Subtle Disruptors

Adam Murray

Podcaster telling the stories of those who are quietly having an amazing positive impact on our world.

  1. Dennis Armfield: The gifts of our limiting beliefs - SD94

    12 NOV

    Dennis Armfield: The gifts of our limiting beliefs - SD94

    The moment is surreal on many levels. This week’s guest retired from AFL football soon after I started this podcast. As an avid Carlton supporter I had admired him from afar for, among other things, his whole-hearted approach to every contest in every game. I remember reading what he was saying was next for him after stepping away from football: to help other players with the journey he was now on, transitioning from being a professional athlete to something else. As a wannabe athlete, I had often wondered what that inflection point was like, and I wanted to have a chat with him about it immediately. I just didn't know how to do it. How would I get in contact with him? What would I even say? So now, 8 years later through a sequence of chance events, I find myself sitting at the cafe at Carlton's headquarters, surrounded by memorabilia and memories, chatting to that same footballer and one of my Carlton heroes, Dennis Armfield. In his own words, Dennis was a fringe player who had to work incredibly hard for every game. Without doubt this is one of the attributes the endeared him to all the fans of the club, and to his teammates as well. But his accolades extended beyond the field, being honoured with the Jim Styles Community Leadership Award in 2015 for the work he did with Odyssey House. It is with similar whole-heartedness and a desire to lift those around him that Dennis now works to pass on skills in resilience, culture and leadership; things he learnt as a player. He consults to organisations through The Elevation Company, and separately works to support the growth and connection of men through My Elevated Network. Generosity is the word that came to mind during this conversation with Dennis: generous to the fans in all he gave on the field; generous with his time for this interview with me; and generous through giving so much of himself through his work. If you enjoyed listening to Dennis you might also enjoy listening to: - Carmen Hawker on football and feminism - Jamin Heppell on bringing science to the art of innovation - Adrian Medhurst on tapping into story-telling for influence and connection Support the show through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/subtledisruptors/

    1h 16m
  2. Hoang Anh Cat: A tale of egg tarts, monkey magic & why girls don’t have to be bad at maths - SD93

    17 OCT

    Hoang Anh Cat: A tale of egg tarts, monkey magic & why girls don’t have to be bad at maths - SD93

    As we walked around Melbourne's Hoa Nghiem Buddhist Temple, I start to develop a new perspective for my friend, and this week's guest, Hoang Anh Cat. This is not a new thing for my relationship with Cat - it seems that every time I spend time with her I become aware of a new part of her. Whether it be about her time working on some amazing projects with the CSIRO. Or how she refuses to play the game of one-upping, or status-proving at start-up pitch nights. There is a unique depth and diversity to the life that she has led and leads. Underpinning it all is a quality of humility that is rare to come across. Not the type of humility that is self-servingly deprecating. Not the type that diminishes oneself in order to shy away from engagement. Nor the type that placates to the insecurities of others. Instead it is a type that is realistic about strengths, achievements and weaknesses alike. And one that inspires others while holding them to account for their own responsibility to use what they have to live their own values. There has no doubt been much Cat has overcome to find her self in the position she is in, and with the opportunities she now has. Some of these are revealed in this conversation, but a lot, I am sure, remain unrevealed. There will no doubt be new sides to Cat that I come to understand, and that I can't wait to get to know. Cat is vibrant, enthusiastic, insightful and generous in this conversation. And if you like this episode you may also enjoy listening to Desmond John, Garry Williams, Shree Rubinstein, Lina Patel, Penny Locasco. You can support the show through Patreon: www.patreon.com/subtledisruptors

    1h 42m
  3. Desmond John: The subtle disruption of appreciating local, historical, context - SD92

    5 SEPT

    Desmond John: The subtle disruption of appreciating local, historical, context - SD92

    I am blown away by the memory of this week's guest. Desmond John has an ability to recall stories about people and place that fills me with admiration. I find myself wondering how he does this. And my conversation with him gave me a few hints. We sat in one of his favourite places: a lounge area at The Commons co-working space in Melbourne's QV building. It overlooks the always active intersection of Bourke and La Trobe streets. As we sit I find an unexpected calmness watching people go about their day in the city. As I listen to Des, what comes through is his genuine curiosity and interest in people. He remembers all the details of the times we had spent together, even though they were close to 10 years ago. Details I have to admit I had forgotten. And his knowledge of the history of Melbourne and his ability to weave a story about them is wonderfully engaging. Although I am less of a city fan that I used to be, I wanted to hear more about this city we both grew up in and call home. One of the ways Des is bringing his knowledge of people and place together is in his important (although unofficial) role of being a key connector within Melbourne's start-up ecosystem. You can read more about the tours and events Des is part of by following him on https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmond-john This is the first episode back for the podcast after a long hiatus. I am grateful to Des for taking the step to be my first guest in some time. It was wonderful to be chatting to someone with such warmth. And it felt so good to be back doing this thing I enjoy so much. If you like this episode, you may also enjoy listening to Garry Williams and Shree Rubinstein, two other great connectors within Melbourne's start-up ecosystem. ----- Visit www.subtledisruptors.com for more about this podcast and services I offer. Visit www.patreon.com/subtledisruptors to support the show financially.

    54 min
4.8
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Podcaster telling the stories of those who are quietly having an amazing positive impact on our world.

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