After a remarkable holiday to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, I've returned with a heart full of joy and gratitude. During our journey, I read a book that touched my soul in ways I never expected.

I think most of us are aware that exercising, eating well and sleeping well are helpful for our self-care. Here are 5 tips you can use to care for yourself and others.

The importance of purpose in our daily work. The best service leaders possess an extraordinary ability to unite their teams with the overarching vision and purpose of their organisation. They ensure that each team member comprehends the vital role they play and how it contributes to the bigger picture. This alignment is the bedrock for cultivating a service culture, as every individual needs to understand why their contributions matter. This applies to every role, from leadership, to the frontline, to support roles.

This Saturday is set to be the highlight of the Australian Football League Calendar - the Grand Final at the iconic MCG, with over 100,000 passionate fans eagerly awaiting the showdown. You might be a sports fan, or maybe not, but there is something truly special about our great game. May the best team win this Saturday, and I will be thinking about the entire team working at the ‘G’. There is one thing I know to be true, it is the people who ultimately make the biggest difference to the customer experience.

I chose to finish writing my book at my favourite hotel: the Ritz-Carlton. Although I have only had the pleasure of staying there a few times, my extensive exposure to their philosophies over the years, along with the principles outlined in my favourite book ’Excellence Wins’ by Horst Schulze (founder of the Ritz-Carlton), it made it a compelling choice. During my stay, I had the privilege of experiencing five standout lessons.

I always find it inspiring speaking to people who love their work. Jack was an international student who moved to Australia from India and has been here for 25 years. His degree was in IT and although he didn’t end up working in that field, now has 434 drivers on an app he created so he can always find a driver to be available for his regular clients, day or night. We had the loveliest chat and in that moment, I asked for a card and I look forward to my next interaction with Jack.