Empowering Leaders

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.

How do you create a culture your people love to walk into AND still win when it matters most? Recorded LIVE in London on 5 September 2025, 'Steve Kerr & Mikel Arteta: The Leadership Playbook' brings two elite coaches together for a rare, unguarded conversation about modern leadership. Brought to you by Aleda, in collaboration with Live Love Better, Steve and Mikel unpack the jump from player to coach; what clarity really feels like; how to communicate hard truths; and the daily habits that keep a group aligned under pressure. They compare approaches to culture-building (from the guard at the gate to the locker room vibe), managing “difficult” talent, and designing environments where diverse personalities can thrive. Along the way: Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan and Steph Curry; Phil Jackson’s mindfulness; Steve’s letters to players; Pep Guardiola’s decisiveness; the Federer success routine; why authenticity always wins; and how sport can unite people in a divided world. There’s family, perspective, and the simple rituals that refill the tank PLUS audience Q&A on toxic vs. high-impact personalities, mindfulness in high performance, and delivering tough messages with compassion and precision. It’s, quite frankly, awesome!   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 inspire people to care for a world they forget they are a living, breathing part of? Natalie Kyriacou OAM, founder of My Green World, Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree and recipient of an Order of Australia Medal, has spent her life answering that question. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, she joins Luke to share how a childhood passion for wildlife grew into global advocacy.  Natalie explores the role of empathy in leadership, the power of technology and citizen science, and why storytelling may be our strongest tool in protecting the planet. It’s a conversation about reimagining leadership in the face of climate change.   The Leadership Playbook in London on September 5, 2025 Discover leadership insights from two of the world’s most respected coaches. Aleda invites you to “The Leadership Playbook”, a live panel discussion with NBA legend Steve Kerr and Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta. This exclusive 90-minute session will share raw, unfiltered insights on: Building teams that thrive under pressure Leading with authenticity and clarity Driving performance through challenges These strategies translate directly into business and leadership, empowering you to build high-performing teams and lead with confidence in any environment. Event Details Date - Friday, 5 September  Time - 3:30pm to 5:00pm  Location - The Londoner Hotel Special Offer for listeners of the Empowering Leaders podcast Enjoy 20% off General Admission and Front Row Tickets with code ALEDA20. For tailored group discounts, please reach out to the team at Aleda via info@aledacollective.com Book your ticket here  Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from two of the greatest minds in leadership and performance. This session is being run as part of the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025, hosted over 4 and 5 September at the Londoner Hotel. The conference features many other incredible, high profile speakers from the world of leadership and wellness and spots are limited. If you are interested in attending or learning more about the conference, please check out the What's Happening page on Aleda's website.  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 if we trained our minds with the same dedication we bring to our bodies? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Jack Preddey, founder of Optimize Mind Performance, to explore why mental skills training has become as crucial as physical preparation for peak performance. Jack opens up about building a business that transforms how athletes and leaders approach resilience, focus, and mental health conversations. From his unique vantage point at the intersection of sport and business, he reveals how daily routines shape our mental fitness and why facing setbacks requires genuine courage. The conversation weaves through practical insights on leadership styles, the trainable nature of mental skills, and Jack's curiosity-driven approach to performance optimization. He paints a compelling picture of a future where mental fitness isn't an afterthought—it's woven into the fabric of how we work, compete, and lead. Luke connects these themes to previous conversations with cricket legend Mike Hussey and NRL coach Craig Fitzgibbon, two leaders who embody the principles of resilience and authentic leadership that Jack is championing in this new frontier. Be sure to go and listen if you haven’t already!   The Leadership Playbook in London on September 5, 2025 Discover leadership insights from two of the world’s most respected coaches. Aleda invites you to “The Leadership Playbook”, a live panel discussion with NBA legend Steve Kerr and Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta. This exclusive 90-minute session will share raw, unfiltered insights on: Building teams that thrive under pressure Leading with authenticity and clarity Driving performance through challenges These strategies translate directly into business and leadership, empowering you to build high-performing teams and lead with confidence in any environment. Event Details Date - Friday, 5 September  Time - 3:30pm to 5:00pm  Location - The Londoner Hotel Special Offer for listeners of the Empowering Leaders podcast Enjoy 20% off General Admission and Front Row Tickets with code ALEDA20. For tailored group discounts, please reach out to the team at Aleda via info@aledacollective.com Book your ticket here  Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from two of the greatest minds in leadership and performance. This session is being run as part of the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025, hosted over 4 and 5 September at the Londoner Hotel. The conference features many other incredible, high profile speakers from the world of leadership and wellness and spots are limited. If you are interested in attending or learning more about the conference, please check out the What's Happening page on Aleda's website.    