Renee Giarrusso's Blog

71. Energise for Connected Leadership and Wellbeing with Tim Jack Adams

In this episode of Limitless Leaders Podcast, I sat down with Tim Jack Adams, a pioneering voice in human sustainability, someone who believes that energy, connection, and purpose are just as vital as performance. Tim is the founder of GreenX7 and creator of the Battery Check, a science-backed tool used by leading organisations. His book Energised distils over a decade of research and lived experience into a practical framework for leaders and cultures that endure.

Together, we explore what it means to lead sustainably, how connection and wellbeing fuel leadership, and why having fun and nurturing relationships are essential to thriving both personally and professionally.

You can watch the podcast here, click the image below, or listen on your favourite platforms.

Key Takeaways:Purpose is foundational: Living true to yourself, understanding why you do what you do, is where sustainable energy and leadership begin.Sleep, movement & nutrition matter: Without rest, physical health, and good nutritional habits, other aspects of wellbeing and leadership performance suffer.Mindset shapes everything: Shifting from scarcity, limitation, or external expectations to a growth mindset empowers you to make choices and evolve.Measure your wellbeing: Tools like the Battery Check provide clarity and visibility around your wellbeing in areas like purpose, sleep, fun, mindset etc. Sharing how you’re doing can support accountability and mutual support.Connected leadership: Leadership comes from how you show up, not just the title. It’s a blend of heart, intuition, emotional intelligence, and integrity.Small practices in tough times matter: When life gets messy, simple routines like shared check-ins, small acts of fun, nature immersion, and awareness help recharge and rebuild.Contact Tim Jack Adams:

Tim Jack Adams Website

Tim Jack Adams on Instagram

Tim Jack Adams on LinkedIn

Enjoy This Podcast?

Leadership in changing times can be difficult, but you can adopt certain traits to get your team through it. You can also join mentorship programs to gain the skills you need.

Please post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends! The world needs more people with the drive and leadership qualities to make the world a better place. We need strong leadership skills and a learner’s attitude today more than ever.

To listen to the podcast, select your favourite link below.

Apple: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnApple

Spotify: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnSpotify

Android: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnAndroid

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReneeGiarrusso-RGDynamics

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:

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To leading the future,

Lead with Impact – Coaching to Empower, Elevate, and Reclaim Your Time

“A good coach can change a game… a great coach can change a life.”

After more than 30 years of coaching, including as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation, I’ve worked with hundreds of leaders across 24 industries. My mission? To embed practical coaching frameworks and hands-on strategies that stick and to help leaders build coach-centric cultures that empower others, reclaim time, and drive lasting results.

I believe, coaching is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Between 2019 and 2022, the number of active coaching practitioners worldwide grew by 54%, and the global coaching market is projected to hit $7.3 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by a rising awareness especially among younger generations of coaching’s transformative impact on careers, teams, and organisations.

Coaching: The Catalyst for High Performance

Whether in AFL, sales, customer service, or leadership, high-performing teams thrive in coaching cultures. “Limitless Leaders” understand that coaching isn’t about having all the answers, instead it’s about enabling others to think for themselves.

When people own their decisions, they become less dependent on you. That frees you to lead strategically, not just manage. Think of yourself not as the star player, but as the conductor who is guiding, challenging, and empowering others to perform at their best.

Types of Coaching That Drive Results

Coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Here are four powerful formats leaders can use:

One-on-One Formal Coaching

Structured sessions focused on individual growth, performance, and leadership development.

Coaching on the Fly

Informal, in-the-moment conversations that guide and support team members during daily interactions.

Peer Coaching

Colleagues coach each other, sharing insights and feedback to build mutual accountability and trust.

Group Coaching

Facilitated sessions with multiple participants, fostering shared learning, collaboration, and team alignment.

Each type plays a unique role in building a culture of continuous development and empowerment.

There are many motivators for coaching including optimising individual and team performance, enhancing communication skills and increasing productivity.

