Leading Conversations

When Colm Maguire arrived at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia as COO, he realised the team culture wasn't quite as described. Colm is a driven and loyal character with a long history of building successful team dynamics with the help of Leading Teams. So, it wasn't long before he brought them into the Guild and got to work on building trust, ownership, compassion, and high performance. Mel-Sykes Bridge, now HR Director at the Guild, echoes those initial misgivings, but today, along with Colm are part of a formidable team that has completely turned the tide, demonstrating high rates of success internally and externally.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt O'Connell has been in the pipeline industry since 1986. As President of NACAP Australia, he understands all too well that it's a high-risk industry, for people and the environment. So, when NACAP was taken over in 2013 by Qanta, it provided an opportunity for the business to not only explore greener operations but to build a stronger sense of culture, as the company took on this new phase under new management. Matt began working with Leading Teams Facilitator Justin Peckett just before the acquisition and they explore how change on this scale injected new life into the business.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bringing private sector learnings into a government environment can be advantageous, especially if the person has a career's worth of customer-focused roles. Tash Tobias is just that kind of person, a leader who understands not just what customers need, but how to build teams that work well together, in order to deliver the best customer service. Tash met challenges at Brisbane City Council, familiar to many businesses - siloed staff, lack of support amongst the team, and more. But it was during the time that Tash and her team were working with Martine Harkin, Facilitator at Leading Teams, on repairing communication, cohesion, and performance, that an even bigger challenge hit.  The Brisbane floods of 2021/2022. Tash and Martine are discussing how the team grew and excelled over this time but not before doing some serious work internally.    Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family businesses can be great places to work, they're often warm environments, with nice relationships between staff and with external stakeholders. But can ‘nice' impact progress and performance? Dahlsens' is a 150-year-old family business, in the building supplies space. But when General Manager, Mark Cooper started in 2018, he found that ‘nice' wasn't really cutting the mustard. So, just prior to the 2019 Victorian bushfires and COVID pandemic, Mark along with Head of Operations, Mick Mann, engaged Leading Teams Facilitator, Ellie Pietsch, to help the team increase performance, enable quicker decision-making and manage time more effectively.  Not only was the business able to manage these rolling crises far better than it might have otherwise, but Dahlsens was able to expand and grow successfully during the upheaval.  Dahlsens is still a nice business, but not to the detriment of performance.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transforming an organisation at the brink of collapse, to a flourishing resource, is no small feat. Brimming with financial and cultural challenges, Shaun Pearce's capacity for connection, mentorship and drive saw him take over as CEO of Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation. Since then, he's built an organisation that supports communities across the Northern Territory and provides a diverse range of work opportunities within the business. Shaun has been working with Leading Teams Facilitator, Jenny Devine to create a space where staff understand their value, are able to have a voice and feel empowered in their roles, which is particularly important in what can be a challenging environment.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Rebecca Ackland, People & Culture Officer at Southern Cross Austereo, defining the core purpose of the business has been a game changer for the Australian media giant. It's altered how staff communicate, the onboarding process, and how to motivate for high performance. Within five years at SCA, Rebecca has created a seat at the Executive table, ensuring that People and Culture answer directly to the CEO. Leading Teams Facilitator, Daniel Healy, has been on the journey with Bec, and they're discussing not only her meteoric rise within the organisation but how they've consolidated around purpose and shifted the team dynamic for measurably stronger results.    Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head Coach, John Longmire has been pivotal to the evolution of AFL team, the Sydney Swans. From the beginning he understood the importance of player empowerment and honest conversations. He also knew that a framework or roadmap was required, not just to achieve success on the field, but as a guide back from failure and loss. The Swans' story is one that acknowledges the club's heritage, that allows not only the players but club stakeholders and fans to stand on the mighty foundations of the early years – and to look forward - to strengthen and grow the team every day, into the high performers that they are. John is in discussion with Ray McLean, Founder of Leading Teams, who's been on the Swan's journey with John from the start.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Di Marchment was told by one of her first employers that she'd never make it. In 2023 Di is celebrating 30 years as owner of Dianne Marchment & Associates, an accounting firm based in country Victoria. Not only has Di made it in the industry, she's excelled. It's this determination that's driven her success and helped develop skills and leadership for herself and her staff. Di's in conversation with her long-time Leading Teams Facilitator, Jesse McLean about the road to success, and the cultural concerns they worked on together, some of which are quite specific to a small business, in a small town.