Some moments in life stop us in our tracks. Whether it’s a personal challenge, a career crossroad, or a world event that shakes everything we know and it can make us ask:  how do we keep moving forward? How do we not only survive the experience but find a way to create meaning, positive impact and legacy from it?

In difficult times, it’s often the response that can leave the biggest mark. These moments can call on us to find resilience in leadership, to adapt when change comes quickly, and to support those around us when they need it most. They also reveal the importance of purpose driven action, the kind of leadership that not only helps people through hardship, but also creates lasting impact and stronger communities.

In this episode I chat with Peter Baines who is a former NSW Police forensic investigator who worked on some of the world’s worst disasters, including the Bali bombings and Boxing Day tsunami. He went on to found Hands Across the Water, a charity supporting thousands of children in Thailand. Today, Peter is a sought after keynote speaker on leadership, resilience and social impact, and in 2025 was named one of the top five most influential Australians working in Thailand.

This conversation goes far deeper than recounting events. Peter reflects on what it really means to lead through a crisis, to find resilience when everything feels overwhelming, and how to act with purpose even when the path ahead is uncertain. 

“ In my experience in crisis and disaster, true leaders are identified by their actions and their reactions. It's not the position that we hold, it's not the title that we have. It's what we do that matters” - Peter Baines

We cover:

• What crisis leadership really looks like in the moment and why leadership presence matters more than a title on your business card
• The lessons Peter took from working on the Bali bombings and the Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand
•  What those global disasters taught him about change, speed and empathy in leadership
• What running 1,400 km across Thailand taught him about resilience, the fear of failure, and why breaking big goals into small steps is the only way through
• Why sustainable fundraising only works when there’s transparency and when supporters actually get something meaningful in return
• How Hands Across the Water and its charity bike rides in Thailand give everyday people the chance to grow, build real connections, and make a lasting impact for kids

Kylie’s Resources:

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Connect With  Peter Baines

Join Future of Leadership in  Melbourne on 16th of September https://www.futureofleadership.com.au

Join our gala dinner in Sydney on the 11th of October https://www.handsacrossthewater.org.au/event/view/night-of-celebration-2025

[email protected]

http://www.handsacrossthewater.org.au

facebook.com/thehandsgroup

@handsacrossthewater_anz

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hands-across-the-water/

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