Gembridge Leadership Breakfast with Wendy Cole
Wendy Cole from iMastery
This week, we were lucky to spend the morning with Wendy Cole, Productivity and Leadership Coach and Founder of iMastery, at our recent Gembridge Leadership Breakfast.
The session centred on something many of us can relate to: how to create more capacity, focus and impact in a world that can often feel busy, reactive and a little overwhelming. One of the key messages from the morning was that good organisation creates capacity. When we're less reactive and more intentional with our time, we create space for clearer thinking, better focus and more effective leadership.
One concept that really stayed with me was "eating the frog" - tackling the most important task on your list first, especially the one you're most tempted to avoid. The discussion explored how the brain acts a lot like a muscle. The more often we do things that stretch us or make us uncomfortable, the easier they become. The tasks we avoid today are often the ones that feel even harder tomorrow. Tackling them head-on builds confidence, resilience and momentum.
It's something we talk about and practise regularly at Gembridge, and it was a timely reminder that productivity isn't about doing more things. It's about giving your attention to the things that matter most.
Wendy also touched on the importance of creating boundaries that protect focus and the value of batching similar tasks together to reduce distractions and work more intentionally. Simple ideas, but powerful reminders in a world where our attention is constantly being pulled in different directions.
Beyond the valuable insights shared by Wendy, one of the highlights of the morning was creating space for people across our network to come together and connect. In a sector where people are often balancing limited resources, ambitious goals and increasing demands, taking time out to learn, reflect and connect with peers can be incredibly valuable.
It's also a reminder of why we love working in this sector. The people in the room shared a genuine passion for making a difference and a willingness to learn from one another. There was plenty of conversation before and after the session, with connections forming over coffee and shared experiences.
At Gembridge, creating opportunities for connection and knowledge-sharing is something we care deeply about. The challenges facing our sector are complex, but bringing good people together to learn, reflect and exchange ideas is one small way we can contribute.
A big thank you to Wendy for sharing her wisdom with our network and to everyone who joined us for such an engaging morning. We left with plenty to think about, a few practical ideas to take back into our work, and a renewed appreciation for the passionate people who make the for-purpose sector such a special community.
L-R, Lisa Krishtul, Dawn Patrick, Wendy Cole, Michelle Varcoe and Jenni D’Orival
Complimentary Masterclasses, by Wendy Cole from iMastery
Focussed, Organised + Energised
Live Online Masterclass
Wednesday 23 September | 12:00 – 1:10 pm AEDT
Complimentary
Practical, science-backed tips to help you:
Stay focused in a world full of distractions
Feel calm and in control of your workload
Boost energy and be at your best
Key topics include:
iMastery’s signature F O C U S framework
Why multitasking silently depletes output
How to pair dopamine with effort for lasting motivation
The power of ‘closed lists’ to reduce overwhelm
The surprising science behind ‘Eat That Frog’
How to protect and recharge your energy
More details online HERE
Register HERE
The Organised Leader (Title Not Required)
Live Online Masterclass
Tuesday 20 October | 12:00 – 1:10 pm AEDT
Complimentary
Practical, research-backed tips to help you:
· Feel more in control of your day
· Create space to think clearly and lead well
· Finish more days calm, focused and on top of your work
Key topics include:
· Where your time is really going (and how to reclaim it)
· How to plan your day with greater intention
· Creating time for strategic thinking
· How to protect your focus while staying approachable
· Delegating more effectively
More details online HERE
Register HERE