Research and client insights reinforce that leading others during uncertainty and change requires an abundance of personal resilience. Not a little - but a lot of resilience by building awareness and skills to create balance and harmony across our emotional, physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.

There is an often-blurred line between responsibility and accountability in leadership. Drawing on real-world experience, Sally Schmall unpacks why understanding this distinction is critical for cultivating ownership, strategic alignment, trust and high performance within teams. Here, Sally highlights the role of accountability in driving outcomes—emphasising that while responsibility can be delegated, accountability cannot. Leaders will find practical strategies to embed accountability in their organisations and lead with integrity, clarity and impact.

Resilient leadership is about navigating uncertainty with confidence, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose. True resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges but responding to them with agility, emotional intelligence, and strong communication. Leaders who embrace change, foster a supportive culture, and maintain a growth mindset can guide their teams through adversity and emerge stronger.

In today's competitive landscape, strategic innovation doesn't always require a ground-breaking invention or an amazing new product. Often, the key to success lies in reimagining the way your customers interact with your existing products. By focusing on experience, businesses can completely transform the value proposition they offer, leaving competitors who are solely focused on functionality behind.

We've all seen the headlines in recent weeks with a number of public and private businesses across New Zealand announcing staff reductions. It's a familiar pattern – economic contraction leads to reduced consumer spending, which then necessitates cuts to operating expenditures. Then, when consumer confidence rebounds, it becomes an all-out scramble to capitalise on the upswing. This cycle seems logical on the surface. But is it truly optimal? Do we really need an economic downturn for us to focus on cost efficiency? Conversely, do we need economic growth to even consider strategies for expanding market share?

It’s a consistent theme we’re hearing right now - “it’s time to get people back into the office”. But is it? Are we prepared to erode all of the gains we’ve made in new ways of working over the pandemic and post-pandemic years? Employees have been empowered to work with new levels of trust and freedom, and have incorporated work into their life routines. What should we do next? Nick Mackeson-Smith shares his thoughts and observations.

Stepping into a new executive or senior leadership role is both exhilarating and daunting. Whether you’re moving to a different organisation or taking on your first senior-level position, the initial six months are critical. Challenges include managing energy, aligning stakeholder expectations, overcoming imposter syndrome, and crafting an effective transition plan. Sally Schmall discusses how by addressing these challenges, new executives can set themselves up for success and positively impact their teams and organisations.

Right-sizing is an emotionally and mentally taxing process, yet with the right approach, it is possible to navigate these challenges with integrity and care. By prioritising dignity, transparency, safety, and care, and leveraging the support of experts like Five NZ, organisations can not only manage the immediate impacts of right-sizing but also build a stronger, more resilient foundation for the future. In the face of change, the true measure of leadership is the ability to lead with humanity, ensuring that every decision, no matter how difficult, is made with a profound respect for the individuals who contribute to our collective success.

Step into a world where strategy is not confined to boardrooms but thrives in the chaos and creativity of real-world challenges. This post explores how today's leaders are ditching traditional, rigid planning for a dynamic, design-led approach. Discover how embracing uncertainty, fostering a culture of experimentation, and engaging directly with the market through rapid prototyping and iterative testing can lead to spectacular successes.

Explore the importance of LGBTQI+ and MVPFAFF+ inclusion in the workplace. Pride month is the perfect time for organisations to reconsider the need for comprehensive policies, allyship, and education to combat discrimination. Learn how you can take steps to create a supportive environment in your organisation, ensuring equal opportunities and respect for all, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.