And the results speak for themselves:

96% of individuals or organisations report satisfaction with coachingMedian ROI of 7×, with some reporting up to 50×Executive coaching drives measurable gains in performance, confidence, and team effectivenessReframe Coaching as ‘Delegating Thinking’

In a recent “Leader as Coach” program, I described coaching as delegating thinking. Instead of giving answers, you empower others to think critically and creatively. This builds capability, ownership, and resilience and saves you time.

Start simple: ask more, tell less.
Make coaching an everyday conversation, not an occasional event.

Five Ways Leaders Can Start Coaching TodayLet Go of Being the All-Knowing Coach
Trust and delegate both tasks and thinking. Create space for growth.Create Space for Empowerment
Give the “what,” not the “how.” Let people find their own way.Ask More, Tell Less, Stay Curious
Resist solving. Ask what they’ve tried, explore options, and guide.Leverage Team Strengths
Match tasks to strengths and encourage peer learning.Communicate with Precision and Rapport
Adapt your style to build trust and openness—without losing authenticity.The Business Case for CoachingOrganisations with strong coaching cultures grow 27% fasterProfit margins can be up to 87% higher70% of executives report improved performance86% say coaching meets or exceeds expectationsROI averages 7× for executive coaching engagements

Whether you’re leading from the corner office, virtually or the frontline, coaching is one of the most powerful tools to grow people, create space for leadership, and foster sustainable performance.

Awareness is the starting point.

Transformation happens when coaching becomes part of your leadership DNA.

How are you creating a coach-centric culture?

Lead to be limitless.

Connection Starts with Conversation – How to Respond on R U OK Day

September 11 is R U OK? Day!

For me, checking in with others, and ourselves, should be a daily practice, not just reserved for one day a year.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in the past 12 months, 22% of Australians aged 16–85 (around 4.3 million people) experienced a mental disorder. The most common were anxiety disorders, affecting 17% of the population, followed by affective disorders (8%) and substance use disorders (3%).

Additionally, 1 in 7 children and adolescents aged 4–17 have experienced a mental illness.

Burnout, overwhelm, anxiety, and poor mental health can impact every area of our lives. These challenges aren’t always visible, which is why it’s so important to reach out and to be open when others reach out to us.

As someone who naturally gives a lot in both work and home life, I’ve sometimes found it hard to ask for help. I learned the hard way. During my recent 14-month breast cancer battle I stayed optimistic, kept working throughout my treatments and kept giving to others. My support network was and is amazing, but I found it so hard to receive and not be the giver. After a while I realised I needed support and help, and it took me the whole year to be open to that and realise that people love to help and that is ok.

Sharing how we feel doesn’t always fix everything, but connection is a human need, and having support from others makes a real difference.

When I check in with people, at work or in life, I often hear responses like “I’m OK, I guess,” “Yeah, I’m hanging in there,” or the classic “Not bad, thanks.” These answers are easy to accept, and just as easy to give. But are they really serving us?

There’s a lot of focus on asking “Are you OK?” but not enough on how we can respond meaningfully when someone checks in.

If someone asks how you’re really doing, here are a few ways you might respond:

Say thank you: “Thanks for caring. It means a lot.”Ask for support: “I could use someone to talk to right now.”Be honest: “I’ve been feeling a bit down lately, but I’m working through it.”Express gratitude: “I appreciate your concern, even if I’m not ready to talk.”Mention professional help: “I’m working with a therapist to get through this.”Deflect with empathy: “I’m okay, thank you. How about you?”Seek someone you trust: Let them know you have someone you’re comfortable talking to.Set boundaries: “I prefer not to discuss it right now, but I appreciate you checking in.”

I’m not an expert, but I’ve learned that constantly supporting others while neglecting myself isn’t sustainable. When someone checks in, brushing them off can feel like rejecting their care.

Let’s remember, prioritising our well-being is essential. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Taking care of your mental health is non-negotiable.

If you ever need a chat or support, I’m here.

Lead and live limitlessly.

Limitless Leadership: The Power of Multi-Dimensional Energy

In today’s dynamic and demanding work environment, leadership has evolved beyond traditional roles. It’s no longer just about managing tasks—it's about managing energy.

The world has changed and so have we.

