Be assured that within your setbacks most likely are hidden gems. Gems that can make your foundations stronger and that ultimately can create a greater probability of growth – in any aspect of life.

We’re now into the last weeks of 2019. Wouldn’t if be great to squeeze the very best out of it, so that we turn the corner with momentum and set ourselves up for a strong start to 2020?

If you’re Irish, Darina needs no introduction. But if you’re not let’s just say she is Ireland’s original celebrity chef. And over the last few decades she has written 19 books, created one of the best cookery schools in the world, been a pioneer and ambassador for the slow food movement and a renowned TV chef.

Often we set standards that are too high for a situation and so we experience frustration and disappointment. Other times we set our standards too low and so don’t experience the success or enjoyment we should.

Everyone can be forgiven for falling victim to a ‘pity party’, particularly in challenging times. But if I’ve learned anything in my own life and working with leaders, it’s that the right mindset is key to creating miracles.

Everyone knows it just takes one bad apple to kill a team, but they don’t often consider the impact of their own state or mood in the same way.

If you’re Irish and over 40, you’ll know that last week saw the passing of the legendary broadcaster Gay Byrne. If you’re not living in Ireland, think of the most famous person you know in your country, multiply it by 10 and make it personal.

Siya Kolisi’s words after the RWC Final were very inspiring and humble and his team is the first to win the tournament, despite losing a game in the pool stages. A definite win for resilience.

Indeed England’s Rugby World Cup score against New Zealand could have been higher. But this was a team with a mindset locked onto victory, and an honesty in their performance. They all showed up and backed themselves.

Below is a recording of an interview I did in October 2019 with Ellen Gunning on her Mediascope show on Dublin City FM. We spoke about public relations and leadership.