Rawthentic Leadership

Today’s first episode for 2024 is a little different. I recently launched my White Paper – The Social Factor – The Science Behind the Future of Effective People Leadership and today I present it to you in audio format, as some people prefer to listen than to read. The White paper introduces you, the listener, to the concept of Social Leadership. It opens with the big picture and the challenges faced by todays leaders, examples being the gap between what leaders believe that employees want and what they really want and need. We explore the myriad demands of today's leader and the potential cost, mentally and emotionally.  We cover the people leadership journey - 'from Crisis to Conviction' and why the focus needs to be on developing leaders both formally and informally. The Changing Face of Leadership tracks leadership Development over the ages and what 21st Century leadership looks like today in the Social Age. The White Paper then introduces you to the concept of Social Leadership and the social cognitive neuroscience underpinning this approach.  The SOCIAL Model of Core Needs is presented in terms of elements, scope, detail and a detailed description of each element; how the absence of these needs can create a 'threat' response, and ways we can reduce this to create 'reward' responses in our people (the concept of threat and reward and also explained).   We each have a unique 'point in time' hierarchy of needs and this is explained in the paper, together with applications of the model and a case study of how it is being used by a global engineering consultancy.  Finally we look at balancing the focus on people and performance and the consequences of focusing too much or too little on one or the other. If you would like a copy of the white paper, please head over to https://brain-smart.com/social/ and if you would like to complete the Hierarchy of Needs self-assessment here is the link https://brain-smart.com/hierarchy-register/ Finally - we'd love to hear your feedback so please engage with in the Social Leadership Conversation on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/beingbrainsmart/  Clare #socialleadership #podcast #rawthenticleadership #thefutureissocial #leadershipdevelopment   

Episode 40 of the Rawthentic Leadership Podcast is a conversation jam packed with wisdom from lived experience and deep reflections. My guest in conversation is Danielle Ballantine, CEO of Your Side Australia, a not-for-profit organisation specialising in providing total care for vulnerable Australians, in particular the elderly and disabled. Our chosen topic of conversation centres on a much-needed skill in leadership – coaching Here are some of the many topics and stories we explored and uncovered:- Danielle’s approach to coaching in business and what influenced it Role models in coaching leadership The many benefits of a coaching culture How coaching sits on a continuum When a coaching style of leadership is not appropriate The challenges of switching leadership styles Helping natural problem-solvers to develop a coaching approach The horse in the hole analogy! Creating a culture of problem-definition Empowering decision-making Drawing our strengths – the benefits of investing in training When leaders are too time-poor or cognitively overloaded to coach The greatest barriers to creating a coaching culture How coaching can facilitate managing and leading change What happens when we work and walk together Exploring differing coaching styles and finding the right fit The power of storytelling in coaching – when it works and when it doesn’t! How coaching builds confidence Coaching and decision-making autonomy Coaching and succession planning   You can follow Danielle here https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielleballantine/ You can visit Your Side Australia here https://yourside.org.au/ #coachingleaderrship #coaching #coachingwisdom #rawthenticleadership #podcast

Episode 39 of the Rawthentic Leadership Podcast is an insightful exploration into the world of Diversity and Inclusion in leadership, with a focus on Inclusion. My guest is D&I consultant Toby Mildon, who I worked with when he was working at the BBC.  Our conversation has many levels of depth and covers a broad area, which makes it the perfect resource for any manager or leader wanting to get to grips with this critically important topic and also hear from Toby’s lived experience. Here are some highlights from our conversation:- How Toby ‘fell’ into D&I The 10/90 Iceberg analogy The scope of diversity Micro aggressions and micro inequities – what’s the difference? Why some people don’t challenge micro-inequities Representation unpacked The criticality of representation (in leadership and throughout) Fear of causing offence and its impact Diversity washing a.k.a. window dressing – the rhetoric gap Calling out and calling in – what’s the difference? The ‘where D&I sits in the business’ conundrum One of the first questions Toby asks when consulting with new clients and the critical follow up question Essential elements to achieve ‘the golden standard’ The difference between equity and equality Integrating D&I into ‘the way we do business – and a clear comparison The hierarchy, chronology and priorities of D&I We ran out of time to cover intersectionality so here is a link to an explainer video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1islM0ytkE You can follow Toby on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobymildon/ Here are the links to Toby’s resources Inclusive Growth Book UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inclusive-Growth-Future-proof-business-workplace/dp/178133448X Inclusive Growth Book Australia - https://www.booktopia.com.au/inclusive-growth-toby-mildon/book/9781781334485.html  Free workplace diversity assessment - https://mildon.scoreapp.com/   Inclusive Growth Podcast - https://inclusivegrowthshow.buzzsprout.com/ #rawthenticleadership #podcast #inclusion #diversityequityandinclusion #inclusioninleadership 

