iMastery

I’m Wendy, founder of iMastery. 

I am a leadership and productivity coach, trainer and speaker. I guide and inspire busy professionals to optimise their focus, manage high-performing teams and elevate their impact. 
Clients value my hands-on experience as an entrepreneur, business owner, general manager, consultant, and parent. They appreciate the real-world perspective I bring to my work.
I feel privileged to serve people and play a role in their professional and personal development. I love the win-win that comes when employees are engaged at work progressing towards something personally meaningful, and the profit and growth that comes when people are aligned with their organisation’s mission. 

BACKGROUND
I started my professional career with a multi-national recruitment company and went on to hold a variety of recruiting and leadership roles in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and the USA. In 2005, I founded iPeople, a recruitment and training company with offices in both Melbourne and Sydney. I sold the recruiting division of iPeople in 2010, retaining and further developing the training consultancy iMastery.

CREDENTIALS
I hold a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences (double major in Psychology) and a Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. 
I’ve completed Advanced Facilitation Skills Training with the AITD. I’m also an accredited HBDI (Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument) practitioner and an accredited Demartini Values Facilitator®, a certified PH360 Coach, and a certified Mastery Method Coach.

CONNECT
I welcome your connection here on LinkedIn, or visit imastery.com.au for more information.

Founder

iPeople

Advisor & Facilitator

Founder & CEO

CK Recruits

General Manager

Adecco Employment Services

Manager

Leadership & Productivity Coach • Corporate Trainer ➔ Follow me for actionable management and productivity content. ➔ Win-back time. • Unlock new levels of focus, leadership and mastery.

Hi, I’m Wendy Cole.
I am a leadership and productivity coach, trainer and speaker. I guide and inspire busy professionals to optimise their focus, manage high-performing teams and elevate their impact.
I am also a business owner, psychology graduate and parent. I have decades of experience and a passion for self-development. I share insights that are practical, evidence-based, field-tested and highly effective. 
I train and coach professionals and managers within leading organisations across Australia and New Zealand. My clients include: Deakin University, UniSuper, Drug Free Sport NZ, Lion NZ, YMCA, Zoos Victoria, Yarra Valley Water, Four Pillars Gin, ARTC, and the Department of Transport.

There are 4 primary ways I can help you:

1.	NEWSLETTER 
Receive practical hacks and guides straight to your inbox – for free! My regular newsletter is for smart professionals who want to unlock new levels of focus, leadership and mastery.
Check it out: imastery.com.au/subscribe

2.	LEADERSHIP & PRODUCTIVITY TRAINING 
Accelerate your (and your teams’) productivity and leadership. Join my popular public training programs.

⚡ Better Ways of Working
Check it out: imastery.com.au/workshops/managing-high-performance-teams 

⚡ Managing High-Performance Teams
Check it out: imastery.com.au/better-ways-of-working-essentials


3.	COACHING
Transform your leadership and productivity with 1-to-1 coaching. I’m a certified Mastery Method Coach who can help elevate your skills. 

Schedule your complimentary chat: imastery.com.au/complimentary-discovery-session


4.	IN-HOUSE TRAINING & KEYNOTES
Run an in-house training program for your team. Bespoke productivity and management training programs can be customised to suit your organisation. 

Book a meeting: calendly.com/wendy-cole/meeting

FOCUS • LEADERSHIP • IMPACT

Forget perfect interview answers.
These 10 questions quietly win you the job.

I’ve sat in a lot of interviews.
I started my career in recruitment. And then went on to found (and later sell) my own recruiting firm.

And one truth always stood out:
It’s rarely the “perfect” answers that land the role.

It’s the thoughtful questions.

