Security Guards at the Door

I’ve been sitting on this last Tip of the year for some time. While there are many things I’ve wanted to say, it hasn’t felt right to add to the slop of opinions and advice.

So I’ll just share a few personal turning points and reflections from the year, starting with the Bondi terrorist attack, as this is top of mind.

This made me cry. Not so much because it shocked me personally as a Jew. I’ve seen antisemitism all my life and accepted it as the inevitable dark side of human prejudice and ignorance. It was more the impact on the broader community that upset me.

For instance, my mother lives in an Aged Care home with a hundred other frail and vulnerable residents, many of whom are Jewish. They now have a security guard stationed at the front door of their facility to help them feel physically safe. This is sad, especially for us in Australia, where we pride ourselves on being “the land of one and free”.

Mind your mind

The human mind has always been vulnerable to propaganda that pits people against each other. We need to be vigilant about what we listen to and read, and not get sucked into doctrines and fads that serve vested interests rather than our personal or collective well-being.

I have no agenda other than to encourage you to keep an open mind to all perspectives, and to think carefully about what you digest on social media and what you accept as true without critical thought.

Because of how the media and politicians have been using this tragedy to feed their need for power and relevance, I’ve decided to limit what I read and watch.

Thank goodness for the comedians

On the plus side of the media, this year I’ve appreciated the commentary from some clever, wise and thoughtful people, especially comedians, who have been calling out the self-serving sociopathic antics of our politicians.

Because power corrupts the mind, we all need checks and balances to keep us from being seduced and led astray by selfish instincts and drives. At its best, the media plays an important role here, as does our judiciary.

The AI weed

While on the topic of terrorism and sociopathy, I couldn’t end the year without a comment on AI, which I see as harbouring the characteristics of both. We’ve all been feeling the pressure not to be left behind and to embrace its amazing abilities. While these are indeed magnificent, I continue to see it as a noxious and insidious weed that has infiltrated our society and will cripple our intelligence, self-reliance, way of life and trust in what is genuine.

I am personally trying not to get swept up in the hype of the latest and greatest iterations, to use these products with care, and to continue discussing with colleagues and family when and when not to use certain features. (For instance, this tip has been written by me with some help from Grammarly for editing suggestions, which I often, but not always, accept.)

From paralysis to perspective

A final reflection. Early in the year, on my return from a successful trip to the USA, I was struck down by an autoimmune disease that left me paralysed in hospital for two months.

While at a physical level it was a traumatic and painful experience, at an existential level, I experienced a profound sense of peace. I attribute this to the prayers and goodwill of many friends and family members, and a blessing from a power that I won’t attempt to explain.

This and the incredible medical care I received from a team of competent and compassionate physicians and nurses has left me with a deep sense of gratitude. And a determination to continue our work in the psychology of franchising.

How we’ve tried to make a difference

Anneliese from my team has put together the infographic below, which summarises how we’ve been implementing our mission to foster profitable partnerships in the global franchising sector.

I am particularly proud of the top two metrics related to delivering educational sessions that participants have valued. If you have been part of this journey in some way as a collaborator or a participant, I’d like to thank you for putting your trust in us and keeping us in business.

We wish you a peaceful and prosperous new year.