In this blog, I delve into the relentless pursuit of perfection and how it shapes our self-worth, influenced by societal standards and social media. Join me as I reflect on the pressures of striving for an ideal — from the "It Girl" culture to the constant comparison we face online. I explore how this obsession with external validation often leaves us feeling empty and disconnected from our true selves. Through my own journey, I’m learning that true growth isn’t about perfection or outdoing others, but about finding peace, balance, and embracing self-acceptance. Together, let’s uncover the cost of perfectionism and discover how to redefine success on our own terms.

In a powerful conversation between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tony Blair, the discussion shifts from celebrity activism to international diplomacy, exploring the intersection of climate change and politics. Their dialogue unveils a harsh reality: environmentalism is no longer a unifying cause but a politically charged battlefield. Both figureheads reflect on the growing hostility towards climate policies, which are increasingly framed as divisive rather than cooperative. As climate change continues to threaten our future, Schwarzenegger and Blair emphasize the urgent need for cross-border collaboration, innovative solutions, and leadership that transcends political divides. This exchange is a call to action, urging global cooperation to safeguard our planet’s future.

In From Sea to Strategy, Joshua Clark draws from a decade of service in the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence to offer a deeply informed, multidimensional critique of modern defence readiness. From the operational heat of expeditionary deployments to the strategic pulse of policy-making, Clark weaves together personal experience and academic insight to expose a crucial triad of security threats: climate change, intelligence failures, and institutional inertia. With urgency and precision, he challenges our assumptions about preparedness, warning that without adaptive thinking and climate-resilient infrastructure, the UK risks falling behind in an era of accelerating global instability.

Williette Fewry’s piece offers an introspective exploration of ambition, emphasising the need for meaningful, tangible success over excess or exploitation. She challenges the societal culture of wanting more, questioning how ambition shapes our values and impacts others. Ultimately, Fewry’s writing invites readers to reflect on the true essence of desire and success—urging a more ethical, growth-driven approach to ambition.

Diar Bala's blog examines Kosovo’s journey from war-torn strife to independence, focusing on NATO’s intervention in 1999 to halt genocide and secure the country’s future. He highlights the ongoing challenges Kosovo faces, particularly from Serbia, and reflects on NATO’s crucial role in its survival and growth. Bala connects Kosovo's story to broader international lessons, drawing parallels with current global crises like Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression.

In This Blog, I Explore the Impact of AI on Jobs and Society: Can AI Improve Our Future, or Will It Replace Us? Join me as I examine the potential benefits and challenges of AI, and how we, as future professionals, can navigate this rapidly changing landscape.

Explore the origins of The Higher Lens and the vision that sparked this project — a desire to see the world more clearly, ask deeper questions, and invite others to join the conversation.

Which parts of your identity were chosen — and which were inherited without question?
Take a moment to reflect on the labels, values, languages, beliefs, or traditions that shape who you are. What did you claim as your own, and what simply arrived with you? This space invites you to explore the layers — whether you're challenging them, reclaiming them, or learning to carry them differently.