Terry Shadwell's Linkedin Analytics

Why do some people willingly follow bad leaders? It’s a question that has puzzled me for years, especially after witnessing a team fall apart under the weight of toxic leadership. What surprised me most wasn’t the poor decisions being made. It was how many talented individuals stuck around, despite knowing things weren’t right. Reflecting on that experience, here’s what I observed: 🔹𝟭. 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆 – People often choose the 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙧 over the 𝙪𝙣𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣, even when the familiar is damaging. A bad leader might be predictable. A new one? Not so much. 🔹𝟮. 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 – Teams can bond deeply, and sometimes that loyalty extends to the leader, regardless of merit. The “us vs. them” mentality can cloud judgment. 🔹𝟯. 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 – Many hold onto the belief that things will improve, or that they can influence the leader from within. According to Gallup, nearly 50% of employees leave their job to get away from a bad manager. But many more stay—quietly disengaged. So here's what I’d love to explore with you: 👉 Have you ever stayed too long under poor leadership? 👉 What helped you finally decide to move forward—or stay and drive change? Let’s talk about the real cost of following the wrong leaders.

I never knew how fragile everything was until I woke up panicking over a $300 emergency. What would happen to your life if the paychecks just stopped? There was a time I dreaded checking my bank account. I’d hold my breath as the app loaded, hoping I hadn’t miscalculated some bill or unexpected charge. The fear wasn’t about greed—it was about survival. Every noise in the car sounded like a major repair, every sniffle like a medical bill I couldn’t cover. Living like that was exhausting, and I felt completely at the mercy of chance. Security wasn’t just about money—it was the ability to breathe. To sleep through the night without the gnawing fear of “what if?” What if the job ended? What if rent increased? What if something happened to me and I couldn’t work? That kind of anxiety seeps into everything—your health, your relationships, your sense of self-worth. You start to realize that peace of mind is the real wealth. Not having to check the price before buying groceries. Not arguing with your partner about bills. Not feeling the dread every time your boss calls unexpectedly. What people want isn’t millions in the bank—it’s the calm that comes from knowing they’ll be okay. That no matter what life throws at them, they won’t be completely undone. Financial independence is the foundation of that peace. Here’s how to start building it: 1️⃣ Start tracking everything—your income, your expenses, your net worth. Awareness is power. 2️⃣ Build your emergency fund. Even $500 can be a turning point when life gets unpredictable. 3️⃣ Automate savings and invest consistently. Let time and discipline do the heavy lifting. 4️⃣ Work with a mentor who has walked the path. Their clarity can shortcut your confusion. I remember the first month I didn’t have to worry about money—and the quiet that settled in my mind. That silence is priceless. I’ve helped others move from paycheck panic to peace of mind, and I can help you do the same. You don’t have to stay stuck in fear. Ready to stop surviving and start feeling secure? Let’s talk.

🚫 Hard Work is Overrated 🚫 We’ve been sold the myth: “If you just work hard enough, you’ll succeed.” Really? Tell that to the barista pulling 12-hour shifts or the Uber driver grinding weekends. Hard work isn’t rare—it’s everywhere. The real game-changer? Smart leverage. 🧠 Here’s the twist: Conventional wisdom says hustle = success. I say hustle without strategy = exhaustion with a side of burnout. I once prided myself on 80-hour workweeks. Thought I was the hero of my own grind story. Turns out, I was just bad at delegation and addicted to feeling “busy.” My breakthrough didn’t come from pushing harder—it came from letting go. 📊 According to a Stanford study, productivity per hour plummets after 50 hours a week. So those heroic 14-hour days? Mostly for show. ⚙️ Look at successful leaders—they don’t outwork everyone. They design systems, delegate well, and protect their focus like it’s the last slice of pizza. 💬 So here’s the question: If hard work alone doesn’t cut it, why are we still glorifying the grind? What’s one “hard” thing you’re doing that a system, tool, or no might solve better? Let’s talk. And maybe... let’s work less, think more. 🧩

