Empowering Leaders

Sometimes the best leadership wisdom fits on a Post-it note. In this Success Leaves Clues episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke asks his guests for the one piece of advice they keep returning to. The answers range from the disarmingly simple to the deeply strategic. “Wake up each day and don’t be a wanker.” Keep the team at the centre but honour the individual. Keep dreaming and prepare for your chance. Catch people doing things right. Coach the way you’d want someone to coach your own kids. Lean into authenticity, even when it costs you. Say yes to leadership, even if you doubt yourself. And get to know yourself properly, especially the things you’d rather avoid. These are small sentences that shape entire cultures. Find the full episodes right here: Natalie Kyriacou: Leadership during the Climate Crisis Emma Hayes LIVE from London: For Women, By Women, Football & Beyond Bruce McAvaney: The voice behind the most unforgettable moments in Australian sport Todd Duncan: The 10 Word Question You Need To Ask Every Client Mike Brey: From Notre Dame to the NBA Brad Harrison: A Warrior’s Take on AI, Ayahuasca, and the Future of Defence Jacinda Ardern: The Cost and the Power of Compassionate Leadership Pippa Grange: Leading with Soul in a World Obsessed with Winning Many of the leaders featured in this episode are members of our Aleda Connect community. To discover how you can learn and grow in a group alongside leaders like them, book a discovery call today and learn more about our signature program. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

True collaboration is not just getting along. It is committing to a mission together. In this episode of the Empowering Leaders Success Leaves Clues, Luke talks with people who have lived collaboration in very different ways. Peter Rea explores character, growth and post-traumatic growth. Mikel Arteta reflects on a simple object, a football, and how it can change a life and even a country. Adam Driussi explains why his most important business relationship feels like a marriage. Paul Barnes talks about clarity and communication under race pressure. Dixie Marshall shares what happens when creatives, strategists and data people actually listen to each other. Lucinda Hartley and Andy Walshe bring in cross-sector collaborations that reimagine housing, cities and human performance. It is a wide-ranging look at what happens when you put different experiences in the same room and ask them to build something together. Find the full episodes right here: Dr. Peter Rea: Ask Your Kids This Instead - The 3 Questions That Cut Anxiety & Build Character Steve Kerr & Mikel Arteta LIVE: The Leadership Playbook Adam Driussi: The Moment AI Saved My Company a Million Dollars Paul Barnes: Navigating the Fast Lane of Formula One Dixie Marshall: The Power of Storytelling in Leadership Lucinda Hartley: How Our Spaces Shape The People We Become Andy Walshe: Has Human Potential Peaked? Many of the leaders featured in this episode are members of our Aleda Connect community. To discover how you can learn and grow in a group alongside leaders like them, book a discovery call today and learn more about our signature program. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone says communication is important. But how do you master it? In this episode of the Empowering Leaders Success Leaves Clues, Luke brings together people who think deeply about how words land. Dan Rutstein talks about the power of three. Julian Treasure shares why listening is a radical act. Steve Kerr explains why he sometimes writes letters instead of speeches. Michael Cheika leans into honest conflict. Yasmin Poole walks toward hard truths. Suzanne Eyler Williams reminds us to say less and hear more. And Gilbert Enoka talks about the internal shift that needs to happen before any external change can stick. It’s a collection of stories about communication that is clear, human and often uncomfortable, but always in service of something bigger than ego. Find the full episodes right here: Dan Rutstein: British Diplomacy to American Soccer Leadership Julian Treasure: The Real Power Move? Saying Less, Listening Better Steve Kerr & Mikel Arteta LIVE: The Leadership Playbook Michael Cheika: Leading Across Cultures - What Business Can Borrow From Sport Yasmin Poole: How to Speak Up - Even When It’s Hard Suzanne Eyler Williams: Cushioning the effects of concussion and repetitive impact Gilbert Enoka: The Mind Behind the All Blacks Many of the leaders featured in this episode are members of our Aleda Connect community. To discover how you can learn and grow in a group alongside leaders like them, book a discovery call today and learn more about our signature program. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some leaders feel the pressure to have all the answers. The most interesting ones stay curious instead. In this Success Leaves Clues episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits with people who’ve built entire careers on asking better questions. From future-of-work expert Dr Ben Hamer to AI advisor Dr Ayesha Khanna, cave diver Craig Challen, Paralympic champion Curtis McGrath, artist Vincent Fantauzzo and coach Lorena Bernal, they all talk about staying open, not finished. They share how curiosity makes you more agile, more humble and more collaborative, whether you’re trying to save lives, win gold or create something beautiful. It’s a celebration of leaders who don’t pretend to know everything, and who enjoy the process of learning as much as the outcome. Find the full episodes right here: Dr. Ben Hamer: AI + Gen Z = the End of Business as Usual Dr Ayesha Khanna: How to Build Big with AI and Lead with Humanity Dr Craig Challen: Leadership When the Stakes Are Life and Death Curtis McGrath: Finding Purpose When the World Falls Apart Vincent Fantauzzo: The bravery, beauty and brilliance of a neurodivergent mind Lorena Bernal: Authenticity Over Perfection Many of the leaders featured in this episode are members of our Aleda Connect community. To discover how you can learn and grow in a group alongside leaders like them, book a discovery call today and learn more about our signature program. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In leadership, everyone talks about high performance. Fewer people talk honestly about what it actually costs. In this Success Leaves Clues episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke brings together a powerful mix of coaches, athletes and leaders who all start in the same place: self leadership. From the NFL to elite netball, from politics to BMX gold, they talk about managing energy, filling your own cup, and knowing who you are before you try to lead anyone else. You’ll hear about meditation, vitamins and morning routines, but also about boundaries, honesty and the strange balance between being selfish enough to pursue a dream and selfless enough to use it to help others. It’s a reminder that before you lead a team, a family or a country, you have to learn how to lead yourself. Find the full episodes right here: Aubrey Pleasant: The NFL Coach’s Emotional Intelligence Playbook Jack Preddey: Training Your Mind Like an Elite Athlete Jenny Boucek: How Servant Leadership Takes You to the Highest Level Tyson Ballard: Innovating at the crossroads of Law, AI & Lifestyle Tania Obst: From 23 Losses to Double Championship Glory Behind the Politics: Peter Dutton on Family, Leadership, and Australia’s Challenges Saya Sakakibara: Turn Your Fear into a Superpower Many of the leaders featured in this episode are members of our Aleda Connect community. To discover how you can learn and grow in a group alongside leaders like them, book a discovery call today and learn more about our signature program. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This special episode of Empowering Leaders brings together some of the world’s most forward-thinking voices to explore one of the biggest shifts of our time: artificial intelligence. Across dozens of conversations on the show, we’ve been asking leaders how they’re navigating this moment. Their answers are honest, energising, sometimes confronting... and full of clues about what great leadership will require next. You’ll hear from Andy Walshe, Adam Driussi, Dr Ben Hamer, Tyson Ballard, Brad Harrison, Julian Treasure, Dr Ayesha Khanna, Jeremy Kodomichalos and Dan Rutstein - each offering a unique perspective on what AI means for creativity, decision-making, responsibility and the future of work. From what these leaders have told us, as powerful as AI becomes, the future will still belong to people who can listen, adapt, stay curious, and lead with clarity. This collection invites you to pause, look ahead, and consider how you want to show up in this new era. Listen to the episodes in full below: Andy Walshe: Has Human Potential Peaked? Dr Ayesha Khanna: How to Build Big with AI and Lead with Humanity Jeremy Kodomichalos: There’s No Standard Path in Life or Business Adam Driussi: The Moment AI Saved My Company a Million Dollars Dan Rutstein: British Diplomacy to American Soccer Leadership Brad Harrison: A Warrior’s Take on AI, Ayahuasca, and the Future of Defence Julian Treasure: The Real Power Move? Saying Less, Listening Better Dr. Ben Hamer: AI + Gen Z = the End of Business as Usual Tyson Ballard: Innovating at the crossroads of Law, AI & Lifestyle Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke Darcy sits down with one of the greatest figures in world hockey, dual Olympic gold medallist and champion coach Alyson Annan. Alyson reflects on her journey from superstar player to leading the Dutch and now Chinese women’s national teams, and why she never once thought of herself as “the best in the world” - even though she was! She shares the deceptively simple goals that drove her playing career, and how curiosity has become the secret to sustaining performance over decades. Luke and Alyson explore what high-performance sport can teach business about recovery, emotional connection and celebrating success, and why leaders should spend more time observing their people rather than filling every moment with instruction. Alyson also opens up about growing up fast, parenting in youth sport, and why learning Chinese has transformed her understanding of communication and trust. Alyson delivers a masterclass in leadership, language and humility as one of the most respected coaches in global sport. You'll hear Alyson mention the legendary Emma Hayes: Listen or relisted to Luke's episode with Emma Hayes here: Emma Hayes LIVE from London: For Women, By Women, Football & Beyond We are privileged to have Alyson as part of our Aleda Connect community. Book a discovery call today to find out more about how you can learn and grow alongside people like Alyson within our signature leadership program. