Leading Beyond Hierarchy

Something & Nothing Premium Sodas It’s easy to build a brand that looks different. It’s much harder to build a company that works differently. Everyone needs to stand out in a crowded market. Be disruptive. Be clever. Something & Nothing wanted more. They wanted their ethos to live in every sip and every meeting. Every conversation. Every decision. From day one, co-founders Oliver Dixon and Rupert Pugsley were clear: this wasn’t about hierarchy or ego. It was about care, cr

Jon Tyson on Unsplash For decades, we’ve been trained to admire the lone genius, the standout performer, the person who “made it” against all odds. Our systems — from school to corporate leadership programmes — have rewarded individual achievement over collective contribution. But as David Attenborough so powerfully reminds us, “Self-interest is of the past. Common interest is for the future.” In a world facing complex challenges that no single leader or department can solve

In this fourth and final post of What the Future of Leadership Looks Like, I want to examine leadership through the lens of longevity — not merely short-term gains or immediate success, but how we steward organisations, people and the planet for many years, even generations, ahead. For regenerative business, the principle of long-term vision is not optional, but essential. Regenerative Business in a Fast-Paced World We live in a world that prizes speed. Quarterly earnings, in

This is the third post in my series What the Future of Leadership Looks Like. So far, we’ve explored creativity in leadership and the importance of connection. Today, I want to turn to how we define success — especially within a regenerative business. It’s time to rethink what “making it” really means, so that leaders can lead in ways that are sustainable, humane, and future-friendly. Why the Traditional Markers of Success No Longer Fit a Regenerative Business For many years,

“Busy” has become the badge of honour in many professional circles. How often do we respond to “How are you?” with a weary “Busy, but good”? Somewhere along the way, the idea that constant activity equates to value took root — and it’s harming our people, our creativity, and our long-term success. In regenerative business, we challenge the glorification of busy and reimagine work around principles of balance, rest, and spaciousness. Because it’s in those spaces — the pauses,

Good governance isn’t just a necessity—it’s a powerful enabler of clarity, efficiency, and impact. When done well, it creates the conditions for teams to make confident decisions, collaborate effectively, and focus on meaningful work. In organisations embracing distributed leadership, governance plays an even more crucial role. It provides the structure that allows autonomy to flourish, ensuring alignment without unnecessary bureaucracy. But how can we strike the right balanc

Modern life often feels like a race. We strive to keep up with endless demands, juggling our personal and professional responsibilities, all while being bombarded by information and expectations. It’s no wonder that, for many of us, our mental body—the part of us responsible for thoughts, analysis, and problem-solving—takes centre stage. But this mental dominance comes at a cost. When we neglect the other aspects of ourselves—our physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies—imba

When we think about great leaders, we often picture certain archetypes: the servant leader, the corporate strategist, the visionary changemaker. These templates can inspire, but they also constrain. In my experience working with leaders across industries, I’ve seen how trying to fit into these moulds often leaves people disconnected from their own potential. Leadership is deeply personal. It’s as unique as a fingerprint, shaped by your experiences, values, and ways of being.

In today’s fast-paced, results-driven world, we often move through life on autopilot, prioritising tasks over connection... But there's a simple yet profound practice that can unlock clarity, focus, and true connection: the check-in process. This practice, which I introduce in my one-to-one coaching sessions and recommend for teams and leaders, is more than a warm-up exercise. It’s a tool to reconnect with ourselves on multiple levels and, in doing so, lay the foundation for

When we think about learning—whether it’s about leadership, strategy, or personal growth—it’s easy to assume that knowledge comes solely from the mind. After all, we live in a world dominated by cognitive processes: analysis, planning, and problem-solving. But this focus on mental knowledge limits our potential. It overlooks a vast, untapped resource that’s accessible to all of us: Felt Knowledge. Felt knowledge is the wisdom that comes from tuning into our physical sensation

As the Founder of Leading Beyond Hierarchy, I’m inspired by examples of leadership that reject the allure of power for power’s sake. In January 2023, Jacinda Ardern’s resignation as Prime Minister of New Zealand brought this concept into sharp focus. Her leadership style serves as a beacon for a new era—one where service, authenticity, and empathy take precedence over control and dominance. In this blog, I’ll explore how leaders like Ardern challenge traditional notions of po

Leadership in a Holacracy-powered organisation is fundamentally different from traditional hierarchies. It’s not about holding power but distributing it; not about control, but clarity. In this blog, I’ll explore how leadership functions in Holacratic businesses, the role of role mapping, and the opportunities (and challenges) this shift presents. The Evolution of Leadership in Holacracy Holacracy is a governance model designed to redistribute decision-making power throughout

When we talk about leadership, it’s easy to assume that power is an inherent part of the equation. After all, many traditional models of leadership—whether in politics or business—equate influence with control. But what if this assumption is flawed? What if true leadership is about something entirely different? Through my Holacracy research and implementing tools like role mapping with my clients, I’ve seen first-hand the transformative potential of decoupling leadership from

In today’s fast-paced business world, it’s no surprise that organisations often find themselves struggling to keep up with the demands of complexity, rapid change, and interpersonal dynamics. These challenges are not only frustrating but can significantly impact productivity, team morale, and long-term success. Through my work in organisational design, I’ve seen firsthand how role mapping can transform these issues into opportunities for growth. By focusing on clarity, collab

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, fostering autonomy in the workplace is more crucial than ever. Autonomy isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental shift towards empowering employees, enhancing innovation, and driving business success. Having explored various aspects of autonomy over the past few blogs, I’m excited to share my Autonomy Manifesto—a comprehensive guide to cultivating a culture of self-governance in your organisation. Defining Autonomy at Work Befo