Field notes on leading under pressure.
Practical perspectives on strategic clarity, relentless execution, and high-stakes leadership.
Leading Under Pressure
Why the calls that hold up come from the environment a leader builds.
Read essay- Leadership·10 May 2026·7 min read
Two Lessons I Learnt from Quitting My First 100km Ultra Marathon
Sometimes the lessons that shape us most come from the moments we fall short. During my first attempt at a 100km ultra marathon, I learnt two powerful lessons that still influence how I lead and live today: have the courage to start, and never underestimate the power of mindset.
- Mentoring·17 Apr 2026·10 mins
Learning from the Right People and the Wrong Ones
Most leaders look for mentors to learn what to do. Fewer pay attention to the people who teach them what not to do and why that matters just as much.
- Leadership·15 Mar 2026·6 min read
The Leadership Altitude Shift - step out of the dance floor
As a leader, one of the hardest things to do is to be sefl decipline to pause and reflect to understand if you are seeing the total picuture. I have used the metaphore of the dance floor, balcony and the helicopter with the leaders I am coaching and it resonates well. The leaders need to understand the ground realities on the dance floor, however, they can only see the issues of the dance floor if they elevate one level and look at it from the balcony but they will not see the fire outside the building until they elevate yet another level and get on to a helicopter. The problem is, it's harder for most leaders to pause and reflect as the dance floor keeps them busy almost round the clock. So, what are you doing today to step out of the dance floor to pause and reflect ?
- Leadership·8 Aug 2025·2 min read
The Seven Dimensions of Leadership
Leadership is not defined by a title, but by the alignment of values, character, skills, actions, and context that shape how a leader inspires others and delivers results. When these dimensions work together, leadership becomes a force that drives performance, innovation, and lasting cultural impact.
- Leadership·14 Feb 2025·6 min read
The Human Edge: Why AI Makes Emotional Intelligence More Important
As artificial intelligence reshapes every industry, the leaders who thrive won't be those who master the technology — they'll be the ones who master themselves.
- Teams·27 Jan 2025·5 min read
Five Signs Your Leadership Team Needs a Reset
High-performing leadership teams don't just happen. They're built through intentional work — and they need regular recalibration to stay effective.
- Development·9 Jan 2025·7 min read
From Manager to Leader: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
The transition from managing work to leading people is the most significant — and most misunderstood — career transition most professionals will face.
- Leadership·26 Oct 2023·5 min read
Leadership Lessons from Outer Space
Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut who piloted the Space Shuttle and commanded the International Space Station, shares insights from seven months in space working with international crews and conducting spacewalks and experiments. In this interview, he reflects on teamwork, crisis management, leadership lessons, and his latest projects—including his book How to Astronaut and the film One More Orbit.
- ·21 May 2022
Six Lessons from 26 Years at Microsoft
As I wrapped up 26 incredible years at Microsoft, I reflected on the diverse team that joined me in Sydney and the lessons that shaped my journey. I shared six principles that guided me along the way—building excellence as a habit, continuously learning, taking action, putting people first, staying true to my values, and practicing gratitude.
- Leadership·23 May 2020·5 min read
Leadership Lessons Learnt in Isolation
This interview with Dianne McGrath and Sabina Nawaz explores leadership lessons from isolation, drawing on experiences from space mission training, executive coaching, and global leadership. The conversation covers resilience, empathy, mindset, generosity, and practical habits leaders can use to support themselves and others during challenging times.
- ·2 Nov 2019
What do you do when all odds are against you?
Despite discovering a torn calf muscle a week before the 2019 New York Marathon, I chose to start—and ultimately finish—the race by focusing on mindset, purpose, and the support of those around me. The experience reminded me that when you believe in yourself and run for a cause greater than yourself, the mind can carry you further than the body thinks possible.
