The Dynamic Leader Podcast

In today’s episode, Shelley is joined by Fran Southward, CEO of Auscontact, to reflect on the highlights and insights from their recent annual conference, themed around innovation, disruption and evolution.

From the emotional and mental demands of organising such an event to the powerful impact of creating a truly present and tech-free space, Fran shares how attendees were challenged to shift their focus, connect more deeply and engage fully. With organisations investing in their people being away from the workplace, the goal was to ensure a meaningful return on that investment—encouraging presence, open-minded listening and fresh perspectives. Join Shelley and Fran as they unpack the bold decisions, unexpected reactions and lasting impressions of a conference designed to disrupt routine, elevate people practices and inspire real change.

Connect with Fran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-southward-82455b49/

Learn more about Auscontact: https://www.auscontact.com.au/

In this episode, Shelley sits down with Hannes van Rensburg to explore the transformative power of care in leadership. Alongside his partner Siew-Fang, Hannes co-authored The Power of Care and co-founded the leadership consultancy Bento Box of Care, which champions the importance ofleading with compassion and purpose.

Reflecting on a pivotal moment in 2008 while drafting afive-year plan and overseeing workplace health and safety, Hannes began to understand the deep connection between organisational culture and genuine care. This sparked a journey toward what he now calls a Culture of Care.

Together, Shelley and Hannes dive into the Bento Box model and discuss how care—often sidelined in high-pressure leadership roles—can be the key to inspiring meaningful change, maintaining personal wellbeing, and reshaping the boundaries between leaders and their teams.

Grab a copy of Hannes & Siew's book: https://bentoboxofcare.com/

Shelley continues celebrating 10 years in business with Part 2! If you missed Part 1, catch up to hear about her journey, insights, and some honest reflections on leadership.

In this episode, she dives into the next 5 of the top 10 leadership questions she's received, sharing the beliefs that have helped her grow with compassion and kindness over the past decade. Here’s a sneak peek at what she covers:

✨ The 5 core beliefs that guide her leadership, including:

1. Understanding that everyone sees the world differently
2. Remembering everyone is doing their best with the resources they have
3. Believing people are well-intended
4. Trusting you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be
5. Recognising that what annoys you in others might be a growth opportunity for yourself

💡 Plus, she answers questions on:

• How leaders can truly motivate and engage teams (hint: it’s about helping people find their own motivation)
• The real impact leaders have on shaping organisational culture (it’s all in the small moments and how you show up)
• Why leadership development often falls short-and what we can do to make it stick

If you’re passionate about leadership, growth, and creating positive change, this episode is for you. 

Listen in and let’s keep leading with strength and kindness! 

Shelley left her corporate career in May 2015 so in this episode she shares some reflections of her journey.

She has also taking on the task of answering the top 10 leadership questions - five are answered in this episode and the remaining five will be answered in episode #239.

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, beingcustomer-centric is no longer enough—leaders must drive a companywide shift in how customer value is understood and delivered.

In this episode, Shelley is joined by Ingrid Maynard, Founder of The Sales Dr, host of the Sales Revolution podcast and author of The Sales Revolution. With over 25 years of experience transforming sales performance, Ingrid shares her insights on redefining the sales approach through a value-driven, whole-of-business model.

Together, they explore the vital role leaders play in influencing, connecting and creating meaningful experiences that elevate not just the customer journey, but the impact on the business and its people.

Grab a copy of Ingrid's book: https://thesalesdr.com.au/the-sales-revolution-book/

Connect with Ingrid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingridmaynard/

In this episode, Shelley sits down with Stephanie Bown — company director, author of Curious, Connected and Calm, and an expert in transformational change and high-performance cultures. As a facilitator for the Young Presidents’ Organisation, Stephanie brings a deep understanding of today’s leadership challenges, especially in a world reshaped by AI. Together, they explore how independent thinkers can merge their strengths, challenge each other and elevate collective performance.

They unpack the evolving role of AI in the workplace—not as a replacement for human thinking, but as a tool to amplify cognitive capacity. From the need for intentional thinking time to overcoming algorithmic bias, this conversation is a powerful reminder that better thinking starts with better together.

