Sage Advice

06/06/2026

Right now, more than ever, small businesses can’t afford to “wing it”. Costs are up, time is tight, and the margin for error is tiny. The businesses that stay profitable aren’t necessarily the biggest they’re the ones with a clear strategy, a simple business plan and leaders who can hold the line when it gets messy.

That’s exactly what I do at Sage Advice. I work with micro-business owners and small teams to build a practical strategy that actually fits real life (not corporate fluff), tighten up the plan behind the numbers, and strengthen leadership so your team performs without you carrying everything on your shoulders.

If you’re feeling stuck, reactive, or like you’re working harder for less let’s fix the foundations.
DM and let’s talk about what we can achieve together

Zest Canberra HerZest Canberra Business Chamber Canberra Institute of Technology Canberra’s Small Business Owners Group

25/05/2026

Today at Villaggio S. Antonio, I delivered another incredible leadership training session: “Stepping Into Your Future Leadership.” And it confirmed why I designed the ToDEI model in the first place: leadership development has shifted from old-school command and control into an agile, human-centric discipline. The modern workplace is decentralised and technologically complex so real development now prioritises continuous coaching over rigid lectures, and practical application over theory.

Here are the fundamental shifts that sit behind the model and why ToDEI works in the real world):

From Boss to Coach: The directive “do as I say” approach doesn’t build performance anymore. Leaders need to create psychological safety, trust, and wellbeing because that’s where accountability and results actually come from.

From Positional Power to Influence-Based Leadership: A title doesn’t guarantee impact. Today’s leaders drive outcomes through influence, emotional intelligence, and networked collaboration especially when they don’t have all the answers.

Wider democratisation: Leadership isn’t just for the C-suite. In hybrid and fast-moving environments, frontline leaders and key contributors make consequential decisions daily so development becomes an operational necessity, not a “nice-to-have”.

AI & technological fluency: Leaders must harness AI responsibly and make faster, data-informed decisions without losing the human side of leadership.

Bite-sized, actionable learning: Long theoretical seminars don’t stick. The best programs are on-the-job, practical, and adaptable — built to move at the speed of business.

What I loved seeing today is that Villaggio isn’t just “doing training” they’re applying ToDEI so equitable, inclusive workplaces come to life in the day-to-day: the standards, the conversations, the decisions, and the way people are led when pressure hits.

I’ve spent 30+ years putting this into practice building functional, sustainable workplaces and preparing outstanding leaders. My background in business psychology, combined with being a business strategist and entrepreneur, means this work delivers tangible results not just motivation for the week.

If you’re ready to transform your workplace and develop leaders who can inspire, mobilise, and empower teams through uncertainty let’s talk.

Canberra Weekly Magazine HerZest Inside Small Business Canberra Business Chamber Zest Canberra Canberra Institute of Technology Canberra’s Small Business Owners Group Raffy Sgroi

17/05/2026

If you’re a small-business owner, here’s an uncomfortable truth worth confronting:

If your workplace quietly rewards overwork, constant availability, and “prove it again” performance… you’re not empowering people. You’re exhausting them.

And exhaustion doesn’t build loyalty, performance, or a strong culture. It builds turnover, resentment, and “bare minimum” energy even in teams that genuinely care.

Thank you Inside Small Business for the opportunity to write about what this looks like in real small businesses (and what to do instead): set clear standards, reward healthy performance, and create a culture where people don’t have to burn out to belong.

If you want to know more about building a ToDEI workplace, get in touch and I’ll point you to the next best step

Canberra Business Chamber The Canberra Times Region Canberra Canberra Weekly Magazine Canberra CityNews Canberra Institute of Technology HerZest Zest Canberra

People burn out because they’re operating in systems that were never designed to support sustainable performance.

22/04/2026

Small business crew, let’s shine a light on what you do.

Drop a comment with what your business offers (product or service), who it’s for, and where you’re based. Then share this post to help more locals discover and support small businesses.

Bonus: If you’ve got a website link, booking page, or a special offer, pop it in the comments too let’s promote each other.

Canberra Small Business Services HerZest EQ Bakehouse & Cafe Small Businesses Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Canberra Small Business Hub ACT Government Canberra Business Chamber