That’s why I love my friend Anna’s carousel.
Here are the 10 questions that help her clients land 6-figure roles:

𝟭. "What are your priorities for the team right now?"
→ Shows how you'll help achieve their goals

𝟮. "Talk me through an average day in this role?"
→ Reveals the real day-to-day expectations

𝟯. "What does exceeding expectations look like in the first year?"
→ Clarifies success metrics upfront

𝟰. "What might cause the wrong hire to struggle in this role?"
→ Addresses concerns proactively

𝟱. "What will be the biggest challenge for the person you hire?"
→ Shows you're realistic and ready for obstacles

𝟲. "What traits stand out in your high-performing team members?"
→ Reveals what the manager truly values

𝟳. "How would your team describe your management style?"
→ Assesses leadership approach and self-awareness

𝟴. "What accomplishment are you most proud of here?"
→ Gives the manager a chance to shine and share

𝟵. "What skills should I emphasize moving to the next step?"
→ Great question for a recruiter to put your best foot forward

𝟭𝟬. "What are the next steps and timeline?"
→ Aligns expectations for timelines and next steps

Bottom line:
These questions aren’t just about getting answers.
They’re about standing out and assessing fit.

Your goal: Be memorable.

Remember:
The top 1% don’t just answer questions well.
They bring their own.

💬 What question would you add to the list?

Follow Anna Findlay 🔑 Career Coach for more career growth & job hunt tips.

Wendy Cole

10 questions to ask at interviews

The strongest leaders aren’t the loudest.
They’re the ones who calm the storm with a few words.


Most workplace conflicts don’t start with malice.
They start when people feel unheard—and fight to be understood.

💬 The wise and talented Jill Avey created this resource and shares 5 phrases that shift tension into connection:

➊ “I want to understand your perspective better.”
⇨ Say this early, before you jump to defend yourself. It shows you care more about the relationship than being right.

➋ “It sounds like you feel [emotion] because [situation].”
⇨ Name what you’re sensing without trying to fix it. This helps people feel seen, not judged, which always comes before solutions.

➌ “Did I get that right?”
⇨ After summarizing, pause and check. It shows humility and stops misunderstandings before they fuel the fire.

➍ “I appreciate you sharing that with me.”
⇨ Recognize the effort it takes to be honest, especially when things feel tense. This opens the door to honest conversation.

➎ “What would make this situation better for you?”
⇨ This moves things from fighting over problems to working on solutions together.
 
 
 
The magic isn’t in the script—it’s in the mindset:
From trying to win → to trying to understand.

What’s your go-to line when someone gets defensive?

 💙   Repost to help others handle conflict with calm and clarity.

We are always consuming.
But too many of us are bingeing on noise, not nourishment.


We are always consuming.
6 ways to nourish your focus and energy…


𝟏.  Frame your day → Your brain has a filter called the Reticular Activating System (RAS). It notices more of whatever you focus on. Start your day with a mantra, your goals, or a mindful breath outside — you’re training your brain on what matters.

𝟐.  Protect your energy → Green and blue spaces calm your nervous system. Sunlight restores and energises.

𝟑.  Protect your focus → Weekly plans, email boundaries, meeting-free mornings.

𝟒.  Align your to-dos with what matters → Days that reflect priorities create meaning and progress.

𝟓. Invest in relationships → The longest-running study on happiness and health (Harvard, 85+ years) found that quality relationships are the single biggest predictor of wellbeing and longevity. Build them. Nurture them.

𝟔. Invest in your growth → Curate what you read and watch, reflect, ask better questions. Move on when the environment no longer fits.

💙 Because your future self will thank you for what you feed yourself today.

📸  Image source: unknown

 Thanks for reading.  Repost to inspire others.

Never underestimate the power of YOUR kindness.
"Three things in human life are important. 
The first is to be kind. 
The second is to be kind. 
And the third is to be kind.”
 – Henry James.

Research backs this.
💡  A 2022 study in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that doing 3 random acts of kindness a week can reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Why?
Because generosity does what self-care can’t.
It shifts your focus outward, builds connection, and strengthens bonds.