Grab a copy of Stephanie's book: https://stephaniebown.com/

Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebown1/

In this episode, Shelley dives into the powerful concept that your team is a direct reflection of what you project – your leadership is your mirror. She explores how the behaviours you see in those around you often mirror your own leadership style, even when it's unintentional.

Shelley unpacks the common challenge leaders face in fostering accountability, collaboration, proactiveness and openness to feedback within their teams—highlighting that the first step isn't about looking outward, but inward.

Through personal insights and practical reflections, she challenges leaders to embody the behaviours they wish to see, creating a ripple effect that transforms team dynamics from the inside out.

In this episode, I speak with Emma Lagerlow about the power of living with intention. Emma is a mindset coach, entrepreneur, author, podcast host and mother of four. With over 25 years of experience in finance and marketing, she is passionate about helping others achieve financial freedom, holistic wellbeing, and purpose-driven living.

The pandemic was a turning point for Emma, prompting her to reassess her life and redefine what wealth truly meant. After experiencing the transformative impact of working with coaches, she felt called to guide others on a similar journey.

Join Shelley and Emma as they explore how redefining wealth and being intentional with your time can help you create a rich, meaningful life on your own terms.

Grab a copy of Emma's book: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/

Connect with Emma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lagerlow-4a2849/

In today’s episode, I speak with Lawrence Lam, the managing director and founder of Lumenary Investment Management, a funds management firm specialising in strategic investments in global founder-led companies. Before founding Lumenary, Lawrence was an investment banker at some of the world's top global firms. He is also the author of The Founder Effect—a psychological blueprint for founder-led companies.

As an investor, Lawrence takes a unique approach to leadership, focusing on management teams that demonstrate long-term excellence. He emphasises that true profit sustainability lies in a business model’s ability to grow into the future, maximising wealth beyond short-term gains.

In this conversation, Lawrence and Shelley explore the key traits of successful executive teams, particularly the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how great leaders with a long-term vision instil this mindset throughout their organisations, fostering a culture of sustained success.

Grab a copy of Lawrences book: https://lawrencelam.org/

Connect with Lawrence:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-lam-354b84bb/

In today’s conversation, Shelley chats with Nancy Ho about the Professional Paradox—striving for success without sacrifice. This is a concept Shelley explored deeply with many of her leaders last year. In a world of constant demands, balancing ambition with well-being and driving performance while maintaining resilience is a challenge. Can true success exist without sacrifice?

Nancy, a seasoned thought leader, life strategist and clarity messenger with over 26 years of experience, has guided countless professionals toward holistic success. She empowers leaders to find the delicate balance between professional achievement and personal fulfilment.

Join Nancy and Shelley as they discuss the mindsets, habits and strategies that help leaders thrive—both in their careers and in life—and explore what sustainable success truly looks like.

Connect with Nancy: https://www.nancyho.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-ho-46370567/

Today's podcast was inspired by a viral LinkedIn post that caught Shelley’s attention, amassing over 14,000 comments. The post featured a person holding a coffee, alongside a quote stating, "I’ve cancelled my weekly 1:1 with my staff," suggesting that doing so empowered his team by reducing micromanagement. Shelley, however, strongly believes that 1:1 meetings are among the most valuable conversations leaders can have, fostering capability, engagement and support.

In this episode, she dives into the true purpose of 1:1s, how often they should take place and the key elements of a productive agenda—covering priorities, development, personal well-being, performance and progress. Shelley emphasises that while direct reports should take ownership of these meetings, they also serve as a crucial opportunity for leaders to provide guidance and be present for their teams.

Tune in as she unpacks why meaningful conversations are essential for effective leadership.

With the rise of AI-assisted written communication toolsthat enhance our written expression, many have shifted away from verbal communication, potentially losing the art of authentic speech.

In this discussion, Shelley is joined by Deanna Cooney, a 20-year veteran in the voice-over and acting industry, as well as a voice and speaking coach in WA specialising in practical voice-over skills. Together, they explore verbal communication from a leadership perspective, the impact of over-preparation on authenticity, conversational flow and active listening.

Deanna also shares insights on trusting yourself to communicate effectively in the moment and how to identify key points to present relevant information with confidence.

