Superman’s Cape

As I write this, the new Superman movie is making its debut. Even here in Oslo—where I am in advance of a bi-annual hiking trip with friends—I've seen posters with the "Look Up" tagline that brilliantly promotes the movie. 


Today, after yesterday’s long day of travel and jet lag, plus ten miles of walking through museums and sculpture gardens, I was feeling a bit sluggish and scattered. As our group of friends split up—one for a nap, a few for a sauna and plunge into the sea, and the remainder for shopping—I had the space for a needed walk alone. I thought I would shake out the cobwebs from the travel and organize my thoughts about the work to be done in the second half of the year. Both were competing for space in my brain - a place where neither belonged. 


My thinking was simple: a meditative walk, some ice cream (there seems to be an ice cream store on every corner in Oslo), the quiet of being alone, and then a nap would get me in vacation mode—tuned out. As I was walking, I reminded myself that tuned out wasn't what was required here at all. Tuned in was actually the requisite mode of being. What could I tap into from the Nordic air to direct my business and my clients for the back half of the year and beyond? Connecting to source energy is always what re-energizes me. 


As I transitioned from being deep in my head to simply being, I saw the Amundsen Sports store - a retailer inspired by Roald Amundsen - on the corner and was drawn to it. Maybe you've read about him either in a historical context or in my past essays about how Amundsen's disciplined team were the first to make it to the South Pole. It's a powerful story of preparation meeting opportunity. I walked in and immediately appreciated the look and feel of the brand and the quality  of the products. I bought a couple items as gifts and a hat and sweater for me.

Do I need another hat? I most certainly do not. Did I need another navy pullover? Nope. Will I wear both as a reminder of the discipline required every day to grow my business and serve my clients? Yes.

Clark Kent is the nerdy, relatively capable journalist for the Daily Planet. However, when wearing the unitard, boots and cape of Superman, he becomes the strong, more than capable hero that saves the planet daily.

You've heard me talk about lacing up my Jordans when the need arises to access another level. Kobe Bryant used his "Mamba" alter ego to get to work. Tiger Woods wore red on Sundays. Serena Williams had her on-court confidence that was distinctly different from her off-court demeanor. Each understood something fundamental: sometimes we need a trigger to step into our highest performance mode.

Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, whose research on power posing demonstrates this in her TED talk, speaks about how holding confident postures—like the Superman pose, with hands on hips, feet apart, chin up—for just two minutes can change your brain chemistry. The physical act of taking up space literally  makes us feel more powerful and confident.

But it's not just about posture. It's about the ritual of transformation. When a surgeon puts on scrubs, they're not just getting dressed—they're stepping into a role that requires precision, focus, and life-or-death decision-making. When a pilot puts on their uniform, they're embodying responsibility for hundreds of lives. When you put on your "work uniform"—whether that's a suit, your lucky shirt, or even a particular mindset—you're signaling to yourself and others that you're ready to perform at your highest level.

The Amundsen gear I bought isn't just clothing. It's a reminder of the explorer's mindset, the willingness to venture into unknown territory with discipline and preparation. It's my version of Clark Kent's transformation, a physical cue that it's time to step into the role of strategic advisor, thought partner, and problem solver.

This works both ways. The external change influences the internal state, but the internal commitment to excellence is what drives the external representation. When you dress for the job you want, not the job you have, you carry yourself like the leader you're becoming - not just the person you are today.

As soon as I made my purchase at the Amundsen store, Amelia, the friendly clerk asked if I wanted some ice cream. It was perfect timing as sometimes, when we get what we need, we also get what we want.

"Look Up" isn't only about spotting the hero in the sky. It's about recognizing that we all have the capacity to rise to the occasion, to transform ourselves when the moment demands it. And sometimes, transformation starts with putting on the right hat… or cape. 

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What's your superpower? What do you wear, ritual do you perform or persona do you step into when work needs to get done at your highest level? I’d love to hear about your transformation rituals.

Here's to looking up and rising to the most authentic version of you.

Beste hilsen fra Norge…BG

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