Brave Always

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Brave always is a people podcast designed for everyday people to ask those burning questions when it comes to work.  Emma and Luke are leaders in the field of culture and employee experience and have over 25 years experience leading culture, engagement, recruitment & holding senior leadership roles. Following on from a long tenure leading culture at one of the worlds global brands Virgin, they launched Emjoy in early 2021, with a passion to help make real change in the world of culture, leadership and helping people love where they work. This podcast is informative but light-hearted and aims to help everyone from employees to leaders look at the challenges they face with a new perspective.

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    • Mar 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 35 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Brave Always

    Anthony Siebold, Head Coach Manly Sea Eagles

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 32:01 Transcription Available


    Anthony Seibold knows high-pressure leadership. As Head Coach of the Manly Sea Eagles, he’s led some of the NRL’s biggest teams, including the Melbourne Storm, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos, and Queensland’s State of Origin. Beyond the field, he’s a sought-after speaker on leadership, resilience, and building high-performance teams. His journey hasn’t been without challenges, but his ability to adapt, lead, and come back stronger is what makes him such a fascinating guest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Maxine Horne, Founder VITA Group & Shark Tank Judge

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 38:07 Transcription Available


    Self-made multi-millionaire and one time Australia's highest-paid female CEO, Maxine Horne’s story is truly one of grit, determination and passion. The iconic story of Fone Zone and VITA group proves what can happen when you truly believe in yourself and never give up. She’s also now one of the famous sharks on the new series of Shark Tank and this episode is jam packed full of amazing tips and insights from one of the country’s most successful business minds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Chris Jones, Chief Editor Courier Mail

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 32:57 Transcription Available


    It’s not often you meet someone who decides in their early 20’s that I’m going to be the Chief Editor of one of Australia’s biggest newspapers. But here he is. Chris Jones, a talented journalist and now the masthead of one of Australia’s leading newspapers. He bravely opens up about the parts of his leadership he knows he still struggles with and shares his unwavering passion for using his talent and medium to influence for good. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Travis Auld, CEO Grand Prix Australia

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 37:16 Transcription Available


    Get your pen and paper ready. This is one of those episodes brimming with hot tips! From his days at Essendon football club, to the CEO of the Gold Coast Suns and now the CEO of Grand Prix Australia, Travis Auld knows a thing or two about what it takes to lead from the top in times of good and bad. His unique approach to leaning into anything uncomfortable is nothing short of inspiring and his hands on approach to listening and leadership defines him as one of Australia’s most inspiring CEO’s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Antonia Mercorella, CEO of Real Estate Institute of Queensland

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 35:18 Transcription Available


    Antonia is without a doubt what you would call a pocket rocket. She packs a punch when it comes to energy, passion, hard work, achievement but more importantly is just one of those leaders who understands her role to inspire. From humble beginnings Antonia vulnerably shares her career journey, her challenges and life lessons to remind us all that when you believe in what you do, anything is possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Rob Woodhouse, CEO Swimming Australia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 28:30 Transcription Available


    As a former Olympian to now the CEO of Swimming Australia, Rob is an icon in Australian Sports. From navigating a global stage at 18 to traversing the English channel he knows a thing or two about what it takes to push yourself to achieve your goals and bounce back from life’s adversities. He believes passion is the secret ingredient to pushing through challenges and his story is not one to miss!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Matt Kratiuk, Chief Growth Officer Tactic & St Vinnies CEO Sleepout Brand Ambassador

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 39:06 Transcription Available


    Matt probably shouldn’t be here to tell his tale. But the fact that he is is an extraordinary example when a person chooses to take control of their life. Matt bravely shares his story that navigates the world of addiction, crime, mental health, and homelessness. But it also shines a light on what can happen when just one person believes in you. How your life can transform and how you can achieve success in love, life, and your career no matter how challenging your life has been. He’s full of love, passion, and an overwhelming drive to live every day to its fullest. He’s inspiring, lovable, and definitely one of my favourite people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Sam Thaiday, Brisbane Broncos Legend

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 43:44 Transcription Available


    In this special episode I get to sit down and chat with the man himself, Sammy Thaiday. Broncos Legend, State of Origin and Australia NRL rep, TV & Radio entertainer and one of my long-time friends. In this open and candid interview Sammy puts it all on the table. From his early challenges with his identity, navigating success at an early age and having to figure it all out post the end of his professional sports career.  He's absolutely the funny man we know and love, but he's also a passionate Dad and Husband, a bit of a poet and unafraid to face his own demons on his own Brave journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Michael Schneider, CEO of Bunnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 34:26 Transcription Available


