Welcome to my newsletter “Behind the Numbers”.

A fortnightly newsletter where I share my Finance tips for Operational Leaders and their teams. I may also share an interesting sporting stat along the way.

For those of you who know my story you’ll get why numbers and sport are so much part of who I am.

When doubt leads to financial avoidance

John was in a meeting when the financials were projected onto the big screen. As the numbers were presented, he slowly sank into his chair.

Even though he was surrounded by his peers. He felt alone.

John didn’t understand financial data. But he didn’t ask because he didn’t want to lose face in front of his peers.

Research shows that John is not alone.

I describe this as Financial Avoidance. You doubt your financial knowledge. And you doubt the numbers that are presented. This doubt may also lead to denial. “These aren’t my numbers (therefore) it’s not my problem.”

One sporting stat

The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicked off in France a fortnight ago – 48 matches over 51 days. It is especially long this year because the sport’s governing body, World Rugby, accepted teams' requests to have five days of rest between matches so players can properly recover.

How does it compare to the length of other two major sporting events?
2020 Summer Olympics: 17 days
2022 FIFA World Cup: 29 days
2023 Rugby World Cup: 51 days

Credit Joe Pompliano.

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