Leadership Insights

Behind every leader is a team of people making decisions, challenging ideas, bringing different skills and turning promises into action.

Great leadership isn’t about being the person who can do it all; it’s about building the confidence and competence in others to do it well, too.

In fact, I’m not sure one size fits all in any situation! In a workshop last week, a young leader posed an interesting question to her colleague: “I wonder how your team would go if I was their leader?” These two leaders have completely different communication styles. The conversation led them to consider how their teams might respond to each of them. One recognised that her confident, direct and demanding style might be quite intimidating for some team members. The other rea

Leadership isn’t something you learn once, tick off and move on from.

Because great leadership isn't simply about getting the job done. It is about creating an environment where people want to do the job.

To everyone who has recommended Icing Training, introduced us to a new organisation, or simply shared your experience with others—thank you. Your confidence in us means the world, and we never stop appreciating it.

I had a heart-warming experience recently that left me feeling both relieved and slightly sad.

The reality is that leaders influence far more than performance. They influence how people feel about coming to work each day. They shape whether people feel seen, feel valued, and feel like they belong.

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