If you’re stuck or growth has stalled, it might be time for a reset. This ABC story is a brilliant example of what a reset looks like on a national scale. We usually point to Norway, Australia and China as clean-energy leaders. But it’s Nepal and Pakistan that are leapfrogging the wealthy world. Nepal has 76% of new cars running electric. Pakistan has created a solar boom with no major government incentives - just households reacting to crippling energy costs.

I’m seeing a lot of commentary across business and government news about low productivity, financial strain, cost overruns and the real risk of slipping living standards in Australia. I’ve been thinking about the leadership implications — and why coaching and training for increased productivity has become essential. If productivity is about creating more value without more hours, more people, or more cost, then yes — Australia has a problem.

In my leadership experience, when it comes to leading change, how you structure and set your performance targets can make a world of difference. The theory goes something like this: • Set a target too low, and you breed complacency. • Set it too high, and you risk burnout, disengagement or backlash. • Set it cleverly, stretching but credible, and you mobilise creativity, investment and collective momentum.

In developing current and future leaders, I’m fascinated by the role regret plays in leadership maturity — and how it shapes who we become. Frank Sinatra once sang, “Regrets, I’ve had a few… but then again, too few to mention.” In reading today’s ABC interview with Kamala Harris, she admits she regrets not challenging Joe Biden’s decision to seek re-election in 2024 — a decision she now calls “reckless.”

Spare a thought for Ange Postecoglou, who has been sacked by Nottingham Forest after just 39 days and eight winless games. The shortest reign of a permanent manager in English Premier League history.

I found this news article fascinating — for how regulators in the US assess the integrity of CEOs applying for casino licences, and the role emotional intelligence plays in that process. Here we have the Nevada Gaming Control Board publicly assessing an Australian gaming executive’s suitability for a casino licence, effectively declining the application because it stood no prospect of success in the short term.

It’s a bit of a trap. We’re quick to answer “half full” to sound optimistic and growth-minded. But sometimes, the “half empty” view is exactly what’s needed. A “half empty” voice is invaluable when assessing risks, dependencies or readiness especially before a make or break contract, merger, acquisition or major change.

When I read in this news link that Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, resigned because the parent company’s priorities conflicted with the values that built the brand, it really made me reflect on the power and use of core values.  He said, “From the very beginning, Ben and I believed that our values and the pursuit of justice were more important than the company itself.” 

As a former regulator, I admire the work of eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman - Grant. This ABC 7.30 interview highlights excellent leadership and communication. I’m proud that Australia is leading the world in protecting children from having sexual, violent or harmful conversations with AI companions.

I didn’t think so. Surely success breeds success? But in a recent coaching session with a client, I realised I may have been confusing 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 with 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴. This excellent article by 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘒𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘥𝘦 𝘝𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 shifted my perspective. His point: for some people, success doesn’t feel like triumph — it feels like danger.

Two amazing people saw the housing crisis and decided to do something about it using money from an inheritance and incredible personal leadership. • A clear purpose to help 15 homeless or at-risk women build their own tiny homes. • Not a handout, participants worked on the builds themselves. • Support from an expert: training, skills, and encouragement. • Lessons in resilience - riding the highs, lows and showing up. • Asking for help when it’s needed.

I’ve been following the reporting from the 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦f𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, and it was good to hear the Treasurer say he feels “more optimistic about the progress we can make together than I was at the start.” Because let’s face it: Australia’s productivity challenge isn’t just an economic issue, it’s a living standards issue.

🚀I’m thrilled to let you know about a change in career direction and to officially launch 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞, a change consulting and coaching practice I’ve created with my partner and Co-Founder, Rita. After 30 years in executive leadership, I’m moving into business as part o The chessboard just gave us a leadership masterclass — not in tactics, but in truth. Gukesh Dommaraju’s victory over Magnus Carlsen is an excellent illustration of how real leadershi

I love my sport on the weekend, and I’ve been glued to this year’s Wimbledon tournament. I didn’t stay up for either the Women’s or Men’s Final — but woke on Sunday to the surprising news of Amanda Anisimova’s 6-0, 6-0 loss to world number one Iga Swiatek. The chessboard just gave us a leadership masterclass — not in tactics, but in truth. Gukesh Dommaraju’s victory over Magnus Carlsen is an excellent illustration of how real leadership dynamics play out: