Unique senior opportunity for a Head of Communications and Public Affairs to join one of Australia’s largest not for profit organisations. Leading not for profit organisation Broad strategic communications opportunity Attractive salary package One of… Read More
Archive for the ‘Advisory’ Category

Stop being hijacked by your emotions.
Mary and Jason were walking out of a client’s office after a difficult meeting. They felt exhausted after having worked on a complex proposal all week, staying late into the evening most nights, rehearsing the… Read More
Why you should take notice of introverts
Several years ago I went to one of those well-known health retreats in Queensland where one goes to detox and rejuvenate. I needed to get away from the daily grind, refresh and renew my energy… Read More
The post-truth world of the older worker
Margie had just received some news that would rock her world. After 25 years in one organisation, rising up through the ranks from a fledgling graduate to a senior executive, she was unexpectedly dismissed. Like… Read More
How stories can change lives: my own personal journey
2016 was a year of writing stories. In December I completed an in-house publication: Unfinished Business – 11 Voices of Success at VicRoads and through this process met a group of delightful, talented and inspirational women… Read More
Coaching Vs Mediation
When coaching just isn’t enough, consider mediation Meet Michelle Michelle is a young, high potential sales representative working for a large pharmaceutical company. Patrick is a sales manager valued in the company for meeting or exceeding his… Read More
The Pursuit of Perfection & Motherhood
“We are not meant to be perfect. We’re meant to be whole.” Jane Fonda. We have all come across the perfect stereotypical mum or career woman. Perhaps she is the perfect stay-at-home mum you meet… Read More
The futile pursuit of perfection – and how to get over motherhood guilt.
By Norah Breekveldt, Director – The Leadership Agenda : Ampersand Advisory “We are not meant to be perfect. We’re meant to be whole.” Jane Fonda. We have all come across the perfect stereotypical… Read More
Barbie’s had a make-over – does it really matter?
By Norah Breekveldt – Director, Ampersand Advisory It is the 1960s. I am six years old and have just put my Barbie dolls away very carefully in their box, like a good, obedient and… Read More
We know working women get penalised for motherhood. What if there’s a ‘daddy track’ too?
Few people would disagree that many women face barriers, if not outright discrimination, when they transition to the role of working parent. There is some emerging research, however, that suggests discrimination and unconscious bias… Read More
Diary of a new CEO – First things first.
Week 2 in my first CEO role and what a ride the first week has been! I met with the Board Chair to clarify expectations, priorities and deliverables for the first quarter, my EA has… Read More
When your personal brand no longer works for you
Judith was an outstanding Communications Manager at the ACME Energy Company. She effectively prepared all of the company’s written collateral, media releases and advice to the external market, and had developed very strong relationships… Read More

Challenging Stereotypes
The world of work has changed significantly for women since the 1970’s when EEO and affirmative action legislation was introduced. More flexible employment practices exist, women now outnumber men a university graduates, women in… Read More
Self-regulation strategies to help cope with interview induced stress
I am currently undertaking a Diploma in the Neuroscience of Leadership and personally I am blown away by how interesting the content is and how easily applicable it is to so many situations and… Read More
Playing politics or being politically savvy?
Ask anyone if they want to engage in organisation politics, chances are they will answer with a resounding No! However we hear from many of our clients and candidates that they would like to become more… Read More
Quotas for women – a meaningless numbers game?
Women are powerful. They play a crucial role in leadership and decision-making roles in all spheres of life. According to a Boston Consulting Group poll of 23,000 women in 22 countries[1] women drive 70 percent… Read More
A view from inside Jack’s brain
In our earlier blog we read about Jack’s fall from grace following his appointment to what seemed like the perfect CEO role for him. Within 12 months in this new role he had been fired… Read More