10 Lessons from Chris Rawlinson

Chris Rawlinson doesn’t shout. He builds. He reflects. He experiments. As founder of 42courses, he’s made it his mission to simplify serious learning—and along the way, he’s gathered insights that reach beyond edtech.

These aren’t recycled quotes or empty hustle-speak. They’re lived-in truths from someone who’s still learning. Below are ten of his most enduring principles—each one a quiet challenge to rethink how we lead, work, and show up.

1. Constraints Liberate

You don’t need ideal conditions. You need a clear head and a good question.

Chris reminds us: it’s not what you sell—it’s how you sell it.

Control the controllables. Let the rest go.

2. Breadth Begets Value

Learn 10% of every trade. Design. Strategy. Copy. Code.

Why? Because the more dots you can connect, the more problems you can solve.

And people pay problem-solvers.

3. Nurture Loose Ties

Surprisingly, help often comes from those you barely know.

But don’t wait until you need them.

Reach out now. Offer value. Keep the karma pot full.

4. Find the Real Power

The decision-maker isn’t always the CEO.

Sometimes, it’s the assistant who books their diary.

Respect everyone. Influence flows sideways.

5. Respect Timelessness

New ideas dazzle. But old ones endure.

Master the fundamentals before you chase the flash.

Read Stephen King before quoting a tweet.

6. Stay on the Edge

Change is the water we swim in.

The difference? Some float. Some surf.

Strategists should be in the waves, not on the beach.

7. Shape the Choice

Never offer yes/no. Offer “this or that.”

Whether it’s bathtime or brand strategy, the direction stays the same.

The trick is in how it’s framed.

8. Design for How People Learn

Forget passive lectures.

Design learning that sticks—with emotion, story, and play.

Engagement isn’t fluff. It’s the delivery mechanism for change.

9. Resilience Isn’t Personal

When you fail, the world keeps spinning.

Chris says: “It’s just Tuesday to them.”

So get up, regroup, and go again. Resilience is your quiet power.

10. Give First, Then Speak

The spotlight doesn’t reward self-promotion. It rewards usefulness.

Share ideas. Teach freely.

As Chris proves, generosity builds reputations better than sales decks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Chris Rawlinson?

A: Founder of 42courses.com, Chris is an educator, strategist, and experimenter with a talent for turning deep ideas into accessible learning.

Q: Why do these lessons matter for family businesses or founders?

A: Because they combine emotional wisdom with practical tools—useful whether you're leading a company, raising kids, or reinventing your role.

Q: How do I apply these principles without getting overwhelmed?

A: Start small. Pick one idea. Practice it daily. Chris’s approach is about real integration, not instant transformation.

Q: Do I need to be in marketing or strategy to benefit?

A: Not at all. These lessons are for anyone navigating change, complexity, or people.

Q: Where can I learn more from Chris directly?

A: Head to 42courses.com and use his special code 943894-42 if you decide to join. It’s learning without the corporate fluff.

Explore Chris Rawlinson’s full platform today and start applying the ten lessons above to build clarity, resilience, and long-term value.

Use the FAQs above as a compass—and return to them when things get noisy.

Because in a world chasing noise, your quiet, thoughtful edge will set you apart.