iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 04/05/2026

As has become tradition on that other social channel I fled for here, I say to you, my friends and colleagues: May the Fourth be with You! (We must continue to fight the dark side even when they have a cool theme tune.)

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 30/10/2025

1/3 The language you use in your team every day inevitably becomes culture. If ‘interesting’ is your default feedback, don’t be surprised when your team defaults to passive effort.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 26/10/2025

1/3 Too often I’m asked for solutions to poor communication or low performance, but what people are really looking for is a plaster. Something quick and tidy. But plasters don’t fix problems, they just hide them.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 22/10/2025

1/3 We’re comfortable with discomfort, but only when we choose it. Leaders are often comfortable discussing and sharing the uncomfortable when it comes to the gym or personal goals.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 16/10/2025

1/2 Today, my episode of the @businessleader.bsky.social podcast with @joshdornbrack.bsky.social is out! It will surprise no one that our conversation was leadership-led, but we really dug into what it takes to build an organisation where people can thrive. Not just exist, but really excel.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 10/10/2025

1/5 There’s something about the shift in season that forces reflection; the slowing pace, the shorter days, the pause between chapters.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 09/10/2025

1/3 I’m honoured to be recognised by the Motivational Speakers Agency as one of London’s top motivational speakers. Speaking has always been one of the most meaningful parts of my work, not just for what’s shared on stage, but for the conversations that happen in the room.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 08/10/2025

1/3 This Friday, I’ll be returning to The Ivy Club in London for an evening of conversation and connection around my new book, ‘It’s Not Magic’.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 07/10/2025

1/4 Seeing the endorsements come in for It’s Not Magic from some brilliant minds has been both surreal and affirming.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 04/10/2025

1/2 Fractional improvements are what move leaders closer to winning. They might be imperceptible to most people, but they add up.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 29/09/2025

The wonders of jet lag. Asleep at 8pm, awake at 3am. But still, I got to see this sunrise from my patio. Morning all!

Sunrise over Camry wharf with morning mist

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 25/09/2025

1/3 It’s Not Magic is finally out in the world. This day has been a long time coming. Seeing my scribbles and notes come to life like this has been emotional, challenging and sometimes exhausting. But mostly, I’m grateful that it’s now in your hands.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 23/09/2025

1/3 Leaders often underestimate just how closely they are observed. The way you speak, behave and respond sets the tone for what’s acceptable - whether you realise it or not.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 19/09/2025

1/2 Brilliance is overrated. Exceptional leaders aren’t defined by rare, dramatic moments. They’re shaped by consistency in the quiet, deliberate actions that compound over time. That’s where real leadership begins.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 17/09/2025

1/4 If you’re building a team, you don’t need robots - you need real, emotional, passionate and yes, sometimes unpredictable people.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 16/09/2025

Culture isn’t built on the values you have framed on a wall. It’s built by what you allow in the room. When people see bad behaviour go unchecked, it sets a standard. Tolerate it once, and it becomes the baseline. Call it out, and you’ll create conditions for something better.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 15/09/2025

1/4 The first physical copy of my new book is finally in my hands. Seeing scribbled notes become something real…and that fresh new book smell!

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 11/09/2025

My thoughts on the murder of Charlie Kirk. Danger lies not in Kirk as an individual but in the environment that made his brand of politics possible and his killing predictable. But when murder is justified as a response to speech, the cycle of violence accelerates.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 10/09/2025

1/2 Is it normal to show up at work the same way you show up at home? At home, I watch cartoons and lean into the more childish, silly side of myself. But in the office, especially when someone needs support, that version of myself wouldn’t be appropriate.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 09/09/2025

1/2 The skills that will make you a great leader often feel counterintuitive. Because great leadership requires sacrifice - of comfort, ego, and always being right. That’s the difference between being assigned a leadership role and committing to taking on the responsibility of being a great one.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 08/09/2025

That voice in your head? The one that shows up after a setback to tell you you’ve failed? That voice isn’t you. Recognise it, name it and ignore it. You are the one listening, so you are the one who gets to decide what happens next.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 03/09/2025

1/3 I’ve got an exciting announcement for those of you planning to pre-order my book! My upcoming book, It’s Not Magic: The Ordinary Skills of Exceptional Leaders, is now part of the @BNBuzz pre-order sale.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 02/09/2025

1/4 In a few weeks, my new book ‘It’s Not Magic: The Ordinary Skills of Exceptional Leaders’ will be in your hands - and I can’t wait for you to read it. From scribbles in my notes to pages on a shelf, this book has been a long time coming.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 29/08/2025

Leadership isn’t always about what you’re capable of achieving. Sometimes, it’s about what you’re capable of empowering others to become. Either way, you still have to show up, set the standard and put in the work.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 27/08/2025

1/2 Receiving credit for the work you do should follow effort, not hierarchy. Too often, I hear about managers claiming recognition simply because their name is on the project, while the real work happens quietly, behind the scenes.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 26/08/2025

