What makes a good leader, how to strike work life balance? How can one ensure success in professional endeavours? Many similar questions intrigue and accost most professionals during their career. In an exclusive interview, Shannah Kennedy and Colleen Callander talk about the mantras of success in life that they have shared in their bestselling book Elevate.
1. Elevate emphasizes leading with purpose and vision. How do you suggest individuals identify their personal “why” in a world full of distractions?
Your personal “why” begins with knowing your values, which form the foundation of your identity and purpose. Reflect on what matters most to you—what gives your life meaning and drives your decisions. Ask yourself, What are my non-negotiables in life? What makes me feel aligned and fulfilled? When you live according to your values, you gain clarity and direction, allowing your “why” to shine through, even amidst distractions.
2. What qualities do you think are most overlooked in leaders today, and how can they be cultivated?
Kindness is a transformative quality often overlooked in leadership. It creates trust, fosters a culture of collaboration, and builds loyalty within teams. Leaders can cultivate kindness by being genuinely present, showing appreciation for their team’s contributions, and leading by example in creating a supportive environment. Kindness is not a soft skill—it’s a powerful tool for building connections and inspiring high performance.
3. Many professionals struggle with burnout. How does Elevate address maintaining balance while striving for success?
Elevate underscores the importance of self-management: protecting your energy, setting boundaries, and embedding habits that support well-being. It advocates for prioritising self-care through regular movement, mindfulness practices, and structured routines. Celebrating progress and embracing a life plan that integrates career ambitions with mental health safeguards are key strategies to maintaining balance while achieving success.
4. Who were the most influential mentors in your respective careers, and how did they shape your philosophies shared in the book?
Shannah: For me coaching elite athletes instilled the principles of discipline, resilience, and preparation. Working with individuals under immense pressure taught me that success is about mindset, consistency, and adaptability – principles I now share to help others elevate their potential.
Colleen: For me inclusive leaders who prioritised integrity and a people-first philosophy deeply influenced her journey. They demonstrated that leadership is about building trust, fostering connection, and empowering others, reinforcing the value of empathy and authenticity in driving success.
These experiences shaped Elevates core message: the importance of vision, foundational values, and continual growth. Our journeys highlight how mentorship transforms leaders and inspires lasting impact.
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5. Can you share one actionable strategy from Elevate that readers can implement immediately to improve their personal or professional lives?
One actionable strategy from Elevate is embracing the “3 Ms” to start your day right: Make your bed, Move your body, and Mindfully breathe. These simple habits create momentum and set the tone for a productive, balanced day.
Make your bed: Completing this small task gives you a feeling of control and accomplishment, helping you feel prepared to tackle bigger goals.
Move your body: A walk, stretch, or workout boosts energy, improves mood, and sharpens focus—key for personal and professional success.
Mindfully breathe: Pausing to focus on your breath before diving into the day reduces stress and fosters a calm, intentional mindset.
These steps help protect the asset—you. By cultivating discipline and balance, the 3 Ms set the foundation for a fulfilling and successful day.
6. Both of you have faced challenges in your careers. How do you recommend readers build resilience to navigate setbacks effectively?
Resilience is rooted in preparation, gratitude, and perspective. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Focus on what you can control, surround yourself with a strong support network, and regularly practice gratitude to maintain a positive outlook. A clear life plan acts as an anchor during setbacks, helping you stay aligned with your purpose and navigate adversity with strength.
7. How does Elevate approach building and maintaining strong, cohesive teams in dynamic and high-pressure environments?
Elevate builds strong, cohesive teams in high-pressure environments by focusing on shared values, clear communication, and a positive culture.
Leaders are encouraged to articulate a vision aligned with the team’s values, giving members a shared purpose. Recognising contributions fosters motivation, while open communication builds trust and ensures alignment. Collaboration is key, promoting problem-solving and celebrating successes together.
Prioritising well-being and mutual respect strengthen resilience and cohesion, even under pressure. With aligned values, vision, and culture, teams not only handle challenges but thrive with purpose and connection.
8. If readers could take away just one lesson from Elevate, what would you want it to be, and why?
If readers could take away just one lesson from Elevate, it would be to take intentional action every day by asking, What can I stop doing, start doing, and keep doing to elevate my life? This daily reflection encourages self-awareness and progress, helping readers identify what’s holding them back, what new habits they need to adopt, and what positive behaviours they should continue to embrace.
To elevate further, choose “Elevate” as your word of the year—a single, powerful word to serve as your guiding principle. This word becomes a constant reminder to focus on growth, align your actions with your goals, and strive for improvement in both your personal and professional life.
By shifting your mindset and building habits around elevation, you can unlock new possibilities and create meaningful, lasting change. The simplicity of this practice lies in its accessibility—anyone can start today, and over time, these small, consistent steps lead to transformation.
9. What are those three basic mantras for corporate success according to you both?
1. Self-Awareness:
Success begins with understanding who you are. Knowing your core values, recognising your strengths, and being clear about your purpose create a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. Self-awareness allows you to make aligned decisions and navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.
2. Self-Leadership:
Effective leaders first lead themselves. By defining a clear vision of where you want to go and setting meaningful, actionable goals, you establish direction and focus.
Self-leadership involves taking responsibility for your growth, staying true to your purpose, and consistently working toward your aspirations.
3. Self-Management:
Success is built on daily actions. Developing habits and routines that prioritise your well-being and productivity ensures sustained energy and focus. Time management, prioritisation, and boundaries are critical components of self-management, helping you stay organised and avoid burnout.
10. Is there such a thing as work-life balance when you are serious about professional success?
Work-life balance isn’t about splitting your time equally between work and personal life—it’s about aligning your actions with your priorities and values. True balance comes from understanding what matters most to you and being intentional about how you allocate your time and energy.
When you’re serious about professional success, achieving balance means integrating your personal and professional lives in a way that they complement and support each other, rather than competing for your attention. It’s about setting boundaries, being present in the moment, and making choices that prevent one area from overshadowing the other.
Ultimately, work-life balance is about creating harmony between the two spheres, so neither feels neglected or overwhelming. When done right, it leads to greater fulfillment, improved well-being, and sustained success in all areas of life.
11. If readers could implement just one “tip or trick” from Elevate to improve their professional life immediately, what would it be and why?
“Nothing changes if nothing changes.” Growth and progress require intentional effort and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Often, we hope for different results while resisting the changes needed to achieve them. To elevate your professional and personal life, start by identifying one area for improvement—whether it’s developing a new skill, adopting healthier habits, or strengthening connections—and take action.
This mantra reminds us that transformation begins with us. By committing to change, you unlock your potential and create the momentum to elevate every aspect of your life.
