Brilliant. Articulate. Impressive under pressure. The kind of leader who seems to handle everything at once—and once told me, with complete confidence, that he could multitask.

And I believed him, because secretly, I wanted that superpower too.

Imagine it: doubling your output, handling complexity with ease, staying ahead of everyone else. For anyone driven by performance, multitasking feels like the ultimate edge.

Except… it’s mostly a myth.

The 3% illusion

Neuroscience delivers a humbling reality: Only about 3% of people can truly multitask.

The rest of us—97%—are not multitasking. We are task switching. And that changes everything.

When you think you’re doing two things at once, your brain is rapidly toggling between tasks. Your prefrontal cortex—the command center of focus—can’t fully engage in both simultaneously. Instead, it flickers back and forth.

Like a browser with too many tabs open. It feels productive, but it’s quietly draining you.

The hidden cost of “doing more”

Every switch comes at a price:

• Your focus fractures
• Your performance drops
• Your error rate increases

And the impact goes deeper than most people realize:

• Increased stress
• Mental fatigue
• Mood deterioration
• Poorer decision-making

In other words, the very behavior we rely on to get ahead is often what’s holding us back.

The shocking reality of our workdays

Let’s pause and look at what’s happening in modern work environments.  My favorite partner, the NeuroMindfulness Institute has provided me with excellent statistics – a 2025 Microsoft study of 31,000 people across 31 countries which reveals something unsettling:

We are living in a constant state of interruption.

Non-work distractions:

• 58% lose 30–60 minutes daily
• 33% lose more than 90 minutes
• 35% of total working time is lost to non-work related distractions.
• 6% of time is spent just trying to refocus.

Top culprits:

• Phones (49%)
• Internet browsing (38%)
• Social media (37%)

Now layer in work-related distractions:

• 60% say digital tools are stressful and distracting
• 68% feel their day has too many interruptions
• Email, messaging, and video calls dominate attention.

The result?

• 72% feel inefficient
• 72% feel stressed
• 73% feel completely drained

This isn’t a productivity issue. It’s an attention crisis.

The part nobody talks about: Attention residue

Here’s where it gets even more interesting—and more concerning. Even when you switch tasks, your brain doesn’t fully follow. A part of your attention stays behind.

This phenomenon, called attention residue, was identified by Sophie Leroy from the University of Washington. It works like this:

You move to Task B…
But part of your mind is still thinking about Task A.

That unfinished email.
That conversation.
That decision you haven’t made yet.

And it whispers: “Don’t forget…”

That whisper is cognitive drag and it reduces your ability to perform your next task effectively.

Even more surprising? It can take 15 to 23 minutes to fully regain deep focus after a switch.

Now consider this: The average knowledge worker is interrupted every 2–3 minutes.

Let that sink in. You are interrupted before your brain even has a chance to recover.

No wonder so many people end the day exhausted—without feeling accomplished.

What works

The brain isn’t designed for constant switching, but it can be trained for sustained focus.

Research suggests we can work in focused blocks of up to 90 minutes, followed by short recovery breaks.

Those breaks matter more than you think. They are not a luxury—they are a reset button.

What helps clear attention residue:

• Walking
• Light conversation
• Mindfulness or breathing exercises
• Daydreaming
• Stretching or yoga
• Music
• Creative activities like drawing

What makes it worse:

• Social media scrolling
• News consumption
• Intense videos or gaming
• Online shopping
• Mentally replaying unfinished tasks

Not all breaks are equal. Some restore you. Others keep you stuck.

Multitasking in networking: The silent deal breaker

Now let’s bring this into a space most people overlook: Networking.

You’re at an event. You meet someone interesting. A conversation begins. Then suddenly…They check their phone, or worse—they start replying to messages while you’re talking.

That’s not multitasking. That’s disconnection in real time.

In networking, attention is currency.

And when you split it, you lose trust instantly. We all know how it feels to not be heard, and yet, many of us do it—almost unconsciously. If a call is truly urgent, Networking Etiquette is simple: “Excuse me, I need to take this—I’ll come back.” That small act preserves respect because effective networking isn’t about efficiency.

It’s about presence. Even 5–7 minutes of undivided attention can create a meaningful connection. But divide that attention—and the opportunity disappears.

A simple rule to remember

Next time someone proudly says, “I’m great at multitasking.”

Smile and ask:

“Are you multitasking… or just switching?”