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Season 3 of the Leading Conversations podcast! Eight brand new business leaders; from an accounting firm in country Victoria, to one of Australia's largest media organisations, to an international eco contractor, they're all in discussion with their personal Leading Teams Facilitators, who over many years, have become almost part of the team. Together they've helped shape business culture and leadership, all of which has had a direct and measurable impact on performance.  But how? Well, this season we did deeper into Leading Teams' processes. Founder Ray McLean, a man that knows peak performance and culture like no other, also gives his take, at the end of each episode. Episodes drop fortnightly, so follow FREE now and don't miss an episode.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 3 of the Leading Conversations podcast is launching on Wednesday 26 April!  Eight brand new business leaders; from an accounting firm in country Victoria, to one of Australia's largest media organisations, to an international eco contractor, they're all in discussion with their personal Leading Teams Facilitators, who over many years, have become almost part of the team. Together they've helped shape business culture and leadership, all of which has had a direct and measurable impact on performance.  But how? Well, this season we did deeper into Leading Teams' processes. Founder Ray McLean, a man that knows peak performance and culture like no other, also gives his take, at the end of each episode. Follow FREE now and don't miss the first episode-drop next Wednesday 26 April.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the patriarch of the family business passes unexpectedly, the impact can lead the business to fold.  In the case of RD Jones Group, that's what many looking in from the outside expected. But for Danielle and Luke Donaldson, the daughter and son in law of Richard Jones, the impact was seismic, in fact you can still hear it in Danielle's voice, 6 years since Richard's accident. But they're made of tough stuff, they're resilient and with a strong team backing them up, they've not only maintained the business but expanded it and won industry awards along the way. Instrumental to that success is RD Jones relationship with Leading Teams. Danielle and Luke are talking to Shelly McElroy, their Leading Teams Facilitator, who's seen them through the most challenging, and best of times.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Fagan is an AFL senior coach with the Midas touch. Throughout his coaching career, he's been involved in the success of the Melbourne Football Club and the string of consecutive Grand Final wins at Hawthorn. So why in 2016, go from the extraordinary wave of success at the Hawks to build back a battered club, at the Brisbane Lions? Well build back he did, and Chris explains to his long-time Leading Teams Facilitator, Simon Fletcher, why he made that decision. He also gives an insight into his coaching philosophy and how as a senior coach, with no AFL-level playing experience, he's at the top of his game.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's often through the fresh eyes of a new team member or after some time away from the office that the state of workplace culture can truly be seen. Steph Alekna is the Regional Construction Manager QLD/PNG for Keller Group, and it was after six months on maternity leave, that she was able to identify what was really going on within the business. Steph is in conversation with Marine Harkin, Leading Team Facilitator for Keller, over the last five years or so. They discuss what issues came to light and how both Steph and Martine worked together with staff to change priorities, enhance the working environment and actually increase productivity.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running a business is hard and running a family business can bring its own issues. Add mental health challenges to the mix and that's when Tom Caesar,  CEO and Founder of Nodifi, a cloud-based, asset finance solutions business, reached out for help. Tom speaks to Daniel Healy, the Leading Teams Facilitator he's been working with for the last six years, about how they navigated a path through the tough times and celebrate where he and the business are today.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the goal is to stretch your team's performance by just one or two per cent, what does that roadmap look like, particularly in the more conservative legal profession? Carroll & O'Dea Lawyers, General Manager, John Willey and Human Resources Manager, Kim Turnbull, discuss the journey towards incremental improvement and cultural change, with Kurt Wrigley, the firm's Leading Teams Facilitator for the last four years.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years Kristen Buik was trying to please others by being who she thought they wanted her to be. It didn't work, for her or her colleagues. Kristen found herself working within a male-dominated industry, as the Director and Co-Owner of business consulting firm, Altitude Advisory. Having experienced some personal trauma of her own, Kristen was used to facing challenges head-on.  And so, she began working with Daniel Healy, a Leading Teams Facilitator at Leading Teams, who helped her find her confidence and turn things around.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the best of circumstances, an educator's role is a challenge. Throw in a pandemic, and the successful transformation of Staughton College is nothing short of remarkable. Thanks largely to Principal, David Lord and Vice Principal, Kristy Herridge. Both are talking to their Leading Teams Facilitator, Brendan Maher, who for the last seven years has helped guide them to strengthen communication amongst staff, parents and children and streamline hiring practices. All of which have improved the educational environment for the kids, who've delivered incredible results.   Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 20 years at Flight Centre under his belt, Brent Novak, now Head of Sales, Operations and Network, still loves it. His passion is palpable, and it’s driven him to seek peak performance at work, with his team and in his personal life. Brent talks to Jake Bridges, his Leading Teams Facilitator for the last few years, about his approach to cultural change, the difference it’s made to the business and how one of the biggest challenges in his own life, sharpened his focus on who he is as a person and as a leader. Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Leading Conversations podcast, another golden opportunity to hear from senior executives, across Australia, discuss challenges they’ve faced in their professional and personal lives, which have led to extraordinary cultural change within their workplace. This season they're talking directly to their Leading Teams Facilitators, so the conversations are open, frank and familiar. If like many people, you're facing trying circumstances or considering a cultural shift in your business, then these conversations are for you. Launching Wednesday 15 June, follow free now, so you don't miss an episode. Leading Conversations is produced for Leading Teams by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This final episode takes a slightly different approach, Mary Campbell, CEO of TAFE Queensland reflects on her 30 years at TAFE, sharing her insights into leadership and cultural development, as she talks with host Lisa Alexander AM. There are no shortcuts to achieving a strong culture and high performing teams, it’s about the long game. Leaders must believe in the work they do, be driven to achieve goals and passionate about the journey. With three decades in the vocational training and education space and leading a staff of 4000 across the state, Mary embodies these ideas because she believes to her core that the goal of TAFE Queensland is to provide people with skills and the dignity of work. Leading Conversations is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We don’t think much about water utilities until things go wrong of course, it’s just there and we kind of take it for granted. Jeff Rigby is the Managing Director of Western Water, an organisation bound by the strictures of the tightly regulated public sector. Talking to host Lisa Alexander AM, Jeff explains that he's been in the water game for three decades, inspired by the Victorian drought of 1983. But not only is he committed to best practice, Jeff encourages innovation, transforming culture and improving performance, enabling them to compete for talent that might otherwise be swayed by the bright lights of the private sector. Jeff is indeed a water man through and through. Leading Conversations is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Baird is a whip-smart operator. He works through challenges, finds quick solutions, leads with trust and is always supporting his team. Steve has spent 17 years in airline marketing, ten at Qantas and seven at Virgin, as Head of Marketing for the Velocity Frequent Flyer program. He tells host Lisa Alexander AM, about his time in the eye of the storm as COVID ripped through the travel industry in 2020, and the leadership experience he called on during that unprecedented time. But it was during his years at Virgin that he was able to shift a culture ripe for change, enabling himself and his team to kick some serious goals. Steve's pedigree too, is without reproach. His father, Bruce Baird AM, was a former deputy leader of the NSW Liberal party, his brother, Mike Baird, is the former Premier of NSW, and his sister is ABC journalist and writer, Julia Baird. But he says it was his mum who was his biggest influence. Steve is without question the person you want on your side, leading the team. Leading Conversations is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Note - This episode might involve dressing up. JohnBedwell is Chairman of Australian, family-owned business and pet specialty retailer, PETstock. While John isn’t a member of the Young family, he’s like a third brother to co-founders and siblings, David and Shane Young. But as PETstock expanded across Australia and over the ditch to New Zealand, he explains to Lisa Alexander AM, host and former Head Coach of the Australian National Netball team, the Diamonds, how the Young family were able to instil into the staff, the legacy of family values, and bring it to life across each store? Leading Conversations is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When workplace culture is set up to reward the stars and not the workhorses, opportunities to create high performing teams can be diminished. This is true in business as it is in elite sport. Clare Ferguson is a quiet achiever, with a do-nothing-by-halves attitude, and as a squad member of the Australian National Netball Team, The Diamonds, she wasn’t quite considered leadership material. Not until a massive cultural shift in 2015, that shook Clare and the team. Clare is in conversation with her former Diamonds Head Coach and host of the Leading Conversations podcast, Lisa Alexander AM. And if there's anyone who knows about building high performing teams, it's Lisa, who drove much of the cultural change during her incredibly successful, near-decade spearheading the national squad. Leading Conversations is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you transform a top three ad agency into number one? Well, Steve Harris, Chairman & CEO of The Brand Agency, explains his approach. As former President of the Fremantle Dockers, he was able to bring an elite-sport mindset into a creative business, and give the culture a good shake up. As he tells host, Lisa Alexander, while it’s been a mammoth challenge, he’s had a lot of guidance and support along the journey, and the results speak for themselves. Lisa Alexander AM, is the former head coach of the Australian National Netball team, the Diamonds, and it's fair to say she knows a thing or two about building high performing teams. Leading Conversations is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.