Episode 38 of the Rawthentic Leadership Podcast is a must for anyone who is looking to find or further develop meaning and purpose in their lives, be it personal or professional. My guest, Professor Debbie Haski-Leventhal, MBA Director at Macquarie University shares her extraordinary story of family tragedy and what it meant to become members of a cult-like organisation and the trauma that ensued. This is a story with a dramatic upturn and hence the topic of our conversation, the essence of meaningfulness in leadership. Here are some highlights from our conversation:- Being born into tragedy Debbie’s introduction to the Kabbalah Centre and what it meant to the family ‘Spreading the light’ and ‘Ploughing’ Breaking free and life ‘post Kabbalah’ The project that changed everything Debbie’s education pathway and research into volunteering The darkest of hours - knitting the parachute Overcoming the fear of death Filling the void The difference between meaning and meaningfulness The T.I.P model for leading a more purposeful life (and lost of practical examples) Three power questions to ask in finding your passion Exploring CSR (Corporate and Social Responsibility) and organisational purpose Finding meaning at work Becoming a purpose-driven business and the role of leaders Instrumental versus moral motivation/obligation The consequences of green or rainbow washing Debbie’s role as MBA Director Macquarie University and bringing CSR into the MBA Debbie’s book ‘Make it Meaningful’ How to find Purpose in Life and Work Debbie’s TEDx Talk ‘The Purpose Driven University’ (15m 12s)   Debbie’s website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter References made in the podcast Happiness and its Causes Conference 16th & 17th November Sydney  - Debbie will be speaking on Day 1  ‘Educated’ by Tara Westover Immanuel Kant’s 4 Categorical Imperatives   #purposedrivenleadership #impactleadership #meaning #meaningfulness #purpose #impact #csr 

Today I bring you part 2 of my conversation with Yaser Naseri, an Iranian refugee with a story to tell. Please, if you happen to have stumbled on this episode and have not listened to part 1 – head now to listen to Episode 36 then come back here and all will make sense. What an honour it was to listen to part 2 of Yaser Naseri’s story as a refugee from Iran, part 2 starting with the day he arrived in Brisbane. You cannot not be moved by Yaser, not just his story but his attitude, his determination to make a life worth living, his desire and need to be a voice for all those who have lost their lives fleeing war, persecution and discrimination, and above all his hopes for the future. You can help his hopes and dreams become a reality by considering Yaser as your next Keynote Speaker. Please connect with him on LinkedIn (contact details below). Enjoy Here are some show notes The day Yaser arrived from Indonesia to Australia The refuges settlement process and Yaser’s emotional response The journey to master the English language Yaser’s volunteering experience and paying it forward for refugees From Brisbane to Sydney, an epiphany and the next chapter A day in the life of Yaser the University Student A shout out to TAFE counsellors and other support resources Careerseekers to the rescue Yaser’s first internship The challenges in navigating new systems The transition from intern to full time employee The role of Yvonne Kelly and her social enterprise Glow Up Careers Pairing up to spread the message – Yvonne and Yaser’s keynote speaking A call out to all organisations to consider hiring refugees How Yaser plans to use his story for good The appointment of Yaser as a National Refugee Ambassador for Australia (Refugee Council of Australia) Hopes and dreams for the future from a global perspective How hope can help us as we lead our families, community and business The challenge of maintaining hope Yaser returns to Indonesia If this story moves or inspires you, and I can’t imagine it for one moment that it won’t, then please share it far and wide - thank you. The podcast is available on all podcast platforms and on the BrainSmart website (details in comments) #hope #resilience #leadership #rawthenticleadership #refugeeswelcome #survival #podcast #rawthenticleadership The ABC article about the boat capsizing - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-19/hopes-fade-for-asylum-seekers/3737376 Yaser on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasernaseri/ Yaser on Instagram - @yasernaseri_ Careerseekers - http://www.careerseekers.org.au/ GlowUp Careers - https://glowupcareers.com/ Yvonne Kelly (Glow Up Careers) on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonnekelly1   Sydney Uni article - https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2023/05/26/from-devastation-to-a-dream-come-true.html   

