Renee Giarrusso's Blog

We are living in such a fast-paced world. I know for me and many of my clients, it is filled with constant notifications, digital distractions, and mounting expectations, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves. We rush through our days, ticking off tasks, juggling responsibilities, and reacting to demands. We survive, but we don’t always live. Somewhere along the way, we stop noticing what’s really going on inside us. This can happen in and out of work, remembering we are a whole person.

I believe a lack of making time to be self-aware is the obstacle that keeps us running on the treadmill and defaulting to a go, go, go energy.

This lack of self-awareness is more than just a personal issue; it’s a leadership challenge. When leaders operate on autopilot, disconnected from their own energy and purpose, it affects culture, engagement, and performance across the board.

Consider the boiling frog analogy. If you place a frog in cool water and slowly raise the temperature, it adapts. It tells itself, “This is fine. I can handle this.” But as the water gets hotter, the frog continues to adjust, ignoring the discomfort until it’s too late. The frog doesn’t die from the heat alone; it dies because it waited too long to act.

This mirrors how many professionals live. We tolerate stress, unhealthy dynamics, and unfulfilling routines, usually one small compromise at a time. We convince ourselves, “It’s not that bad. I can manage.” But over time, these compromises drain our energy, cloud our judgment, and weaken our ability to make meaningful change. By the time we realise the water is boiling, we’ve lost the strength to leap out.

“We weren’t designed to be endless engines of output; we were meant to be present, aware, and alive. The most powerful leaders are those who remember to be human beings, not just human doings.”

The data backs this up. One in two Australians report feeling burnt out at work in the past year. Globally, 55% of workers say they’ve experienced burnout, often linked to poor time management. Yet 82% admit they don’t use any system to manage their time or priorities. And while most people believe they’re self-aware, research shows only 10–15% are.

These numbers tell a clear story: we’re busy, reactive, and disconnected from ourselves. The heat is rising, and many of us don’t even realise it.

So how do we stop before the boil?

True awareness doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from pausing long enough to notice.

Attention inward is the key.

Leaders I see who practice self-awareness not only protect their own wellbeing but also model a healthier, more conscious way of working for their teams.

Here are a few ways to reconnect and reset.

Ask yourself powerful reflection questions:

Five years ago, is this how I imagined my life today?What situations or people consistently drain my energy?If this were to be my best year yet, what would that look like in my health, relationships, purpose, and peace?A few practical strategies:Make time for reflection: set aside 10 minutes daily or weekly to be still, journal, or think without distraction.Track your energy: notice what fills or empties your emotional tank.Set boundaries early: don’t wait until you’re exhausted to say no.Prioritise what truly matters: spend more time on what aligns with your values, not just your to-do list. Know your values and make decisions and choices that match these.Take micro-breaks: short pauses to breathe, move, or reset throughout the day.Reconnect with your purpose: ask yourself, “What lights me up?” and design your days around that.

The takeaway is simple but powerful: don’t wait until your life feels like boiling water.

When you start to feel the heat and experience stress, imbalance and fatigue, take the time to pause and act. Reassess, readjust, and remember you are not a machine built to do. You are a human being, built to feel, connect, and live consciously.

Protect your peace.

Guard your energy.

And never wait until it’s too late to leap out of the boiling water.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Lead to be limitless.

We are thrilled to celebrate Episode 71 of the Limitless Leaders Podcast. This milestone represents another opportunity to share insights, spark reflection, and support leaders to grow in a real, practical and human way.

If you are ready for conversations that spark growth, widen your view, and energise the way you lead, then the Limitless Leaders Podcast is the resource you have been looking for. It has become a trusted companion for hundreds of clients who are committed to evolving, thriving, and creating exceptional workplaces.

