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Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
New life for British youths
Young British men gather with New Zealand high commissioner Sir James Allen (centre) at Waterloo Station, London before their emigration to New Zealand. — Otago Witness, 2.6.1925 Some 320 assisted settlers are travelling to New Zealand by the SS James Allen was among those who saw them off at Waterloo Station. Thirty boys selected under the terms of the Sheepowners' Fund, fifty boys under the auspices of the Salvation Army, and thirty-six domestic servants are included in the number. The High Commissioner spoke to a good many of the boy settlers and wished them every success in their new home. Numbers of high officials of the Salvation Army were on the platform to give an official farewell to their section of the young travellers. Before the train left the platform there were many hearty cheers. Greyhounds chase live hares The June meeting of the Dunedin Coursing Club was commenced at Forbury Park yesterday afternoon, the coursing being witnessed by a fair number of those interested in the sport. The plumton was in good order, and the hares ran well. Very few kills were recorded; the game, in almost all cases, being given plenty of grace before the dogs were slipped. Among the dogs competing were several from Canterbury and Southland. The judge was Mr R. Prebble, Mr J. Ronald acting as slipper. Two rounds of the Boyle Memorial Stake were run off. Relief funds strong to save The executive of the Shipwreck Relief Society of New Zealand, in its annual report, state that the past year was free from any shipping disaster involving loss of life. During the year the sum of £20 1 shilling was expended in relief for the crew of the launch Sunlight, and £230 in relief to the crew of the steamer Ngahere, wrecked at Greymouth. To the Union Steam Ship Co the executive is again deeply indebted for its handsome contribution to the funds during the year, the sum of £206 11s 4d having been received from entertainments hold on board the company's steamers. The causes of crime Is it possible to find any root cause of crime that can be dealt with practically? The investigation undertaken by Professor W.S. Athearn, Dean of the Boston University School of Religious Education and Social Service concluded that the cause of crime is the failure of society to teach virtue, and that the crime wave will last until society builds a system of moral and religious schools to match the public schools of the land. The implied suggestion is that the churches have too long devoted almost all their resources to preaching to the mature, and that the time has come when they must accept as their primary work the teaching of the young. Obviously the more they can agree to work in unison the more effective will their work be. A survey of the facts of juvenile crime and of the provision of moral teaching in the dominion would provide a fitting basis for drawing attention to the urgency of the problem and to the need of some whole-hearted effort to abolish the spiritual illiteracy of the child which, according to Dr Athearn, is at the basis of all crime and moral delinquency. — editorial — ODT, 6.6.1925 Compiled by Peter Dowden
Forbes
01-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Smart Leaders Fail: The Missing Link Between Trust And Execution
Leadership Under Pressure: The Missing Link Between Trust and Execution Research from the Corporate Executive Board (now part of Gartner) and Harvard Business Review estimates that 50 to 70 percent of new executives fail within their first 18 months, regardless of whether they are hired externally or promoted from within. With good intentions, these leaders double down on execution while neglecting the relational work and organizational acumen that enables lasting change. In doing so, they underestimate the importance of political acumen, stakeholder alignment, employee mindset shift, and relational equity. As a result, they struggle to realize the cultural shifts required for their strategic and operational agendas to succeed. What's missing is not often a better strategy or execution—it's trust. And without it, even the most innovative leaders and well-designed plans fall short. Chris Zook and James Allen, authors of The Founder's Mentality, and leadership expert Patrick Lencioni have emphasized that organizations rarely fail because of the technical aspects of the business, like strategy, innovation, and marketing; they fail because of people-related issues. Zook and Allen found that 85% of executives attribute stunted growth to internal factors rather than external market forces. Lencioni's work in his book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, makes a compelling case that trust is the foundation of high-performing teams and the lack of it derails team and organizational performance. At its core, leadership is not only about direction but also about connection. As John Maxwell puts it, 'People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.' Contrary to corporate opinion, caring sells. It accelerates the translation of vision into tangible