Even for professional speakers, stepping up to the mic can trigger crippling self-doubt and anxiety. From a surprise wedding speech to stage presentations, here are three grounding realities worth remembering whenever you’re asked to speak - and why authenticity always beats perfection.

What is the most important meeting you'll ever have? Whether you are launching a quick project or a major strategic initiative, the way you start determines the trajectory. Yet, the critical initial communication is being skipped by too many leaders under a warm blanket of socially acceptable excuses. Here is why protecting your Return on Effort (ROE) means making the start a complete non-negotiable.

Rules are for amateurs; principles are for pros.

After decades of facilitation for senior executives, I’ve found that truly exceptional leaders can answer four distinct questions without a single shred of hesitation or fuzziness. If your leaders are relying on high school techniques in pro-level rooms, they are likely just winging it. Discover the four core disciplines required to build a trusted, self-validating leadership team.

In 1998, the phrase "its been emotional" left the lips of Vinnie Jones in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. A description of wild ride of highs and lows with wacky characters, even weirder incidents, and a lot of carnage. It seems to be a common reflection many have about the year past…

I am forgetful. At times I know people take advantage of this, but that's okay - its my responsibility to be on top of my stuff.

But, it has taken twenty-odd years to realise I am not the only one. The stereotype of being the tall goofy-clumsy-docile-dopey-kinda-funny guy was the part I portrayed as a self-protective and apologetic way to navigate my constant imperfection.