If they insist, tell them they might belong to the rare 3%.

For the rest of us? The real advantage isn’t doing more at once.

It’s doing one thing—exceptionally well. In a world competing for your attention, your ability to protect it…may be your greatest professional advantage.

The post The myth of multitasking: Are you multitasking… or task switching? appeared first on .

Me,  dressed up as Santa Claus in my December 2025 Newsletter with the overhead message…”I understand that 2025 was overwhelming?”

I was overwhelmed as well – I normally provide articles, books suggestions and networking tips for my newsletter but this time, I just had no energy left, no ‘gas in the tank’ as they say.

2025 was a slowdown year in consumer buying. A lot of clients told me they had budgets to spend on advertising or sales, yet  they were careful to spend. After all this wasn’t the financial crisis of 2008/2009 or any symptoms anywhere near, but something was happening.

I was eager to determine why so many people said, “I’m overwhelmed”.

Many told me they just can’t focus – it ranged between the following statements:

1. The boss and organization want “More with less!”
2. The boss and the organization want us to change faster,
3. Too many emails/ Slack/ WhatsApp messages. It was dizzying according to them throughout many industries.

Now if you add  the daily commute of traffic, getting kids to/from school and late meetings my clients and peers equated this to:  “I can’t seem to focus anymore”.

Sounds familiar?

Is it the moniker “ More with less” which is affecting our focus? Maybe, but I’ve heard this expression from one of my bosses, a VP when I was in my 30s so it’s not new.

Is it the speed of change and ultimately the threat of AI taking our jobs away? Perhaps but “change” is constant now so technically, we should be getting used to it or at least, accept the word and not be intimidated by the omnipresent need to change some thing or somehow.

AI people say it is the fear generator. I can see that but there are increasing numbers of companies adopting AI too fast –  read massive job cuts or “AI hype outrunning reality ”- see the Salesforce.com story here: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/defaultinterstitial.cms

I’d prefer to state that “overwhelm” is coming from our lack of attention or inability to pay attention.

Let me give you a few vivid examples:

The next time you’re on the bus or subway, don’t sit but rather from a vantage point in front of you look at the number of people looking at their phones and divide that by the total number of people sitting down in that section. Chances are it’s probably 80 to 90%.

My point? This is one moment in your life,  in one location where complete strangers are fixed to swiping,  reading, online shopping or watching an intense video.

Next, at a restaurant where people are supposed to enjoy a meal together, people are swiping. In fact, if they’re with their children,  the kids are probably behaving because they have a phone or tablet. There’s no dialogue going on because people are swiping therefore no one is paying attention to anyone.

Closer to home now, observe your partner or spouse’s phone using habit, and how the kids are keeping busy at the table,  so when you ask the question like: So…how was your day today?… or what’s the plan for today? don’t wonder when you get an awkward pause;  a delay; then, ”What did you say?”

Perhaps I’m dramatizing but we have been hijacked, rather our brains have been hijacked by smartphones and social media. It’s like a habit,  and like any insidious habit we use the phone for digital distractions:  To kill waiting time, to swipe, to get informed, to procrastinate, be entertained or quite simply because we’re bored.

We’ve all heard about algorithms that play tricks with us. They identify our viewing patterns and provide more of this “stuff”. They capture and monetize our attention through these smart AI algorithms yet as cognizant as we are about this trick, we all reach out for the phone and swipe for more.

Some forward-looking countries are considering limiting access to minors for social media. I applaud this effort, yet this requires political courage  ( which becomes increasingly rare if we consider the geopolitical mess we have today) yet I don’t believe it can be sustained.

The solution?

Learning about attention or rather lack of attention and doing something about it.

Here’s a fascinating study conducted by Microsoft in 2025 to prove why Attention mastery is important for healthy leadership. These are good data points from Microsoft and it’s my humble effort to give you something credible to sow the idea that attention or lack thereof  is important:

Leaders are overwhelmed by constant change, information overload and digital distraction

• 68% of people say they struggle with the pace and volume of work
  • 46% feel burned out
  • 85% of emails are read in under 15 seconds
  • The average person receives 117 emails and 153 Teams messages daily
  • We get interrupted by a digital notification every 2 minutes on average

Source: Microsoft survey on 31,000 people across 31 countries, May 2025.

These numbers are staggering. My colleagues at the NeuroMindfulness Institute have provided these statistics and will soon share results for another survey with regards to Attention mastery.

