Leadership Performance Podcast: Real leaders share real experiences + tools

REACH LX - Leadership Performance Podcast

Refreshingly real, we talk to people sharing their leadership experience, their challenges, and the practical tools they used to navigate their path. With a mix of high-profile leaders, and leaders just like you that have overcome the complexities of leading their team, department or organization. We keep it real and guarantee that every episode includes tools that you can implement when you are would like to know best practice, are worried, need an outcome and would like to end up with a win. We look forward to you joining our conversations, so you can have a better Leadership eXperience-LX

  1. 3d ago

    Ep 32: You Only Get One Chance at This

    Episode Description What does it take to build great teams, strong communities, and lasting impact? In this episode, Paul sits down with Matt Woodard, talent acquisition leader, community builder, and founder of Scaler, to explore leadership, growth, and the power of creating meaningful connections. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience helping organizations scale, Matt shares lessons from recruitment, business ownership, and building one of Australia's largest talent communities. Matt reflects on the importance of relationships, creating environments where people feel welcome, and helping individuals reach their potential. He also shares insights on leadership, delegation, and why understanding the strengths of your team is essential for long term success. Together, they discuss community building, talent development, hiring in a rapidly changing world, and the opportunities created by emerging technologies. This conversation is a reminder that great leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It is about creating opportunities for others to grow, contribute, and succeed. What We Discuss Building meaningful communities that bring people together Why delegation is a critical leadership skill Creating opportunities for people to demonstrate their strengths The future of talent acquisition and hiring Navigating growth in a rapidly changing business environment Takeaways and Action Items Focus on building genuine relationships before you need them Create opportunities for others to contribute and grow Learn to delegate and trust the strengths of your team Stay curious and adaptable as technology continues to evolve If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Building relationships, helping others succeed, and embracing new opportunities can have a positive impact on every area of life. Links and Credits Guest: Matt Woodard Host: Paul Findlay Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

  2. Sep 7

    Ep 31 : Leadership Is a Noble Pursuit

    Episode Description What does it really mean to lead with purpose and ambition? In this episode, Paul sits down with Martin U. Ripple, CEO of ANCA, to explore leadership, growth, and the mindset required to build high performing organizations. From his early aspirations of becoming a pilot to leading engineering businesses across multiple countries and industries, Martin shares the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy. Martin reflects on the importance of lifelong learning, embracing discomfort, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow. He explains why leadership should be viewed as a noble pursuit, how leaders can inspire teams through vision and purpose, and why growth often begins when we step outside our comfort zones. Together, they discuss ambition, resilience, communication, and the lessons learned from working with exceptional leaders throughout a global career. This conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about status or authority. It is about helping people move toward a shared vision while continuing to grow yourself along the way. What We Discuss Why leadership should be viewed as a noble pursuit The value of lifelong learning and continuous growth Building high performing teams through vision and purpose Adapting your communication style to connect with different people Lessons learned from leading across industries and cultures Takeaways and Action Items Seek opportunities that challenge and stretch your capabilities Learn from both great leaders and disappointing ones Focus on growth rather than comfort Adapt your communication style to better connect with others If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Staying curious, embracing growth, and learning how to connect with people can have a positive impact on every area of life. Links and Credits Guest: Martin U. Ripple Host: Paul Findlay Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

  3. Aug 31

    Ep 30: You Can't Build Trust Without It

    Episode DescriptionWhat does it take to build high performing teams in an increasingly digital world? In this episode, Paul sits down with Loucas Gatzoulis, technology executive, product leader, and Chief Product and Technology Officer, to explore leadership, trust, and the realities of scaling businesses through periods of rapid growth and transformation. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in technology and leadership, Loucas shares lessons from leading teams, navigating private equity environments, and helping organizations move through critical growth stages. Loucas explains why clarity is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader, how trust becomes the foundation of successful teams, and why strong relationships matter even in remote and distributed workplaces. He also reflects on the transition from technical expert to executive leader and the skills required to succeed at higher levels of leadership. Together, they discuss the importance of communication, autonomy, commercial thinking, and the future impact of artificial intelligence on technology teams. This conversation is a reminder that great leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about creating the clarity, trust, and environment people need to do their best work. What We Discuss Why trust is the foundation of high performing teams The role of clarity in effective leadership Lessons from leading organizations through growth and transformation Transitioning from technical expert to executive leader The future impact of artificial intelligence on software development Takeaways and Action Items Create clarity around priorities, goals, and expectations Invest time in building genuine relationships with your team Develop commercial and business skills alongside technical expertise Give people autonomy while providing the support they need to succeed If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Building trust, communicating clearly, and understanding what truly matters can strengthen your relationships, career, and personal growth. Links and Credits Guest: Loucas Gatzoulis Host: Paul Findlay Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

