The Happiness Lab

13/11/2025

Happy World Kindness Day
❤️ the THL crew

05/11/2025

Can we please stop talking about change management like it’s 2005?

Newsflash: Change isn’t a project anymore. There’s no neat beginning, middle and end. In 2025, change is the norm.

I recently came across the term 'change fitness' (you know how much I love a fitness analogy). It’s about an organisation’s ability keep adapting without burning people out.

This is where emotionally agile, people-focussed leaders shine - the ones who help people make sense of what’s shifting, build resilience along the way, and create calm in the chaos.

It’s a tough gig and, so, to the leaders out there holding space, guiding with empathy, and keeping their teams steady through the noise - I see you.

21/10/2025

Ever wondered if you’ve got what it takes to lead?

After years of teaching leadership, we've developed a bit of a sixth sense for spotting potential — and it’s probably not what you’d expect.

It’s not about titles or confidence. It’s about curiosity, humility, and a willingness to grow.

In our latest blog, Carlie shares the 7 quiet signs she sees in people who are on their way to becoming great leaders.

Tag a colleague you see these qualities in 💛

https://www.thehappinesslab.com.au/blog/leadershippotential

Every now and then, someone walks into a leadership program and I can just tell - they’re going to make a great leader. But what are the early signs? Over the years, I've worked with countless leaders, teaching them the essential, human skills required for leadership fitness. In this time, I’ve ...

01/10/2025

Leadership is a responsibility, not a perk.

08/09/2025

04/09/2025

Results are seductive but if we chase performance at the expense of culture, the short-term wins come with long-term costs.

A single brilliant jerk can undo years of trust, safety, and collaboration.

Don't confuse talent with value.

24/08/2025

Bel's new boss 💙

After much anticipation (and many 'any baby news?' questions), we’re so excited to share that Bel’s beautiful baby boy ), Constance, made his grand entrance last week.

He’s happy, healthy, and already very loved.

Bel and her family are soaking up the newborn bubble and doing wonderfully. We’re absolutely thrilled for them. And yes, he was totally worth the wait.

22/08/2025

Ever heard of the Keeper Test?

It’s bold, confronting, and it might just be the clearest tool for building a high-performing culture.

Would your team pass?

20/08/2025

Ever been mid-conversation when you suddenly realise the other person’s eyes have dropped to their phone? Feels pretty crappy, right?

This week, in a workshop with a group of gritty, growth-minded leaders, we were talking about active listening when one leader bravely called something out -

'I’ve noticed how often we’re on our phones when we’re meant to be connecting and problem-solving together. It’s taking away from us really engaging with each other, and from getting important work done.'

It wasn’t a dig. It was delivered bravely, kindly, and honestly because she cares about her team operating at their best.

There were embarrassed laughs and nods in recognition. Because in a world built for distraction, we’re all guilty.

The fastest way to show someone they have your attention? Give them 100% of it. Nothing says 'I’m half here' like glancing at a screen mid-sentence.

So, how do you keep your phone from stealing your focus when you should be connecting with people at work?

My top tip: Put your phone away when someone needs you to listen. Out of sight or, at the very least, turn it face down. This is two seconds of effort that can shift a conversation from surface-level to something real.

What works for you?

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01/08/2025

Hot take: When we ask someone to step into leadership, we’re not just promoting them. We’re moving them into a whole new career.

Until we treat this transition as exactly that, a career change, we keep setting new leaders (and their teams) up to fail.

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22/07/2025

Leadership Icks.

You know the ones. The habits that are common but make you shudder.

From (unpopular opinion) calling your team a family to open-door vibes no one dares to test - here are our top 11 (because we couldn't, for the life of us, narrow it down to just 10).

What would you add to the list?