Category: Lifestyle

Happy weekend. Grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into this week’s three big questions.

1. Nostalgia: Rose-Tinted Specs or Genuine Fun?

We’ve all done it.

We look at the modern world—with its hyper-connectivity, complex tech, and delivery drivers dropping everything to our doorsteps—and we sigh for the “good old days.”

But let’s take off the rose-tinted spectacles for a second and look at the reality. (I will come back to instant shopping in a minute.)

I distinctly remember my parents’ first house. Luxury it was not.

We are talking about an outdoor toilet that was a test of endurance in January, and a tin bath that had to be dragged inside and filled manually.

If you weren’t first in the water queue, let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a spa experience.

My kids don’t believe this particular story, however, it is completely true.

Renovations had to be saved up for, and in my 6-year-old memory, the bathroom took forever to resemble something similar to what we would expect now.

Which brings me to a conversation I had with one of my lovely grandchildren. It went something like this:

“What are you doing?”

“I’m looking through some old photographs of when I was about your age.”

“But some are in black and white, and the colour ones are really weird. Were your parents blind?”

Now, this is where kids have a fantastic way of telling the truth.

Because I’m not sure if she was talking about the avocado bathroom suite we had waited so long for, the bright orange flowers on the wallpaper, the horrendous matching clothes my two younger brothers and I had to endure every time we went out, or the horrendous basin-cut hairstyles.

This was the trigger that started me thinking about memories and nostalgia.

Was it actually “more fun” back then? Or are we just romanticising a time when our joints didn’t ache and our biggest responsibility was being home before the streetlamps came on?

The truth is, the fun wasn’t in the lack of plumbing, the weird psychedelic colours, or the haircuts—it was the freedom. We didn’t have algorithms competing for our attention. We had imagination, a football, and a neighbourhood to explore.

So while I will gladly leave the tin bath in the history books, maybe we can carry a bit of that uncomplicated, offline freedom into our weekends today.

Finally, let’s get back to instant shopping. Amazon and the like have undoubtedly made life easier.

No aching legs, no hunting for a parking space, and no carrying armfuls of shopping bags back to the car.

But what have we quietly given up in return?

The smell of a good department store. Stopping for a coffee halfway through the afternoon. Repartee with the assistant while buying a new suit or trying the latest Hugo aftershave.

Patiently (or not so patiently) sitting outside another changing room while your wife tries on what feels like every dress within a five-mile radius.

Mind you, online shopping has its downsides too.

I seem to have a wardrobe full of clothes that looked perfect on the screen but somehow don’t fit in real life.

They sit there for months because I never quite get round to sending them back.

Maybe that’s the point about nostalgia.

It isn’t that shopping itself was better. It’s that, somewhere along the way, buying something stopped being an outing and became a transaction.

2. Dealing with Failure and Disappointment in Your 60s

In my line of work as a business advisor, you quickly learn a sobering truth: you witness just as many failures as you do successes. You can analyse the data, build the perfect strategy, and lead the horse directly to the water—but you absolutely cannot make him drink it.

When you hit your 60s, your relationship with failure changes dramatically.

Looking back at my younger years, I flat-out refused to accept failure. Why? Because like most young men, I was plagued by the absolute certainty that I was always right.

It’s a funny cycle. I see my 18-year-old grandson navigating the exact same mindset today.

He’s convinced the world has it in for him, frustrated that he isn’t earning top dollar yet, and convinced that things should just happen faster.

It’s easy to look at the younger generation and think, “They want it all handed to them on a plate.” But then I catch myself, smile, and remember: where have I heard that before? We were exactly the same.

The real gift of navigating disappointment in your 60s is perspective.

• In your 20s and 30s, failure feels like an identity—it defines you.
• In your 60s, failure is just feedback. It’s an occurrence, not a reflection of your worth.

We now have the mileage to know that a setback is rarely fatal.

When a plan falls through or a project misses the mark, we don’t take it as a personal insult from the universe. We just look at the horse, shrug, and go look for one that’s actually thirsty.

And remember this: if you try something and it doesn’t work, a lot of people I talk to think they have failed.

My answer is simply this: you tried, and it didn’t work out this time. Failure would have been not trying.

Have a fantastic weekend. What are your memories of the “good old days”—and do you actually miss them? Let me know in the comments.

3. The September Getaway: The Balearics vs. The Greek Islands

September is our favourite time for travel. The school crowds have vanished, the intense summer heat has mellowed into something perfectly warm, and the sea is at its absolute best.

