Press pause and step outside your comfort zone for the family

Stepping Out of the Office – and Into a Nursery

This morning, I found myself somewhere very different from the boardroom or business meetings I’m used to. I was at my granddaughter’s and grandson’s nursery, preparing to do something I committed to about six months ago: read to a group of 20 to 30 under-fours.

Now, let me tell you, this is way outside my comfort zone.

Public speaking? No problem. Business presentations? Easy. But entertaining a room full of toddlers with high expectations? That’s a whole new kind of challenge.

And yet, as I stood there, holding my little bear prop, ready to read We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, I realized this isn’t so different from business after all. Like any good audience, these kids expect me to deliver. They want energy. They want the story to feel alive. And they can tell instantly if I’m phoning it in.

It struck me how much we all have to keep raising our game, whether it’s in a nursery or in the marketplace. People expect more. Customers expect more. And so do employees, partners, and teams. They want authenticity, enthusiasm, and something real. Just like those toddlers sitting cross-legged on the carpet.

But today wasn’t just about drawing business parallels. It was about taking time for what really matters. Family.

In the busy world of targets, deadlines, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to forget why we do what we do. For me, it’s moments like this, being a part of my grandchildren’s lives, even in small ways, that truly fill my cup. Reading a story, making a child laugh, and showing up in ways that matter.

So today, I left the emails and strategy behind. I picked up a storybook, packed a teddy bear, and gave my full attention to a group of little ones who reminded me that joy, connection, and presence are what truly count.

If you’ve been running at full speed lately, maybe it’s time to press pause. Step outside your comfort zone. Show up for someone you love. Because in the end, those are the stories that really matter.