Thriving Leaders Podcast

What does it take to lead an Olympic-level team? Not on the field—but behind the scenes? In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Carroll AM, one of Australia’s most accomplished sports administrators. As the former CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee from 2017 to 2025, Matt led teams through some of the most complex Olympic cycles in history—including the Tokyo Games during the pandemic, the Paris Games, and the early planning for Brisbane 2032. Matt’s leadership legacy goes well beyond sport. Matt’s career spans more than 30 years, across rugby, football, and sailing—including pivotal roles with Rugby World Cup 2003, the A-League, and Japan Rugby. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004 for his service to sport. Together, we unpack what it takes to build thriving teams in high-pressure, high-stakes environments—and how purpose, trust, and clarity shape performance at every level.

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) – Introduction

(05:24) – What Olympic-level leadership looks like off the field

(08:10)– How to build alignment between home and away teams

(10:12) – Why strategic planning in “quads” (four-year cycles) keeps teams focused and accountable

(23:44) – How trust and mutual respect underpin high performance—even when no one’s watching

(25:56) – What Matt learned from managing the Tokyo Games during a global pandemic

(29:41) – The power of stakeholder alignment across government, sponsors, sports, and community

(39:22)– Why every role matters—no matter how visible—and how to build a “one team” mindset

(43:10) – Final Thoughts

One of my favourite takeaways?

Matt’s story about the “home and away” teams during the Tokyo Games reminded me that contribution isn’t measured by visibility—it’s measured by alignment to purpose. When everyone understands what we’re doing, why it matters, and how we’ll get there, we unlock extraordinary performance—together.

If this conversation sparked ideas for how you can lead with more purpose, clarity and connection—we’d love to hear your reflections.

Thanks for joining The Thriving Leaders Podcast. Keep on thriving.

Jeremy Summers is the CEO of Insync, a consultancy known for its data-driven approach to culture, engagement, and leadership. With a rich background in financial services and operational excellence, Jeremy brings both strategic acumen and grounded leadership to the table.  

In this conversation, Jeremy and I explore how they have built a people-first, high performing organisation. We discuss what it looks like to lead with kindness and courage—especially in the face of rapid change, hybrid work, and big-budget competitors. We discuss how Insync’s deliberate design choices—from dissolving the traditional executive team to embedding psychological safety into everyday behaviors—have enabled both cultural strength and commercial success. 

In this episode, we cover: 

(00:00) – Introduction

(08:40) – Why Jeremy disbanded the executive leadership team—and what replaced it

(13:34) – The importance of aligning visible behaviors with psychological safety

(16:56) – How to build a feedback culture anchored in kindness, accountability and trust

(24:32) – Rituals that keep hybrid teams connected, including coffee roulette and peer-led learning

(30:52) – How Insync competes with global SaaS giants through its people

(32:59) – What sustainable accountability actually looks like in practice

(36:25) – Final Thoughts

"Kindness isn’t softness—it’s the foundation for sustainable high performance." 
When leaders combine clarity with compassion, accountability with trust, and direction with dialogue, teams don’t just deliver—they thrive. 

If you're leading in a hybrid world, wondering how to deepen connection, without losing momentum, this episode is full of insight and practical inspiration. 

Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently: 

Physical: ⁠⁠Purchase here⁠⁠ International: ⁠⁠Amazon,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Booktopia,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠

Audio: ⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠

For all other resources: 

• Learn more about our ⁠⁠leadership development programs⁠⁠

• Join our fortnightly ⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠

• Want to connect directly with Claire? ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

• Follow along on ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠

• Check out our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠

Grant Gemmell is the Managing Director at Facet5 Global, and someone I’ve had the privilege of working alongside for over 15 years. His deep expertise in personality science—and his commitment to unlocking human potential—has shaped how I think about team dynamics, psychological safety, and the value of quality conversations at work. 

In this conversation, we go deep into what it takes to build truly thriving teams. We explore how rituals, boundaries, and better dialogue can radically improve the way teams connect, collaborate, and perform. 

