It seems unfair that finding fulfilment at work is like winning Powerball; that only a few lucky ones get to feel valued by their organisations, to feel like they belong. Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work, feels trusted and valued during the day, then returns home feeling fulfilled. Bernie Brookes is someone who has; but more importantly has been a leader who has ignited such fulfilment. A leader who will ‘eat last’. When it matters most, leaders who are willing to eat last are rewarded with deeply loyal colleagues who will stop at nothing to advance their leader’s vision and their organisations interests. It has been the hallmark of Bernie’s career that he has always been able to garner this passion.

In the words of Joseph Campbell “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” And so is a career that lies at 3M, a storied innovation powerhouse. The major lesson is that when you find the courage to enter that cave, you’re never going in to secure your own treasure or your own wealth; you face your fears to find the power and wisdom to serve others. Rhonda McAllister has spent her career at 3M and is the rare leader who continually seeks wisdom from the one company. From the podcast we learnt that if you get the privilege to work at a company like 3M why would you leave?

Purpose defines the unique gifts people bring to leadership challenges, through which they can align others with their purposes in order to create positive impact. This is far more important than focusing entirely on achieving success in metrics like money, fame and power, yet ultimately produces sustained success in those metrics as well. Authenticity is what defines Peter Scott and is why he is always in demand in leading many of the best companies in Australia. Most people define authentic leadership from the outside in, but Peter has lived it from the inside. Here is a bit of his journey in his own words.

If you didn't know the purpose that leads you, what do you believe would not have happened or you would not have experienced? It turns out that, no matter what the events or circumstances, people who have discovered and lead from purpose experience a significant increase in their level of clarity of focus and confidence to act. Is t any wonder then of the great success Jeff Rogut has had being the steward of the Petrol & Convenience industry through it’s greatest phase of growth.

Daring leaders must care for and be connected to the people they lead. Given the reality of the world we live in today, that means leaders must create and hold spaces that rise to a higher standard of behaviour that we experience in politics, news and life. A lot of leaders talk about a culture of care and a paradigm of breaking down the silos. Most don't walk the talk. Esme Borgelt not only walks it; but is a shining light in the FMCG industry. Who we are, is how we lead.

Starting something new means taking a risk. But in our society, the word ‘risk’ has assumed mostly negative connotations. When someone tells us ‘that’s risky,’ most of us have a visceral, fearful reaction. This did not perturb Drew Bilbe who with his business partner Troy Douglas went ‘all in’ in the burgeoning area of wellness drinks with the launch of Nexba. Hear this fascinating tale of courage and taking on the ‘big end of town’.

Disruption by definition involves moving sideways, back, or down, with all the negative connotations that conjures, in order to move forward. Mark Powell only sees these steps as a positive. Starting on the ‘dark’ side as a Commercial Accountant, Mark has transformed through many different roles and is currently the Sales Director of one of Australia’s leading companies – Lion Beer. One for those who don't believe in the linear approach.

One of the key attributes ascribed to disruptors is that they play where no one else is playing. Whether you are a low-end disruptor or a new-market disruptor, you will find yourself pioneering your way to a market that has yet to be defined. As a trailblazer, Caroline has held roles in Marketing, National Account Management & now as Sales Director of one of Australia’s most progressive companies – Frucor Suntory.

Personal disruption flourishes when you are learning. You are feeling the effects of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in your brain that makes you feel good. It is an office dweller’s version of thrill seeking. David Freeman got his ‘aha’ in a yoga class in New York and combined with his passion for health & wellbeing parlayed this into an amazingly successful start up – H2CoCo. Here are the secrets of a true entrepreneur.

An employee, like a start up, requires a certain amount of up-front investment. A good leader, like a good investor, knows how to exercise patience. If you take this approach with your whole ‘portfolio’ of employees, the result will be an A-team: people who achieve the ‘sweet spot’ of highly engaged growth at different times. John Donlan is one of the most respected CEO’s in Australia and his emphasis on people to drive growth has seen Pharmacare evolve into a half billion behemoth.