Connect with Deanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannacooney/

In today’s conversation, we’re redefining workplace wellness for the modern world with Dr. Elizabeth Kirk, founder of Beyond Ergo—one of Australia’s leading experts in behavior-based office ergonomics and injury prevention. Liz is on a mission to reshape how we work and care for ourselves in the digital age, drawing on research into the health risks of tech-driven, sedentary work.

Join Shelley and Liz as they explore simple yet effective ways to release shoulder tension and improve posture using the three-step method—Roll, Reset, Relax—integrating ergonomics, stretching, and aerobic exercise to relieve tension headaches and shoulder pain.

Connect with Liz: https://beyondergo.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkirktraining/

In this episode, the tables have turned and Shelley is interviewed by, friend and colleague, Viren Thakrar on conflict.

Viren, founder, facilitator and product manager of In the Game, brings 17 years of experience in psychology, collaborative design and facilitation to help organisations foster value-led cultures.

In this discussion, Shelley shares the importance of conflict—why it excites her, why it’s necessary and how to navigate it effectively. She explains that cohesion is the goal, but conflict is the vehicle that gets us there. Together, Shelley and Viren take us through the spectrum of conflict, from "playing nice"—where excessive agreeability stifles challenge and growth—to the risks of unspoken disagreements leading to resentment and disengagement. They emphasise the need for open, value-aligned conversations where differing perspectives are communicated clearly to build stronger, more engaged teams.

Connect with Viren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virenthakrar/

https://inthegame.com.au/

In a world filled with uncertainty and ambiguity, fear and insecurity can take hold when we’re unsure of what lies ahead. Simon, as a leading geographer and demographer, provides clarity by showing how human behaviour follows predictable patterns tied to life stages.

Through demographic insights, he helps us understand how societal shifts, economic trends and political factors shape Australia and the World. While the key drivers remain constant, Simon examines behavioural changes and evolving values to reveal their impact. His insights offer practical guidance for managing organisations and leading teams—cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters.

Connect with Simon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonkuestenmacher

In this episode, I chat with Glin Bayley, known as the Value Negotiator, a non-executive director, self-leadership coach, author, and speaker. Glin’s unique approach to negotiation is rooted in the belief that it's not just about what you do, but who you become in the process.

Famous for herGlin & Tonic events—intimate connection circles designed for deep conversations—she is passionate about guiding others in growth and value creation. Writing is her tool for reflection, and through herGlin & Tonic blog, she shares insights on authenticity and self-expression.

In this discussion, Glin and Shelley explore how sharing personal insights can open up deeper dialogue—not just in negotiations with others but also within ourselves—unlocking new possibilities for growth, meaningful relationships, and sustainable success.

Grab a copy of Glin's book: https://www.thevaluenegotiator.com/playbook

Connect with Glin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glinbayley/

In this episode, Shelley speaks with Fran Southward about disrupting leadership approaches and driving meaningful change. As a change agent with a proven track record in connected engagement and leadership, Fran has been aligned with Shelley for the past nine years. With expertise in Contact Centre design and optimisation, she brings extensive stakeholder engagement experience as CEO of the peak industry body for Australia’s Contact Centre sector.

This year’s Auscontact Conference in Melbourne focuses oninnovation, disruption and evolution—sparking strategic and controversial conversations to drive real organisational outcomes. With technology not being the only solution, the industry is embracing innovation, challenging conventional practices and expanding thought leadership to redefine the future of the operating craft.

Register for the Auscontact National Conference: https://www.auscontact.com.au/Web/Web/Activities/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=NATCONF25

Connect with Fran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-southward-82455b49/

Today, Shelley is speaking with Steve Vamos on leading through disruption and change. With 40 years of experience in global technology and digital media, Steve has held leadership roles as CEO of Xero, CEO of Ninemsn and Managing Director of Apple Asia Pacific and he serves as a non-executive director on multiple boards.

As the author of Through Shifts and Shocks: Lessons from the Front Line of Technology and Change, Steve will share insights on navigating disruption, the critical role of the How in executing change and the challenges of turning common sense into common practice. He emphasises that while people are an organisation’s greatest asset, aligning individual objectives with business purpose, priorities, resources and technology is key—yet often difficult to achieve.

As businesses scale, ensuring alignment becomes even more crucial, as misalignment is what ultimately leads to failure. Steve’s perspective highlights that our mindset and actions in response to change determine our success, making adaptability, teamwork and collaboration essential for meaningful progress.

