Future Fit Leadership

<p>Welcome to Future Fit Leadership a podcast for emerging and experienced leaders to learn, grow and become future fit! </p> <p>There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic. </p> <p><br>In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth. </p> <p><br>No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry. </p> <p>Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.</p> <p>Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: <a href="mailto:sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au">sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au</a> </p> <p>Or connect on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/</a> </p>

The Rhythm of High Performance with Josh Pehgan

What does it take to keep your energy high, lead through change, and stay future fit in a world that never stops moving? In this conversation, Josh Phegan shares the lessons he learned from growing up surrounded by books and cassette tapes of Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy, through to becoming one of the most recognised performance coaches in our industry. We talk about confidence as a skill you can build, why feedback works best “in the car on the way back from an appointment,” and how leaders can avoid burnout by managing energy, not time. Josh also unpacks his five–step change management process, his rituals for keeping strategy front and centre, and why excellence isn’t a lofty concept but something you practice in every single moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-28
51:56

Renee Wootton - First Nations Trailblazer, From Red Dirt to Star Dust

From a pineapple farm on Kubi Kubi country to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Renee Wooton’s journey is anything but ordinary. A proud First Nations aerospace engineer, leader in sustainable aviation fuel, and Boss Young Executive, Renee has faced adversity with grit, curiosity, and courage. In this conversation, she shares her story of resilience, breaking barriers in STEM, and how Indigenous wisdom is shaping her leadership philosophy today. We talk about belonging, cultural strength, sustainability, and the future of aviation. Renee’s message is clear: leadership is about staying true to your values, expanding the room for others, and building a future where people, planet, and purpose are in balance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-21
52:42

Steve Griffith- Stillness over Stress - Why Sleep, Meditation and Calm makes you a better Leader

Steve Griffith has spent three decades helping elite athletes and hard-charging executives perform without burning out. In this conversation we unpack why stress is the quiet saboteur of leadership, and why meditation is not a fad but a recovery tool that gives you rest deeper than sleep in just 20 minutes. Steve shares how his six month holistic leadership program builds self leadership, one on one relationships, and accountable teams, and why change only sticks when it is practised, coached, and measured. We talk about the hour of power, staying above the line, integrity with yourself, and what it takes to scale wellbeing across construction sites, local councils, and fast moving real estate teams. We look ahead to a future where self awareness, values, and inner resilience are non negotiable for leaders. Forget the app. Close your eyes. Please enjoy this conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-14
41:08

Scott Millar on - Rethinking 9-5: GenZ, Reverse Mentoring & Leading with Love Languages at Work

From high school entrepreneur to CEO of one of Australia’s fastest-growing companies, Scott Millar has never played by the rules. Nicknamed the “Teenage Entrepreneur” by the media, Scott turned down the traditional career path to build a business that helps organisations connect with Gen Z and future generations. In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, Scott shares how curiosity, courage, and creativity have shaped his journey. We talk about why Gen Z leaders are rewriting the playbook, what it means to thrive in a world of constant change, and why the best leaders of tomorrow will be those who aren’t afraid to rewrite the rules today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-07
54:42

4000 Sundays: Burnout, Brain Drain, & Why Leaders Must Walk the Wellbeing Talk

What if you only had 4000 Sundays in your lifetime? And what if the way you work today is quietly stealing them away? In this conversation, Dr Kristy Goodwin takes us inside her own life-altering wake-up call — a moment in a Code Red hospital ward that forced her to confront burnout, mortality, and the “success tax” so many high performers pay. Kristy shares why our bodies keep score, how to stop crawling to Friday and start arriving at Sunday fully alive, and why protecting your focus, energy, and relationships is non-negotiable if you want to lead into the future. This is not just about wellbeing, it’s about the kind of leaders we choose to become — human-first, sustainable, and fiercely intentional. 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: how many Sundays do you have left, and how do you want to spend them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-31
59:34

From Performative to Purposeful: Kate Mason’s Guide to Leadership That Lasts

Kate Mason’s leadership journey is anything but ordinary. From touring with Paul McCartney to leading culture and transformation across global giants like Coca-Cola Amatil, Amcor, and Credit Suisse, Kate has sat at the biggest tables — and now she’s rewriting the rules of leadership with her business, Social Value. In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, Kate shares powerful lessons on building diverse CEO pipelines, moving from performative to purposeful leadership, and why culture is more than words on a wall. She opens up about the personal cost of leadership, her lived experience as a lifelong carer, and the insights she brings to helping leaders balance performance with purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with heart, avoid the traps of burnout, and create real social impact — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-24
43:03

