The new organisational chart went up on a Tuesday. Twenty-three boxes, cleaner reporting lines, three fewer layers between the shop floor and the board. The CFO had modelled it for six weeks. The logic was airtight; cost synergies, faster decision-making, a structure built for where the business was going rather than where it had been. By Thursday, the best engineer on the team had updated her CV. Nobody had done anything wrong, exactly. The structure made sense. The targets

After almost 7 years away from the corporate workplace, I have been thinking recently about friendships at work. Because if you are in leadership long enough, you will form them. You just will. You work long hours together, travel together, sit in pressure-cooker meetings together. You see each other at your best and your worst. It is natural that some relationships move beyond “colleague.” And when they do, it can be brilliant. Some of the strongest professional chapters of

Workplaces aren’t derailed by difficult people, they’re derailed by the impact of unmanaged behaviour. Whether you’re a colleague or a leader, toxic traits, if left unchecked, sap energy, distort reality, and weaken trust. The good news is that you can respond with clarity, calm, and boundaries. Below are two brief, distinct guides. Part 1: As a colleague - navigating toxic co-workers How to spot toxic traits: Look for consistent patterns, not isolated moments: Gaslighting -

Leadership begins with empathy In every workplace, there’s a quiet kind of leadership that doesn’t come with a title or a corner office. It’s found in the colleague who notices when someone’s voice trembles in a meeting, who checks in after a tough day, or who offers a kind word that makes a heavy load just a little lighter. Being a good colleague isn’t about being the loudest supporter or the most cheerful team player, it’s about awareness, empathy, and courage. It’s about c

©️Motivus Coaching Rugby’s Lesson for Leadership: Giving Back to Those Who Give So Much In rugby, the Pacific Island nations - Fiji, Samoa and Tonga - are giants. Not because of money or resources, but because of the extraordinary talent they bring to the global stage. Consider this: Over 800 professional Pacific Island players play worldwide. 40% of New Zealand’s All Blacks have Pacific heritage. Across Tier 1 nations, more than 20% of squads are filled with Pacific-born or

The Treaty of Windsor - unbroken since 1386 In a world where corporate partnerships shift with the tide and workplace loyalty can feel like a relic of the past, there’s one alliance that stands as a reminder of the power of commitment: the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance. You read that right, Britain and Portugal have been formal allies continuously since 1372. That’s over 650 years of mutual support, diplomacy, and trade. 🇬🇧 🇵🇹 Treaty of Tagilde, signed in 1372, in which Engla

Walk into any company, and someone will hand you the official org chart. It’s tidy, logical, and designed to give clarity. Roles, departments, reporting lines; it’s all there in black and white - or colour!But it’s not the full picture. Every organisation has two versions of itself. One is the formal structure, the one HR and PowerPoint slides like to parade. The other? It’s the real organisation; the living, breathing ecosystem of influence, alliances, gatekeepers, and infor

It won’t always be like this! 😜 We’ve all had them; the colleague who rubs us the wrong way, the boss who seems impossible to please, or the team member whose silence in meetings feels more like resistance than restraint. In the intricate dance of workplace dynamics, relationships can either elevate us or drain us. But here’s the truth most professionals don’t hear often enough: You don’t need to love everyone you work with, but you do need to learn how to work with them. A

During today’s recording of episode 9 of The Power Within, I sat down with the brilliant Kate Waterfall Hill - author of the fabulous book ‘How to Lead’, also known to many as her satirical alter ego ‘Linda the Bad Manager’ - to talk about the messy, vulnerable transition from managing to leading. It’s a shift many underestimate. As you rise through the ranks, what got you here - being organised, decisive, a doer, in control - can quietly start holding you back. Because lead

The Trust Triangle In my decades as a corporate leader and in more recent years as an executive coach, I’ve seen firsthand how trust can make or break a team, a leader, or even an entire organisation. Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation of high-performing teams, sustainable businesses, and meaningful leadership. And yet, many leaders assume trust is something you either have or you don’t, when in reality, it’s a skill that can be developed and strengthened. I

Authoritative Leadership Strengths: Clear direction, decisive action, and control. Challenges: Can stifle creativity and discourage team input. Best For: Crisis situations, environments needing strong guidance. Democratic Leadership Strengths: Inclusive, values team input, fosters collaboration. Challenges: Slower decision-making, potential for conflict. Best For: Complex projects requiring diverse perspectives. Transformational Leadership Strengths: Inspires and motivates, d

As a leadership coach with years of experience guiding executives and teams to success, I've observed a recurring theme in high-performing organisations: psychological safety. This concept, though often discussed in leadership circles, remains elusive in many workplaces. Yet, its impact on team performance, creativity, and overall satisfaction cannot be overstated. What is Psychological Safety? Psychological safety is the belief that one can speak up, share ideas, take risks,

Navigating a difficult relationship with your boss can be one of the most challenging aspects of your career. However, with the right strategies and mindset, it's possible to overcome these obstacles and foster a more positive working dynamic: Identify the Root Causes: Take a close look at the source of the conflict. Is it due to differing priorities, communication breakdowns, or personality clashes? Understanding the underlying issues is crucial for finding effective solutio

The Power of your Inner Circle The value of the quality of your connections cannot be overstated. As a professional, your network is not just about quantity but about curating a circle that aligns with your goals, values, and aspirations. Here's how you can strategically spend time with the right people and enhance the calibre of your friendships: 1. Define Your Core Values Start by clarifying your own core values. Understand what truly matters to you, both personally and pro

Effective leadership is a skill that combines vision, communication, and the ability to inspire others toward a common goal. Aspiring leaders often seek guidance on how to navigate the complexities of leading a team. In this article, we will explore five key tips that can help budding leaders refine their approach and foster a thriving, collaborative environment. Listen First, Speak Last: One hallmark of successful leaders is their ability to listen actively. This involves no

In today's fast-moving business landscape, success often hinges on more than just individual prowess; it relies on the strength of strategic relationships. Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or team leader, understanding how to build and nurture these connections can be a game-changer for your career and organizational success. 1. Define Your Objectives: Before embarking on any relationship-building journey, clearly define your objectives. Understand what you want

I'm often asked by clients how they can best help members of their own team to achieve success for themselves and the business. Here are three very simple questions you might find useful along with some examples to better frame the questions in the real world. Well framed questions are the most powerful tool in your toolbox and, in my experience are not used nearly as often as they should be! 1."What are your current priorities, and how can I support you in achieving them?" E

In the world of work, "office politics" often carries a negative connotation, conjuring up images of manipulation and insincere flattery. But what if we were to reframe what "politics" means to us in the workplace? What if we shifted our perspective to view office dynamics as an opportunity for growth and relationship-building? It all begins with a change in (your) mindset. Instead of perceiving office politics as a treacherous game, start by becoming aware of the language yo