Grab a copy of Steve's book: https://www.stevevamos.com/

Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevamos/

In this episode, I speak with Jenny Brockis, a Board-Certified Medicine Practitioner and workplace health and leadership consultant, about her book The Natural Advantage and the profound benefits of reconnecting with nature. Jenny works with business leaders, professionals and individuals to inspire positive lifestyle changes that enhance health and wellbeing.

We discuss how spending more time outdoors can reduce stress, improve overall health and boost social connections. Jenny highlights the evolutionary bond humans share with nature and the negative impacts of urban living, such as stress, irritability, poor sleep and diminished happiness. She shares practical ways to overcome nature deficiency, no matter our location and explains how nature can transform both body and mind, leading to a richer, more fulfilling life.

Grab a copy of Julie's books: https://drjennybrockis.com/shop-2/

Connect with Julie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjennybrockis/

In today’s episode, Shelley welcomes internationally acclaimed keynote speaker and business philosopher Anders Indset to discuss creating a high-performance team culture.

A Norwegian-born author of multiple Spiegel bestsellers, deep tech investor and former elite athlete, Anders brings a unique perspective on the intersection of leadership, philosophy and exponential technologies. He argues that in an era of almost unlimited access to knowledge, the ability to anticipate future scenarios, foster deeper understanding and cultivate interpersonal skills has become essential for executives.

Shelley and Anders explore the shift from traditional management frameworks to navigating a world shaped by AI and rapid technological growth, where understanding ethics, philosophy and the paradoxes of human thought are crucial for effective leadership. Grab a copy of Anders book: https://andersindset.com/books/

Connect with Anders: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/

In 2025, Shelley’s key focus is sustainability, acknowledging its theoretical simplicity but practical complexity.

Sustainability is deeply personal, with no universal approach, as it involves navigating numerous variables to find a balance that aligns with one’s values.

Shelley encourages starting by answering a profound question: “What do I truly want for myself?” By imagining life without barriers or constraints, one can identify their genuine desires and vision for an all-encompassing life.

Shelley highlights the importance of focusing on what you do want, rather than what you don’t, reinforcing the idea that “energy flows where attention goes.”

By aligning your attention with your goals, you can create relevance and connection in your efforts, paving the way toward a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

Grab a copy of Shelley's book: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

After a challenging 2023, where Shelley felt like she lost her flow as a business owner, it was a slow start to 2024. It took a few months to regain her rhythm, but surrounding herself with the right people helped her navigate those difficult moments. Now, as Shelley approaches the milestone of her 10th year in business, she shares the lessons and insights she's gained along the way.

Shelley draws an interesting comparison between life as a business leader and life as a parent—both filled with learning curves, challenges and growth. Joining her in this reflection is her 9-year-old daughter, Eva. Together, they share their experiences from the past year — Shelley as a business leader and mum and Eva as a grade 3 student navigating her own set of challenges.

Tune in as Shelley and Eva offer a heart warming and honest look at what life has been like in their home throughout 2024, highlighting what it’s like to be strong and kind and the resilience, lessons and love that carry them forward.

Grab a copy of Shelley's books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop/books

In this episode, Shelley speaks with Genevieve Hawkins, a commercial collaboration executive, business advisor and author of Shrinking Elephants, about navigating workplace conflict. While conflict is often associated with hostility and threats, Genevieve highlights the pervasive issue of "quiet conflict," where unresolved tensions like frustration, irritation and annoyance silently fester in organisations. Fear of repercussions often prevents employees from addressing these issues, leading to a toxic work environment. Genevieve emphasises the importance of pausing to reflect on our perceptions, questioning the stories we tell ourselves about a situation or person and approaching conflicts with curiosity.

She shares foundational skills for addressing conflict in the moment, focusing on building trust and fostering open, constructive conversations.

Grab a copy of Genevieve's book: https://genevievehawkins.com.au/shrinking-elephants-book/

Connect with Genevieve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevievehawkins/

In this episode, Shelley is joined by Ilona Charles, CEO and Co-founder of Shilo, a leading HR and consultancy firm. With over 25 years of experience in human resources, transformation and change, Ilona is on a mission to redefine the HR profession by aligning it more closely with strategic business objectives.

