Evan Le Clus 00:00

What do you think is the biggest waste of time? comparing yourself to others said the mole. I wonder if there is a school of unlearning?

Evan Le Clus 00:09

Hello, you were listening to the Dare to Scale Show with me, Evan,

Warsha Joshi 00:14

And me Warsha. This show is about all things scaling, scaling your business, your journey and you,

Evan Le Clus 00:24

You are here because you dare to dream dared to dream big. So, sit back and enjoy the conversation, or perhaps even join in.

Evan Le Clus 00:35

Hello, and welcome to this week’s episode. Really exciting stuff. We’re doing a little bit of a departure from what we’ve been doing before. On the e-book readers, the platform that we use a book was recommended recently and I thought, oh, should I shouldn’t I and you know, and I said, Absolutely, why not do something different and I read this book, and I’ve got to share it with Warsha and that’s essentially what this episode is all about. Interestingly, Warsha has not actually read the book, so it’s kind of a first take for her as well. But I totally want to share this with readers. Because, you know, it resonated with me, and I hope it does with you, too. The book is by Charlies Mackesy and the title is the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse and for those of you who don’t know, Charlie Mackesy is an artist and there’s a lot of visuals and drawings in his books and I actually did a little bit of research after the fact and he’s actually very well published. So sold over a million copies of the book. So very, very interesting. So, let’s crack on and get into it. So, the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse. So, in the preface, Charlie says, Hello. You started at the beginning, which is impressive. I usually start in the middle, and never read the instructions. It’s surprising that I’ve made a book because I’m not good at reading them. Truth is, I need pictures. They like islands, places to get to in a sea of words. This book is for everyone. Whether you are 80 or 8 all age, and I feel like both sometime. I’d like it to be the one you can dip into anytime, anywhere. Start in the middle if you like scribble on it, crease the corners and leave it wealth and the drawings are mainly of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse. I’ll tell you a little bit about them. Although I’m sure you’ll see things here that I don’t. So, I’ll be quick. The boy is lonely. When the mole first surfaces. They spend time together gazing into the wild. I think the wild is a bit like life. Frightening sometimes, but beautiful. In the wanderings they meet the fox. It’s never going to be easy meeting of Fox if you’re a mole. The boy is full of questions. The mole is greedy for cake. The fox is mainly silent and weary because he’s been hurt by life. The horse is the biggest thing they’ve ever encountered and also the gentlest. They’re all different like us, and each has their own weaknesses. I can see myself in all four of them. Perhaps you can too. Their adventures happen in springtime, where one moment snow is falling, and the sun shines the next, which is also a little bit like life, it can turn on a sixpence. I hope this book encourages you perhaps to live courageously with more kindness for yourself and for others and to ask for help when you need it. Which is always a brave thing to do. When I was making the book, I often wondered who on earth am I to be doing this? But as the host says, The truth is everyone is winging it. So, as I spread your wings, follow your dreams. This book is one of mine. I hope you enjoy it and much love to you. Thank you, Charlie.

Warsha Joshi 04:01

This is amazing. I am loving the passage that you just read. First of all, hello everyone. I’m going to be listening to this story just as you are. What I loved is the truth is everyone is winging it. How many times do we go through life thinking get I’m just gonna say yes and find out what happens? I love it already. Brilliant. Brilliant choice, Evan. Mike is yours again.

Evan Le Clus 04:25

So, we dive into it. Hello. I’m so small said the mole. Yes, said the boy. But you make a huge difference. What do you want to be when you grow up? Kind said the boy. What do you think success is asked the boy? To love said the mole. Do you have a favorite saying ask the boy? Yes, said the mole. What is it? If at first you don’t succeed? Have some cake. I see Does it work? Every time? And there’s a lovely picture of the mall looking at a cake going. Well, hello. So, the mole says, I got you a delicious cake. Did you? Yes. Where is it? I ate it, said the mole. But I got you another Did you? Where’s that one? The same thing seems to have happened and there’s a lovely couple of pictures. Just tiny taste with a full mole. What do you think is the biggest waste of time? comparing yourself to others said the mole. I wonder if there is a school of unlearning.

