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<blockquote>&nbsp; To lead is to be seen. To be unique is to lead with courage.</blockquote> When I founded the Unique Leaders Network 15 years ago, I knew the word "unique" needed to stand for more than being different — it needed to embody the kind of leadership that drives change, dares greatly, and lifts others along the way.This is the first in a three-part series unpacking what it truly means to be a UNIQUE leader. Today, we begin with The Bold Lens — exploring what it looks like to lead with boldness and authenticity.Thanks to AI, I've been able to explore an acronym for UNIQUE - let me know if you like it!U – Unshakable in Values N – Noticed for the Right Reasons I – Intentional with Influence Q – Quietly Powerful U – Unafraid to Disrupt E – Energises Others<h3>U – Unshakable in Values</h3>A Unique Leader is clear on what they stand for — and they stand firm. Whether in the boardroom or in everyday life, their values are non-negotiable. They don’t just talk about integrity, courage, or respect — they live them.Bold leadership begins with a clear inner compass.<h3>N – Noticed for the Right Reasons</h3>Unique Leaders don’t seek the spotlight for its own sake. They’re noticed because of the way they show up — with consistency, with clarity, with quiet confidence. They're the ones people turn to when it counts.They let their leadership speak for itself.<h3>I – Intentional with Influence</h3>Leadership isn't about hierarchy — it’s about impact. Unique Leaders understand the weight their words carry. They’re intentional with their time, energy, and example.They don’t just lead — they lead on purpose.<h3>Q – Quietly Powerful</h3>Not all bold leaders are loud. In fact, many of the most influential leaders lead with calm, steady strength. They don’t dominate — they hold space. They listen deeply. They move with purpose.Their presence is powerful because it’s grounded.<h3>U – Unafraid to Disrupt</h3>Status quo doesn’t scare them. Unique Leaders are willing to speak up, shake things up, and stand up — even when it’s uncomfortable. They challenge assumptions and push for better.Disruption, for them, is a path to progress.<h3>E – Energises Others</h3>They don’t just carry the vision — they invite others into it. Unique Leaders have a way of sparking energy in others. They believe in people. They nurture potential. They create momentum.Boldness isn’t about being the loudest — it’s about being the catalyst.<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>Being a UNIQUE leader means showing up fully — not perfectly — but boldly, consistently, and authentically. It’s not about being the same as everyone else. It’s about being so deeply yourself that others feel safe to do the same.In a world full of noise, a bold, grounded leader stands out. A leader who is not afraid to be seen — and she uses her influence to lift others higher.This is what it means to lead through The Bold Lens.Stay tuned for Part 2: The Legacy Lens....&nbsp; Want to connect with other bold, visionary leaders? Join us at uniqueleaders.com.au and follow us @unique_leaders for more inspiration and insight.

