Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose and Connection

What changes when leaders stop trying to override themselves and instead learn to lead in alignment with how they're actually wired?

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Jennifer Demiri sits down with Kathryn Van Der Steege, executive coach, leadership advisor and former senior executive at Woolworths, for a deep exploration of leadership from the inside out.

After 28 years in corporate, including senior roles across IT and HR, Kathryn made a bold pivot into transformational coaching, bringing together neuroscience, somatic awareness, nervous system regulation and human design to help leaders stay clear, grounded and decisive under pressure.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why the leadership advantage is shifting in the age of AI, and what it means for how you lead
• The hidden cost of the "conscious filter" and how it slowly erases your authentic self
• How to recognise and trust your inner compass, especially in moments that matter
• The Polyvagal lens on leadership, and why breath alone is not always enough
• Human design as a practical leadership framework, not a mystical system
• The five energy types (Manifestor, Manifesting Generator, Generator, Projector, Reflector) and what they reveal about your decision making, communication style and energy management
• Why understanding your team's human design reduces friction, builds empathy and improves outcomes
• A real client story of a senior leader whose influence transformed once he understood his projector design and communication style

Whether you are a corporate leader, founder or someone navigating a meaningful transition, this episode offers a fresh lens on what it really means to lead with presence, conviction and alignment.

Want to discover your own human design?

CONNECT WITH KATHRYN:
Instagram: @kathrynvandersteege
https://www.instagram.com/kathrynvandersteege/www.kathvdsmindset.com.au
DM the word DESIGN on Instagram to unlock your leadership strengths according to your Human Design.

WANT TO GO DEEPER?
Her Inner Compass Recalibration
A 90-Day Strategic Identity and Leadership Reset for High-Capacity Women  (6–8 June 2026)

If today's conversation sparked something and you're ready to move from insight into embodiment, this is the container where that work gets done.
Max 10 women. Application only.
Learn more and book an Alignment Call: https://www.kathvdsmindset.com.au/her-inner-compass

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose & Connection, Jen is joined by Lucy to explore a powerful and often misunderstood concept in business: working with natural cycles rather than against them.

From lunar cycles to deeply ingrained sales conditioning, this conversation challenges the traditional “always-on” approach to business growth. Lucy shares how leaders can move away from rigid, high-pressure sales timelines and instead align their offers, energy, and strategy with more intuitive rhythms.

Together, they unpack:

– Why most people misunderstand the influence of the moon

– How traditional sales cycles keep leaders stuck in pressure and burnout

– The power of aligning business offers with natural energetic phases

– How intuition and strategy can work together, not against each other

This episode is a refreshing perspective for leaders ready to move beyond force and into flow, without losing structure or results.

Magic Marketer: https://www.magicmarketer.app

Lucy Bloomfield: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-bloomfield

Middle managers are expected to execute strategy, protect culture, drive performance, absorb pressure, and somehow not burn out.

Most organisations rely on them.

Few truly understand what the role demands.

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose & Connection, Jen Demiri speaks with Rebecca Houghton, Founder of Bold HR and author of More Impact, More Easily, about the structural and psychological realities of middle management.

This conversation explores:

– The “capability cliff” many leaders fall from when stepping into management

– Why burnout at this level is often designed into the system

– The pressure of translating strategy while carrying emotional weight

– The culture of busyness that masquerades as productivity

– Why data is a leadership tool — not just a reporting function

– The shift from operational reliability to strategic influence

– How AI can free managers from admin and restore thinking space

This isn’t a conversation about soft skills.

It’s about role clarity, design, and the commercial consequences of getting middle management wrong.

If you lead managers, or are one, this episode will change how you see the middle.

