From Good to Great: Why Valued Teams Deliver Exceptional Client Experiences.
Ever had an experience so remarkable that it left an indelible mark on your memory, not because of the details, but because of how you were made to feel?
In my latest Letter to Leaders, I share a personal story that underscores the power of feeling seen, heard, and valued—and how that can transform both client experiences and team dynamics.
Why Dedicated Time and Empathy Matter in Leadership.
What if the key to better leadership was as simple as listening and empathy?
I recently worked with a leader who unlocked new insights by creating a safe space for her team.
The importance of useful, constructive and productive feedback from leaders.
Feedback is essential for leadership—it shapes teams and fosters individual growth. However, the quality of feedback can vary significantly. While it's intended to guide and develop, too often, feedback leaves recipients wanting more clarity and direction.
The Importance of Having a Confidante.
Who do you talk to about what keeps you awake at night?
Who are you testing your ideas with, in safety and in confidence?
Every C-suite leader needs an independent, external confidante to help them reflect on their practice and think deeply.
Who’s got your back?
Internal moves, external impact: Setting up promoted executives for success.
Moving up a rung in the company where you work is an easy transition, right?
Not always.
I recently spoke with an executive whose internal promotion experience was nothing short of a wake-up call. She found herself navigating what felt like entirely new terrain, highlighting a significant oversight in how organisations support internally promoted leaders.
Are you assuming too much and supporting too little?
Stop Telling Leaders to Be Resilient: Here's a Better Way.
Are you a leader who prides yourself on being unshakeable?
You might be missing the point.
Enough, already, with the resilience rhetoric!
Leadership isn’t about enduring every crisis without a crack; it’s about recognising your limits and knowing when to recharge.
In a world filled with anxiety and uncertainty, traditional advice on managing emotions and expectations often falls short.
Stay Warm and Learn: My Favourite Winter Leadership Books.
Winter, where I live, always seems to be the perfect time to curl up with my favorite books and deep-dive into learning. It's a season for exploring leadership, self-awareness, and the intricate workings of human nature.
I recently turned to my LinkedIn followers for their favorite leadership reads. The response was incredible, with standout recommendations that I'm excited to share with you.
One simple way to retain your best people.
It isn't nice to give a gift to someone only to take it away again. It's like breaking a promise. It feels like an insult or a rebuff.
The following story is about a person I met recently. He was seeking to do some professional development he had been encouraged to do by his manager.
The power of emotional intelligence in leadership.
Leaders equipped to guide their teams through uncertain times are those who deeply understand themselves, can self-regulate, and assist others in doing the same.
Leaders have the obligation of optimism.
Is optimism a leadership obligation, even during tough times?
Thriving leaders are doing things differently.
Leaders can definitely create intentional lives that balance success with well-being—in fact, I'd go as far as to say success MUST include a focus on balance and self-care.
Five steps to restore your energy when you feel like you can't give anymore.
Leaders often prize the grind, worshipping the non-stop hustle that's become the badge of honour for success. But, there's something even more essential—rest.
Why resting is part of your work as a leader, too.
Leaders are often measured by their relentless energy and tireless pursuit of goals. Yet, a crucial aspect of effective leadership is frequently overlooked: the power of rest.
Leaders need to consider taking a break from leadership seriously.
When was your last decent break? No, I mean real restful, peaceful downtime. I don't mean the standard 'take two weeks with Christmas but run around after everyone else' kind of break.
Now is your time to lead.
What is your natural reaction to fear? What happens to you as a leader when times get tough?
Reflecting on 2023 - a Year of Gratitude and Growth
As I wrap up my year, I want to reflect with gratitude on the work you have allowed me to do with you and your teams. What a privilege it has been.
Christmas wishes from a seventeen-year-old me
I have a confession to make. For the past few weeks, I've been dragging myself around, feeling despondent about the state of the world. My lead-in to Christmas has not been as jovial as I would like.