This week, I am off to ‘St Stradbroke’ on Stradbroke Island to inspire and collaborate with the island's community and business leaders.

We will be learning how to foster a strategic mindset to strengthen tourism resilience and pave the way for a brighter future, while capitalising on the power of the island's existing infrastructure and natural attractions.

Recent events, including the closure of sand mining operations and the challenges brought about by COVID-19 lockdowns, have had a significant impact on Stradbroke Island's local economy. Nevertheless, one of the island's inherent strengths lies in the deep connections between its businesses and people.

Looking ahead, it's evident that there is an urgent need to accelerate tourism development, with a special focus on nature-based activities and tours. Additionally, we will explore opportunities to increase investments in education, training, and infrastructure projects to generate new employment prospects for the community.

I wi...

This week, I enjoyed sharing with Rotary Hamilton how a strategic mindset can be used to increase hope and create a brighter future. Although I love working on big stages with hundreds of people, speaking with small and passionate groups of leaders focused on being useful to their communities is equally rewarding.

When Gordon R. McInally from Rotary International Events announced the theme for the 2023-24 Rotary year, “Create Hope in the World,” Gordon explained that the goal is to restore hope to help the world heal from destructive conflicts and to help achieve lasting change.

One of my audience members, Marcel, sent me a kind message today:

'I want to express my sincere appreciation for your presentation last night at the Rotary Club of Hamilton. It was nothing short of inspirational, and your storytelling, particularly your narrative about your mountain adventure, served as a brilliant guide throughout the evening. Your inclusion of the mysterious skull, ‘Wilma,’ was a truly out...

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 reframed setbacks and rebuilt pu...

Why is leadership authenticity elusive?

Being a leader is a role we play. Authenticity is something else entirely.

Today, many leadership coaches and advisors are trying to condition their clients to be more ‘authentic.’ These clients simply nod their heads, but have no clue what that means.

Being authentic to oneself offers us freedom, beyond conditions and conditioning.

Authenticity is akin to beingness. In this state, we are like an unfettered majestic bird with unclipped wings, soaring high.

If we slow down, rest, stay present, calm our minds, and observe closely, we can come to the realisation that our true nature is way beyond our personality.

OUR CHILDHOOD

Children from all cultural backgrounds carry a degree of emotional wounding and bodily closure - a spiritual sense of loss, which few of us escape from until the end of our lives. In that precious moment when death comes calling, we no longer need our personality to save us.

All children slowly gain an inner sense of h...

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 Servi...

This Saturday, we will bury my mother's ashes near Torquay.

August and September have been challenging months for Dad, my sisters and I since Mum’s passing, but the outpouring of love and support from so many people has been truly heartwarming.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our family, relatives and dear friends. Your unwavering support, comforting words and gentle presence have been a source of comfort and renewed strength for us during this time of grief.

Neighbours and colleagues alike have all been kind and understanding.

To the healthcare professionals and caregivers at Epworth Hospital who provided exceptional care to my mother during her final week, we are indebted to you. Your compassion made her final journey more comfortable.

The Torquay Unity Church and Reverend Bob Thomas were pillars of support at our time of sorrow and at the funeral. The team from Kings Funerals was always kind, flexible, and professional in their care.

Lastly, to al...

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 Boost Grants Program's vision,...

Both my mother and I were born in South Australia.

She was the third daughter of Ernest and Dorothy Walsh; her father was a Baptist Minister. Mum was many things: a wife, writer, harp player, auntie, poet, gardener, homemaker, teacher, seamstress, cook, historian, bodyboarder, grandmother, social justice champion, church volunteer, Rotarian, knitter, author, playwright, animal lover, community leader and public speaker.

In her life, Mum fought for nuclear disarmament, the environment and refugee children in detention. She had a brilliant bullshit meter and was deeply saddened by recent life events - like the uncovering of the child sexual abuse sickness that plagued the Church. Mum was horrified by the political rise of so-called leaders, like the hopelessly 'self-serving Morrison' and the dispassionate and 'always uninspiring' Dutton.

Mum's journey through this world was guided by eulogy virtues, not resume virtues, which these days are a rare thing. I never saw my Mum's resume bec...

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

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