In this episode, Yaseri Naser shares part one of his extraordinary journey of arriving in Australia from Iran.  There are no shownotes today, the story unfolds itself and all the wisdom is held in Yaser’s words Once you have listened to the story you may find this article of value https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-19/hopes-fade-for-asylum-seekers/3737376 #hope #resilience #humanity #survival #leadership #refugeeswelcome

Episode 35 of the Rawthentic Leadership Podcast is a conversation of both depth and with wisdom on the topic of service in leadership and with local government Councillor Sue Baker. Sue shares how she transitioned from a career in learning and development to representing the City of Frankston in local Government and how she drew on her years of experience in hospitality and training to serve her constituents in the very best ways possible.   Here are some highlights from our conversation:- How Sue’s eclectic career shaped her attitude and passion for service The importance of alignment between an organisation’s external focus on service and their leadership culture A pivotal moment in understanding the value of culture and people The story of how Sue came to stand for election and how she applied creativity and innovation in a challenging time to create a unique campaign strategy Essential key attributes of servant leadership and how to serve when you have 142,000 customers to serve! Understanding the process of deliberative engagement with the community The consultative continuum – from informing to co-design The importance of self-care when leading with the spirit to serve The rewards and challenges of taking a service in leadership role #servantleadership #podcast #spirittoserve #communityengagement #leadership #authenticity #rawthenticleadership Rawthentic Leadership has been ranked number 4 in Australia’s top 25 Leadership Podcasts We are on a mission to get the message out to the business community about those 21st Century leadership skills that engage, inspire, motivate and develop people to be their very best and achieve their potential so if you enjoy the podcast, please head over to Apple podcasts and give us a rating and review or if Spotify is your platform of Choice please follow us – thank you! Please also subscribe to our YouTube channel If you would like to contribute to our mission, however small, please donate here – thank you

Episode 34 of the Rawthentic Leadership Podcast is a must for anyone who either wants to improve their networking capability, doesn't like to network but realises that it can be good for business, or simply wants to listen to someone who is passionate about their purpose in life. Today I bring you an exceptionally practical and often funny conversation with Charlie Lawson, a networking and promotion expert with a twist. This podcast is not just for leaders, it’s for everyone in business. We redefine and reframe networking, ditching its negative stereotype and Charlie then fires nugget after nugget of practical tips for anyone wanting to build meaningful business relationships. Here are some highlights from our conversation A definition of networking that busts the stereotypical view How networking is like a fishing net! Why networking is still relevant to leaders in corporate business Expanding the scope of networking My favourite opening question when networking and Charlie’s support story and outcome The power of facilitating introductions Charlie reveals the truth about networking for him The role of introversion and extraversion when it comes to networking One of Charlie’s first speaking experiences Practical tips for those for whom networking isn’t their favourite pastime! How the world of networking has changed post the pandemic era Practical tips and a process for the forgotten gem of networking – the follow up How to find out how good a networker you are #networking #connection #relationshipbuilding #podcasting #rawthenticleadership  Charlie’s website  You can connect with Charlie here  How good a networker are you? Link to the questionnaire  Is networking just schmoozing? Charlie's vlog Rawthentic Leadership has been ranked number 4 in Australia’s top 25 Leadership Podcasts  We are on a mission to get the message out to the business community about those 21st Century leadership skills that engage, inspire, motivate and develop people to be their very best and achieve their potential so if you enjoy the podcast, please head over to Apple podcasts and give us a rating and review or if Spotify is your platform of Choice please follow us - thank you! Please also subscribe on our YouTube channel  If you would like to contribute to our mission, however small, please donate here – thank you!  

