Tips, Tools and Strategies
for Mid Career Professional Women
A Change of Perception
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that an incredibly accomplished woman may find herself held back… Held back from achieving her aspirations, from stepping into her leadership potential and from becoming even more accomplished.
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What’s holding you back?
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that an incredibly accomplished woman may find herself held back… Held back from achieving her aspirations, from stepping into her leadership potential and from becoming even more accomplished.
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

How to break free of the…
I’ve had some incredibly enlightening conversations this week with smart, mid-career professional women who, like me, fell into the sneaky trap of being the notorious “go-to girl.” Maybe you can relate. Are you known as the Jack of all trades, the fix-it woman, or have you earned the label of “reliable”? Oh boy, it’s time to take a closer look.
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Why Working Harder Isn’t Always the…
The mistake I see many mid-career professional women making is thinking that the way to be seen, heard, recognised and promoted is… to work harder and do more.
I really don’t know how that would be possible though, because most of the professional women I speak to are already working super hard.
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The Farm Girl Who Cares
Time for a truth bomb: You won’t get what you want. You get what you tolerate. Harsh, I know, but it’s so true.
Standards that aren’t aligned to your expectations of how you should be treated are a surefire way to limit your leadership potential and leave you working far too hard and in a way that depletes and drains you.
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The danger of the shoulder tap
From the time we enter the workforce, we’re programmed to believe that being headhunted is a good thing. We work hard for our talent to be recognised by the powers that be, in the hope that they simply can’t help but throw opportunities our way!
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My story, amplified
So, how did I come to be a women’s leadership coach?
Like all good stories, the journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. I help women dig deep from a place not just of expertise but also from experience. I’ve felt that sense of career frustration and resentment. Let me tell you my story…
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Leading through and beyond burnout
Imagine this….
You’re sitting in the car park at work with a splitting headache and with that sinking feeling of here we go again. The 3 coffees you’ve downed already to give you a bit of an energetic lift haven’t helped; in fact, you feel more than a little shaky. Your phone has lit up like a Christmas tree with fires you’re expected to put out, yet all you want to do is book a room at the nearest hotel, close the blinds and sleep for days.
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Time’s Change But Not Fast Enough
Yesterday we farewelled my partner’s Mum… at the ripe old age of 101!
Sadly, I never got to know her before dementia stole her memory and much of her spark, but Betty clearly was a special woman. As I sat in the chapel listening to her life story, I reflected on how different her life would have been if she had lived in a different era.
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New year, New Job, New You
You’ve had time to reflect over the summer break and you’ve come to the decision that a new job is on your list of goals for the year. Good for you!
Perhaps you’re looking for greater job satisfaction, more money, better corporate culture, more variety, more flexibility, a leader who inspires you or to have a greater impact. Whatever the reason… you know that it’s going to take time and energy.
Jane Benston

Your ultimate guide to making the…
The days are getting warmer and the evenings longer which means we are on the downhill stretch to Christmas, the silly season and the end of the year.
And with restrictions finally lifted – it’s time to get out and about and connect… in person.
Jane Benston

Your energy is contagious and your…
How you show up at work matters. The type of energy you bring to your work impacts your effectiveness while also shaping your professional reputation. It’s not something many of us give much consideration to, but it can absolutely influence our outcomes and whether or not new and exciting opportunities come our way.
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Hit a mid-career plateau? 5 assumptions…
Is it possible that you are your worst enemy when it comes to progressing your career? Are you playing small, ruling yourself out or holding back from stepping up to the next level of leadership?
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High achievers have these 5 things…
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have the gift of turning everything they touch into gold? They lead the best teams, they achieve exceptional results and get noticed and promoted more often. And to top it off … they seem have everything sorted in their life outside of work too.
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Rock Your Career Post Lockdown
Over recent weeks I’ve been reflecting on how much the professional landscape has changed since March 2020. The way we work, where we work and what we work on, has in many ways changed forever.
And right now, we are transitioning to yet another new phase of uncertainty and change as we move towards opening up and “living with COVID.”
Jane Benston

Navigating the ‘messy middle’ of your…
Growth is never easy,
One of the most challenging parts of up-levelling in our careers is navigating our way through, what I call, the ‘messy middle’.
The ‘messy middle’ is the often uncomfortable part of our growth – that sits between our old habits, behaviours, strategies and ways of thinking, and the ones our Future Self needs us to step into, to progress and move forward.
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The fight for top talent. How…
Have you noticed that right now the job market is HOT! Many organisations are falling over themselves to keep their best people or poach top talent from elsewhere.
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Courage over comfort – A career…
As humans we are wired for comfort. It’s why we resist change. It’s why we get stuck in a role that no longer works for us. It’s why we say no to amazing professional development opportunities. It’s why we avoid tackling the big issues or having the difficult conversations.
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Are you making this one critical…
If you are in the market for a new role (and let me tell you the job market is HOT right now) then please listen up.
Most women I meet are going about their job search all wrong. It’s costing them valuable time, emotional energy and access to the best opportunities that are most likely to bring joy and fulfilment.
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Hate workplace politics? Here’s why you…
Mastering workplace politics is the pathway to the next level of leadership.
Eek! If you hate the very idea of workplace politics, I want you to hear me out.
I agree it’s icky and can be a truly ugly game.
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When your workload demands that you…
If there’s one common denominator among all the mid-career professional women I meet, it’s that they’re busy.
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5 keys to creating momentum for…
Have you noticed that many women underestimate their abilities and fail to shine a light on their performance? Are you one of those women? If you are … you are absolutely not alone. Here’s how to build the courage to step into all you are capable of.
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