outcomes. Trust is not built through an impressive slide deck or a bold strategic plan; it is created in everyday interactions and shared experiences. Investing in these experiences is vital for leaders whose abilities are still being evaluated and whose trust-based relationships have yet to be formed. Chip and Dan Heath, authors of The Power of Moments, said shared experiences create connection, deepen trust, and build relational memory. These moments are not limited to off-sites or milestone celebrations; they occur when teams navigate challenges, reflect after wins and losses, brainstorm under pressure, or listen to each other. Shared experiences don't need to be grand, but they must be authentic. Feelings are rarely discussed in organizations because their impact on performance is difficult to quantify. However, shared experiences are shaped by how people feel after interacting with you. Maya Angelou wisely said, 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' The emotions that leaders evoke in their teams influence engagement, trust, and execution. If that's true, the question becomes: Are you filling your team's emotional tank with confidence, clarity, and respect or draining it with fear, defensiveness, and detachment? To win over your team, you must connect with their heads and hearts to move their hands to action. Otherwise, they will drag their feet and ultimately head towards the door. In my experience, a clear pattern emerges across industries and leadership teams: when shared experiences are missing, people disengage. They may appear aligned, nodding in meetings and following direction, but they withhold honest feedback, compete with each other, avoid challenging assumptions, and are reluctant to take ownership. What begins as quiet compliance often evolves into costly silence. Even innovative leaders would make poor decisions when they lack input from those closest to the work. It's no surprise that 70 percent of organizational change efforts fail. I once coached a leader who had just been appointed to a senior role. He was driven, visionary, and eager to make an impact. However, frustration set in quickly. He sensed passive resistance from team members and, instead of engaging, dismissed their feedback and sidelined their input. The real problem? He believed he got the job because he was the most competent, so he skipped the relational groundwork that could have provided insight, revealed context, and built trust. As a result, the organization stalled. This is the missing link between trust and execution: shared experiences. It turns direction into alignment, compliance into commitment, and talent into a unified team. Without shared experiences, even the most compelling strategies fail because people don't just follow your credentials; they follow who they trust. How do you regain confidence when trust is low, silence sets in, and momentum stalls? In my work coaching and helping executives and leadership teams through high-stakes transitions, results are a lagging indicator, and when leaders fixate on this, they struggle. Instead, focusing on a shared purpose and cultivating relationships helps restore alignment and drive results. To help leaders transition from disconnection to energized, I developed The Trust-Shared Experience Matrix. It's a practical framework grounded in two critical dimensions: trust and shared experience. When represented on a 2x2 matrix, relationships typically fall into one of four zones: Trust-Shared Experience Matrix The goal isn't to just diagnose where a relationship stands, but to help leaders identify the relational barriers that block execution and offer paths to move each relationship forward. Below are tips to help you get started: At every transition, a shared purpose acts as a catalyst for progress. Without it, people lose direction, but with it, they progress. Take a moment to reflect on the vital relationships in your leadership circle: peers, direct reports, cross-functional partners, and customers. Ask the following: Next, categorize each name into one of the four zones of the Trust-Shared Experience 2x2 matrix. Now ask: Camaraderie brings people together. When you navigate tough times, share laughter, or spend late nights working with someone, your trust in them deepens. Caroline Santiago, a global executive leadership advisor and Navy SEALs coach, emphasized that camaraderie is one of the most underutilized superpowers in high-performing teams. It is the driving force behind success, moving people from co-workers to co-owners. It fosters a sense of 'we are in this together,' not 'I am on my own.' It produces the emotional glue that binds teams together through uncertainty, conflict, and rapid change. The true power of shared experiences lies in the results and connections built among people. Strategy doesn't fail in isolation; it fails due to a lack of trust, common purpose, and co-ownership. When leaders invest in shared experiences, they restore alignment and ignite commitment, creativity, and execution at scale. That's the missing link between trust and execution, and it's what separates smart leaders who fail from those who thrive.
