The Evolved Leadership Podcast

My guest in this episode is Zach Whale. Zach is GM of Policy at Grain Growers, a key representative body for all grain growing farmers in Australia.  Highlights of our conversation include how a great suggestion from Zach's mum led to his passion for grain growing, riffing with Banjo Patterson, the impact of Trump's tariffs on global trade, the serious issue of international food security, and how the Russia-Ukraine war affects global grains trading. Enjoy the conversation.To find out more about Grain Growers go to: https://www.graingrowers.com.au To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Michael Engeman. Michael is an experienced business executive and entrepreneur, and is the CEO of the Ainslie Group of companies, one of Australia's most respected bullion and crypto dealers.  Founded in 1974, Ainslie has grown into one of Australia's largest and most trusted bullion dealers, later expanding into digital assets. As the country's only Over-The-Counter (OTC) crypto dealer, Ainslie also launched The Gold & Silver Standard (AUS and AGS) digital tokens backed by securely stored bullion. Highlights of our conversation include seeing the opportunity in crypto many years ago, selling physical gold and silver tokens on the blockchain, Trump's impact on crypto, minting a one ton gold coin, and discussing how we might create a more equitable world.Enjoy the conversation.To find out more about the Ainslie Group go to: https://www.ainslie.com.auTo learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au#crypto #bitcoin #bullion #gold #goldbullion #cryptocurrency #blockchain #leadership #evolvedleadershippodcast #evolvedstrategy 

My guest in this episode is Karen Dare. Karen is the CEO of Communify, a not-for-profit dedicated to meeting a range of needs in the community, including child safety, housing, mental health, family support, emergency relief and refugee support. Karen has over 30 years of experience working within the community sector, and has been with Communify since 1994. She has seen the organisation grow from a small neighbourhood centre with limited resources to the thriving multi-service hub that it is today. Karen also works broadly in the community and has sat on the boards of several prominent community organisations and other representative committees including 4Walls Housing Company,  Suncorp Stadium Advisory Committee and Building Services Authority.Karen is a recipient of the 2001 Centenary Medal and the Brisbane Australia Day Award for her contribution to the community sector.Highlights of our conversation include a pattern in the sector of everyone wanting their own charity, the power of not-for-profit team members moving on into influential government roles, how Communify develops their leaders, the importance of coming down from your ivory tower as a leader, and Karen sharing the internal contract she has with herself.  Enjoy the conversation To find out more about Communify, go to: https://communify.org.au/ You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-dare-99b3b44b/To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/podcast

