My (mostly) weekly thoughts on leadership, high performance, wellbeing and more.
Have a read through, or you can see a complete index here
Notes from Paris: What actually builds trust
Being trusted as a leader takes more than good intent or credibility. Inside teams, trust is shaped by how you show up, what you prioritise, and what you are willing to say out loud, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Done is better than perfect
This week I struggled coming up with a polished leadership insight… just a reminder that done is often kinder (and braver) than perfect.
Your body is broadcasting – whether you mean it to or not
There’s no such thing as neutral leadership. Your nervous system is always broadcasting. A disconnect between your words and your body erodes trust. Here’s why, and what to do instead.
The problem with best practice
Best practice can be a useful yardstick, but it’s also yesterday’s answer. Stronger leaders ask what’s right for here and now.
Your calendar is your culture
If you want to know a leader’s real priorities, don’t read their strategy… look at their calendar. Your calendar is your culture
When to show your homework
Brevity builds confidence, true… but sometimes the detail is the message. The real leadership skill is knowing which one the moment calls for…
Don’t show your homework
At senior levels, over-explaining erodes confidence. Try this instead…
The courage to change your mind
Consistency builds trust. But the bravest leaders know when to change their mind — and why it builds credibility, not weakness.
Here’s to the lazy ones
“Lazy” is often seen as a flaw. But what if a little laziness is actually the secret to effective leadership?
When “good” becomes a trap
When being good at work stops helping you - and starts holding you back. A reflection on how real leadership sometimes means letting go of doing things right.
Maximise your impact as a leader by managing your reputation
Whether you’re aware of it or not, you have a reputation. Here’s why your reputation affects your ability and impact as a leader, and 3 tips for shifting a reputation that’s not where you want it
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.
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
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.
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.
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…