Missed out on a promotion?
Have you ever been overlooked, or missed out on a promotion or a role that you think is perfect for you? Missing out on a role can feel like rejection. As a result, we can feel confused, frustrated and self-doubt starts to creep in. Here’s how to respond…
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Why You Need A Professional Support…
More than ever, we need to be creating our very own professional support team.
I want to take this opportunity to ask you …
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Not Loving Your Work? This Could…
The average Australian spends 1831 hours working, every year! 1831 hours! And if you are anything like the vast majority of the hard working professional women I help, your number is likely to be much more than this…
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Why Perfectionism is a Problem (and…
All the mid career women leaders I meet want to do a great job.
The trouble is, many of them think that a great job = a perfect job.
And while intentionally created, high quality work is a must, perfect work can do more harm than good.
Here’s how…
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Why You Need to Create Space…
Leaders are paid to think, not just do.
In fact, thinking is what I like to call Queen Bee work, whereas when you are stuck deep in the doing… that’s Busy Bee work.
Let me clarify further …
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New Year. New Job. The 5…
Over the summer break, you’ve had time to reflect, particularly in light of the impact of COVID-19 during the past year. Perhaps you’ve had the opportunity to see yourself, your career, and your priorities…
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5 ways to make the most…
The days are getting warmer and the evenings longer, but this does not mean that it’s time to put your career aspirations on hold, That time will come but here’s what I suggest you focus on first.
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Are you getting overlooked for promotions…
You’re working hard, getting results and building a strong team, so what is stopping you from being seen and recognised?
It may be that you’re spending too much time being a Busy Bee, and not a Queen Bee!
Let me explain …
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Why more responsibility doesn’t have to…
Many mid-career women I speak to feel that accepting a growing workload and being willing to work long hours is the price they must pay to be considered for promotion.
There’s no doubt that the more senior you become – the more responsibility you take on…
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5 ways to create your own…
Do you consider that you’ve been lucky in your career? I’ve heard many women claim that their career success has been due to luck.
But is this luck at play or is it something else?
Jane Benston

Hard work and good results are…
If your career progress has stalled it may well be time to focus on raising your visibility. You are unlikely to have the type of impact you want to have or to get recognised for the work you do – if no one knows who you are, what you do and how well you do it.
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Powerful language comes from a powerful…
Yes, it really is that simple.
What you believe to be true (whether it is true or not) influences the words you use on a consistent basis. If you don’t believe you are worthy of your position, if you don’t believe the targets really can be met, if you don’t believe in the talents of your team… it will come out subtly in the words you use.
Jane Benston

7 Habits for achieving more by…
We all have the same amount of time available to us but have you noticed that some people are able to get much more done while remaining calm and unflappable… but how do they do it?
If your everyday workload regularly leaves you feeling overworked, overwhelmed, and frazzled then it’s time to work smarter not harder.
Jane Benston

Future proof your career post COVID.
The rate and extent of workplace change that we have witnessed in just a few short months has been huge. The way we work, where we work and, most importantly, what we work on, has in many ways changed forever. We don’t yet know yet what the new normal will look like – but we can be sure that most organisations will not slip back into business as usual.
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Is my job secure? Has this…
There is no denying it – Coronavirus has brought about massive change and it’s become abundantly clear that no job is 100% secure.
But then again, has your job really been that secure anyway?? The truth is NO. No job has ever been 100% secure, but in this environment, job security has become even more of a myth.
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Your Busy Period Survival Guide
As we begin the run down to the end of the year, are you beginning to feel the pressure to get projects completed, lift the team to new levels or ramp up efforts to meet KPI’s and budgets?
Women often tell me they are already running hard and are not sure how they can do even more – both in and out of work…
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Why you’re not being promoted
I recently told an incredible woman that she would not make partnership at her firm. Harsh, but it was the truth she needed to hear. She was hardworking, dedicated and reliable. She had a long history of delivering good work. So how could I be so certain to be bold enough to give her the very direct advice about her prospects to make partnership?
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Are you the “go-to girl”?
I’ve had a number of conversations this week with smart, mid-career professional women who have fallen into the trap of being the “go-to girl.” Perhaps you too are the go-to girl. Or you might be known as the Jack of all trades, the fix-it woman or have earned the label of “reliable”…
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

