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therapist turned coach for high-achieving global thinkers

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Based in Australia, empowering evolved individuals globally.

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Why are we still reducing students to a single num

Why are we still reducing students to a single number?

The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is out, and with it comes a flurry of emails and social media posts proudly announcing:

X% of students scored 99 or above (the top 1%)
X% of students scored 95 or above (the top 5%)
X% of students scored 90 or above (the top 10%)

It sounds impressive, right?

Until you realise that behind every one of those numbers is a person with skills, strengths, and potential that no number could ever fully capture.

And yet, that one number is all that matters.

No personal statement.

No opportunity to share who they are, what they stand for, or where they want to go.

Just. The. Number.

Unlike other systems (like in the US, where students submit personal essays, references, and extracurriculars), the Australian system gives universities a narrow snapshot — not the whole picture.

Here’s the problem with that:

A number can’t tell you about grit.
A number can’t measure creativity.
A number doesn’t reveal potential.

Yet, this system places students into categories — eligible or ineligible, "top performer" or "average."

It tells them, “This number defines your future.”

But it doesn’t.
And it shouldn’t.

Here's the thing...
Once students are accepted into their course, that ATAR is never mentioned again.

Not in the course.
Not by future employers.
Not in any career move they make from that point forward.

So why do we keep giving it so much power now?

Why do we frame it as the ultimate measure of success?

It’s time we stopped limiting people to a single number.

Instead, we should be asking:
- Who is this person beyond the score?
- What do they bring to the table that a number can’t measure?
- How do we build systems that see people as people, not data points?

Because, honestly, the world doesn’t need more people who score well on tests.

It needs people with vision, grit, and the ability to solve the problems we haven’t even seen yet.

If you’re seeing these ATAR emails roll in, I’d love to know:

What’s your take on the way we measure and rank students?

Is the system serving them, or is it holding them back?

Drop your thoughts below.

#GrowthMindset

Stop Chasing Freedom. It’s not what you actually

Stop Chasing Freedom.
It’s not what you actually want.

I see it all the time with clients.
They walk in and say:
“I just want freedom.”

But after a few sessions, it becomes clear:
They don’t actually want freedom.
They don’t want to escape work.
They want to create a life that they don’t “need” to take a break from.
They don’t want to break free from structure.
They want to create their own structure — one that actually works for them.
They don’t want freedom.
They want autonomy.

Here’s the thing about ‘freedom’ that nobody talks about:
Freedom isn’t clarity — it’s just “not this.”

When you chase freedom, you know what you don’t want.
But knowing what you don’t want isn’t the same as knowing what you do want.

That’s how people end up floating — untethered and uncertain.

Freedom isn’t choice — it’s avoidance.
“Freedom” sounds bold.
But sometimes, it’s just procrastination in disguise.
People say they want freedom to avoid the next hard decision.
But freedom doesn’t free you from decisions.
It leaves you stuck in limbo.

Freedom without stillness is chaos.
If you can’t sit with stillness, freedom will feel like freefalling.
You’ll keep moving, chasing, running, and “searching for answers”
But you’ll never feel settled.

Autonomy?
That’s stillness with direction.

Freedom isn’t the win. Autonomy is.

Freedom is “I’ll figure it out later.”
Autonomy is “I know exactly where I’m going, and I’m backing myself to get there.”

Freedom is escape.
Autonomy is ownership.

Here’s the shift I see my clients make:
They stop chasing “freedom”…
And start chasing aligned autonomy.

Here’s why autonomy matters more:
It’s not about escaping.
It’s about leading yourself with clarity, control, and choice.
When you chase autonomy, you stop floating and start moving forward.

Freedom serves you for a while.
But autonomy will serve you for life.

Ask yourself this:
Are you chasing freedom — or are you chasing autonomy?
There’s a big difference.

If you’re ready for autonomy — not “freedom” — follow me for tips on self-leadership to get you there.

#SelfLeadership #Autonomy

When you can’t change your position, change your

Carpe Diem – It’s Not the Degree That Matters

Carpe Diem – It’s Not the Degree That Matters

To the high achievers constantly chasing the next big thing — I see you.

Because I was you.
The next degree.
The next deal.
The next title.
The next, the next, the next...

But here’s what I’ve learned:
The ride is the thing.

I was reminded of this while watching my son graduate.
Above where he sat his final exams — etched on the ceiling — were two simple words:
Carpe Diem.
Seize the day.

Not “seize the next goal.”
Not “seize the next title.”
Not “seize the next win.”
Just… seize the day.

It hit me hard.
Because I didn’t celebrate his degree.
I celebrated his effort.
His grit. His persistence. His decision to keep going when it would’ve been easier to stop.

That’s the real win.

A degree?
It’s just an entry ticket — like walking into Disneyland.

It gets you in, but it doesn’t guarantee the experience.
Once you’re in, you choose:
🎢 Which rides you’ll go on.
🎢 Whether you race through or savour each one.
🎢 If you follow the crowds or carve your own path.

That ceiling message wasn’t just for the graduates — it was for all of us.

If you’re so busy chasing tickets, you’ll miss the ride.

So here’s my question for you:
When was the last time you celebrated your effort, not just the outcome?

Let me know your thoughts below 👇

Because if you don’t seize the day, you’ll spend your life chasing the next one.

#HighAchievers #RecoveringPerfectionist #CarpeDiem

When you move to a new country, you quickly learn

When you move to a new country, you quickly learn this: if you want your phone to ring, you have to make the first call.

I’ve lived in eight countries across three decades. In most of them, I arrived knowing no one. In some, I didn’t speak the language. In others, I was the instigator of the move; in others, I followed my partner (and wasn't always thrilled with the destination).