In this episode, we cover: 

(00:00) – Introduction

(03:33) – Why personality should be seen as a lens, not a label—and how that shift transforms team culture

(05:06) – The role of mutual understanding and respect in building psychological safety

(08:59) – How clear personal boundaries support trust, wellbeing, and long-term performance

(11:04) – What happens when teams misuse personality tools—and how to course-correct

(17:37) – Grant’s five “super skills” of meaningful, high-quality conversations

(21:10) – Simple, powerful rituals that sustain connection in hybrid and dispersed teams

(47:31) – The most urgent leadership shifts needed right now—and the surprising trends to watch

(52:40) – Final Thoughts

In the work I do with teams—and in writing this book—it’s clear that conscious self-awareness isn’t optional anymore. It’s the foundation for everything: how we show up, how we connect, and how we lead with intention. 

If you're curious about the real inner workings of high-performing teams, this conversation is for you. 

Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently: 

Physical: ⁠Purchase here⁠ International: ⁠Amazon,⁠ ⁠Booktopia,⁠ ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ 

Audio: ⁠Audible⁠ & ⁠Spotify⁠ 

For all other resources: 

• Learn more about our ⁠leadership development programs⁠ 

• Join our fortnightly ⁠newsletter⁠ 

• Want to connect directly with Claire? ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

• Follow along on ⁠Linkedin⁠ 

• Check out our ⁠website⁠ 

In this episode, I sit down with Leo Bottary—author of Peernovation and founder of Peernovation, LLC—to explore what truly makes teams thrive in today’s complex and collaborative work environments. With a rich background in CEO advisory groups and an unwavering commitment to psychological safety, Leo brings deep insight into the power of peers to transform team dynamics.

From the core principles of servant leadership to the vital role of psychological safety in innovation and performance, Leo shares how the very best teams operate—and how leaders can intentionally create those conditions.

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) – Introduction

(03:33) – Why personality should be seen as a lens, not a label—and how that shift transforms team culture

(05:06) – The role of mutual understanding and respect in building psychological safety

(08:59) – How clear personal boundaries support trust, wellbeing, and long-term performance

(11:04) – What happens when teams misuse personality tools—and how to course-correct

(17:37) – Grant’s five “super skills” of meaningful, high-quality conversations

(21:10) – Simple, powerful rituals that sustain connection in hybrid and dispersed teams

(47:31) – The most urgent leadership shifts needed right now—and the surprising trends to watch

(51:38) – Final Thoughts

One of my favourite takeaways? Thriving teams are intentional and create habits and rituals such as celebrating wins, reflect on progress and embed learning. I also love his tips when asking for help, which can feel uncomfortable.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to tap into the collective intelligence of their teams and create cultures where accountability, trust, and performance go hand-in-hand. I’d love to hear what stood out for you—let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going.

Link/s:

• Connect with Leo: [email protected]
• Visit: http://peernovation.biz
• Buy Leo’s book: https://a.co/d/6qfVD5O

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kaye Monk-Morgan—President and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center—to unpack what it really means to lead in today’s civic and organisational environments. Kaye brings three decades of leadership wisdom and a sharp lens on adaptive challenges, systems change, and collective accountability. 

From her roots in education to influencing public leadership across Kansas and beyond, Kaye offers rich, practical insights into how leadership can (and must) be practiced by everyone—not just those with authority.

In this episode, we cover: 

(00:00) – Introduction

(06:30) –Why authority ≠ leadership, and why teams should stop relying on hierarchy.

(08:55) – How to tell the difference in real time and why teams get stuck when they confuse them.

(12:45) – Homelessness, parking, public planning and parks done differently.

(19:50) – Individual, shared, and systemic accountability that builds stronger teams.

(23:25) – Inviting challenge (not conflict) and how teams disagree productively.

(30:45) –Using productive tension to keep teams out of comfort and out of distress.

