Stop talking shit and start making sense
On communicating clearly and quitting the news
Archive
Everything I've written, newest first.
566 essays
Society
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The news is killing you
(Or just keeping you scared but fear pays, so click this headline.)
NSW local government professionals become Strategic Public Leaders in Sydney
Local government managers from across NSW came together for two days of strategic leadership training with Alicia McKay - in partnership with LGPro NSW.
When decisions SUC(k)
When the stakes are high and messy, building a good process is the only way through.
The ambition vacuum
Ambition depends on shared stories about the future. The old stories have collapsed, leaving a vacuum of inevitability and futility, especially around AI, the climate, and democracy.
Events
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ICMA 111th Annual Conference 2025 in Tampa, Florida
Alicia McKay will travel from New Zealand to give a Game Changer session revealing powerful insights from her work with New Zealand and Australian Councils and a breakout workshop for strategic public leadership.
Strategic Public Leaders Promo Video
Learn more about the Strategic Public Leaders programme
Events
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LGNZ Mayors' School
Alicia McKay will host Mayors School for Local Government New Zealand following the 2025 local government elections.
The busker principle
We underpay the work with the highest social value. In the new world, this toxic trait will be our undoing.
Events
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Strategic Public Leaders Training, Sydney, September 2025
Local government managers from across NSW came together for two days of strategic leadership training with Alicia McKay - in partnership with LGPro NSW.
Council rates are a straight-up bargain
Don't vote with your wallet. Pick people who play nicely with others.
Events
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LGMA Annual Conference in Brisbane, September 2025
Alicia McKay will give the opening keynote in alignment with the LGMA theme: "The More Things Change..."
The P Tax
How we punish women's ambition - and what to do about it
Podcasts
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The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast with Jim Hunt
This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Alicia McKay about local government from down under.
Local Legends Toolkit
Provide fun, fast and effective strategic leadership development for your Mayors and Councillors with the Local Legends Toolkit.
Poppy loppers
Why Kiwis snark at success. Welcome to the first piece in a six-part series on the ambition recession.