Michelle Loader is the Managing Director of Future Leadership — an organisation shaping the future of board and executive capability in Australia. In this Spotlight episode, Michelle shares the three traits she believes are essential for future-fit leaders, the underestimated risks and opportunities of AI, and why empathy is now a business-critical skill. It’s a grounded and insightful conversation about what it takes to lead with humanity, clarity, and courage in a fast-changing world. 🎧 Part ...
Jul 13, 2025•7 min•Season 9Ep. 8
In this episode of our Future Fit Leadership Spotlight series, futurist and workforce expert Ben Hamer shares what it takes to lead in a rapidly changing world. From the underestimated power of curiosity to the rise of Gen Z in the workforce, Ben challenges outdated assumptions and urges leaders to prioritise adaptability, energy over time, and human connection. This short conversation is packed with forward-thinking insights—from managing energy instead of hours, to rethinking what younger gene...
Jul 06, 2025•11 min•Season 9Ep. 7
What if leadership wasn’t about being the loudest in the room — but the most human? In this episode, Penny Locaso, behavioural scientist and founder of the Impact Makers movement, shares a bold vision for the future of leadership — one built on compassion, long-term thinking, and women leading unapologetically on their own terms. Penny challenges traditional leadership models and explains why the next era of leaders must stop asking for permission and start defining success by impact, not ego. I...
Jun 29, 2025•10 min•Season 9Ep. 6
What if the best leaders of the future aren’t the ones with all the answers — but the ones who ask better questions? In this episode of our Future Fit Spotlight series, trusted advisor and business strategist Michelle Broadbent reflects on the leadership qualities we’ll need most in the decade ahead: adaptability, empathy, and a clear, distraction-proof strategy. Michelle shares why we must shift from being the “expert in the room” to the enabler of others, and why redefining success — away from...
Jun 22, 2025•8 min•Season 9Ep. 5
In a world where change is accelerating faster than ever, what does it take to lead with clarity and courage? Urban futurist and co-founder of Neighbourlytics, Lucinda Hartley, joins the Future Fit Leadership Spotlight to explore why curiosity, flexibility, and authenticity will define tomorrow’s leaders. She shares how speed is reshaping leadership, why perfection is holding us back, and what it means to lead with momentum — even when we don’t have all the answers. If you’ve ever felt overwhelm...
Jun 15, 2025•9 min•Season 9Ep. 4
What happens when our technology evolves faster than we do? In this episode, strategic advisor and ethical business advocate Elliott Dellys reflects on the future of leadership in a rapidly changing world. Elliott shares why visionary thinking, resilience, and empathy aren’t just desirable leadership traits — they’re essential for navigating misinformation, rebuilding trust, and leading with purpose in an age of disruption. He also unpacks the role of adaptability, ethical business, and creating...
Jun 08, 2025•12 min•Season 9Ep. 3
In this episode of our Future Fit Leadership Spotlight series, we hear from Dr Marianne Broadbent , global executive advisor, board director, and leadership educator. Marianne shares what it means to lead with a growth mindset , why we must become more comfortable with ambiguity , and how the rapid rise of geopolitical disruption is catching many leaders off guard. She also reflects on the power of calm leadership , the importance of staying curious , and why taking accountability with empathy w...
Jun 01, 2025•10 min•Season 9Ep. 2
What does it really take to lead in a way that inspires trust, creativity, and collaboration? In this episode of our Future Fit Spotlight series, award-winning leadership and mindset specialist Tanja Lee shares why coherence—being in balance emotionally, mentally, and physically—is the essential leadership quality for the decade ahead. From the neuroscience of stress to creating cultures of innovation, Tanja offers powerful insights on how leaders can shift out of survival mode and into sustaina...
May 25, 2025•14 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Right now, 735 million people face hunger and one in three of the world’s population is malnourished. But the global food crisis is the ‘elephant in the room’ - too often ignored in political discussions and in the media. It's a climate crisis, a conflict crisis, and a cost-of-living crisis: it demands a massive and joined-up global response that is currently lacking. In a bid to meet the UN’s second Sustainable Development Goal ( SDG2 ) of zero hunger by 2030, one campaign is asking you to eat ...
May 18, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Karen Maher, an expert in workplace safety and culture, discusses the critical importance of building safe and inclusive workplaces. Maher shares her background, having experienced workplace harassment and bullying early in her career, which motivated her to specialise in this field. Maher emphasises that the impact of poor workplace behaviors, such as bullying and harassment, can be devastating, both for the individuals directly affected as well as the broader organization. She highlights commo...
