Creating Synergy Podcast: Recent Episodes

SynergyIQ

A mentor in your pocket.The Creating Synergy Podcast brings to life the journey of people who are achieving success in their fields, community, business or personal lives, and it deeps dive into their process, learnings and ups and downs. Discover innovative approaches, new ideas and learn about Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Culture, Communication, Self-development, Performance, Diversity, Innovation and much more. Listen, Learn and Lead your own Transformation.

View Details

Ready to hear a story of true resilience, leadership, and unstoppable drive?In this week’s Creating Synergy Podcast, we sit down with the extraordinary Al Jawhari, Co-Founder and CEO of Starke-AMG. Al’s story is nothing short of inspiring—he’s faced it all, from fleeing a civil war to building global businesses that break barriers.

In this episode, you’ll hear Al’s firsthand insights on:

  • How escaping a war zone shaped his relentless mindset
  • Leadership lessons from military training that help him lead unstoppable teams
  • Turning failures into opportunities and building multiple successful ventures
  • What it takes to push through fear and thrive under pressure

This episode is packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and innovation that you won’t hear anywhere else!

🎧 👉 Tune in now or catch us on your favorite podcast platform!

Trust us—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. If you’ve ever doubted what you’re capable of, Al’s story will remind you that you can create your own success, no matter the odds.

And as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of the Creating Synergy Podcast.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:04:38 - Al’s background and the origin of Starke-AMG
00:07:13 - Growing up in Liberia and lessons from Al’s father
00:15:11 - Fleeing the civil war and its impact on Al’s mindset
00:19:00 - Military background and leadership lessons from the Egyptian Air Force
00:25:32 - How military precision shaped Al’s business leadership style
00:40:33 - Building a successful team: Empowering others to greatness
00:57:18 - The secret to creating 'unbeatable' technology
01:00:01 - Vulnerability and personal growth as a leader
01:23:53 - Business fundamentals: Trust, clarity, and responsibility
01:39:24 - The power of resilience: Turning failure into success

Where to find Al Jawhari

  • Linkedin

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

View Details

Ready to learn how to take your business from local to global?

In this powerhouse episode, Tim Stollznow, CEO and founder of MyVenue, shares his insider secrets on building a scalable business, growing a winning team, and overcoming challenges to achieve international success.

🔑 Key Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss:

  • The Secret Formula for Scaling a Business: Tim breaks down the strategies that helped him grow MyVenue into a global brand.
  • How to Build a World-Class Team: Discover how Tim finds and empowers the right people to fuel growth.
  • Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities: Hear Tim’s personal story of resilience and how he overcame obstacles to achieve success.
  • Leadership Lessons from a Global CEO: Insights on leading with purpose, making critical decisions, and staying adaptable in a fast-changing world.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply curious about what it takes to scale a business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

🎧 Tune in now to learn the proven strategies that can help you grow your business, overcome challenges, and lead with confidence.

TIMESTAMPS:00:26:00 - Scaling a Business Globally
00:28:00 - Tim’s Journey to Becoming CEO of Quest
00:34:00 - From Bottle Shops to Stadiums: The Evolution of MyVenue
00:37:00 - The Importance of Face-to-Face Networking
00:45:00 - The Secret Formula for Scaling a Business
00:45:00 - Why Process and Agility Are Key to Growth
00:46:00 - Leadership Lessons From Tim’s Football Club Days
00:48:00 - Empowering Your Team for Success
00:49:00 - Building a World-Class Team
00:53:00 - Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities

Where to find TIM STOLLZNOW

  • Linkedin

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

View Details

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast!

This week, we’re thrilled to have Martin Westwell, the Chief Executive of the Department for Education, join us for a deep dive into the future of education, leadership, and the powerful intersection of neuroscience and technology.

In this episode, Martin shares his wealth of knowledge and insights on topics that are not only relevant but crucial for anyone looking to make a difference in the world of education, business, or leadership. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this episode offers something valuable for everyone.

Key Highlights

  • The role of education in shaping society and individual lives.
  • How neuroscience and technology are influencing modern learning practices.
  • The evolving nature of leadership in a rapidly changing world.The importance of human connections and relationships in business and education.
  • Practical strategies for leaders and educators to make a meaningful impact.

Don’t miss out on this thought-provoking conversation with one of the leading minds in education today. Click below to listen to the full episode and discover how you can apply these insights to your own journey.

And as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of the Creating Synergy Podcast.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:03:14 - The Power of Education to Change Lives
00:04:18 - Changing the World One Kid at a Time
00:08:07 - The Importance of Hard Work and Dedication
00:15:08 - Innovations in Antibiotics and Their Impact
00:17:45 - The Science of Learning and Cognitive Development
00:21:16 - The Influence of Technology on Learning and Behavior
00:35:10 - The Role of Leadership in Modern Organizations
00:40:12 - The Human Element in Leadership and Business
00:45:54 - The Challenges of Remote Work and Maintaining Relationships
00:53:36 - The Need for Adaptability in Leadership During Times of Change

Where to find Martin Westwell

  • Linkedin

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Thinking, Fast and Slow By: Daniel Kahneman

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

What does it take to lead in a world that’s constantly evolving?

In this new episode, we dive deep into the mind of Dean Rosenfield, CEO of Nova Systems, a leader who’s not just keeping up with change—he’s driving it. Whether you’re a leader in business, a curious thinker, or someone passionate about Australia’s future, this conversation is one you can’t afford to miss.

Why Listen?

  • Leadership with Purpose: Dean shares his approach to leadership that goes beyond the usual playbook. He emphasizes the power of clear communication and the importance of bringing your team along on the journey. If you’re looking for actionable insights on how to lead with impact, this segment will resonate with you.
  • Innovation as a Necessity: In a world where staying ahead is the only option, Dean discusses how Nova Systems is pioneering innovation in defense. His perspective will challenge how you think about change and why it’s crucial to not just keep up, but to stay ahead.
  • Australia’s Sovereignty and Strategic Vision: Dean’s vision for an Australian-owned defense industry is not just bold—it’s essential. He delves into why sovereignty matters and how Nova Systems is positioning itself as a leader in this space. This part of the conversation will leave you thinking about the future of our nation in a whole new light.

You’ll walk away with powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of defense. It’s a conversation that’s as thought-provoking as it is inspiring.

So, are you ready to rethink what it means to lead and innovate in today’s world? Hit play and join us for this compelling discussion.

TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction to Dean Rosenfield and Nova Systems
01:15 - Dean’s Journey: From Military to CEO of Nova Systems
05:46 - The Importance of Communication in Leadership
14:06 - Adapting to New Cultures and Environments
22:17 - Strategic Decision-Making in High-Stakes Situations
27:21 - Balancing Logic and Gut Instinct in Leadership
33:03 - The Role of Trust and Expertise in Special Forces
46:18 - Innovation and Risk in the Defense Industry
57:08 - The Vision for Australian Sovereignty in Defense
59:22 - Leading Through Change: Strategies and Challenges

Where to find Dean Rosenfield

  • X (Twitter)

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

In this episode, we welcome the phenomenal Taryn Brumfitt, 2023 Australian of the Year and founder of the Body Image Movement.

Get ready for an inspiring journey as Taryn shares her incredible story of transforming personal struggles into a global movement that’s touched over 200 million lives.

Join us as we dive into Taryn’s candid reflections on:

  • Why even the most impactful leaders get butterflies
  • Behind-the-scenes stories from Harvard to the White House
  • The viral photo that sparked a global body positivity movement
  • Taryn’s candid take on imposter syndrome and meeting high-powered individuals
  • A middle-of-the-night epiphany that turned into a beloved film moment 🎬

But that’s not all! We also discuss Taryn’s upcoming documentary, Embrace Humanity, and explore the wisdom she’s gained about self-love, resilience, and the transformative power of embracing our authentic selves.

Even our host and CEO gets personal too, sharing his own battles with body image and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement. This conversation is raw, real, and packed with AHA! moments that will make you rethink how you see yourself.

So, whether you’re struggling with self-acceptance, curious about the body positivity movement, or just love a good story, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in, get inspired, and join the movement towards a more accepting and loving world.👇

**HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00** - Introduction

01:03 - Taryn's Journey and Impact

02:15 - The Power of Speaking at Prestigious Venues

04:31 - Embracing Authenticity

10:14 - The Viral Photo that Started It All

13:04 - Body Positivity and Modern Challenges

18:47 - Creative Solutions in Storytelling

25:14 - Overcoming Self-Criticism

32:04 - Finding Peace in Self-Compassion

37:00 - Role Modeling Positive Behavior

42:04 - Identifying Unhealthy Patterns in Children

Where to find Taryn Brumfitt

  • Website
  • Linkedin

Books mentioned in the podcast:

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

What does it take to lead a $2.67 billion industry through rapid change and innovation?

Join us as Darrel Jacobs, the dynamic CEO of the Motor Trade Association shares his insights on driving change and innovation in the automotive industry, leading a $2.67 billion sector, and empowering over 16,000 employees.

If you’re curious about the complexities of leading a major industry through change, this episode is for you. This is a conversation you don't want to miss 👇

Here’s why you should listen:
* Learn how to manage change in today’s fast-paced world. * Get strategies for engaging your team and reducing their fears about change. * Gain insights into systems thinking and solving problems together. * Hear Darrel's personal story from his humble beginnings to becoming a CEO. * Pick up practical advice on leadership and sparking innovation.

Key Highlights:
* 00:00 - Introduction * 01:53 - The Evolution of the Automotive Industry * 02:33 - Darrel's Background: From Country Lad to CEO * 15:41 - Values of Hard Work and Honesty * 55:10 - The Importance of Everyday Change and Continuous Improvement * 57:30 - Enhancing Training Efficiency and Customer Engagement * 58:25 - Embracing Customer Feedback for Effective Solutions * 1:00:06 - Managing Change and Reducing Employee Fear * 1:03:10 - Systematic Thinking and Collaborative Problem Solving * 1:40:25 - Innovation and Seizing Opportunities Every Day * 1:07:46 - Leadership Through Understanding and Employee Engagement * 50:06 - Strategic Vision: Profit with Purpose Mentality * 1:39:52 - Customer-Centric Leadership and Adapting to Change

What’s in it for You?
You’ll walk away with practical, actionable insights from Darrel Jacobs, a leader who has successfully navigated the automotive industry's complexities. Whether you’re a business leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about industry dynamics, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on innovation, strategic thinking, and effective leadership.

Where to find Darrel Jacobs
* Website

Books mentioned in the episode
* Peak Performance By: BRAD STULBERG * Open by Andre Agassi

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Are you ready to discover the secrets of scaling a business from local success to a global powerhouse? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Anthony Kittel, the visionary CEO of REDARC, in this must-listen episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast.

Anthony Kittel took the reins of REDARC, transforming it from an 8-person operation into a 400+ employee leader in advanced electronics. In this episode, Anthony shares his incredible journey, the pivotal moments, and the strategic decisions that propelled REDARC to international success.

What You'll Learn:

  • Innovation and Growth: How leveraging cutting-edge technology and a customer-first approach fueled exponential growth.
  • Building Strong Company Culture: The importance of creating a values-driven culture that fosters continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Strategic Diversification: Insights into expanding product lines and entering new markets.
  • Leadership Lessons: Anthony's personal experiences and the leadership principles that guided his journey.

Why Listen: Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or aspiring innovator, Anthony's story is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. This episode offers valuable lessons on scaling, leadership, and fostering a culture of excellence.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from from one of the industry's best! ⬇

Listen Now!

TIMESTAMPS:
[14:13] - Collaboration in Leadership
[15:59] - Pursuing Higher Education
[20:28] - Deciding to Buy Redarc
[30:24] - Early Business Challenges
[30:04] - Vision for Redarc
[36:28] - Setting Up an R&D Team
[50:52] - Moving to a New Facility
[54:26] - Embracing Change
[58:12] - Establishing Company Culture
[59:42] - Long-Term Strategic Planning

Where to find Grant Wilckens

  • LinkedIn

Books mentioned in the episode

  • Raving fans By: Ken Blanchard
  • Good to great By: Jim Collins

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

have the incredible Grant Wilckens, CEO of the G'day Group, joining us to share his insights on navigating rapid expansion and change in the business world. You absolutely don't want to miss this one!

Curious about how one of Australia's largest regional accommodation provider manages rapid growth and constant change? Grant spills the secrets!

Grant dives deep into:

🚀 The secrets behind G'day Group's phenomenal growth.
🚀 How to steer a company through times of rapid change.
🚀 Insights on leadership and staying resilient.

Whether you’re leading a team, running your own business, or just curious about the dynamics of growth and change, you’ll find something valuable here.

TUNE IN NOW, subscribe, and don't forget to share this episode with your network.

TIMESTAMPS:
[02:15] - Grant's Early Career and Background
[10:30] - Challenges in Leadership
[18:45] - Importance of Mentorship
[25:00] - Navigating Organizational Change
[33:20] - Maintaining Work-Life Balance
[41:05] - Embracing Innovation
[50:15] - Building a Strong Team
[58:30] - Future Trends in the Industry
[1:04:00] - Leadership Strategies
[1:05:30] - Professional Growth Tips

Where to find Grant Wilckens

  • LinkedIn

Books mentioned in the episode

  • Legacy, What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life By: James Kerr

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Kerry Rowland, the visionary CEO of Cancer Council SA, to explore her journey through the multifaceted world of healthcare leadership.

With a career marked by empathy, innovation, and resilience, Kerry shares her profound experiences and the lessons she's learned along the way. From her early days influenced by a strong and independent mother to her pivotal roles in various organisations, Kerry's story is a testament to leading with courage and a heart.

Why You Can’t Miss This Episode:

  • Discover Kerry's Leadership Philosophy: Learn how Kerry's upbringing in a strong, independent family shaped her belief in doing everything with excellence and empathy.
  • Navigating Change with Confidence: Kerry reveals her strategies for guiding an organisation through transformation, emphasizing the importance of strong foundations and continuous adaptation.
  • Balancing Career and Family: Hear Kerry’s personal story of balancing a demanding career with family life, offering practical tips for maintaining harmony between work and home.
  • Empowering Women in the Workplace: Kerry shares her experiences and advice on overcoming gender biases and supporting women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries.
  • The Power of Community and Consumer Insights: Gain insight into how Cancer Council SA leverages community feedback to shape their services and enhance their mission of supporting cancer patients and their families.

Join us for a deep dive into Kerry Rowland’s world, where compassion meets leadership, and purpose drives success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a healthcare professional, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is for you!

TIMESTAMPS:
[03:24] - Introduction to Kerry Rowland

[04:24] - Influence of a Strong Role Model

[07:27] - Balancing Family and Career

[09:57] - Breaking Gender Stereotypes

[18:02] - Early Career Lessons at Kimberly Clark

[27:43] - Overcoming Career Challenges

[46:14] - Customer-Centered Design

[55:21] - Reflections on the Ripple Effect Program

[1:06:21] - Transition to Cancer Council SA

Tune In and Share!

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Tune in and be sure to share this episode with your network and help us spread the word about the incredible work being done at Cancer Council SA. Listen and share today!

Where to find Kerry Rowlands

  • LinkedIn

Books mentioned in the episode

  • Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow By: Gabrielle Zevin

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Curious How a CEO Can Influence Both Corporate Success and Community Well-being?

Don't miss our latest episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast, where we explore the profound impact of leadership through the lens of Mark Hoffman-Davis, CEO of SYC Limited.

Here’s why you need to tune in:

  • From CIA Backgrounds to Global Shifts: Understand the unique upbringing that shaped a future CEO—from secretive family roles to adapting to new cultures.
  • Leadership Lessons from McDonald’s to the C-Suite: Hear about the unconventional path from managing a fast-paced fast food outlet to leading major corporations, and the critical lessons learned along the way.
  • Transformative Work Ethic: Delve into Mark’s teenage years of balancing school with managing a busy McDonald's, fostering a work ethic that would define his career.
  • Strategic Business Moves: Discover the strategic decisions behind the exponential growth at Academy Cleaning Services, where Mark expanded the staff from 80 to over 2,000.
  • Navigating Corporate and Community Impact: Gain insights into the challenges of aligning corporate strategies with community needs, a balancing act that Mark handles deftly as the CEO of SYC.
  • Tech Innovations in Social Services: Learn about SYC’s approach to integrating technology with human-centered services, particularly in mental health and housing, and the future vision for digital transformation in the social services sector.

This episode provides rare insights into the making of a leader who’s not only at the forefront of business innovation but also deeply committed to social impact. Tune in, get inspired, and maybe steal some of his secrets for yourself! Don’t forget to subscribe – you won’t want to miss this!

TIMESTAMPS:
[2:03] - Early Life and Move to Australia
[6:21] - CIA influence from Mark's father
[8:12] - Lessons in Hard Work
[18:19] - Childhood Lessons
[27:21] - Leadership at a Young Age
[44:43] - Career Progression
[50:38] - Customer-Centric Philosophy
[1:04:46] - Transition to CEO of SYC
[1:29:20] - Technology in Human Services
[1:41:39] - Vision for the Future

Where to find Mark Hoffman-Davis

  • LinkedIn

Books mentioned in the episode

  • Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Dive into this enlightening episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast where we sit down with the dynamic Stacey Northover, Executive General Manager at Believe Housing Australia. Stacey brings over 25 years of transformative leadership in the housing sector from the bustling streets of the UK to the vibrant communities of Australia. Prepare to be inspired by her dedication to changing lives and challenging norms.

Why You Can’t Miss This Episode:

  • Early Inspirations: Discover how Stacey’s early experiences in UK community housing ignited a burning passion to ensure that everyone has a place to call home.
  • Breaking Barriers: Stacey tackles the tough stereotypes associated with community housing, revealing her strategic approaches to fostering inclusivity and dismantling misconceptions.
  • Embracing Change: Witness the transformative power of technology in housing as Stacey details Believe Housing’s leap into innovative IT solutions with the help of SynergyIQ.
  • Leadership with Empathy: Gain insights into Stacey’s leadership philosophy that combines empathy with optimism, pivotal for steering her team through complex transformations.
  • The Fun Side of Change: Learn how SynergyIQ’s unique approach to making change management fun helped dissolve fears and build a proactive culture at Believe Housing.

🎧 Listen now and let Stacey’s story inspire you to think differently about community, change, and the places we call home. Available now on all major podcast platforms!

TIMESTAMPS:
[09:51] - Affordable Housing Crisis
[14:55] - Community Housing in Australia
[21:19] - Career Progression in Housing
[24:52] - Breaking Stereotypes and Supporting Tenants
[30:38] - Mental Health Support for Tenants
[38:13] - Domestic Violence and Support Systems
[48:29] - Challenges of Immigration and COVID-19
[1:04:22] - Leadership and Change Management

Where to find Stacey Northover

  • LinkedIn

Books mentioned in the episode

  • The 5 second rule by Mel Robbins

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

We are thrilled to welcome back the extraordinary Dr. Gemma Munro for an episode that promises to be a turning point in your journey towards self-discovery and transformation.

Known as the Alchemist at Work, Gemma, an award-winning speaker and facilitator, has the unique ability to ignite courage and spark rapid, easeful change. In this episode, we dive deep into the essence of transformation, the power of courage, and how to turn the seemingly impossible into reality.

With a PhD in performance psychology, Gemma has touched over 72,000 lives worldwide, proving that change is not only possible but within reach. Tune in now!

Here's why you ABSOLUTELY can't miss this episode:

🎙️ Courage to Change: Gemma dives deep into the psychology behind our fear of stepping out of our comfort zones and how to embrace calculated risks.

🎙️ Finding your Purpose: Unravel the importance of discovering your purpose and common mistakes to avoid.

🎙️ Power of Intuition: Discover practical tips to tap into your intuition and how it can guide your life decisions.

🎙️ Transformative Strategies: Get firsthand tips from Gemma's "What Comes Next?" program, proven to guide participants towards clarity, purpose, and action.

Be ready to be inspired, hopeful, and ready to take on your next challenge.

Where to find Gemma Munro

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Ready for something truly inspiring to kick off your weekend? We’ve got something special for your ears this weekend with our latest episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast featuring the incredible Claire Scapinello, CEO of ECH Inc.

Claire’s story is the kind of listen that’ll have you hooked from start to finish. Her journey is packed with lessons on resilience, innovation, and what it means to lead with vision and heart.

Here's why:

  • Discover Claire's journey of incredible resilience, from overcoming a life-changing injury to leading one of the largest aged care providers.
  • Get an insider's look into the innovative strategies propelling the aged care industry forward.
  • Gain actionable insights on leading with empathy, navigating change, and embracing technology

We dive deep into how she's transforming aged care, blending technology with a touch of humanity, and making real changes that matter.

It’s not just about the challenges; it’s about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles. Make your day a bit more meaningful, fuel your motivation and spark new ideas and give this episode a listen!

TIMESTAMP:

[05:17] - Introduction to Claire's background and influences

[25:02] - Claire discusses a life-changing injury in 2009 and its impact

[35:25] - The moment Claire was told she might never walk again

[38:11] - Exploration of stoicism and its role in Claire's recovery process

[44:01] - Claire shares her experience of regaining movement and her determination

[58:34] - Transitioning into Claire's career and her role as CEO of a major aged care provider

[1:04:14] - The importance of customer focus and digital understanding for CEOs

[1:13:12] - Discussion on change management and transforming the aged care industry

[1:27:15] - The growing impact and challenges within the aged care sector

[1:39:49] - Claire's appreciation for stoicism and the best advice she has received

Where to find Claire Scapinello

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Books discussed in the episode:

  • Emotional Intelligence Why It Can Matter More Than IQ By: Daniel Goleman
  • Talking to Strangers What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know By: Malcolm Gladwell

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

We're kicking off with a new episode this year as we sit down with David Panter, the inspiring CEO of Minda Incorporated, for an intimate conversation that promises to uplift, motivate, and transform your perspective on leadership and personal growth.

David takes us through his remarkable life story, sharing the highs and lows, the moments of doubt, and the triumphs of courage that have defined his path.

From standing firm in his identity in an unaccepting era to spearheading transformative change in healthcare and aged care sectors, David's story is a testament to the power of leading with authenticity and purpose.

Why Listen?

  • Discover the courage it takes to stand firm in one's identity against the odds.
  • Uncover the insights and strategies behind leading large-scale organizational change.
  • Get inspired by David's commitment to transforming the healthcare and aged care sectors for the better.

Ready to see how embracing your true self can transform your approach to leadership? Then you absolutely need to tune into this episode.

TIMESTAMP:

[00:16:59:19] - David's Role as an AIDS Information Officer

[00:22:02:15] - Princess Diana's Involvement in AIDS Activism

[00:39:01:06] - Being Called In to Fix and Transform Organizations

[00:42:57:02] - The Importance of Authenticity and Being True to Oneself as a Leader.

[00:53:03:05] - State of Minda When David Panter Took on the Role of CEO

[01:39:27:05] - Advice for Emerging Leaders

Where to find David Panter

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

We're thrilled to bring you another episode in our Synergy Shorts series, featuring one of our most celebrated guests yet—Tobi Pearce, the dynamic CEO of EZLicence as one of our highest viewed and most downloaded episodes on the Creating Synergy Podcast.

