New to executive leadership? Connect the dots with systems thinking

Ever played one of those games where you connect the dots to reveal a hidden picture? Moving into executive leadership is a bit like that.

One of the superpowers you’ll want in your kit bag is systems thinking.

Madeleine Shaw22 September 2023

How do you balance compassion and accountability? You don’t…

I often hear clients ask how to balance driving accountability in their teams while remaining true to their value of treating people well.

Here’s why that’s the wrong question…

Madeleine Shaw15 September 2023leadership, accountability, compassion, trust

Senior executive leadership: 3 traps, and how to avoid them

I’ve noticed three clear themes in the challenges talented leaders face as they approach their first senior executive role.

Here are the red flags to look out for, and what to do about them.

Madeleine Shaw8 September 2023leadership, career, Impostor Syndrome, burnout, strategy

Are You an Accidental Cult Leader?

Some leadership practices verge on the culty…. see if you’re doing any of these!

Madeleine Shaw1 September 2023leadership, trust, career, cult

Ten things your team hates about you

Don’t be a hater-maker… here’s 10 leadership pitfalls to avoid.

Madeleine Shaw25 August 2023leadership, trust, career, king

5 Secret Fears of Senior Leaders

Senior leaders are often seen as pillars of confidence and decisiveness. However, beneath their authoritative exteriors, these leaders grapple with their own set of fears and uncertainties. Here are 5 of them ...

Madeleine Shaw18 August 2023fears, confidence, career, leadership

Yoda’s tips for mindfulness without the minutes

In the style of Yoda and with absolutely no apologies for the nerdiness, here are three ideas to find calm in the busyness of your day, that take literally no extra time.

All you need to change is your mindset…

Madeleine Shaw11 August 2023leadership, coaching, wellbeing, yoda, mindfulness

Most People Aren't Out to Ruin Your Day. How Do You Handle the Ones That Are?

Sometimes we encounter people at work who consistently rupture relationships, belittle others, or straight up lie and scheme their way through the ranks. What to do?

Madeleine Shaw4 August 2023leadership, coaching, stakeholders

More reasons to break the chains of hustle culture

Are you being your own jailer?

Madeleine Shaw28 July 2023leadership, wellbeing, work life balance, hustle culture

Why you don’t need to sacrifice your life for the promotion

Let's break free from the fallacy that a senior position means sacrificing your personal life…

Nicole Jones21 July 2023leadership, wellbeing, work life balance

5 ways introverts can develop executive presence without the “ick” factor

Are you an introvert whose skin crawls at the idea of “executive presence”?

This week’s article is for you!

Madeleine Shaw14 July 2023executive presence, influence, leadership

What is executive presence and why does it matter?

Something I hear from leaders approaching their first executive leadership role is their desire to develop more “executive presence”. Quite often, it’s the primary goal in our coaching brief.

So what does “executive presence” even mean, and why does it matter?

Madeleine Shaw7 July 2023leadership, executive presence, influence

Be consistent – sometimes. Wait, what?

I had an interesting discussion with a client today around the value of being consistent as a leader. It’s great until it’s not… here’s why.

Madeleine Shaw30 June 2023leadership, impact, authentic leadership

Look after your life outside work

A healthy work-life balance is not a nice to have. It is vital. Remember, success is not solely defined by professional achievements but also by leading a fulfilling and balanced life, and each supports the other.

Madeleine Shaw23 June 2023work life balance, leadership, wellbeing

3 Tips to Feel More Ease in Your Day

When you experience more ease in your day, it’s not just pleasant. You will be more creative and productive, and probably a lot nicer to be around. So, here are three strategies that can help you do just that.

Madeleine Shaw15 June 2023time management, leadership, wellbeing

Not just about the money: Unlocking a fulfilling encore career after retiring from professional services

As partners in professional services firms contemplate retiring from the firm, it's crucial to consider more than just financial aspects.

Here’s some things to think about as you move into the next phase of your career and life

Madeleine Shaw9 June 2023professional services, retirement, career, impact

6 simple tips for challenging others in meetings without starting a fight

Isn’t it great when someone poses a ridiculous idea in a meeting?! How do you challenge them without starting a fight?

Here are six simple tips for effectively challenging others in a meeting, fostering healthy debate and driving better outcomes.

Nicole Jones2 June 2023personal brand, reputation, leadership, impact, authentic leadership, productivity

Enough about me; what do you think of me?

I don’t love the term “personal brand” (I prefer reputation), but whatever you call it,

I want to share a process that can help you think it through in a structured way.

Nicole Jones26 May 2023personal brand, reputation, leadership, impact, authentic leadership

How to tell which tasks are high impact and which are just wasting your time

Spinning your wheels on low-impact tasks can leave you exhausted.

Here’s some thoughts on how to identify the work that will get you moving…

Under the pump? 5 ways to make more time for strategic thinking

How much of your week is spent on strategic thinking?

It can be hard to carve out the time and mental space, but it’s essential. Here’s 5 tips to help.

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