Recently over lunch, I discussed with a woman named Sally, her critique of Rotary's patriarchal 'boys club' culture. While some of her points were valid, it was disheartening to see many men within Rotary unfairly targeted.

Often, discussions on 'toxic masculinity' reflect the behaviour of an elite male minority, not everyday men. Many men in service organisations like Rotary find much of their worth tied to their Rotary roles.

By contrast, modern talented women like Sally seem to have many other avenues to find usefulness and worth in society.

More than a decade ago, I founded Everyman, a monthly men’s group at Broken Head. Back then, self-worth issues were recurring. Over five years, hundreds of men came along. Many were burdened by depression and addiction, and some with suicidal thoughts. Indeed, analysis of suicide notes reveals words like 'useless' and ‘worthless’ being used most often.

In the safe environment of the men’s group, dozens of men...

I had a positive day with the Zero Positive (ZP) Team again today. We dove deeper into our ongoing strategy conversation.

I couldn't have asked for a more passionate team to work with.

ZP is on a successful mission to provide precise, data-driven climate change solutions to measure CO2 emissions and promote awareness and behavioural change.

In today's world, where greenwashing is losing credibility, and climate change costs are on the rise, ZP is gaining significant interest, investment and sales.

ZP have shifted my understanding of our grave human impacts and how ZP can help the most responsible of corporates measure and correct their course.

These words from 4 years ago ring truer today than ever:

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet I'm one of the lucky ones. People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are at the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal...

Scenic Rim Business Awards 

I am honoured to be appointed as a Judge for the upcoming Scenic Rim Business Awards, an event that celebrates business excellence across the Scenic Rim.

Queensland’s Scenic Rim is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, wineries, art galleries, bushwalking trails, equine facilities, agriculture, horticulture and welcoming rural communities, which include Beaudesert, Boonah, Tamborine Mountain, Kooralbyn, Beechmont, Kalbar, Aratula, Canungra, Rathdowney, Harrisville and Peak Crossing.

Here is a list of award categories along with past winners:

Excellence in Tourism and Accommodation: Tamborine Mountain Distillery

Excellence in Hospitality - Food and Dining: Scenic Rim Brewery

Excellence in Retail: My Country Escape

Excellence in Trades and Construction: Hobbs Building and Interiors

Excellence in Transport, Logistics, Manufacturing, and Mining: Joint winners Australian Lawn Concepts and RV Tanks Australia

Excellence in Professional and Community...

Announcing two exciting Grants-Funded-Programs for Small Businesses.

Are you the driving force behind a Queensland business of 2 to 19 dedicated individuals?

If so, you can elevate your business with one of John Hale’s two programs that will:

•   Amplify Turnover, Profit, and Employment
•   Elevate Business Confidence and Skills
•   Strengthen Business Resilience and Long-Term Sustainability

The Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training's (DYJESBT) boost grant initiative, is offering a substantial $10,000 to $20,000 in funding!

This involves three-stage application process:

Stage 1: Registration of Interest (ROI) - September 6th to September 12th, 2023.

Stage 2: Comprehensive Application - September 20th to October 10th, 2023.

Stage 3: Submission of Verified Accountant's Letter.

To apply please visit  www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/business-boost

PROGRAMS

In alignment with the Business...

This week I had the pleasure of facilitating the second of three strategy sessions with Zero Positive, using The Strategy Book as a resource.
 
In our first session, last month, we addressed the most important strategy question of all, “What is really going on here?” We sensed the environment and looked beyond the horizon to paint a clear and at times bleak picture of our world’s repeated feeble attempts to address climate change.
 
Our second session yesterday addressed the second most important strategy question, “What are our options?”
 
Working individually and then in groups we fleshed out some cool options for the business. Creative juices were still flowing today when one of the group members shared an idea she had overnight for creating a climate friendly kitchen and inviting Al Gore to share a meal with Zero Positive’s Founders, Alliance Partners, and Volunteers.
 
She also shared that she has been reading a great book called...

Be a better captain of your ship.

Tip the scales on your ship from 'what just happened' to 'we make things happen.’

The Strategy Book will help you be like ‘Jack Sparrow on Steroids.’

In today's ever-changing business oceans, the word 'strategy' may have lost some appeal. But with constant storms and increasing digital connectivity, a well-crafted strategy is more critical than ever.

Don't let past painful strategy adventures deter you. The key to success in navigating the waves lies in cultivating a Strategic Mindset.

Education through action is the key to learning! The Strategy Book provides dozens of seaworthy illustrations, insights, activities and ideas to help you excel in business.

Buy your copy of The Strategy Book here (with free shipping ;-) www.halecg.com/store

#thestrategybook

#thestrategyguy

#strategicmindset

Too many business owners run into trouble because they don't do strategy well or do strategy at all. In this podcast, I unpack the six steps needed to create a strategic mindset. Additionally, I discuss smart ways to grow your workforce and navigate the future.

Last week Shontel Ashurst from the Townsville Chamber graciously hosted me at the Mercure and created this podcast. She kindly wrote:

"It was lovely working with you John. Thank you for the strategy book; I've already started reading it and taking notes. John, you effortlessly connected and engaged with our audience. The feedback from our members was overwhelmingly positive, and your entertaining and informative presentation equipped us with the steps to future-proof our businesses. Your professionalism and knowledge on strategy are insightful and long-lasting. I will be sure to recommend you to all future clients."

We're doing a little happy dance because we're moving offices!

We're not just moving down the road; we're stepping up another 10 floors and setting up shop at the extraordinary Standard Building at 15 Manning Street, South Brisbane.

Our new offices are perched above the world-famous LUNE designer croissant outlet.

We'll start our workday surrounded by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked croissants, which we'll happily share with our clients.

Our new space also boasts jaw-dropping 360-degree views of beautiful Brisbane.

Whenever we need a little inspiration or a breather from our busy day, we'll step onto the terrace and feel like we're on top of the world.

A big thank you to the Emporium Hotel Concierge and Catering Teams for being an amazing chapter in our journey over the last 5 years.