Authenticity in Leadership: Experience and Learnings with Scott Ko (Ep 29)

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Evarts, founder of Prefixer, who shares his inspiring journey from a shy, newly arrived migrant in Australia to a leader passionate about community, connection, and self-expression. Mark reflects on the impact of his childhood experiences, embracing challenges without prior experience, and his personal revelation about living authentically. He discusses the importance of bringing our true selves to work and fostering environments where others feel safe to do the same. Join us to hear Mark’s insights on trust, transformation, and building resilience in today’s world. Timestamps: 00:01:00 – Introducing Mark and his journey to Australia 00:07:15 – Mark’s approach to stepping into new roles 00:10:45 – Embracing authenticity and self-worth 00:20:30 – Showing up with courage and purpose 00:26:17 – Creating safe spaces at work Links Mentioned: Mark Evarts on LinkedIn Prefixer - Mark's website   Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone. I love suppporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good. Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching 

In this episode of True Power, Fiona Walsh, a mindset coach and mentor, who supports senior leaders and entrepreneurs in breaking free from limiting beliefs and self-doubt. Fiona shares her unique journey of leaving the corporate world and launching her own coaching practice, where she helps individuals reconnect with their true selves. The conversation explores Fiona's coaching methodologies, blending neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and intuitive practices to guide clients towards a more fulfilling and grounded life. Fiona also discusses her personal experiences, such as raising three children in Canada and navigating her own transformation from corporate life to living in alignment with her values.Timestamps: 02:12 - Fiona's Background: From Melbourne to Vancouver05:01 - Fiona’s Coaching Methodology and Toolkit09:20 - The Power of Combining Multiple Modalities in Coaching14:08 - Realising When You're Not True to Yourself18:45 - The Impact of Self-Abandonment in the Workplace22:30 - Balancing Leadership and Motherhood30:17 - Discovering Your True Values37:05 - Breaking the Cycle of People-Pleasing45:23 - Final Thoughts and Reflections Links Mentioned: Fiona Walsh’s podcast Limitless Book: Worthy by Nancy Levin Internal Family Systems (IFS) coaching framework Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone. I love suppporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good. Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching 

In this episode of True Power, we’re joined by Jo Bowles a former lawyer and risk management executive who transitioned into coaching and mentoring. Jo shares her experiences of leaving behind the corporate world, motivated by a longing to explore her true self beyond job titles and salary packages. She talks about her year-long sabbatical, during which she engaged in ocean swimming, pottery, and other creative pursuits to reconnect with her inner self. The conversation delves into the physical and mental challenges of living authentically, the importance of aligning with one's values, and how Jo assists others in finding their path when they feel stuck. Jo also highlights her work as a telephone crisis supporter and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and compassion.   Timestamps: 02:51 Jo's Leap of Faith 05:02 Discovering Joy in Simple Things 06:47 The Challenge of Decompression 09:38 Embracing Creativity and Imperfection 12:18 The Importance of Inner Work 24:12 Listening to Your Body 32:23 Living Authentically 34:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Jo Bowles on LinkedIn Visit Jo's website  Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone. I love suppporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good. Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching 

In this episode of True Power, we’re joined by Hajira Shaheen, a passionate learning designer, coach, consultant, and design thinker. The conversation delves into Shaheen's dedication to designing human-centered learning programs while highlighting her commitment to inclusion and amplifying marginalised voices. Shaheen shares her personal experiences, including the challenges of navigating name protocols in Australia, her love of improvisation, and her approach to facilitating truly inclusive and equitable spaces. The discussion also touches on systemic issues contributing to disempowerment and offers practical strategies for leaders seeking to foster more inclusive environments. It’s a compelling conversation about authenticity, identity, and the true meaning of equity in the workplace. Timestamps: 02:23 - Shaheen's Background and Interests 03:21 - Embracing Improv 04:41 - Navigating Name Protocol Challenges 07:33 - Multicultural Inclusion in Australia 08:14 - Empowering Marginalised Voices 16:50 - Facilitation Techniques for Inclusion 20:43 - Staying Authentic and True to Your Identity 42:51 - Final Reflections and Takeaways About the guest:Shaheen is a long-term learning designer, coach, consultant, facilitator and design thinker. Through Ta’leem consulting she works with leaders and teams in designing and delivering learning programs that are truly human centered. She is passionate about inclusion as a way of empowering voices that are traditionally marginalised. And uses a variety of cognitive tools to enable that.  What really fills her cup is using all of her skills to make a difference in the world. She is committed to working with leaders in the social impact environment, leveraging her diverse skill set to upskill teams and align leaders with their purpose. Links mentioned in this episode: Book: Remembering Ourselves Home by Toko-pa Turner   Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to go it alone. I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good. Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching  

