Musk, Keanu, and the Tipping Point of Capitalism
A recent AI-generated debate between Keanu Reeves and Elon Musk has been making the rounds online. While entirely fictional, the conversation struck a nerve. There were some striking reflections that followed. This one in particular captured my attention. “As a woman I would choose Keanu. As a business person I would explore Musk. As a […]
The Infantilisation of Employees: How Control Creates Anarchy
In many modern workplaces, the employer-employee relationship subtly mirrors a parent-child dynamic. This “infantilisation” of employees—where individuals are treated as if they lack the autonomy, maturity, or capability to make responsible decisions – stems from rigid control structures and hierarchical systems embedded in corporate cultures. While these mechanisms may have originated as a way to […]
I’ve started ‘leaning OUT’ – and everyone’s doing better as a result
Contemporary leadership development emphasizes personal growth through self-reflection, self-awareness, and continuous self-improvement. This involves consciously examining your daily life: how you allocate your time, the people you interact with, and critically evaluating what actions benefit you and others versus what hinders progress. It also entails clarifying your core values, defining your priorities, and ultimately, envisioning […]
The Three Types of Leader in 2025
Humour me for a moment. I know that categorising leaders into just three types is a simplified view of reality. The truth is, human behaviour is complex, and leadership is nuanced. However, arguably, most leaders in 2025 could fit into one of these broad categories: The Tyrant, The Contrarian, and The Enlightened. These leaders all […]
Will ‘workplace wellbeing’ follow DEI down and off the corporate priority list?
The corporate landscape is a fickle one, subject to the whims of economic pressures, shifting social trends, and the ever-evolving priorities of leadership. Recently, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, once heralded as essential cornerstones of modern business, have faced significant pushback and, in some cases, a retreat. This raises a crucial question: will workplace […]
The Absolute Inevitability of a Four-Day (or Less) Work Week
The traditional five-day work week, established during the industrial era, is increasingly being challenged by evolving societal norms, technological advancements, and shifting employee expectations. A convergence of macro and micro trends is driving the momentum toward a shorter workweek, making its widespread adoption not just a possibility but an inevitability. Macro Trends Driving the […]
An open letter to board members: if you wait for these strategic imperatives to be brought to you, it will be too late
Dear Board Member/NED, The world outside office windows is shifting rapidly, and with it, the very foundation of business resilience. The organisations that will thrive in the coming years are those that grasp a fundamental truth: people challenges are no longer ‘soft’ HR concerns – they are strategic imperatives that require board-level attention. Yet, too […]
The plight of the accidental manager and how to turn them into real leaders
In the bustling landscape of modern business, a silent crisis unfolds within the ranks of management: the plight of the accidental manager. These individuals, through various circumstances, find themselves thrust into leadership roles without the necessary training or experience. They may have stepped in when their manager left, been promoted for their stellar performance in […]
CFOs – staff are making chimps out of you and it’s costing millions!
Dear CFOs, Let’s talk about a costly misconception that’s draining your bottom line: the belief that employees leave primarily due to salary concerns. It’s a convenient, comfortable explanation – but it’s false, and it’s costing you a fortune. The Chimps Are Running Amok If you’ve read The Chimp Paradox by Dr. Steve Peters, you’ll […]
The Workplace Wellbeing Myth: Why Removing All Stress Isn’t the Answer (or Possible)
In the quest for workplace wellbeing, many assume that the ultimate goal is to eliminate stress, pressure, and challenges altogether. This belief, however, is not just impractical – it’s misguided. Research consistently shows that the right amount of challenge is essential for personal and professional growth, resilience, and overall wellbeing. The Science Behind Healthy […]