May 11, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 7
In this episode of Future Fit Leadership , we welcome David Knoff , Antarctic station leader and author of 537 Days of Winter . David’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and the sheer mental fortitude required to lead a team through unprecedented isolation and extreme conditions. From managing resources and morale to navigating the mental toll of Antarctica's harsh environment—compounded by an unexpected pandemic lockdown—David shares powerful insights on crisis leadership and what it ...
May 05, 2025•56 min•Season 7Ep. 2
In this episode of Future Fit Leadership , I sit down with Elliott Dellys — founder and CEO of Phronesis , Australia’s first B Corp-certified cybersecurity firm. A former intelligence officer turned entrepreneur, Elliott is leading a very different kind of security conversation — one grounded not just in technology, but in ethics, leadership, and culture . Elliott believes cybersecurity is ultimately a people problem — and that the biggest risks we face aren’t just digital, they’re deeply human....
Apr 27, 2025•45 min•Season 8Ep. 10
What if your brand had a signature scent that made clients feel exactly what you wanted them to feel — trust, luxury, energy, nostalgia? In this episode of Future Fit Leadership , I sit down with doctors-turned-entrepreneurs Suji and Jeeva, co-founders of BrandScent , the game-changing business behind some of Australia’s most memorable branded fragrances. From maternity leave side hustle to Shark Tank and scent tech innovation, their journey blends science, storytelling, and serious startup grit...
Apr 14, 2025•42 min•Season 8Ep. 9
Sami Makelainen is a global tech expert who’s worked across Finland, North America, and Australia. With a background in computer science and a passion for understanding how technology shapes society, Sami brings a uniquely human perspective to some of the most complex conversations in tech today. In this conversation we discuss: The erosion of critical thinking in the age of AI Why we should treat AI like a brand-new intern, not a CEO Shadow AI, organisational risk, and how culture is being resh...
Mar 31, 2025•48 min•Season 8Ep. 8
In this episode of Future Fit Leadership , I sit down with Jodi Geddes – co-founder of Circle In, keynote speaker, and a passionate advocate for caregivers in the workplace. Jodi shares her remarkable journey of building (and selling) a global platform that supports working parents and caregivers across life stages – from parental leave to menopause and beyond. We talk about the reality of returning to work after children, what true empathy in leadership looks like, and how burnout can creep up ...
Mar 24, 2025•40 min•Season 8Ep. 7
What does it mean to decolonise the health system ? How do we shift from a system that wasn’t built for First Nations communities to one that recognises, respects, and integrates Indigenous knowledge and leadership ? In this episode of Future Fit Leadership , I sit down with Dr. Ngaree Blow , a proud First Nations woman and a leader in public health, medical education, and Indigenous health advocacy. We explore her journey into medicine, the challenges she faced as an Indigenous medical student,...
Mar 05, 2025•43 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Every year on International Women’s Day , we celebrate women’s achievements, we hear inspiring stories, and we applaud progress. But at our current pace, gender parity is still 130 years away —which begs the question: are we actually moving forward, or are we just talking about it? This year’s IWD theme is "Accelerate Action," and that’s exactly what we’re doing in this episode with Penny Locaso , whose latest research in her white paper Hidden Figures: Where Are All the Female Experts? exposes ...
Mar 04, 2025•36 min•Season 8Ep. 5
What makes you optimistic? It’s a question Victor Perton, founder of the Centre for Optimism, asks everyone he meets—and in this episode, he shares why infectious optimism is the key to great leadership, resilience, and joy. Optimistic leaders inspire confidence, drive innovation, and create cultures where people thrive. They see opportunities where others see obstacles and bring out the best in their teams, even in challenging times. From his family’s incredible refugee journey to shaping leade...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr•Season 8Ep. 4
Australia needs 1.2 million new homes by 2029 , but where will they go? And more importantly— who can afford them? In this episode of Future Fit Leadership , I sit down with Lucinda Hartley , urban designer and co-founder of Mondas , to unpack the biggest challenges and opportunities in housing today. From affordability struggles to alternative homeownership models , Lucinda shares practical solutions that could change the way Australians buy, rent, and invest in property. 🎙️ We discuss: 🏡 Why...
