Culture of Leadership: Recent Episodes

Brendan Rogers

An interview style video and audio podcast where business and sporting leaders share their knowledge & experience to help create confident leaders. I also take the opportunity to offer my perspective on the guests' ideas by closing each episode with 3 key takeaways to create confident leaders based on my reflection from the interview.

If you are a business owner who wants to lead with confidence so that you can maximise your performance, your team's performance and your business's performance, this podcast is for you!

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Unlock the secrets of a self-made business maven as Belinda, a woman with a four-decade entrepreneurial legacy, shares her story of determination and the power of a strong work ethic. Her journey from breaking gender norms to becoming a business leader is a beacon for anyone looking to ignite their own entrepreneurial spirit. Listen as Belinda divulges how customer service excellence and her transition from musician to business powerhouse have not only shaped her success but also influenced her children’s approach to their careers and passions.

Distractions are the nemesis of productivity, and in today’s episode, we tackle them head-on with strategies that every entrepreneur should arm themselves with. From the ‘Power Hour’ to dedicating just 15 minutes a day to income-producing tasks, we cover practical ways to build momentum and make consistent progress toward your business goals. The art of goal setting takes center stage as we delve into the psychological challenges entrepreneurs face, sharing anecdotes that celebrate the triumphs of clarity and persistence.

Wrapping up, we dissect the art of sales and the foundational pillars of business success, underscoring the essence of commitment and resilience. We highlight Belinda’s experiences and my own insights on identifying client needs, the indispensability of business analytics, and the power of organization. Moreover, we discuss the value of empowering leadership through collaboration and the celebration of victories, big and small. Whether you’re a burgeoning entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode is laden with wisdom to propel your business and personal growth to new heights.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRT475HxjZ0

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Unlock the secrets to forging deep business connections with our latest episode, featuring a renowned hospitality and events professional who turned the aftermath of 9/11 into a catalyst for his career. Explore the intersection of authenticity, trust, and the hospitality mindset that this expert believes are critical for any business’s success. From the power of remembering names to the importance of aligning your company with likeminded businesses, this episode is brimming with actionable insights that will help you create lasting impressions and build stronger relationships.

Dive into the subtleties of networking and customer engagement as our guest outlines the transformative effects of mentorship and the significance of a service-centered heart in the workplace. Discover how even the most introverted among us can captivate customers through the art of listening and asking the right questions. Learn how mentorship shapes business strategies and personal development, drawing upon wisdom from industry giants like Walt Disney and the Ritz-Carlton. The conversation also reveals how to enhance experiences in settings as diverse as live events, casual lunches, or even a massage clinic, further proving that the essence of hospitality can thrive in any environment.

Wrapping up, we grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by social media in modern business practices. Our guest reflects on the importance of maintaining privacy in an age where our digital footprint is ever-expanding, offering a sincere appreciation for the ability to influence and guide others through shared expertise. With personal tales of success and stumbling blocks, this episode is not only an education in hospitality but also a masterclass in leveraging your past to enrich your business’s future.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg3tjwPdzfM

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Listen in as we explore the essential facets of human-centered leadership in healthcare, inspired by the groundbreaking work of Dr. Bill Maples and his colleagues, Dr. Bridget Duffy and Dr. Ron Paulus. My journey in healthcare has been revolutionized by their insights into creating a culture that cherishes human connections, both within our teams and with patients. We unpack the profound impact of leading with empathy, presence, and vulnerability, and discuss the ripple effects of this leadership style on small and medium businesses, underlining the power of building trust and respect in every interaction.

This episode also zeroes in on the significance of being fully present in business settings. Apologizing for tardiness and giving someone your undivided attention can change the entire dynamic of a meeting. I share actionable strategies to help leaders foster an attentive and focused team environment, and the transformational effects of cultivating gratitude in the workplace. You’ll learn how these practices not only increase personal efficiency but also deepen the trust and connection you have with colleagues, shifting workplace dynamics from the brink of burnout to a state of thriving.

Wrapping up, our conversation with Jennifer delves into the blend of technical acumen and human-centered leadership. She sheds light on the development of a people operating system that champions character, competence, and connection. We also discuss the shift from traditional feedback methods to a forward-looking approach that capitalizes on individual strengths, and how these methods can be applied to enhance both leader and patient experiences. Join us as we reflect on the joy of leadership that comes from seeing others succeed and the anticipation of Jennifer’s contributions to the field.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dM8zC5Jgp0

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Growing up amidst the hustle of cattle sales and the wisdom of a financially savvy mother, Ben Law, our Financial Bloke, knows a thing or two about life’s wealth beyond the dollar. With heartwarming candor, Ben recounts how his rural roots and a confrontational health scare steered him from the familiarity of farm life to the dynamic realm of finance. This episode is a tapestry of tales, from the hard-won lessons of entrepreneurship to the pivotal changes that come with life’s curveballs, all threaded together by the common theme of discovering true prosperity.

Leading a team and building trust don’t come from textbooks; they’re learned in the field, which is precisely where Ben has cultivated his expertise. He reveals the nitty-gritty of transforming The Financial Bloke from a one-man show to a thriving advisory, navigating the complexities of leadership, and fostering a team ethos grounded in authenticity. The conversation, often punctuated with laughter, takes us through the intricacies of aligning with the right professionals, the strategic game of wealth creation, and the art of embracing “I don’t know” to evolve as a trusted leader.

But it’s not all business; we’re exploring the balance beam of life. Delving into the planning needed for a worry-free retirement, the rigors of setting up generational wealth, and the pressing need to prepare the heirs of family legacies. Ben passionately shares why prosperity isn’t just about financial security—it’s about crafting a life rich in experiences, relationships, and health. So, join us as we unwrap the lessons from Ben Law, the man who wears the financial truths of his past as a badge of honor, and learn how to navigate your own journey to holistic success.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86015DGENNE

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Tax maven and mentorship advocate Marna Ricker sits with us to demystify the world of global tax and share the vibrancy of her journey from Ohio State to EY’s global vice chair of tax. A beacon of intelligence and enthusiasm, Marna encapsulates the essence of dynamic leadership, breaking down the stereotype that tax professionals lack excitement. She generously pulls back the curtain on the intricate balance of professional growth and the personal life challenges she’s faced, showcasing how mentorship has been a cornerstone of her success and the success of those she’s guided.

Our conversation with Marna branches out into the universal importance of mentorship across diverse fields, from sharpening the skills of collegiate athletes to fortifying family dynamics. It’s the candid stories of triumph over vulnerability, such as a career-defining mistake turned into a valuable lesson, that highlight the significance of transparent communication and strong relationships. Marna’s anecdotes inspire business owners and professionals alike to embrace mentorship as a tool for learning, resilience, and empowerment on their paths to achievement.

In the latter half of our dialogue, we explore the art of nurturing talent to the pinnacle of partnership and the subtle navigation of office politics with authenticity and empathy. Marna’s journey is a testament to the enduring value of mentorship at every career stage and the profound impact of authentic leadership. Her reflections remind us that growth often lies in the courage to step beyond the familiar while holding steadfast to our values—a lesson as poignant for seasoned professionals as it is for those just beginning to carve their path.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxQkbTbaQ3Y

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Unlock the full potential of your leadership skills as Agile expert Angela takes us through the essential art of prioritization. Peel away the layers of productivity myths, especially multitasking, and learn why sequencing tasks could be the secret to your team’s success. Angela’s insights on gender dynamics in task switching and the cultural variations in understanding priorities provide a fresh perspective on managing workloads effectively.

