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

Leadership is a responsibility, not a role

The curse of knowledge: What we cannot unsee    The curse of knowledge is the challenge we face when we become aware of something, and our understanding of the world changes irrevocably. While we can learn and unlearn certain things, the knowledge we gain shapes our reality in ways that can be difficult to shift. … 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 not to bee busy

Ah, the busy person. We love them. Society loves them. We love ourselves for being busy. In today’s world, being busy is often worn as a badge of honour. The more packed our schedule, the more successful we must be, right? Not necessarily. While being busy might make one feel productive, it is not always … Read more

How asking questions is a leader’s greatest skill

Imagine a leader who does all the talking, never seeks input from their team, and assumes they have all the answers. It is safe to say that this leader will not be very effective in the medium to long term. In the world of leadership, one of the most underrated yet indispensable skills is the … Read more