Real InSight with Myke Ireland

In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert Dr Richard Chambers to explore how leaders can thrive—not just survive—in today’s hyper-connected, high-expectation workplace.We begin with Richard’s origin story: how his early struggles with focus and anxiety led him in 1999 to discover mindfulness, eventually building a career supporting senior executives in performance, wellbeing and leadership.From there we pull apart two critical themes:Imposter Syndrome & Self-Worth in LeadershipMany high-performers land in leadership roles with minimal preparation—and the result is a constant cycle of trying to prove rather than lead. Richard and I discuss how mindfulness and self-compassion offer practical tools to step out of the “only-if-I-prove-my-worth” loop. We also talk about how organisations can foster psychological safety so that leaders and teams can speak honestly, delegate effectively, and avoid burnout.Digital Detox, Silence & Sustainable PerformanceIn a culture obsessed with busyness and connectivity, one of the most radical moves for a leader is to disconnect. Richard walks us through his “silent commute” experiment, how limiting passive tech and prioritising deep-work time rewires the brain for clarity and impact, and why the idea of mindfulness isn’t just about “quieting the mind” but about freeing it to make better decisions under pressure.Throughout the conversation you’ll pick up evidence-based tools (not just theory), including:How to build deep-focus blocks (and protect them) within leadership schedulesSigns that your leadership model is spinning into survival mode rather than strategic modeThe structural (systemic) as well as personal levers for better workplace wellbeingIf you’re a leader, high-potential, or executive wondering how to lead without losing yourself … this episode’s for you.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------• Visit Richard’s website where you’ll find free meditations, online courses and leadership-resources... https://www.drrichardchambers.com• Connect with Richard on LinkedIn...https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrichardchambers • Watch his TEDx talk “Mindfulness: defeating distraction and amplifying awareness” for a strong intro to his thinking...https://youtu.be/9QjI8nMiwJw?si=7Mqi_bLYbvtW4MSo🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe and hit the bell so you won’t miss future conversations on leadership, wellbeing and performance.As always, Real InSight would not be possible if not for the support of  @CorsairSolutions  and  @MyLumens  📥 Let us know in the comments: When was the last time you scheduled “silence” in your day?

Chapters

0:16 Origin Story of a Mindfulness Expert

1:24 The Rise of Mindfulness in Leadership

3:14 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

7:17 The Importance of Practical Skills

8:39 Insights from a TED Talk Experience

17:09 Embracing Self-Compassion

29:19 Navigating Workplace Well-being

34:00 The Balance of Responsibility

43:18 The Power of Silence

47:39 The Impact of Digital Detox

53:12 Final Reflections and Advice

“It’s not always depression. Sometimes it’s divorce. Sometimes it’s debt. Sometimes it’s no access to your kids. So it's not all about mental illness, that’s a system problem.”

Released to mark Men’s Mental Health Week in Australia, this powerful episode features Rae Bonney OAM — counsellor, speaker, and relentless advocate for the emotional wellbeing of men and boys.

Rae joins Myke to share her personal and professional journey with unfiltered honesty — from growing up in a violent household to confronting her own destructive patterns and ultimately choosing accountability, therapy, and advocacy over silence.

This episode is a deep dive into mens mental health, We look at the real reasons men shut down, break down, or check out. From self-harm and addiction to perfectionism and shame, Rae challenges the culture that tells men to “man up” and offers powerful alternatives rooted in curiosity, connection, and care.

🧠 If you're a father, a partner, a teacher, or a man navigating your own mental health — this one will shift something in you.

What you’ll hear:

- How Rae’s childhood in a violent, patriarchal household shaped her mission

- The damaging impact of fatherlessness and systems that alienate men from parenting

- Why male suicide is often situational — not just a “mental illness” problem

- The invisible epidemic of male loneliness, especially post-40- How self-harm, disordered eating, and “functioning” behaviours often mask emotional collapse

- Why the lack of male-specific mental health services is costing lives

- How Men’s Sheds, jiu-jitsu, and grassroots communities create safer spaces

One of the most striking moments? Rae recounts counselling young people who self-harm — not with judgement, but with presence. “It wasn’t about telling them to stop. It was about keeping them safe while they got through it.”

If you’re raising boys, supporting men, or just trying to make sense of your own story, this conversation is one of the most honest you’ll hear. Men’s lives are at stake — and the way forward starts with listening, not lecturing.

Rae Bonney doesn’t just talk about men’s mental health — she lives it, works in it, and fights for it.

