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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>

What If We Can?

This week, I’ve had the rare gift of time in the office and the home office—no travel, no events, just space to focus on the business instead of just being swept up in it.It’s been a week of catch-ups, planning, reflection… and reconnection.I’ve been meeting with the team, diving into what’s ahead, and asking the bigger questions: <ul><li>Where are we going?</li><li>What needs to shift to get there?</li><li>Who do we need to become to lead the way?</li></ul><figure id="figure-o4rl0oltrvmcx4fdf1"><img id="o4rl0oltrvmcx4fdf1" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/508858263/photo/leadership-concepts-businessman-drawing-leadership-diagram-on-virtual-screen.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=mNrNgDE7GWkoXjnOEhaWaxJIar41uEs7sAoP6UUTSG4=" alt="Leadership concepts, businessman drawing leadership diagram on virtual screen" title="Leadership concepts, businessman drawing leadership diagram on virtual screen" 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/508858263/photo/leadership-concepts-businessman-drawing-leadership-diagram-on-virtual-screen.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=mNrNgDE7GWkoXjnOEhaWaxJIar41uEs7sAoP6UUTSG4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>But what’s really struck me are the conversations I’ve had around leadership and mentoring.I've met with some inspiring individuals this week—people who are building, growing, and leading in their own spheres. Many of them echoed something I hear often:<h3>"I just want to connect with others who get it. Who understand what it's like to lead, to carry the weight of decisions, to hold the vision." </h3>And honestly? I get it too.Leadership can be lonely. Even when you're surrounded by people, the responsibility and drive to do things differently can feel isolating. That’s why I’m more passionate than ever about creating spaces for Unique Leaders to connect—places where mentoring happens naturally, conversations go deep, and leadership feels less like a solo journey and more like a shared adventure.<figure id="figure-1ekou9v207rmcx4i5v9"><img id="1ekou9v207rmcx4i5v9" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2174921659/photo/women-colleagues-discuss-joint-task-seated-at-desk-with-laptop.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=yD7jOQQUpVmHSMM2_WD57r46DYDPF5MgbIjxqt2ok_0=" alt="Women colleagues discuss joint task seated at desk with laptop" title="Women colleagues discuss joint task seated at desk with laptop" 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/2174921659/photo/women-colleagues-discuss-joint-task-seated-at-desk-with-laptop.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=yD7jOQQUpVmHSMM2_WD57r46DYDPF5MgbIjxqt2ok_0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>As I prepare for the next six months, this is where I want to spend more energy: 🔹 Supporting leaders who want to grow 🔹 Creating opportunities for connection and courage 🔹 Building a network that inspires bold action and lasting impactIf you’ve been craving more than surface-level networking—if you’re hungry for growth, encouragement, and real leadership conversations—maybe this is your time too.Let’s make space to not only lead well, but to lead together.<h3>Ready to connect with others who ‘get it’?</h3>If you’re a leader navigating change, craving connection, or just looking for your next bold move—start with my free resource:📘 From Stuck to Strong: 5 Steps to Progress Your Career with Purpose This practical, inspiring guide will help you shift gears, gain clarity, and take confident steps forward—wherever you are on your leadership journey.👉 Download it now under Resources&nbsp; <a title="From Stuck to Strong" href="https://uniqueleaders.com.au/resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://uniqueleaders.com.au/resources">Or read it on my website</a>And if it speaks to you? Reach out. I’d love to hear your story.<figure id="figure-oeq4e381vkmcx4pev5"><img id="oeq4e381vkmcx4pev5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3axBbFvEpjVw29dzHpjScHAzdNgfZQ4TlGSxLGOeNb6ZjNCb5nmdn5pWTBgWhXd5.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