With constant demands and rapid change, leaders must be mindful of their energy and not just physical energy, but the full spectrum of energy that defines our human experience. This holistic approach is the foundation of what I call a Limitless Leader: someone who leads self and others by learning, unlearning, relearning, and evolving.

The 5 Dimensions of Limitless Leadership Energy

To lead effectively, we must harness energy across five key dimensions:

Emotional Energy – How we feel.Mental Energy – How we think.Social Energy – How we connect.Physical Energy – How we function.Spiritual Energy – What we believe and nurture.

When these energies are aligned, we experience balance, clarity, and vitality. We show up as our best selves and help others do the same.

Why Energy Matters More Than Ever

Recent data underscores the importance of energy and wellbeing in the workplace:

72% of organisations now have formal wellness programs.81% of employees say these initiatives positively impact their health.Companies investing in wellness see a $3.80 return for every dollar spent.58% of employees report feeling burned out at least once a month.Most workers are under stressed physically and spiritually, but overstressed emotionally and mentally.

Energy leadership, being aware of and intentionally managing your energy has emerged as a key driver of team performance, engagement, and resilience.

Learning Jolt: Self-Assessment

Rate each of the five dimensions from 1–5 (1 = low, 5 = optimal).

Then ask yourself:

• What’s one thing I can do to move the needle toward a 5/5?

• When was I last at a 5/5 in this area? What was different?

“We cannot lead from an empty cup. We want to give the world the best of us, not what’s left of us.”

5 Strategies to Elevate Your Energy

1. Emotional Energy

Cultivate emotional intelligence through self-awareness and empathy.Know your triggers and validate your emotions.Lock self-care into your calendar and don’t leave it to chance.

2. Mental Energy

Your thoughts shape your reality. Practice mindfulness and gratitude.Use the 3:1 ratio; three positives for every negative.Companies offering mental health days see a 24% increase in satisfaction.

3. Social Energy

Build meaningful relationships and eliminate energy-draining ones.Create a “No List” and decide who and what are you saying no to?Connect with people that light you up.

4. Physical Energy

Australians spend 90% of their time indoors, get outside!Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and screen-free time before bed.

5. Spiritual Energy

Connect with your values, vision and purpose.Journaling and reflection help track your spiritual growth.Most workers lack spiritual alignment yet it’s the most significant source of energy.Energy Leadership in Action

Energy leadership is about how you show up not just what you do. Leaders who operate from anabolic energy (positive, constructive) foster creativity, trust, and collaboration. Those stuck in catabolic energy (negative, draining) create stress and disengagement.

Balanced energy across these five dimensions empowers us to lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose. It transforms not only individuals but entire organisations into vibrant, adaptive, and sustainable entities.

What are you putting into action today?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Lead to be limitless.

70. Pause, Reflect, Lead: The EQ Advantage with Amy Jacobson

In this insightful episode of the Limitless Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Amy Jacobson, Emotional Intelligence and human behaviour specialist, speaker, and author of The Emotional Intelligence Advantage: Mastering Change and Difficult Conversations.

Amy is on a mission to simplify E.I. and help leaders and teams understand how their emotions impact performance, communication, and connection. With a deep background in corporate leadership and a passion for decoding human behaviour, she shares why E.I. isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a game-changer.

You can watch the podcast here, click the image below, or listen on your favourite platforms.

Key Takeaways:

Amy is a sought-after media commentator who’s mission is to break down misconceptions around E.I., help people to increase their emotional intelligence and create purpose-driven teams who get results.

Emotional intelligence is not soft, it’s strategic. It drives leadership impact, team performance, and trust.Emotions aren't bad. They just need regulation. Feeling them is essential, but looping or overreacting can derail outcomes.Connection is core. EQ helps leaders build true rapport, especially in diverse, hybrid, and fast-paced workplaces.Self-awareness is the starting point. Take a moment to pause, reflect and ask, “How am I feeling right now?”Leadership is about people, not just performance. EQ helps leaders move from process-driven to purpose-driven.Contact Amy Jacobson:

Amy Jacobson Website

Amy Jacobson on Instagram

Amy Jacobson on LinkedIn

Enjoy This Podcast?