If you walk past it, you endorse it: Courage, Mattering and Leading from the Edge with Holly Ransom

What does it take to lead with impact when the world won’t stop changing? In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Holly Ransom — author of The Leading Edge, global speaker, and one of Australia’s boldest leadership voices. Holly shares the lessons that shaped her, from her grandmother’s courage in standing up for others to the mantra that if you “walk past it, you tell the world it’s okay.” We talk about why method — not mindset — is the biggest gap in leadership, why mattering at work transforms culture, and why adaptability, courage, and curiosity will define the leaders of the future. A sharp, energising conversation with insights from Holly’s own journey and her conversations with leaders like Barack Obama and Richard Branson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-17
55:08

The Optimism Effect: Why Future Fit Leaders Radiate Belief and Possibility

What if optimism wasn’t just a personal trait, but a leadership strategy? In this Spotlight episode, we’re joined by Victor Perton, founder and Chief Optimism Officer at the Centre for Optimism. Victor shares why declining optimism is one of the greatest public policy challenges of our time — and why the leaders of the future must be “magnetic optimists.” He unpacks what it means to lead with infectious energy, how optimism builds trust, resilience, and innovation, and why every CEO should be asking their teams: “What makes you optimistic?” A joyful, compelling conversation for every leader who wants to shape a better future — by starting with belief.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-10
14:12

“Why Great Leaders Design Work That Works for Everyone” with Michelle Redfern

In this Spotlight episode, Michelle Redfern calls on leaders to take radical accountability — not just for results, but for developing people. She shares why skills are the defining currency of the future, why too many leaders still overlook talent development, and how inclusive workplace design can unlock untapped potential. From leadership brand to business intelligence, Michelle breaks down her BQ-EQ-SQ model and challenges leaders to lead with intention, integrity, and a clear sense of purpose. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-03
12:42

From Purpose to Plastic: Nik Robinson on Leading with Courage, Curiosity and Kids

Nik Robinson, founder of purpose-led brand Good Citizens, joins us for this episode of the Future Fit Spotlight series. Known for turning plastic waste into stylish, 100% recycled sunglasses—and doing it alongside his two young sons—Nik brings an honest, refreshing take on what it really means to lead with purpose, courage, and collaboration. In this candid conversation, Nik shares why vulnerability is a superpower, how his kids challenge him to think differently, and why the best leadership doesn’t come from the top down—it comes from listening deeply, embracing discomfort, and staying curious. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-27
10:03

Gen Z, Trust & the Future of Work: Leadership Insights with Ashly Fell

In this episode of our Future Fit Leadership Spotlight series, demographer and social researcher Ashly Fell explores how generational change is reshaping the workforce—and what leaders need to do about it. From Gen Z’s expectations of purpose and flexibility to the future of workplace culture and trust, Ashly brings a fresh, data-backed lens to leadership. If you’re managing multi-gen teams or designing culture for the future, this conversation is essential listening. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-20
09:22

How to Lead with Humanity, Clarity and Courage with Michelle Loader

Michelle Loader is the Managing Director of Future Leadership — an organisation shaping the future of board and executive capability in Australia. In this Spotlight episode, Michelle shares the three traits she believes are essential for future-fit leaders, the underestimated risks and opportunities of AI, and why empathy is now a business-critical skill. It’s a grounded and insightful conversation about what it takes to lead with humanity, clarity, and courage in a fast-changing world. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Leadership Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-13
06:49

Curiosity, Human Leadership, and the Power of Unlearning with Ben Hamer

In this episode of our Future Fit Leadership Spotlight series, futurist and workforce expert Ben Hamer shares what it takes to lead in a rapidly changing world. From the underestimated power of curiosity to the rise of Gen Z in the workforce, Ben challenges outdated assumptions and urges leaders to prioritise adaptability, energy over time, and human connection. This short conversation is packed with forward-thinking insights—from managing energy instead of hours, to rethinking what younger generations value most at work. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-06
11:17

Spotlight Series - The Courage to Lead with Compassion with Penny Locaso

What if leadership wasn’t about being the loudest in the room — but the most human? In this episode, Penny Locaso, behavioural scientist and founder of the Impact Makers movement, shares a bold vision for the future of leadership — one built on compassion, long-term thinking, and women leading unapologetically on their own terms. Penny challenges traditional leadership models and explains why the next era of leaders must stop asking for permission and start defining success by impact, not ego. If you’ve ever questioned how leadership should feel — this conversation will shift your thinking. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-29
10:12

