Search our learnings, perspectives and insights across our impact areas.
Business Resilience, Why Proactive Preparedness Matters.
Resilience isn’t about disaster plans, it’s about helping businesses adapt to whatever comes next. Learn why proactive preparedness delivers stronger outcomes for regional economies than traditional post-crisis recovery programs.
Malaysia - Lessons in community and economic development through culture and connection
Explore how Malaysia’s culture, food and community-led development drive inclusive economic growth, with insights for Australian regions.
Making Agritourism Work. Insights from 10+ Years Supporting Australian Farms.
Agritourism in Australia has evolved from a trend into a proven pathway for farm diversification. Drawing on more than a decade of hands-on experience, Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever and Jackie Hicks share what truly makes agritourism work - from authenticity and viable business models to accessibility, policy alignment and place-based collaboration.
Why Running on Empty Makes Leadership Harder (And What to Do About It)
Leadership resilience and wellbeing are tested most when energy is depleted. Sparrowly Group's Giovanna Lever reflects on how leaders can stay authentic under pressure, drawing on values like integrity, curiosity and collaboration. It also introduces a practical year-end ritual to help leaders reconnect with purpose, challenge assumptions, and lead more sustainably into the year ahead.
Workforce and education trends we can’t ignore in 2026
Workforce and education trends in Australia for 2026 are already reshaping productivity, skills supply, and regional opportunity. Drawing on five years of evaluation and national research, the Sparrowly Group team examines critical shifts - from AI-disrupted entry roles to trades shortages and transport barriers - and outlines practical strategies to strengthen workforce systems and economic resilience.
Why Great Leaders Slow Down to Move Forward
Leadership development and team performance improve when leaders take time to slow down and reflect. Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever introduces her Six C’s framework, showing how deliberate reflection builds stronger alignment, deeper connection, and greater consistency - helping leaders move forward with clarity and confidence.
All pathways matter - so why don't we act like it?
Career pathways and vocational education are vital to Australia’s future workforce, yet social bias still favours university routes. Drawing on Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever and the teams evaluation work across Australia, this piece highlights the need to value every pathway, from trades to technology, and close the gap between workforce policy and how we guide young people.
Stop Fighting Your Team’s Brain Types, Start Using Them
Team communication and workplace collaboration improve when we understand how people think and process information differently. Sparrowly Groups Giovanna Lever explores the three brain types that shape decision-making and performance, and shares five practical strategies leaders can use to harness these differences for stronger teamwork, clearer communication and better business outcomes.
We celebrate the star player but what about the one who made the pass
Collaboration and connection are the often-overlooked forces behind innovation and progress. Sparrowly Group's Giovanna Lever explores the vital role of the conduit - those who link people, ideas and opportunities to create momentum. It’s a reflection on why we undervalue this quiet skill and how recognising it can transform teams, leadership and community impact.
The workforce holy trinity
Workforce planning and culture development are at the core of building high-performing, connected teams. Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever reveals her approach to creating the 'workforce holy trinity' - balancing performance, cultural connection and happiness to strengthen organisations, boost retention and drive long-term business and community success.
Building Skills, Growing Economies - Why Workforce Development Matters
Workforce development and skills growth are vital to thriving communities and resilient economies. Drawing on Sparrowly Group’s national experience in place-based strategies, program design and evaluation, Giovanna Lever explains why workforce development goes beyond training, it’s a shared responsibility that strengthens businesses, supports people and drives sustainable economic success.
Shut up and Listen!
Workplace communication and engagement are at the heart of strong relationships and successful teams - yet genuine listening is often the missing skill. Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever shares practical strategies to master active listening, build deeper connections and create lasting engagement that drives better collaboration and business outcomes.