My guest in this episode is Tim Humphries. Tim is the CEO of Homestyle Aged Care, a Tier 1 aged care provider. Tim was previously the CEO of Provider Assist, a large, aged care consulting service. He has extensive business experience holding previous C-suite roles within finance and IT.  Tim is the former Chairman of the board of directors for the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer. He previously worked on the board of Prestige In-home Care, and the School Council of Wattle Park Primary School. Highlights of our conversation include aged care approaching saturation levels, the challenge of being primarily govt funded, exploring why older people aren't being valued, and making sure everyone on the exec team laughs at least once during a meeting. Enjoy the conversation  To find out more about Homestyle Aged Care go to: https://homestyleagedcare.com.au  You can connect with Tim on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-humphries-1435511b/ To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Troy Warfield. Troy is the CEO of The Social Gaming Group, a gastro-gaming venue business, where he has led the company's rapid global expansion. He is also the Chair of Surf Lakes, a global surf park business.Troy's prior roles include President of Topgolf International, Executive Director of the Board at British Airways as well as BA's Brands & Customer Experience Director, and Chief Commercial Officer of Avis Budget Group where he led the international franchising of the business. Troy was also previously Managing Director of the UK and Ireland for Kimberly Clark, and has held senior roles at Unilever.He is a very proud father of three children, and enjoys giving back to the community via many charitable roles through his career, coaching his son's rugby, and being with friends.Highlights of our conversation include franchise wins in the Middle East for The Social Gaming Group, the benefit of focusing on strategic cluster, dealing with the fact that the more senior you get the lonelier you get, and the leadership benefits of exercise, ice baths and meditation. Enjoy the conversation  To find out more about The Social Gaming Group go to: https://www.thesocialgaminggroup.com You can reach out to Troy at troy@oche.com   To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Tom Larter. Tom  is a seasoned business executive and the CEO of WithYouWithMe, one of the Asia Pacific's fastest growing tech companies. WithYouWithMe solves workforce challenges and make a positive social impact throughcreating career pathways for diverse communities, including veterans, military families,neurodivergent individuals and indigenous groups.  Tom is also an active member of several industry organisations, including the Tech Council of Australia, TechUK and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB).  Highlights of our conversation include your ability to learn being the best predictor of your hire-ability, future-proofing jobs for the future, how execution beats strategy every day of the week, the importance of Involving your leaders in your strategic planning, and making sure your strategy fits on one page.  Enjoy the conversation  To find out more about WithYouWithMe go to: https://withyouwithme.com You can connect with Tom on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomlarter/  To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Tim Dwyer.  Tim is the founder and Managing Director of Tolemy, a brand-led growth agency educating entrepreneurs and business owners on how to design, build and activate a business strategy based on a foundation of core assets aligned with purpose.  Tim has worked with private industry for over 25 years, supporting thousands of businesses to grow and scale. He believe that by helping business leaders shift mindsets, businesses and industries can shift to benefit our communities and society. Highlights of our conversation include the Tolemy framework acting as a "Google Map" for your business, making the point that we've all got a purpose, ego being a wonderful servant but a terrible master, and the importance as a leader of working out what your trauma has been. Enjoy the conversation  To find out more about Tolemy go to: https://tolemy.com You can connect with Karl on LinkedIn at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/timdwyer1 To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is John Shegerian. John is the serial social entrepreneur responsible for co-founding Homeboy Industries, FinancialAid.com, Engage and many other impactful organizations. He currently serves as co-founder, Chairman and CEO of ERI, the largest recycler of electronic waste in the US. Highlights of our conversation include hearing John describe starting his work life washing floors at the age of 10 at the dry cleaners, appreciating that all his bosses were mentors, discussing the impact of the Greed Is Good generation, and a strong encouragement to study the great leaders. John also describes a very impressive Board of Directors at ERI, including JB Straubel who is the founder of Redwood Materials and a co-founder of Tesla, the Koo family who are the founders and owners of LG Electronics, and the aluminium production giant Alcoa.  Enjoy the conversation  To find out more about ERI go to: https://eridirect.com  You can follow John on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnshegerian  You can follow ERI at:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/electronic-recyclers/ To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Paul Hodgson. Paul is currently Chair of Queensland Manufacturing Institute Ltd, and the recent CEO of the Scaling Green Hydrogen Cooperative Research Centre, where he secured 97 partners and $163m of cash and in-kind contributions for a Round 24 funding submission.  He is an Industry Commentator for the Ai Group Podcast “What on Earth”; and a Founding Member and Honorary Fellow of the Global Intrapreneurs Institute.  Highlights of our conversation include discussing how good leadership grows leaders, not letting the process get in the way of the outcome, the strong manufacturing opportunities in Australia, building coalitions of leaders to get things done, and where hydrogen fits with the complex future that is coming. Enjoy the conversation  You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauljhodgson   To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

I'm delighted to have worked with some incredible clients this year, including Grain Growers Limited, Surf Lakes, Deloitte and QLD Health. This has enabled us to provide strategy and leadership development support to our pro-bono clients Sea Shepherd Australia and Opportunity International Australia. It has also been a powerful year of fascinating conversations on the Evolved Leadership Podcast.To complete 2023, check out our final episode of the year as Episode 35, where I speak about the top insights on the show through the year, and also share a personal example of one of my own recent leadership insights.The story I share in this episode was prompted by an experience of feeling flat while sharing my own top values of Honesty and Enjoyment with my client group, while facilitating a core leadership development program module. I considered afterwards that much time and life experience had taken place since I arrived at those original values, so I took myself through the values reflection and prioritisation exercise again. And this time the highest values that emerged were Freedom and Inner Harmony.These resonated much more clearly in terms of where I'm at in my own leadership journey and life. I was reminded of how important it is to revisit your values as needed, as much can change over time that causes values to be reprioritised.There is a major project that is coming as a result of my own reclarifying of my personal values, which I'll share more on early next year.For now, have a relaxing and rejuvenating break, and see you in 2024.To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Chris Eldridge, CEO and co-founder of technology services business 4impact.  4impact serves customers across the eastern seaboard of Australia, in New Zealand and in Papua New Guinea, and employs people in four countries. Chris believes in giving back to the community that has supported him, and is proud to support organisations like Opportunity Australia who provide micro-finance loans to entrepreneurs throughout Asia, and the charity Communify who work in the local community on multiple social initiatives. Highlights of our conversation include the process of setting up a Board and putting a CEO in to run the business, the value of getting emotional commitment to outcomes, the impact of your parents on the leader you are today, the loneliness of the CEO position, and fleshing out the question of what really drives an entrepreneur to start and build a business?  Enjoy the conversation  To find out more about 4impact go to: https://www.4impact.com  You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherpeldridge  To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Athena Chintis. Athena is the Group Head of People & Culture at Cliftons Event Solutions, a leading business events provider, which employs a highly flexible workforce across 4 countries and 11 workplaces. Cliftons was recognised as one of AFR/BOSS's Best Places to Work in 2023.Athena is a Sydney-based Human Resources leader, bringing over 20 years of experience across multiple fast-paced industries, varying scales of businesses and at different stages  – from startup and high growth to acquisition and turnaround.  Highlights of our conversation include balancing charitable endeavours with corporate life, being fulfilled at work, creating remarkable experiences, walking through an HR strategic plan, and being recognised as one of AFR/BOSS's Best Places to Work in 2023. Outside of work, Athena is currently the NSW State President for the Australian HR Institute and has served as a NSW State Councillor since 2015.To find out more about Cliftons, go to: https://cliftons.com You can connect with Athena on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenachintis To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Karl Schwantes. Karl is the owner of Xennox Diamonds, a 47-year-old second-generation family business. He is also the Founder of the The Reputation Builder program, which focuses on showing business owners how to craft remarkable client experiences that generate great Google reviews. Karl is a Customer Experience Expert and an international award-winning author, a Telstra business award finalist and winner of the My Business Awards 2020 for the Best Customer Experience.Highlights of our conversation include insights on the global diamond industry; the fact that whatever you think you're worth, you're right; how to steal business from your competitors using social proof; magical moments of truth in your business; hanging out with Richard Branson on Necker Island; and the importance of understanding the reputation phase that we're now entering into. Enjoy the conversation To find out more about the Reputation Builder Program go to: https://reputable.global You can contact Karl at: karl@reputable.global You can connect with Karl on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlschwantes To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

