THE COURAGE TO LEAD INTERVIEW SERIES

Todays guest, Aidan Grimes, is someone very special. Someone I know personally and who has touched thousands of lives for the better.

Aidan Grimes is an accomplished coach who, through his unique understanding of history, has helped many people change their perception of the past, equip them to live in the present and empowered them to design the future they wish to have.

In 2022 Aidan led his 125th Kokoda Track expedition, in Papua New Guinea(99 kilometres of the most challenging terrain you will ever see) and has inspired all participants as they encounter the mental & physical challenges on the track. He remains the only Kokoda operator to have a 100% completion rate.

He has worked with many large corporations including Microsoft, Ericsson, Intel, Apple, and the NSW Police to name a few. He has worked with many sports organisations. In 2012 he was awarded the RSL "Anzac of the Year" award and in 2019 he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal by the PNG Governor General in recognition for his contribution to the Kokoda Track and PNG.

This interview goes deeper into who Aidan Grimes is and how this story happened.

Aidan comes from Ireland and came to Australia at a relatively young age connecting with Australian wartime history, instilling him with a passion to tell the story of our Australian Soldiers, our diggers. At that time Aidan had a limited education from Ireland.

Aidan’s interest in Australian Wartime history zeros in on the particular the story of the 400 reservist diggers who defended the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea against the might of the then undefeated 2000 hardened soldier, strong Japanese Army, preventing the Japanese continuing into Australia.

What is enlightening about this story is Aidan opens up about him living with Asperger’s and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). People with Aspergers do not recognise facial expression and deal with logic not emotion. They are often seen as outcasts, and ostracized by society because they are different. They normally have an area of expertise that they specialise in. In Aidan’s case his area of expertise has been the History of World War II and Human Performance.

This makes total sense that he has now completed 125 Kokoda Tracks , mixing that adventure experience, with a photographic memory of every battle site and a personal stories of the Australian Soldiers who defended the freedoms we enjoy today, on the Kokoda Track in WWII.

Aidan used his opportunities in Australia to complete university degrees in Sports Science focusing on High Performance and now intends to further this education in Counselling others who need support, doing a PHD using history and high performance to get more people active in todays world.

The interview ends with a great tip for all of us if we want to succeed.

Create and build our own Self Belief. Take the time getting to know you. Make your mark, and throw your stones as hard as you can, explore life, try as many things as you can whilst maintaining and improving your fitness and health. Never let others take away your self belief.

TODAYS INTERVIEW IS WITH MARK BERRIDGE- AUTHOR OF A FRACTION STRONGER

THE INSPIRING STORY OF ONE MANS SURVIVAL AFTER A LIFE CHANGING ACCIDENT, AND FINDING POSSIBILITY IN LIFES DARKEST MOMENTS

IN A SPLIT SECOND, MARK BERRIDGE'S LIFE CAME CRASHING DOWN.

HIS BICYCLE UNDERSTEERED THROUGH A CORNER, CATAPULTING HIM HEADFIRST INTO A STORMWATER DRAIN.

A LARGE PIECE OF DISLODGE VERTEBRA COMPRESSED HIS SPINAL CORD, CAUSING DEVASTATING NERVE DAMAGE.

ITS NOT ABOUT THE FALL -ITS ABOUT HOW YOU CHOOSE TO GET UP.

MARK FOUND THE POWER WITHIN TO BECOME A FRACTION STRONGER EVERYDAY.

YOU WILL FIND MARK BERRIDGE IS JUST A NICE GUY, THROWN INTO AN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATION.

THIS INTERVIEW EXPLORES WHO IS MARK BERRIDGE AND HOW DID HE BECOME A FRACTION STRONGER EVERYDAY

AT THE TIME OF HIS ACCIDENT MARK WAS AN INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATOR FOR RIO TINTO IN THE IRON ORE ARM OF THE BUSINESS.

A MAJOR NEGOTIATION SKILL IS REDUCING THE GAP. MARK REDUCED THE GAPS IN HIS OWN HEAD, WHERE EVER HE COULD TO MAXIMISE HIS REHABILITATION.

