Managing to Connecting: Leadership through the lens of Sonder

When was the last time you were taken by surprise by a simple yet profound realisation about the people around you—a genuine understanding that each person you encounter carries a life as complex and vivid as your own? Their experiences, struggles, and joys create a tapestry as intricate as yours, woven with challenges and triumphs … Read more

AI and leadership

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant dream—it is a reality, already shaping how we work, think, and express creativity. As exciting as this transformation is, it raises some important questions for leaders. I love the potential of AI. I gave a presentation on what I wanted from AI seven years ago (see here … Read more

Work ethic: redefined, not relocated

Last week, a high-profile technology company made headlines by mandating a total return to the office five days a week starting next year. The buzz is that many organisations are doing the same or have already started. The rationale? Companies want people to reconnect in person to boost morale and team engagement. Yet, some view … Read more

The power of a positive mindset

When you think about outstanding leadership, what comes to mind? Decisive decision-making, strategic thinking, or the ability to motivate a team through thick and thin? All important, sure. However, one quality that quietly underpins the most effective leaders yet is often overlooked is a positive mindset. And no, I do not mean the cliché of … Read more

Why mission matters for today’s leaders

On Monday, I attended an industry event where the speaker was asked a straightforward question: “What is your vision for the organisation?” His response was interesting. Rather than offering a bold new vision, he acknowledged that the organisation already had a vision and did not need to reinvent it just because he was now at … Read more

Harnessing social proof as a leader

In the dynamic world of leadership, influencing others is not just about making decisions and giving orders. It is about creating an environment where people feel motivated, engaged, and productive. One influential concept that leaders can use to achieve this is social proof. So, in this week’s blog post, I wanted to explore what social … Read more

How to Build A Team

I am travelling for July, and my journey began with multiple airlines and several long-haul flights. Arriving at my destination had me reflecting on the concept of teams. The flight crews on each of the four flights sparked this train of thought. I remembered reading some time ago that flight crews often come together for … Read more

How to support team members with challenges outside of work

As leaders, we understand that our team members are more than just employees—they are individuals with complex lives outside of work. While we strive to create a positive and productive work environment, our team members may inevitably face significant issues in their personal lives. So, what can a leader do to support team members when … Read more

Human emotions and how to understand them and use them constructively

5 key human emotions to know and use constructively as leaders

Humanity is a mosaic of emotions, a symphony of experiences that span the spectrum from joy to sorrow, love to hate, and everything in between. Many scientists have tried to boil human emotions down to seven or eight universal emotional expressions, with some suggesting that humans experience 17 million combinations of emotions in a lifetime. … Read more