In this episode I share four real leadership stories of clients I've worked with, that highlight four important areas you need to give attention to in order to have greater impact in your leadership role.Episode highlights include a healthy response to “micromanaging” feedback, balancing leadership styles in a rapidly growing business, a telco executive who paced himself really well, and the example of Richard Branson's radical risk profile.Enjoy the conversation.To book a leadership assessment for you and your leadership team, go to: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/leadership-assessment To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is John Foong. John has experience working for some of the largest companies in the world, including Google and Uber, where he oversaw record revenue growth (e.g., boosting Google Cloud's channel revenue into the billions as global lead). Growing up in Australia, he graduated with an MBA and Masters in Education from Stanford and then spent 17 years working in the UK, US, and Africa. In 2014, he became one of the youngest Directors globally at Google. Now back in Australia, he serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at Domain, one of Australasia's leading real estate marketplaces.Some of the highlights of our conversation include learning great leadership from great leaders around the world being a leader of leaders of leaders, a healthy response to tough feedback from your team, the importance of loving your executive leadership team peer group, and the fact that people don't leave organisations, they leave leaders.At the end of our conversation, John made a generous offer to listeners to buy anyone who reaches out a copy of Marshall Goldsmith's book What Got You Here Won't Get You There. To take up this offer simply email info@evolvedstrategy.com.au with the subject line “YES TO JOHN'S BOOK GIFT OFFER” and you'll be sent a copy of the book. Enjoy the conversationTo find out more about the Domain research app that John mentioned, go to: https://www.domain.com.au/research You can contact John on LinkedIn at: https://www.domain.com.au/research To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

