Big Goals

30/08/2026

Our brains love a shortcut, and when we’re under pressure, that can mean seeing things in black and white. Such as:

- Have the difficult conversation or make things worse.
- Do it yourself or accept it won’t get done properly.
- Leave or put up with it.

But what if those aren’t your only options? Having more ways to respond is a form of power.

So this week, when you catch yourself thinking in black and white, stop and ask: What’s a third option?

You might be surprised by what you come up with.

27/08/2026

Managing underperformance can quickly get muddled. Here's one thing I suggest for you to try today.

Or you can learn how to deal with underperformance here: https://big-goals.newzenler.com/courses/underperformers

26/08/2026

Thinking about a new job? Sometimes a change really is the answer. But other times, what we actually need is the skills to change the things that aren’t working.

Difficult people. Conflict. Politics. A disengaged team. Dynamics that feel impossible to shift 😔

Before deciding the only option is to leave, it’s worth asking: what if you were better equipped to navigate it?

That’s exactly why I created the Leadership Essentials Programme. To give leaders practical tools, frameworks and more choices when work gets tough.

And today is the last day to join LEP for $894. The LEP1000 discount expires tonight, and tomorrow the price returns to $1,894 +GST.

If you’re ready to build the skills to change what’s draining you at work, now’s the time - http://www.biggoals.com.au/LEP

25/08/2026

I bumped into a friend when working in Canberra last week, who said she was struggling with communication with her team. It reminded me that I had the perfect thing for her - my free listening guide.

So I’m sharing with you today in hopes that it will help you build trust with your team, avoid mistakes and make better leadership decisions. Download it free:

Build trust at work and lead a team that is inspired, motivated and happy

23/08/2026

Trust takes time to build, but can be lost in an instant.

One way to build it? Let people see a little more of the real you.

Try this with your team this week: share a small mistake, worry or something you’re still figuring out.

Nothing deeply personal. Just something that makes you human perhaps.

What might you share?

20/08/2026

We often talk about people who are great at what they do, so are put in a leadership role and given a team of people, without being given any leadership training.

Adam Evans’ career was on this path and over the next few episodes, I'm talking with Adam about how his career as an apprentice-chef-turned-electrician changed when he was sent on a leadership course. From a self-described “angry young man” to someone who found a language to talk about how he works, and understand the strengths in difference across his team, Adam has some fascinating insights into the importance of leadership in the construction industry. And there’s the challenge of his mum’s expectations…

In today's episode, Adam shares his career path and how building his self-awareness is enabling him to lead a team of young tradies and collaborate with teams across the industry to deliver high profile construction projects.

You can listen to this episode here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FehrRp5FuVRG81pk0w96v

If you would like to connect with Adam Evans or read more about his experience, you can find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamevans1988/

20/08/2026

I’ve loved recording our podcast book club series on Where the Light Gets In by Ben Crowe.

It was such a great excuse to slow down, dig into the ideas in a book, and have some really interesting conversations with Antoanela about what they mean for us as leaders and as people.

So I'd love to do another one and I’d love your recommendations.

What book would you like to see us discuss next?

It could be a leadership book, a business book, a memoir, or simply a book that made you stop and think.

Tell me in the comments. I’m looking for our next read!

18/08/2026

The Leadership Essentials Programme (LEP) brings together 25+ years of what I’ve learned supporting leaders and teams.

I’ve been meaning to give you one last chance to buy LEP at the existing price before the increase. But then… we got sidetracked.

Last week, I happened to look at the website and realised the new price was already showing......Oops.

That didn’t feel fair. Maybe LEP has been sitting on your wishlist. Maybe you’ve been meaning to talk to your manager about professional development. Whatever the reason, I didn’t want you to miss out without any warning.

So, for the next 7 days, you can get LEP for $894 instead of $1,894 +GST.

Use code LEP1000 at checkout 👉 http://www.biggoals.com.au/LEP

And if you need a hand making the case to your manager for professional development funding, let me know. I’m happy to help.

18/08/2026

We don’t get to rewrite what’s happened, but we do get to decide what it means.

And often, the shift isn’t in the story itself, but in how we choose to see it.

Where could a new interpretation of your history create more growth for you?

16/08/2026

One of the biggest mistakes we make when managing underperformance is trying to solve everything at once.

Instead, start with one question: What's the gap between your expectations and what's actually being delivered?

Can you describe that gap clearly....without emotion, assumptions or judgement?

When you separate the facts from the story, you're in a much stronger position to have a productive conversation and address the real issue.

It's going to be a great week!