just another fat guy with a pretty face?

The other night over dinner a friend’s wife told me about a friend of her’s from the UK who looks like the singer Adele…
My friend said to the dismay of his wife, “she has a pretty face, but she’s fat.” 

I couldn’t help but comment, “The world is full of fat people with pretty faces… full of talented people who don’t live up to their talent – like a beautiful woman who is fat.” 

Sort of similar, but not really…

This afternoon, back in Dubai I received a presentation by someone who is clearly dynamic.

I was impressed, but not surprised by his passion.
By nature this young man is enthusiastic and very talented. 

As I listened to him, I couldn’t help but think back to some of the other talent I’ve witnessed over the years…
A variety of people who showed so much promise; so much passion, only to end up failing to live up to their words and their own and my expectations.

We discussed how he needed to stick to the plan which he had just outlined to me and stay consistent until the end.

Once he had finished I asked him completely out of the blue – “why is the world so full of fat people with pretty faces?”

He laughed, but my question was serious.

And I added: “…because not everyone wants be great, many are happy with just being ok. Complacency sets in, and suddenly that gorgeous woman with an angelic face has become fat.”

Of course I am speaking metaphorically…

Although 2011 was a tough year all over the world, naseba grew nearly 20% (compared to 2010) to achieve our best year to date.

It was a good year, but looking back over the past couple of years, (upon reflection) I see (clearly) how as a leader I have become complacent … and satisfied with being “good, but not great.” 

I have not driven the company to the level of success which reflects our true potential, especially considering our strong presense in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, India, China and soon Brazil … liquid emerging markets

2012 is our 10th year since we started naseba – and my focus is to grow the business by 30% this year compared to last.

I don’t want to be just another fat guy with a pretty face…