(37:50) –Seeing multiple perspectives without taking things personally.

(41:12) – Progress vs. perfection when outcomes are uncertain.

(45:35) – Final Thoughts

One of my favourite takeaways? Leadership doesn’t always mean stepping up—it often means stepping aside, giving the work back, and creating space for others to lead. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating complex change or seeking to build a thriving culture where leadership is truly everyone’s business. 

I’d love to hear what stood out for you—let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going. 

In this episode, I sit down with Professor David Clutterbuck—pioneer of team coaching, co-founder of the EMCC, and author of over 70 books—to explore what makes teams thrive in today’s complex environments. A deeply insightful conversation that transforms how we think about teams.

From the science of team dynamics to building cultures of accountability and coaching, David shares frameworks and stories that every leader should hear.

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) – Introduction

(06:18) – What it means to see teams as complex adaptive systems

(10:36) – The six essential PERILL elements that influence team performance

(17:44) – How to navigate stakeholder complexity and team alignment

(23:04) – Dialogue vs debate

(26:30) – Psychological safety

(31:42) – Teams coaching themselves

(33:59) – Rapid teaming & onboarding

(36:03) – Distributed leadership

(48:35) – AI & trust in teams

(51:51) – Final Thoughts

One of my favourite takeaways? The difference between discussion, debate, and dialogue. Teams that truly thrive don’t argue or compromise—they find new meaning together. 

This conversation is full of practical strategies for building teams that don’t just function—they flourish. 

I’d love to hear what stood out for you—let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going. 

Physical:  ⁠⁠Purchase here⁠⁠ 

International:  ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Booktopia⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠ 

Audio:  ⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ 

For all other resources:  

– ⁠⁠Learn more about our leadership programs⁠⁠  

– ⁠⁠Join our fortnightly newsletter⁠⁠  

– Want to connect directly with Claire? ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠  

– Follow on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠  

– Visit: ⁠⁠www.thrivingculture.com.au 

I’m thrilled to share the latest episode of the Thriving Leaders Podcast, featuring an insightful conversation with Claire de Carteret, Managing Director of Gallup APAC. If you’ve ever wondered what truly drives high performance in teams, this episode is a must-listen.

Gallup is renowned for its global research on engagement, wellbeing, and leadership. Claire brings the data to life with real-world strategies that leaders can apply immediately. We talk about the 12 conditions required for high performance, how to shift away from outdated hierarchies, and why "having a best friend at work" is more than just a feel-good phrase.

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) - Introduction

(03:07) – Engagement = Performance Why engagement matters more than motivation.

(06:19) – 12 elements of high-performing teams.

(10:22) – Why does work need a reframe.

(15:31) – One meaningful check-in change everything.

(17:46) – What People Need from Leaders

(18:48) – Strengths at Work using strengths daily boosts engagement.

(23:53) – A powerful team trust-building exercise.

(29:13) – Why connection drives safety and performance.

(32:52) – Intentional conversations build trust.

(38:17) – Leveraging Strengths using differences as advantages.

(50:03) – Final Thoughts

One of my favourite takeaways? Claire’s simple but powerful strategy: One meaningful conversation a week. That alone can shift the dynamic of your team.

If you're committed to building a thriving team culture, this episode will give you fresh ideas and evidence-based frameworks to do just that. I’d love to hear what resonates with you.

Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently: 

Physical:  ⁠Purchase here⁠ 

International:  ⁠Amazon⁠  ⁠Booktopia⁠  ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ 

Audio:  ⁠Audible⁠  ⁠Spotify⁠ 

For all other resources: 

– ⁠Learn more about our leadership programs⁠ 

– ⁠Join our fortnightly newsletter⁠ 

– Want to connect directly with Claire? ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

– Follow on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ 

– Visit: ⁠www.thrivingculture.com.au⁠ 

In this Thriving Leaders Podcast I meet with Dermot Crowley—productivity expert, bestselling author, and founder of Adapt Productivity. 

