Lessons in Leadership Development
When I first stepped into the world of coaching 15 years ago, it wasn’t part of a grand plan. My career began in investment banking, where I spent years navigating high-pressure environments, complex deals, and ambitious career goals. In my first year as a coach, I noticed a recurring theme among the women I worked […]
Unlocking the True Power of Sponsorship – A New Approach
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the impact of mentorship and sponsorship in accelerating career growth. Research has shown that having sponsors – senior leaders who actively advocate for your advancement – can be a powerful catalyst for professional success. As a result, many organisations have introduced formal programmes to connect […]
The Hidden Cost of Neglecting Mid-Level Employee Development
According to Glassdoor’s Employee Confidence Index, only 45.1% of U.S. employees have a positive outlook on their employer’s future as of January 2025. This downward trend highlights a growing disconnection between employees and their organisations. Notably, mid-level employees – who are often the backbone of an organisation – have experienced the largest drop in confidence. […]
Why Leadership Advice for Women Needs a Rethink
Having worked in the field of female leadership for 15 years, I’ve heard some of the worst advice given to aspiring women leaders. Don’t get me wrong – this advice is well-intentioned, but it completely misses the mark. It fails to acknowledge the fundamental differences in the pathways to leadership for men and women and […]
The Five Barriers Threatening the Future of Female Leadership
As we enter 2025, companies have an incredible opportunity to create meaningful changes for women in the workplace. While some progress has been made, there are still significant gaps that need addressing. Here are the five barriers threatening the future of female leadership which companies should focus on to better support women and create sustainable […]
What 68% of Women Want for Christmas
Around 30 years ago, I watched a sketch on The Fast Show that stuck with me. It featured a workplace meeting where a woman shares an idea, only for her colleagues to ignore her. Moments later, a man repeats the same suggestion, and the room erupts with praise. It was a comedic yet sharp critique […]
Why Doing Nothing is the Riskiest Career Option
There are moments in life when we feel scared, nervous, or uncertain, yet somehow, we muster the courage to speak up, rise up, or take action. But why is it that in some situations, we find the strength to act, while in others, we remain silent, passive, or frozen? Courage is a puzzling skill. It […]
6 Powerful Ways to Evaluate and Enhance Your Workplace Profile
In today’s competitive professional landscape, one crucial aspect of career success often gets neglected: building a strong profile. But achieving this is more complex than it may initially seem. It’s not just about doing great work; it’s about making sure the right people know about it. So, what does it really mean to have a […]
Breaking the Status Quo: The Future of Leadership Depends on It
When it comes to leadership, there is still a prevailing belief that the specific attributes needed by women and men to be promoted to leadership roles differ. Despite years of research on these varying expectations, it’s hard to ignore how these lists continue to underscore that gender stereotypes are still very much in play. The […]
The Art of Saying No: Empower Your Career
We’ve all been there. A colleague asks for a last-minute favour, your manager has another ‘urgent’ task that needs your immediate attention, a co-worker brings you into help when they have overextended themselves. The urge to say yes can be overwhelming. But what if saying no is actually the key to unlocking your career potential […]