Rachael Robertson is one of the most in-demand inspirational business speakers and leadership consultants in the world. After more than 20 years' experience leading teams in complex and challenging environments, Rachael is now transforming leadership around the globe. www.rachaelrobertson.com

A note from the author vii Acknowledgements ix Preface xi Part I: How I got there 1 1 Leadership can be learned, and taught, early 3 2 Very few decisions in life are irreversible, so make some! 11 3 Always look for ways to extend yourself 19 4 Get out of your depth ? it?s a great way to learn to swim 25 5 Don?t expect leadership to be an easy ride 31 Part II: Antarctica beckons 37 6 Sometimes the right thing happens for the wrong reason! 39 7 People notice when you try to be someone you?re not 47 8 You know people by what they do, not what they say they do 55 9 First prepare yourself, then leave your comfort zone 63 Part III: Preparing to leave 71 10 Seeing what?s wrong is easy ? the hard part is the fix 73 11 Understand the game, and play your hand carefully 85 12 Ask ?why??, then keep asking why 95 13 Adventure is not without risk 105 14 Try to stay positive: even the stormiest seas eventually subside 111 15 A handpicked support team can be essential 119 Part IV: Summer in Antarctica 127 16 Make the right decision the right way 129 17 Step up onto the balcony ? but you?ll need time and support 137 18 Ambiguity and leadership go hand in hand 145 19 Feeling stressed and overworked? It could be your boundaries 153 20 Good leaders know when to show emotion 163 21 Think ahead and know what you will do in an emergency 171 22 When you?re spending all your time managing, don?t forget to lead 179 Part V: Antarctic winter 189 23 It?s important to know your people, not just the work they do 191 24 As a leader you are being watched, always 201 25 Find a reason, any reason, to celebrate 207 26 Check in on your people: ask R U OK? 219 27 Take care of the little things 227 28 Judgement comes with experience 235 29 ?No triangles? takes effort and persistence 241 30 Watch out for three-quarter time ? keep your energy up 249 Part VI: The return 259 31 Go the distance 261 Appendix A: What it takes to be an inspirational leader 275 Appendix B: Build teamwork with ?no triangles? 281 Index 287