Michelle Cowan
I consider the newsletter as fuel for my tank - there is never a time where a headline or a sentence doesn't jolt me into action or shift my thinking.
Mar 31, 2026
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Debbie Sazzad
Alicia is a rose among the thorns on LinkedIn, I find her honest and thought provoking, she has made me take a step back, question and stay curious.
Mar 31, 2026
Michael Sahrpe
When the world feels like it's being driven straight off a cliff, Alicia McKay's writing about agency and power literacy makes you feel you can grab the wheel before it's too late.
Mar 30, 2026
PK
I first met Alicia when she was doing Strategy for Leadership workshops. Like I was to discover with her writing to come, her attitude and insights stood out; edgy, refreshing, and genuinely thought‑provoking
From the workshops I ensured our work library procured her leadership strategy books.
I'm a TL;SR (too lazy, slow reader) but find I dig further into her musings than anything else that hits my inbox. I often forwarding Alicia's writings to both colleagues and family alike because she has writings for all occasions.
Lately my favourites have been: "What if you're a character in someone else's story" and "The kids are alright" (throwback to my Pete Townsend adoration days).
Love your work Alicia - keep it coming.
Mar 30, 2026
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Pip Jamieson
I love her honesty and clarity, even if I sometimes hate it. Alicia takes something super complex and makes it simple and so damn obvious. Yes, she can be a bit blunt, but it's usually just 'truth in jeans' and not the usual 'pompous power dressing.'
Mar 30, 2026
Rachel Garrett
Alicia challenges my thinking. I don’t always agree with her but I do always learn. I love the way she expresses herself. Thanks for what you share with the world. I have huge respect for you.
Mar 30, 2026
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Emma Larsen
I refer back to Alicia's article "How to do scary things" regularly - it challenges me to sit with why something might feel scary and reminds me (again) to just take action, in a way that strikes the right balance between cross fit coach and very direct best friend.
More recently she has been saving me from being sucked down the plughole of AI mediocrity and reminds me that my ability to think is what is valuable. And the pithy zingers are a delight!
Mar 30, 2026
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Nina Ive
I love Alicia's newsletter - sometimes it's a bit of a punch in the face when you realise you have been thinking something unconsciously your whole life and she just debunked it. It always makes me laugh though, and keeps me thinking.
Mar 30, 2026
Sara Carter
Alicia’s newsletter is one of those rare reads that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. She has an incredible ability to balance sharp wit with thoughtful challenge, making even the most uncomfortable or avoided topics feel accessible and worth engaging with.
What I value most is how she invites you to reconsider your perspective—never in a heavy-handed way, but through insight, curiosity, and a genuine respect for the reader. It’s not just a newsletter you read; it’s one that nudges you to think differently about the conversations we all need to be having every day.
Mar 30, 2026
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Charlotte
I came across your writing on LinkedIn a couple of years ago, and it has stayed with me ever since.
I'm Brazilian and have lived in New Zealand for 11 years – long enough to appreciate exactly what you talk about when it comes to Kiwi culture. There's a real tendency here to tiptoe around strong opinions, which makes your writing stand out – your sincerity. You're direct, honest, and you don't apologise for it – I like that.
Content creation in NZ is also genuinely hard for the same reasons – the audience is less expressive and engaged compared to Brazil or the US. You clearly get this, and I think it comes through in how you connect with people despite that. This is rare or at least not very common in NZ.
And building a career as a single mum on top of that – I just want to say I see it and I think it's remarkable.
Mar 30, 2026
Andrea Selvey
Alicia's thought provoking insights are a highlight in my inbox. Alicia manages to cut through the bulls**t, get to the heart of contemporary work and life challenges, and does it in way that also makes me laugh.