In our episodes you will find:

Honest and high energy conversations that go beyond the surfaceReal stories from people who have navigated change and emerged strongerPractical insights you can apply immediately in your life and leadershipA focus on being human first in everything we do because I believe leadership starts thereA few standout episodes to explore: Ep 70: Pause, Reflect, Lead. The EQ Advantage with Amy Jacobson
This episode explores ways to build resilience, awareness, and emotional intelligence in everyday leadership. Ep 17: The 5 Laws of Success with Bob Burg
A practical and inspiring look at the principles behind genuine influence, value creation, and success that serves others. Ep 63: Working Through Adversity. My Health Journey
A deeply personal episode where I share what I have been navigating this year not only as a leader but as a human. Ep 60: Mastering Self Control. You Are In Charge with Dr Jane Foster
Recorded just before my own diagnosis, this episode explores how we stay anchored when life changes quickly. Ep 62: The Courage To Be You with Joe Pane
A conversation on emotional fitness, authenticity, and giving yourself permission to show up fully. Ep 14: The Gift Mindset of Contribution and Purpose with Jessica MacPherson OAM
A powerful conversation that dives into the Gift Mindset and how our challenges, strengths, and experiences can be transformed into meaningful contributions.Why this podcast matters

Whether you lead a team, set the strategy or simply want to bring more intention and purpose into your day, these episodes support your growth. They spark reflection, encourage fresh conversations, and help you create change you can feel.

I encourage you to listen and then share your favourite episode with your team. A single conversation can shift awareness and influence how you work long after the episode ends.

We would love to hear from you!

If there is a topic you would like us to explore in a future episode, please reach out. Your ideas help shape the conversations that help leaders thrive.

Jump in, explore, share, and let us continue building workplaces and lives that are exceptional, human and sustainable.

Lead to be limitless.

 

In today’s fast-paced world, one skill continues to stand out as both a challenge and an opportunity for leaders: straightforwardness.

Despite the rise of AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making, human connection remains the ultimate differentiator and connection begins with communication.

The Cost of Holding Back

Too often, leaders hesitate to:

Share bold ideasChallenge the status quoDeliver candid feedback

Why? Fear of conflict, rejection, or discomfort. But silence comes at a cost: diluted conversations, missed opportunities, and diminished trust and influence.

Suppressing your voice limits innovation and impact.

Straightforwardness is a non-negotiable Core EQ competency.

After two decades of designing and delivering Emotional Intelligence (EQ) programs and integrating the Rochemartin Emotional Capital diagnostic, I’ve seen firsthand that straightforwardness is a key competency of high-EQ leaders.

But let’s be clear, straightforwardness is not bluntness. It’s about clarity, authenticity, and constructive communication.

It’s the ability to express your truth with empathy and purpose. In a world craving connection, this is fundamental to leadership.

Why EQ Matters More Than Ever

EQ underpins how we lead, communicate, and influence. It’s no longer a “nice-to-have” it’s non-negotiable.
Straightforwardness sits at the heart of EQ. It reflects our ability to manage emotions (ours and others’) while staying authentic and connected.

There are 5 Ingredients of True Straightforwardness

These aren’t just traits, they’re actionable strategies to elevate your leadership voice:

1. Self-Belief

You can’t express yourself powerfully if you don’t believe in your value.

Action: Reflect on your wins, strengths, and impact. Build self-trust by keeping promises to yourself and speaking up when you’ve been holding back.

2. Courage

Straightforwardness demands courage and I believe, the willingness to step into discomfort.

Action: Reframe courageous conversations as opportunities. Ask yourself: “What’s the cost of silence?”
Often, silence costs more than the discomfort of speaking up.

3. Assertiveness

Assertiveness bridges confidence and respect. It allows you to express views clearly while remaining open to others.

Action: Use “I” statements “I see,” “I feel,” “I recommend” to take ownership and reduce defensiveness.

4. Intention

Every conversation has an intention. Without clarity, even the right message can land poorly.

Action: Ask yourself:

“What outcome do I want?”“How do I want the other person to feel?”

Intentionality ensures your message aligns with your values and purpose.

5. Emotional Control

Straightforwardness isn’t about emotional outbursts, it’s about emotional mastery.

Action: Pause and breathe when emotions run high. Silently reframe: “I’m frustrated” becomes a cue to regulate your response and maintain clarity.

I want to give you a bonus ingredient and that is acknowledgement.

When sharing a differing opinion or navigating a tough conversation, acknowledge the other person first. This builds respect, empathy, and trust. A few suggestions below.

“I see where you’re coming from.”“You’ve raised a valid point.”

Then share your perspective.

