Leadership Interviews & Insights

CEO of CSIRO Dr. Larry Marshall states^ that organisations ‘have to act like a startup not a large corporate and be willing to disrupt themselves before someone else does it to them.‘ He also goes on to state that businesses not willing to invest in changing the future may not be included in the future. With 25 years’ experience as an international technology entrepreneur Dr. Marshall knows firsthand how hard it is to wrestle with 100 years of history and 100 years of culture which the CSIRO have. Funnily enough these words were echoed by former CEO GE Australia Geoff Culbert [...]

Confucius said we learn wisdom in three ways – by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest. In this instant age there’s a tendency to go straight to experience, bypassing reflection and imitation which is perceived ‘perfect’, like the perfect selfie, dress, look or place. There’s no wisdom in the experience of having everything now. Instant gratification is a dangerous addiction that can never be satisfied as we continuously hunger for more or better. No longer are we excited about the future, about the delicious anticipation of something, personally [...]

The age old question asks whether leaders are born or made. And somehow, we never get tired of asking it or seeking the answer. Truth is that perhaps both options are true. In my view most people in leadership positions can develop leadership skills like communication, presence, EQ etc but that won’t always make them leaders. In fact, some people may be a whole lot happier without the title or the stress. As Shakespeare so aptly wrote in King Henry IV, “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” So instead of asking if leaders are born or made, ask [...]