I will never forget looking at some photos of a neighbour of mine. She was being swung around in midair by a giant crane. The smile on her face showed that she was having the time of his life. Scary? She was sitting next to her young kids, who could not have had a bigger thrill.

I thought she was mad. I would (could?) never do that, especially as I have to protect my heritage, as somebody who grew up in the middle classes of staid London. As for my subject, she is a very successful serial entrepreneur in Israel.

And this episode is what sums up one of the few themes that link such people all over the world. They challenge the barriers of normality that have been established by others, who often did not know better.

As I type, I recall that I may have already mentioned this anecdote in a previous blog. In any event, I was reminded about it recently by a picture going round Facebook at the moment and which had already released been by National Geographic. Just looking at this link gives me the creeps, but for others it is a relish of going beyond the acceptable. A real cliff edge of a montage.

When I mentor people, I frequently face up to those clients who ask “what else can I do”. My task is to make them realise that what may appear to them to be impossible can actually be achieved. It is doable via a complete rethink.

This week, Jews around the world celebrate their New Year. As with similar festivities in other religions, this is an event that combines joy with an opportunity to ask for forgiveness. It is a celebration that also demands from us to examine our responsibilities and to think out new approaches.

This may sound cute, but this festival is when all adults have a chance to become entrepreneurs (in our communities). We can learn to understand our individual challenges in life but with a thrill and a smile.