The truth doesn’t always win. But repetition does. In leadership, life and society, what we repeat becomes what we believe. Psychologists refer to this as the illusory truth effect and it plays out in politics and in personal growth.

Leaders are human first. Leaders cannot afford to be prisoners of their past — or captives of someone else’s story. If we live trapped in either perpetual guilt or perpetual victimhood, we are not free. And we lead from fear, not clarity.

So here we are, in Men’s Health Week.

We’re told to look after our bodies — and rightly so.
But what about our hearts?
Not just the muscle that pumps blood — but the quiet, invisible core that keeps us grounded, feeling, leading like humans, not machines.

Maybe this is the health check we’re missing most.

"I see you" are three of the most powerful words one can say to express acknowledgement and appreciation #sawubona

If you can't fix the world, fix yourself

“You get us.”

That was the feedback that hit me hardest this week — in the best possible way.

Poor leadership gets praised, truth-tellers get punished and equity is often just lip service. It’s tempting to stay silent — but silence protects the system, not the people.

Our family car has a big, ugly dent along the driver’s door. But here’s the thing — it still works perfectly.
It got me thinking about how often we pour energy into fixing what’s visible, not what’s actually broken — in life and in leadership.
This post explores why we need to focus less on optics and more on what really drives progress.

I usually run to clear my head, no headphones, no distractions — just me and my thoughts. But this weekend, a request from my 9-year-old daughter changed my plans… and gave me a lesson I didn’t know I needed.

Last week, I had the privilege of being part of a volunteer team that delivered a hugely successful community event. Over the course of the day, we hosted around 4,000 people — families, friends, neighbours, colleagues and strangers — all coming together in celebration, connection and joy.

Seeking feedback provides a fast-track for improvement and progress 

When you listen well, you hear what's said and what's not

A pause can sometimes say a lot more than words

Hunt out the goodness - a leadership challenge. Not just wait for it to appear, but actively look for it, create it, and amplify it.

Think about it: Have you ever picked up a habit, a mindset, or even a catchphrase from someone who didn’t even know they were influencing you? Maybe it was a leader at work, a teacher, a coach, or even a stranger whose words stuck with you. As parents, how many times do we hear our parents' words coming out of our mouths?

In sharing my journey with others, I’ve noticed that many think “leadership coaching” is only for traditional leaders or those in formal roles of authority. But leadership isn’t a title—it’s a mindset, a confidence to bring your true self forward, and to act with purpose, vision, and courage.

Two months ago, to the day, I stood facing a fork in the metaphorical road. One path was familiar: I’d walked versions of it for over 20 years, achieving reasonable success, growing a suite of skills, and, most importantly, building and nurturing lasting relationships. The other path was less familiar