Empowering Leaders

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.

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.