Episode Description

What does it take to build great teams, strong communities, and lasting impact?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Matt Woodard, talent acquisition leader, community builder, and founder of Scaler, to explore leadership, growth, and the power of creating meaningful connections. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience helping organizations scale, Matt shares lessons from recruitment, business ownership, and building one of Australia's largest talent communities.

Matt reflects on the importance of relationships, creating environments where people feel welcome, and helping individuals reach their potential. He also shares insights on leadership, delegation, and why understanding the strengths of your team is essential for long term success.

Together, they discuss community building, talent development, hiring in a rapidly changing world, and the opportunities created by emerging technologies. This conversation is a reminder that great leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It is about creating opportunities for others to grow, contribute, and succeed.

What We Discuss

• Building meaningful communities that bring people together

• Why delegation is a critical leadership skill

• Creating opportunities for people to demonstrate their strengths

• The future of talent acquisition and hiring

• Navigating growth in a rapidly changing business environment

Takeaways and Action Items

• Focus on building genuine relationships before you need them

• Create opportunities for others to contribute and grow

• Learn to delegate and trust the strengths of your team

• Stay curious and adaptable as technology continues to evolve

If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Building relationships, helping others succeed, and embracing new opportunities can have a positive impact on every area of life.

Links and Credits

Guest: Matt Woodard

Host: Paul Findlay

Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

Episode Description

What does it really mean to lead with purpose and ambition?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Martin U. Ripple, CEO of ANCA, to explore leadership, growth, and the mindset required to build high performing organizations. From his early aspirations of becoming a pilot to leading engineering businesses across multiple countries and industries, Martin shares the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy.

Martin reflects on the importance of lifelong learning, embracing discomfort, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow. He explains why leadership should be viewed as a noble pursuit, how leaders can inspire teams through vision and purpose, and why growth often begins when we step outside our comfort zones.

Together, they discuss ambition, resilience, communication, and the lessons learned from working with exceptional leaders throughout a global career. This conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about status or authority. It is about helping people move toward a shared vision while continuing to grow yourself along the way.

What We Discuss

• Why leadership should be viewed as a noble pursuit

• The value of lifelong learning and continuous growth

• Building high performing teams through vision and purpose

• Adapting your communication style to connect with different people

• Lessons learned from leading across industries and cultures

Takeaways and Action Items

• Seek opportunities that challenge and stretch your capabilities

• Learn from both great leaders and disappointing ones

• Focus on growth rather than comfort

• Adapt your communication style to better connect with others

If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Staying curious, embracing growth, and learning how to connect with people can have a positive impact on every area of life.

Links and Credits

Guest: Martin U. Ripple

Host: Paul Findlay

Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

What does it take to build high performing teams in an increasingly digital world?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Loucas Gatzoulis, technology executive, product leader, and Chief Product and Technology Officer, to explore leadership, trust, and the realities of scaling businesses through periods of rapid growth and transformation. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in technology and leadership, Loucas shares lessons from leading teams, navigating private equity environments, and helping organizations move through critical growth stages.

Loucas explains why clarity is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader, how trust becomes the foundation of successful teams, and why strong relationships matter even in remote and distributed workplaces. He also reflects on the transition from technical expert to executive leader and the skills required to succeed at higher levels of leadership.

Together, they discuss the importance of communication, autonomy, commercial thinking, and the future impact of artificial intelligence on technology teams. This conversation is a reminder that great leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about creating the clarity, trust, and environment people need to do their best work.

What We Discuss

• Why trust is the foundation of high performing teams

• The role of clarity in effective leadership

• Lessons from leading organizations through growth and transformation

• Transitioning from technical expert to executive leader

• The future impact of artificial intelligence on software development

Takeaways and Action Items

• Create clarity around priorities, goals, and expectations

• Invest time in building genuine relationships with your team

• Develop commercial and business skills alongside technical expertise

• Give people autonomy while providing the support they need to succeed

If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Building trust, communicating clearly, and understanding what truly matters can strengthen your relationships, career, and personal growth.

Links and Credits

Guest: Loucas Gatzoulis

Host: Paul Findlay

Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

Episode Description

What happens when people reconnect with who they are at their best?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Justin Cooper, co-founder of Unearthed, to explore self awareness, purpose, and the role mindfulness can play in creating stronger teams and better leaders. Drawing on a career that spans corporate marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal development, Justin shares the journey that led him to develop a unique approach to helping individuals and organizations uncover deeper insights about themselves.

