In this episode, I’m joined once again by Dr Gavriel "Gav" Schneider — CEO, author, strategic risk expert, and one of Australia’s foremost thinkers on how to navigate uncertainty and unlock human potential. We dive deep into his latest book, 'Presilience: How to Navigate Risk, Embrace Opportunity and Build Resilience', exploring why most organisations still view risk too narrowly, and how reframing it as a strategic enabler can lift both performance and resilience.

We talk about the post-COVID productivity slump, the challenge of leading five generations in the workforce, and why Australia’s risk-averse culture is holding back innovation. Gav shares the core skills every leader needs to thrive in a world of low certainty and limited control, and how his Presilience framework has transformed not only his own $45M business but also the outcomes of clients across sectors.

This conversation is packed with practical insights, from rethinking work-from-home policies based on human behaviour, to leading through disruption without burning out, to positioning your organisation for the opportunities emerging from generative AI.

If you’re a leader, board member, or aspiring high performer, this is essential listening.

In this episode, Richard Triggs interviews long-time colleague Darren Finkelstein on how accountability drives performance, reduces overwhelm, and creates real behavioural change in teams and individuals. They reflect on Darren’s pivot from Apple executive to boating entrepreneur to becoming a sought-after accountability coach. The discussion highlights how leaders can model accountability, why frequent check-ins outperform annual reviews, and how Darren’s “seven steps to success” framework can increase goal achievement by up to 95%.

They also explore themes from Darren’s latest book, NO: Building a Life of Choice Without Obligation, and why learning to say no is central to personal and professional effectiveness.

01:30 – Darren’s career pivot from Apple to boating to accountability coaching

08:00 – Accountability vs. responsibility: what’s the real difference?

13:45 – Why most leaders fail to create true accountability in their organisations

24:00 – Darren’s 7-step framework to increase goal achievement to 95%

32:30 – How to say “no” without guilt: insights from Darren’s book NO

36:45 – The impact of overwhelm and how to beat it with micro steps

41:00 – Tools, coaching options, and Darren’s free accountability scorecard

45:05 – Richard reflects on his own experience working with Darren

In this episode of the Arete Podcast, I speak with Trudy MacDonald, founder of Talent Code HR and a former CEO of three organisations, with a background in organisational psychology. Trudy shares powerful insights into the post-pandemic leadership landscape and what it takes to build high-performance teams in today’s evolving world of work.

We explore the shift toward more empathetic leadership, the emerging challenge of balancing empathy with accountability, and why too much flexibility can sometimes erode performance cultures. Trudy discusses practical frameworks for instilling accountability without losing connection, the importance of redefining employer branding, and how expectations around pay and remote work have transformed.

We also touch on the role of AI in shaping the future of leadership and performance, and close with a personal look at what fuels Trudy’s drive, her early mornings, rowing, and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

TIME STAMPS:

01:55 – Trudy’s background in organisational psychology and founding Talent Code HR

06:12 – The permanent shift to hybrid work and leadership adaptation

08:31 – Too much empathy, not enough accountability: finding the balance

12:40 – Cultural consequences of over-accommodating employees

17:20 – Systems and leadership behaviours that drive accountability

21:30 – Making accountability a team sport with transparency and trust

25:45 – Why good is no longer good enough: defining “great” performance

29:40 – Building an EVP: why people join, stay, or leave your business

35:20 – Why money has become the top motivator post-pandemic

42:18 – Creating a safe, high-performance environment that retains top talent

In this episode of the Arete Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Griffiths, a renowned author and speaker. Andrew reflects on our 11-year friendship and shares his journey from buying a dive shop at 17 to becoming an international sales manager and eventually a prolific author with 14 books published. We delve into the importance of creating a strong personal brand, especially for executives, and the role of authenticity in writing and speaking. We discuss leveraging tools like chat GPT and the significance of mentorship and continually learning from others to build and maintain your personal brand. Andrew's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark professionally and personally.

