As I edge closer to the big 5-0, I'm starting to wonder whether nostalgia is simply part of the package. Or perhaps it's something else. Perhaps it's recognising that after decades of investing in people, I've reached a stage of life where I don't just value relationships... I rely on them. Only last month I found myself writing about my university friends and the importance of those lifelong connections. This month, I've been organising another reunion, this time with the pe

Reflecting on Relationships This week, two LinkedIn posts made me stop and reflect. Not because they mentioned me, but because they reminded me why I have dedicated the last twenty years of my career to helping people build better relationships. The first was from Sebreena, who is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her business journey. In her post, she acknowledged some of the people who have supported, encouraged, and championed her along the way. I felt incredibly hon

I’ve been to a number of events lately. Conferences, industry evenings and client functions. Different formats, different audiences, yet I walked away with the same underlying feeling each time. It’s not the event. It’s how we show up. Here are a few reminders. It’s not that people don’t value networking. It’s that they’re not focused on how they do it. Most people understand that relationships drive opportunities, collaboration and growth. Research continues to reinforce tha

You have hundreds of names in your contact list. LinkedIn connections in the thousands. Business cards stored in drawers and conference apps still sitting on your phone. So why does it still feel like you are doing it alone? After more than twenty years working in this space, one pattern keeps showing up. Having contacts is not the same as having a network. And even having a network is not the same as building a relationship ecosystem that genuinely supports your goals. Most

As 2025 comes to a close, this year has also marked a personal and professional milestone, 20 years since Relatus began its work in relationship development. Over two decades, we have seen the world change dramatically. Technology has advanced, workplaces have evolved, and the pace of life has accelerated. But one thing has remained constant: humans still need other humans. And relationships, whether at home, at work, or in the wider community, do not take care of themselves.

The silly season officially starts today with Melbourne Cup Day. It’s that time of year when workplaces slow down, social calendars fill up, and opportunities to connect multiply. Now, for the record, I’m not at all interested in horse racing. But I am interested in people and in the rituals that bring us together. Whether it’s a long lunch, a corporate gathering, or an end-of-year celebration, these moments are powerful opportunities to strengthen relationships, reconnect w

Every meaningful professional relationship starts the same way - with a first hello. It might be a quick handshake at a conference, a...

Old-school networking doesn’t cut it anymore (well, it never did!). For too long, networking has been reduced to elevator pitches,...

Spending time working in the US recently has been a strong reminder: genuine relationships are still the greatest driver of success — in...

I am a daughter, a wife, a mother of a brave 12-year-old girl , a curious 9-year-old boy , and a wild 7-month-old staffy puppy. They are...

Each month, we explore a theme that helps professionals strengthen their connections and enhance their relational intelligence. This...

As we step into 2025, it's time to refocus on the power of face-to-face networking. While online connections play a role, nothing builds...

The festive season—also fondly known as the “silly season”—is in full swing! This time of year offers unique networking opportunities,...

After attending a global conference with 100 people from 23 different countries last week in Bangkok, I was reminded how critical it is...

In today's hyper-connected world, personal branding and networking are more than just buzzwords—they are pivotal elements that can shape...

As we recently shared, today’s fast-paced and highly competitive world requires a level of human /soft skills. Despite their importance,...

Hello from a little town called Nové Bránice in the Czech Republic. I’m here with my Mum and kids as we wanted to introduce them to this...

This month we have been focusing on celebrating success in your network, so this blog is dedicated to just that. As it happens, May is a...

As a business networking trainer and relational strategist for nearly two decades, I'm always intrigued by the evolving dynamics of...

Having been away from home this week for work, I woke up this morning greeted by beautiful hugs from my children. I asked my daughter if...