Helping Ivy League-educated, overachievers find meaning and clarity in their career | Speaker, Clarity Coach, Entrepreneur

Huw coaches founders and their leadership teams to create clarity, attain alignment, and unleash their potential. He has worked with CEOs of VC and PE backed software and technology companies on both growth trajectories and supported them through turnaround or transition.

Huw is a 3-time founder, investor, and speaker turned executive coach. His corporate career centered around his work at Goldman Sachs, Rackspace, and Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund with $160bn under management. While at Bridgewater Associates he was a Senior Management Associate responsible for Portfolio Analytics. In 2016 he acquired and later sold Jungle Disk, a cybersecurity company previously owned by Rackspace. He co-founded CyberFortress, a VC-backed insurtech startup in 2018 (where he also became a Talentism client!). He also co-founded Porthcawl Holdings, a value-driven technology holding company, investing in startups and businesses in the SaaS and bitcoin space.

Huw holds an MBA from Harvard Business School where he was a Ford Scholar and Baker Scholar, and holds undergraduate and masters degrees in mathematics from Oxford University,

Huw is a proud Welshman who lives with his wife and young son in San Antonio, Texas. He is a board member of the local Entrepreneurs Organization responsible for the Accelerator program, helping budding entrepreneurs scale their businesses to 7-figures. He is also Vice President of Programming for the Harvard Business School Club of San Antonio. His compulsions include identifying gifts in adversity, creating inspiring visions, radical self-discipline, and running 100 mile races in the mountains.

Huw Edwards

10 years sober. No notes. 

PS Happy St David’s Day. 

#NoRegrets #BestDecisionEver

3x Founder, Harvard MBA, ex-Bridgewater Associates, Goldman Sachs | Executive Coach | Helping ambitious founders/CEOs unleash their potential and purpose

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There are two versions of people when they encounter discomfort.

The version that:

- Back out of a big decision
- Slow down
- Second-guesses everything
- Keep waiting to feel ready

And the version that:

- Show up anyway
- Have the uncomfortable conversation
- Trust their training, experience, and abilities.
- Act a little before they feel ready

Discomfort is not a threat. 

Don’t let your brain confuse expansion for danger.

Stay long enough to experience the transformation.

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Read newsletter 

Read the newsletter here: http://newsletter.h3.xyz/

You either view life as:

I have to:

1. Lead another meeting
2. Show up for the team
3. Call that client
4. Pick up the kids

OR

I get to:

1. Guide people who trust my leadership
2. Elevate my team
3. Build valuable relationships that scale the business 
4. Spend time with my favorite humans 

The first approach will drain you before you even get started. 

The second approach opens you up to a deeper level of presence and purpose in everything you do.

I had trained for it.

And still, I was scared.

I was thinking about this the other day, as I geared up for Leadville again last August.

For context, Leadville is one of those races where everything, and I mean everything, hurts.

A 100-mile race. After 25 miles, you're still a quarter of the way through, and the real pain hasn't even begun.

And honestly, as I prepared, the nerves hit me.

I remember at about 3 a.m. on the day of my 2024 race, I was standing in the dark and cold, feeling unsure all of a sudden.

I thought, "Do I really want to do this? Could I just... not start?"

It was tempting to avoid it, but I pushed through and completed the race in good time.

And last year, that rush of uneasiness came back, but I did not back down.

I reminded myself that I’ve earned it, and I trained for it.

The race didn't quite go as planned, but I walked away with lessons to prepare me for this year.

No regrets.

I realized feeling nervous isn't a sign of weakness.

It's part of the process of doing something big, bold, scary, yet so thrilling and exciting.

And when the nerves show up again as I prepare for this year, I won't fight them.

That's what I want. I need it to hurt earlier.

That's the whole goal in a way.

Because I care.

Not just about the win.

I care about the struggles, the curveballs, and the lessons that come with the experience.

It’s okay to feel nervous.

Being a best friend, a parent, a CEO, a partner, a gym rat, a business ally, launching a startup, leading a project, and still doing self-care and so on at the same time is so dope.