Leading with Purpose: Creating Space to Reflect, Connect and Grow

On an overcast day in Raiatea, French Polynesia, I stepped off the ship expecting a picturesque pearl farm and a bit of local charm. What I didn’t expect was to walk away with one of the most profound leadership lessons I’ve ever encountered—delivered not through a keynote or a textbook, but through the quiet, hidden journey of a single black pearl.<figure id="figure-1hj5t58efsmcgt2hn0"><img id="1hj5t58efsmcgt2hn0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2ffsm0Oe4SypviCCxczsgJPjka3Qc2F1jePyO78xRGk4X8lzflYN8v7hQZCtOk8p.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="Anapa Pearl Farm, French Polynesia" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="40%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2ffsm0Oe4SypviCCxczsgJPjka3Qc2F1jePyO78xRGk4X8lzflYN8v7hQZCtOk8p.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 40%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Anapa Pearl Farm, French Polynesia</figcaption></figure> At first glance, it was a simple process: a technician carefully placing a tiny object inside an oyster. But that “tiny object” isn’t even from the islands—it’s a small, round nucleus made from a mussel shell harvested in the Mississippi River. That alone surprised me: a pearl born in the South Pacific begins its life thousands of kilometres away in the rivers of America.<figure id="figure-k4qgakpy24mcgt0b04"><img id="k4qgakpy24mcgt0b04" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10pLmhlmAq7x0OnNueCwsEL5i5ze86B50XzjfKXElRKyRbiFbtLnm9VentzjOa8H.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="medium" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="Pearl creator " data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10pLmhlmAq7x0OnNueCwsEL5i5ze86B50XzjfKXElRKyRbiFbtLnm9VentzjOa8H.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Pearl creator</figcaption></figure> But what moved me most wasn’t the origin. It was the process. The pearl is formed over years—sometimes up to ten—hidden inside the oyster. Layer after layer, it’s built as the oyster responds to that initial irritation. The sea tosses the shell back and forth. The oyster is never still. And yet, through pressure, protection, and time, something extraordinary is created.<h3>That’s leadership.</h3> It doesn’t happen overnight. It begins with something uncomfortable—a challenge, a moment of friction, a sense of being out of your depth. And instead of avoiding it, you grow around it. You layer over it. You strengthen from the inside out. Leadership is not about being polished on day one. It’s about what happens when no one’s watching. It’s what’s formed when you’re being tossed around, when you feel hidden or overlooked, when the waters are rough. That’s where the transformation begins. And like that little stone from the Mississippi River, your origins don’t define your destination. You can come from anywhere. It’s what you become through the journey that matters. I left that pearl farm with more than a souvenir—I left with perspective. Leadership takes time. It’s slow. It’s subtle. And sometimes, it’s shaped in silence. But when the shell finally opens, what’s revealed is resilience, beauty, and strength.<h3>So if you’re feeling the waves right now, hold steady.</h3> You’re not broken.You’re becoming. ******** 🎥 Here’s a short video I took at the pearl farm in Raiatea. Watch closely—you’ll see the delicate grafting process and the incredible care taken to begin the journey. It’s a powerful reminder that grace is formed from grit.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-3wo3xkke6smcgu43in"><iframe id="3wo3xkke6smcgu43in" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1097219336" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://vimeo.com/1097219336" data-corners="default" data-fullWidth="false"></iframe></figure> — Are you a leader in the making—or one in the middle of the journey? I’d love to hear your story. Comment below or connect with us at Unique Leaders Network. #UniqueLeaders #LeadershipJourney #BlackPearlWisdom #FromGritToGrace #BoldHorizons

