MENTAL SKILLS OF LEADERSHIP

The small things we repeat shape where we end up, as people, and as companies.

You already know what you’re capable of. So what’s getting in the way of it showing up?

THE PROBLEM

Right now, in your leadership meetings, someone with the answer is saying nothing.

They know the risk in the plan. They see the opportunity everyone else missed. They stay quiet anyway. Not once. Every time. 

The Sleepwalking Effect™ is sleepwalking wide awake during the day. A pattern of behaviours repeated until our brains no longer realise they are defaulting, not choosing.

THE PATTERN

Patterns rarely begin with one big moment.

The idea that doesn’t get voiced. The conversation or conflict, avoided. The leader who steps in, instead of stepping back. The talented person waiting to be asked.

The Sleepwalking Effect™is capable people, running on something more expensive than autopilot.

Gallup’s 2026 Global Workplace Report put a number on what it costs: Only 20% of the workforce is engaged across 142 countries, $10 trillion gone, globally.

The Sleepwalking Effect™ reset means once you can see the pattern, you have the place to start.


THE GROW ZONE

The Grow Zone is that moment between what happens and our response to it.

I use a simple reset for the Sleepwalking Effect™ called ACT:

Awaken. Notice what you’re repeating.
Curiosity. Get curious about why.
Try. Make one small change.

One degree can feel insignificant, but if you can hold it,  it changes where you land.

That’s true for people. It’s true for companies too.


WHY THIS WORK MATTERS

Your best thinking only has value if it makes it into the room.

The idea has to be voiced. The question has to be asked. The difficult conversation has to happen. The person with something to contribute has to decide to contribute it.

This is where performance gets very human. And it’s where small changes can have an extraordinary effect over time.

Gallup’s 2026 research found only 20% of employees globally are engaged, with low engagement costing an estimated US$10 trillion in lost productivity.

The number is enormous. The behaviours behind it are often surprisingly small.


WHY VICKI

I started my career in retail and went on to become President of Flight Centre USA.

I’ve been accountable for growth, people, sales and performance. I know what it is to look at a number on a page and understand there are hundreds of human decisions sitting behind it.

Then life gave me two very literal wake-up calls. I broke my back twice. The second time, I was sleepwalking and fell from a second-storey window.

That experience stayed with me. So did a question: why do capable people keep repeating behaviours they already know aren’t helping them?

It led to a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology and behavioural science. It still drives my work today.

I’ve spent years looking at what happens in the small moments, the ones that are easy to dismiss at the time and remarkably powerful when repeated. That is what I bring into a room.


WHAT PEOPLE TAKE BACK TO WORK

A way to recognise a pattern while there is still time to do something about it.

A shared language for talking about the small behaviours that shape resilience, culture and team work.

And a simple way to interrupt the automatic response: What am I doing here? Why? What could I try for a different outcome.

The aim is grounded and practical. More of what your people know, see, question and are capable of makes it into the room.


WORK WITH VICKI

Keynotes
For organisations that want more than an hour of inspiration. Story-led, built to change how a room thinks about behaviour and choice.

Facilitated workshops
When you need the room involved, not just listening.

Leadership coaching
For capable people who know there’s another level in them, and are too close to their own pattern to see what’s in the way.

Contact me for ways to work together



You probably don’t need more capable people.

You need to unlock more of the capability already in the room.

If accessing more of you or your teams capablity resonates, I welcome a chance to talk further.

Contact by email

We look forward to hearing from you and typically respond same day. For faster response please call or text. Thank you

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Kathleen Terry
Leadership Coach and Founder of Participative Management Systems Manhattan Beach, CA
“Vicki has an extraordinary talent for recognizing potential and helping individuals unlock it.” ​
Sandra King,
Manhattan Beach, USA
“I met Vicki 12 years ago in a 9-month leadership program to educate and develop future community leaders. She is an amazing force of positivity. A doer. A person of action. She draws people and resources together to achieve great outcomes.” ​
Kylie Smith ,
Resilience & Wellbeing Consultant NSW, Australia
“What sets Vicki apart is her ability to balance leadership with authenticity. It’s clear she is deeply passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young leaders around the world.” ​
Madelaine Tolley, Sydney, Australia
MENTORED
Vicki inspired and empowered me in such a short period of time, offering not just understanding but actionable challenges to push me out of my comfort zone and help me master everyday struggles. Her words resonated deeply, making me feel seen and capable of achieving so much more. I left feeling motivated and ready to grow.
Oliya Jerohhina, San Diego
Oliya Jerohhina, San Diego
Speakers Institute USA
I had the privilege of being mentored by Vicki as I prepared for a leadership position. The experience was truly transformative. Vicki is an exceptional coach who goes beyond teaching practical skills — she guides you to connect with your inner voice and strength. Her approach is both firm and compassionate, striking a perfect balance that inspires growth and confidence.
Rachel Tseng, Los Angeles
Rachel Tseng, Los Angeles
CEO Kanna Beast Supplements
Vicki, you have made an incredible impact on my life during this past week at the Speakers Institute. Your warmth, genuine care, and exceptional work ethic truly stand out. Your high level of integrity and relentless dedication are nothing short of inspiring.—you keep pushing forward until the job is done, no matter the hour or exhaustion.

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