallucinating, feverish, and calling out for my long-deceased mother — a desperate instinct when I felt powerless.

Recovery took months, and while I was fortunate to survive, the aftermath lingered. I later sustained spinal and neck injuries from a car accident while returning from my first vaccination. Despite these setbacks, I know I was one of the lucky ones — too many others didn’t make it.

 COVID changed more than our health — it reshaped leadership itself. Disruption is no longer the exception; it’s the new normal.

 5 Key Lessons for Leaders in an Unpredictable World

 Here’s what I’ve learned — and now teach — about leading through uncertainty:

 1. Embrace Uncertainty Proactively

Instead of relying on rigid annual plans, focus on continuous scenario forecasting. Leaders who anticipate change — instead of reacting to it — gain an advantage. Build flexible teams that can pivot quickly.

2. Focus on Performance Over Presence

The pandemic proved that performance isn’t tied to office attendance. Focus on outcomes, not hours spent in the office. Design hybrid models that balance employee engagement with business objectives, and reinforce accountability with clear goals — not rigid mandates.

3. Test New Ideas — Fast

In times of disruption, waiting for a perfect plan is dangerous. Adopt a mindset of small experiments — launch pilot projects, gather insights, and adapt rapidly. Innovation thrives in cultures where experimentation is encouraged.

 4. Make Decisions with Limited Information

Crisis rarely offers perfect data. Leaders who excel develop frameworks for confident decision-making in imperfect conditions. Set guiding principles for decisions and adjust as new insights develop.

5. Communicate with Authenticity

In uncertain moments, people crave honest communication. Transparency builds trust — and trust stabilizes teams. Acknowledge what you don’t know, commit to what you do know, and ensure your actions align with your message.

 Adapting for the Future

The world will continue to change — whether through economic shifts, technological advances, or unexpected crises. Leadership success now hinges on adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to embrace change.

The leaders who thrive will be those who develop the mindset, skills, and systems to navigate uncertainty.

 What changes have you made to your leadership approach since the pandemic? If you’d like to explore strategies for enhancing adaptability, I’d be glad to help. 

#Leadership #Resilience #ExecutiveCoaching #Adaptability

Celebrate Groundhog Day - Break the Cycle!

Today is Groundhog Day when a small and arguably cute creature will indicate whether we have an early spring or eight more weeks of winter! It has been proven, surprisingly, you might think, that the predictions have no scientific standing whatsoever and have been mainly incorrect……

The day is also synonymous with the 1993 movie Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. In the movie, Murray’s character relives his day over and over again! Sound familiar?

So, that takes me to the purpose of this post! My question is, what will you do to break your Groundhog Day? Are you prepared to step outside your comfort zone by taking a leap of faith and breaking the cycle to live a new and exciting life? Or is it easier to carry on in the same existence repeatedly…….

It’s your call! If you need help, email me. You might be surprised by how great life can be.

#groundhogday2019 #groundhogday #leapoffaith #comfortzone #living #lifecoachingworks #change #lifecoaching

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas from Peter Gourri Coaching and Consulting LLC! 🎄

As the holiday season is upon us, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support and partnership. May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and happiness, and may the new year bring you prosperity and success. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The history of Christmas is a fascinating blend of religious, cultural, and folk traditions that have evolved over centuries. Here’s an overview of its origins and development:

1. Pre-Christian Origins

Winter Solstice Celebrations: Long before the advent of Christianity, people across Europe celebrated the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, around December 21-22. These festivities often involved feasting, gift-giving, and lighting fires to ward off the darkness and celebrate the return of longer days.

Roman Festival of Saturnalia: One of the most significant precursors to Christmas was the Roman festival of Saturnalia, held from December 17-23. This was a time of feasting, gift-giving, and social role reversals. Homes were decorated with evergreen boughs, and businesses and schools were closed for the festivities.

2. Christian Adaptation

Birth of Jesus: Early Christians did not initially celebrate the birth of Jesus. The date of December 25 was chosen in the 4th century by the Roman church, possibly to align with the pagan celebrations of the winter solstice and the birthday of the sun god, Sol Invictus. This date allowed Christians to celebrate Jesus as the “Light of the World.”

