Sometimes, You Just Need to Shave It Off

There I was, standing in front of the mirror, clippers in hand, heart pounding like I was about to deliver a keynote to 1,000 people unprepared. This wasn’t just a haircut—it was a reckoning.

For months, I’d debated it. “Should I do it? What will people think? What if I hate it?” I’d played out every possible scenario in my mind, from friends jokingly comparing me to a lightbulb to waking up the next morning wondering if I’d made a terrible mistake. But deep down, I knew it was time for a change.

You see, I’d had the same hairstyle for 16 years. Every trip to the barber turned into an increasingly desperate attempt to preserve the look I’d grown attached to—while subtly maneuvering to hide the bald patches that had started creeping in. It had become a ritual of holding onto the past, clinging to something that once worked but no longer reflected reality.

The irony wasn’t lost on me. I was investing so much energy in maintaining a version of myself that was slowly fading, instead of embracing what was right in front of me. Sound familiar? Whether it’s in life or business, how often do we find ourselves stuck in a cycle of doing what’s comfortable simply because it’s what we’ve always done?

That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t just about hair. It was about letting go of the fear of change and finally embracing what was inevitable. And so, with a deep breath and a lot of nervous energy, I shaved it off.

Spoiler alert: It was the best decision I’ve made in ages.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Why is he posting this on LinkedIn? Surely there are other social media platforms for this sort of thing!”

Bear with me, because this isn’t just about a haircut. It’s about change—the kind of change that can transform not only your appearance but your mindset, your habits, and even your business.

Change Is Hair-Raising (But Worth It)

In the business world, change is often met with the same hesitation I felt about shaving my head. We overthink it, procrastinate, and worry about how it’ll “look.” Will the team get on board? Will the new strategy work? Will we regret it later?

It’s understandable. After all, sticking with what’s comfortable feels safe. It’s easy to hold onto what worked in the past rather than face the uncertainty of trying something new. But here’s the truth: change is inevitable. Whether we like it or not, things will evolve—markets shift, priorities realign, and yes, hairlines recede.

The key isn’t just accepting change; it’s embracing it. Growth lives on the other side of discomfort, and that first step—whether it’s introducing a new business strategy or braving the clippers—is where transformation begins.

The Key to Embracing Change? Own It.

When I shaved my head, the turning point wasn’t just about taking action; it was about owning the decision. I walked out of that bathroom with a new look and, more importantly, a new mindset. The same applies to businesses. When you embrace change with confidence and clarity, it shifts the narrative. It’s no longer, “What if it goes wrong?” but instead, “What’s the worst that could happen—and how can we grow from it?”

As someone with over 12 years of experience in Professional Services—six of those in leadership—I’ve seen this principle play out time and time again. Professional Services is, at its core, about guiding organisations through change. Whether it’s implementing new systems, streamlining processes, or transforming strategies, I’ve learned that adaptability is the cornerstone of success.

It’s not just about delivering solutions; it’s about fostering the mindset to embrace change, not as a threat, but as an opportunity to grow, evolve, and succeed.

Why Not Give It a Go?

So, whether it’s rethinking your company’s processes, exploring a new market, or yes, shaving your head, my advice is simple: take the leap. The world won’t end, your colleagues will adjust (some might even compliment you), and you’ll walk away with something far better than a new look—growth.

After all, if a bloke like me can embrace change (and rock the bald look), what’s stopping you?

What’s the boldest change you’ve made lately? Let’s discuss it in the comments.