It’s always best to prove a point with research that has been thoroughly documented rather than relying on regurgitated garbage data, hearsay, news or sensationalism on social media.

Just for fun and if you’ve decided to take the “bull by the horns” to regain critical, precious attention with your loved ones and work colleagues, take this free test.

Don’t worry, this data will not be used to solicit you. Take the test and find your Archetype.

You may be shocked by the results. In fact, you may agree with the archetype and if so, great!

In my next article, I will show you how to improve your attention, diminish overwhelm and emphasize that mastering “Attention” is the new leadership superpower. By regaining control of focus this can boost energy, mental health and sustain performance – my favorite topic!

Have I got your attention now?

The post Pay Attention! appeared first on .

A simple answer: Find something you truly enjoy and something you’re naturally good at.
But here’s the catch—how do you know what you’re good at before you’ve even had the chance to try?

My message is refreshingly simple, yet powerful:
“If you’re good at what you do and you really like it, you’ll be the best.”

For this post, I’ve decided to leave it in speech mode for faster reading. Enjoy!                     

Good afternoon everyone, and welcome.
My name is Paul Renaud, and I’m happy to be here today.

Thank you for joining my presentation, which is called:

The best career advice I’ve ever received

Let me start with a short description of what I do.

I’m a Leader of teams.

What I do is work with management and executive teams that are stuck.

They don’t trust each other.
They don’t communicate well.
They don’t work together.

And when that happens, productivity drops.

So, they bring in someone like me—an outside person—to help them reconnect, communicate, and work together again toward a common goal.

That’s why I call myself a Leader of teams.

It sounds easy—and sometimes it is.
But when you put a lot of smart people with different opinions in one room, getting them to cooperate can be very tricky.

My 35 years of business experience have taught me a lot about people, teamwork, and leadership—and I use real-life examples to help teams move forward.

Let’s start with my favorite expression—and the best career advice I’ve ever received:

“If you’re good at what you do, and you really like it, you’ll be unstoppable.”

Simple. Elegant. Powerful.

So why is it so hard to reach?
Why is it so difficult to make the right choice?

I received this advice from a close friend of mine, Jim Hubley, the CEO of a telecommunications company. He had an MBA in Marketing and was one of the best leaders I’ve ever worked for.

Q. Do you know when I heard this advice?

When I was 47 years old.

Q. A little late, right?

This advice matched my goals. I always wanted:

1. To be good at what I do
2. To be recognized as a leader
3. To be a great people manager
4. To become a CEO and travel the world

But I thought success meant something else.

I thought I had to:

• Work harder and longer than everyone else
• Be smarter than everyone else
• Go to the right school
• Have the right connections

After 27 years in business, in 2012, I changed my career.

My career path looked like this:

Customer Service Representative →Sales Representative → Sales Manager →
Marketing Manager → Commercial Director →Marketing Director →
CEO of a startup

All of that while living in 10 countries over 20 years.

Career-wise, I was okay-ish as a commercial executive—but something was always missing.

I had a lot of starts and stops.

Why?

1. I was often in the wrong place at the wrong time—a round peg in a square hole
2. I didn’t stay long enough to build strong allies
3. And yes—I failed more than once.

Other jobs I’ve had:

Here are other things I’ve done in my life:

• Delivered two newspaper routes at age 12, on my bicycle.
• Worked at McDonald’s
• Delivered electrical supplies
• Worked as a cook
• Ran a window-washing business
• Volunteered at hospital foundations in Canada and Hospice Casa Speranței
• Member of the Rotary Club
• Freemason

Sounds impressive, right?

Looking back, I realize something important:

I didn’t try enough different things early enough.

So… Do you want to hear my secret?

Try !

T-R-Y

1 word!!

Try even if you think it’s boring.
Try something different.
Try even if you’re bad at it.
Try even if you fail miserably.

And then—MOVE ON and TRY the next thing.

GOOD vs. LIKE . Please listen up!

Here’s a short list of things where I rated myself:

• Am I good at it?
• Do I like it?

Topics                                     GOOD?                        `                       LIKE?