In this episode of True Power, we’re joined by Shalimar Abago, the National Manager of People and Culture at Workways Australia. In this episode we dive into the significance of authenticity in leadership, the impacts of psychological safety in the workplace, and the balance between humility and confidence. Shalimar shares his professional mission to create a better world of work and speaks candidly about his own experiences with cognitive and emotional dissonance when unable to live by his values. The discussion touches on the importance of evidence-based approaches in fostering employee well-being, the concepts of positive psychology, and practical strategies for leaders to model authentic and inclusive behavior. Timestamps: 01:30 Shalimar's Professional Background03:10 The Importance of Authenticity in the Workplace04:20 Positive Psychology and Well-being06:13 Challenges of Leadership and Authenticity10:17 Leadership Styles and Authenticity15:20 Struggles with Authenticity in Leadership16:23 Impact on Personal Life and Wellbeing17:26 Realising the Need for Change21:07 Psychological Safety and Authenticity23:25 The Importance of Embodied Practice28:05 Leadership Principles: Safety and Stretch29:36 Final Thoughts and Gratitude About the guest: Shalimar Abago is an energetic and passionate HR leader dedicated to transforming organisations,  fostering inclusion and building high-performing cultures. He is currently serving as the National Manager - People and Culture at Workways Australia. Workways is a non-for-profit organisation that’s been operating for 30 years. Their mission is to deliver employment, youth and environmental services across Eastern Australia. Shalimar's career journey encompasses time spent in roles focussed on leadership development, employee engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is a leader who is passionate for creating a better world of work.  --- Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to go it alone. I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good. Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching 

In this episode of True Power, host Cassie welcomes Gill McLaren, the CEO and founder of Syntegrate. Drawing from her extensive corporate experience, particularly her 20 years at Coca-Cola, Gill shares insights from her book, 'Think, Plan, Live,' and introduces the concept of 'uniqology'—the art and science of each person's unique life fingerprint. Gill elaborates on the six steps to designing a life congruent with one's core values, the power of curiosity, and the importance of understanding uniqueness in the workplace. The conversation delves into personal experiences, strategies for identifying and optimising individual strengths, and practical tips for navigating career and life challenges. Timestamps: 01:54 Gill's Career Journey and Syntegrate05:06 The Concept of Unicology06:21 Discovering Your Unique Life Fingerprint12:10 Implementing Uniqology in Teams and Organizations18:53 The Six Steps to Uncovering Your Uniqueness24:16 Connecting the Dots: Simplifying Life's Patterns25:02 The Power of a Comprehensive Framework25:54 Designing a Life True to Yourself26:52 Navigating Career Highs and Lows27:56 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Adaptability31:17 Curiosity in Personal and Professional Growth39:23 Realisng the Need for Change42:26 Encouragement for Embracing Uniqueness45:21 Practical Steps for Life Design48:01 Final Thoughts and Resources   About the guest: Gill McLaren is an accomplished executive leader, innovator, speaker, consultant, and coach. She is the CEO and Founder of Syntegrate, an organisation that blends strategy, consultancy, and coaching to solve significant problems and create impactful solutions. Before founding Syntegrate, Gill held executive leadership positions at Coca-Cola across the UK, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore, focusing on General Management, Strategic Planning, and Marketing. Gill is also the author of Think Plan Live, a book offering a practical framework for designing a fulfilling life in six simple steps. Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Gill on LinkedIn Grab a copy of Think Plan Live Learn more about Syntegrate Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone. I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good. Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching  

In this episode of True Power, Cassandra engages in an enlightening conversation with Julie Hyde, a seasoned leadership coach, keynote speaker, resilience expert, and podcaster. Julie shares her journey from corporate senior leader to author of two books, discussing the importance of authentic leadership, resilience, and prioritising what's truly important. She candidly talks about overcoming personal and professional challenges, including her journey with cancer and the need to shed inauthentic personas to become a more effective leader. The discussion highlights practical strategies for leaders to align with their true selves and build a supportive and respectful team culture. Timestamps: 00:17 Julie's Background and Career Journey02:06 The Evolution of Leadership03:21 The Concept of Busyness06:02 Julie's Latest Book: You Always Have a Choice07:25 The Crystal, Rubber, and Concrete Balls Analogy12:02 Navigating Friendships and Priorities14:43 The Importance of Authentic Leadership16:32 Julie's Personal Story of Authenticity25:52 Challenges of Being Liked as a Leader34:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   About the guest: Julie Hyde is a disruptor and powerful enabler dedicated to helping leaders achieve significant results through expert strategies, integrity, and experience. As a consultant, executive coach, speaker, and author, Julie focuses on modern leadership success, emphasising the importance of aligning business and people priorities. She has transformed large businesses, driven team sales, and empowered leaders to become game-changing role models. Julie's mission is to bring humanity back to leadership and create high-performance cultures where everyone feels valued. Her approach is holistic and future-facing, driven by her own life-changing experiences.   Links mentioned in this episode: Julie Hyde’s Website You Always Have a Choice Book Leading You Podcast   Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to go it alone. I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good. Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching  