1/3 We all like to think we are magic every now and then! Whether it’s the perfectly delivered presentation or the ability to calm and command a room.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 25/08/2025

1/3 Connecting with people in meaningful ways is the most valuable part of what I do. I’ve spoken in rooms, on stages and to people across the world. I’ve helped leaders in crisis, teams rebuilding trust and people trying to make sense of what leadership really demands today.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 22/08/2025

1/5 Extraordinary leadership is not reserved for ‘extraordinary’ people. Since announcing my book, I’ve read the messages and comments, and listened to the people pre-ordering for themselves, teams or friends.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 20/08/2025

1/3 Bias is present in leadership everywhere. Sometimes it benefits you, sometimes it doesn’t. But it’s always there. And if you’ve had to reach a leadership position to notice it, you’ve waited too long.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 19/08/2025

1/2 Critical thinking didn’t start dying because of AI. I think it’s time we started to look at the way we measure critical thinking versus the way we ask people to engage with it.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 09/08/2025

Can someone explain why so few people in London use their balcony/terrace? Genuinely curious. I live in a dense development and am outside anytime it’s possible and see maybe one person doing the same! Am I missing something? It’s lovely (to me!)

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 07/08/2025

Great leadership is about human skills and authentic connections that are built over time and through lived experience. As Simon Sinek said, it’s about taking care of those in your charge.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 06/08/2025

1/3 Leaders have the kind of power that will cushion impact, and the seniority that blunts consequences. But what about everyone else? As a leader, you can make decisions, change direction or speak sharply, and walk away without a scratch.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 31/07/2025

1/2 We like to treat bias like it’s a single-issue experience, but that’s never how it works. If you’re Black, you experience racism. And if you’re a woman, you experience misogyny.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 29/07/2025

1/2 People talk about groupthink as though it’s everyone thinking the same way. But in most organisations, people don’t all think alike because they believe the same thing. They act alike because they’ve seen what happens when you don’t.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 25/07/2025

1/3 “Will they hit the ground running?” That’s the question many leaders ask during the hiring process. But it’s the wrong question. Because what they’re really asking is “Are they already like us?”, “Will they slot in without friction?” and “Will we be comfortable?”

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 24/07/2025

‘Trial by fire’ isn’t a leadership strategy. Your people shouldn’t have to decode your expectations or read your mind. Real leadership is making the destination clear and supporting people on the journey there. Support is not a weakness; it’s what makes growth possible. Be better than Tommy.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 23/07/2025

1/3 “With great power comes great responsibility.” It’s been said so often we forget it’s meant to be a warning. Leadership is power. You may not feel it in the day-to-day, but your words, moods and decisions ripple through people’s lives.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 18/07/2025

1/4 The response to yesterday’s book announcement has been overwhelming - thank you. It’s Not Magic has already hit No.1 in Amazon’s Hot New Releases for Business Careers - a brilliant start and I’m so grateful for the early support.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 17/07/2025

Well, this was a treat - my local Peregrine falcon came by terrace (to celebrate my book launch, I am sure!) Takes me back to my days in the young ornithologists society (true story!)

Peregrine falcon resting on my roof terrace wall

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 17/07/2025

1/ Some news! My new book is available to pre-order now: bit.ly/44yW7JZ

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 16/07/2025

1/2 Sometimes, the conditions that society is programmed to see as disabling are just different ways to be brilliant. Loyle Carner articulated his lived experience with ADHD and dyslexia better than any academic ever has.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 14/07/2025

I have one of the biggest announcements of my career coming this Thursday, it could be an idea to turn on post notifications for this one. For those that have been following for a while, you might guess what this could be...

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 11/07/2025

Black Panther holds a special place in my heart as I grew up reading the comics. I’ve always been drawn to T’Challa, especially his incredible leadership style. Let’s break it down…

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 09/07/2025

I once had a study done on me to determine whether or not I’m magic. (Spoiler: I’m not.) But over time, I’ve built something even better, a library of experiences, which is just as magical.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 08/07/2025

1/3 Today I found out I’ve been nominated for D&I Leaders’ 2025 Diversity and Inclusion Leader of the Year.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 07/07/2025

If you’re starting your first leadership role this week… congratulations. It’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious. Just remember, you got this role for a reason. You’ve earned it through your skills, your experience, and the way you show up.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 04/07/2025

1/2 President Barack Obama once said: “My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too.” That truth extends beyond America. At any moment, one war or one disaster could force any of us to seek refuge elsewhere.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 02/07/2025

To be a good leader, you have to be present. You might be reading this thinking, “Well, obviously.” But you'd be surprised how much of great leadership comes down to the basics, the stuff people often overlook. And yet… so many still think it’s magic.

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John Amaechi @johnamaechi.apsintel.com · 30/06/2025

I really believe we should be grateful for the critical or negative feedback we receive, especially as leaders, and especially when it comes from your team. Because chances are, if one person feels this way… they’re not the only one.

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