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special SLEEP episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with world-leading sleep and recovery coach Anna West, founder of Sleep2Perform, to explore why good sleep might be the most underrated performance enhancer on the planet. Drawing on her work with Premier League clubs, Olympic programs and high-pressure corporate environments, Anna explains how a single night of poor sleep can affect learning, reaction time and injury risk, and why she’s less interested in scare tactics and far more interested in helping people understand how much great sleep can change their lives! She and Luke unpack why a good night’s sleep actually starts the moment you wake up, exactly how daylight, movement, nutrition and stress all shape your sleep hours, and why some of the most talked-about trends… from wearables to mouth taping… need a lot more critical thinking. Anna also shares simple ways to handle jet lag, long-haul travel and late-night schedules, and gets into the nitty gritty of how leaders can build cultures where rest is seen as a competitive advantage, not a sign of weakness. Anna is full of practical, science-grounded wisdom that will change the way you think about your days and your nights! We are privileged to have Anna as part of our Aleda Connect community. Book a discovery call today to find out more about how you can learn and grow alongside people like Anna within our signature leadership program. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the “right” pathway to success doesn’t exist? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with WNBA champion and Opals leader Sami Whitcomb, whose story is anything but conventional. Undrafted out of college and cut from early opportunities, Sami took her game to Germany and Australia, grinding away from the spotlight for years before forcing her way into the WNBA at 28 and becoming a two-time champion. Sami and Luke talk about what really separates elite performers and they get into the details of exactly how Sami squeezes every bit of potential out of her own game. Sami shares openly about imposter syndrome at the top level, the leaders who changed everything for her (including Opals captain Tess Madgen and WNBA legend Sue Bird), and why authentic care and collaboration are non-negotiable in great teams. They also dive into the harder questions: how to balance motherhood with elite sport, why having a village matters, how to switch off and be truly present at home, and the role of curiosity and perspective in sustaining a long career. It’s a grounded, generous conversation about resilience, leadership and building a life that isn’t defined by your circumstances. We are privileged to have Sami as part of our Aleda Connect community. Book a discovery call today to find out more about how you can learn and grow alongside people like Sami within our signature leadership program. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when the thing you love most is also the thing you fear the most? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Olympic BMX gold medallist Saya Sakakibara, whose story is as much about courage and inner work as it is about winning in Paris. Saya opens up about watching her brother Kai’s life-changing crash, the strange limbo that followed, and why she chose to keep racing for both of them. She explains how fear didn’t hit all at once, but crept in later through her own crashes, and how that planted a seed of doubt she had to learn to work with, not run from. Saya talks Luke through the mental performance tools that changed everything: rewiring her subconscious, using visualisation as “future memories,” focusing on the 95% of the mind that runs in the background and training it like a muscle. She shares how her “Just go” mantra helped her block out distraction in Paris, and why walking away knowing she didn’t leave anything on the table mattered just as much as the gold medal. Beyond BMX, Saya reflects on becoming an author and public speaker despite a fear of speaking, the tension between being “selfish” as an elite athlete and wanting to give back, and why asking for help has always been her quiet form of leadership. She also shares her dream of helping young athletes and young women find their voice, tell their story and build a life they’re proud of. Saya shares the mindset you can build from the ground up. And reminds us all that courage is not the absence of fear, it’s what you decide to do with it. Grab a copy of Saya’s brand new book “Just Go” for more Saya magic! If you're in Melbourne tonight, head to the The W Club to meet BMX Olympic Gold Medallist Saya Sakakibara and celebrate the release of her brand-new inspiring memoir, 'Just Go'. Tickets are selling fast here. Luke mentions a brilliant episode with Steve Hooker, Olympic Pole Vaulting gold medalist - listen here. