After the sparkle of Bounce’s 20th birthday celebrations, July arrived with a familiar reality check. Maria's latest blog reflects on the “birthday hangover” that can follow a major milestone, and why the middle of the year is the perfect moment to pause, reset and reconnect with what matters. It’s an invitation to activate hope, create clarity and take the next meaningful step into the second half of 2026.

From a lounge room idea in Maryborough to more than 5,000 programs delivered and 30,000 lives impacted, Bounce’s 20-year story is one of courage, reinvention and relentless belief in people’s potential. In this milestone reflection, Maria shares her story - the moments, people, pivots and lessons that shaped Bounce’s journey, from early uncertainty to global reach, and celebrates the heart that has kept Bounce evolving for two decades.

Last week’s National Press Club address from Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth confirmed something many in employment services have known for years: A one-size-fits-all system was never going to unlock human potential. The proposed reforms are a big step forward. They recognise the importance of tailored support and quality job coaching. Here's Kelly's take on what the reforms will mean for the sector going forward.

Being busy, emotionally available, and constantly switched on might feel normal, but it can quietly become unhealthy. Maria’s latest blog explores emotional load and the subtle signs of empathy fatigue, and shares a simple, practical tool, such as the Empathy Pause, to protect your energy while staying deeply human. Discover more real-life stories and resilience frameworks in Building Resilient Pathways.

Holding space is one of the most powerful and most misunderstood coaching skills of our time. Maria’s latest blog explores why slowing down, embracing silence, and leading with genuine curiosity create deeper insight, trust, and lasting change. Rather than rushing to fix or advise, holding space allows clients to feel safe enough to think clearly, access their own wisdom, and move forward with confidence. If you want to coach, lead, or support others more effectively in 2026, this is the skill that changes everything.

Spot the early emotional intelligence red flags that quietly undermine team culture. Maria’s latest blog breaks down the five EI weaknesses leaders face at the start of the year — and shows how strengthening emotional intelligence boosts psychological safety, deepens trust, and drives high performance teams. Perfect for emerging and experienced leaders who want practical, evidence based strategies to lead with clarity and impact.

This post challenges the myth of January as a magical reset, exploring how unresolved stress, emotional fatigue, and cognitive overload often carry into the new year. It highlights the importance of building true capacity—emotional, cognitive, skill, relational, and identity—rather than piling on new goals. Discover practical ways to support wellbeing and create a sustainable, resilient start to the year.

As the year winds down, it’s tempting to just get through it, but real leaders finish strong. In this Bounce Blog, discover three evidence-based strategies to help you refocus, recharge, and recognise your progress before the year ends. You’ll learn how to manage your energy, celebrate your wins, and carry momentum into the new year, without burning out. This is your reminder to pause, realign, and close with purpose.

If your version of self-care feels heavy, you're not alone. At Bounce, we believe wellbeing doesn't have to be another to-do. In this month's blog, Maria helps you discover Three Good Things, a simple, science-backed practice to help you refocus, reset, and find lightness in the little moments that matter.

Strong onboarding sets the tone for everything that follows — performance, retention, and team culture. This blog explores why investing in new hires from day one isn’t just good practice, it’s essential. Discover how onboarding and development can unlock better results for your team and your organisation.