Nine takeaways from the Hakim Group retreat

More than 2000 practitioners gathered at the Telford International Centre for a two-day event which incorporated a programme of seminars focused on personal and professional development, and an exhibition with companies from the optical industry.

Here, OT selects some of the takeaways from speakers.

1 Meaning for being

Imran Hakim, optometrist and founder of Hakim Group, welcomed attendees and introduced the central theme for the retreat: Live your ikigai.

Hakim began the day by outlining the definition of ikigai, a Japanese concept that refers to a ‘meaning for being’ or life purpose.

The ikigai model is often illustrated in the form of four intersecting circles that represent: what an individual loves, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for. Identifying these, and how these interact, is thought to help individuals define meaning and motivation in their lives.

“When we are connected to what is meaningful for us, we live more meaningful lives,” Hakim suggested, adding: “A clearly defined ikigai can bring meaning and joy to our lives.”

2 Gathering evidence

Tim Tamashiro, a singer, broadcaster, speaker and author of How to ikigai, spoke to attendees about how to live the most purposeful life possible.

One of life’s big questions, Tamashiro suggested, is ‘what is my life’s purpose?’

Tamashiro discussed how the ‘work’ of an individual changes through the different stages of life: from simply ‘being’ to ‘doing’ to being ‘seen’ and ‘making space.’

Tamashiro encouraged attendees to consider what their work is now, adding that ikigai can play a role.

For an individual to discover their ikigai comes through “gathering evidence of who you are,” Tamashiro said, and in exploring one’s interests.

Tamashiro identifies the ikigai model in two halves, suggesting that ‘half ikigai’ is the first two steps: do what you love, and do what you are good at.

Ikigai is an action with benefits, Tamashiro suggested, and shared a presentation of the ways this could present itself, for example: ‘to serve,’ ‘to create,’ ‘to provide,’ ‘to build.’

3 Ikigai at work

Tamashiro recommended that attendees look for their own ikigai and start to bring elements of this into their own lives and work. By doing so, he suggested, delegates can become ‘job crafters’ – aligning work and purpose.

In response to a question of how ikigai could help on a bad day, Tamashiro first emphasised: “It’s very human to have a bad day. Everyone has them.”

To turn the day around, he suggested: “Get outside of yourself and do something uniquely you – bonus if it helps someone else. Transform a bad day to help someone else.”

4 Prioritising self

Lorna Robinson, head of buying at Hakim Group, interviewed Deborah Meaden, business leader and Dragons’ Den investor, on the topics of purpose and entrepreneurship.

Meaden emphasised the importance of business owners looking after their own wellbeing.

When running a business, there is always more to do, she said, adding: “You have to bring yourself up the priority list.”

Meaden also cautioned that when looking after themselves, business-owners need to do so without guilt.

To prioritise wellbeing, Meaden suggested setting time limits for work, such as having activities or commitments that exist outside of the business.

5 Empathy is a magic ingredient

Discussing some common traits of success in small and medium-sized enterprises, Meaden suggested that empathy is the “magic ingredient,” because it can mean a person has good judgement.

Business leaders with a high level of empathy have a feeling for “what will work, and what the customer will feel,” she said.

Meaden noted that the biggest mistake she sees in business is deciding what is important for the customer, without considering how the customer might feel.

Asked a question about making bold but financially secure decisions, Meaden suggested that customers have a view of the personality of a business. Taking an action that feels out-of-step with that personality can affect customer perceptions.

Meaden recommended running trials before making large steps, and considering: ‘what do we expect will happen?’ and ‘what is the return?’ Business leaders should then assess and, if it doesn’t work, cut the idea.

“Innovation is so important,” she said, adding that customers expect innovation.

Making mistakes can be a tool, however, Meaden suggested, sharing: “I’ve learnt more from mistakes than I ever have from getting things right. It’s useful information for the toolbox.”

“It’s not about not making mistakes, it’s about not making catastrophic mistakes,” she added.

6 Tips for team building

On the topic of building teams, Meaden shared her approach: “I start from the premise that there is someone in the room who knows way more about the subject than I do.”

Meaden encouraged business leaders to look for a variety of skills across the team, warning: “Don’t just look to fill the gaps in what you know.”

“I learned quickly: doing something differently is not doing something wrong. Often it is better,” she continued.

7 Keep learning

Sir Lenny Henry CBE, comedian, actor and writer, talked about the power of comedy and laughter.

Ikigai is a purpose, a direction, and a compass, he suggested, and shared how key moments in his life and career related to the different circles of ikigai.

Sir Henry spoke about the concept of learning continuously and being a ‘constant apprentice.’

In his own life, this has looked like returning to education later in life to undertaking a degree, followed by an MA in Screenwriting for TV and Film, and receiving a PhD in Media Arts in 2018.

8 Habit stacking

Presenter and entrepreneur, Jake Humphrey, creator of the High Performance podcast, explored High performance ikigai through lessons from podcast guests.

Once a person knows their ikigai, habits stack up easily, Humphrey suggested, adding that habit formation is important for purpose in life.

He shared: “To find yours, look at your habits that light you up. It’s not what society celebrates, but what you love.”

Joy removes the need to perform, which is an action carried out for someone else, he said, whereas joy is about what matters to the individual.

“Often we think joy comes from being good at things. Competence without joy becomes a cage,” he shared.

9 An infinite purpose

Considering the third circle of ikigai – what the world needs – Humphrey noted that ego is unstable, whereas ikigai can be a north star in life.

“You cannot live a life feeding ikigai through ego,” he said, adding: “Purpose will carry you when ego can’t.”

Humphrey noted that a single effort will not make change, but building habits. He said: “It’s about the many efforts again and again.”

Sharing a lesson learned from podcast guest, Susie Ma, the founder of Tropic Skincare, Humphrey introduced attendees to the concept of infinite purpose.

An infinite purpose is an approach that focuses on working continuously towards a goal, rather than focusing on reaching a finite achievement, prioritising purpose over passion.

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