1.Music                                   yes                                                       no

2. Plumbing                            no                                                        no

3. Building a house                 yes                                                       no

4. Accounting                         no                                                        no

5. Finance                              yes                                                       yes

6. Sales                                   yes                                                       yes

7.  Research                           yes                                                       yes

8.  People skills                      yes                                                       yes

9.  Planning skills                  yes                                                       yes

10. Consulting                       yes                                                       yes

11. Teaching                          yes                                                       yes

12. Good listener?                 Yes                                                      yes

13. Public speaking               yes                                                       yes

14. Dancer                               yes                                                       no

15. Artist, painter                    no                                                        no

16. Software coding                yes                                                       no

17. Reading fast                      yes                                                       no

18. My own business             yes                                                       yes

19. Psychology                       yes                                                       no

Now notice something important – where I wrote YES and YES.

That’s the intersection.
That’s where passion meets ability.

But it took me a long time to figure that out.

And that is why I wish I had started trying earlier, even things that looked boring—because you never know!!

Let me give you a few role models:

Olympic gold medalist David Popovici, like Chris—the hero of my book Demigods, Aliens and Ordinary People—lost many, many races before he started winning.

Here’s a typical day that most people don’t see:

• 5:00 am –7:00 pm:      Pool
• 8:00 am– 5:00 pm:      School
• 6:00 am –9:00 pm:      Back in the pool

Six days a week!

That sounds exhausting.

But here is the key:

When you’re good at something and you like it, even hard work becomes easier—and sometimes even fun.

For them, it’s not torture.
It’s passion.

That’s when:

• Time flies
• Doors open
• You improve
• You win
• You feel confident
• You stay focused

So, here’s what I want to leave you with today:

Embrace every experience you have the courage to TRY—even if you fail.

TRY.

Try and see if you can get good at it.

Try and see if you like it.

Q. Now let me ask you something.

Q. How old are you?…

Don’t wait until you’re 47 like I did.
Don’t wait until you have 27 years of experience.

Start now.

Test things.
Explore.
Experiment.

TRY

And if you don’t like it?
No big deal.

Don’t get upset.
Don’t get frustrated.

Just MOVE on.

Why?

Because you haven’t found it yet!

And that’s okay.

Keep going.

My topic today was the best career advice I’ve ever received:

“If you’re good at what you do, and you really like it, you’ll be unstoppable.”

Now you know my secret.

Try it. Try now!

Every single one of you can start today.

Everyone here can TRY!

So… What are you waiting for?

REMEMBER – You won’t know unless you TRY!

Good luck and see you soon!

Thank you.

The post The best career advice I’ve ever received appeared first on .

During the height of the financial crisis of 2008–2010, I found myself without work, a bit depressed, and trying to make it in a foreign country. I had few allies, but I was determined to find my way despite the mess in the markets.

Maria, my wife, had an idea. She had been planning it for about a year, waiting for the right moment. One day, while we were out shopping, she lured me into a pet shop and asked, “What do you think?”

“Think of what?” I replied.

She pointed toward a black-and-white Havanese Bichon.

“A dog? Why would we complicate our lives with a dog?” I asked. Just then, a little three-year-old girl cried out, “Mommy, mommy! I want this dog!”

Maria went into overdrive, giving me a look that needed no translation — a look that said, “If we don’t take this puppy, I might just leave you here.” I gave in. And so, Souris became “the thing we bought at the store.”

I mean, I liked dogs. I had dogs before. But in that moment of my life, I couldn’t see the point of caring for one.

I was wrong.

Souris became my personal assistant, my fitness coach, my antidepressant — and most of all, a precious friend.

She was part of our travels, always included in our plans — all 4.5 kilograms of her.

Dogs (and cats, although I’m no cat expert) are extraordinary beings. If you open your heart to them, if you truly love and care for them, they give you loyalty beyond this world. Their greatest fear is abandonment — and their greatest gift is devotion.

Souris was an integral part of our family. That may sound odd to some, but let’s remember humans have lived with pets for tens of thousands of years. In fact, dogs were first domesticated from wolves at least 15,000 years ago — and possibly as far back as 30,000 years. From the beginning, they’ve been our companions, protectors, and friends.

She was tough. But at 14, the vet confirmed what we already feared: her organs were failing. We weren’t ready to let her go. We tried medication, and for a while she managed well. But just before we left on a road trip, she began to weaken.

I kissed her goodbye and whispered, “Please wait for us, we’ll be back soon.”

The day before we returned, my mother-in-law called us in tears: Souris had passed away.

On the highway, Maria and I sat in silence. Eventually, we pulled over, called home, and then drove back as quickly as we could. We buried her in one of our favorite spots.