THERE IS A GREAT INSIGHT INTO LEADERSHIP IN THIS INTERVIEW.

A FORMER BOSS OF MARK GAVE A REDUNDANT SENIOR PERSONAL ASSISTANT A BEAUTIFUL HEARTFELT FAREWELL. WHEN MARK COMPLIMENTED HIS BOSS ON THE DIGNITY OF THE FAREWELL HIS BOSS SHARED WITH MARK, THAT FAREWELLS ARE NOT ONLY FOR THE PERSON GOING, BUT EVERYONE WHO IS STILL WORKING FOR THE COMPANY, IT’S ABOUT CULTURE.

THERE ARE REFERENCES TO SUPPORT AND WHERE THAT COMES FROM.

IN ONE OF MARK’S DARKEST MOMENTS UNABLE TO MOVE AND IN EXCRUCIATING PAIN, AN ACQUAINTANCE CAME INTO HIS ROOM AND TOLD MARK ABOUT A STORY OF RECOVERY. THAT SUPPORT CAME AT A CRUCIAL MOMENT AND GAVE MARK THE WILL NOT GIVE UP.

THERE ARE REFERENCES TO ANOTHER LAYER OF SUPPORT FROM A PHYSIOTHERAPIST WHO FRAMED THE WAY FORWARD IN SUCH A MANNER THAT MARK CHOSE TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

THERE ARE REFERENCES TO THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY AND HOW THE SUPPORT OF FAMILY CAN HELP GET THROUGH THE TOUGHEST OF TIMES.

MARKS STORY AND INTERVIEW SHOWS ALL OF US THAT WE CAN BECOME A FRACTION STRONGER EVERYDAY. I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS INTERVIEW AS MUCH AS I DID.

SHOW NOTES FOR THE INTERVIEW

6:34THE ACCIDENT

14:14MARK’S FORMER CAREER AS AN INTERNATIONAL SENIOR NEGOTIATOR FOR RIO TINTO

16:29A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SENIOR NEGOTIATOR

29:44A WONDERFUL LEADERSHIP STORY

36:16HOW BAD IT CAN GET IN HOSPITAL DESPITE EVERYONE DOING THEIR BEST, THEN SUPPORT FROM SOMEONE WHO SHOWED THEIR KINDNESS

39:25HOSPITAL CAN BE A LOST AND FOUND DEPARTMENT

42:00BRIAN’S STORY

44:30BRIAN’S GIFT - THE INSCRIPTION

49:30AN UNLUCKY MOMENT LET MARK DO SOME AMAZING THINGS. HE IS NOW THE AMBASSADOR FOR DISABILITY AT GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY.

55:00PHYSIO LEANNE - RECALIBRATED THE WAY I THINK

58:00LETTING GO OF CERTAINTY - EVERY RECOVERY IS UNIQUE

1:01:00EMBERS IN MY LIFE MADE ME WHOLE - MY FAMILY

1:06:00READERS OF THE BOOK HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT THEY ARE STRONGER THAN THEY THINK THEY ARE - THEY ARE NOT ALONE - MARK LEARNED TO LOSE FORWARD. EVERY STEP WAS A STEP TOWARDS RECOVERY.

CHECK OUT MARKBERRIDGE.COM.AU/SHOP TO ORDER A COPY OF A FRACTION STRONGER

Before the interview starts I wanted to give a teaser about what you are in for. I loved doing this interview.

Today's guest is Rebecca Pinkstone - CEO of Bridge Housing - a Community Housing Provider in New South Wales, Australia that provides housing for people who are homeless or can no longer afford to live in the home they have. Too much of their income goes to housing and not enough to live.

A special recognition to our soundtrack on our intro and outro sections of the podcast.

The song is called Legacy by Savfk under Creative Commons Licence Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Check him out on Youtube or Facebook he has some great music.

Legacy is a good song title for a Leadership Podcast.

Leaders traditionally seek to leave a legacy where their workplaces are more improved as they are leaving then when they entered, in the case of this Podcast series, empowering their people to create supportive and inclusive workplaces.