Break Through Your Career Plateau
A career plateau, if left to fester too long can damage your reputation, minimize your career opportunities and leaving you feeling miserable about your work. Although it doesn’t happen overnight, it can sneak up on us and take us unawares. For a time we can hum alone – having and impact, …
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Opportunity Is Knocking. Will You Answer…
Opportunity Is Knocking. Will You Answer The Call? [jc_buttons] The time is now! Opportunity is knocking for professional women. Ladies, our time is now. A change has been brewing over the last couple of years and now it’s knocking loudly on our door. Do you feel it? Women all over the world are refusing to …
Continue reading “Opportunity Is Knocking. Will You Answer The Call?”
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The number 1 mistake mid career…
The number 1 mistake mid career professions make when job searching. Job searching. I don’t think it’s anyone’s favourite thing to do. It takes effort. It takes time. And it takes mental and emotional energy. It requires soul searching and at times it can be soul destroying. We’ve all experienced the …
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How to own your value and…
How to own your value and leverage your talent Almost every week women tell me that they are capable of more but are struggling to make their mark within their organisation or industry. These women are brilliant and their unique talents are much needed in the modern workplace. Their CV’s document …
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Are you ruling yourself out without…
Are you ruling yourself out without even realising it? Is it possible that you are ruling yourself out or holding yourself back from getting that next big break, exciting opportunity or promotion? I’m not saying you’re doing it consciously. Most often it’s totally unconscious. We don’t mean to hold ourselves back. …
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3 Mistakes that can see you…
Have you ever thought … if I work hard, I will get noticed and soon I will be promoted and get the pay rise I deserve? Unfortunately career and leadership success and getting the recognition you deserve doesn’t only come through hard work. Yes it is part of the equation but …
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What to do to be considered…
What to do to be considered for the best roles Picture this. There is a group of senior leaders sitting around a table discussing some new exciting projects. They are throwing around the names of people who they think might be suitable for the role. The role will be the perfect …
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Why being busy is killing your…
Why being busy is killing your career progress With the rate of change, the volume of work and our always on and available work culture, being busy has reached epidemic proportions. But the question that must be asked is “Are you being effective and is being busy impacting your career progress?” …
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Future proof your career. How to…
With the world of work changing at an ever-increasing rate, learning how to future proof your career has never been more important. Many roles are becoming extinct, being replaced by technology while brand new roles are popping up every day. Economists have predicted that over the next two decades, the jobs …
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How to position yourself to protect…
Change in the corporate world is the one constant we can rely on. No job is 100% secure. No role will remain exactly the same one year to the next. Cultures change. Corporate structures and strategies change. Boards Change. Executive leadership teams change. And all of this change will directly or …
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Protect your professional reputation. Why you…
What is your professional reputation? Are you known for your exceptional leadership skills or are you known as someone who can be relied on to get the job done? Sadly too many women are being overlooked and missing out on the best opportunities because they get caught up “doing” the work. …
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Being overlooked? Here’s why
Ever wonder to yourself “why am I being overlooked?” You are working hard. No… you are working really hard. You know you are good at want you do and you are getting great results. Your team members are engaged, love you and you know you are doing a great job building …
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Career Crossroads: Should I stay or…
Have you been asking yourself; Should I stay or should I go? It’s a question most of us ask more than once in our professional career. And it’s never a particularly easy question to answer. You’ve hit a rough patch and you’re wondering is it bad enough to start looking for …
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How to reclaim control during a…
With the rate of change occurring in the world of work it’s very possible that at some stage in your career you have or will experience the uncertainty that comes with a business restructure or a round of redundancies. It’s not fun to be part of and it can leave you …
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Reflection to finish the year
If you could find the magic pill to create a powerful, productive and amazing year ahead… would you take it? But before we go there… I wonder how this year turned out for you? If we were to focus on your career just for a moment, are you satisfied with what …
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The conflict between productivity and creativity
Have you ever wondered how much easier work would be if you could supercharge your productivity and creativity? But your to do list is getting longer and your time is getting shorter. And getting it all done seems harder than ever. You get into the office early and you leave late. You’re working hard but to what outcome …
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How to make the most of…
The days are getting warmer and the evenings longer which means we are on the downhill stretch to Christmas, the silly season and the end of the year. But this does not mean that it’s time to put your career aspirations on hold, swan off with a cocktail in hand or …
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