With the referendum coming up later in 2023 to vote on altering the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, it was my great pleasure to speak to Professor Peter Radoll recently on the Evolved Leadership Podcast. Peter is a proud descendant of the Anaiwan people of northern New South Wales and is the inaugural Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous, Equity & Inclusion at Victoria University. He is a leading national advocate for the advancement and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and research. Peter was recently appointed as a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW. He is currently a Director of The Smith Family Board and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Some of the highlights of our conversation include losing sleep at having to fire someone, an export we're not proud of in the form of South African apartheid being modelled on the Australian approach to their indigenous people's at the time, Peter's thoughts on The Voice, and the fact that Australia is the only 1st world country on this planet that does not have a treaty with its First Nation's people. If you'd like to learn more about Peter's work at Victoria University, go to: https://www.vu.edu.au You can contact Peter at: peter.radoll@gmail.com  or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterradoll To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Michelle Mandl. Michelle is currently the GM of Customer, Communications, Marketing and Engagement at TOMRA Cleanaway, Australia's leading total waste management, industrial and environmental services company. Michelle is an experienced waste, resource recovery, and sustainability executive with 20+ years of industry expertise. She focuses on stakeholder engagement programs that deliver scalable behaviour change. Michelle is known for creating an empowered team within a lean organisation and has demonstrated executive-level representation throughout her tenure. Michelle's national-level responsibilities ensure TOMRA Cleanaway is recognized as a premier network operator of container deposit scheme services.Highlights of our conversation include diving deep on container deposit schemes to recycle highly valued commodities, exploring what actually happens to our recycling bin waste, giving back through charitable Board membership, getting top retention rates through a servant leadership approach, and leaning in to sliding door moments.If you'd like to learn more about Tomra Cleanaway, go to: https://tomracleanaway.com.au   or on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomra-cleanaway You can contact Michelle on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mandl To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Broden Johnson. Broden is the Founder and Chief Banana Replenisher at Yakk, one of Australia's fastest growing digital marketing agencies. Broden made his first million at 21, and lost his first million at 22. He has started many businesses and was a finalist in the Australian Young Entrepreneur Awards. Once a Beekeeper and Underwear Cold Caller, he has grown Yakk to currently more than 25 team members. Broden is also the Founder of 850 Espresso, a coffee company based in Yakk's kitchen. To summarise his illustrious career so far, Broden is a washed up Beekeeper who lost a lot of money and then turned it around when he discovered he could succeed in business by hiring people more talented than he was and nourishing them with bananas and coffee.Some of the highlights of our conversation include how Broden relentlessly asks the question: “How can I be there more for my team?”, growing a business based on customer feedback, the benefit of creating and maintaining a flourishing library at the core of your workspace, and responding to the challenges of scaling up. Enjoy the conversation.  If you'd like to learn more about Yakk, go to: https://www.yakk.com.au For info on 850 Espresso, go to: https://eightfifty.com.au You can contact Broden on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brodenjohnson To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Muneesh Wadhwa. Muneesh is a Commercial Director at 6 Degrees Media, a business that hosts world-class events, executive roundtables and conferences that bridge the divide, bringing global innovation rock stars together with local tech legends and unsung heroes. Muneesh is also the Founder of Humanity In Business, an organisation focused on improving employee engagement, fostering innovation and building inclusive leadership capability by facilitating collaboration between corporates and not-for-profits. Prior to his current roles, Muneesh was the MD of CIO Network, a peer-to-peer subscription-based community of IT executives. The objective of the forum was to provide senior IT executives with the opportunity to share experience and learn from the experience of their peers.Muneesh is a community builder and a connector. For over 20 years, he has been bringing corporate executives together to share experiences and inspire action for business outcomes through better leadership. He is passionate about building community and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, taking a purpose driven approach to business, and exploring the role of ethical technology in business and its impact on humanity. Some of the highlights of our conversation include the story of an ex-meditation teacher turned CEO, applying design-thinking principles to solve problems for the not-for-profit sector, exploring the ethical implications of the explosion of AI, how AI is amplifying illusion and presenting a challenge to humanity of not knowing what is real anymore, and understanding that there is no true leadership without self-awareness.Enjoy the conversation.   If you'd like to learn more about Humanity In Business, go to: https://www.humanityinbusiness.com.au For info on 6 Degrees Media, go to: https://6degreesmedia.com.auYou can contact Muneesh on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muneeshwadhwasydney To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Marcus Marchant. Marcus is the CEO of Vistaprint for Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Vistaprint empowers more than 16 million small business owners around the globe to professionally promote their business with quality printed and digital marketing products. Vistaprint is part of the NASDAQ-listed Cimpress Group.Some of the highlights of our conversation include setting banking executives aggressive "complaints targets" as a way to increase customer satisfaction, being bigger than you are and growing into it, Vista's decision to not go back to working from offices, winning the AFR BOSS "Best Place To Work" in 2022 for employee satisfaction, and strategising the "Remote First" aspect of the Vista business.Enjoy the conversation.   If you'd like to learn more about Vista, go to: https://vista.com/au You can connect with Marcus on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusmarchant To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Richard Boele. Richard is the Chief Purpose Officer for KPMG Australia and a Partner at KPMG Banarra, a team within KPMG that focuses on Human Rights and Social Impact. Richard is internationally sought after for his cutting-edge human rights, social impact and purpose insights, high-level facilitation and problem-solving skills and for his ability to inspire meaningful action by Boards and their CEOs across industries and the globe. In his more recent Chief Purpose Officer role he shares what he's learnt from being KPMG Australia's inaugural CPO.Some of the highlights of our conversation include a formative experience with Chief Justice Michael Kirby, the teachers that taught Richard how NOT to lead, the satisfaction that comes with putting the right leader in place to continue what you've built, answering the question "What exactly does a Chief Purpose Officer do?", and the impact of KPMG Banarra as a for-profit business in the human rights and social impact space.If you'd like to learn more about KPMG Australia, go to: https://kpmg.com/au/en/home.html Details on KPMG Banarra are: at: https://kpmg.com/au/en/home/services/advisory/risk-consulting/climate-change-sustainability-services/human-rights-social-impact.htmlYou can find Richard on LinkedIn at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardboele/ To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Tom Hughes, Tom is currently General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the NASDAQ-listed Bitcoin miner, Mawson Infrastructure Group Inc, and before that he was Head of Group Legal at ASX200 financial software and services company, HUB24 Ltd.  He also worked at Macquarie Bank and ANZ Bank.   Highlights of our conversation include exploring what Bitcoin mining actually is,  how Mawson Infrastructure continued to move forward despite all market forces acting against them, the power of speaking last, and how cryptocurrency benefits the planet. If you'd like to learn more about Mawson Infrastructure, go to: https://mawsoninc.com You can connect with Tom at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hughes-810bb026/ To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Ryan Swenson, CEO at Circonomy, a social-enterprise with a purpose to create a world without waste, including human potential, by scaling circular solutions to mobile dormant goods and resources. In doing so, Circonomy enables the transition to a net-zero circular future. Some of the highlights of our conversation include some striking examples of sustainability initiatives, how Circonomy grew out of the World's Biggest Garage Sale after an investment by Officeworks, the Circonomy mission to create a world without waste, the plan to expand across Australia as quickly as possible, and the work of "re-commercing" to reduce landfill and provide lower cost products to consumers.If you'd like to learn more about Circonomy, go to: https://circonomy.com.au You can reach out to Ryan at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-swenson-37768220 To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest is Ross Farrelly. Ross is the Director of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for IBM Asia Pacific. He works with companies throughout the region to develop and execute on their strategies to adopt and realise the benefits of predictive analytics and AI. He has a Master of Applied Statistics, a Masters of Applied Ethics, a first class honours degree in Pure Mathematics and a PhD in Information Systems.Some of the highlights of our conversation include exploring the ethical questions that AI provokes, the explosion of ChatGPT, how AI is helping the planet, and what organisational leaders need to be understanding about AI to lead more effectively in today's world.Enjoy the conversation.   You can reach out to Ross directly at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossfarrelly  To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au Please note,  the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

