Exceed Culture

If you’ve ever struggled to live life on your own terms, then this book is for you.

There’s an unofficial rule that says you need to change who you are to achieve success. Conventional wisdom warns, “Don’t create a ruckus.”, “Stop being so weird.” “You’re too emotional.” “Forget that crazy dream.”

But if you truly want to succeed by owning who you are, Rare Bread will show you how. Rare Breed is an unorthodox business book for anyone that aspires to reach for greatness by being a rebel, an outsider or better still, being true to themself.

We love the authors Sunny Bonnell and Ashleigh Hansberger (she/her) because they live what they preach.

Get your copy on shop.exceedculture.com

Contrary to what many believe, career success isn’t just about working hard and having a skill advantage, being industry-savvy or highly motivated.

Smart and talented people derail and see their careers stall every now and again.

Research shows that over two-thirds of professionals do not realize their full potential. Why? Lack of knowledge of what to do.

If you want to build a brilliant career or revive one that has already plateaued, then these books are for you.

Take control of your career with these three books:
1. The Compass and the Radar.
2. The Right Stuff and the Wrong Stuff.
3. The Career Manifesto.

The books are available in our store: shop.exceedculture.com

According to research by the University of Sussex, reading for only six minutes a day can ease muscle tensions and improve your overall health.

When reading, your mind is calm and your body relaxed. This reduces the effects of the day’s stress and sets you up with a clearer mind.

Have you read a book today?

No doubt, honing your emotional intelligence can help you excel in life. It is an important skill for career and business success. However, there are some misconceptions about what it is and what it’s not.

Here are a few things to know about emotional intelligence.

1. Emotional Intelligence is about communicating with diplomacy and tact:
Even when you must communicate an uncomfortable truth to someone, do it with diplomacy and tact. The truth doesn’t have to be bitter.

2. Emotional Intelligence is about controlling your feelings:
Emotional intelligence requires that you understand and express your feelings appropriately in your daily interactions. It makes you care about how others feel.

3. Emotional Intelligence can be learned:
Even if it doesn’t come to you naturally, you can still develop high emotional intelligence. It’s a learnable skill. Most things in life are learned.

There are many elements to success, but one thing is sure. Successful people develop the capacity for the success they seek.

They are not like the people Austin Kleon said, “…want to be the noun without doing the verb.” Successful people put in the work (whatever is required) to become who they are.

While luck (or the randomness of life) may play a part in the success equation, opportunity will always make the unprepared look ridiculous. Contrary to what many people believe, you don’t succeed just by being at the right place at the right time. You do by being the right person in the right place at the right time.

Do not be one of those who so are consumed with finding the next opportunity that they fail to prepare themselves for the occasion.

Mentors, sponsors, coaches, collaborators and supporters are all essential, but the hard work still falls on you. You simply cannot outsource the work of making yourself the “right person.”

Strive first to be the right person and hopefully you will find the opportunities that are suited for the person you would have become.

We join the world to celebrate this year’s International Day of Happiness with you.

Remember, happiness comes from within.



As you celebrate don’t forget to “Keep Calm, Stay wise, and Be Kind.”



Happy International Day of Happiness!

Reading about other people’s business strategies and growth is another way to develop your entrepreneurial skills.

You can learn about their successes and failures and implement those lessons in your business.

What books have you read as a business owner? Which is your favourite so far?

Share with us, we are curious.

Featuring nearly eighty inspiring, informative, and instructive letters, ‘Dear Founder’ is rich with sound advice on an array of business topics, from turning your idea into a reality to building a culture, to reaching key financial goals.

‘Dear Founder’ is an indispensable guide to navigating the realities,risks and rewards of being your own boss - and founding the company of your dreams.

You can check it out on our store: https://shop.exceedculture.com/products/dear-founder-letters-of-advice-for-anyone-who-leads-manages-or-wants-to-start-a-business

Having a business partner comes with enormous benefits, financial and otherwise, but it is not without its risks.

Before you make the decision, consider these questions in order to improve your chances of success.

1. Do I Really Need A Partner?

Having a partner might seem interesting but you need to ensure that it’s the best decision for your business. Considering this question will help you know if there are better solutions other than having a partner. For instance, if you seek funding, you might consider if getting investors would be better than a full partner.

2. What Values And Work Ethics Suit My Business?

A successful partnership requires that both parties have a common goal. You will need to identify what works for your business and ensure your potential partner shares similar values with you. One way to discover people's values and work ethics is to ask their past employees, colleagues, or referrals. With that, you'll know how committed your potential partner will be

3. What Will My Potential Partner Bring To The Table?

Just like you won't hire for fun, you also won't form a partnership with no benefit attached. Your potential partner should complement your skills and personality or serve a long term purpose you can't handle. If you're good with marketing, you might need someone proficient in administration. Be sure having a partner saves you cost and yields returns in the long run.

I recently read the story of late Prof. Randy Pausch in the book, ‘The End of Procrastination: How to Stop Postponing and Live a Fulfilled Life.’

When doctors told him that he had only six months to live after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he didn’t sit back to bemoan his fate; instead, he started to live what was left of his life to the fullest.

He prepared and gave a lecture titled, “The Last Lecture” that has since been watched by over 19 million people on YouTube and wrote a book by the same title (both within six months) and spent the rest of his with his family.

If you had only so much time to live (and I guess we all do), what would you be doing right now?

As Seneca, the Roman Philosopher said, “While we waste our time hesitating and postponing, life is slipping away.”

Stop doing good work and start doing great work. “Great work is work that is meaningful to you. Great work is work that has impact and makes a difference… Great work is work that matters” – Michael Bungay Stanier.



Patrick Nwakogo

Founder, Exceed Culture

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The book, ‘The End of Procrastination’ is available at shop.exceedculture.com and can be accessed via this link:

Exceed Culture Limited urgently requires a Community Manager. This is a full-time, mid-level role. 3- 5 years experience is ideal for the role.

Please see job description, other requirements and how to apply in the banner below.

Application closes on February 06, 2021.