Are you in a role that’s…
You know it’s time to move jobs but here you are in a job that’s well past its use by date. Understanding exactly when it’s time to move on can sometimes be difficult to determine but most of us know deep down when the time has come. We may try to …
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Career success. How do you define…
How do women define success? What does career success mean to you? It of course means something a little different to all of us depending on our values, experiences and stage of life. But are you clear on what it means to you right now? Given we dedicate so much of …
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How to make a miserable job…
Unfortunately most of us have found ourselves in a job at some point that is unfulfilling and leaves us feeling miserable. At it’s worst, people will say that they flat out hate their job. Some say that they are bored, or have stopped being challenged. Some are frustrated or disillusioned by …
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Are you listening to your intuition?
How often do you find yourself doing what you think you should be doing rather than listening to your intuition… and later wishing you had followed your gut instinct? Women are intuitive beings. We have an inner compass, that when given the chance, can really guide us in the decisions we …
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Are you brave in your career…
Are you brave in your career choices or are you constrained by your self imposed limits? Do you sit within your comfort zone, doing work that you could do with your eyes closed? Or are you consistently taking on new and interesting projects that stretch and challenge you? There are times …
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How to position yourself for promotion
If you are thinking that this is going to be your breakthrough year where you finally get that promotion you have been craving, it is time to start positioning yourself for what you want. Staying silent, flying under the radar and purely working hard and doing a good job simply will …
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5 career moves to make now……
With only a few weeks to go before Christmas and the summer break, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your career and where it is heading next year. Yes… I know it’s a busy time and career planning may not be right at the top of your “to …
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Are you networking in the right…
Having the right people in our network can help us to up level our income, open up career opportunities and elevate our personal impact and influence. Some people seem to do this with ease but many of women I speak to either do it poorly or not at all …
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Massive change ahead. Are you ready…
Massive change is ahead (or maybe it is already here.) Change in our workplaces, change in our society, change in how we live our life, change in how business operates, change in the type of jobs that we will be doing. You name it … we are living within a time …
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Why This Job?
Why is it that you do what you do? Of all the jobs and all the companies; why this one? If you were to think back to when you said YES to the role that you are now in, what was it that excited you? Can you remember? Interestingly, research has …
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5 Questions To Ask To Get…
Has your career come to a grounding holt, where you are no longer being recognised, rewarded and promoted? Perhaps you are feeling bored, lacking challenge and missing the opportunity for growth. Are you wondering why it is that your career progression has plateaued over the last few years, leaving you less …
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3 things to let go of…
So often when we think about getting ahead in our career we think about what we need to do more of or be better at or what new action we must take, but very often the place to start has more to do with what we must let go of. The …
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Networking isn’t just about events!
When you hear the word networking do you immediately start planning the stunning outfit you’ll wear so you look your best to meet and mingle with really gorgeous super cool people? …
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5 keys to creating momentum for…
Have you ever wanted to create change in your career but felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead? The idea of stepping up to the next big thing, changing career direction or creating some new results, can at times seem totally daunting and a task too large to begin. …
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Are You Battling The Back To…
I am wondering, are you battling the back to work blues? Are you like so many of us who have returned to work this week after some precious time out, reconnecting with your friends and family and immersing yourself in all those activities that truly bring you joy? As you step …
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4 Steps To Overcoming Fear
Lack of education, lack of opportunity, lack of desire; these are not what hold us back from achieving success, reaching our potential or creating significant impact in our work. The number 1 thing that holds us back is our silent struggle with confidence, self worth and faith in ourselves. I had …
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The Mid Career Crisis
Many of the women I work with are in their early 40’s and are questioning their career. They have achieved a great deal of success but are now agonising over how come they don’t feel more delighted and excited given that they have achieved all they planned as they danced into …
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Is Your Career by Default Or…
Do you love your work? Does it fulfil your needs for professional growth and personal connection? Do you wake up each morning and leap out of bed with a feeling of excited expectation when you think about your schedule for the day? Does it bring meaning to your life and a …
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What got you HERE, will not…
You have worked out what you want for your career. You are ambitious, driven and courageous. You have your future mapped out and high expectations around what you and your team can achieve. You have tasted success and you have “lucked” into some really great opportunities by being in the right …
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Find Your Career Fulfilment Sweet Spot
Your professional career sometimes seems like the holy grail that ebbs and flows with the cycle of our life and the whims of corporate decision makers. At times we have it all together where our career is skipping along filled with accolades, satisfying challenges and exciting opportunities. Then there are those …
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Changing The Way We View Success
“Woman will lead the Thriving Revolution.” This was Arianna Huffington’s opening statement at the yesterday’s Melbourne Business Chicks event. What an amazing, warm, genuine woman on a mission to lead the way to change how we live and more specifically how we view success. Success is currently viewed through a masculine …
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Why Aren’t You Being Promoted?
You’re a smart, intelligent woman. You are extremely loyal and reliable and you are good at your job. You work hard and you have all the qualifications and experience needed to get promoted, so why is it that you keep getting passed over? It used to be the guys with all …
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The Risks Of Ignoring Your Network
Most of us recognise that having a strong professional network is an important element of achieving our career goals and aspirations. But how many of us actually make time to develop, nurture and grow our connections. It is all too easy to get busy being busy in a rush to get everything on the “to do” list done, while neglecting the benefits that come from truly connecting and sharing with other professionals. …
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Are You Waiting For Career Success?
Have you ever found yourself waiting for career success? Waiting to feel smart enough, good enough, old enough, or for someone to notice how great you are at your job? Every day I speak to leaders who are waiting. It shouldn’t surprise me … because I remember a time when I …
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5 Signs That Your Career Has…
Have you been wondering whether your career has stalled? Our career, like our lives, go through natural cycles and stages. At times we fly along with free flowing momentum where results, recognition and promotions come easily. Then there are times when our career seems to hit a plateau and we find …
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Working hard isn’t the answer but…
Have you ever thought … if I work hard, I will get noticed and soon I will be promoted and get the pay rise I deserve? Unfortunately career and leadership success and getting the recognition you deserve doesn’t only come through hard work. Yes it is part of the equation but there is more to it than that …
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

What To Do When You Feel…
Is it possible that there is an epidemic out there in workplaces around the country, of people feeling bored, stuck and unfulfilled by the work they do? A lack of meaning seems to be causing increasing numbers of people to be disengaged and unproductive … not just for a couple of days …
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5 Career Critical Questions
Why is it that we can sometimes work really hard putting in long hours, contributing enormous value to the team or achieved extraordinary results and still we feel invisible at work? It doesn’t matter how great you are at your job if no one is noticing you. It is impossible to …
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5 Keys To Getting Noticed At…
We ask ourselves dozens of questions each day: what will I have for lunch, have I got time for exercise, what will I wear to the meeting? These questions are all important. They shape who we are and influence the type of life we lead day by day. But we often …
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Know you need to build better…
Time for a truth bomb: You won’t get what you want. You get what you tolerate. Harsh, I know, but it’s so true.
Standards that aren’t aligned to your expectations of how you should be treated are a surefire way to limit your leadership potential and leave you working far too hard and in a way that depletes and drains you.
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

From doing it all … to…
When you cast your mind back to when you first stepped into a leadership role, it’s possible you remember the feelings of excitement and pride, mixed with fear and trepidation.
What’s required to excel as an effective team member is different to what’s required of us as a leader. It involves a massive behavioural shift which, according to the tenets of Emotional Intelligence, also requires a corresponding shift in self-perception and identity
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What the Queen taught me about…
As I sat on the couch this week watching the Queens funeral, I was transfixed by the pomp and ceremony of it all. There’s no doubt the Pom’s know how to create a sense of occasion.
Here we were, witnessing history.
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What are you waiting for?
Every day I speak to women who are waiting.
They are waiting to feel smart enough, good enough, old enough or for someone to notice their talent or how hard they are working.
It shouldn’t surprise me… because I remember a time when I was waiting to feel ready for the next step in my career. I had no idea why I was waiting or what being ready would look like or feel like… but I was waiting.
Jane Benston