What It Means to Be a UNIQUE Leader – Part 1: The Bold Lens

<h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">You belong at that table. It’s time to start believing it.</h3>I need to tell you something important: that inner voice questioning whether you belong in the room? The one whispering that everyone else is more qualified, more experienced, more deserving? It’s lying to you.<figure id="figure-ng0xg6163hmepfai9u"><img id="ng0xg6163hmepfai9u" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2213952041/photo/business-people-in-the-office.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QtqoVjiGaG2Iuzv46HVmSPZmUj-6kccUNDb1pgZsLoU=" alt="Business people in the office" title="Business people in the office" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2213952041/photo/business-people-in-the-office.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QtqoVjiGaG2Iuzv46HVmSPZmUj-6kccUNDb1pgZsLoU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>And if you’re a woman leading with purpose—championing causes, driving change, standing up for what matters—that voice is probably working overtime.Here’s why this matters so much to me: I see brilliant women every day holding themselves back because they don’t feel “ready enough.” Women with incredible track records, unique perspectives, and vital contributions to make, sitting quietly in meetings or declining opportunities because imposter syndrome has convinced them they don’t belong.This has to stop.<h3>Why Purpose-Driven Leaders Are Prime Targets</h3>When you’re leading with purpose, the stakes feel different, don’t they? You’re not just representing yourself—you’re carrying the weight of a cause, a community, an industry on your shoulders. Every decision feels magnified because it impacts more than just you.This heightened sense of responsibility, whilst showing exactly the kind of thoughtful leadership our world desperately needs, becomes perfect breeding ground for self-doubt. We question whether we’ve earned the right to speak for others, whether our experience is broad enough, whether we truly grasp the complexities we’re tackling.But here’s what I want you to understand: that awareness, that concern for your impact—it’s not a weakness. It’s precisely why you belong in leadership.<h3>The Difference Between Self-Doubt and Skill Gaps</h3>Let me be crystal clear about something: there’s a massive difference between genuine skill gaps and imposter syndrome. They feel similar, but they require completely different responses.A skill gap is factual. You either know how to read a P&amp;L or you don’t. You either have media training or you don’t. These gaps have clear solutions: education, training, mentoring, practice.Imposter syndrome? That’s your brain playing tricks on you. It takes your years of experience and whispers they don’t count. It takes your unique perspective and tells you it’s not valuable. It looks at your seat at the table and insists you don’t deserve it.<blockquote>The truth? If you’re in that room, if people are seeking your input, if you’ve built something meaningful—you’ve already proven your worth.</blockquote><h3>You Don’t Need Permission to Lead</h3>Here’s something that might surprise you: the most impactful leaders I know don’t have all the answers. They’re comfortable saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” They admit when something’s outside their expertise and connect you with someone who can help.Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about having the courage to step up, contribute your unique perspective, and commit to learning as you go.<blockquote>Stop waiting for permission to use your voice. No one’s going to tap you on the shoulder and say “Now you’re ready.” You decide when you’re ready.</blockquote><figure id="figure-19awd4k3y9mepfdjjy" class=""><img id="19awd4k3y9mepfdjjy" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/843530216/photo/bringing-positive-energy-to-the-workplace.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tBCRvTyBEEJ50rtaNcqpukpnY9jasLhSJdr6kxLLJL8=" alt="Bringing positive energy to the workplace" title="Bringing positive energy to the workplace" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/843530216/photo/bringing-positive-energy-to-the-workplace.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tBCRvTyBEEJ50rtaNcqpukpnY9jasLhSJdr6kxLLJL8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Your Bold Steps Forward</h3>Ready to silence that inner critic and start leading with the confidence your experience deserves? Here’s how:<ol><li>Own Your Story - Write down what you’ve actually achieved—not what you think you should have achieved by now. Your track record isn’t opinion; it’s evidence. That unconventional path you took? Those challenges that shaped you? They’re not disqualifications—they’re your unique leadership DNA.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Reframe the Narrative<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> - When <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">imposter syndrome strikes mid-presentation or mid-conversation, pause. Take a breath. Remind yourself: “I’m here because I have something valuable to contribute.” Because you do.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Take the 70% Rule - <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">You’ll never feel 100% ready. The leaders making real impact? They show up at 70% ready and figure out the remaining 30% in real time. Waiting for perfect preparation is just fear wearing a fancy mask.</li></ol><h3>Your Voice Matters More Than Your Fear</h3>Every time you choose courage over comfort, every time you speak up despite the doubt, every time you back yourself when your inner critic is screaming—you’re not just growing as a leader. You’re showing other women it’s possible to lead authentically, imperfectly, and powerfully.Your leadership journey—with all its twists, learnings, and moments of uncertainty—has prepared you for exactly where you are right now. The question isn’t whether you’re qualified enough.<blockquote>The question is: what impact will you choose to make?</blockquote>Your sector needs your voice. Your community needs your perspective. Your industry needs your unique blend of experience, wisdom, and passion.Stop letting imposter syndrome make decisions for you. Step into your power. Lead boldly.<blockquote>You’ve got this.</blockquote>-----Ready to silence your inner critic and step boldly into your leadership potential? Let’s connect and explore how you can transform self-doubt into confident action.<figure id="figure-bkd2ytvq9rmepfg33e"data-full-width><img id="bkd2ytvq9rmepfg33e" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fbXHtGcecoWiOQZN9zQW05sr8aSGP8xzFTZ0S2WvuX5qfdkudqGsxdJeLCW3bSX.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 55% 0%;" data-corners="small" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="Michelle Blicavs" data-positionX="55%" data-positionY="0%" data-fullWidth="true"/><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Michelle Blicavs</figcaption></figure>

That Voice in Your Head is Lying: Why Imposter Syndrome Hits Purpose-Driven Leaders (And How to Lead Through It Anyway)

