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  Integrating into the unknown…   The term hikikomori (derived from the verb hiki “to withdraw” and komori “to be inside”) was coined in 1998 by Japanese psychiatrist Professor Tamaki Saitõ. Saitõ chose the term to describe the many young people he saw who didn’t fit the mental health diagnosis criteria but were in a state of extreme, distressing […]

In an interview, the ever-perceptive Michelle Obama tells Oprah how she came up with the title of her book, Becoming Michelle Obama. “A question that adults ask kids – I think it’s the worst question in the world – is “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As if growing up is […]

“Diversify. Centralise. Specialise. Automate. Get human-centric. Change. Manage change. Keep up company morale!” Over the past ten years alone, business leaders and managers at all levels have been expected to change with each prevailing trend: from implementing a 180° change in organisational strategy to adjusting their leadership or management approach to fit in with the […]

So, the weather’s not great this time of the year and it feels like winter in my heart too; right now, it’s utterly impossible to imagine anything as enjoyable as changing into my pajamas, ordering a pizza, opening a bottle of wine, and snuggling in for some quality couch time. Should I act like nothing’s […]

The one thing we should never stop doing, (besides loving, forgiving and persevering) is learning. Life has thrown me a few curveballs lately, which is why I’ve been a bit quieter than usual. However, if I’ve learned anything during my life, it’s that you can’t expect everything to go the way you planned. Whether you’re […]

In my business I meet with working mothers weekly; working both inside and outside the home. Most of these women are questioning their life purpose, satisfaction and enjoyment, and the unfortunate reality is that almost everyone believes the other side of the “work” fence is better. In 2017, after 20 years in a corporate, I […]

2018 has been a wonderful and deep experience on some many levels since I left my position at HP to start The Silver Leaf Company exactly one year ago today, I have been known to dance in my car after a great meeting, panic because I took on too much work, panic because I don’t know if […]

Antz, the computer-animated movie about the angst of misfit worker ant, “Z” who feels trapped by the conformist confines of his totalitarian ant civilization and eventually sets forth in search of Insectopia. He strives to reconcile his own individuality with the communal work-ethic of the ant colony and falls in love with ant-princess Bala. Z […]

Christmas is home…it is family (whether you like them or not). It’s a time for love and peace and reflection. Alas, for many of us it’s also the season when bickering and tensions are running at an all-time high. Arguments about Christmas arrangements can make anyone stressed about Christmas…..gifts, who makes what, who’s coming and who’s not…..my […]

If you’re in a management position, odds are you’ve had to answer this question at least once: “So, what kind of leadership style are you most comfortable with?” My own preferred leadership style is coaching. This is the most suitable leadership style to take someone from their current state to the state where they want to […]

We are all driven by a deep inner restlessness. We may feel this restlessness as a sense that something is missing in us, although it is usually difficult to define what it exactly is. We all have sorts of notions about what we think we need or want – a better relationship, a better job, […]

Co-dependency has long been something people struggle with in personal relationships. Not always realising it, but most of us are guilty of being co-dependent, and especially in business. Without thinking about it too much, how many times do you look to others to gain approval? Is your self-esteem boosted by helping others? Do you feel […]

I have been tiptoeing around 2021 for 20 days now, and it is time to face the year head-on & accept whatever it has in store – good or bad…. Over the December summer holidays, I was reflecting on 2020 to see what insights I have gained. As unquestionably one of the most disruptive years […]