Journal
"The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday's logic."
This wisdom feels particularly relevant in today volatile economic environment so who said it? And how might this serve as a warning against retreating to familiar patterns and processes precisely when innovative thinking and fresh approaches are most needed.
To Blacklist or Wield Influence
When confronted with business partners or providers engaged in unethical practices or poor conduct, the first instinct might be to consider blacklisting. But what about the alternative? What happens when we choose to maintain our seat at the table specifically to challenge misconduct and drive substantial reform from within?
Who is Jane Nelson?
Jane Nelson is revolutionising corporate responsibility by proving that profit and purpose can be powerfully aligned, not competing forces. Learn more about Jane and how her frameworks help companies generate both economic and social value simultaneously in this post.
Practicing Generosity Through Thoughtful Gifting
Take a look inside the practice of thoughtful gifting at Tax Traders. Learn why gifting is important to us, how it contributes to our culture and why I recommend your organisation considers approaching team recognition not as a cost centre, but as a strategic investment in culture and performance.
Smooth Seas Don't Train Great Sailors
This week I am reflecting on a proverb that has shaped my understanding of leadership development: "Smooth seas don't train great sailors."
Looking back on my career, the periods of greatest growth weren't during comfortable, predictable times. They came when navigating choppy waters, making difficult decisions with incomplete information or imperfect context, and steering through unexpected storms.
"Celebrate what you want to see more of."
Rather than complex frameworks or elaborate systems, this quote is a reminder that transformation often begins with what we choose to spotlight, recognise, and amplify. Learn more about the business thinker who said it in this post.
The Kuhn Paradigm Shift Theory
What is the Kuhn Paradigm Shift Theory and how does it help us understand the cycles of innovation and disruption in technology? How does it act as a warning to established companies that risk dismissing anomalies in their business models as exceptions rather than early warnings and being displaced by new entrants to the market.
"Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others."
This quote speaks directly to one of the key qualities that sets great leaders apart …True leadership vision isn't about predicting the future but rather seeing present possibilities that remain invisible to others.
“You're really good at de-escalating situations."
A work acquaintance said this to me recently. After joking that having four tweens and teenagers gives me plenty of practice, I paused to consider what I actually do when team members come to me with concerns or frustrations during our one-to-one meetings.
"It's a matter of how to be, not how to do.”
Discover who gave us this wonderful quote "It's a matter of how to be, not how to do. We spend most of our lives learning how to do and teaching other people how to do, yet it is the quality and character of the leader that determines the performance, the results."
Surprising Generosity
“Warning: May cause sugar rush” was the message accompanying hundreds of treat boxes to accounting firms nationwide earlier this week. Read more about this annual tradition in today’s look inside Tax Traders.
Mass exodus?
I had the pleasure of speaking with IN THE BLACK, CPA Australia's monthly business magazine for their March feature on The Great Resignation.
It's not personal, or is it?
I strongly reject the saying “It’s not personal, it’s just business”.
Firstly because I tend to find it used to excuse behaviour that lacks integrity … and secondly because I genuinely believe business is personal
My pandemic epiphany
It's time for me to match what I do with who I am and what I care about.
Like many people I have spent the last year or so rethinking my career and long term goals, a trend known as The Great Resignation or The Big Quit.
Women are working for free
In New Zealand the average Pasefika, Maori and Asian woman is working for free from now until Christmas compared to their male counterparts.
Source: Stats NZ and with credit to PSA.org and mindthegap.nz
What are some actions we can all take to address this?
What would you tell your younger self?
What would you tell your younger self?
I was recently on a call with a lovely lady who is coming to the end of her studies and preparing to join the workforce. She had booked a call with me via Insidery for some 'real talk' on what it's actually like and sent me through some of her questions in advance.
One question in particular really got me thinking. "How did you overcome challenges along the way?"
My Business Mentor Profile
Business Mentors profiled me for International Women’s Day. Click through to read my response to their questions.
Ever thought of being a mentor?
I joined Business Mentors at the start of May this year just after New Zealand finished our first lockdown. I knew demand from businesses for support and guidance would dramatically increase and it felt like the right time for me to do some giving back.
Inside Hotel Chocolat
Did you catch Inside Hotel Chocolat TV1 on Saturday night? You can find it on demand if you didn't and yes I'm biased but it's an inspiring watch!
It was also very nostalgic for me... I joined Hotel Chocolat in 2004 at the age of 23…
Open-ended questions: my top tip for building high-performing teams
Three weeks ago I had a team on the verge of mutiny. This week they finished their second agile sprint with an incredible review presentation to the wider business. So how did we make such a fundamental shift in such a short space of time?