The Deliberate Leader Podcast with Rita Cincotta

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗻, CEO of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, with a leadership journey spanning blue-collar and white-collar environments, sports facilities, venue management, private education and major sporting organisations. Gerard shares an honest and thoughtful perspective on what it takes to evolve as a leader, stay connected to your people, and build organisations that can thrive beyond your tenure.

Together, we explore why self-awareness is at the heart of deliberate leadership, the importance of staying connected to people at the coalface, and how leaders can manage their own energy while creating the conditions for others to perform at their best.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

✨ Why great leadership starts with knowing yourself - and continually evolving beyond the leader you were earlier in your career.

✨ The importance of staying connected to people at the coalface and understanding what’s really happening across your organisation.

✨ Why energy management, reflection and deliberate withdrawal time are essential for sustainable leadership.

✨ How effective delegation is about finding the balance between giving people freedom and providing the right level of direction and accountability.

✨ Why coaching through questions can build capability and prevent organisations from becoming overly dependent on one leader.

✨ How the true test of leadership is what happens after you leave - and whether the organisation is stronger and more capable because you were there.

🎧 Tune in to discover how self-awareness, connection, energy management and thoughtful delegation can help you become a more sustainable and deliberate leader - and leave a legacy that lasts beyond your role.

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗯 - operations leader, former multi-franchisee and business owner, and Head of Operations at Left Write Hook. With a career spanning business ownership, coaching, fitness, project delivery and people leadership, Maryanne shares the powerful lessons boxing has taught her about confidence, resilience, discipline and leadership.

Together, we explore how self-leadership shapes the way we lead others, why courage is built through action, and how the principles learned in the boxing ring can help leaders navigate challenge, uncertainty and growth.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

✨ Why self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership.

✨ How confidence, resilience and self-trust are developed through consistent practice and discipline.

✨ The role preparation and presence play in performing under pressure.

✨ Why adaptability is essential when plans change and challenges arise.

✨ How courage is built by continuing to show up, even when things feel uncomfortable.

✨ The leadership lessons that emerge when you step into environments that test and challenge you.

🎧 Tune in to discover how to lead with greater confidence, resilience and intention — and why some of the most powerful leadership lessons can be found outside the workplace.

#TheDeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeadership #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfLeadership #Resilience #WomenInLeadership #LeadershipMindset #CourageousLeadership #Melbourne

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝗱𝗵𝗶𝘆𝗮 — purpose-led leader, transformation specialist, and executive with over 25 years’ experience across health, education, government and the not-for-profit sector. Known for leading with clarity, courage and humanity, Pranay shares powerful insights on what it really means to lead through complexity and create lasting impact.

Together, we explore how leaders can move beyond titles to focus on true impact, why emotional intelligence is more than just “soft skills,” and how aligning values, people and strategy is key to sustainable transformation.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

✨ Why leadership is a privilege — and how to focus on leaving people and organisations better than you found them.

✨ How emotional intelligence really shows up in leadership, especially during difficult conversations and change.

✨ The role of values, judgment and authenticity in making complex leadership decisions.

✨ Why developing others is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader.

✨ How to navigate challenging transitions, including when values no longer align.

✨ Why great leadership isn’t about being the expert — but about bringing people together to achieve outcomes.

🎧 Tune in to discover how to lead with purpose, humility and clarity — and how deliberate leaders create impact that lasts beyond their role or title.

#TheDeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeadership #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PurposeDrivenLeadership #Melbourne

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗔𝗺𝘆 𝗚𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 - Executive Director, Student Recruitment and Admissions at Monash University.

Amy leads domestic and international student recruitment and admissions across Monash University Australia, Monash College, and Monash University Indonesia. Prior to her work in higher education, she spent 22 years with Victoria Police, culminating in her role as Superintendent leading an operational division.

In this conversation, Amy shares her journey across sectors, the transferable leadership skills that supported her transition, and why deliberate reflection, courage, and people-focused leadership are essential in complex and evolving organisations.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

✨ How Amy transitioned from a 22-year career in policing into executive leadership in higher education - and the leadership capabilities that proved transferable.

✨ Why deliberate leaders create space to reflect, reset, and re-prioritise - even in fast-paced environments.

✨ How people-centred leadership helps drive sustainable change across systems, processes, and culture.

✨ Why leaning into discomfort and uncertainty is often the catalyst for professional growth and confidence.

✨ How engaging and empowering teams is critical to transforming organisational performance and productivity.

🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about career reinvention, self-trust, and leading sustainable change with clarity, empathy, and intention.

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗶 — senior marketing leader at Kennards Hire and a passionate advocate for human-centred leadership. With more than two decades in the industry, Manelle shares her journey from marketing assistant to executive leader — and the deeply personal lessons that shaped her leadership philosophy along the way.

This is a powerful, honest conversation about what it really means to lead deliberately: slowing down in a fast-paced world, caring for people before process, and recognising that the way we lead today shapes the legacy we leave behind.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

✨ Why leadership is ultimately about serving and caring for people, not just delivering results.

✨ How slowing down — even in high-pressure environments — leads to better thinking, stronger teams, and more sustainable performance.

✨ The concept of being “the weather” as a leader, and how your energy shapes the emotional climate of your team.

✨ Why ambition and deliberateness are not opposites — and how focusing on impact over titles can transform your career.

✨ Practical self-leadership habits, from intentional pauses to re-designing your calendar, that help leaders stay grounded, present, and effective.

✨ How thinking about your future legacy — the 65-year-old version of yourself — can reshape the decisions you make today.

🎧 Tune in to this deeply human and reflective conversation on how to lead with intention, empathy, and clarity — even in a world that constantly tells us to move faster.