—

🌐 Connect with Rae: https://raybonney.auhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/raebonney

📺 Watch more episodes:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAEay_1WvE2q95NOsLvXHrvHxelFjAryj&si=K2R6ATiJANF2SfeV

—

🏚️ Find out more about Mens Shed:

https://mensshed.org

—Please note this episode openly discusses self harm and suicide. If you or anyone you know may be struggling please reach out for help at any of the below public services:

https://www.beyondblue.org.auhttps://www.lifeline.org.au/https://www.neveralone.org.au

#RaeBonney #MensMentalHealth #Masculinity #MaleSuicide #RealInSight #SupportNotStigma #GenerationalTrauma #Neurodiversity #ADHD #MentalHealthWeek #InvisibleStruggles #SelfHarmAwareness #ParentingBoys #maleloneliness

0:05 Mental Health Perspectives

1:26 Childhood Experiences of Violence

4:42 The Role of Male Role Models8:26 Parenting and Self-Management

13:02 Generational Trauma and Responsibility

17:08 The Loneliness Epidemic

23:48 Gender Conversations and Safety

26:21 Community Support for Men

32:58 Building Male Connections

37:18 Recognition and Advocacy

40:37 Understanding Male Responsibility

45:23 The Importance of Support Networks

In this episode of Real InSight, we sit down with the inspiring and sharp-minded Associate Professor Li Ping Thong, a powerhouse of intellect, creativity, and leadership in the fields of design, culture, and education.As the Associate Dean of Digital Design at RMIT, Li Ping’s work spans far beyond the walls of academia. She’s a leading voice in how we teach, interpret, and live design. From shaping curriculum to challenging cultural norms, she brings a bold, human-centric approach to everything she does.In this deeply engaging conversation, Li Ping shares her journey — from her early days as a curious thinker to becoming a respected academic and change-maker. We explore the realities of working in academia through the lens of someone who brings cross-cultural insight and leadership to the field, and how empathy, representation, and creative freedom are essential to building more inclusive futures.We also dive into her thoughts on how education can be a force for change when we equip students to adapt to evolving technologies, critically shift design methods, and rethink systems.Whether you’re a student, educator, designer, or just someone curious about how creativity can change the world — this episode is packed with insight, perspective, and a healthy dose of inspiration.✨ Listen now — and don’t forget to share your own takeaways in the comments.#DesignLeadership #HigherEducation #RealInSight #CreativityAndCulture #RepresentationMatters #DesignJusticeLi Ping Thong – Publications (RMIT University)https://academics.rmit.edu.au/liping-thong/aboutGive Li Ping a follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lipingthong/0:09 ⁠Welcome to Real Insight⁠1:29 ⁠Journey into Academia⁠4:53 ⁠Exploring Research and Impact⁠10:30 ⁠Gamification in Education⁠16:21 ⁠The Future of AR and VR⁠21:16 ⁠Designing User Experiences⁠25:15 ⁠Bridging Technology and Education⁠30:09 ⁠The Role of AI in Design⁠38:19 ⁠Cultural Influences on Design⁠43:42 ⁠Finding Balance in Farm Life⁠47:59 ⁠Leaving a Legacy Through Design

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Mike Hagan, a seasoned workplace consultant with over 25 years of experience in General Management, Human Resources, Workplace Health, Safety, Wellbeing, and Corporate Compliance.

Mike specializes in helping organizations strategically address workplace psychosocial factors that can lead to employee burnout, high turnover, and productivity losses. His pragmatic approach focuses on identifying root causes, implementing strategic solutions, and upskilling employees to proactively manage workplace challenges.

Key Discussion Points:

Understanding Psychosocial Hazards: Mike delves into the importance of recognizing and mitigating factors that negatively impact employee well-being and organizational performance.

Strategic HR and WHS Integration: Insights into how integrating Human Resources with Workplace Health and Safety initiatives can lead to improved employee engagement and business outcomes.

Leadership Development: The role of tailored leadership programs in fostering effective managers and cultivating a positive workplace culture.

Mental Health Advocacy: Mike shares his passion for mental health advocacy and the significance of creating workplace cultures where 'It's OK not to be OK.'

Join us as we explore practical strategies for transforming workplaces into environments that support both employee well-being and organizational success.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on creating healthier, more productive workplaces.

Find out more about Mike here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hagan-a7b22417/?originalSubdomain=auAnd his various services here: https://mikehaganconsulting.com.au

#WorkplaceWellbeing #HR #WHS #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthAdvocacy #RealInsightPodcast

Chapters

0:10 Introduction to Mike Hagan

2:35 Mike's Journey and Mental Health Experiences

5:59 Evolving Workplace Mental Health Perspectives

11:31 Debunking Psychosocial Health in Workplaces

13:11 Genuine Care vs. Compliance in Organizations

13:44 Understanding Organizational Motivations

13:55 The Role of Legislation in Workplace Change

16:53 Personal Experiences with Neurodiversity

20:47 Leadership and Mental Health in Organizations

32:23 Navigating Personal Challenges in Leadership

40:17 Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace

50:00 The Importance of Individualized Approaches

1:07:26 The Wellfish Program and Personal Well-being

1:13:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations

🎙 Episode Summary

In this premiere episode of Season 2, I sit down with Leonie M Hicks, a powerhouse in workplace design and a driving force at Unispace, the global firm reimagining how the world works. With over 20 years of experience in architecture and interior design, Leonie shares her insights into how spaces influence behavior, creativity, and collaboration—especially in a post-pandemic world.