The Business Of Surfing, with Aaron Trevis, CEO and Founder of Surf LakesMy guest today is Aaron Trevis.  Aaron is the CEO and Founder of Surf Lakes, a company which provides a technologically advanced wave-generating device to wave park project developers around the world. Since its establishment in July 2016, Surf Lakes has grown to become a holistic solution provider for world-leading surf park destinations. Surf Lakes' strategy is to develop surfing communities, enhance lifestyles, and bring economic benefits and employment to regions around the world. Some of the highlights of our conversation include finding the balance between accountability and appreciation, the biggest highs and the lowest lows in the Surf Lakes journey so far, staying calm while everyone around you is breaking down, generating 30,000 smiles a day, a really healthy addiction, and safety in a multitude of advisors.If you'd like to learn more about Surf Lakes, go to: https://www.surflakes.com Check out the Surf Lakes technology in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJDG-Lp5JZMTo learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

Using AI & Machine Learning To Guide Strategic Change, with Annalie Killian, VP of Strategic Partnerships, Sparks & Honey My guest today is Annalie Killian. Since 2016, Annalie has led the Strategic Partnerships function at Sparks & Honey, a New York-based strategy consultancy that combines AI and machine learning with the best of human intelligence to make sense of global challenges, emerging trends and accelerating change. Some of the highlights of our conversation include Annalie's experience of organisational leadership under apartheid, exploring how personal challenges can help you hone your empathy as a leader, how Sparks & Honey uses machine learning to optimise their quality of service, and Annalie's professional networking principle of "Don't cultivate contacts. Cultivate friends". If you'd like to learn more about Sparks & Honey, go to: https://www.sparksandhoney.com You can reach out to Annalie on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaliekillianCheck out Annalie's TEDx Melbourne talk at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EvXAF6Nf_QTo learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest is Tony Golsby-Smith. Tony is the founder and former CEO of 2nd Road, a strategic innovation consultancy that Tony built over two decades and eventually sold to Accenture.Some of the highlights of our conversation include the challenges of building a consulting business from the ground up, touching people at an unconscious level to create deep transformation, the 2nd Road story of using the art of rhetoric to solve complex organisational and global problems, and hearing Tony speak about his eventual acceptance of the fact that big organisations will inevitably crush innovation. Enjoy the conversation.   If you'd like to learn more about Mimesis Labs, go to: https://www.mimesislabs.com To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest is Rob Coombs. Rob is the Managing Director of Interface Australia, part of the global group of this major commercial flooring manufacturer. Rob leads Interface's business operations in Australia and New Zealand.Some of the highlights of the conversation from my interview here with Rob include learning about Interface's purpose, which is "To lead business to love the world", saving $650million through waste reduction initiatives, how Interface is applying the principle of "radical collaboration", working with competitors to find solutions to problems that they can't solve on their own, and how Interface Australia responded to one of their factories burning down.If you'd like to learn more about Interface Australia or the wider global Interface group, go to: https://www.interface.com/AU/en-AU.html To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au 

