We often talk about success stories, not the moments when things completely fall apart. But sometimes, that’s where the biggest lessons hide. 

In part one of my two-part conversation with my teammate Aly Solly, we talk about Inventium’s hardest year yet – the one that tested trust, stretched leadership, and forced us to rebuild from the inside out. 

After I released my Leadership Lessons episode from 2024, I had so many people reach out asking what really happened. How bad did it get? And how did we fix things? 

So, I sat down with Aly – who lived through that tough period – to unpack what it actually feels like when a high-performing team starts to unravel. 

Together, we talk about the cracks that appeared when trust faded, what it’s like to lead through burnout, and how even the best intentions can backfire. 

Aly and I discuss: 
The inside story of Inventium’s most challenging year – when hierarchy and structure divided the team instead of strengthening it. 
How burnout crept in and why high performers stopped working together. 
The unexpected damage caused by trying to “do the right thing.” 
How Aly’s trust in the team – and in me – began to fracture. 
The small moments that started to rebuild trust between us. 
What it’s like to face retrenchments as both a leader and teammate. 
The moment everything finally broke – and the phone call that changed how we work together. 

 

KEY QUOTES 

“It’s funny how the most instinctive thing to do is often the least constructive thing to do.”  

“I was so burnt out, but that moment we rebuilt trust reminded me what mattered about the work we do.” 

Connect with Aly Solly on LinkedIn. 

 

My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ 

Connect with me on the socials: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanthai 

If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe 

Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. 

Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au 

Credits: 
Host: Amantha Imber 
Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler 

We often talk about success stories, not the moments when things completely fall apart. But sometimes, that&rsquo;s where the biggest lessons hide.&nbsp;
In part one of my two-part conversation with my teammate Aly Solly, we talk about Inventium&rsquo;s hardest year yet &ndash; the one that tested trust, stretched leadership, and forced us to rebuild from the inside out.&nbsp;
After I released my Leadership Lessons episode from 2024, I had so many people reach out asking what really happened. How bad did it get? And how did we fix things?&nbsp;
So, I sat down with Aly &ndash; who lived through that tough period &ndash; to unpack what it actually feels like when a high-performing team starts to unravel.&nbsp;
Together, we talk about the cracks that appeared when trust faded, what it&rsquo;s like to lead through burnout, and how even the best intentions can backfire.&nbsp;
Aly and I discuss:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">The inside story of Inventium&rsquo;s most challenging year &ndash; when hierarchy and structure divided the team instead of strengthening it.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">How burnout crept in and why high performers stopped working together.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">The unexpected damage caused by trying to &ldquo;do the right thing.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">How Aly&rsquo;s trust in the team &ndash; and in me &ndash; began to fracture.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">The small moments that started to rebuild trust between us.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1">What it&rsquo;s like to face retrenchments as both a leader and teammate.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1">The moment everything finally broke &ndash; and the phone call that changed how we work together.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
KEY QUOTES&nbsp;
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s funny how the most instinctive thing to do is often the least constructive thing to do.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&ldquo;I was so burnt out, but that moment we rebuilt trust reminded me what mattered about the work we do.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Connect with Aly Solly on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aly-solly-0800822bb/">LinkedIn</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: <a href="https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/">https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/</a>&nbsp;
Connect with me on the socials:&nbsp; LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber">https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber</a>&nbsp; Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amanthai">https://www.instagram.com/amanthai</a>&nbsp;
If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at <a href="https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe">https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe</a>&nbsp;
Visit <a href="https://www.amantha.com/podcast">https://www.amantha.com/podcast</a> for full show notes from all episodes.&nbsp;
Get in touch at <a href="mailto:amantha@inventium.com.au">amantha@inventium.com.au</a>&nbsp;
Credits:&nbsp; Host: Amantha Imber&nbsp; Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler&nbsp;

You know those annoyingly successful people who seem to have it all figured out? Time to steal their playbook. Organisational psychologist Dr Amantha Imber gets world‑class achievers to spill their secrets - the daily strategies behind their success through to life hacks and productivity hacks they’d rather keep to themselves. We’re talking practical tips for boosting your output (including clever AI tools and shortcuts that’ll make you look like a genius), managing overwhelm without losing your mind, and optimising both work and wellbeing. No motivational fluff. Just battle‑tested tactics from people who’ve cracked the code.