    Michael Schneider truly is one of Australia's most humble CEO's. He's down to earth, passionate, a man of the people and you would absolutely find him more comfortable in his Bunnings “Reds” than behind a corporate desk. In this episode Michael vulnerably shares his love for the iconic Aussie brand and the experiences that shaped his drive and determination to reach the top. He knows who he is, and what matters in life and isn't afraid to have the tough conversations….even if he doesn't like doing them still!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    JC (John Collins) Co-Founder & Bass Guitarist Powderfinger & Co Owner Triffid and Fortitude Valley Music Hall

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 26:51


    As a Brisbane girl, this was a very special episode. JC, along with two high school friends started their journey as Powderfinger as high school students from Brisbane. Their careers spanned 21 years and changed the landscape for rock music at the time, particularly for the Brisbane music scene. JC has continued his music journey, behind the scenes opening both the Triffid and Fortitude Valley music Hall. His story is one of resilience, hard work and an unwavering belief that keeping calm and positive is simply the best way to approach life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Julie, CEO Healthy Land & Water

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 27:43


    Julie McLellan is as close as you'll get to a born leader. Facing challenges and change from an early age, she got comfortable with the uncomfortable, and wasn't afraid of the responsibility that comes with creating the kind of culture (and world) she wanted to live in. It's something she continues to work on today, and her ability to ‘tell it like it is' is both enlightening, and incredibly refreshing.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lorie Argus, CEO - Melbourne Airport

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 42:13


    Lorie Argus has unknowingly been a champion for females in senior leadership roles her whole life. From her early career at Virgin as one of the first female senior leaders, to now being only 1 of 2 female CEO's of Australian airports she continues to prove that being authentically yourself, being aware and honest of your shortcomings and never believing your better than anyone else are all powerful ingredients for any leader. She's funny, humble and incredibly real about the challenges that come with leading at the top, whilst being a wife, a mother and continuing to push yourself to be better everyday.  One of my favourite conversations with one of my early inspirations!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Karen Brown, Award winning Pharmacist, Pharmacy owner and Founder of Batch Tested

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 40:35


    “So much of what I do in business I learnt in sport”  Understanding the power of elite sporting teams and applying it to your professional career is a recipe for success. No one knows this better than Karen Brown. As a pharmacy owner, pharmacist, business owner and entrepreneur, she credits much of her success to understanding the power of team sports. Karen bravely explores her journey from the Firebirds to pharmacy and, like any good athlete, opens up about her own areas for growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Anthony Ryan, CEO of Brisbane Economic Development Agency

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 36:30


    Anthony Ryan knows how to tell a story. And that's because he spends a huge amount of his time, connecting, supporting and fundraising for those less privileged.  From a career that started as a Brisbane based teacher, to CEO of multiple national non for-profit organisations, he is now bringing his extraordinary empathetic and authentic leadership style to the role of CEO of Brisbane Economic Development Agency.  Anthony shares openly his deep passion for the homeless in our community and the effect it's had on his life. He openly and honestly owns his weaknesses, and reminds us all that being influential and successful largely rests on your ability to build deep relationships with others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Da Rulk, Functional training expert

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 27:50


    If you ever wondered how Chris Hemsworth gets so buff… then the name Da Rulk needs to be mentioned! Functional training expert, certified strength and conditioning coach, Centr fit coach and larger than life personality Da Rulk has a never-ending supply of energy and then some. Join me as he shares the personal challenges that pushes him to show up every day at his best and his hot tips on pushing through the tough days to love the good ones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    James Chin Moody, Founder & CEO of Sendle

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 36:54


    James Chin-Moody has made a career of turning models on their head. With his brilliant, yet humble, engineering mindset, James approaches everything with curiosity - even self-evaluation - and isn't afraid to ask the big questions. James shares his tips for building a culture where purpose becomes an unconscious thing, and why at Sendle, if the answer's not 'Hell Yeah!', it's no. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Amelia Evans, CEO of Queensland Airports

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 37:26


    Whilst she's achieved success in every traditional sense, Amelia's path to the top is entirely her own. As a woman in working in finance, she realised even in her early twenties that the odds weren't stacked in her favour, and wasn't afraid to face biases and challenge convention. In every role,  Amelia has made People her number one focus, using shared values as her guide. From creating safe zones as a leader, to keeping yourself grounded, Amelia's unique view of the world will inspire you to bring her style of thinking into your organisation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Declan Sherman, Founder and CEO of Infragreen

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 39:29


    He's funny, passionate and completely ok with admitting his emotional intelligence was non-existent in his 20's and 30's. Declan shares with us with deep honesty the journey he has gone on as an entrepreneur and the challenges that has come with along the way. Now finding his sweet spot between passion and experience he's ready to open the door on how vulnerability has changed the game and how giving up, no matter what the odds was, and will never be an option.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Rochelle Courtenay – Founder and Managing Director, Share the Dignity

