2026 Is Calling: The In’s and Out’s of Intentional Workplaces
Every year comes with its own noise.New trends. New language. New promises about what work should look like next. 2026 doesn’t need more of that. What it does need is honesty about what’s actually working – and what isn’t. Across the conversations we’re having with business owners, leaders, local governments and NFPs’ & their boards, […]
When Childcare Breaks, So Does the Workforce
And regional Australia feels it first. Childcare shortages aren’t just an HR inconvenience. They’re one of the biggest handbrakes on women’s participation in regional workforces, and we’re seeing the ripple effects everywhere. In mining towns especially, where shifts start before sunrise and end long after childcare centres close, the system simply doesn’t work for families. […]
Building the New Leadership Era – Redefining leadership for the future — trust, empathy, and human-centred systems
Heading into 2026, we’re not just entering a new year — we’re entering a new leadership era. And it starts with one question: What’s a signal of change you’ve seen coming? Maybe it’s the shift in employee expectations. Maybe it’s the quiet fatigue among middle managers. Maybe it’s your own realisation that the way you’ve always […]
The Anatomy of Engagement — Meeting Human Needs at Work
If you’ve made it this far, it’s safe to say you’re not after quick fixes. You’re here because you want to build something lasting — a business where people want to stay, grow, and contribute. To do that, you’ve got to move beyond the surface-level HR noise and get into the real anatomy of engagement: […]
Still Blaming the Skills Shortage?
Still blaming the skills shortage? Sure, it’s a factor. A big one. But so many elements play into why businesses struggle — particularly SMEs — and the skills shortage is just one piece of that puzzle. The very real and stark reality is, if I waved my magic wand and solved the skills shortage tomorrow, […]
You’re Paying for the Job, Not the Person
Let’s get one thing straight — you’re paying for the job, not the person. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “They’re not really worth that much,” it’s time for a rethink. Because if someone isn’t worth the going rate for the role, then they probably shouldn’t be in the role. Simple as that. Every job has a […]
Why We Don’t Get Bored Anymore – And What That Means for Who We Are at Work
We used to have downtime. Waiting in a doctor’s office. Standing in line. Sitting on the bus. Zoning out at work. Moments where our mind wandered — sometimes to nothing at all, other times to the bigger questions: Am I happy with where my life is heading? Am I living in a way that aligns […]
The Real Work: Why Compliance Won’t Save You From Turnover
There’s a belief out there — still very much alive in small business land — that if you hire good people, you’ll get good performance. That if you “treat people fairly,” they’ll stick around. That if you tick the compliance boxes, you’ve done your bit. Let’s be blunt: compliance alone is not a retention strategy. It […]

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