Empowering Leaders

Aleda
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Empowering Leaders

In this series, Luke Darcy is joined by iconic leaders to unpack learnings and life lessons from these game changers in their chosen field, whether it’s sports, art, business or education. We’ll break down the fundamentals of the new style of leadership, such as collaboration, integrity and innovation, through the stories of these iconic leaders.

  1. Yasmin Poole: How to Speak Up - Even When It’s Hard

    21 HRS AGO

    Yasmin Poole: How to Speak Up - Even When It’s Hard

    From busking in a bushfire-prone town in country Victoria to speaking on international stages like the UN, APEC and G20, Yasmin Poole has become one of Australia’s most compelling young voices for justice, inclusion, and systemic change. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with the award-winning speaker, writer, advocate and Rhodes Scholar for a wide-ranging conversation. Yasmin opens up about her upbringing in regional Victoria, how her mother’s experiences as a Muslim woman in post-9/11 Australia shaped her worldview, and the challenges that have forged her sense of identity and justice. Luke and Yasmin unpack the mental load of advocacy, the power of bringing your whole self into leadership, and how anyone can move from apathy to agency when they have integrity, self-awareness, and, most importantly, the courage to refuse to stay silent. For people who want to be seen - not just in the room, but at the actual table - Yasmin knows more than anyone about how to get there through the power of speaking up and making a difference, even when it's hard or inconvenient for others to hear. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  2. Mike Hussey: How to Lead When the Heat Is On

    8 JULY

    Mike Hussey: How to Lead When the Heat Is On

    What does it take to stay calm under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and lead with humility? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Mike Hussey, Mr Cricket himself, for a conversation that goes far beyond the boundary line. Known for his resilience, consistency and quiet strength, Mike reflects on the long road to his debut for Australia, the mental demands of elite performance, and the routines that helped him thrive under pressure. Now a respected coach and commentator, he shares what he’s learned about leadership from his time in the IPL, the power of clear communication, and why values like respect, curiosity and humility matter more than ever. Mike embodies the kind of growth that comes from showing up, staying grounded, and never losing the love of the game. You’ll hear Luke reference his recent conversion with the incredible Dr Peter Rea - listen or re-listen here. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    56 min
  3. Aubrey Pleasant: The NFL Coach’s Emotional Intelligence Playbook

    1 JULY

    Aubrey Pleasant: The NFL Coach’s Emotional Intelligence Playbook

    Aubrey Pleasant has worked with some of the biggest names in the NFL, but it’s his emotional intelligence, presence and care for people that really set him apart.  In this conversation on Empowering Leaders with Luke Darcy, the NFL coach opens up about the path that shaped him: from the classroom to the locker room, from ancient wisdom to modern leadership. He shares why titles don’t mean a lot without trust, how listening transforms teams and how his background in teaching has informed his approach to coaching. Aubrey talks about the power of trust, the importance of listening and why knowing who you are matters more than any title. He also reflects on self-care, curiosity and how to build the kind of connection that brings out the best in a team. Producer’s note: After we stopped recording, Aubrey told us he nearly cried listening to Luke reading his introduction. It was one of those quiet moments that stays with you - another glimpse into his humility and heart. He called it a good reminder to stop and smell the roses... to really stop take in the good, while it’s right in front of you. Just thought you'd like to know... Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
  4. Brad Harrison: A Warrior’s Take on AI, Ayahuasca, and the Future of Defence

    24 JUNE

    Brad Harrison: A Warrior’s Take on AI, Ayahuasca, and the Future of Defence

    Brad Harrison is not your typical venture capitalist. A decorated US Army Airborne Ranger and West Point graduate turned founder of Scout Ventures, Brad now sits at the cutting edge of national security, investing in the technologies shaping our future—AI, space, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems. But beyond the battlefield and boardroom, Brad’s leadership journey is just as much about inner work as outer impact. In this episode, he opens up about his shift from combat missions to meditation, from elite operations to yoga retreats. Brad shares how practices like breathwork, biohacking, and self-reflection help him stay grounded while navigating high-stakes innovation. He unpacks the delicate balance between military deterrence and peacekeeping, and why technologies like AI and autonomy, when guided by ethical, empathetic leadership, can be forces for good. With a deep emphasis on authenticity, self-improvement, and community, Brad offers a unique perspective on what it takes to lead. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    56 min
  5. Julian Treasure: The Real Power Move? Saying Less, Listening Better