From Grit to Grace: What a Black Pearl Taught Me About Leadership

What does it take to lead a team of over 1,000 people, representing 64 nationalities, through open seas and unpredictable conditions?I recently had the privilege of hearing Captain Costas of the Celebrity Edge share his experience commanding one of the world’s most innovative cruise ships. But this isn’t a story about ships—it’s a story about leadership. Because whether you're at the helm of a business, a team, or your own life, the challenges are strikingly similar.Here are five leadership insights drawn from his approach that you can apply today—no lifejacket required:<ol><li>Anchor your leadership in values and systems</li><li>Build resilient, trusted teams through clarity and structure</li><li>Embrace diversity as a leadership strength</li><li>Plan every voyage with precision—but stay flexible</li><li>Show up, stand beside your crew, and lead by example</li><li>Let’s explore what it really means to captain your own ship.</li></ol><figure id="figure-4plz2z91yombxg03nm" class=""><img id="4plz2z91yombxg03nm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2f6nW4EIqqtqAUvZpiRU9AgsYWnk9uPEdl2JYwEhnUPhNAR1Eu3DUGUn6hNoeO3X.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/2f6nW4EIqqtqAUvZpiRU9AgsYWnk9uPEdl2JYwEhnUPhNAR1Eu3DUGUn6hNoeO3X.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>⚓ Strong Anchors Hold in Any Storm</h3>A cruise ship the size of the Celebrity Edge depends on massive anchors—15 tonnes each—held by 385 metres of chain. But it’s not the size alone that matters. It's how they’re deployed: deliberately, dependably, and without hesitation when storms arise.<p style="border-color: #e5e7eb; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-transform: translateX(0) translateY(0) rotate(0) skewX(0) skewY(0) scaleX(1) scaleY(1); --tw-border-opacity: 1; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; font-weight: 400; font-family: 'Hanken Grotesk', sans-serif;" data-mce-style="border-color: #e5e7eb; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-transform: translateX(0) translateY(0) rotate(0) skewX(0) skewY(0) scaleX(1) scaleY(1); --tw-border-opacity: 1; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; font-weight: 400; font-family: 'Hanken Grotesk', sans-serif;"><img id="hjwm9zb15mbxg4snv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19X1ocklYgJEXsQgb88DAwJ1caoBAa8D8xOxxS0CfNiX6GI69cxX9za9DUQqr6h1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" 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/19X1ocklYgJEXsQgb88DAwJ1caoBAa8D8xOxxS0CfNiX6GI69cxX9za9DUQqr6h1.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" style="border-color: rgb(229, 231, 235); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-pan-x: ; --tw-pan-y: ; --tw-pinch-zoom: ; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-gradient-from-position: ; --tw-gradient-via-position: ; --tw-gradient-to-position: ; --tw-ordinal: ; --tw-slashed-zero: ; --tw-numeric-figure: ; --tw-numeric-spacing: ; --tw-numeric-fraction: ; --tw-ring-inset: ; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-blur: ; --tw-brightness: ; --tw-contrast: ; --tw-grayscale: ; --tw-hue-rotate: ; --tw-invert: ; --tw-saturate: ; --tw-sepia: ; --tw-drop-shadow: ; --tw-backdrop-blur: ; --tw-backdrop-brightness: ; --tw-backdrop-contrast: ; --tw-backdrop-grayscale: ; --tw-backdrop-hue-rotate: ; --tw-backdrop-invert: ; --tw-backdrop-opacity: ; --tw-backdrop-saturate: ; --tw-backdrop-sepia: ; --tw-transform: translateX(0) translateY(0) rotate(0) skewX(0) skewY(0) scaleX(1) scaleY(1); --tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-filter: ; --tw-backdrop-filter: ; --tw-bg-opacity: 1; background-color: rgb(243, 244, 246); width: 640px; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; object-position: center center;">🧭 Leadership Reflection:What anchors you? Whether it's your values, your vision, or the systems you rely on—leaders need grounding. In times of uncertainty, your team looks to the stability you bring.💬 Clarify your values: Take 10 minutes today to write down your top three leadership values. How clearly do they guide your decisions when pressure rises?<h3> 🧠 Leadership Requires Structure, Not Just Strength</h3>Captain Costas’ bridge team operates around the clock, with clearly defined shifts, duties, and redundancies. No one leads alone, and no one is left guessing. Everyone knows who is on watch, what’s expected, and how decisions are made.<figure id="figure-rydk3cxvhambxg7t4r"><img id="rydk3cxvhambxg7t4r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/c1GTlebZXCui1uAeccwD4Piup4PKW3VWDLTolwIycAA9h05cXQ7X7HEu6OnwoQ5n.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/c1GTlebZXCui1uAeccwD4Piup4PKW3VWDLTolwIycAA9h05cXQ7X7HEu6OnwoQ5n.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>🧭 Leadership Reflection: Trust doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built on clarity. Clear roles, communication, and consistency create teams that operate with confidence even when you’re not in the room.💬 Check for Clarity and Delegation: Look at your team structure. Are responsibilities clear, or are you over-functioning as the leader? Where can you delegate more boldly?Personal note, this is one of my personal challenge areas!