You know those annoyingly successful people who seem to have it all figured out? Time to steal their playbook. Organisational psychologist Dr Amantha Imber gets world‑class achievers to spill their secrets&nbsp;- the daily strategies behind their success through to&nbsp;life hacks and productivity hacks they&rsquo;d rather keep to themselves. We&rsquo;re talking practical tips for boosting your output (including clever AI tools and shortcuts that&rsquo;ll make you look like a genius), managing overwhelm without losing your mind, and optimising both work and wellbeing. No motivational fluff. Just battle‑tested tactics from people who&rsquo;ve cracked the code.

Have you ever wondered if the worlds leading entrepreneurs, writers, musicians and business people construct their day differently to you?

How I Work

Inside the hardest year at Inventium (Part 1)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/5f684dcb-0034-41fa-aefa-b38000514e3d/transcript

What if your team could feel more connected without ever mandating office days? 

In this Quick Win episode, I’m joined by Avani Prabhakar, Chief People Officer at Atlassian. With over 13,000 employees scattered around the globe, Atlassian has learned that connection doesn’t come from casual coffee chats or watercooler moments. Instead, they’ve built a framework called Intentional Togetherness – bringing teams together once a quarter with a clear purpose. It’s a practice that creates bonds lasting far beyond a handful of office days. 

Avani and I discuss: 
Why “remote” and “distributed” work are not the same thing 
The myth that office attendance automatically creates connection 
How Atlassian’s “Intentional Togetherness” framework works 
The quarterly gatherings that build bonds that last for months 
Why purposeful collaboration beats sporadic in-office days 

Key Quotes 

“Connection wasn’t built by sporadic office attendance – it was built when you bring people intentionally together with a purpose.”  

Connect with Avani on LinkedIn. 

Listen to the full interview with Avani here. 

 

My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ 

Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) 

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) 

If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe 

Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. 

Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au 

Credits: 
Host: Amantha Imber 
Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler 

What if your team could feel more connected without ever mandating office days?&nbsp;
In this Quick Win episode, I&rsquo;m joined by Avani Prabhakar, Chief People Officer at Atlassian. With over 13,000 employees scattered around the globe, Atlassian has learned that connection doesn&rsquo;t come from casual coffee chats or watercooler moments. Instead, they&rsquo;ve built a framework called Intentional Togetherness &ndash; bringing teams together once a quarter with a clear purpose. It&rsquo;s a practice that creates bonds lasting far beyond a handful of office days.&nbsp;
Avani and I discuss:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Why &ldquo;remote&rdquo; and &ldquo;distributed&rdquo; work are not the same thing&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">The myth that office attendance automatically creates connection&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">How Atlassian&rsquo;s &ldquo;Intentional Togetherness&rdquo; framework works&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">The quarterly gatherings that build bonds that last for months&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Why purposeful collaboration beats sporadic in-office days&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Key Quotes&nbsp;
&ldquo;Connection wasn&rsquo;t built by sporadic office attendance &ndash; it was built when you bring people intentionally together with a purpose.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Connect with Avani on <a href="https://linkedin.com/in/avani-solanki-prabhakar-235b334">LinkedIn.</a>&nbsp;
Listen to the full interview with Avani here.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: <a href="https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/">https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/</a>&nbsp;
Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber">https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber</a>)&nbsp;
Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amanthai">https://www.instagram.com/amanthai</a>)&nbsp;
If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at <a href="https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe">https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe</a>&nbsp;
Visit <a href="https://www.amantha.com/podcast">https://www.amantha.com/podcast</a> for full show notes from all episodes.&nbsp;
Get in touch at <a href="mailto:amantha@inventium.com.au">amantha@inventium.com.au</a>&nbsp;
Credits:&nbsp; Host: Amantha Imber&nbsp; Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler&nbsp;

Quick Win: The quarterly ritual that bonds teams for months 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/599d3fa9-53de-4d3c-bf14-b36a00051f15/transcript

Looking ahead to a new year can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time, especially when you’re not quite sure what you want the next chapter to feel like. 

In part 2 of my end-of-year reflection episode with my good friend and ABC broadcaster Lisa Leong - we explore the questions, habits, and small structural tweaks that can help shape a more intentional 2026 - the things that genuinely influence how your days unfold. 

If you’re planning out your 2026 and want a more thoughtful way to do it, this episode will give you plenty to play with. 