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Best Places To Buy Affordable Engagement Rings This Spring
Finding the perfect engagement ring is no easy feat—especially when you're on a tight budget. According to The Knot's 2024 Jewelry & Engagement study, the average cost of an engagement ring is $5,200 in the United States. But that doesn't mean you can't find a beautiful ring for less. Retailers like Blue Nile, Brilliant Earth and James Allen are brimming with affordable engagement rings. And, now that spring is here, many are hosting seasonal sale events to help you save. We've rounded up the best places to buy affordable engagement rings online—as well as some specific ... More designs we recommend shopping. For the purpose of this list, we're defining 'affordable' as any ring below that $5,200 average. Below, we've listed eight of the best places to shop for affordable engagement rings right now, as well as some specific designs our editors recommend checking out. Blue Nile is our fashion team's pick for the best place to buy engagement rings overall. It offers a vast selection of styles—including customizable designs—and helpful assistance from virtual advisors. The brand's overall accessibility and customer service make it an easy favorite. Blue Nile This understated ring makes your diamond the center of attention (as it should be). Choose from six metal types, and complete the piece with your diamond of choice from Blue Nile's selection of gorgeous lab grown designs. Just keep in mind: The price of the diamond will vary based on factors like style and size. Brilliant Earth specializes in customizable engagement rings, with setting options starting at $550 and diamonds starting at $300. If you'd prefer a ready-to-ship design, there are options priced from $1,890. The retailer carries both lab-grown and natural diamonds, but its most affordable styles feature lab-grown stones. Right now, code TENNIS will also get you a free lab diamond tennis bracelet with purchases over $1,000. Brilliant Earth At $2,390, this is one of Brilliant Earth's most affordable ready-to-ship designs. Choose between a white gold or yellow gold setting. You can also opt for a larger center stone if you're willing to pay a bit more—the pictured option has a total carat weight of one carat. If you're seeking a more traditional ring, check out James Allen. While the designer offers an impressive selection of styles—including modern minimalist pieces—it specializes in timeless, vintage-inspired designs that suit just about any budget. With its current sale, you can save up to 30% on select lab-grown diamonds and engagement ring settings. James Allen This elegant pear-shaped ring from James Allen has a 1.60-carat lab-grown stone on a 14k white gold band. You also get limited lifetime warranty included for free with this ring. For sheer variety, our fashion editors recommend Zales. The brand is a household name and carries thousands of styles, many of which are fully customizable. It's currently offering up to 60% off select clearance styles. Zales If you're looking for a ring that really sparkles, this emerald diamond has a 2-carat total weight, primarily made up of its 1.5-carat center stone. The additional components that surround the center stone are trapezoid-shaped and tapered baguette-cut lab-grown diamonds. Helzberg Diamonds has been making rings since 1915, so you know its styles are reliable. Plus, it adheres to the Kimberley Process, American Gem Society and World Diamond Council standards—all ethical standards for sourcing diamonds and metals. The store is currently offering 15% off select engagement rings and an additional 15% off select clearance styles, with total savings reaching up to 60%. Helzberg Diamonds This stunning design features a 2-carat pear-shaped diamond on a 18k yellow gold band. Unlike traditional settings, this has an east-west shape that highlights the diamond, while also offering a unique and modern twist that hugs the curve of the sparkling stone. For those unfamiliar, Etsy is an online marketplace that hosts individual sellers. If you want a wide array of unique designs—including some vintage options—it's an excellent place to start your search. Just keep in mind: You'll have to do a little more legwork than at a curated jeweler, and it may be more difficult to verify the source of your diamond. Etsy A gorgeous, 5-carat IGI-certified lab-grown diamond is the star of this ring. However, on the hidden halo setting, you'll find additional diamonds for extra glamour. The ring is made to order, with options of 14k white, yellow or rose gold for the band. GrownRadiance has earned a Star Seller rating from Etsy, denoting that the designer has received consistent five-star reviews, ships quickly and provides quality customer service. This Portland-based jeweler has hundreds of affordable engagement ring designs to choose from, all of which adhere to responsibly mined and produced jewelry practices. Your ring is also covered by a Lifetime Jewelry Care Program that includes cleaning and routine maintenance, as well as repairs and replacements. Fred Meyer Jewelry If you already know you want a white gold band, this timeless ring has a great discount right now. The design features the aforementioned 14k white gold band and a 1.5 carat princess cut lab-grown diamond. The stone is GSI-certified, ensuring the diamond is of high quality and value. The classic jewelry brand is known for more than its catchy jingle. Kay Jewelers offers a wide selection of rings to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. Plus, all of its diamonds, precious metals and gems are responsibly sourced and come backed by a lifetime guarantee. Kay Jewelers This 1.5-carat marquise lab-grown diamond sits on 14K white gold setting. Although the sparkly center stone steals most of the attention, there are smaller details that are equally as captivating. This includes the round and marquise-cut diamonds that surround the diamond across the band. Take note: the band is only available in 14k white gold at the moment, but it's ready to ship immediately. Whether you're looking for a simple design or want a more elaborate look to your engagement ring, Ritani has you covered. Right now, you can customize your diamond or lab-grown diamond ring for as low as $1,600. The retailer has countless of affordable rings, but you can increase your savings by joining Ritani's email list to secure $100 off your order. Ritani The 'Toi et moi' or 'you and me' engagement ring style is the perfect way to symbolize your upcoming marriage due to its unique two-stone design. Personalize the ring by selecting the second stones shape, metal and carat size. Depending on your preferences, the price of the ring may increase. Our editors named Vrai the best place to purchase lab-grown diamond engagement rings thanks to its sustainable practices, high quality stones and sophisticated designs. The retailer offers made-to-order and ready-to-ship engagement rings as low as $2,100. Vrai This simple ring has a 1.5-carat lab-grown diamond front and center. The 14k yellow gold engagement ring secures the stone with its hidden halo setting that has handset pavé diamonds surrounding it, so it can shine from all angles. To maintain the look and feel of the ring, it also comes with Vrai's care package, which includes warranty, annual shine service and complimentary resizing. Our editors love Grown Brilliance because of its Truly Custom program—you send in inspiration images, and a jeweler will create a one-of-a-kind piece for you. But it also offers plenty of high-quality, pre-designed engagement rings that are on the affordable end of the spectrum. Grown Brilliance Emerald cuts rose in popularity during the Art Deco era, and they appear to be making a comeback. This stunning, vintage-inspired design combines intricate details and shapes to create a cohesive work of art. The ring features a lab-grown emerald diamond at its center, accompanied by additional stones that build upon it, as well as the band itself. Although you can't customize its shape, you can choose from white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum bands.