One thing became clear very quickly—transitioning well isn’t about knowing the culture or mastering the logistics. It’s about finding your people.

Expat communities have a way of embracing newcomers. They know what it’s like to feel lost and out of place, so they’ve built structures—welcome events, groups, and networks—that make it easier to plug in. But moving to Australia was different.

This time, I came home to a country I’d barely lived in as an adult, without the ready-made expat scaffolding I’d come to rely on. And I moved just before the pandemic—it was tough.

As a therapist and now as a coach, I often ask struggling clients: Who are your people? Whose radar are you on?

I had to ask myself the same thing when I moved to Australia. And the answer didn’t come from waiting for someone else to reach out. It came from leaning in.

Over a year ago, I was invited to give a talk for the "Women in Business" group at @clubofunitedbusiness. I wasn’t a member then, but something clicked, and I leaned in.

Fast forward to today:
I looked around the room as we celebrated Christmas AND each other.
I saw the faces of women who are now my business partners, friends, and collaborators.

They’re now part of my community.
Not because I waited for them to invite me in, but because I stepped forward.

The truth is, community doesn’t just happen.
You can’t wait for your phone to ring. You have to make the call.
Show up. Say yes to the invitation. Offer to help.
Be vulnerable enough to say, "I’m new here, and I’d love to connect."

Whether you’re navigating a big move, a career shift, or just feeling stuck, take a moment to ask yourself: Who are my people? And what am I doing to find them?

Lean in. Community starts with you.

#PositiveCommunities #ExpatLife

Who’s Steering Your Ship?⁠ ⁠ Storms are inev

Who’s Steering Your Ship?⁠
⁠
Storms are inevitable—whether in business, relationships, or life itself.⁠
The question is, how are you navigating through them?⁠
⁠
Maybe you’re running a business that feels stuck, leading a team through change, or juggling family demands while trying to keep your sanity intact.⁠
⁠
Here’s the deal:⁠
No one is handing out rescue plans.⁠
⁠
But the people who thrive? They aren’t afraid of storms.⁠
They’re learning how to sail.⁠
(As Louisa May Alcott said: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”)⁠
⁠
That’s the difference between those who stay stuck and those who grow, scale, and thrive.⁠
⁠
Ownership.⁠
⁠
My most successful clients embrace this truth:⁠
• They steer their own ship.⁠
• They lean into the waves.⁠
• They choose to show up—not because it’s easy, but because they know it’s worth it.⁠
⁠
Here’s the reality:⁠
⁠
• Blame doesn’t calm the seas.⁠
• Waiting doesn’t move the ship forward.⁠
• Taking charge does.⁠
⁠
If you’re ready to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start creating your ideal life, I’m here to help.⁠
⁠
Applications for 1:1 coaching starting February 2024 are now open.⁠
This is for those ready to step into the captain’s seat and do the work to get where they want to go.⁠
⁠
Ready?⁠
DM me, and let’s chart your course.⁠
⁠
⁠
#PersonalDevelopment #SelfLeadership #PositivePsychologyCoach

Are Your Holiday Choices Lighting You Up or Draini

Are Your Holiday Choices Lighting You Up or Draining You?⁠
⁠
Here’s the thing: every time you say ‘YES’ to another Christmas invite, event, or task, you’re saying ‘NO’ to something else—whether it’s downtime, family time, or simply your sanity.⁠
⁠
It’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters.⁠
⁠
It's so easy to fall into the ‘busy trap’ this time of year. But instead of mindlessly cramming your calendar, try making more intentional choices.⁠
⁠
Because everything—people, events, tasks—either fuels your energy or drains it.⁠
⁠
So this season, choose the radiators—the people and activities that light you up—and pass on the rest.⁠
⁠
✨ Say ‘yes’ to what aligns with your values and brings you joy.⁠
✨ Say ‘no’ to what doesn’t.⁠
⁠
This isn’t just a holiday mindset—it’s a life strategy.⁠
⁠
So, what’s one thing you’re saying ‘no’ to this season so you can say ‘yes’ to something that matters? ⁠
⁠
I'd love your thoughts on this.⁠
⁠
#ValuesAligned #IntentionalLiving #FamilyFirst

The Loneliest Feeling in the World Ever been in a

The Loneliest Feeling in the World

Ever been in a room full of people—family, friends, colleagues—and still felt unseen?

That hit me hard recently, and I realised something was off. So, I pulled back—not to avoid, but to reconnect.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Our connection with others can only go as deep as our connection with ourselves.

This shift changed everything. I’m showing up differently now—fully present, no half-listening, no distracted nods. Just real, intentional connection.

Here’s how I’m doing it:

1️⃣ Quality over quantity.
I’m choosing where I can show up fully instead of saying yes to everything.

2️⃣ Curiosity and presence.
When I’m with someone, I’m all in. No phone, no distractions—just genuine connection.

3️⃣ Listening without fixing.
Instead of advice, I say, “I’m listening.”

It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it differently.

So here’s my challenge:

Start with yourself. Reconnect with what you need, and then show up for one person in a way they’ll remember.

What about you? How are you approaching connection this season?

Let me know below—I’d love to hear.

#IntentionalLiving #MeaningfulConnections #PresenceOverPerfection

Staying stuck? It’s not easy. ⁠ ⁠ Changing?

Staying stuck? It’s not easy. ⁠
⁠
Changing? ⁠Also not easy. ⁠
But one of them leads to growth. ⁠
⁠
The truth?⁠
Life is hard either way.⁠
⁠
Choose your hard.⁠
⁠
Thanks Tony Robbins for the reminder.⁠
⁠
#ChooseYourHard #GrowthMidset

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Thank you for taking that first courageous step in reaching out to me.

I look forward to connecting with you and will be in touch with you soon.

Blue Skies,

Justine

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