The delicate balance of profit, people and purpose

When you hear the word growth, what comes to mind?

For a lot of people, it’s numbers – bigger profits, more clients, more staff, more everything. But I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, and I reckon we need to look at growth a little differently, both in business and in life.

Growth in business – is more really better?

Yes, business growth matters. We need to stay commercial, be profitable and look after our people and clients. But growth isn’t just about how high those numbers go.

Here’s what I mean:

• Profit is important: it keeps the doors open and funds the future. But at what cost? Are bigger margins worth it if your team is stressed, your clients aren’t happy or you’re working yourself into the ground?
  
  
• More clients sound great, but only if:
• You can actually serve them well
• Your team isn’t burning out
• They’re the right clients — the ones who align with what you do and how you do it
  
  
• A bigger team doesn’t always equal success, so would you rather:
• A smaller, engaged, capable team doing meaningful work
• Or a larger group, busy with tasks that don’t add value, just so you look “big” from the outside?

To me, it’s about finding that sweet spot:

• If you’ve got 20 ideal clients you love working with, that’s a win
• If you serve 10,000 households and do it well, that’s brilliant, too
• The right people, doing the right things, in the right way — now that’s successful

Growth as a person – it's the same

When it comes to personal growth, it’s really no different. It’s easy to get caught up chasing achievements and awards and ticking off endless to-do lists. But I think real growth comes from knowing what matters to you, and living in a way that reflects that.

• It’s not about doing more; sometimes it’s about doing less, but doing it better
• It’s about setting boundaries, saying no when you need to and making room for what’s important
• It’s about growing your skills, understanding yourself and backing yourself to make the right calls

So, what’s the wrap-up?

Growth, whether in business or life, isn’t just about the numbers. Yes, numbers matter. But meaning, people, balance and values matter more.

Growth should be:

• Sustainable
• Aligned with your values
• Focused on quality over quantity

Because when you get that right, you don’t just look successful from the outside – you feel it on the inside.