Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose and Connection

JD Consulting AU
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Hosted by Jen Demiri, Beyond the Boardroom is a podcast for purpose-driven leaders, hospitality professionals, and business change-makers ready to challenge the status quo and lead with heart. This is your space for real, raw, and powerful conversations that go deeper than strategy - because true leadership starts within. Whether you're a seasoned leader, an emerging entrepreneur, or someone passionate about doing business differently - you're invited to go beyond the surface, beyond the ego, and beyond the boardroom - connection, authenticity, and courage are your greatest leadership tools.

  1. The Missing Fourth Pillar: Why Culture Needs Commitments, Not Just Values, with Hope Collins

    5d ago

    The Missing Fourth Pillar: Why Culture Needs Commitments, Not Just Values, with Hope Collins

    Most culture issues aren't people problems. They're clarity problems. In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Jennifer Demiri sits down with Hope Collins, leadership, sales and culture consultant, founder of Hope Collins Advisory, and creator of The Commitments. It's a behavioural framework designed to sit alongside mission, vision and values as the missing fourth pillar of culture. With over a decade in senior sales, leadership and recruitment, Hope brings a refreshingly practical view of culture. Not what organisations say they stand for, but what people can clearly see, understand and be held accountable to. In this conversation: Why sales teams expose culture problems faster than any other part of the businessThe hidden cost of hiring for past performance instead of values alignmentHow The Commitments work in practice through four steps: declare, define, demonstrate, draw the lineWhy values like integrity and fun are too open to interpretation to actually drive behaviourWhat clarity looks like in a sales environment, and why most underperformance is a clarity issue, not a capability oneThe hungry, humble, smart filter for hiring great salespeopleThe trap of promoting top performers into management without leadership trainingA simple daily habit one leader used to build deep connection across an entire teamIf you have ever felt the gap between the culture your organisation talks about and the one your team actually lives, this episode gives you a clear, structured way to close it.

    51 min
  2. Mindset Mastery, 4 Noble Truths of Shit Days And How We See The World with Darren Fleming

    Jun 15

    Mindset Mastery, 4 Noble Truths of Shit Days And How We See The World with Darren Fleming

    What if the biggest challenge in leadership isn't what is happening around you, but what is happening inside you? In this thought-provoking episode of Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose & Connection, I sit down with mindset coach, author and speaker Darren Fleming to explore the hidden forces that shape our decisions, behaviours and leadership effectiveness. Darren has spent decades helping leaders move from chaos to calm by understanding the internal stories, sensations and patterns that influence how they respond to pressure, conflict and uncertainty. Together, we unpack: • Why perception is not always reality • How stress impacts decision-making and leadership behaviour • The role of attention and focus in modern leadership • Why leaders often react from programming rather than conscious choice • The connection between emotional intelligence and self-awareness • How past experiences shape present-day decisions • Why genuine curiosity creates better leaders than judgement This conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, performance and personal growth. If you've ever wondered why certain situations trigger strong reactions or why some leaders remain calm under pressure while others don't, this episode is for you. Connect with Darren: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenfleming/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that_mindfulness_bloke

    1h 2m
  3. Leadership Beyond Control – Building Collective Impact with Dr Janelle Thompson

    Jun 1

    Leadership Beyond Control – Building Collective Impact with Dr Janelle Thompson

    This episode is a powerful conversation about leadership, collective impact, self-reflection, and what it truly means to create meaningful change. In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose & Connection, Jennifer Demiri sits down with Dr. Janelle Thompson, physician, leader, and co-founder of the 144K Collective, to explore why collaboration is one of the greatest leadership challenges of our time. Together, they unpack the tension between control and collective leadership, why some leaders struggle to trust others, and how organisations can move beyond silos to create genuine impact. Dr. Thompson shares powerful insights on self-reflection, adaptability, fairness in leadership, and the importance of building teams around shared vision rather than ego. This conversation dives deep into:– Why leadership is about influence, not control– The difference between leading and bossing– Building cultures of trust and accountability– Why fairness does not always mean treating everyone equally– The role of self-reflection in effective leadership– How collective action creates lasting impact If you’re a leader wanting to create stronger teams, deeper purpose, and meaningful connection in your business and life, this episode is for you.

