Hala Batainah 
There is a moment every leader hits, often early in their tenure, when they realise something is off. A conversation they have been avoiding.An elephant they keep politely walking around.A tension that is NOT going anywhere on its own. They might tell themselves it is not the right time.That people are busy.That things might “settle … Read more
Last week, I wrote about self-trust, not confidence or charisma, but the quieter, more essential ability to trust your own judgment when things get messy. But self-trust is not the end of the story. In leadership, it is only the beginning. Because trust does not stop at you. It radiates. What you believe about yourself, … Read more
There is a topic that I don’t see often in leadership blogs: self-trust. Not “confidence,” exactly. Not “grit,” “executive presence,” or any of those other LinkedIn-scented words we toss around. I mean the quieter, harder-earned thing underneath it all, the ability to trust your own judgement, even when things get messy. Or maybe especially when … Read more
why doing the opposite can help you be a more effective leader
It often starts innocently enough. A promotion. A bigger title. A new mandate. And with it, the quiet weight of expectation that you “should” now have all the answers. Know what to do. Say the right thing. Predict the future. Show up flawless. I see it in the eyes of the executives I partner with. … Read more
As leaders, we have always known that uncertainty is part of the job. But let’s be blunt: the world seems a little more uncertain these days. Whether it is shifting political landscapes, volatile economies, or the ever-present pressure of leading teams through global and local challenges, it feels like leadership today continues to require new … Read more
Ok, I thought with the end of March, I would be moving on from Boundaries…but nope. We aren’t. Because if my conversations over the past few weeks are any indication, boundaries are sticking around in the first week of April as well! But we will move on, I promise. The reason they are sticking around … Read more
March has been the month of boundaries—for me at least, and, it seems, for a lot of leaders struggling to set them without guilt. Last week’s article resonated with so many of you, and the feedback was clear: leaders are struggling with setting boundaries and feeling authentic in this process. So, as we wrap up … Read more
Everywhere I turn, the topic of boundaries is front and centre. I am feeling it myself this month. Whether it is setting boundaries at work, with family, or in other areas of life, boundaries are coming up for my clients, friends and myself in pretty much every conversation. Why? Maybe it is the sheer exhaustion … Read more
It is that time of year again. The LinkedIn posts. The corporate breakfasts. The panels discussing the same issues we were talking about a decade ago. International Women’s Day continues to be performative at best and hollow at worst (see previous years blogs here and here). I am not interested in another round of symbolic … Read more