Is your self criticism getting in…
Many mid-career professional women are overly critical and hard on themselves. I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that!
They’re great at identifying what they could improve on, but not-so-great at identifying what they’re already exceptional at.
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Plan for success with a 90-day…
Do you have a tangible plan in place to support you to get your career from where it is, to where you want it to be?
Something that outlines your key priorities, guides your actions and keeps you focussed and on track?
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The hidden cost of the Open…
Regardless of whether you are working from the office or from home, operating with an open door policy may seem like a good idea… but is it really?
Being available may have been drummed into you as the right thing to do, but there’s a hidden cost
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Embracing Your Unique Leadership Style
What springs to your mind when I say the word ‘leader’?
Extroverted? Charismatic? Assertive? Driven? Experienced?
It’s easy to think that in order to be recognised as a leader, you need to have a certain set of skills, or act and do things in a particular way.
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Quit being busy and get more…
If you want to be seen as a leader you must be strategic and work towards the bigger goals of your organisation.
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You are already capable
Have you noticed that many women underestimate their abilities and fail to shine a light on their performance? Are you one of those women? If you are … you are absolutely not alone. Here’s how to build the courage to step into all you are capable of.
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

7 common mistakes women make that…
Being overlooked for a promotion, pay rise or being excluded on a high profile project can be devastating. I’ve seen it rock women to their core, and put a dent in their self-belief and confidence. Here are 7 common mistakes mid-career professional women make that leave them overlooked for promotion.
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How to create a safe place…
While 2020 may be behind us, the impacts of COVID-19 on our work lives still linger.
And although this continues to throw challenges our way, it’s also presenting us with many opportunities for personal and organisational growth and change…
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The number 1 thing you need…
After a year of doing our best to adapt to the changes brought about by COVID-19, have you found yourself re-evaluating your priorities and what’s important to you?
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4 quick ways to create more…
Many leader’s calendars are overflowing with tasks, back-to-back meetings and inboxes full of emails. When you’re busy, it can be easy to think that you can’t invite white space into your calendar….
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High performing teams start with this…
I’ve been thinking a lot over the past few weeks about what it takes to create a great team. Not just a good team – but a world class team that work together to create exceptional results…
There’s no doubt that the more senior you become – the more responsibility you take on…
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Why the art of decision making…
One of the primary differences between a mid-level leader and a senior leader is the size and number of decisions they need to make in a day. As we progress and grow as leaders we will be called upon to make more decision more often with ever increasing impact.
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Why you must stop doing and…
You know you are good at what you do and you’re getting great results. Your team members are engaged, enjoy working with you and you’re building a strong team.
But yet…
You don’t feel valued. You are not getting promoted, and you suspect you’re being paid less than your peers.
But why?
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Why working hard is hurting your…
You know you are good at what you do and you’re getting great results. Your team members are engaged, enjoy working with you and you’re building a strong team.
But yet…
You don’t feel valued. You are not getting promoted, and you suspect you’re being paid less than your peers.
But why?
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