This week, key policymakers, economists, and national leaders gathered in Canberra for the Economic Reform Roundtable — a significant moment aimed at setting the course for Australia’s economic future.While I wasn’t physically in the room, I was connected to the conversation. Through ongoing engagement and weekly national briefings in the lead-up to the roundtable, we contributed ideas, feedback, and the voice of small business to the broader discussion. Association leaders like myself were also in the room at the COSBOA National Small Business Summit in Melbourne — a space just as vital to the national conversation.<figure id="figure-picam1jbi9menje6g7"><img id="picam1jbi9menje6g7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2tgmT5SAfxORf0fWML4tclnGjnTnfv1LH8HKlDgpogfRwM7pZZNQaENN087sfXWc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Small Business Commissioners" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Small Business Commissioners</figcaption></figure>Two different forums. Two very different perspectives. But one clear truth: Australia moves forward when we all have a seat at the table.<h3>Policy Can Set the Direction — But People Drive the Change</h3>In Canberra, the conversations centred on tax reform, housing, skills, sustainability, and productivity. The tone was serious. The stakes, high. The outcomes? Still unfolding.Meanwhile in Melbourne, small business leaders shared the real-world implications of those policy decisions: <ul><li>How will reforms ease red tape?</li><li>Will they support workforce development?</li><li>What will it take to keep the doors open, the lights on, and the teams growing?</li></ul>It was a powerful contrast — and a necessary one. Policy is only effective when it lands well on the ground.<h3>We All Have a Role to Play</h3>Consensus isn’t easy — especially across government, business, unions, and communities. But the absence of immediate agreement isn’t an excuse for inaction.If anything, it’s an invitation:<ul><li>To keep turning up</li><li>To keep listening</li><li>To keep building bridges between decision-makers and those living the outcomes</li></ul>Whether you’re leading a business, running a household, managing a team, or influencing a community — your role matters.Leadership today isn’t about holding all the answers. It’s about asking better questions, bringing people together, and moving forward even when the way isn’t fully clear.<h3>So Where Do We Go From Here?</h3>The roundtable has ended. The summit has closed. But this moment — this opportunity — is just beginning.Let’s not reduce it to a headline or hashtag. Let’s turn it into action.<ul><li>Keep contributing — through our networks, our industries, and our communities.</li><li>Stay connected — because reform that listens is reform that works.</li><li>Lead with courage — especially when the solutions aren’t easy or instant.</li></ul>Australia’s future depends on what happens in both the corridors of Parliament and the cafes of small-town main streets.We don’t need to wait for permission to lead. We just need to choose to.Michelle Blicavs CEO | Advocate | Builder of Better Business and Braver Leadership Because shaping the future isn’t about being in one room — it’s about being present, persistent, and part of the solution.

