From the sporting arena to the workplace – lessons in teamwork

Over my years of delivering technology change, I've seen first-hand how collaboration contributes to success in today's fast-evolving tech landscape. But my deepest lessons in teamwork didn't come from project timelines or client deliverables, they came from the court.

Back in my playing days, I had the honour of representing Australia on the Men's volleyball team. Those high-stakes moments taught me that individuals can perform at their best when supported by a team. Trust, communication, and shared goals became part of who I am. Today, I direct that same spirit into my work, fostering collaborative environments where teams work together to deliver exceptional outcomes for my clients. It's not just about hitting deadlines, it's about building bonds that support everyone.

This philosophy extends beyond the office. For the past few years, I've been coaching youth basketball, and right now, I have the privilege of leading my daughter's Under 15 girls’ team in Melbourne's domestic league. These girls are incredibly talented, playing a high grade and rep league. What I love most isn't just honing their skills – it's sharing life lessons that go far beyond the game.

I help them build confidence, believe in themselves, and take calculated risks. I teach them that mistakes are not failures, they're a path to growth and learning. I help them break down decision-making frameworks - when to drive to the basket, shoot for the win, or pass it off to a teammate.

These lessons also play out in IT projects, where understanding and guiding the dynamics of a team can transform results from good to great. I often step into engagements with dysfunctional teams, marked by unclear roles, misassumptions about scope, interpersonal conflicts, and reluctance to collaborate, and guide them toward seamless autonomy. By fostering talent, resolving tensions, and mentoring juniors, we build the unbreakable bonds that turn challenges into triumphs.

As they say: “Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships.”