Join us as Tobi unveils the secrets behind Navigating Emotions and Leadership in Building a Million-Dollar Empire.

💡 Why You Can't Miss This Episode:

  • Uncover the Power of Emotional Intelligence: Learn how Tobi Pearce harnessed his emotions to fuel his leadership journey and build EZLicence into the powerhouse it is today.
  • Real Talk on Real Challenges: Get up close and personal with the challenges and triumphs of navigating the complex landscape of modern entrepreneurship.
  • Blueprint for Success: Tobi shares practical advice and personal anecdotes that serve as a roadmap for aspiring leaders looking to make their mark.

🎧 Tune in now to discover how you, too, can navigate the intricate dance of emotions and leadership to build your own million-dollar empire. TIMESTAMP:

[00:00:15] - The Flawed Assumption About Emotions

[00:01:50] - Skill Acquisition and Emotional Control

[00:02:10] - Leadership and Emotions

[00:02:47] - The Goldilocks Zone of Emotions

[00:03:00] - Stimulus, Response, and the Space in Between

[00:05:33] - Learning Through Experience and Reflection

[00:06:37] - Advisory and Coaching Insights

[00:07:14] - Seeking Truth Over Knowledge

[00:09:51] - The Importance of Writing Decisions Down

Where to find TOBI PEARCE

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

We are back with another exciting episode in our Synergy Shorts Series featuring our all-time favorite guest, Vinh Giang!

This episode has not only stolen the spotlight as our most downloaded but has also become a fan favorite for its profound insights on effective communication. Vinh, a renowned international keynote speaker, shares his unique perspective on how communication shapes our lives, careers, and brands.

Key Highlights:

  • The Music Metaphor: Vinh uses music as a powerful metaphor for communication, illustrating how the right words, like the right notes, can move people.
  • Mastering Delivery and Content: Learn why mastering both what you say (your content) and how you say it (your delivery) are crucial for effective communication.
  • Influencing and Persuading: Discover strategies for influencing others and persuading them to take action through your message.
  • Building Connections: Vinh emphasizes the importance of connecting on a deep level for genuine communication.
  • Practical Tips for Improvement: Get practical advice on improving your communication skills, including exercises you can do at home.

Whether you're aiming to inspire change, make a lasting impression, or simply connect more meaningfully with those around you, this episode with Vinh Giang offers invaluable lessons.

Tune in to start transforming the way you communicate and watch as new doors open in every facet of your life. Don't miss out on this journey to finding your voice and making it heard!

TIMESTAMP:

[00:00:28] - Great Communication

[00:01:21] - Balancing Content and Delivery

[00:02:00] - Communication as Connection

[00:02:17] - The Role of the Listener

[00:02:59] - Empowering the Next Generation

[00:03:52] - The Power of Effective Expression

[00:04:15] - Self-Awareness in Communication

[00:06:15] - The Impact of Lack of Self-Awareness

[00:07:10] - The Importance of Review and Reflection

[00:09:06] - The Influence of Personal Network

[00:09:34] - Stories of Resilience and Grit

[00:12:19] - Overcoming Self-Doubt

Where to find VINH GIANG

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Twitter
  • Tiktok
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Get ready to dive headfirst into an electrifying episode of our special segment in #SynergyShorts!

We're rolling out the red carpet for the highlights from our incredible chat with none other than David Fogarty, the brilliant CEO and Founder of The Oodie and The Davie Group.

Imagine sitting down with a business juggernaut who's cracked the code to turning social media into a multi-million dollar megaphone for his ventures – that's exactly what you're about to experience!

Whether you're a hungry entrepreneur, a savvy marketer, or a business aficionado thirsty for next-level insights, this episode is your golden ticket. Prepare to be infused with ideas that will supercharge your impact in the digital arena.

Tune in, get inspired, and transform the way you see and do business in the digital world. You definitely don't want to miss this!

TIMESTAMP:

[00:00:15] - Importance of Continuous Learning in Business

[00:01:01] - Utilizing Diverse Resources for Rapid Growth

[00:01:31] - Incredible Power and Impact of Community

[00:02:04] - Transition to Community-Focused Brand Building

[00:03:09] - CEO Leadership and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Where to find DAVID FOGARTY

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Twitter

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Welcome to this special edition of "Synergy Shorts," where we bring you compact insights from the giants of industry and innovation. In this episode, we are thrilled to feature the highlights from our most viewed podcast episode with Marc Randolph, the visionary Co-founder of Netflix, as he unravels the secrets to fearless entrepreneurship and the art of making bold moves.

Marc shares invaluable lessons that are not just about building a successful business but about nurturing a mindset that dares to disrupt and redefine.

In this short but impactful episode, you'll discover:

  • Marc's unfiltered advice on embracing uncertainty and turning it into your greatest asset.
  • The pivotal moments that define a fearless entrepreneur and how to recognize them.
  • Strategies for maintaining balance while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
  • The importance of taking calculated risks and the transformative power of bold decisions.
  • How to cultivate a mindset that not only welcomes but also thrives on challenges.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or simply curious about the man behind the world's leading streaming service, **Tune in NOW and empower your journey with the wisdom of Marc Randolph—because even the grandest ventures begin with the courage to take that first bold step.

HIGHLIGHTS:
[00:00:49] - Decision-Making in Ambiguity
[00:02:05] - Evolution of Risk-Taking
[00:02:53] - Persistence and Entrepreneurial Grit
[00:04:19] - Importance of Culture in Success
Where to find Marc Randolph**

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • That will never work by Marc Randolph

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Dive into an insightful episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast with our incredible guest, Martin Haese, former Lord Mayor of Adelaide and a trailblazer in entrepreneurship.

We explore Martin's multifaceted career - from founding successful fashion ventures like Youthworks and Sole Shoes to leading significant civic and business initiatives in South Australia.

Key Highlights:

  1. Building a $25 Million Fashion Empire: The story of founding and growing Youthworks and Sole Shoes.
  2. Strategic Leadership in Business and Governance: Insights from leading Rundle Mall Management Authority and co-founding Entrepreneurs Organisation.
  3. Contributions Beyond Business: Roles as Lord Mayor, CEO of Business SA, and involvement in the Dept. of Trade and Investment.
  4. Commitment to Sustainability: Chairing the Premier's Climate Change Council and innovative approaches in business.
  5. Vision for South Australia's Future: Perspectives on economic growth, innovation, and community impact.

This episode offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a leader who's consistently challenged the status quo, embraced innovation, and pursued his vision with relentless determination. It's a must-listen for those interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, and community development.

TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00:10] - Introduction of Martin Haese and his notable achievements.
[00:04:22] - Martin's early years and his aspiration for business.
[00:14:08] - The inception of Youthquake in 1993 and its journey.
[00:21:07] - Emphasis on the importance of systems and reinvesting in business.
[00:26:13:] - Building a strong company culture centered around values and customers.
[00:32:14] - 'Freedom Fridays': Allocating time for research and future planning.
[00:43:04] - Martin Haese discusses selling his business and transitioning roles.
[01:03:27] - Exploring the potential for entrepreneurship in South Australia.
[01:09:30] - Explaining the role and responsibilities of the Lord Mayor of Adelaide.
[01:21:19] - Martin Haese's enthusiasm about South Australia's leadership in renewable energy.

Where to find Martin Haese

  • LinkedIn

Books Mentioned:

  • Moneyball The Art of Winning an Unfair Game By: Michael Lewis

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

View Details

Dive into our lates episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast as we unravel the extraordinary journey of Shaun Westcott, CEO of Mitsubishi. From the challenging military ranks in South Africa to leading a global automotive powerhouse, Shaun's story is a masterclass in resilience and innovation.

Discover how Shaun's early military experience shaped his formidable leadership style. Hear about his transformative role at Coca-Cola and how he revolutionized AC Whitcher amidst the 2008 Global Financial Crisis with his out-of-the-box thinking.

The episode takes a personal turn with Shaun's move to South Australia following a traumatic incident, leading to pivotal changes both personally and professionally. Learn about his rapid rise to CEO at Mitsubishi, a record-breaking achievement demonstrating his exceptional strategic vision.

Shaun shares insights on his leadership philosophy, the future of electric cars, and balancing a demanding CEO role with family life.

🎧 Tune in for this inspiring conversation and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts on Shaun's remarkable journey!

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:[05:04] - Shaun's Childhood on a South African Farm
[06:21] - Shaun's Passion for Adventure and Adrenaline Activities
[07:27] - Shaun's Ambition to Visit Antarctica
[08:14] - Influence of Shawn's Entrepreneurial Parents
[09:01] - Resilience and Resourcefulness Lessons from Parents
[09:46] - Compulsory Military Service Experience in South Africa
[10:18] - Youngest in School & Joining the Military
[11:07] - Identified as a Leader in the Military
[12:22] - The Importance of People and Motivation
[13:47] - Reflections on Compulsory Military Service

Trigger Warning: Please be advised that some parts of this episode contain discussions on sensitive topics, including personal experiences of violence and trauma. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those who may find such subjects distressing. We strive to handle these topics with respect and sensitivity, but we understand if some listeners choose to skip this content for their well-being.

Where to find Shaun Westcott

  • LinkedIn

Books Mentioned:

  • From Good to Great by Jim Collins

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

View Details

Join us in this inspiring episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast as we delve into the remarkable journey of Alisa Fraser, an entrepreneurial force in the Australian business landscape.

Known for her rise to fame on 'The Block', Alisa's story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and unyielding ambition. From her early days in the police force to dominating the world of interior design and creating the multimillion-dollar AL.ive Body brand, Alisa's journey is filled with invaluable lessons, daring risks, and breathtaking successes. In this conversation, she shares the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial path, her approach to overcoming challenges, and the insights she's gained along the way.

This episode is more than just a success story; it's a narrative of transformation, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business enthusiast, or simply love success stories, Alisa's insights and experiences are sure to motivate and enlighten. Tune in now!

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
[1:55] - Age and Self-Image
[4:02] - Awards and Success on "The Block"
[6:18] - Childhood and Upbringing
[11:10] - Importance of Sports in Life
[12:31] - Duration of Mother's Business and Sibling Relationship
[16:43] - Aspiration to Join the Police Force
[23:22] - Applying for "The Block"
[32:17] - Using Social Media for Business Growth
[34:33] - Starting an Interior Design Business
[1:16:09] - Winning the 40 under 40 Award

Where to find Alisa Fraser

  • LinkedIn

Books Mentioned:

  • $100M Leads How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff By: Alexander Hormozi
  • $100M Offers How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No By: Alex Hormozi

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

View Details

Join us on the Creating Synergy Podcast for an engaging episode featuring Brenton Cox, Managing Director of Adelaide Airport, as we delve into his journey from a childhood enriched with cricket, reading, and community service to leading one of South Australia's most pivotal aviation hubs.

Discover Brenton's unique leadership style, marked by calmness, humility, and a welcoming nature, which has guided him through various challenging roles in the aviation industry.

This episode offers an in-depth look at his transition from law to aviation, his strategic navigation through the COVID-19 pandemic at Adelaide Airport, and the leadership philosophies that have shaped his successful career.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the essence of effective leadership and the impact of personal growth on professional success.

Key Highlights:

  1. From Law to the Runway: Trace Brenton's unique career trajectory, starting from his days in law to his eventual plunge into the aviation sector, and how his diverse experiences shaped his approach to leadership.
  2. Leadership During Crisis: Gain insights into how Brenton navigated Adelaide Airport through the COVID-19 pandemic, facing challenges head-on and leading with resilience during one of the industry's most difficult periods.
  3. Personal Philosophy & Community Ties: Explore Brenton's personal philosophies and his early life influences, including his passion for cricket and community, which have significantly contributed to his leadership style.
  4. Strategic Vision for Adelaide Airport: Uncover the strategic decisions and future plans Brenton has for Adelaide Airport, focusing on growth, innovation, and adaptation in a rapidly changing industry.
  5. Leadership Insights: Delve into Brenton’s thoughts on effective leadership, his calm and humble approach, and how these qualities have become his superpower in managing complex situations and driving positive change.

Tune in to this captivating episode for a deep dive into the world of aviation leadership and the inspiring journey of Brenton Cox.

TIMESTAMPS:
[07:10] - Introduction of Brenton Cox and His Role at Adelaide Airport
[08:24] - Brenton's Entry into the Aviation Industry and Interest in Aviation
[17:50] - Impact of Brenton's Upbringing and Parental Influence
[31:37] - Transition from Legal and Finance to Aviation Industry
[46:12] - Brenton's Journey into the Aviation World and Finding Passion
[53:24] - Brenton as Managing Director: Challenges and Experiences During COVID-19
[1:07:26] - Managing Director Role: Focus on People and Airport Projects
[1:09:18] - Importance of Airport Security and Cybersecurity
[1:14:09] - Future of Airports: Technological Advancements and Sustainability
[1:21:57] - Brenton's Leadership Style and Philosophy: Servant Leadership and Accountability

Where to find Brenton Cox

  • LinkedIn

Books Mentioned:

  • The hard thing about hard things By: Ben Horowitz
  • Leaders eat last By: Simon Sinek

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access Syn

View Details

Dive into the remarkable journey of Andrew Downs, founder of SAGE Group, in this latest episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast. Discover how a small automation company from Adelaide soared to global heights, navigating through noise complaints and the brink of financial crisis to become a leading industry giant with over 700 employees and $200 million in revenue. Listen in as Andrew opens up about his early life's pivotal moments, the character-building challenges he faced, and his innate ability to forge lasting partnerships based on trust. With a blend of humor, wisdom, and candid revelations, this conversation is a trove of valuable lessons and a peek into the innovative future of SAGE Group.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Andrew's humble beginnings and the values instilled in him by his parents shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
  • The importance of finding mentors and surrounding yourself with the right people.
  • The early days of Sage Group were marked by hard work, a focus on quality, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
  • Building a high-performance culture is crucial for long-term success.
  • The willingness to take risks and the passion for innovation are key drivers of Sage Group's success.

This conversation isn't just a glimpse into a business magnate's mind—it's a blueprint of ambition, resilience, and visionary foresight.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[1:09]- Budget and Revenue
[6:21]- Entrepreneurial Spirit from Grandparents
[7:15]- Decision to Leave School
[8:50]- Apprenticeship Application
[27:01]- Founding of Sage
[31:20]- Long-term Employees
[32:24]- Skunk Works Strategy
[43:51]- Lack of Initial Business Strategy
[58:41]- 2008 Recession Challenges
[1:14:38]- Sage Group as a House of Brands

Where to find ANDREW DOWNS

  • LinkedIn

Books Mentioned:

  • Die With Zero Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life By: Bill Perkins
  • Scaling Up How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't By: Verne Harnish
  • Good to Great Why Some Companies Make the Leap... And Others Don't By: Jim Collins
  • Zero to One Notes on Start Ups, or How to Build the Future By: Peter Thiel, Blake Masters
  • The Tipping Point How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference By: Malcolm Gladwell

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

In this enriching episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast, join us as we uncover the layers of wisdom and humanity in one of the most esteemed leaders of our time, Alf Ianiello, the visionary CEO of ASX-listed powerhouse, CODAN, and the influential former CEO of the iconic South Australian enterprise, Detmold.

🌟 Episode Highlights:

  • Respected Leadership: Why Alf's compassionate leadership and deep family values resonate with so many.
  • Origins of Excellence: From Alf's Italian roots and National Soccer League achievements to confronting childhood challenges.
  • Pioneering CODAN: Alf's unique leadership approach, goal-setting techniques, and commitment to a thriving culture.
  • Braving Economic Tides: Alf's insights on the looming global recession, backed by his experience navigating the 2008 crisis.
  • Work-Life Balance: Alf's recipe for balancing career, relationships, and well-being.

Prepare to be inspired and enlightened, as Alf Ianiello bares the heart and mind behind the leader, sharing not just strategies for success, but the essence of a life well-lived.

🎧 Listen now and immerse yourself in a narrative of leadership, empathy, and strength, and perhaps, find pieces of wisdom to weave into your own story.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:[6:27] - Influence of Parents
[17:59] - Sports and Leadership
[21:34] - Evolving Leadership Style
[31:56] - Joining Detmold
[39:12] - Customer Centricity
[45:57] - Corporate Transitions
[58:16] - Goal Setting Strategies
[1:03:05] - Leadership Philosophy
[1:15:56] - Facing Recession
[1:19:52] - Work-Life Balance

Where to find Alf Ianiello

  • LinkedIn

Books Mentioned:

  • Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World By: David Epstein

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Join us on a riveting journey as we unpack the success story of Craige Whitton, CEO of Northline. From his roots in Perth, the guidance of his father, to his meteoric rise in the corporate world, Craige has quite a tale to tell. Especially, as Northline celebrates its 40th anniversary, it's the perfect time to hear how he spearheaded its exponential growth while ensuring the values of culture and positive work environment remained intact.

🔑 Top 5 Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Craige's Foundations: How Perth and his family values shaped Craige's distinctive leadership style.
  2. CFO to CEO: Tracing Craige's remarkable career trajectory and how he weathered the storm of the Global Financial Crisis.
  3. Northline's Evolution: A look at the company's journey from 8 depots & 250 employees to 18 depots with over 600 dedicated staff & contractors under Craige's stewardship.
  4. Culture & Change: Craige's perspective on fostering an inclusive work environment and the paramount importance of employee well-being.
  5. Navigating Economic Uncertainties: Craige's advice for businesses to remain resilient and thrive, drawing parallels from his GFC experience.

if you're as intrigued as we are by Craige's story, then don't just sit there! 🎧 Tune in NOW!

Feel enlightened? Elated? Eager for more? Then make sure to click on that like button, 🔄 share this episode with your mates, and 📌 subscribe to keep the synergy alive.

Let's create a community where inspiration meets action!

HIGHLIGHTS:

3:29: Craig's background and upbringing

13:58: Family values in the workplace

28:33: Impact of the global financial crisis

30:00: Importance of having the right people and culture

35:08: Strategic plan for growth and consolidation in the industry

45:00: Employee value proposition and high employee retention

52:01: Personalized customer service and relationship building

56:22: Managing the appetite for new technologies and focus on long-term challenges like sustainability

1:01:15: Insights from the Oxford leadership program

1:16:47: Navigating through economic crises and potential recession

Where to find Craige Whitton

  • LinkedIn

Books Mentioned:

  • A Bone of Fact By: David Walsh
  • The Ride of a Lifetime By: Robert Iger

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve deep into the mind of Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington, a globally renowned historian and philosopher, who has been pivotal in reshaping educational perspectives both in Australia and internationally. From her humble beginnings to being at the forefront of some of today's most pressing challenges, Professor Hughes-Warrington offers an insightful blend of history, philosophy, and modern education. Dive in with us as we explore her personal journey, her thoughts on intertwining academic disciplines, and her significant role in the university merger that's been making waves in South Australia.

🔍 Here are some cant-miss highlights of this episode:

1️⃣ The unique worldview of a historian & philosopher melded into one.
2️⃣ The monumental university merger – what it means and the genius behind it.
3️⃣ How AI is taking notes from historians. Yup, it’s as cool as it sounds!
4️⃣ Marnie's journey from being a Rhodes Scholar to a game-changer in modern education.
5️⃣ Insights from her 8 (yes, EIGHT!) trailblazing books.

A blend of wit, wisdom, and 'wow' moments, this is an episode you won't want to skip! 🌟

We hope you enjoy this insightful episode! As always, your feedback is invaluable to us. Please like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest content. And do share your thoughts on the topics discussed in this episode—we'd love to engage in meaningful conversations with our listeners!

HIGHLIGHTS:

3:32 - Discussion about the prestigious Australian Prime Minister's award for teaching.

5:58 - Sharing a personal story about being a first-generation university graduate and the journey to becoming a Rhodes scholarship recipient.

7:29 - Insight into the bestselling book and sneak peek into upcoming publications.

11:33 - The purpose and vision behind Marnie's scholarship, emphasizing on education and working with the deaf community.

14:18 - A candid talk about Marnie's struggle with video games and her perspective on questioning fairness.

18:08 - An emotional reflection on impactful memories, especially her father's staunch belief in education and his love for nature.

22:13 - Highlighting the immense importance of asking questions and the ability to think differently in today's world.

29:42 - The philosophy of maintaining humility in the world of academia and the essence of continuous learning.

38:24 - A profound conversation about self-awareness, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our own strengths and weaknesses with compassion.

1:20:08 - A stimulating debate on the subjective nature of history versus majority beliefs, and how this shapes our understanding of the past.

Where to find Marnie Hughes-Warrington

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

  • Growing up Aboriginal in Australia By: Anita Heiss

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Dive in as we unravel the journey of an absolute powerhouse, Christine Zeitz. Ever been the only one left standing? Christine was - overlooked in her uni days, only to shoot up as a beacon in the defense sector. If TOP GUN's fighter jets got your heart racing, know that Christine leads the charge at Northrop Grumman, the brand behind those beasts!

From 25 pivotal years at BAE to breaking ceilings as the first female CEO in Australia's top 40 defense giants – Christine's tale is nothing short of epic. And she's not just playing the defense game. She's in the boardroom, on the footy field, and lighting up platforms like the Advertiser's 2023 top 40.

Join us for a rollercoaster ride: We touch on everything from her early 'weirdo hippie' days to deep dives into the defense industry's future. And yes, if you loved the fighter jets in TOP GUN, she's got stories for you!

Tune in now and let Christine's story inspire your next big leap!

HIGHLIGHTS:
01:03: Christine's journey from being the only overlooked university graduate to becoming a defense titan.
07:45: Diving deep into her 25-year stint at BAE and what really anchored her to the company.
13:52: The exciting connection between Northrop Grumman and Hollywood's TOP GUN.
21:28: The transition challenges from Lockheed to Leidos and her strategies behind the whopping 100% growth in revenue.
29:15: Christine’s candid take on her "weirdo hippie" phase amidst the corporate world.
37:10: A close look at the dynamics of leading in a male-dominated defense industry and her vision for diversity.
44:25: Her role outside the defense circle - from football to economic development.
51:38: Insights into the rapidly evolving defense sector and the challenges that lie ahead for Australia.
59:04: Personal battles: How Christine manages emotions, fears, and mental health given the high stakes of her role.
01:05:20: Looking back, looking forward: Christine's advice for aspiring leaders and her views on the future, especially regarding AI.

Where to find Christine Zeitz

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

  • Don’t be too polite, Girls by Wendy McCarthy

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

In this fresh new episode , we had the privilege of diving into the world of healthcare leadership with the remarkable Dr. Robyn Lawrence, the visionary CEO of SA Health. Her insights and experiences offer a roadmap for navigating the complexities of healthcare.

Here's why you should not miss this episode:

1. Resilience in Leadership- Explore how Dr. Lawrence's journey, from projects to pandemic response, reflects resilient leadership in the face of challenges.

2. Future-Proofing Through Innovation- Discover how technology can reshape healthcare, as Dr. Lawrence envisions a patient-centric, tech-driven future.

3. Inclusivity and Cultural Transformation- Learn from Dr. Lawrence's insights on fostering inclusivity and navigating cultural shifts for a stronger healthcare ecosystem.

