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The burden of seeing too clearly

Where do I start?

Twenty-five years ago, I went through something no one should ever have to experience. A nightmare, yes – but not the kind you wake up from. The kind that reshapes your reality forever.

Someone took their own life. Another person tried to. Both were connected to a traumatic event we lived through at work – six armed hold-ups in our business, one after the other. And I was the manager.

The loss, the grief, the guilt – they don’t leave you. Not really. They sit somewhere in your chest, waiting for moments of quiet to come flooding back in.

In the aftermath, I did what many leaders do when they carry too much – I looked inward. I asked myself how I could have done better, what I missed, what responsibility I carried. And then I got to work on fixing myself.

Every course. Every leadership program. Every uncomfortable truth about my own blind spots, my coping mechanisms, my boundaries, my empathy, my reactivity, all of it got unpacked and examined.

For 25 years, I worked on me. Because I believed that was the way to make sure I could help others. That if I was whole, I could make the world better. That if I understood how people fall apart, I could hold them together.

But here’s the part no one warns you about.

If you go far enough down the self-awareness road, you start seeing things other people can’t. You recognise the manipulators. The charmers who know how to perform compassion but have none. The ones who break others to build themselves.

You learn to spot the sociopaths.

And then you spend your time trying to protect others from them,  especially the good people, the generous people, the ones who think being kind will be enough. It won’t be. Not with those types.

So you speak up. You raise questions. You call out patterns. And suddenly, you’re the problem. You’re the ‘difficult’ one. You’re the one being told to tone it down, or worse, that you’re imagining things.

But you’re not. You see clearly. And that’s the burden.

I still believe in leadership. But real leadership is messy. It takes guts. It takes sleepless nights. It takes accountability, even when no one else is taking it.

I don’t have a neat ending to this story.

All I know is I didn’t break. I bent, I cracked, but I didn’t break. And I’m still here, trying to hold the line. Trying to make sure the next person doesn’t have to go through what I did.

That has to count for something.

#leadership, #selfawareness, #grief, #healing, #mentalhealth, #resilience

The cost of brilliance and the weight of fame. A Complete Unknown

Image Wikipedia 

Dylan’s songs still stand, his influence is undeniable, but I left the cinema thinking beyond the legend. Thinking about the cost of it all.

I went into A Complete Unknown expecting to reflect on music, reinvention, and Bob Dylan’s journey. Instead, I walked away thinking about something else entirely, the cost of brilliance and the weight of fame.

The early scenes capture a young Dylan, hungry and searching, shaping a sound that would define a generation.

The film does a brilliant job showing his rise, his sheer force of talent, and his willingness to push against expectations.

But as the story unfolds, so does another transformation, one that felt far less inspiring. Dylan becomes distant, self absorbed, and unreachable. It made me wonder if fame inevitably does this. Is it survival, a necessary shield, or just how some people handle being placed on a pedestal.

A friend offered another perspective. Perhaps it is not just fame.

Dylan’s lack of commitment, particularly in personal relationships, may have been a by product of his extreme poetic and musical talents rather than the fame that followed.

His savant like brilliance was a rare intellectual gift, but maybe part of that gift came at the expense of emotional intelligence. He prioritised music and poetry above all else, even his own well being at times.

Woody Guthrie had similar flaws, possibly worse, abandoning a wife and children during the Dust Bowl to chase his inborn passion. The extraordinary talent of Joan Baez, in contrast, seemed to be a good match for Dylan’s, yet she is portrayed as more emotionally balanced and self aware. Later, she was with Steve Jobs, another figure of massive talent but with glaring empathy and social skill shortfalls.

My friend also reflected on those who manage to hold onto humility despite success. They exist, and they are worth celebrating. Not everyone is lost to the spotlight.

A Complete Unknown is a must see, but for me, it was less about music and more about what fame, genius, and self absorption leave in their wake.

Dylan’s songs still stand, his influence is undeniable, but I left the cinema thinking beyond the legend. Thinking about the cost of it all.


#BobDylan #ACompleteUnknown #MusicLegends #FilmReview #DylanBiopic #JoanBaez #WoodyGuthrie #SteveJobs #GeniusAndFame #PoetryAndMusic


Rethink Your Corporate “Present”

Last week, I attended an event that ticked most of the right boxes—until it came to the “end-of-function present.” A big fuss was made about this gift, complete with speeches about how meaningful it was. But when I got home and unwrapped it, I felt deflated.

Another useless implement. Another addition to the pile of things I didn’t ask for, didn’t need, and now have to deal with. Worse still, it left me agonising over what could go in the yellow bin, what had to go in the red bin, and how much of it was just destined for landfill.