🔗 Connect with Rebecca Houghton

Founder – Bold HR

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccahoughton/

Bold HR: https://boldhr.com.au

📖 Book: More Impact, More Easily on Amazon ,

Dymocks and major retailers

🔗 Connect with Jennifer Demiri

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendemiri/

Website: https://jdconsultingau.com

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose & Connection, Jen Demiri sits down with Jasmin Ilic, CEO and Co-Founder of CYBR, to explore leadership, cybersecurity, trust, and what it really takes to build impact-driven businesses in industries that weren’t designed with women in mind.

Jasmin’s work sits at the intersection of security, psychology, and leadership. With a background in psychology and deep experience in cyber, she challenges the fear-based narratives that dominate the industry and reframes security as an enabler of innovation, not a blocker.

Together, Jen and Jasmin unpack:

1. Why cybersecurity failures are often human, not technical

2. How trust, education, and behaviour shape organisational resilience

3. The hidden reality of cybercrime, and why shame has no place in the conversation

4. What women really face when founding and leading in male-dominated industries

5. Why visibility, community, and courage matter more than perfection

6. How leaders can embed values-driven leadership in complex, high-risk environments

This is a powerful conversation about leading with integrity, backing yourself when the odds aren’t in your favour, and building systems that serve both people and performance.

🎧 Listen now and step beyond the boardroom.

Connect with our guest & host:

1. Jasmin Ilic – CYBR

2. CYBR

3. Host – Jen Demiri

4. JD Consulting AU

What happens when people are simply given the opportunity to work?

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom – Leading with Purpose & Connection, Jen Demiri speaks with Steve from Orange Basket Community Services about the life-changing impact of meaningful employment for people living with disabilities.

After more than 20 years working in disability employment services, Steve shares how Orange Basket is creating pathways to independence through its unique mentorship program. Operating real cafés, commercial services, and supported training environments, Orange Basket helps participants build practical skills, confidence, and connection while preparing them for open employment.

Together, Jen and Steve explore the misconceptions many organisations still hold about disability employment, the importance of respectful workplaces, and why inclusion is about far more than compliance, it’s about recognising human potential.

You’ll also hear powerful stories of transformation that show what becomes possible when people are supported, valued, and given the chance to contribute.

In this episode we discuss:

1. Why meaningful work can be life-changing for people with disabilities

2. How the Orange Basket mentorship program prepares participants for open employment

3. The biggest misconceptions organisations have about disability in the workplace

4. What inclusive leadership really looks like in practice

5. How businesses can create truly supportive environments for diverse talent

This is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about performance, it’s about creating opportunities for people to thrive.

Orange Basket Community Services:

Phone:Phone: (8) 8333 7270

Website: https://www.orangebasket.com.au

Orange Basket Fundraising Dinner: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-orange-basket-community-services-fundraiser-dinner-2ryhtlm2?fbclid=IwY2xjawQXJCxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzVmRIcGNtNFhlR0NTYUlac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjnJrE_IQ8VwqWWb2LG7qRw9pKXuFAnly5kHnwWJEy49CT8yysDXwl63uQus_aem__a88WUiaa00zTuQXHYUNeQ

As AI accelerates at unprecedented speed, one question matters more than ever, are we preparing humans, not just roles, for what’s coming next?

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose & Connection, host Jen Demiri is joined by Renata Sguario, Founder & CEO of MAXME and one of Australia’s leading tech and digital transformation executives.

With more than 30 years’ experience across organisations including Accenture, Telstra and NAB, Renata sits at the powerful intersection of technology and humanity. Together, Jen and Renata unpack why technical capability alone is no longer enough, and why emotional intelligence, self-awareness, critical thinking, and human connection are now the true differentiators of success.

In this conversation, we explore:

1. Why human skills are becoming the most critical capability of the future

2. How AI is amplifying gaps in leadership, confidence, and work readiness

3. The real cost of neglecting emotional intelligence in teams and cultures

4. Why upskilling is a shared responsibility, and why waiting is the biggest risk

5. How leaders can create environments where people actually thrive

Renata’s message is empowering: human skills don’t develop by accident, and they can be learned. Those who invest early will lead with confidence, adaptability, and impact in an AI-driven world.