What will it cost you not build on straightforwardness?
Poor communication costs businesses US$12,500 per employee annually in lost productivity.

But the real cost?
Disengagement. Low morale. Missed innovation.

Your voice is one of your most powerful leadership tools.
Straightforwardness isn’t just a skill; it’s a leadership imperative.

It creates psychological safety, fosters trust, and inspires others to do the same.

Take some time to reflect.

What conversation are you avoiding today?
What truth needs to be voiced in your team or organisation?

Withholding your ideas limits growth for you and your team.

Not sharing your gifts is, quite simply, selfish.
The world needs your perspective.
Speak it with courage, clarity, acknowledgement, and heart.

Lead to be limitless.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of leaders through coaching, workshops and conversations that matter. One of the things I’ve always believed in is the power of connection. When leaders connect, share and grow together, the impact is extraordinary.

That’s why we’ve created a new community space called Limitless Leadership on Skool. We’re excited to invite you into a space designed with you in mind.

Limitless Leadership on Skool is where our coaching, conversations and content come together in one purpose-built space. Skool is not another social platform or inbox overload. It’s where you can access resources, training and most importantly, connect with a network of leaders who are growing, evolving, and leading with intention.

This space reflects everything we’ve been doing for the past two decades with leaders across industries and levels of experience. Now, it’s all in one place to support deeper connection, focused conversations, and practical growth.

Inside, you’ll be able to:

Unlimited access to recorded webinars and masterclassesOngoing access to live Q&A and mastermind sessionsAccelerate your learning with proven frameworks and toolsJoin relevant and meaningful conversationsGrow alongside like-minded leaders without the distractions of social mediaGet access to practical tools and tips

 

Click here to join Limitless Leadership on Skool today!
We'd love you to be a part of it.

 

Join our Live Q&A with Renée session on November 14 at 10 am AEDT and bring along any questions you have relating to communication, leadership, mindset, and emotional intelligence.

Be ready to explore and expand on these as Renée shares her 30 years of mastery in this space.

Leadership is never a solo journey. This space is about coming together with intention, generosity and a desire to lead with impact. I’d love to see you inside.

Lead to be limitless.

Many people have been asking about our long-awaited trip to Italy.

After being cancelled twice, once due to the pandemic and then following my breast cancer diagnosis, this long-awaited trip finally became a reality. And I can honestly say, it was nothing short of magical. Every moment felt precious, every experience unforgettable, and every lesson deeply meaningful.

The Adventure30 days away7 regions of Italy explored5 regions of Sicily discoveredDubai stopover7 flights12 trains16 tours12 accommodations350,000 steps each60kg of luggage (Brett, you’re a legend!)Endless sights, stories, food, and memories

Each number represents not just movement but moments, moments that taught me, surprised me, and filled me with gratitude.

What I learned along the way

Venice
Maps barely worked, and GPS was more confusing than helpful, so getting lost became part of the adventure. At first, it was frustrating, but soon we realised each wrong turn led to hidden canals, quiet piazzas, and local cafés that weren’t on any tourist map. Venice taught me that sometimes the best experiences happen when we let go of control and embrace the unknown. Trusting the journey, rather than obsessing over the destination, allowed us to find beauty in the unexpected.

Florence
This city is alive with history. Around every corner stood ancient statues, opera singers performing in the streets, and people gathering in the main square at 10 PM to sing together. Florence reminded me that human connection and shared experiences are at the heart of any community. It’s not just the art or architecture, but the laughter, music, and conversations that make a place unforgettable.

Cinque Terre
The five cliffside towns are a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Houses stacked impossibly on rocks, narrow winding streets, and vibrant colours created a visual masterpiece. Walking along the coastal trails, I was struck by how creativity and determination allow people to thrive, even in challenging environments. Cinque Terre reminded me that innovation often emerges out of necessity, and beauty can flourish where you least expect it.

Tuscany
Touring Chianti vineyards and enjoying long, leisurely meals with people from all over the world was a lesson in slowing down. Surrounded by rolling hills, sun-dappled vineyards, and warm laughter, I felt the power of appreciating nature, savouring every bite, and celebrating human connection. Tuscany showed me that when we take the time to pause, we can fully immerse ourselves in the present, and that shared experiences are the threads that weave meaningful memories.

