The archetype model
Four characters on your inner board
None of them is wrong, and each can serve you if you choose it with intention. The problem is when one takes over and refuses to let go.
Mouse
your alarm system
Scans for risk and makes you prepare.
When it serves you: Scans for risk, keeps you sharp and makes you prepare. It saves you from sloppy mistakes.
When it takes over: You pitch the smaller idea, quote the lower price, follow up after the meeting instead of challenging it. “It was the team.”
Sounds like: “Not yet.”
Lion
your engine
Moves before you feel ready.
When it serves you: Moves before you feel certain. Commit first, close the gap later. Momentum and decisions you can stand behind.
When it takes over: “Push harder” becomes the only strategy. Every win turns straight into the next target. Rest starts to feel risky.
Sounds like: “Push harder.”
Clown
your release valve
Brings levity when things get heavy.
When it serves you: Brings levity, connection and creativity when things get heavy. Relief without avoidance.
When it takes over: The mask: a happy face over what’s really going on. Or the slapstick version that plays dumb when you feel inadequate.
Sounds like: “Whatever, it’s fine.”
Elephant
your memory and compass
Grounded, long-term, chooses the direction.
When it serves you: Perspective, meaning and long-term direction. The Lion moves; the Elephant chooses where.
When it takes over: Too distant, too slow, unmoving. Waiting for certainty while the moment passes.
Sounds like: “What did this teach me?”
“I think doubt is part of who I am. I’ve used acting and comedy since I was born to cover it.”
Which one leads for you? Take the quiz to rank all four and find your profile.
Find my profileThe 16 profiles
Your code is your dominant then your secondary animal. Dark squares are pure profiles, where one animal clearly leads.
All 16 profiles in full
How each profile shows up, and how to use it as fuel. Useful for reading your colleagues, your family and the people closest to you.
M·M
The Quiet Genius
How it shows up: Invisible by default. Your best ideas die in your notebook.
Use it as fuel: Speak in the first ten minutes of every meeting. One point, made early.
M·L
The Slow Burner
How it shows up: Silent for weeks, then pushes hard when cornered.
Use it as fuel: Move earlier and smaller. Raise it before it builds.
M·C
The Undercover Comic
How it shows up: Hides, then cracks a joke when the spotlight lands.
Use it as fuel: Let the joke open the door, then make one serious ask.
M·E
The Lookout
How it shows up: Sees every risk, waits for the perfect moment, moves late.
Use it as fuel: Set a decision date. Your radar has done its job; now act.
L·M
The Poker Face
How it shows up: Pushes hard in public, doubts hard in private.
Use it as fuel: Tell one trusted person what the Mouse is saying. Then move.
L·L
The Machine
How it shows up: Always moving, never celebrating. Rest feels risky.
Use it as fuel: Stop for one win this week. Rest is part of the plan.
L·C
The Headliner
How it shows up: All energy and charisma, never shows the strain.
Use it as fuel: Charisma sells. Let people see the real stakes too.
L·E
The Captain
How it shows up: Decisive with a clear direction, but can steamroll the room.
Use it as fuel: Ask for the strongest case against you before you charge.
C·M
The Secret Weapon
How it shows up: Funny from the edges, never centre stage.
Use it as fuel: Your timing reads rooms. Use it to open your own pitch.
C·L
The Sharpshooter
How it shows up: Wit with an edge, usually aimed at other people.
Use it as fuel: Aim the wit at the problem, not the person.
C·C
The Life of the Party
How it shows up: Every ambition becomes a punchline. The mask stays on.
Use it as fuel: Humour to open, never to close. End on the ambition, stated straight.
C·E
The Dreamer
How it shows up: Light-hearted and wise, but never quite commits.
Use it as fuel: Put a date and a number on the big idea.
E·M
The Deep Diver
How it shows up: Researches everything, presents nothing.
Use it as fuel: Your depth is rare. Publish a point of view this month.
E·L
The Pathfinder
How it shows up: Sets the course and drives it, but won’t change it.
Use it as fuel: Revisit one big decision each quarter with fresh eyes.
E·C
The Storyteller
How it shows up: Calm perspective and a light touch, but drifts from the hard call.
Use it as fuel: Turn the story into a decision, with an owner and a date.
E·E
The Anchor
How it shows up: The steady voice everyone follows, but slow to move.
Use it as fuel: Give every big decision a “move by” date.
Unlock all 16 profiles in full
- How each profile shows up under pressure
- How to use each one as fuel
- The perfect cheat sheet for reading your colleagues, friends and partner
- Plus your own full report as a PDF
