Handle Criticism Better

Handle Criticism Better

“It is important to learn how to take criticism seriously but not personally.” ― Hillary Clinton It’s great advice. Yet if you’ve ever been criticized (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?), you’ll know that being told “not to take it personally” often does little to soften...
Conquer Impostor Syndrome

Conquer Impostor Syndrome

Leanne was recently promoted to head fashion buyer for an international clothing chain. When I rang to wish her congratulations, the first words out of her mouth were, “I’m just waiting for them to realize they made a mistake; that I don’t know near as much as they...
Embrace the Discomfort of Change

Embrace the Discomfort of Change

This morning I woke up (on a mattress on the floor) surrounded by boxes. Lots of boxes. Between now and unpacking them in Singapore in August, I’ll be living from a suitcase at “no fixed address”. As you might imagine, moving home and hemisphere comes with mixed...
Let No One Play You Small

Let No One Play You Small

While I wish it were different, there will always be people who seek to lift themselves up by pulling others down. They aren’t necessarily bad people – more often they are operating out of a deep-seated fear of their own inadequacy. Making others feel inferior,...
Parent From Faith, Not Fear

Parent From Faith, Not Fear

Last weekend I was back in Washington D.C. celebrating my son Lachlan’s high school graduation. I vividly remember the day I gave him a hug at Melbourne airport as he boarded his flight to travel across the world to pursue his passion for basketball and forge his own...
Your Words Shape Your Reality

Your Words Shape Your Reality

“I can’t break up with him. I just can’t,” Sue told me, “It will just kill him.” “Sue I’m not a doctor but I’m pretty sure breaking off your engagement won’t kill him. It may be very upsetting for a while, but his heart will continue to beat and so will yours,” I...
Lean Into The Curves

Lean Into The Curves

What does it take to make God laugh? Tell him your plans. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying. Well let’s just say that God has been having a good old chuckle at me over the last week because guess what? I’m moving to Singapore. And guess what else? This was not in my...
Failure Isn’t Final

Failure Isn’t Final

When I sat down to interview Bill Marriott at Marriott’s international headquarters, I hadn’t reckoned on him turning the tables to interview me at the end. As you will see from our exchange, one of the things I shared with him is my belief that failure is never final...
Don’t Sweat Small Decisions

Don’t Sweat Small Decisions

Is sweating unimportant decisions keeping you from making smarter ones? I’ve just returned to Australia after a very rewarding but not very restful 6 days in the US. As a ‘frequent flyer’ I’ve learnt the importance of giving myself permission to make...
Dial Up Your Courage

Dial Up Your Courage

I’ve been writing in a journal off and on since I was eleven. While my entries have evolved since my ‘tween’ years, a common thread has woven through many of them: COURAGE. Or more precisely, the need to dial it up! Of course, courage comes in many...