Show notes for this interview:

3:03

Sharing the load as a CEO - looking after sick kids is a way of life.

13:45

Learning from mentors and other leaders to help fill the areas where your own leadership skills need support.

Have many mentors and coaches not just one.

Have exposure to a diverse level of skills.

23:25

The transition from a high achieving executive management position to the coalface, where you can affect real change. and be willing to take a big paycut to make a real difference.

Becoming the CEO of Bridge Housing.

49:00

Best Workplace Awards recipient for 5 years running.

Check Out: VOICEPROJECT.COM AND SQUADIFY.COM

52:00

An agreement for equal partners in the home.

A CEO with 3 children cannot do it all.

See how the traditional male and female roles of a home can be shared and negotiated with some creative planning outcomes.

57:54

A great summary of what is possible to end Homelessness and how Bridge Housing supports that goal in reality.

1:09:00

A closing bit of advice for leaders who want to travel a similar path and create organisations where employees are empowered and supported, helping drive organisational performance.

This week we have David Knoff, Author of the fantastic book 537 days of Winter.

David had embarked on the adventure of a lifetime as station leader of Davis Research Station in Antarctica when the Covid 19 pandemic hit. After their ride home was canceled indefinitely, what was supposed to be a routine mission became a high pressure cauldron of uncertainty and anxiety that pushed David’s team to their mental limits.

David’s story has a lot of similarities to those of all great leaders when they are faced with an extreme challenge. David had spent years in training, preparation, exposing himself to incredible challenges by the time the 537 days challenge presented itself.

David was a Lieutenant in the Australian Army for 2 years and then a diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Australian Government. Most people when offered opportunities in DFAT, seek out the London, New York or Paris posting but not David. He went to Pakistan when the Iraq war was on, and worked for three years with all the partners in NATO who were there.

David has some great anecdotes throughout the interview, one of the best is it’s ok to fail, as long as you are trying and improving, take the feedback, use your own systems and continually improve. You are still in the fight until someone says you are not or you are dead.

You will be enlightened with how David forms his team around him for the 537 days challenge and how they work together. Its ok to ask for help if you don’t know, a leader cannot know everything but the cohesiveness of the team around them can fill that gap.

David’s final message to other leaders, take your ego out of it, take the feedback when you need to, and be like the man in the arena, never sit on the sidelines be part of the team that has a go, win or lose.

If you would like a signed copy of David's Book 537 Days of Winter you can order this direct at DAVIDKNOFF.COM and it can also be found on Amazon. The book is published by Affirm Press

Alex Greenwich MP, Independent Member for Sydney, is a wonderful human being. After 12 years in the New South Wales State Parliament as an Independent Member he has achieved some amazing outcomes.

Alex has some incredible credentials. -

the Co Chair behind the Marriage Equality Act which eventuated in the act being passed into Legislation.

- A driving force behind the legalising of Abortion in NSW 3 years ago

- A driving force behind Reproductive Health Care Reform

- A driving force behind having Euthanasia legalised.

Alex was a regular presenter to the North Sydney/Chatswood Police Leadership Programs over several years. He was the only politician to be granted this opportunity because of what he brings to the table.

I have never met anyone who has Alex’s ability to work with anyone, to get an outcome, even people who are initially openly hostile and nasty towards him. It is a skill and a leadership attribute that we rarely see in todays world, and a skill that allows for better outcomes for our world.

This interview delves into how Alex was formed into the leader he is today.

His parents encouraged discussions about anything at any time, sex workers, drug addicts, homelessness, nothing was off the table. His Grandmother, Jacqui, lived in America and was a loud and proud advocate against President George Bush’s Abortion Policies. Alex’s grandmother was his first exposure to My Body My Choice, I should control my own body, and set up his passion for what eventuated in legalising Abortion in NSW three years ago.

Alex worked with his parents in their HR Recruiting Firm, Winning Attitudes, learning over 12 years, every day what motivated people around their lives in regards to dignity, purpose and salary.