5 Rules You Need To Break.
We learn early on in life the rules we need to follow to stay safe, be liked and to get ahead. But many of the rules we learned growing up as little girls and young women were not designed to develop courageous leadership. Here are my top 5 rules to break.
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Opportunity Is Knocking. Will You Answer…
Opportunity Is Knocking.Will You Answer The Call? The time is now! Opportunity is knocking for professional women. Ladies, our time is now. A change has been brewing over the last couple of years and now it’s knocking loudly on our door. Do you feel it? Women all over the world are …
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Tired, overwhelmed and plagued with uncertainty!…
Tied, overwhelmed and plagued with uncertainty! So how can you perform at your best? “What state are you in when you perform at your best as a leader?” I first came across this powerful question in Michael Buntings brilliant book; The Mindful Leader. If you haven’t read it I’d highly recommend …
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Can You Really Be Yourself and…
Can You Really Be Yourself and Succeed as a Leader? Leaders often confide in me saying they are not sure what style of leader they are meant to be. Some tell me that they are completely different at work to how they are at home. While others tell me they have …
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Luck? A Smart Career Building Strategy
Luck… a smart career building strategy Some people just seem to attract good luck… are you one of them? People who are lucky in their career are those who are asked to participate in the most interesting projects, are in the right place at the right time to take advantage of …
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How to get the most out…
How do you approach your annual performance review? Do you see it as a golden opportunity to reflect on what you have achieved, how you have contributed and set your plan for personal and professional growth? Or do you groan and see it as nothing more than a tick a box …
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5 tips to boost the effectiveness…
As a senior professional you attend a LOT of meetings. Maybe too many? Some of them may be productive and useful but I’m guessing that there are many you walk away from, frustrated with the lack of purpose, achieving little progress and without a clear outcome or action plan. There is …
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How to position yourself to protect…
Change in the corporate world is the one constant we can rely on. No job is 100% secure. No role will remain exactly the same one year to the next. Cultures change. Corporate structures and strategies change. Boards Change. Executive leadership teams change. And all of this change will directly or …
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What happens when we dare to…
If you have ever been to an event just for women you will know that magic happens when women come together. We may walk in as strangers but it doesn’t take long to find common ground, share from the heart and connect. At our core women are gifted connectors, collaborators and …
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Could you be more decisive?
Being seen to be a strong, decisive decision maker is a critical factor in establishing our leadership credibility. A quick and well thought through decision backed by logic, gut instinct and taking personal responsibility for whatever the outcome will be, can boost our professional standing in the eyes of those around …
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How to set clear boundaries for…
Do you have clear boundaries? Or perhaps an even more important question is … do you have any boundaries at all? Are you clear on what’s acceptable to you and what isn’t? Do you protect your time, energy and resources and prioritise what is import to you? In a world that’s becoming …
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Business Acumen: The key to career…
Have you ever wondered what it is that you need to do to transition from middle management to a more senior role? You work hard, you do great work, your team like you but still you are being passed over and senior roles remain elusive. And clearly the statistics confirm you …
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Do you have a powerful magnetic…
You have the title and the responsibility, but are you seen as a leader? Do your team members follow you, respect you and deliver for you? Does the senior leadership team value your and the contribution you make? If you have ever struggled with making your mark as a leader, I …
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Your professional reputation is at stake
How you show up at work matters. The type of energy you bring to your work impacts your effectiveness while also shaping your professional reputation. It’s not something many of us give much consideration to, but it can absolutely influencing our outcomes and whether or not new and exciting opportunities come …
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Does Happiness Matter To Leadership Performance?
How happy are you in your current role? Pretty simple question really but not one we ask ourselves that often. Maybe it’s because we don’t really want to admit the answer. And what does happiness have to do with work, career and being a productive, inspiring, high performing leader anyway? I’d …
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10 actions to close out the…
There is no doubt that this is a very busy time of the year. There are the projects to complete, end of year functions to attend, shopping malls to navigate and the odd family drama’s to attend to. So I am sure that you don’t need me to add anything more …
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How to maintain your leadership mojo…
Got too much on your plate? Feeling overworked, overwhelmed and stressed out? You are definitely not alone. In our busy world of multiple demands.. at work and at home.. life can get a little hectic at times. And then if we throw in some work travel, extra commitments outside hours or …
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Are you playing the game by…
Are you playing the game? Do you even know the rules? The game of career success within the corporate environment is run by some very subtle but very important rules. If you have felt that your progress has been blocked leaving you feeling stuck and disillusioned it may be because you …
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Who’s on your A team?
Who do you have to hold your hand, believe in you, hold you steady when you slip into moments of self doubt, push you, challenge you, tell you when you are off course, clear the path for you and advocate for you in the right circles? …
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Improved team behaviours starts with you
Are you modelling the types of team behaviours that you want your team to project? I was reading an article recently by AFL reporter David Sygall who said “They say sporting teams come to reflect the personality of the coach. A coach who worries will lead a team that panics under pressure. …
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Are You An Accidental Leader?
The Accidental Leader is a common breed of leader. They are those people that don’t necessarily set out to become leaders but through “good luck” or “being in the right place at the right time” fall into the role. Some battle along, trying to work out what this mystical new role …
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It Is Time To Break The…
Our world is made up of rules. They are there to provide us with order and certainty and they generally serve us very well. But I am here today to tell you that it is time to break the rules. Well… maybe just a few. Many of the rules we learned …
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5 Critical Characteristics of High Achievers
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have the gift of turning everything they touch into gold? They lead the best teams, they achieve exceptional results and get noticed and promoted more often. And just to rub salt into the wound … they seem have everything sorted in their …
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Are You Waiting For An Invitation…
If you are a leader… you are expected to lead. It is as simple as that. So why is it that so many leaders tell me that they are waiting to be told what to do, what is expected of them, what their job role is, and how they fit into …
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Women Lead Differently … And That…
If we are to achieve an increasing number of women in leadership positions, we need to acknowledge that men and women lead differently, and that it is a good thing. The leadership style of women is collaborative, inclusive, and consultative. They focus on nurturing a strong team environment where ethical behaviour, …
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Is Focusing On Your “Areas Of…
When you think back to your last performance appraisal, did you spend more time speaking about strengths and achievements or did you and your manager focus on your weaknesses and your areas of improvement? For most of us … our focus has been on our “areas of improvement.” This focus starts …
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Ladies … It Is Time To…
Women continue to struggle to make their mark on the corporate landscape with the numbers of women securing leadership roles sadly lagging behind their male counterparts. It saddens me to walk into meetings with leadership teams to find the disproportionate representation of men and women on the team. A recent Ernst …
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How To Survive Difficult Conversations
At some stage in our career we will all be confronted with the need to have a difficult conversation. You know the type… the type that makes your stomach lurch and has you wanting to do everything but have that conversation. It could be dealing with a customer complaint, providing negative …
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5 Ways To Improve Team Engagement
Team engagement matters. Successful teams who consistently achieve superior results are filled with highly motivated, engaged team members who approach their job with energy, enthusiasm and creatively. But where do you find these people who willing put in the extra effort, who provide exceptional customer service, who look for ways to …
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My guiding word for 2023
One little fact about me that you probably already know is that I love creating space and time to set goals and build a plan. Setting aside specific time to create an annual, high level plan, and a more specific 90 day plan is non-negotiable with me and I’m completely lost and unproductive if I don’t create my weekly success plan
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Why we must talk about menopause…
Let’s talk menopause
Yes! I’m going there.
Why? Because your ability to lead effectively and confidently relies on you being at your best – both physically and mentally.
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Have you forgotten to check in…
We are intuitive beings. We have an inner compass, that when given the chance, can guide us in the decisions we make and the direction we take. When we trust our intuition and take action based on its guidance, it will faithfully do it’s best to support us.
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Has COVID stolen your MOJO?
If your Mojo has been a NO SHOW lately – you’re definitely not alone! As we push through another week of restrictions, border closures, home schooling and working from home … today I give you permission to show yourself a little love and compassion.
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If you’re beating yourself up –…
So you’ve found yourself in that awful place where you realised you’ve not lived up to your high standards. Perhaps you’ve made a critical error, missed an opportunity to present well in a senior executive meeting or failed to deliver a piece of work by the deadline…
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Do You Need To Share The…
As fiercely independent women, we’ve prided ourselves on how much we can do and what we can achieve on our own.
While being independent and getting-things-done is a definite strength of ours, it’s also one of our greatest weaknesses.
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5 Ways You Can Start Leading…
The number 1 thing you need to do to be a great leader is to show your true self.
Now, my guess is some of you are sitting thinking, ‘Yes Jane, but that’s easier said than done. How do I show more of my true self?’
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Back to work Blues? Here’s what…
After a year of doing our best to adapt to the changes brought about by COVID-19, have you found yourself re-evaluating your priorities and what’s important to you?
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Your end of year survival guide
The days are getting warmer and the evenings longer, but this does not mean that it’s time to put your career aspirations on hold, That time will come but here’s what I suggest you focus on first.
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7 simple ways to boost your…
When you reach a certain level of leadership – you are employed to think not just do! Being able to think creatively, solve problems and create new and innovative ideas will have you stand out in the crowd and put you in a powerful position.
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Do emotions belong at work?
Many corporate environments would have us believe that emotions do not belong at work. We have been well trained to suppress any resemblance of an emotion, pushing them below the surface.
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Is having a strong work ethic…
Imagine a world where we worshiped a good “rest ethic” as much as we do a strong “work ethic.” Where we encouraged taking time out to rest and prioritise self care – just as much as we applaud someone’s dedication to hard work.
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Increased workload? Here’s the simple secret…
A few weeks ago, I asked 1500 women in the Leading Ladies Facebook Group whether they were less busy, about the same or more busy as a result of Covid.
The response was a resounding “WAY more busy!!”
Jane Benston