Here are simple ways to start:
→ Smile or give a compliment
→ Send a quick check-in message
→ Leave a kind note of encouragement
→ Hold the door open
→ Offer your seat
→ Let someone go ahead of you
→ Share credit in a meeting
→ Grab a coffee for a colleague
→ Bring in something healthy to share
→ Chat with a stranger (even brief interactions lift mood)
→ Help a neighbour
→ Support a charity
→ Pick up rubbish at the park.

Kindness compounds.
It boosts the people around you AND your wellbeing.

Take this as your nudge to try 3 random acts of kindness this week.

💙 Grateful for the people whose kindness isn’t a tactic, but a way of life.

Pass it on. Here’s to kindness rippling far.

Calm • Confident • Connected! It is all about Oxytocin. 💙
In our modern world, we are dopamine-driven.
But chasing quick wins and constant rewards depletes Oxytocin, the hormone of genuine connection.

Oxytocin isn't just about love; it's vital in the workplace too.

Oxytocin makes us feel:
↳ Calm: It reduces cortisol, easing stress and anxiety.
↳ Confident: It builds trust and emotional safety.
↳ Connected: It deepens bonds and enhances collaboration.

Boost your Oxytocin instantly with these 8 simple actions.

𝟏.  Pet cuddles: 
↳ Intentionally hug your pet before work. 
↳ Kudos to workplaces welcoming furry friends! 🐶🐱

𝟐. Physical gestures
↳ Appropriate touch (handshake, fist bump, or high-five) can quickly increase Oxytocin (Harvard Business Review).

𝟑. Gratitude
↳ Say a heartfelt "thank you." It triggers Oxytocin in you and your colleague.

𝟒.  Authentic connection
↳ Even short, real conversations boost trust and bonding.

𝟓.  Genuine compliments
↳ Kind words build emotional bonds.
↳ Extend compliments to yourself. Compassionate self-talk boosts your Oxytocin and emotional wellbeing. 

𝟔.  Deep listening
↳ Remember, two ears, one mouth. Use them accordingly. (h/t Epictetus)

𝟕.  Face-to-face first
↳ Prioritise in-person interactions whenever possible.

𝟴.  Acts of kindness 
↳ Help a colleague or genuinely listen to someone's concerns. 
↳ Be kind to yourself too. Self-kindness significantly boosts Oxytocin and emotional resilience.

Oxytocin isn’t about quick hits. It’s about lasting trust and deeper connections. 
Enhancing Oxytocin also boosts a sense of belonging toward others, and with yourself.

Calm • Confident • Connected

💙 What's your favourite Oxytocin booster at work?
🔄 Repost to help your network.
📸 Credit: TJ Power
📘 Highly recommend TJ Power’s insightful book The DOSE Effect.

Success isn’t talent.
It’s discipline.


No special gifts needed, just a decision and a touch of grit.

Love this take on Snakes & Ladders from the witty and wise Dr. Heather Maietta (give her a follow, if you haven’t already).

She shares 13 things that require zero talent but make all the difference. 
Here are the ones that stood out to me:

Being kind
↳ Tough and kind aren’t opposites.

Going above and beyond
↳ The extra mile has no traffic.

Being professional
↳ Your attitude is your business card.

Strong body language
↳ Confidence is seen before it’s heard.

Being coachable
↳ Demonstrate humility and a thirst for growth.

💬 If you could pass one of these lessons to your younger self, which would it be?

💙 Thanks for reading. Repost to help someone else climb the career ladder.

Your title doesn’t make you an influential leader.
And you don’t need a title to lead.

Influence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. 
It is how you show up in key moments and how you carry yourself day to day.

These insights will elevate your influence.
And shape how others experience working with you.