Warsha Joshi 05:46

Oh wow.

Evan Le Clus 05:47

Most of the old moles I know wish they had listened less to their fears and more to their dreams. Wow. So anyway, they start wandering and they looking at over wonderful this beautiful picture in here. What is that over there? It’s the wilds at the mole. Don’t fear it. Imagine how we would be if we were less afraid. So, they still wandering around and then the fox appears? I’m not afraid said the mole. If I wasn’t caught in this snare, I’d kill you said the fox. If you stay in that snare, you will die said the mole. So, the mold chewed through the wire with his tiny teeth. One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things says the mole. So of course, the fox is now free. We continue so I’ve learned how to be in the present. How? asked the boy, I find a quiet spot and shut my eyes and breathe. That’s good and then then I focus. What do you focus on? Cake, said the Mole. Isn’t it odd? We can only see outside but nearly everything happens on the inside. So, I’m going to read that again. Isn’t it odd? We can only see outsides but nearly everything happens on the inside and of course, they still by the water and then there’s a Be careful don’t fall in the mole falls into the water. Luckily the fox is there and the fox rescues him and there’s some beautiful artwork with the foxes rescuing them all. So now they’re looking at an evening VISTA. So much beauty we need to look after. Very nice. Being kind to yourself is one of the greatest kindnesses said the mole. We often wait for kindness, but being kind to yourself can start now said the mole. Wow. Very wise mole. Beautiful. Often, the hardest person to forgive is yourself. Like you said often the hardest person to forgive is yourself. Sometimes I feel lost said the boy. Me too, said the mole. But we love you and love brings you home. I think everyone is just trying to get home, said the mole. Enter stage left the horse. Hello and there’s a wonderful series of pictures where the boy the mole The Fox and the horse are becoming friends. The boy is riding the horse the mole is with him and the foxes running alongside. Doing nothing with friends is never doing nothing is it? asked the boy no said the mole and they are running around the woods doing their thing and eventually the boy actually falls off the horse. The horse says you fell but I’ve got you. Everyone is a bit scared, said the horse. But we are less scared together. Tears fall for a reason and they are your strength, not weakness and the the horse are consoling the boy. What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said? asked the boy. Help, said the horse. What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said? asked the boy. Help, said the horse. When have you been at your strongest ask the boy? When I have dared to show my weakness said the horse. Asking for Help isn’t giving up so the horse it’s refusing to give up. Sometimes I worry you’ll realize I’m ordinary said the boy. Love doesn’t need you to be extraordinary said the mole. We all need a reason to keep going to the horse. What’s yours? You three said the fox. Getting home said the boy. Cake said the mole. I’ve discovered something better than cake. No, you haven’t said the boy. I have replied the mole. What is it? A hug. It lasts longer. Nothing beats kindness, said the horse. It sits quietly beyond all things, though it’s a beautiful picture. Fox, the boy and the mole are actually sitting on the horse and they’re looking up, I suppose at the wilderness. Beautiful picture. Sometimes said the horse sometimes what ask the boy sometimes, just getting up and carrying on is brave and magnificent. Sometimes what asked the boy sometimes just getting up and carrying on is brave and magnificent. Next there’s a picture of, also by the by the water and there’s some swans. How do they look so together and perfect? asked the boy. There’s a lot of frantic pedaling going on beneath said the horse.

Warsha Joshi 11:01

Oh. Oh, no, we all know that.

Evan Le Clus 11:06

There’s a lot of frantic pedaling going on beneath, said the horse. The greatest illusion said the mole is that life should be perfect.

Warsha Joshi 11:15

Oh, God. Yes. That is amazing. Yeah.