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes the All Blacks the most successful international sporting team of all time? For Gilbert Enoka, who spent 23 years shaping their mindset and culture, the answer begins within. In September, when Luke walked into Aleda’s leadership conference in London, the Head Coach of the United States Women’s National Team, Emma Hayes, was clutching Gilbert’s book in her hands. She looked up at Luke and said, “You have to read this.” (Emma’s recent episode is here.) In this episode of Empowering Leaders, after reading the book as prescribed, Luke sits down with the legendary mental skills coach whose work has transformed how the world thinks about leadership, pressure and performance. From his early years in an orphanage to two decades guiding the All Blacks, Gilbert shares timeless lessons about resilience, self-belief and the quiet power of structure and humility. He explains why you’ll never rise above your opinion of yourself, how great leaders “nail it not nearly it,” and why there can be no external gains without an internal shift. One of our favourite bits (because we do this here at Aleda) is when Gilbert reminds us not to rush past our successes but to instead “vent our joy” just as we vent our problems. You’ll hear Luke mention NBA great Steve Kerr’s recent episode - listen (or listen again) here. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What should leaders actually do with AI this year? In this conversation, futurist and CEO Dr Ayesha Khanna gives Luke clear, practical steps for small teams and big organisations: start with personal productivity, build safe team workflows, then move to data-driven pilots that serve customers first. Ayesha explains why governance must sit beside innovation, what recent AI experiments really tell us, and how great leadership in the AI age is defined by ethics, upskilling, and a true growth mindset. She shares lessons from her failed startups and her incredible work teaching AI skills to girls and women. Ayesha believes there’s “something remarkable about everyone” and it shows. Listen in as Luke and Ayesha also touch on quantum computing, Singapore as an iconic national transformation, and Ayesha’s refreshingly human rules to live by including “multitasking is a sin” and taking regular tech and AI fasts. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few leaders have captured the world’s attention quite like Jacinda Ardern has! As Prime Minister of New Zealand, she became known for her compassion, her decisiveness, and her ability to lead through crises with grace. Now, after stepping away from politics, Jacinda is finding new ways to influence change - through her work at Harvard, her continued advocacy for kindness and integrity in leadership, and her role as a mother navigating what balance really means. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke Darcy speaks with Jacinda about what she’s learned in reflection, the human cost of leadership, and how we might build a future shaped by empathy rather than fear. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to lead with clarity in a world that celebrates complexity? Jeremy Kodomichalos spent over a decade helping shape Google’s strategy and operations across Australia and New Zealand. He’s known for his calm, collaborative approach to leadership - one grounded in curiosity, problem-solving and humility. In this conversation, Jeremy reflects on the lessons that shaped his path - from the sacrifices of his Greek immigrant family to the early mentors who opened doors and taught him the power of asking the right questions. He shares insights from his time at Procter & Gamble and Google, and why he believes perfection is overrated, simplicity is underrated, and psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams. Jeremy offers up key lessons on leadership, gratitude, and the importance of staying grounded while striving to grow. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a data scientist steps into the boardroom and the locker room at the same time? Adam Driussi, co-founder and CEO of Quantium and chairman of the Canterbury Bulldogs, shares how he’s using artificial intelligence to shape both business and sport. Adam explains why leaders shouldn’t feel “aged-out” of AI, how simple it is to get started, and the surprising ways he personally uses it - from strategic planning to preparing for difficult conversations. He also shares a real-life example of AI potentially saving Quantium a million dollars a year in support costs, and reflects on how society needs to balance the power of technology with the human need for trust, judgment and connection. The conversation also touches on Adam's experience in the Aleda Connect leadership program, including the leadership feedback that completely changed the way he approaches team culture. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you stay driven and ambitious... without burning yourself out on your way? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke Darcy sits down with Dr Tim McGrath, Senior Director of Player Health and Performance for the NFL’s Washington Commanders. With a career spanning the AFL, NRL, NBA and now the NFL, Tim has spent decades helping athletes and teams find the balance between relentless ambition and sustainable success. He shares what he’s learned about leadership in high-pressure environments, the warning signs of burnout, and why the best leaders know when to ease off the throttle. Tim also opens up about authenticity, emotional intelligence, how consistency is the key to success - and many other traits that keep great teams steady through the highs and lows.   Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does servant leadership look like at the highest level of professional sport? Jenny Boucek is one of the first women to coach in the NBA. She’s a trailblazer who’s shaped her own leadership style across two decades in professional basketball. From head coaching in the WNBA to assistant coaching roles with the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks and now the Indiana Pacers, she’s built a reputation for empathy, intelligence and a commitment to excellence that totally transcends sport. In this conversation on Empowering Leaders, Jenny and Luke talk about resilience, parenthood and purpose. Jenny reflects on the mentors who helped her grow, the power of a woman leading a team of men in one of the world’s most competitive environments, and the balance between ambition and compassion. Jenny’s comes back time and again to the idea that leadership isn’t about proving yourself …  it’s actually about serving others while staying true to your values. You’ll hear mentions of two previous episodes in this chat - Emma Hayes & James Tomkins - they’re both incredible so check them out if you missed them, or listen again!   Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirteen years ago, Curtis McGrath lay on a battlefield in Afghanistan, having just lost both legs to an IED. As his mates carried him away, he promised they would see him at the Paralympics. He kept that promise ... FOUR gold medals later, Curtis is one of the most dominant paracanoe athletes in history. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Curtis shares the ways that humour has carried him through his darkest moments, why he writes his goals on the wall, and the discipline that has defined his success in life. He is serious about celebrating wins before chasing the next mountain, and shares how fatherhood has reshaped his perspective on leadership and purpose. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do whiskey, Madonna’s bagpipe player, and American soccer have in common? The answer: today's guest, Dan Rutstein!  A former British diplomat and award-winning journalist, Dan is now President of Orange County Soccer Club, where he’s overseen record crowds, commercial growth, and a remarkable transformation of the club. Along the way he’s also built a reputation as a gifted communicator and storyteller, hosting his own podcasts and pioneering the idea of “whiskey diplomacy” as a way to connect people and ideas. In this wide-ranging conversation with Luke Darcy on Empowering Leaders, Dan reflects on what he’s carried from diplomacy into sport, why building memorable experiences matters more than metrics, and how relationships remain at the heart of leadership even in an AI-driven world. He shares stories of learning from bad bosses, the loneliness of leadership, and the communication trick he swears by - the magic of three. Dan offers so much insight into what it really takes to lead with curiosity and connection across industries. Dan & Luke mention Soccer for Hope and Dan’s podcasts: Screaming into the Hollywood Abyss, America the Beautiful Game, United States of Dramerica Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you reshape an entire sport through a female lens? Recorded LIVE in London on 5 September 2025 at Lead Better, Live Better - a transformational leadership and wellness conference co-created by Aleda and Live Love Better - Emma Hayes shares her journey from a career-ending injury at 17 to leading Chelsea and now the US Women’s National Team. Speaking to an audience of global leaders gathered at The Londoner Hotel, she makes the case for coach education that accounts for the menstrual cycle, workplace policies that support women through menopause, and leadership that puts wellbeing at its core. Emma’s candid reflections sit alongside other standout sessions from the two-day event - including Steve Kerr and Mikel Arteta’s Leadership Playbook - but her voice cuts a distinct path. She shows why vulnerability is a strength, how collaboration fuels performance, and why inclusive environments are the future of sport, business, and culture. Along the way: lessons from winning at the highest level; challenging outdated leadership models; what it takes to sustain excellence without losing balance; and how sport can become a blueprint for wider systemic change. Plus live audience Q&A on resilience, identity, and the future of women’s sport.   Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.