"Each of us hides a secret pain." — Captain James Kirk Leadership isn't just about strategies or KPIs; it's about people. Behind every team member’s smile or silence might lie a personal struggle. "Each of us hides a secret pain," reminds us that emotional intelligence and empathy are essential leadership qualities. As leaders, recognizing unseen battles allows us to lead with greater humanity and intention. In the professional world, this awareness builds trust and psychological safety. When individuals feel seen and supported, engagement and productivity thrive. The strongest teams aren't just skilled; they're connected by mutual care. This emotional foundation can be the difference between a good team and a great one. Caring leaders are powerful culture builders. They inspire loyalty, reduce burnout, and nurture innovation. Compassionate leadership is not soft; it's strategic. When empathy is paired with clear vision and purpose, transformation happens. Empathy can spark a ripple effect across an organization. It drives inclusive environments, supports mental well-being, and aligns personal fulfillment with team goals. Recognizing that everyone is carrying something creates space for authenticity, collaboration, and creativity. To bring Kirk’s insight to life, embed empathy into your leadership toolkit: 1️⃣ Acknowledge the human behind the role – Regularly check in with team members, beyond performance. 2️⃣ Lead with vulnerability – Share your own challenges to model openness. 3️⃣ Train emotional intelligence – Develop skills in self-awareness, empathy, and communication. 4️⃣ Create safe spaces – Foster an environment where people feel free to speak their truth. How do you support your team members when they’re facing invisible challenges? Let's talk about how compassion fuels stronger leadership and better outcomes. 💬 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let's inspire and learn from each other's journeys. For more insights and resources on leadership and personal growth, visit www.terryshadwell.com

“I can’t do it.” Funny how often that phrase shows up, not just in people, but in businesses too. “I can’t raise prices.” “I can’t pivot now.” “I can’t lead that way, it’s too risky.” But let’s be honest: Most ‘can’t’ in business is just fear in a suit. We cling to old playbooks, call it strategy, and wonder why growth stalls. We copy competitors, follow “best practices,” and forget that the best leaders didn’t grow by following the herd. They grew by questioning the rules the herd worshipped. I once worked with a founder who insisted, “We can’t afford to narrow our focus.” Their growth had plateaued. After some pushing (and a few uncomfortable whiteboard sessions), they committed to one audience, one offer, and one message. Six months later? Revenue doubled. Because clarity scales. Fear doesn’t. Leadership isn’t about keeping the ship steady, it’s about asking: “Why are we still sailing in this direction?” Growth doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from thinking differently. So, what’s your business’s favourite “can’t”? And what would happen if you stopped believing it?

“Stop chasing ‘visionary leadership.’ Most visions are just PowerPoint hallucinations with better fonts.” We’ve been sold the myth that a “leader with a strong vision” is the holy grail. But here’s the truth: most corporate visions are vague, overpolished, and forgotten the second the all-hands meeting ends. Real leadership isn’t about painting the future in neon, it’s about building clarity in chaos, one decision at a time. I once worked under a “visionary” who spent more time refining the mission statement than understanding what we actually did. He had vision boards. We had migraines. Spoiler alert: the company pivoted three times in a year and still missed the point. Netflix didn’t start with a vision of dominating streaming. They started with DVDs by mail. Their “vision” evolved through listening, learning, and adapting fast—not from a guru on a stage declaring the future. Maybe it’s time we stop worshiping the crystal ball and start appreciating leaders who navigate, not just narrate. What do you think: Is a bold vision overrated—or essential? 👇

Would you follow someone you don’t trust? Neither will your team. You don’t have to be the smartest in the room. Or the most polished. But if you’re not honest, you’re finished before you start. Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about influence. And influence is built on trust. You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to be real. And consistent. People don’t follow titles. They follow truth. What’s one way you’ve earned trust as a leader? Drop a comment or message me—let’s trade insights.