Note to self, when in conversation with someone who epitomises humility in leadership, don’t expect them to talk about themselves in a hurry! Meet Matt Cameron, Rugby League CEO of the Penrith Panthers, and my latest guest in conversation for the Rawthentic Leadership Podcast. The Penrith Panthers are a professional rugby league team based in Western Sydney and they have been on an incredible journey over the past few years coming from behind to be in the Grand Final in 2020 and win the Grand Finals in 2021 and 2022. Though we might not necessarily have done a deep dive talking about humility, you’ll quickly grasp why I wanted to have Matt as my guest for this topic by the way he talks about his education, his team, the club and its culture. If you're a fan of Rugby League and curious about gaining an insight into club culture then this podcast is most definitely for you!  Listening again to this podcast with my leadership hat on, there is much we can learn and apply in business from the world of high performance sport. Here are just a few of the golden nuggets gleaned from our conversation:-    Matt’s career before joining professional sports Why Matt believes that he has the best and worst job in the world Humility – creating the environment for others to flourish Humility as part of the culture of the club Leading with vulnerability-based trust Using a repeatable metaphor to continually improve The difference between peer-to-peer accountability and a blame culture The role of storytelling in onboarding new players and developing deeper ongoing relationships Being comfortable to be challenged and the results it can deliver Matt’s open-door policy – the ‘couch’ effect! The source of Matt’s humility – a heart-warming story about his school teachers and upbringing The role of mentoring in helping to develop humility as a leadership trait Harnessing the wisdom of our elders Future-proofing the business and the team; the role of pathways in succession planning What Matt still wants to develop in himself as a leader It’s probably not a surprise that Matt doesn’t do social media but you can find out more about club of which he is so proud in their documentary https://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/news/2023/02/26/streaming-now-watch-all-the-way-on-9now/ Matt also speaks fondly of The Patrician Brothers from his school days. You can find out more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrician_Brothers Rawthentic Leadership has been ranked number 4 in Australia’s top 25 Leadership Podcasts https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_leadership_podcasts/ We are on a mission to get the message out to the business community about those 21st Century leadership skills that engage, inspire, motivate and develop people to be their very best and achieve their potential so if you enjoy the podcast, please head over to Apple podcasts and give us a rating and review or if Spotify is your platform of Choice please follow us - thank you! Please also subscribe on our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKjgNrVcmB-hDnDdobYOmHw If you would like to contribute to our mission, however small, please donate here – thank you! #rawthenticleadership #podcast #humility #leadershipdevelopment #nrl #rugbyleague #highperformanceinsport #teamdevelopment 

Meet Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM, leader, board member, journalist and bestselling author of ‘Head & Heart : The Art of Modern Leadership’ and my most recent guest for the Rawthentic Leadership podcast. Kirstin’s diverse career, attitude to risk and passion for diversity and inclusion makes for an enriching and lively conversation about what modern day leadership is and means, the stereotypes that need to change and how we can become the very best leaders we can by leading with both head and heart. Some of the many points we covered as the time flew by include:- Kirstin’s leadership journey starting at 17 in the Royal Australian Airforce From the military to law and psychology – the journey to leading people Being prepared to say “YES”! The thread that tied Kirstin’s diverse career goals together Addressing imposter syndrome The evolution of leading with Head & Heart Adaptive leadership – what it really means A peek into the experience of sitting on Boards The wonderful Word to Wisdom ratio and a leader who epitomises it! Kirstin’s crisis support work at Lifeline How Kirstin arrived at the 8 head and heart leadership attributes Why empathy can be a double-edged sword What stops some leaders embracing leading with head and heart The self/others awareness gap How to close the gap on the blind spots - how you see yourself versus how you are perceived by others Why this is a leadership book that you will finish An insight into he process of writing the book One of the many interviews that stood out for Kirstin and why Exploring the 2 concepts of ‘everyone is a leader’ and ‘leadership is a series of moments’ Kirstin’s Head & Heart leader scale #leadership #emotionalintelligence #author #bestsellingbook #poscast #rawthenticleadership #headheartleaderscale  You can follow Kirstin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstinferguson/ and her website https://www.kirstinferguson.com/ To complete the Head & Heart Leader scale and purchase the book visit https://headheartleader.com/ Rawthentic Leadership has been ranked number 4 in Australia’s top 25 Leadership Podcasts https://blog.feedspot.com/australian_leadership_podcasts/ We are on a mission to get the message out to the business community about those 21st Century leadership skills that engage, inspire, motivate and develop people to be their very best and achieve their potential so if you enjoy the podcast, please head over to Apple podcasts and give us a rating and review or is Spotify is your platform of Choice please follow us - thank you! If you would like to contribute to our mission, however small, please head to https://ko-fi.com/brainsmart to donate - thank you!