  _  _  _  _  _  _  _  _  _

7 Shifts That Make You an Influential Leader
Title Not Required

𝟏. Balance Warmth + Competence.
Warmth signals trust. Competence signals capability. Too much of one backfires. 
Together, they answer two human questions: Can I trust you? Can I rely on you? (h/t Vanessa Van Edwards)

𝟐. Lead with Character.
Real influence is built on integrity. Your values, ethics, and choices shape your reputation. 
People follow leaders whose actions match their words (even when it’s hard).

𝟑. Build Resilience with Self-Compassion.
Stanford studies show grit predicts success more than IQ. 
Influence grows when people see you handle pressure. 
Name emotions. Calm your inner critic with self-compassion. 
Reframe setbacks as reps and redirection. Rest, refocus, keep going.

𝟒. Invest in your Executive Presence.
Stand tall and shoulders back. Eye contact and a genuine smile show warmth. 
Dress with purpose and what makes you feel confident. 
When in doubt, wear a jacket — research shows deals close more profitably when you do.

𝟓. Be Agile.
McKinsey found 9 in 10 executives believe agility drives performance. 
Influence comes from adapting quickly and showing others the way forward. 
The CEO Genome Project found decisive leaders are 12x more likely to excel.

𝟔. Use Storytelling with your Public Speaking.
Harvard found stories are 22x more memorable than facts. 
Practise structure and pauses. 
Confidence comes from preparation, not perfection.
Facts inform. Stories inspire.

𝟕. Be Kind. 
Influence grows when people feel seen, heard, and valued. 
Remember names. Listen with empathy. Adjust your response. 
People may forget your words, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.
 
 
  _  _  _  _  _  _  _  _  _

💙 These shifts don’t just make you influential.

They help you lead with clarity, calm, and confidence.

Leadership isn’t a job title.
It’s how your actions inspire others to follow.

(Save this for when you need a reminder.)
Follow me Wendy Cole for actionable leadership and productivity insights.

Success leaves clues.
Don’t miss #4. Research shows it could boost your odds of success (and even wealth) by 289%.

I’ve been coaching for close to two decades, and I see these habits show up again and again in the people who achieve big things and sustain them.

Here are 7 habits worth mastering!

𝟏. Don’t Take Things Personally. 
Setbacks and criticism aren’t a verdict on your worth. Sometimes they’re feedback. Other times, projections. 
Feel it, reframe it, and move forward.

𝟐. Turn Goals Into Clear Actions. 
Motivation fades, but clarity lasts. 
Focus on fewer things and do them better. 
Try James Clear’s framework: “I will [BEHAVIOUR] at [TIME] in [PLACE].” 
Specific steps make progress inevitable.

𝟑. Stay Organised. 
Organisation is your quiet superpower. 
People who use both a calendar and a to-do list are 289% more likely to reach financial success.
Systems create calm. Consistency compounds. 

𝟒. Do the Work. 
Conscientiousness is the #1 personality trait predicting success. 
Show up, even when you don’t feel like it. 
Daily reps build trust in yourself and from others.

𝟓. Keep Learning. 
Curiosity keeps you sharp and relevant. 
Fiction builds empathy. Non-fiction gives access to expertise. 
Used wisely, AI now amplifies learning. 
Fun fact: people who read 7+ books a year are twice as likely to become millionaires.

𝟔. Lead with Kindness. 
Three small acts of kindness a week reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness. 
Encouragement builds trust and loyalty.
 Small, consistent acts of humanity make teams resilient.

𝟕. Protect Your Energy. 
Your energy fuels success. Sunlight. Movement. Nutrition. Sleep. 
Know when to sprint, when to pause, and when to recharge. 
Protecting energy makes achievement sustainable.

💙 Thanks for reading. 
Repost to share with others.

💬 Which of these habits do you see showing up most?

Let’s be real, nobody has it all figured out.
Stop waiting for the perfect moment.
 
The first step makes you brave.
The next ones make you confident
 
Progress rarely comes in giant leaps.
It’s built in the moments you almost stop…
and then take one more step.
 
One more rep.
One more outreach.
One more delegation.
One more page written.
 