Lisa and I discuss: 
The simple reframing that helps you imagine your next year as if it has already happened 
How Lisa approaches designing an “ideal week” and why I’m thinking about a “perfect average day” 
The role of the reticular activating system and why vision boards work for some people 
How values shape the projects and choices you prioritise for the coming year 
The habits we’re keeping, the ones we’re changing, and how identity influences behaviour 
Why I’m stepping back from Instagram (again) and rethinking my relationship with email 
How a “dumb phone” or burner phone can help create healthier digital boundaries 
Our favourite prompts from the Year Compass, including the surprising question that reveals your “secret wish” for the year ahead 

 

KEY QUOTES  

“Instead of asking what would have been, I love writing it like it’s already happened — it changes how you think about the future.” 
“I want to design a perfect average day, because it’s something I can actually live up to and repeat.” 

Connect with Lisa Leong on Instagram and LinkedIn. Listen to her show This Working Life, and check out her book with Monique Ross, This Working Life  

 

If you want to try one of the reflection tools I mentioned in this episode, you can download the free Year Compass booklet here: https://yearcompass.com/ 

Listen to part 1 of my chat with Lisa here 

 

My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ 

Connect with me on the socials: 

Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) 

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) 

If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe 

Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. 

Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au 

Credits: 
Host: Amantha Imber 
Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler 

Looking ahead to a new year can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time, especially when&nbsp;you&rsquo;re&nbsp;not quite sure&nbsp;what you want the next chapter to feel like.&nbsp;
In part 2 of my end-of-year reflection&nbsp;episode&nbsp;with&nbsp;my good friend and ABC broadcaster&nbsp;Lisa Leong&nbsp;-&nbsp;we&nbsp;explore&nbsp;the questions, habits, and small structural tweaks that can help shape a more intentional 2026&nbsp;-&nbsp;the things that genuinely influence how your days unfold.&nbsp;
If&nbsp;you&rsquo;re&nbsp;planning out&nbsp;your 2026 and want a more thoughtful way to do it, this episode will give you plenty to play with.&nbsp;
Lisa and I&nbsp;discuss:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">The simple reframing that helps you imagine your next year as if it has already happened&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">How Lisa approaches designing an &ldquo;ideal week&rdquo; and why&nbsp;I&rsquo;m&nbsp;thinking about a &ldquo;perfect average day&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">The role of the reticular activating system and why vision boards work for some people&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">How values shape the projects and choices you&nbsp;prioritise&nbsp;for the coming year&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">The habits&nbsp;we&rsquo;re&nbsp;keeping, the ones&nbsp;we&rsquo;re&nbsp;changing, and how identity influences&nbsp;behaviour&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1">Why&nbsp;I&rsquo;m&nbsp;stepping back from Instagram (again) and rethinking my relationship with email&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1">How a &ldquo;dumb phone&rdquo; or burner phone can help create healthier digital boundaries&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Our&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;prompts from the Year Compass, including the surprising question that reveals your &ldquo;secret wish&rdquo; for the year ahead&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
KEY QUOTES&nbsp;&nbsp;
&ldquo;Instead of asking what would have been, I love writing it like it&rsquo;s already happened &mdash; it changes how you think about the future.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;I want to design a perfect average day, because it&rsquo;s something I can actually live up to and repeat.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Connect with&nbsp;Lisa Leong&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lisasleong/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasleong/?originalSubdomain=au">LinkedIn</a>. Listen to her show&nbsp;<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/this-working-life">This Working Life</a>, and check out her book with Monique Ross,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thisworkinglifebook.com/">This Working Life</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
If you want to try one of the reflection tools I mentioned in this episode, you can download the free Year Compass booklet here:&nbsp;<a href="https://yearcompass.com/">https://yearcompass.com/</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.amantha.com/podcasts/how-to-make-sense-of-2025-and-design-your-best-2026%2C-with-lisa-leong-(part-1)">Listen to part 1 of my chat with Lisa here</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
My latest&nbsp;book&nbsp;The Health&nbsp;Habit&nbsp;is out now. You can order a copy here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/">https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/</a>&nbsp;
Connect with me on the socials:&nbsp;
Linkedin&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber">https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber</a>)&nbsp;
Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amanthai">https://www.instagram.com/amanthai</a>)&nbsp;
If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and&nbsp;simple to apply&nbsp;tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at&nbsp;<a href="https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe">https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe</a>&nbsp;
Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amantha.com/podcast">https://www.amantha.com/podcast</a>&nbsp;for full show notes from all episodes.&nbsp;
Get in touch at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amantha@inventium.com.au">amantha@inventium.com.au</a>&nbsp;
Credits:&nbsp; Host: Amantha Imber&nbsp; Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler&nbsp;

How to make sense of 2025 and design your best 2026, with Lisa Leong (Part 2)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/70a5d0a9-42ca-45ad-bc58-b3aa00070a3b/transcript

Ever caught yourself rehearsing what to say at work - terrified one wrong phrase could spark backlash? 

