Welcome to Learning to Fly!
Reflections, essays, leadership and wellbeing insights on my journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship while balancing it all as a wife and mum to an almost teenager.
Over the last twelve months I have transitioned from my role as a senior leader in a large organisation to running my own tiny but impactful leadership development and executive coaching business. I share my reflections on the transformation process which has been joyful yet messy and painful.
As an entrepreneur, community builder for Thriving Women, a devoted wife and mother to an almost-teenager, I'm on a quest to share my insights, experiences, and revelations. You'll find a treasure trove of leadership lessons, mental and physical health and wellbeing tips to help you thrive in every aspect of your life, and heartfelt reflections on the art of balancing it all.
Inspired by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' song Learning to Fly as it feels like as soon as I take flight, I can come crashing back down.
“I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings. Coming down is the hardest thing.”
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The origin story
You can read my origin story here.
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About the Author: Cherry Ward
Cherry is the Founder and Managing Director of Bluebird Leadership and Thriving Women. Cherry is an ecosystem-builder that takes a holistic approach to leadership development and has dedicated her career to empowering others through her work. As a seasoned leader, consultant, facilitator, and executive coach, Cherry brings expertise in leadership, culture, and sustainability transformation.
Before leaving the corporate world, Cherry worked at senior leadership levels across Human Resources in diverse industries and geographies, operating at both strategic and tactical levels. During her 20 years corporate experience, Cherry worked within large and complex organisations and led high-performing teams across the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe.
Cherry specialises in empowering leaders to develop their inner capacity for outer systemic change which incorporates regenerative practices and leading organisations to make a lasting impact.
Originally from Myanmar, Cherry migrated to Australia in the late eighties, at a time when multiculturalism was not yet fully embraced. Her adventurous and creative nature led her to explore different cultures and make friends from various backgrounds, trying to find her place in the world. She spent her youth painting, writing stories, and seeking new experiences. Cherry grew up in Sydney and now resides in Brisbane, the land of the Turrbal peoples, with her husband Andrew, son Dylan, and two Labradors, Charlie and Lola.
A lifelong learner and ski enthusiast, Cherry's passion for skiing and adventure has been instrumental in developing her into a resilient and purposeful business leader who thrives in the face of change and adversity. Cherry brings equal parts passion and pragmatism to her work in developing better leaders for a better world.
