This acknowledgement was harder to write than the book! I remember being told a story by one of my very first managers. His mum told him to never specifically name people in thank yous as there will always be someone you miss. This has stuck with me because the few times I have individually named people, I have missed someone. Hence my fear of writing an acknowledgement.

Let's start by thanking things that aren't human … The road trip to Monkey Mia that allowed me huge blocks of time to evacuate the things in my mind into this book. Old Gold almond chocolate, which was my obsession and kept me on my sugar high. The lounge cushion that sat on my lap under my laptop as I typed on a Friday night. The words never seem to come during the day or at my desk. The cushion is a blocker as much as a comfort, with me wondering whether a laptop on my lap will lead to cancer of the crotch. Okay, enough of that, let's get to the humans that I adore!

To my forever supportive husband, Mark, who has listened and watched me change my path and become ridiculously excited and caught up in the moment so many times in this confusing world, and who still believes that I can do anything I put my mind to: I love you dearly.

My gorgeous children, Amelia and Koen, who have always seen me through rose‐coloured glasses, embraced my crazy, and my (at times) embarrassing need to be the ‘fun’ and ‘cool’ mum. I'm so thankful that you chose me to be your mum. I will continue to love you every minute of every day. You are my world!

My amazing family and dearest friends: this book wouldn't have happened without all of you. In fact, I wouldn't be where I am today without you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I love you all. Some of the hilarious examples or suggestions you gave me to try to get your name into this book were unfortunately not quite appropriate, especially for an EI book. But hey, there is always a chance for a second book!

To my advisors, support network and all of the people I have crossed paths in my life: thank you for the teachings and the learnings. There is always something to learn, whether we are learning what not to do or what it takes to be an amazing person, leader and best version of ourselves.

Thank you xx