If you are plotting a late-season European break, two major contenders usually top the list. How do they stack up?

The Balearics (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza)

• The Vibe: Effortless and sophisticated.
• The Travel: A short, breezy flight from the UK (around 2 to 2.5 hours), making it incredibly accessible.
• The Highlights: Beyond the bustling resorts lie stunning rugged coastlines, world-class dining, and historic stone villages. It is perfect if you want great seafood, excellent infrastructure, and a quick transit.

The Greek Islands (Crete, Corfu, Rhodes)

• The Vibe: Timeless, slow-paced, and deeply cultural.
• The Travel: A bit more of a commitment (closer to 4 hours), but worth every minute.
• The Highlights: Unmatched history, crystal-clear Aegean waters, and a slower pace of life that forces you to unwind. The food is simple, fresh, and legendary.

The Verdict

If you want a quick, seamless transition to a sun lounger with great gastronomy, head West to the Balearics.

If you want a deeper, sun-drenched escape where the days stretch out lazily, head East to Greece.

Drop your email below for my curated PDF recommendations on fantastic 5-star hotels that will help you create the getaway you need.

Coming Up This Week on Ropho

Monday – Business

Think your business is failing? It might not be.

Sometimes sales haven’t disappeared—they’ve simply slowed down.

We’ll look at why that happens, how to spot the real bottleneck, and how a few small changes can help your business find its momentum again.

I’ll also show you how to use my Business Health Dashboard to identify where you’re getting stuck.

Wednesday – Lifestyle & Finance

What happens when your pension figures aren’t quite what you hoped for?

Rather than panic, we’ll explore practical ways to rethink retirement income, make informed decisions, and focus on what you can control.

My Weekend 3 Questions

Time seems to be speeding by.

Having launched Ropho back in mid-January, I wanted to take a moment this weekend to revisit a couple of my early subjects.

Both feel incredibly relevant right now, especially as we head into the summer season.

Here are my three questions for you this weekend:

1. What does style mean to you in your sixties?

I wrote a post early on about how our younger years shape our identity, and why attitude matters more than age.

Style isn’t just about the clothes you wear or how much you spend.

It’s not even just about hair—which is a conversation in itself! As someone who is follicly challenged, I know it changes for us men, but I also listen to my wife, her friends, and our daughters constantly discussing it.

Our daughter Rachel, whose hair fell out during chemo, has recently ditched the wigs as it slowly grows back. She is entirely embracing a short, funky look, and she looks fantastic.

True style is about inner confidence, posture, and movement.

Last week was incredibly busy, and right after a great time at Royal Ascot, I was invited to speak at a private, relatively exclusive conference.

The room was filled with highly successful, established manufacturing entrepreneurs and their partners—people who, by any traditional metric, have reached the top of their game.

Yet, as I looked around, what fascinated me wasn’t the business success. It was the sheer variety of styles on display.

Some men and women looked entirely comfortable in their own skin, while others seemed to be quietly retreating into safe, neutral choices.

It got me thinking: What does style mean to you at this stage of life? Are you dressing for yourself, or what’s “safe”? 👉 Style Over 60: Read the original style post here

2. How do you view your own identity right now?

This leads nicely into my second question, which goes a bit deeper into how the world sees us versus how we see ourselves.

How do we balance the many overlapping challenges we face—supporting family, navigating work, or considering retirement?

This was the focus of one of my most highly engaged early articles, The Over-60 Paradox.

It’s about how we can be the absolute stabilising force for multiple generations, yet still struggle to find time for our own future chapters.

So, my second question: How do you balance being there for everyone else without losing sight of your own identity and purpose? 👉 Read the Over-60 Paradox post here

3. What’s your go-to summer drink?

As many of you know, I love a good single malt or a glass of red wine. However, in this scorching summer heat, a heavy whiskey by the BBQ doesn’t quite hit the mark.

My third question is purely practical: What are your favorite, affordable UK alcoholic drinks for social events and summer BBQs?

I’m looking for something refreshing that beats the heat without breaking the bank.

Over to You…

I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts on any (or all) of these three questions in the comments below. Let’s start a conversation.

Have a great weekend, [Steve/Ropho]

What a week. If anyone ever tells you life slows down after sixty, show them my diary.

It kicked off last Friday with a fantastic, high-level business meeting in Bath.

