Thank you to all those who attended our first Leadership Masterclass on Friday in Brisbane. Based on the feedback we received it was a huge success! I really enjoyed spending a little time with you sharing some of my best tips and thoughts to help you navigate life’s hurdles whether at home or at work.
Here’s what one person had to say about it already:
“Intimate audience and massive value! Loved the proven methodology, framework and tangible takeaways – Gold Standard!”
Moving forward this event will be known as a Leadership Breakfast/Lunch. If you missed out last week and want to join us for the next one scheduled for 26 February in Brisbane, you can register here.
If you’re not in Brisbane and want me to run a Breakfast or Lunch closer to you, let us know here. We’ve already got interest from Townsville and Sydney and once we’ve got enough interest from a new location, we’ll do our best to make it happen.
"That was today, son. Tomorrow's another day."
These words from my late father hold a special place in my heart. My dad was a hard, tough man, so as I heard these words in my younger years I really didn’t expect them to be a lesson in self-compassion. Looking back, I can see he knew only too well that life is full of challenges and through these (unexpected) words he was teaching me resilience and kindness. No matter what today holds, tomorrow offers the opportunity to start again.
While we often give generously to others, we can be surprisingly harsh with ourselves. With the first month of 2025 now relegated to history, it’s easy to feel disheartened if our resolutions or goals haven’t gone as planned. But here’s the thing: it’s never too late to start over. Rather than dwelling on what went wrong, focus on how you can move forward with a kinder, gentler mindset.
Compassion must begin with self.
Now, someone who we would expect compassion from is the Buddha. He not only knew the power of compassion but also said "if your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete."
A number of years ago, Megan and I completed a program called Compassionate Mind Training and it turned my understanding of self-kindness on its head. My eyes were wide open from the pre-course survey onwards. The results showed I was highly compassionate toward others, had some compassion for Megan, but gave absolutely none to myself. This realisation was a wake-up call for me and spurred me into action to change.
When considering my then state, the lessons in the program and Buddha’s words, I realised that not only does compassion need to include self, but it must begin with self. Over time, I discovered the joy and liberation that comes from treating myself with the same care I gave others.
The best kind of love is self-love.
This month, as Valentine’s Day approaches, the world will be brimming with reminders of romantic love (and countless ways to free you from your cash in exchange for fluffy toys and roses…). Whilst it’s wonderful to celebrate that special person in our lives, it’s more important to turn that love inward every day. Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Putting all cards on the table, I’m one of those kids who used to make fun of people ‘who loved themselves’. Now as an adult with a few of life’s scars to bear, I know how vital self-love really is. I hated myself for a few years but when I learnt about acceptance and self-compassion, I learnt to love myself too – scars and all. Again, the result was transformational.
If you’re like me, you probably offer others compassion well ahead of yourself. Imagine what would happen if you treated yourself with the same encouragement, care, and forgiveness you freely offer others. Don’t just brush that sentence off; read it again and then sit with it for a couple of minutes to reflect.
Suffering is unique yet ubiquitous, and so is the power of compassion.
Suffering, like trauma is unique for each individual. Whether the world is more or less cruel today (or we just have better access to know about it) compared to 100 years ago or 2000 years ago I’ll leave to the historians and social scientists. What I do know is that those two terms are thrown around regularly today, yet what constitutes suffering or trauma for one person may not raise any issue for another.
Regardless, I’m sure we all agree that whether we’re talking about car accidents, cancer, suicide, domestic violence, workplace toxicity or war, we don’t have to look beyond our first circle of friends/family to find some form of suffering and trauma. Suffering and trauma are in many ways, a ‘normal’ part of life.
When we practice self-compassion, it naturally deepens our connection with ourselves and in so doing, aids our resilience against suffering and trauma. When we are more connected with ourselves, it then provides for further deepening of connection with others too. By acknowledging our shared humanity with others, we foster empathy and understanding which then enhances their resilience also.
Indeed, when we judge ourselves less harshly, we’re less likely to judge others. Compassion becomes a bridge that connects us all, allowing us to show up for one another with kindness and without judgment.
So how do I start?
Firstly, we must understand that none of it is possible without awareness. Whole body awareness.
We must listen to ourselves and those around us with our head, heart and gut. Listening to only one of those (as I did for many years – only listen with my ‘logic brain’) can only ever give us a biased, disconnected view of the world. Instead, true awareness comes from interpreting all the signals together.
Awareness of a whole situation and response to it, enables acceptance for ourselves and enables empathy for others, creating a foundation for meaningful connection. When we practice both self-compassion and compassion for others, we step into a new way of living—one rooted in kindness, understanding and a desire for a better outcome.
Here’s a model to help demonstrate the evolution of compassion through connection.
This year, let’s make self-compassion the goal.
It’s not about ticking every box or achieving perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself with the same encouragement and forgiveness you’d give a dear friend. Whether it’s starting fresh on a goal, celebrating small wins, or simply being present, self-compassion can help you navigate life with more ease and joy.
Take a deep breath, release any lingering judgment, and start fresh.
You deserve it.
Leadership Breakfast 26 February in Brisbane
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