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
Wiltshire farming couple want to buck trend by opening tannery
Two farmers say they are on a mission to grow sustainable fashion by opening the UK's first micro-scale vegetable tannery for cattle Allen, 44, and James Allen, 53, from Great Cotmarsh Farm near Broad Town, Wiltshire, will also use the tannery and farm to teach children and teenagers about farming and Allen said the pair are not from a farming background, but got into conservation grazing before they bought the farm in 2022 dreaming of "producing food and ethical fashion, with nature in mind".Their project is backed by Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) and the pair will be sharing their knowledge with children and students at their on-site education centre. Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) is a competitive DEFRA-backed scheme offering funding to farmers and land managers in National Landscapes (previously known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Mr Allen said when the pair got together 12 years ago, Mrs Allen had a smallholding in Devon."She wanted to keep the sheep and I asked if she fancied cows… that developed to moving livestock a few times a year to graze other people's land as we couldn't afford a farm - and that was while [bringing up] small children."When they saw the farm for sale Mrs Allen said she "definitely cajoled James… but I knew in my heart this is what I had to do". Mrs Allen said the farm is a "100% Pasteur based organic system" with animals that thrive outdoors, so they had the outbuilding free for the tannery. They are keen advocates of diet in their animals, bringing wood pasture into the grazing "because if they're missing a key ingredient like cobalt, you really see the difference"."As humans if we aren't getting enough of the right nutrients that impacts the condition of our hair and nails and it's exactly the same with livestock," she added. Tannery equipment was bought from a closing business with Mr Allen saying he has visited "more tanneries that have shut or are in the process of shutting than are open. So it's quite sad".Because so many tanneries are shutting, including the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT) at the University of Northampton - the only tannery at a university in Europe - the couple say they also want to support the will be working with the Sustainable Food Trust to teach classes with primary school children about healthy food and the natural education centre will also host teaching sustainable fashion classes with GCSE, A level and textile degree Allen said their work is "part of a bigger picture, not a money making scheme [and we're] really excited, humbled and overwhelmed" to be able to share it.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
JA on F1 Podcast: Is Lewis Hamilton's malaise set to last the whole season?
The first triple header of the season is done, some tired faces have headed back from the Gulf for a short Easter break before attacking the standalone Miami GP next week, then another triple header: Imola, Monaco and Spain. We get into why Max Verstappen is heaping praise on Oscar Piastri, despite their Turn 1 incident, Piastri's many father figures, Williams' best start for a decade. And with Lewis Hamilton describing his Jeddah race as 'horrible' and doubting his fortunes will change this year, we look in depth at what's going on at Ferrari in the company of editor-in-chief Ben Hunt and our top F1 writer from Italy, Roberto Chinchero. Advertisement Listen to this week's podcast HERE. James Allen on F1 Podcast James Allen on F1 Podcast Motorsport Network Motorsport Network Don't miss the chance to compete against our expert writers on hugely popular F1 Fantasy League. Join our new Race Center Live watchalong on at the upcoming Miami GP where Matt and Tommy from P1 will be joining the feed. Check out the Saudi GP edition here. Send your comments or questions to: @jamesallenonf1 on X/Twitter or jamesallenonf1@ To read more articles visit our website.