Together, Shelley and Ilona explore the historical evolution of HR and the persistent perception of the function as primarily process driven. They discuss the critical shift needed for HR to move from a "doing" role to one of strategic enablement, empowering leaders to take ownership of their teams’ performance and unlocking the full potential of an organisation’s workforce.

Connect with Ilona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilonacharles/

In this conversation, Shelley speaks with Shivani Gupta, a trailblazing electrical engineer turned entrepreneur and educator, about passion and attracting and retaining the right people. Drawing from her experience scaling businesses to $5 million valuations and mentoring over 250 companies, Shivani emphasises the power of aligning passion with discipline. Inspired by the mentorship of her father and grandfather, both electrical engineers, Shivani advocates for equal opportunities and the pursuit of mastery. She believes passion must go beyond fleeting enthusiasm, requiring sustained effort over 6-12 months to create purpose and leave a lasting impact on others.

Grab a copy of Shivani's book: https://www.askshivani.com/author

Connect with Shivani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askshivani/

In this conversation, Shelley and Fran Southward, CEO of Auscontact, explore the theme Leading with Impact: Elevating Performance and Customer Excellence, emphasising that impactful leadership is vital for empowering teams to achieve remarkable results.

They discuss the importance of creating a workplace where everyone thrives, positively influencing the organisational value proposition and how this translates through to communities and the common misconception that leaders cannot balance strength with kindness, asserting that many outstanding leaders excel by leading from a place of joy, generosity and kindness .

They highlight the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness and recognising that leadership should not be about personal control but fostering others' growth in impactful ways and that overcoming leadership challenges, and letting go of rigid perceptions will allow an authentic leadership style.

Connect with Fran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-southward-82455b49/

In this episode, Shelley is joined by her sister, Narelle Burke, an award-winning international HR leader, and her son Riley, who has recently turned 13, to discuss the current state of Generative AI.

They explore where we are with AI, how we should be using it, whether we’re behind in its adoption and what its future looks like.

Narelle brings her extensive experience in strategic HR and business partnering to the conversation, while Riley offers a perspective from the younger generation, who are already engaging with AI in unique ways.

Together, they discuss how AI is transforming the workplace, how people are starting to use it intentionally to save time and effort and the risks of relying on AI-generated outputs without fully understanding how it works or what it’s teaching.

Connect with Narelle:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/narelleburke/

Today, we explore leadership with retired Australian airline captain and author Chris Smith, known for his book Leadership at 43,000 Feet.

With decades of senior experience in aviation, now a senior lecturer and aviation counsellor, Chris advocates globally for engagement and mental health in organisations. He draws compelling parallels between piloting and team management, highlighting humility as a leader's "superpower." In aviation, it’s not about titles but specialist knowledge—no one can be an expert in every field. Genuine humility encourages openness, reducing the hierarchy that often stifles growth.

Shelley and Chris discuss the paradox of humility in leadership, where leaders frequently trade it for strength, courage and ego, especially as they advance in their roles. He believes dropping the traditional "command and control" facade is crucial for effective leadership. Transforming culture from the ground up remains one of Chris's most rewarding aspects of leadership, fostering genuine change across the organisation.

Grab a copy of Chris's book: https://www.aculturalleadership.com/store

In this episode, Shelley talks with Sinead Connolly, CEO and Co-Founder of Lotus People, about recruitment trends and the evolving workplace. Sinead shares insights on navigating a fast-paced work environment, where both leaders and teams must prioritise mental health, set boundaries and find balance amidst the hustle.

With multiple generations working side by side, companies face unique challenges in accommodating varying expectations, character traits and the widening age gap. Younger generations are more informed and have a strong sense of purpose, leading to shorter tenures within companies. Looking ahead, Sinead and Shelley explore how empathy, communication, collaboration and adaptability will remain critical skills as Gen Alpha enters the workforce, possibly alongside Baby Boomers. To attract and retain talent, organisations need forward-thinking strategies that infuse care and empathy into company culture, creating diverse pathways for people to thrive in new roles.