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 happens when a life devoted to shaping national conversations is suddenly interrupted by a diagnosis that changes everything? Jamila Rizvi has spent her career steering the agenda on gender equality, parenting, politics, and power. A bestselling author, speaker, and advocate, she started out as a political staffer in the Rudd and Gillard governments, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges Julia Gillard faced as Australia’s first female Prime Minister. At just 31, Jamila’s own life shifted dramatically when she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour. In this conversation with Luke, she shares the realities of living with a “broken brain,” the parallels with her friend Rosie Waterland’s mental health journey, and their collaboration on their new book - Broken Brains. Jamila & Luke also reflect on why economic security for women must be part of her legacy, how clarity and predictability make her a stronger leader, and why community is essential for survival and success.   The Leadership Playbook in London on September 5, 2025 Discover leadership insights from two of the world’s most respected coaches. Aleda invites you to “The Leadership Playbook”, a live panel discussion with NBA legend Steve Kerr and Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta. This exclusive 90-minute session will share raw, unfiltered insights on: Building teams that thrive under pressure Leading with authenticity and clarity Driving performance through challenges These strategies translate directly into business and leadership, empowering you to build high-performing teams and lead with confidence in any environment. Event Details Date - Friday, 5 September  Time - 3:30pm to 5:00pm  Location - The Londoner Hotel Special Offer for listeners of the Empowering Leaders podcast Enjoy 20% off General Admission and Front Row Tickets with code ALEDA20. For tailored group discounts, please reach out to the team at Aleda via info@aledacollective.com Book your ticket here  Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from two of the greatest minds in leadership and performance. This session is being run as part of the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025, hosted over 4 and 5 September at the Londoner Hotel. The conference features many other incredible, high profile speakers from the world of leadership and wellness and spots are limited. If you are interested in attending or learning more about the conference, please check out the What's Happening page on Aleda's website.    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 does it take to make life-or-death decisions when the world is watching? According to today’s guest - it’s every single thing that you have achieved, all the choices you have made and all the moments you have learned from in the years leading up to that moment. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke speaks with Dr Craig Challen - veterinarian, adventurer, and one of the cave divers who helped rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand. Craig shares what it was like to face impossible choices under water, how the boys decided their own order of exit, and why calmness - not fear - must lead in moments of crisis. They explore leadership lessons forged deep underground, from the value of authenticity and trust to the role of curiosity in staying sharp. Craig also reflects on the impact of sudden fame, the mentors who shaped him, and the quiet power of collaboration when the stakes couldn’t be higher.   The Leadership Playbook in London on September 5, 2025 Discover leadership insights from two of the world’s most respected coaches. Aleda invites you to “The Leadership Playbook”, a live panel discussion with NBA legend Steve Kerr and Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta. This exclusive 90-minute session will share raw, unfiltered insights on: Building teams that thrive under pressure Leading with authenticity and clarity Driving performance through challenges These strategies translate directly into business and leadership, empowering you to build high-performing teams and lead with confidence in any environment. Event Details Date - Friday, 5 September  Time - 3:30pm to 5:00pm  Location - The Londoner Hotel Special Offer for listeners of the Empowering Leaders podcast Enjoy 20% off General Admission and Front Row Tickets with code ALEDA20. For tailored group discounts, please reach out to the team at Aleda via info@aledacollective.com Book your ticket here  Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from two of the greatest minds in leadership and performance. This session is being run as part of the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025, hosted over 4 and 5 September at the Londoner Hotel. The conference features many other incredible, high profile speakers from the world of leadership and wellness and spots are limited. If you are interested in attending or learning more about the conference, please check out the What's Happening page on Aleda's website.    