Feb 18, 2025•47 min•Season 8Ep. 3
🎙️ Welcome to Future Fit Leadership! AI is transforming the way we work, communicate, and lead—but are we using it effectively, or are we losing the human touch? In this episode, I sit down with Leanne Shelton , founder of Human Edge AI Training , to explore how leaders can embrace AI without sacrificing authenticity. From optimising communication to enhancing productivity , Leanne shares how to integrate AI into leadership while keeping the human element front and centre. If you're a leader na...
Feb 11, 2025•46 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Welcome to our first episode of Future Fit Leadership for 2025. Australia’s property market is constantly shifting—house prices, interest rates, global trends, and government policies all play a role. But what does it mean for you? In this episode we break down the latest data, analyse key market trends across every state, and discuss the impact of economic forces—(both local and global)—on property prices, affordability, and investment opportunities. Join us as we cut through the noise with exp...
Feb 04, 2025•31 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Thank you to all our guests for an awesome 2024, to our listeners for all your support. We look forward to sharing amazing guests with you in 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 19, 2024•6 min•Season 7Ep. 8
This week we are focusing on female entrepreneurs who may be feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in your business? Michelle Broadbent shares her remarkable journey from being the "woman behind the woman" in media startups to becoming a sought-after business coach. Discover practical insights on: Breaking through business growth barriers The importance of financial planning before launching Avoiding common partnership pitfalls Why taking breaks is crucial for business success Strategies for ...
Dec 09, 2024•39 min•Season 7Ep. 7
What happens when a family decides to turn plastic waste into stylish, sustainable eyewear? Meet Nik Robinson and his children, who are revolutionising recycling through their brand, Good Citizens. In this inspiring episode, Nik shares the incredible journey of transforming 600ml plastic bottles into high-quality sunglasses, while involving his entire family - including his kids - in the mission to "untrash the planet". Discover how a simple conversation with his children sparked a business that...
Dec 01, 2024•52 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Steve Vamos, former CEO of Xero and technology industry veteran, as he shares profound insights on leadership, change, and the human element of business. Drawing from his experiences at Apple, Microsoft, and 9MSN, Steve unpacks the critical importance of mindset, team alignment, and creating environments where people can truly excel. Discover: How focus and saying "no" can drive organizational success The power of a learning mindset in times of rapid tr...
Nov 25, 2024•51 min•Season 7Ep. 5
In this thought-provoking episode, Ben Tucker delves into the transformative power of leadership, informed by cutting-edge research from IMD, one of the world’s leading business schools. Drawing on IMD’s expertise in leadership, innovation, and organisational transformation, Ben highlights strategies for fostering collaboration, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership in dynamic environments. Discover how IMD’s groundbreaking studies shape modern leadership practices, enabling leaders to navig...
Nov 18, 2024•36 min•Season 7Ep. 4
Family businesses make up 70% of Australia’s economy, but only a small percentage survive past the third generation. In this episode of Future Fit Leadership , we sit down with Kirsten Taylor Martin, accredited family business advisor at Grant Thornton, to uncover what it takes to build lasting success in family-run enterprises. Kirsten shares insights on the critical areas of succession planning, family governance, and the rising generation’s role in wealth preservation. Kirsten shares key insi...
Nov 11, 2024•32 min•Season 7Ep. 4
In this episode, we’re excited to feature Matt Jones, the co-founder of Four Pillars Gin, a brand that has redefined the craft gin industry in Australia and beyond. Join us as we delve into Matt's journey from political advisor to brand strategist, exploring how storytelling and authentic leadership play crucial roles in building a globally recognized brand. Matt shares valuable insights on: The importance of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with customers How genuine leadership fost...
Nov 03, 2024•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 3
In this episode of Future Fit Leadership , we welcome David Knoff , Antarctic station leader and author of 537 Days of Winter . David’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and the sheer mental fortitude required to lead a team through unprecedented isolation and extreme conditions. From managing resources and morale to navigating the mental toll of Antarctica's harsh environment—compounded by an unexpected pandemic lockdown—David shares powerful insights on crisis leadership and what it ...
Oct 27, 2024•56 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 7. We kick off with Dylan Brady, visionary architect and founder of Decibel Architecture. Dylan shares his bold approach to leadership and innovation, guided by the core values of knowledge, radicalism, and play. In this episode, he discusses how pushing the boundaries of architectural design and embracing radical ideas is key to creating future-ready spaces. Learn how his firm specialises in projects that have never been done before, why storytelling is essential in leadership...
Oct 21, 2024•51 min•Season 7Ep. 1