Connect with Sinead: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadconnolly/

https://lotuspeople.com.au/

Today, Shelley discusses the importance of embracing personal development as the workforce increasingly integrates generative AI, which is transforming human capabilities. She emphasises that learning is more critical than ever, requiring leaders to rethink how they work by balancing existing tools with deep self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Vertical development, Shelley explains, is a personal journey of introspection, which can lead to transformative growth. By practicing continuous learning and stimulating our minds, we can navigate this evolving landscape with excitementrather than fear, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, Shelley speaks with Bryan Whitefield, author of Team Think and former President of the Risk Management Institution of Australasia. With over 30 years of experience in engineering, insurance and management consulting, Bryan has helped thousands of leaders improve their decision-making processes.

The conversation focuses on the complexities of team decision-making, highlighting the need to navigate varying authority levels and knowledge sets within teams. Bryan emphasises the importance of consistency in decision-making to build trust and discusses how decision flows can streamline processes from employee level to the board, freeing leaders to focus on the big picture.

Together, Shelley and Bryan explore the value of consensus-driven decisions, clarity of purpose and team alignment in achieving compelling outcomes.

In this episode, Shelley speaks with Rena Harvey, a healer, Reiki master practitioner, sound therapist, holistic counsellor, meditation master, spiritual mentor and author of The Formula of Life – Go Deep or Rise Higher.

Rena shares her insights on intuition, describing it as a gut feeling that complements our thoughts and emotions, helping us better understand our whole self. With a passion for guiding others through pain to unlock their inner power, Rena discusses how embodying lessons and understanding them more deeply can lead to continued transformation and expanded consciousness.

Grab a copy of Rena's book: http://www.renaharvey.com.au/the-book.html

Connect with Rena: http://www.renaharvey.com.au/

In this episode, Shelley chats with life coach and author Danielle Colley, known for her book The Chocolate Bar Life. Danielle shares her journey from being fired as a journalist at the Australian Women’s Weekly to hitting burnout, driven by the belief that success equals self-worth. Together, they explore how avoidant behaviours can be used as a coping mechanism and the importance of building awareness of internal drivers. Rather than making drastic changes, Danielle emphasises the value of small, continuous adjustments to foster mindful, balanced living.

Grab a copy of Danielle's book: https://daniellecolley.com.au/the-chocolate-bar-life-book/

Connect with Danielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-colley-4b344926/

In this episode, Shelley speaks with Ishan Galapathy, an operational excellence (OpEx) strategist, about unlocking the potential of "quiet quitters"—those disengaged yet capable individuals waiting for a reason to stay.

Ishan, with over 25 years of experience across seven countries, helps manufacturing and supply chain businesses maximise their assets by engaging their workforce and enhancing productivity. Drawing on his engineering background in robotics and automation, Ishan emphasises the importance of solving operators’ problems to unlock hidden capacity.

He also shares insights from his book Unlock – Engage the seemingly disengaged, offering practical techniques for thriving in fast-paced, highly unionised environment.

Grab a copy of Ishan's book: https://ishangalapathy.com/books/advance/

Connect with Ishan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishangalapathy/

In this episode, Shelley speaks with Joe Pane, author of Courage To Be You and an expert in human behaviour with a degree in psychology and sociology. Joe has been working in the field since 2006 and is the creator of the Emotional Fitness Formula, a program designed to help individuals and organisations navigate uncertainty while continuing to grow and reach their potential.

After leaving a decade-long career in employment to start his own business, Joe found himself facing deep uncertainty, which led him to focus his work on helping others manage stress, pressure and challenges. His frameworks in emotional fitness emphasise the importance of building a healthy relationship with uncertainty, which he identifies as the key to personal and professional growth. Join Shelley and Joe as they explore the human need for certainty and the delicate balance of navigating uncertainty with clarity and direction.

Grab a copy of Joe's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CLZMG3X1

Connect with Joe:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepaneinsights/

In this episode, Shelley speaks with Filipa Bellette, a PhD scholar, accredited clinical nutritionist, functional medical practitioner, coach, and trauma therapist, about the intertwined relationship between busyness and burnout. Filipa, along with her husband Chris, is renowned for helping busy individuals overcome body burnout—especially those facing energy, mood and gut issues—using a root-cause approach.

As society glorifies busyness, often equating it with success, many fall into the trap of doing more and striving for perfection. Shelley and Filipa explore the stages of burnout, its impact on the body and offer insights on breaking free from patterns of overwork, perfectionism and people-pleasing to achieve balance and live in alignment with one's natural flow.

