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Leadership Accelerator Newsletter

Helping ambitious managers reclaim their time and be exceptional leaders. Weekly advice, how-tos and latest thinking to get you ahead.

Featured Post

Three ways to safely use AI at work this week 🤖

Hi there, The smartest managers I know aren't waiting. They're already using AI to save hours every week. If you're wondering whether it's safe to use AI at work, you're not alone. I was amazed to read that according to Deloitte, nearly one in three UK employees are already paying for their own AI tools because their companies haven't caught up with policy or training. But leadership means moving ahead thoughtfully—not waiting. AI is moving through the world of work like a rocket, and if you...

Hi there, Just a quick one from me this week, there’s no video lesson this week, because I’m taking some proper time off with my family for Easter. And rather than just disappear, I wanted to say something about that. Because I think it matters — especially for those of us trying to lead well. We often talk about being strategic in our roles — but rarely do we talk about being strategic with our life. But if you’re not clear on what your personal goals are — with your family, your partner,...

Hi there, You’re delivering. You’re dependable. But deep down, do you ever feel like there’s more in you — and you’re not quite sure how to get seen differently? This week’s video is all about the small mindset shift that helps you stop being overlooked… and start being seen as the strategic leader you already are. We’re talking about the CEO mindset — and how to start using it today, even if you're not the boss (yet). Here are three practical strategies I break down in the video, and how you...

Hi there! Let's be honest — most meetings are either too long, too vague, or too rushed. And even the best-intentioned leaders find themselves winging it. But the way you run a meeting shapes how people see you as a leader. In this week's video, I have broken down three small leadership habits that transform how you show up in meetings — and they're simple enough to try this week. 1. Schedule your thinking time Most of us know we should prepare — but few of us protect time to do it. The key...

Hi there, You know when you are flat out with work, and someone suddenly stops you to ask you a question... You say, “I’m just really busy right now.” Totally normal, right? I know, you are in back-to-back with meetings, your inbox is overflowing, and you’re juggling more than ever. However you have a problem… “I’m busy” is quietly damaging your leadership. It doesn’t sound strategic — it sounds reactive. When your team or peers hear it, they often interpret is as: They’re not important...

Hi there You’re busy. You’re setting goals, running meetings, chasing deadlines… but somehow, are your team still isn’t hitting targets? The problem isn’t effort—it’s that most managers miss one critical step that high-performing teams use. The best teams don’t work harder—they plan smarter. This is something I’ve seen time and time again: Managers and leaders not giving themselves time to stop and plan and a result spend too much time in reactive mode responding to events. My guesstimate is...

Hi there, Well its all a bit mad out there right now isn’t it? One thing for sure is the management job market is experiencing some big shifts. Layoffs, AI disruption, economic uncertainty - it's a lot to handle. As you think about your future career here's the hard truth: working hard won't protect you anymore. Organisations will make tough decisions when they need to, regardless of your dedication. To help I've been thinking about what managers need NOW to not only insulate themselves from...

Hi there, Let’s be honest—coaching an underperformer is one of the hardest things about being a manager. You don’t want to demotivate them, create tension, or make things awkward. So, like many managers, you might put it off, cross your fingers, and hope things improve on their own. But here’s the problem: they usually don’t. And by the time you do step in, it feels like a big confrontation rather than a simple course correction. The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. I always...

Hi there, Have you ever been to the circus or Covent Garden and seen the plate spinners? I watched a chap get over 10 plates whizzing along on sticks, whilst chatting and telling jokes. He spent a little time getting each plate spinning, and then would return to it and give it the softest of touches as it started to slow down or wobble. He made it look effortless, not one plate fell. This is what one-on-ones do for your team, you give them just enough ‘spin’ for them to whizz along and do...

Hi there, Ever set career goals only to find yourself in the exact same spot months later? You're not alone. As a leadership coach I've discovered that the reason most personal development plans fail isn't lack of time—it's strategy. The three biggest mistakes I see that keep ambitious managers stuck are: The Knowledge Trap: Chasing more knowledge isn't always the answer to leadership success, as so much of great leadership is in behaviours, habits and skills that you learn faster in the day...