4. Strategies for Effective Leadership- Gain practical leadership strategies from Dr. Lawrence's experiences at the helm of SA Health.

5. Collaborative Power -Understand the impact of collaboration in healthcare, driving positive changes and improved patient care.

Join us as we explore these key takeaways from our conversation with Dr. Robyn Lawrence. Her expertise and insights redefine healthcare leadership and inspire us all to create synergy within the industry. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of healthcare. 🎧

HIGHLIGHTS:

1:36 - Early life and decision to pursue a career in medicine

8:10 - The importance of curiosity and willingness to ask questions

12:35 - Involvement in opening the Perth Children's Hospital

30:03 - Leadership lessons and the importance of communication during crisis

38:22 - Experience and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic

49:25 - Managing personal and professional challenges as a leader

1:02:37 - Focus on improving emergency access and hospital redevelopment projects

1:06:32 - The potential to fix the issue of ramping in healthcare

1:23:05 - Maintaining mental health and avoiding burnout

1:28:44 - Excitement for future opportunities at work and personally

Where to find Dr. Robyn Lawrence

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Get ready for an insightful conversation with the remarkable Andrew Bills, CEO of SA Power Networks.

Andrew captivates us with his inspiring personal journey, laced with resilience and transformation, from navigating personal loss to combating significant adversities in his career, including a cyber-attack and personal health challenges.

This episode offers a wealth of insights into leadership, crisis management, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Join us as Andrew shares his vision for the future of SA Power Networks and invaluable leadership advice.

This episode is an absolute must-listen for those seeking inspiration and practical wisdom from the top echelons of leadership. Tune in now!

Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

1:43 | Andrew's background and early life
3:46 | The impact of losing his father at a young age
6:12 | Attending boarding school and developing independence
7:59 | Moving to Brisbane and working at Coopers and Lybrand
11:53 | Joining Babcock and Brown and experiencing the financial crisis
19:57 | Joining Origin Energy and working on cultural change
27:28 | Discussing the recent issues at PwC and the importance of balanced perspective
29:33 | Leaving PwC and joining Stanwell Corporation
33:46 | Working at Babcock and Brown Power during the financial crisis
40:15 | Building a safety culture at Origin Energy
45:42 | Turning around the LPG business at Origin Energy
49:21 | The mindset and actions needed to change culture
52:35 | The ROI of improving culture at Origin Energy
54:59 | Discussion about the impact of culture on business
57:21 | Transitioning to the role of CEO at SA Power Networks

Stay tuned, stay connected, and don't forget to subscribe and give us follow! Let's keep #CreatingSynergy! 😉

Where to find Andrew Bills

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Books mentioned in the podcast:

  • The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control A Path to Peace and Power By: Katherine Morgan Schafler
  • The Tipping Point, How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference By: Malcolm Gladwell
  • Outliers The Story of Success By: Malcolm Gladwell

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

In this riveting episode, we welcome back the remarkable Connor O'Rourke, Co-Founder and Director of Nuago. Recently crowned as the South Australian Entrepreneur of the Year 2023, Connor takes us behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial saga and his journey of transforming Nuago into a trailblazing IT solutions powerhouse.

Delve into the mind of a business titan as he discusses the vital role of embracing discomfort and ambiguity on the entrepreneurial path. Gain rare insights into overcoming Imposter Syndrome and understand the incredible importance of validation on this tumultuous journey.

Get ready to be inspired, to challenge your perspectives, and to elevate your entrepreneurial game. You don't want to miss out on these nuggets of wisdom!

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • [00:02:30] Introduction to Connor O'Rourke, 2023 South Australian Entrepreneur of the Year, and the story of his ascent to entrepreneurial success with Nuago.
  • [00:10:20] Connor's perspective on entrepreneurship: Understanding the essence of comfort in discomfort and embracing ambiguity.
  • [00:15:50] An honest look at Imposter Syndrome: How it's a shared experience among entrepreneurs, and the importance of validation on this journey.
  • [00:22:45] Life beyond business: The influence of team sports on personal and professional development.
  • [00:31:00] Building a strong sales team: Learn the secrets behind Nuago's success and how company values play a crucial role.
  • [00:42:50] The future of AI: A thought-provoking discussion on the ethical implications and the need for human values in its development.
  • [00:53:00] Connor's advice to young entrepreneurs and his vision for the future of entrepreneurship in South Australia.

This episode is more than just a podcast; it’s a masterclass in entrepreneurship. Tune in now!

Where to find Connor O'Rourke

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Books mentioned in the podcast:

  • Go Giver by Bob Burg
  • Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

In this special episode, we have the privilege of hosting an extraordinary guest, Khadija Gbla. Her resilience and determination have shattered the boundaries of adversity, and her story will leave you inspired, enlightened, and motivated to create positive change.

Highlights:

  1. From Trauma to Triumph: Khadija shares her journey as a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) and her commitment to ending this human rights violation.
  2. Navigating Hardships as a Refugee: Gain insights into Khadija's experiences as a refugee, shedding light on the challenges faced and the strength required to rebuild a new life.
  3. Embracing Neurodiversity: Khadija shares strategies and advocates for understanding and supporting neurodiversity.
  4. Confronting Racism: Learn about Khadija's experiences with extreme racism and her efforts to combat discrimination.
  5. Motherhood and Advocacy: Explore Khadija's experiences as a mother and her advocacy for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Key Takeaways:

  • Khadija's journey inspires resilience and determination.
  • Education and awareness are vital in eradicating practices like FGM.
  • Supporting neurodiversity leads to a more inclusive society.
  • Confronting racism requires dialogue, empathy, and dismantling biases.
  • Change is possible when we believe in our ability to make a difference.

Join us on the Creating Synergy Podcast as we delve into Khadija Gbla's incredible story of resilience, activism, and hope.

Where to find Khadija Gbla

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Ever wondered about the journey of a true leader? What drives them, inspires them, or how they manage during a crisis? Today's your chance to find out!

Join us for an exclusive episode featuring the 46th Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall! We're going behind the scenes, uncovering stories from his early life, his shift into politics, and the thrill of becoming Premier.

Here's what you can look forward to:

👉 Steven's inspiring transition from business to politics.
👉 The behind-the-scenes of managing a team, a pandemic, and the media's attention.
👉 How he's fostering South Australia's thriving startup ecosystem.
👉 Balancing work and family life: a leader's perspective.
👉 Living in South Australia: the inside scoop.

This episode is brimming with leadership insights, resilience, and the power of creating synergy.

So why wait? Tune in NOW! Share it with friends who love to learn, grow, and be inspired. 🚀

Where to find Steven Marshall

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

  • A Bigger Picture By: Malcolm Turnbull
  • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life By: Mark Manson

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast where we redefine entrepreneurship, finance, and life itself! This time, we're joined by Tammy Barton, the visionary Founder and Director of My Budget.

🎧 Tune in as Tammy offers a first-hand account of her journey, transitioning from a young entrepreneur to a business titan, breaking barriers along the way. We delve into the heart of financial challenges in today's society, with Tammy offering golden nuggets of advice for anyone wrestling with financial hurdles.

Prepare for a deep dive into:

  • The critical need for a solid budget and masterful cash flow management.
  • The art of achieving balance between work, life, and family.
  • The cybersecurity landscape and its importance in business today.
  • Strategies for managing crises and bouncing back stronger.

🔥 This episode also ignites a passionate conversation about supporting and empowering the next generation of female entrepreneurs, a cause close to Tammy's heart.

💡 This isn't just an episode; it's a stepping stone towards transforming your mindset and approach towards entrepreneurship, finance, and life.

Get ready to be enlightened, challenged, and inspired.

Remember to subscribe, share, and leave us a review. We appreciate your support!

Where to find Tammy Barton

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Get ready for an inspiring and insightful conversation with Tobi Pearce, Co-Founder of SWEAT, on our latest podcast episode.

In this episode, Tobi shares his personal and professional journey from his early musical career to becoming a successful entrepreneur and building a $400m empire.

Join us as we dive deep into topics such as work-life balance, managing emotions, leading with compassion, and using metrics to your advantage.

Key takeaways from this episode:

  1. Building a successful business - Insights on being open to feedback, using metrics for decision-making, and differentiating between objective and subjective risk.
  2. Leadership - Tips on leading with compassion and empathy in people management, leading by example and culture, and understanding that you can't win with everyone.
  3. Work-life balance - Secrets to balancing work and family life while building a $400m empire.
  4. Emotions and resilience - Techniques for regulating emotions, leading with no emotions, and building resilience to overcome challenges.
  5. Seeking truth - Understanding how seeking truth can be a superpower and help you become a better leader and make better business decisions.

Tobi also shares practical tips on how to improve your decision-making skills and become a better leader.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business leader, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and discover how Tobi built his empire through resilience, hard work, and leadership.

Where to find Tobi Pearce

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life By: Spencer Johnson
  • Managing Oneself By: Peter F. Drucker

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

🎙️ Discover the Secrets to Entrepreneurial Success with Netflix Co-founder, Marc Randolph!

Are you ready to unlock the 🔑 to entrepreneurial success? Don't miss this exclusive episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast, where we sit down with the legendary Marc Randolph, co-founder of Netflix, to dive deep into the fascinating world of entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal growth!

In this power-packed episode, you'll learn:

🚀 The importance of hands-on experience in shaping successful entrepreneurs
🌟 How to master decision-making in uncertain situations
🔧 The unmatched value of trying, failing, and learning from feedback
⏰ Why there's no better time to start your entrepreneurial journey than now
🏋️‍♂️ The crucial balance between courage, grit, and perseverance
🧩 The secret to finding fulfillment in your entrepreneurial pursuits

And that's just the beginning! Gain insights into:

💡 How the idea for Netflix was born out of countless pitches and brainstorming sessions
🎯 The art of striking the perfect balance between your professional and personal life
📈 The power of adaptability and strong company culture in driving business success
🌠 Marc Randolph's book, offering an authentic portrayal of the entrepreneurial journey

Get ready to be inspired and empowered by Marc Randolph's incredible story, wisdom, and practical advice. Don't miss this game-changing episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast! 🎉

👉 Listen NOW and embark on your path to entrepreneurial success!

Where to find Marc Randolph

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • That will never work by Marc Randolph

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

🎉🎙️ Celebrate with us as we unveil our special 100th episode of #CreatingSynergyPodcast!

Creating Synergy has connected us all since March 2020, delivering inspiring stories, valuable insights, and innovative ideas in leadership, entrepreneurship, culture, and more. 🚀

From a humble start to a beautiful studio in Adelaide, we're grateful for the tens of thousands of listeners, supporters, and incredible guests who made this journey possible. 🙌

Let's dive into captivating discussions on topics such as:

🤖 The future of work with robots and AI
🏡 Remote work & productivity
🌟 The importance of integrity in business
🚀 Creating a strong culture in startups
🌏 Attracting talent to grow your state

Join us for this unforgettable episode as we welcome back four superstars who've made a lasting impact on our community: Claire Parkison, Eloise Hall, Andrew Nunn, and Mick O'Rourke. 💡

Let's celebrate our milestone together and look forward to the next 100 episodes of transformation!

Listen now to this insightful and EPIC panel discussion and share your favorite moments from the Creating Synergy Podcast journey!

TIMESTAMP:

Growing up in Adelaide (8:56)
Overcoming life's challenges (11:35)
Impact of technology on jobs (18:00)
Work-from-home productivity (25:54)
Preserving culture in cities (30:05)
Navigating office politics (44:14)
Digital governance (56:15)
Attracting talent to the state (1:03:26)
Integrity in business (1:15:56)
Playing to your values (1:23:00)
Focusing on the consumer (1:33:12)
Excitement for the next five years (1:39:56)

CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS:

Andrew Nunn
Mick O'Rourke
Eloise Hall
Claire Parkinson

Books mentioned in this episode:

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
Leading Edge by Holly Ransom
Four Thousand Weeks The smash-hit Sunday Times bestseller that will change your life By: Oliver Burkeman

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

CreatingSynergy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Culture #MilestoneCelebration #100thepisode #PanelDiscussion

View Details

Discover the Power of Resilience, Passion, and Innovation in our Latest Episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast!

Join us for an exciting and insightful conversation with Kelly Jamieson, the inspiring CEO of Edible Blooms. In this episode, we explore Kelly's unique entrepreneurial journey, from her early career in London's magazine industry to building her thriving business in the world of Edible Blooms.

n this must-listen episode, 🎧 Get ready to learn about:

🔸 The inspiration behind Edible Blooms
🔸 Her unique career path, her experiences in scaling a business, and the importance of hustle and persistence.
🔸 The challenges and benefits of being a female founder today and the pressing issues faced by female founders, such as the funding gap for women-led businesses in Australia
🔸 Their decision not to enter the US market (for now)
🔸 The importance of staying engaged during the process of change.
🔸 Striking the balance between the desire to be liked and the desire to succeed
🔸 Encouraging and supporting women in business, from idea to commercial success

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Kelly and hear how she broke the mold and turned her passion into a thriving business. 💥

Tune in now!

TIMESTAMPS:

11:14 Working in magazines in London and the UK.
16:36 Where did the idea come from for the podcast?
21:30 Diversity is highly sought after these days.
27:03 What holds people back from starting a business?
29:31 How did you get to the point where you had to hire someone?
34:18 How she got her first paying customer.
36:48 The importance of hustle hustle hustle.
41:47 Why do you decide to go into state when you can’t even get a loan?
46:45 You don’t have to be the entrepreneur.
54:11 Change is an iterative process, as long as you keep the people engaged.
56:10 What advice do you give to young entrepreneurs now?
1:00:41 Why Edible Grooming doesn’t want to go into the US market.
1:05:12 The desire to be liked vs. the desire to be liked.
1:11:02 What are the challenges that come with being a female founder?
1:15:38 Women are not getting enough funding in businesses in Australia.
1:19:38 How do we get women from idea into actual commercial?
1:24:14 Is there a benefit for the mother to stay home for the first time?
1:28:46 What’s the future looking like for edible blooms?

Where to find Kelly Jamieson

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Red Notice by Bill Browder - A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice
  • Red Notice by Bill Browder - How I Became Putin's No. 1 Enemy

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Looking for insights into the logistics and ports industry? Look no further than the latest episode of #CreatingSynergyPodcast, featuring CEO of Flinders Ports Holdings, Stewart Lammin.

With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Stewart shares his vast knowledge and experience on the importance of the logistics and ports industry, and how Flinders Port Holdings became one of the top 10 companies in South Australia, employing over 700 people and supporting over 6000 jobs locally, with an annual turnover of over $200 million.

In this episode, you'll learn about what makes a great CEO, the key behaviors Stewart looks for in his leadership team, the art of holding people accountable, and the importance of listening and seeking first to understand.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned CEO, or simply interested in the logistics industry, this episode is not to be missed!

Sit back, relax, and join us for an engaging and informative conversation with the inspiring Stewart Lammin!

Tune in now!

TIMESTAMPS:00:04:25 Make the most of life.

00:07:45 Take opportunities when they arise.

00:12:23 Focus on relationships, not numbers.

00:14:09 Leaders must listen and be brave.

00:19:00 Pack carefully to avoid damage.

00:26:19 Automate or become obsolete.

00:27:17 Take risks to innovate.

00:34:44 Manage health risks on ships.

00:37:00 Trust your team and look for opportunities.

00:40:38 Leadership is about setting example.

00:45:07 Trust the gut feeling.

00:53:50 Make your own luck.

00:59:51 Prioritize family over work.

01:05:07 Practice gratitude daily.

01:09:09 Culture is ever-evolving.

01:14:09 Hold people accountable.

01:18:30 Trust in others takes time.

01:20:41 Prepare for success.

01:25:16 Be a courageous leader.

Where to find Stewart Lammin

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Culture Inc by Michelle Holland
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People By: Stephen R. Covey

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Discover the world of creativity and innovation with visionary leader Heather Croall, CEO of the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

In this episode, Heather shares her incredible journey in the creative sector, innovative leadership methodologies, and exciting happenings behind the scenes of the biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

With over 800,000 ticket sales per year, the Adelaide Fringe Festival is one of the biggest arts festivals in the world.

Heather's adaptive and agile leadership methodologies have led to innovative digital platforms and systems, growth in ticket sales, and expansion of audience demographics.

Tune in to gain insight into the future of the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Heather's leadership methodologies that have contributed to her recognition as CEO of the Year by CEO Magazine.

If you're interested in leadership methodologies, innovations, and business growth, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss it!

Here are just a few highlights from the conversation:

🎯 Hear about the positive influence of Heather's parents on her life and how their support inspired her career path.
🎯 Get an inside look at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and all the exciting happenings behind the scenes. You'll hear about how Heather's leadership has helped increase ticket sales, expand audience demographics and garner high critical acclaim.
🎯 Learn about Heather's innovative leadership methodologies and how they can help drive change and growth in any sector.

Tune in now!

Where to find Heather Croall

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • ScreenAge - How TV shaped our reality, from Tammy Faye to RuPaul's Drag Race By: Fenton Bailey

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

In this latest episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Myron Mann, CEO of the Bedford Group and expert in turning businesses around.

With a wealth of experience leading Fortune 500 companies, Myron has a unique perspective on the key elements of success.

He is passionate about the social impact that businesses can make and believes that high-quality leadership is the key to changing society and improving the world we live in.

Here are just a few of the highlights you can expect in this episode:

📌Discover the story behind Myron's journey, from attending Woodstock at 18 to leading Fortune 500 businesses through turnarounds and restructures.
📌 Learn about Myron's passion for the social impact that businesses can make and how high-quality leadership is key to changing society and improving the world we live in.
📌 Gain valuable insights and strategies for managing a thriving organization and taking your business to the next level.
📌 Hear about all the amazing work that the Bedford Group is doing as the second largest employer of people with disabilities in Australia.
📌 Get inspired by Myron's experiences and challenges, and take away valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a real impact in their business.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills, make a real impact in their business and be inspired by the incredible journey of Myron Mann. So don't wait, tune in now and start learning from one of the best in the business.

Watch it live in our Youtube Channel here: 📺

Where to find Myron Mann

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life By Arthur Brooks

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

TIMESTAMPS:20:26 - 20:37 Learning to accept that you can never be ready with anything.
22:51 - 23:07 Managing Expectations
23:57 - 24:09 Getting benefit from Experience
31:44 - 32:04 You start to process leadership by listening.
33:11 - 33:17 it's highly unlikely that doing what you're doing better is going to actually change anything.
33:46 - 34:03 Making a paradigm shift
35:07 - 35:13 Managing toxic culture
36:19 - 36:38 Determining your Why
49:45 - 49:57 Recognising what's happening in the market and the need to adapt.
01:03:22 - 01:03:28 What employees in disability employment said about working where they are working.
01:17:57 - 01:18:05 about Social Impact
01:25:40 - 01:25:40 the single biggest thing government can do for people with disability
01:29:07 - 01:29:15 Lessons about leadership
01:32:42 - 01:33:00 Difference between management and leadership
01:33:32 - 01:33:49 Can you learn leadership from a half day course?
01:35:55 - 01:36:17 Importance of communication
01:36:43 - 01:36:45 How learning to trust yourself helps in your leadership journey

View Details

Learn the secrets from international bestselling author Bob Burg on the latest episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast and discover how giving, not just getting, is the key to reaching stratospheric success. 🚀

😱 With over 1 million copies sold, his book "The Go-Giver" has been rated #10 on Inc Magazine's Most Motivational Books of all time and Hubspot's Top 20 Most Highly Rated Books of all time.

Bob shares with us his journey to:
📌 Becoming an author and the global success of "The Go-Giver"
📌 Discover the key to success through giving, not just getting
📌 Learn about the 5 Laws of Stratospheric Success outlined in his book and how these laws work together and how serving others is the secret to achieving stratospheric success.
📌 Explore the importance of providing value without costing too much money
📌 Understand the difference between a win-win and a losing proposition

🎧 Sit tight and tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how to achieve success through serving others. You definitely won’t regret this!

Where to find Bob Burg

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • The Go-Giver A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea
    By: Bob Burg, John David Mann

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Join us for a special episode of the #CreatingSynergyPodcast as we sit down with Claire Parkinson, a member of the Senior Executive team at Oz Minerals. 

Claire's journey is truly inspiring. From becoming a mother at 16 and being kicked out of her home to finding her calling as a holiday rep in Turkey and later flourishing in leadership roles in the prison system. 

She shares her story of resilience, perseverance and growth, including how she became a qualified hostage negotiator and her role in major reform in South Australia. Don't miss this riveting conversation on leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. 

Tune in now, and we promise you won't be disappointed by the ride!

Where to find Claire Parkinson

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. 

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Our latest episode features special guest Louka Parry, CEO + Founder of The Learning Future, as we delve into the importance of humanizing the educational system.

From speaking multiple languages to spending time with indigenous communities, Louka shares insights on:

🔸 the value of great communication
🔸 how we can learn so much from indigenous cultures, and
🔸 the significance of being a global citizen.

✨Plus, we delve into the importance of learning a new language from an empathetic perspective and how to shift the current schooling system towards personalization rather than standardisation.

Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on how to create a more inclusive and effective education system.

Tune in now on any of your favourite podcast platforms!

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World By: Tyson Yunkaporta
  • Lifelong Kindergarten: Cultivating Creativity through Projects, Passion, Peers, and Play By: Mitchel Resnick
  • Ikigai - The Japanese Philosophy to Improve Health, Work and Relationship By: Alicia Mori
  • The Psychology of Money - Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness By: Morgan Housel

Where to find Louka Parry

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Today's episode is going to be a smash hit. We have an incredible guest with us today—Flavia Tata Nardini, the CEO and founder of Fleet Space Technologies.

Flavia's a self-proclaimed "space geek" and engineer. She has an inspiring journey from her childhood in Italy to her current role leading a cutting-edge space technology company in South Australia.

We're talking about everything from:

🎯 Depression to leadership
🎯 What it takes to run a successful company in the tech industry.
🎯 The highs and lows of being a leader in this field, so she's got some advice for us that you won't want to miss.
🎯 her thoughts on leadership and the relationship between sports and entrepreneurship
🎯 the exciting projects that Fleet Space is working on, including their revolutionary technology that has the potential to change the mining industry.

🌟Plus: we've got an extra bonus segment with Flavia's children sharing their thoughts on their mum!

Make sure to stick around until the end to hear her inspiring story and how she's creating synergy in her business and personal life.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Surrounded by Idiots. The Four Types of Human Behaviour (or, How to Understand Those Who Cannot Be Understood) By: Thomas Erikson

Where to find Flavia Tata Nardini

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Creating Synergy is back with a brand new episode with Grant Stevens, Commissioner of the South Australian Police on leading SA through a once-in-a-century pandemic!

This episode is jam-packed with real-world leadership insights from the man himself.

Grant leads one of the largest police services in Australia with over 5,000 staff and He has been a calm, steady presence over the past few years as State Coordinator for COVID-19, which has been one of the most significant challenges our state has faced in recent history.

