In this conversation, Tim Hamill, head coach of the Australian men's water polo team, reflects on his journey from player to coach, the challenges faced during the Paris Olympic Games, and the strategies employed to build a competitive team. He discusses the importance of creating a strong team culture, the role of leadership and mentorship, and the shift in coaching philosophy towards a more supportive and enjoyable environment. Tim emphasizes the value of curiosity, continuous learning,...

In this conversation, Andy Friend, a seasoned Australian rugby union coach, shares his insights on coaching, leadership, and personal growth. He reflects on his journey in rugby, the evolution of the sport from amateur to professional, and the importance of mental resilience in athletes. Friend emphasizes the need for balance in life, the loneliness of leadership, and the significance of self-awareness. He discusses the challenges facing Australian rugby and the importance of grassroots...

Tony Blauer, a renowned self-defense and fear management expert, discusses the importance of understanding and managing fear in various aspects of life. He shares personal experiences, insights on overcoming trauma, and strategies for raising resilient children. Blauer emphasizes that fear is a natural part of life and can be transformed into a powerful tool for personal growth and self-defense. In this conversation, Blauer discusses the importance of managing fear, self-awareness, and...

Paul Waterson’s life story from Intensive care nurse to building and running massive scaled business in healthcare and now hospitality is a remarkable story on every level. His crystal clear thinking and understanding of where opportunities exist. Paul shares the great influence his two mentors Bruce Dixon and Vita Pepe have had on him and the lessons he still applies today. If you are interested in scaling your business or how to grow your world then Paul Waterson’s story of buying a...

Max Gawn is the current captain of the Melbourne Football Club in the AFL.  Gawn has come a very long way from a tall, lanky, jovial 18 year old to become the modern day great that he is. A 7x All-Australian ruck, Gawn became the Demons first premiership captain in 2021 since the 1964 season.  A lot of Gawn's leadership journey can be traced back to the late and great President Jim Stynes. Stynes passed away in 2012 but his legacy lives on through the Melbourne #11 jumper, and the values he...

Valerie Condos Field, a legendary gymnastics coach, shares her journey from a tough coaching style to a more transformative approach. Valerie emphasizes the importance of developing athletes not just for winning but for life skills, resilience, and personal growth. The discussion also touches on the impact of parenting on youth sports and the need for a shift in focus from winning to personal development. In this conversation, we explore the profound impact of parental influence on youth...

Jo Stanley has had an incredibly successful media career spanning over 2 decades. Taking breakfast radio by storm at both Fox FM and Gold FM.  In recent times Stanley is the founder and CEO of Broad Radio. An online radio platform that has been built by women, for women. Creating conversations and a space in the media landscape that has never been seen or heard before.  Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our...

Matthew Nicks is the current coach of the Adelaide Crows in the AFL. Nicks is heading into his sixth season in charge of the Crows and believes the club is on the right path to success under his guidance. It's been a steep learning curve for "Nicksy" - The then 18-year old was plucked out of almost obscurity when playing soccer to try his hand at Australian rules football, finding his way to the Sydney Swans which embedded in him from an early age "bloods culture".  A culture that prides...

Johann Hari is an author of three New York Times best-selling books, an Executive Producer of Oscar-nominated film & 8-part TV series.  Hari's latest book "Magic Pill - The extraordinary benefits & disturbing risks of the new weight loss drugs" has captured attention on a global scale.  While there's a focus on Ozempic, Hari reveals the worrying trends around depression, anxiety and loneliness, particularly in Australia, the UK and USA with more questions than answered being raised...

In this episode, Jack Viney, the heart and soul midfielder of the Melbourne Football Club, shares insights into his career, leadership philosophy, and personal life.He highlights the influence of his father, the legendary player Todd Viney and takes us through the incredible mix of off season activities he uses to find balance, continuous self-improvement, and effective communication in leadership.He verifies a childhood incident that inspired a motivational speech by Alistair Clarkson, and...

The legendary footballer and pundit, Rio Ferdinand, is today’s guest on this episode of Empowering Leaders. He’s passionate about leading by example, honest about the journey he’s taken to become a better communicator - especially on the home front, and has some incredible insights to share about harnessing the power of your competitive spirit. He also talks candidly about his relationships with the great Sir Alex Ferguson, and one of the most famous people, not just players, in the world,...

Andy Kelly is one of Australia's most successful record label directors and entertainment managers. Not only that - he's thoughtful, considered, gracious and unbelievably generous. As the director of Winterman and Goldstein Management and co-founder of Ivy League Records and Ivy League Music Publishing, Andy has successfully nurtured and launched some of the biggest bands in the world. The Vines, Jet, Empire of the Sun, Paul Dempsey, Youth Group, The Avalanches, Something for Kate, The...

