Change Management: Your Journey Towards Excellence – Vital Questions

Recently, in the Telegraph (a prestigious English newspaper) I read a typically candid interview with psychological magician Derren Brown. Nowadays, as a result of a bunch of hour-long TV specials and six seasons of 30 minute shows, he’s achieved true celebrity with the British public. And, frankly, someone in his PR company needs beheading for the fact he’s not as huge a celebrity in the US.

I’ve admired Derren’s work for over fifteen years (when I lived in the UK, long before I became a motivational speaker…and Derren got famous). Derren’s journey to outrageous (and well deserved) mega-success contains immediately – and universally – applicable lessons for anyone who wants to excel in any field.

A Radical Perspective

Derren saw mind-reading magic (a largely derivative and often hack genre) from an utterly novel point of view – A riveting combination of magic and hypnotic suggestion, all wrapped up in psychological byplay.

Then, building on the rock solid platform of a fresh perspective, Derren held himself to a dizzying standard of performing excellence. He worked hard and continued to hone his cutting edge approach to a razor’s edge. Over time, he developed a style which is raw, in-your-face and utterly bewildering. And, at the time (by his own admission) he was broke…

When Opportunity Strikes…

And then a major TV network called…someone else!

Andy Nyman (another superb psychological magician whose creativity and talent I greatly admire) was invited to star in a show that a production company were putting together for Channel 4. Andy (choosing to pursue his passion for acting) turned the gig down. And opened the door for Derren…

Since then, Derren has achieved both celebrity and critical acclaim. (In 2006 he won the Laurence Olivier Award for his West End show “Something Wicked This Way Comes”.)

How About You?

Rather than conform to the norm, Derren has a radically different perspective on his area of expertise. What are your talents? Could you improve your results by using your current skill set in a novel way? (Same skill set, different mindset.) When talent and hard work aren’t enough to bring you the results you deserve, looking at what you do from a fresh angle can make all the difference.

Are You Ready For Prime Time?

Derren continually refined his talent so, when opportunity knocked, he was ready to be a “prime time” player. For many people, it’s not lack of a “big break” that holds them back; they’re simply not ready to leap on unexpected opportunities when they appear.

If – thirty minutes from now – your door of opportunity swung open, would you be ready to embrace your dream? What part of your skill set needs polish? Right now, what could you do to keep yourself in the growth-groove?

What Are You Passionate About?

What became of Andy Nyman? Well, in addition to leading roles in Emmy-winning movies (acting alongside the likes of Donald Sutherland, David Schwimmer and LeeLee Sobieski) Andy became the co-writer for all of Derren’s TV specials. And also won the Laurence Olivier Award for directing “Something Wicked This Way Comes”.

Success has also come to Andy in a less meteoric manner, but in a way more aligned with his passion. What are you truly passionate about? Do you understand yourself well enough that you could decline the “good” opportunity…and wait for the great opportunity?

Derren and Andy, I salute you both!