Except we can't really carry all these things at the same time.

Balance is an illusion.

Chasing it comes with a weight that makes one more miserable than fulfilled.

There's a better approach to doing all of these without losing yourself or burning bridges.

I talked about it in detail in my recent newsletter.

You can read it here 👇👇

You've probably told yourself one or more times that you just need to find balance. Balance between being a CEO, business partner, parent, and best fr

The illusion of balance

Somewhere along the line...

Something happened. 

The more self-focused success becomes, the less alive it feels.

And the more numb you get.

The more numb you get, the more stuck you feel.
Somewhere along the line...

Something happened. 

The more self-focused success becomes, the less alive it feels.

And the more numb you get.

The more numb you get, the more stuck you feel.

Because, somewhere along the line, it stopped being about the impact of the work and became more about you. 

So you’ve lost touch with why you fell in love with your craft in the first place.

Find your way back to your why.

Beyond you.

You’ll feel alive again.
Because, somewhere along the line, it stopped being about the impact of the work and became more about you. 

So you’ve lost touch with why you fell in love with your craft in the first place.

Find your way back to your why.

Beyond you.

You’ll feel alive again.

3 resources to help you say no more.

1. TED Talk: The Art of Saying No by Kenny Nguyen
https://lnkd.in/gvjGfrjF

2. Book: The Power of Saying No by Dr. Vanessa Patrick
https://lnkd.in/gd3vMPPz

3. Podcast: How to Say No – We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle
https://lnkd.in/g7GGrYZs

Every yes is a step away from freedom.

Make it worth the while.

You can't explain it.

But you just knew.

To walk away from that deal.

To hire or not hire that person.

To start that project...

There's always that inner voice that tells us to do or not to do something.

Sometimes, we ignore it, and it backfires.

Other times, we're glad we listened to our intuition.

If only people trusted their instincts much more than external validation or waiting for proof.

Imagine how many mistakes would have been avoided.

Over the weekend, I explored the concept of pattern recognition that makes our intuition an ally for a happier life.

1,280 readers had a good read.

Miss the issue?

Find the link in the comments ↓

How you narrate a moment of discomfort changes how you experience it.

Don’t focus on the pain, focus on the potential.

Find an advantage to get you going.

There’s always one.

Leverage it.

The stress doesn’t disappear, but when it has a purpose, you’re in control.

Life wires us to explore...to find out.

To be more, do more, chase more, win more, learn more, and keep evolving.

But life is not what you're really exploring.

It's you.

Some people get stuck exploring what works.

It's not their fault.

They just:

- Lack patience and self-trust
- Don't trust their conviction to act
- Pay attention to what everyone else is saying
- Hold onto things that made them successful

Exploring you demands:

- Patience to say no to good opportunities, and yes to long-term value
- You sit tight and trust your conviction
- Pay deaf ears to what the hell people have to say
- A f*ck-fear mindset to reinvent yourself

Don't be afraid to explore yourself. 

There's so much more you're yet to find out about you.

P.S: My view...

Would you choose your life again?

The responsibilities, pressure, decisions, mistakes, and wins.

All of it.

Yes?

It’s great that you never let go of what it is you really want, even as you grow into greater success.

No?

You may have lost your power of autonomy.

And your success doesn't entirely feel like yours anymore.

In today’s issue, I explored the thin line between “I have to” and “I choose to”.

Quite a good read that uncovers how to sustain the love for your craft yesterday, today, tomorrow, and ever.

A life you don’t grow to hate.

Read the newsletter here 👇

There’s something elite performers tend to experience as they become more successful. At the beginning, everything is a choice. Then the path, risks, 

Open article: The power of autonomy   by Huw Edwards • 2 min read

Give people ownership.

Let people still see themselves in what they do before, during, and after they work with you.

Let them bring themselves to the performance.

Your structure should be flexible enough to let them keep the joy of being their authentic self.

There's a thin line between discipline and squashing the flame that makes people feel great.

The autonomy to choose is key to sustaining high performance.

