What does innovation mean in the context of improving law practice? Is it merely a cost-effective technological solution or inspired action born out of a genuine desire to drive change for lawyers and their clients?

A number of people have said I’ve demonstrated considerable resilience both in my personal and professional life. When I was delving into resilience as part of my work I was bemused by how fundamental optimism is to having and developing resilience. This baffled me because I’d never considered myself an optimist (in fact a close friend called me a catastrophist and some have referred to me as a pessimist).

When people tell me they are seeking to develop gravitas I immediately wonder what this quality actually means to them.

Leadership is top of mind in the global arena. This year we have yearned for effective and inspiring leaders and in many cases, we were left wanting.

I love Christmas but the lead up to it used to be my least favourite time of year. As a finance lawyer my workload would start to ramp up around September and be completely out of control by December. The holidays were threatened as everyone pushed to complete their deals before the end of the year. There was so much to do, it was overwhelming.

As we near the end of a year that has challenged us all, deep contemplation on the direction of our lives and careers is taking place for many. Are you doing what you really love? Would you rather be doing something more purposeful? What is it that you’re waiting for?

Did you know 98 per cent of New Year’s resolutions fail? I just invented that statistic (so don’t quote me on it), but it sounds about right, doesn’t it?

Let’s face it, our vows and promises on January 1 to eat healthier, drink less, move more and get more sleep probably went by the wayside by February, and in fact (a real statistic this time) a Scranton University study found that only 19 percent of individuals keep their resolutions and most are abandoned by mid-January!

As Auckland re-entered level 3 lockdown many of us filled our shopping trolleys with comfort food like crisps, flour for baking, chocolate and enough alcohol to see us through a week at home. It is fitting that I’ve collaborated with Simone Barclay, founder of Think Straight to explore how to change your relationship with alcohol, if this is something you’ve been thinking about.

How do you come across as authentic when you are trying to adapt your leadership presence?

I have coached people who are progressing into formal leadership roles or struggling in existing ones. They are conflicted between holding true to the beliefs and principles they feel define who they are, while noticing the behaviour resulting from those beliefs is holding them back from being the leader they want (or are expected) to be.

“What makes you angry?” I was asked this question almost 20 years ago during an interview for an articled clerk position at a law firm in Brisbane, Australia. I was stumped – this was not a question I’d prepared an answer for. I can’t remember how I responded but my answer must not have been convincing because I wasn’t called back for a second-round interview.

As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2021, the end-of-year exhaustion has, like an unwanted house guest, arrived early and is showing no sign of leaving. It’s probably not surprising, considering the eventful start to the year we’ve had and there is certainly a blurring of that “line in the sand” we drew when 2020 came to an end.

Toxic work cultures involving harassment and assault are back in the spotlight but are only highlighting the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dangerous workplaces.