Lessons in Leadership

Holly writes about how we perform in a rapidly changing world.

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The Invisible KPI That Fuels Everything Else

Most teams track revenue and productivity—but few measure team energy, the cultural current that turns individuals into a force multiplier. Drawing on lessons from Uber’s turnaround and my work with elite sporting teams, I show leaders how to spot energy signals and boost energy fast.

The AI Paradox of 2025: Leadership, Risk & Strategy in an Accelerating Era

AI is now your biggest accelerator—and your biggest risk. In this urgent leadership briefing, I'm bringing together an AI strategist and an ex-hacker to explore how leaders can harness AI’s potential and protect their organisations from emerging threats. Packed with insights, frameworks, and actionable takeaways for leading at the intersection of power and peril.

How to Lead AI Adoption at Work—Before It Leads You

While some leaders are still wondering when to bring AI into their business, their teams are already using it—quietly, creatively, and often under the radar. In this edition, I’m sharing what I’ve been hearing in conversations with CEOs, what the latest research reveals, and three practical moves to help you lead what’s already in motion. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with clarity, care, and curiosity.

Authentic Leadership in Uncertain Times

I’ve heard the same question from so many leaders lately: How do I lead through uncertainty when I don’t feel certain myself? The truth is, people don’t need us to perform—they need us to be real, intentional, and hopeful about what’s next.

The Courage Your Team Is Waiting For You to Model

I used to think courage meant doing big, scary things—like quitting my job or jumping out of planes. But real leadership courage? It’s speaking up when it’s uncomfortable, challenging the status quo, and modelling the behaviour you want to see—especially when it’s hard.

The Simone Biles Guide to Resilient, Human-Centred Leadership

A few weeks ago I had the chance to sit down with Simone Biles on stage in Washington D.C. What she shared wasn’t just inspiring—it was deeply practical. From prioritising joy to knowing when to pause, Simone offered a blueprint for resilient, human-centred leadership. Here are the four biggest lessons I took from our conversation.

How AI Became My Best Leadership Sparring Partner

Discover my method for using AI for leadership blindspots, why even successful leaders fall victim to overconfidence, and practical techniques for building your own AI advisory board in 2025 and beyond.

From McConaughey to the C-Suite: How Great Leaders Use Story

When Matthew McConaughey tells a story, the eyebrows, hands, and charisma do half the work. But behind the charm? Serious storytelling smarts every leader can steal. Here are his 3 rules for stories that stick (and why they matter more than ever).

Amy Edmondson’s Psychological Safety Principles Every Leader Needs

Sitting at Workhuman London, I watched Amy Edmondson light up the room with a startling truth: when teams don't feel safe to speak up, their best ideas never surface. She shared stories, research, and practical tools that completely shifted how I think about leading teams. If you've ever wondered why brilliant insights emerge in private chats but not meetings, this is your answer—and solution.

Leadership Lessons from History: Insights from Liz Cheney

What can today's leaders learn from the past? When I asked Liz Cheney what leaders should integrate into their practice, her answer was simple: study history. Discover how looking back creates more intentional, inclusive leadership for 2025 and beyond.

Why Great Leaders Assume the Best—and Ask Better Questions

“People do well if they can.” This simple idea from Dr. Ross W. Greene’s Raising Human Beings has me rethinking leadership and workplace performance. What if underperformance isn’t about laziness or lack of motivation, but about obstacles we haven’t understood yet?

The Power of Two Words: Brené Brown’s Simple Leadership Habit for Extraordinary Results

Two words. That’s all it takes to build trust and transform team dynamics. Brené Brown’s check-in trick gets straight to the heart of how people feel—and it’s a game-changer for meetings. Ready to see how it works?