This Friday

LAUNCHING OUR CONNECTION CATALYST LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Maybe you're already leading a small firm and working it out as you go? Or you're eyeing the next step up at a mid-sized firm and wondering if you're ready? Either way, nobody handed you a leadership manual. You're expected to network, build your profile, bring in work, manage a team and maintain client relationships. All while billing enough hours to keep everyone happy. Nobody shows you how to do any of that. You are just expected to know. In professional services, technical expertise gets you in the door, but it doesn't tell you how to handle the person on your team who's quietly disengaging, the client relationship that's starting to feel a bit wobbly, or the conflict in the room that nobody wants to name. This Friday's Connection Catalyst Leadership Program was built for exactly this stage in your career. Six months. Six masterclasses (in person!). Two brilliant facilitators, Julie Scardamaglia and Renée Taylor, who've spent decades inside professional services firms. Starting 28 May | Clarence, 456 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Find out more https://lnkd.in/gPigB9Xj

Julie Scardamaglia's latest insight outlines that not all learning is created equal and neither is the format it's delivered in. Online works great for short technical updates, refreshers, and skills you can rewatch at your own pace. But leadership development? Behaviour change? Creative problem solving? These need something online can't replicate, real conversation, and the energy of being in the room together. The best learning often happens in the side conversations, the questions no one planned fo, and the moment a facilitator reads the room and changes direction. Before investing in your next program, ask one question: does the format actually support the outcome? Convenience is compelling. But if the format undermines the learning, it's not a saving, it's a cost. Read insight https://lnkd.in/gPDuFiuK

Great response to the 2026 ARITA - Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association Mentoring Program. Looking forward to supporting both mentors and mentees throughout their mentoring journey.

Something's coming for leaders in professional services. Not a workshop. Not a webinar. Something better. If you've ever felt like you're figuring out leadership on your own - stay tuned! More soon........

Most professionals are hitting their BD KPIs and getting almost nothing from them. Pleasant chats. Ticked boxes. Missed opportunities. The problem isn't effort, it's what we're measuring. When firms count meetings, professionals perform for the metric. Activity gets mistaken for achievement, and genuine client insight never happens. In our latest insight, Renee Taylor explains why quality beats quantity every time in business development, and what firms and professionals can do to make the shift. Read insight https://lnkd.in/gSxCksip

We took our Breathwork session interstate this week - facilitating for Clarence After seeing the impact of our first session, Clarence rolled out the training to their Sydney members. As a serviced office provider dedicated to the legal sector, they're ensuring their clients get access to the same quality training as larger firms - no matter the location. Legal practice demands sustained concentration, sharp decision-making, and composure under pressure. This session gave Sydney-based legal professionals practical, evidence-based breathing techniques to enhance cognitive performance and manage stress in real-time.

We talk a lot about business development at This Friday. This week we are doing a whirlwind trip to Sydney putting it into practice. Meetings, training, industry events, and genuine client connection. Because in a world of emails and Teams calls, nothing replaces making the effort to catch up face to face.

Expressions of interest close this week for the ARITA - Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association mentoring program - don’t miss out!

Usually behind the camera... This week we flipped the script and found ourselves in front of it for our corporate videos. Nothing like experiencing it from the other side. Here's what we know for sure, video can be uncomfortable. The key? Relax, have a laugh, and don't take yourself too seriously. We definitely practiced what we preach, there was plenty of laughing, a few questionable takes, and some genuine moments that reminded us why authenticity always wins. If you're dreading your next video shoot, remember, the best content comes when you're being yourself, not trying to be perfect. And if all else fails, just have fun with it. We certainly did!

Want to level up in restructuring and insolvency? This Friday is excited to facilitate the ARITA - Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association Mentoring program which is now open for 2026 applications https://lnkd.in/gzEx9cxG Back for its second year and included in the ARITA membership, this program gives members direct access to the minds shaping the industry. ARITA's article https://lnkd.in/gZEVpDpY breaks down why practitioners are calling it essential, including insights from Julie. Be sure to register!