Stepping into a major firm as a young graduate lawyer I had no roadmap: no family members in the profession, no insider guidance, and absolutely no strategy. I treated the job like school: turn up, do the tasks, hope for the best. Here’s practical, honest guide for today’s early-career lawyers and the leaders who support them.

Here are a few ways to approach ways of working accountability without losing “niceness” as a leader.

Leadership decisions are rarely just about what to do next. Beneath every action sits a particular internal stance: the state of mind and body you bring into the moment. Two leaders might make the same decision, yet the outcomes differ because the quality of presence behind each decision is different

It’s just over six weeks until Christmas, and in Australia that means the annual sprint before our long, lazy summer pause. But leadership isn’t only about getting to the end, it’s about how you move through the rush.

This week I struggled coming up with a polished leadership insight… just a reminder that done is often kinder (and braver) than perfect.

When your brain is wired to patrol for what might go wrong, it starts seeing danger everywhere - even in calm rooms.
Mature leadership isn’t about dulling awareness; it’s about widening it. Here’s how to shift from patrolling for threat to noticing what’s real

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.

Best practice can be a useful yardstick, but it’s also yesterday’s answer. Stronger leaders ask what’s right for here and now.

If you want to know a leader’s real priorities, don’t read their strategy… look at their calendar. Your calendar is your culture

Brevity builds confidence, true… but sometimes the detail is the message. The real leadership skill is knowing which one the moment calls for…

At senior levels, over-explaining erodes confidence. Try this instead…

Consistency builds trust. But the bravest leaders know when to change their mind — and why it builds credibility, not weakness.

“Lazy” is often seen as a flaw. But what if a little laziness is actually the secret to effective leadership?

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.

Many senior professionals - especially lawyers - take pride in being a trusted advisor. But when you step into a leadership role, the equation shifts. You’re not just valued for your judgment. You’re relied on for your presence, clarity, and ability to bring others with you.

Most high performers think of rest as something they’ll get to after the work is done. But neuroscience shows that recovery isn’t the reward for performance; it’s the prerequisite.
When we’re under-recovered, the very parts of the brain that handle judgement, emotional regulation and perspective shut down. If you’re leading from a tired brain, you’re flying without the tools you need most.

Many experienced leaders want to “do the work” and stay above the politics. But once you’re at the table, presence isn’t optional. It’s part of the job and the lever for influence.

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.

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

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!