In a world increasingly shaped by AI, a simple question, should we still say “please” and “thank you” to machines? Inspired by a post from Julian Mather, this reflection explores why small acts of civility aren’t just about etiquette, they’re daily decisions that protect our emotional wellbeing, preserve our shared humanity, and remind us of the power of conscious kindness.
In our team’s Big AI Chat, we didn’t just share tools, we unpacked the emotions around AI: fear, overwhelm, and value anxiety. Discover how we’re approaching AI with intention, team alignment, and emotional safety.
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.
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).
Women aren’t waiting for change—we’re making it happen.
Throughout this International Women’s Day series, we’ve shared stories of women who challenged the status quo, stepped into leadership, and made a difference. Not by waiting for permission—but by marching forward. ✨
Have you ever noticed that when people don't apologise for doing you wrong (big or small), it makes the wrong so much worse... and harder to forgive?
If someone bumps into you aggressively and doesn't say sorry, the slight feels far worse than if they bump into you and then fall over themselves to apologise. Funny isn't it.
But, as I explain in my latest article, the anger you feel toward them is only doing you harm. Hmmm, food for thought....
What's the most effective communication style? When it comes to communication styles, I’ve noticed a human tendency to register two main styles, your own style, and the ‘wrong style’. That’s right. The style you are comfortable with, and the style you are uncomfortable with, no matter what that style is.
In reality, we are not registering the ‘wrong’ style so much, as one that is just different from our own. And the problem with this difference is that we have to work so much harder to hear through that different style in order to get to the substance.
The mark of a great communicator is someone who is flexible. Someone who can adapt their communication style and connect on any level, with any other style.
We know that communication is a two-way street. But just because you’ve spoken and the other person has replied, doesn’t mean real communication has occurred. The key for leaders is to figure out how they are being heard, so they can ensure their team members are hearing their ‘meaning’ and not just their ‘message’. The two are not always the same.
This is a common frustration for many leaders. Did they hear me? Did they really understand the importance? Was I not clear enough in my messaging, or did they just not get it?
A good way to double check your delivery, is to check in with what was received to see if there were any gaps between your message and your meaning, based on how the other person heard you.
Read on to see the list of questions you can ask to check for understanding, before it's too late.
When do you ignore feedback?
How do you know what feedback to ignore, and what feedback to accept?
It's not always easy to discern the quality of feedback you receive at work, and often it takes practice to get it right.
If you've ever struggled with rejecting feedback, or are confused about the validity of the feedback you're receiving, run it through the feedback filter that I describe in my article.