    17 JUNE

    Julian Treasure: The Real Power Move? Saying Less, Listening Better

    What if the most powerful tool in leadership isn’t what you say — but how you listen? Julian Treasure’s TED Talk “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen” has been viewed more than 50 million times, making it the 6th most-watched TED Talk of all time. Why? Because in a noisy, distracted world, the ability to speak with purpose AND listen with intention has never been more valuable. In conversation with Luke, Julian explores the profound connection between sound, consciousness, and leadership. He reveals how noise affects our health, why silence is completely underrated and underutilised, and how developing strong communication habits   can radically transform how we lead and relate to others. Julian breaks down his famous seven deadly sins of speaking, shares the four C’s of effective listening, and introduces The Listening Society — his passion project aimed at rewiring the way we communicate in education, business, and everyday life. This episode is guaranteed to help you lead with more clarity, speak with more purpose, and truly connect with others.  Find out more about Julian’s The Listening Society and free one-week trial membership here. Listen to Julian’s TED Talk on Listening: 5 ways to listen better You’ll hear Luke mention Dr. Peter Rea’s incredible episode: Ask Your Kids This Instead - The 3 Questions That Cut Anxiety and Build Character  Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    52 min
  6. Dr. Peter Rea: Ask Your Kids This Instead - The 3 Questions That Cut Anxiety & Build Character

    10 JUNE

    Dr. Peter Rea: Ask Your Kids This Instead - The 3 Questions That Cut Anxiety & Build Character

    What if being a better human is the most underrated performance tool of all? In this episode, leadership expert and author Dr. Peter Rea joins Luke Darcy to explore why character - not talent - is the real game-changer in leadership, teamwork, and parenting. Drawing from years of teaching and research, Peter breaks down how timeless virtues like courage, humility, and forgiveness can transform the way we lead, live, and raise the next generation. Peter shares the three incredibly potent questions every parent should ask their kids after school and he beautifully distills decades of research into simple mindset shifts with profound ripple effects like boosting performance, lowering anxiety, and building resilience.  Packed with timeless wisdom and practical takeaways, and insight after insight - you'll find yourself coming back to this episode again and again for fresh perspective and motivation. We know you are going to love this conversation about leading with heart, building strong relationships, and embracing the messy, human side of growth. *** You’ll hear Luke reference a recent episode with Dr. Pippa Grange. If you haven’t listened to it yet, you should! Check it out here. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here or visit Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    55 min
  7. Bec Daniher: Why Action Speaks Loudest — $115M and Counting

    3 JUNE

    Bec Daniher: Why Action Speaks Loudest — $115M and Counting

    In this powerful episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Bec Daniher, Executive Director of Fight MND and daughter of AFL legend Neale Daniher. Recorded and released just days ahead of Big Freeze 11 on June 9, this conversation explores Bec’s personal and professional journey as she leads the fight against one of the world’s most brutal diseases — motor neurone disease (MND, better known in the USA as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). Bec reflects on the emotional toll of her father's ongoing battle with MND since 2013, and champions his enduring message: action over words. With over $115 million raised to date, Fight MND continues to drive vital research and awareness. Bec shares how humor, community, and collaboration fuel their mission and why she believes true leadership is about creating a better future for others. To get involved and learn more about ways to donate head to FightMND here. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  8. Dr. Ben Hamer: AI + Gen Z = the End of Business as Usual

    27 MAY

    Dr. Ben Hamer: AI + Gen Z = the End of Business as Usual

    In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke is joined by Dr. Ben Hamer, a leading sociologist and futurist, to explore the seismic changes redefining work, leadership, and life in the 21st century. Ben discusses the evolving role of AI and predicts a future where autonomous agents play a key part in our daily lives. He also outlines the critical skills leaders must now cultivate—especially AI literacy, emotional intelligence, and above all, curiosity. The conversation touches on how younger generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reshaping workplace expectations with their demand for authenticity, connection, and purpose. Ben also explores our negativity bias and how it impacts the way we tend to perceive the future, and why that means embracing optimism and adaptability is more important than ever. Ben draws insights from his experience in sport, leadership, and academia to make a compelling case for collaboration, lifelong learning, and the importance of balancing personal well-being with professional impact in this age of exponential change. Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
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4.6
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About

In this series, Luke Darcy is joined by iconic leaders to unpack learnings and life lessons from these game changers in their chosen field, whether it’s sports, art, business or education. We’ll break down the fundamentals of the new style of leadership, such as collaboration, integrity and innovation, through the stories of these iconic leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    Aleda
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    202
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Aleda
  • Show Website
    Empowering Leaders

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