That’s how momentum builds.
With belief in the process and the choice to keep moving.
 
Some days you’ll be on your A-game.
Some days you’ll barely scrape by.
Most days you’ll land somewhere in between.
And that’s okay.
 
Every step counts.
Every effort adds up.
 
💙 Be kind to yourself.
And keep showing up.
Move like everything is going to work out.
Because it is.
 
Save this post as a reminder: You’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think!
 
💬 What helps you believe everything will work out?

Leadership isn’t about being the hero.
It’s about creating heroes.

Here are 𝟓 ways to unlock the 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬:

𝟏. Hold Regular 1:1s
• Too many managers avoid 1:1s. But done well, they boost engagement and retention.
• Focus on goals, challenges, and growth—not just tasks.
𝐓𝐫𝐲:  Schedule them later in the day (keep mornings free for deep work).

𝟐. Tell Less, Ask Better Questions
• Giving all the answers shuts people down.
• Open questions spark ownership, not defensiveness.
• Curiosity builds better thinkers.
𝐓𝐫𝐲: What options do you see here? Or tell me about…

𝟑. Delegate for Growth
• Delegation isn’t offloading, it’s upgrading.
• Stretch assignments build confidence, skills, and trust.
𝐓𝐫𝐲: Use GenAI to draft delegation briefs—and to suggest what tasks could be passed on.

𝟒. Give Direct, Caring Feedback
• Avoiding feedback isn’t kindness—it’s fear.
• Clear is kind. Radical Candor = direct + supportive.
• Adam Grant’s 19 words set the tone.
𝐓𝐫𝐲: “I’m giving you these comments because I have high expectations—and I’m confident you can reach them.”

𝟓. Invest in Your Own Growth
• Set and achieve your own goals.
• Quiet, consistent learning inspires more than big speeches.
• Self-education shows humility and direction.
𝐓𝐫𝐲: Share a post, podcast, or book that inspired you.

Master these and people won’t just respect you—
they’ll want to work with you.
Great leaders create leaders who create leaders.

💙  Here’s to the leaders unlocking superpowers in others.

➕  Follow for more actionable productivity and leadership insights.

Most of us know what to do.
But…
 
The challenge is doing it again.
And again.
Especially when it feels hard (or just plain boring).
 
Early in my career, I came across an old essay from the 1940s: The Common Denominator of Success.
Its message stuck with me:
 
Success comes from forming the habit of doing the things others don’t like to do.
 
Steven Bartlett says it simply:
 
“90% of 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 is doing the obvious thing
for a 𝗯𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 amount of 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲,
𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 convincing yourself there’s a 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝘂𝘁.”
 
Here are 5 ways to build that habit:
 
𝟏.  Harness Hard
Hard things build grit. Reframe self-discipline as self-care.
And remember: the first 15 minutes feel tough because dopamine takes time to rise.
 
𝟐.  Leverage the Progress Principle
Small daily wins create momentum. Track them. Don’t break the chain.
Count the daily reps, not the outcome. Results take time, but reps build the habit.
 
𝟑.  Plan for the Doubt + Dip
The middle gets messy. Plan for it.
Decide in advance your if/then moves.
E.g. When sticking to my budget feels boring, I’ll check my savings tracker and remind myself what I’m working towards.
 
𝟒.  Embrace Good–Better–Best
Showing up won’t look the same every day, and that’s okay.
Some days will be good, some better, some best. The key is keeping the habit alive.
 
𝟓.  Choose Your Circle
Surround yourself with people who do hard things, quietly and consistently.
Make this your normal. You’re the average of the 5 people in your circle.
 
True shortcuts are rare.
Greatness is often simply good, repeated.
Long after others have stopped.
 
💙 Thanks for reading
 
💬 What helps you stay consistent when it feels easier to quit?

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Forget hacks. These 5 Productivity Systems actually work.
What they are. Why they matter. How to use them without hitting burnout.

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