My (mostly) weekly thoughts on leadership, high performance, wellbeing and more.
Have a read through, or you can see a complete index here
How to plug into the hive without losing yourself
Strong leadership teams can think fast and move in sync - but that same cohesion can sometimes dilute individual judgment. How do you navigate the tension between being a valuable part of the group and staying grounded in your own thinking? True distributed consciousness needs both.
Aligned or just agreeable?
Are you mistaking agreement for alignment?
It’s easy to confuse polite nods for genuine buy-in. But when people hold back their real views, execution falters. In this post, we explore how distributed consciousness - not surface consensus - creates real alignment, and why constructive challenge is a sign of a healthy team.
Leadership is designing how your team thinks
You don’t have to do all the thinking.
But you are shaping how it happens.
The best leaders don’t just give answers—they quietly design how their team thinks: what people notice, how they decide, and how they feel when things are uncertain.
Shifting from being the central brain to the architect of collective thinking might be your most powerful leadership move yet.
The best leaders do less
Leadership isn’t about doing it all. It’s about knowing what not to do. The best executives deploy the art of subtraction… here’s how.
The myths of “executive presence” – and what it really means
Executive presence isn’t about sounding serious or dressing sharper. It’s about confidence, clarity, and composure. Here’s how to get it right.
Overthinking is undermining your leadership. Here’s how to stop
Confidence isn’t about knowing everything - it’s about trusting yourself to navigate what comes next. But too much hesitation can derail even the most seasoned leaders. If you’ve ever second-guessed a decision or held back in a meeting, this one’s for you. Here’s how to tap into your expertise and lead with conviction.
Great leaders balance confidence with curiosity
True leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about balancing confidence in what you know with curiosity about what you don’t.
How to manage work/life boundaries when logging off isn’t an option
Managing work/life boundaries in senior roles isn’t always about logging off - it’s about setting intentional, realistic limits that work.
Your team doesn't tell you as much as you think
No matter how approachable you are, power dynamics mean your teams hesitate to share the full truth. Learn how to create real psychological safety.
The Leadership Metrics No-one Talks About
Most leadership success is measured in numbers—revenue, engagement, retention. But some of the most critical leadership skills aren’t easily tracked.
How well do you handle unfinished business? Can you influence beyond your authority? Do you recover quickly from bad decisions?
These invisible factors separate good leaders from great ones. In this post, we break down five leadership metrics no one talks about—but every leader should master.
How to lead a change you don’t agree with
One of the toughest challenges in leadership is guiding your team through a change you don’t fully agree with. It’s a test of professionalism, resilience, and values—especially when the line between authenticity and organisational unity feels razor-thin. Here are some tips for handling this challenge.
She’s ready – speaking up and sponsoring women
Arrrgghhh! I am so sick of hearing this about capable, highly experienced women leaders.
The leadership unicorn … in a Venn diagram
Working with a client a few weeks ago, we came up with this model for the "perfect" senior leader. They combine strategy, execution, team building and influence. Where do you see yourself on the model?
Comfort zones are underrated
Learning and growth requires stretch and discomfort AND rest and consolidation. In the zeitgeisty rush to get out of our comfort zones, don’t forget to head back there sometimes for a little R&R.
In praise of the thoughtful middle
In leadership, finding the ideal spot on the scale is the art of making impactful choices, not chasing perfection.
Influence vs manipulation
Whether through manipulation or influence, a leader drives decisions and changes how others act or respond. If you’re someone who “doesn’t do politics”, consider whether these insights might help you to dial up your impact without sacrificing your moral compass.
Do as I say, not as I do: 10 pieces of advice I dish out but don’t always take
Here’s 10 pieces of advice I dish out but don’t always follow … how about you?
Maximise your impact as a leader by managing your reputation
Whether you’re aware of it or not, you have a reputation. Here’s why your reputation affects your ability and impact as a leader, and 3 tips for shifting a reputation that’s not where you want it
The Discomfort and Power of Receiving Feedback: 5 tips for how to receive feedback well
Feedback can challenge your view of yourself and expose areas that need improvement (fun!) - but instead of retreating from it, what if you took the athlete’s approach and embraced feedback as a tool for growth?
Here’s 5 top tips for receiving feedback well as a leader…
Getting Comfortable with Discomfort: The Key to Leadership Growth
As leaders, we often hear about the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones, but it can be easier said than done. It’s natural to stick with what feels safe and familiar. So, how can you get comfortable with being uncomfortable?