Justin explains why so many people struggle to articulate their purpose, how visualization and reflection can unlock new perspectives, and why psychological safety is essential for high performing teams. He also shares powerful examples of how vulnerability, trust, and authentic connection can transform workplace relationships.

Together, they discuss the importance of intention, the value of self reflection, and why meaningful work is about more than profit. This conversation is a reminder that when people understand themselves better, they are better equipped to contribute, collaborate, and grow.

What We Discuss

• The connection between purpose, self awareness, and performance

• How visualization can uncover new insights and perspectives

• Why psychological safety accelerates team growth

• The role of vulnerability in building trust and collaboration

• Bringing more humanity into the workplace

Takeaways and Action Items

• Create space for reflection and intentional thinking

• Focus on understanding why you do what you do

• Build environments where people feel safe to contribute

• Remember that meaningful work is about people, not just outcomes

If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Understanding yourself, building authentic relationships, and working with purpose can improve every area of life.

Links and Credits

Guest: Justin Cooper

Host: Paul Findlay

Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

Episode Description

What does leadership look like when it starts from within?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Joanna Lee, entrepreneur, speaker, and leadership mentor, to explore the connection between personal growth, self awareness, and leadership. Joanna shares her journey from business owner and team leader to discovering a deeper sense of purpose through a life changing spiritual awakening.

Drawing from her experiences leading teams, building businesses, and helping others grow, Joanna reflects on the lessons that transformed her approach to leadership. She discusses the importance of self love, letting go of control, creating healthy boundaries, and leading with genuine care and compassion.

Together, they explore how authentic leadership begins with understanding yourself, why growth starts from within, and how leaders can create a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond the workplace. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about titles or authority. It is about helping people become the best version of themselves.

What We Discuss

• Joanna's spiritual awakening and its impact on leadership
• The difference between title leadership, servant leadership, and spiritual leadership
• Why letting go of control can unlock growth and potential
• The role of self love, compassion, and healthy boundaries
• How leaders create a ripple effect through their actions and energy

Takeaways and Action Items

• Spend time understanding yourself before trying to lead others
• Balance compassion with clear boundaries
• Focus on helping people grow into their best selves
• Lead with authenticity rather than seeking external validation

If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Developing self awareness, building confidence, and leading with kindness can positively influence every relationship and interaction in your life.

Links and Credits

Guest: Joanna Lee

Host: Paul Findlay

Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

Episode Description

What does it take for technology investments to actually create business value?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Jerry Luftman, former IBM executive, professor, author, and founder of the Global Institute for IT Management, to explore the relationship between technology, leadership, and business transformation. Drawing on decades of experience at the forefront of digital innovation, Jerry shares lessons from the evolution of computing, the rise of the internet, and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.

Jerry explains why organizations continue to make the same mistakes with new technologies, why successful transformation requires more than great systems, and how leaders can bridge the gap between technical expertise and business outcomes. He also shares insights on communication, alignment, and the leadership skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Together, they discuss why technology alone is never the answer, how business and IT leaders can work more effectively together, and why embracing change is essential for long term success. This conversation is a powerful reminder that innovation only creates value when people and organizations are willing to change alongside it.

What We Discuss

• Why technology investments fail to deliver expected results
• The importance of alignment between business and IT teams
• Lessons learned from decades of digital transformation
• How leaders can communicate complex ideas more effectively
• The opportunities and challenges created by artificial intelligence

Takeaways and Action Items

• Focus on business outcomes rather than technology for its own sake
• Learn to communicate complex ideas in ways others can understand
• Build stronger partnerships across teams and departments
• Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation

If you are not a technology leader, these lessons still apply. Understanding how to adapt, communicate clearly, and work collaboratively can help you thrive in any profession or industry.

Links and Credits

Guest: Jerry Luftman

Host: Paul Findlay

Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

Episode Description

What happens when leaders put people first?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Jamie Getgood, entrepreneur, HR leader, and founder of The People Avenue, to explore the connection between leadership, relationships, and business performance. Drawing on more than two decades of experience leading teams across manufacturing, human resources, and workforce solutions, Jamie shares the lessons that have shaped his approach to leadership.

From his early days as a fitter and turner to becoming a senior HR executive, Jamie explains why understanding people is often more important than understanding processes. He shares powerful stories about trust, rapport, integrity, and the small leadership behaviors that can create extraordinary results.

Together, they discuss why technical skills alone are not enough, how genuine care can transform performance, and why the human element remains critical even as organizations embrace artificial intelligence. This conversation is a reminder that great leadership starts with people.