Spotlight Series - The Best Leaders of the Future will Ask Better Questions with Michelle Broadbent

What if the best leaders of the future aren’t the ones with all the answers — but the ones who ask better questions? In this episode of our Future Fit Spotlight series, trusted advisor and business strategist Michelle Broadbent reflects on the leadership qualities we’ll need most in the decade ahead: adaptability, empathy, and a clear, distraction-proof strategy. Michelle shares why we must shift from being the “expert in the room” to the enabler of others, and why redefining success — away from hustle and towards purpose — is not just a trend, but a necessity. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-22
08:04

Spotlight Series - Flexible, Fast & Human: The New Rules of Leadership with Lucinda Hartley

In a world where change is accelerating faster than ever, what does it take to lead with clarity and courage? Urban futurist and co-founder of Neighbourlytics, Lucinda Hartley, joins the Future Fit Leadership Spotlight to explore why curiosity, flexibility, and authenticity will define tomorrow’s leaders. She shares how speed is reshaping leadership, why perfection is holding us back, and what it means to lead with momentum — even when we don’t have all the answers. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of change, Lucinda offers a refreshing take on how to stay relevant, responsive, and human. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-15
09:05

Spotlight Series - Leading for the Future You Won't See with Elliott Dellys

What happens when our technology evolves faster than we do? In this episode, strategic advisor and ethical business advocate Elliott Dellys reflects on the future of leadership in a rapidly changing world. Elliott shares why visionary thinking, resilience, and empathy aren’t just desirable leadership traits — they’re essential for navigating misinformation, rebuilding trust, and leading with purpose in an age of disruption. He also unpacks the role of adaptability, ethical business, and creating a legacy that goes beyond profit. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-08
11:38

Spotlight Series - Why Growth Mindset and Calm Leadership Are the Future with Dr Marianne Broadbent

In this episode of our Future Fit Leadership Spotlight series, we hear from Dr Marianne Broadbent, global executive advisor, board director, and leadership educator. Marianne shares what it means to lead with a growth mindset, why we must become  more comfortable with ambiguity, and how the rapid rise of geopolitical disruption is catching many leaders off guard. She also reflects on the power of calm leadership, the importance of staying curious, and why taking accountability with empathy will be one of the most essential leadership qualities in the decade ahead. This is a quick yet powerful conversation with one of Australia’s most respected voices on leadership and governance. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-01
09:56

Spotlight Series - Coherent Leadership: The Competitive Advantage No One’s Talking About with Tanja Lee

What does it really take to lead in a way that inspires trust, creativity, and collaboration? In this episode of our Future Fit Spotlight series, award-winning leadership and mindset specialist Tanja Lee shares why coherence—being in balance emotionally, mentally, and physically—is the essential leadership quality for the decade ahead. From the neuroscience of stress to creating cultures of innovation, Tanja offers powerful insights on how leaders can shift out of survival mode and into sustainable, purpose-driven influence. Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05-25
13:35

Outsourcing Thought: AI, Ethics & the Future of Human Leadership with Elliott Dellys

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Elliott Dellys — founder and CEO of Phronesis, Australia’s first B Corp-certified cybersecurity firm. A former intelligence officer turned entrepreneur, Elliott is leading a very different kind of security conversation — one grounded not just in technology, but in ethics, leadership, and culture. Elliott believes cybersecurity is ultimately a people problem — and that the biggest risks we face aren’t just digital, they’re deeply human. From the rise of AI-powered cybercrime to the flawed systems that leave organisations vulnerable, this conversation goes far beyond firewalls. We explore: Why groupthink is one of the most dangerous threats inside modern organisations How fear, conformity, and poor leadership compromise security and innovation The myth of “hacking” — and what most businesses get wrong about risk What it means to build a values-driven company in an industry obsessed with fear His bold take on why Australia won’t meet its 2030 cybersecurity goals — and what real progress would look like Elliott also shares why he donates 10% of profits to social impact, why he built Phronesis around the Greek word for “practical wisdom,” and how philosophy remains his greatest leadership tool. This is a conversation about courage, systems thinking, and the urgent need for leaders who can think beyond compliance — and lead with conscience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-27
44:50

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