Spread of Christmas Celebrations: By the 5th century, Christmas had become a significant Christian feast day throughout the Roman Empire. Over time, it incorporated various local customs and traditions from the regions where Christianity spread.

3. Medieval Christmas

Feasts and Revelry: In medieval Europe, Christmas was a time of feasting, music, and dancing. It was celebrated over a twelve-day period (known as Christmastide), culminating in the Feast of Epiphany on January 6. This period included traditions like the “Lord of Misrule,” where societal norms were inverted, and merrymaking was encouraged.

Nativity Plays and Carols: The Church played a central role in Christmas celebrations, with nativity plays and carols becoming popular ways to convey the story of Jesus’ birth to the largely illiterate population.

4. Reformation and Changes

Puritan Rejection: During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Protestant Reformation led to a backlash against Christmas celebrations, especially among Puritans in England and America. They viewed the holiday’s extravagance and pagan origins as unchristian. Christmas was even banned in England from 1647 to 1660.

Revival of Christmas: By the 19th century, Christmas experienced a revival. Influential figures like Charles Dickens, whose novella *A Christmas Carol* (1843) emphasized themes of family, goodwill, and charity, helped to shape the modern image of Christmas as a time of generosity and kindness.

5. Modern Christmas Traditions

Christmas Trees: The tradition of decorating Christmas trees originated in Germany and became popular in Britain and America during the 19th century, largely due to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s influence.

Santa Claus: The modern image of Santa Claus evolved from St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity, combined with elements from Dutch, British, and American folklore. The “jolly old elf” figure became widely popular in the United States through the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”) and Coca-Cola’s 1930s advertising campaigns.

Commercialization: In the 20th century, Christmas became increasingly commercialized, with an emphasis on gift-giving, shopping, and elaborate decorations. It evolved into a secular holiday celebrated by many around the world, regardless of religious beliefs.

6. Christmas Around the World

Global Variations: Different cultures have unique ways of celebrating Christmas. For example, in Spain and Latin America, Epiphany (January 6) is a significant part of the holiday season, with the “Three Kings” bringing gifts to children. In Scandinavian countries, Christmas traditions are intertwined with local folklore, such as the “Yule Goat” and “Nisse” or “Tomte” (household spirits).

Today, Christmas is celebrated worldwide, blending religious observance with cultural and secular customs, making it a time for family gatherings, feasting, and festive cheer.

To all of you who celebrate the holiday, A Very Merry Christmas.

Learning from past decisions!

Here are some I made earlier.......

Learning from past decisions that went wrong, from breadmaking to running businesses!

I’ve been making bread for the last year. My fiancé started this, and I have been working ever since to perfect and expand my skills in baking bread, scones, and various cakes. Sometimes, I end up with a soggy bottom or an exploding loaf where I add too much or too little, but I “persequere” not just because that is my old school moto but also because I have learned through experience to recognize that everything does not always go to plan in life. When it doesn’t, it is not a failure but a learning experience to do better and easier next time.  

Of course, we can all fall into the trap of repeating the same actions repeatedly, hoping for different results the next time. Sticking to familiar patterns is easy, but our real growth comes from examining our past decisions and learning from them.

Ask yourself these questions to reflect on your past mistakes and make the right decision this time around.
 
What’s the decision I’m facing now? Clearly define the problem before jumping to a solution. A vague problem leads to an unclear path forward.
 
What’s stressful about this decision? Identify what’s making you anxious. Stress can cloud your judgment, pushing you to rely on habitual, biased thinking instead of exploring new options.
 
What past decisions can I learn from? Analyze past choices that didn’t work out. Pinpoint what went wrong and why. This helps you avoid repeating the same missteps this time around.
 
What assumptions led to those mistakes? Look back and challenge the assumptions you made. Were you relying on shortcuts or untested beliefs?
 
How can I apply this learning now? Use what you’ve uncovered to inform your current decisions, shifting your behavior and thought process for better outcomes.

These are small snippets to help you start your journey to success. Ask yourself how I can support you one-to-one to accomplish more professionally and personally. If you would like further assistance or guidance in this or other areas, such as setting strategic goals for yourself or your business, book an appointment with me using the link in the contact section so we can talk. You never know—it might just create a change in your future!