Why do organisations keep doing this? It’s time to make a statement

Rethink your corporate present.

My friend and I, who shared my horror, had a simple suggestion: Instead of giving out something that no one asked for, why not make a donation to a charity that everyone can feel good about? It’s a gesture that has meaning, leaves no waste, and makes a positive impact.

Imagine the difference it would make if all that money spent on throwaway gifts was instead directed to causes that matter. Whether it’s supporting local food banks, planting trees, or funding research into diseases, the ripple effect of a charitable gift goes far beyond a fleeting moment of applause at an event.

We’re not fools. A thoughtful contribution to charity says far more about your organisation’s values than another trinket destined for the bin. And in an era where sustainability is critical, gestures that align with those values resonate so much more.

It’s time to ask ourselves—and the organisations we engage with—to do better. Let’s stop pretending that physical tokens are necessary and start embracing meaningful alternatives. Because sometimes the best present is one that gives back to the world we all share.

#CorporateGifting #SustainabilityMatters #EcoFriendlyEvents #GiveWithPurpose #MeaningfulGifts #RethinkWaste #CharityOverTrinkets #SustainableChoices #NoMoreWaste #MakeADifference

How I Frustrated My Year 12 English Teacher—And Learned More About Myself Along the Way

Looking back on my final years of high school, I have to admit I must have been a nightmare for my English teacher. In Year 11 and 12, I wasn’t exactly what you’d call a “model student.” I wasn’t rebellious in the typical sense; I simply refused to invest time in studying texts that didn’t resonate with me. And in our English syllabus, there were plenty that didn’t.

Take The Tree of Man by Patrick White, for example. While some found it profound, I found it dreadfully depressing, like trudging through emotional quicksand. And Tess of the d’Urbervilles? Equally exasperating. Despite the supposed literary merit of these novels, I couldn’t bring myself to see the world through their bleak lens. For me, these texts represented an obligation, not an inspiration. So, I did what any self-respecting, strong-willed teenager would do—I avoided them as much as possible.

But then there was Anne Frank. Her story moved me profoundly, and I couldn’t get enough of her writing. Here was a young girl, in the most horrifying of circumstances, expressing hope, resilience, and a love for life that defied her situation. Anne Frank’s words spoke to me in a way no other text on the syllabus could, and I absorbed every word, willingly and eagerly. If my teacher had allowed me to focus on texts like The Diary of Anne Frank, I probably would have been an easier student to manage.

Then there was Shakespeare. Although we didn’t have a choice in studying him, I tackled King Lear as a practical means to an end rather than a journey of literary discovery. I never grew to love it, but I became skilled at wielding its verses in exams. I memorised the key quotes, crafted answers that hit all the right notes, and delivered what was needed to secure a top 1% pass in English. To me, it felt like a bit of a joke—proof that academic success sometimes depends more on strategy than genuine engagement.

Reflecting on it now, I see that my teenage self was driven by a desire to find meaning in what I was learning. I wasn’t willing to fake enthusiasm for texts that felt hollow or irrelevant to my world. My teacher might have been infuriated by my selective engagement, but it was my way of honouring the power of words and stories. Only those that truly connected with me earned my dedication.

In the end, I think my journey through the HSC taught me more than a formal curriculum ever could. It showed me the importance of authenticity and the power of storytelling to capture our attention, inspire us, and help us make sense of the world. And if my teacher (Mr Howell) ever reads this—thank you for putting up with me. I may not have been the easiest student, but I left those years with a fierce appreciation for stories that resonate, and a strong resolve to find and share them in my own way.

#HighSchoolMemories #FindingMyVoice #EnglishClass #Year12Struggles #AuthenticLearning #StorytellingMatters #AnneFrankInspiration #SelectiveEngagement #PowerOfLiterature #EducationReflections  #Mr Howell

The Danger of Celebrity Influence in Medical Treatment Decisions

Of all the money I have contributed to Elle Macpherson’s empire, it’s the $13 spent on that e-book that I regret the most. Because after reading about the “learnings” from her cancer journey, I cried. A lot.

I was diagnosed with stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer in November 2022. Since then, I’ve been fighting the cancer and learning about it. But one thing I have never done is blame myself for getting cancer in the first place. And nothing I have read, seen or heard had caused me to even consider it was my fault. Until I read Macpherson’s book. Source I never blamed myself for having breast cancer. Until I read Elle Macpherson’s book

 

As science progresses, researchers and medical experts readily acknowledge that what is considered best practice today may evolve in the future. Treatments for diseases, including cancer, are continuously refined as new research emerges. What is accepted as the most effective treatment today may well look different in a decade. However, when celebrities use their platform to promote unproven alternative treatments—particularly when they stand to gain financially—there is a real risk that their influence could lead to tragic consequences.