What does it take to be one of the most successful business leaders on the planet? We find out from the man who knows on today’s episode of the Empowering Leaders podcast. Sir Rod Eddington AO has achieved an incredible amount of success throughout his career, particularly within the airline industry during his time as Managing Director of Cathay Pacific and CEO of British Airways. He is chairman of the beverage company, Lion, and has served on many other boards, including Rupert Murdoch’s...

There can be no escaping imposter syndrome as you move through your career, but what if you could make it your super power?  Content warning: 18+ listeners only In this episode of Empowering Leaders. you'll hear from Chris Walker, the award-winning television producer behind the juggernaut TV show Hard Quiz and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, about how he harnessed his imposter syndrome and then worked with it to become an acclaimed and incredibly well-respected leader in his field. ...

Belinda Stowell is a legend of world sailing, an Olympic gold medalist in Sydney 2000, a World Champion, twice voted Female Sailor of the Year and an inaugural inductee in the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame. Belinda has since gone on to be a great mentor and coach to generations of world champions and future Olympic gold medalists.  Belinda's development of Australian sailor Matt Wearn, who in Paris 2024 became the first man to win back-to-back Olympic gold in the dinghy class, began when...

Hugh Van Cuylenburg has been working in education settings for more than 15 years, teaching both primary and secondary in a range of different educational settings. He says the highlight of his teaching career was a year in the far north of India volunteering and living at an underprivileged school in the Himalayas. It was here that he discovered resilience in its purest form. Inspired, and having completed his postgraduate studies, The Resilience Project was born. Hugh has now developed...

Today’s guest on the Empowering Leaders podcast is Dr Troy Flanagan, the current Vice President of Performance for NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. It was under Troy’s expert guidance that the Bucks won the 2021 NBA Championship - their first in 50 years.  In the world of high performing sport, Troy is as qualified as you can get, with a first class honours degree in Human Movement Science, a PhD in Aerospace Engineering. and over 20 years experience working with some of the world’s greatest athletes...

The sport of Breaking is making it's debut at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and tickets to watch the live dance battles have sold unbelievably quickly. In this conversation you’ll hear Australian Breaker Rachael Gunn talk about her journey from a PhD in the cultural politics of Breaking to being among the first to bring the sport to the Olympic stage. Through her work inside and outside the Breaking cypher (performance circle), Rachael has been a pioneer in the growth of Breaking for women and...

The awesome Nic Naitanui had a clear vision and purpose from day one, and in this conversation you'll hear how that vision led him to fulfil a lifelong dream for his family in the most profoundly beautiful way.  'Nic Nat' was the AFL's number two draft pick in 2008 and went on to become a three-time All Australian and two-time West Coast Eagles best and fairest. He is known for his athleticism and power, and is considered a cult hero in the sport but Nic is so much more than an Australian...

Tess Madgen is the captain of the Australian women's basketball team, the Opals. With the team ready for the Olympics to begin in less than two weeks, Tess shares the strategies she uses to deal with the challenges of managing a team spread across the globe and the tools they employ to maintain connection and cohesion.  Tess also discusses her meticulous approach to her career, her goals, and the importance of her support network. She's got a unique leadership style that emphasises the...

This week's guest granted Luke Darcy a rare interview out of near despair over what is missing in the fight to end the increasing levels of violence against women. The Honourable Will Alstergren is the Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court, appointments that place him at the coalface of family and gender based violence in Australia. The statistics on violence against women in Australia are nothing short of disgraceful. - 13 women a day are hospitalised...

James Tomkins, a Sport Australia Hall of Fame legend, discusses his career in rowing, including his participation in six Olympic games and winning seven world championship gold medals. Reflecting on the pressure of competing, the importance of teamwork, and the value of taking breaks for longevity in the sport, James also discusses the importance of balance in life, drawing on the Olympic charter's emphasis on a balanced life of mind, body, and soul. James criticises the current intensity...

Umra Omar's contribution to community and transforming the lives of others is a remarkable story. Born on the remote Patay Island just off the northern coast of Kenya, Umra earned a bachelor's degree in neuroscience and psychology and then a master's degree in social justice and intercultural relations from the world leading institute in Vermont. In 2015, during a visit to her hometown, Umra recognized the dire need for healthcare in her community and founded Safari Doctors. Safari Doctors...

Here at Aleda, we know that you may not feel compelled to listen to a conversation about suicide on your morning commute, or during your run or workout - but we strongly urge you to try today. Why? Because listening to this episode will save lives. Luke's pointed and open discussion with bereaved father, Wayne Holdsworth, contains vital information that many people lack access to - including whether or not you should talk about suicide with someone that you're worried about. The answer: you...