Justin Dooley
@justindooley.bsky.social
A people-first Business Leader, Operations Director & Consultant focused on leadership, strategy, and transformation. I help organisations build resilient teams, develop leaders, and deliver impact through clear planning and data-driven performance.
5. Mindfulness isn’t just for monks.
This is the most challenging one for me. Levy doesn’t just talk about business. He talks about balance. Awareness. The power of being present.
Leadership isn’t sustainable if your mind is constantly spinning and I'm trying to learn that.
This is the most challenging one for me. Levy doesn’t just talk about business. He talks about balance. Awareness. The power of being present.
Leadership isn’t sustainable if your mind is constantly spinning and I'm trying to learn that.
April 23, 2025 at 12:44 PM
5. Mindfulness isn’t just for monks.
This is the most challenging one for me. Levy doesn’t just talk about business. He talks about balance. Awareness. The power of being present.
Leadership isn’t sustainable if your mind is constantly spinning and I'm trying to learn that.
This is the most challenging one for me. Levy doesn’t just talk about business. He talks about balance. Awareness. The power of being present.
Leadership isn’t sustainable if your mind is constantly spinning and I'm trying to learn that.
4. Great leadership is about trust — not control.
Pixar succeeded because Jobs, Levy, and the leadership team trusted each other. They didn’t micromanage. They challenged. They debated. But they trusted.
I’m working on doing less “checking in” and more “stepping back.”
Pixar succeeded because Jobs, Levy, and the leadership team trusted each other. They didn’t micromanage. They challenged. They debated. But they trusted.
I’m working on doing less “checking in” and more “stepping back.”
April 23, 2025 at 12:44 PM
4. Great leadership is about trust — not control.
Pixar succeeded because Jobs, Levy, and the leadership team trusted each other. They didn’t micromanage. They challenged. They debated. But they trusted.
I’m working on doing less “checking in” and more “stepping back.”
Pixar succeeded because Jobs, Levy, and the leadership team trusted each other. They didn’t micromanage. They challenged. They debated. But they trusted.
I’m working on doing less “checking in” and more “stepping back.”
3. Simplicity is a superpower.
One of Levy’s mantras was to “clear the path” for others. He focused obsessively on removing distractions, clarifying goals, and aligning incentives.
I’m now asking: What complexity am I clinging to that’s just ego in disguise?
One of Levy’s mantras was to “clear the path” for others. He focused obsessively on removing distractions, clarifying goals, and aligning incentives.
I’m now asking: What complexity am I clinging to that’s just ego in disguise?
April 23, 2025 at 12:44 PM
3. Simplicity is a superpower.
One of Levy’s mantras was to “clear the path” for others. He focused obsessively on removing distractions, clarifying goals, and aligning incentives.
I’m now asking: What complexity am I clinging to that’s just ego in disguise?
One of Levy’s mantras was to “clear the path” for others. He focused obsessively on removing distractions, clarifying goals, and aligning incentives.
I’m now asking: What complexity am I clinging to that’s just ego in disguise?
2. Numbers tell a story — but they don’t tell the story.
Levy is a CFO, but he never reduces decisions to spreadsheets. He listens to the team. He respects intuition. He balances logic with belief.
This is a reminder to use data and heart when navigating uncertainty.
Levy is a CFO, but he never reduces decisions to spreadsheets. He listens to the team. He respects intuition. He balances logic with belief.
This is a reminder to use data and heart when navigating uncertainty.
April 23, 2025 at 12:44 PM
2. Numbers tell a story — but they don’t tell the story.
Levy is a CFO, but he never reduces decisions to spreadsheets. He listens to the team. He respects intuition. He balances logic with belief.
This is a reminder to use data and heart when navigating uncertainty.
Levy is a CFO, but he never reduces decisions to spreadsheets. He listens to the team. He respects intuition. He balances logic with belief.
This is a reminder to use data and heart when navigating uncertainty.
1. Vision means nothing without structure.
Pixar had genius creatives. But no financial strategy. No viable business model. Levy didn’t shut down the creativity, he built a framework around it so it could scale.
Lesson? Creativity and clarity aren’t opposites. They’re allies.
Pixar had genius creatives. But no financial strategy. No viable business model. Levy didn’t shut down the creativity, he built a framework around it so it could scale.