Elle Macpherson, a renowned supermodel, recently revealed in her memoir how she refused chemotherapy for her breast cancer diagnosis, despite the advice of 32 doctors. Instead, she chose a holistic approach involving meditation, acupuncture, and plant-based remedies. While Macpherson’s decision to forgo conventional treatment was her personal choice, her promotion of this approach raises important questions about the responsibility of public figures who are admired by millions.

In this instance, it is not merely a matter of personal autonomy. Macpherson is a global icon whose decisions are watched by millions of women, many of whom may be facing their own health challenges. Her choice to reject chemotherapy—widely regarded as a cornerstone in cancer treatment—has the potential to mislead women into thinking that a holistic approach might be equally effective in treating life-threatening diseases. The problem arises when a celebrity’s influence intersects with unproven medical treatments, particularly when the celebrity also profits from the wellness industry, as Macpherson does through her company, WelleCo.

The potential for harm is vast. Cancer treatment is a matter of life and death, and the promotion of alternative therapies not backed by science can result in unnecessary fatalities. Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a retired breast surgeon, has highlighted that choosing alternative treatments can increase the risk of dying by six times. Cancer researcher Dr. David Robert Grimes has labeled Macpherson’s promotion of holistic therapies as “incredibly irresponsible,” a sentiment echoed by many experts who understand the gravity of ignoring conventional treatments.

Medical professionals understand that navigating a cancer diagnosis is a deeply personal journey, and treatments are tailored to each individual. But these decisions should be grounded in robust clinical evidence, not anecdotal success stories or celebrity-endorsed wellness trends. The risk of allowing a star’s health choices to overshadow medical facts is that it can mislead people into thinking there are shortcuts around proven treatments, when in reality, lives are at stake.

It’s critical that we, as a society, approach wellness with an evidence-based mindset, not one influenced by those who stand to gain financially. Public figures must be aware of the weight their words carry, especially when it comes to health. We can only hope that celebrities promoting such approaches fully understand the consequences of their endorsements. Because while holistic treatments may provide comfort, no amount of meditation or tea ceremonies can replace the life-saving potential of evidence-based medicine.

#BreastCancerAwareness #MedicalEthics #CelebrityInfluence #AlternativeMedicine #ScienceAndHealth #CancerTreatment #HolisticTherapies #EvidenceBasedMedicine #WellnessIndustry #PublicHealth #ellemcpherson

Navigating the Thin Line Between Genuine Sustainability and Corporate Greenwashing

In an era where sustainability is a buzzword, it’s encouraging to see major initiatives like the $60-million the UQ Biosustainability Hub

This partnership with industry giants like LanzaTech, Woodside Energy, and Rio Tinto promises to pave the way for a net-zero future. However, as optimistic as this sounds, it’s crucial to remain vigilant.

The partnership raises an important question: Is this a genuine commitment to sustainability, or just another checkbox in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting?

Corporate greenwashing is a real concern. Companies often highlight their environmental initiatives to appear responsible while continuing unsustainable practices. While collaboration with academia holds great potential for driving real change, transparency and accountability are essential to ensure that these efforts go beyond mere PR campaigns.

As stakeholders, we should demand clarity on the outcomes and insist on seeing the tangible impacts of these initiatives. It’s not enough for companies to say they’re working toward sustainability—they must show it through measurable actions and results.

The success of this hub will depend on the genuine integration of sustainable practices across industries, rather than superficial gestures. The world is watching, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that these partnerships live up to their promises.

Let’s hope this is more than just CSR; let’s hope it’s a true step towards a sustainable future.

#Sustainability #NetZero #Greenwashing #CorporateResponsibility #Biosustainability #UniversityOfQueensland #EnvironmentalImpact

Surely Balancing Animal Welfare and Economic Sustainability is a Serious Values Question

In recent years, the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales (NSW) has come under intense scrutiny due to recurring allegations of systemic animal cruelty. These allegations are not new; they have been the subject of multiple reports, inquiries, and public outcry over the past decade. Yet, despite the damning evidence of widespread animal abuse, the industry persists, largely because of its significant economic impact on certain communities. This raises a critical question: Can we justify ongoing animal welfare concerns in the name of economic sustainability?

