A few days ago I had a meeting with Jamie Anderson and some of his students to discuss a new business idea (no I won’t tell you what it was ). He’s Professor of Strategic Management at Antwerp Management School. Recently named as a “management guru” by the Financial Times, he has also been included on a list of the world’s “top 25 management thinkers” by the journal Business Strategy Review.

Have you seen his TED talk? It’s about the art of followership.

I couldn’t agree more with his analysis. I took out a few pieces to comment on:

• I like his statement at the end of his speech: “Why should I follow you?” Rings a bell? It’s another way of saying the first line in my mantra: “What’s your dream?” What are you passionate about? How can you ever be successful if you don’t know what your dream is?
• Do you think you have a “stupid” dream? There’s a great Apple video in his TED talk about people who think they are crazy enough to change the world. People who think different. So now you know why I like Jamie? If not, you should read my blog more often
• “You need to thank your followers constantly”. We do that. We call our followers fans. 90% comes back every year. That’s not just because the Hercules Trophy is such an awesome event. It’s so much more. Fans know why. you have to experience it ones, and then you’ll know. Even fans can’t explain. Fans make it their event. We just create a platform. So thanks again fans, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for you.
• “People look for electrifying moments”. Nicely put Jaime! That’s what we do at Hercules Trophy. People need to get out of their daily routine, do sports, connect with other people, have fun, do some good…if we want them to lead the Herculean Lifestyle.

And about the Herculean Lifestyle we have exciting things to announce shortly. Watch this space. You’ll be surprised…or not, if you know us well!