Mar 30, 2026
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Lucy Riddiford
Alicia’s request for testimonials says it all. Start with no bullshit, full vulnerability and full transparency. Most recently I was delighted when my niece shared something from Alicia and we were able to have a good conversation about what provoked us in what she had written. I first came across Alicia during covid when a leader brought her in to challenge and recharge a team that was feeling overwhelmed. She picked us up but let us get away with nothing. I’ve been following her ever since and I’ve particularly enjoyed her recent provocations. How can you express your opinion safely? Challenge others. Genuinely collaborate. Foster dialogue. Full endorsement.
Mar 30, 2026
Veronique Gibbons
Alicia McKay is the human version of the game 'Tetris'.
She takes these puzzle pieces, whether they are corporations, executive teams, systems, and more, and just makes sense with it. Just like the game, Alicia holds my attention by continually creating clarity where I previously faced brick walls. While my prior actions may have allowed me to solve part of the puzzle, Alicia's books and content inspires me to stay in the game.
Mar 30, 2026
Neil Reilly
Dear Reader,
I know it is important in any aspect of life, to see things from different perspectives. I was involved in local government in NSW Australia as a Mayor. There were a multiplicity of issues that must be grappled with, Alicia’s help at a conference in Canberra gave me the incentive to keep contact. In that recent life, and in my new life, I am always pleased at the precision of her words, more so with the angle of attack. I am addressed as a human being, not an email target, that pleases me. I plan to continue to receive her emails and have spread the word to colleagues.
Lastly, as a Mayor, I held the levers of power. I discovered very quickly they were not connected to anything and it would be up to me to develop the skills to come to grips with issues. Without Alicia’s astute communications’ support in addressing those issues, I would have been quite alone.
Many thanks,
Neil Reilly
Mar 30, 2026
Lucy Blackbourn
Principal Advisor to the Deputy CFO, MBIE
I highly rate Wednesday Wisdom, it's always worth a read and it can be the mid-week boost and refresher that I need to refocus on what is important or bring new information and ways of thinking that is lacking in other media. It's short and sweet and I'm always wanting to re-share the wisdom...even when it doesn't make it through the work email server due to containing "profanity" :P
Sep 1, 2024
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Biza Jacob
I really enjoyed reading the 24 days of unpopular opinions.
I love that the articles are authentic, plain English- it gives me giggles at the same time makes me think too.
Mar 30, 2026
Dr Jane George
Rural health workforce strategist
Great balance of straight talk, humour and practical ways to apply big ideas.
Mar 23, 2026
Sue Danner
I love what you're doing in the world. It's one thing to complain about the state of things today, it's a total other thing to actually DO something about it.
Mar 23, 2026
Mike Dryden
Business management consultant and trainer
While I watched a chunk of content via LinkedIn, this was the first time at a live event. It will not be the last. It has made me think, as much of the recent posting on opinions has.
Mar 23, 2026
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Lynn McHugh
Paid subscriber
Like the structure you've put into thinking about opinions. The breakdown and then evaluation is great. I'll be thinking through a few more of my opinions and seeing what powers them for me.
Mar 23, 2026
Eleanor Sabiston
Director Branch Performance, Enterprise Services
I love your critical thinking Alicia, there is always something to take away, ponder and use. It's like a conversation with a really clever and humorous friend.
Mar 23, 2026
Pip Jamieson
Principal Planner
Love it! Enthusiastic, generative, and energetic.
Mar 30, 2026
Fi Dalgety
Elected Member
Alicia is excellent and challenges my thinking.
Mar 23, 2026
Duncan Blair
Tech Strategy and Enterprise Architecture Manager
I'm very glad I attended the workshop. I paid my subscription at the last minute so I could join, and it was money well spent. After following Alicia as a free subscriber for several years, I look forward to accessing the paid content I've been missing. Keep up the amazing work!
Mar 23, 2026
Clare Lundon
Consultant
I enjoy Alicia's style. It's relaxed and informative, inclusive and safe. I loved the breakout rooms as I work best in a small group.