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 32:02


    Fondly known as the “pad lady” Rochelle Courtenay is Share the Dignity's founder and Managing Director.  Rochelle founded the charity in March of 2015 in response to the thousands of homeless women in Australia going without basic sanitary items. Join us on a powerful discussion with Rochelle, on how a passion to make a difference has grown into an Australian loved charity, responsible for distributing over 4.5 million period products to those in need. She's witty, emotional and a powerhouse of a women – using her brave super power to make a difference!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Paul Scurrah - CEO Pacific National

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 34:16


    With his quintessential talent for speaking with brutal, (and beautiful), honesty and vulnerability, CEO Paul Scurrah takes us through some of the most challenging moments in his life, from coping with a career-ending injury as a young AFL player, through to winning and losing his dream job as CEO of Australia's favourite airline. This is one Brave journey and real-life testament to the power of resilience that you can't miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Maz Speaks – Author, Speaker, Director & Producer (oh and Kick Ass Communicator)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 30:46


    Brace yourself to hear from one of TV's most iconic women. Producer, Director, Speaker and Author – she has done it all. From global reality tv shows to gracing the red carpet. Here is one pocket rocket that has all the tricks of the trade when it comes to being unapologetically yourself and showing up Brave every day!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lucas Patchett, Co Founder and CEO, Orange Sky

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 24:49


    Lucas talks about the incredible journey of two 20 year old boys in creating the world's first free mobile laundry service for people experiencing homelessness. The highs and lows, not conforming to expectations and staying true to who you are – all part of this Brave leadership storySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Brett Godfrey, Founder Virgin Blue

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 34:00


    Brett talks about his wild ride of leading Virgin Blue, notes on napkins and tough chats with Richard Branson. This is what happens when BRAVE Leaders aren't afraid to get their hands dirty…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Welcome to season 2 - Brave Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 1:08


    Brave Leadership happens in that moment when you're willing to own that you don't know it all. When you dig deep and find that inner strength to be yourself and show up exactly as you are, without any guarantee of the outcome. Join us this series as we speak to some of Australia's bravest CEO's who share their stories of being authentic, vulnerable and unapologetically Brave.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What does it really take to create great culture?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2023 21:43


    Today's question is – ‘Why does my company always think cupcakes or a coffee machine will solve all our problems? Is this really what it takes to create a great culture?' Contact us @emjoy on LinkedIn or Instagram.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Sending tough emails

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 12:16


    Todays question is - 'We seem to live in a world of hiding behind screens, but I feel like some things need to be delivered in person. Why are people sp avoidant of calling first in order to soften the tone of a difficult email?' Contact us @emjoy on LinkedIn or Instagram.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Normalising the struggles of a working Mum

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 14:40


    Todays question is - 'I'm a working Mum and I have 2 kids with plenty to juggle, honestly sometimes I feel like I'm failing on all fronts. How do I manage this?' Contact us @emjoy on LinkedIn or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Working from home v back in the office

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 15:52


    Todays question is - 'It's hilarious, I'm being forced to come into the office but it requires 2 hours commuting time added onto my day. How is this productive or a benefit to me?' Contact us @emjoy on LinkedIn or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Vulnerability without over sharing

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2022 13:17


    Todays question is - 'I know vulnerability is trending but do I really need to hear about my boss's miserable dating life all of the time?' Contact us @emjoy on LinkedIn or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Are the long boring emails necessary?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2022 10:37


    Todays question is - 'Why is it a requirement that anything from senior management or corporate coms has to put me to sleep?' Contact us @emjoy on LinkedIn or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Hanxiety on Monday

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 13:11


    Todays question is - 'I got drunk with my team on the weekend and can't quite remember the night should I bring it up or ignore it on Monday?' Contact us @emjoy on LinkedIn or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Too much work, not enough staff

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 19:52


    Today's question is 'It feels like there's more work than there is people, how do I stay motivated when I feel like I'm on a hamster wheel?' Contact us @emjoy on LinkedIn or Instagram.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Finding your purpose

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2022 16:27


    Today's question is 'It seems like everyone is an entrepreneur or on only fans, should I just quit and start my own thing too?' Contact us @emjoy on LinkedIn or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dealing with the passive aggressive

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2022 17:52


    Today's question is 'I have a colleague at work who's super passive aggressive, how do I deal with that?' Contact us @emjoy on LinkedIn or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Welcome to Brave Always

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 2:05


    Welcome to Brave Always, a podcast brought to you by Emjoy. Meet Em and Luke, leaders in culture and employee experience. Each week they tackle your questions with a light hearted and informative chat designed for you to take away tips and strategies for loving where you work.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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