In this episode of The Huddle Leadership Podcast, host Kate Russell chats with Stephen Woods, founder and director of Employee Wellness Australia. Stephen shares his unique journey from being an electrician in Glasgow to leading a groundbreaking employee wellness initiative in Australia. Through his personal and professional experiences, Stephen highlights the importance of holistic wellness in the workplace, addressing challenges like retention, stress, and team engagement.

He also introduces innovative approaches like gamifying wellness programs, creating meaningful engagement challenges, and building a people-first culture that fosters retention and collaboration. Whether you're a leader aiming to inspire your team or an HR professional looking to improve employee well-being, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you create a thriving workplace.

• Why Employee Wellness is a Leadership Priority: Discover how a people-first approach improves retention, culture, and team performance.
• Gamification That Works: Learn how gamified challenges increase engagement and transform workplace dynamics.
• Beyond the Workshop: Building Sustainable Wellness Programs: Understand why workshops are only the beginning and how ongoing support drives results.
• The Third Space: Balancing Work and Life: Explore strategies for leaders and employees to transition smoothly between work and home life.

• Connect with Stephen Woods and learn about Employee Wellness Australia here.
• Recommended: The Third Space by Dr. Adam Fraser

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In this episode of The Huddle Leadership Podcast, host Kate Russell welcomes Melissa Whitrow, Manager of Library Services at Barossa Council. Melissa shares her inspiring journey from an academic career in public health to her leadership role in libraries. With candid reflections, she discusses the transformative power of grassroots initiatives, the role libraries play in fostering connection, and what leaders can learn from the inclusivity and adaptability of library spaces. Melissa also delves into the challenges of leadership, and offers powerful insights into creating safe, welcoming environments that empower individuals and communities alike.

Stick around until the end to hear how Melissa’s work in libraries is reshaping her community and why she believes libraries are the ultimate space for growth, learning, and connection.

How libraries act as community hubs: Discover how libraries offer connection, belonging, and access to vital resources.

What leaders can learn from grassroots models: Explore the impact of empowering teams and communities through trust and adaptability.

Why boundaries are essential for leadership: Learn how setting clear boundaries fosters resilience and protects well-being.

The leadership lessons behind the shelves: Understand how libraries teach patience, humanity, and the value of meeting people where they are.

• Barossa Council Library Services
• Libraries SA
• Episode 32 of The Huddle Leadership Podcast (on resilience and boundaries)

This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking inspiration on creating people-centered environments and fostering true connection.

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In this inspiring episode of The Huddle Leadership Podcast, host Kate Russell sits down with Paralympic gold medalist Jed Altschwager to explore the journey beyond the podium. Jed shares his transition from elite athlete to leadership roles, reflecting on how the discipline, resilience, and joy cultivated in sport translate to meaningful leadership. From grounding himself under pressure to celebrating success with authenticity, Jed’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, self-awareness, and community.

Whether you're navigating a major career shift or seeking more joy and connection in leadership, Jed’s insights will leave you inspired to embrace growth, celebrate achievements, and lead with purpose.

Key Takeaways

• How the Joy of Leadership Is Found in Connection and Authenticity
• Jed discusses creating safe, supportive environments as the key to successful teams.
• What Paralympic Racing Teaches About Staying Grounded Under Pressure
• Hear Jed’s strategies for managing mental chatter, trusting the process, and performing under intense scrutiny.
• Why Celebrating Success Matters for Building Confidence and Team Spirit
• Explore how to own your achievements and let go of the fear of judgment.
• The Importance of Leading with Joy and Purpose in Every Chapter of Life
• Learn how Jed transitioned to new roles while maintaining energy, passion, and a growth mindset.

Resources Mentioned

• South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) – Explore para-sport talent development opportunities.

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In this episode of The Huddle Leadership Podcast, Kate Russell sits down with Anne Andrews, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of leading in one of Australia’s most remote regions. Anne shares her insights on balancing professional and personal presence, building resilience during seasonal isolation, and empowering teams to see their roles as vital contributions to the community. From managing cultural diversity to addressing housing shortages, Anne’s leadership is a masterclass in authenticity, empathy, and strategic impact.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to inspire and strengthen their teams while creating meaningful change in their communities.

Key Takeaways:

• How to lead authentically in remote communities: Why being visible, approachable, and consistent matters.
• What resilience looks like during isolation: Strategies for supporting mental health and minimizing social isolation.
• Why every team member is a leader: Empowering individuals to recognize their value and impact.
• How to transform workplace culture: Moving from gossip to growth by modeling positive communication.

Carpentaria Shire Council website

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In this powerful episode of The Huddle Leadership Podcast, Kate Russell is joined by psychologist Ishma Alvi to explore how trauma and neurodiversity manifest in the workplace and what leaders can do to foster environments of equity and empathy. Together, they dive into the crucial differences between equality and equity and share practical steps for creating inclusive workplaces that truly support all employees.