Grab a copy of Filpa book: https://www.chrisandfilly.fm/book

Connect with Filpa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filipa-bellette-73339019/

Reflecting on numerous conversations with leaders this year, Shelley delves into the root of why uncomfortable conversations evoke feelings of nervousness, awkwardness and discomfort.

She questions whether these emotions stem from the reality of the situation or are more a product of our own thoughts, leading to avoidance, sabotage, or justification.

In this conversation, Shelley gives us some strategies to explore these feelings, to sit with them and gain clarity on whether a conversation is worth stepping into despite the discomfort or if it's one we can consciously choose to step back from.

In this episode, Shelley speaks with Anna Glynn, a seasoned expert in sales leadership with a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology. With a decade of experience leading national sales teams in the corporate sector, Anna has a profound understanding of driving performance and building thriving sales cultures. Now a speaker, author, and coach, she supports global industries in creating resilient sales environments.

Anna emphasises that being a salesperson is not just about doing a job, but embodying a mindset centred on solving challenges through meaningful solutions.

Join Shelley and Anna as they explore the balance between traditional sales methods and the power of resilience, strong connections and nurturing quality relationships in achieving long-term success in sales.

Grab a copy of Anna's book: https://amzn.to/3XldHh1

Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-glynn-mapp-0797b639/

In this episode, Shelley speaks with Jaquie Scammell, the Founder & CEO of ServiceQ and Australia's leading expert in customer service. Jacquie shares her journey into the service industry, starting at age 14 with a job at McDonald's, where she developed a passion for operational excellence and understanding human behaviour. With 25 years of experience in corporate settings, particularly in major events and stadiums, Jaquie has honed her expertise in mobilising teams to deliver consistently exceptional customer experiences.

Together, Shelley and Jaquie explore the evolving landscape of customer service in the digital era, discussing the balance between leveraging technology, such as generative AI, for speed and efficiency while maintaining the human connection that makes service truly special.

Grab a copy of Jaquie's book: https://serviceq.co/books/

Connect with Jacquie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaquiescammell/

In today’s conversation, I speak with Aneace Haddad about midlife and leadership. Aneace is a McKinsey-certified senior adviser, a seasoned C-suite executive coach and an acclaimed author.

Midlife, defined as ages 40-65, is extending as we live longer and more research is conducted about this age range. Aneace's perspective is purely leadership transformation-focused. He built a payment software company in the south of France, grew it to 30 companies and sold it at the age of 47. Facing the ‘what next’ of his future, he experienced a midlife crisis and realised that what he was most proud of was his people. This period of deep introspection often leads to significant personal and professional transformation. Aneace loves watching senior executives undergo this type of transformation, enhancing their people and leadership skills.

Join Aneace and Shelley as they discuss the growing workplace awareness that we will live longer, remain productive and how this environment fosters a keen interest in midlife transformation.

In this episode, Shelley chats with Tassia Michaleas about her journey through leadership. As the CEO of Merri Health, one of Victoria's largest community health organisations and Board Director and Deputy Chair at In Touch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence, Tassia brings 16 years of leadership experience in the NFP and community sectors.

She has successfully guided organisations through transformational change and health and social services reforms, driven by a passion for authentic, people-focused leadership.

Tassia believes that passion is key to success and societal contribution. She and Shelley discuss Tassia’s journey, including the pressures of being the first in her family to attend university, her beginnings working on the ground and the challenges and triumphs of navigating the community health sector.

Connect with Tassia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tassia-michaleas-58b415109/

In this episode, Shelley delves into the paradox that exists in leadership, emphasising the importance of mastering this complex concept for future success. The leadership landscape has become increasingly intricate, with traditional approaches of speeding up, extending work hours and applying quick fixes proving insufficient and unsustainable.

Many leaders are experiencing burnout, struggling to keep pace with relentless change and finding that their old methods no longer suffice.

Paradox, characterised by the coexistence of seemingly contradictory elements that are equally significant, is a concept leaders must embrace.

Shelley breaks down this paradox, illustrating how leaders can navigate it by leveraging technology to operate effectively on both macro, strategic, visionary levels and micro, detailed levels simultaneously.

