Within 3 months, Square in the Round featured in over 7 universities right around Australia. Promoting it’s unique platform that accelerates career development for people right around the country, a genuine corridor is being provided for Australia’s talent for tomorrow. Over 150 people have joined the community and have connected on the growing #squaringup forum which features an Australian young entrepreneur, globally recognised and engaging in conversation. Whilst the environment is online, the experience encapsulates that of a coffee catch up regarding your career aspirations. The only diff ..read more

‘Tom, this has been great. I would love to spend more time and pick your brain on other topics, but I really need to get back to the office. Would it be ok if we could do this again some time? ‘Of course, my calendar is up to date so go ahead and find some time that suits both of us’ We shake hands, smile and turn into opposite directions and return to our environments that are completely worlds apart. I find it fascinating that two people from 2 completely different worlds can come together, connect with so many commonalities and return to their home in such a seamless manner. For me, that jo ..read more

It’s a Thursday morning at 9:45am and we’ve just caught another break in our career conversation. I have scaled back the volume talk in an attempt to not be that leader who just talks about themselves. I have had the opportunity to learn about this individual. It’s refreshing to hear him talk about his personal life, learning that his family is priority, actively learning new things like listening to the HBR Ideal podcasts and reading up online philanthropist columns such as Forbes and the Economist. I feel extremely privileged that he has this comfort and confidence to let me in to the perso ..read more

I learnt a valuable lesson from a leader I used to manage, who has over 25 years leadership experience: ‘All leaders cast a long shadow’ Back to my career conversation, we are getting along well here and we’re only 20 minutes into our conversation. A few coffees, a sweet and I am already thinking about ‘Gee I wonder how I could get this kid into my business’. A connection is clearly established and it’s been built on comfort, trust, transparency and a mutual appreciation for self-development, success & growth. For me, on the other side of the table I feel like I’ve really made a differ ..read more

During most conversations that entail consuming a coffee, food or a beer, I find that by the time someone has finished the drink in its entirety, it’s a sign that they are within their complete comfort zone. They’re satisfied, most likely past the etiquette we are all governed by especially when it comes to networking for professional purposes. At least for me by the time I have finished my double espresso, I have answered what I hope would be the toughest question I get asked and now I can start thinking about if it’s too early to order another coffee with a chocolate croissant! I also thin ..read more

So, over a coffee in the morning having a career conversation, I have just finished my clock-work response to the standard ‘How did you get to where you are today?’. It is clock-work because I have had plenty of practice and in that moment when I am thinking about that time in my life, it brings me joy and confidence. The person opposite me, bright smile and totally engaged responds with ‘Wow, you’ve done so well at such a young age Tom well done!’. By this stage I’m reaching for my double espresso before it gets cold thinking I’m really adding value and being in the moment here. But it’s that ..read more

The first time someone backed me was when i was 23 years old. 3 years in a leadership role and 12 months in my current position, i was part of a team that was growing and performing. The culture was awesome, it was buzzing full of energy and people who loved coming to work. Leading a team of bankers, the business was growing and i wanted to be a part of it. I had my eyes on a leadership position that was responsible for over 100 people and multiple functions that were critical to its long-term strategy. I craved the role, i wanted it desperately. But i didn’t want the job because of the bells ..read more

If you find yourself reading this post, i am hoping it’s because there is a draw and curiosity to what Square in the round is all about. At the age of 30 & having spent all of my professional career in a large organisation, the cliche’s and throw away questions become real and becoming. As cringe and awkward as it can be, there is great pride and growth in asking perhaps one of the most important questions of yourself: How the hell did i get here?? I wouldn’t change my journey for anything. Has it been glamorous? No. Am i swimming in money to the point i can retire? No. Did i ever think f ..read more