In this episode, Les Wikiriwhi shares a straight-up look at the discipline, sacrifice, and self-belief that have shaped his journey from the tools to founding Stand-Up Recruitment. With years of lived experience across New Zealand and Australia, Les has seen what it really takes for tradies to back themselves, make big moves, and break the patterns that keep them stuck.

As the founder of a Trans-Tasman recruitment company helping Kiwi tradies build a better future in Australia, Les brings a rare mix of honesty and practical leadership insight. He talks about the early struggles that shaped him, the habits that keep him consistent, and the mindset shifts that help people handle pressure and take ownership of their next step.

We dig into the behaviours that build trust, the discipline required to lead from the front, and the real work behind creating opportunities — for yourself and for others.

If you’re looking to sharpen your mindset, strengthen your discipline, or lead with more intention, this conversation delivers the kind of lived experience that hits home.

Stay up to date with Tradies Who Lead. New episodes drop fortnightly, and you can follow us on socials for extra leadership insights, trade industry stories, and more content from the tradespeople featured on the podcast.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead

If you want to connect with Les or Stand Up Recruitment, you can reach them via:

Website: https://standuprecruitment.co.nz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-wikiriwhi/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DApnRxdQf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/les_wikiriwhi/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@les.wikiriwhi

In this episode of Tradies Who Lead, we explore what it really means to lead from the front and why embracing your skill gaps is one of the most powerful things you can do as a business owner.

Our guest is George Dib, Senior Commercial Manager at Credit Protect and a former accountant who’s helped hundreds of Aussie tradies tackle one of their biggest headaches: unpaid invoices. George has seen what really happens behind the books — the stress, the awkward conversations, the money left on the table — and he’s made it his mission to give tradies the same protection and leverage that big businesses use every day.

But this conversation goes far beyond finance. We talk about boundaries, communication, and the people skills that make tough conversations easier, whether you’re talking money or managing your team. Because getting paid on time isn’t just a financial skill; it’s a leadership skill.

We dive into the hidden cost of unpaid invoices, how to protect your business without becoming “the bad guy,” and the mindset shifts that help tradies lead themselves and their teams with confidence.

If you’re building a team, growing a business, or learning to lead in the everyday moments, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply onsite today.

Make sure you subscribe to see every episode! A new episode is released every fortnight. And check us out on socials for more content from your favourite guests.

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If you want to connect with George, you can reach out on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanthonydib/

In this episode of Tradies Who Lead, we dive into how to get the best out of your team and why leaders must evolve with changing expectations from both their people and customers.

We’re joined by Kosta Kantilaftis, a second-generation technician, workshop owner, and industry advocate with nearly two decades of experience. After starting his first business at 19, he now leads Dulwich Hill Automotive, SMART Mechanic Sydney, and co-founded The Garage Network, a community of almost 6,000 technicians and workshop owners.

Kosta is passionate about lifting capability across the industry through better training, stronger communication, and genuine support. We explore what leadership looks like in the trades today, the mindset shifts the industry needs, and the practical tools he uses to build high-performing teams and empower people to take ownership on the workshop floor.

If you’re leading a team, mentoring apprentices, or stepping into business ownership, this conversation is full of practical insights you can put to work straight away.

New episodes drop every fortnight. Follow Tradies Who Lead on socials for exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming guests and more!

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead

If you want to connect with Kosta, you can reach him via:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosta-kantilaftis-bbb870204/

Website: https://dulwichhillautomotive.com.au/

The Garage Network: https://www.thegaragenetwork.com.au/

In this episode of Tradies Who Lead, we’re joined by Cam and Matt, brothers-in-law turned business partners and the founders of Limitless Build. What began as a small carpentry business built on quality and word of mouth has grown into a full-service building company specialising in home extensions, along with its sister brand, Melbourne Decks and Pergolas.We dive into what leadership really looks like after a decade in business, how they built systems on the go without ever working in an office, and the role family and visibility play in how they run their team. Cam and Matt share their biggest lessons from transitioning off the tools, the mistakes that shaped them, and their top tips for tradies wanting to step into running a trade business.If you're working in a team, growing a trade business, or trying to balance work and family without burning out, this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss.Hit ‘subscribe’ to stay in the loop with new episodes, leadership tips, and stories from across the trade industry.Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholeadTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholeadYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholeadIf you want to connect with Cam and Matt, you can reach them via:Websites – www.limitlessbuild.com.au OR www.melbournedecksandpergolas.com.auFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/limitlessbuildInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/limitlessbuild/Linked In – www.linkedin.com/in/limitless-build-724447347

We’re wrapping up Season 1 with a legend of Australian business — Jim Penman, the founder and CEO of Jim’s Group.

What began as a one-man mowing business has grown into a network of more than 5,600 franchisees across 50+ divisions and a brand every Australian knows. But behind the success is a leader driven by purpose, people, and community.

We explore what leadership means to Jim, how he stays personally connected to every franchisee’s success, and why genuine care and mentorship are at the heart of great business. Jim shares the mindset needed to lead at scale, the lessons he’s learned from mistakes along the way, and the power of building a culture grounded in values.

He also gives us a glimpse into his book, No Other Success, and the research that fuels his passion for social change and people-first leadership.

And that’s a wrap for Season 1 of Tradies Who Lead!

Thanks for tuning in and backing leadership in the trades. If you’ve found value in these conversations, keep the momentum going: follow us on socials for more leadership tips and insights until we’re back with Season 2 in 2026.

