Peter Ashby Smith

I’m Peter, a higher education leader specializing in front-of-house service delivery, change management, and stakeholder engagement. With a career devoted to transforming teams and services, I’ve earned a reputation for turning challenges into collaborative opportunities.

I excel in hands-on leadership, emphasizing stakeholder engagement to ensure success in enhancing learning, teaching and research services. Success in the higher education ecosystem is also collaborative effort, and I prioritize stakeholder collaboration in decision-making processes and forming partnerships to deliver broader and more sustained outcomes.

My blog shares some of my thoughts, insights and strategies for those seeking inspiration and opportunities to collaborate.

Drawing of a cross-cultural team collaborating in a high-tech office

Effective Cross-Cultural Communication: From Cultural Awareness to Business and Workplace Success

Leave a Comment / Career, Communication, Leadership /

Introduction In today’s interconnected workplace, the ability to communicate effectively across cultures has become indispensable for business success, particularly for leaders. Recent research reveals that 89% of white-collar professionals now regularly participate in global virtual teams, making intercultural communication skills more critical than ever (Taras et al., 2021). This trend is reflected globally – Australian […]

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Image of a new manager choosing their management path

Why Most New Managers Fail – And How to Be Among Those Who Succeed

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Introduction The transition to management represents one of the most challenging career moves professionals face today. Understanding why new managers fail is crucial, especially considering that, according to CEB Global research reported by Arruda in 2023, 60% of new managers fail within their first 24 months. When transitioning leaders struggle, their direct reports perform 15%

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A group of students engaging in academic library critical thinking with modern technology

Critical Thinking Skills in Academic Libraries: Developing Essential Skills for First-Year Students

Leave a Comment / Higher Education, Libraries /

Introduction Critical thinking skills represent one of the most important competencies for students in higher education. However, many students struggle to develop and apply these abilities effectively. Therefore, academic library critical thinking instruction is uniquely positioned to address these challenges by offering targeted strategies.By offering targeted instruction, they help students navigate increasing volumes of misinformation

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Man looking in a mirror of career change possibilities

Career Change Strategies: 15 Proven Tactics for a Successful Transition in 2025

Leave a Comment / Career /

Did you know that 52% of professionals are considering a career change in 2024? If you’re among them, you’re not alone! The landscape of professional reinvention has never been more dynamic, with technological advances and workplace evolution creating unprecedented opportunities for career transition. Why Career Change Matters Now The traditional notion of a linear career

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Leadership Qualities, Modern Management Traits

Top 5 leadership qualities for modern managers

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As a seasoned leader with experience spanning retail management, IT, and higher education, I’ve had the privilege of observing and cultivating leadership across diverse sectors. Today, I want to share insights on the top five leadership qualities that I believe are crucial for modern managers. These qualities aren’t just theoretical concepts—they’re practical skills I’ve honed

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Leadership Introduction, Key Leadership Strategies

An introduction to leadership

Leave a Comment / Higher Education, Leadership /

Introduction Leaders are entrusted with the vital responsibility in organisations. In my context of higher education, they are involved in shaping the minds and futures of students. Effective leadership is essential not only for the success of organisations, but also for nurturing the next generation of leaders who will tackle society’s greatest challenges (Shapiro, 2015).

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Valentine’s Gifts for Librarians, Unique Librarian Gifts

10 Valentine’s Gift Ideas for the Librarian in Your Life

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Valentine’s gifts for librarians are a wonderful way to show appreciation for the book lovers and knowledge keepers in your life. If you’re wondering what to get them, don’t worry! This guide is filled with thoughtful and unique ideas. Librarians dedicate themselves to fostering a love of reading, organizing knowledge, and supporting their communities. Because

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Drawing illustrating Holistic Leadership Growth Strategies

Navigating Leadership: A Holistic Approach to Growth

Leave a Comment / Leadership /

Leadership today is a complex and dynamic endeavor, requiring a multifaceted approach to meet evolving challenges. It demands a focus on self-awareness, empathy, and continuous learning to cultivate authentic and effective leaders. This comprehensive guide explores these pillars of holistic leadership growth and how they contribute to sustainable success. While leadership may appear daunting, the

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Midwit Challenges in Higher Education – Implications for Australian Workforce

The Midwit Challenges in Higher Education

Leave a Comment / Career, Higher Education /

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the quality of leadership within academic institutions plays a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of both staff and students. Noah Carl’s thought-provoking article, “Are we ruled by midwits?” delves into the intellectual capacities of elected representatives, raising concerns about the competence of those entrusted with making crucial decisions. While the focus is primarily on political figures in the United Kingdom, the implications resonate beyond politics, prompting a reflection on the state of leadership in Australian higher education.

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