Sicily
Visiting my dad’s hometown, stepping into my Nonno’s old leather shop, now a charming bookstore, and wandering through family gardens made this leg of the trip deeply personal. Sicily’s history of earthquakes, wars, and volcanic activity reflects the resilience of its people, proud, strong, and unyielding. Experiencing the island firsthand reinforced the importance of family, roots, and embracing the stories that shape us. A black elephant made of lava from Mount Etna is the symbol of Catania and a beautiful reminder of resilience and strength.

Rome
There’s nowhere quite like walking through a living museum. From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the timeless Pantheon, Rome is a city that shows us how the past informs the present. It reminded me that history is more than dates and facts; it’s the story of humanity, resilience, creativity, and connection across generations. We should never forget what the people before us have done both in life and in leadership.

Dubai
After Italy, Dubai was a striking contrast, a city built entirely from vision, innovation, and meticulous planning. Impeccable service, incredible architecture, and virtually zero crime showcased what is possible when purpose, vision, and connection are at the centre of creation. Dubai reminded me that when we dream big, we can create environments that inspire and elevate everyone around us. What blank slate can you build upon in your role? Maybe it’s a new idea, project, product, or service.

Travel teaches. It stretches our curiosity, opens our hearts, and expands our minds. Being away reminds us of how much there is to appreciate at home, in people, in places, and in every shared moment. It’s not just the landmarks, the food, or the scenic views; it’s the laughter, the stories, the unexpected detours, and the connections that linger long after we return.

This trip wasn’t just about visiting places, it was about rediscovering joy, resilience, and the limitless potential within us and around us.

I am returning home more curious, more grateful, and more inspired than ever.

Lead to be limitless.

In today’s dynamic workplace, coaching is more than a skill, it's a mindset that fosters growth, engagement, and performance. Whether you're a leader, manager, or peer, adopting effective coaching behaviours can transform how individuals and teams evolve.

We teach into our COACH framework—Curiosity, Observation, Awareness, Commitment, and Holding Space, as this offers a powerful guide to creating impactful coaching relationships.

C – Curiosity

Seek to understand with open-ended enquiry.

Curiosity is the cornerstone of effective coaching. It’s about approaching conversations with genuine interest and a desire to understand, rather than to fix or judge. Coaches who lead with curiosity ask open-ended questions that invite reflection and exploration. This behaviour encourages coachees to think critically and uncover their own insights.

For example, instead of asking, “Did you finish the task?”, a curious coach might ask, “What did you learn while working on that task?” This shift opens dialogue and promotes ownership. Curiosity also helps coaches remain present and flexible, adapting to the unique needs and perspectives of each individual.

O – Observation

Notice what is said and unsaid.

Effective coaching requires keen observation, not just of words, but of tone, energy, and body language. Coaches must tune into both verbal and non-verbal cues to fully understand what’s happening beneath the surface. Is the coachee enthusiastic or hesitant? Are they avoiding eye contact or speaking with confidence?

By observing these subtleties, coaches can identify emotional undercurrents, unspoken concerns, or areas of resistance. This awareness allows for more empathetic and tailored support. Observation also involves noticing patterns over time, helping coaches track progress and adjust their approach accordingly.

A – Awareness

Reflect on your contributions, thoughts, emotions, and biases.

Self-awareness is a vital trait for any coach. It involves regularly reflecting on your own thoughts, emotions, and biases and understanding how these influence your coaching style and interactions. Coaches must be mindful of their triggers and assumptions, ensuring they don’t project their own experiences onto others. Coaching is not about the coach.

For instance, a coach who values speed might unconsciously push a coachee to make quick decisions, even when a more thoughtful approach is needed. By ramping up awareness, coaches can remain neutral, supportive, and open to diverse perspectives. This behaviour also models emotional intelligence, encouraging coachees to develop their own self-awareness.

C – Commitment

Stay disciplined in regular coaching and in your role as coach, not fixer.

Commitment in coaching means showing up consistently and honouring the process. It’s about being disciplined in scheduling regular sessions, following through on actions, and maintaining a coaching mindset. Importantly, commitment also means resisting the urge to “fix” problems for others.