Mar 23, 2026
Tessa Carmichael
Digital Enablement Manager
Thank you for offering this workshop to your subscribers. This offering is thoughtful and appreciative, and will ensure I have no hesitation to renew my annual subscription. Keep up the great work. I enjoyed the invitation to consider why I do things a certain way, in a professional context. I'll see more value in observing rather than jump in with my opinion or data to support the conversation. By observing, I can learn more and offer even more insight later, which will ultimately serve to help my opinions cut through more effectively in future.
Mar 23, 2026
Rachel Frentz
Employee Experience | Senior Talent Advisor @ Sime Darby | HR & EX Design Specialist | DEIB Advocate
❤️ Loved this in my inbox this morning. Timely reminder well received.
Alicia McKay
Oct 15, 2024
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MIchael Schoen
Manager Program & Performance, Parks Victoria
Alicia seems to be tapped into what's needed in the present for me ( - once a week she provides pure gold taking the form of punchy a clear advice to work thru what is important - all with a fresh and lighthearted vibe that literally provides a boost.
Understanding that success is never a 'magic bullet' but rather a 1000 small changes - WW provides the guidance along the journey of those changes.
Oct 3, 2024
Clare Lundon
Clare Lundon Consulting
I look forward to Wednesdays, the day that Alicia speaks directly to me. It's like she is in my brain she knows what is keeping me awake at night, her insights and no bullsh!t approach is so easy to relate to. I think everyone deserves something as good as this to look forward to on Wednesdays.
Sep 10, 2024
Ben Grapes
Safe System Lead, NZ Transport Agency
Wednesday Wisdom cuts to the chase on topical themes or issues and I have found that reading the blog helps remind me to not get stuck in the weeds on matters that are not important or out of my control. Such a refreshing mid-week read and reminder on what really does matter.
Sep 2, 2024
Lucy Blackbourn
Principal Advisor to the Deputy CFO, MBIE
I highly rate Wednesday Wisdom, it's always worth a read and it can be the mid-week boost and refresher that I need to refocus on what is important or bring new information and ways of thinking that is lacking in other media. It's short and sweet and I'm always wanting to re-share the wisdom...even when it doesn't make it through the work email server due to containing "profanity" :P
Sep 1, 2024
Karen Abey
Acting Director, City of Hobart
Wednesday Wisdom is one of the few email lists which I not unsubscribed. It’s punchy, informative and gives you the fresh perspective or nudge you need sometimes to snap you out of the daily same-same.
Aug 30, 2024
Rebecca Speirs
Director, Adapt & Improve Consulting
I love the bite-sized content that is thought provoking, insightful and downright useful. Alicia really has her finger on the pulse on the issues of the day, and for me often articulates things I sense but have not yet put into words. I love that she's so articulate and straight talking, and also laugh out loud funny,
Aug 29, 2024
Alison Balind
Bland Shire Council
Really look forward to Wednesday Wisdom emails because every single one has been a gem! Have been an Alicia McKay fan since her first LGC2023 appearance and love the plain speaking, no BS approach she adopts to those wicked local government issues that keep many of us awake at night. With more sharing at LGC24 from her Local Legends book - She just makes sense!
Aug 27, 2024
Lance Kennedy
Deputy Chief Executive Whanganui District Council
I am constantly surprised how on point Alicia is with her Wednesday Wisdom messages. Her messages and anecdotes always resonate with something going on in either the professional or personal fronts. Ps I pre-ordered Local Legends and it arrived last week - half way through it and I’m already ‘borrowing’ from it at work.
Aug 27, 2024
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Suzy
Wednesday wisdom somehow slides into my email right when I need the not so gentle reminder and always hits the right spot.
Aug 27, 2024
Celeste
You ever come across someone who knows exactly what you need to hear, and when you need to hear it? That's Alicia. Wednesday Wisdom is like advice from a good friend who is a straight shooter and is also your business and life coach. She gets it right on so many levels. Do yourself a favor and sign up if you haven't yet!
Aug 27, 2024
Yelaina Eaton
City of Unley
Wednesday is short, snappy and smart. Just what you need mid-week. I love it.