Lesson? Creativity and clarity aren’t opposites. They’re allies.
April 23, 2025 at 12:44 PM
1. Vision means nothing without structure.
Pixar had genius creatives. But no financial strategy. No viable business model. Levy didn’t shut down the creativity, he built a framework around it so it could scale.
Lesson? Creativity and clarity aren’t opposites. They’re allies.
Pixar had genius creatives. But no financial strategy. No viable business model. Levy didn’t shut down the creativity, he built a framework around it so it could scale.
Lesson? Creativity and clarity aren’t opposites. They’re allies.
5.
The North West is telling one story — and that gives us scale
It’s not Liverpool versus Manchester anymore.
It’s Liverpool and Manchester.
A joined-up North West that’s actually worth investing in.
That’s the difference between being overlooked… and taken seriously.
The North West is telling one story — and that gives us scale
It’s not Liverpool versus Manchester anymore.
It’s Liverpool and Manchester.
A joined-up North West that’s actually worth investing in.
That’s the difference between being overlooked… and taken seriously.
April 18, 2025 at 9:40 AM
5.
The North West is telling one story — and that gives us scale
It’s not Liverpool versus Manchester anymore.
It’s Liverpool and Manchester.
A joined-up North West that’s actually worth investing in.
That’s the difference between being overlooked… and taken seriously.
The North West is telling one story — and that gives us scale
It’s not Liverpool versus Manchester anymore.
It’s Liverpool and Manchester.
A joined-up North West that’s actually worth investing in.
That’s the difference between being overlooked… and taken seriously.
4.
It’s not just the big players at the table
This feels different.
Local businesses, social enterprises, independents — we’re not being spoken for, we’re being spoken with.
That shift matters. Because systems that listen are systems that last.
It’s not just the big players at the table
This feels different.
Local businesses, social enterprises, independents — we’re not being spoken for, we’re being spoken with.
That shift matters. Because systems that listen are systems that last.
April 18, 2025 at 9:40 AM
4.
It’s not just the big players at the table
This feels different.
Local businesses, social enterprises, independents — we’re not being spoken for, we’re being spoken with.
That shift matters. Because systems that listen are systems that last.
It’s not just the big players at the table
This feels different.
Local businesses, social enterprises, independents — we’re not being spoken for, we’re being spoken with.
That shift matters. Because systems that listen are systems that last.
3.
Public investment is signalling real intent
New stations. Housing. Better links across the patch.
Not vanity. Not political filler.
Signals.
And if you’re running a business, signals matter.
They tell you where to double down — or when to pivot.
Public investment is signalling real intent
New stations. Housing. Better links across the patch.
Not vanity. Not political filler.
Signals.
And if you’re running a business, signals matter.
They tell you where to double down — or when to pivot.
April 18, 2025 at 9:40 AM
3.
Public investment is signalling real intent
New stations. Housing. Better links across the patch.
Not vanity. Not political filler.
Signals.
And if you’re running a business, signals matter.
They tell you where to double down — or when to pivot.
Public investment is signalling real intent
New stations. Housing. Better links across the patch.
Not vanity. Not political filler.
Signals.
And if you’re running a business, signals matter.
They tell you where to double down — or when to pivot.
2.
Skills and people are finally on the agenda
Bootcamps. Adult learning. Employer partnerships.
Not box-ticking. Not tokenism. Actual movement.
Because if we want a future-proof economy, it won’t be built on slogans — it’ll be built by people.
Skills and people are finally on the agenda
Bootcamps. Adult learning. Employer partnerships.
Not box-ticking. Not tokenism. Actual movement.
Because if we want a future-proof economy, it won’t be built on slogans — it’ll be built by people.
April 18, 2025 at 9:40 AM
2.
Skills and people are finally on the agenda
Bootcamps. Adult learning. Employer partnerships.
Not box-ticking. Not tokenism. Actual movement.
Because if we want a future-proof economy, it won’t be built on slogans — it’ll be built by people.
Skills and people are finally on the agenda
Bootcamps. Adult learning. Employer partnerships.
Not box-ticking. Not tokenism. Actual movement.
Because if we want a future-proof economy, it won’t be built on slogans — it’ll be built by people.
