Most people talk about culture like it’s something leaders create and everyone else experiences. That’s comforting. Because it means if the culture is bad, it’s someone else’s fault. But the truth is harder and far more uncomfortable: Culture is built every day by ordinary people making ordinary choices. Not in strategy decks. Not in values…
We’ve all been there. You’re in a meeting, workshop, or presentation. Someone asks a question. And for a split second… your mind goes completely blank. You know you’re capable. You’ve done the work. You understand the topic. But the way the question is asked throws you off, and suddenly you’re scrambling for words. The good…
As someone who has spent years architecting solutions and mentoring professionals across diverse industries, I’ve learned a powerful truth: success isn’t just about hiring the smartest person in the room. It’s about building teams that thrive on trust, collaboration, and humility. In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, technical expertise often dominates hiring conversations. We chase certifications,…
You’ve earned your role. You’ve delivered results. Yet, there’s a quiet voice that whispers: “What if I’m not as capable as they think?” “What if they find out I’m actually an imposter of someone who knows what they’re doing?” This is not rare. It’s a psychological pattern you’re probably heard of called Imposter Syndrome, and…
Resilience isn’t about never stumbling. It’s about what we do when we do. Everyone makes mistakes, missteps, or decisions they wish they could rewind. Sometimes it’s a small oversight, sometimes it feels like a gut punch. In the moment, especially if others are watching or amplifying the situation, it can feel overwhelming. Embarrassment, self-doubt, and…
In many Australian workplaces, humour is the heartbeat of culture. We trade barbs, invent nicknames, and dish out sarcasm like it’s a national sport. A well-timed joke can ease tension, build connection, and even become a hallmark of great team culture. But even in the most easygoing environments, there’s a fine line between funny and…
If you’re a frequent reader, you may have noticed a lull in my regular 3-a-week programming lately. It wasn’t unplanned, it was necessary. When the pace of work is relentless, it’s easy to get caught in the cycle of doing everything and end up sacrificing either the quality of your outputs or the integrity of…
Success can feel like a race—one where we’re all sprinting toward goals, chasing recognition, promotions, and personal milestones. But somewhere along the journey, many of us learn a powerful truth: the more you help others succeed, the more successful you become. This isn’t just about karma or feel-good philosophy. It’s practical, repeatable, and backed by…
I recently watched an interview with someone I deeply admire—someone who, from the outside, has always seemed flawless. Smart. Composed. Inspiring. Unshakably successful. But in this interview, she shared a story so familiar, so relatable, that it stopped me in my tracks. It was a vulnerable moment. A “I’ve been there too” kind of moment.…
A former mentee once said something to me that I’ll never forget. During a glowing performance review — she’d smashed every goal we’d set — she paused my congratulations and said: “I don’t think I could’ve done it, if I didn’t feel so safe to fail with you.” That hit me. Because we spend so…