In this episode, you'll learn:

🎯To remember that work becoming a priority over family life can happen but it isn’t and shouldn’t be the status quo

🎯A lot of people talk about ‘work life balance’, but Grant doesn’t subscribe to that concept and shares his own approach

🎯How to create a strong and positive culture and why it’s critical for leadership roles and ought to be considered fundamental for all organisations.

Plus, a lot more!

This podcast gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the most prominent people in SA led our state through a once-in-a-century pandemic and you'll quickly learn how down-to-earth, committed and easy-going Grant Stevens is!

We look forward to you hearing this one!

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... And Others Don't By: Jim Collins
  • Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life By: Spencer Johnson
  • Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It By: Chris Voss, Tahl Raz

Where to find Grant Stevens

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

In this episode, Kylie Morton, Head of Change at Synergy IQ explains why she doesn't believe that people are generally averse or 'resistant' to change—and why that's a problem.

Why is it that we’re all apparently ‘fatigued by change’, but we rarely do anything to change the way we navigate change?

Kylie wants us to rethink the way we approach change.

She wants less:

  • focus on placating the change 'resister', the noisy few
  • process, meetings, project plans, top-down directives

And what does she want?

Well, you'll have to listen to this episode to find out, but I can tell you it starts with us challenging this assumption that we're change resistant or fatigued by change... (because really, we're just having a reaction to change that has been poorly managed).

And she has a whole new approach to managing change which she outlines in this episode.

This is a must-listen for all leaders.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Atomic Habits By: James Clear

Where to find Kylie Morton

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

New episode in #CreatingSynergyPodcast with Anton Andreacchio who owns five companies and is on six prominent Adelaide boards. But here’s what you probably don’t know about him:

  1. He founded his first company, the Convergen Group, at the age of 22, which has become one of Australia’s leading companies in infrastructure visualisation.
  2. His second company Jumpgate was ridiculed, until it became the “next big thing”.
  3. He says entrepreneurs should ask themselves three simple questions when evaluating their ideas, "Do you have an idea? Do you believe it'll work? Are you willing to go after it?"
  4. He believes we spend too much time on the 'theatre' of entrepreneurship (and what we should be focussed on instead).
  5. He actively removes himself from projects and the mental models he uses to manage five separate businesses and six board roles.
  6. As the Chair of the Adelaide Film Festival, he’s obsessed with storytelling, the commercialisation of creative industries, and thinks most South Australians don’t understand our reputation in this space.

There's a reason Anton has been so successful and is on so many boards, including the South Australian Entrepreneurship Advisory Board; he’s refreshingly wise and is all about creating value.

Get Anton into your ears now!

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order By: Gary Gerstle
  • Thinking, Fast and Slow By: Daniel Kahneman

Where to find Anton Andreacchio

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Today on the show, we have Simon Hackett, an Australian technology entrepreneur, who co-founded Internode in 1991 , and after growing it to 450 staff, with 190,000 customers and an annual turnover of $180million, he sold it to iiNet for $105million in December 2011.

Simon Hackett is a man of many (unbelievable) firsts.

He was part of the team that first figured out how to bring the internet to Australia. He was the first person to connect a domestic appliance to the internet.

He also took delivery of Australia's first electric vehicle (he wasn't allowed to drive it on Australian roads mind you!) after a chance meeting with an ambitious young man by the name of Elon Musk. He founded Internode, one of Australia's most successful internet providers.

In this week's episode, we talk about all this… plus:

🎯his businesses near death experience

🎯the thing that took his business from 15 to 500 people

🎯why we should think about work life 'separation', rather than balance

🎯the thing that will lead to business failure more than anything else

🎯why he sold Internode

🎯his biggest fear and challenge right now

🎯 what his life looks like now

Get the insights of one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs into your ears.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Ringworld By: Larry Niven
  • Exactly, How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World By: Simon Winchester
  • Maverick The Success Story Behind the World's Most Unusual Workplace By: Ricardo Semler

Where to find Simon Hackett

  • Website
  • Twitter

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

David Fogarty’s portfolio company, the Davie Group, has done over $400 million in revenue in four years. How did he do it?

Entrepreneurs are the new rock stars, and this episode of the #creatingsynergypodcast has something special for you: a story of an entrepreneur who built a multi-million dollar eCommerce business at the age of 27!

This episode is like a mini-MBA in growth hacking a group of companies from nothing to over $400 million, from one of the best in the business.

We discussed:

🎯The resources he uses to grow his mindset and business

🎯His formula for business growth and happiness

🎯If he had to do it all over again, how he'd grow a multi-million dollar business faster

🎯Why building a community is the secret to high-growth ecommerce

🎯Why growth and imposter syndrome go hand-in-hand.

🎯 And much more!

If you're looking to learn more about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, scale, and mindset, this episode is for you so don't miss it!

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • AI Superpowers By: Kai-Fu Lee
  • Zero to One Notes on Start Ups, or How to Build the Future By: Peter Thiel, Blake Masters
  • Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't By: James Collins
  • The Way to Love By: Anthony de Mello

Where to find Davie Fogarty

  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Today's special guest in #CreatingSynergyPodcast was recently named by Cyberscoop, Australia’s only Top 50 Global cyber security thought leader.

As DTEX Systems Co-founder and CTO together with his 20+ years of cyber experience, he has a specific passion for the intersection between security and privacy and for helping organizations to define a balanced approach.

Today's episode is pretty hard-hitting on how we have been using google, social media and anything digitally. The cyber threat is real as we have just seen in the news recently with the Optus Breach.
In it, we discussed:

🎯 What business leaders should be thinking about right now
🎯 What we should be teaching our families and friends when it comes to protecting our data and privacy
🎯 Why culture matters when it comes to mitigating cyber threats
🎯 The potential for cyber warfare and the risks that Australian businesses and governments are watching closely.

If you're anything like most people, you don't want to think about the potential for cyber attacks or the perils of sharing information online, but inaction can be one of the most dangerous things when it comes to cyber security.

So, have a listen and find out what you can do to protect yourself and your business.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Rich Dad, Poor Dad - By: Robert T. Kiyosaki

Where to find Mohan:

  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

On today’s show, we have Adrian Tembel, CEO of Thomson Geer and chair of the South Australian Productivity Commission.

He's back for round two, and again, he makes no bones about the SA economy and what we need to do to turn things around.

Adrian is challenging the economic policy consensus in South Australia and we wanted to give him the opportunity to set out his thinking, why he thinks we have an economic problem, why he thinks our policies aren't working, and what he thinks is the best way forward.

In this new episode, Adrian pulls no punches talking about:

🎯 The three main weaknesses facing the SA economy

🎯 Why SA has continuously lagged behind other states and why it's time to reject old excuses

🎯 Our debt levels and calls for a bipartisan approach to sustainable debt levels

🎯 Interventionist industry policy and why the macro data shows it's not working

🎯 Why he believes government shouldn't build precincts like Lot 14, Tonsley

🎯 His ideas for the future - it's not all doom and gloom!

Adrian is optimistic that with a few key changes, we can turn it around and he shares his ideas in today’s episode.

If you do business in SA or care about the future of SA, this refreshing episode is a must-listen.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • The Lucky Country By Donald Horne

Where to find Adrian Tembel:

  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

A great thinker, strategist and business leader, Paul talks to us about his journey and learning experiences as CEO and how he led SYC to become one of the largest and most innovative purpose Organizations in Australia.

As a not-for-profit veteran, with over 18 years of experience as a CEO of some of our most game-changing organisations including Vinomofo, Paul Edgington knows one thing:

There’s no such thing as a Proper CEO.

So don’t bother trying.

Starting off as a sixteen-year-old who walked into his local pizza joint and thought, hey, I could run this place, Paul has learned some serious lessons in leadership.

In this episode, we explore:

🎯 Why hope alone isn’t a strategy for the not-for-profit sector
🎯 And why certainty is a false idol for leaders
🎯 Curing the plague of the Proper CEO and being the one you want to be

Paul’s journey from start-ups to c-suite, from large not-for-profits to industry disruptors like Vinomofo, has shown him the importance of calibrating, recalibrating and then calibrating again.

In a world of constant change, Paul will explain how language matters, disruption is vital and how his sixteen-year-old self had it all wrong.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Thinking, Fast and Slow By: Daniel Kahneman
  • Eureka By: Peter FitzSimons
  • The Pyramid of Lies Lex Greensill and the Billion-Dollar Scandal

Where to find Paul Edginton:

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

In today’s episode, Following a jam-packed, sold-out Lunch and Learn session in Adelaide, Synergy IQ Executive Director Michelle Holland is back on the podcast to lay down some cold hard facts about some current trends in change and the uncomfortable truth of the Great Resignation, or how she describes it as the Great Reality Check.

We explore:

  • Why people are quietly quitting or walking off the job
  • How organisations are misjudging the trends and not reading the room
  • And what business leaders need to do about it
  • And so much more!

Michelle also shares some of her top tips on what you can do to stay ahead of the curve, build an engaged culture and create an experience your employees will love.

If you want to stem the tide of turnover in your organisation or keep your best talent from looking elsewhere, this episode is a must-listen.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Culture Inc. by Michelle Holland

Where to find Michelle Holland:

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Hello there Synergisers, and welcome back to another episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast with Daniel Franco.

Today on the show we had the amazing Eloise Hall, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Social Enterprise Business Taboo Period Products.

When Eloise Hall was just 17 years old, she was sitting at a leadership conference with her bestie and a light bulb moment hit.

Could they start a social enterprise that would make period poverty history?

And so, with the support of their families and school, they founded TABOO - a ground-breaking menstrual health social enterprise.

Now, you'll find TABOO pads and tampons in major retailers like OTR and National Pharmacies and their online "Pad it forward" program is also making huge inroads, helping to provide free pads and tampons to those experiencing period poverty.

Eloise also speaks about:

🔸The big lessons she learned in the first few years of running TABOO

🔸Period poverty and how businesses can play a role in solving this global problem

🔸How we can bridge the inequality gap

🔸The ins and out of social enterprise

🔸And much more!

Whether you need a dose of inspiration or you want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to get a social enterprise up and running, this conversation is for you!

If you like this episode, you'll love the rest of our episodes with high-profile leaders, thinkers, entrepreneurs and athletes. Find us on Spotify, Apple, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember to share, like and subscribe, this really will help us out.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

Where to find Andrew Nunn:

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Andrew Nunn is Co-Founder, Chairman and Executive Director of JBS&G Australia—one of Australia’s largest privately-owned environmental consulting companies. Andrew also acts as Director for several companies focused on property development, private equity investments, and entertainment opportunities. In partnership with his wife Alexandra Dimos, he founded the Nunn Dimos Foundation, a philanthropic fund focused on supporting key social and arts causes in South Australia.

Andrew was Appointed in early 2021, as the South Australian Chief Entrepreneur, with the role to provide high-level, independent advice to the South Australian Cabinet and the business community, to enable entrepreneurialism across all forms of business, industry, and the public sector.

We discussed so many of the intricacies of being a business owner, entrepreneur, and leader, then coupled it with his insights and experiences along the way, and how he grew and scaled his business JBS&G.

Like everyone else, he went through all the teething problems of growing a business but maintained his position to continually treat people with respect and dignity, which he believes enabled good things to happen.

Andrew also provided some insight around:

  • How he built one of Australia's largest privately held environmental consulting companies
  • The one mistake he made in his business growth trajectory
  • The most transformational business decision he made
  • His plans for the Chief Entrepreneur role and why we need to grow South Australia's investable companies
  • The one lesson that's taken him the longest to learn

And plenty more!

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

Where to find Andrew Nunn:

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq), and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing, and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Shaun's career in the AFL speaks for itself, playing 407 games of professional football, the 5th most ever in the history of the AFL and the 1st indigenous player to have ever played over 400 games. He is a x4 premierships player, winning 3 with Hawthorn Football Club and 1 with Port Adelaide Football Club.

Since retiring at the end of 2021, he has transitioned into media where he now finds himself on Channel 7 and triple M commentating the AFL matches, as well as working in multiple positions at Port Adelaide such as Indigenous Liaison officer, Football Service officer, and Community Ambassador.

On today’s show, whilst we speak a lot about football in this podcast, this chat is more about the inner mindset of a football player and the inner workings of an elite football club. Shaun was recruited in 2009 to the Hawthorn Football Club, and the club under the leadership of Alistair Clarkson, built a dynasty, winning 4 premierships over 8 years. We talked about the high-performing culture the club created, the meaning of living and breathing the values within a football club context, and the absolute obsession with giving and receiving feedback.

We also deep-dived into Shaun's own mindset, and how he grew from a pretty easy-going teenager who had just been drafted to becoming elite with his habits and behaviors, his application, his mental state, and how he managed through the ups and downs of injury, how he kept himself in the best possible position they play week in and week out, and finally how he managed to be a husband and father of 4 whilst playing at the highest level for 20+ years.

Shaun also shared with us :

  • His journey and the importance of his family in his career - Wife and 4 kids
  • His learnings as a player and the influence of his coaches in his life
  • How was the process of Changing club and the importance of the values and culture of the club
  • Importance of Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Reconciliation Path
  • Culture change in the club - Women can now play
  • How he learned to trust others

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Silk Football, Family, Respect By: Shaun Burgoyne, Martin Blake

Where to find Shaun Burgoyne:

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq), and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing, and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Niki is the Co-founder of Blackbird, a venture fund that exists to supercharge the most ambitious founders. Blackbird Ventures is one of the leading Venture Capital funds in Australia and NZ, counting companies such as Canva, Culture Amp, and Safety Culture as part of its portfolio.

Niki Co-founded Blackbird in 2012 with an initial $29M. That initial fund proved to be hugely successful, with the fund selling 40% of fund 1 for $100M. The sale provided a guaranteed 3x return to all 96 investors who contributed to fund 1 while retaining an interest in the 12 portfolio companies with a carrying value of $6.50 per $1 invested.

On today’s show, Niki shared his journey from starting a business with his University friend, Mike Cannon Brookes, whom you may know as the founder of Atlassian, all the way to co-founding Blackbird Ventures and how he became known as the 'Godfather' of Venture Capital here in Australia.

He also shared the Blackbird’s investing philosophy, "Taking a chance on the hungry, not the proven" which means he is more interested in those who are passionate to succeed than those who possibly have already proven themselves, and also discussed why "investing is more phycological than it is data and analytics".

Niki also shared with us :

  • What are some of the key qualities he looks for in entrepreneurs which lead to success,
  • The pivotal role organisational Culture plays in startups
  • What the Australian Start-Up Scene looks like over the next 5-10 years
  • His advice for entrepreneurs to attract investors
  • His beliefs in the constant need for Personal growth
  • What does the future look like for Blackbird Ventures.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Poor Charlie's Almanack - The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger By: Charles Thomas Munger
  • Zero to One - Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future By Peter Thiel, Blake Masters

Where to find Aaron Hickmann:

  • LinkedIn
  • Website
  • Twitter

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq), and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing, and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

A serial entrepreneur, Aaron started his first business as a 15-year-old while still in high school. He has since established, sold, and grown ventures within the technology sector. Passionate about collaboration, innovation, and returning manufacturing to Australia, he is demonstrating that it can be achieved through the adoption of advanced technology to achieve cost comparative products while exceeding quality standards.

With over ten years of experience in the lighting industry, Aaron has forged relationships with ‘best of breed’ entrepreneurs and innovators across the globe, from Silicon Valley to Germany and Japan. His renewed focus is working on R&D projects which reimagine lighting technology of the future.

In 2021 InDaily 40under40 for South Australia, Aaron was awarded the state’s top young entrepreneur award, for his development of LED lighting systems. VALO’S technology has pushed into fields spanning SPORTS, transport, and defense and over the past decade, you may have seen their LED lights lighting up spaces across South Australia such as the Titanium Security Arena and the light, and Art & Technology winter festival here in South Australia, Illuminate Adelaide.

Moreover, you may have seen the VALO name on signage around numerous places as they are sponsoring so many amazing sports and sporting teams such as:

  • Hawthorn Football Club
  • Adelaide Crows Football Club
  • Sport SA,
  • Adelaide United
  • Sport NSW
  • VicSport
  • Baseball Australia
  • Adelaide Giants
  • Football SA

On today’s show, we deep-dived into Aaron’s journey of founding VALO, expanding in SA, and bringing manufacturing back onshore. Aaron shares how having production move back onshore helps to increase employment in South Australia and provides economic benefits for the state in an emerging advanced manufacturing industry.

Aaron also shared the ambitions and purpose of VALO focused on constantly researching and developing smart lighting products which will improve sustainability, reduce carbon footprints and provide significant benefits to wide-ranging communities.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Less and More The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams

Where to find Aaron Hickmann:

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq), and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing, and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Jim has 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors. Before joining Nova Systems, he was South Australia’s top public servant in the role of Chief Executive for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

Prior to that, he was the CEO of BAE Systems Australia for 10 plus years, where he oversaw the purchase of Tenix Defence. Under his leadership, the company expanded to become Australia's largest defense prime, with more than 6,500 employees and annual sales of approximately AUD $1.7 billion. He then moved to BAE in Saudi Arabia where he took up the role of in-country CEO for the $6 billion business.

Jim has also served as the Chancellor of the University of South Australia and he also worked in legal, commercial, and marketing roles with the aerospace company Bombardier Shorts for 18 years after graduating from the University of Warwick (England).

On top of all this, he has also been in Non-executive director roles, for Codan, RAA, Austral, and Micro X.

On today’s show, listen to:

  • Jim's journey over the years.
  • Stories of Northern Ireland where he grew up
  • Lobbying for Capitol Hill and why the US has 50% of the worlds defense spends
  • Strategy and how to stick to it,
  • Building trusting relationships with all stakeholders
  • What the future looks like for Nova Systems
  • The new rebranding they have just gone through
  • Jim's thoughts on what is happening in the world right now, with Ukraine, Russia, and China, and how Australia sits within the geopolitical nature.

Timestamp:

12:27 – Leadership point of view
15:29 – Art and Literature
24:23 – Insight on US Defense
28:33 – On being CEO
32:32 – On Making Change and Building Relationships
35:14 – Being a Leader
36:45 – On Knowing the Right Strategy
41:49 – Nova Systems and Nova Strategies
47:13 – People Aspect of Growth
51:43 – Integrating Business
1:02:16 – On Defense and Protecting Ourselves
1:06:37 – Leadership Growth, own experience
1:09:10 – Leadership Management
1:14:39 – Feedback and Accountability
1:19:57 – Advise on Being First Time CEO

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Sword of Honour Trilogy By: Evelyn Waugh
  • History of the Peloponnesian war By: Thucydides

Where to find Jim McDowell:

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq), and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing, and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Gatik Chaujer is the co-founder of the global, award-winning Leadership Development firm, TransforMe. He is a passionate facilitator, coach & keynote speaker, with 20 years of training and coaching experience, his journey is a story worth listening to!

Driven by his mission to transform a million lives, Gatik’s uniqueness lies in his innate ability to connect, spontaneously share, be mindfully present and bring humour to learning! Gatik is not just a brilliant storyteller but also a highly sought after storytelling coach – for speakers, leaders and marketers of the world’s leading organizations including Google, Adobe, EY, McKinsey and many more.

His expertise lies in the areas of Leadership Development, Coaching & Mentoring, Leadership Team Synergy, Storytelling & Influencing Without Authority.

A completely family-oriented man, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful daughters, Keisha & Kyra and his wife Sandra.

On today’s show, we deep-dived into his journey to becoming a world-class facilitator and coach. He shared with us his experiences of starting a very successful business in India, picking up the family and moving to Australia in the quest to grow the business globally. Being a masterful storyteller, Gatik shared how to tell a good story, about the aspects that make a good story and keep people glued, and shared some tips and tricks on how to become a better storyteller and communicate with influence.

Listen as we discuss:

  • Storytelling - what makes a good story
  • Tips on how to tell a better story
  • Importance of Being present in the moment and the impact of this behaviour
  • What is the starting point for people who are looking to transform
  • The ability to lead
  • Leadership transformation and Personal transformation
  • And many more

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Iacocca An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca, William Novak
  • Summary of Shoe Dog - A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
  • Greenlights By: Matthew McConaughey
  • Sam Walton - Made In America By: Sam Walton
  • Elon Musk - Tesla, Spacex, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future By: Ashlee Vance
  • Atomic Habits by James Clear

Where to find Gatik Chaujer:

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Georgie is the CEO of Beyond Blue and is known for her decisive and personable leadership style and her track record of delivering complex reforms. She has significant experience in policy development, service delivery and change management across the community, public and private sectors.

Appointed CEO of Beyond Blue in May 2014, Georgie has diversified the organisation’s activities and led significant growth in service innovation, suicide prevention and digital offerings in response to community needs.

Previously, she was Deputy CEO of the National Mental Health Commission and for six years prior to that, served as a senior executive at the Commonwealth Department of Health where she had national responsibility for mental health, suicide prevention, substance misuse, cancer and chronic disease. At the same time, she led the strategy and development of legislation to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products in Australia – a world first.

Georgie has also led national reforms to lift Australia’s organ and tissue donation rates and worked in the HIV/AIDS sector in Australia and the UK.

Georgie is driven by a determination to do better for people and their families using a community heart and a business head.

On today’s show, we dived into her journey to becoming the CEO of Beyond Blue and she describes how it is the most purposeful job she has ever had, and still continuing her own growth journey after 8 years in the role. We talked about the challenging work that the team at Beyond Blue faces every day, and how building a culture of trust and clear communication is key to their success.

Listen as we discuss:

  • managing oneself
  • setting your own personal boundaries
  • the different types of frameworks organisations can use to manage the well-being of their people
  • How vulnerability can be used as a superpower
  • and Living as your authentic self is a fundamental pillar in managing your own mental health.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Happy Never After by Jill Stark
  • Not Waving, Drowning - Mental illness and vulnerability in Australia: Quarterly Essay 85 By Sarah Krasnostein

Where to find Georgie Harman:

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Aga Bajer is an expert in corporate culture and is currently the Founder and CEO of CultureBrained® Which is a one-of-its-kind, virtual community of leaders looking for new ways of cultivating remarkable cultures at scale in this brave new world of work.

On top of this, Aga runs her own consultancy firm, is an author, a keynote speaker, and a fellow podcast cast host, where she runs the world-renowned podcast The Culture Lab where every interview is of the highest level, and where she has interviewed World Leading thought leaders such as Simon Sinek, Frances Frei and Seth Godin.

Aga is one of the foremost experts in Corporate Culture and over the past 20 years, she has been helping companies pay attention to their culture in a way that produces desirable results. From VC-courting startups to Fortune 500, she has worked on cultivating remarkable cultures that scale and that help people do the best work of their careers first, as part of consultancies such as HayGroup, Korn Ferry, and PwC – and later as the founder of her own consulting firm, Aga Bajer & Associates.

On today’s show, Aga shares her journey from founding and leading an Ice Cream company, to consulting, and now becoming the CEO of CultureBriains and Host of the very well known podcast The Culture Lab.