Leadership in changing times can be difficult, but you can adopt certain traits to get your team through it. You can also join mentorship programs to gain the skills you need.

Please post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends! The world needs more people with the drive and leadership qualities to make the world a better place. We need strong leadership skills and a learner’s attitude today more than ever.

To listen to the podcast, select your favourite link below.

Apple: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnApple

Spotify: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnSpotify

Android: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnAndroid

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReneeGiarrusso-RGDynamics

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:

Company website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

To leading the future,

Knowledge Is No Longer Power — It’s How You Apply It with the Human Touch

There was a time when knowledge was power. Those who knew the most were the ones others turned to for guidance, decision-making, and leadership. Fast-forward to now, and we live in a world where anyone can access anything, about anything, at their fingertips. Data, facts, and frameworks are no longer locked away they’re everywhere.

So where does that leave us as leaders?

Knowledge still matters, but it’s not the differentiator anymore. What sets leaders apart now is how they apply what they know and more importantly, how they bring their real, raw, and sometimes messy selves into the way they lead.

It’s no longer enough to know your craft. We need to show our humanity. To share our stories. To let our truth, our experiences, and even our scars be part of how we influence, connect, and inspire.

To be a Limitless Leader in this new landscape means embracing the cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning. It means evolving, not just our skills, but our mindset, values, and presence.

So I’ll ask you this “what are you unlearning right now? What are you approaching differently, with more heart and less armour?

Here are five practical strategies to bring more of your essence into leadership, in a world full of noise, chaos, untruths, and infinite access to information:

1. Lead with your story, not just your skills

Facts inform, but stories connect. Share experiences from your career (and life) that shaped how you think and lead. When people see the human behind the title, trust deepens. Adopt the Gift Mindset and see challenges as opportunities to grow and share your lessons.

2. Trade perfection for presence

Leadership isn’t about always having the right answer, it’s about being fully present when it matters. Ditch the pressure to appear flawless and instead focus on listening, noticing, and responding in the moment.

3. Unlearn what no longer serves you

We all have habits, beliefs, or leadership “rules” we’ve carried for years. Ask yourself: “Does this still serve me, my team, and the outcomes we’re working toward?” If not, release it and try something new.

4. Create space for real conversations
In a corporate world driven by KPIs and deadlines, the simplest way to lead with heart is to make time for meaningful dialogue. Ask better questions, listen deeply, and value the perspectives you hear even when they challenge your own.

5. Anchor decisions in values, not just data
Data is important, but it can’t replace discernment. In moments of complexity or uncertainty, lean into your values as your compass. It not only keeps you authentic, but it inspires others to do the same.

In a world overflowing with information, the true edge for leaders isn’t in knowing more it’s in showing more.
More vulnerability.
More courage.
More alignment between who you are and how you lead.

Knowledge is a tool. Your essence is the power source.

So, what will you unlearn today? And how will you lead, not just with your head, but with your heart?

Lead to be limitless.

The 7 Signs Your Team Needs a Reset

The world of work has changed. In today’s fast-moving world of hybrid work, constant change, and unrelenting deadlines, it’s easy for teams to get caught up in doing without pausing to reflect, reset, or reconnect. But I believe high-performing teams don’t just work harder, they work smarter by recognising when something’s off and taking time to realign.

Pausing to reset and refocus isn’t a luxury, to sustain growth and performance it’s non-negotiable.

A bit like a device running too many apps at once, even the most talented teams will slow down or malfunction if they don’t take time to recharge and recalibrate.

When teams don’t stop to reset, performance erodes, tension builds, and people start simply “get through the day” rather than making an impact. I’m seeing many teams on the brink of burnout and misalignment to roles and values. All it takes is a proactive approach and giving your team the permission to pause, now, not when its too late.

So how do you know when it’s time to hit pause and guide your team through a reboot?

Here are 7 powerful signs that your team might need a reset:

1. Motivation Has Dropped Off

When the team vibe feels flat and energy is low, there’s usually a deeper issue at play. You may notice language like “What’s the point?” or “Just trying to make it to Friday.” Low motivation is often a symptom of unclear purpose, lack of recognition, or disconnect from meaningful work.