What We Discuss

• Why rapport is one of the most powerful leadership tools
• The role of integrity in building trust and credibility
• How small acts of care can transform employee performance
• Why soft skills matter as much as technical expertise
• Balancing technology and AI with a people first approach

Takeaways and Action Items

• Spend time getting to know people beyond their job titles
• Build trust by following through on your commitments
• Focus on developing your soft skills alongside technical skills
• Remember that people perform at their best when they feel valued and supported

If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Building relationships, showing genuine care, and treating people with respect can have a lasting impact in every area of life.

Links and Credits

Guest: Jamie Getgood

Host: Paul Findlay

Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

Episode Description

What does it take to build something that lasts?

In this episode, Paul sits down with entrepreneur, mentor, investor, and former technology consultant Hasan Sharif to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, wealth creation, and the importance of building the right team.

Hasan shares lessons from a career spanning nearly three decades in consulting, real estate investing, business ownership, and coaching. From learning the value of mentorship early in life to creating financial freedom through intentional decisions, he offers practical insights into what it takes to grow both personally and professionally.

Together, they explore why founders often focus too much on technology and not enough on people, how to create opportunities through relationships, and why true success comes from serving others. This conversation is a reminder that lasting growth rarely happens alone. It happens when the right people come together around a shared vision.

What We Discuss

• Why entrepreneurship requires more than technical expertise
• The role of mentorship in personal and professional growth
• Building wealth through long term thinking and intentional action
• Why great teams matter more than great ideas
• The importance of service, generosity, and creating value for others

Takeaways and Action Items

• Focus on developing people skills alongside technical skills
• Look for opportunities to build relationships before you need them
• Create a foundation that allows you to pursue long term goals
• Build teams around shared values and aligned purpose

If you are not an entrepreneur, these lessons still apply. Building meaningful relationships, creating value, and helping others succeed are skills that can improve every area of life.

Links and Credits

Guest: Hasan Sharif

Host: Paul Findlay

Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

Episode Description

What does effective leadership look like when the path forward is uncertain?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Glen Babington, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Technology Sydney, to explore leadership, culture, change, and the lessons learned across a career that spans the military, global corporations, public services, and higher education.

Glen shares insights on building trust, leading through uncertainty, understanding organizational culture, and why great leaders focus less on having all the answers and more on asking the right questions. Through stories from military service, major organizational transformations, and executive leadership, he offers practical wisdom for leaders navigating complex environments.

Together, they discuss the importance of conviction, resilience, humility, and creating environments where people can thrive. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about perfection. It is about clarity, courage, and helping others succeed.

What We Discuss

• Why trust matters more than authority in leadership
• The importance of defining clear objectives and empowering others
• Lessons from leading large scale organizational change
• How culture influences the success of transformation efforts
• Why leaders need resilience, humility, and self awareness

Takeaways and Action Items

• Focus on asking better questions rather than having all the answers
• Take time to understand the culture before driving change
• Build trust by being honest, humble, and consistent
• Create environments where people feel heard and valued

If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Understanding people, building trust, and adapting to change are skills that can improve every area of life.

Links and Credits

Guest: Glen Babington

Host: Paul Findlay

Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

Episode Description

What does it really mean to lead with authenticity?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Gabrielle Roux, founder of The Human Strategist, leadership coach, and former retail executive, to explore the powerful connection between alignment, purpose, and leadership. Gabrielle shares her deeply personal journey through grief, caregiving, career transformation, and the lessons that reshaped her understanding of what it means to lead both professionally and personally.

Together, they discuss why every "yes" comes at a cost, how leaders can stay true to their values, and why growth often begins outside of our comfort zones. This conversation is a thoughtful reminder that authentic leadership is not about perfection. It is about making choices that align with who you are and how you want to show up in the world.

What We Discuss

• Why every leadership decision means saying no to something else

• The importance of alignment between values, purpose, and action

• How discomfort and challenge create opportunities for growth

• Lessons learned from loss, reflection, and life changing transitions Takeaways and Action Items

• Get clear on the principles that guide your decisions and behavior

• Consider what you may be sacrificing when you say yes to opportunities or commitments

• Regularly evaluate whether your actions align with the life and leadership legacy you want to create

If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Living with purpose and alignment can improve the way you approach relationships, career decisions, and personal growth.

Links and Credits

Guest: Gabrielle Roux

Host: Paul Findlay

Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.