Leaders

Flexible work fosters inclusion, empowers diverse teams

Flexible work strategies and inclusive leadership are vital for empowering diverse teams and supporting small businesses in today’s workplace.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 4, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Flexible work strategies and inclusive leadership are vital for empowering diverse teams and supporting small businesses in today’s workplace.

In Short:
Flexible work strategies and inclusive leadership are essential for empowering diverse teams and small businesses. Raffy Sgroi highlights the importance of recognising employee backgrounds, fostering a thriving work environment, and differentiating between inclusion and equality to enhance productivity and support women in male-dominated fields.

As workplace dynamics change, flexible work strategies and inclusive leadership are critical for supporting diverse teams and empowering small businesses.

Raffi Sgroi from Sage Advice emphasises the need to recognise the different backgrounds of employees, advocating for a broader understanding of workplace inclusivity that encompasses gender, race, cultural diversity, and personal lifestyle choices.

She stresses that happy employees are indeed more productive, highlighting the importance of creating a work environment where everyone can thrive.

Sgroi distinguishes between inclusion and equality, explaining that inclusion embraces diversity while equality focuses on providing equal opportunities and resources for all workers, allowing them to succeed in their roles.

She shares insights on supporting women in male-dominated industries, noting that flexibility in the workplace opens new opportunities for growth. This balance allows women to navigate leadership challenges better.

Sgroi also points out that cultural change is vital for small businesses to remain competitive. She suggests partnering with leadership coaches to establish frameworks that support accountability and cultural shifts.

She concludes by emphasising the difference between good and great leadership; while good leaders implement necessary structures, great leaders foster team connections and a sense of belonging, ultimately boosting productivity.

For those wishing to learn more about leadership training and cultural change, Sgroi invites them to visit www.sageadvice.au for additional resources.

Leaders

AI transforms retail: Aussie shoppers embrace smarter ways to buy

Published

5 days ago

June 12, 2025

ticker NEWS

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how Australians shop, with a sharp rise in consumers using AI-powered tools to personalise their retail experience. From tailored recommendations to voice-assisted purchases, shoppers are seeking convenience and connection like never before. Hayley Fisher from Adyen says businesses must act now to stay relevant by investing in AI and offering seamless, multi-channel customer journeys.

Yet while consumers are moving quickly, many retailers are falling behind. Adyen’s latest Retail Report reveals that only 26% of retailers plan to invest in AI this year, raising questions about who may be left behind as the sector evolves.

Hayley Fisher from Adyen joined us to unpack the findings. She says AI is not just a passing trend – it is becoming central to how people discover, decide, and buy. “Retailers need to meet customers where they are,” she explains, “and that means delivering a seamless journey across both online and in-store touchpoints.”

With shoppers demanding more tailored experiences, Fisher warns that failing to act could cost retailers not only customers, but their long-term relevance.

Leaders

TikTok enhances parental controls for children’s safety

TikTok enhances safety with new parental controls, enabling better monitoring of children’s online activity and content access.

Published

7 days ago

June 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

TikTok enhances safety with new parental controls, enabling better monitoring of children’s online activity and content access.

In Short:
TikTok is enhancing parental controls to help families manage children’s online safety and screen time. Experts believe that while these measures are positive, ongoing communication and education are essential for true safety in the digital environment.

Social media platforms like TikTok are strengthening safety measures amid growing concern over children’s exposure to inappropriate content online. New parental controls now allow families to manage screen time, filter content, and set safety alerts, including a 10 p.m. curfew.

Parents can link their accounts to their child’s, gaining visibility over followers, blocked users, and flagged content. This encourages open discussions about online experiences and promotes cyber awareness. Craig Ford from Cyber Unicorns outlines the latest tools being introduced to help protect young users in the digital space.

While these changes are a step in the right direction, some experts warn they may not go far enough. There is scepticism about proposed bans for under-16s, with many arguing that education and honest conversations are more effective long-term solutions. Building trust and keeping communication open, they say, is key to keeping children safe online.

Leaders

Radical transparency and resilience in leadership essentials

Leaders must embrace radical transparency and resilience to navigate organisational changes effectively this financial year.

Published

1 week ago

June 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

Leaders must embrace radical transparency and resilience to navigate organisational changes effectively this financial year.

In Short:
Effective leadership during financial challenges requires clear communication and team engagement, according to Beth Hope. She recommends three strategies: being present, continuous learning, and maximising energy to foster resilience and achieve micro growth.

As organisations navigate redundancies, hiring freezes, and restructures, effective leadership and team engagement become essential in the new financial year.

Beth Hope from &Hope Coaching discusses radical transparency in leadership, which is crucial during challenging times. This approach involves clear and honest communication to prevent damaging rumours and ensure team engagement.

Leaders can build resilience through three main strategies. First, being present is vital, as it’s easy to dwell on past mistakes or future worries. Asking what is going well and identifying areas for improvement is key.

Second, continuous learning supports resilience, whether through micro-learning or additional courses to enhance skills.

Third, maximising energy is important. Simple actions like taking short walks can boost mental clarity. Leaders should schedule strategic meetings early in the day when mental capacity is at its highest.

Beth also highlights the importance of setting achievable goals, suggesting that focusing on micro growth can create momentum. By encouraging small wins, team members remain engaged rather than distracted by long-term strategies.

Human-centred restructuring can further enhance outcomes. When employees feel involved in decision-making, they are more likely to commit to changes. Co-creating with teams fosters engagement and collaboration during challenging transitions.