Two jobs. No time. Still broke. Why are so many Australians working harder than ever... and still falling behind? Something major is shifting in Australia’s workforce. As of early 2025, nearly one million Australians are juggling two or more jobs. Not because they want to, but because they have to. Wages haven’t kept pace with inflation, and many people now find that one income no longer pays for the basics—rent, groceries, utilities. This isn’t about ambition anymore. It’s about survival. For some, it’s the only way to fill the growing gap between what they earn and what life costs. Underemployment is also rising, part-time hours and contract roles are leaving people with spare capacity but not enough cash. So they’re cleaning houses by day and running Amazon reselling accounts by night. They’re editing videos, tutoring online, or working as virtual assistants, all from their sofas. But behind the rise in “side hustle culture” is a deeper truth: people are being pushed into it, not necessarily pulled by passion. What’s interesting is how this shift is changing both work and identity. Employers are increasingly accepting of side gigs, sometimes even encouraging them for skill growth and morale. Yet workers often hide their second jobs, wary of being seen as disloyal. At the same time, these side hustles are evolving into something more than just income boosters. They’re stepping stones to independence, outlets for creativity, and in some cases, the start of an escape route from financial anxiety. Here’s how to approach side hustles smartly and sustainably: 1️⃣ Choose your lane – Match your hustle to your skills, lifestyle, and energy. Don’t chase every shiny idea. 2️⃣ Understand the tax side – Side income is taxable. Don’t get caught off guard when the ATO comes knocking. 3️⃣ Plan your time – Avoid burnout. Structure your week so you still have time for rest and recovery. 4️⃣ Find a mentor – Someone who’s walked this path before can help you avoid costly mistakes and grow faster. I’ve walked this road myself. I know the frustration of watching costs rise faster than income, and the quiet panic of wondering how to make it all stretch. But I also know the power of turning a side gig into something sustainable, and even transformative. Now, I help others build side hustles that don’t just patch financial holes, but lay the groundwork for long-term freedom. Ready to take control of your income story? Let’s build a smarter, more intentional hustle together.

Buried beneath mounting bills and tough calls, leadership can feel lonely. What if small acts held real power? I used to think leadership was about big wins and titles. But then I learned the truth—it’s about how we carry ourselves in the quiet, ordinary moments. In The Path to Lasting Success, Terrence Shadwell shows us that meaningful leadership is built through resilience and integrity, not grand gestures. This book unpacks what it means to lead with purpose. From the humble lifestyle of José Mujica to the high-stakes tenacity of Elon Musk, it’s clear that real influence doesn’t come from power. It comes from consistency. Shadwell paints leadership as a slow burn, not a spotlight—a campfire, not a fireworks show. One small act of honesty, one decision to show up fully, can spark the kind of trust that lasts a lifetime. I remember leading a project where everything went sideways. Budgets blown, timelines trashed, and morale in the bin. I had two choices—cover it up or own it. I chose transparency. It was uncomfortable, even humiliating, but it shifted the energy. We didn’t just salvage the project. We built something stronger: trust. That’s when I realised leadership isn't about having the answers. It’s about having the guts to stay present when things fall apart. How-to: 1️⃣ Acknowledge your missteps—then take responsibility. 2️⃣ Seek mentorship when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. 3️⃣ Lead by example through daily, consistent action. 4️⃣ Stay grounded in your values, even under pressure. What are the “campfire moments” in your leadership journey—the small but defining actions? Share your story in the comments. If you're ready to lead from the inside out, grab The Path to Lasting Success at https://lnkd.in/g3DPgkBz and start your own journey to lasting impact. Let’s grow together 🔥💬