We deep-dived into a range of topics such as:

  • Her podcasting journey
  • Her love for learning and reading books
  • Aga's thoughts on the area's leaders and organisations should concentrate on first when looking to embark on the large scale change
  • The three pillars to a thriving culture, based on Aga's research: Fun, Meaning and Belonging
  • How to deal with that Brilliant Jerk that you see in lots of teams
  • Statistics on the Returns on Investment if you decide to invest in your organisation's culture, and how to actually manage a culture transformation if you are about to embark on that change

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Building and sustaining a Coaching Culture - By David Clutterbuck, David Megginson, Agnieszka Bajer
  • Free time - By Jenny Blake

Where to find Aga Bajer:

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Dan made over 150 appearances for Richmond Footy Cub throughout his career, otherwise known as the Tigers, #yellowandblack picking up various accolades along the way. In 2013, he won the Jack Dyer Medal, making him the oldest player to win the Tigers' Best and Fairest for the first time since Great Matthew Richardson in 2007. He also won the club's Jack Titus medal for runner-up Best and Fairest in 2009.

Dan has continued to go strength to strength since his playing career – gaining an MSc in Performance Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, working as the Director of his own company, Integrative Performance, and excelling in his role as Leadership Development Manager at the Adelaide Crows Football Club.

In this episode, Dan Jackson shares his Journey through his AFL Career, travelling the world and stumbling into a corporate world he finds himself in. He also shares his thoughts on Culture and Leadership in sport and how it applies to the corporate world, and much more:

  • Mindset- resilience and Dealing with stressful situations
  • Box breathing and how to calm down your nervous system
  • How to deal with hotheads
  • Creating positive habits
  • The work he is doing with Crows and how the players of today are much different to the players of yesteryear
  • Culture change, vulnerability, connection and Leadership
  • How to build a culture in a high-performance team
  • Vision and mission
  • Recruitment and how character is fundamental

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Prisoners of Geography - Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics - By Tim Marshall
  • Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain - By Lisa Feldman Barrett
  • The Power of Habit - Why We Do What We Do, and How to Change - By Charles Duhigg
  • Atomic Habits - An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones
    By James Clear
  • Man's Search for Meaning - By: Viktor E. Frankl
  • Smarter Faster Better - The Secrets of Being Productive - By Charles Duhigg

Where to find Dan Jackson:

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Website: http://foundationpf.com/

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Grant Kelley joined Vicinity Centres in January 2018 and has over 30 years’ of global experience in real estate investment, corporate strategy, funds management and private equity.

Grant was formerly CEO at City Developments Limited, a Singapore-based global real estate company with operations in over 20 countries. Prior to this, Grant was the Co-Head of Asia Pacific for Apollo Global Management, leading their real estate investment activities in the region. In 2008, Grant founded Holdfast Capital Limited, an Asian-based real estate investment firm, which was acquired by Apollo in 2010.

From 2004 to 2008, Grant was the CEO of Colony Capital Asia where he guided acquisition and asset management activities in Asia. From 2002 to 2004, he was based in New York, where he was a Principal at Colony with responsibility for US and European investment opportunities.

Grant holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Adelaide, a Masters in Economic Sciences from the London School of Economics, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

Grant is Chairman of the Adelaide 36ers, Chairman of Holdfast Assets, a Director of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia, Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors of Pulteney Grammar School, a Council Member of the Asia Society Policy Institute, and a Member of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council (South Australia).

In this episode, Grant and Daniel talked about:

  • his journey, career and how he found himself owning the National Basketball Team, the Adelaide 36's.
  • key influencers throughout his life and factors for his personal and professional success, and he dedicate a great deal of his learning to the amazing relationship he has with Mother.
  • His thoughts on the traits of a great CEO and described to us how a remarkable and high performing team work together.
  • We deep dived into performance, and the areas he places his focus for business to be successful
  • Grant provided his thoughts on how to manage family and business - we can't be workaholic, prioritise the family, how something as simple as walking with your dog brings can bring alot of joy and escape
  • We also discusses the the world of basketball and why he decided to become to be the owner of 36ers
  • How he manages all of his work and emotions of it all and how he has the ability to compartmentalise it all.
  • I also asked a big question of When does enough becomes enough ?

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Leadership - Lessons From My Life in Rugby By Eddie Jones
  • Good to Great - Why Some Companies Make the Leap... And Others Don't - By Jim Collins

Where to find Grant Kelley

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Bek is a fitness industry professional, a former physiotherapist, a professional public speaker, psychology educator, wellbeing advisor and coach.

Bek Smith enables transformation by teaching a layered psychological skillset we need to perform at our best. She is a former researcher, physiotherapist and sponsored athlete, who now uses applied neuroscience and psychology to build high-functioning individuals, teams and organisations. Bek loves working with out-of-the-box thinkers and guiding them to build the confidence they need to challenge the status quo and make a real difference in the world.

Bek's purpose is to expand awareness and elevate consciousness so we can love ourselves, each other and the planet more. The vehicle she uses is mental fitness, where she teaches practical "bite-sized" psychological exercises which help to shift mindsets and behaviours.

Bek and Daniel Franco went deep in this conversation and just dived straight into it. They talked about Bek's feeling of not belonging to a community or group and feeling as though she was a fringe dweller. They also talked about the idea of being normal, what is considered normal, and who actually decides what is normal.

Bek shares her thoughts on the realism of burnout, the negative mental health effects of working from home, how we can fill up our own cups by designing circuit breakers in our lives and much more about Psychological Fitness.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Daring Greatly - How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead - By Brené Brown
  • Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention - By Johann Hari
  • Lost Connections - Why You're Depressed and How to Find Hope - By Johann Hari
  • Atlas of the Heart - Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience - By Brené Brown
  • A New Earth - Awakening to Your Life's Purpose - By Eckhart Tolle
  • The Power of Now - A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment - By: Eckhart Tolle

Where to find Bek Smith

  • LinkedIn
  • https://www.smithandwellness.com/

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Carmen Garcia is the CEO and Founder of national award-winning diversity and inclusion certified social enterprise, Community Corporate. Operating in the niche space of corporate social responsibility, they specialise in recruitment with a social conscience and corporate volunteering.

In 2021, Community Corporate won National Social Enterprise of the Year at the Australian Small Business Champions Awards. Fondly known by her peers as the Diversity and Inclusion Warrior, Carmen is a well-regarded social entrepreneur driven to make a profound economic and social impact through work. Based in Adelaide the social enterprise operates nationally.

In 2021 Carmen received the Women in Innovation Award for Social Impact and was listed as one of the Top 50 Small Business Leaders in Australia by Inside Business. In 2020, she received an Australia Day Commendation Award for Inspiring SA Women, was also jointly awarded the Governor’s Multicultural Award for Individual Outstanding Achievement and her business was listed as one of SA’s Fast Mover companies in 2020. She is also an inaugural winner of the 40 Under 40 Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs in SA

This episode was so inspiring, as we learnt about some of the amazing work Carmen and the team at Community Corporate are doing, making a profound social impact on the community.

Her passion to bridge the gap for Refugee and Migrant people helping to secure them work in corporate Australia is prevalent through this conversation. Statistics such as on 6% of refugees have worked after 6 months being in Australia, and still, only 25% after 2 years is a damming statistic that Carmen is feverishly trying to fix.

She shares some great insights for corporate leaders in how to improve their social impact and diversity and inclusion within their organisations and how we can recognise our unconscious bias and reprogram our brains.

We also discuss the challenges of being an entrepreneur and dive into her experiences along the way.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Social Impact Investing - An Australian Perspective - By Stewart Jones, Helena de Anstiss, Carmen Garcia

Where to find Carmen Garcia

  • LinkedIn
  • carmen@communitycorporate.com.au

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

🎙The Synergy IQ female team took over the Creating Synergy Podcast from Daniel Franco to talk about the International Women's Day 2022 campaign theme: #BreakTheBias

Hosted by Michelle Holland, listen to each one of the women on the Synergy IQ team discuss what this theme represents and the stories they have to share that impacted them when trying to break the bias.

We are working together to #breakthebias

Guests: Sophie Bretag , Fiona McAllister, Kylie Morton, Roxy Wardle FCIPD, FCPHR, Paula Jacques, Gabriela Vasconcelos, Jane Russo, Jane Miller and Skye Browne.

Learn more about the campaign here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

View Details

Jindou Lee is the CEO and Co-Founder of HappyCo, a software company that builds mobile and cloud solutions to enable real-time property operations. Prior to his current role, Jindou also founded and exited two previous tech companies. Jindou spent most of his adult life growing up in Australia and graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Visual Communications (Design). After that, he worked at Midway Games where he led the User Interface team to work on classic titles such as Mortal Kombat, Gauntlet and Dukes of Hazzard. Besides his love for technology, Jindou is also an avid real estate investor, ex-semi pro soccer player and speaks five languages.

In this episode, Jindou shows us that success comes from being vulnerable, not being afraid to just have a go, and putting yourself into uncomfortable situations.

Jindou and Daniel went down many rabbit holes, but some of the topics we explored were:

  • Recently seed funding where HappyCo raised $72 million in seed funding
  • How to attract investors and funding
  • The ups and downs of growing and scaling a business, dealing with knockbacks uncertainty and all the ambiguity of being an entrepreneur
  • The importance of creating a culture where people want to work
  • Recruiting people who share the same core values and behaviours
  • Time vs energy allocation - how the things you love doing don't suck up the energy
  • How and why he decided to scale outside of Australia and into the US
  • What the future holds for HappyCo and much more.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Rich Dad Poor Dad - What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! - By Robert T. Kiyosaki
  • The Richest Man in Babylon - By: George S. Clason
  • The Hard Thing about Hard Things - Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers - By Ben Horowitz

Where to find Jindou Lee

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Bruce Djite is currently the CEO of Committee for Adelaide, a membership-based and non-sector specific company, that brings together diverse organisations to drive economic, social, cultural and community growth in South Australia.

In an earlier life, Bruce is a former Socceroo who has played football for clubs in several countries including, Turkey, China, South Korea and Indonesia. Business has always been a passion for Bruce, and during his time playing, he spent over 4 years on the Executive and Governance committee of Professional Footballers Australia. He has also held other positions, at PKF Adelaide, Fox Sports Australia and most recently was Adelaide United Football Club’s Director of Football.

He is a current board member of the South Australian Multicultural Commission and the Australia Day Council of South Australia, as well as being a member of Welcoming Australia’s Sports Advisory Committee. You can also see his face commentating on the A-League on Network 10 and Paramount Plus.

In this episode, Bruce and Daniel touch on Bruce's new CEO role at Committee for Adelaide and the great work they are doing, Shaping the future of Greater Adelaide.

  • Transition to his new CEO role
  • What is it that the Committee for Adelaide actually does? And the benefits of being a member?
  • All things South Australia, Leadership, Politics and much more.
  • He believes in how South Australia can become a powerhouse State
  • The release of the Committee's new policies, which include: the creation of a high growth fund for South Australia, policy settings that support population retention and growth and promoting the States competitive advantage.

Book mentioned in this episode:

  • Audacity of Hope - Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream By Barack Obama

Where to find Bruce Djite

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Trevor Cooke is one of the State’s most highly regarded property and finance leaders and has an outstanding track record in funds management globally, and a wealth of experience in the property and health sector. In his role as CEO, Trevor provides Commercial & General with a competitive advantage as the company continues to expand its national footprint.

He is an experienced operator with a diverse skill set which enables C&G to deliver a truly unique and complete business solution across funding and investment models, design and development, program and project management, feasibility analysis, building, marketing and sales. Trevor’s portfolio of projects includes Calvary Adelaide Hospital, 88’O’Connel Street and the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy & Research.

Further to this Trevor sits across multiple boards for Junction Australia, Asia Pacific Real Estate Association, Committee for Adelaide and is division councillor for property council of Australia.

In this episode:

Listen to Trevor as he spoke in detail about his journey which started where he was born in Canada, then all around the world to where we find him today as the CEO of Commercial & General. Daniel and Trevor also deep dived into:

  • His personal life, how he manages his time having so many roles
  • The importance of the values and how it drives behaviour
  • His beliefs in 'Open doors Culture' and 'Meritocracy Culture'
  • The culture of Commercial & General that allows him to balance business and family time
  • Characteristics to be a great CEO
  • What it means to lead with integrity
  • Commercial & General history, journey, purpose and projects
  • Trevor's thoughts on South Australia, attracting investors and capital to Adelaide
  • His expectations coming out from the omicron situation
  • How the pandemic has been handled politically
  • Mental health, meditation and mind mapping

Books and Podcast mentioned in this episode:

  • Rapid Transformation - An Outcomes-Baed Approach to Drive Results - By Ali Davachi
  • The Moral Landscape - By Sam Harris
  • Doom - The Politics of Catastrophe - By Niall Ferguson
  • The Ascent Of Money - Financial History Of The World - By Niall Ferguson
  • Hitch-22 - A Memoir - By Christopher Hitchens
  • Making Sense Podcast
  • Between the Lines Podcast
  • Saturday Extra

Where to find Trevor Cooke

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

With over 20 years of experience and as a leader in creating business excellence through people, Michelle has helped thousands of leaders to build their confidence and skills in change. She is an experienced culture change expert, a certified Dare to Lead™ facilitator, and a strategic advisor to some of Australia's largest businesses and corporations. The author of 3 books, including the best seller “Culture Inc”. Michelle speaks at conferences, runs workshops, advises and consults, challenging the thinking of some of Australia's greatest leaders. Not only is she a regular on this podcast, but She can also regularly be seen and heard as a guest on podcasts, networks, and interviews. Checker her out at Michelle T Holland on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Michelle and Daniel had a great conversation on the challenges businesses are facing and how they can bring optimism and pragmatism to tackle the brand-new year ahead of us.

We also deep-dived into:

  • The learnings of 2021
  • The uncertainty and the dilemmas business are facing due to the current circumstances such as this Omicron Variant
  • How the language we use on a day to day basis can shape who we are and what we believe to be true.
  • Optimism and how reality can distort our outlook and what we can do to overcome this
  • The importance of clear communication in a workforce and how we all can communicate better
  • The challenges around workforce shortages and creative ways to deal with them.
  • Expectations for 2022.

Where to find Michelle T. Holland

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Appointed as Commissioner for Public Sector Employment in 2014, Erma Ranieri is driven to create a world-leading public sector that delivers great results and outcomes for the South Australian community through an agile, flexible and inclusive workplace.

Erma’s extensive career has focused on helping organisations optimise productivity and employee wellbeing and has spanned roles in the private and public sectors.

Erma has been described to me as a great leader who creates more great leaders, and her amazing qualities haven't gone unnoticed. In 2021, she was awarded the Public Service Medal and added to the Honours list for her long-standing advocacy of gender equality, diversity and disability employment, as well as her commitment to public sector reform. Previous to this she has also won the Telstra Business woman of the year award, a feat not achieved by a person in government before.

In this episode, Erma and Daniel touch on Erma's journey being born in a small village in Greece/Macedonia all the way to today where she finds herself as the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment.

We also deep-dived into:

  • Erma's journey, where she describes that her parents didn't allow her to study, and wanted her to be a home carer;
  • How she got to a very successful career in the public sector;
  • The influence of mentors gave her the foundation to flourish;
  • The positive impact of Erma's work in South Australia around gender equality, diversity and disability employment;
  • Leadership and Erma's superpower of creating great leaders;
  • How to engage people, teams and organisations through change;
  • Impact and learning of Covid.

Where to find Erma Ranieri PSM

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

Books and Podcast mentioned on this episode:

  • Burnout - The secret to solving the stress cycle - By Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
  • The Road Less Travelled - A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth - By M. Scott Peck
  • Daring Greatly - How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead - By Brené Brown
  • Super Soul Podcast with Eckhart Tolle

View Details

Nick Reade is Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and Head of the Public Sector. His focus is on collaboration across government, the community and the private sector, growing the economy, innovation, and making it easier for people to do business with the government.

A proud and passionate South Australian, Nick has a breadth of experience in South Australia’s business community, having served as CEO of Bank SA and State General Manager for South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory for Westpac.

His career in financial services spans 30 years, during which Nick has held responsibility for small business banking nationally and built a strong track record in digital transformation, driving growth and innovation. Nick is an alumnus of the University of South Australia and INSEAD in Paris.

In this episode, Nick and I touch on his journey from where he began his career with CommSec all the way to CEO at Bank SA, to today where he finds himself as the Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and Head of the Public Sector.

We also deep-dived into:

  • His learning experience doing the INSEAD Strategy course, and how it helped him to become more confident in his role
  • The importance of feedback and building a diverse team
  • The journey through the rebranding of Bank SA brand when CEO, and the rise of the lovable piping strike, 'let's do this'
  • His role as a CEO, and having to sometimes make unpopular decisions and the importance of bringing people onboard for change
  • His career transition from private to public sector, his understanding his current role and day to day responsibilities as CEO of the department
  • Nick also shares and explores the 3 strategic pillars, that he and the team at DPC are putting into place to make it easier to deal with government
  • The challenges with workforce shortages, recruitment and innovation in the public sector
  • And his plans and outlook for the future

Where to find Nick Reade

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Gavin Wanganeen is a former AFL player who played for Essendon in the AFL and Port Adelaide in both the AFL and SANFL.

Wanganeen won the 1993 Brownlow Medal and has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

He was a 2x AFL premiership player (1993, 2004), was a SANFL premiership player (1990), was a John Cahill Medallist in 2003 and the Port Adelaide captain between 1997-2000.

In addition to this, he was a 5x All-Australian team representative (1992, 1993, 1995, 2001, 2003) and participated in the National Football Carnival championship of 1993.

Further to this, Wanganeen was awarded the following honours: Michael Tuck Medal (1993), Essendon Team of the Century (back pocket) and Champions of Essendon (number 19). Port Adelaide also have the Gavin Wanganeen medal for the best young player and has been honoured by having the eastern stand at Adelaide oval named after him.

Today, Gavin is an Indigenous Australian Activist, who is also working as an artist, painting stories that remind him of his heritage. In his business career he is a Director for the Port Adelaide Football Club, and founder & managing director of Murra Partners, a recruitment company that does all types of recruitment from blue-collar to white-collar, however, has the vision aims to close the gap in corporate Australia.

Gavin says 'It's an area that is neglected and so we're playing a leading hand at MURRA in creating culturally safe workplaces, educating leaders and creating role models to ensure brilliant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have clear pathways to peruse their dream careers and be mentored along that journey."

In this episode, we talked about all things football and business:

  • Career highlights
  • The importance of his team
  • The importance his coach the Great Kevin Sheedy had on his life
  • The transition from an athlete to be an Entrepreneur
  • How he became a professional artist
  • The work he is doing at Murra Partners, a recruitment company for aboriginal people in corporate roles
  • Passion to change a narrative to change the scenario of aboriginal people in the corporate world
  • Importance of Culture aware Sports contributed to his success as an artist and entrepreneur Growth time.

Where to find Gavin Wanganeen

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

View Details

Dr Gemma Munro is a thought leader, a transformational facilitator and an uplifting and award-winning speaker, with a PhD in performance psychology and a flair for lighting up leaders. Winner of the Duncan Prize for speaking, and a two-time Telstra Businesswoman of the Year finalist, Gemma is known as a catalyst for laughter, a-ha moments and wake-up calls.

Dr Gemma has spoken to audiences at Google, Amazon, PayPal, Qantas, Vodafone, and the NHS in London. She has inspired over 72,000 people around the world, and her keynote at Google headquarters in Silicon Valley was live-streamed to every Google office on the planet.

As a classically trained singer, Gemma has performed in Westminster Abbey, Radio City Music Hall and, somewhat heart-stopping, to 53,000 screaming fans as a backing vocalist for the Rolling Stones.

In this episode, we deep-dived into:

  • Her journey from where she was described as “too passionate“ to be taken seriously as a consultant, to starting her own business and building the very well respected Inkling Group, to now in her new business, Lighting up leaders, where she is following her mission in helping ignite the spark in leaders all across the world.
  • The importance of finding your own lane in life, and how transformative this can be
  • Gemma then described how she found her own lane, and we talked about the idea of having parallel lanes in our life, which makes room for other passion projects such as music, poetry or anything really.
  • How singing helped her on her speaking career and her advice on what she did to become a better speaker
  • The science and art of setting a vision and making it a reality
  • How to be brave with your choices, and some practical tips on how to control the inner voices and that pesky lizard brain, it was during this piece that Gemma decided she would try to get into the inner workings of my brain, which can make for an amusing listen, it is a bit of a mess up there.
  • Importance of taking downtime, and creating a space to listen to the signs to avoid burnout
  • The work she is now doing in lightning up leaders

Where to find Dr Gemma Munro

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Taste - My Life Through Food - By Stanley Tucci
  • Hooked - How Crafting Saved My Life - By Sutton Foster

View Details

Today we had our first international podcast, from Massachusetts, USA, Alain Hunkins.

ALAIN HUNKINS Is the CEO of the Hunkins Leadership Group, a Forbes Contributor, Author of Cracking the Leadership Code and TEDx Speaker who spends his days helping high achieving people become high achieving leaders.

Over his twenty-year career, Alain has worked with over 2,000 groups of leaders in 25 different countries. His Clients include Wal-Mart, Pfizer, Citigroup, General Electric, State Farm Insurance, IBM, General Motors, and Microsoft to name a few.

In addition to being a leadership speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach, Alain is the author of CRACKING THE LEADERSHIP CODE: Three Secrets to Building Strong Leaders which has been endorsed by leadership luminaries such as Daniel Pink, Jim Kouzes, Barry Posner, and Marshall Goldsmith.

On top of all this, Alain is a faculty member of Duke Corporate Education, which was ranked #2 worldwide in 2019 by Financial Times on its list of customized Executive Education programs. Alain's exceptional writing has also been featured in Fast Company, Inc., Forbes, Chief Executive, Chief Learning Officer, and Business Insider.

After reading his book, Cracking the Leadership Code, I can honestly say it was a fantastic, extremely practical guide on leadership. So many key pearls of wisdom that I empower all leaders and aspiring leaders to read. You will most definitely learn something that will take your leadership level to the next height.

In this episode, we deep-dived into:

  • What does Alain me when we talk about the "the leadership code"
  • The three c's of leadership in connection, communication and collaboration
  • The importance of being a consistent leader
  • How to become a better communicator and
  • How to build a culture of great communication
  • Can an entrepreneur think about rapid growth and bring their best leadership to the table?
  • Meaning of success
  • What leadership will look like coming out of the pandemic

Where to find ALAIN HUNKINS:

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Cracking the Leadership Code - Three Secrets to Building Strong Leaders - By Alain Hunkins

View Details

Brendan Rinaldi is an Executive leader at the ANZ, managing the health sector portfolio and who is focussed on creating high-quality leaders and managing their wellbeing, which leads to high performing cultures. Brendan is a mentor to many, a father and grew up on a family farm, which is still in operation and something he is very passionate about.

With a background in accounting, restructuring, banking & finance, Brendan previously worked for PwC & KordaMentha before joining ANZ. He now leads large national and state teams and has done so over the past 8 years, focusing on creating a world-class culture with a values-based approach.

Brendan is always keen to develop and expand on leadership skills and bring the best out in others, particularly with a passion for wellbeing and performance, and has put a lot of time and effort into his own leadership development and growth. He is highly sought after to speak and discuss the great well-being initiatives he and the team have implemented with the ANZ bank. On top of this, Brendan is one of the masterminds behind the very well regarded ANZ Community ball, which raises $100,000's of dollars each year for charity.