My guest is Peter Baines. Peter is a renowned international speaker, addressing corporate leadership groups on the theme of Leading In and Through Crisis. He is the Founder of Hands Across The Water, one of Australia's fastest growing charities. Peter is a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Some of the highlights of our conversation include Peter's leadership journey in the NSW Police, including his role in the forensic investigation following the Bali bombings, Peter's inspiration for founding Hands Across The Water and the impact to date that Hands Across The Water has made in the world, the unique business model that funds the charity's operations and allows 100% of donor money to go straight to the disadvantaged, and Peter's top 3 leadership tips that he shares regularly in his corporate speaking work.  If you'd like to learn more about Hands Across The Water, go to: https://www.handsacrossthewater.org.au To learn more about Peter's corporate speaking and consulting work, go to: https://peterbaines.com.au  To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest is Alex Debney. Alex is a partner at Conscious Investment Management, an investment manager focused on making investments that improve lives. Some of the highlights of our conversation include Alex describing that moment where he quit his secure job to start something new and uncertain,  some real-life stories of Conscious Investment Management investments that are making a big positive difference to people's lives, what returns can you expect with a "conscious investment", and the unique challenges of working with high-performing people.If you'd like to learn more about Conscious Investment Management, go to: https://www.consciousinvest.com.auYou can follow Conscious Investment Management on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-investment-managementTo learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

Profit Is King But The Multiplier Is Queen, with Marc Johnstone, Global Partner at the Shirlaws GroupMy guest today is Marc Johnstone, Global Partner at the Shirlaws Group. Shirlaws helps SME businesses attract growth and succession capital by optimising their businesses with Shirlaws proven growth management systems.Some of the highlights of our conversation include Marc talking about when he used to think the secret to leadership was getting other people to agree to his ideas, and what came along that helped his viewpoint evolve, Marc's highlighting that people working a 60 hour week will find only 30 of hose hours are really high value work, describing a tough period for Shirlaws when they hit the "brick wall of disillusion", and the top things Shirlaws help businesses do to increase their multiplier for a higher valuation.  To check out the white papers Marc mentioned in the conversation, go to: https://poweredbyshirlaws.com/news-insightsYou can contact Marc directly at: marc.johnstone@shirlawsgroup.com  or find him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcjohnstone To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Dr Manisha Amin. Manisha is the CEO of the Centre for Inclusive Design, a social enterprise that helps companies to build and design products, services and policies that are inclusive, valuable and usable for as many people as possible.Some of the highlights of our conversation include how Manisha and her team overcame the early growth challenges at the CFID, some powerful examples of how the CFID is using inclusive design to improve the experience of disadvantaged peoples, the CFID policy of saying no to a job if they don't think they're going to change a life, hearing what it's like to have a "day in the life" of Manisha Amin, and an insight on how art can tell us the stories we need for work.=If you'd like to learn more about the Centre For Inclusive Design, go to: https://centreforinclusivedesign.org.au For info on shows playing at the Belvoir Theatre mentioned in the interview, go to: https://belvoir.com.auTo learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest in this episode is Anthony Liveris. Anthony is the CEO of Proto Axiom, Australia's pre-eminent biotechnology incubator.Biotechnology, also known as the life sciences, covers a broad spectrum of disciplines and seeks to treat diseases such as cancer, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS and find ways to feed the world's growing population, which is expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050.Some of the highlights of our conversation include learning more about Anthony's entrepreneurship background in Australian and US politics, discussing the unique mission of Proto Axiom to help innovative biotech ideas in Australia get to market, hearing how to create "guardrails" to support a big project that you're leading, and managing the weight of responsibility when other people invest their money in your enterprise.If you'd like to learn more about Proto Axiom, go to: https://www.protoaxiom.comTo get in touch with Anthony, send an email to: info@protoaxiom.comTo learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest today is Natalie Ranki-Goldman. At the time of this recording, Natalie had just begun a new role as Strategy Manager at the NSW Department Of Education, in the Data Reform space. She is an experienced Senior Executive Leader with a rich history of experience in various global executive leadership roles, including COO, CEO, CPO, Founder, and Board Advisor positions. Natalie has been leading the way in navigating unchartered waters, redesigning companies to meet new challenges, growing businesses through times of change, reshaping how we work in the new world whilst still maintaining engagement, high performance, redefining culture and attracting and retaining top talent. Natalie is also focused on championing women's economic empowerment, advocating for social justice, and supporting environmental sustainability through her investment work and across her portfolio of board and advisory roles. This includes 100 Women in Finance, Women's Indigenous Network, #SheStarts Blue Chilli Program, Women as Entrepreneurs, Flexible Working Day, Global Ambassador to UN's Women's Entrepreneurship Day, and Not in My Workplace.Natalie also co-hosts a podcast called Out of the Bubble, to find ways for us to be more engaged in the world in which we live through things to read, watch, see and do.Some of the highlights of our conversation include addressing the problem of how to commercialise the data we have access to, embracing adversity as a pathway to growth, the particular complexities of managing the multi-stakeholder nature of top-level government leadership, and the benefits of being humbled as a leader.If you'd like to learn more about Natalie and her work, you can reach out to her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliegoldman/ To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