Over the weekend, I shared practices to avoid losing yourself to external pressure as you achieve greater success.

Miss the issue?

Find the link in the comments ↓

Have a good read.

Care about what you care about per time, without feeling guilty.

What's the worst that can happen anyway?

You'll be surprised that there's nothing to worry about.

But to think you can handle every area of life at the same time already creates a problem.

Life is in seasons.

Something has to give sometimes.

You just need to be able to make these necessary tradeoffs without throwing away other things or burning bridges.

Over the weekend, I explored the illusion of balance and how to embrace the seasons of life for a more sustainable success.

You sure want to read this.

Find the link in the comments ↓

3 resources to keep you in love with your work regardless of life’s distractions:

1. TED Talk: My year of saying yes to everything by Shonda Rhime
https://lnkd.in/gA4buvjd

2. TED Talk: The Puzzle of Motivation by Daniel Pink
https://lnkd.in/gAdQiAP3

3. TED Talk: Your insecurities aren't what you think by Adam Grant
https://lnkd.in/gMmbi6_J

You already know.

The question is whether you trust what you feel.

Your intuition can play out as a quiet read you've earned through experience.

But most people have subconsciously silenced their instincts by over-relying on logic, validation, and proof before taking action.

And the more you can't trust your intuition, the more fragile your confidence becomes.

It's only a matter of time before you begin to feel like you've lost your spark.

I explored the grace of intuition as a big flex for greater success.

Read about it here 👇

You know that feeling when something looks good but doesn't feel good? Those shiny opportunities that your gut tells you not to engage. Or those you f

The grace of intuition

Being ambitious is great.

But be honest…

Do your current goals excite you?

Or are they just a logical move?

Most people burn out from chasing goals that slowly disconnect them from themselves.

Your goals can't just be ambitious.

Make them personal.

It's more thrilling.

I explored a different way to think about ambition in today's issue.

A good read for people who care about high performance.

Read it here 👇

You know how planning and working on a goal takes your focus, energy, and more. It's more like you're choosing how you spend your time. Most people qu

Open article: You set the goal, then it shapes you... by Huw Edwards • 2 min read

What are you becoming through the suffering?

Two things happen when you set a goal.

You nail it or miss it.

If you win it, you savor the excitement.

And if you miss, you're not self-sabotaging.

You know you still got paid with more discipline, courage, self-trust, and a lot more from the experience.

The journey and what you've become so far will fuel you to try again.

So no matter how hard it is, you'll find your way back up.

If you feel empty when you hit a goal or linger in the weight of missing it, your goal was probably very ambitious.

But it lacked a personal meaning to draw happiness or strength for what’s to come. 

Over the weekend, 1,283 readers learned 4 great steps to filter ambitious goals for a happier experience.

Miss the issue?

Find the link in the comments ↓

Barb Betts is a highly acclaimed keynote speaker, CEO, and relationship strategist with more than 23 years of success building multi-million-dollar businesses and leading high-performing sales teams. A respected voice in sales and leadership, Barb has spent over a decade in leadership within the largest trade association in North America, where she has championed advocacy, professional growth, and industry transformation at the local, state, and national levels.

She has partnered with prestigious organizations including Fidelity, Fairway Mortgage, Horsepower Brands, LVMH, and Thelios—helping leaders and teams drive growth, retention, and revenue by building authentic, trust-based relationships.

Barb is the author of the forthcoming book The Relationship Advantage: Unlock the Life-Changing Power of Human Connection, which explores how prioritizing relationships is the ultimate strategy for success in business and life. Her award-winning podcast, Relationships Are Your Superpower®, equips thousands of listeners with actionable tools to strengthen trust, deepen connections, and create lasting impact.
Known for her high-energy, relatable presentations, Barb helps audiences rethink how they connect, lead, and grow. Her sessions blend inspiration with strategy, leaving professionals not just motivated but ready to take action.

Based in Southern California, Barb lives what she teaches—building a thriving career while nurturing meaningful relationships with her family, friends, and community. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to prove that relationships aren’t just part of business—they are the business.