1.
There’s a vision — and it’s not stuck in the past
Freeport. Innovation zones. Paddington Village.
We’re not trying to recreate some lost industrial glory — we’re building forward.
That matters. Because progress needs direction.
There’s a vision — and it’s not stuck in the past
Freeport. Innovation zones. Paddington Village.
We’re not trying to recreate some lost industrial glory — we’re building forward.
That matters. Because progress needs direction.
April 18, 2025 at 9:40 AM
1.
There’s a vision — and it’s not stuck in the past
Freeport. Innovation zones. Paddington Village.
We’re not trying to recreate some lost industrial glory — we’re building forward.
That matters. Because progress needs direction.
There’s a vision — and it’s not stuck in the past
Freeport. Innovation zones. Paddington Village.
We’re not trying to recreate some lost industrial glory — we’re building forward.
That matters. Because progress needs direction.
5.
Greggs meets customers where they are
They open in everyday locations like petrol stations and train stations, avoiding expensive, flashy sites. They focus on getting the basics right.
Greggs meets customers where they are
They open in everyday locations like petrol stations and train stations, avoiding expensive, flashy sites. They focus on getting the basics right.
April 16, 2025 at 8:52 AM
5.
Greggs meets customers where they are
They open in everyday locations like petrol stations and train stations, avoiding expensive, flashy sites. They focus on getting the basics right.
Greggs meets customers where they are
They open in everyday locations like petrol stations and train stations, avoiding expensive, flashy sites. They focus on getting the basics right.
4.
A Greggs sausage roll isn’t just available. It’s distinct.
It's more than a snack; it's a cultural reference with memory and identity.
That’s what brand equity really looks like. Not just shelf space, but mind space.
A Greggs sausage roll isn’t just available. It’s distinct.
It's more than a snack; it's a cultural reference with memory and identity.
That’s what brand equity really looks like. Not just shelf space, but mind space.
April 16, 2025 at 8:52 AM
4.
A Greggs sausage roll isn’t just available. It’s distinct.
It's more than a snack; it's a cultural reference with memory and identity.
That’s what brand equity really looks like. Not just shelf space, but mind space.
A Greggs sausage roll isn’t just available. It’s distinct.
It's more than a snack; it's a cultural reference with memory and identity.
That’s what brand equity really looks like. Not just shelf space, but mind space.
3.
Vertical integration gives leverage
Greggs controls its supply chain, providing speed, control, and margin.
This integration is a superpower in unpredictable times.
Vertical integration gives leverage
Greggs controls its supply chain, providing speed, control, and margin.
This integration is a superpower in unpredictable times.
April 16, 2025 at 8:52 AM
3.
Vertical integration gives leverage
Greggs controls its supply chain, providing speed, control, and margin.
This integration is a superpower in unpredictable times.
Vertical integration gives leverage
Greggs controls its supply chain, providing speed, control, and margin.
This integration is a superpower in unpredictable times.
2.
Value is about trust, not just price
Greggs offers fair prices without tricks or hidden fees. No heated counters means no VAT, and they use that saving to provide a better price point for their consumers.
They respect their customers, which is vital during a cost-of-living crisis.
Value is about trust, not just price
Greggs offers fair prices without tricks or hidden fees. No heated counters means no VAT, and they use that saving to provide a better price point for their consumers.
They respect their customers, which is vital during a cost-of-living crisis.
April 16, 2025 at 8:52 AM
2.
Value is about trust, not just price
Greggs offers fair prices without tricks or hidden fees. No heated counters means no VAT, and they use that saving to provide a better price point for their consumers.
They respect their customers, which is vital during a cost-of-living crisis.
Value is about trust, not just price
Greggs offers fair prices without tricks or hidden fees. No heated counters means no VAT, and they use that saving to provide a better price point for their consumers.
They respect their customers, which is vital during a cost-of-living crisis.
1.
Operational simplicity scales
Greggs prioritizes consistency over creativity.
Every process is streamlined, ensuring every product tastes the same across the UK. This precision is by design.
April 16, 2025 at 8:52 AM
1.
Operational simplicity scales
Greggs prioritizes consistency over creativity.
Every process is streamlined, ensuring every product tastes the same across the UK. This precision is by design.