In this episode of the 'True Power' podcast, Cassandra Goodman interviews Joel Hines to discuss the essence of staying true to oneself and the complexities of authentic leadership. Cassandra and Joel share their experiences and insights on how real power comes from within and the importance of connection and collaboration in leadership. They delve into the concept of holding space for others and how shifting from ranking to linking can create more empowered and innovative teams. The conversation highlights the value of storytelling, vulnerability, and genuine appreciation in fostering a thriving work environment.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to True Power Podcast 00:55 Meet Joel Hines 01:59 The Importance of Connection 05:36 Facilitation vs. Training 07:27 The Power of Shared Stories 23:17 Authentic Leadership and Vulnerability 28:09 The Man Box and Masculinity 32:17 Creating Collaborative Spaces 38:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   About the guest: Joel Hines, a facilitator, TEDx speaker, author, trainer, and storyteller, has dedicated over 25 years to fields such as mental health, IT, training, educational leadership, and group facilitation. Throughout his career, he has consistently guided others to explore the shared experience of being human. Known for his integrity and authenticity, Joel motivates and enables leaders to cultivate engagement, foster collaboration, and empower their teams. His natural gift for storytelling, combined with his calm and approachable demeanour, drives his passion for enriching workplace connections and fostering the growth of facilitation skills and confidence. Learn more at beinghuman.au.   Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.beinghuman.net.au/   Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to go it alone. I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good. Learn about my coaching packages here:  https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching  

In this episode of True Power, host Cassandra welcomes Rachel Cook, an award-winning CEO and business owner on a mission to prioritize social connection as a vital health requirement. Rachel shares insights about her leadership journey, the importance of values-based decision making, and her work with Inclusi, a non-profit focused on reducing loneliness through social prescribing services. The conversation delves into the nuances of leadership, the impact of technology on social connection, and the importance of staying true to one's values even when faced with difficult decisions. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Rachel Cook 00:30 Rachel's Mission and Inclusi 02:32 The Importance of Social Connection 03:24 Challenges and Solutions in Social Prescribing 09:17 The Role of Technology in Social Connection 14:05 Rachel's Leadership Journey 17:17 Navigating Values and Leadership 21:10 Making Tough Decisions as a Leader 36:46 Advice for Leaders Facing Values Conflicts 40:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   About the guest: Rachael Cook is an award-winning CEO and business owner dedicated to inspiring Australians to prioritise social connection for health. With extensive experience in strategic leadership and cultural change, Rachael has led significant transformations across the Health, Aged Care, Finance, and Retail sectors. As CEO of a not-for-profit social prescribing service, she achieved 100% performance of funding agreements and the highest staff engagement ratings in the organisation's fifty-year history. Rachael's servant leadership and commitment to diversity have earned her accolades such as CEO of the Year and Senior Inclusion Charity CEO of the Year 2024.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Inclusee - The community that connects you to experiences you enjoy. Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to go it alone. I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good. Learn about my coaching packages here:  https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching  

In this episode of 'True Power,' host Cassandra Goodman speaks with Robert Anderson, a Swedish-born entrepreneur and leadership coach. They discuss the meaning of staying true to oneself and the intricacies of authentic leadership. Robert shares his personal journey, blending Swedish values with his professional life in Australia. The conversation delves into the importance of internal purpose, fostering leaders’ well-being, and embodying values-driven leadership. Robert recounts a profound personal story about a significant misalignment with his integrity and the subsequent steps he took to rectify it, underscoring the importance of being true to oneself.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to True Power Podcast 00:53 Meet Robert Anderson: A Swedish Viking Turned Entrepreneur 01:13 Robert's Leadership Philosophy and Personal Journey 05:05 The Importance of Self-Leadership and Inner Work 09:39 Embracing All Parts of Ourselves 17:38 A Story of Redemption and Integrity 26:56 The Turning Point: Realizing the Splinter 29:45 The Journey to Remedy: Steps to Fix the Past 33:54 Numbing the Pain: Coping Mechanisms 37:21 Embracing Vulnerability: Sharing and Coaching 43:30 The Power of Accountability and Self-Leadership 50:00 Final Thoughts and Resources   About the guest: Robert Andersson, a retired CEO, is now a distinguished leadership author, coach, mentor, and consultant. As an agent for change and an entrepreneur, Robert understands the pressures that come with relentless to-do lists and the risk of burnout. Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming professional and personal overwhelm, he now guides leaders to break free from the cycle of endless demands. Through his mentoring and coaching, he helps leaders cultivate enriched professional practices and improve their wellbeing. Learn more about his approach and book at www.rivenconsulting.com.au.   Links mentioned in this episode: rivenconsulting.com.au   Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to go it alone. I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good. Learn about my coaching packages here:  https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching