Reinvention, Resilience, and Leading Through Stress
From Dalbir’s Desk
Hey lovely people!
Hope you're enjoying this lovely weather., April is National Stress Month, and we thought the coaches and I would share what actually creates stress for us and how we deal with that. We've put together a little piece below that we wanted to share.
Just a heads up - mine is about content and personal brand, which most of you will not be surprised about by now because I complain about it all the time whilst recognizing how important it is!
We're also migrating our newsletter into our website where we're making lots of exciting changes, so the newsletter might look slightly different this week.
As part of National Stress Month, during April and subject to avialability, I'd like to offer a 30-minute free call just to talk about something that's stressing you out. You'll find our calendar link below, and I'm happy to do this on a complimentary basis.
Have a great week,
Dalbir x
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This week at Santalan
AI meets fashion: how Cinni AI is reshaping retail search
Founders of Cinni AI — Erin Wolfe, Rosie Dallas, and Iona Ryder, innovators in AI-powered retail search technology.
At Santalan, we celebrate leadership that drives real innovation and shapes the future.
This week, Dalbir spotlights Cinni AI — a revolutionary AI-powered search and discovery platform founded by three visionary entrepreneurs: Erin Wolfe, Rosie Dallas, and Iona Ryder.
In a world where £34.4 billion is lost annually in the UK alone due to abandoned online shopping carts, Cinni AI offers a smarter, faster, and frictionless search experience. Their technology redefines how customers connect with what they truly want — improving both customer satisfaction and retailer revenue.
Recognising the game-changing potential of Cinni AI, Dalbir has personally invested in the business, championing a future where technology enhances human experiences rather than complicates them.
Retailers ready to move beyond outdated search functionality would be wise to pay attention — the future of customer experience is already here, and Cinni AI is leading the way.
Managing stress: Insights from Santalan’s coaches
We asked the Santalan coaches about the stress they face and how they manage it. Dalbir and Amy open up about their personal stress triggers and share the strategies they rely on to stay calm, focused, and resilient.
Dalbir’s approach: Take it step by step
“For me personally, creating content remains my biggest source of stress. I'm naturally better in face-to-face interactions where I can be transparent and authentic. Being on camera has always been challenging - I often joke that if I were either 20 years younger (prepared for this digital world from the start) or 20 years older (where it might be less expected), it would be easier! Those of us in our 40s and 50s face a unique challenge - we've lived most of our careers without needing to build a personal brand through social media, yet we still have many professional years ahead that require these skills.
This stress was particularly evident last Thursday during a full-day photo and video shoot at my house. These intensive content days are always difficult for me, but I've developed some strategies that help:
My top tips for managing content creation stress:
Find your comfortable channel: For me, it's LinkedIn and surprisingly, TikTok. Even Alan Titchmarsh joined TikTok this week! TikTok can be a great place to practice content creation without the pressure of an established audience.
Stay within your comfort zone: Only create content that feels authentic to you. You can start with faceless content or use a username that gives you some anonymity while building confidence.
Be yourself: Everyone wants to connect with the real you. I always tell the founders I coach to bring their authentic selves to the table. It's challenging though - the moment a camera appears, I find myself slipping into what friends call my "Theresa May voice"! I'm working on bringing my natural self to content just as I do in person.”
Amy’s stress reset: Simple habits for a grounded mind
“A common stress trigger for me is the feeling of not having enough time or when things feel out of my control. To help reset, I’ve adopted a couple of simple but powerful practices. Breathwork has become a daily anchor, allowing me to reconnect and slow down (I’m also training to become a breathwork and meditation teacher!). I also make it a non-negotiable to take a walk in nature every day, no matter how busy I am. These small habits have made a big difference in helping me feel calmer and more grounded, even when things feel hectic.”
Highlights that got our attention
This week’s must-read: Wild Courage by Jenny Wood
In Wild Courage, Jenny Wood encourages readers to embrace traits often seen as negative—like being selfish or bossy—and turn them into strengths. Drawing from her experiences as a former Google executive, Wood offers practical strategies to help women overcome fear, take bold actions, and pursue their true ambitions unapologetically.
Why we recommend it:
This book is perfect for those looking to break free from self-imposed limitations and societal expectations, offering a fresh perspective on personal and professional growth.
How female leaders can prioritise wellness
Live Well Lead Well, a holistic wellness company founded by Melissa Coulier and Melanie Samuels
In this insightful article from Grazia Magazine, female leaders share practical advice on how to balance their career ambitions with personal wellness. The article highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries and prioritising self-care to avoid burnout. It also touches on the benefits of mindfulness practices, regular exercise, and taking time to disconnect in order to recharge and maintain focus.
Women in leadership are encouraged to create a routine that includes small moments of restorative activities, such as walks in nature, journaling, or breathwork, to stay grounded. The article reinforces that by caring for yourself, you can lead with clarity, energy, and long-term success.
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