Useful Links:

Andrew Griffiths' website: www.andrewgriffiths.com.au

Andrew Griffiths on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/griffithsandrew

Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs

Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jake Swinglehurst, the CEO of Lucas' Papaw Remedies. Jake, who has been sporting his iconic mustache for seven years, shares the fascinating history of Lucas' Papaw Remedies, a family-owned business founded by Dr. Lucas in 1910. Jake discusses the legacy carried on through six generations, the challenges and milestones faced by the business, and its organic growth through endorsements by celebrities like Jennifer Hawkins and Miranda Kerr. Jake also talks about his personal journey, stepping into various roles within the company, and the vision for the future, including potential new products and international expansion. This conversation provides an insightful look into the dedication, heritage, and future aspirations of a company deeply rooted in its Australian origins.

Useful Links:

Lucas' Papaw Remedies Website - https://lucaspapaw.com.au/

Jake Swinglehurst on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-swinglehurst-61b9551a4/

Richard Triggs on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs/

In this episode, I reconnect with my long-time friend and mentor Rex Urwin, who joins me on the Arete Podcast. Rex shares his journey from coaching to mentoring, emphasising the transformative potential within each individual. We discuss the significance of mentorship, the evolution of personal growth, and the role of ancient wisdoms and practices such as breathwork and hermetic principles in contemporary self-improvement. We also delve into the societal trends impacting self-identity and success, and the challenges of keeping grounded in an increasingly materialistic world. As always, it’s a pleasure to explore these profound topics with Rex and to reflect on our nearly four-decade friendship and collaboration.

Useful Links:

Mind Matters website: https://mindmattrz.org/

Rex Urwin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexurwin/

Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs

Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au

In this episode, I sit down with Mark, the Managing Director of Bennett + Bennett. We discuss his experiences growing up in Brisbane, his journey in the land surveying industry, and his rise through the ranks at Bennett and Bennett. Mark shares insights on the company’s history, their involvement in major projects like Snowy Hydro and Gold Coast Light Rail, and the importance they place on wellness and leadership programs. He also opens up about the personal transitions that accompanied his professional growth and his future vision for the company amidst the exciting backdrop of the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Useful Links:

Bennett + Bennett website: https://bennettandbennett.com.au/

Mark Billsborough on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/mark-billsborough-gaicd-836a334a

Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs

Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au

In this episode of the Arete Podcast, I welcome Nick Symonds, the director of MAS, a Brisbane-based architecture studio specialising in hotels, resorts, and multi-residential projects.

Nick shares insights into his company's focus, the transition from an established firm to starting his own business during COVID, and the strategic decisions that paved the way for MAS's growth. He also touches on his early life, the influence of his upbringing, and his creative interests.

The conversation highlights the importance of team culture, adaptability, and strategic planning in running a successful architecture firm.

Nick also talks about his personal pursuits, including building his own house and future travel plans to Europe.

Useful Links:

MAS - Architectural Studio website: https://www.mas.com.au/

Nick Symonds on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-symonds-82414631/

Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs

Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au

Growing any business takes skill, but growing one through strategic acquisitions takes a special kind of skill.

It’s a skill that comes naturally to Matthew Dowd, CEO of Perth-based Keystone Training Group. Matthew joined me on the Arete Podcast, sharing details of the journey the growing Registered Training Organisation (RTO) has had so far.

Keystone Training Group currently has three distinct subsidiaries, with head offices in Perth and Sydney, and more to come.

Matthew also shared some of his personal professional journey, which kicked off as an engineer in the mining sector, and gradually transitioned into his current entrepreneurial model, drawing on the expertise of others through strategic shareholding partnerships, judicious acquisitions, and oversight by an independent and experienced board chair.

Useful Links

Keystone Training Group - https://ktg-training.com.au/

Matthew Dowd on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-dowd-98582326/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs/

Richard Triggs on LinkedIn

205 - Darren Godwell - Chief Executive Officer - i2i Global by Richard Triggs