Future Fit Leadership

Guide Your Light
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Welcome to Future Fit Leadership a podcast for emerging and experienced leaders to learn, grow and become future fit!  There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic.  In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth.  No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry.  Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives. Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au  Or connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/ 

  1. The Thinking Recession: Is AI Creating Better Productivity or Worse Leaders? | Penny Locaso

    2d ago

    The Thinking Recession: Is AI Creating Better Productivity or Worse Leaders? | Penny Locaso

    Is AI making us more productive... or quietly making us worse leaders? As artificial intelligence transforms the way we work, most of the conversation has focused on efficiency. But what if we're asking the wrong question? In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with behavioural scientist, leadership researcher and author Penny Locaso to explore one of the biggest leadership challenges of our time: how do we remain deeply human in a world that's becoming increasingly automated? Drawing on her latest research, The Compassion Advantage, Penny shares why leadership capability is becoming the greatest constraint on organisational performance, why trust is replacing authority as the new source of influence, and how relentless pace is quietly eroding our ability to think clearly, make sound decisions and lead with care. Together, we unpack the concept of the "thinking recession", the hidden risks of outsourcing judgement to AI, and why leaders must be careful not to trade wisdom for speed. The conversation also explores why compassion is not a soft skill but a strategic capability, how purpose helps leaders navigate complexity, and what organisations need to change if they want leadership to thrive in an AI-shaped future. This is a conversation about more than technology. It's about the choices we make every day, the behaviours we reward, and the kind of leaders we're becoming. If you've ever wondered whether we're moving too fast to think, too busy to connect, or too quick to let technology make decisions that require human judgement, this episode is for you. Please enjoy this conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  2. Leading Across Borders: Why Difference is a Leadership Advantage with Ritu Mehrish

    Jun 28

    Leading Across Borders: Why Difference is a Leadership Advantage with Ritu Mehrish

    We've all experienced times in our careers when we've felt stuck. From the outside everything appears to be going well. The results are there, the goals are being achieved, but internally something has changed. The energy has faded, the excitement has disappeared, and you begin to wonder if you've lost the spark that once drove you. In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I'm joined by executive coach, keynote speaker and author Ritu G. Mehrish to explore a challenge that affects far more leaders than we openly acknowledge - Leader's Block. After more than 20 years leading global teams across five continents, Ritu found herself in exactly that position. Her performance metrics were strong, but she knew she wasn't leading at her best. What she discovered was that when a leader loses their spark, the impact doesn't stop with them. It ripples through their team, their culture and ultimately their organisation. Together we explore what Leader's Block really is, why so many high-performing leaders struggle in silence, and why asking for help may be one of the strongest leadership skills we can develop. We also discuss navigating the critical first 90 days in a new leadership role, building self-awareness, leading through constant disruption, and the unique experiences of women leaders across Asia. I hope this conversation reminds you that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about having the courage to recognise when something isn't working, to reflect honestly, and to keep growing. Because the future won't be led by perfect leaders. It will be led by leaders who are willing to be human. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min
  3. The 2030 Leader: Why Resilience is Your Most Vital Skill with Russell Harvey

    Jun 21

    The 2030 Leader: Why Resilience is Your Most Vital Skill with Russell Harvey

    What does resilience really look like in a world that never seems to slow down? In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with resilience coach, speaker and facilitator Russell Harvey to explore one of the most important leadership capabilities of the decade. As workplaces face rapid technological change, shifting expectations and growing levels of uncertainty, resilience has moved well beyond being a personal wellbeing concept. It is becoming a critical leadership skill. But according to Russell, resilience is not about pushing harder, bouncing back, or pretending everything is fine. It is about learning how to adapt, grow and move forward through challenge. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in leadership development and organisational change, Russell shares the lessons that shaped his own journey and the insights he has gained from working with leaders across a wide range of industries. Together, they discuss why resilience matters more than ever, the common misconceptions leaders have about it, and the practical habits that help individuals and teams thrive under pressure. The conversation explores the cost of constant change, the importance of self-awareness, the relationship between resilience and leadership, and why the future will belong to those who can remain adaptable, curious and grounded in uncertain times. Whether you are leading a team, navigating change, or simply trying to stay ahead of an increasingly complex world, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on what it takes to build resilience that lasts.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  4. Hugo Toovey: Turning a Cancer Journey into a Movement

    Jun 14

    Hugo Toovey: Turning a Cancer Journey into a Movement

    At 21 years of age, Hugo Toovey discovered a small lump. Like many young men, he ignored it. What followed was a life-changing cancer diagnosis, months of chemotherapy, major surgery, and a lesson that would ultimately shape the rest of his life: never ignore the signs when something doesn't feel right. In this powerful Men's Health Week conversation, Hugo shares his journey through not one but two cancer diagnoses before the age of 30, the physical and emotional toll of treatment, and the challenges of rebuilding his life after years of surgeries and recovery. But this episode is about far more than cancer. Hugo speaks openly about the impact serious illness had on his mental health, the pressure many men feel to appear strong when they are struggling, and the turning point that taught him the importance of asking for help. Today, Hugo is the founder of 25 Stay Alive, a charity dedicated to changing the way young Australians think about their health. His mission is simple: encourage people to take ownership of their wellbeing earlier in life, advocate for themselves when something doesn't feel right, and understand that the choices we make today shape our health decades into the future. In this episode we discuss: • Why early detection saves lives• Learning to trust your instincts and advocate for your own health• The hidden mental health impact of serious illness• Resilience, recovery and finding purpose through adversity• The mission behind 25 Stay Alive and why "25 is the new 50" This is an honest, courageous and deeply human conversation about health, resilience, and making the most of the life we're given. Link to 25 Stay Alive - https://www.25stayalive.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    58 min
  5. The Physical Toll of a Toxic Workplace with Jane Phipps