Join us for a deep dive into the power of trust and communication in leadership. Discover how these cornerstones shape the prioritization process within teams and directly influence performance. By exploring customer impact, regulatory compliance, ROI, and other industry-specific factors, Angela illustrates how leaders can strategically determine task order and adapt priorities. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies for fostering collaboration, reducing the risk of project misalignment, and turning every meeting into a productive powerhouse.

Embark on a transformative journey that challenges conventional time management and embraces structured conversations and time boxing. Hear firsthand how Angela’s personal experiences with Agile principles radically improved her workflow and how these lessons can be applied to your leadership style. We wrap up with a candid look at the growth opportunities that stem from tackling unfinished tasks and learning from failures, gearing you up for a streamlined and focused approach to leadership in 2024.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kfSywsRv1M

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As a seasoned leader with a remarkable journey through the realms of football, military service, and the corporate world, our guest this week has garnered invaluable wisdom from commanding teams on the field and in the boardroom. His candid storytelling transports us from the disciplined lessons of the Marine Corps to the challenges of adapting to the digital landscape in his current mission—coaching aspiring leaders.

With his Stronger U program, he sheds light on the pressing need for tailored leadership development, revealing how the character and actions of leaders deeply influence organizational culture. It’s a conversation that unpacks the uncomfortable truth that many leaders fall short of embodying their company’s values, and how fear and a deficiency in formal training contribute to this shortfall.

Throughout the episode, we peel back the layers of leadership, examining its simplicity yet profound impact on decision-making and talent management. Our guest emphasizes the potency of discipline and character—forged in his early years and honed through experiences in martial arts and military service—in shaping one’s approach to both business and personal growth. We navigate the complexities of instilling these qualities, reflecting on how a leader’s clarity and transparency can simplify strategies, and why nurturing self-trust is essential to embodying one’s values amid organizational pressures.

Closing out our enlightening dialogue, we tackle the resilience necessary to lead through crises, an aspect our guest knows all too well from his leadership during the tumultuous times of COVID-19 cutbacks. He shares the poignant challenges faced by war veterans and the dire need for support systems paralleling those provided by St. Jude’s for children. Concluding with insights on mentoring and building confidence, our guest leaves us not only with strategies for climbing our own leadership mountains but also with the profound realization that shaping the leaders of tomorrow is a commitment that extends well beyond the boardroom.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0OWK288e1c

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Have you ever wondered what lurks behind the glossy veneer of recruitment ads and smooth-talking headhunters? Join us as Marnie Jones and I unravel the ethical conundrums of the recruitment industry, shedding light on the commission-based models that might just prioritize cash over compatibility.

Marnie Jones of TalentX, is flipping the script, putting a premium on retention and role performance, ensuring that the recruiter’s success is intrinsically linked to the candidate’s thrive and the client’s satisfaction. Crafting job advertisements is an art form she has mastered, one that invites truly passionate candidates to step into roles that challenge and excite them.

Moving beyond listing benefits to spotlighting opportunities that tap into the candidate’s drive for problem-solving and growth. In the same vein, Marnie’s approach to hiring is about precision—a meticulous process that evaluates potential hires on every front, from knowledge to personality, leaving no stone unturned and no client dissatisfied. Finally, she tackles the nitty-gritty of reference checks, a step too often glossed over but pivotal in the quest for authentic talent representation.

It’s a dance of connecting the dots, understanding past performances, and projecting future success. Our conversation is candid, our approach is unyielding, and our results speak for themselves—confidence in our recommendations is paramount. Each story shared, each strategy discussed, is a step toward redefining recruitment where integrity isn’t optional—it’s the foundation.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6NX40v5IPY

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Cooking under pressure can feel like a high-wire act, but when our guest, a personal chef with a past in engineering and butchery, faced the ultimate test of feeding Harry Styles and his crew on short notice, he found his true calling. This episode unwraps the layers of leadership and authenticity in the culinary world, guided by our guest’s journey from the logical realm of engineering to the sensory-rich trenches of butchery and beyond. His tales of resourcefulness, like catering in incomplete homes, underscore the adaptability and quick thinking that are the secret sauce to culinary success.

The kitchen isn’t just a place for preparing food; it’s a melting pot of memories and emotional bonds. We stir into the narrative the transformative experience of families cooking together, transitioning from wariness to a symphony of collaboration.

The episode serves up advice on involving everyone, from the market to the dining table, enhancing family ties and confidence along the way. Through our guest’s reflections, discover how the shared ritual of meal prep can fortify a family’s unity and turn dinner time into a treasured event. Leadership can be found in the most unexpected places, even in the rhythm of chopping vegetables or the ritual of handwashing.

We savor the joy that comes from embracing the simple tasks that, when done with presence, become meditative practices fuelling gratitude and connection. Our guest plates up his philosophy on team building and customer service, carving out how a leader in the food industry can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Closing the episode, we’re left with a lasting taste of how staying true to oneself is the ultimate ingredient for success, in the kitchen and in life.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RomU9BV8vmg

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Does the word ‘spirituality’ make you skeptical, especially when mentioned in the business environment? Well, our guest, Rachel Rider, is here to break those barriers. With her refreshing take on executive coaching and leadership development, Rachel intertwines the seemingly disparate realms of spirituality and leadership. Listen in as she recounts her personal journey from the tough task of handling dismissals to becoming an advocate for inner exploration. With her, we demystify the intriguing intersection of spirituality and leadership, which is often met with skepticism in the corporate world.

Trauma is an invisible monster that often goes unnoticed in the hustle of the professional world. This episode won’t let it lurk in the shadows, as we discuss the often overlooked subject of trauma in the workplace and the transformative power of trauma-informed coaching. We understand that personal struggles can masquerade as professional hurdles, and acknowledging these can lead to personal growth and eventual success. We also delve into the power dynamics and relationships in the workplace, underscoring the critical role of candid and strong team relationships in fostering organizational triumph.

Are you making decisions under the influence of urgency? It’s not uncommon, but it’s not always healthy. We explore the impact of these ‘workplace demons’ on decision-making and team dynamics. We provide insights into how understanding and managing these factors can change the game. We also touch upon how biases influence our actions and the role strong relationships play in overcoming them. We round off our enlightening discussion with a focus on visualization and its transformative power, as shared by our cricket-loving guest, Rachel. So buckle up for this journey of introspection and understanding, and learn to thrive not just professionally, but personally too.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD-DLJNV5Gg

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Can your face reveal deeper truths about your personality, your relationships, and your future? The answer is more fascinating than you might think.

On this enlightening episode, we tackle the fascinating subject of facial profiling and how it impacts our relationships, workplace dynamics, and even our understanding of ourselves. We’re joined by a seasoned expert in the field, Alan Stevens, who generously shares insights from his two decades of experience. Listen in as we discuss the historical roots of facial profiling, its application in the modern world, and how our own masks contribute to anger and insecurity. Our guest also offers personal anecdotes and strategies for overcoming these issues.

We also take an intriguing look at how understanding facial traits can affect communication in relationships and leadership, and how it can even be used to improve sales by understanding customer motives. Along the way, we touch on topics as diverse as building confidence, the significance of body language, the impact of biases on our perceptions, and the role of facial recognition technology. Listen in as we also highlight the importance of authentic male friendships and emotional expression.