Supporters of the greyhound racing industry often highlight its economic contributions. In many small towns and rural areas, greyhound racing is a vital part of the local economy. It provides jobs for trainers, breeders, veterinarians, and various other stakeholders. Tracks and racing events attract visitors, supporting local businesses and generating revenue. The industry is deeply entrenched in the economic fabric of these communities, and shutting it down would lead to financial instability and job losses.

However, this economic argument must be weighed against the moral and ethical implications of continuing an industry fraught with reported animal cruelty. Reports have consistently documented instances of greyhounds being raced to the point of injury, kept in poor living conditions, and euthanized when no longer profitable. The recent revelations by Greyhound Racing NSW’s former chief vet underscore these issues, painting a grim picture of the industry’s practices.

Animal welfare is not just a peripheral concern; it speaks to our values as a society. When an economy relies on practices that cause harm and suffering to living beings, we must confront uncomfortable questions about our priorities and ethics. Is financial gain worth the price of widespread animal abuse? Can we, in good conscience, support an industry that perpetuates such cruelty?

We all have to adapt to changing societal values and expectations. Industries evolve, and economies shift as we learn more about the impacts of our actions. The greyhound racing industry is no exception.

Exploring other economic opportunities for communities reliant on greyhound racing can provide a more ethical and sustainable path forward. This could include developing other forms of entertainment, tourism, or even diversifying into industries that prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

As we navigate this complex issue, it’s crucial to reflect on our values and the kind of society we want to build. Can we justify the continuation of an industry with known animal welfare issues for the sake of economic stability? Or should we strive to create an economy that does not rely on the suffering of animals for its sustainability?

The challenge lies in balancing economic needs with ethical imperatives. It requires courageous leadership, innovative thinking, and a collective willingness to adapt. By prioritising humane practices and exploring alternative economic avenues, we can work towards a future where animal welfare and economic sustainability are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.

In the end, the question is not just about greyhound racing or any single industry. It’s about the values we hold dear and the legacy we want to leave for future generations. It takes courage from our politicians to uphold the values of the wider society, not just the squeaky wheels. Let’s use this opportunity to ask ourselves these serious questions and strive for a more compassionate and just society.

#AnimalWelfare #EconomicSustainability #EthicalEconomy #GreyhoundRacing #AnimalRights #CommunityValues #EconomicReform #AnimalCruelty #MoralDilemma #SustainableFuture

 

The Expertise Imperative: Ensuring Kiama’s Future Through Informed Decision-Making

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and coastal vistas of New South Wales, Kiama is a community deeply rooted in its agricultural traditions. Yet, recent discrepancies in regional economic data have cast a shadow of doubt, challenging the trust and confidence of its residents. The Kiama Regional Economic Development Strategy, which highlights the region’s specialization in sheep, grains, beef, and dairy cattle, seems at odds with the starkly contrasting ABARES statistics. This divergence has not only sown seeds of confusion but has also sparked a critical conversation about the reliance on generalists versus experts in shaping the economic future of communities.

The ‘Pub Test’ and the Quest for Reliable Data

The Australian ‘pub test’ serves as a barometer for common sense and reliability. When the numbers fail to add up, it’s not just a matter of arithmetic; it’s a question of the expertise and transparency of those crafting the strategies that will define Kiama’s future. The community’s trust hinges on the accuracy of the data that informs their decisions, investments, and support.

The Perils of Generalist Approaches

The dangers of relying on generalists rather than experts in their field are manifold. Generalists, while versatile, may lack the specialized knowledge required to accurately interpret complex data and understand industry-specific nuances. This can lead to a misrepresentation of facts, misguided policies, and ultimately, a misallocation of resources. In contrast, experts bring a depth of understanding and a precision to data analysis that is critical in sectors like agriculture, where the margin for error is slim and the impact on livelihoods is significant.

A Community’s Commitment to Informed Engagement

Kiama’s residents, including myself, have invested significant time and effort in scrutinizing documents and strategies to understand the economic landscape. This active engagement is a testament to the community’s commitment to informed decision-making and its dedication to the town’s prosperity and well-being.

The Call for Clarity and Expertise

The discrepancies observed necessitate a demand for clarity and accountability from the authorities responsible for these critical documents. It is essential that the strategies devised for Kiama’s economic development are not only transparent but also crafted with the expertise that accurately reflects the region’s state of affairs.

A United Voice for Kiama’s Prosperous Future

As stakeholders in Kiama’s future, it is our collective right to seek accurate information and engage in meaningful discourse with local officials. Our united voice is a powerful tool in guiding Kiama towards a future that is both prosperous and grounded in reality.