    Jun 7

    The Physical Toll of a Toxic Workplace with Jane Phipps

    What happens when the workplace that is meant to support you becomes the very thing that breaks you? In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Jane Phipps, author of The Heart-Centered Leader, to explore a topic that affects more people than we often realise: toxic workplace cultures and the lasting impact they can have on our wellbeing, confidence, and sense of self. Drawing on her own experiences of workplace bullying, narcissistic leadership, and growing up in an environment shaped by control and fear, Jane shares how those experiences influenced her leadership philosophy and ultimately led her to a very different way of leading. Together, we discuss psychological safety, emotional intelligence, accountability without fear, and why trust remains one of the most important foundations of leadership. Jane also shares the moment her body told her something was wrong before her mind was ready to acknowledge it, and how that experience changed the way she views work, leadership, and personal responsibility. We explore why many people stay in unhealthy workplaces longer than they should, the hidden cost this can have on women, carers, and those who cannot simply walk away, and what leaders can do to create environments where people feel safe to contribute, challenge ideas, and bring their whole selves to work. This is an honest conversation about courage, recovery, self-awareness, and the kind of leadership the future requires. One built not on control, but on trust, kindness, and humanity. Guest: Jane Phipps Book: The Heart-Centered Leader: Transformation and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse to Self-Empowerment See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min
  6. Moving From Execution to Creation Is The New Leadership Role : with Matt Hart

    May 31

    Moving From Execution to Creation Is The New Leadership Role : with Matt Hart

    Leaders as Creators, Not Controllers In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Matt Hart, founder of Better Ideas Faster, innovation strategist, and creative thinker who has worked with some of the world's most recognised brands across media, technology, education, and entertainment. At the heart of this conversation is a challenge to the way many of us think about leadership. For years, leadership has been built around expertise, experience, and control. But as AI takes over more of the knowledge-based work, Matt argues that the leaders who thrive will be those who can create, not just direct. We explore why creativity is no longer a skill reserved for artists, designers, or marketers. It is a human capability that exists in all of us. The challenge is that many of us have stopped trusting it, using it, or even recognising it in ourselves. Matt shares why curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and resilience are becoming the defining capabilities of future-fit leaders, how organisations unintentionally suppress creative thinking, and what leaders can do to create environments where people feel confident contributing ideas and solving problems together. We also discuss the opportunities and risks of AI, the importance of maintaining critical thinking in an age of cognitive offloading, what younger generations are teaching us about identity and work, and why leadership today requires far more range than it did a decade ago. This is a conversation about human potential, the future of work, and why reconnecting with our creativity may be one of the most important leadership skills of the next decade. If you've ever wondered how to unlock better thinking, stronger cultures, and more innovative teams, this conversation is for you. Bought to you with Saxton Speakers  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    55 min
  7. The $3.5 Trillion Handover - Leadership, Legacy and Letting Go with Kirsten Taylor Martin

    May 24

    The $3.5 Trillion Handover - Leadership, Legacy and Letting Go with Kirsten Taylor Martin

    In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Kirsten Taylor Martin from Grant Thornton to unpack one of the biggest leadership and economic shifts facing Australian business today. Over the next 20 years, more than $3.5 trillion is expected to transition from one generation to the next in family businesses. But as Kirsten explains, succession is not just a financial process. It’s emotional, deeply personal, and far more complex than many families expect. We discuss why succession planning has become the number one challenge facing family businesses, the growing tension between incumbent leaders and the rising generation, and why many experienced successors are still waiting well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond to take over leadership. Kirsten shares insights from Grant Thornton’s 2025 Family Business Survey, including the clash in priorities between generations. While founders are focused on business performance, economic pressure, and protecting what they’ve built, the next generation is increasingly focused on family relationships, communication, and creating a future that works for everyone involved. We also explore why retirement feels so confronting for many founders, the emotional weight of stepping away from a business that has shaped their identity, and the risks that emerge when families avoid difficult conversations for too long. This is a practical and human conversation about leadership transition, legacy, governance, and the future of family business in Australia. If you lead a family business, work in one, or expect to inherit one someday, this conversation will give you a clearer understanding of what’s at stake, and why starting early matters more than ever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
  8. Aisle 10 at Bunnings - The Day Everything Changed for Mark Jones

    May 17

    Aisle 10 at Bunnings - The Day Everything Changed for Mark Jones

    Mark Jones shares the moment his life changed in Aisle 10 at Bunnings. What started as a routine weekend errand quickly became a frightening wake-up call. A panic attack brought on by years of pressure, stress, exhaustion, and a belief that he simply had to keep going. But this conversation is about much more than burnout. Mark opens up about the signs he ignored, the internal pressure so many leaders carry, and the dangerous stories we tell ourselves when we are under stress. Stories like “I can’t stop,” “I have to hold it together,” and “people are relying on me.” Together, we explore why high-performing leaders often miss the warning signs until their body forces them to pay attention. We also unpack the practical side of recovery and resilience. From sleep, exercise, and discipline through to the power of self-talk, identity, and rewriting the inner narrative that shapes how we lead and live. Mark also shares insights from his book The Story Code for Leaders, including his “mirror moment” exercise and the four-step framework he developed after his own breakdown. This is an honest and deeply human conversation about leadership, mental health, pressure, self-awareness, and what it really takes to sustain yourself in demanding roles. If you have ever felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or trapped in the cycle of “just keep going,” this conversation will resonate. https://www.markjones.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    51 min
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About

Welcome to Future Fit Leadership a podcast for emerging and experienced leaders to learn, grow and become future fit!  There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic.  In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth.  No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry.  Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives. Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au  Or connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/ 

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