In a particularly interesting segment, we use the techniques of facial profiling to analyze the traits of notable personalities like Oprah Winfrey and Joe Rogan, showing how their facial features reflect their unique personalities. Finally, we underscore the importance of addressing mental health issues and fostering stronger relationships in our society. Don’t miss out on this rich discussion that blends psychology, history, and personal growth in a unique and enlightening way.

Check out the episode on YouTube.

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What if emotional intelligence held the key to effective leadership? What if it could be the differentiator in conversations and interactions, more significant than cognitive intelligence? Join us as we navigate these intriguing questions with our special guest, Robin Hills, a veteran in the pharmaceutical industry and the founder of EI4Change.

In our engaging conversation with Robin, he shares his unique perspective on how emotional intelligence shapes our interactions and relationships. From his experiences in the pharmaceutical industry, he reveals how emotional intelligence impacted his conversations with doctors. As we move into leadership, Robin discusses the essential role of emotional intelligence in adapting to changing relationships and circumstances. He shares personal anecdotes and insights, elucidating why it’s crucial to develop this skill and its emerging prominence in the age of artificial intelligence.

As we wrap up our discussion, we delve into practical strategies for improving emotional intelligence, emphasizing the need for continuous development. Robin shares his journey of learning from mistakes and the importance of self-awareness and reflection. We also explore the potential pitfalls of low emotional intelligence and highlight the significance of being open to different perspectives. This podcast episode underscores the immense value of emotional intelligence, not just in leadership, but in all aspects of life. Tune in to learn, reflect, and grow with us in this enlightening journey.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQEeW5tP9nA

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Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of corporate social activism and how organizations respond to social events that may impact their employees’ well-being. Listen as our guest from Genesys, Eric Thomas, shares how their company navigates these often tricky waters, discussing the importance of aligning with corporate values, credibility, and the potential impact on employees. You’ll gain insight into the decision-making process behind choosing to speak out or remain silent, and the potential ripple effects that these choices can have.

In this engaging dialogue, we also dig into the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Eric shares how his immersion in emotional intelligence (EI) has recontextualized past experiences and shed light on the importance of a growth mindset in DEI work. We also touch on the responsibility that comes with being a minority in a predominantly white and male environment and the importance of approaching social issues with empathy and understanding.

Our conversation continues as we navigate the complex landscape of addressing social issues within a company. We explore the perception of activism in the corporate world, discuss systemic marginalization and its impact on society, and address the challenges of confronting biases in leadership. You won’t want to miss Eric’s insights on integrating inclusion into corporate culture and decision-making processes, and how acknowledging and atoning for past injustices can pave the way for a more inclusive future.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-q9V5A4SRo

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Can you imagine navigating the cut-throat world of corporate leadership as a woman? What if you had the tools to not just survive, but thrive? Our recent chat with leadership expert Dana Mahina, offered an insider’s glimpse into the towering struggles, and remarkable triumphs of female leaders in the corporate industry. We covered a range of topics, from the uncomfortable realities of inequality and privilege, to the importance of active allyship. Dana’s insights on the Strength Finders assessment tool and its role in understanding individual strengths and blind spots were particularly illuminating.

The conversation took an interesting turn when we grappled with the fiercely competitive nature of women in corporate spaces, especially in places like Silicon Valley. Dana shared her candid observations on the often-expressed need for women to mimic male behavior to stay competitive. We also delved into the curious dynamics of confrontation in the workplace, where Dana offered invaluable advice on maintaining assertiveness without aggression and fostering curiosity during challenging discussions.

Most importantly, our engaging chat with Dana shed light on the essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Drawing from her experience at a rally in Northern California, Dana underscored the importance of making a difference and how she’s seen the women’s movement shake up the corporate bureaucracy. Wrapping up, we indulged in a sneak peek into Dana’s new book ‘B is for Burnout, Not Bitch – From Overdrive to Thrive,’ and explored the importance of self-love in the demanding environment of corporate leadership. This episode is a goldmine of wisdom for aspiring leaders, don’t miss out!

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxxQj_xMdWA

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On today’s show, we’re elated to welcome Hari Murali, the head of marketing for Zoho One. Together, we traverse the intricate landscape of approachable leadership and a unique concept: transnational localism. Through engrossing stories and candid anecdotes, Hari reveals how Zoho cultivates an ecosystem that propels its employees. This helps them be ambassadors of the company in their local communities, while firmly grounding the company’s cultural roots.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights on managing effective teams and fostering environments of trust. Hari’s sagacity shines through as he shares his strategies, from small conversations and delegation to handling conflict. This is aimed at creating a trusted milieu within his team. Unravel the importance of open communication, learn about the power of idea sharing, and discover how having trusted team members who can provide candid feedback is crucial for course correction during challenging times. As we wrap up, Hari underscores the vital role of listening as a leadership skill.

Discover the art of connecting with team members by engaging in their personal interests before transitioning to work discussions, and gain valuable insights into navigating tough conversations in a team with diverse gender dynamics. You’ll also hear about the detrimental impact of unapproachable leadership and the strategies for establishing trust within a team, emphasizing the significance of giving people the benefit of the doubt and encouraging them to explore different opportunities to find the best fit for their skills and interests.

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ii7yOHLeGd4

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Stepping into the entrepreneurial world can be a daunting journey, riddled with uncertainties and the fear of the unknown. Just as I did, today’s guest, Sangeeta Mulchandani, founder of Jumpstart Studio, faced these challenges head-on, transforming from a corporate stalwart into a successful businesswoman. Sangeeta unfolds her intriguing voyage from working at banking to becoming an influential mentor and entrepreneur, shedding light on the captivating charm of steering your own ship and the essential role of dependable allies in the business ecosystem.

Sangeeta’s relatable story of being an international student in Australia, with aspirations of securing a corporate job despite limited local experience, is a testament to her resilience. She narrates her triumph reaching the pinnacle of her corporate career, only to realize the need to contribute back to the community for her success to bear meaning. The episode further delves into her journey, as she transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges, and embracing the power of a shift in mindset to take control of her life and effect a change.

Towards the end of our conversation, we delve into the crucial role of networking in the startup ecosystem, and Sangeeta generously shares her nuggets of wisdom on finding the right mentors and advisors. Don’t miss out as we explore her journey of self-discovery as an entrepreneur, discussing the importance of cultural intelligence and curiosity in managing multicultural teams. Get ready for an episode jam-packed with practical insights and inspiring tales of entrepreneurial transformation. Tune in now!

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5GA3ObY77s

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On this riveting episode, Chuck Knabusch, a seasoned expert of process improvement, joins us to share his invaluable insights on how to develop an efficient process. As the author of the book, “Hope is Not a Business Strategy,” Chuck emphasizes the significance of planning and consistency in creating a productive business environment. Listen in as he explains the concept of processes, how they are a series of steps that should produce a product or service consistently, and his experiences with process mapping in various business contexts.

As the discussion continues, Chuck delivers practical advice on the right mindset and structure needed to enhance your business processes. He emphasizes the need for having the right team, one that understands the process, and can effectively make necessary changes. He further underscores the importance of having feedback loops, performance metrics, and creating an environment of continuous improvement. Hear about his hands-on experience of engaging with workers at one of his plants to improve the process, reduce strain on the workers, and how he used visual cues, like post-it notes and bright colors, to aid process improvement.

