Not all connections are created equal. Some fill your cup, others quietly drain it. In this blog, we explore how a simple relationship audit can help you identify which relationships add value, which drain energy, and how to invest intentionally in connections that truly support your growth and wellbeing.

The feeling of exclusion, of being left out, is real pain! Cast your mind to my experience as an 8-year-old schoolgirl being left out of lunchtime sport. Neuroscientists have labelled the feelings of isolation, rejection, and exclusion as 'social pain'. The same part of the brain that activates when we feel physical pain lights up when we experience social pain. To us social beings, us humans: social pain is real pain.

Trust is the cornerstone to connection and we decide in 33 milliseconds! The first step in the Connect-Ability formula is to Discover Uncommon Commonalities. Like attracts like, so a simple hack is to choose your attire wisely—first impressions really do count. It doesn't mean you need to get all dolled up, but think about matching your style to the situation's context. Remember, our brain decides to trust someone in 33 milliseconds!

Behind every toxic workplace, every failing team, every leader who's struggling to connect, there's usually the same root cause: people have forgotten how to genuinely connect with each other. Connection isn't some mysterious talent - it's a skill that can be learned, practiced, and mastered.

It's Bullying No Way week, but here's the uncomfortable truth: we're teaching kids that bullying is unacceptable while tolerating it from high-performing adults in our workplaces. Australian organisations are losing $15 billion annually to workplace bullying, yet many leaders still struggle with the same question - what do you do when your star performer is also your biggest bully? Through real client stories and practical solutions, this piece explores why choosing profits over people always backfires, and how high performance and respectful behaviour aren't mutually exclusive.