Leadership Insights

Right now, people don’t just need direction—they need trust.

Do people feel energised when you’re around, or do they sigh in relief when you step out? Does your presence spark creativity and connection, or does it unknowingly drain the room of energy and joy? Do you know the answer ? The truth is, every leader generates a vibe — whether intentional or not. Some leaders create a culture where people thrive, take risks, and show up as their best selves. Others, without meaning to, inadvertently suck the joy out of the team, leaving peop

This is what the people, who are investing in their team's professional development, want to know. What is it that creates a change in behaviour that is sustainable? As a Facilitator, I have the honour of working with people in a training environment. It is a place where you choose to be stretched & challenged. Ideas are introduced, practiced and discussed. You feel like it is safe to try things and get ready to face the world again. You leave inspired and motivated to take o

For me - it is always when I am facilitating. It’s often in moments when the work feels natural. When you’re doing something you’re genuinely good at and deeply enjoy. There’s ease. Energy. A sense of alignment. ❓ Who are you in that moment? ❓ How are you showing up? ❓ What strengths are you using without effort? Those moments matter because they reveal something important. They show you the version of yourself that works best - for you and for others. And that’s where the re

One of the activities we use in our Connect Strategic Leadership programme is based on the idea that 🌱growing a plant is a lot like growing a team. 👥 When we first introduced it, we were hesitant. It felt a bit “school classroom” and we wondered if professional leaders would roll their eyes. But over the years, we’ve realised something important: learning that is interactive, fun and meaningful has impact at every age and every stage. In fact, leaders often need these remi

Last week, I had the privilege of spending the day with an incredible group of people from eight different wineries across Blenheim. We came together for a full day dedicated to 💫 Elevating the Cellar Door Experience💫 and what unfolded was a reminder of just how powerful collaboration can be when people show up with openness, generosity, and pride in what they do. In the room were seasoned cellar door professionals sitting alongside team members who are just beginning the

I was first introduced to UGRs (Unwritten Ground Rules) nearly 20 years ago when I heard Steve Simpson speak at a conference - and the idea has never left me. It was one of those 💡“lightbulb”💡 moments that change how you see culture forever. The concept of UGRs was developed by Steve Simpson (Australia) and Dr. Stef Du Plessis (South Africa). They described UGRs as the unwritten, often unspoken rules that shape workplace culture - essentially, “what really happens around h

I talked about it to everyone for years. I even got a blank book and wrote the page numbers in it to make a start … I now realise I am probably never going to write that book! What I have written, though, is PILES and PILES of training programmes to suit all of the different businesses we have worked with over the years. Turning information into creative and fun ways to help people enjoy learning. I am passionate about learning and get a huge buzz from passing on knowledge in

Giving feedback is one of the most powerful ways to help someone grow - especially when it’s about a small habit that could make a big difference. We understand that this is a skill that often needs developing. 👉 So here’s the TRUTH: the earlier you have the conversation, the easier it is. 👈 A quiet, respectful chat today can prevent a big, stressful problem tomorrow. Being kind isn’t about avoiding tough conversations - it’s about caring enough to have them. Because peop

Do you want to keep fresh right up to the end? Then break this habit. When was the last time you ate lunch away from your screen and shared it with others? It sounds simple, but those 20 minutes can completely reset your energy and mindset. Sitting at your desk all day might feel productive, but it actually narrows your focus and drains creativity. When you step away — even for a short walk or a chat — you give your brain a chance to breathe. You reconnect with people. You

I watched the Bathurst Race recently and was absolutely glued to the ending. What an amazing competition. And then the speeches on the podium. I saw something that may have been the difference between winning and coming 2nd! There was a glaring difference between those who chose the words - ‘our team’ to those who chose to use ‘ MY team’ . The winners had absolute clarity that they were part of ‘one team’. 🏁 We often talk about “breaking down silos” as if it’s a big structur

Lately, I’ve been thinking about my own performance—across all the roles I hold. As a facilitator, a coach, a team builder, a celebrant… so much of what I do depends on feedback. ❓Did the workshop shift something for someone? ❓ Did the coaching session offer clarity? ❓Did the couple feel seen and celebrated? These responses matter. They help me learn, refine, and grow. And, if I’m honest, they also feed something deeper—the part of me that wants to know I’ve made a differe

Most of us don’t. We board, settle in, put on headphones, and disappear into our screens, or our books, and secretly hope that the person squeezed in next to us does the same. However, last week, when I was flying from Wellington to Auckland, in what felt like an over-packed plane, my seatmate started to engage me in conversation from the minute I sat down. Not uncomfortably, just easily starting to chat and this ease continued for the whole flight. I enjoyed every minute of

I have been the proud owner of 3 old school Minis, 2 Morris 1000s, several Fiats, and a variety of other more boring cars. The ones I loved the most were the ones that needed more love to keep them on the road. And I can definitely admit to a lot of DIY jobs! With this in mind, I was thinking about the comparison with people. We wouldn’t drive our cars for years without a Warrant of Fitness, right? Why? Because we know that even if it’s running fine now, without regular check

Every day, as I run and listen to podcasts, I’m both inspired and overwhelmed. The stories, the insights, the incredible people being interviewed—they spark something in me. Their words resonate deeply, pushing me to strive for more, to step up my game. But here’s the challenge: Knowing something and ‘ living ’ it are two entirely different things. Although I have worked with this concept for years, the question remains—how do we turn knowledge into real, meaningful action? �

Do you always think that other people are so much more interesting than you? When people start to share their story about where they grew up, what type of family they come from, the stories about their parents or grandparents, and what their own experiences have been … the good the bad, the ugly; the group seem to physically lean in and absorb so much more about each other. The connections feel almost tangible. Something sparks between the team members. When we see leaders o

How would you answer this question if you were advising another leader? We often hear opposing comments in the training room. We would like to think the answer is ‘’of course, yes you can’’ - it is just knowing how. The importance of friendship resonates with the Gallup Employee Engagement Survey (which has been around for years), and includes a question that assesses whether employees feel they have a friend at work. The specific question is: Do you have a best friend at wo