7 Powerful Ways to Grow Yourself—Starting Today 🌱 Personal growth isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily practice, shaped by your mindset, habits, and the people around you. Whether you're aiming for career advancement or deeper self-awareness, these strategies will help you keep evolving. Here are 7 practical ways to invest in your own growth: 1. Set Clear Goals Growth without direction leads to burnout. Define what success looks like in specific, measurable terms. 2. Embrace Feedback Constructive criticism is a gift. Listen with curiosity, not defensiveness. It's often where your biggest breakthroughs begin. 3. Learn Something New Every Day Read a chapter. Watch a TED talk. Ask a better question. Lifelong learning keeps your edge sharp. 4. Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People You become who you spend time with. Choose peers who challenge, inspire, and support your journey. 5. Reflect Often Journal your thoughts. Track your progress. Regular reflection turns experiences into wisdom. 6. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone Discomfort is a signal of growth. Say yes to things that scare you a little. 7. Prioritize Your Well-Being Rest, exercise, and mental clarity aren’t optional. They're the foundation of sustainable growth. Growth isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about becoming more you. Which of these steps are you focusing on right now? 👇 Share your personal growth tip in the comments!

There is nothing to learn here today. Last week I was busy doing stuff and stuff all at the same time. I wrote, did some basic marketing for my books (which is just boring) and wasted time. I was up, I was down and I made very little difference in the world. I was accepted by some people an rejected by others and my life just went on. I could draw some conclusion from this, but you don't need me to. Someone else will tell you what leadership/business/motivational/entrepreneurial knowledge they got from watching paint dry, and good on them. I have other post to do that. I have other posts that don't all my spelling and grammar issues also, and probably read much more betterer. But behind all the façade is just me. Look at me, bald by choice, carrying far to much weight, and sitting in a room pulled apart waiting for the carpet to be laid. I'm not posing, the pic came from a screen shot from Zoom. Just me. Oh, I am happy with who I am, and there is some exercise to be done now the heart is no longer in AF (8 months to lone for that). But this is me. Yes I could pose for you, a nice business suit, a big smile, and grown my hair back enough for do a comb-over (who doesn't want one of those), but there is enough of that on here. So, that is that. As I said, nothing to learn here today, just a pic of me sitting in front of the computer doing some work. And I am happy.

“Fight for your dreams” sounds poetic—until you're actually in the ring. A few years ago, I had a bold vision for a project that everyone around me said was "too ambitious." I had no roadmap, limited resources, and more than a few sleepless nights. But I couldn’t shake the belief that it mattered. So I fought. I negotiated for support. I learned new skills on the fly. I failed, adjusted, and kept going. It wasn’t about ego. It was about purpose. Leadership often means being the first to believe—in an idea, a direction, or a dream—before the results show up. 💡 Here’s what I’ve learned: If your dream doesn’t scare you a little, it’s not big enough. Resistance isn’t always a sign to stop—it’s often proof you’re on to something meaningful. You can’t expect others to fight for a dream you’re not willing to champion yourself. So yes—fight for your dreams. But also prepare, adapt, and lead with resilience. 👉 What dream are you fighting for right now? Let’s encourage each other in the comments. #Leadership #Motivation #PersonalGrowth #DreamBig #Resilience

Have you ever noticed how stepping away can actually move you forward? Earlier in my career, I believed that constant hustle was the only path to success. I wore "busy" like a badge of honor. But after a stretch of burnout that crept in silently, I took a week off—no emails, no to-do lists, just space to breathe. In that quiet, clarity emerged. Here’s what I learned from taking time out: 1️⃣ Rest fuels strategy: Some of my most creative ideas came when I stopped forcing solutions. 2️⃣ Distance brings perspective: Removing myself from the day-to-day helped me see the bigger picture—and better prioritize. 3️⃣ Boundaries build resilience: Recharging isn’t indulgence; it’s essential leadership hygiene. According to a Harvard Business Review study, leaders who take regular breaks are 21% more effective at decision-making and team collaboration. That stat doesn’t surprise me—clarity, after all, is hard to find in chaos. So here’s my question to you: 🔹 When was the last time you truly stepped back—and what did you discover when you did? I’d love to hear how taking time out has impacted your leadership or personal growth. Let’s reflect together.