In this episode, Shelley chats with Andy Hilliard about the global talent pool. Andy, the CEO of Accelerance, helps companies find the talent they need to scale high-performing, globally distributed software engineering and product development teams.

Andy envisions a world without divisions, embracing the opportunities of global collaboration. He emphasises that there are no real barriers to going global, as we share time zones with various talent pools and have technology that allows effective collaboration without being in the same time zone.

Andy and Shelley discuss the mindset and approach needed for collaborative work and how today's unique technological advancements facilitate global teamwork.

Grab a copy of Andy's book: https://www.amazon.com/Synergea-Blueprint-Effective-Distributed-Development-ebook/dp/B0CTFTDQBZ?ref_=ast_author_dp

Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyhilliard/

In this episode, Shelley chats with Samantha Taylor about the importance of connecting head with heart and gut, both in leadership and as individuals. Sam, a long-time friend of Shelley, has significantly influenced Shelley's journey towards self-awareness. As an experienced property lawyer passionate about social justice, Sam actively participates in her organisation's women's network and pro bono committee. She is also dedicated to her personal growth through yoga, reiki and spiritual energy.

Together, they discuss the growing trend of encouraging people to bring their whole selves to work and the benefits of more meaningful connections if people feel safe to bring their whole selves to work. They emphasise the evolving understanding that leadership requires integrating intellect with empathy and the shift towards more open and engaging conversations about holistic leadership.

Connect with Samantha:https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-taylor-65303083/

In this episode, Shelley chats with Graham Winter about transforming disruption into advantage. Graham, the best-selling author of "Think One Team" and founder of the consultancy by the same name, is also a three-time Australian Olympic team chief psychologist and the author of "Toolkit for Turbulence," which is the focus of today's discussion.

A pivotal moment for Graham came from his high school cricket coach, whose gentle yet innovative approach unlocked potential in others. Graham emphasises integrating values and philosophies from respected mentors with personal experiences.

Join Shelley and Graham as they discuss today's leadership landscape, where emotions and feelings are increasingly acknowledged as essential in the workplace, fostering open communication and trust. Addressing significant adaptive challenges, where there are no clear-cut answers, requires diverse opinions, conflict resolution, networking, collaboration and influence. Trust has become crucial in navigating these challenges and finding effective solutions.

Grab a copy of Graham's book: https://think-one-team.mykajabi.com/essentials

Connect with Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-winter-b4b5a59/

The concept of responsibility is important for leaders to understand how effectively they empower others to own their thinking, choices, actions and outcomes.

As a leader, it’s important to ask, 'What am I responsible for and what am I not responsible for?" to ensure ownership and accountability. 

Join me as I talk about the drivers that sit behind leaders who are prone to taking more responsibility than they should - with some of the possible reasons including a high need for control, wanting to avoid failure or to preserve relationships or harmony. 

Find out how to remain neutral on this responsibility continuum, intentionally and purposefully adjusting with greater levels of awareness of both self and others.

This conversation is encompassed in adversity and how it exists in parallel with awesomeness. Leanne, an award-winning trainer, speaker, coach and author, she was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2016.

Her journey of facing adversity has only fuelled her determination to live passionately, making mindset and resilience crucial to her survival. Leanne’s passion lies in teaching people about resilience and the incredible power of mindset. She is accustomed to pushing through pain and her comfort zone, inspiring others to discover their own resilience and belief in what’s possible. This not only helps others but also gives Leanne purpose.

Join Leanne and her support carer Kylie as they discuss taking charge of your destiny, believing everything happens for a reason, and embracing gratitude no matter what happens.

In this conversation, Shelley speaks with Dr. Jane Foster about emotional resilience, drawing on Dr. Foster's four decades of experience as a teacher and educator in Australia and internationally.

Throughout her career, Dr. Foster observed the destructive impact of a culture dominated by blame, criticism and judgment. She's expresses that emotions are fundamental to life but classifying them as good or bad leads to judgment. Instead, she proposes using terms like rough and smooth to avoid judgment and build resilience.

She notes that while it is natural to want to shield others from rough experiences, these challenges are crucial for developing the skills to regain and maintain control.

Join Shelley and Dr. Foster as they explore how everyday changes in language and approach can foster a more resilient and supportive culture.