Reflecting on a meaningful chapter, I share lessons learned and proud moments from my time on the Board of Professional Speakers Australia. From navigating tough conversations to creating space for others to speak up—this is what real leadership and connection looks like.
What AI Can Teach Us About Good Communication (That Most People Miss)
Ever had a frustrating conversation where someone just didn’t get it? AI has the same problem. But instead of getting annoyed at a chatbot, we can flip the script and learn from it. AI holds up a mirror to how we communicate—and it’s got some surprisingly useful lessons for us. Here are five communication insights AI can teach us (and how you can apply them right now).
Marching Forward—One Bold Move at a Time
How to get people to do what they promised...without shaming them
Picture this. You have your weekly one on one. Your team member promises to complete the inventory report for the project by next week. Next week arrives and it’s not done. What do you say? Is it, ‘Why didn’t you complete the report?’ If you’re like most leaders, that’s exactly what you’d say. Or at least, it’s what you want to say.
So… yeah… this cool thing just happened 😊🏆
Why diverse teams have the worst time
We know that diverse teams deliver the goods. Science knows it. Academia knows it. And anyone who’s worked on a diverse team knows it. But what we don't’ talk enough about, is how it feels to be a part of this diversity. If we are doing our job, showing up with ideas, challenging other team members, and generally pushing ourselves and each other to be brilliant, then diversity feels difficult. There is push back. There is scepticism. There is discomfort. BUT...if we can just hang in there long enough, trust our colleagues enough, and have faith that we all want to make a positive difference, then we can reap the rewards that diversity offers.
Celebrating 48 Years of Life: Lessons from My Early Jobs
Today I turn 48 (and mark 18 years as an independent consultant in communication dynamics – Wahoo!). Feeling nostalgic about my life, my mind has wandered to my early jobs, and how they shaped my work today. I figured you might get a laugh out of these early jobs so I’m sharing some here. (I guarantee you’ll be surprised by some!)