Evan Le Clus 11:19

And there’s a very artistic picture is that the moon asked the boy. It’s a teacup stain to the mole and where there’s tea. There’s cake. So, they’re all staring at the coffee ring is quite funny and there’s a lovely other picture which is they’re all looking at the moon. Be curious and the horse says to the boy, life is difficult. But you are loved. So, you know all about me ask the boy. Yes, said the horse and you still love me? We love you all the more. Sometimes I think you believe in me more than I do. Said the boy. You’ll catch up said the horse. The Fox never really speaks whispered the boy. No and it’s lovely that he’s with us said the horse to be honest. I often feel I have nothing interesting to say so the fox being honest is always interesting said the horse there’s something I haven’t told you said the horse. What’s that? Said the boy. I can fly. But I stopped because it made other horses jealous. Oh, good. Well, yeah, we love you whether you can fly or not, said the boy and there’s a wonderful transformation happening where the horse is actually sprouting wings. I think it’s like Pegasus, right. Okay, so now I know we have the horse with wings and a beautiful series of images where the horse actually starts flying.

Warsha Joshi 12:56

These illustrations are beautiful. What

Evan Le Clus 13:01

is your glass half empty or half full? Asked the mole. I think I’m grateful to have a glass so the boy we don’t know about tomorrow said the horse. All we need to know is that we love each other. When the dark clouds come, keep going.

Warsha Joshi 13:19

Goodness, yes.

Evan Le Clus 13:20

Beautiful image of a storm coming. When the big things feel out of control, focus on what you love. right under your nose. The storm will pass and after the storm, obviously then again, a series of beautiful pictures to the sun coming through again. We have such a long way to go sighed the boy. Yes, but look how far we’ve come to the horse.

Warsha Joshi 13:48

Look at that. That is amazing.

Evan Le Clus 13:51

Sometimes I want to say I love you all said the mole. But I find it difficult. Do you to the boy Yes? So, I say something like I’m glad we are all here. Okay, so the boy I’m glad we are all here. We are so glad you’re here too. What’s your best discovery ask the mole? That I’m enough as I am, said the boy. I’ve realized why we are here, whispered the boy. For cake said the mole. To love said the boy and be loved said the horse. What do we do when our heart’s hurt? asked the boy. We wrapped them with friendship, shared tears and time to lay awake, hopeful and happy again, said the horse. Do you have any other advice? Ask the boy. Don’t measure how valuable you are by the way you are treated so the horse Oh wow. Always remember you matter. You are important and you are loved and you bring to this world build things that no one else can wonderful fun a set of images. Home isn’t always a place, is it?

Warsha Joshi 15:08

Because they’re sitting under a starry sky with four friends all together? That’s why that line makes complete sense.

Evan Le Clus 15:18

Home isn’t always a place, is it? The boy reaches up to the horse in the image. Thank you and so lovingly, Charlie’s, he’s got the end, cross that out and he’s instead said, look how far we’ve come. Yeah, I mean, I’ve totally love this and it was it was a recommendation and the profundity of it is that, you know, as coaches, or just as people, you know, we read these memes on social media all the time and get bits and pieces. But this book, totally and utterly resonated, and it has such value, absolutely such value. Beautiful. So, I had to share it.