What an amazing city, It moves at a completely different pace compared to the frantic rush of London, Paris, Manchester, or Birmingham.

The Georgian architecture, the history, the ancient stone—it completely sets the scene, especially when paired with a vibrant, modern mix of independent bars and restaurants.

From the architectural serenity of Somerset, it was straight into a very different kind of British institution on Thursday – Royal Ascot.

Nobody puts on a traditional spectacle quite like the British, and Ascot is the perfect example.

From the elegance of the Royal Procession to the roar of the enclosures.

You see every single strand of British life on display.

The uber-successful, old money, the desperate gambler, and, of course, groups of ladies definitely on a mission to have fun.

It is people-watching at its absolute finest.

Add in a beautiful weekend to recharge the batteries, and England winning their opening match of the World Cup on Wednesday.

It should have been a flawless week.

But this whirlwind week got me thinking about three massive questions that define our culture, our future, and our personal lives today.

1. Does the UK Have Luxury Weekend Breaks That Match Our European Counterparts?

I am often asked by clients and friends about classic continental city breaks—Vienna, Geneva, Rome, or Paris.

They are spectacular, of course.

But this trip to Bath reminded me that we are incredibly lucky right on our own doorstep.

When you look at the sheer historic depth, luxury boutiques, and high-end culinary scenes of Bath, York, or Edinburgh, the UK absolutely competes with the best of Europe.

The difference isn’t the quality; it’s the vibe.

A British luxury weekend offers a distinct, slower-paced elegance, an understated heritage charm that European hubs often replace with pure, high-octane tourism.

We don’t need to cross the Channel to find world-class luxury; we just need to appreciate what’s in our own backyard.

Want to discover the best of British luxury?

Drop your email below to receive our exclusive, complimentary guide:

The Heritage Capitals: A Definitive Guide to Exceptional Boutique Luxury in Bath, Edinburgh & York.

2. We Put On the Best Shows on Earth—So Why Do the British Rarely Win the Big Competitions?

Watching the masterclass of tradition at Ascot, preceeded by the national collective breath-holding for the England match, highlights a bizarre British paradox.

We are arguably the best nation on earth at staging events.

Our infrastructure, our pageantry, and our passion are unmatched.

Yet, when it comes to lifting the biggest trophies on the world stage, we so often choke at the final hurdle.

Is it a mentality thing?

Absolutely. In Britain, we have a cultural habit of romanticising the “gallant loser.

” We love the drama of near-greatness.

True winning machines—like the Germans, Australians, or Americans—possess a ruthless, clinical mindset that prioritises execution over emotion.

We excel at the party, but we often freeze under the pressure of ultimate victory because we are too busy managing the weight of expectation.

That fear of pushing past the finish line seems to be trickling down into business, too.

Aspiration isn’t a dirty word; it’s the engine of progress, and it’s something we need to actively reinstill in the younger generations entering the workforce today.

3. Why Are Relationships So Much More Important in Your Sixties?

Which brings me to the core of what really matters.

When you’re in your twenties and thirties, relationships are often built around building—building careers, buying houses, raising children, and surviving the daily grind.

You are a team fighting the logistics of life.

But by the time you reach your sixties, the landscape changes.

The noise begins to quiet down. The nest empties, businesses mature, and you are suddenly left looking across the table at each other.

This is the decade where relationships cease to be about project management and become entirely about shared experience and deep companionship.

In your sixties, a great relationship is your ultimate anchor.

It gives you the freedom to chase big business goals or travel the world, knowing you have an absolute bedrock of support waiting for you.

We have more time, more wisdom, and fewer distractions.

If you don’t nurture the relationship now, you risk sitting in the most beautiful hotel room in the world with absolutely nothing to say to each other.

It is the single most valuable asset you will ever own.

The Reality of “Mismatched Energy”

Of course, knowing how important a relationship is doesn’t mean it’s always plain sailing, which brings me back to a question people think about constantly but rarely discuss openly.

Is sex still important in your sixties?

The short answer is yes, absolutely.

But the reality of timing it when you are both living full, high-performing lives is another story entirely.

Take Friday night in Bath. I arrived at dinner buzzing on pure business adrenaline from a successful meeting, fueled by a little too much good wine with clients.

Sharon, on the other hand, had just spent a blissful, quiet day decompressing at a spa.

Our energies were in completely different postcodes. I was revved up; she was completely reset.

