Tag: Soft skills


  • How to Think on Your Feet When You’re Asked a Difficult Question

    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…

  • The Undervalued Skill That Separates “High Performers” From Real Influence at Work

    Early in your career, growth is pretty simple. You get ahead because you can execute. You deliver. You close tasks. You’re reliable. You get things done. That alone can take you a long way. But at some point, something changes. A ‘doing good work’ ceiling appears. You’re still capable. Still smart. Still doing good work.…

  • The New Year Isn’t About Finding Yourself. It’s About Creating Who You’re Going to Be.

    Early January always brings the same conversations. New goals. New habits. New year, new you. But there are two quotes I saw scrolling social media that I loved and prompted me to write this and they quietly challenge the way we think about change: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself.” “If you…

  • Beyond Brilliance: Why Soft Skills and Humility Define True Success in Tech and Business

    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,…

  • Rust Out: The Quiet Career Saboteur

    When workplace struggles are discussed, burnout 🔥 usually gets all the attention. But there is another, less dramatic and often overlooked challenge that can be just as harmful: rust out 🔶. If burnout is driven by too much stress, too many demands, and constant pressure, rust out is the opposite. It creeps in when work…

  • They Probably Don’t Hate You: Checking Bias at Work

    We’ve all been there. Someone cuts you off in a meeting, and from that moment on, you start noticing everything they do to ‘slight‘ you. The eye roll. The sigh. The way they dont choose your idea in the vote. Suddenly, every interaction feels like confirmation that this person doesn’t respect you. But here’s the…

  • Ambition Is Contagious: Why the People Around You Shape Your Success

    We’ve all heard the saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” But I’ve found another perspective that resonates deeply: “Surround yourself with people who have bigger goals than you. Ambition is contagious.” This isn’t just a catchy quote, it’s a powerful truth about growth, motivation, and the…

  • Resilience: Falling, Owning, and Rising Stronger

    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…

  • The Fine Line: Humour at Work in Aussie Culture

    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…

  • Prioritising What Matters: How to Focus When There’s Too Much on Your Plate

    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…