Aug 27, 2024
Megan Reid
Megan Reid - Operations & Change Consultant
'Wednesday Wisdom' is a real highlight of each week. A mix of practical and valuable insights, with a no nonsense and real delivery style. The topics covered often provide a jolt to your thinking and include useful tips and tricks for your own reflection and personal growth. I would recommend this uplifting, direct and thought provoking weekly wonder to anyone's inbox.
Aug 26, 2024
Lizzie
Operations Analyst NZTA Waka Kotahi
I love the way Alicia says it in plain English and paints the whole picture. It’s all current issues and what I’m currently trying to figure out and it’s easily useable information. I’d recommend others because we all need another voice to give us some insight and perspective and Alicia gives valuable strategic advice.
Aug 26, 2024
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Stan Garton
Alert Safety
I love the originality and the quirky manner. saying the same things as other in a different way is a gift. Keep it up.
You give a change of dimension on so many topics.
Aug 26, 2024
Vicki Stoner
Technical Consultant, Strategic Pay / Artist for life
I think of it more as Weekly Wisdom (happens to come out on Wednesdays). Always something relatable or the exact thing I am swimming in. Alicia is a national treasure.
Aug 26, 2024
Jenny Pooley
I often use Wednesday wisdom with my team at work. I’m constantly surprised at how often the messages Alicia communicates align with what’s happening in my workplace. I use them often to reframe difficult situations and conversations most recently how to stay on track when things go to sh#t. Great feedback from my team. It really resonated for people.
Aug 26, 2024
Tony Meredith
General Manager - Houston Technology
Wednesday Wisdoms are awesome, they make me think every week. Alisha always provides great nuggets .
Aug 26, 2024
Angella
Executive Coach and Founder, Fresh Insight.
Wednesday Wisdom always has something for me. I mean, ALWAYS. So many newsletters are full of noise or distraction. WW is brief, intelligent, relevant and funny. It has an uncanny way of offering me a helpful idea or question that links to something going for me on that week. I appreciate the 'no bull, say it how it is' approach and the effort that goes into producing these ideas time after time. I read very few newsletters - I can count them on one hand - and WW is always worth my time.
Aug 26, 2024
Rochelle Moffitt
Founder + Director | Tickled Pink
Wednesday Wisdom is my all-time favourite email to receive.
⭐️ Learn something new
⭐️ Have a laugh (Alicia's style is gold)
⭐️ Feel Informed
⭐️ Connected with other like-minded people
⭐️ Genuine value (not another sales pitch)
Plus Alicia is a legend. I like hearing from legends.
Aug 26, 2024
Kelly Ann Bisset
Insightful and Helpful Content
I frequently read and share articles with my LG colleagues, and Alicia’s content consistently stands out. Her unique local government perspective, shaped by her work experience, is invaluable. Keep up the great work, Alicia—your insights are always appreciated!
Aug 26, 2024
Claire
Practical, actionable, entertaining and plenty of links to learn more. Wednesday Wisdom great advice I have used both in my workplace and in life.
Aug 25, 2024
Mike Steere
Director, Shared Innovations Ltd
I’ve never before “enjoyed” an email subscription - Wednesday Wisdom is the one exception! Every week Alicia delivers gems that will help you level up.
Alicia’s style gets to the point, and is focused on giving you value - not selling you stuff. She knows how to deliver important lessons that will improve how you operate, while making it a lot of fun in the process.
It’s obvious to me why Wednesday Wisdom is so popular.
Aug 25, 2024
Lois van Waardenberg
Director, RemCon
Alicia has an unusual ability to share illuminating content in an engaging , personal voice.
She’s straight up, and expects things - me - to change as a result of her Wednesday wisdom.
It’s excellent.
Aug 25, 2024
Tomina
I love the freedom Alicia gives us to be ourselves and bring all we are to the table, whatever that table looks like for us. I would recommend this subscription to gain different insights and another way to support an incredible wahine.
Aug 25, 2024
Catherine
I love Wednesday wisdom - there’s always such great insights and thought provoking details! Alicia has wisdom to offer and it’s great to start the middle of the week on a good note!!