You give everything you’ve got—and no one even notices. What’s the point of being loyal to a job that doesn’t value you? You’re not imagining it—your hard work really is being taken for granted. You go the extra mile, meet impossible deadlines, and still... silence. No recognition, no appreciation, no sense that what you do actually matters. Over time, it chips away at your self-worth. You start questioning whether it’s even worth showing up anymore. The worst part? You’re stuck in this cycle, and no one around you seems to care. There is a way out of the frustration and invisibility. There are people living a different kind of work life—one where they are valued and energized. It starts with knowing you deserve more and believing it’s possible. Here’s how to shift your reality: 1️⃣ Start small by tracking every contribution you make—build your awareness and sense of worth. 2️⃣ Explore alternative income streams that reward you for your value, not just your hours. 3️⃣ Find a mentor who’s broken free from thankless work and learn how they did it. I know exactly how it feels because I lived it. I broke the pattern and built a life where I no longer wait to be recognized—I create my own impact and value. Now I help others do the same, and I can guide you too. DM me for more information.

“The true test of any Starfleet officer is to keep control of your emotions in the midst of crisis.” — Captain Jean-Luc Picard Emotions are natural, especially when pressure mounts and uncertainty looms 🌪️. Yet, as Captain Picard reminds us, emotional regulation is a critical skill for any leader navigating turbulent waters ⚖️. Leaders who remain composed during crises not only make better decisions but also set a calming tone for their teams 🧘. Emotional intelligence—self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation—becomes the anchor that holds everything steady ⚓. In professional settings, emotions can either fuel progress or derail productivity 🔥. When leaders allow their tempers or anxieties to dictate actions, trust can erode and team morale can suffer 💔. Conversely, a steady leader inspires confidence, fostering a psychologically safe space for dialogue and innovation 🛡️. Emotional control doesn't mean suppression—it means channeling feelings into thoughtful action 🤝. The ripple effect of emotional leadership is immense 🌊. Teams learn resilience by observing how their leaders handle setbacks and challenges 🧗. Organizational cultures become healthier when empathy and restraint are modeled from the top 💡. Long-term, this cultivates a workplace where people feel heard, valued, and capable of facing any storm together 🌈. Picard’s insight isn't just about discipline—it's about intentionality 🧭. In today’s fast-paced environments, leaders must develop the inner strength to pause, reflect, and respond instead of react. Training ourselves to master emotions enables more thoughtful leadership and better results, especially in critical moments 🚀. 1️⃣ Practice mindfulness to stay grounded during tense situations 🧘 2️⃣ Build self-awareness through regular reflection and feedback 🪞 3️⃣ Train in active listening to understand before reacting 👂 4️⃣ Model calm behavior to set the tone for your team 🌟 How do you maintain emotional composure under pressure? 💡 Share a moment when emotional regulation helped you lead more effectively. Let’s start a conversation and learn from each other’s experiences 🤝 💬 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let's inspire and learn from each other's journeys. For more insights and resources on leadership and personal growth, visit

Fear and comfort rarely lead to growth. That’s why I wrote Breaking the Fear and Comfort Zone. It’s for people who feel stuck. People who know they’re capable of more, but can’t seem to break through. This isn’t about hype or hustle. It’s about taking control of your mindset. Facing what’s holding you back. And moving forward—with intention. You don’t need to wait for the perfect time. You just need to take the first honest step. Are you ready to get out of your own way? Let’s talk. Message me or grab a copy.