Towards the end of our conversation, Chuck touches on managing crisis situations and the role of proactive planning in preventing them. He shares a real-life experience where he had to navigate a crisis situation at one of his previous workplaces. Lastly, Chuck reflects on the importance of confident leadership in process improvement and shares three key takeaways: having a business strategy, focusing on process improvement, and measuring improvement. So tune in, learn from the expert, and start implementing these process improvement strategies in your own business today!

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xaBWea4Ib8I?si=ypge9MPYNB2nQzkF

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Discover the art of delegation and supercharge your leadership skills in our enlightening conversation with Kevin Stansfield. We promise to break down the complexities of this overlooked but crucial aspect of leadership and business management. Experience the power of learning how to delegate efficiently and avoid the pitfalls of being the busiest person in the team.

Join us on this exciting journey as we discuss the importance of assigning business responsibilities to the right people, for the right roles, to drive profits and success. We also touch on the potentially disastrous consequences of outsourcing key roles to the wrong individuals. Our guest expert, Kevin Stansfield, with a background in finance, offers unique insights into understanding the big picture of a business and the skills required to run it successfully.

We wrap up this episode by distinguishing between abdicating and delegating, and how abdication often results from immature behavior. Learn about the importance of setting the right goals, creating a safe environment for team members to express their thoughts, and motivating everyone towards achieving a shared objective. Let’s get ready to become a master delegator and elevate your leadership game!

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQBEEysnxFM

Quotes from the episode:

  1. “Delegation is very much a learned thing and if you stay in one organization and work your way up, your teachers are the people that are above you, and those teachers are never being taught. So what happens is we just talk bad habits.”

  2. “If the manager is the busiest person amongst the team, then something’s wrong. Yeah, if the manager sitting at their desk with nothing on their desk, sitting twiddling their thumbs, then they’re doing something right because they’ve delegated and their team are working.”

  3. “Abdication is easy, you know, I don’t have to think about it, I don’t have to plan, I don’t. I don’t have to worry how good Brendan is, yeah, in order to abdicate stuff to you, it’s basically right, I’ve cleared out of my head and I’ve got rid of it, so it’s not bogging me down anymore.”

  4. “The key focus one is to make sure the fives that they’ve got are the best they can have at that particular time. Okay, that they are developing each one of those people and moving them forwards, supporting them, holding to account because everyone needs to be held to account, yeah, and given the resources they need to deliver the job.”

  5. “Trust is at the heart of management of teams. Yeah, If we don’t have trust, then we can’t have a team. And the best book on this was Patrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a Team.”

Resources:

Brendan Rogers LinkedIn

The Culture of Leadership Website

The Culture of Leadership YouTube Channel

The Culture of Leadership LinkedIn

The Culture of Leadership Podcast

The Culture of Leadership Facebook

The Culture of Leadership Instagram

The Culture of Leadership Twitter

If you have any questions for Brendan around this episode or generally around culture, leadership, or teamwork, feel free to contact him here

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In this episode, renowned diversity and equity expert Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey discusses the concept of inclusion and its importance in the business environment. The conversation dives into the challenges organizations face regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Brendan and Jonathan examine the pitfalls of superficial initiatives and underscore the need for evidence-based inclusion. Jonathan focuses on data-driven inclusion strategies, and shares his insights on fostering a more inclusive culture. The episode concludes with an exploration of the Lindy effect and the importance of moving beyond generic solutions to achieve a truly inclusive organization.

Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey is the world authority on Evidence-Based Inclusion, featured in the FT, Bloomberg and BBC. He is the host of The Element of Inclusion podcast, a weekly podcast that informs and educates using applied research and thought leadership. Clients include Aviva Insurance, Sony Pictures, Conde Nast, John Lewis, Natwest Bank, and Meta. He is on a mission to help a million people to make their workplace inclusive through his writing, courses and other resources.

Tune in and subscribe to future episodes of The Culture of Leadership

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bR5YUrNdlrY

Discussion Points

  • What is the definition of inclusion?
  • Defining diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Common misconceptions about diversity and inclusion
  • Pitfalls of superficial initiatives in organizations
  • Evidence-based inclusion
  • Data-driven inclusion strategies
  • Time-tested practices and the Lindy effect
  • Importance of specificity in creating an inclusive environment
  • Challenges of focusing on trivial vs. real issues
  • The power of gap analysis in inclusion
  • The concept of racism and its perception in society
  • Re-thinking best practices and creating unique inclusion strategies
  • Discussion on the Lindy effect and cultural artifact creation
  • Power of giving and data-driven inclusion
  • 3 Key Takeaways:
    1. Confident leaders create an environment where everyone can perform
    2. Confident leaders create an environment where everyone can belong
    3. Confident leaders creat an environment where everyone can reach their potential
  • Feel free to leave your feedback about the show

Resources:

Dr. Jonathan LinkedIn

Elements of Inclusion

JA Lamptey Twitter

The Lindy Effect

Brendan Rogers LinkedIn

The Culture of Leadership Website

The Culture of Leadership YouTube Channel

The Culture of Leadership LinkedIn

The Culture of Leadership Podcast

The Culture of Leadership Facebook

The Culture of Leadership Instagram

The Culture of Leadership Twitter

If you have any questions for Brendan around this episode or generally around culture, leadership, or teamwork, feel free to contact him here

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https://youtu.be/R4l6mFTOyqk

In this episode, former naval warship captain and current change consultant, Dr. Karuna Ramanathan, provides valuable insights on how leaders can better manage transitions in their organizations. Drawing parallels between military ‘fog of war’ strategies and change leadership, Karuna emphasizes the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and respect. The conversation further explores the role of empathy in leadership, the concept of adaptive leadership, the intricacies of change management, and the differences between military and organizational attitudes toward change. The discussion highlights how cultural differences can affect change adaptation and the significance of confident leadership in navigating organizational change, using a ‘cheat sheet’, and role-playing as methods to handle these conversations.

Dr. Ramanathan is a transformational leadership expert with nearly three decades of experience in supporting senior leaders and organizations through difficult transformations. Karuna is currently the Principal Consultant for KR Konsulting, bringing with him deep experience gained from designing and facilitating more than 2500 sessions. He is a Marshall Goldsmith Global Certified Coach, Global Coach Group Certified Leadership Coach, and a trained Erikson Executive Coach. Dr. Ramanathan spearheads key leadership development projects including Action Learning Process, Organisational Storytelling, Thinking Skills, Building Adaptive Leader and Team Learning and Team Building. He has been featured as “Top 10 Organisation Development Consultants 2023” by the Asia Business Outlook and nominated by the CEO Insights ASIA, a business magazine, as one of “Asian Leaders & Achievers-2023”.