This blog post is more than a highlight of the importance of data integrity; it is a clarion call for the need for expert involvement in economic planning. It is a rallying cry for the people of Kiama to ensure that their region’s economic strategy is not only based on accurate data but also shaped by the hands of those who possess the true expertise in their fields.

🐄🌾🥛Charles Robert Chittick. A Legacy of Dedication and Community Service 🐮🍃🏞️💚

 

Today’s blog post is 3 of 4 in my series on the journey of my family members of the Chittick family who arrived in Australia in 1873

Today’s post shares the story of my grandfather Charles Robert Chittick

Known to everyone as Charlie, my grandfather was the eldest son of Henry Chittick ( see previous post)

This is his story ( See footnote)

In the annals of Australia’s dairy farming history, the name Charles Robert Chittick resonates with a legacy of dedication, community service, and a profound influence on the agricultural sector. Born in 1888 in Jamberoo, Charles was the eldest of Henry and Margaret Chittick’s five children. His life, woven intricately with the fabric of his family’s dairy farming enterprise, Methodist faith and public service, tells a story of commitment and resilience.

Charles’ journey began in the late 1880s at Lemon Grove, Jerrara, the AIS stud farm established by his father, Henry. His early life was immersed in the family business, learning the intricacies of dairy farming and cattle breeding. A pivotal moment came at 16, with the death of his mother and a life-changing letter from his uncle Bob, which shaped many of his ideals.

In 1917, Charles married Winifred Heather Vance, marking the start of a new chapter. The couple took over the reins of the Lemon Grove stud at Jerrara, as Henry and his family moved to Alne Bank in Gerringong. While at Jerrara, Charles and Winifred welcomed their five children: Henry, Lloyd (deceased 1940), Robin, Betty, and Percy. This period was foundational in embedding family values and the importance of community in their upbringing.

In 1950, following the resumption of his Jerrara farm for a town water supply, Charles moved the family to Kiama, where he had purchased the property Strathleven from the Stewart family. In Kiama, while continuing to breed stud cattle, the family also conducted a milk vendoring business, run by his son Percy. Due to urban development, it became necessary to move the stud again, and in 1963, the present Lemon Grove property at Jamberoo was purchased from the Colley family.

Charles devoted a lifetime to producing cattle that would stand among the best of the breed, with stock from this stud used to establish many herds throughout the Commonwealth and overseas. This tradition is still being carried on today at Lemon Grove by his great-grandson.

Lemon Grove Farm today 

Beyond the fields, Charles was a pivotal figure in community and public service. A foundation member of the Illawarra Dairy Shorthorn Society, which later became the A.I.S. Society, he played a significant role in shaping the industry. His involvement with the Kiama Show Society and the Jamberoo Junior Farmers Movement reflected his dedication to agricultural development and youth mentorship.

Elected an Alderman of the Jamberoo Municipal Council in 1931, Charles served the community until 1955, including three terms as mayor. His leadership and vision contributed significantly to community development and wellbeing.

His spiritual life was equally rich. Starting at 12, Charles dedicated himself to the Methodist Church, serving as a trustee, secretary, treasurer, and steward for decades. His faith and commitment to the church were cornerstones of his character, influencing his approach to life and community service.

Charles’ death in 1965 marked the end of an era for the Chittick family. His life’s work in dairy farming, community service, and spiritual commitment left an indelible mark on the regions of Jamberoo and Kiama. His wife, Winifred, passed away in 1976, aged 82, closing a chapter of a couple deeply embedded in their community.

The legacy of Charles Robert Chittick is a testament to the impact one individual can have on their community and industry. His life story, rooted in agricultural excellence, civic responsibility, and spiritual devotion, continues to inspire those in Jamberoo, Kiama, and beyond. As one walks through the fields of Lemon Grove or reflects on the history of the local councils and churches, the enduring influence of Charles Robert Chittick remains a beacon of commitment and service.

Footnote: The source of my blogs and photos is from “The Chittick Family History”, as chronicled by Mr. J.H. Chittick and Ms. Betty Chittick. It can be found in the National Library of Australia, and it is an enduring testament to a family’s journey through hardship to prosperity. I have done my best to blog it in a similar language to how it was documented in this book.

#ChittickFamilyLegacy #CourageousJourney #IrishHeritage #AustralianSettlers #HistoricVoyage #FamilyResilience #AncestralPride #FaithAndPerseverance #PioneerSpirit #CommunityBuilders #HeritageAndLegacy #GenerationsStrong