blog

  • Ali Aydan: What Sets Truly Great CEOs Apart

    Ali Aydan: What Sets Truly Great CEOs Apart

    Some CEOs leave a mark that lasts far beyond a job title. They don’t just steer a business. They shape careers, inspire growth and bring out the best in the people around them. Here’s how to recognise one when you see it: 1. They listen first.The strongest leaders don’t dominate conversations. They ask, absorb,…

  • Ali Aydan: Why Playing It Safe Can Hold Your Business Back

    Ali Aydan: Why Playing It Safe Can Hold Your Business Back

    There’s a myth that strong leadership means avoiding mistakes. In my experience, that mindset stalls growth. Real progress demands a willingness to take risks even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way: 1. Smart risks open new doorsWhen we first brought AI into our security systems at DORIX, it…

  • Ali Aydan: Being Good Isn’t About Perfection; It’s About Presence

    Ali Aydan: Being Good Isn’t About Perfection; It’s About Presence

    For a long time, I measured success by results. Metrics, targets, and performance reviews shaped how I viewed “being good” at my role. But over time, I’ve realised that real impact runs deeper than numbers. Here’s what “being good” has come to mean for me: 1. You honour your word, especially when it’s inconvenientAnyone…

  • Ali Aydan: Getting Your Team Ready for AI

    Ali Aydan: Getting Your Team Ready for AI

    AI is no longer optional for most businesses. But the real difference isn’t in the tech you choose, it’s in how ready your team is to use it well. Here’s what’s worked for us when bringing AI into daily operations: 1. Start with solid trainingDon’t assume people already know how to use AI just…

  • Ali Aydan: Growth Doesn’t Live in Your Comfort Zone

    Ali Aydan: Growth Doesn’t Live in Your Comfort Zone

    “If we only do what we’re familiar with, we might miss what we’ve been made for.” – Bob Goff This quote has stuck with me for years. In leadership, it’s tempting to cling to what we know. But comfort can quietly block progress. Here’s what I’ve learned about leaning into uncertainty: 1. Comfort limits…

  • Ali Aydan: Why Chasing Massive Goals Can Backfire

    Ali Aydan: Why Chasing Massive Goals Can Backfire

    Ambition drives progress. But if you’re not careful, it can also derail it. I’ve learned this through experience. Big goals sound impressive, but they can slow you down if there’s no structure behind them. Here’s what stood out to me over the years: 1. Huge goals without clear steps cause confusionPeople feel inspired at…

  • Ali Aydan: Smart People Don’t Need a Boss, They Need a Platform

    Ali Aydan: Smart People Don’t Need a Boss, They Need a Platform

    For a long time, I thought leadership meant having the answers. That belief slowed my team down. The reality? The most capable people in your business aren’t looking for instructions. They’re looking for space to lead. Here’s what changed in my approach: 1. Hire for potential, not just the CVYou want people who think…

  • Ali Aydan: Why Vision Alone Isn’t Enough for Real Transformation

    Ali Aydan: Why Vision Alone Isn’t Enough for Real Transformation

    Early on, I believed that leading transformation was all about the destination. Bold vision. Big energy. Full steam ahead. I was wrong. What I’ve learned over time is this: You can’t lead meaningful change without first understanding where you’re starting from. Here’s what would’ve saved me a lot of stress: 1. Know where you…

  • Ali Aydan: Why Saying ‘No’ Is One of the Smartest Moves You Can Make

    Ali Aydan: Why Saying ‘No’ Is One of the Smartest Moves You Can Make

    “Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.”That quote hit home. As business owners, leaders or just people trying to make the most of our time, saying yes often feels easier. It avoids conflict, keeps things moving and makes us feel…

  • Ali Aydan: How I Stopped Competing and Started Growing

    Ali Aydan: How I Stopped Competing and Started Growing

    There was a point in my career when watching others rise quickly made me question my own progress. It’s easy to slip into comparison mode. We all do it at times. But here’s what changed everything for me: I stopped using other people’s milestones as a measure of my own. Instead, I started paying…