Standing at the front of my house, I check the time on my phone. 4:52am. It’s an early start, but the excitement is real. It’s my first day at Leading Teams and my change of career direction is about to begin! Beside me, a compact suitcase with a change of clothes and a few essentials. I’m waiting for a ride to the airport and right on cue, a blue Toyota pulls up – not an Uber, but one of my new bosses. He’s offered to pick me up as we head to Melbourne for a two-day training with the broader national team. With an energetic smile and a warm “good morning,” we’re on our way. I would come to learn that these kinds of generous, team-first behaviours aren’t rare here – they’re a part of the culture.
What followed has been a six-week induction unlike anything I’ve ever experienced or heard of. Reflecting on the rigorous (and at times confronting) recruitment process, I probably shouldn’t have been surprised. But that’s a story for another day…
Those first few days in Melbourne were a bit of a whirlwind. Handshakes, smiles, and small talk quickly gave way to something deeper. The team was welcoming, warm and intentionally inclusive. I watched people from across the country reconnect like old friends – hugging, checking in on families, and laughing loudly about footy teams (and the sorry state of a few in particular).
I was seeing real care and connection, with a healthy dose of banter. This team might be for me.
The 2 days together were facilitated by two experienced Leading Teams facilitators. The whole team (about 30 of us) were the ‘client’, participating in our own High Performing Team program. I quickly discovered that every six weeks, the entire organisation gets together to do this. They are actively involved in every aspect of the program that is delivered to clients – relationships are built with intention, feedback is given and conversations are real.
I was expected to contribute, and I was empowered to do so. My leadership experience wasn’t just welcomed; it was valued and amplified to add real impact. Between sessions, conversations flowed easily and at the end of the day, we shared dinner, drinks and stories together.
I was seeing hard work and commitment, alongside food, laughter, and fun. This team could be for me.
Since returning home, the induction hasn’t stopped. I’ve observed facilitators at work, delivered feedback that’s acted on, been given time and resources to learn at my own pace, and completed a relationship assessment with the business owners. Teammates from around the country have checked in by phone, text, video call, and email – not just to say hi, but to offer support, encouragement, and help me grow.
I’ve also felt frustrated at times – learning a new role can be humbling. I’ve had to embrace not knowing, sit in moments of discomfort, and been challenged to shift my self-talk. But through it all, I’ve had regular, genuine conversations that have brought clarity and support.
Beyond what my teammates have given me personally; I’ve already seen their impact with clients. In just a month, I’ve helped work with teams in construction, real estate, mining, financial services, education, insurance, media, and the SA Government. I’ve witnessed teams becoming higher performing before my very eyes. Purpose has been refined, relationships have deepened, behaviours have aligned and genuine conversations that will lead to significant performance improvements have taken place.
I’m seeing a team committed to excellence, with a hunger to keep improving. This team is for me.