It was during his time with Winning Attitudes that Alex began his work as a Marriage Equality advocate at a time when no government would discuss the topic,

Alex helped changed the landscape across high profile Australian Corporates that it was time to discuss Marriage Equality.

Alex talks us through his wonderful relationship with his husband Victor, and you will be left with a smile on your face with the relationship they share, having fun in life’s most simplest moments.

Alex then takes us to how he became a member of parliament. At at time when Clover Moore was the Mayor of Sydney and also the Member for Bligh/Sydney, the then Liberal Government changed the laws and said a member of parliament could not hold both positions.

When this happened Alex contacted Clover asking what he could do as he felt his democratic vote had just been taken away by a political process.

Clover asked Alex to work for her people, and then Clover’s people became Alex’s people. The bi election was brought on by the Liberal Party within 3 weeks of Clover Moore stepping down because of the new legislation. However Clover Moore backed Alex Greenwich to be her replacement and that endorsement rewrote history. In Alex’s words, “Now there are two of us.”

Alex see’s his role as ensuring no one gets left behind, even those most challenged and disadvantaged in our community. On his office wall he has the picture of a homeless man, sitting with his dog on a Sydney street. Alex know the story of that man, “It’s who I work for”

Alex was a lived experience candidate on the show Filthy Rich and Homeless, living on the streets of Sydney without support for 10 days. Alex describes this time as a lightbulb moment, anybody can become homeless, all it takes is some of life’s misfortunes to occur and homelessness is a reality.

Alex views his role in parliament as a privilege but he is aware that politicians are human beings. They are flawed, they make mistakes and we change our minds. Forgiveness is important. Alex makes his business not to leave anyone behind. A final piece of advice from Alex for empowering future leaders - “Don’t be afraid.”

This is a story about leadership learned at a very early age, and the lessons learned are on display for everyone.

Trina Jones is the CEO for Homelessness NSW and has held that role for nearly 6 months now.

I worked with Trina several years ago now when she was the Manager for the Homelessness Unit for City of Sydney Council.

Trina is one of the best leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with. She has an innate, ingrained ability to work with and influence others, who she has no authority over or with, to get an amazing outcome, working together.

Throughout this interview it will become obvious where this depth came from.

Trina sought out her first job at 12 years old and then tells the story she was the longest serving 21 year old Night Club Manager in Ireland, because she lied about her age for 5 years.

She was influenced by other leaders who had the adage, "If I see a problem I walk towards it, " and Trina definitely has that style.

There are some absolute gems of quotes that Trina lives her life by, at a leadership level and as a mum.

"Back yourself as a leader"

" Reflect regularly on what you did to cause a problem"

As a mum - "Learn to let it go and don't give yourself a hard time."

"Leadership is held loosely and given freely"

"Leading from the back like a gardener. Our people are the flowers and we work with them seeing them grow and succeed."

Trina as a Leader, a wife and a mum, there is a constant juggle of glass balls and rubber balls.

The glass balls can't be dropped, they are marriage, parenthood, friendships, passion for her work, her health.

The rubber balls are the laundry and doing everything for everyone. Rubber balls can be dropped at anytime without any real consequence.

In the middle of this interview there is a very simple explanation around what Homelessness is and why it is important to all of us that we solve Homelessness, if we all work together to solve it. Trina is a walking, talking google search engine on all things Homelessness so comprehend what she has to say on this issue that is solvable.

Trina finishes with some simple advice for other leaders.

Have a go, don't be afraid, shape it, change it with others, be loose about it, and have a go, if you don't try you will never know.

SPECIAL FAMILY ADDITION OF THE COURAGE TO LEAD WITH UNCLE LEN.

In nearly all of our interviews so far our leaders have shared with us that they were inspired by a family member or relative to go down the leadership path they chose. The inspiration came from a grandparent, a parent or an aunt or uncle. Not every leader, but a high majority.

The Sicard family has Uncle Len. He is due to celebrate his 100th birthday in early December 2022. Uncle Len has a story to be told. Rest assured Uncle Len, didn't want to tell his story. He has listened to some of the Courage to Lead series and feels he has nothing to offer.

