How is FUTURE YOU doing?

When people enquire about career coaching, I cordially ask: “How are you doing right now?” Almost every time, they’ll say something like: “Honestly, things are OK right now. I’m doing alright.” It’s a genuine answer.  Things aren’t terrible.  They’re managing. Even thriving.  So there’s no urgency to make a change. But then I ask a […]

You should be paid for doing nothing

You should be paid for doing nothing. There, I said it.  For most of modern history, work was transactional. You worked a certain number of hours. You produced a certain number of goods. You got paid accordingly. This made sense on the factory floor, where output scaled directly with effort.  Time in = Product out […]

The real cause of burnout

I work 9 to 5. I have balance. So why do I still feel burnt out? Because burnout isn’t about workload. It’s about having agency over what you’re doing.  I hear this all the time from professionals who aren’t overwhelmed by hours, but by a lack of control.  They’ve got all the hallmarks of a […]

Happy EOFY!

This can’t just be me, but who else loves the EOFY? It’s like Professional New Years Eve.  Instead of resolutions, I set new operating targets. Instead of champagne, I pop final figures into spreadsheets. Instead of fireworks, I celebrate with completed financials.  I dunno, maybe it’s just the accountant in me.  But honestly I love […]

Your valuable time

We value our time so highly. But what are you really doing with it? Are you using it in ways you really value? Or are you spending it in ways you’d rather not admit? How you use your time is up to you. Just appreciate that how you use your time is the clearest sign […]

You’ve got the right stuff

When I ask professionals how their job search is going, many say: “I’m focused on doing this course to upskill” This seems to be a go-to answer, as if adding something new is the only way forward.  But here’s my take.  After working with hundreds of professionals, I’ve discovered that most already have the right […]

Job applications aren’t one-offs

Most people treat applying for a job as a one-off step. But it’s not.  It’s the start of a system. Even if you don’t get that job, you’ve clarified what you want, signalled your interest and begun building relationships. And the feeling you get after being rejected will guide where you’re really at.  So don’t […]

You’re overestimating your chances

Let’s say you think there’s a 20% chance your plan will work.  Your actual odds are probably closer to 10%. That’s not a bad thing.  It’s your optimism bias at play.  It happens when you care about the outcome and want it to succeed. But even if you’re working with a 1 in 10 chance, […]

5 Learnings as Lecturer-in-Charge at UNSW Business School

Quick career update… I’m now a Lecturer-in-Charge at UNSW! It’s an awesome culture, and here’s why.   Support shows up in action and not just in words.  Here are 5 things I’ve experienced with UNSW Business School that can help advance your career.  1. Build on What Came Before You One of the first things I […]

Tell your employer that you volunteer

Most people don’t talk about their volunteering at work.  But here’s why you should tell your employer.  You may feel like volunteering is something you do on our own time. Quietly. Without fuss.  But making it known at work can make a big difference. Not because you’re asking for anything.  But because most people want […]