Barb Betts

When I got the call to be on the Rising Star panel at NSA, my first reaction was a combination of excitment….and why me? 🫠

Just two years ago, I was still only speaking in the real estate industry and running our real estate business. And now I’m sitting on a stage with speakers who have spent years, decades even, building their careers. It felt like such an honor, and also a little surreal. Like, do I really belong here?

Because when I looked around, I saw experience, success, and people I deeply respect. And I felt like the freshman in the room. 🩷

But I kept coming back to this. 

I don’t need the longest track record to have something meaningful to share. I just need to show up and speak from what I know, what I’ve lived, and what I believe.

So I did.

I talked about building an authentic brand, being visible, the power of relationships, and what it really means to be great on stage. Not perfect, but present. And I poured my heart into it. 🩷

And what happened next surprised me the most.

Speaker after speaker came up to me asking, how do you build relationships like that? How are you so intentional? How do you stay connected? 🚀

And it hit me. The thing that has felt so natural to me for so long is the thing so many people are craving.

In a world full of strategies and content, people are still asking how to connect.

And the answer isn’t complicated. It’s intentional. It’s consistent. It’s human.

I walked into that room feeling like the least experienced person on the panel. I walked out reminded that you don’t need decades to make an impact. You just need to show up, share your truth, and use your gifts.

You might feel like the freshman in the room, but don’t underestimate what you bring to the table. Someone in that room needs exactly what only you can offer 💗

It was an honor to share the stage with you Brittany Hodak, CSP Anton J. Gunn Paul Epstein  Quinn Conyers  Hilary Billings 

And thank you Rory Vaden, MBA CSP CPAE for believing in me.  This success would not be possible without you and Brand Builders Group support!!!

Keynote Speaker | Human Connection expert | Helping People, Leaders and Organizations leverage the power of Authentic Relationships | Empowering YOU to Be REAL, Relatable + Confident 🩷

This weekend I was on the KTLA morning news in Los Angeles. 🙈
Tomorrow, I’ll be on ABC in Nashville.💃🏻

That didn’t happen by accident.

It happened because of relationships.

Specifically, my relationship with Jessica Abo , my publicist, and the 20+ years she has spent building real, trusted relationships with producers and media teams. 🔥

Not transactional connections. Long-term, credibility-based relationships where trust is already established and value is assumed. 💕

That’s how KTLA happened.
That’s how ABC Nashville is happening next week.

This is exactly what I teach and speak on.

⏩ Every opportunity in business is tied to a relationship. Every door opens through a person. Relationships aren’t the soft side of business. They are the business.

And yes, relationships open doors. But they don’t keep them open unless the message is worthy of the platform.

The reason these producers wanted to bring this to their audiences is because the message matters. This book matters. The work around relationships, trust, and human connection in business is timely, needed, and resonating. 🚀🚀

If this resonates with you too, follow along for updates on when you can buy the book 📖 

It’s for anyone who wants to build real influence, real trust, and a business that actually lasts.

Another day, another speaker updating their demo reel 😂😂 but stay with me, because this part matters.

When I first stepped into speaking, I wanted to talk about everything. 

Leadership, sales, culture, confidence, communication. 

Hi… that was me. 🙋🏻‍♀️

And the truth is, I DO speak on all of those things and to all these audiences. But what I didn’t have yet was clarity. A clear point of view. A clear through line. 💡 

If I’m being honest, I was a little vanilla. Saying a lot, but not anchoring it in what I know is actually true. 

This reel reflects the shift.🚀🚀

Because here’s the reality. 

We are living in a disconnected world. 

Leaders are being asked to grow without losing their culture. 

Teams are expected to perform while staying engaged and connected. 

Sales professionals are trying to build trust in a more skeptical world.

And the answer isn’t more marketing, more automation, or more AI… although I love AI. 🫠

The answer is Human Connection + Real, Authentic Relationships . 🔥🔥

That’s what changes everything. In leadership, in teams, in sales, and in culture. Because relationships aren’t a soft skill or an add on. They are the strategy. They drive trust, retention, referrals, revenue, and long term growth.