  4. Aug 24

    Ep 29: Bringing the Humanity Back

    Episode Description What happens when people reconnect with who they are at their best? In this episode, Paul sits down with Justin Cooper, co-founder of Unearthed, to explore self awareness, purpose, and the role mindfulness can play in creating stronger teams and better leaders. Drawing on a career that spans corporate marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal development, Justin shares the journey that led him to develop a unique approach to helping individuals and organizations uncover deeper insights about themselves. Justin explains why so many people struggle to articulate their purpose, how visualization and reflection can unlock new perspectives, and why psychological safety is essential for high performing teams. He also shares powerful examples of how vulnerability, trust, and authentic connection can transform workplace relationships. Together, they discuss the importance of intention, the value of self reflection, and why meaningful work is about more than profit. This conversation is a reminder that when people understand themselves better, they are better equipped to contribute, collaborate, and grow. What We Discuss The connection between purpose, self awareness, and performance How visualization can uncover new insights and perspectives Why psychological safety accelerates team growth The role of vulnerability in building trust and collaboration Bringing more humanity into the workplace Takeaways and Action Items Create space for reflection and intentional thinking Focus on understanding why you do what you do Build environments where people feel safe to contribute Remember that meaningful work is about people, not just outcomes If you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Understanding yourself, building authentic relationships, and working with purpose can improve every area of life. Links and Credits Guest: Justin Cooper Host: Paul Findlay Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

  5. Aug 17

    Ep 28: The Best Version of Ourselves

    Episode Description What does leadership look like when it starts from within? In this episode, Paul sits down with Joanna Lee, entrepreneur, speaker, and leadership mentor, to explore the connection between personal growth, self awareness, and leadership. Joanna shares her journey from business owner and team leader to discovering a deeper sense of purpose through a life changing spiritual awakening. Drawing from her experiences leading teams, building businesses, and helping others grow, Joanna reflects on the lessons that transformed her approach to leadership. She discusses the importance of self love, letting go of control, creating healthy boundaries, and leading with genuine care and compassion. Together, they explore how authentic leadership begins with understanding yourself, why growth starts from within, and how leaders can create a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond the workplace. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about titles or authority. It is about helping people become the best version of themselves. What We Discuss Joanna's spiritual awakening and its impact on leadershipThe difference between title leadership, servant leadership, and spiritual leadershipWhy letting go of control can unlock growth and potentialThe role of self love, compassion, and healthy boundariesHow leaders create a ripple effect through their actions and energyTakeaways and Action Items Spend time understanding yourself before trying to lead othersBalance compassion with clear boundariesFocus on helping people grow into their best selvesLead with authenticity rather than seeking external validationIf you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Developing self awareness, building confidence, and leading with kindness can positively influence every relationship and interaction in your life. Links and Credits Guest: Joanna Lee Host: Paul Findlay Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

