It's easy to dismiss social barriers as inevitable - the natural friction that comes with 'being different'. But it's much harder to look directly at the systems that keep people unseen, unheard, and separate from opportunity. But what if the work of genuine leadership offered something far more radical: not the removal of barriers through policy or process alone, but the daily practice of seeing people in their wholeness, and moving with them through the discomfort of that recognition? Shaun...
We rarely publish 'sequels' for our Cheeky Half episodes, but this one was too good to miss. The saga continues with Paul's plumbing. A complicated, but relatively routine, project has become altogether something else. Join Paul & KG as they discuss the next chapter of a little story that includes backed-up sewerage pipes, very large native trees, and the need to protect endangered species. We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation and any suggestions on this topic for...
Calls for peace have become louder and more urgent across the globe over the last few years. So much so that it's difficult to know how to respond in ways that feel meaningful and relevant. After all, how can a drop in the ocean move an unrelenting tide? Mandar Apte is proof that an individual, with no initial political, financial or cultural stock, can actually move the needle for real and lasting peace. And whilst the aspiration is global, the work unfolds in our local communities - having ...
Something went wrong with Paul's plumbing. Those in his house, that is. Needless to say, it was a little unpleasant. However, not being one to let a learning opportunity pass him by, there were a couple of things that left him thinking. Join Paul & KG as they discuss a little story that includes dark, stormy nights, backed-up sewerage pipes, and what happens when you don't spend enough time understanding a problem or an issue before dismissing it as irrelevant. [Shout out to N...
What makes this conversation so inspiring is the notion that, when we are working with individual leaders to strengthen their leadership practice, we are also supporting their teams, their families and their communities. We are not just supporting the individual but the entire system in which they are located. Sarah Cornally is a passionate leadership practitioner, and Partner at Acumen Global Partners. She is adamant 'systemic thinking' is the essential lens for anyone navigating the deep co...
Our very first live podcast recording with Steve Hearsum (Episode 5.07) is the gift that keeps giving! Join Paul & KG as they open the space to questions from our audience for our highly engaging guest. The questions are considered, and the ongoing conversation is insightful, offering an unexpected invitation to deeper reflection and vulnerability. And let us repeat, for your drinking pleasure, the delectable wines provided by our friends at Annandale Cellars on this occasion. 2022 Spinif...
Join KG and Paul in Leadership Decanted's FIRST podcast recorded in front of a live audience. Exciting times indeed! It seems that if we're doing leadership well, then chances are we will regularly experience uncertainty, ambiguity, doubt, and maybe even shame at our inability to find a solution to many of our challenges. Leadership is hard. We know this. If only there was a ready-made and easily deployable solution to each of these complex situations. There isn't one. We know this too....
Paul & KG revisit the most recent Cheeky Half conversation to return to a most vexed question: What happens when I express a personal opinion in public that is at odds with my organisation's position? What right does my organisation have to curb my expression if I am in no way seeking to represent them or speak for them? It's unlikely this conversation goes where you think it's going to go! We think this might even be a topic worth expanding on in a future episode. Please help! What do yo...
How many of us feel the urge to run away, hide or simply observe the foetal position when faced with the prospect of conflict? What if we were able to reframe that experience and begin to believe - really believe - that too much conflict is never enough? That conflict is the very fuel that drives both, our own growth and positive relationships with our colleagues? Fiona McKenzie believes just that! However, we don't just need to reframe our relationship to conflict to allow us to find this pa...
Paul & KG are back with their Cheeky Halves after a brief and unplanned hiatus. They have not, however, been idle during this time. In fact, KG in particular has been deep in reflection, wondering about all the leadership hats that might be available to us all, but also having a bit of trouble working out how best to wear those hats. Subsequently they both kick around some ideas around authenticity and risk. We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please feel free ...
Serious. Social. Play. WTF?!? On this episode, KG and Paul welcomed Chris Maxwell and Marcus Crow, the duo behind the consulting firm 10,000 Hours and the digital product company Pod & Hive to discuss their unique approach to leadership development, built on a conversation that began 18 years ago. Their methodology centres on what they call "serious social play" - using simulated sandbox environments for teams to practice navigating complexity. These are not typical team-building exercise...
The word 'transformation' is thrown around in all sorts of contexts and in all manner of attempts to sell change. The outcomes are never given, despite best laid plans, and it often falls down not because of process nor technology. The stumbling block is usually us. And it's not about the oversimplified trope of being resistant to change. On many occasions we actually want to see the change succeed - especially if it will make our lives easier. But good intentions are rarely enough. Wha...
After a welcome break over Easter (sorry we forgot to mention it!), KG and Paul get back to the podcave for an amazing conversation with Dr. Rachael Jacobs - artist, academic, activist. You may have heard the oft repeated phrase, "Bring your whole self to work." What does that even mean? Rachael chats to our hosts about her own deep cultural reconnection through the discovery of dance, as well as how her many paths in life provide a clue to what that looks like for her. As an arti...
When many of us consider leadership and leadership practice, we may assume specific contexts (corporate, politics, the public domain), and specific ways to 'do' leadership. In fact, from accepted governance processes to the way organisations are structured and even how they might report their outcomes, effective leadership is assumed to include a set of agreed 'rules' - ways of doing this thing that we've come to expect of those in leadership positions. But what if that doesn't work for you? ...
According to DDI's Global Leadership Forecast 2025 Report, the state of global organisational leadership is nothing short of dire. But how bad is it? Paul & KG kick around a some of the stats, and reflect on a few infographics to try and get a handle on what might be going on. But more importantly, they ask some uncomfortable questions. If current organisational Leadership across the globe is as bad as the report suggests, then what on Earth is going on with all those corporate wellbein...
[Episode contains explicit language - but not too much!] In this episode, KG and Paul kick off the year with an inspiring conversation featuring Dr. Jason Graham-Nye, an entrepreneur tackling global environmental challenges through the circular economy. Jason shares how his team is addressing the massive problem of disposable nappy waste in the South Pacific, where nappies make up 30% of household waste and where both, eco-systems and economies are fragile and at risk of collapse. Their model...
We're back for Season 5! How amazing is that??!! We kick things off with Paul & KG catching up, chatting about the year ahead and then quickly digress into a conversation on endurance. This Cheeky Half episode is definitely 'on brand', as it introduces a half-baked idea, and leaves it hanging. Maybe you can help them finish it? Have a listen (it's very brief). We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Thanks for coming back for another season. We love that you do, and ar...
This is it folks! Well, for this year, anyway. Paul & KG look forward to what may be in store for 2025, and throw around some ambitious ideas in the process. Have a listen (it's very brief), and let us know what you think! We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. See you in Season 5, kicking off in February 2025. But please, feel free to send us your thoughts, comments and suggestions between now and then. Sláinte friends! Please let us know through either of the op...
In our final main episode for this season, Paul & KG reminisce over a cracker of a wine! As they sip on a 2022 Toolangi Chardonnay they highlight moments in Leadership Decanted's many conversations over this last year that resonated with them most. For those of you who might be catching up, or wondering where you might dip your toe next, this episode is a great primer! We are very much looking forward to spending some time with you in 2025. Sláinte friends! Some useful resources from...
KG has referred to this conversation topic as a little 'spicy'. Though we suspect many of our listeners will feel the heat in different ways, if at all. Before you listen, be aware this conversation is politics 'adjacent'. However, we do not delve into any political detail, and it is not really a response to an election result. It is, though, a response to the many responses an election result has triggered. We aren't sure how spicy you'll find it, but strap yourself in and have a glass of...