My guest today is Noah Verin. Noah is a client of mine and is the CEO & Founder of Urban Green, a vertical farm located in the Barangaroo Towers in Sydney that grows and distributing Microgreens to a wide range of top Sydney restaurants, as well as installing vertical farms in the CBD headquarters of large corporates.Some of the highlights of our conversation include taking a non-negotiable approach to solving problems, the secret ingredient to good business, why coaching is for those who are ready to take leadership seriously, and how Noah beat Amazon in one of his first major deals. Noah is an ex-chef and environmental science graduate with a passion for flavoursome, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing food as well as a passion for caring for the environment. Over the past two years, Urban Green have been awarded NSW winners of the Harvey Norman NSW Produce Awards, and the farm has also been featured on ABC's Gardening Australia, on Channel 10's Taste of Australia, and most recently on Landline. You can check out the show notes for a link to the Landline documentary. While the Macquarie bankers hop in the lift and head skyward, the Urban Green team hit the down button and descend to their subterranean vertical farm to grow their flavoursome range of over 40 micro greens.You'll find Urban Green's sustainably grown marigold leaf, lemon balm and red-veined sorrel “the Mercedes Benz of microgreens”, popping up on the menus of top Sydney restaurants such as Monopole, Yellow, Woodcut, the Bentley Group, Pilu, and O Bar Restaurant & Dining, as well as smaller cult following eateries such as Bennett St Dairy & Cuckoo Callay.Check out the recent Landline documentary on Urban Green at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNg3IOqlCXw If you'd like to learn more about Urban Green, go to: https://www.urbangreensydney.com/ You can contact Noah directly at: noahverin@urbangreensydney.com To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

In this episode I speak to Dr Rob McCleland. Rob is  a Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Adviser with Generational, he is the Co-Founder of Streamlined Podcast, the Founder of Leader Tribe, and the owner of Upward Leadership, a consulting and training company. He is a past President of the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation. Rob's goal is very simple: to build hard working, healthy, and fun organisations, where people love to serve and give their best. Some of the highlights of our conversation include Rob's insights on why 87% of strategic plans do not get implemented, the fascinating story of how Rob became CEO of the John Maxwell Institute, Rob sharing his top 5 "Platinum" leadership tips, climbing barbed wire fences to promote leadership development work, and a free gift from Rob to you as a listener of this show. If you'd like to learn more about Rob's work, go to: https://leadertribe.com/ You can contact Rob directly at: rob@leadertribe.com To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

In this episode I speak to Robert Mulhall. Robert is the CEO of the Kripalu Centre for Yoga & Health. Kripalu is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to serving people and communities in realizing their full potential through the transformative wisdom and practice of yoga.Robert is passionate about service and deeply curious about how people can facilitate sustainable transformation to enable more peace, justice, and freedom in our world. Robert and I both led branches of a transformational youth leadership charity, he leading the Irish contingent, and myself leading the Australian affiliate. We've stayed in touch over the years and share a very similar passion for developing leaders to be the best they can be. Some of the highlights of our conversation include trusting that you'll be taken care of if you follow what you love, going inside first then out to pursue your purpose, how Robert led Kripalu through the COVID impact of losing 96% of revenue overnight to recover back to being an abundant business, and a bunch of other leadership gems you'll get when you listen in. If you'd like to learn more about Kripalu, go to: https://kripalu.org/   To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

In this episode I speak to Jamie Buttigieg, head franchisor of Skill Samurai in Australia and New Zealand, and the Chief Marketing Officer for Skill Samurai globally. Skill Samurai operates bricks and mortar learning centres in five countries, focusing on coding and STEM education. Jamie's background is in sales, operations, and marketing. Leading up to Skill Samurai, Jamie was the National Sales and Operations Manager for ASX-listed Consumer Finance Thorngroup, and recently in 2020 sold his marketing agency to focus solely on Skill Samurai. Some of the highlights of our conversation include hearing about the original inspiration that touched Jamie's heart that led to his move into Skill Samurai, taking a franchise model approach to reaching a wider market, teaching young people about leadership through project-based team learning, how holding onto control can sabotage your journey as a leader, a powerful story about the benefit of regular individual accountability conversations with your team, and Jamie's view on the greatest way to motivate people. If you'd like to learn more about Skill Samurai, go to: https://skillsamurai.com.au    To get in touch with Jamie directly, reach out at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiebuttigiegTo learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to:  https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