Maria chose not to see her — she wanted to remember her as she was. I did. As I looked into her eyes, I lost it and broke down. I thanked her for being such a precious friend, told her I loved her, and told her it was okay to rest.

It struck me then: in this life, we inevitably bury those we love. We are born of dust, and to dust we return. I was sad then, and I am still sad now.

People sometimes ask me, “Paul, why do you write?”

The easy answer is: to make people feel good. But the deeper truth is that writing helps me carry sorrow. I wrote when my parents passed away, and I write now for Souris. Writing is therapy for me.

I remind myself that Souris — like all living beings — has a soul. She is still with me.

Some years ago, I shared a passage from Neale Donald Walsh’s Conversations with God that comforts me still:

“When a loved one leaves the body, it is a cause for a genuine and special joy.
It can be difficult to feel joy over the death of a loved one, and sadness is natural.
Yet your Beloved is celebrating Continuation Day — the most glorious experience you can imagine. You will reunite with them, for their essence comes to you at your very thought.”

Having lost both of my parents, I believe this deeply. I still speak to my dad — he answers me in his witty, smart-aleck way, as if only a phone call away. My mom too, with her gentle, caring advice.

Life can feel unfair, and death is one of its harshest blows. Yet, as Neale reminds us, our loved ones are always with us. Our thoughts summon them.

He also taught me that all living beings — humans, animals, even plants — have souls. When he asked if animals have souls, God’s answer was simple:

“Look into the eyes of your favorite pet, and you tell me…if animals have souls?”

Finally, I love business, and I spend much of my time coaching leaders, often guiding them through difficult emotions.

This time, it is the coach speaking of his own emotions — and reminding us all how deeply beautiful it is to be human, and to cherish the animals who walk beside us as our most precious friends.

The post Losing a Good Friend appeared first on .

When you dig a little deeper, though, you’ll often find something important behind that success:
A strong organizational culture.

And here’s the key insight:
Organizational culture is rarely an accident.

Usually, it starts with a founder or leader who deeply believes in something. It could be:

• A focus on people—employees or customers.
• A passion for innovation.
• Or a genuine desire to make the world a better place.

That belief system shapes the way the company does things: from the way teams collaborate to how products are designed and delivered. What you see on the outside—speed, creativity, customer focus—is often the effect of the organizational culture working behind the scenes.

So, should organizational culture be built—or just happen naturally?

That’s the million-dollar question, and one that’s sparked many debates. In my opinion, culture will always evolve naturally to some extent. But if you’re a leader or entrepreneur, you need to ask yourself:

Am I actively shaping my company’s culture, or just letting it happen by default?

In my experience coaching leaders in both multinationals and SMEs, the most successful companies are those where the leader plays an active role in building and sustaining the culture.

It’s about setting the tone, inspiring the team, and aligning everyone toward a shared goal. It’s about pulling people together to work as one unit—not just running a business, but building a community with purpose.

Learn from a community of leaders

If you’re thinking about how to shape or enhance your organizational culture, consider joining Pluxee IMM Connect. It’s a trusted platform built around the real needs of entrepreneurs in Romania.

As a member, you’ll get:
Access to expert insights on leadership, culture, and growth.
Exclusive benefits for Pluxee Romania services.
The chance to learn from interviews with leaders who’ve created cultures that drive real success.

Let Pluxee IMM Connect be your source of inspiration as you build the culture that will define your company’s next chapter.

Ready to connect with a dynamic entrepreneurial community?
Join Pluxee IMM Connect

For more information, contact Paul Renaud
Paul@Paul-renaud.com

This article is a paid partnership.

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We’re living in a world overflowing with information. Every day brings a new headline, a new study, or an “emerging trend” that promises to change the way we do business. With AI and data tools multiplying the speed of content production, keeping up is harder than ever.

But here’s the catch: not all trends are created equal. And not all of them are true.

That’s why, before acting on any so-called trend, I’ve adopted a new habit. I ask a simple but critical question:
“Says who?”

In other words:

• Who is behind this trend report?
• What data is it based on?
• Is the insight coming from a trusted expert, is it just clickbait or worse, someone that has no experience on the matter?

If I admire the trend, I still check the source. Because in business, being misled by inaccurate data isn’t just a waste of time—it can lead to bad decisions that cost real money.

And let’s be honest: it’s hard work to stay properly informed these days.