By Thursday at Ascot, the tables completely turned. Ensconced in an exclusive hotel after Ladies Day, Sharon had enjoyed a steady stream of champagne and high-energy socialising while I’d spent the afternoon networking, working the room, and tracking the racing.

Once again, one of us was ready to conquer the world, and the other was ready for sleep.

It begs the question: how do you keep the spark alive when your batteries are rarely charged at the exact same time?

Age doesn’t kill intimacy—but the mismatched pace of modern life can certainly throw a spanner in the works.

Next week, we’re diving straight into the reality of intimacy, managing energy levels, and maintaining genuine connection when you’ve hit your prime. Don’t miss it.

Keeping Online, Travel, and Ascot Safe for the Summer After 60

We have been very luckily VIP-invited to Royal Ascot tomorrow—specifically for Ladies Day.

It is truly one of the most magnificent, traditional British sporting events, standing proudly alongside a Lord’s Test and the iconic strawberries and cream of Wimbledon.

With the summer season now in full swing, and a number of UK breaks and holidays booked (and more being booked!), safety and comfort have rapidly become my number one consideration.

When we are caught up in the excitement of a high-profile event or planning a summer getaway, it’s remarkably easy to let our guard down.

Navigating major events and travel after 60 requires a bit of tactical preparation—not to dampen the fun, but to protect it.

The Big Event: Staying Secure in Crowded Spaces

Before we look at the broader holiday checklist, high-profile summer events like Ascot require a specific mindset:

• Beware the “Live” Posting Trap: Take as many photos as your battery allows in the Royal Enclosure, but keep them in your gallery until you are safely back home. Checking in at a major event publicly broadcasts a clear message: My house is currently empty.
• Guard Your Tech & Data: Keep phones and wallets in zipped inside pockets. Avoid logging into bank accounts or typing sensitive passwords while connected to the free public Wi-Fi at train stations or racecourses—stick to your mobile data (4G/5G) for security.

The Golden Eight: My Essential Summer Travel Manifesto

Whether you are heading down the road for a British countryside break or boarding a flight, these eight rules ensure your trip stays memorable for all the right reasons.

1. Comfort Over Chaos

Direct flights are your friend. Choose accessible accommodation and research your arrival transfers in advance.

Don’t be heroic: use a taxi for that “last mile” rather than struggling with heavy luggage on a long walk. Conserve your energy for the sights, not the transit.

2. Insurance That Actually Covers You

Don’t just tick the cheapest box on a comparison site. Ensure your policy fully covers any pre-existing conditions and medical emergencies. In your 60s, “Comprehensive” is the only word that matters.

3. Documentation & Digital Backups

Check that your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining and secure any necessary visas early.

Pro Tip: Take a clear photo of your passport, driving licence, and insurance policy on your phone and email them to yourself. If the paperwork goes missing, that digital copy is your lifeline.

4. The “Medication Plus” Rule

See your GP early for a quick check-up and any required vaccinations. Always carry your medication in your hand luggage in its original packaging. Crucially, bring enough for the trip plus an extra 5 days just in case of unexpected travel delays.

5. Tech & Roaming Setup

Avoid the dreaded “bill shock” when you return home. Check your mobile provider’s international roaming fees before you cross a border, or look into a digital eSIM data plan for seamless, cost-effective connectivity.

6. Respect the Sun

The spring and summer sun in the Mediterranean or Southeast Asia is a completely different beast. Plan your days around finding shade, factor in midday rests, and drink double the hydration you think you need.

7. Smart Cards & Local Cash

Use no-fee travel cards (like Monzo or Starling) to avoid conversion rates that amount to daylight robbery.

However, don’t rely entirely on plastic—always carry a small amount of local cash for those hidden-gem cafes and markets that don’t take cards.

8. Walking Shoes Over Fashion

I am all for style, but for a classic city break, blister pain ruins a day faster than anything else.

Invest in high-quality, supportive footwear that handles miles of concrete. Your feet will thank you when you sit down for dinner.

The Digital Shield: 10 Rules to Outsmart the Scammers

Of course, staying safe isn’t just about watching your pockets while traveling; it’s about protecting your digital footprint.

Scammers love the summer season, often targeting us with fake booking confirmations, urgent bank alerts, or lookalike websites.

Here is your digital checklist to keep the fraudsters at bay:

1. Slow Everything Down

Scams rely entirely on urgency. Messages shouting “Account locked,” “Immediate action required,” or “Fine outstanding” are designed to trigger panic. That pressure is a trap. The safest first step is always to pause. If a message pushes you to act now, question why.

