Last week I had a coffee with Robert Kelsey, author of ‘What’s Stopping You?: Why smart people don’t always reach their potential and how you can’ (Capstone 2011). Robert is an ex-banker who now runs a successful financial pr firm. On the way he has suffered and overcome an intense fear of failure, the result of poor confidence brought about by a low self esteem developed in his early childhood. In What’s Stopping You?, Robert helps his readers understand the root causes of ‘the monkey on their back’, help them identify their true goals and take small, practical and sustainable steps towards a more positive future. I was impressed by Robert’s honesty, wit and the empathy he has for everyone who has struggled with a sense of under-achievement. His book is a great read, and I think he could be a valuable speaker for banks and other large financial organisations who are keen to help their employees (new and old) cope with the stresses and strains of an intense and sometimes competitive workplace.