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Dr Allanah Johnston did her PhD on humour at work. She explains what a pointed joke can tell a leader, why forced humour falls flat and why people pushing back on change deserve a hearing.

Rachel Taylor, geneticist, biochemist and co-founder of Taylored Health, explains why leaders are often the last to notice their own depletion, and what they can change through behaviour and environment.

Most leaders can describe how they want to behave under pressure. The difficulty is doing it when patience is gone and the stakes are rising.

Josh Komen on why mental toughness needs flexibility, and why asking for help is a leadership strength, not a weakness.

Olympic gold medallist Joe Sullivan was rejected at every junior rowing trial he attended. What happened next is a lesson in what it actually takes to back capability the system has already written off.

Two-time Coast to Coast champion and America's Cup winner Dougal Allan explains why deliberate preparation, not confidence, is what carries you when pressure hits.

Micromanagement often begins with good intentions, but it can quietly remove the accountability leaders want. Marius van der Pol explains how to replace control with clarity, trust and genuine ownership.

Confidence does not always return before you act. Nichole Lewis's experience, from a rented house with a horse to a new mindset coach, shows how belief can be rebuilt through what you do next.

Wiremu Moffitt, Warrant Officer of the Defence Force, breaks down the 3-8-2 rule he uses to protect his thinking time, and why his SAS unit's silence was mistaken for arrogance when it was actually humility.

Dr Damien Taylor on why self-regulation, not credentials, determines how a leader shows up in the room — and the world championship story behind it.

Black Caps wicketkeeper-batsman Dane Cleaver talks through the moment he had to ask himself whether continuing to play was fair on his young family, and why he judges his own performance by process rather than runs.

Jerry Beale reframes trust not as something you build, but as the power you hand someone to do you harm, and explains why leaders who panic during a downturn may be doing more damage than the downturn itself.

NZ Breakers president Dylan Boucher on being cut by his own club, why discipline beats motivation, and the leadership lesson that nearly cost him his team.

Trust is the foundation of any successful team. Without it, collaboration falters, communication breaks down, and goals become harder to achieve. Building trust is not a one-time effort but a continuous process that requires attention to key behaviors and values. Four pillars support this process: integrity , benevolence , competence , and predictability . Understanding and applying these pillars can transform how teams work together and deliver results. Trust is not just abo

Leadership often comes with high expectations and pressure. Yet, many leaders find themselves unintentionally blocking their own success. This behavior, known as self-sabotage, can undermine their effectiveness and stall progress. Understanding why leaders self-sabotage and learning practical strategies to overcome it can unlock greater potential and improve leadership outcomes. A leader reflecting on challenges at work Why Leaders Self-Sabotage Self-sabotage happens when lea

Leadership often focuses on how leaders interact with others, but the foundation of strong leadership lies within. Intrapersonal skills - the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, thoughts, and motivations - play a crucial role in shaping effective leaders. These skills influence decision-making, resilience, communication, and the ability to inspire teams. This post explores how intrapersonal skills affect leadership and offers practical insights for leaders se

They read your energy before they read your emails. This simple truth reveals how much your presence influences the people around you, especially your team. Whether you realize it or not, your energy and attitude set the tone for how your team feels, communicates, and performs. This post explores why your energy matters, how it affects team dynamics, and practical ways to cultivate a positive attitude that drives success. A confident individual in a bright workspace, symboliz

“If your team can’t operate without you, you’re not leading - you’re bottlenecking.” This statement challenges a common misconception about leadership: that the best leaders are the smartest and hardest workers in the room who do everything themselves. In reality, this “hero leader” approach often slows progress, stifles growth, and limits the potential of the entire team. Leadership is not about being the lone star or the busiest person. It’s about creating an environment wh

Every leader wants to keep their top talent engaged and loyal. Yet, many organizations face a silent challenge: their best employees are quietly exploring new opportunities without raising any alarms. This hidden job hunt happens right under your nose, often unnoticed until it’s too late. Understanding why this occurs and how to address it can make the difference between retaining your strongest team members and losing them to competitors. keep top talent: Why Top Talent Look

Leadership often gets mistaken for popularity. Many believe that being liked is the key to leading effectively. Yet, research and real-world examples show that respect holds far greater power in leadership than mere likability. Leaders who focus on earning respect create stronger teams, foster trust, and drive better results. This post explores why respect matters more, backed by research, and offers practical takeaways for anyone aiming to lead with impact. A leader standin