In this episode, I speak to Jeff Hansen, CEO of Sea Shepherd Australia. Sea Shepherd fights to defend, conserve and protect our oceans. They use direct action to defend marine wildlife and protect their habitat in the world's ocean. Sea Shepherd does what international authorities can't … or won't. When existing laws to protect the world's oceans and marine wildlife are not enforced, Sea Shepherd engages in direct action campaigns, patrolling the high seas and working with national authorities to tackle illegal fishing in sovereign waters.Jeff is a coaching client of mine, and is a visionary leader in a hugely important organisation that is working to literally save the air we breathe. I guarantee you'll want to listen to the whole conversation to hear the range of stories he shares in our interview of frontline action in his Sea Shepherd experience, including chasing Japanese whaling boats in Antarctica, a 110-day chase at sea of illegal tooth-fishing vessels, as well as what's worked for Jeff to free himself up more from day-to-day operational demands to be able to focus on higher-level leadership needs. If you'd like to learn more and/or get involved as a volunteer, donor, or other in the work of Sea Shepherd Australia or the global Sea Shepherd organisation, go to: https://www.seashepherd.org.au/To learn more about what it takes to be an evolved leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au

In this episode, I speak to Chris Ostrowski, Global Head Of Public Sector Engagement at CELO, a mobile-first blockchain technology focused on creating a world where anyone can have access to digital currencies from their mobile phone.Some of the highlights of our conversation include Chris speaking about the CELO mission of creating prosperity for all people, the world changing shift that digital currencies and blockchain technology have introduced by allowing people who don't have access to traditional financial services to be able to set their own banking rules, leadership wisdom on how to motivate your team, and the urgent need for clarity of information in the world today. If you'd like to reach out to Chris, you can contact him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-ostrowski-8b09088You can email Chris at: chris.ostrowski@clabs.co More info on CELO and cLabs respectively is at https://celo.org/ and https://clabs.co/To learn more about what it takes to live as an Evolved Leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/

In this episode, I speak to Brian Keen, CEO & Founder of Franchise Simply and the Founder of Microloan Foundation Australia. Some of the highlights of the interview include our conversation around how to respond constructively as a business leader when disruptive uncontrollable events occur that impact your marketplace, such as COVID, fuel hikes, and fluctuating interest rates. We discuss why Brian and his wife Prue started Franchise Simply at a time when they had already retired from professional life. Towards the end of the show, Brian also explains the concept of giving through specific acts, rather than just throwing money at a charity, and he explains how this concept works.If you'd like to reach out to Brian, you can contact him directly at: +61 417 211 366. More info on Franchise Simply, including the free Franchise Simply e-book is at: https://franchisesimply.com.au/To learn more about what it takes to live as an Evolved Leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/

In this episode, I speak with Ben Nash, CEO & Founder of Pivot Wealth, an organisation dedicated to helping people live a life not limited by money. Episode highlights include Ben talking about the scale of the financial opportunity people miss out when they don't take action on investing for the future, how Ben hires good quality people at Pivot Wealth with rigorous recruiting and screening, and the coaching culture that is in place at Pivot Wealth. To learn more about Pivot Weath, go to: https://pivotwealth.com.au/ To get in touch with Ben, reach out to him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminjnash/To learn more about what it takes to live as an Evolved Leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/

In this episode, I speak to Will Davies, CEO of Car Next Door. Hear Will share his inner and outer journey that led to his ultimately setting up and running a successful business that makes a positive difference to the planet. Car Next Door has been so successful that Will sold the business to Uber and continues to work in the business as the CEO. Other episode highlights include Will's insights on the need to have a bigger driver than money if you want to be really successful, an analogy of two different kinds of leadership - one that gets results and one that doesn't, how Will sees the relationship between achieving a strong mission as well as achieving a healthy profit, and how a meaningful organisational purpose leads to attracting a high quality team.If you'd like to reach out to Will, you can do so at: will@carnextdoor.com.au To learn more about what it takes to live as an Evolved Leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/

In this episode I speak with Tim Munden, Chief Learning Officer of Unilever globally. We discuss the leader's fear of failure, running purpose-driven organisations, addressing blocks to fulfilling potential, and preparing for the greatest challenges coming for the future of leadership. Tim vulnerably shares his own story of dealing with a past major trauma that was getting in the way of him performing at his optimum. To get in touch with Tim, reach out to him on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/in/timmunden To learn more about what it takes to live as an Evolved Leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/

In this Episode Zero, I explain why I started the Evolved Leadership Podcast. I speak about my inspiration to dedicate my life to uplifting humanity in a meaningful way, after my involvement with a transformational youth leadership development organisation in my early twenties. I share my journey to arriving at a place where, after a long period of consulting and coaching to organisations of all kinds, I realised for the benefit of my soul and for the planet I had to focus on helping leaders and organisations who genuinely wanted to make a positive difference in the world. To learn more about what it takes to live as an Evolved Leader, and to check out our other podcast episodes, go to: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/