Many years prior to Linkedin or the advent of online recruitment sites, I saw an ad in the job classifieds: State Sales Manager for Australia’s fastest growing Advertising Company. My fingers couldn’t get to the typewriter fast enough as positions like this were a rare find. Several weeks earlier, I had been laid off from a job that I loved, having worked in the media sector for more than ten years. The recession had taken a toll on the industry, and I was working at a part-time “in-between” job when the call came through. I could hardly contain my excitement as told my parents and friends the good news. I secured an interview for the following day. The idea of being a manager was so appealing to me!
As I walked down Pitt Street in Sydney for the interview, I already visualized my beautiful large office, brand-new company car, and high-paying salary. I arrived outside the building and checked the address. I looked back up at the building and back down at the address; I was hoping there was a mistake. The four-story building that stood before me was grey and drab; frosted, barred windows, some cracked, had thick, abandoned cobwebs draped around the edges. This building looked as though it was about to be condemned. [Read more…] about Leadership and Influence: Why it Matters More than Ever
Six days before the world shockingly and unexpectedly shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was enjoying a lovely breakfast with a young woman named Chelsea. We had met the day prior at a conference where I had been engaged to speak to a group of leaders in the financial sector. As soon as I walked off the stage, Chelsea and I struck up a fascinating conversation about real-time leadership. It was clear that we could have talked all afternoon, but because Chelsea had to return to work, she suggested that we continue our chat the following morning over a meal before I left for the airport. 
As leaders, you no doubt understand the degree to which you profoundly influence every aspect of your organization. Finding the secret sauce to successfully lead a mix of personalities need not be elusive. And keeping current is possible when you decide to carve out time to yourself. The possibilities turn into probabilities the more you are able to access your self-awareness and capacity to remain a lifelong learner. In order to achieve immediate organizational objectives while preparing for the future, honing your leadership skills remains a priority. As Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo wisely said: Just because you are CEO, don’t think you have landed. Focusing on the following competencies can help you succeed right now: 