&nbsp; Clarity can be tricky but&nbsp; your team needs it...&nbsp; A work in progress for me 😊<h3>&nbsp; 🌏 Diversity Isn’t a Challenge—It’s a Strength</h3>With 1,064 crew members representing 64 nationalities and 30% women, the Celebrity Edge thrives on diversity. It's not just about inclusion; it's about integration. Every voice, every perspective, contributes to smoother operations and richer onboard experiences.<figure id="figure-aoj5l3j547mbxgb9jm"><img id="aoj5l3j547mbxgb9jm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3bKWmbMpL8TQNXizZtEuJU0GSeCn3jxarYGKXKqvdA0LmXdeqyHCmB0umpItMUJ9.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/3bKWmbMpL8TQNXizZtEuJU0GSeCn3jxarYGKXKqvdA0LmXdeqyHCmB0umpItMUJ9.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>🧭 Leadership Reflection: Diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones—but only when leaders create space for contribution. It starts with hiring, but continues in how we listen, collaborate, and lead.💬 Amplify the missing voice: Whose voice is missing from your leadership table? What’s one way you can amplify a diverse perspective this week?<h3>&nbsp; 📍 Every Great Journey Starts with a Plan</h3> Voyage planning on a ship is non-negotiable. It’s required by law and critical to avoiding errors. The captain follows a four-phase process: Appraisal → Planning → Execution → Monitoring. No journey is left to chance.<figure id="figure-msa5ycwj9mbxgd7tp"><img id="msa5ycwj9mbxgd7tp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18Ijppi2RNzEawbbgQa4hkP1gv0hDc7MfapGFw5pvUYuMneCTti33FbGgyCwcq9J.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/18Ijppi2RNzEawbbgQa4hkP1gv0hDc7MfapGFw5pvUYuMneCTti33FbGgyCwcq9J.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>🧭 Leadership Reflection: We often skip straight to execution in our day-to-day rush. But without thoughtful planning and continuous adjustment, we leave too much to chance.💬 Revisit your planning process: Before your next big project, walk through all four phases. Who needs to be involved in the appraisal? How will you track and adapt the execution?&nbsp;📳 Need help with this one?&nbsp; Strategy and Planning shouldn't be a difficult or drawn out process - call me if need support for this one.<h3>&nbsp; 🧑‍✈️ Lead from the Front—and the Heart</h3>Perhaps the most powerful moment was seeing Captain Costas stand with his senior team. They were different in gender, age, background—and united by respect and shared purpose. His leadership wasn’t just technical—it was personal, visible, and human.<figure id="figure-n0t452964mbxghapk"><img id="n0t452964mbxghapk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22t3TiosmThOy4pFTrGJ80HcdV1YDb7VL3fxoVCF9M2JdStWiIDYlE5HWIp4xpbW.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/22t3TiosmThOy4pFTrGJ80HcdV1YDb7VL3fxoVCF9M2JdStWiIDYlE5HWIp4xpbW.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>🧭 Leadership Reflection: People don’t follow titles. They follow authenticity, presence, and courage. Leadership isn’t about being the hero—it’s about building a crew that knows you're beside them, not above them.💬 Be More Present This Week: How visible are you to your team—not just in meetings, but emotionally? Consider one intentional act this week to lead with presence: a personal check-in, a handwritten note, or simply listening without multitasking.&nbsp;Again on a personal note this is sometimes a challenge for me.&nbsp; I'm of the generation that just expects stuff to get done.&nbsp; But I know my team appreciate my time so I am endeavouring to make a better effort!<h3> 🌟 Final Thought: You’re Already at the Helm</h3>Leadership isn’t about waiting for a title or a moment of crisis. You’re already the captain of something—a project, a community, your own career. What matters is how intentionally you steer.The sea will always bring waves. But with clarity, courage, and the right crew—you’ll be ready.My favourite photo from Captain Costas was when he compared the size of the Titanic to Celebrity Edge!&nbsp; How ships have grown and changed...&nbsp; Implement these concepts and imagine the opportunity you have to grow your organisation and ensure you don't go down in history like the Titanic!<figure id="figure-kixs47mscmbxgmju0"><img id="kixs47mscmbxgmju0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28H6B1QQisSr67XoHTjMyDZl218x2Wfb3Jt35TUyml3NZvRiQSjMEgfBhEFt0Gvr.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 60%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="60%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28H6B1QQisSr67XoHTjMyDZl218x2Wfb3Jt35TUyml3NZvRiQSjMEgfBhEFt0Gvr.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 60%;"></figure>

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Lights, Cameras, Action… My Reflections from ASAE 2025

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

What If We Can?

Leading with Purpose: Creating Space to Reflect, Connect ...

From Grit to Grace: What a Black Pearl Taught Me About Le...

You Are the Captain: Navigating Leadership with Purpose a...