Thriving Leaders Podcast

Claire Gray

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Hosted by Claire Gray, Leadership & Team Coach and Facilitator, this podcast is here to support you as a leader, no matter what your experience level, with bite-sized leadership learnings. Packed with practical tools, tips, actions and insights, that you can immediately apply, so you can lead confidently now.

2D AGO

Process Thinking: Rethinking Productivity and Remote Leadership

In a world where remote work and high-performance teams are no longer optional, how do leaders build trust, accountability and culture without control? I’m joined by Ryan Griffin, Managing Director of Chunky Duck (remote‑first digital agency), where empowerment, transparency and asynchronous communication aren’t just buzzwords, they are the backbone of a thriving team built for growth and adaptability. Ryan’s leadership approach champions process thinking, psychological safety, and outcomes-focused autonomy. This episode speaks directly to leaders that want to thrive across any geography or structure, without micromanagement. In this episode, we cover: – What process thinking really is and why it matters for remote teams – How psychological safety fuels trust, creativity and team performance – The remote-first model at Chunky Duck — and what leaders everywhere can learn about asynchronous communication, empowerment, and autonomy – How to move thinking from billable utilisation to effective utilisation and outcomes – Why marginal gains matter more than perfection, and how small cultural shifts compound into big impact – Practical ways leaders can build alignment, clarity of roles, and accountability frameworks – Where AI enhances internal workflows without replacing people or culture This episode crystalised for me the importance of designing culture intentionally, not accidentally. The way Ryan describes empowerment and autonomy isn’t abstract; it’s a strategic leadership lever that aligns closely with how organisations build leadership capability and high-trust cultures. Leaders who invest in psychological safety, clear process frameworks, and autonomy see not just performance gains, but sustainable engagement, ownership and innovation. Leading well means trusting people with clarity, not controlling every action. About Ryan Griffin Ryan Griffin is Managing Director of Chunky Duck — a fully remote Australian-owned digital agency specialising in strategy, creative and performance marketing services. Their approach emphasises independence, transparency, asynchronous communication and empowerment, showing how distributed teams can deliver exceptional results without office-centric structures. Link/s: Website: https://chunkyduck.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealchunkyduck/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffinryan/ If you lead teams, build culture, or support leaders, share this episode with someone shaping remote or hybrid work environments. Follow the Thriving Leaders Podcast for more insights on building psychologically safe, high-performing teams that thrive through trust, clarity and purpose. Visit thrivingculture.com.au to explore leadership development, team alignment programs, coaching and strategic culture design.

36 min
FEB 2

From Elevator Pitches to Origin Stories: Storytelling Tools Every Leader Needs

What if your leadership message could be clear, memorable, and deeply human—all in under 60 seconds?  In this episode, we’re joined by Erin O’Dwyer, award-winning journalist, narrative strategist, and founder of Good Prose Studio. With a career spanning major mastheads like The Guardian, Vogue, and Australian Geographic, Erin now works with leaders, founders and authors to shape stories that influence and inspire.  This conversation is a masterclass in practical storytelling for leaders. Erin breaks down what makes a great elevator pitch, why your origin story matters more than your resume, and how clear communication can elevate trust, credibility , and connection within your team.  Whether you’re speaking to a board, running a team meeting, or introducing yourself at a conference, this episode will help you articulate who you are, what you stand for, and why it matters.  In this episode, we cover:  – How to distil your elevator pitch into one post-it note  – The difference between storytelling and strategy (and why leaders need both)  – Why origin stories are powerful even when they feel “ordinary”  – The storytelling structures that help leaders communicate with impact  – Why clarity and simplicity should guide your communication style  – The risks of internal and external narrative misalignment  – How storytelling fosters trust, alignment, and performance  What stayed with me most was Erin’s belief that every leader has a story worth telling. And not just any story—but one that signals what you care about, what you stand for, and how you show up. When we share that story with clarity and courage, we build the kind of trust that teams thrive on.  Would love to hear what you go out of this podcast.