2. The Team Feels Disconnected

If collaboration feels forced, meetings are transactional, and people are working more in silos than in synergy, disconnection is present. Connection isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s the fuel for trust, communication, and healthy team dynamics.

3. There’s a Lack of Shared Goals

When everyone’s focused on individual tasks or KPIs, it’s easy to lose the forest for the trees. A team without a unifying purpose starts to drift. Shared goals create alignment, momentum, and a sense of collective achievement as do shared team values.

4. Creativity and Innovation Are Missing

If your team is recycling old ideas or avoiding risk, innovation has taken a back seat. Creativity thrives in environments with psychological safety, time to think, and space to experiment. A lack of this signals a stagnant or risk-averse team culture. When teams get creative together, I have seen firsthand that collaboration is the by-product of this.

5. Miscommunication or Confusion is Present

If team members are unclear on their roles, priorities, or expectations, it breeds inefficiency and frustration. When people feel they’re out of the loop or don’t know what’s going on, clarity needs to be restored and this needs to be done fast. Many people withdraw from others and effective communication decreases resulting in disconnection.

6. The Focus is on Activity, Not Impact

Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. If your team is constantly “doing,” but outcomes are unclear or inconsistent, it’s a sign they’re stuck in motion, not progress. Purposeful work beats busyness every time. Check your team isn’t just on autopilot and ticking things off. Quality over quantity wins every time.

7. Burnout is Rising

You may hear things like “I’m exhausted” or notice people pulling back, calling in sick more often, or just mentally checking out. Burnout is more than tiredness, it’s a loss of connection to the work, the team, and themselves. Most of the time burnout is a person’s misalignment to their role or purpose.

When teams don’t take the time to pause, they drift. They lose momentum, clarity, and connection. A reset is an opportunity to realign, reconnect, and reignite energy and purpose. It gives space for honest reflection, shared ownership, and a renewed sense of direction.

This doesn’t mean starting over, it means asking the right questions and creating space for realignment, so your team can thrive, not just survive.

The best leaders don’t wait for a crisis to make a change. They know when to pause the doing to focus on being and become realigned, refreshed, and ready to lead forward. If even a few of these signs are showing up, it might be time to step back so your team can leap forward.

Ready to Reset?

For two decades at RG Dynamics, we’ve designed and delivered hundreds of 5-star, world-class team programs. We know the importance of giving your team permission to pause, reset, and refocus.

From our Limitless Teams® workshops and Mapping Motivation for Team Success program to our hands-on Cook and Connect 1-day retreats, we tailor every experience to meet your objectives and success outcomes.
If you’re ready to accelerate performance, motivation, and happiness in your team, we’d love to partner with you.

Lead to be limitless.

 

What our clients say:

“I recently had the opportunity to connect with Renée for a coaching session and to also take part in a Thrive 2025 session. Renée is absolutely amazing, her energy and passion truly set her apart. After a huge year there were some weary faces, however after Renée’s session, everyone left the Thrive session energised and grounded, with intent and focus in readiness for the new year. Thank you Renée!”
– Lexia Laracy FCIPS (CS), Head of Procurement Excellence | APA

“Appreciate the learnings and support, for both myself and our team, received from Renée during our workshops and coaching sessions. We engaged Renée to help develop not only our senior leaders with her Limitless Leaders Acceleration program but also our future leaders exposing them to a limitless mindset and motivational intelligence team program which has proved invaluable in our quest for constant improvement. Renée builds rapport quickly which enables her to engage with any audience easily.”
– Simon Taylor, Regional West Manager – Metricon Homes

 

 

69. The Power of Care with Dr. Siew Fang Law

As leaders, we often pour so much into others, our teams, our organisations, our missions, that we forget to pause and check in with ourselves. In this episode of the Limitless Leaders Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Siew Fang Law, CEO and Co-Founder of Bento Box of Care, to explore what it truly means to lead with balance, care and deep connection.

Dr. Siew Fang Law is an educator, mediator and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience across higher education, nonprofit and international development sectors. Her expertise spans social psychology, peace psychology, conflict resolution, DEI and root-cause therapy.

