It’s not about the jacket. It’s about the shift in perspective.
What a lighter jacket taught me about visibility, leadership evolution, and stepping into a new mindset.
For most of my career, I’ve worn all black.
Not because it’s trendy or strategic, but because it’s simple. And more importantly, because I’ve always seen my role as being behind the scenes.
Whether running workshops, speaking at events or consulting with real estate leaders, I’ve focused on building, supporting and elevating others. Like a stagehand or hospitality crew, dressed in black, working quietly to keep the main act moving. Present, but never front and centre.
Even when I stepped onto a stage, I kept that same mindset:
Blend in. Let the message lead. Don’t make it about me.
If you have seen me out and about, this is the exact outfit I was most likely wearing.
But lately… something’s shifted.
Leadership has a way of evolving and demanding that we do the same.
Over the past year, The Efficiency Co has grown in ways that have challenged how I see myself, how I work, and how I lead.
In the background, we’ve been building powerful change with clients. Deep strategy work. Real transformation. Operational shifts that will ripple through entire teams. The kind of work that needs a steady hand, and a clear presence.
And somewhere along the way, I realised that the way I was showing up didn’t match the weight of the work. Not externally. And not internally either.
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room. But it does require being seen.
So I did something small, that meant something big.
I booked a fresh photoshoot.
I swapped my usual black for a lighter jacket.
And I gave myself quiet permission to step forward with more presence, more confidence, and a little more light. I even upgraded and had a nice location-based background and everything.. no more standard charcoal wall for me!
From the outside, it might look like a silly little style change.
But to me, it marked a shift in mindset – a moment where I let go of “blending in” and stepped more fully into the role I’ve grown into.
Not because I want the spotlight.
But because leadership means owning the space you’ve earned, and showing up in a way that helps others do the same.
The work continues, with more clarity than ever.
While things may have looked quiet online, behind the scenes, we’ve been leading real momentum. Supporting agency leaders across Australia, streamlining systems, transforming operations, and rethinking the way business is done.
The Efficiency Co is stepping into its next season – and so am I.
So no, this post isn’t really about a jacket.
It’s about growth. It’s about intention. And it’s about recognising when you’ve outgrown the background, and deciding to show up differently.
(And yes, it’s also a note to future me, for when this blog post pops up in a year on my social media, to remember that sometimes leadership begins with one small decision.)
With that being said, it’s your turn.
If this resonated, I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment below or connect with me on socials.
What’s one small shift you’ve made lately that signalled a big change in how you lead?
I’d love to hear it.
Reach out to me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or, you can even email me here too.
Author Reflection:
Why Presence Matters in Leadership
In any industry, but especially in real estate, leadership isn’t just about strategy. It’s about presence. The way we carry ourselves, communicate under pressure, build trust in a room, and help others rise with us.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with agency owners, team leaders, property managers and business development managers across Australia. From large-scale conferences and leadership keynotes to private strategy workshops, I’ve seen firsthand that influence in this industry isn’t about volume, it’s about clarity, credibility, and confidence.
That’s what I teach. And it’s what I try to embody.
Whether I’m presenting on stage, facilitating workshops with The Efficiency Co, or working 1:1 with business owners, my focus remains the same – helping people lead more intentionally, run better businesses, and create cultures that actually work.
So yes, this story started with a lighter jacket, but it speaks to something far bigger. Leadership growth is ongoing. Visibility evolves. And how we show up today shapes what we build tomorrow.
That’s just my thoughts… for now. Come back in a year to see how this evolves over time.
