024: With You, With Me – Leadership with Tom Larter

Leadership is an ever-evolving concept that shapes the world we live in. It is a force that drives progress, inspires change, and empowers individuals and communities to achieve extraordinary feats. In leadership, there is a crucial element that often goes unnoticed but holds tremendous power—the power of collective collaboration.

In this episode of Frontline to Boardroom, I chat with Tom Larter, a former Captain in the Australian Army. Tom had a distinguished 13-year military career before he transitioned to the private sector and became one of the early leaders at WithYouWithMe, one of Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing tech companies.

Tom shares his insights on the importance of collective collaboration in leadership and how it has shaped his experiences both in the military and the private sector. He also shares the importance of data in making informed decisions and driving organisational success.

What truly resonated with me during our conversation was the valuable insight into our daily leadership challenges. It reminded me of the importance of pausing and reflecting briefly before leaping into action. This seemingly simple yet powerful habit can give us a fresh perspective and enhance our decision-making process.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Joining the Australian Army - what made Tom do it? (01:48)
• Tom’s dad - his leadership hero? (02:50)
• Is military training as effective as it should be? (04:30)
• Tom’s Leadership lessons deployed in Afghanistan (06:43)
• How to help others step up and to find their courage (08:18)
• Knowing your people and their capabilities (10:42)
• The importance of lived experience in the workplace (14:09)
• The transition from full-time service to full-time work (17:35)
• Networking - its role in finding a new or real purpose (20:38)
• One thing the military did not teach Tom (22:32)
• How the COVID-19 pandemic has changed business leaders (24:40)
• How to increase retention rate as a business owner (26:30)
• Data-led employment - what is it and how it can help you (28:58)
• Tom’s advice to people planning to take leadership roles (31:40)
• Top three keys to Tom’s personal success (34:48)
• Rapid-fire questions with Tom Larter (36:32)

Quotes

“You need to trust the people to get on with the job knowing that they've got the training, the ability, and the capability.” - Martin Brooker

“Keep your eye on things, but don’t make them feel like you're controlling every move.” -Tom Larter

“The power isn't in thinking critically and making the right decision. It's in constantly making decisions and moving forward.” -Tom Larter

“The real value in networking is not finding out what people do. It's asking them why they do it.” -Tom Larter

“Retention is about empowering people to reach their potential in the workforce.” -Tom Larter

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Leadership and Self Deception by The Arbinger Institute
  
  

WHERE TO FIND TOM LARTER

• Check out Tom’s company website. 
• Connect with Tom on LinkedIn.

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW THE FRONTLINE TO BOARDROOM PODCAST 

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Frontline To Boardroom podcast. If the information in any of our conversations and interviews has helped you in your business journey, please head over to Apple Podcasts, click the 3 dots in the top right corner of your smartphone screen, follow the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver valuable content but will also help us reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

Guest Bio & headshot

Tom Larter is a seasoned business leader with a passion for driving technological innovation and social impact across global markets.

A former Captain in the Australian Army, Tom had a distinguished 13-year military career, including serving in Afghanistan. In 2017, he transitioned to the private sector and became one of the early leaders at WithYouWithMe, one of the Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing tech companies.