The solution? verified, curated business insights

As mentioned earlier, a reliable source that summarizes these ideas is Pluxee IMM Connect.

Pluxee IMM Connect gives entrepreneurs access to research studies and expert insights on the latest trends. It’s not about chasing every flashy headline—it’s about focusing on what’s relevant, verified, and actionable for your business.

In today’s world, we need to spend more time acting on trends—not wasting hours wondering if the facts are real.

Key trends to watch right now

Through Pluxee IMM Connect, entrepreneurs can follow topics like:

• Consumer behavior shifts
• Digital transformation and AI in business
• Employee wellbeing and engagement trends
• Sustainable business models
• New regulations and economic forecasts

When you know what’s coming—and you trust the data—you can adapt faster, smarter, and with more confidence.

Stay informed. Stay competitive. Connect with a dynamic entrepreneurial community!

Join Pluxee IMM Connect

Paul Renaud, Paul@Paul-renaud.com

/ this article is a paid partnership /

The post How important is it to keep up with business trends? appeared first on .

Here’s a funny story.

I was so proud. I had just graduated from the University of Ottawa and landed a management trainee role at a Chartered Bank in Canada. Wow! I thought I was on the path to becoming a banker. Suited up (banker blue, of course), ready to conquer the world of finance.

Then I started asking questions. A lot of them.

Every time I tried to understand the “why” behind a procedure, I got the same reply:
“Paul, don’t ask questions. This is the procedure. Just do as you’re told.”

Not exactly music to the ears of someone with an inquisitive mind.
Unsurprisingly, my 6-month review didn’t go too well.

Joanne—my manager—was tough but caring. I still joke with her to this day: “Joanne, you’re the reason I left the bank after six months. That review was brutal!”

But here’s the thing—Joanne was also incredibly supportive. Whenever I hit rough patches financially (young family, tight budget), she was always there to help me through. Thanks to her, I learned a valuable lesson I’ve carried for decades:
If you’re having trouble making mortgage payments—or any financial obligation—be proactive and upfront with your bank.
They deal with these situations every day. Honesty and transparency not only show integrity but also make their job easier because they’re not guessing at what’s going on.

Fast Forward 20 Years…

I didn’t take an MBA in finance. I decided to learn the hard way.

I went to events. I spoke to corporate bankers. I attended startup and scaleup pitching sessions, often standing in rooms full of private equity pros, and seasoned entrepreneurs. I asked a lot of questions—awkward ones at first. Then I read up on my own to understand the different funding options and financial tools available to businesses.

It’s a slow build. But I’m still learning.

Want a faster learning journey?

Take a shortcut.
Go to Pluxee IMM Connect.

It’s packed with insights from people who’ve done it:

• Alternative financing and serial entrepreneurs
• Funding professionals who can walk you through non-refundable grant programs
• Tax experts who understand the incentives available to founders
• And founders who’ve successfully funded and grown their ventures.

The platform is designed to help you put the pieces of the funding puzzle together.

If you’ve been following my posts, you know I studied a bit of accounting—and it helped. But funding? That’s a whole different beast. It requires continuous learning, and more importantly, access to people who’ve been in the trenches.

That’s where Pluxee IMM Connect comes in.
It bridges the gaps. It accelerates your learning. And, it gives you a space to ask better questions—faster.

A final word to entrepreneurs

If it’s not clear by now:
Funding drives the business.
You can’t scale if you’re not investing in your own growth.

So go explore Pluxee IMM Connect, a trusted platform built around the real needs of entrepreneurs, with practical resources to help you navigate the key factors that fund your business. Watch the interviews. Learn from the experts. Start putting the puzzle together.
I promise—just like in my case—the questions become a lot easier over time.

Ready to connect with a dynamic entrepreneurial community?
Join Pluxee IMM Connect

Paul Renaud

Paul@Paul-renaud.com

/ this article is a paid partnership /

The post Ideas, but what about funding? appeared first on .

Coaching executives and senior leadership teams, I’ve noticed that many successful CEOs come from accounting or legal backgrounds. That’s not a judgment—it just seems to be the trend. Even in sales-driven organizations, leaders who master the financial side of the business are the ones who thrive long-term.