  6. Aug 10

    Ep 27: The Same Dumb Mistakes

    Episode Description What does it take for technology investments to actually create business value? In this episode, Paul sits down with Jerry Luftman, former IBM executive, professor, author, and founder of the Global Institute for IT Management, to explore the relationship between technology, leadership, and business transformation. Drawing on decades of experience at the forefront of digital innovation, Jerry shares lessons from the evolution of computing, the rise of the internet, and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. Jerry explains why organizations continue to make the same mistakes with new technologies, why successful transformation requires more than great systems, and how leaders can bridge the gap between technical expertise and business outcomes. He also shares insights on communication, alignment, and the leadership skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. Together, they discuss why technology alone is never the answer, how business and IT leaders can work more effectively together, and why embracing change is essential for long term success. This conversation is a powerful reminder that innovation only creates value when people and organizations are willing to change alongside it. What We Discuss Why technology investments fail to deliver expected resultsThe importance of alignment between business and IT teamsLessons learned from decades of digital transformationHow leaders can communicate complex ideas more effectivelyThe opportunities and challenges created by artificial intelligenceTakeaways and Action Items Focus on business outcomes rather than technology for its own sakeLearn to communicate complex ideas in ways others can understandBuild stronger partnerships across teams and departmentsEmbrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovationIf you are not a technology leader, these lessons still apply. Understanding how to adapt, communicate clearly, and work collaboratively can help you thrive in any profession or industry. Links and Credits Guest: Jerry Luftman Host: Paul Findlay Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

  7. Jul 27

    Ep 26: Take Care of Your People

    Episode Description What happens when leaders put people first? In this episode, Paul sits down with Jamie Getgood, entrepreneur, HR leader, and founder of The People Avenue, to explore the connection between leadership, relationships, and business performance. Drawing on more than two decades of experience leading teams across manufacturing, human resources, and workforce solutions, Jamie shares the lessons that have shaped his approach to leadership. From his early days as a fitter and turner to becoming a senior HR executive, Jamie explains why understanding people is often more important than understanding processes. He shares powerful stories about trust, rapport, integrity, and the small leadership behaviors that can create extraordinary results. Together, they discuss why technical skills alone are not enough, how genuine care can transform performance, and why the human element remains critical even as organizations embrace artificial intelligence. This conversation is a reminder that great leadership starts with people. What We Discuss Why rapport is one of the most powerful leadership toolsThe role of integrity in building trust and credibilityHow small acts of care can transform employee performanceWhy soft skills matter as much as technical expertiseBalancing technology and AI with a people first approachTakeaways and Action Items Spend time getting to know people beyond their job titlesBuild trust by following through on your commitmentsFocus on developing your soft skills alongside technical skillsRemember that people perform at their best when they feel valued and supportedIf you are not a leader by title, these lessons still apply. Building relationships, showing genuine care, and treating people with respect can have a lasting impact in every area of life. Links and Credits Guest: Jamie Getgood Host: Paul Findlay Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

  8. Jul 13

    Ep 25: It's About Teaming

    Episode Description What does it take to build something that lasts? In this episode, Paul sits down with entrepreneur, mentor, investor, and former technology consultant Hasan Sharif to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, wealth creation, and the importance of building the right team. Hasan shares lessons from a career spanning nearly three decades in consulting, real estate investing, business ownership, and coaching. From learning the value of mentorship early in life to creating financial freedom through intentional decisions, he offers practical insights into what it takes to grow both personally and professionally. Together, they explore why founders often focus too much on technology and not enough on people, how to create opportunities through relationships, and why true success comes from serving others. This conversation is a reminder that lasting growth rarely happens alone. It happens when the right people come together around a shared vision. What We Discuss Why entrepreneurship requires more than technical expertiseThe role of mentorship in personal and professional growthBuilding wealth through long term thinking and intentional actionWhy great teams matter more than great ideasThe importance of service, generosity, and creating value for othersTakeaways and Action Items Focus on developing people skills alongside technical skillsLook for opportunities to build relationships before you need themCreate a foundation that allows you to pursue long term goalsBuild teams around shared values and aligned purposeIf you are not an entrepreneur, these lessons still apply. Building meaningful relationships, creating value, and helping others succeed are skills that can improve every area of life. Links and Credits Guest: Hasan Sharif Host: Paul Findlay Podcast: Leader Experience Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming a more intentional leader. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its hosts.

About

Refreshingly real, we talk to people sharing their leadership experience, their challenges, and the practical tools they used to navigate their path. With a mix of high-profile leaders, and leaders just like you that have overcome the complexities of leading their team, department or organization. We keep it real and guarantee that every episode includes tools that you can implement when you are would like to know best practice, are worried, need an outcome and would like to end up with a win. We look forward to you joining our conversations, so you can have a better Leadership eXperience-LX