The Blog

You're in a new leadership role. One of the first items on your list to discuss may be, "What up-skilling do I need to effectively lead in this role? Am I ready"? Or, your immediate supervisor asks you, "What leadership training do you require? How can we meet your professional growth needs? Let's look around and see what's out there, do an environmental scan, and get back to me!" How often have you heard this: "We've hired YOU because of your leadership IDENTITY, who YOU are

Let me begin with a leadership reveal moment... I am truly a humanistic leader. From my inner core, the essence of my being searches for human connection in a world influenced by the neo-liberal agenda, where automan conformity  is the norm. Recently, I attended a three-day amazing workshop. However, over the three days, I found almost everyone was using the word pipeline, from keynote addresses to presenters to teams working through challenging scenarios. I continually asked

I was once called the "Bulldozer". I was surprised, maybe even horrifed but to be perfectly honest, at the time, I was also okay, as it confirmed that I had done what was intended. One of my previous roles required deep change, a targeted, directed, and well-orchestrated strategic plan. That's what we ask for from leaders, right? Sadly, I didn't look behind me to see what I had left in my wake. Having influence, being a "results-driven leader," and the pursuit of power, succe

Leadership is often portrayed as strength, certainty, and confidence. But real leadership? I believe it begins with identity. Understanding who you are and who you want to be. Aligning your core values with your leadership approach - that's the bones for great leadership! A few years back at the South Island Women’s Symposium in Twizel, I shared a deeply personal journey, one that started with a conundrum. Merriam-Webster defines conundrum as “an intricate and difficult probl

When I first explored the world of leadership coaching, I was struck by how transformative it could be; not just for individuals, but for entire organisations. In New Zealand, a country rich with history and innovation, leadership coaching is blossoming into a vital resource for those who want to lead with purpose and impact. If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your leadership style or empower your team to thrive, you’re in the right place. Leadership coaching is more than

Leadership is often painted as a grand, sweeping act of influence and decision-making. Yet, at its heart, leadership is deeply personal and profoundly impacted by a leader's identity; their beliefs, values, and that inner guiding north star. When I reflect on what makes a leader truly exceptional, it’s not just their skills or vision but their unwavering commitment to core values. This is where principled leadership comes into play. It has become a part of me (actually a theo

Recently, I came across the obituary of a man I knew in my youth. He was someone I had always looked up to, deeply respected, and admired. In his obituary, the MacLeod clan motto was explained as a call to hold fast in times of trial: to remain stoic in pursuit, trusting that time will eventually reveal answers the present cannot yet offer. Those words stayed with me. A Journey Through Scarcity Growing up, we didn’t have much. By today’s standards, we might have been consider

Before you read any further, I want to share this ... today’s reflection comes from a place of love, not judgment. It isn’t meant to be preachy or finger-pointing, because to be completely honest, I’m writing this as much for myself as for anyone else. What I am about to share is something I need to be aware of, to practice, and to return to often. I get it wrong. Regularly. But awareness is where growth starts. Right?!? I’m not sure where I first heard the phrase stay in yo

A whole lot of time has passed since I last shared my meandering thoughts on this blog. I heard someone say the other day that a blog is...

It wasn’t until I was completing my doctoral dissertation that I came to encounter a deeper understanding of the word ‘resilience’. It...

Stop and smell the roses. It may sound like a cliche, and most likely you have either heard or used this phrase many, many times, but do...

The imagery of the mountains has provided incredible inspiration over these past few days and weeks during‘lockdown’. As I write this,...

Earlier this week I found myself mesmorized looking out to the west at the storm raging over the Ben Ohau range here in Twizel. At times,...

I like things in threes. I always have and so, when thinking of the theme of this article that I wrote for our local paper, courage,...

I fervently believe that people don't just wake up in the morning and hope to hurt or tick someone off over the course of their day; that...

I thought I would share a few insights into how I came to yearn to learn more about leadership. I never actually thought of myself as a...

You know, you don’t always know, you can never really tell, but there is something within you that you should never ignore, those nagging...

In her mind blowing, life-altering book entitled, All About Love, bell hooks shares, “To truly serve, we must always empty the ego so...

As I reflected on resilience and identity, I immediately began to think of a memory from what now seems like a long time ago. It is meant...