Because comfort with P&L statements, cash flow, and forecasting isn’t just a skill—it’s a career-long advantage and a way to increase your chance to make profitable business Allow me to share a personal story about my relationship with business numbers, why that proved to be a win for me and where you can start too if you’re an entrepreneur or a business manager.In business school, I had a curious tendency: I kept signing up for every accounting course I could find. Accounting 101, Intermediate Accounting I & II, Cost Accounting, Tax—you name it. Was I planning to become an accountant? Not exactly. But I did tell my accounting professor that I intended to, just to convince him to bump my grade. I was 20—how could I really know?

As it turns out, I didn’t become an accountant. Instead, I started my career as a professional manager and eventually became an entrepreneur. And while I never became a CPA, those accounting classes gave me something even more valuable: a foundation.

Still, looking back, I sometimes wish I had gone even deeper—maybe even pursued an MBA in financial management. Because understanding the mechanics of how a business makes (or loses) money isn’t just for finance professionals. It’s for anyone who wants to lead.

What I learned as a manager

As a professional manager, I was responsible for profit and loss statements. But truth be told, I was never fully comfortable with them. My focus was always on revenue—the top line—given my background in sales. That was my strength, and it’s where I felt at home.

But as I grew in my role, I began to realize revenue is only part of the story. Understanding cost structures, margins, and profitability would have helped me become a much more complete business leader. I didn’t always admit it, but there were times I wished I had a better grasp on the full financial picture.

What I learned as an entrepreneur

It wasn’t until I became an entrepreneur that things truly came into focus. The word “cash flow” appeared frequently in those accounting textbooks, and I thought I understood it. But as a business owner, I learned its real meaning.

Cash flow, to me, is simple: it’s the revenue that comes in to cover salaries, pay bills, and keep the lights on. No cash? No business. That’s it. I like to say: “cash flow is cash in my jeans”.

That realization was a bit of a shock at first. But over time, I got better. I learned to forecast. To plan. To ask better questions. And most importantly, to keep an eye not just on income, but on timing.

The moment the numbers mattered most

Not long ago, I got a call from my bank. They were reviewing a business loan inquiry and asked how I was doing revenue-wise. They had all my financial statements from the past two years, but what they really wanted was a sense of how things looked right now.

I paused. Then I pulled up my April–June forecast and said, “Actually, we’re trending up this quarter. Here’s what I’m seeing.” It wasn’t overly scientific or complex, but it was confident and clear. And it worked. That moment underscored just how valuable it is to know your numbers—not only historically, but in real time.

The advice I’d give my younger self

If I could go back and give my 20-year-old self some advice, I’d say: take accounting seriously. Not because you need to become an accountant—but because it will make you a smarter, savvier entrepreneur. It gives you control, insight, and the ability to make better decisions.

 Here’s where you can start: join Pluxee IMM Connect. To wrap up, having good knowledge about the numbers in your company’s financial situation is essential to making a profit. My advice is to stay informed, be up to date with the latest in the financial area. One trusted source that I’m using is Pluxee IMM Connect, a platform built around the real needs of entrepreneurs, with practical resources to help you navigate the key factors that shape your business. Make informed decisions, turn challenges into opportunities, and drive sustainable growth. Discover insightful resources such as e-papers, webinars, and articles on taxes, fiscal updates, and growth strategies.

Because at the end of the day, profit isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about survival, sustainability, and strategic thinking. And with the right tools, anyone can learn the mathematics of profit—and put it to work.

Because at the end of the day, profit isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about survival, sustainability, and strategic thinking. And with the right tools, anyone can learn the mathematics of profit—and put it to work.

Ready to connect with a dynamic entrepreneurial community?
Join Pluxee IMM Connect

Paul Renaud

Paul@Paul-renaud.com

/ this article is a paid partnership /

The post The Mathematics of Profit appeared first on .

These aren’t just peers. They’re the ones who challenge your assumptions, tell you the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, and push you to act. But let me be honest—finding these people isn’t easy.

You’ll likely join several communities before you find the right fit. Many won’t align with your values or goals—and that’s okay. The point is not to give up. One of my mentors gave me this advice: “If you want to join a community—say, a chamber of commerce or a business association—don’t hesitate. But showing up once or twice won’t cut it. You need to go often. Become part of the rhythm. And if you really want to unlock its value, join a committee, a task force, or the board. That’s where the decision-makers are.”

He was right. The more you invest in a community, the more it gives back. It’s a long-term play, but the payoff can be career-defining.

And when you do find like-minded people—those who’ve walked the path before you—listen to them. They won’t tell you what you want to hear. They’ll be honest. They’ll share what worked, what failed, and what pushed them forward. If their feedback makes you uncomfortable, you’re probably standing on the edge of something transformative. That’s your cue to execute.