    1h 6m
  4. Leading from the Inside Out: Human Design as a Leadership Compass with Katryn Van Der Steege

    May 4

    Leading from the Inside Out: Human Design as a Leadership Compass with Katryn Van Der Steege

    What changes when leaders stop trying to override themselves and instead learn to lead in alignment with how they're actually wired? In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Jennifer Demiri sits down with Kathryn Van Der Steege, executive coach, leadership advisor and former senior executive at Woolworths, for a deep exploration of leadership from the inside out. After 28 years in corporate, including senior roles across IT and HR, Kathryn made a bold pivot into transformational coaching, bringing together neuroscience, somatic awareness, nervous system regulation and human design to help leaders stay clear, grounded and decisive under pressure. In this conversation, we explore: Why the leadership advantage is shifting in the age of AI, and what it means for how you leadThe hidden cost of the "conscious filter" and how it slowly erases your authentic selfHow to recognise and trust your inner compass, especially in moments that matterThe Polyvagal lens on leadership, and why breath alone is not always enoughHuman design as a practical leadership framework, not a mystical systemThe five energy types (Manifestor, Manifesting Generator, Generator, Projector, Reflector) and what they reveal about your decision making, communication style and energy managementWhy understanding your team's human design reduces friction, builds empathy and improves outcomesA real client story of a senior leader whose influence transformed once he understood his projector design and communication styleWhether you are a corporate leader, founder or someone navigating a meaningful transition, this episode offers a fresh lens on what it really means to lead with presence, conviction and alignment. Want to discover your own human design? CONNECT WITH KATHRYN: Instagram: @kathrynvandersteege https://www.instagram.com/kathrynvandersteege/www.kathvdsmindset.com.au DM the word DESIGN on Instagram to unlock your leadership strengths according to your Human Design. WANT TO GO DEEPER? Her Inner Compass Recalibration A 90-Day Strategic Identity and Leadership Reset for High-Capacity Women  (6–8 June 2026) If today's conversation sparked something and you're ready to move from insight into embodiment, this is the container where that work gets done. Max 10 women. Application only. Learn more and book an Alignment Call: https://www.kathvdsmindset.com.au/her-inner-compass

    55 min
  5. Beyond Grind Culture – Human Design, Rhythms & Sustainable Leadership with Lucy Bloomfield

    Apr 20

    Beyond Grind Culture – Human Design, Rhythms & Sustainable Leadership with Lucy Bloomfield

    In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose & Connection, Jen is joined by Lucy to explore a powerful and often misunderstood concept in business: working with natural cycles rather than against them. From lunar cycles to deeply ingrained sales conditioning, this conversation challenges the traditional “always-on” approach to business growth. Lucy shares how leaders can move away from rigid, high-pressure sales timelines and instead align their offers, energy, and strategy with more intuitive rhythms. Together, they unpack: – Why most people misunderstand the influence of the moon – How traditional sales cycles keep leaders stuck in pressure and burnout – The power of aligning business offers with natural energetic phases – How intuition and strategy can work together, not against each other This episode is a refreshing perspective for leaders ready to move beyond force and into flow, without losing structure or results. Magic Marketer: https://www.magicmarketer.app Lucy Bloomfield: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-bloomfield

    50 min
  6. Middle Management Is Breaking - And It’s Undermining Your Strategy with Rebecca Houghton

    Apr 6

    Middle Management Is Breaking - And It’s Undermining Your Strategy with Rebecca Houghton

    Middle managers are expected to execute strategy, protect culture, drive performance, absorb pressure, and somehow not burn out. Most organisations rely on them. Few truly understand what the role demands. In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose & Connection, Jen Demiri speaks with Rebecca Houghton, Founder of Bold HR and author of More Impact, More Easily, about the structural and psychological realities of middle management. This conversation explores: – The “capability cliff” many leaders fall from when stepping into management – Why burnout at this level is often designed into the system – The pressure of translating strategy while carrying emotional weight – The culture of busyness that masquerades as productivity – Why data is a leadership tool — not just a reporting function – The shift from operational reliability to strategic influence – How AI can free managers from admin and restore thinking space This isn’t a conversation about soft skills. It’s about role clarity, design, and the commercial consequences of getting middle management wrong. If you lead managers, or are one, this episode will change how you see the middle. 🔗 Connect with Rebecca Houghton Founder – Bold HR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccahoughton/ Bold HR: https://boldhr.com.au 📖 Book: More Impact, More Easily on Amazon , Dymocks and major retailers 🔗 Connect with Jennifer Demiri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendemiri/ Website: https://jdconsultingau.com

