http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.traceyolivier.com en-us Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:20:54 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/post/144610/kicking-off-2025-with-optimism/ It’s hard to believe we’re already well into 2025! This is my first blog of the year, and with good reason—I wrapped up my MBA (finally!) and we celebrated Gary’s 60th in style. Not only that, but I managed to pull off a huge surprise, bringing his siblings from all corners of the world—UK, South Africa, and Australia—without him finding out! The look on his face was priceless.To top it all off, we had a cowboy-themed celebration, which was an absolute hoot! Think boots, hats, and a ... Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/#post144610 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/post/144609/2024-a-year-of-sucker-punches-and-joyful-surprises/ As Mike Tyson famously said, "Everyone has a plan until they are punched in the face." This year has felt like one sucker punch after another. Clients have tightened their belts, I’ve faced the loss of my father in South Africa and I’ve been navigating the relentless demands of completing my MBA. Most of these struggles have been deeply personal, making it a brutally challenging year.But amidst the tough times, there have been moments of pure joy. We celebrated the first year of my... Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/#post144609 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/post/144608/the-power-of-peer-groups-creating-space-for-real-growth/ As leaders, we often get caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks—focusing on urgent demands, solving immediate problems, and reacting to what's right in front of us. But when was the last time you took a step back to focus on what’s important but not urgent? When did you last invest time in yourself and the future of your leadership?Stephen Covey’s time management quadrant highlights the difference between tasks that are urgent versus those that are imp... Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/#post144608 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/post/144606/soft-skills-are-hard/ A real bugbear of mine is getting the eye-roll when I tell people what I do because they think it is that “soft stuff”, or the word fluffy.  This is in the same breath when telling me that they can get through to people.   I know, I know I’ve written about this before.  I will probably carry on until we can move away from this kind of thinking because it limits leaders and real people suffer because we don’t take this stuff seriously.Soft skills are har... Sun, 25 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/#post144606 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/post/144605/navigating-the-in-between-stages-of-leadership/ I recently learned a new word in my many, many readings for this MBA paper.  As I read it, I could feel the relief wash over me.  I will tell you why later……Liminality.This is a critical yet often overlooked phase in career development: the in-between stages of leadership. This period, marked by transition and transformation, can be both challenging and enriching. Let’s explore how you can navigate this stage effectively and prepare yourself to step into your next leade... Sun, 23 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/#post144605 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/post/144604/biscuits-with-the-boss-5-leadership-lessons-from-ted-lasso-to-spark-greatness/ It has been a crazy week, earlier this week my son was rear-ended by a car on his motorcycle.  I am so grateful to report that he got off very lightly with a broken ankle.  So my week has been filled with babysitting my beautiful granddaughter so her mum could take care of my son.  So very little time and headspace has been left to do things like a newsletter.  So this month I have asked Gemini ai to help me craft a tongue-in-cheek leadership newsletter ba... Sun, 26 May 2024 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/#post144604 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/post/144602/riding-the-wave-of-ai-in-coaching-and-consulting/ I wrote about this for one of my MBA assignments and thought I would rewrite a less formal version for this month's newsletter.  One of the key things I realised as I did my research on this subject is that most clients who come to me come with a problem or pain point; very often, realise that part of the solution is identifying that fundamental issue isn’t the actual problem they bring but something entirely different.Riding the Wave of AI in Coaching and ConsultingSo, you know how ... Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/#post144602 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/post/144603/leading-with-purpose-five-essential-traits-for-todays-leaders/ In a world where change is constant and uncertainty prevails, the role of leadership has never been more critical. As we navigate through these dynamic times, leaders need to embrace a mindset focused on long-term success and sustainable growth. Drawing inspiration from Simon Sinek's insightful book, "The Infinite Game," I’ve  identified five key leadership traits that are essential for thriving in today's challenging landscape.Visionary Thinking: Great leaders have a clear vision of... Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/#post144603 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/post/144601/standing-before-kings/ "Do you see a man diligent and skilful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men."This is one of my favourite proverbs.  It is one I have had on countless sticky notes on my wall to not only inspire me but challenge me.  And it speaks to one of my core values, To make a difference.  I want to have a positive impact on the world. And especially in the world of business.  In the whirlwind of today's corporate land... Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/#post144601 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/post/116029/the-leader-leader-model/ I have been listening to the Audible book Turn That Ship Around by L. David Marquet.  This is the first time I have heard of the leader-leader phrase.  I really resonate with this.  As I work with leaders and leadership teams, my goal is to help them create clarity so that everyone in the organisation knows exactly what is okay and what isn’t okay.  It also enables the team to make smaller decisions without having to wait for permission.Embracing Leader-Leader Lea... Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.traceyolivier.com/blog/#post116029