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 if our neighbourhoods are just as important to our health as our diet or exercise? Urban futurist and tech entrepreneur Lucinda Hartley has spent her career reimagining the cities we live in and in this episode of Empowering Leaders, she joins Luke Darcy to explore what it takes to build places that truly support human wellbeing. Lucinda has advised the United Nations, co-founded two tech startups, and worked across five continents. But her focus is deeply local: walkable streets, access to green space, connected communities, and housing that doesn’t leave people behind. She shares how better urban design can help us live longer, feel more connected, and thrive. This conversation explores the housing crisis in Australia, the emotional toll of leadership, and the role of technology and lived experience in shaping our environments. Lucinda also reflects on purpose, curiosity, and the power of working across sectors to create cities and systems that care.   The Leadership Playbook in London on September 5, 2025 Discover leadership insights from two of the world’s most respected coaches. Aleda invites you to “The Leadership Playbook”, a live panel discussion with NBA legend Steve Kerr and Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta. This exclusive 90-minute session will share raw, unfiltered insights on: Building teams that thrive under pressure Leading with authenticity and clarity Driving performance through challenges These strategies translate directly into business and leadership, empowering you to build high-performing teams and lead with confidence in any environment. Event Details Date - Friday, 5 September  Time - 3:30pm to 5:00pm  Location - The Londoner Hotel Special Offer for listeners of the Empowering Leaders podcast Enjoy 20% off General Admission and Front Row Tickets with code ALEDA20. For tailored group discounts, please reach out to the team at Aleda via info@aledacollective.com Book your ticket here  Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from two of the greatest minds in leadership and performance. This session is being run as part of the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025, hosted over 4 and 5 September at the Londoner Hotel. The conference features many other incredible, high profile speakers from the world of leadership and wellness and spots are limited. If you are interested in attending or learning more about the conference, please check out the What's Happening page on Aleda's website.    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 if every conversation is a transaction - but connection is the only currency that matters? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke Darcy is joined by Todd Duncan - world-renowned mindset coach, NYT bestselling author and global speaker - whose work on transformation, leadership and culture has impacted millions around the world. As the founder and CEO of the Duncan Group, Todd has authored 17 books and been dubbed by CNN as the "Tony Robbins of the mortgage industry." Todd’s story is one of transformation. From battling burnout and depression to becoming one of the most sought-after voices on leadership and resilience, he shares the hard-won lessons that shaped his approach to life and business. The conversation also dives into why trust beats tactics, how self-leadership fuels everything, and the quiet power of emotional connection - in sales, in parenting, and in the moments that matter most. According to Todd, emotional connection always outperforms pressure - whether you're making a sale or having a tough conversation with someone you love.   You’ll hear Luke reference his amazing conversation with Dr Michael Hewitt-Gleeson Part 1 & Part 2   The Leadership Playbook in London on September 5, 2025 Discover leadership insights from two of the world’s most respected coaches. Aleda invites you to “The Leadership Playbook”, a live panel discussion with NBA legend Steve Kerr and Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta. This exclusive 90-minute session will share raw, unfiltered insights on: Building teams that thrive under pressure Leading with authenticity and clarity Driving performance through challenges These strategies translate directly into business and leadership, empowering you to build high-performing teams and lead with confidence in any environment. Event Details Date - Friday, 5 September  Time - 3:30pm to 5:00pm  Location - The Londoner Hotel Special Offer for listeners of the Empowering Leaders podcast Enjoy 20% off General Admission and Front Row Tickets with code ALEDA20. For tailored group discounts, please reach out to the team at Aleda via info@aledacollective.com Book your ticket here  Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from two of the greatest minds in leadership and performance. This session is being run as part of the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025, hosted over 4 and 5 September at the Londoner Hotel. The conference features many other incredible, high profile speakers from the world of leadership and wellness and spots are limited. If you are interested in attending or learning more about the conference, please check out the What's Happening page on Aleda's website.    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 does it take to lead at the highest level, consistently - across teams, cultures and continents? Michael Cheika has coached national rugby sides in Australia, Argentina and Lebanon, but his leadership journey began much earlier - shaped by the resilience, humility and drive of his immigrant upbringing in Western Sydney. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Michael joins Luke Darcy for a candid and powerful conversation on emotional intelligence, public pressure, and the challenge of building alignment in high-performance teams. He reflects on how he’s learned to balance vulnerability with toughness, what business can borrow from sport, and why defeat often teaches more than success. With his trademark honesty and curiosity, Michael opens up about the influence of his family, the value of lifelong learning, and how great leaders never stop evolving - on or off the field.   The Leadership Playbook in London on September 5, 2025 Discover leadership insights from two of the world’s most respected coaches. Aleda invites you to “The Leadership Playbook”, a live panel discussion with NBA legend Steve Kerr and Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta. This exclusive 90-minute session will share raw, unfiltered insights on: Building teams that thrive under pressure Leading with authenticity and clarity Driving performance through challenges These strategies translate directly into business and leadership, empowering you to build high-performing teams and lead with confidence in any environment. Event Details Date - Friday, 5 September  Time - 3:30pm to 5:00pm  Location - The Londoner Hotel Special Offer for listeners of the Empowering Leaders podcast Enjoy 20% off General Admission and Front Row Tickets with code ALEDA20. For tailored group discounts, please reach out to the team at Aleda via info@aledacollective.com Book your ticket here  Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from two of the greatest minds in leadership and performance. This session is being run as part of the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025, hosted over 4 and 5 September at the Londoner Hotel. The conference features many other incredible, high profile speakers from the world of leadership and wellness and spots are limited. If you are interested in attending or learning more about the conference, please check out the What's Happening page on Aleda's website.    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.

From busking in a bushfire-prone town in country Victoria to speaking on international stages like the UN, APEC and G20, Yasmin Poole has become one of Australia’s most compelling young voices for justice, inclusion, and systemic change. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with the award-winning speaker, writer, advocate and Rhodes Scholar for a wide-ranging conversation. Yasmin opens up about her upbringing in regional Victoria, how her mother’s experiences as a Muslim woman in post-9/11 Australia shaped her worldview, and the challenges that have forged her sense of identity and justice. Luke and Yasmin unpack the mental load of advocacy, the power of bringing your whole self into leadership, and how anyone can move from apathy to agency when they have integrity, self-awareness, and, most importantly, the courage to refuse to stay silent. For people who want to be seen - not just in the room, but at the actual table - Yasmin knows more than anyone about how to get there through the power of speaking up and making a difference, even when it's hard or inconvenient for others to hear. 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 does it take to stay calm under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and lead with humility? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Mike Hussey, Mr Cricket himself, for a conversation that goes far beyond the boundary line. Known for his resilience, consistency and quiet strength, Mike reflects on the long road to his debut for Australia, the mental demands of elite performance, and the routines that helped him thrive under pressure. Now a respected coach and commentator, he shares what he’s learned about leadership from his time in the IPL, the power of clear communication, and why values like respect, curiosity and humility matter more than ever. Mike embodies the kind of growth that comes from showing up, staying grounded, and never losing the love of the game. You’ll hear Luke reference his recent conversion with the incredible Dr Peter Rea - listen or re-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. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aubrey Pleasant has worked with some of the biggest names in the NFL, but it’s his emotional intelligence, presence and care for people that really set him apart.  In this conversation on Empowering Leaders with Luke Darcy, the NFL coach opens up about the path that shaped him: from the classroom to the locker room, from ancient wisdom to modern leadership. He shares why titles don’t mean a lot without trust, how listening transforms teams and how his background in teaching has informed his approach to coaching. Aubrey talks about the power of trust, the importance of listening and why knowing who you are matters more than any title. He also reflects on self-care, curiosity and how to build the kind of connection that brings out the best in a team. Producer’s note: After we stopped recording, Aubrey told us he nearly cried listening to Luke reading his introduction. It was one of those quiet moments that stays with you - another glimpse into his humility and heart. He called it a good reminder to stop and smell the roses... to really stop take in the good, while it’s right in front of you. Just thought you'd like to know... 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.