Beyond the Roundtable: Why Australia's Future Needs All of Us

As a CEO, I spend much of my time at surveying events, leading discussions and championing our profession. But every three years, I take time out for me. As a Certified Association Executive (CAE), I commit to ongoing professional development, and the ASAE Meeting &amp; Expo is my opportunity to step back, recharge, and challenge my own leadership thinking.<figure id="figure-61f8ldmmsjmeezzv2m"><img id="61f8ldmmsjmeezzv2m" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/3bLM4YWCT0Mv55Df7Dqd3alfPMndHrPXtQyGZ2Exy1lpZOasctm2jp4j566TN6O6.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/3bLM4YWCT0Mv55Df7Dqd3alfPMndHrPXtQyGZ2Exy1lpZOasctm2jp4j566TN6O6.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>This year’s theme — Imagine the Possibilities — was both inspiring and grounding. ASAE CEO, Michelle Mason, reminded me that association leaders aren’t just running organisations: "we are visionaries shaping the future of our communities".<h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">On Leadership: Lessons from the Stage </h3>Hearing Gary Shapiro and Magic Johnson was a masterclass in leadership.Gary Shapiro challenged us to think 10 years ahead, not just about next quarter. His mantra — “Pivot or Die” — cut to the heart of what Boards (and CEOs!) must embrace: decisive change when the environment demands it. He also reminded us that advocacy isn’t about pushing an agenda, but about empathy — seeing the world through the eyes of policymakers and members.<figure id="figure-z1uodl5lmmef0fjg3"><img id="z1uodl5lmmef0fjg3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31zGI9mxKWu61XG4kxOz3W3GkPggYnfyCaO69diWjqjsvQ6uuvJjm0eYizE6bcZE.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Gary Shapiro, Pivot or Die" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31zGI9mxKWu61XG4kxOz3W3GkPggYnfyCaO69diWjqjsvQ6uuvJjm0eYizE6bcZE.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Gary Shapiro, Pivot or Die</figcaption></figure>Magic Johnson brought energy and authenticity. His message: leaders find a way to win. No excuses, no shortcuts — just clarity of strategy, belief in your team, and a relentless focus on excellence. What struck me most was his balance: a demanding CEO and an understanding CEO. He pushes hard but stays flexible, always focused on the outcome, not the ego.<figure id="figure-p7z84s31ommef0gzp2"><img id="p7z84s31ommef0gzp2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1e0mA436jLnBnmJfA55ab0F3esajogLISVKm7Z3JitHrX1mGLtTPQogAJoQJ2oAZ.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Magic Johnson - Competitors make your stronger" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1e0mA436jLnBnmJfA55ab0F3esajogLISVKm7Z3JitHrX1mGLtTPQogAJoQJ2oAZ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Magic Johnson - Competitors make your stronger</figcaption></figure>These insights hit home for me — leadership is about setting bold standards while making space for empathy and adaptability.<h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">On Associations: Our Unique Role </h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">One phrase stayed with me: “When associations lead, the world follows.”This resonated deeply. Associations aren’t passive observers of change — we are often the ones building frameworks, shaping industries, and convening communities with purpose. Whether in surveying or any other sector, our impact is amplified when we lead with vision and courage.<figure id="figure-cdnlkup3dtmef05vvo"><img id="cdnlkup3dtmef05vvo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19Uw9LtkYCuRedn1qMBctPoEUxzIwmtuSq1ANVqDLUp8R1HuLK8E2IXZh0kJFnZr.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Aussie CEOs at ASAE 2025" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19Uw9LtkYCuRedn1qMBctPoEUxzIwmtuSq1ANVqDLUp8R1HuLK8E2IXZh0kJFnZr.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Aussie CEOs at ASAE 2025</figcaption></figure><h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">On Wellbeing and the Future of Work </h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">It was refreshing to hear Susan Cain (hosted by Aussie Holly Ransom) remind us that productivity isn’t just about managing time — it’s about managing energy. Charisma may be overrated, but listening? Listening is the superpower.Equally thought-provoking were the sessions on universal basic income and the four-day work week. These ideas challenge the way we think about work, wellbeing, and creativity. The future of associations will be built not just on trust, but on how we respond to these evolving expectations of the workforce.<figure id="figure-616h8ayclnmef07xan"><img id="616h8ayclnmef07xan" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38lNoNQ2mMo9BQlNVWKbciRVnqwDpZMZQs3bA0FFYNMN53bTLiqEoZmL74ccfatN.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Andrew Yang on the 4 day work wee" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38lNoNQ2mMo9BQlNVWKbciRVnqwDpZMZQs3bA0FFYNMN53bTLiqEoZmL74ccfatN.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Andrew Yang on the 4 day work week</figcaption></figure><h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Why This Matters for Me (and for Us) </h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Attending ASAE isn’t just about ticking the box on my CAE requirements. It’s about investing in my growth as a leader, so that I can bring fresh energy, insights, and foresight back to our sector.Every keynote, panel, and conversation pushed me to think differently. To imagine the possibilities. To balance high standards with empathy. And to keep asking the hard question: what must we change now to win in the future?<figure id="figure-mpnklmnfipmef0a87m"><img id="mpnklmnfipmef0a87m" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/304gPkbYYBONNs7YuIp4dR3nlEnVEZecBRjXw7IvQM1CThv36R4d4FZvQfV2ZBe5.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/304gPkbYYBONNs7YuIp4dR3nlEnVEZecBRjXw7IvQM1CThv36R4d4FZvQfV2ZBe5.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Final Reflection </h3>As leaders, we often focus on developing others — our teams, our members, our industries. But we must also invest in developing ourselves. For me, ASAE is that space. It is where I step back, listen, learn, and reconnect with why I lead.And after this year in Los Angeles, I return energised, reminded that leadership is about courage, empathy, and vision. <blockquote>Or as Magic Johnson would say — finding a way to win.</blockquote>