2. Never Click Links in Unexpected Messages

Links in texts or emails can lead to highly convincing “cloned” websites designed to steal your credentials.

If a bank, courier, or travel company contacts you unexpectedly, do not click the link. Open your browser and go to the official website independently.

3. Go to the Company Directly

Never use the phone number, link, or email provided in a suspicious message.

If you want to check if an alert is genuine, use the trusted number on the back of your bank card or a recent paper statement. One quick, independent call can save a massive amount of heartache.

4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Using the same password across multiple sites is like using one single key for your house, car, and office—if a criminal gets hold of one, they get them all.

Consider using a secure Password Manager to generate and safely store unique passwords for every account.

5. Turn on Two-Step Verification (2SV)

Most UK banks, email providers, and social media platforms now offer this feature.

It simply sends a quick code to your phone or app when you log in from a new device. It’s a tiny extra step that acts as a massive deadbolt on your digital door.

6. Be Wary of “Guaranteed” Investments

Fraudsters frequently impersonate financial advisers, reputable companies, or celebrities online. In the UK, always check the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Register before moving any money. If an opportunity promises high returns with “no risk,” it is a major red flag.

7. “Too Good to Be True” is a Warning

Massive, unrealistic holiday discounts or miracle financial offers are engineered to make you act before you think.

Trust that inner voice—if a deal feels too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

8. Keep Your Devices Updated

Those annoying “Update Now” notifications on your phone, tablet, or laptop? Think of them as essential digital maintenance.

They rarely just add features; they almost always contain critical security patches designed to block the latest viruses and vulnerabilities.

9. Fight Back and Report Suspicious Messages

In the UK, we don’t just have to take it on the chin; we can actively fight back. Forward scam texts to 7726 (which handily spells ‘SPAM’ on a telephone keypad) and forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. It directly helps the authorities track down and shut these operations down.

10. When in Doubt, Ask Someone

A second opinion is a scammer’s absolute worst enemy. Scammers isolate you by demanding secrecy and immediate compliance. A quick, grounded chat with a partner, friend, or colleague can reveal an online trick instantly.

The Bottom Line: Preparation shouldn’t feel like a chore.

Spending just a bit of time setting up your digital boundaries, checking your gear, and securing your plans ensures that the only thing you have to focus on tomorrow is enjoying the world-class racing, the fashion, and the unbeatable British summer atmosphere.

Have a fantastic summer, stay sharp, and enjoy every minute of the sunshine!

This Weekend’s 3 Big Questions

Writing from Bath this weekend,(full write-up with pictures coming next weekend), and I’m gearing up for Ascot week, which I’ll be diving into for Wednesday’s post.

But for now, grab a coffee, and let’s dive into this weekend’s 3 big questions. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

1. The Luxury Island Escape: Where is Europe’s Best Kept Secret?

I am looking to book a surprise week away this September for my wife.

We are looking for a bit of luxury, great beaches for her, and deep history and brilliant walking trails for me.

Now, I absolutely love Sicily, but our last visit felt a bit overrun—dare I say, the “White Lotus effect” has taken over!

Madeira is another firm favorite of mine, and we’ve done Crete to death.

These are a few we’ve tried!

If you want luxury paired with some of the most dramatic coastal walking in Europe.

The northwest coast of Mallorca is unbeatable. September is the “Golden Hour” for the island, the heat has dipped, and the mountains are inviting.

• The Vibe: High-end, boutique, and creatively inspired.
• For Her (The Beach): Stay in Deià and head down to Cala Deià. It’s a rugged, rocky cove with crystal-clear water and two incredible seafood restaurants built right into the cliffs.
• For Me (History & Walking): You are in the heart of the Tramuntana Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The “Dry Stone Route” offers miles of ancient paved paths with views over the Mediterranean.

The “Miniature Dubrovnik”: Korčula, Croatia

Croatia’s islands are spectacular, but Korčula stands out for history lovers. The main town is a tiny, walled medieval peninsula often called “Little Dubrovnik,” but without the cruise ship swarms.

• The Vibe: Sophisticated, historical, and deeply Mediterranean.
• For Her (The Beach): The island is famous for its secluded pebble bays and the sandy beaches of Lumbarda, surrounded by vineyards.
• For Me (History & Walking): Explore the Venetian-style old town (the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo). For walking, the island is covered in pine forests and olive groves with ancient stone paths connecting the small hamlets.