40 min
JAN 19

Leading Lasting Impact with Digby Scott

Ever feel like the pace of leadership is pulling you in a hundred directions, leaving no space to reflect or recharge? You're not alone. In this episode, I explore what it truly means to lead with presence, impact, and a sustainable rhythm that fuels both your purpose and your wellbeing—with the thoughtful and wise Digby Scott. Digby is a leadership coach, speaker, author, and host of the Dig Deeper Podcast. Known for his ability to create high-trust, deep-learning environments, he’s worked across sectors and continents, guiding leaders to grow with clarity, courage, and integrity. He’s also the author of Change Makers and Out There, and a passionate advocate for redesigning work and life around what matters most. In this energising and deeply reflective conversation, Digby and I unpack what it means to lead sustainably in a world that glorifies busyness. We explore how leaders can create space, stay grounded in their purpose, and build thriving teams by asking better questions and taking a systems view. This episode is a masterclass in shifting from reactive leadership to creative, lasting impact. In this episode, we cover: – The critical difference between reactive and creative leadership – How to cultivate unhurried productivity for sustainable impact – Why 'legacy' leadership needs a rebrand – What it really takes to influence a system as a leader – The four-question framework that unlocks deeper team conversations – Letting go of ego and embracing host leadership over hero leadership – Creating lasting impact through trust, curiosity, and shared purpose What really stayed with me from this conversation was Digby's phrase "high intention, low attachment." It's such a powerful reminder that leadership isn't about controlling outcomes but about creating the conditions for others to thrive. When we lead from that place, we unlock something truly generative. I also loved his four-question framework, which he has so generously shared here: https://digbyscott.com/thoughts/the-four-questions-that-change-everythingLink/s: – The Four Questions That Change Everything: https://digbyscott.com/thoughts/the-four-questions-that-change-everything– Questions Toolkit: https://digbyscott.com/questionstoolkit – Digby’s website: https://digbyscott.com/– Digby’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/digbyscott/

52 min
12/08/2025

The One Skill Every Leader Needs in the Age of AI: Storytelling with Gabrielle Dolan

Some people walk into a room and instantly connect. Others? They lose the room without even realising it. What makes the difference isn’t just charisma—it’s storytelling. In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Gabrielle Dolan, a global authority on strategic storytelling who’s helped leaders at Amazon, Salesforce, and the Obama Foundation communicate with impact. Gabrielle’s work centers on real, jargon-free communication—and she’s just released her newest book Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI. Together, we unpack how storytelling goes far beyond “engagement.” It’s how leaders build trust, inspire change, and lead with clarity. You’ll hear real-world examples of how storytelling transforms leadership, from shaping values to guiding teams through uncertainty, and how we can use AI to support storytelling without losing our voice. In this episode, we cover: – Why storytelling is the most underused leadership superpower – How personal stories (not just work ones) create deep human connection – Four types of stories every leader should master – How storytelling can make company values and strategy stick – The right way to use AI as a storytelling coach, not a crutch – What makes a story sound “braggy,” and how to avoid it – How to create culture and psychological safety through narrative My biggest takeaway? You can choose communication that’s easy, or communication that’s effective. And storytelling is what makes communication not only effective, but unforgettable. What stood out to me most is Gabrielle’s reminder that a personal story, told with purpose, doesn’t just convey information, it builds connection. It’s how we create meaning. And in leadership, meaning is everything. What’s one story only you can tell? And what might shift if you told it?

50 min
11/26/2025

Relational Intelligence: How to Hear the Hidden Music of Your Team with Mark Butler

What happens when you combine clinical depth, corporate wisdom, and a passion for thriving teams? In this powerful conversation, we explore the idea of relational intelligence and why it’s emerging as the next evolution beyond emotional intelligence. From psychological safety and the hidden signs of burnout to the real human impact of AI on our teams, Mark shares a refreshing take on what leadership truly demands today. This is one of those conversations that will stick with you. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (04:48) – Why relational intelligence is more than emotional intelligence with a makeover (13:04) – How to tune into the emotional soundtrack of your team (21:15) – Why success for a team is ultimately a feeling, not a number (22:37) – Simple ways to create a culture of trust, mattering, and safety (33:06) – The leadership mindset shift from rescuing to holding space (37:15) – How shadow AI use is eroding team conversations and coaching moments (48:07) – The link between burnout and suppressed emotions (and how to spot it early) (54:41) – Final Thoughts Thriving teams aren’t just smarter—they’re more connected. What really stayed with me from this episode is Mark’s beautiful metaphor: "Don’t just look at the dancers, pay attention to the dance." As leaders, we often get caught up in individual behaviors, but it's the collective rhythm of our teams—the unspoken soundtrack—that tells the real story. Our role isn’t to rush in and rescue, but to hold space with curiosity and care, especially in moments of change, fear, or disconnect. That’s what makes a team thrive.

