45 Lessons at 45, Expansion, and Momentum

Welcome to my newsletter!

This week's focus: 

45 Lessons at 45 – for life and business 

Why expanding is key to business growth – choosing the right markets 

Momentum – turning milestones into movement 

45 Lessons for Life and Business at 45 

This week, I turned 45. 

Looking back, I can see how much has changed, and how much I've changed. 

But one thing is clear: the best years are still ahead. 

So, here are 45 lessons that life has taught me so far. 

Some are hard-earned, some simple, but all of them have shaped who I am today. 

1. Your best years are ahead. 
 
2. Know your value. If you don’t, no one else will. 
 
3. Hold your ground. 
 
4. Be fearless. 
 
5. Be kind but careful who you let in. 
 
6. Cut ties with complainers, they’ll drag you down. 
 
7. Stick with the ones who’ve got your back without expecting anything in return. 
 
8. Own who you’ve become. 
 
9. Your life experiences are your edge. 
 
10. Never stop learning. 
 
11. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. 
 
12. Say no to anyone or anything that holds you back. 
 
13. Don’t ever feel guilty for saying no. 
 
14. Appreciate life for what it is, not what you think it should be. 
 
15. Be grateful you’re here, making things happen. 
 
16. Toughen up. 
 
17. Stand firm in your decisions. 
 
18. Grow a thicker skin, it’s necessary. 
 
19. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. 
 
20. Don’t shy away from talking about your failures, they shape you. 
 
21. Push through your insecurities. 
 
22. Take time to reflect and regroup. 
 
23. Count on yourself, first and foremost. 
 
24. When life throws punches, take them, get up, and move forward. 
 
25. Reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s necessary. 
 
26. Keep fit. Your health is your foundation. 
 
27. Walk your talk. Every time. 
 
28. Do work that lights you up. 
 
29. Your happiness is your responsibility, don’t outsource it. 
 
30. Stay grounded, no matter how high you rise. 
 
31. Laugh hard and often. 
 
32. A good cry is not weakness, it’s release. 
 
33. Drop the toxic people. They’re dead weight. 
 
34. Don’t live for others, live for you. 
 
35. Take time to rest, guilt-free. 
 
36. Stop living by others’ expectations, set your own. 
 
37. Be kind, but don’t be a doormat. 
 
38. Back yourself, no one else will do it like you can. 
 
39. Don’t let anyone take advantage of your kindness. 
 
40. Stay present, it’s the only moment you can control. 
 
41. Find joy in the little things, they add up. 
 
42. Trust your gut, it’s rarely wrong. 
 
43. Do what scares you; it’s where growth happens. 
 
44. Be crystal clear on what you want, then go after it. 
 
45. Keep chasing your dreams, always. 

Why expanding into new markets is key to business growth 

I’ve just spent time in Doha, Qatar, and each visit reinforces why expanding your business to different countries is so crucial. 

Qatar, like many markets, offers unique opportunities you can’t find elsewhere. 

The city is clean, modern, and far more accessible now with most major construction finished. 

More importantly, the relationships we’ve built here are invaluable. 

Face-to-face interactions remain essential. 

Nothing beats getting to know your clients over coffee or lunch. 

It’s a slower process compared to other places, but the patience pays off. 

Many businesses focus solely on the UAE or Saudi, but Qatar is a hidden gem, often overlooked yet full of potential. 

Entering new markets requires commitment. 

You need to adapt to local nuances, invest in long-term relationships, and avoid the rush for instant results. 

But if you put in the time, the rewards will follow. 

For MCG Talent, our ongoing work in Qatar shows how critical it is to embrace new regions for sustainable growth. 

Momentum 

This year has been all about creating momentum - both in business and in life.