Let the Sparks Fly
As summer begins to slow things down just a little, we wanted to leave you with a few sparks.
Not the kind that burn out quickly,
but the kind that settle in.
That light up something inside—and linger.
Truth be told?
We actually came up with the idea for our last book while sailing toward a tiny Greek island a few summers ago.
Turns out, boats and blue skies are great for bold thinking.
So we know first-hand: Some of the most powerful ideas start showing up… right when you stop chasing them.
The sparks that we want to take with us this summer have a red thread which is be bold, be brave, trust your gut and lead with FIRE and SHIELD.
They are all reflections that you can pack and take with you.
We want to share that insight with you, because we know that when you pause with intention, big things can shift.
Leadership isn’t always loud—but it is bold.
Sometimes, it’s speaking up with clarity.
Other times, it’s listening—when every instinct says to jump in.
Often, it’s quietly holding space for others to grow, even when you already have the answer.
Boldness doesn’t always look like action.
Sometimes, it’s the courage to pause.
To resist the urge to control.
To lead from behind, with presence instead of pressure.
Leadership doesn’t always shout.
But it does show up—with intention.
So, if you find yourself with a quite moment while on holiday we invite you to reflect on how you could be bolder in your approach to your leadership role. Are there places where you let circumstances steer you rather than steering them?
There is no “right time”—only the next step.
Whether you are moving from specialist to leader, or from good to great, growth rarely waits for perfect conditions.
It begins when you do.
Especially when you feel slightly unready.
Especially when it would be easier to stay where it’s safe.
Waiting for the right moment often becomes a way of avoiding risk. But in our work, we have seen that the most meaningful progress starts when you move before you feel “ready”—and build courage as you go.
So, if your future plans involve more leadership, more responsibility, speak up now and give you manager time to reflect on what you said during the summer break.
Maybe you just have to activate the right tools.
You may not have the title yet.
Or the 10,000 hours.
But if you have ever built something from scratch, navigated conflict, or helped someone believe in themselves—
you’re already leading. Trust that.
Instead of asking: “Am I ready?”
Try asking: “Where am I already making a difference?”
The answer is often more generous than you think.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to do that, you can find plenty of practical guidance in our book: Andre menneskers penge – og andre menneskers liv, available both as a physical copy and audiobook.
You can lead with FIRE—and SHIELD
Courage and clarity.
Accountability and care.
Passion and compassion.
The best leaders balance both.
Not perfectly, but purposefully.
So before you head out of office: ask yourself where you need to recharge—and where you need to let go.
Balance isn’t a destination. It’s a leadership choice—every day.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Palægade 4 for 3daysofdesign.
It was full of inspiring conversations—about design, leadership, and how the spaces we create shape the people we become.
We are still smiling.
Until then, may the season bring rest, joy, and a little bit of reflection. Let your mind wander. Let your shoulders drop. And let the sparks fly.
Wishing you a wonderful summer,
Johnny & Elize
DA 
EN