My (mostly) weekly thoughts on leadership, high performance, wellbeing and more.
Have a read through, or you can see a complete index here
Flexible working means trusting your team
Here’s a hard question for you as a leader:
Do you trust your team to work just as well (if not better) when you’re not there to oversee it all?
Here’s some questions to help you gauge your readiness to lead in a world of flexible working
Is it nerves or imposter syndrome?
We all feel nervous at times—whether it's a big presentation, a new role, or preparing for a tricky conversation. But how do you tell the difference between normal nerves and imposter syndrome?
Tired? 3 sleep tips
So often we stay up late to get work done but that’s like bailing water out of a sinking boat without fixing the leak: it might feel like you’re getting lots done and for a while, you do keep the boat afloat. Until you don’t. Here’s the science on sleep and performance.
How your thoughts shape your leadership
You’ve probably noticed how a single thought can shift your entire mood, either lifting you up or dragging you down. It’s not just a coincidence—there’s solid science behind this. Find out more…
To change, stay the same
Change usually isn’t about chucking out the old and replacing it with the new. It’s about adapting and expanding from a strong base. Here’s how…
3 easy steps to change everything
Burnt out from trying to change? Ready for an “easy” 3-step plan to use instead? Here's the catch—it's not really easy, and it's not really 3 steps.
But it is a game-changer if you're serious about evolving without losing yourself in the process.
5 quick tips for leadership challenges large and small…
This week, 5 snack-sized tips for leadership challenges large and small…
How to solve problems using your forgotten skills
Clients often come to coaching sessions stumped on how to tackle a particular issue. They will have been giving it a lot of thought but not making any progress. Tapping into underestimated skills they've honed to perfection in one domain can solve problems in another. Here’s how…
What to do when your predecessor was a nightmare
Last week I shared some tips for making a role your own when your predecessor was a superstar. Surely stepping in and taking over from a nightmare leader would be a piece of cake. Not so fast! Here are three things to look out for and three tips to help you succeed…
What to do when your predecessor was a superstar
Stepping into a new role when your predecessor was a superstar can be intimidating. The bar is high, and comparisons are inevitable. But, you can still shine in your own right. Here’s how.
What to do when you’re responsible for outcomes but can’t set the strategy
What to do when you’re responsible for outcomes but can’t set the strategy
Leaving loudly shows your team they can do the same
So you say you trust your team? OK, here’s a few ways to demonstrate it.
Don’t wait for a crisis to focus on what matters
In a crisis, our priorities become crystal clear. Here’s 4 tips for keeping them clear amid the pressures of daily life.
The difference between influence and manipulation
You want to be influential but not a sleazy manipulator. Here’s 4 tips for keeping your influencing skills above board.
4 easy ways to add mindfulness to your busy day
Incorporating mindfulness into your day doesn't require oodles of spare hours you don’t have. Here’s 4 easy ways to reduce your stress and build calm into your day that take little or no extra time.
You’ve earned your seat in the C-suite: use it!
I see many of my clients – particularly those from law and finance backgrounds – holding themselves back from contributing outside their areas of expertise. While this is understandable, it is a problem. Here’s why.
When positivity is negative
Optimism and positivity are often touted as indispensable leadership qualities. We’re told to keep our chins up, see the glass as half full, and always look on the bright side. However, too much positivity can actually be a negative. Here’s why…
Build trust before you need it
If you find yourself facing a high-stakes situation without trust in each other, it’s like entering a freeway before you’ve mastered the basics of driving. The results can be predictably chaotic. Investing time in building trust is not just about improving current dynamics but ensuring you have that safety net when you most need it.
3 ways leading your team is like teaching your teenager to drive
My daughter’s first driving lessons got me thinking about the parallels in leadership: trust, boundaries and stretching outside the comfort zone.
How your mood impacts your team
As a leader, you’re only human – you will have highs and lows just like everyone. But your impact is outsized – so be aware and take care to adjust accordingly – especially when you’re busy!