Lights, Cameras, Action… My Reflections from ASAE 2025

<blockquote>You don’t always need to rush to the next thing. Sometimes, the most powerful leadership move is to be fully present.</blockquote> On Day 3 of my Bold Horizons cruise, I found myself walking across the top deck of the ship — not to go anywhere, but just to breathe. Surrounded by ocean, with nothing demanding my attention, I remembered how much clarity comes when we stop and soak it all in.That’s easy to do when you’re on holidays.But what about when you're not?This week alone I was in Perth, Brisbane, the Hunter Valley, and finally — finally — back in my home office in Sydney on Friday. The meetings, the airports, the hotel rooms, the speaking engagements… they don’t exactly offer you a hammock and a sea breeze.And yet, I still found a few quiet moments — moments to reconnect, reset, and simply be.Here’s what helped. These are my 3 practical ways to “stop and soak it in” — even when life is moving fast.<h3>&nbsp;1. Own the Micro-Moments</h3>You don’t need a two-week sabbatical to take a breath — sometimes, you just need two minutes of intentional pause.<ul><li>In the back of the Uber to the airport, I closed my laptop and just looked out the window.</li><li>I took five quiet breaths before walking into a boardroom.</li><li>On the plane, I paused before diving into emails and just reflected on the impact of the week so far.</li></ul>💡 Leadership presence isn’t about time — it’s about attention.<h3>&nbsp;2. Anchor Yourself with a Reset Ritual</h3>Find one small thing you can do daily to bring yourself back to centre.For me, it’s making a cup of tea in silence — no phone, no music, just the rhythm of the moment. It’s small, but it’s mine. And it gives me something constant in the middle of chaos.Maybe for you, it’s a sunrise walk. A 3-minute journaling practice. A quick stretch between meetings. Choose something simple, repeatable, and grounding.💡 The best leaders don’t wait for calm — they create it.<h3>&nbsp;3. Zoom Out on Purpose</h3>When we’re in the thick of it, everything can feel urgent. But the truth is, most of it isn’t. Stepping back — even mentally — helps us lead better.This week, I made a habit of asking myself:<blockquote>What really matters in this moment?</blockquote>That single question reframed my entire Friday. I stopped chasing the inbox and spent time checking in with a team member instead. It didn’t slow me down — it made me more effective.💡 When you zoom out, you lead with clarity, not just speed.<h2>Your Bold Horizon</h2>You don’t have to be at sea to find space. You don’t have to be on holidays to take a breath. And you don’t have to pause your leadership to be present in it.Wherever you are this week — whether in transit, at the desk, or deep in the juggle — give yourself permission to stop and soak it in.Because that’s where bold leadership begins.— Michelle Founder, Unique Leaders NetworkHere's what I recorded on Day 3 of my cruise back in April 2025!<figure id="figure-bmvj2gmk2mdtmceyj"><iframe id="bmvj2gmk2mdtmceyj" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1106645070" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://vimeo.com/1106645070" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1106645070" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

Bold Horizons: Stop and Soak It In (Even When Life Feels Non-Stop)

