Who doesn't love Alice in Wonderland? It's the theme for this year's Melbourne tradition - The Myer Christmas windows. I thought they were old at 63, but the world first met Alice in 1865!Here you can see Alice, with the foul-tempered Queen of Hearts and her King in the background and the mad March Hare to her right.I had to think twice writing that. Isn't it on the left?So, of course, that reminded me of the fun self-monitoring party trick... just in time for the holiday … [Read more...]

You know it's summer when the agapanthus start to bud. They're common in my neck of the woods.Maybe it's because they're low maintenance. Just add sun and water and they'll be fine.But if you want to do better, add some fertiliser and chop off the spent heads.Recently, I've had clients - capable leaders - reach out, a little ashamed to say, 'hey, what about me and what I need'?As a leader, you're supposed to be low maintenance, like agapanthus. You're supposed to be able to … [Read more...]

On Saturday night, the old hair rockers looked like they were still having fun belting out their hits. It was infectious.Getting 50,000 people up on their feet, singing along and having fun too? That was impressive.What's even more impressive is that they've been rocking since 1983. That's a long time for a band. 35 years. Sure it's not the original lineup. But three of the five have been there since the beginning and Richie Sambora stayed 30 years.Actually, it's a long time for any … [Read more...]

Check out what I drew with the help of Julian Opie and the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) this weekend!Yes, you're right. It's a self-portrait. I'm feeling pretty chuffed considering I'm no artist.But I do love to remember to play. I had to drag my adult companions to the kids section of the exhibition. Where else could you do something as playful as this?It reminds me of the late, great Gordon MacKenzie. He spent most of his career at Hallmark Cards and wrote the wonderful book: … [Read more...]

Imagine stepping out onto your balcony one fine morning, only to be greeted by Mummy Ringtail and her two baby possums. These terrified eyes are peering up at you and pleading ‘please, don’t hurt me, let this be home’.And then your heart melts just that little bit more when you see the one on the right snuggled into that small green pot.You call yourself Cruella de Vil, as you remove yet another garbage bag of nest – the branches, sticks and leaves they bring with them.It lasts a … [Read more...]

Followers get the short shrift in leadership-land. As if they’ll blindly follow you, like sheep. As if they’re unworthy of a mention and indistinguishable.Would you say that about these cuties?You’ll have to go to Taiwan to see them - I was there earlier this year doing the tourist thing. Several months later, I still consider them a happy snap worth sharing.And you don’t have to look too hard to see that these sheep are all different.You ChooseEven if you’re a leader, you’re … [Read more...]

Feeling a bit prickly? Cactus-y? I’m wondering if it’s in the air.Two of my clients were armed and dangerous last week. Ready for a fierce conversation.They’d spent hours. Some on planning. But more on worrying and fretting... will this work?They were anxious and exhausted. And not at all confident that they’d get the results they were hoping for. Based on previous experience, that's to be expected.Still, these senior leaders don’t shy away from responsibility. But a fierce … [Read more...]

Has this pigeon nailed it?She’s standing out from her white-feathered friends, and at the same time, she belongs to this Party of Five.That’s what you want. To be part of the in-group... and to stand out from the crowd.The question is how. And that depends on whether you need to work on fitting in or standing out.Fitting In According to researchers at Stanford and the University of California, if you're a cultural misfit you'll want to belong to a tight network - where most … [Read more...]

He played effortlessly. From Bach to Beethoven. I was so close that I could even see the smudged fingerprints on the black Steinway & Sons.What got me was the occasional smile that came across his face as he played. It was like he too was an audience to the music.And so, it was a joy to see Sir Andras Schiff play this weekend. Not only is this Grammy award-winning concert pianist a master of his craft, he so clearly loves his work.I guess that makes it easier to get up every … [Read more...]

Aunty Esther was old and blind by the time I knew her. She was one of my Nana's older sisters.And every year when Boronia comes into season, I buy a bunch (like I did this weekend) and think of her. It was her favourite flower.For many years I was spared her story and how there's more than one way to be blind.You see, Esther was married once... to a man with another wife. As soon as she found out she left him. Heartbroken. And she didn't re-partner.And that got me thinking about … [Read more...]