In this Quick Win, I speak with Clare Stephens, former Editor-in-Chief at Mamamia, about the fear of getting it wrong, how to handle mistakes, and why the most powerful apology is often the simplest one. 

Clare learnt the hard way that over-explaining a mistake can make things worse. After facing public criticism early in her career, she reframed her approach to errors – both online and in leadership. Her advice? Keep apologies short, unreserved, and genuine. Then move on. 

Clare and I discuss: 
Why leaders fear saying the wrong thing in today’s workplace 
How to create a culture where mistakes are met with grace, not blame 
The fine line between accountability and people-pleasing 
Why long, detailed apologies rarely work 
The simple framework for owning mistakes and moving forward 

 

KEY QUOTES 

“The best apology is short and unreserved. There’s no excuses. Just, ‘I’m apologising,’ and then you move on.” 

“You’re actually a worse leader if you can’t be direct.” 

Connect with Clare Stephens on Instagram,LinkedIn and check out her latest book The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Donehere. 

Listen to the full conversation with Clare here. 

 

My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ 

Connect with me on the socials: 

Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) 
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) 

If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe 

Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. 

Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au 

 

Credits: 
Host: Amantha Imber 
Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler 

Ever caught yourself rehearsing what to say at work - terrified one wrong phrase could spark backlash?&nbsp;
In this Quick Win, I speak with Clare Stephens, former Editor-in-Chief at Mamamia, about the fear of getting it wrong, how to handle mistakes, and why the most powerful apology is often the simplest one.&nbsp;
Clare learnt the hard way that over-explaining a mistake can make things worse. After facing public criticism early in her career, she reframed her approach to errors &ndash; both online and in leadership. Her advice? Keep apologies short, unreserved, and genuine. Then move on.&nbsp;
Clare and I discuss:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Why leaders fear saying the wrong thing in today&rsquo;s workplace&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">How to create a culture where mistakes are met with grace, not blame&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">The fine line between accountability and people-pleasing&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Why long, detailed apologies rarely work&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">The simple framework for owning mistakes and moving forward&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
KEY QUOTES&nbsp;
&ldquo;The best apology is short and unreserved. There&rsquo;s no excuses. Just, &lsquo;I&rsquo;m apologising,&rsquo; and then you move on.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&ldquo;You&rsquo;re actually a worse leader if you can&rsquo;t be direct.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Connect with Clare Stephens on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clare.stephenss/?hl=en">Instagram,</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-stephens/">LinkedIn</a> and check out her latest book The Worst Thing I&rsquo;ve Ever Done <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-worst-thing-i-ve-ever-done-clare-stephens/book/9781922928030.html?srsltid=AfmBOop1F2IztiTE7rARJrLajWN9Q9yXdpUXDmDDzMWzOczxDBsgW2rR&amp;irclickid=04zTej1lLxycRECXXxRWp2P6UksXsr2bTxUV0U0&amp;utm_campaign=Clare%20Stephens%20Writer&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=Impact&amp;bk_source=6280588&amp;bk_source_id=6280588&amp;irgwc=1">here</a>.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.amantha.com/podcasts/how-to-lead-when-youre-scared-of-saying-the-wrong-thing">Listen to the full conversation with Clare here.</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: <a href="https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/">https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/</a>&nbsp;
Connect with me on the socials:&nbsp;
Linkedin (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber">https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber</a>)&nbsp; Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amanthai">https://www.instagram.com/amanthai</a>)&nbsp;
If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at <a href="https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe">https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe</a>&nbsp;
Visit <a href="https://www.amantha.com/podcast">https://www.amantha.com/podcast</a> for full show notes from all episodes.&nbsp;
Get in touch at <a href="mailto:amantha@inventium.com.au">amantha@inventium.com.au</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Credits:&nbsp; Host: Amantha Imber&nbsp; Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler&nbsp;

Quick Win: What leaders get wrong about saying sorry with Clare Stephens

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/60e2f7f3-c810-4b91-a201-b3760053b325/transcript

Inside the hardest year at Inventium (Part 1)

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