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗖𝗮𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 — AI strategist, business coach, author, and founder of the AI Coaching Academy. With a background in digital marketing and years spent helping leaders and entrepreneurs scale their impact, Caelan shares practical, grounded insights on how leaders can partner with AI — not fear it.

Together, we explore what leadership looks like in an AI-powered world, how to use AI as a thinking partner, and why human skills like ethical judgment, intention, and curiosity are becoming more valuable — not less.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

✨ How AI can save time on admin allowing more focus on strategic thinking and people leadership.

✨ Why curious generalists will thrive in the AI era.

✨ How to use AI as a coach and thinking partner.

✨ Building a culture of experimentation and psychological safety with AI.

✨ Why intention and ethical judgment matter more than ever.

🎧 Tune in to discover how to work with AI, rather than against it — and how deliberate leaders can harness this technology to lead with more clarity, confidence, and impact.

🔗 Learn more about Caelan and his work:Caelan’s website: https://caelanhuntress.com/AI Coaching Academy: https://join.ai-coaching.academy/

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 — professional speaker, clean comedy expert, and founder of Clean Comedians®. With his book 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧, Adam dives into how humor can be a powerful leadership tool, helping us connect more deeply, inspire others, and create memorable moments without relying on shock value. Having spoken across 49 states, emceed major events, and built a career rooted in meaningful, clean comedy, Adam brings a unique perspective on why laughter matters in leadership and how we can use it with intention in our everyday interactions.
💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:
✨ Why laughter is one of the most powerful tools for creating genuine connection in teams and workplaces.
✨How leaders who don’t see themselves as “funny” can still bring humor in authentically without forcing it.
✨ Simple ways to use lightness and levity to help people relax, engage, and do better work together.
✨ The mindset shift from “being funny” to “creating connection,” and why that’s the real secret to using humor well.
✨ A preview of Adam’s five humor tactics from The Laughter Factor and how you can start applying them right away.
🎧 Tune in now and discover how to bring more connection, lightness, and authentic humor into your leadership — and don’t forget to check out Adam’s book 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧!
https://www.amazon.com/Laughter-Factor-Humor-Tactics-Link/dp/B0DQNLY65M
#ThedeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeaderMindset #DeliberateLeadership #Melbourne #TheLaughterFactor

🎙 In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we’re joined by 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗶 𝗥𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘁, an award-winning Global Business Psychologist, Executive Psychology Coach, and author of Productivity Joy. With two decades of experience, Simi helps leaders and professionals elevate their leadership through the lens of psychology, wellbeing, and inclusion. A Forbes contributor and trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies, she’s on a mission to help 5 million professionals thrive by creating cultures where joy fuels performance and impact.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

✅ How to design your day with more clarity, self-awareness, empathy, and intention

✅ Simi Rayat’s Five Qs framework from her book Productivity Joy — a simple tool to bring more focus and flow to your day

✅ Practical tips to start and close your day deliberately, reducing stress and preventing burnout

✅ How creating time and space can shift you from constant busyness to purposeful action

✅ Insights from Simi’s Global Joy Mission — inspiring 5 million professionals to thrive with more balance, wellbeing, and joy

🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead and live with more intention and joy.

#ThedeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeaderMindset #DeliberateLeadership #DeliberateTeam #Melbourne #JoyofBeingDeliberate

🎙 In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 we are joined by 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘀, a seasoned commercial exec and HR leader turned builder of better leaders and high-performance teams.
🌟 George leads 𝙄𝙈𝙋𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙊𝙇𝙊𝙂𝙔, building resilient business-partnering teams across HR, Finance, Procurement and more while guiding CEOs through uncertainty, and 𝙄𝙈𝙋𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙊𝙍𝘼, an HR Tech platform helping early-career professionals and first-time leaders grow with confidence. He is also co-author of EVOLVE: The Business Partnering Playbook, Impact Producer of the award-winning documentary How to Thrive, and a dedicated mental-health advocate.
The discussion explored what it means to be a deliberate leader from values-driven clarity and strong relationships to the idea that thoughtfulness isn’t hesitation, and that leadership can be both fast and precise. George shared his “𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙢𝙨,” challenged leadership misconceptions, and examined AI’s impact, highlighting problem-solving as the core capability.
💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:
1️⃣ Why deliberate leadership is about character, not just skills
2️⃣ How to move fast and stay thoughtful
3️⃣ The role of personal values in sustaining leadership growth
4️⃣ Why leadership is always contextual
5️⃣ The one capability needed no matter what tech changes come next
🎧 Tune in now for insights, perspective, and practical wisdom to elevate leadership at any level.
#ThedeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeaderMindset #DeliberateLeadership #DeliberateTeam #Melbourne #HighImpactLeadership

🎙 In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we are joined by 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗧𝘀𝗶𝗸𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice-President at Monash University.
With a global career spanning top-tier institutions and industries, Anna brings deep insight into leadership, finance, and strategic impact especially within complex and evolving environments like higher education.
Today’s conversation centres around self-awareness and impact, particularly in the context of women’s leadership development—beyond the usual metrics of pipelines and quotas.
✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:
1️⃣ How to elevate your leadership impact through self-awareness
2️⃣ Why going beyond the pipeline matters in women’s leadership
3️⃣ The real outcomes to look for after leadership programs
4️⃣ Navigating career transitions and growth across sectors
5️⃣ Insights from Anna’s own journey from global roles to leading change in Australian universities
🎧 This episode is a must-listen if you're ready to think bigger about leadership impact, equity, and what true progress looks like both personally and professionally.
#ThedeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeaderMindset #DeliberateLeadership #DeliberateTeam #Melbourne #Self-awarness