Blog

As 2025 comes to an end, I wanted to share a brief reflection on the year - the work I’ve been involved in, what I’ve learned, and what I’m grateful for - here is 2025 in review. As in previous years, instead of sending gifts to clients, I made a donation to One Girl . Their work supports some of the most disadvantaged young women around the world to access education and create more choices for their future. It’s a cause I’m proud to support. This year included a mix of clien

What if there was one action that could improve your executive leadership and team performance as you enter 2026? Would you like a 25% performance uplift? Research from Harvard Business Review shows that teams conducting structured retrospectives are 25% more likely to achieve their outcomes in the following year. A quality retrospective allows leaders to reflect, learn, and make deliberate choices about how the next year will unfold. 1. Examining Achievements Start by review

How to avoid being fired Most CIOs don’t lose their job because of one big mistake - it’s usually a collection of small but important things that get overlooked. Here are the five core factors I see most often, and what leaders can learn from them. 1. Missing Clarity Clarity is almost always the first problem. Some CIOs deliver major projects without a clear strategy that explains the value technology brings to the organisation. Others create strategy documents that sound imp

Quantum computing is increasingly viewed as a genuine cyber-risk, not just a distant technical concept. Intelligence and industry reports warn that state-sponsored actors are preparing for a future where quantum machines could undermine today’s encryption systems - a threat the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) also recognises. ASD guidance states that organisations should stop using traditional encryption (such as RSA and ECC) by 2030 as part of Australia’s post-quantum c

It’s Melbourne Cup week - that time when many organisations in Australia lose a bit of rhythm. Although the public holiday is only observed in Melbourne, it often feels like the whole country slows down. I’ve seen it firsthand. When I was leading technology teams, progress would pause around Tuesday, and it could take the rest of the week to get back on track. That said, I’ve always enjoyed this time of year. When I lived in London from 2001 to 2010, I’d often return to Melbo

There’s so much happening across the technology sector right now, influencing business in ways that are both exciting and, at times,...

The Roman generals of antiquity are remembered for their strategy, discipline, and ability to lead men in the most demanding of...

As FY26 kicks off in Australia, many leaders are reflecting on recent challenges and what lies ahead. Over the past six months, I’ve...

As the financial year draws to a close in Australia and some other parts of the world, it presents an ideal moment to pause, reflect, and...

I read a lot, and I don’t share much of what I read on this blog, but every now and then, there is an exception... The Almanack of Naval...

In recent weeks, I've spoken with various executives who have moved into new roles. Here are eight things to consider if you're also...

Around eighty per cent of people fail to sustain their New Year’s resolutions. I've shifted away from making news year’s resolutions to...

The right person can lift you up, enable you to achieve some things sooner than expected, and be there when life throws you a curly one.

Many people spend five days of the week at work - a huge chunk of our time. I've always thought about how work can positively contribute...

Readers of Making Life Happen have said there's so much in the book that can be practically applied, and that they revisit various...

On a recent work trip, I walked early every morning. My route kept me passing a well-kept and pleasant-looking Italian restaurant. I had...

Making the most of everything. Several people have asked me how Making Life Happen will contribute to my keynotes and workshops … a lot,...

In 2023, my interactions with over 100 CIOs revealed a significant focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, with...

The launch of Making Life Happen.  This book is the one I would have loved to have read in my twenties, picked up again in my forties.

Last year, I was one of the ten alumni invited by Swinburne to chat about our professional journeys and lives on the “Get Hungry”...