Every so often, a book strikes a chord at just the right moment, holding up truths we recognize but have never fully named. Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO was that book for me. More than a business book, it is a collection of lived lessons, distilled into principles that speak with simple clarity. It carries the weight of lived truth—ideas that don't just sound good on paper, but resonate in the messiness of real life and the challenges of those who do not go where the path may lead, but instead forge their own trail.

You can predict someone's success in any area of their life by observing how willing and capable they are to deal with uncomfortable conversations.

I admire Bartlett not just because of his success and charisma, but more than anything, for his brilliant, inquisitive mind, his relentless ambition to continually grow as a human being, and his profound humility. His voice is clear, unpretentious, and profoundly human. His views encourage innovation, courage, and the creation of new approaches to doing things, rather than simply following established paths.

What draws me most is his directness. He strips away performance and noise, leaving us face-to-face with what really matters: discipline, resilience, self-belief, and the long view of a meaningful life. These insights deserve to be carried forward—not just repeated, but reshaped by each of us into something personal. They are reminders, not rules, and they can serve as both inspiration and motivation for anyone navigating the long road of growth and leadership.

Ask questions of your actions , and your actions will answer

Rome Was Not Built in a Day

There's comfort in the truth that the best stories take time to unfold. To build something that lasts, we must think beyond the quick wins and fleeting applause. A long-term vision is not just helpful—it is essential if we want anything to truly last. So much of life is consumed by the urgency of ‘now'. But the most meaningful stories demand patience. Greatness is a process that unfolds over time.

The Voice Within

In this process, the voice we cultivate inside our own heads matters more than the applause outside. Self-confidence is rarely innate; it is a product of practice. It is built when nobody is watching, tested in the moments when we stumble, and strengthened by how we rise again. It is not about strength in the moment, but about what you carry forward after the fall. Every setback can either leave you bitter or make you wiser; the choice is yours.

Consistency and Courage

Progress often hides in plain sight. It's in the unremarkable days when we show up, do the work, and move forward inch by inch. Consistency is rarely celebrated in the moment, yet over time, it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. It reminds us that excellence is not an occasional act but a habit, one that compounds quietly until one day it is undeniable.

Taking no risks will be your biggest risk

More than anything, Bartlett's reflections remind me that true growth lies in courage and humility—the courage to take risks, challenge and break away from the familiar; the humility to continue questioning and learning. In his own words: “If you live avoiding risk, you risk missing out on life”.

Designing the Right Environment

In a world that often measures success by speed and noise, it's worth pausing to ask: what principles and motivations truly sustain you on your journey beyond ambition or milestones? In this context, we should not underestimate the role of our environment. I've noticed in my own life that when I place myself in the right environment—around people who inspire me, in spaces that nourish me—I blossom. Bartlett calls it “designing your environment.” It is not just about shaping spaces, but also about cultivating the habits and relationships that support your best self.

In Diary of a CEO, what lingers is not just a set of principles, but a call to live with intention. To believe in yourself even before the world does, to practice resilience in the face of setbacks, and to honor the slow, patient process of building something meaningful.