Effective coaches empower coachees to find their own solutions, rather than offering quick fixes. This builds confidence and capability. Commitment also involves investing time in developing your coaching skills by seeking feedback, learning new techniques, and staying curious about your own growth as a coach.

H – Hold Space

Create safe psychological space for growth and exploration.

Holding space is the art of creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where coachees feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s about being fully present, listening deeply, and allowing others to express themselves without fear of criticism or interruption.

When coaches hold space effectively, they foster trust and openness. Coachees are more likely to share vulnerabilities, explore new ideas, and take risks. This psychological safety is essential for meaningful growth and transformation. Holding space also means respecting boundaries, honouring confidentiality, and being patient with the coaching journey.

The COACH framework offers a practical and powerful approach to building effective coaching relationships in the workplace. We have rolled this framework out to hundreds of coaches.

By embodying Curiosity, Observation, Awareness, Commitment, and Holding Space, coaches can inspire growth, unlock potential, and create a culture of continuous learning.

Whether you're coaching a team member, peer, or leader, these behaviours help shift conversations from transactional to transformational. They encourage deeper connection, greater accountability, and lasting impact.

In a world where adaptability and emotional intelligence are key, mastering the COACH traits is not just beneficial, it’s essential.

As always, I’d love to hear what has resonated with you.

Lead to be limitless.

How are you and your team celebrating the year that was and connecting for the year ahead?

Get your team offsite and ignite your team's energy as we reach the pointy end of 2025.

Give your team the ultimate permission to pause and reconnect with purpose this November and December at our 1-day Cook & Connect Team Retreat!

In the fast-paced new world of work, technology, hybrid environments and bottom-line pressure, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, and disengaged with our colleagues and loved ones.

Our well-being and that of those we work with is of top priority.

By stepping away from the daily grind, your team can recharge, reflect, and return to work with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.

Unlock your team's potential with our exclusive 1-day corporate retreat that will leave a lasting impact on your organisation. Designed to inspire, ignite reflection, and foster team synergy, our retreat offers an unforgettable day of growth and rejuvenation.

Cook & Connect 1-Day Team Building Retreat
Extraordinary Corporate Retreat Experience at Yarra Valley – Melbourne

Check out the video to find out more by clicking on the image below or here.

Imagine a day dedicated to reconnection and re-energising in the stunning backdrop of the Yarra Valley.

Picture a team immersed, in an Italian cooking class, savouring a delicious lunch, and engaging in a thought-provoking discovery workshop.

This is the “PAUSE” experience, tailor-made for corporate teams like yours.

This retreat is perfect for …

Teams seeking to reconnect outside the workplace and strengthen their bonds.Leaders and executives looking for a unique team experience that rewards and renews.Teams in need of a pause to honour their well-being and overall resilience.Those ready to make this year their most successful and fulfilling year yet.

So you can Reflect …

Master your Mindset – Unlock the power of controlling your mindset and harnessing its potential.Embrace your Gifts – Discover the Gift Mindset and unlock your unique timeline of achievements.Values and Beliefs – Bring your personal values to life and shift from limiting to limitless beliefs.Set Boundaries – Recreate boundaries and establish your empowered ‘No’ list.

So you can Reconnect …

Food as Connection – Experience the profound connection that food fosters with ourselves and others.Indulge and Connect – Prepare and savour a delightful 3-course Italian lunch together.Whole Self-Connection – Unleash strategies for balancing head, heart, and intuition in your personal and professional life.

So you can Re-energise …

Awaken your Energy Within – Immerse yourself in this dynamic session (run by Shaun Tucker).Tools for Burnout Prevention – Uncover practical tools to prevent burnout and sustain your energy daily.What Lights You Up? – Identify what brings you joy and learn how to infuse it into your work and personal life. Identify your vampires (drainers) Vs. Ignitors (illuminators).Goal Setting – Craft inspiring goals and develop a plan to make them a reality.Big Word – Walk away with your powerful Big Word that brings balance, aligned decision-making and fulfilment.Ideal Day – Create your ideal day, so you know who you need to become and what you need to do to ‘have’ it.

(Please note workshop topics can be tailored to your objectives and retreat outcomes.)