    1h 19m
  7. Leading Through Complexity - Trust, Cyber & Courage in Modern Leadership with Jasmin Illic

    Mar 23

    Leading Through Complexity - Trust, Cyber & Courage in Modern Leadership with Jasmin Illic

    In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose & Connection, Jen Demiri sits down with Jasmin Ilic, CEO and Co-Founder of CYBR, to explore leadership, cybersecurity, trust, and what it really takes to build impact-driven businesses in industries that weren’t designed with women in mind. Jasmin’s work sits at the intersection of security, psychology, and leadership. With a background in psychology and deep experience in cyber, she challenges the fear-based narratives that dominate the industry and reframes security as an enabler of innovation, not a blocker. Together, Jen and Jasmin unpack: Why cybersecurity failures are often human, not technical How trust, education, and behaviour shape organisational resilience The hidden reality of cybercrime, and why shame has no place in the conversation What women really face when founding and leading in male-dominated industries Why visibility, community, and courage matter more than perfection How leaders can embed values-driven leadership in complex, high-risk environments This is a powerful conversation about leading with integrity, backing yourself when the odds aren’t in your favour, and building systems that serve both people and performance. 🎧 Listen now and step beyond the boardroom. Connect with our guest & host: Jasmin Ilic – CYBR CYBR Host – Jen Demiri JD Consulting AU

    1h 6m
  8. Leading Change in Community & Why a Job Changes Everything with Steve Brown

    Mar 9

    Leading Change in Community & Why a Job Changes Everything with Steve Brown

    What happens when people are simply given the opportunity to work? In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom – Leading with Purpose & Connection, Jen Demiri speaks with Steve from Orange Basket Community Services about the life-changing impact of meaningful employment for people living with disabilities. After more than 20 years working in disability employment services, Steve shares how Orange Basket is creating pathways to independence through its unique mentorship program. Operating real cafés, commercial services, and supported training environments, Orange Basket helps participants build practical skills, confidence, and connection while preparing them for open employment. Together, Jen and Steve explore the misconceptions many organisations still hold about disability employment, the importance of respectful workplaces, and why inclusion is about far more than compliance, it’s about recognising human potential. You’ll also hear powerful stories of transformation that show what becomes possible when people are supported, valued, and given the chance to contribute. In this episode we discuss: Why meaningful work can be life-changing for people with disabilities How the Orange Basket mentorship program prepares participants for open employment The biggest misconceptions organisations have about disability in the workplace What inclusive leadership really looks like in practice How businesses can create truly supportive environments for diverse talent This is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about performance, it’s about creating opportunities for people to thrive. Orange Basket Community Services: Phone:Phone: (8) 8333 7270 Website: https://www.orangebasket.com.au Orange Basket Fundraising Dinner: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-orange-basket-community-services-fundraiser-dinner-2ryhtlm2?fbclid=IwY2xjawQXJCxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzVmRIcGNtNFhlR0NTYUlac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjnJrE_IQ8VwqWWb2LG7qRw9pKXuFAnly5kHnwWJEy49CT8yysDXwl63uQus_aem__a88WUiaa00zTuQXHYUNeQ

    29 min
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About

Hosted by Jen Demiri, Beyond the Boardroom is a podcast for purpose-driven leaders, hospitality professionals, and business change-makers ready to challenge the status quo and lead with heart. This is your space for real, raw, and powerful conversations that go deeper than strategy - because true leadership starts within. Whether you're a seasoned leader, an emerging entrepreneur, or someone passionate about doing business differently - you're invited to go beyond the surface, beyond the ego, and beyond the boardroom - connection, authenticity, and courage are your greatest leadership tools.

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