Tune in and subscribe to future episodes of The Culture of Leadership

Discussion Points

  • Karuna Ramanathan background and intro
  • Importance of empathy, emotional intelligence in managing transitions
  • Military ‘fog of war’ type strategies in change leadership
  • The role of empathy in leadership and creating connections
  • Adaptive leadership and influencing others
  • The Adaptive Leader Program for transitioning managers
  • Complexities of change management and understanding team capacities
  • Differentiating between military and organizational attitudes towards change
  • Exploring cultural differences affecting change adaptation
  • Characteristics of a confident leader navigating organizational change
  • Biases, prejudices and stereotypes
  • Developing empathy and emotional intelligence
  • Pace vs. flow in change management
  • 3 Key Takeaways:
    1. Confident leaders respect people
    2. Confident leaders understand context
    3. Confident leaders control the pace of change
  • Feel free to leave your feedback about the show

Resources:

The Change Leader

KR Konsulting

Dr. Karuna Ramanathan LinkedIn

Brendan Rogers LinkedIn

The Culture of Leadership Website

The Culture of Leadership YouTube Channel

The Culture of Leadership LinkedIn

The Culture of Leadership Podcast

The Culture of Leadership Facebook

The Culture of Leadership Instagram

The Culture of Leadership Twitter

If you have any questions for Brendan around this episode or generally around culture, leadership, or teamwork, feel free to contact him here

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Today’s episode is a very personal and important episode for my family. We are foster carers, and my inspiring and dedicated guest is Marcie McGowan, co-founder and CEO of the Hatch Project, a social enterprise aimed at revolutionizing Australia’s foster care system. Marcie shares her experiences with the foster care system and discusses the challenges it presents such as heavy regulations, power imbalances, and a fear-based system that inhibits the growth of authentic relationships. She talks about the importance of emotional intelligence, transparency, and self-development in transforming foster care. The episode delves into the Hatch Project’s unique approach, the impact it has made, and the complexities of funding and independence within the foster care system.

Tune in and subscribe to future episodes of The Culture of Leadership.

Discussion Points

  • McGowan’s personal journey from working in foster care to leading change
  • Foster care system complexities and regulations
  • Importance of emotional intelligence, transparency, and self-development in foster care
  • Impact and unique approach of Hatch Project in Australian foster care
  • Administrative overload in social work and system funding complexities
  • Hatch Project’s creation and mission for disadvantaged children
  • Alternative care arrangements and breaking the intergenerational cycle in foster care
  • Challenges of fostering meaningful change within the system
  • Importance of emotional intelligence in foster care applicants
  • What makes a great foster carer?
  • Regulations and administrative work within social work
  • The complexities of the foster care system and role of leadership
  • Self-development and resilience in the foster care space
  • 3 Key Takeaways:
    1. Confident leaders give others a voice
    2. Confident leaders have limiting beliefs
    3. Confident leaders own their own worth
  • Feel free to leave your feedback about the show

Resources:

Marcie McGowan LinkedIn

Hatch Project Facebook

Hatch Project LinkedIn

Hatch Project GoFundMe

Brendan Rogers LinkedIn

The Culture of Leadership Website

The Culture of Leadership YouTube Channel

The Culture of Leadership LinkedIn

The Culture of Leadership Podcast

The Culture of Leadership Facebook

The Culture of Leadership Instagram

The Culture of Leadership Twitter

If you have any questions for Brendan around this episode or generally around culture, leadership, or teamwork, feel free to contact him here

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In this episode, Brendan speaks with Ashkan Tashvir, the founder and CEO of Engenesis, a subsidiary aimed at actively collaborating with, and supporting, carefully chosen businesses. Ashkan is not only a philosopher and a 2x best-selling author but possesses a strong background as a technologist, venture builder, and investor.  Ashkan delves into his writing process, […]

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In this episode, Brendan speaks with Rob Buffington, seasoned consultant and entrepreneur, and CEO of Gordian Staffing. Gordian Staffing provides small and medium businesses with affordable, high-quality, remote team members for open positions.  Rob discusses his innovative business model that combines profit sharing and philanthropy. Early on, Rob had aspirations to be a pastor, but […]

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In this episode, Brendan speaks with global executive coach and author Aneace Haddad as he shares his insights on personal and professional growth, leadership, and transformation. Aneace discusses the ‘five-step framework for growth’, the importance of embracing change, and the power of detaching from labels and adopting a mindset shift. Aneace also explores the balance […]

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In this episode, Brendan welcomes Nina Sunday, Founder of Brain Power Training and host of the Manage Self, Lead Others podcast. With over 30 years of experience, she is a certified speaking professional and an expert in leadership development. Nina is passionate about helping new leaders avoid common mistakes, build thriving cultures, and foster growth […]

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In this episode, Brendan speaks with Robert Jordan, leadership development expert and CEO of Interim Execs. Robert is the creator of the FABS leadership assessment, shares insights on the four dominant leadership styles – fixer, artist, builder, and strategist. He explains how exceptional leaders develop their unique processes, approaches, and systems over time and how […]

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In this episode, Tim Garth and Dan Osborne, self-titled “podcountants” and hosts of the Two Drunk Accountants podcast, discuss their experiences as millennial leaders and share insights on leading millennials. They advise leaders to build a strong, sustainable culture that resonates with their millennial workforce and emphasize the importance of giving millennials a […]

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Today’s guest is Colleen Doyle Bryant, a ‘Common Decency Expert’ and author of five books and more than 50 learning resources about character and values. Her latest book, Rooted in Decency, her first book for an adult audience, looks at the decline in common decency in society and ways that we can build […]

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Today’s guest is Jem Bourouh, Investor, eCommerce industry leader, keynote speaker, and founder of AdCubator. Jem shares his five leadership lessons for running his business, supported with examples, and discusses traveling, moving, and living in different countries around the world to learn all he can from people with other viewpoints. Even though he is very […]

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In this episode, Brendan and producer Marc Charette review the top ten takeaways from all our fascinating guest interviews of 2022.   Every one of our top takeaways focuses on experiences, both good and bad, and touches on the most important behaviors and qualities that make excellent leaders. Being deliberate, observing, listening, being intentional, […]

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In this episode, Brendan is interviewed by producer Marc Charette about challenges being faced by leaders as we enter 2023.  You’ll hear Brendan’s take on the new normal of the working environment, and finding and retaining great employees.  The changes that Covid forced into reality continue to challenge leaders around the globe. Establishing […]

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Today’s guest is Hailley Griffis, Head of Communications and Content at Buffer, a social media management software aimed at helping creators and small businesses build their brands. For years now, Buffer has operated as a totally “transparent” organization.  Internally, employees have visibility into everything the company does, and what other departments are doing, […]

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Video messaging and content are the new normal. Think about what you see every day as you scroll through your smartphone apps. This isn’t “the new direction” – it’s already here.  I’m joined today by Julian Mather, a man who has seen the world through many lenses. Through a telescopic sight as an […]

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Welcome to the first episode of The Culture of Leadership.  I’m joined today by Matt Kelly, Head of Regional Operations North for Healthe Care.  Matt started his career in health as a registered nurse working in Newcastle and the UK. He has worked in Intensive Care Units around Sydney in both clinical and management […]

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In today’s episode, the tables are turned on host Brendan Rogers as he is interviewed by producer Marc Charette about the future of The Culture of Things podcast.  Brendan’s interviews so often center around the essentials of building leadership. It is this focus that is driving a pivot in the focus of the […]

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My guest today is Gary De Rodriguez, CEO of Peopleistic. Recognized as an internationally acclaimed expert in the science of human excellence and known as the People Mechanic, Gary De Rodriguez has had over 35 years of experience in designing and integrating the most influential models of psychology-based systems of success in leadership, […]

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Are you holding yourself, your employees, and the company “accountable?” Are you “fair but firm?”  My guest today is Dan Cockerell, former Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Florida, and now a keynote speaker and executive coach. Join us for an intriguing discussion about the concept of accountability.  It takes […]

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Have you ever started a job and felt like you were thrown into the deep end all by yourself, or that you were “drinking from a fire hose” and the process was completely overwhelming and negative?  Marc Reifenrath, CEO of Spinutech, wants to make sure that never happens to his new hires. Spinutech […]