But here’s the part most people overlook: Don’t just take—give!

In Give and Take, author Adam Grant explains that the most successful people are “givers”—those who help others without expecting anything in return. Takers, on the other hand, drain networks. If someone helps you, pay it forward. Help someone else. Make the intro. Share your knowledge. Give without keeping score.

We live in a world that has too many takers—and not enough givers. But when you lead by giving, you stand out. You build trust, goodwill, and a reputation that draws the right people toward you.

If you don’t know where to start, check out Pluxee IMM Connect which caught my attention. It’s more than a platform – it’s a living, breathing ecosystem for Romanian entrepreneurs with expert-led content, and real-world webinars, it’s tailored to the needs of SMEs. This platform gives you ideas how like-minded people process, think and execute. It is the go-to spot to learn and follow from Entrepreneurs because it’s strong community can offer your next big client, top hire, investor, or insight.

 So yes—find the right community. But go deeper. Show up consistently. Invest your time. Give more than you take. And when you find that rare, like-minded peer who helps you grow—return the favor by becoming that person for someone else.

That’s not just networking. That’s leadership.

Ready to connect with a dynamic entrepreneurial community?
Join Pluxee IMM Connect

Paul Renaud

Paul@Paul-renaud.com

/ this article is a paid partnership /

The post Why like-minded people are your entrepreneurial advantage appeared first on .

For years, I believed that large corporations drove the economy. But over time – and with experience – I’ve come to understand that small businesses are the true engine of growth. With over 25,000 SMEs in its client base, Pluxee Romania certainly knows this too.

Entrepreneurship, as my brother once put it, “is not for the faint of heart.” It’s a path filled with challenges – but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What makes it sustainable, even joyful, is finding the right community.

Throughout my career, I’ve joined several business groups across countries. I’ve learned that it’s not about joining the most prestigious association or trendy network. It’s about finding a community that resonates with you, challenges you, and supports you.

Working alone might seem efficient at first – but over time, we all need peers. People to share ideas with, to learn from, and to benchmark against. This is why Pluxee IMM Connect caught my attention. It’s more than a platform – it’s a living, breathing ecosystem for Romanian entrepreneurs with expert-led content, and real-world webinars, it’s tailored to the needs of SMEs.

One book I always recommend to entrepreneurs is The Innovators by Walter Isaacson. It shows, through the stories of pioneers like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Larry Page and Sergei Brin, that behind every legendary entrepreneur is a network of collaborators. Success doesn’t come from lone genius – it comes from shared effort and community. Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia once said:  A bumblebee brings half an idea from one realm, and pollinates another fertile realm filled with half-formed innovation” (source: The Innovators, Walter Isaacson).

Take Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Jobs had the vision, Wozniak had the tech genius. However, without a third person (or techie or quant) called Bob who made the introduction to both gentlemen, there would be no Apple. Or Bill Gates and Paul Allen – complementary skills that birthed Microsoft. Even AOL’s Steve Case said it best: “People like to be part of communities.”

This theme came full circle during my podcast interview with Teddy Paun, who asked about a networking experience that shaped my career. My answer was simple: community made the difference. I’ve joined chambers of commerce, industry groups, and even kept in touch with former students. One example? By actively participating in the Netherlands Romanian Chamber of Commerce (NRCC), I landed seven clients and was recently elected to its board.

Communities create serendipity—those surprising but game-changing connections.

I’m not just “talking the talk”. I’ve gained multinational experience and became an entrepreneur myself, none of which would have happened without finding the right communities. To be brave as an entrepreneur, one must believe in the power of people. Could you ever imagine managing your business without the support of others?

Entrepreneurs are the heart of their business, but nothing of significance is ever built alone. A strong community can offer your next big client, top hire, investor, or insight.

That’s why I encourage you to join Pluxee IMM Connect as a member. Whether you’re a start-up or scaling up, this platform offers you:

• Real networking with like-minded entrepreneurs
• Knowledge
• Inspiration
• Access to experts

Ready to connect with a dynamic entrepreneurial community?
Join Pluxee IMM Connect

Paul Renaud

paul@paul-renaud.com

/ this article is a paid partnership /

The post Entrepreneurship: alone or in a team? The power of a support ecosystem and the importance of belonging to an entrepreneurial community appeared first on .