Resilience. A key foundation to thrive…
Right now, our resilience is being tested. With increased uncertainty, massive disruption to our day to day lives and the threat to our physical, mental and economic health, focusing in on building resilience has never been so important.
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Our mindset matters – even more…
There is much of this Covid-19 crisis that we can’t control. But what we can control is our mindset. How we choose to respond to the changing landscape is totally up to us… and could be the difference between just surviving it or truly thriving through this.
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New Year. New Job. The 5…
So you’ve had time to reflect over the summer break and you’ve come to the decision that a new job is on your list of goals for the year. Good for you! Perhaps you’re looking for greater job satisfaction, more money, better corporate culture, more variety, a leader who inspires you …
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Emotions. Do they belong in the…
Emotions. Do they belong in the modern workplace? Many corporates would have us believe that emotions do not belong at work. We have been well trained to suppress any resemblance of an emotion, pushing them below the surface. We hide them in an attempt to stay in control, look strong, and …
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Do you put everyone else first?
Do you put everyone else first? Is it time to stop putting everyone else first? The kids, your partner, the needs of your ageing parents, your boss, your team, the business you work for… even the dog! Or perhaps I should ask… when was the last time you put your own …
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Are you listening to your intuition?
How often do you find yourself doing what you think you should be doing rather than listening to your intuition… and later wishing you had followed your gut instinct? Women are intuitive beings. We have an inner compass, that when given the chance, can really guide us in the decisions we …
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How to set clear boundaries for…
Do you have clear boundaries? Or perhaps an even more important question is … do you have any boundaries at all? Are you clear on what’s acceptable to you and what isn’t? Do you protect your time, energy and resources and prioritise what is import to you? In a world that’s becoming …
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

Do you have a powerful magnetic…
You have the title and the responsibility, but are you seen as a leader? Do your team members follow you, respect you and deliver for you? Does the senior leadership team value your and the contribution you make? If you have ever struggled with making your mark as a leader, I …
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

Do you hold yourself accountable?
Why is staying accountable to what we say we want, so jolly hard? If it were easy we would all be a dress size or two smaller, super healthy, spending quality time with the kids, leaving the office on time, applying for the job we really want, doing great work for …
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How persistent are you?
It is human nature to want to be good at what we do and to have our efforts recognised by others. It makes us feel worthwhile, valued and it leaves us with a proud sense of achievement. But if you feel like you have to do things perfectly and that near …
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How To Work Smarter Not Harder
If your everyday workload regularly leaves you feeling overworked, overwhelmed and frazzled then it’s time to work smarter not harder. We all have the same amount of time available to us but have you noticed that some people are able to get much more done while remaining calm and unflappable… but how do they do it? …
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Your professional reputation is at stake
How you show up at work matters. The type of energy you bring to your work impacts your effectiveness while also shaping your professional reputation. It’s not something many of us give much consideration to, but it can absolutely influencing our outcomes and whether or not new and exciting opportunities come …
Continue Reading >Jane Benston

