From the Field in Tamworth: The Future of Leadership Is Already Here

I love a piece of feedback that says:

“I didn’t expect this to be that good.”

Because what it really means is…

👉 Something shifted.
👉 Something real happened.
👉 People felt it.

And that’s exactly what unfolded last week in Tamworth.

I had the absolute privilege of co-facilitating alongside Eric, working with a group of 20 leaders from Essential Energy.

Out in the field.
Boots on the ground.
Real people. Real conversations.

And I’ll be honest…

I LOVED it. Deep, true love.

There is something incredibly special about leaders who:

• Show up open

• Are willing to reflect

• And genuinely want to grow - not just for themselves, but for their people

These are highly skilled, deeply experienced leaders.

Technical capability?✔️
Industry knowledge?✔️
Operational expertise?✔️

But what were they most hungry for?

👉 Emotional Intelligence
👉 Listening Skills
👉 Coaching Capability

Because they know something many organisations are still catching up to:

The future workplace won’t be built on technical excellence alone.

It will be built on how we:

• Connect

• Communicate

• Empower

What They Captured (In Their Own Words)

This wasn’t theory.

This was what they said mattered:

• Ask more, tell less

• Let go, delegate, trust

• Stop carrying the load - share it

• Challenge behaviours

• Lead by example

• Focus on what I can control

• Pause. Reset. Reflect.

• Communicate better

• Build awareness across the business

• Be aware of your leadership shadow

And my personal favourite:

👉 “Self-reflect before I deflect.”

That’s leadership.

The Shift to 2035 Starts Now

We talk a lot about the future of work.

AI. Automation. Efficiency.

But standing in that room, what was clear is this:

The leaders shaping 2035 are already doing the work.

They’re not asking:
“How do I keep control?”

They’re asking:
👉“How do I grow my people?”
👉“How do I listen better?”
👉“How do I empower others to step up?”

Because becoming a workplace of choice isn’t about perks.

It’s about people feeling:

• Seen

• Heard

• Trusted

• Developed

A Moment That Stayed With Me

We received this feedback from one of the participants:

“Eric and AJ are sensational & professional. Their combined storytelling drawing on their experiences & knowledge engaged everyone. The program was such a pleasure to attend. Everything went really well.
They got the people that are a bit shy to open up. Everyone came out of their shell.
Thank you so much for the inspiring work you both do. I really appreciate it.”

And honestly…

That’s the work.

Not the slides.
Not the frameworks.

But creating a space where people feel safe enough to show up fully.

I walked away from Tamworth feeling:

• Energised

• Grateful

• And genuinely inspired

Because these leaders are doing what matters most.

They are choosing:

• Growth over ego

• Curiosity over control

• Connection over command

And that is exactly the kind of leadership the world needs more of.

To the Essential Energy leaders…

Thank you.

For your openness.
Your honesty.
Your willingness to lean in.

I am truly thrilled to walk beside you as you continue this journey.

Because if this is what leadership looks like now…

👉2035 is in very good hands.

What are you focusing on growing as a leader right now - technical skills or human skills?