The “Island of Beauty”: Corsica, France (Bonifacio)

Corsica offers a very different kind of luxury—one that feels wilder and more exclusive. The southern tip around Bonifacio is one of the most visually stunning places in the Mediterranean.

• The Vibe: Dramatic, rugged, and chic.
• For Me (The Beach): Just a short drive from the luxury hotels of Bonifacio are Palombaggia and Santa Giulia—stunning white sand beaches that look more like the Caribbean than Europe.
• For You (History & Walking): The citadel of Bonifacio is perched on 70-meter-high white limestone cliffs. The coastal walks along the cliff tops offer dizzying views across the Strait of Bonifacio toward Sardinia.

I would vist any of these again, but would love to visit somewhere new.

So, I need your hidden gems.

• Over to you: Where is your ultimate European island destination that offers luxury without the massive tourist crowds?
• Give me your best travel nuggets!

2. Club vs. Country: Where does your passion really lie?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup currently underway across the US, Canada, and Mexico (having kicked off on June 11), the excitement is officially building. England’s campaign gets started very soon—their first group stage match against Croatia is locked in for Wednesday, June 17 at 9:00 PM BST.

Whether they can go all the way is the ultimate question.

The talent pool is arguably the best it has been in a generation, but tournament football always comes down to fine margins, tactical management in the knockout rounds, and handling the immense pressure.

It will be interesting to see if Thomas Tuchel can get us over the line, or did Gareth Southgate do much better than a lot of us give him credit for.

The Time Zone Dilemma & The Passion Debate

Because the tournament is hosted in North America, many games are kicking off late in the evening or in the early hours of the morning for UK viewers.

Watching from the comfort of your own sofa is going to be the default choice for those midnight and 2:00 AM matches!

The debate between Club vs. Country passion is a fascinating one that always divides football fans:

Perspective	The Argument
The Club Traditionalist	Club football is an everyday, lifelong commitment. The tribalism, the weekly routine of supporting your team through thick and thin, and the shared local identity often breed a deeper, more consistent intensity than international fixtures.
The Country Patriot	Nothing unites a nation quite like a World Cup summer. The stakes feel monumentally higher because it only happens once every four years, turning casual viewers into die-hard fans and creating unforgettable, collective cultural moments.

3. Elevating the Summer Salad (Need your recipes!)

With the weather warming up, I’m looking to ditch the boring lettuce-and-tomato routine and master 3 high-protein, substantial summer salads that actually keep you full.

I’m currently experimenting with:

1. The Tuscan Grilled Steak & White Bean Salad

• The Protein: Sliced lean sirloin paired with creamy Cannellini beans.
• The Base & Toss-ins: Wild rocket (arugula), halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and shaved parmesan.
• The Dressing: Extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, and cracked black pepper.
• Why it works: The combination of beef and legumes delivers a massive protein punch, while the rocket adds a sharp, peppery bite.

2. The Mediterranean Shredded Chicken & Chickpea Crunch

• The Protein: Roasted shredded chicken breast and seasoned, roasted chickpeas.
• The Base & Toss-ins: Chopped Romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
• The Dressing: A light Greek yogurt-based tzatziki dressing with fresh dill and lemon.
• Why it works: Using Greek yogurt in the dressing adds an extra hidden layer of protein, and roasting the chickpeas provides a fantastic, crunchy alternative to croutons.

3. The Seared Salmon, Edamame & Quinoa Bowl

• The Protein: Fresh pan-seared salmon fillet, shelled edamame beans, and a base of cooked quinoa.
• The Base & Toss-ins: Shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced avocado.
• The Dressing: A savory ginger-soy vinaigrette with a touch of sesame oil.
• Why it works: Quinoa is a complete protein on its own, and when paired with salmon and edamame, you get a beautiful balance of clean proteins and heart-healthy Omega-3 essential fats.

• Hit me with your best food tips: What is your go-to ingredient to turn a basic salad into a high-protein masterpiece?

to exclusive, upscale beach coves (calas) down below.

Discover your Rhythm this Weekend

There is a distinct rhythm to a proper weekend, if you’re old enough to remember when newspapers were delivered by the paper boy.

In our house you had a selection of newspapers, from the tabloids, a broadsheet or two, magazines and as a young boy comics.

There were distinct differences and tones, serious midweek subjects business. finance and politics.

