Dave Brailsford's "marginal gains" transformed British Cycling. But in leadership, we've borrowed the language without always taking the practice. The real marginal gains aren't the big strategic pivots or inspiring speeches. They're the small, unglamorous, every-single-day moments: the morning check-in with yourself, actually listening to people, asking questions that give them space to think. What are your leadership rhythms that compound into real change?

From first-time manager to C-suite executive, leadership transitions follow remarkably similar patterns. The mindset shifts look different at each level, but the fundamental challenge remains the same: you're moving into a world where the rules you knew no longer quite apply. The question isn't whether you need support through this transition - it's what kind of support you actually need.

A conversation yesterday reminded me why I left a 25-year career to start again.

Sitting in the Science Gallery under the shadow of the Shard, I was surrounded by HR professionals grappling with change. Andrew Shorter said something that cut through: "Change is unpredictable and messy."

Everyone you know at work is probably wrestling with how to define, react to, manage, communicate, or survive the change they're facing. Sound familiar?

One insight stayed with me: courageous leaders don't just initiate change – they stay the course.

December 2024, I knew I had to make a change. I was trapped. Twenty-five years of career success, but I was burned out and disconnected. So I walked away from the salary and security to reconnect with my purpose.

Now? It's slowly building, and I need courage to stay the course.

What's the change you need to make for yourself? And who's in your camp to help you through it?

A lot gets written about purpose these days. It's one of those words we throw around without really thinking about what it means. But when I was asked "why I set up on my own" this year, it made me dig deeper than expected. Here's what I learned when I stopped giving the polished elevator pitch and started being honest about the journey - from running away from corporate games to finding a purpose that bridges personal authenticity with genuine service to others who feel stuck.