In this episode, Brendan shares his journey, from his early career to becoming of the youngest executive leaders of ANZ.

We also deep-dived into:

  • His learnings when building a team from scratch
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • His background in sport and how it helped him to succeed as a leader
  • The importance of connecting with clear & constant communication with the team
  • How he managed his Australian wide team from a distance
  • The benefits and return on investment of focussing on the wellbeing of his team
  • His non-formal approach to his Personal development
  • Life after the pandemic, risk of burnout and why it is important to focus on well being
  • ANZ involvement with the community and
  • We both love reading, a lot, so we spoke about some of our amazing book recommendations

Where to find Brendan Rinaldi:

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Can't Hurt Me - Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds - By David Goggins
  • Fear Less - How to Win at Life Without Losing Yourself - By Pippa Grange
  • The Wim Hof Method - Activate Your Potential, Transcend Your Limits - By Wim Hof

View Details

As CEO of the Langley Group and Academic Director of the Langley Group Institute, Sue inspires people to apply emotional intelligence, positive psychology and neuroscience to achieve the best possible outcomes for themselves and their businesses.

Since founding the Langley Group in 2002 Sue has had a remarkable gift for synthesising science into simple, practical tools to teach and advise thousands of leaders, change agents and human resources professionals how to harness the brain's potential and use emotions more intelligently.

Sue has chaired conferences and presented her research work internationally and developed large-scale projects with organisations such as Salesforce, Schneider Electric, Unilever and WHSmiths to cultivate a positive culture and emotionally intelligent leadership.

A Licensed Master Trainer in evidence-based emotional intelligence and strengths tools, Sue has earned an industry reputation as the leading advisor in Australia on the practical workplace application of emotional intelligence, positive psychology and neuroscience. Sue was one of the first people to earn a Masters in Neuroscience of Leadership, a rigorous new research degree and the most in-depth credential in this emerging field.

Sue is the lead developer and facilitator of Australia’s first and only Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing and partners with the UK’s Centre for Applied Positive Psychology to bring innovative strengths-based approaches to organisations across Asia-Pacific.

She sought after a media expert, having been featured as an emotional intelligence expert in the ABC TV series Redesign My Brain. She is also a Director of Wellbeing Australia and a member of the Student Wellbeing Action Network, a new alliance of researchers, practitioners and educators furthering positive education.

In this episode, Sue shares her journey of 20 years of experience, from her early career, to where she finds herself today as a highly sought after speaker, teacher and consultant.

We also deep-dived into:

  • Definition of positive psychology and flourishing
  • Gratitude, mindfulness, psychological wellbeing
  • How to be present when we have to plan for the future?
  • The role Happiness plays in our lives
  • How positive psychology helps with burnout and stress
  • Why do we feel guilt and how we can turn it into a positive
  • The challenges of shame and imposter syndrome
  • The power of the language we use in self-talk, and why we should take notice

Where to find Sue Langley:

  • LinkedIn
  • https://langleygroup.com.au/

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • The Upside of Stress - Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It - By Kelly McGonigal
  • Social - Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect - By Matthew D. Lieberman

View Details

Vinh Giang’s passion for magic and self-taught business skills lifted his family out of poverty and into a top tier income bracket. An award-winning entertainer, international speaker, and entrepreneur, he is the co-founder and director of the Encyclopedia of Magic, an online magic school that instructs over 41,000 students per year. Additionally, he is the CEO of Luminary Productions, where he coaches a select few businesses and leaders, teaching them how to compete on an emotional level.

Just six months short of completing a degree in accounting, Vinh decided to take a leap of faith and do the scariest thing he could imagine; he told his parents that he was giving up school to pursue a career as a magician and entrepreneur. Needless to say, his father was not happy that his son wanted “to be Harry Potter,” but after three years of hard work, Vinh’s magic tutorial website began to take off, winning him the prestigious South Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2013. The business has since joined forces with 52Kards, a leading U.S. based online magic school. Together the two organizations will instruct an estimated half a million students per year.

In recent years, Vinh’s speaking career has exploded due to his unique ability to seamlessly interweave the principles of magic, business, and success. Pre-pandemic, Vinh spent 80% of his time travelling from continent to continent performing and presenting one-of-a-kind business keynotes about building confidence, boosting presentation skills, facing fears, problem-solving, and pushing limits.

During the pandemic, Vinh turned his skillsets to creating online programs for many of his clients, specifically for the company's Learning Management System, with one of his key current clients being Microsoft where Vinh has created an internal communications program. Other key clients of note have been Facebook, Linkedin, Zoom, Merk and many many more.

In this episode, Vinh and I touch on his journey from being a MAGICIAN to becoming an International Keynote Speaker, his strong belief in that "life is a miracle" and we should not take it for granted.

We also deep-dived into:

  • The story of his family
  • His thoughts on entrepreneurship and building a successful brand
  • How to overcome impostor syndrome
  • His definition of great communication
  • Some tips & tricks on communications and becoming a better communicator
  • Self-Awareness and reflection
  • And managing Fear

Where to find Vinh Giang:

  • LinkedIn
  • https://www.vinhgiang.com/

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • How to Win Friends and Influence People - By Dale Carnegie
  • The Magic of Thinking Big - By David J Schwartz
  • The Almanack of Naval Ravikant - A Guide to Wealth and Happiness - By Eric Jorgenson

View Details

Adrian Tembel is a prominent South Australian lawyer and businessman and is an economics and honours law graduate of the University of Adelaide. He began practising corporate and technology law at Thomson Geer in 1993, became a Partner of Thomson Geer in 1997, and went on to become Chief Executive Partner in 2009 and held the position ever since.

When operating as a full-time lawyer Adrian specialized in the Corporate and Technology space and had the opportunity to serve on some amazing pieces of work, one name was with one of the greatest drivers in Formula One, Ayton Senna's Merchandising team.

Adrian’s focus is now on leading Thomson Geer, whereas Chief Executive Partner, he has grown the Adelaide headquartered Thomson Geer to a major Australian Law firm with annual revenue close to $200m.

At the time of the podcast, Thomson Geer is ranked 10th largest law firm by partner number, 22nd in South Australia's top private companies and rose 32 places in the 2019/2020 Australia's top 500 private companies ranking, and now has offices all across Australia in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.

Adrian is an Adviser to the Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall, and in 2018, Adrian was appointed as a Commissioner of the South Australian Productivity Commission and went on to become Chair of this commission in July 2021, Adrian, and further to this he also has time to serve as a Director of the Menzies Research Centre.

In this episode, Adrian and I touch on his journey from being a full-time lawyer to becoming the Chief Executive Partner at Thomson Geer, and as a very proud South Australian, he provides his insights into how we can build and make South Australia better by focusing on building a world-class Research and Development platform.

I loved the modesty coming from Adrian in this podcast, where he describes himself as an 'insecure' and 'not very talented' person, but was able to share with us that through hard work and persistence, it is possible to achieve really great things.

We also deep-dived into his thoughts around:

His journey and how he ended up in the legal world

  • How the impending liquidation of the company led him to become the Chief Executive Partner
  • The strategy and the mindset that turned the around companies financial position
  • His learnings and experience through this process
  • His thoughts on the role CEO's play in the company culture
  • How he manages his time.
  • His role as an adviser to Premier Steven Marshall
  • And provides some amazing advice for up and coming CEO's

Where to find Adrian Tembel:

  • Thomson Geer

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

Books and podcasts mentioned on this episode:

Robert Menzies - The Art of Politics - By: Troy Bramston

View Details

Chris' background in coaching and mentoring packs a mean punch when it comes to working with elite performers. This covers Military, Elite Sports, Performing Arts and Corporate Athletes.

Spending the early part of his career working with developing future leaders, Chris identified that a necessary part of the succession plan is to improve the individual’s performance capacity and this can be achieved by adapting the individual capacity in three key areas: physical, mental and emotional. Chris works with these leaders to help develop these three key components and reduce the risk of burnout!

Now, more than ever we are seeing that leaders in the business world, that are dealing with the constant Cognitive Fog and the feeling of Groundhog Day can no longer be accepted as the new 'norm'.

This is why Chris built an accelerated program that supports those of us go ALL IN and true candidates to face the risk of Burnout.

In this episode, Chris and Daniel touch on his journey from arriving in Australia from the UK and setting up his first business in his backyard, to his current work and mission of helping people see the early warning signs in order to avoid burning out.

Chris shares with us his research and findings around:

  • What is burnout?
  • Is Productivity related to stress?
  • The correlation between burnout and the need to please.
  • Covid and the stress and burnout associated with that.
  • Stress is caused by working from home and returning to work.
  • And some tips and tricks in how to manage stress and avoid burnout.

Books mentioned in this podcast:

  • Risk Starts and Ends With People - Demystifying risk for executives and leaders
    By: Lisa Sisson
  • Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers -Revised Edition By Robert M. Sapolsky

Where to find Chris Wilson:

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Website: https://stress-scientist.com/

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Michael Mojo is a Mindset and Mental performance coach for some of Australia’s top rich listers, industry leaders, athletes and business teams. He’s been featured alongside the likes of Dr Joe Dispenza, Dr John Demartini, Dr Dave Logan, Grant Cardone, Gary Vee and Barbara Corcoran (Shark tank USA) and recently named by the Australian Business Journal as one of the top 20 Australian Personal Development Experts and Coaches to Work Within 2022. 

Michael is known for challenging the way people think and smashing a lot of the myths and misconceptions that we are unaware of are keeping us stuck personally and professionally.  

Michael bridges the gap between advanced sciences, human behaviour, personal development and mental performance fields to give powerful tools, teaching and methodologies to help people succeed at greater levels.  

His business “Mojo Human Performance Institute” runs events, workshops, training and seminars for the general public right through to large corporate teams, teaching implementable, evidence and scientific-based tools to help people excel in their quests. 

Michael’s mission and what drives him every day is to help people live an inspired life by performing better in their personal and professional lives. 

In this episode,  Michael and I touch on his journey to today from the day he got expelled from school to the life of luxury he finds himself in today. 

Michael shares his learnings and the process he went through to find his passion, his purpose and mission in life and how he is “Helping people perform better” through scientific-based mental performance tools and education. 

Books mentioned in this podcast:   

  • To Sell Is Human - The Surprising Truth About Persuading, Convincing and Influencing Others - By Daniel H. Pink
  • The Warren Buffett Way - Third Edition - By Robert G. Hagstrom
  • How to Sell Your Way through Life - By Napoleon Hill

Where to find Michael Johnson.  

  • LinkedIn
  • Email: info@themojomaster.com.au
  • Website:  www.mojouni.com

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.    

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.    

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.  

View Details

Leonie is a China-Educated Strategist, a Business Consultant, Internationally Published Author, Workshop Presenter, and Keynote Speaker.

She lived in the Greater China Region for several years, learning Mandarin and immersed herself in Chinese culture. During her time in China, she noticed a trend that all Chinese people have, at their core, Knowledge of the timeless Chinese Negotiating Strategies, known as the 36 Chinese Strategies, derived from Sun Tzu's – The Art of War, that she became obsessed with them and decided to build a career around helping people understand them.

She states that "These Strategies are fundamental concepts within Chinese culture and manifest themselves in all aspects of Chinese business negotiation and everyday life."

Leonie has worked with hundreds of business people and has also written six books to help people understand how to use the 36 Strategies in any business environment.

In this episode, Leonie and I touch on her journey to today, from backpacking all over the world to spending years living and working in Asia and how she came to become an expert in the art of doing business with China, and she shares her learnings with some great tips on where to start.

Leonie and I also spoke at length of her passion for the 36 Chinese Strategies, and we deep dive into five specific strategies, which Leonie was kind enough to provide some very clear and practical examples and tips.

Books mentioned in this podcast:

  • Leonie's books
  • The Art of War - By Sun Tzu, Samuel B. Griffith
  • E-Myth Mastery - The Seven Essential Disciplines for Building a World-Class Company -By Michael E Gerber

Video/Podcast mentioned in this podcast:

  • The Australia - China Relationship | Kevin Rudd + Malcolm Turnbull

Where to find Leonie McKeon.

  • LinkedIn
  • Email: leonie@leoniemckeon.com
  • Website: www.leoniemckeon.com

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

George Freneyis an experienced entrepreneur who is passionate and curious about how rapidly accelerating technology, combined with changing human behaviour, creates challenges and opportunities for people, businesses and governments.

George is fascinated with the idea lifecycle and the best way to generate worthwhile ideas, quickly assess if they are worth testing and validating if they are worth launching.

George has been involved with many technology-centric businesses as an investor, advisor, founder, director and executive.

In 2007 he helped found conTgo a market-leading mobile travel technology platform that was sold in 2013.

In 2012, he co-founded booodl to solve a complex problem for physical retail businesses. George led the company from initial idea through 5 rounds of fundraising, securing strategic customers and partnerships, multiple strategies and product pivots and the decision to stop pursuing the mission.

George is now a founding partner of 11point2, a boutique advisory and technology lab focused on helping people, businesses and government validate worthwhile ideas and co-founder and executive director of Space Machines Company, an Australian Space Transport and Logistics provider and a member of the Flinders University Governing Council Audit & Risk Committee.

George has previously held board positions with the South Australian Government Entrepreneurship Advisory Board and was a director of the RAA and member of the Investment Committee.

George holds an Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Adelaide, completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

In this episode, George and Daniel touch on his journey to where he finds himself today from studying Chemical Engineering to unpacking his experiences through his Entrepreneurial exploits, to what does the start-up mindset look like and its importance in uncovering and validating ideas.

Georges core philosophy is "those that are able, are obligated to do" and his belief that "uncovering ideas that are worthwhile is an art".

We also spend we spent a lot of time talking about the start-up world and the decision that all entrepreneurs fear: The idea of closing down or not pursuing a business.

George shared with us the thought process he went through and how he came to make the tough decision of liquidating and what was to "fail the right way" and all the lessons he took away from this experience.

Books mentioned in this podcast:

  • Can't Hurt Me - Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds - By David Goggins
  • Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World - By David Epstein
  • Extreme Ownership - By: Jocko Willink, Leif Babin
  • Doom - The Politics of Catastrophe By Niall Ferguson

Where to find George Freney.

  • LinkedIn
  • 11point2

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Fiona is the People Executive Lead at OZ Minerals after joining the forward-thinking mining company in February 2019, and she believes the focus on corporate culture can no longer be seen as an optional extra.

For the past two decades, Fiona has worked with organisations to help build cultures that create value for all stakeholders. With a Masters in Org Psych, an MBA and 20+yrs multinational corporate HR experience Fiona is passionate about evidence-based practices to help leaders build the cultures they need. Its through her experience, she knows for certain that In toxic cultures engagement drops, turnover increases and market values decrease.

Fiona began her career with Shell in the UK before establishing the HR function for Bausch and Lomb UK’s manufacturing division. After moving to Australia to complete her MBA, Fiona joined Lion Nathan as HR Director Wines and Spirits, followed by a series of roles in corporate strategy and capability. Across all of these roles, Fiona’s passion has been the development of high performing cultures through the application of evidence-based practices.

Most recently, Fiona ran her own leadership development consultancy supporting leaders to drive culture change through a focus on their mindsets and behaviours.

Fiona is a Fellow of the Australian HR Institute, an accredited coach with the International Coaching Federation and a member of the Australian Adaptive Leadership Institute’s advisory committee.

In this episode, Fiona and I touch on her journey today from backpacking all over the world to unpacking her experiences through her corporate career. We deep dive into systems, symbols, behaviours and the mindset required for high performing cultures.

We also spend we spent a lot of time talking about the innovative ways OZ Minerals manage their workforce, inclusion and diversity, to how they are positioning themselves for the future of work.

Books mentioned in this podcast:

My Year Of Living Vulnerably By Rick Morton
An Everyone Culture - Becoming a Deliberately Developmental Organization

Where to find Fiona Blakely.

  • .LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Michelle T Holland is an international best-selling author, speaker, consultant, and the Founder and Creative Director of Synergy IQ. With over 20 years of experience and as a leader in creating business excellence through people, Michelle has helped thousands of leaders to build their confidence and skills in change. In addition, she is an experienced culture change expert, a certified Dare to Lead™ facilitator, an accredited Human Synergistics practitioner, and a strategic advisor. The author of 3 books, including the best seller “Culture Inc”, Michelle speaks at conferences, runs workshops, consults and challenges thinking.

Michelle dreams of a world where people are accepted and valued for their unique contributions, feel safe to be who they authentically are, and are inspired to fulfil their potential.

In this episode, Michelle gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book Imperfect Leadership, which is an invitation for leaders just to start looking at leadership differently, start looking at this perfect version of leadership that they've created in their head and start unpacking why we're striving for this perfection of leadership.

More about the Imperfect Leadership book:

“You will always fail when you are trying to be a perfect leader; you are a human after all.” Said, my mentor. After a particularly challenging week trying to be everything to everyone, I was ready to give up. This was the beginning of my journey to embrace imperfect leadership.

Imagine a world where people are able to give their best every day and reach their full potential. A world where we leverage strengths so that our leaders can be inspiring, caring and successful, and workplaces that support our well-being and emotional lives…

Contrary to this utopia, we have created a world where our good leaders feel they are failing because they are not great. They look at the textbook leader with shame and longing and work themselves to exhaustion trying to meet this perfect yet unrealistic view of leadership. This talk explores the phenomenon of working extremely hard, compromising our wellbeing, and trying to be the perfect leader. It’s time for a revolution in leadership that appreciates us for our fallible humanness.

Key takeaways:

  • Where the pressure for perfect leadership comes from and why it's harmful to business success
  • What is an “imperfect leader”, and why it's the only kind of leader for the future
  • How embracing your own imperfection will create strength and courage you never knew possible
  • Four (4) pillars of an imperfect leadership mindset and skillset so you can be a successful (and healthy) leader now and into the future.

Where to find Michelle T. Holland

  • LinkedIn
  • Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Dr James Muecke AM is an Adelaide-based ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience, having practised all over the world in countries Kenya, Jerusalem, and London.

Through his profound experience, James has taught the diagnosis and management of eye cancer in ten countries in Asia. He founded the not-for-profit organization Sight For All in 2008, turning his boundless energy into a fight against blindness in the Aboriginal and mainstream communities of Australia and some of the poorest countries of the world. Sight For All’s comprehensive and sustainable projects are now impacting the lives of over one million people each year.

His commitment to social impact and humanitarian endeavours has earned him several awards, including:

  • Order of Australia in 2012,
  • Australian Medical Association’s President’s Leadership Award in 2013,
  • Ernst & Young’s Social Entrepreneur for Australia in 2015.
  • and in 2020, James was awarded Australian of the Year 2020 for his 32 years of humanitarian work. He is using this powerful platform to raise awareness of our poor diet, laden with sugar, which is devastating the health of Australians.

In this episode, Dr James shared the incredible journey that led him to become a world-renowned ophthalmologist and 2020 Australian of the Year. We deep-dived into the amazing impact his not for profit, Sight for all, is having globally, which has the ultimate mission to create a world where everyone can see.

Using his platform as Australian of the year, James is passionate about educating the world on the root cause of diabetes and prevent looming health catastrophes. In addition, he wants to challenge our perception and our relationship with sugar, as he states that "Sugar is as toxic and addictive as nicotine".

He walked us through the growing cases of type 2 diabetes and ways to avoid this. We also spoke about one of his patients, Neil, who, as a result of his extreme sugar intake, led to Neil waking up one morning completely blind and lead to 9 separate amputation operations. The negative effects that sugar has on our health and the correlation between sugar and blindness is confronting.

James also shared his thoughts on what the future looks like for the human race if we keep going down the path of fast food, sugars, alcohol etc.

Where to find Dr James Muecke

  • LinkedIn
  • Sight For All

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Wendy Perry is the Managing Director of Workforce BluePrint and Entrepreneur Facilitator for Adelaide – West, Switch Start Scale.

Wendy is an entrepreneur herself, with her business doing work all over the world. Further to this, she is also an author, educator, explorer, innovator, mentor and speaker on Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Wendy is also a renowned expert in Workforce Planning and Development, Vocational Education and Training (VET), International Capability and Capacity Development.

Wendy is living a life purpose, working to her strengths in Mentoring and facilitation, where she works alongside entrepreneurs, founders, individuals, organisations, start-ups, scaleups, students and unicorn companies.

On top of her own business, Wendy is strongly aligned to other business interests and partnerships, which include Australia Bhutan Ventures, Blue Poppy Ventures and Big Kids Adventures.

In this episode, Wendy shares insights into her career journey, to the world she finds herself in now, her description of an entrepreneurial mindset and her approach to scaling the business globally: with tips on, where to start, what countries to look at and a typical approach to take.

We also discussed how to improve productivity and get stuff done, and how she manages her busy schedule. We talked about what is workforce strategy and why is it important, what the future of work looks like and to finish up, Wendy shared with us the meaning of her personal # of #humblehustle.

Where to find Wendy Perry

  • LinkedIn
  • Email: wendy@workforceblueprint.com.au

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books and podcasts mentioned on this episode:

  • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - by Mark Manson
  • Blue Ocean Strategy - How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant - By W. Chan Kim, Renee Mauborgne

View Details

Katrina Webb is recognised and acknowledged for her success as a Paralympic athlete. She has won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in athletics at three Paralympic Games.

She was the first torchbearer to enter the Stadium for the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games and in 2006 Katrina was selected on behalf of the International Paralympic Committee to speak at the United Nations in New York.

Off the track, Katrina is the Director of Silver 2 Gold High-Performance Solutions which specializes in powering organisations, teams and individuals best.

Katrina is a global ambassador for the International Paralympic Committee and due to her own experience in dealing with a disability and a deep love of helping others, Katrina is the Founder and Director of Newday Leadership a platform to inspire leadership for the greater good.

Katrina Webb is an international speaker, leadership and personal mastery consultant, a trainer in Wellbeing and Resilience, a physiotherapist and an accredited workplace trainer and assessor.

Katrina loves to be challenged. She has walked the Kokoda track and has trekked to Basecamp Everest twice. She is also a mother to not just one but to three beautiful boys.

In this episode, Katrina shares her journey and experience of being an athlete and talks to her thoughts on the role that sport plays in setting people up for success not only in the business environment but in life itself. She also shares how challenging it was dealing with her disability and the fear of being different.

We talked about her desire to keep putting herself into situations that are tough, uncomfortable, scary, such as speaking at TedX, trekking both the Kokoda track and the Everest Basecamp, not once, but twice, and currently, she is over in Japan and will be hosting the Paralympics on Channel 7!

To finish up, we also discussed Katrina's thoughts about what can businesses do to support their people through the pandemic from a well-being perspective and the importance that the organisational culture plays in wellbeing and resilience.

Where to find Katrina Webb

  • LinkedIn
  • Website
  • New Leadership

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books and podcasts mentioned on this episode:

  • Coaching Habit - By Michael Bungay Stanier
  • The Happiness Trap : Stop Struggling, Start Living - Stop struggling, start living - By Russ Harris, Steven C. Hayes
  • Discover Your True North - By Bill George, David Gergen
  • Untamed - By: Glennon Doyle

View Details

Daniel Gannon is one of South Australia’s leading and most influential industry executives - an expert and strategic leader in membership-based organisations.

