EDITION 1096
17 NOVEMBER 2025

On this day in 1973, President Richard Nixon stepped up to a microphone during the Watergate scandal and delivered one of the most self-defeating lines in political history: “I am not a crook.” It didn’t save him, but it did prove something timeless. When leaders lose control of the narrative, the fallout can be far more damaging than the original mistake.

Half a century later, the tools have changed - social media storms, 20-second clips, edited videos - but the principle hasn’t. Trust is fragile, reputations are flammable, and one poorly handled moment can ignite a leadership crisis. This week’s news offers yet another reminder: in public life, it’s not just what you say, but how it’s heard, and who’s doing the editing.

So, as another week joins the history books, here are 10 things that caught my eye - and may have slipped past yours. As ever, feel free to share them on social media or forward to colleagues and friends who could use a sharper take on leadership and life.

William Montgomery
Editor and CEO of TEN

1. How to lead with quiet strength. Real strength isn’t loud. It shows up in the calm decisions leaders make when no one is watching. In a world addicted to noise, the most effective leaders choose composure over chaos, clarity over drama, and purpose over performance. READ MORE

2. The BBC’s billion-dollar headache. When a leader sues the media, the ripple effects extend far beyond courtrooms. Trump has threatened to seek $1 billion–$5 billion in damages from the BBC, after the broadcaster admitted editing his 6 January 2021 speech in a way he says falsely portrayed him as inciting violence. The BBC apologised, two of its top executives resigned, and the UK government found itself in a diplomatic squeeze.  For leaders: three lessons emerge. First, credibility can be jeopardised by seemingly isolated editorial lapses. Second, even large-scale threats signal deeper trust deficits. Third, defending one’s reputation may divert energy from forward-looking strategy. Whether Trump goes ahead with the lawsuit or not, the incident underscores how global leadership now spans legal, media and moral battlegrounds - not just boardrooms.

3. Can Starmer survive the storm. Westminster is staging yet another episode of The Traitors, and this week’s plotline stars Keir Starmer, a handful of “helpful” briefings, and an ever-growing list of suspected plotters. Wes Streeting insists he’s not leading a coup, joking that whoever briefed the story has “watched too much Celebrity Traitors”. Shabana Mahmood labelled the whole saga “horribly embarrassing”, while Angela Rayner somehow finds herself cast as both loyal deputy and potential assassin - a very Westminster skill. Downing Street, naturally, has gone into full bunker mode, convinced the shadows are moving. Commentators say a challenge isn’t imminent, but restive MPs and bruised egos make a volatile mix. In politics, as in leadership, perception becomes reality - especially when everyone insists nothing is happening.

4. Taxing time for homeowners. With the Government rumoured to be eyeing new taxes on property, fresh data from Zoopla lands with suspiciously convenient timing. London’s 3.8 million homes are now valued at a staggering £2.64 trillion - almost a quarter of the UK’s entire £10.8 trillion housing market. Westminster alone holds £175.1 billion of residential wealth, which may explain why officials keep looking at it like a child sizing up a piggy bank. For leaders, it’s a reminder that numbers drive narratives. Announce a big valuation, and someone will soon propose a “fairer contribution”. Whether a new property tax lands or not, the debate shows no sign of cooling. In politics - as in economics -when the pot looks full, everyone wants a ladle.

5. A new era for UK asylum policy. Parliament is expected to hear significant proposals tomorrow to overhaul the UK’s asylum system. The plans, led by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, draw heavily on the Danish model and aim to reduce automatic pathways to permanent settlement. Many refugees would instead receive temporary protection, with longer waits before applying for indefinite leave to remain, and more frequent reviews of whether their home country is considered safe. The government argues the system is under intense pressure and needs resetting, particularly in light of rising small-boat crossings. Critics warn the changes risk creating insecurity for genuine refugees and may face legal challenge. Whatever your view, it marks one of the most substantial shifts in UK asylum policy for decades. Do you support the government’s proposed changes to the UK asylum system? Please share your views in our latest poll. VOTE HERE

6. The long road to achievement. Last week, an 88-year-old woman finally completed the university degree she first began in 1949. Her seventy-six-year journey reminds us that leadership is built not on shortcuts, but on resilience, consistency, and an unfailing commitment to finish what we start. Life interrupted her studies many times, yet she returned, again and again, proving that determination is not about pace but persistence. Leaders face similar moments: delayed projects, shifting priorities, unexpected obstacles. The easy option is to abandon the goal. The harder - and more meaningful - choice is to stay the course. Her achievement shows that progress is rarely linear, but always possible when we hold on to purpose. Leadership isn’t about speed. It’s about finishing the race, however long it takes. And that is leadership at its best.

7. Clarity beats confusion. Like many people this week, I found myself wondering whether to cancel my TV Licence. It’s astonishing how quickly a storm of headlines can make us question something we’ve taken for granted for years. But moments like these are leadership lessons in disguise. Before making any decision, leaders pause, take a breath, and examine the facts without the emotion. And the facts are straightforward: you need a licence to watch live TV, whoever broadcasts it; you don’t if you avoid live content and steer clear of iPlayer. Once you grasp the basics, your next step becomes crystal clear. In a world that thrives on outrage and overreaction, clarity is a superpower. Leaders cut through the noise, and make better decisions for it.

8. UK growth falters ahead of the Budget. The UK economy grew by just 0.1% in the third quarter, undershooting expectations and halving the previous quarter’s 0.3% pace. The ONS said the sharp slowdown was driven largely by September’s cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover, which caused a 28.6% collapse in vehicle manufacturing and a 2% drop in overall production. It’s a reminder of how vulnerable growth is to single-point shocks, especially in sectors where supply chains remain stretched. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves preparing to deliver her first autumn budget on 26 November, the figures arrive at a politically delicate moment. For leaders, the lesson is clear: resilience isn’t built in good times, but in anticipating disruption. The economy didn’t contract - but the warning lights are flashing.

9. Can speaking more languages slow ageing? If you haven’t done your language practice today, now might be the moment. A new study in Nature Aging suggests that speaking multiple languages could help slow brain ageing and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Researchers analysed data from 86,000 adults aged 51 to 90 across 27 European countries, comparing biological ageing markers with language ability. Their conclusion was striking: multilingual adults were half as likely to show signs of accelerated ageing. The findings build on earlier evidence that switching between languages strengthens neural pathways and boosts cognitive resilience. For leaders, the takeaway is simple: lifelong learning matters. Whether it’s French, Spanish or a few extra phrases on Duolingo, every new word might just keep your mind younger for longer.

10. The bottom line. UK unemployment has risen to 5%, the highest since the pandemic. Revised tax data shows a reduction of 180,000 payrolled staff since Rachel Reeves’ Budget last October and analysts are warning of a worsening slowdown in the jobs market ahead of her Budget later this month.