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead

If you have an everyday leadership story to share or want to be featured on Tradies Who Lead, submit your expression of interest via the website – we'd love to hear from you!

If you want to connect with Jim, you can reach him online or on socials at:

Website: https://jims.net/ OR http://www.jimpenman.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejimpenman/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thejimpenman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejimpenman

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejimpenman

In this episode of Tradies Who Lead, we’re joined by Adam Hall, Managing Director and Co-Founder of AH Fencing, one of Australia’s fastest-growing commercial security fencing companies. From a small start-up to a multi-state operation, Adam has built a business driven by culture, excellence, and innovation.

We explore what leadership looks like on a day-to-day basis, how to empower your team to make decisions without needing your approval, and practical strategies for mentoring and coaching tradespeople into leadership roles. Adam also shares the strategies he uses to maintain his own leadership skills and the top skills every great leader in the trade industry needs.

If you’ve ever wanted to build a culture of empowered leadership onsite, level up your own leadership, or understand how leadership can solve skill and efficiency challenges in your business, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Don’t miss out! There’s one more episode this season, and you don’t want to miss our final guest. Follow Tradies Who Lead on socials for exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming guests and more!

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead

If you have an everyday leadership story to share or want to be featured on Tradies Who Lead, submit your expression of interest via the website – we'd love to hear from you!

If you want to connect with Adam, you can reach him at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the_adamhall

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_adamhall

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hall-ahfencing/

In this episode, we’re joined by a legend in the building sector, Mick Hawes. As the host of The Toolshed Podcast and founder of Builders Business Blackbelt, Mick has spent years coaching and mentoring builders to transform their businesses from stressful, time-consuming operations intoprofitable and fulfilling enterprises.

We explore what leadership truly means, the blind spots that hold many builders back, and the leadership habits that make or break a team. Mick also offers practical advice for tradies who want to step into mentoring or leadership roles and reveals the most surprising lessons he has learned along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered how to level up your leadership skills onsite, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Don’t miss out! New episodes drop every fortnight. Follow Tradies Who Lead on socials for exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming guests and more!

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead

If you have an everyday leadership story to share or want to be featured on Tradies Who Lead, submit your expression of interest via the website – we'd love to hear from you!

If you want to connect with Mick Hawes, you can reach him on social and via his website:

Website: https://buildersbusinessblackbelt.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhawes/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/builders_business_blackbelt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buildersbusinessblackbelt/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mick.hawes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast

You don’t need a title to lead. You just need to take more responsibility.

In this episode of Tradies Who Lead, I catch up with Leon Simmons, a 4th-year electrical apprentice in Melbourne who made the bold decision to leave job security and high pay behind to pursue a new career on the tools.

Leon shares how he uses social media to document his journey as a mature-aged apprentice, and what started as sharing tools and tips turned into community building with other tradies. We discuss what great mentoring looks like onsite, how to lead without formal authority, and why responsibility is a mindset, not a title or rank.

If you’ve ever wondered how to show up as a leader, even as an apprentice, this chat is for you!

New episodes are released fortnightly. Follow Tradies Who Lead on socials for exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming guests and more.

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead

If you have an everyday leadership story to share or want to be featured on Tradies Who Lead, submit your expression of interest via the website – we'd love to hear from you!

If you want to connect with Leon, you can follow him on Instagram at @sparky_simmons OR https://www.instagram.com/sparky_simmons

In this episode of Tradies Who Lead, we’re joined by Harry Murtough, editor of The Tradie magazine—a trusted voice in the industry for over 20 years. From apprentices to small business owners, The Tradie reaches those on the tools, sharing insights, wins, and the real challenges tradies face every day.

Harry takes us behind the scenes of what it means to lead as a storyteller and reflects on how self-awareness and wisdom play a role in the way we show up for others. We also dive into the importance of sharing knowledge, building community, and the people challenges Harry hears most from the ground level.

If you’re passionate about leadership, storytelling, or being part of a stronger trade culture, this one’s for you.

New episodes drop fortnightly. Don’t forget to follow Tradies Who Lead and never miss an episode.

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead

If you have an everyday leadership story to share or want to be featured on Tradies Who Lead, submit your expression of interest via the website – we'd love to hear from you!

Use the code CONVERGE50 to get a discount on your ticket to the Major Projects Stage for the Converge Expo on the 17th to 18th of September.

If you want to connect with Harry, you can reach him via LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-murtough-b582a5124/

If you want to check out Tradie Magazine, you can visit the website or follow them on socials:

Website: https://www.tradiemagazine.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/TheTradieMagazine/

Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thetradiettt/

What’s the difference between managing and leading — and why does it matter on a job site?

In this episode of Tradies Who Lead, Dave Malone from SMD Projects shares the leadership lessons he’s learned across two decades in the construction industry. From owning your mistakes to communicating clearly under pressure, Dave unpacks what it takes to build trust and lead a high-performing team.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of keeping a crew on track while also trying to grow your business, this one’s for you. Expect honest insights, practical takeaways, and a reminder that great leaders never stop learning.

If you aspire to bring the best out of others, this episode is for you.

Don’t miss out! New episodes drop every fortnight. Follow Tradies Who Lead on socials for exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming guests and more!

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead

If you have an everyday leadership story to share or want to be featured on Tradies Who Lead, submit your expression of interest via the website – we'd love to hear from you!

If you want to connect with @SMD_Projects on Instagram, @smd.projects on TikTok or their website at https://www.smdprojects.com.au/