Your words hold the power
Your ability to influence, engage, inspire and drive performance from your team all stems from your language skills. The effectiveness of your relationships, your ability to build trust or your skill to craft powerful communications by email, through reports or to be delivered from stage all rely on your mastery of …
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Does Happiness Matter To Leadership Performance?
How happy are you in your current role? Pretty simple question really but not one we ask ourselves that often. Maybe it’s because we don’t really want to admit the answer. And what does happiness have to do with work, career and being a productive, inspiring, high performing leader anyway? I’d …
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Shatter Your Inner Glass Ceiling?
Women continue to struggle to make their mark on the corporate landscape with the numbers of women securing leadership roles remaining stagnant at unacceptably low levels. For many women, the glass ceiling is real although often subtle and hidden. Those seeking leadership roles talk about bumping up against the many barriers …
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Why This Job?
Why is it that you do what you do? Of all the jobs and all the companies; why this one? If you were to think back to when you said YES to the role that you are now in, what was it that excited you? Can you remember? Interestingly, research has …
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5 Questions To Ask To Get…
Has your career come to a grounding holt, where you are no longer being recognised, rewarded and promoted? Perhaps you are feeling bored, lacking challenge and missing the opportunity for growth. Are you wondering why it is that your career progression has plateaued over the last few years, leaving you less …
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The 80/20 Rule: Stop Wasting Your…
In a world where the most valuable commodity we have is TIME, finding ways to maximise our results with less effort is paramount to our success and sanity. We seem to be in a constant battle to “get it all done” while struggling against distractions, putting out the spot fires and completing low value busy work that can chew up most of the day …
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Who is holding you to a…
Do you hold yourself to a higher standard, where you are constantly pursuing your personal best, taking action and extending beyond your personal comfort zone? Or do you let yourself get away with slacking off, taking the easy road and settling for second best? Let’s admit it… we all slide into …
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Mindset: How leadership success is an…
So often we think about leadership growth in terms of learning new skills, gaining more experience or expanding technical knowledge. While these are all critically important elements of leadership success, they will only get you so far. The difference that makes the difference is working on our mindset. There always comes …
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7 Simple Ways To Supercharge Your…
Innovation, creative thinking and problems solving is becoming an increasingly important skill for all leaders to foster. Organisations are hungry for employees who can see things from a new perspective, solve long-standing problems with simple changes and really drive progress within the business …
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3 things to let go of…
So often when we think about getting ahead in our career we think about what we need to do more of or be better at or what new action we must take, but very often the place to start has more to do with what we must let go of. The …
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Why women underestimate their abilities
Have you noticed that many women underestimate their abilities and fail to shine a light on their performance? Perhaps you at times you have thought that you needed to know more, learn more, or have more experience to be taken seriously, seek promotion or allow your true value to be seen. …
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Are You An Energy Giver or…
Have you ever worked along side someone who was a drainer of your energy? You know the sort; the people who are constantly negative, focused on what could go wrong and spend most of the day gossiping about other people…. even if they don’t know them. Unfortunately some organisations seem to …
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4 Ways Meditation Will Improve Your…
Is meditation the key to personal and professional success? Is it the gateway to our inner stability and true peace, love and happiness? Can learning to settle the mind bring you clarity, wisdom and give you what it takes to be an exceptional leader of people and business? There is a …
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When An Opportunity Presents, Do You…
When an opportunity presents to further your career, do you; Seize the moment and grab it with both hands or Do you retreat wishing you had the courage to say YES. Why is it that so many of us have fallen for the curse of the shrinking violet at some point …
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4 Steps To Overcoming Fear
Lack of education, lack of opportunity, lack of desire; these are not what hold us back from achieving success, reaching our potential or creating significant impact in our work. The number 1 thing that holds us back is our silent struggle with confidence, self worth and faith in ourselves. I had …
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Are You Hiding Your Talents? How…
Being visible is a key part of being an effective leader. We become well known and recognised for the skills we bring to the leadership table by being seen, being noticed and being courageous and vulnerable enough to stand out and shine. But many women struggle with being visible. Perhaps this …
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Our Words Can Empower Us ……
Imagine if by focusing in on changing just a couple of words in your every day communications with your team, colleagues and customers, you could have more influence and impact and achieve improved results. The fact of the matter is … you can! From the moment we learn to talk, we …
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The Power Of Owning Your Space
One of the most powerful lessons for all leaders is to embrace the importance of owning your space. When we own our space we say to the world that we belong, that we believe in our value and give ourselves every opportunity to shine, allowing others to form a positive impression …
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7 Ways To Increase Your Confidence…
Is your lack of confidence and self belief killing your opportunities at work? Having confidence in yourself, your abilities and your capabilities to excel in your work matters. Our level of confidence can mean the difference between getting stuck in a job year after year or getting noticed for new and …
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Are You Settling For Less?
Have you ever found yourself going through the motions at work, where one year rolls into the next and you find yourself settling for less than you are capable of… and for just getting through the day, month or even the year? Some years ago this was my lot in life. …
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How Are You Telling The Story…
What is the story of your year? As we near the end of the year and we slip into reflection mode, I am wondering what stories you are telling yourself and others about the year that was. Are you focus on what has gone well, the wins you have had, what …
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Building Resilience To Thrive During Times…
Resilience is a pre-requisite for surviving the fast paced, demanding and ever changing work environment. In our modern world of highly stressful roles, where the pressure to perform is relentless and the resources are diminishing, we need to be equipped to ride out the difficult times and bounce back from setbacks. …
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3 Easy Steps To Be More…
How is it that we can be busy all day… but at the end of the day feel like we have achieved so little? The problem lies in the fact that we are so often busy … but not overly productive! Just because you are stuck at your desk all day working through a long list of tasks does not necessarily equate to being productive …
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Let Go Of Perfection
It is human nature to want to be good at what we do and to have our efforts recognised by others. It makes us feel worthwhile, valued and it leaves us with a proud sense of achievement. But if you feel like you have to do things perfectly and that near enough is absolutely not good enough, then you may be afflicted by the curse of perfectionism …
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