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If you can’t lead yourself, how are you going to lead anyone else? This is the core tenet behind former NRL Head Coach Matty Elliot’s “The Change Room.” Combining his background, education, and qualifications -a Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sports Science), performance coaching experience, and extensive research into well-being, Matt has […]

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“If leaders don’t understand how the human brain works and how people perceive information, they’ll struggle.”  That’s a quote from today’s guest, Phill Agnew.  Phill is Sr. Product Marketer at Buffer, a product marketing ambassador at the PMA, and host of Nudge, the only podcast dedicated to consumer psychology. Phill specializes in consumer […]

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Daniel Gaebler has an ambitious five-year goal – to reduce the number of suicides in Australia to zero. Dan is a Sydney plumber and has written a book “The Centred Tradie” about facing his inner demons and mental illness. Dan writes about confronting life events, and his mental health journey, and exposes his […]

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Alex Lee sees purpose as, “The ‘why’s’ and the drive behind everything you do.” It takes some courage to follow your passion and find your purpose.  Are you leading a purpose-driven life? Alex Lee is currently the CEO of The Glen, a residential Aboriginal Therapeutic Community for men and women experiencing alcohol and […]

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Have you received feedback from a leader that was vague, wishy-washy, or perhaps really harsh?  Were you upset, confused, or hurt by what they told you?  There are good and bad ways to deliver feedback to team members or employees.   My guest today is Leisa Molloy, a workplace psychologist, consultant, coach, and founder […]

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There is a very simple, easy way to differentiate yourself in this highly competitive world, whatever industry you work in: incorporate strict ethical standards into every aspect of your business (and personal) relationships.  Are you trustworthy, loyal, and fair? Do you reveal conflicts of interest? Do independent research? Do you continually learn and […]

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Barnaby Howarth has faced more than his share of tragic experiences in life. From being diagnosed with diabetes at 14 to suffering a torn cerebral artery in a gang fight (and having a stroke 7 days later) to losing his first wife to breast cancer shortly after their honeymoon, to choosing to have […]

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If you think you see patterns in the universe that no one else is seeing, it may be your time to write that book or start that company – according to David Meerman Scott. David is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, investor, and advisor to emerging companies, and bestselling author of 12 books, including […]

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When I saw some of Danyal Diallo’s public speaking and stand-up comedy, I knew I wanted to have him on the show.  Danyal Diallo is an inspiring young man. He is currently a public speaking- and leadership coach and focuses his life on nurturing and “growing his greatness” so he can have a […]

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Geoff Quattromani has a standout summary on his LinkedIn profile: “My goal is to lead an IT department to be a trusted business partner by providing innovative solutions and technologies along with superior services that help organisations satisfy customers’ needs in a consistent manner.” When you hear Johnson & Johnson, you might immediately […]

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Ethan Holland got to a desperate point in his addiction and said to himself, “I’m either going to kill myself… or ask for help.” Fortunately, he chose the latter. Ethan started his recovery by asking his mom for help, and a few days later he was working toward sobriety at The Glen Centre, […]

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Have you ever been in a meeting and not spoken up because you thought your idea wasn’t good enough? Maybe you wanted to share something with a family member, friend, or partner and didn’t? You’ve MUTED yourself. Today’s guest is Heather Hansen – author, TedX speaker, coach, and multi-cultural expert – Heather helps […]

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It’s useful to look back on a period of great crisis and analyze what was done right, and what lessons can be gleaned from decisions that didn’t work out as planned. My guest today is Scott Farlow, and he is going to do just that – look back on the pandemic and the […]

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Have you ever declined to interview a candidate because they were over 40?  Are you in the over 40 age group? Have you yourself been the victim of ageism in your job search?   In this episode, I’m joined by Toby Marshall, an “Ageism Warrior.”  As Toby tells it in his frank and open […]

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Today I’m speaking with Cassandra Gordon, founder of Growth Culture.  Cassandra shares her vision of what leaders, companies, and workplaces need to do to evolve into thriving businesses with safe, happy employees.  It’s not complicated, but the hierarchical old-school thinking that persists in our society is blocking these transformations. Cassandra really walks the […]

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Today I’m speaking with Justin Brown, Co-Founder (with his brother Mike) of Primal Video.  Primal Video teaches entrepreneurs and business owners how to leverage the power of online video to build and scale their businesses. Justin and Mike have grown their Primal Video Youtube channel from zero to over a million subscribers over […]

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My guest today is Gloria Tabi, the CEO and Equity & Inclusion Consultant for Everyday Inclusion, based in Sydney, Australia. Originally from Ghana, Gloria has spent nearly 30 years working in research, project management, employment services, and coaching.  She has authored the book, “Inclusive Teams & Workplaces: Everyone Wins,” and is the Founder […]

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In this episode, we review the most impactful takeaways from the 27 episodes we aired in 2021.  From deep listening to self-mastery, join us as we review the top ten pearls of leadership wisdom (plus four bonus nuggets) we gained from these inspiring guests.   Every episode this year had valuable lessons and inspiring […]

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Mark Birighitti is a professional footballer and plays goalkeeper for the Central Coast Mariners. He has had a great career in football, playing for clubs all over the world. He thrives on that pressure of being the only one responsible for his team’s win or loss often in the final moments of a […]

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Oscar Trimboli is on a quest to create 100 million deep listeners in the world. He is an author and host of the Apple-award-winning podcast, “Deep Listening”. He is passionate about using the gift of good listening skills to bring positive change in workplaces. He consults with large organizations and shares the transformational […]

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My guest in today’s episode is Michael Crutcher – he’s the founder and CEO of a company called 55 comms. The focus of 55 comms has been to help clients tell their stories in a rapidly changing world. In the 8 years since starting the business, Michael and the 55 comms team have […]

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Mike Goldman is a well-known Australian personality. He’s an actor, voice-over artist, and presenter. He is most widely known as the host of and voice of BigBrother in the popular reality TV show, BigBrother Australia. He has many years of experience in the entertainment industry and has all the inside scoop around what […]

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In today’s episode, I have an incredibly informative and interesting conversation with Dr. Dan French – a rhetoric specialist. He’s a bit of a chameleon in his career in that he has two Emmy nominations for late-night comedy writing and a Ph.D. in Rhetoric. He has become an expert in linguistics and using […]

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In today’s episode, I speak to Jodie Hill, the founder, and director of a company called Custodians of Change. They focus on educating the world on self-sustainability and self-worth. Jodie is a brilliant speaker and articulates with near perfection a model she created around the concept of UBUNTU. This concept has been around […]

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Rex Buckingham is a self-proclaimed old-style leader. With his vast amount of corporate experience, he is able to help guide people to change the way they think and speak in order to change difficult situations. These changes can of course be applied in work situations but they are also powerful tools to use […]

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Tom Lawrence started out as an engineering apprentice at an automotive company in Liverpool in the UK. He worked in this industry for a few years, throughout which he found himself working under multiple managers who were not particularly good leaders. These were the quintessential managers of the past… people who just focussed […]

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In this episode, Amber and I are both in lockdown in our homes (once again) which means we could unfortunately not record this episode in person but we still managed to get into a cracker conversation about leadership, communication to be heard, and personal development.  Amber Daines is one of Australia’s most agile […]

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Today I’m talking to Erin Jewell – a Thrive Global top 10 coach of 2021. She is an executive mindset, growth- and performance coach, speaker, and professor of leadership at Villanova University. She has over twenty years of leadership experience in the healthcare sector, working at Pfizer, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic. She has […]

