In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke Darcy sits down with one of Australia’s sharpest and funniest stand-ups—comedian and TV host Wil Anderson. From growing up on a farm in country Victoria to making it big on stage and screen, Wil shares the real story behind the laughs and sheds some light on the gray area of comedians crossing the line.

They chat about everything from Wil’s early days idolising Billy Connolly, the hilarious story Wil told Billy when they first met, and how learning to deal with osteoarthritis while staying committed to the craft of stand-up is playing out. Wil talks openly about his creative process, the ups and downs of life in the spotlight, and why curiosity, mindfulness, and backing yourself all play a crucial role in his journey.

It’s a wide-ranging, honest, and bloody entertaining conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it takes to stay true to yourself—on stage and off.

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Empowering Leaders, host Luke Darcy sits down with Tyson Ballard, a visionary entrepreneur, legal tech innovator, and creative force shaping industries from law to music, lifestyle, and business transformation. As the founder and CEO of Stella Legal, Tyson is revolutionizing legal operations with AI-driven solutions. Beyond the legal world, he’s a music curator, DJ, and co-founder of All My Friends, Everywhere, a collective blending music, art, and travel into immersive experiences as far afield as up in space!

Tyson’s leadership style is bold, innovative, and deeply rooted in collaboration, craftsmanship, and community. His ability to connect ideas across industries is nothing short of inspiring—so much so that, as Luke puts it, if Tyson has an idea, you’d be wise to follow along. You’ll have to make up your own mind when it comes to chasing alligators around golf courses though!

Tyson’s ventures span real estate, tech startups, and biotech among so many more, so enjoy this deep dive into Tyson’s multifaceted world and the insights behind his success in building impactful businesses and communities.

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Brey is a coaching legend. As the all-time winningest coach in Notre Dame history, he transformed the Fighting Irish into a powerhouse, guiding them to 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, multiple Sweet 16s, and back-to-back Elite Eight runs. Known for his loose yet fiercely competitive coaching style, Mike has mentored countless players, instilled a culture of confidence and resilience, and built lifelong relationships in the game.

Now, as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks, Mike joins Luke to reflect on his coaching journey, the importance of leadership, and the art of building trust within a team. He shares insights on developing young talent like Australian star Dyson Daniels, the lifelong mentorships that shaped his career, and what it takes to build a winning culture—on and off the court. Plus, he reveals the coaching philosophies that have helped him earn the respect of some of basketball’s biggest names, from Mike Krzyzewski to Tom Izzo and Quinn Snyder.

This episode is packed with wisdom, stories, and lessons from one of the most respected minds in basketball.

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to keep a world-class Formula One team moving? In this exclusive live episode hosted by Victoria University, Paul Barnes, Director of Support and Logistics at McLaren Racing, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the immense planning and coordination required to compete at the highest level of motorsport. With over two decades at McLaren, Paul shares his leadership philosophy - emphasising continuous learning as key to building a high-performing team.

In 2025, there are 24 Grand Prix weekends, taking place in a total of 21 countries across five continents! Paul delves into the complexities of managing the year-round logistics for his team, from orchestrating global travel for over 100 team members to ensuring every detail runs seamlessly during race weekends. 

McLaren has delivered on their potential with a flawless victory at the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, overcoming some of the most demanding race conditions to start of new season off with a bang. This achievement underscores the meticulous preparation and teamwork that Paul talks of in his conversation with Luke.

The discussion also touches on the rise of Drive to Survive and how it has transformed the sport, bringing in new fans and providing an unprecedented look at the high-pressure world of Formula One. Paul opens up about the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, offering insights into maintaining well-being and effective team communication in a high-stakes environment.

Motorsport enthusiasts, elite-level teams and aspiring leaders alike - this episode provides valuable lessons from one of the key figures behind McLaren Racing’s success - an inspiring discussion on leadership, resilience, and the drive to excel.

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Empowering Leaders Podcast, Luke is joined by Tania Obst, a true powerhouse of Australian netball. From her early days as a talented player to becoming the head coach of the reigning premiers Adelaide Thunderbirds, Tania’s passion for the game and her players is inspiring. Coming from a family of sporting legends, with her father, Trevor Obst, being a four-time premiership player with Port Adelaide, Tania has always been surrounded by resilience, strategy, and leadership.

In this episode, Tania shares her inspiring journey of leading the Adelaide Thunderbirds through a challenging period, taking over a team that had lost 23 games in a row and guiding them to win the last two championships. Tania talks about building a winning team culture, overcoming imposter syndrome, nurturing young talent, and the power of connection and collaboration. She also dives deep into self-leadership, maintaining a vision for success, and balancing work with personal life. Tania’s insights are invaluable for anyone in leadership or looking to thrive in any team environment.