Find out more about the Cook & Connect 1-day Team Building Retreat in the beautiful Yarra Valley here.

Unleash creativity and collaboration

Embrace a unique opportunity to unleash the collective brilliance of your team. Our retreat encourages out-of-the-box thinking, fosters creativity, and promotes collaboration among participants. Engaging in experiential exercises and interactive sessions, your team will learn to tap into their individual strengths, explore new ideas, and work together harmoniously towards shared goals. The result? A more innovative and cohesive team ready to tackle any challenge.

Bookings are now open for November and December for the 1-day Cook & Connect Team Retreat.

To find out more information and how you can book this unique in-house experience for your team, you can reach out to admin@reneegiarrusso.com.

Book a discovery call to find out more here.

Lead to be limitless.

In this episode of Limitless Leaders Podcast, I sat down with Tim Jack Adams, a pioneering voice in human sustainability, someone who believes that energy, connection, and purpose are just as vital as performance. Tim is the founder of GreenX7 and creator of the Battery Check, a science-backed tool used by leading organisations. His book Energised distils over a decade of research and lived experience into a practical framework for leaders and cultures that endure.

Together, we explore what it means to lead sustainably, how connection and wellbeing fuel leadership, and why having fun and nurturing relationships are essential to thriving both personally and professionally.

You can watch the podcast here, click the image below, or listen on your favourite platforms.

Key Takeaways:Purpose is foundational: Living true to yourself, understanding why you do what you do, is where sustainable energy and leadership begin.Sleep, movement & nutrition matter: Without rest, physical health, and good nutritional habits, other aspects of wellbeing and leadership performance suffer.Mindset shapes everything: Shifting from scarcity, limitation, or external expectations to a growth mindset empowers you to make choices and evolve.Measure your wellbeing: Tools like the Battery Check provide clarity and visibility around your wellbeing in areas like purpose, sleep, fun, mindset etc. Sharing how you’re doing can support accountability and mutual support.Connected leadership: Leadership comes from how you show up, not just the title. It’s a blend of heart, intuition, emotional intelligence, and integrity.Small practices in tough times matter: When life gets messy, simple routines like shared check-ins, small acts of fun, nature immersion, and awareness help recharge and rebuild.Contact Tim Jack Adams:

Tim Jack Adams Website

Tim Jack Adams on Instagram

Tim Jack Adams on LinkedIn

Enjoy This Podcast?

Leadership in changing times can be difficult, but you can adopt certain traits to get your team through it. You can also join mentorship programs to gain the skills you need.

Please post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends! The world needs more people with the drive and leadership qualities to make the world a better place. We need strong leadership skills and a learner’s attitude today more than ever.

To listen to the podcast, select your favourite link below.

Apple: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnApple

Spotify: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnSpotify

Android: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnAndroid

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReneeGiarrusso-RGDynamics

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:

Company website
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LinkedIn

To leading the future,

“A good coach can change a game… a great coach can change a life.”

After more than 30 years of coaching, including as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation, I’ve worked with hundreds of leaders across 24 industries. My mission? To embed practical coaching frameworks and hands-on strategies that stick and to help leaders build coach-centric cultures that empower others, reclaim time, and drive lasting results.

I believe, coaching is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Between 2019 and 2022, the number of active coaching practitioners worldwide grew by 54%, and the global coaching market is projected to hit $7.3 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by a rising awareness especially among younger generations of coaching’s transformative impact on careers, teams, and organisations.

Coaching: The Catalyst for High Performance

Whether in AFL, sales, customer service, or leadership, high-performing teams thrive in coaching cultures. “Limitless Leaders” understand that coaching isn’t about having all the answers, instead it’s about enabling others to think for themselves.

When people own their decisions, they become less dependent on you. That frees you to lead strategically, not just manage. Think of yourself not as the star player, but as the conductor who is guiding, challenging, and empowering others to perform at their best.

Types of Coaching That Drive Results

Coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Here are four powerful formats leaders can use:

One-on-One Formal Coaching

Structured sessions focused on individual growth, performance, and leadership development.

Coaching on the Fly

Informal, in-the-moment conversations that guide and support team members during daily interactions.

Peer Coaching

Colleagues coach each other, sharing insights and feedback to build mutual accountability and trust.

