Sometimes No Is the Best Thing You Can Say
When a highly qualified candidate applied for a role in my team, hiring her would have been the easy decision. But a conversation about her ambitions revealed a different path. This is the story of why I chose not to offer her the job, and what that decision taught me about putting people's growth ahead of our own needs.
The Balcony Response
Some leadership moments demand more than facts and explanations. Drawing on a confronting experience early in my leadership career, I reflect on the power of empathy, the importance of perspective, and why the best response to a difficult conversation isn't always the most technically correct one
Carpe Sleep-In
Some people seize the day at 5am. I’d rather seize the sleep-in. Over the years, I’ve learned that success isn’t about copying someone else’s rhythm — it’s about understanding your season, your strengths, and the conditions that help you and the people you lead perform at their best.
Bask in the Glory of Your People
Leadership isn't about creating successful people so they make you look successful. It's about helping people succeed whether you get the credit or not.
The Teams Message I Wish I'd Never Sent
One Teams message sent under pressure became a lesson I thought I had already learned. A story about emotional intelligence, accountability, apologising, rebuilding trust and what good leaders do after getting it wrong.
You Never Know Who's Watching
I once rewrote the song Imagine to help a team embrace change—and somehow the video made its way to the CEO and Board. A story about leading by example and the influence we have when we think nobody important is watching.
The Best Employee Who Never Got Promoted
Some employees are remembered because of what they achieved. Others because of the potential they were never given the chance to fulfil. A story about talent, barriers and the responsibility leaders have to create opportunity.
The Cost of One Unsent Email
One email. One forgotten task. One costly mistake. Looking back on a leadership failure that affected both finances and access to vital services, I reflect on the difference between explaining our actions and excusing them — and why true leadership is revealed when we choose accountability over self-protection.
Everyone Has a Newman
Years after a memorable employee left my team, he unexpectedly appeared in an interview. The experience forced me to confront a difficult question about bias, past behaviour and whether leaders allow people to change.
Where's the Milk?
Saving $15,000 a year on milk seemed like an obvious win—until it wasn't. A leadership story about financial judgement, employee experience, choosing your battles and seeing beyond the spreadsheet.
Why I Disagree with Captain Miller
"Earn this" is one of cinema's most memorable lines—but is it the model of leadership we want to leave behind? A reflection on servant leadership, sacrifice and why great leaders do not keep score.
The Birthday Cake
A birthday cake taught me an enduring lesson about culture and assumptions. Good intentions do not always create the impact we expect, and strong leadership begins with curiosity before judgement.