Over the past seven years, Daniel has spearheaded successful historical campaigns to abolish commercial stamp duty, reform land tax and defeat punitive taxes on CBD car parks and banks. Advocacy outcomes like these have increased South Australia’s investment attractiveness - particularly the state’s property and real estate sectors.

In 2020, Daniel was named one of South Australia's 50 Most Influential People and Top 10 Real Estate Heavyweights, while in 2018, he was named one of South Australia’s Top 40 Leaders Under 40 and one of the state’s Top 50 Powerbrokers.

“Often credited as one of the most strategic operators in South Australia,” the 2020 list says of Daniel, “[he is] a forceful yet smooth operator.”

Daniel has worked across Local, State and Federal Government policy spheres throughout his career and has embedded himself in membership-based organisations. He has also driven significant change in the property and investment industry as the South Australian Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia – now arguably the state’s most powerful association.

In this episode, Daniel shares his journey from growing up living in a caravan with his family, to how he dreamed of being an architect, to working in the family business in retirement villages, to taking on his former bosses Steven Marshall and Rob Lucas in a battle to squash land tax changes. Daniel is Fierce in promoting South Australia and trying to attract people and businesses from all over the world to our great state. He shares his thoughts on what the workplace will look like moving forward, and the impact people working from home will have on all industries. Daniel also speaks about the impacts of the pandemic in the market from a landlord to the shop front and provides us with some statistics about how we are faring post-pandemic.

Where to find Daniel Gannon

  • LinkedIn
  • Property Council of Australia

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books and podcasts mentioned on this episode:

  • The Happiest Man on Earth - By Eddie Jaku
  • The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - By John Boyne
  • Coronacast

View Details

With over 22 years of global industry experience, Terry Sweeney is recognised as a thought leader in digital health, healthcare innovation through technology and commercialisation. Terry’s industry insights are in regular demand from international governments, healthcare organisations, public forums and media outlets, and he is a strategic advisor to a number of global organisations, including the G20.

He has currently stepped into the Digital Health CRC CEO role, establishing a digital health innovation strategy for Australia. Terry is also a Professor at the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Adelaide. Previously to where he finds himself today, Terry has established and scaled two major startups, both of which have been acquired by large global multinationals. One of those start-ups was Cúram Software, a social health and care technology business. Based in Ireland, Cúram’s global presence and market leadership led to IBM acquiring the company in 2012.

Terry is particularly effective in identifying and incubating opportunities in new and emerging markets, not least a $1bn+ partnership with China. Terry is the founder of Auxilia, an international digital health advisory at the intersection of healthcare, technology and big data. He helps healthcare, life sciences and human services organisations around the world to solve real-world business problems through the use of technology and data.

In this episode, we deep dive into Terry's journey to understand and analyse his personal motivations, from where he came from and how he got to the position he finds himself in right now. Terry shares the importance of sports in his life, how discipline and work ethic helped him succeed, and how he ended up in the health field by accident.

Terry shares the crucial work he and his team are doing in health that will help to solve a major healthcare problem, empower patients, improve understanding of health risks in individuals and communities, support clinical practice, improve system efficiency and access to quality care and Develop Australia’s future digital health workforce.

He also shares his thoughts on being comfortable with failure and the importance of his family in giving him the confidence to take risks and his final message of "If you don't believe in yourself, no one will".

Where to find Terry Sweeney

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books and podcasts mentioned on this episode:

  • So You Think You Know What's Good for You? - The Ultimate Health Guide from Australia's Most Trusted Doctor - By Norman Swan
  • Antifragile - Things That Gain from Disorder - By Nassim Nicholas Taleb
  • This American Life Podcast

View Details

Nicola Lipscombe is a global professional speaker and facilitator who bridges the gap between western science with eastern philosophy and ancient wisdom. She is known for her ability to blend cutting edge research and storytelling into practical and engaging tips her audiences love.

She is the Creator of HeartWise™ Leadership, Powerful Listening, Powerful Speaking and Friday’s Mindful Moments, and works with leaders who genuinely care about their people first. Her work has recently been featured in Inspiring Workplaces (UK), The Happiness Project (India) and on Side Walk Talk (US).

With a deep love of learning, she has degrees in Pharmacy, Higher Education, a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology and certifications in Neurolinguistic Programming, Management Practices, Training and Assessment, Coaching, Hear With Heart and The Art of (Feminine) Presence.

A former pharmacist and academic her quest is now one of CONNECTION, AWAKENING and BELONGING.

More than a speaking professional Nicola is also a poet, a photographer, and a mindfulness practitioner who adores nature, street art and her collection of (op shop) denim jackets!

She empowers leaders and human change-makers to authentically and powerfully transform themselves from the inside out and positively change the world of work.

An introvert at heart she seeks deeply meaningful conversations and is truly not interested in your new iPhone and matching AirPods.

In this episode, we deep dive into Nicola's journey to find, understand and appreciate herself, how she overcame the fear of worrying about what others may think. She also shares her story about her battle against cancer and all the reflections that came from this part of her life, We discuss some tips and tricks on how to be your authentic self, the art of listening and how to become comfortable with silence.

Where to find Nicola Lipscombe

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Adam Vonthethoff is the current Chief Operating Officer at Adelaide Oval and works to implement the company strategies, supporting management and staffing teams, external stakeholder engagement, and looking for new business development opportunities and has been working at Oval for the past 10 or so years.

Adam has spent all of his 25-year career in hospitality, having worked in hotels and casinos before moving to the Stadium.

His career kicked off when he was 17 years working at the Lakes Resort in various departments, then as Food and Beverage Manager for roughly three years each at some of the big names, being Hotel Adelaide, Stamford Grand, SKYCITY Casino, Outrigger – Fiji and the CROWN Perth.

Adam is a born and bred Adelaide man, a father, a huge port Adelaide power fan, lover of golf and is proud of his MBA and AICD qualifications.

In this episode, we deep dive into Adam's career journey to his current position as COO, the perks and challenges of his work, how the oval managed the ongoing covid situation, specifically focusing on communication, on the staff and customer experience and all the plans and challenges for the future.

Where to find Adam Vonthethoff

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books and Podcast mentioned on this episode:

  • PODCAST - Undisruptable by Ian Whitworth
  • 12 Rules for Life - Antidote to Chaos - By Jordan B. Peterson

View Details

Vincent Tarziaisthe Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services of South Australia, appointedin July 2020. He was elected to the South Australian Parliament as the Member for Hartley in 2014 and 2018.

Since entering politics, Vincent has been the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Start-ups, and Shadow Cabinet Parliamentary Secretary.

In May 2018, he was elected as the 35th Speaker of the House of Assembly, the youngest Speaker in South Australia's history, serving until he was appointed Minister.

Vincent is passionate about his local area, the eastern suburbs of Adelaide, where he has lived his whole life. He attended St Joseph's School Payneham and then Rostrevor College, where he was Head Prefect and Dux of the College. He has been active in many local community and sporting groups, including Neighbourhood Watch, the Campbelltown Rotary Club, Norwood Football Club and Payneham RSL.

He went to Adelaide University and completed a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Law, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Before politics, Vincent worked in the financial, legal and commercial sectors and served as a Councillor for the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters in 2010.

Vincent has a genuine interest in his local community and is passionate about making South Australia more lively and prosperous. He wants real action to relieve the cost of living pressures, create more local jobs, deliver better frontline services and provide opportunities to get ahead.

In this episode, we deep dive into Vincent's journey and passion for the community, why he entered this world of Politics, his main driver and purpose, how he manages his work-life balance, what his day as a politician looks like, and all the challenges he has faced since entering politics.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Vincent Tarzia

  • LinkedIn
  • Website https://www.vincenttarzia.com.au/
  • Phone: (08) 8365 1341
  • Email: hartley@parliament.sa.gov.au

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Think and Grow Rich - The Original Classic - By Napoleon Hill
  • Determination, Dedication and Duty by Anthony L Wege

View Details

Rebecca currently holds the position of CEO of Civil Contractors Federation SA and an Executive Director of Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd. Rebecca had worked in the civil, commercial building and construction industries for over 22 years, project managing in various roles before she fulfilled her entrepreneurship streak by starting her own consultancy company an operated it for 10 plus years.

Rebecca's early projects played an integral part in the Olympic Dam Expansion Project, Southern Expressway Project (when it was one way), and the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre, all of which fostered her love of the infrastructure industry.

Rebecca is a single mother of Shelby, 8, Harrison 10 and Busta, the dog; in her day was an ultramarathon runner where she could run 100kms in 19hours, and she loved to jump out of planes and climb rock faces too.

She was a latchkey kid who grew up in an ex Housing Trust home in Christie Downs. Her continued work with apprenticeships and building trade pathways supports her love of talking to young people, parents, the community and schools about the amazing career and life-changing opportunities Construction can provide. Her life, her family and her career are a testament to it.

In this episode, we deep dive into Rebecca's life from her childhood where she faced some really confronting challenges, to living a life battling an autoimmune disease, to starting her own businesses, to having only 10 days off after giving birth to her children, to becoming the CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation SA.

This episode is an impactful one with essential dialogue. Rebecca's message on how she faced and overcame many adversities is an inspiration to us all.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Rebecca Pickering

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Can't Hurt Me - Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds - By David Goggins
  • HBR's 10 Must Reads on Strategy - Harvard Business Review Must Reads - By Harvard Business Review
  • Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking - By Susan Cain
  • The Art of War - By Sun Tzu, Lionel Giles
  • Mindset - The New Psychology of Success - By: Carol S. Dweck PhD
  • Matthew Reilly

View Details

Special Episode

in the last Australian HR Institute (AHRI) SA State Conference, we had the opportunity to interview some of the attendees discussing all things the Future of Work.

Listen to Daniel Franco interviewing 13 wonderful attendees of the event and was able to pick their brains on their thoughts about the future of work. Their responses were far and wide with some really great perspectives with the common theme that the future work will be all about the people.

Michelle Holland, Executive Director of Synergy IQ also gives us a quick recap of the day.

  • 1:40 min - Michelle Holland recap of the day
  • 12:41 min - Melissa Ciplys, Head of People and Culture at Shoal Group
  • 16:05 min - Vy Collins, Senior Director People and Culture at Renewal SA
  • 18:20 min - Natalie Morris, Director at People and Performance
  • 20:15 min - Hayley Lokan, Organisational Psychologist and Director at ISC Consulting Group
  • 22:22 min - Sally Woolford, Business Director at MWAH
  • 24:41 min - Lesley Marchioro, General Manager of People and Culture at Sage
  • 27:27 min - Govert Mellink, Consulting Partner at PwC Australia.
  • 31:25 min - Michelle Holland, Executive Director at Synergy IQ
  • 36:56 min - Chris Wood, General Manager People, Performance & Culture at Adelaide Football Club
  • 40:45 min - Susan Sadler, Director and Founder at Red Wagon Workplace Solutions and President of SA AHRI
  • 45:36 min - Andrea Sumner, Employee Relations & Negotiation Specialist at Red Wagon Workplace Solutions
  • 49:13 min - Fiona McAllister, Associate Senior Consultant at SynErgy IQ
  • 52:23 min - Lauren Lang, Senior Manager, People Consulting at PwC Australia
  • 56:18 min - Philip Mayes, Managing Director and Founder at Mighty Kingdom

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Andy Keoughgrew up in Sydney, and always had a dream to serve his country. After finishing high school, he decided to join the Royal Australian Navy where he served for two decades and built and illustrious career, which included the commanding of two Collins Class submarines and an exchange with the US Navy Submarine Force in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In 2006, he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross Award (CSC) for leadership in a recent deployment.

In 2007, Andy decided to try his hand at corporate life, where today he finds himself as the Managing Director of the defence and security company Saab Australia. He was previously Chief Executive of Defence SA and held many senior management roles in ASC.

Further to his Directorship duties at SAAB Australia, Andy is an Adjunct Professor with the University of South Australia, Chair of the Australian Industry Group (AiG) Defence Council, Co-Chair of the University of Adelaide Defence Advisory Board, Board member of the Training & Skills Commission and Board member of SACE

In this episode, Andy was kind enough to share his journey and experiences of his career, from joining the Navy, to the experience Being a submarine commander, to the transition to corporate life. We discuss the culture of the navy, his thoughts on leadership, and how important it is to have the ability to self-reflect.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Andy Keough

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Troublemakers - Silicon Valley's Coming of Age - By Leslie Berlin
  • Good to Great - Why Some Companies Make the Leap... And Others Don't - By Jim Collins

View Details

Erin Faehrmann is the Chief Executive of Youth Opportunities and a leading speaker on personal leadership and coaching to help our inner superhero shine. Her experience spans from the utilities & public industries to the youth, education and the not-for-profit sectors.

As a kid from humble beginnings, Erin has a passion for working with young people facing complex challenges. She is known for her refreshing approach to encouraging purposeful play in our organisations and our lives to boost happiness and connection.

In this episode, Erin shares her career journey until she became CEO at Youth Opportunities. Daniel and Erin discuss how young people face more complex challenges in today's world than we ever did, that prevention is best when it comes to wellbeing & mental health, and how important it is to learn to lead OURSELVES well.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Erin Faehrmann

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Atomic Habits - An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones - By James Clear
  • The Laws of Human Nature - By Robert Greene
  • Burnout - The secret to solving the stress cycle - By: Emily Nagoski, Amelia Nagoski
  • Becoming Better Grownups - Rediscovering What Matters and Remembering How to Fly - By Brad Montague
  • Limitless - Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life - By Jim Kwik

Videos mentioned on this episode:

  • Brené Brown on Empathy
  • Privilege/Class/Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race

View Details

Susan Stewart, also known as Sue is an out of the box thinker, a strategy, business transformation and change management specialist having championed major projects in multinational professional services, government and private organisations, including global design firms Aurecon, Woods Bagot, Hood Sweeny and Unispace, Ernst & Young and also Chaired the Change Connect Group for 7 years.

Sue is an accomplished and confident leader, driving the implementation of a range of projects across America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, which have included: global strategic planning, new international market expansion, mergers and acquisitions, cultural transformation, knowledge management strategy, business development strategy, technology system implementations and organisational restructures.

As a young honours graduate, Sue’s “It’s A Wonderful Life Moment” came when she bogged a tractor in a wheat field and realised that the world would be a better place if she no longer worked in research. Luckily a Big Four firm adopted her and for the next decade she absorbed best practice in strategy, organisational development, change, communication and knowledge and immersed herself in the explosion of mobility and digital. And along the way, she completed a Post Grad in Communications, Master of Arts and has scribbled her thoughts in papers and presented her experiences at national and international conferences.

Although well-credentialed, Sue is most proud of her family, her ability to make the most out of left-overs, her innate and irrelevant knowledge of film and her love of making Spotify playlists.

Talking about the playlist, in this episode, Sue shared her journey and experiences through a playlist of four iconic pieces of music, which we deep dive into during the podcast and all things about Strategy, Culture and Change management.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Susan Stewart

  • LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Change by Design, Revised and Updated - How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation - By: Tim Brown
  • The Tipping Point - How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference - By:Malcolm Gladwell

View Details

Jamie Getgood is the Founder & CEO of Getgood Consulting and an Ambassador of The People Shift. Jamie specialises in Senior HR Leadership, employee redundancy and workforce transition, organisation restructure and rebuilding company culture. He bagged the Australian Leader of the Year award in 2017, as well as multiple accolades & nominations from lead leadership bodies, after contributing to the workforce transition in GM Holden.

Following Holden’s closure, Jamie became an international key speaker specialising in Industrial Relations, Leadership and Employee Engagement and currently manages his own business called Getgood Consulting.

In this episode, Jamie shares his career journey in GM Holden. He also shares key messages, such as the value of building relationships with employees, how people-focused leadership can radically change the organisation's culture, how important is to "Treat people with dignity and respect" even in the hardest of times and lastly and how "We drastically impact our employees' lives", so is the time to be more human, more compassionate and more empathetic.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Jamie Getgood

  • LinkedIn
  • The People Shift
  • Email: jamie@getgood.com.au

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Drive - Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - By Daniel H. Pink
  • The Advantage - Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business - By Patrick M Lencioni, Geoff Ables
  • Multipliers, Revised And Updated - How The Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter -
    By Liz Wiseman

View Details

Sara Siami is the Head of People & Culture at SWEAT, developing and leading the people strategy across the organisation. Having been there from very early in the companies Journey, Sara has contributed immensely to the success of Sweat, helping it grow to be one of the world’s largest communities of women in the fitness arena.

Sweat is an innovative technology company in the health and fitness sector, founded in South Australia by Tobi Pearce and one of the world's most influential fitness persons, Kayla Itsines. Sweat connects a community of women with the world’s best trainers, technologies, content and products that helps enable them to lead their best life.

Always having a passion for human behaviour, Sara actually majored in Criminology, legal studies and sociology, before she went onto her graduate diploma in Human resource management. Previous to Sweat, Sara provided business partnering solutions to Coca-Cola Amatil in South Australia and Northern Territory and provided organisational development and workforce relations solutions at TAFE SA.

In this episode, Daniel and Sara talked about Sara's Journey to the role she finds herself in today to leading the people aspect of one of the most successful startups to come out of South Australia and how they managed through the times of rapid growth. They discussed the ups and downs of the HR world, from trying to find quality talent, to managing teams that are working from home.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Sara Siami

  • LinkedIn
  • SWEAT

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • The Courage To Be Disliked - How to free yourself, change your life and achieve real happiness - By Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga

View Details

Steve Testar is currently the CEO and Co-Founder of Showcase SA, which supports and connects South Australia's business community, and showcases SA's industries, people and events. Showcase SA’s mission is to build business connections between members, allowing them to work together and prosper.

With the defunding of Brand SA in June 2019, Steve saw the opportunity to continue supporting and fostering the success of local South Australian businesses. Thus, Showcase SA was born. Steve’s passion for local business and a strong network of South Australian professionals has driven Showcase SA to where it is today.

Steve’s devotion to helping South Australian businesses is also displayed in his charitable work. Together with Glam Adelaide and the Glam Adelaide Foundation, he raised almost $500,000 for South Australian bushfire affected communities in 2020 at the SA4SA Bushfire Appeal Gala.

On Australia Day 2021, Kelly Noble (CEO of Glam Adelaide) and Steve were awarded the City of Adelaide Citizen of the Year award for the Community Event of the Year for this event.

In this episode, Steve shared his journey from being an international student to his CEO role and how Showcase SA came to be. He talked about many of the highs and lows of his journey, his vision for Showcase SA and also the challenges faced during the COVID19 pandemic and how the business thrived through that period.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Steve Testa

  • LinkedIn
  • Showcase SA Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Against All Odds - The inside account of the Thai cave rescue and the courageous Australians at the heart of it - By Craig Challen, Richard Harris

View Details

Francesco Vassallo, also known as Frank, is the founder of effektiver ppl. (which stands for - more effective people), where he works together with his clients providing them with bespoke consulting services in agile coaching, training, mentoring, facilitation and workshops.

Frank is a Highly qualified Agile Coach and IT Delivery Leader with extensive experience over 25 years in public and private sectors in Australia and the United Kingdom across a number of industries, including Utilities, Natural Resource Management, Land Administration, Taxation, Insurance, Agribusiness, Criminal Justice, Health, Retail and Education.

He is a self-confessed Agile geek, a connector and collaborator, and is constantly seeking to bring out the best in people and himself, through his commitment to a life long learning and connection with the community.

In this episode, Frank and Daniel talk about all things AGILE, from the origins of Agile to how to effectively implement it, to the difference in agile with a capital A to agile with a little a.

If you are interested in learning more about Agile, this is the episode to listen to.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Frank Vassallo

LinkedIn
effektiver ppl.

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

  • Reinventing Organizations - A Guide to Creating Organizations Inspired by the Next Stage of Human Consciousness - By Frederic Laloux, Ken Wilber
  • Brave New Work - Are You Ready to Reinvent Your Organization? - By Aaron Dignan
  • Lead Together: The Bold, Brave, Intentional Path to Scaling Your Business - by Brent Lowe, Susan Basterfield, Travis Marsh

View Details

Elaine Bensted is Chief Executive of Zoos SA which operates both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park and has been in this role since September 2012.

Since being in the role Elaine has led an improvement in the financial position of this conservation charity and an increase in Zoos SA membership base from 26,000 to over 50,000. She also led the work that culminated in the release of a 20 year Master Plan for both Adelaide and Monarto Zoos in early 2015.

A wife, a mother and a proud owner of German shepherd dogs, Elaine was the recipient of the 2014 Australian Institute of Management Not for Profit Manager Award and the recipient of the Telstra South Australian Business Woman of the Year Award for Purpose and Social Enterprise 2017.

Outside of her work with Zoos SA, Elaine is also Vice President of Zoos & Aquarium Association (ZAA) and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, Board member of Children’s University Advisory Board, Uni SA Business School Program Advisory Board, The Australian Rhino Project Board, International Koala Centre of Excellence Advisory Board, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Membership & Ethics Committee and the Treasurer, Board member of the Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland Board and Environment Institute Advisory Board.

In this episode, Elaine and Daniel talked about Elaine's journey to where she is today, the future of Zoos SA and how they managed through the tough time of 2020. We also touched on what we can do to be more environmentally conscious and play our part in creating a better world not only for the humans on this planet but for the longevity of all life.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Elaine Bensted

LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

The Living Planet - A Portrait of the Earth - By David Attenborough
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - By Stephen R. Covey.
Man's Search For Meaning - By Viktor E Frankl

View Details

Cassandra Gannon, also known as Cass, is an Experienced Senior Leader and Innovation Specialist with a background across multiple sectors in mining, manufacturing, not for profit and local government.

Currently working for the City of Marion Council as a Project Manager and Performance and innovation leader, Cass Gannon is known for her ability to scan the external environment for opportunities, particularly within the emerging technologies space.

Besides being a mother of two 10-year-old twin girls, Cass is also a part-time lecturer at the Flinders University teaching Innovation and Creative Thinking and a mentor in the Flinders New Venture Institute's innovative manufacturing accelerator.

Cass and Daniel spoke about innovation, disruption and leadership in this episode and touched on her learnings and experience within the local government space.

A must-listen for those looking to create an innovative culture within their business, especially for those in the local government.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Cassandra Gannon

LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Thomas Mitchell is a global biotech executive who has recently relocated to Adelaide, Australia, after spending time leading drug development programs in Boston, USA and Cambridge, UK. He works in an interesting area of medicine - developing microbial therapies for many gut-related conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease. Previously, Thomas held important positions at Finch Therapeutics and Microbiotica, both microbial therapy companies.

Having grown up in Newcastle, Australia, Thomas has returned to be CEO of BiomeBank and intends to build an Australian-based microbiome biotechnology company to treat unmet medical need globally, with an immediate focus on the APAC region.

