Let me start by saying: I’m usually patient.

Usually.

But this week?

This week tested me.

I’m not sure whether it was the full moon, Mel Robbins’ world tour finale, or the come-down from a week spent in the orbit of excellence, but my tolerance for low effort?

It hit the floor.

I really tried to keep the “I’m disappointed but trying to be gracious” expression on. But between a few underwhelming interviews and some conversations that felt like people just couldn’t be bothered… let’s just say my poker face cracked.

This week, I want to get real about effort - what it looks like, what it signals, and why we need to hold a higher standard for ourselves and others, no matter where we sit.

⚠️ The Moment That Made Me Pause

A couple of intern interviews this week were the tipping point.

And let’s be fair: I don’t expect interns to have built an empire before they show up to the call. What I do expect is that they show they care. That they want to be there. That they’ve taken the time to think.

Instead, what I received felt like a ChatGPT-generated summary - no personal insight, no connection to the role, no conviction.

Look, I love AI. But AI doesn’t replace your effort - it supports it. Use it to elevate, not avoid. Contextualise. Synthesise. Make it yours.

The same lacklustre energy echoed across other moments in the week - meetings where people hadn’t read the pre-reads, collaborations with no follow-through, and surface-level conversations that left me wondering:

💭 So I Asked Myself: Are My Expectations Too High?

I really had to stop and check myself.

Am I expecting too much?

Am I being a bit… intense?

But the honest truth?

No.

Here’s why: I hold myself to the same standard.

I prepare. I deliver. I stretch. Not because I’m trying to be a superhero - but because I don’t have the luxury of winging it. I never have.

If you’re reading this, I bet you don’t either.

💡 What Showing Up Actually Looks Like

So let’s talk about it. What does it mean to show up with intention?

I loved this post from Bozoma Saint John’s Stanford session. It really hit the nail on the head.

Whether it’s a job interview, a client meeting, a boardroom pitch, or just your Monday morning check-in - here are three simple, high-impact ways to elevate your presence

🔍 1. Research Like You Mean It

Effort is visible. And nothing screams “I care” like knowing who you’re talking to.

Do more than skim the website.
Check their latest press releases. Read the leadership bios. Browse the last 6–8 months of LinkedIn activity. Look for what they care about - and find a point of connection.

Effort sounds like:

“I noticed you’ve recently shifted focus towards sustainability - how is that shaping your partnerships?”

Now we’re having a real conversation.

🧠 2. Have a Perspective

Don’t repeat what you think people want to hear. Share a thought of your own - even if it’s still forming.

You don’t need to be right. But you do need to care enough to think.

Effort sounds like:

“I’ve been seeing a lot of traction around XYZ trend - what’s your view on how that’s playing out in your space?”

That’s what people remember. A spark of insight. A point of view. Something human.

💥 3. Offer a Thoughtful Suggestion

Even the smallest, most respectful idea shows initiative.

You’re not being pushy - you’re showing that you’re engaged.

Effort sounds like:

“Your recent campaign had a strong voice - have you considered a collaboration with XYZ? I’d love to chat more about that.”

That tells me you’re thinking about how to add value - not just how to get something.

✨ A Word on Standards and the “Soft Girl Era”

Let’s talk about the season I’m in - my soft girl era.

It’s about rest. Alignment. Ease. Grace.
And I’m committed to it - deeply.

But let me be clear: Soft doesn’t mean sloppy.

It doesn’t mean being unprepared.
It doesn’t mean ghosting people when it’s inconvenient.
It doesn’t mean lowering the bar.

My softness is strategic. It’s discerning. It knows when to push and when to pause. When to give myself grace - and when to get out of my own way.

Softness is a strength. But it still requires standards.

And I won’t be dropping mine.

🎤 Final Thoughts: Effort Is Your Edge

I want to say yes. To interns. Collaborators. Speakers. Mentors. Mentees. New voices. Fresh ideas.

But you’ve got to show me you care.

Not with perfection. But with preparation.

With thought. With curiosity. With a moment that says:
“I respect your time, and I respect mine too.”

In a world drowning in noise and distraction, effort is your competitive advantage.
It cuts through. It lands. It leaves an impression.

So if you’re asking someone for their time, their trust, or their investment?

Respect it.
Match it.
Earn it.

And if you’re mentoring or leading others - don’t lower your standards. Model them. Set the tone for what excellence looks like.

With Patience, Love and Flow

📢 Let’s Chat

Have you been on the receiving end of low effort recently? Or maybe you’ve seen someone absolutely nail it?

Hit reply and tell me what showing up looks like to you. I want to hear it.

📬 Forward this to your mentee, your team, or that friend prepping for a big moment.
🌱 Because effort is contagious—and it’s how we change the game, together.

🌍 Mel Robbins “Let Them” Tour London Last week

I’m a sucker for a bit of Mel—so when the chance for a meet & greet came up, I didn’t hesitate. I invested in myself.

Couldn’t find anyone to join me? No problem. I took myself—and it turned out to be the reset I didn’t know I needed after an intense week. A solo date with some serious inspiration.🔥