🎧 Tune in for a grounded, honest conversation about leadership, courage, and the future of work.

Connect with Renata:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/renatasguario/

MAXME – https://www.maxme.com

Connect with Jen:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendemiri/

Website – https://jdconsultingau.com

Most leaders believe their digital presence is “good enough”.

In reality, invisible gaps are costing businesses credibility, revenue, talent and trust.

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom – Leading with Purpose & Connection, I am joined by Ralph Ayoub, Managing Partner at DSRPT, a Google-accredited digital solutions agency specialising in online visibility and strategic growth.

With 92 % of people using Google daily, Ralph breaks down why businesses continue to prioritise social media while neglecting the foundations that actually drive discoverability.

In this conversation, we explore:

1. Why Google remains the most under-utilised leadership tool

2. The biggest misconceptions about SEO and online visibility

3. How Google presence impacts brand trust, recruitment, and culture

4. The difference between reactive vs strategic digital leadership

5. Practical steps leaders can take immediately to improve visibility

This episode is essential listening for leaders who want to be found, trusted, and chosen — before a conversation even begins.

🎧 Listen now and rethink what visibility really means.

Connect with Ralph:

https://www.dsrpt.com.au/au/home

https://www.instagram.com/dsrpt.au/

Leadership doesn’t have to be chaotic or reactive. On this weeks episode of Beyond the Boardroom – Leading with Purpose & Connection, I’m joined by Maryanne, a leader whose 30+ years across corporate, education, and wellness have shaped her unique approach to leadership.

Maryanne helps leaders shift from performance-driven to presence-led, addressing challenges at their energetic root to create cultures that sustain themselves from the inside out.

In this episode, we dive deep into leadership, culture, connection, and the subtle yet profound power of pausing, tuning in, and leading with presence.

We cover:

1. The energetic architecture of leadership

2. Why presence matters more than just strategy

3. How transparency, vulnerability, and self-awareness transform teams

If you’re ready to rethink leadership, lead differently and leave a lasting impact, this conversation is for you, tune in now.

In this episode, Jen sits down with Troy Gray, former AFL footballer, award-winning entrepreneur, media personality, and founder of Gray Advisory – to explore leadership, personal reinvention, and the power of human connection.

From elite sport to global media and philanthropy, Troy shares how resilience, emotional intelligence, and courage have guided his journey. He opens up about his advocacy work with Strikeout Suicide, the importance of building genuine networks, and why true leadership is about giving others permission to thrive.

This episode comes with a TRIGGER WARNING - SUICIDE IS DISCUSSED

Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about backing yourself, unlocking opportunities money alone can’t buy, and creating impact in business and life.

Connect with Troy:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/troygray

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troygray_official/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-gray-811aa720/

In this powerful episode of Beyond the Boardroom – Leading with Purpose & Connection, Jen is joined by the extraordinary Amy Gildea — internationally recognised leader, humanitarian strategist, and former Managing Director of Tetra Tech International Development.

Across two decades and 33 countries, Amy has led through extraordinary complexity: humanitarian crises, digital health reform, financial and cultural turnarounds, and rebuilding systems shattered by genocide. Her leadership challenges the traditional model of dominance — instead ushering in a new era of connection, sovereignty, compassion and courage.

Together, Jen and Amy explore:

✨ What sovereign leadership truly means ✨ How to reframe power from dominance to connection ✨ The five Pacifica principles that transformed Amy’s leadership ✨ The role of emotional regulation, curiosity and boundaries ✨ Leading through crisis, complexity and cultural transformation ✨ Why self-leadership must come first ✨ How connection can outlast systems, conflict and fear ✨ The critical importance of meaningful onboarding ✨ What legacy really means in leadership and humanity

This episode is deeply human, courageously reflective, and filled with wisdom from someone who has witnessed both the best and worst of humanity — and still chooses connection.

If you’re a leader wanting to contribute to a better world, this conversation will stay with you.

How to Contact Amy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-gildea/