In this episode, Thomas and Daniel broached a few topics, including Thomas's journey, his vision of where Biomebank could be, the benefits of the drug industry, growing and scaling companies, his beliefs around leadership, plus much more.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Thomas Mitchell

LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Leesa Chesser is a non-executive director, advisory board chair, skilled senior leader and mentor. She served as the Minister for Disabilities, Mental Health and Substance Abuse leading the NDIS decision making, delivery of service reform and transformation in South Australia. As Chair of the Public Works Committee, Leesa oversaw large public infrastructures construction projects such as the $450M Adelaide Oval redevelopment with consideration of economic evaluation, procurement, project management and ongoing reporting for public value.

Leesa now runs her own Strategic Advice consultancy firm named Blue Sky Consulting, where she specialises in strategic governance solutions. She also coaches, mentors, Chair and builds Advisory Boards where she primarily works with the private sector with commercial enterprises, startups, SME’s, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises, helping them in the health and human services, defence and space industries.

In this episode, Leesa Chesser and Daniel broached a few topics, including her time in politics, women in business, and all things Directorship & Boards.

Where to find Leesa Chesser

LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

In this episode, we have Stuart Snyder who, on his business cards, describes himself as an unemployed lazy bum. He states that this title gives him the freedom to do what he wants to do.

Stuart grew up in Cupertino California, a place we now know and refer to as Silicon Valley, where he went to school with what he describes as a "long-haired hippy dude" called Steve Jobs.

Growing up in a dysfunctional family, Stuart wandered out into the world by himself at the young age of 19 and a few years later, eventually moved to Adelaide, Australia after finding love. Stuart started as an Accountant, working for KPMG, then moving to a world-leading defence company called Amrad, where he recognised the quality of individuals in his team and went out with them to create Your Amigo, a global internet marketing powerhouse.

Stuart describes the journey as creating his own business a really tough experience. Many challenges and attributes a great deal of his ability to grind through the tough times was the resilience he built at a young age. Stuart believes that each individual is on earth for their particular purpose and believes that the greatest learning experiences come from life's toughest times.

Now a wealth of life and business experience, Stuart focused on giving back, where he invests in Australian technology startups, provides his time mentoring promising founders and is an influential voice in South Australia's startup scene in particular.

In today's podcast, Stuart shares such an interesting story, filled with all the ups and downs of his entrepreneurship journey and the lessons learnt along the way.

Where to find Stuart Snyder

LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Connor O’Rourke is the Director of Sales and a founding member of Nuago, a strategic IT partner which helps businesses transition IT by aligning strategic business objectives with technology solutions.

Connor has more than a decade of experience in the IT industry and has considerable expertise in all elements of Sales and customer service across market segments in South Australia. He brings a strong customer-centric leadership style and an entrepreneurial mindset which means that Nuago’s customers are often respectfully challenged with new ways of thinking about technology and how it can aid their organisation. Connor has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Psychology from Colorado State University. Before starting Nuago, Connor was the General Manager of Sales at Datacom Systems. He also holds numerous sales certifications across the Nuago technology stack as well as having completed several leadership and self-development courses. As Director of Sales, Connor is responsible for the overall management of relationships with our customers, trusted partners and Nuago’s outstanding customer-focused sales team.

In this episode, Daniel and Connor deep dive into the world of sales, business development and customer service. Connor breaks the salesperson stereotype and shares why do some people consider "Sales" a dirty word. Conner believes that sales is not something you do to someone; it is something you do for someone. His emphasis is on customer service, and he shares how important it is to be authentic and provide products and services that add value to the client. He also shares the characteristics and behaviours he sees in some of the most successful salespeople and what he looks for when hiring and growing a world-class sales team.

Where to find Connor O'Rourke

LinkedIn: Connor O'Rourke
Nuago's Website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

As 2020 ended, there was a sigh of relief across the globe and high hopes for a more relatively normal year ahead. In this episode, Michelle Holland and Daniel Franco discussed the challenges and the best lessons for 2021. Michelle and Daniel also talked about moments they are proud of last year, achievements, and a great conversation about self-care and boundaries.

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Here is Michelle's LinkedIn Profile
Here is Daniel's LinkedIn Profile

View Details

Mick O'Rourke has worked in varying business environments ranging from start-ups to the largest firms in the world, primarily in the computer industry. His roles have included project management, marketing, sales, senior management, and small business ownership.

Mick started as an engineer with Exxon in Alaska, then obtained his MBA and switched to marketing. He worked 15 years for Hewlett-Packard and as Vice-President of Marketing for several Silicon Valley companies. He permanently moved to Australia in 1996 where he bought a computer dealership in Adelaide and grew it from $5M to $36M in 7 years. It was subsequently sold to an ASX listed company. He then started up another IT company, Datacom SA, with 5 partners in 2006, that became the largest such firm in South Australia achieving over $50M in sales in five years.

He now devotes his time as chairman of Nuago, an IT start-up firm serving entities in South Australia to plan and implement the latest in IT developments.

Mike is a dual citizen of Australia and America. His education includes an MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, both from Stanford University, Palo Alto, California. He also spent two years at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.

In this episode, Mick and Daniel discussed on Mick's methods and processes on successfully growing a business, where Mick believes a key focus should be on developing your people, living to the company values and excel in marketing & sales. Mick also talked about his love for Stephen Coveys 7 Habits of Highly effective people, and how he entwines these habits into his daily life and believes that creating small positive habits are fundamental to any success.

Where to find Mick O'Rourke

LinkedIn: Mick O'Rourke

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Adam is a consultant in strategy and organisational design, writer and video producer. He's known for having a deep knowledge of people and organisations and delivering this is in a way that is straightforward, understandable and practical. He helps leaders who are both reflective and results-oriented create a strategy that will work and then build the capability in their organisation to deliver. Founding his practice in 2012 after a successful executive career focussed on rebuilding teams, department and businesses, he has been involved in a range of profit and for-purpose industries, working in both the UK and in Australia. With his ability to integrate the latest thinking with foundational concepts of work, people and organisations, he has many long-term clients who return to him a so they can lead their organisations and divisions to make the difference they are looking to make.

In today's podcast, Adam and Daniel discussed Adam's thoughts on why engagement within companies is at an all-time low and the fundamental strategies that leaders can utilise in order to begin the process of improvement. We also discussed the different types of leaders he sees within businesses and his recommendations in ways that the level of thinking can be elevated.

This was an enlightening podcast and a must-listen for all strategic leaders out there.

Where to find Adam Thompson

LinkedIn: adamgthompson

Blog: http://zenorganisations.com/

Website: https://www.thompsonorganisations.com.au/

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Paul is an experienced, innovative and entrepreneurial Board Director and Executive who has earned a stellar reputation for achievement during a distinguished career in both the Finance and Not for Profit sector. Paul has been acknowledged for his contribution to the Banking and Investment Industry by being awarded a Senior Fellowship of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia. Paul has also been recognised for his contribution to the not for profit industry by being awarded the Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year in South Australia/Northern Territory and has also been awarded the Equity Trustees Australian Not for Profit CEO Award for Innovation.

Paul is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently holds positions as a Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair of FIA Ltd, Non-Executive Director AusHealth Pty Ltd, Non-Executive Director Biomebank Pty Ltd, Director of Australian Centre of Excellence for Post-Traumatic Stress, Trustee of the Pulteney Foundation Inc. and Executive Director of Australian Prostate Cancer Research Society Ltd.

Paul is Chief Executive Officer of The Hospital Research Foundation Group and of its Australian affiliates: The Repat Foundation – The Road Home Inc; Australian Centre of Excellence for Post-traumatic Stress; Australian Breast Cancer Research; Kidney, Transplant and Diabetes Research Australia; The Centre for Creative Health; Cure for Stroke Australia; Parkinson’s SA/NT; Laurel Palliative Care Foundation and Australian Heart Research.

In today's podcast, we learn a lot about Paul's journey, the challenges he faced when he first became the CEO of the hospital Research Foundation, his innovative approach to leading a business and how he believes that mistakes are fundamental and an investment into training and development. We also discuss how he became a father for the first time at the age of 50 and how he manages his family life amongst his hectic schedule.

Where to find Paul Flynn

  • LinkedIn Profile
  • Hospital Research Foundation

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
  • Maverick by Ricardo Semler
  • The Smartest Guys in the Room by MS Bethany McLean, Peter Elkind, Joe Nocera
  • Bad Blood by John Carreyrou
  • The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

View Details

Matthew has more than 20 years of experience in starting and running high-growth tech companies, especially in the areas of machine learning, predictive analytics, and decision optimisation. He is currently the CEO of Complexica, a provider of Artificial Intelligence software for supply & demand optimisation, and a director of several ASX-listed companies.

In today's podcast, Matt and Daniel discuss Matthew's book in which he co-authors, called The Rise of Artificial Intelligence. Matt's book is important for any modern business leader, executive or manager, who is interested in the learning the basic fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and what propelled to the level of popularity and prominence that it enjoys today. Matt also talked about the potentially existential threat of AI, how he is much more optimistic about the rise and benefits of AI, and also shared some concerns and provides with a different perspective on some of the risks with the Rise of AI.

Where to find Matthew Michalewicz:

LinkedIn Profile
Website: https://www.michalewicz.com.au/
Complexica: https://www.complexica.com/
Download the first 2 Chapters of The Rise of Artificial Intelligence book here.

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Bruce Djite is currently the director of Football at Adelaide United, a club where he as a player, won all domestic trophies with Adelaide United, including the Premiership and Championship double in 2016 and tops the list as Adelaide United’s record goal-scorer. Bruce has also represented Australia as a Socceroo and has played football all around the world for clubs in several countries including, Turkey, China, South Korea and Indonesia.

Bruce spent over 4 years on the Executive and Governance committee of Professional Footballers Australia (the PFA), which is the Australian Players’ Union that represents all Australian professional footballers, including the Socceroos and Matildas. He is currently a board member of Women Onside, whose goal is to increase opportunities for women’s football and women in football. Bruce is also an Ambassador All Together Now, Australia's only national charity with the sole focus of erasing racism, and the Little Heroes Foundation, a South Australian charity that supports seriously ill children and their families ad various others.

As a businessman, Bruce stems from an accounting background working for a firm named PKF Adelaide and Fox Sports Australia before returning to his beloved Reds in 2019 as Adelaide United's Director of Football.

In today's episode, Bruce spoke about his journey, and how he ended up leading a professional sports club through a pandemic. He also delves into leadership, feedback, self-awareness and the importance of having the right people in the team. Bruce shared his views on the black lives matter movement, and how he manages his work, family and life through his hectic schedule and his interesting for finance.

Where to find Bruce Djite:

Bruces's LinkedIn
Bruce's Twitter
Bruce's Instagram

Books mentioned in this episode:

Books By Jocko Willink

Episode notes:

  • All together now - Website
  • All together now APP – Everyday Racism
  • Little Heroes Foundation
  • Women Onside

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Ben Smit is an entrepreneur and highly skilled at growing scale-up companies and leveraging technology to solve human problems, with a focus on engaging team members to own and advocate the improvement process. He is a co-founder and CEO of Teamgage, software that enables team collaboration, wellbeing, and continuous improvement. The system measures behaviours and sentiment aligned to the strategy of the organisation and drives teams and managers to action their own improvements in real-time. Ben and Teamgage are taking on the worldwide market, and it has grown to service clients across Australia, Asia Pacific and North America.

In today's episode, Ben spoke about his entrepreneurship journey, going into business with his wife Noelle, scaling the business across the world, the highs and lows of running your own business and how Teamgage's software adds value to companies and teams, helping to create a culture of high performance through technology.

Where to find Ben Smit:

Ben's LinkedIn
Teamgage's website

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • The 10X Rule - The Only Difference Between Success and Failure - By: Grant Cardone
  • Principles - Life and Work - By: Ray Dalio
  • Radical Candor - How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean - By: Kim Scott
  • Decisive - How to make better choices in life and work - By: Chip & Dan Heath
  • Made to Stick - Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die - By: Chip Heath, Dan Heath
  • The Five Dysfunctions Of A Team - A Leadership Fable By: Patrick Lencioni

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Jo Stewart-Rattray has 25 years' experience in the technology field, where she's worked in multiple industries and multiple positions and worked her way up to into Chief Information Officer roles and Chief Security Officer. She currently works as a consultant helping her clients through strategic technological issues and opportunities.

In today's episode, we spoke about Joe's journey, how she rose to the positions where she is now and how she and we can all enable more women in technology. We also delve into some of the cyber risks that face the world.

Where to find Jo Stewart-Rattray: Jo's LinkedIn

Books mentioned on this episode:
Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman's Awakening
Hard Choices by Hillary Clinton
Becoming byMichelle Obama

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

David Scarsella is currently the CEO of a renewable energy company called Solmech specialize in solar farm technology across Australia and NZ and is passionate about energy, innovation and technology, and really wants to make a difference in this world. David also had the luxury of playing and coaching at a professional level of football in the UK, and Australia, and was the inaugural goalkeeper for the South Australian elite team Adelaide united.

In today's episode, we dive into David's journey into managing a successful values-led company, all the ups and downs he's faced along the way and his love for entrepreneurship.

Where to find David Scarsella:

David's LinkedIn
Solmech's website

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.
Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Michelle Holland is an international best-selling author, speaker, consultant, and the Founder and Creative Director of SynergyIQ. She has over 20 years of experience helping businesses to create better outcomes through processes, people and customer engagement.

In this episode, Michelle talks about the top 10 reasons people resist change, according to her experience and research, and what you can do about it.

For more, download our free ebook and find out how to overcome resistance and lead change. FREE EBOOK - TOP 10 REASONS PEOPLE RESIST CHANGE

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Here is Michelle's LinkedIn Profile
Here is Daniel's LinkedIn Profile

For more information about Dare to Lead Program and tickets, please visit the page.

View Details

Michelle Holland is an international best-selling author, speaker, consultant, and the Founder and Creative Director of SynergyIQ. She has over 20 years of experience helping businesses to create better outcomes through processes, people and customer engagement.

In this episode, Michelle talks about the Dare to Lead which is an empirically based courage-building program based on the research of Dr Brené Brown, designed to be facilitated by organisational development professionals.

In the balmy city of San Antonio Texas early 2019, Michelle Holland became one of the first people to learn the Dare to Lead™ Program live and in-person with Dr Brené Brown. Adding to her research of the last 20 years, Brené worked with Fortune500 companies (like Pixar, Nike and Google) to apply her unique personal development formula into the workplace. She discovered a method of helping leaders to become courageous which created Dare to Lead™.

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Here is Michelle's LinkedIn Profile
Here is Daniel's LinkedIn Profile

For more information about Dare to Lead Program and tickets, please visit the page.

View Details

Sharyn Broer is a highly experienced and strategic executive leader in the national not-for-profit food and health sector. In her current joint roles as CEO of Meals on Wheels South Australia and Meals on Wheels Australia President, Sharyn has a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of communities through the delivery of high-quality community services and programs.

Sharyn leads South Australia's largest community-based volunteer organisation and is responsible for 80 branches, 7000 volunteers and 60 staff delivering 4000 daily meals and supporting 11,000 people annually. In her national role, Sharyn was instrumental in the development of Australian meal guidelines promoting improved nutrition, balance and healthy choice and in influencing aged care reform to ensure communities can benefit from services like Meals on Wheels well into the future.

Sharyn was a former Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Finalist and is leading the transformation of Meals on Wheels South Australia to expand its social impact through new service models and markets.

In this episode, Sharyn Broer shares her professional journey, values and characteristics that made her succeed in her career and become a CEO. Sharyn also shares her thought process on culture, leadership, life and Meals on Wheels' purpose and challenges.

Where to find Sharyn Broer:

LinkedIn
Meals on Wheels South Australia

Recommended books in this episode:

  • The power of one by Bryce Courtenay
  • The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
  • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
  • The motive by Patrick Lencioni
  • Design a Better Business by Patrick Van Der Pijl, Justin Lokitz and Lisa Kay Solomon
  • Driven by Purpose by Anne Robinson, Felicity Errington, and Stephen Judd

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.
Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

View Details

Shayne Harris is the Asia Pacific Device as a Service Leader at Lenovo and has worked with customers throughout Asia and Australia while being in senior roles in HPE and Australian Cloud providers before continuing his career at Lenovo. Currently, he focuses on enabling customers to continuously evolve and transform by providing strategic direction and insight on how they manage the lifecycle of their technology. He is responsible for the Device as a Service business for the Asia Pacific and works closely with customers to help them transform into a modern workplace.

In this episode, Shayne Harris shares how Lenovo is helping businesses in today’s current environment to modernise the workforce through a new concept that many industries are adopting to become more productive and is a positive influence to employees.

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.
Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Where to find Shayne Harris:

LinkedIn

View Details

Dan Levy is the principal of More Space for Light. More Space for Light is an Innovation and Strategy Consultancy. Their design-led approach to solving business problems helps leaders and teams overcome constraints related to strategy, product, service, or process. Dan is also active in tertiary industry education lecturing and also speaking nationally on the subjects of Human-Centred Design, Design Thinking and Strategy.

In this episode, Dan shares the story of More Space for Light and the power of Design Thinking and Design Sprint as well as how to use Design Thinking to solve complex business programs and how this links into the process of strategy and execution.

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.
Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Where to find Dan Levy:

LinkedIn
More Space for Light Website
Future Of Now
More Space for Light LinkedIn
More Space for Light Instagram

View Details

Michelle Holland is an international best-selling author, speaker, consultant, and the Founder and Creative Director of SynergyIQ. She has over 20 years of experience helping businesses to create better outcomes through processes, people and customer engagement. 

In this episode, Michelle talks about the importance of culture and shares some of the steps from her book 'Culture Inc: Create a business that delivers results and people love’ to transform your culture.

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Here is Michelle's LinkedIn Profile
Here is Daniel's LinkedIn Profile
Buy the Culture Inc Book

View Details

Matthew Michalewicz is a speaker, author and entrepreneur who has more than 20 years of experience in starting and running high-growth tech companies, especially in the areas of machine learning, predictive analytics, and decision optimisation. He is currently the CEO of Complexica, a provider of Artificial Intelligence software for optimising sales & marketing activities, and a director of several ASX-listed companies. He is also the author of several books, including Life in Half a Second, Winning Credibility, Puzzle-Based Learning, and Adaptive Business Intelligence.
In this episode, Matthew shares his journey as an entrepreneur, his motivations behind his book Life in Half a Second and the five doors you must walk through if you’re serious about achieving success in your career, business, or personal life.

Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Visit SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.
Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Where to find Matthew Michalewicz:
LinkedIn Profile
Website: https://www.michalewicz.com.au/
Book Life in Half a Second: https://www.lifeinhalfasecond.com/

View Details

Kylie Morton has developed a deep appreciation for the value of work and the potential of people in her career as an enabler of improvement and change. As the enterprise leader for Change Management at BAE Systems Australia, she is building a team, a capability and an experience that she hopes will leave a lasting legacy and improve work for thousands of people. She's a lean six sigma black belt who's terrible at math, a failed graphic designer, a terrible hip hop dancer and a wannabe neuroscientist.
In this episode, Kylie will talk about the science behind change management, how she is building a team from scratch, how to build resilience, and how to normalise the human response to change.

Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Visit SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.
Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Where to find Kylie Morton:
LinkedIn Profile
Email: kylie.morton@baesystems.com

View Details

While most people instinctively avoid confrontation, leadership coach, facilitator and speaker Ally Nitschke knows confrontation and Courageous Conversations are central to getting results.

In this episode, Ally brings her expertise through tough conversations to the forefront and creating a culture of feedback which significantly reduces performance issues. Ally shares her mission to change the way we perceive 'tough conversations in the workplace' and to inspire, empower and motivate leaders to lead with Empathy and throw out the rule book!

Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Visit SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.
Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Where to find Ally Nitschke:
LinkedIn Profile
Email: ally@madeformore.com.au
Website: madeformore.com.au

View Details

Amanda Sheedy is a leadership and development coach that helps people, teams and organisations increase their self-awareness, harness their strengths and discover new approaches. She has 25 years of experience working in senior roles across diverse industries and is specialised in operations management and strategic and transformational change projects.

In this episode, Amanda talks about leadership and development coaching and how it helps people move past the mental brick wall, the benefits of Team Coaching versus 1:1 coaching and self-awareness. As a neuroscience nerd, she also talks about the science behind the change and brings her knowledge around our triggers, how we think and behave.

Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Visit SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.
Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Where to find Amanda Sheedy:
LinkedIn Profile
Email: awsheedy@me.com
Website: https://www.amandasheedy.com/

View Details

Today our chat is with Roy Papalia, who is an exercise physiologist and a workplace rehab specialist. He has over 15 years of industry experience, and he runs his own business called Allied Health Consulting, a company specialised in injury prevention, injury management and focused on the movement of the human body. In this episode, Roy shared with some great tips for us to think about and how to be proactive instead of reactive when thinking about your body and health when working from home. He also shared some tips for leaders in businesses on how to think about their people who are working from home and things to look out for when transitioning back into the workplace.

Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Visit SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.
Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Where to find Roy Papalia:
LinkedIn Profile
Mobile: 0403 625 626
Email: info@alliedhealthconsulting.com.au

View Details

Pete Holliday is an organisational futurist and business agility expert specialising in helping leaders and organisations be fit for the future and understand new ways of working. Pete’s specialities include creating agile teams & high performing cultures. He works with leaders of multi-national organisations, helping them to rethink leadership development, assisting organisations in redefining high performance in the 21st century.
In this episode, listen as Pete and Daniel talk about the future of work, modern leadership development, creating agile team and organisations and everything else that goes along with it in these times of change.

Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Visit SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.
Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Where to find Pete Holliday:
Website
LinkedIn Profile
Facebook Page
Instagram Profile

View Details

Fiona McAllister is an executive coach and has a track record of connecting people to purpose through coaching, culture change and leadership development. She describes her job as “creating clarity for leaders and refining their leadership identity”. Listen as Fiona and Daniel talk about self -awareness and the power of coaching, as well as her personal journey and challenges throughout her career.

Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

SynergyIQ Website
Fiona's LinkedIn Profile
Daniel's LinkedIn Profile

Check out the Transcript here.

View Details

Andrew Ferguson, more commonly known as Ferg, is a communication specialist with over 20 years of experience as a writer, editor and trainer, designing and implementing business information solutions for clients in a wide range of industries. He may also be familiar to some listeners around Adelaide as singer/storyteller Fergus Maximus. In this episode, Ferg and Dan talk about the art of storytelling and how it can help people through challenges in business and life.

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Here is Ferg's LinkedIn Profile
Here is Daniel's LinkedIn Profile

Check out the Transcript here.

View Details

Michelle Holland is an Authentic Leadership and Courageous Culture specialist and has helped business to transition from ineffective to effective practice in Australian and overseas. Listen as Michelle talks about why Organisational Culture matters in times of uncertainty the world is going through with Coronavirus (COVID19) and some of the challenges that business is facing in consequence of the changes.

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Here is Michelle's LinkedIn Profile
Here is Daniel's LinkedIn Profile

Check out the Transcript here.

View Details

Michelle Holland is an Authentic Leadership and Courageous Culture specialist and has helped business to transition from ineffective to effective practice in Australian and overseas. Listen as Michelle talks about the challenges of business, what the future has in store for workplaces, and the essential characteristics required in tomorrow’s leaders.

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.

Here is Michelle's LinkedIn Profile
Here is Daniel's LinkedIn Profile

Check out the Transcript here.