Leaders do not have to be the Commander of a Submarine, or the CEO of a Football Club. Leadership starts at home.

This interview is Len's Story. It is a story about growing up in a very small country town, delivering the meat with his dad, the local butcher on the cutting cart - wait till you hear the description of the truck.

A story about getting the call up for World War II and being the rear gunner in a Halifax Bomber. His recollection about the training, where they went and what they did and how they did it is amazing.

A story about falling in love with his best friend and spending the rest of his life with her, but there is a great twist in this romance story and it will leave you with a smile on your face.

Then there is Uncle Len's dedication to his fitness. To this day he still does the routine he will describe in detail during this interview. The numbers 50 to 300 feature regularly along with a 100 second plank, all at the young age of 99.

Then there is the story about community and the true support of neighbours.

I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did. He is an absolute gentleman.

A former NSWPF officer for 6 years, who went on to become a Leader in Mission Beat and Mission Australia in both the City and Country. One of the best media presenters you will ever see who is a Voice for the Voiceless. He is now an elected Councillor in Goulburn City Council and a Funeral Director. In the middle of all this he is the principal organiser of the Goulburn Mens Walk where men walk in the cold environment of Goulburn every Tuesday at 6am to Walk, Talk and Support each other. An incredible story with Leadership lessons in every story Daniel tells.

I have been waiting to share this one with you. Peter Scott's story is incredible and one that really none of us have an idea of what his life and experiences would be truly like.

Peter has over 35 years experience in leading specialist teams in complex and demanding environments. Joining the Royal Australian Navy as a 17 year old Midshipman in 1983, he rose over three decades to be the professional head of the Navy's elite: The Submarine Arm.

During that journey, Peter survived and led others through at-sea fires, floods and explosions, passing the most demanding military command course in the world, and commanded the longest deployment ever conducted by an Australian Submarine.

He has served in 20 different command and leadership appointments over 34 years. He holds a Masters in Coaching Psychology from University of Sydney and now works to unleash the courage, compassion and wisdom of leaders.

His memoir Running Deep. An Australian Submarine Life, will be published by Fremantle Press in early 2023.

Peter is married with an adult daughter and runs trail ultra-marathons for fun and relaxation.

I met Peter through Kelly Irvings Expert Author Academy and besides having a common interest in writing our first books, Peter has become a good friend. His story is incredible and shows that the truly exceptional leaders have equal amounts of courage and compassion to achieve unthought of outcomes by empowering others to do their best.

Peter has been extremely honest during this interview and in his book(which I have been privileged to read an early draft). Peter talks about a long battle with alcohol and also having to address anxiety and depression.

His book is unputdownable. This is a word I saw it on the latest advertisement for Apple Books top ten titles. I truly hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.

The link for the interview on our website is down below and it is also on our Apple Podcasts show as well.

Steve’s story is riveting so here are some highlights.

Steve is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor, and mentor to many many people. He is also one of my closest friends. One of those people you can go to, if you are having one of your worst days ever, he is there for you.

Steve has been and still is in the Security industry for decades. You may be asking how does a former high ranking Police Officer and a Managing of a Security Company become close friends.

Steve is one of the most ethical people I know and takes painstaking efforts to ensure he and his team deliver outcomes that reflect highly in excellence, building productive relationships and reputation.

Steve has been the longest serving presenter for Police Leadership Workshops that I ran every year from 2011-2020 to upcoming leaders and his story has influenced many new leaders to become better leaders.

Steve’s story is similar too many good leaders.

There are mistakes, wasted opportunities, then an awakening, a life changing decision, the support of a mentor when it would have been easy not to, then a myriad of decisions around ethics and best practice strategies that form who Steve Van Zwieten is.

I trust you will enjoy this interview there are some real gems of insight in here that every leader faces including the doubt many leaders are faced with when a new challenge appears - am I good enough or am I an imposter? The biggest gem is how Steve empowers others to do their best and through that building trust and innovation through others.