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Andrew Bartlow has 25 years of HR and organizational management experience. He is passionate about helping leaders identify their strengths and weaknesses and he has an empathetic approach to helping them improve the way they run their businesses and manage their employees. Andrew discusses a wide range of topics from his new book, […]

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Today I’m talking with David Bacon – an experienced director, chief executive officer, and senior executive in both the private and public sectors. He is an expert communicator, stemming from his career in journalism and radio broadcasting. He shares a bit about the work he did as a spokesperson for British American Tobacco, […]

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Michael Thwaite is an athlete, a businessman, a husband and a father. While his successes include playing for professional teams all over the world and marrying his high school sweetheart, he has had to deal with all kinds of disappointments and delays in his life and career as well. A few years ago […]

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Brendan’s guest on this episode is Norman Wolfe – founder and CEO of Quantum Leaders and author of the book “The Living Organisation”. Norman is a veteran in the business world when it comes to leadership and he is a thought-leader in the world of business transformation because of the way he goes […]

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What factors go into the recruitment process? What makes a good leader? Why does treating candidates with respect matter? These are some of the questions that we’ll explore in today’s episode.  Today’s guest is Mark Purbrick. Mark is the Managing Director of Peoplogica. He has over 35 years of management experience, including 23 […]

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What is thought leadership? What is it that thought leaders are doing, and who decides who is and isn’t a thought leader, anyway? According to today’s guest, a lot of people are doing it wrong by calling themselves thought leaders – instead, it should be a title that others bestow on you. It’s […]

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In today’s episode, Brendan and his guest Amy Lynn Durham explore the factors that allow business leaders and CEOs – to create a magical, happy work environment for themselves and their employees.  Amy calls herself a “Corporate Mystic” and she is the author of the book “Create Magic at Work”. In it, she […]

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Often, the impression of a company’s Human Resources department and the people who work there is on the negative side. However, Erica Johnson is trying to change that through her work as Head of Diversity, Equity and Belonging at Chime. After personally experiencing moments in her career that made her feel alienated, Erica […]

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In today’s episode, Brendan has an inspirational chat with his very own Toastmasters club president Kate Purcell. She shares her story of, from a young age, always finding herself getting tripped up by her debilitating fear of public speaking (or, in fact, even the slightest possibility of public embarrassment). So much so, that […]

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Randy McNeely lives and breathes kindness and he has dedicated his life to sharing ways to be kind and getting a culture of kindness engrained into organisations. Randy has written a book on the topic of kindness called “The Kindness Givers Formula” and in it, he shares how acts of kindness have the […]

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https://youtu.be/4yLz6bOcmhk   In today’s episode, Brendan dives into an inspiring discussion with RJ Singh – founder of Ultra Habits, an ultra-endurance athlete, self-mastery mentor and a proud husband and father of two. He is the director of Cora Group – an integrated business to business freight and logistics management company. He is a natural […]

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Dr Pat Boulogne has helped thousands of people over the last 35-plus years stop adapting their lifestyle to pain and chronic problems by focusing on the whole person. She has a passion for getting people to live healthier lives by focusing on the food they put into their bodies. She believes that you […]

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Marcus Nicholls & Ariel Endean are Business Coaches & Consultants, Speakers, Authors, and occasional relationship rescuers. They have been in Business & a relationship for a quarter of a century. During that time they have bought, built, managed & sold a seven-figure business without it costing them their relationship. Business Couples Success was […]

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Robert & Taylem were the 2020 School Captains at Central Coast Grammar School. I have had the privilege of working with both Robert & Taylem over this past year. We have talked about so many things related to their leadership journey and their experiences as School Captains of one of the most prestigious […]

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Nick Bendel is the owner of Hunter & Scribe, a copywriting and content marketing agency that writes blogs, social media posts, emails, ebooks and media releases for small businesses. Nick publishes a daily marketing newsletter called Nick’s Marketing Tips. When he’s not working, Nick is kept busy with his #500lunches project, which involves […]

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Nathan Grey was born in Gosford and educated on the Gold Coast, He was a committed, hard nosed and straight running inside centre who gave his all for club, state and country. Nathan played three years of 1st XV rugby for The Southport School alongside former Wallaby captains Nathan Sharpe and James Slipper and […]

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Julie Watson is the General Manager & Founder of ‘Stronger Than My Excuses’. She is a successful Central Coast businesswoman for over 30 years and author of two e-Books. Julie now helps people to find their own inspiration through the ‘Stronger Than My Excuses’ presentations and Web TV panel discussions. After overcoming her own […]

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Transforming your office culture is not easy! There are many courageous leaders who take up the challenge. There are few who stick with it – Alex is one of the few! Alex Carver is a physiotherapist by trade, and has worked his way up to now be the Managing Director of Medi Australia. Medi […]

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Ian Lynch is the Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Link Housing. Pacific Link Housing is a Community Housing Provider and Registered Charity providing housing solutions for those in our community who have the greatest need, as well as operating a successful and unique profit for purpose real estate agency key2 Realty. Ian has worked […]

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Luke Sullivan and Shaun Sullivan are brothers and together, run Teams Challenge Australia, along with Luke’s wife Emily. Teams Challenge Australia (TCA) is a team building, leadership and wellbeing company based on the Central Coast. Luke and Shaun are both Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Teachers delivering the Outdoor Recreation and Well-being Programs […]

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Monte Pedersen is the Principal of The CDA Group which is a leadership training firm that specialises in strategy execution management. A completely operations-based system and process that helps leaders achieve their strategic initiatives and get better at it every year. Monte believes that most businesses excel at creating the plan for what they […]

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If you didn’t already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With this in mind, there is nobody better to have on today’s episode than one of the leading breast cancer surgeons in Australia, Dr Lucia Saliba. Luci, as she prefers to be called, is trained and accredited in Australia as a General Surgeon […]

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Peter Strohkorb is the Owner and Director of Peter Strohkorb Advisory. After 20+ years in the corporate sector working for companies like Sony, 3M, Canon, Computer Sciences Corporation and Dell, Peter wanted a change. He had experienced a number of mistakes that small, medium and large businesses make when trying to accelerate their sales […]

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Creating a Culture to be Proud Of – that’s what Bill Clifton has worked hard to achieve at Banlaw. Bill is the Group Managing Director of Banlaw based in the Hunter Valley, about an hour north of our beautiful Central Coast. The Hunter Valley location is Banlaw’s main manufacturing and research and development facility. […]

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What is the key to unlocking potential? Mark Bragg is a Performance and Leadership Coach who has been coaching in one form or another for 40 years. In his early career, Mark played and coached basketball professionally, in Australia’s National Basketball League. Over the past two decades, Mark has worked as an Executive Coach […]

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Pip Scott-Allen is originally from Canada and now lives in the beautiful Hunter region of NSW. He is the Director and Lead Facilitator of Premier Team Building. Pip’s business is focused on corporate team building where he designs and facilitates custom team building events. He works with businesses of all sizes across NSW. Pip […]

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Sala Takiveikata was born in Fiji and moved to Australia in 2010. Since coming to Australia, Sala has graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from Macquarie University and is currently working to achieve the Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) qualification. She is also completing her Masters of Commerce at the University of Sydney Business School. […]