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this exclusive episode, host Luke Darcy sits down with Peter Dutton, one of Australia’s most prominent political figures and Leader of the Opposition, for an in-depth conversation about his personal and professional life. As the nation eagerly awaits the call of an election date, Peter offers a candid look at his journey from humble beginnings in a working-class family to his career as a police officer and his eventual rise in politics.

He reflects on his time in various ministerial roles, his commitment to tackling key issues like child exploitation and the challenges faced by First Nations communities, and his vision for making homeownership more accessible to Australians. Peter also shares insights into his leadership style and his admiration for former Prime Minister John Howard.

Throughout this conversation, Peter emphasises the importance of honesty, strong personal relationships, and balancing the demands of public life with family responsibilities. This episode offers a comprehensive understanding of Peter's values, motivations, and his aspirations for Australia’s future.

Join Luke Darcy for an enlightening discussion that goes beyond politics and delves into the man behind the public persona as the country stands on the brink of a pivotal election.

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive into the incredible life of John Wayne Parr, one of the most legendary figures in combat sports. A 10-time world champion and icon in Muay Thai and kickboxing, John Wayne Parr is described by podcasting phenomenon Joe Rogan as one of the "baddest dudes ever." As you'll hear, JWP's unbreakable determination, toughness, and unparalleled skill have cemented his place in combat sports history.

Join Luke Darcy as he sits down with JWP to hear the inspiring story of a young Australian boy who trained in the brutal martial arts camps of Thailand, eventually becoming one of the most revered Westerners in the ancient sport of Muay Thai. It’s a remarkable tale of passion, grit, and mastery in the world of combat. Please note, the audio quality isn't as high as usual—John joins us live from outside his training gym, so we're all in for the full JWP experience!!

John's journey is beautifully captured in his new book The Fighter: The Legendary Life of an Australian Champion, written by Jarrod Boyle.

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sporting world is laser focused on the dangers of concussions but are they the greatest threat to an athlete's brain health or is something else at play? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, we dive into the latest science around repetitive head impacts or, as our guest refers to them, Brain Slosh, and we learn about an incredible new device that could help. While concussions make headlines, the real danger lies in the constant, subtle hits athletes endure every game and practice—hits that don't always result in noticeable symptoms. Suzanne Williams, Vice President of Sports Marketing at Q30 Innovations, breaks down how these seemingly harmless impacts, whether from football, soccer, equestrian sports, or even mountain biking, can have a cumulative effect on brain health. With over 10 years of research and 25 independent studies behind it, Suzanne explains how a new device is showing promise in reducing Brain Slosh—the primary cause of concussions. 

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Aleda, we know there are consistent dimensions of what great leadership looks like, and we are exploring the great power of each of them during our Summer Series “Success Leaves Clues”.

On every Empowering Leaders episode we hear from people at the top of their industries. They soar in the areas of sports, business, social venture, education, the arts and more.

We know that having great leaders in your own life can shape your path and inspire you to reach greater heights. In this episode, we've hand picked a remarkable group of individuals with heartfelt stories about the great leaders who have left an indelible mark on their lives.

Featuring:
[02:04] MITCH MARSH - awarded Australian Cricket's most prestigious prize, the Alan Border Medal in 2023, recognizing him as the most outstanding cricketer of the year.
[05:32] GEVA MENTOR - one of the greatest players in the history of netball, Geva has competed for England six times at the Commonwealth Games, winning gold in 2018, captaining England in 2019 and was appointed a commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to netball. 
[06:47] MARK VISSER - Mark Visser is a legendary Australian big wave surfer, author and mindset coach. 
[09:47] CRAIG FITZGIBBON - Australian rugby league legend, with a decorated playing career spanning more than 300 first grade games, now head coach of the Cronulla Sharks. 
[12:33] TIM HAMILL - current head coach of the Australian men's water polo team, fresh from an incredible performance at the Paris Olympic games.

A huge thank you to all the guests featured in this episode and if you want to hear more from any of them follow the link to the full length, in depth conversations they each had with Luke in 2024.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just days out from the 2025 Super Bowl, our guest on today's special episode of Empowering Leaders is Jeff Scott - Vice President of Football Operations at the Philadelphia Eagles.

In just a few days on Sunday 9th February, Jeff's Eagles will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the biggest one day sporting event on the planet - Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans!

In this conversation, Jeff talks us through his lead up to the game, gives his best tips for overcoming the hurdles life throws at all of us, reflects on his past career in global risk management at Bank of America, and shares his secrets for his greatest passion - developing incredible people to be at the top of their game on and off the field.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.