Clarity, Resonance, and the Path Forward
I did a 40-minute Q&A after a dinner keynote this week, and one of the questions I was asked was, “How do you bring people along on the journey? How do you get them to buy in?”
It was a question without notice. My response was, “It’s not always possible.” I said that you give people clarity of direction — the cause and the purpose — and then you let them choose.
I went on to say that sometimes it’s just as important to recognise when there is no alignment, and perhaps never will be. In those moments, it’s in the best interests of both parties to acknowledge that and find what’s right for each.
I took a little more time and shared the example of what we’ve created at Hands Across the Water — the deep sense of connection and loyalty that exists among lifelong friends and supporters. At the same time, I acknowledged that what attracts some will repel others.
“Hands is not for everyone. Our bike rides are not for everyone — and that’s okay.”
I spoke about how we opened our January 2027 Ride to Provide in Thailand in November 2025, and it sold out in a matter of hours, allowing us to open a second ride. I talked about the loyalty of those who ride with us and the obvious alignment that exists between the values we stand for and those of our returning riders.
In 2007, I spoke at a conference in San Francisco for an Australian business, Narta. Anyone remotely connected with Hands will know of the enduring relationship between our organisations. Their Chair, Kay Spencer, is our Chair. Many of their business owners and leaders remain incredible supporters of Hands almost 20 years on. I’ve been invited back to speak at their conferences several times since 2007 — most recently in Europe in 2025.
It’s not too presumptuous to say there is a strong connection between Narta — representing a multi-billion-dollar industry — and our small charity at Hands. That relationship wasn’t forged through a customised proposal designed to win their support. It began with a story — a story of the work we do and the vision to bring change to the lives of those left behind.
Right now, we are in the recruitment phase for an exciting new role at Hands — one that will play a critical part in our growth and in delivering our five-year strategy toward self-sustainability. We received well over 150 applications. No doubt many talented people looked at the role and decided Hands wasn’t for them. Equally, an impressive number of highly qualified people decided it was.
We will make a decision soon, and it won’t be easy given the calibre of those invited to interview. We will say “no” to many and “yes” to one. For me, the most important factor will be alignment — of values, culture, and belief in where we are heading. For the relationship to work, we must be authentic about what the role offers, and the person who joins us must be equally authentic about what they bring and their connection to our purpose. Without alignment on either side, it won’t last.
Having had time to reflect more deeply on the question from that dinner, I’ve come to this:
Whether it’s an individual, a group of riders, a business partner, or a new team member, bringing people along on the journey begins with clarity. Clarity of direction. Honesty about the challenges ahead. And a clear picture of the destination.
What I learned on the 1,400km run through Thailand is that a team doesn’t need certainty of success. They don’t need guarantees. What they need is to know that those leading are doing so with integrity, with unwavering commitment, and with a willingness to give their absolute all each day.
For me, that is how you bring people along on the journey.