5.
Progress is uncomfortable by design.
Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.
It happens where rules meet resistance, and structure meets freedom.
That’s where ideas form. That’s where resilience begins.
Progress is uncomfortable by design.
Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.
It happens where rules meet resistance, and structure meets freedom.
That’s where ideas form. That’s where resilience begins.
April 11, 2025 at 12:47 PM
5.
Progress is uncomfortable by design.
Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.
It happens where rules meet resistance, and structure meets freedom.
That’s where ideas form. That’s where resilience begins.
Progress is uncomfortable by design.
Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.
It happens where rules meet resistance, and structure meets freedom.
That’s where ideas form. That’s where resilience begins.
4.
Leadership isn’t a spotlight. It’s a torch you hand off.
Real leaders create space.
They let others lead, even when it’s messy, even when it challenges them.
I ask myself regularly:
Where am I in the way?
Who can do this better than me?
Leadership isn’t a spotlight. It’s a torch you hand off.
Real leaders create space.
They let others lead, even when it’s messy, even when it challenges them.
I ask myself regularly:
Where am I in the way?
Who can do this better than me?
April 11, 2025 at 12:47 PM
4.
Leadership isn’t a spotlight. It’s a torch you hand off.
Real leaders create space.
They let others lead, even when it’s messy, even when it challenges them.
I ask myself regularly:
Where am I in the way?
Who can do this better than me?
Leadership isn’t a spotlight. It’s a torch you hand off.
Real leaders create space.
They let others lead, even when it’s messy, even when it challenges them.
I ask myself regularly:
Where am I in the way?
Who can do this better than me?
3.
Transparency isn’t nice-to-have. It’s oxygen.
When people are afraid to speak, bad ideas win by default.
I’d rather deal with uncomfortable truth than comfortable failure.
Silence isn’t safety. It’s a slow death.
Transparency isn’t nice-to-have. It’s oxygen.
When people are afraid to speak, bad ideas win by default.
I’d rather deal with uncomfortable truth than comfortable failure.
Silence isn’t safety. It’s a slow death.
April 11, 2025 at 12:47 PM
3.
Transparency isn’t nice-to-have. It’s oxygen.
When people are afraid to speak, bad ideas win by default.
I’d rather deal with uncomfortable truth than comfortable failure.
Silence isn’t safety. It’s a slow death.
Transparency isn’t nice-to-have. It’s oxygen.
When people are afraid to speak, bad ideas win by default.
I’d rather deal with uncomfortable truth than comfortable failure.
Silence isn’t safety. It’s a slow death.
2.
If you’re not evolving, you’re decaying.
The most dangerous phrase in business?
“We’ve always done it this way.”
Processes are not heirlooms. They’re tools. If they stop working, replace them.
If you’re not evolving, you’re decaying.
The most dangerous phrase in business?
“We’ve always done it this way.”
Processes are not heirlooms. They’re tools. If they stop working, replace them.
April 11, 2025 at 12:47 PM
2.
If you’re not evolving, you’re decaying.
The most dangerous phrase in business?
“We’ve always done it this way.”
Processes are not heirlooms. They’re tools. If they stop working, replace them.
If you’re not evolving, you’re decaying.
The most dangerous phrase in business?
“We’ve always done it this way.”
Processes are not heirlooms. They’re tools. If they stop working, replace them.
1.
Strong leadership means nothing without strong culture.
Fast decisions aren’t always good ones.
Weak leaders hide behind consensus.
The answer lies in building trust, then direction.
Without that, you’re not leading. You’re managing decline.
Strong leadership means nothing without strong culture.
Fast decisions aren’t always good ones.
Weak leaders hide behind consensus.
The answer lies in building trust, then direction.
Without that, you’re not leading. You’re managing decline.
April 11, 2025 at 12:47 PM
1.
Strong leadership means nothing without strong culture.
Fast decisions aren’t always good ones.
Weak leaders hide behind consensus.
The answer lies in building trust, then direction.
Without that, you’re not leading. You’re managing decline.
Strong leadership means nothing without strong culture.
Fast decisions aren’t always good ones.
Weak leaders hide behind consensus.
The answer lies in building trust, then direction.
Without that, you’re not leading. You’re managing decline.