That’s what this reel finally captures.

If you’re an organization, bureau partner, or event partner looking for a message that brings this to life with a combination of inspiration and strategy, I’d love to have a conversation 🩷🩷

Pre-orders are officially open for The Relationship Advantage. 💗

After 20+ years in sales, leadership, and business, one thing has proven true over and over again:
Relationships are not a soft skill.
They are a business strategy.

The strongest businesses are not built on transactions. They are built on trust, connection, and consistency.

In a world that is moving faster and becoming more automated, the real advantage is human connection.

This book is about how to build that advantage intentionally.

Not just in theory, but in a way that drives real results:
Stronger client relationships
More referrals
Higher retention
Better leadership and culture

And because I want this to be practical, not just inspirational, I’ve included pre-order bonuses to help you apply it immediately:
Tools to stay connected consistently
Prompts to deepen relationships
Strategies to turn connection into impact

If you believe that business is built on relationships, I would love your support.
Pre-order is now live at https://lnkd.in/gEGRXu_9 💗

I respect Rory Vaden, MBA CSP CPAE so much. Not just because he’s a NYT bestselling author and one of the most brilliant minds on personal branding, but because he’s been my mentor.

He’s the one who told me, “You are most powerfully positioned to serve the person you once were.” Those words changed the entire direction of my life and career.

So when Rory agreed to endorse my new book The Relationship Advantage — and it landed on the COVER — I genuinely cried.

Rory, I am so grateful for you!! Thank you so much. 🙏🤓🩷

Pre-order your copy of The Relationship Advantage today: https://lnkd.in/dbk28UJ8

Think about your last big win... 

The client that moved the needle.
The opportunity that felt “lucky.”
The door that opened when you weren't expecting it.

Now ask yourself this: Was it really "luck", or was it a relationship?

Nearly every meaningful breakthrough in our careers and lives can be traced back to someone who trusted us, advocated for us, or made an introduction at the right moment.

Too often, relationships are treated as secondary to credentials, strategy, or hustle.

The truth is simple.
Relationships aren’t soft skills.
They’re a strategic advantage.

If you want more opportunity, more access, and more alignment in your work, start building relationships before you need them.

Reach out to one person today with no agenda. Check in. Listen. Be human.

Too many people are building their brand on what I call borrowed confidence.

🏆 Titles
👏 Applause
🎖 Awards
🚗 Status

But if those things actually created confidence, we’d be living in a very confident culture.

Instead, Psychology Today reports that 85% of Americans struggle with low self-esteem.

Confidence doesn’t come from status.
It comes from self-trust.

I believe in built confidence, the kind that comes from within. The kind no one can give you and no one can take away.

Built confidence is grounded and consistent. It’s earned by keeping promises to yourself, showing up with integrity, and liking the person staring back at you in the mirror. 

That’s the kind of confidence worth building. 🩷

View newsletter: The Relationship Advantage

Every February, we're reminded to celebrate the relationships that matter. We buy cards, make reservations, send flowers. We think about the people we

Open article: The Valentine You Forgot 🩷 by Barb Betts • 3 min read

There’s a lot of noise about new strategies, faster systems, smarter tools...
 
But what I’m seeing isn’t a strategy gap. It’s a TRUST gap.
 
We are operating in a trust recession.
 
Clients are more cautious. 
Teams feel more disconnected. 
Communities are more divided. 
And no new tactic, template, or technology is going to solve that.
 
Trust isn’t rebuilt through better marketing.
It’s rebuilt through better relationships.
 
The professionals who will stand out in this season are the ones who know how to build authentic, consistent human connection. The ones who follow through. The ones who communicate clearly. The ones who add value without keeping score.
 
When trust is scarce, reliability becomes powerful... And authenticity becomes magnetic.
 
If you want sustainable momentum in your business and influence that compounds over time, the question isn’t “What strategy am I missing?” It’s “How am I building trust?”
 
Relationships aren’t a soft skill. They are THE strategy.

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The Battle

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Huw Edwards's LinkedIn Performance

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