You’re Trapped by Your Local Network

The Azerbaijani, the Englishman and the Swede - Achievement Code #58

Author

Dan Deighton
June 07, 2026

Visionary Venture Seeker,

Many of us struggle with a range of invisible boundaries, specifically imposter syndrome and constant comparison.

However, there is a way to live a life that

you desire

is authentically yours

and, comes with low friction

I believe the way to do this is by reaching out to others.

This is probably best explained through a story.

The Azerbaijani, the Swede, and the Englishman

Recently, I found myself in total alignment with a vision I have for myself (I’ll tell you about the vision later on)

The situation was that I was campaigning for a new role within Toastmasters.

A daunting task: win the hearts and votes of nearly 400 people across Ireland, North of the UK (what in Toastmasters is called a District).

For this specific position, only one individual is selected in each District every twelve months, meaning I could no longer rely on my immediate network.

I needed to step far outside my comfort zone and proactively reach out to professionals across completely different Districts (i.e. other countries) and who had been there before.

It’s amazing what can be achieved through social media nowadays.

Through a combination of Linkedin and websites, I was able to track down two wonderful people:

Naza, originally from Azerbaijan and currently living in Warsaw.

Gustaf, from Sweden, and who had lived in Berlin for a while too.

The process was simple:

  1. send a direct message on LI or an email appreciating something about them

  2. ask for 15 minutes of their time

  3. setup a call

After these calls, a lot of dots connected and I literally felt on fire.

The reason for that was because I suddenly realised I was actively living a vision I had long held for my life.

I have always wanted to work internationally, leveraging my love for learning languages, discovering new cultures, and building on my previous life in Spain.

What I want you to take-away from this

By initiating intentional conversations, the vision I had or hold in my subconscious simply became my reality.

I realised I was now working internationally.

Maybe I thought it would be a job offer.

Perhaps, a country move.

But, no, instead it was reaching out as part of a campaign.

If you want something, and need help to getting there:

Ask for it.

Achievers reach. They don’t wait. They create the conditions they desire.

What’s an area of your life you could do this in?

The Code

We often use a chaotic schedule or a lack of time as a shield to protect ourselves from making uncomfortable, proactive connections.

The truth is that the right opportunity is never missing; your willingness to initiate a conversation may be what makes the difference.

  • Identify one high-level individual outside your immediate circle whose work you genuinely respect and send a direct, appreciative message.

Your International Achiever,

Dan

I’m Dan and I help mid-senior leaders and entrepreneurs find the speaking confidence to lead their organisations with authenticity and presence.