Aug 25, 2024
Jordi Hoult
I've been receiving Wednesday Wisdom for a year and love the dash of direct, authentic, and positive honesty it brings to my week. Alicia's pieces not only grab your "what if?" brain, but give you tangible ways to make change. Subscribe if you like to have your thinking challenged, and are looking to disrupt the status quo for positive growth.
Aug 25, 2024
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Jordi Hoult
I've been receiving Wednesday Wisdom for a year and love the dash of direct, authentic, and positive honesty it brings to my week. Alicia's pieces not only grab your "what if?" brain, but give you tangible ways to make change.
Subscribe if you like to have your thinking challenged, and are looking to disrupt the status quo for positive growth.
Aug 25, 2024
Frank Garten
Independent Consultant and Speaker
Tough as a nail. Sharp as a laser. But it all comes from a heart full of compassion. Alicia doesn't shy away from controversial topics, sharp observations and killing conclusions: if you're looking for comfort only, don't subscribe. If you want the raw truth that makes you think, and really improve yourself and the ones you work with, subscribe and implement the many practical advices she gives. One of the only 3 newsletter I read end-to-end each week!
Aug 25, 2024
Matt Walker
Equipment & Logistics Regional Manager, Fire & Emergency New Zealand
I love the Wednesday Wisdom's and find myself looking forward to the fresh, often though provoking and sometimes challenging pieces expertly written by Alicia,
Break up the week with some Humpday gold bars.
Subscribe and enjoy
Aug 25, 2024
Leana Reid
Silver Fern Farms
I love Wednesday Wisdom, it has provided guidence and common sense advice which has been easy for me to apply, not just in my career, but also in my home life. Alicia McKay cuts through the bullshit and gets right to the heart of the matter, with empathy, commonsence and honesty.
Aug 25, 2024
Katrina Lund-Tangye
Senior Business Analyst
I love reading Wednesday Wisdom - it's like a breath of fresh air highlighting what should be common sense but is overlooked all the time. I pass it onto my colleagues.
Aug 25, 2024
Renee Sara
I’ve subscribed to Wednesday Wisdom for many years and keep the weekly insights coming despite retiring young and leaving my executive office days behind. I love the succinct way Alicia cuts to the chase and shares practical tips for moving through day-to-day challenges. I’ve recommended it to mentees - so they regularly get something new to add to their leadership toolkit, or get reminded about something they’d forgotten to use.
Aug 25, 2024
Janine A Corke
COO CORUM Limited
Informative, direct and insightful, with a bit of humour to keep you returning for more.
I really enjoy my weekly fix. It gives me the opportunity to stop and consider things that sadly don't always make it to the top of my list.
Thanks, Alicia, for breaking up my week and giving me the time to focus on what matters :-)
Aug 25, 2024
Jane George
Rural Health Workforce Consultant
The genius that is Wednesday Wisdom (and Alicia McKay) hits your inbox just when you need it each week. Always on point, with opportunity to take action (via a strategically placed nudge) Alicia's content is the top of my list each week to read and reflect on. If you're not already on the list, what are you waiting for?!
Aug 25, 2024
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Robbie Hermann
Community Safety Manager
Strategy basics made simple. Excellent, clear information.
Sep 18, 2023
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Josalin Saffer
Thanks as always for your insightful words. I love and look forward to receiving your newsletter regularly. It helps me stay motivated and sometimes helps me get out of bed in the mornings - especially in winter!
Aug 30, 2023
Abbie Reid
Colabs - Collaboration Lead at MadeCurious [colabs.nz] Colabs - Collaboration Lead at MadeCurious [colabs.nz]
Alicia McKay sends me emails. Not personal ones (sadly) - I'm on her mailing list. She has a lofty title for her weekly newsletter - ‘Wednesday Wisdom’.
Bold claim.
But, wisdom it is. It's one of the few newsletters I haven't unsubscribed from.