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Quang Nguyen is a man who values the time he spends with his family. He believes all business owners should be able to spend time with their families or for doing whatever it is that they love. Being a first-generation refugee, he has grown up doing his best to combine the opportunities and social […]

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Are you born with resilience? Andrew Paton-Smith is the Founder and CEO of Jazoodle based in Wyong on our beautiful Central Coast. He is also a Non-Executive Director at Wyong Race Club where he has been part of the Directorship Team which has turned it into one of the top regional horse training and […]

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Alex Dawson is a Senior Consultant for the Asia-Pacific region with RAIN Group, which is a global sales training and performance improvement company. His primary focus is working with companies to deliver profitable growth through impactful sales transformation programs. Alex also founded Positive Scenario in 2016, driven by his belief happiness is the key […]

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Elizabeth Houghton is a seasoned HR professional with broad industry experience across FMCG, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Information Technology, Engineering, Motorsport and financial services. Her expertise in the HR Leadership space stretches across coaching, leadership development, learning solutions, recruitment and selection, performance management, talent management, change management, succession planning and people management. Elizabeth’s current role […]

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Tracey Dean is the Owner and Director of BTS Accounting Services on the Central Coast with over 25 years experience in the finance world. She is very passionate about the continual improvement of the accounting and finance functions in organisations and using this information for improving the strategic business decision making process. Tracey started […]

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Sam Sooialo is the Owner & Director of Profit & Values. His areas of speciality include Executive Coaching, Business Change and Cultural Transformation. Sam’s focused specifically on bridging the gap between Operations and HR. Sam is heavily involved in the local community and is currently a Non Executive Director on the Boards of three […]

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Matt Sharp is the Owner & Director of Sharp Property Buyers, where he helps people secure their dream home or secure their future by investing in quality investment properties. Away from his buyers agent business, Matt coaches rugby league at the elite junior level with the Sydney Roosters.  Matt’s passion for property has seen […]

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The Importance of Self-Care for Leaders. Sean Smith is the New Installations Director for Schindler Lifts Singapore where he has lived since 2018. Prior to his move to Singapore, Sean held a number of different roles in the Jardine Schindler Group in Jakarta from 2013 to 2018. He also spent time in Shanghai working […]

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Thoughts from a Life-Long Learner. Stuart McLaren is the current Scottish National U16 Head Coach & Coaching Mentor for Performance Academy Coaching at the Scottish Football Association. He is a UEFA Pro Licence & AFC ‘A’ Licence qualified coach and was previously the Manager of Scottish Professional Football League club Stirling Albion FC. Stuart […]

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Leadership in Public Office. Adam Crouch is the NSW Liberal State Government Member for Terrigal. He is also the Government Whip, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Deputy Chair for the Standing Committee of Parliamentary Privilege and Ethics. ‘Crouchy’ as he is affectionately known, is an unbelievably hard working leader in the Central […]

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What you need to know about meetings. Andrew Moore is the Principal Consultant in Australia for The Table Group, where he works with CEOs and Executive Teams to help them apply the concepts of organisational health.  His clients span a broad spectrum of organisations in fields including emergency services, construction, market research, travel, telecommunications, […]

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Building High Performing Teams. Tim Ferguson is a Director and Facilitator at a company called Leading Teams, which is a company focused on developing high performing teams and leaders. Tim joined Leading Teams in 2012 and is now based in Northern NSW. Prior to joining Leading Teams he spent fourteen years in business development […]

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The Culture of Networking. This conversation was several months in the making. We had planned to do it in March, but then COVID-19 restrictions came in. We felt it would be far better if we could sit in the same room with each other and chat about networking. I’m so glad we waited. I […]

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The Power of Purpose. Simon Neylan is an experienced executive who is currently the General Manager of Alinta Apparel, as well as the Founder and Director of two start up businesses, Jangler and Schoolink.  It is fair to say Simon is a guy who likes to keep himself busy! I first met Simon a […]

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The focus of our chat today is The Culture of Youth Development. Joey Peters is a Matildas legend who coincidentally wore the #10 shirt. She is the fifth most capped Matilda of all time, having represented the national Team 110 times between 1996 and 2009, scoring 28 goals.  Joey played in FIFA Women’s World […]

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The Culture of COVID-19. In this episode, the roles are reversed. Brendan is the interviewee, and he is being interviewed by Quang Ngyuen, from QN Coaching & Training. Quang asked Brendan to come onto a video series he is running during the COVID-19 period to talk about culture, leadership and teamwork and the impact […]

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This episode is the 2nd half of my chat with Bernie Kelly. As a reminder, Bernie is an experienced executive who has led a number of turnaround and transformation periods across Logistics, Consumer Products, Food & Beverages, Health Care & MedTech. He has worked with approximately 100 leadership teams across Australia, NZ, and Asia […]

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The 4 Practices of Change-Fit Leadership Teams. Bernie Kelly has been on a journey of discovery over the last 25 years. It’s this journey and his experiences on it, that form the basis for his impending book release due out in June 2020. The book is titled ‘Traction: The 4 Practices of Change-Fit Leadership […]

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Leadership Lessons in a Crisis. In this interview, we focus on the leadership lessons Matt Spindler has learnt during the crisis of COVID-19, also called Coronavirus. Matt is a partner and co-owner of MCS Partners which is an Accounting firm on the Central Coast, NSW. Matt is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years […]

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Are Leaders Born or Trained? This question is the focus of this episode, and it’s no secret what my guest, Melinda Reihberg thinks. And I have to say, I agree with her 100%. Melinda is the Director and Lead Trainer of a Leadership and Sales training consultancy called All Trained Up. Melinda has been […]

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Do you know how to build a trillion dollar culture? That’s what Scotty Schindler did. Scotty was the start up founder of a Real Estate Software business called ReNet. Scotty retired from ReNet in 2017 at the tender age of 46. At the time of his retirement, ReNet managed over 1.1 trillion dollars of […]

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Lessons for emerging Leaders. It’s a Hard Road when a Leaders Journey Begins. It’s this journey and the lessons on it, which form the basis of the 2nd half of my interview with Martin West. As a reminder, Martin is the owner of a consultancy business called X-Gap, which is short for Execution Gap. […]

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Lessons for emerging Leaders. It’s a Hard Road when a Leaders Journey Begins. It’s this journey and the lessons on it, which form the basis of my interview with Martin West. Martin, along with his co-author, Mark Bragg, recently released Hard Road, A Leader’s Journey Begins. The book is a fictional story about a new […]

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The Power of a Leader. This is the topic I explore with Jess. Jess is a normal, every day worker. She hasn’t held a leadership role, and she does’t have any desire to move into a leadership role. What she does know, is how a leader has the power to impact on the work […]

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How can we work together, better? That’s the question Brendan explores with Laura Prael. Laura is the Owner of LEP Digital, a fast-growing digital marketing agency based on the Central Coast, NSW. Laura made a strategic decision to focus on improving teamwork within her organisation. The first step in the journey was to use […]

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Josh Rose talks Mariners Culture with Brendan Rogers. Josh shares his thoughts about culture, leadership and teamwork during his time as a professional footballer at the Central Coast Mariners. We contrast his stints from 2010-2013 when the Mariners were a successful club against the latter part of his career where they may have been […]

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Introducing The Culture of Things podcast. Did you know, worldwide, only 13% of employees are engaged in their work? This means, there are only 13% of employees who are emotionally invested and focused on creating value for their organisations every day. I have experienced first-hand how ‘poor leadership’ negatively impacts the performance of employees […]