We explore the evolving role of technology in workplace environments, the psychological impact of design choices, and the importance of sustainability in modern office planning. Leonie also shares her journey from traditional architecture to pioneering flexible, human-centered workspaces for some of the world’s most forward-thinking companies.If you’ve ever wondered how physical environments shape culture, productivity, and the future of work—this one’s for you.

👤 About Leonie M Hicks

Leonie M Hicks is a senior leader at Unispace, where she combines her deep knowledge of workplace strategy, sustainable design, and interior architecture to deliver transformative spaces for global clients. With a background in both academic design training and hands-on architectural practice, Leonie has led projects that respond to the unique needs of hybrid work, employee well-being, and brand identity.

Her portfolio includes:

Multinational HQ transformations

Flexible co-working hubs

Post-COVID workplace redesigns

Leonie is also a respected speaker and thought leader, frequently featured at international conferences and in industry publications.

🧠 Key Themes:

Hybrid work models & the new office landscape

The role of environmental psychology in workplace design

Bridging technology and space to enhance collaboration

Why workplace design needs to be as dynamic as the people in it

Hit play and let’s talk about the future of where—and how—we work.----

Download the  @unispaceglobal  Future Workplace Insight Report

https://www.unispace.com/global-workplace-insights-en----

Find out more about Leonie M Hicks

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonie-m-hicks/

InSight Systems and  @mykeireland  would also like to recognize  @CorsairSolutions  and  @MyLumens  for their ongoing support of Real InSight.

0:26 Introduction to the Interview

1:26 Journey to Sobriety

1:40 The Resilient Workplace Model

2:17 Workplace Strategy Explained

5:47 Measuring Success in Relocation

7:31 The Hybrid Workplace Challenge

9:10 Space Optimization Trends

12:40 Neurodiversity and Work Style

14:03 The Future of Hot Desking

21:09 Flexibility in Work Hours

22:57 Addressing Empty Spaces

23:50 Resilient Workplace Model Overview

25:23 Enablement and Technology

30:49 Adaptability in Workspaces

34:59 Well-being in the Workplace

38:02 Personal Experiences with Neurodiversity

48:03 Importance of Connection

51:07 Authenticity in Workplace Design

54:16 The Rewarding Nature of Projects

1:01:07 The Evolution of Classroom Technology

1:06:48 Designing with Nature in Mind

1:07:17 Conclusion and Further Resources

In this episode, we dive into a compelling conversation with Will Wheeler, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and the CEO of Neurodiversity Academy. We explore his mission to disrupt traditional educational pathways, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, thereby ensuring that they can identify suitable learning environments that offer meaningful support.

Check out Will's Podcast -  @Neurodivergentmates 

Jump over The Academy - https://neurodiversityacademy.com

Or ping Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerwill/

In this exciting episode of "Real Insight," I sit down with Mia Bowyer, a lifestyle business entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social marketing extraordinaire. Mia's journey is nothing short of inspirational. She has traveled the world, working with Fortune 500 brands like The World Bank, The United Nations, and Microsoft, launching world-first campaigns, and achieving record growth.

Opus Clip ----------------- http://www.opus.pro

Zapier ---------------------- https://zapier.com

Notion---------------------- https://www.notion.so

Buffer ---------------------- https://buffer.com

Taplio ---------------------- https://taplio.com

In this special episode of "Real InSight," I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark O'Connor, the CEO of Steinway Galleries Australia. Mark's journey is both inspiring and intriguing, and this episode delves into the many facets of his life and career.

:-----------The Steinway SPIRIO------------: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_XPRAiy9Y4

:------------The Black Diamond-------------: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK1SXAIweTM

#Podcast #MarkOConnor #SteinwayGalleries #MusicIndustry #Innovation #RealInsight #Leadership #Inspiration

0:00 Introduction to Steinway Galleries Australia

This weeks episode was a genuine buzz for me as a sat down with the ever so versatile artist, Katie Underwood. From her early days with UK Trance act Terra Ferma to her chart-topping success with Australian pop group Bardot, Katie's career is a testament to her adaptability and talent.

0:00 Introduction to Reality TV Star Katie Underwood

Join us on "Real Insight" as we dive into the critical world of #DigitalTransformation with the phenomenal Mary-Beth Hosking, co-author of "Not Another Digital Transformation." As the Chief Information Officer for a global gaming organisation, Mary-Beth brings a wealth of experience and a strategic approach to navigating the complexities of digital change.

0:00 Headphones and Casual Intros