Group Coaching

Facilitated sessions with multiple participants, fostering shared learning, collaboration, and team alignment.

Each type plays a unique role in building a culture of continuous development and empowerment.

There are many motivators for coaching including optimising individual and team performance, enhancing communication skills and increasing productivity.

And the results speak for themselves:

96% of individuals or organisations report satisfaction with coachingMedian ROI of 7×, with some reporting up to 50×Executive coaching drives measurable gains in performance, confidence, and team effectivenessReframe Coaching as ‘Delegating Thinking’

In a recent “Leader as Coach” program, I described coaching as delegating thinking. Instead of giving answers, you empower others to think critically and creatively. This builds capability, ownership, and resilience and saves you time.

Start simple: ask more, tell less.
Make coaching an everyday conversation, not an occasional event.

Five Ways Leaders Can Start Coaching TodayLet Go of Being the All-Knowing Coach
Trust and delegate both tasks and thinking. Create space for growth.Create Space for Empowerment
Give the “what,” not the “how.” Let people find their own way.Ask More, Tell Less, Stay Curious
Resist solving. Ask what they’ve tried, explore options, and guide.Leverage Team Strengths
Match tasks to strengths and encourage peer learning.Communicate with Precision and Rapport
Adapt your style to build trust and openness—without losing authenticity.The Business Case for CoachingOrganisations with strong coaching cultures grow 27% fasterProfit margins can be up to 87% higher70% of executives report improved performance86% say coaching meets or exceeds expectationsROI averages 7× for executive coaching engagements

Whether you’re leading from the corner office, virtually or the frontline, coaching is one of the most powerful tools to grow people, create space for leadership, and foster sustainable performance.

Awareness is the starting point.

Transformation happens when coaching becomes part of your leadership DNA.

How are you creating a coach-centric culture?

Lead to be limitless.

September 11 is R U OK? Day!

For me, checking in with others, and ourselves, should be a daily practice, not just reserved for one day a year.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in the past 12 months, 22% of Australians aged 16–85 (around 4.3 million people) experienced a mental disorder. The most common were anxiety disorders, affecting 17% of the population, followed by affective disorders (8%) and substance use disorders (3%).

Additionally, 1 in 7 children and adolescents aged 4–17 have experienced a mental illness.

Burnout, overwhelm, anxiety, and poor mental health can impact every area of our lives. These challenges aren’t always visible, which is why it’s so important to reach out and to be open when others reach out to us.

As someone who naturally gives a lot in both work and home life, I’ve sometimes found it hard to ask for help. I learned the hard way. During my recent 14-month breast cancer battle I stayed optimistic, kept working throughout my treatments and kept giving to others. My support network was and is amazing, but I found it so hard to receive and not be the giver. After a while I realised I needed support and help, and it took me the whole year to be open to that and realise that people love to help and that is ok.

Sharing how we feel doesn’t always fix everything, but connection is a human need, and having support from others makes a real difference.

When I check in with people, at work or in life, I often hear responses like “I’m OK, I guess,” “Yeah, I’m hanging in there,” or the classic “Not bad, thanks.” These answers are easy to accept, and just as easy to give. But are they really serving us?

There’s a lot of focus on asking “Are you OK?” but not enough on how we can respond meaningfully when someone checks in.

If someone asks how you’re really doing, here are a few ways you might respond:

Say thank you: “Thanks for caring. It means a lot.”Ask for support: “I could use someone to talk to right now.”Be honest: “I’ve been feeling a bit down lately, but I’m working through it.”Express gratitude: “I appreciate your concern, even if I’m not ready to talk.”Mention professional help: “I’m working with a therapist to get through this.”Deflect with empathy: “I’m okay, thank you. How about you?”Seek someone you trust: Let them know you have someone you’re comfortable talking to.Set boundaries: “I prefer not to discuss it right now, but I appreciate you checking in.”

I’m not an expert, but I’ve learned that constantly supporting others while neglecting myself isn’t sustainable. When someone checks in, brushing them off can feel like rejecting their care.

Let’s remember, prioritising our well-being is essential. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Taking care of your mental health is non-negotiable.

If you ever need a chat or support, I’m here.

Lead and live limitlessly.