You can watch the podcast here, click the image below, or listen on your favourite platforms.

Key Takeaways:

This conversation was a timely reminder that leadership is not just about doing more. It is about showing up with presence, purpose and a genuine connection to who we are and what really matters.

Balance is created, not found. True balance is built through intentional choices that sustain care for self and others.Self-care fuels your best self. Leadership thrives when we give from a full cup, not from what's left over.Resilience means bending, not breaking. Challenges like burnout and bias can build inner strength when met with reflection and care.C.A.R.E. is a daily anchor. Consciousness, Action, Reciprocity, and Equilibrium guide aligned and compassionate leadership.Care spans four dimensions. Lead with intention through self-care, relational care, a culture of care, and soul care.Balance isn’t selfish, it’s essential. You can’t be present for others if you’re not present for yourself.Boundaries matter. Rest, reflection, and saying no are part of sustainable success.Contact Dr. Siew Fang Law:

Bento Box of Care Website

Dr. Siew Fang Law on LinkedIn

Enjoy This Podcast?

Leadership in changing times can be difficult, but you can adopt certain traits to get your team through it. You can also join mentorship programs to gain the skills you need.

Please post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends! The world needs more people with the drive and leadership qualities to make the world a better place. We need strong leadership skills and a learner’s attitude today more than ever.

To listen to the podcast, select your favourite link below.

Apple: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnApple

Spotify: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnSpotify

Android: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnAndroid

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReneeGiarrusso-RGDynamics

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:

Company website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

To leading the future,

Shift Your Words, Shift Your Mindset

Yes, it’s freezing in Melbourne.
Yes, it gets dark by 5:30pm.
Yes… it’s Winter.

Last week especially, the cold’s been the hot topic. And yes, it’s chilly. But let’s keep some perspective.

Most of us are moving between heated cars, cosy offices, and warm venues. Meanwhile, my husband, like so many in the construction industry is up at 5am, in the dark, out in the elements. No heaters. No warm coffee on standby. Just grit, layers, and getting on with it.

To be up front, I do feel the cold more now. Without my usual long hair post-treatment, I notice the chill in a whole new way. But that shift got me thinking (again) about something I live and lead by and that is the power of reframing.

So, when someone was complaining about the cold, saying, “We’re only four weeks into Winter,” my automatic response was “It’s only nine weeks until Spring.”

It’s a small shift, but it changes everything. I’ve been saying it for years, and while it might sound overly optimistic to some, reframing has never been about blind positivity. It’s about choosing a more empowering perspective, one that moves us forward instead of keeping us stuck.

Reframing isn’t about ignoring reality instead it’s about choosing which part of reality you focus on. It’s a mindset tool that allows you to take control of your narrative instead of letting your environment dictate your energy.

Language matters. The words we use out loud and in our own minds (the DJ in our head) can either elevate us or exhaust us.

What we tell ourselves shapes how we feel, and how we feel drives how we show up.

Think about it:“I have to have a tough conversation” becomes “I have the chance to create clarity and strengthen trust.”“Everything’s so uncertain” becomes “We’re in a period of change—and that brings opportunity.”

These small mental shifts can create huge emotional shifts.

As a business owner and leader, I’ve learned that reframing is one of the most powerful tools we have. When challenges come up, and they always do, it’s the internal dialogue that determines whether we spiral or rise.

Reframing allows us to step back, reset, and choose how we engage. It helps us stay resourceful, not reactive. It builds resilience from the inside out.

Act as if… and see what happens. Your thoughts shape your feelings, which shape your actions and ultimately, your results.

Mindset is everything. What you think can create magic or mayhem. The choice is always yours.

What’s a reframe that’s helped you lately?

I’d love to hear how this works for you.

Lead Limitlessly.

What an Italian Nonna Can Teach Us About Leadership: 5 Sayings with Timeless Power

Being Italian on one side I’ve always been drawn to anything that is Italian. From the food, the beliefs, the fashion, passion for family and the sayings that are magically kept alive by the Nonna’s.

