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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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In this podcast episode Kate talks with Jodie Atkinson, a Grief Recovery Specialist, about the diverse manifestations of grief and the importance of empathetic support in workplaces. We also learn about why leaders should avoid clichéd responses and how to offer a range of support options with compassionate communication and understanding to help individuals and teams navigate grief.

You'll also hear:

• what to say to someone who is grieving
• why avoidance is not the answer
• grief in the context of workplace changes
• how to move forward with grief.... and so much more!

Connect with Jodie Atkinson here:

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In this podcast episode Kate chats with Wala Truscott, Intimate Relationship Expert, now you might be thinking what does that have to do with leadership? Well, a lot! Listen in to find out how to create safe spaces for difficult conversations to occur and the importance of developing skills to navigate these conversations effectively in leadership. We also learn that when we as leaders can communicate with directness, integrity, and honesty as well as an open-heart we create safety that allows our teams or workplaces to thrive!

You'll also hear:

• how to have integrity when assigning projects or asking questions
• what the difference is between obligation and genuine interest
• why language can shape power dynamics
• what owning your needs does for workplaces (and intimate relationships).... and so much more!

Connect with Wala Truscott here:

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