Ishma shares actionable insights on building empathetic cultures through storytelling, transparent communication, and leadership-led vulnerability. This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to inspire their teams while addressing the unseen challenges their people may face.

Key Takeaways:

• What trauma looks like in the workplace: Recognize the emotional, cognitive, and relational signs.
• Why equity matters more than equality: Understand how fairness creates inclusive environments.
• How empathy transforms leadership: Discover how storytelling can dismantle defensive mindsets.
• What leaders can do to support neurodiverse teams: Tailored strategies for individual strengths.

Connect with Ishma Alvi here:

LinkedIn

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In this episode of The Huddle Leadership Podcast, host Kate Russell sits down with Erin Fairman, Chief Play Officer at Lead with Play, to explore the world of purposeful play in leadership and team dynamics. Erin introduces the concept of "serious play"—a technique that uses playful approaches for real workplace breakthroughs. They discuss the many benefits of adult play, from building resilience to fostering creativity and connection. Erin shares her journey to becoming a play advocate and offers actionable insights on how leaders can introduce purposeful play to their teams to promote wellbeing and innovation. Get ready to rethink what it means to "play" as an adult and discover how even small, intentional shifts can help your team thrive.

Conversations That Work Event - Nov 19th.

Key Takeaways:

• Why play isn’t just for kids: Discover how play strengthens creativity, resilience, and team connection.
• How to introduce purposeful play at work: Ideas for incorporating “serious play” like the Marshmallow Challenge or walk-and-talk meetings.
• What play style suits you best? Learn about Dr. Stuart Brown’s eight adult play styles and how to tap into yours for better work-life balance.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Stuart Brown’s Adult Play Styles: Learn more about the eight unique play styles to find your own.

Connect with Erin Faehrmann on LinkedIn here.

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In this episode of The Huddle Leadership Podcast, host Kate Russell dives deep into crisis management with Craig Goldberg, CEO of Battleground, a consultancy focused on crisis resilience. Craig introduces the "PRIZE" formula (People, Reputation, Information, Site, and External) as a framework for identifying and managing crises. From sudden executive departures to cyber attacks, Craig shares real-world strategies and compelling stories to illustrate the importance of preparedness. He also emphasizes the role of core and extended teams in crisis situations and why certain leadership skills shine in emergencies, not just in business-as-usual contexts. Tune in to discover how to build crisis-fit teams that can adapt to any challenge, large or small.

Conversations That Work Event - 19th Nov

Key Takeaways:

• Why a crisis-ready team is essential: Learn who to have on your team and why CEOs aren’t always the best crisis leaders.
• How the PRIZE formula works: Unpack Craig’s PRIZE acronym to handle crises effectively.
• Why testing is crucial: Discover why regular testing and crisis “fitness” can make or break an organisation.
• What to communicate and when: Tips for maintaining transparency without fuelling rumours or reputation damage.

Connect with Craig here:

LinkedIn

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Jason Ardler, co-founder and director of Thirriwirri, discusses his role as chair of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Indigenous Evaluation Committee and the work they do to improve the quality and credibility of evaluations in Indigenous affairs programs. He also talks about Thirriwirri's mission to support Aboriginal leadership and build confidence, capability, and connections. They also discuss the importance of separating cultural issues from leadership issues.

You'll also hear:

• why it is crucial to understand the difference between dignity and respect
• how to seperate leadership issues from cultural issues
• what creating meaningful connections does for workplace cohesion... and so much more!

Find Jason Ardler here:

LinkedIn

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TEDx Speaker and Director of Agile Mind, Amanda Goodfellow, helps corporate leaders manage stress with mindfulness. In this episode of The Huddle Leadership podcast, Kate and Amanda explore the challenges of implementing wellbeing programs in the workplace and the importance of group practice. The conversation delves into the impact of mindfulness on workplace productivity and the value of emotional wellbeing.

You'll also hear about:

• why emotional wellbeing in the workplace requires an individualised approach
• what group practice does for building resilience in the workplace
• how to create a safe and supportive environment for addressing addictive behaviours
• what mindfulness does to help us navigate life's complexities... and so much more!

Find Amanda Goodfellow here:

LinkedIn

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In this conversation, Jodi Glass, a non-executive director and chairperson, shares insights on the differences between being a CEO and sitting on a board, the challenges faced by CEOs, the importance of purpose and vision, and the role of the board in supporting CEOs. The conversation also touches on the complexities of working with boards, the need for effective communication, and the impact of crises on decision-making and organizational performance.

You'll also hear:

• How the weight of responsibility differs for CEOs and board members
• Why effective communication and active listening are crucial for building trust and understanding between CEOs and boards
• The one thing that is fundamental for guiding decision-making and prioritisation within an organisation
• Why crises present an opportunity for reflection and improvement, and how seeking fresh perspectives is essential for effective crisis management

Connect with Jodi Glass here:

LinkedIn

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