Brad Harrison is not your typical venture capitalist. A decorated US Army Airborne Ranger and West Point graduate turned founder of Scout Ventures, Brad now sits at the cutting edge of national security, investing in the technologies shaping our future—AI, space, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems. But beyond the battlefield and boardroom, Brad’s leadership journey is just as much about inner work as outer impact. In this episode, he opens up about his shift from combat missions to meditation, from elite operations to yoga retreats. Brad shares how practices like breathwork, biohacking, and self-reflection help him stay grounded while navigating high-stakes innovation. He unpacks the delicate balance between military deterrence and peacekeeping, and why technologies like AI and autonomy, when guided by ethical, empathetic leadership, can be forces for good. With a deep emphasis on authenticity, self-improvement, and community, Brad offers a unique perspective on what it takes to lead. 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 hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the most powerful tool in leadership isn’t what you say — but how you listen? Julian Treasure’s TED Talk “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen” has been viewed more than 50 million times, making it the 6th most-watched TED Talk of all time. Why? Because in a noisy, distracted world, the ability to speak with purpose AND listen with intention has never been more valuable. In conversation with Luke, Julian explores the profound connection between sound, consciousness, and leadership. He reveals how noise affects our health, why silence is completely underrated and underutilised, and how developing strong communication habits   can radically transform how we lead and relate to others. Julian breaks down his famous seven deadly sins of speaking, shares the four C’s of effective listening, and introduces The Listening Society — his passion project aimed at rewiring the way we communicate in education, business, and everyday life. This episode is guaranteed to help you lead with more clarity, speak with more purpose, and truly connect with others.  Find out more about Julian’s The Listening Society and free one-week trial membership here. Listen to Julian’s TED Talk on Listening: 5 ways to listen better You’ll hear Luke mention Dr. Peter Rea’s incredible episode: Ask Your Kids This Instead - The 3 Questions That Cut Anxiety and Build Character  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 hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if being a better human is the most underrated performance tool of all? In this episode, leadership expert and author Dr. Peter Rea joins Luke Darcy to explore why character - not talent - is the real game-changer in leadership, teamwork, and parenting. Drawing from years of teaching and research, Peter breaks down how timeless virtues like courage, humility, and forgiveness can transform the way we lead, live, and raise the next generation. Peter shares the three incredibly potent questions every parent should ask their kids after school and he beautifully distills decades of research into simple mindset shifts with profound ripple effects like boosting performance, lowering anxiety, and building resilience.  Packed with timeless wisdom and practical takeaways, and insight after insight - you'll find yourself coming back to this episode again and again for fresh perspective and motivation. We know you are going to love this conversation about leading with heart, building strong relationships, and embracing the messy, human side of growth. *** You’ll hear Luke reference a recent episode with Dr. Pippa Grange. If you haven’t listened to it yet, you should! Check it out here. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here or visit Aleda Collective 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 hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Bec Daniher, Executive Director of Fight MND and daughter of AFL legend Neale Daniher. Recorded and released just days ahead of Big Freeze 11 on June 9, this conversation explores Bec’s personal and professional journey as she leads the fight against one of the world’s most brutal diseases — motor neurone disease (MND, better known in the USA as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). Bec reflects on the emotional toll of her father's ongoing battle with MND since 2013, and champions his enduring message: action over words. With over $115 million raised to date, Fight MND continues to drive vital research and awareness. Bec shares how humor, community, and collaboration fuel their mission and why she believes true leadership is about creating a better future for others. To get involved and learn more about ways to donate head to FightMND here. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective 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.

In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke is joined by Dr. Ben Hamer, a leading sociologist and futurist, to explore the seismic changes redefining work, leadership, and life in the 21st century. Ben discusses the evolving role of AI and predicts a future where autonomous agents play a key part in our daily lives. He also outlines the critical skills leaders must now cultivate—especially AI literacy, emotional intelligence, and above all, curiosity. The conversation touches on how younger generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reshaping workplace expectations with their demand for authenticity, connection, and purpose. Ben also explores our negativity bias and how it impacts the way we tend to perceive the future, and why that means embracing optimism and adaptability is more important than ever. Ben draws insights from his experience in sport, leadership, and academia to make a compelling case for collaboration, lifelong learning, and the importance of balancing personal well-being with professional impact in this age of exponential change. Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective 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.