Last week at the Surveyors Australia National Congress in Darwin, we didn’t just talk surveying—we talked leadership.In a world that feels faster, louder, and more complex than ever, we paused to ask a deeper question:<h3>What does it really mean to lead in 2025?</h3>This wasn’t about job titles or technical skill. It was about courage. Clarity. And the character required to lead when things are hard, not easy.Andrew Griffiths was one of the keynote presenters and he reminded me that true leadership is grounded in three things: 🔭 Vision 🧠 Wisdom 🛡️ CourageAnd Andrew Geddes highlighted in today’s landscape, there’s one more essential ingredient - Adaptability.<figure id="figure-r6l5fgc4llmdhcwctu" class="selected"><img id="r6l5fgc4llmdhcwctu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cnhkcjj2FkbIaLc04yEYT0VqJX2jNImjZkOJOwVg9DXEwAoMVbmZk7X70cKj5Kr.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cnhkcjj2FkbIaLc04yEYT0VqJX2jNImjZkOJOwVg9DXEwAoMVbmZk7X70cKj5Kr.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>&nbsp;🔭 Vision: Future-proofing your leadership We heard about a business that created a 100-year plan. Not because they could predict the future, but because they were committed to preparing for it.That kind of bold vision becomes a magnet for talent, a filter for decisions, and a strategy for long-term success.In a fast-changing world, vision isn’t optional. It’s the anchor that holds us steady and the map that keeps us moving forward.&nbsp; 🧠 Wisdom: Ask better questions One phrase stood out:&nbsp;“But what if we can?”It’s the kind of question that cracks open possibility. That shifts the focus from limitation to opportunity.Wisdom isn’t about having the right answers—it’s about having the courage to ask better questions. The kind that unlock new thinking, fresh energy, and real momentum.&nbsp; 🛡️ Courage: Leading when it’s hard Your team doesn’t just watch what you do—they watch how you handle the hard.Leadership means standing firm in tough conversations, making bold decisions, and speaking truth when it would be easier to stay quiet.Courage doesn’t mean being fearless. It means showing up, even when the stakes are high.&nbsp; 🔄 Adaptability &amp; Self-Awareness: The modern edge One of the most powerful sessions came from Andrew Geddes, who reminded us that leadership today isn’t just about IQ or EQ—it’s also about AQ: your Adaptability Quotient.We were invited to reflect honestly on how fit our businesses are for the 2026 financial year—across sales, culture, talent, processes, governance and resilience.But more importantly, we looked inward.Andrew Geddes focus on self-awareness hit home for me. I know I’m not perfect—I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) where I still need to grow. And I’ve seen how much damage can be done when leaders lack self-awareness.Because leadership isn’t just about leading others. It starts with knowing and leading yourself.<figure id="figure-zl8nu9fffxmdhczkym"><img id="zl8nu9fffxmdhczkym" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2213310229/photo/flipping-of-2025-to-2026-on-wooden-block-cube-for-preparation-new-year-change-and-start-new.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=e61BMSB-esAfB53Bm58Xyr3HS4p7yhffxIQhLsUcmOk=" alt="Flipping of 2025 to 2026 on wooden block cube for preparation new year change and start new business target strategy concept." title="Flipping of 2025 to 2026 on wooden block cube for preparation new year change and start new business target strategy concept." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2213310229/photo/flipping-of-2025-to-2026-on-wooden-block-cube-for-preparation-new-year-change-and-start-new.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=e61BMSB-esAfB53Bm58Xyr3HS4p7yhffxIQhLsUcmOk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3> ⚡ So what now? </h3><h3>Here are 3 bold actions I’m taking forward:</h3><ol><li>Reconnect with your vision. Is it clear? Is it future-focused? Does it pull people in and push the business forward?</li><li>Start asking better questions. Especially the ones that challenge your assumptions. Especially: “But what if we can?”</li><li>Commit to growing your adaptability. Reflect on your leadership, your team, and your business. Are you truly ready for what’s next? &nbsp; Want help gaining clarity and momentum? Start with my free guide: 📘 <a data-mce-href="https://uniqueleaders.com.au/resources" href="https://uniqueleaders.com.au/resources">From Stuck to Strong</a>: 5 Steps to Progress Your Career with Purpose A practical, empowering resource for leaders navigating change, growth, and the next bold chapter.</li></ol>Because leadership into the 2025/26 financial year is about more than staying afloat—it’s about stepping forward with purpose.Let’s be the leaders who grow, who stretch, and who keep asking: <h3>What if we can?</h3><figure id="figure-ptig4yge74mdhd41j2"><img id="ptig4yge74mdhd41j2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1447903850/photo/public-binoculars-and-mountain-silhouettes-at-sunrise-concept-for-foresight-and-vision-for.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fnuoMTYOXp1CoS1QlluFu5ya1Np0U0sD10YjLtlF9Sk=" alt="Public binoculars and Mountain Silhouettes at Sunrise. Concept for foresight and vision for new business solutions and creative ideas. Alps, Allgau, Bavaria, Germany." title="Public binoculars and Mountain Silhouettes at Sunrise. Concept for foresight and vision for new business solutions and creative ideas. Alps, Allgau, Bavaria, Germany." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1447903850/photo/public-binoculars-and-mountain-silhouettes-at-sunrise-concept-for-foresight-and-vision-for.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fnuoMTYOXp1CoS1QlluFu5ya1Np0U0sD10YjLtlF9Sk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

Unique Leaders

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What It Means to Be a UNIQUE Leader – Part 1: The Bold Lens

That Voice in Your Head is Lying: Why Imposter Syndrome H...

Beyond the Roundtable: Why Australia's Future Needs All o...

Lights, Cameras, Action… My Reflections from ASAE 2025

Bold Horizons: Stop and Soak It In (Even When Life Feels ...

What If We Can?