58 min
11/13/2025

How to Turn Data into Stories and Stories into Action with Dr Selena Fisk

In this episode, we unpack how to make numbers meaningful, how to avoid the common traps and biases leaders fall into, and why shifting from data-driven to data-informed leadership changes everything.  Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or someone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by dashboards and KPIs, this conversation will help you see data through a whole new lens.  In this episode, we cover:  (00:00) – Introduction (01:30) – Smarter decisions through better data use (04:15) – Data-driven vs data-informed leadership (08:55) – Building data literacy in your team (17:45) – Common data traps and biases (25:25) – Creating a healthy, human-centered data culture (31:30) – Making strategy actionable with metrics (40:15) – Visualising and analysing with AI tools like ChatGPT (44:30) – Data as a starting point for meaningful conversations (46:45) – Final Thoughts Numbers on their own don’t drive performance — people do.  The real power of data lies in the stories we tell about it, the conversations it sparks, and the actions it inspires.  If this episode shifts how you think about data, I’d love to hear what stood out. Leave a review, share your insights, or forward this to a leader who’s ready to make data more human.

49 min
10/29/2025

Redefining Leadership: The Power of Quiet with Megumi Miki

I first met Megumi Miki back in 2009, and even then, I could feel the quiet power she carried into every room. Megumi is a Japanese-Australian speaker, author, and leadership consultant whose work has deeply influenced how I think about leadership. She’s the author of the award-winning book Quietly Powerful: How Your Quiet Nature Is Your Hidden Leadership Strength, and she’s on a mission to challenge outdated assumptions about what leadership should look and sound like. In this episode, Megumi and I dive into the idea that you don’t need to be loud to lead powerfully. We explore how quiet leaders often bring deep listening, humility, and intentionality that transform team cultures. This conversation felt like a breath of fresh air—and a much-needed reframe for anyone who’s ever felt pressure to be someone they’re not in order to lead. Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or someone simply curious about different leadership styles, this episode offers powerful insights on inclusion, psychological safety, and the true nature of influence. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (04:35) – Why Quietly Powerful is not an oxymoron—but essential (10:20) – How Megumi’s personal and professional experiences sparked the Quietly Powerful movement (28:37) – The real reasons people are quiet (30:47) – The double-glazed glass ceiling: quietness, gender, and cultural bias in leadership (34:51)– What inclusive decision-making really looks like (46:30) – How leaders can create space for all voices—especially the ones not being heard (43:45) – Final Thoughts Quiet doesn’t mean introverted or less. In fact, it might mean more. This conversation reminded me that some of the most impactful leaders I’ve worked with led not from the front—but from beside, behind, and within. The ones who create space, not just take it. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear what stood out. Share your thoughts, leave a review, and forward this episode to someone whose quiet strength deserves to be seen and celebrated.

48 min
10/16/2025

Quiet Cracking and Leading Change with Dr Michelle McQuaid

Michelle McQuaid is one of the most trusted voices in workplace wellbeing today. An award-winning researcher, LinkedIn Top Voice for Mental Health, and honorary fellow at Melbourne University’s Centre for Wellbeing Science, Michelle has authored nine bestselling books and hosted over 250 podcast interviews. In this episode, Michelle brings her signature blend of science, zest, and practicality to a conversation that every leader needs right now. From climbing Kilimanjaro to leading workplace research, Michelle shares insights that are impacting us all. We explore how leaders and teams can navigate the complex emotional landscape of today’s workplaces with more compassion, curiosity, and courage. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (03:06) – What “quiet cracking” really means—and why it’s different from burnout (05:19) – The hidden impact of gender norms on wellbeing (11:58) – Five signs someone on your team may be quietly cracking (and what to do about it) (18:07) – The five HEART practices for protecting against quiet cracking (37:33) – How to create secure attachment—within yourself and your team (40:50) – The neuroscience of “safe enough” and why it’s the real foundation for change (52:59) – Final Thoughts Michelle’s clarity around the quiet ways leaders and team members are fraying—while still looking "fine" on the outside. The term quiet cracking gave language to a feeling many of us haven’t been able to name. But even more powerfully, Michelle doesn’t just diagnose the challenge—she equips us with practical, science-backed tools to lead through it. If we want thriving teams, we must get more comfortable with discomfort, more honest in our conversations, and more courageous in our compassion. As Michelle says, “None of us have it all figured out—and what a relief that is.” If this conversation sparked ideas, comforted your inner overachiever, or gave you practical tools to support your team, we’d love for you to share this episode with a leader or teammate who might be quietly cracking.

56 min

Hosted by Claire Gray, Leadership & Team Coach and Facilitator, this podcast is here to support you as a leader, no matter what your experience level, with bite-sized leadership learnings. Packed with practical tools, tips, actions and insights, that you can immediately apply, so you can lead confidently now.

Creator

Claire Gray
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

40
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Claire Gray
Show Website

Thriving Leaders Podcast