Growing up, I was living with my Mum who is Australian and my stepdad who is from Adelaide. I was still very close to my dad who was Italian and his side of the family. My Mum also lives Italian values to this day as her and my dad married young and she was bought into a big Italian family, something quite rare back in the late 60’s in Australia. An Italian marrying an Australian just wasn't a thing looked upon fondly.

My Mum is an amazing cook, as was my Nonna and this is where my passion for cooking was ignited at seven years old.

If you’ve ever sat at the table with an Italian Nonna, you know she’s more than just a cook or caretaker, she’s a life coach in an apron. They are the hardest workers, the strongest force in a family and they are known for their fierce love, no-nonsense wisdom, and deep-rooted values passed down through generations. Creating Limitless Leaders and teams for almost 2 decades, it was only of late that I realised that their sayings could really relate to leadership, of self and others.

Their sayings are rich in cultural meaning, but I believe they also hold surprising relevance for how we lead in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world.

Below, I’ve chosen my favourite five and how they can shape the way we show up in life and leadership.

1. “Pazienza!”

Meaning: Patience!

True leadership isn’t reactive, it’s responsive. “Pazienza!” reminds us that great leaders give space for ideas to grow, people to evolve, and situations to unfold. In today’s fast-paced world, leaders often want quick fixes, but patience allows for long-term solutions and sustainable growth.

In leadership:

When coaching or mentoring a team member who's still learningDuring times of organisational or team change or uncertaintyWhen implementing new strategies or systems that require adjustment time

Nonna’s Lesson: Leadership is a long game. Cultivating patience shows maturity, emotional intelligence, and trust in the process.

2. “Meglio soli che male accompagnati.”

Meaning: Better alone than in bad company.

In leadership, surrounding yourself with the right people is everything. A strong culture, productive team dynamics, and aligned values can lift a leader while the wrong fit can drain energy, morale, and momentum. Great leaders know when to stand alone and when to walk away from what no longer serves the mission.

In leadership:

Choose your team and inner circle wisely — energy is contagious.It’s okay to walk away from toxic dynamics or misaligned partnerships.Quality over quantity applies to both relationships and clients.

Nonna’s Lesson: Protect your space. Who you surround yourself with shapes who you become.

3. “Piano piano.”

Meaning: Little by little / Slowly, slowly 

In any role, progress doesn’t have to be fast to be real. This phrase is often whispered during moments of frustration or effort and is a gentle reminder to be patient and keep going.

In leadership:

Embrace incremental progress.Encourage your team to take steady, manageable steps.Build momentum through small, consistent wins.

Nonna’s Lesson: Good things can take time, take small progress steps and know your outcome.

4. “Dove c’è amore, c’è casa.”

Meaning: Where there is love, there is home.

In leadership, creating a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported builds more than just performance, it builds loyalty, connection and trust. When your team feels like they belong, they bring their full selves to work, and that’s where true innovation and collaboration flourish. In today’s world of AI and hybrid work this concept needs to be lived.

In leadership:

Create a sense of belonging in your team, we know that people thrive where they feel valued.Lead with heart. Authenticity isn’t weakness; it’s a strength that inspires loyalty.Culture is built through care, not control.

Nonna’s Lesson: A connected team is a resilient team.

5. “Avanti!”

Meaning: Forward! / Let’s go!

This fiery little word from Nonna is a powerful leadership mantra. It reminds us that momentum matters and waiting for perfection can stall progress. Leaders who know when to act (even without all the answers) inspire movement, resilience, and results.

Application:

Don’t get bogged down in analysis paralysis.Use it as a rallying cry when your team needs energy or momentum.Progress requires movement — even imperfect action is better than none.

Nonna’s Lesson: Motion creates momentum, just trust yourself and take the first step.

The Heart of Heritage in the Modern World

These Nonna sayings were born in kitchens, courtyards, and vineyards. These are places where resilience, resourcefulness, and community mattered. They remind us that leadership isn’t just about strategy or spreadsheets. It’s about values, grounded wisdom, and the ability to guide others with a steady hand and a full heart.

As we navigate challenges, lead teams, and grow ourselves, may we carry this simple truth, sometimes the best leadership lessons come not from textbooks but from tradition.

As always, I’d love your thoughts.

Lead to be limitless.