Dermot’s practical and people-focused approach to productivity has reshaped how thousands of professionals manage their time and teams. In this episode, we dive into the critical habits and systems that allow leaders and teams to perform at their best—without burning out. 

We explore what causes teams to get bogged down in busy work and how they can reclaim their time and energy through smarter collaboration, clear communication, and prioritisation that actually works. 

This conversation is full of actionable strategies to help leaders go beyond individual productivity and build team cultures that thrive on clarity, consistency, and effectiveness. 

In this episode, we cover: 

One of my favourite takeaways? “Make work visible.” Whether it’s through Asana, Planner, or another tool, clear visibility helps teams align, prioritise, and collaborate without chaos. 

Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to leading teams, you’ll find actionable gems that can transform the way your team works—starting tomorrow. 

Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently: 

Physical: 
Purchase here 

International: 
Amazon 
Booktopia 
Barnes & Noble 

Audio: 
Audible 
Spotify 

For all other resources: 
– Learn more about our leadership programs 
– Join our fortnightly newsletter 
– Want to connect directly with Claire? [email protected] 
– Follow on LinkedIn 
– Visit: www.thrivingculture.com.au 

Chatting with Amy Edmondson about what makes a thriving team has been a career highlight! 
  
Season 2 of the Thriving Leaders Podcast is now live! 
  
And we’re kicking it off with the incredible Amy Edmondson—Novartis Harvard Professor, bestselling author,  and the world’s top-ranked management thinker. Her research has been pivotal to my work, and our conversation is full of insights that every leader needs to hear. 
  
Together, we explore what it takes to build not just high-performing teams, but learning teams—those that thrive through curiosity, psychological safety, and shared ownership. 
  
This conversation is energising, practical, and packed with insights you can take straight back to your team. 
 
In this episode, we cover:  

(00:00) – Introduction

(02:15) – The Real Difference Between Trust and Psychological Safety—and Why Both Matter

(10:30) – How to Create High-Quality Conversations in Your Team

(18:45) – Why We Need to Reframe Accountability as a Privilege, Not a Punishment

(27:20) – Why Leaders Shouldn’t Talk About Psychological Safety—and What to Focus on Instead

(35:50) – The Power of Intelligent Failure and How to Unlearn the Fear of Getting It Wrong

(45:00) – Final Thoughts

One of my favourite takeaways? Psychological safety isn’t the goal—it’s the environment that allows us to reach our goals. 
  
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. I’d love to hear what you took out of the conversation. 

Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently: 

Physical: Purchase here 
International: Amazon, Booktopia, Barnes & Noble 

Audio: Audible & Spotify 

For all other resources: 

• – Learn more about our leadership development programs 

• – Join our fortnightly newsletter 

• – Want to connect directly with Claire? [email protected] 

• – Follow along on Linkedin 

• – Check out our website 

This is our last episode of Season 1 of the Thriving Leaders podcast.

Change is normal, but it can be uncomfortable. We are constantly evolving, improving and adapting the way we do things. Thriving leaders need to lead and communicate change effectively. This creates certainty even when we live in an ambiguous world.

To assist you in communicating and leading change, we cover:

• Understanding change at a deeper level, including the 4 stages of change
• The mindset transition when facing change
• VUCA environments
• Why we need to see the value in change to commit to it
• What to focus on when communicating change effectively

That brings season one - Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently – to an end.  Thank you for tuning in, for taking notes, for sharing this podcast with your friends and colleagues, and, most importantly, for applying the teachings of this book so you can become a thriving leader and start leading confidently now.

Stay tuned for Season 2! 

Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently: 

Physical: Purchase here 
International: Amazon, Booktopia, Barnes & Noble 

Audio: Audible & Spotify 

For all other resources: 

• Learn more about our leadership development programs 

• Join our fortnightly newsletter 

• Want to connect directly with Claire? [email protected] 

• Follow along on Linkedin 

• Check out our website