Category: Leadership Matters

Taking time to reflect on the past provides valuable insight into strategies, plans and tactics for the year ahead.

This month’s Member Spotlight features Harley Hochstetler CPMgr FIML, Executive Director of International Operations Hubs at Nielsen. Harley’s passion for continuous improvement and knack for tackling challenges with innovative solutions have made a meaningful impact on his teams and clients, simplifying and enhancing their work and lives. In this engaging feature, Harley shares his approach to preparing for 2025, offering actionable tips and strategies to help you set yourself up for success in the year ahead. Don’t miss his advice for driving growth and achieving your goals!

As 2025 approaches, take time to reflect and prepare with purpose. These five strategies—clarifying your "why," balancing ambition with realism, focusing on what matters, rejecting FOMO, and embracing moments of mindlessness—can help you navigate challenges and make the year your best yet.

Effective leadership thrives on calculated risk-taking, balancing bold action with careful preparation. From founding a physiotherapy practice in a carport to navigating public criticism during challenging times, embracing risk fosters innovation, resilience, and organisational growth while inspiring teams to think boldly and act with confidence.

Making bold decisions requires more than gut instinct—it demands a strategic approach. By integrating mental models, meshing diverse narratives, and balancing risk with opportunity, leaders can confidently make big bets that drive transformative success.

People management is often touted as an organisation's greatest asset, yet many leaders fail to invest in developing people leadership capabilities. Good people management links top priorities with day-to-day tasks, and when leaders embrace the role of a coach—rather than just a taskmaster—they amplify their team's potential, driving productivity and innovation.

Making bold decisions requires more than gut instinct—it demands a strategic approach. By integrating mental models, meshing diverse narratives, and balancing risk with opportunity, leaders can confidently make big bets that drive transformative success.

Psychological safety is vital for fostering innovation and openness, but without accountability, it can become a trap for mediocrity. High-performing teams find balance by combining safety with clear standards, constructive feedback, and a relentless commitment to aligning, collaborating, and learning together.

In a competitive talent market, positioning your organisation as an Employer of Choice is crucial for attracting top-tier candidates. By enhancing both personal and organisational branding—through platforms like LinkedIn and strategic storytelling—you can build trust, showcase leadership, and stand out in the eyes of prospective employees.