I’ve (sadly) just returned from almost three weeks in Palm Cove. 🌴

Two retreats.

One AI day.

Thirty-eight remarkable women.

Countless conversations.

And while I could bore you with stories about the warm sunshine, the palm trees, the heated spa under the stars, and the fact that most of the country seemed determined to shiver while we wandered around in summer frocks, that’s not what I’ve been thinking about.

Well… not entirely. 🤣

Let’s be honest. Palm Cove does much of the heavy lifting.

It’s amazing what happens when you step away from the noise, surround yourself with smart women and finally give yourself permission to think.

After spending two weeks with some extraordinary women, one thing became abundantly clear.

The Myth I Can’t Buy Into

One of the greatest myths about women in midlife is that ambition disappears.

And I call bullsh*t on that.

In fact, what struck me most was how ambitious these women still are, despite the pushback, bias, doubt, fear and societal messages that continue to tell warm-hearted, career-minded women to play small.

What Ambition Looks Like Now

These were not women looking to play smaller.

They were bold, big-hearted women on a mission.

Women who want a seat at the table, a voice in the room and the opportunity to shape what comes next.

• For their organisations.
• For their industries.
• For the women coming behind them.

They want to use everything they’ve learned over decades of work and life more effectively.

• Some were exploring what their next decade might look like.
• Some were refining their leadership.
• Some were strengthening their networks.

And yes, some were learning AI during our immersion day. Not because they want to become tech experts. But because they want a seat at the table as organisations grapple with one of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in decades. They want to help shape the conversation, not simply react to it.

Better Questions

What changes is the target.

In our 20s and 30s, we often chase achievement.

In our 40s, 50s and beyond, we start asking better questions.

• What impact do I want to have?
• Where am I underplaying my strengths?
• What would happen if I stopped waiting for permission?
• What do I want the next decade to stand for?

My Biggest Takeaway

As I listened to these amazing women over the past fortnight, I was reminded that leadership isn’t a destination.

It’s a practice, a decision and an ongoing commitment to growth.

The women who invest in themselves aren’t doing it because they think they’re broken.

They’re doing it because they know they still have so much more to give – to their teams, to their organisations, to their communities, their families and to themselves.

As for me?

I came home tired, inspired and more convinced than ever that this work matters.

Because the women I met over the past two weeks weren’t waiting for permission.

They were investing in themselves, challenging themselves and deliberately shaping what comes next.

And honestly, I think that’s where some of the most exciting leadership work begins.

– Stay visible! And strategic 😎
Amanda 

P.S. Apparently, I’m not done helping women redesign their next decade just yet! 

Next stop: Byron Bay 5-8 August 2026.

Ten women. One beautiful villa. Four days to think MUCH bigger than your inbox.

Request an invitation here.