Hello, I hope you’ve had a great start to the year!
After a holiday in the sun and running my Self-Coaching Program in January, it’s now back to regular programming…
If you remember back to last year, I said that Connection would be the big word for 2025 and the key to success going forward.
During my time off, I reflected on what this truly means… In a world shaped by AI adoption, complex workplace dynamics, rising disengagement, burnout and the ongoing ‘war for talent’ (which remains the #1 challenge CEOs have faced for three years running according to DDI), Connection is the foundation for stronger cultures, exceptional results and thriving people.
What does Connection look like?
There are three levels of Connection:
- Connection with Ourselves – Knowing our strengths, blind spots, and weaknesses so we can navigate challenges and be at our best
- Connection to Others – Building trust, influencing decisions, collaborating, navigating conflict, and communicating effectively
- Connection to Purpose – Making decisions aligned with our values, maintaining focus, and staying motivated to achieve our goals.
Many of these elements are already captured in my STRONG model. But to meet today’s challenges and fully Connect, we need to be STRONGER going forward.
How can we be STRONGER?
In addition to the existing STRONG elements, two others have been added…
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Your Competitive Advantage
AI is changing how we work, but it can’t read emotions, navigate conflict, or build trust – skills that define leaders and teams with a true competitive edge. In fact, 90% of top performers score high in EQ (Harvard Business Review), and companies with emotionally intelligent leadership see up to 20% higher employee engagement (McKinsey).
If you want to stay competitive in the age of AI, master the human skills that the bots can’t replicate. Excel at understanding, managing and influencing emotions for greater connection and impact.
Call it soft or fluffy – but EQ is the performance multiplier that separates high achievers from the rest. Whether you’re leading, selling, or parenting, the demand for EQ in 2025 will be at an all-time high. Your biggest advantage isn’t technology – it’s mastering human connection.
Re-Energise: The Key to Sustainable Performance
Burnout isn’t just about stress – it also stems from energy depletion. 38% of employees in Australia reported experiencing burnout in 2024 (The State of Workplace Burnout). But here’s the real challenge: energy is within our control unlike time.
You wouldn’t run your car on an empty tank – so why do it to yourself? Every day, we lose energy. But the real question is: Are you actively restoring it, or running on fumes?
If you want to elevate your performance in 2025, managing your energy is just as critical as managing your time. The best don’t just work hard – they consistently re-energise to stay ahead.
Both of these additions – Emotional Intelligence and Re-Energising – tie back to my big theme for the year: Connection, particularly to ourselves and to others.
All of my offerings will now include these elements – including my latest Keynote topic ‘Beating the Bots’, which is being booked fast (get in touch to find out more).
So, how will you make yourself STRONGER in 2025?