Warsha Joshi 15:54

I’m going to read out that last passage that I see on the screen. Sometimes all you hear about is the hates. But there is more love in this world than you could possibly imagine. This is so beautiful. Evan, thank you for picking this up and reading it out to me and along with me. All our wonderful listeners have been furiously scribbling as they usually do. Some of the things that came up, and which we, whether it is in our personal life, social lives, or social media, goodness, and most importantly, when we are talking to entrepreneurs, when we are talking to people who have shown that courage to brave the storm that they know is coming when you start a business and yet have the courage to keep going and what are some of the things that we talk about? Is that unlearning right in the beginning of this story, there was a line about I wish there was a school for unlearning said the mole that is brilliant. There are some symbology that I’m picking up over here and it So, talks a little bit about the book talks a little bit about success. What is success? So again, these are things that we often talk about, what does success even mean to you? And the mole loves the cake. My question here is, what is your cake? What is that little reward? Or what is your cake, and then they talk about going home. So what is home for you and that last line completely made sense. Because home really is where you are accepted as you are for who you are, you are loved, probably more, because who you are and, you know, you can fly without anyone else being jealous about anything, because you have the confidence and the strength to just be who you are. Because you’re amongst friends and that’s where love is and that’s where home is. The other point that I picked up was being kind to yourself, and forgiving yourself. There is a lot of conversation that happens around self-talk, where we talk yourself up and that’s what that line reminded me of how many times do we judge ourselves? And how many rare times do we say, I forgive myself? Because if you really stripped down the layers even further, is there really anything to forgive? Unless you have intentionally hurt somebody? It’s okay, mistakes happen? What are mistakes anyway, to me, they are more learning experiences rather than mistakes. The next point I took away is the question the boy asked the horse, which was I think on page 33 and that said, What is the bravest thing? And I’m saying this out of memory because I can’t see that page 33. What is the bravest thing you said? And the horse replies by saying, Help? How many times when we go through life, and I’m speaking purely from the business perspective, when you’re running a business, how many times do you actually say I need help? We don’t, because we are expected to know everything. But asking for help is actually quite brave. But so wonderful to hear this and on the face of it. This is a children’s book. Oh my god. This is every person’s book. Totally getting up and carrying on. Just get up, dust yourself and continue. When you know the dark clouds are coming. The Courage is in knowing that you got to keep going and of course, the line look how far we have come. It’s not how far we have to go look how far we have already come. Oh goodness. I think there’s something I’ve made a note of from every single page over here, this is brilliant. There are life lessons, business lessons, just wonderful. Should I call these lessons? Or should I just say, this is what life is? This is lovely, absolutely lovely.

Evan Le Clus 20:17

Thank you can to your point, asking for help isn’t giving up said the horse is refusing to give up and that really is the crux of everything.

Warsha Joshi 20:26

And somewhere over there, the horse also said, the boy said, oh, I’m falling or I fell and the horse said, don’t worry, I’ll got you. For me personally, that’s just a huge thing that first of all, that there is a horse a year and yeah, so you fall off a horse that was always going to kind of rings

Evan Le Clus 20:46

true a little bit in this household.

Warsha Joshi 20:47

I know. This is beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Evan, what a departure from our regular episodes and I’m so glad this is fabulous. Thank you

Evan Le Clus 20:58

I read it. As I say it was a recommended book and I should I should lay out because like you were saying, Is it a kid’s book, you know, it is so beautifully written and it’s so lovingly put together. So many, I suppose lessons or like guidelines, if you will, but so powerful, so simple and so powerful and yeah, I think everybody should read this. The boy, the mole, the Fox, and the horse

Warsha Joshi 21:24

by Charles Mackesy.

Evan Le Clus 21:25

Indeed. Okay, that’s it from us and we will see you in two week’s time.

Warsha Joshi 21:30

When we release this episode, you will most probably see it on social media, we would love to hear from you. What are some of the things that you are taking away from this story? Do talk to us in the comments, we would love to hear from you because I’m going to be actively watching this particular post because as soon as the post is released, I’m going to note in the comments, some of the things that I have noted over here. Let’s start that conversation back on social media. We will see you very soon.

Warsha Joshi 22:04

Thank you for joining us and for listening all the way through, to get the show notes, the transcription and of course to subscribe, visit dare to scale.fm

Evan Le Clus 22:17

The success of the show is thanks to you. So please keep the five-star reviews coming. Remember to share this with your network and keep the community expanding. We’ll catch you at our next episode and in the meantime, keep daring and keep growing