She recently sent out a short video explainer on what Strategic Planning is, and what it is not. Within the video I found at least 17 things to agree with.
My top pick? The absolute futility in creating long, verbose, strategy documents padded out with boring statistics and a focus on being correct in our detailed planning, rather than our response to inevitable change.
Instead, let’s focus on:
📍 Focus. Strategic planning doesn’t need to do it all - we don’t need to cover off every project delivery in detail or create massive spreadsheets mapping out a three year plan, right down to the cell. Stick to the priorities, principles, and rules you’ll follow to make good decisions later
📍 Response. A strategy looks at how we will decide, when the time comes to make a decision. As Alicia says so succinctly, we are deciding now how we will decide in the future - how we will respond when it all goes to shit (which it will!).
📍 Buy in (which is not the same as agreement). We want to walk out of our focused planning session with ownership and alignment. We may not all agree, but we know what we differ on how that will be handled in the future.
The best part is, you can do all this in 1-5 pages. Max.
Full video here: lnkd.in/g_vbPQKG
Dec 6, 2023
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Georgy Holloway
Manager, MOE
Alicia’s clarity and bluntness has help me see what is important in my work. It has helped me cut through some of the noise and lead the team to make more effective decisions.
Oct 20, 2022
Anna Dawson
Managing Director at Digitise
Kia ora Alicia. Over the last couple of years I've read a lot of your content, and I just want you to know the huge effect it's had on me, and therefore many others too.
Because of the thinking you've encouraged, I've:
- Designed and run a killer strategic planning session based on your methods for 3 different businesses and implemented the outcomes
- Quit my job, realising the suffocating shit culture and toxic personalities that were allowed to stay even though it was glaringly obvious to all, and actually we shouldn't have to accept it
- Started my own business helping others maximise their business capability (which after 9 months is doing super well)
- Embraced my young mum, grown up in an abusive household, can't understand "corporate culture", I'm too fun to be professional hang-ups
And now I'm starting to come out of my perfectly designed professional facade. It's liberating, and I am so thankful that I stumbled across you.
Sep 23, 2022
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Bridget
Alicia is the common sense guru I never knew I needed. Her advice and tools are instantly applicable and relatable across all levels, not just leaders. Exciting, accessible, challenging to the status quo and just so darn inspiring.
Sep 22, 2022
Amanda de Jong
irector/Strategic Environmental Consultant at Brighta Consulting
Thank you for providing such straightforward, easy to read and easy to apply stuff. I have really connected with all of your books, podcasts and general musings.
You’re awesome!
Sep 20, 2022
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Bill Murch
I am so happy to have stumbled across one of your posts and hence subscribed to this newsletter. I subscribe to a few newsletters, but, tbh, I don’t always read them. Yours however, I read!
Sep 20, 2022
Liz Phillips
Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager at MercyAscot Private Hospitals
Please know that your words and your wisdom have a huge impact in my life. Just yesterday I was pondering classism while doing the dishes....
You're the best, Alicia! Thank you for all of your awesomeness and honesty.
Sep 20, 2022
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Juanita Nathan
Man! I just LOVE reading your korero! You are my little secret 'kicker' for the day. You put a smile on my face and MAKE ME think differently, you challenge my pre-conditioned thoughts and lift the lid on my views which have been dormant for yonks!
I try not to spend too much time on social media or issues that don't concern me directly - but of course - the way you have written on a number of issues has grabbed my interest and then all of a sudden I connect and see that it has impacted me in some way. Not really sure how it happened haha. So now I find myself quite curious and nosey at what you are speaking about - the good and the bad, and not all of what you write I agree with. BUTTTT I do appreciate a great argument and you always always 'bring it' kitchen sink and all - when you are making your point. For me, this gives me a great perspective on another view.
Thanks heaps. You Rock!
Sep 20, 2022
Michelle Cowan
I consider the newsletter as fuel for my tank - there is never a time where a headline or a sentence doesn't jolt me into action or shift my thinking.
Mar 31, 2026