Have you ever noticed how people don’t follow instructions as much as they follow behavior? Early in my career, I was leading a small but fast-paced team. We were under pressure to deliver, and I found myself repeating expectations—be proactive, communicate clearly, take ownership. But something wasn’t clicking. Then it hit me: I was saying the right things but not living them consistently. So I made a change: 1️⃣ I began owning my mistakes out loud. 2️⃣ I asked more questions than I answered. 3️⃣ I became transparent about my priorities and time. What happened next was transformative—my team began mirroring the very behaviours I’d been hoping to cultivate. According to a recent Deloitte report, 65% of employees say they are more likely to engage when their leaders model the behaviour they expect from others. In other words: example isn't just influence—it's leadership. 🔍 What’s one behaviour you’ve chosen to model that made a lasting impact? Let’s share and learn from each other—your story might just inspire someone else’s next move.

You’re succeeding, but something feels off. You’re getting through the days, but are you really living them? You’ve hit every milestone you were supposed to. Built the career. Checked the boxes. But somewhere along the way, you stopped recognizing the person in the mirror. You’re tired of running on autopilot, wondering when you’ll finally feel like you again. The worst part? Everyone thinks you’ve got it all together, even when you’re barely holding on. No one talks about how empty “success” can feel when it’s built on expectations instead of alignment. You’re showing up, but it doesn’t feel like you’re leading anymore. Deep down, you know there’s more. More meaning. More courage. More life. If only you could find your way back to it. Real leadership starts from within, and it’s available to you right now. 1️⃣ Get honest about what you truly want and what you're no longer willing to tolerate. 2️⃣ Build a practical, values-driven roadmap, not just a list of goals. 3️⃣ Work with a coach who’s walked this path and can help you lead your own. I’ve been on both sides — the drift and the breakthrough. I know what it’s like to feel lost in the life you built and what it takes to come back stronger, clearer, and more in charge. Today, I help people stop performing and start leading again with purpose, clarity, and confidence.

Trapped by financial strain and self-doubt, leadership often feels like walking a tightrope in a storm. What if one mindset shift could anchor your confidence and reignite your team's drive? Leadership hit me differently when I realised confidence wasn't about having all the answers. It was about believing I could grow into the leader my team needed. The keyword growth mindset came alive for me when I stopped fearing failure and started seeing it as part of the job description. In The Growth Mindset Advantage, Terrence Shadwell dives into how resilient leaders are made, not born. He shares how fixed beliefs are like rust—they quietly erode our potential. But when we stretch our thinking, we grow stronger and more creative. The book blends real-life examples and practical strategies to show how adaptability, persistence, and humility shape lasting influence. Leaders aren’t made in boardrooms—they’re forged in moments of reflection, challenge, and small wins that build over time. I’ve faced seasons where I second-guessed every move. Early in my journey, I held back ideas, fearing they’d flop or expose what I didn’t know. But something changed when I committed to learning out loud. I started asking more questions, reading obsessively, and embracing feedback—even the rough stuff. The result? My confidence grew, and so did my team’s trust. Growth became our culture, not just my personal goal. How-to: 1️⃣ Reframe failures as lessons, not losses. 2️⃣ Seek mentorship to expand your perspective. 3️⃣ Acknowledge what you don’t know—then get curious. 4️⃣ Celebrate small wins to build lasting momentum. What about you—what mindset shift changed how you lead? Let me know in the comments. And if you're ready to challenge your limits and grow as a leader, grab The Growth Mindset Advantage from my Amazon page: https://lnkd.in/g3DPgkBz. Let’s lead better, together. 🌱📚

"𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗼 — 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻." That changed everything. I started prioritizing high-leverage work. Delegating with trust. Saying “no” (or “not now”) to things that didn’t align with the bigger picture. The result? ✅ More strategic thinking ✅ Better team engagement ✅ Sustainable performance — not burnout 👉 Here’s the leadership shift: Doing more isn’t always leading better. Clarity, focus, and intentional action are what elevate leadership. 🔹 Are you doing more — or doing what matters most? Let’s talk. Have you experienced this shift in your own leadership journey? Drop a comment or connect — I’d love to learn from your perspective.