But the weekend? That was different, Saturday and Sundays, that was for sitting back with a hot cup of tea or coffee, letting the mind wander, and tackling the bigger questions about how we actually want to live.

Sport, Travel, reading about far away exotic holiday destinations you could only dream about. These early memories especially the Sunday supplements really fired my young imagination.

Welcome to your weekend Ropho pull-out.

My Wednesday post on wills and trusts provoked a fascinating debate in my inbox.

One thread latched onto a difficult truth that hits close to home for many business owners in our age bracket.

How much should you really help your children?

Is it better to fund their education, teach aspiration, and encourage personal ambition—or should we just hand the business to them on a plate?

But there was a second conversation thread that I want to focus on today, and it’s all about opportunity and risk.

Regular readers know I am a massive believer in positive thinking and decisive action, whatever your age.

But it leaves us with a thorny question as we navigate our 60s: Does the appetite for risk naturally subside with age, or are we just getting started?

My first big question of the weekend.

Look back at your career.

What unexpected opportunity did you say yes to that took you in a completely wild direction, yet achieved your greatest success?

And looking at the horizon today, do you still feel that urge to take a leap?

Whether that means expanding a business at our age, stepping into local politics, or hurtling down a black-run ski slope.

Are we supposed to tone it down, or is this the exact decade to push the envelope because we finally have the wisdom to back up our bravery?

My second big question of the week

What is your favourite coffee?

I realised recently that beverages take up quite a lot of my thinking time , whether it’s my favourite whisky, red wine, or in this case coffee.

I am a black coffee kind of guy, I love an espresso if I need a quick caffeine injection or an americano or my home supermarket blend.

However I now have a bigger problem my filter machine broke, should I replace with like for like, or as my kids who all like frothy milk coffee’s want me to push the boat out and get a barista style machine.

What do you think?

My third big question of the week

What do you think about walking?

I’ve spoken about walking many times in my post’s.

I absolutely love it, it clears my mind and reminds me, especially at this time of year, how lucky I am to be able to enjoy the UK countryside.

The 10,000-Steps Myth

While researching, I stumbled across another classic example of how easily we let arbitrary numbers dictate our lives without ever questioning the logic behind them.

We are constantly told that to stay healthy, robust, and full of vitality in later life, we must hit the magic number: 10,000 steps a day.

It is treated as a medical holy grail.

Except it’s a total myth.

The 10,000-steps target wasn’t born out of a medical research lab or a sports science breakthrough.

It was actually a highly successful Japanese marketing campaign launched in 1965 to sell a pedometer called Manpo-kei, which literally translates to “10,000-steps meter.” It was a clever advertising ploy, nothing more.

Modern health research actually shows that for most adults, the health and longevity benefits completely level off between 6,000 and 7,500 steps.

Pushing past that is fine, but obsessing over the extra mileage is often just chasing a vanity metric that causes unnecessary guilt.

In business, we do the exact same thing.

We get utterly obsessed with arbitrary targets, top-line turnover, social media follower counts, or spendingendless, gruelling hours at a desk—simply because someone else’s marketing told us that’s what success looks like.

We chase growth for the sake of growth, forgetting to ask if it’s actually making the business more profitable, more scalable, or more enjoyable to run.

The Risk vs. Reward Audit

Taking a risk in your 60s shouldn’t look like a reckless gamble. True risk management isn’t about avoiding the leap; it’s about accurately calculating the height of the drop.

If you are currently looking at an opportunity—whether it’s scaling up your operation, launching a digital content project, investing in a new venture, or making a massive lifestyle pivot (skydiving)—stop measuring it against generic, arbitrary rules.

To help you clear the fog, I’ve put together a simple, one-page tool for this weekend: The Ropho Risk vs. Reward Audit Matrix.

It’s a straightforward framework to help you map out your current projects and future opportunities based on actual impact versus energy drain.

It’s the exact logic I use when advising clients, and it strips the emotion out of big decisions. You can download the printable PDF blueprint below for free.

[👉 Drop your email for Free Risk vs. Reward Audit Matrix Here]

Over to you: What’s the biggest, most unexpected opportunity you’ve ever said yes to?

And more importantly, what’s the next risk you’re secretly tempted to take this year? Are you Team Expand-the-Business, Team Local Politics, or Team Ski-Slope?

Pour yourself a fresh brew, step away from the desk, and let me know in the comments below. Let’s get the weekend conversation started.