We all like to think of ourselves as independent — capable of choosing our mindset, setting our tone, and holding the steering wheel of our own productivity and purpose. But here’s the hard truth, backed by years of research and lived experience: the people around you shape who you are becoming, moment by moment, day…
How do you usually start a professional conversation? Maybe it’s a quick “Oh traffic was awful” or a “Busy day hey?” or even a deep sigh as you arrive in the meeting room or log onto a call. These kinds of comments seem harmless. They’re just small talk. A way of settling in. But what…
Early in my career, I cared a lot. I cared so much that I found myself constantly frustrated, at comments that felt off, decisions I didn’t agree with, and people who didn’t treat others with respect. But over time, I’ve learned that caring strategically is far more effective than caring reactively. There’s a fine line…
There’s a piece of advice I once heard that’s stuck with me: “Act like you belong in the room, and everyone will believe you do.” It sounds simple, maybe even a little bold. But over the years, I’ve come to realise how powerful it really is, especially for women in tech, for people stepping into…
We often associate leadership with titles. Manager. Team Lead. Director. Architect. But leadership isn’t something that automatically comes with a job title. It’s something you demonstrate in the everyday moments, especially when no one’s watching and no one’s telling you what to do. Some of the most impactful leaders I’ve worked with didn’t have leadership…
You spend more of your waking hours at work than anywhere else. So if you’re not having at least some fun during the day, that’s a lot of time spent taking things seriously. Too seriously. When we talk about fun at work, we’re not suggesting office games or forcing extroversion. Fun can be subtle. It’s…
One of the greatest influences on your professional growth isn’t just the work you do — it’s the person leading you. A strong manager can inspire confidence, unlock opportunities, and foster an environment where you thrive. A poor manager, on the other hand, can drain energy, stall progress, and create a culture of fear. Let’s…
When I look at the consultants who truly excel in our field, one key factor separates them from the rest: commercial acumen. It’s not just about knowing the technology inside out—it’s about understanding how solutions drive business value, influence decision-making, and align with broader strategic goals. I’ve worked with brilliant developers who can build anything,…
We’ve all been there—you walk into a meeting full of optimism, only to leave feeling like nothing was accomplished. 🤦♂️ Time wasted, tensions high, and no real progress made. The truth is, effective strategic conversations and negotiations aren’t just about preparation—they’re about practice, perspective, and understanding human behavior. The Art of Strategic Conversations 🎯 Strategic…
As a leader in tech and a parent, I’ve come to realize that – without infantilizing colleagues – the same principles that apply to raising children also apply to leading a team. Both require patience, guidance, and the ability to balance expectations with support. More importantly, both require a conscious effort to maintain well-being while…