Agile Leadership Lessons

Watermark Search International
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Benefit from the experience of current leaders to help you better achieve your business and career goals. Our Watermark team ask highly regarded leaders to share their knowledge and expertise of agile leadership spanning a multitude of different sectors. Avoid the pitfalls and hear key takeaways of how to navigate different leadership challenges, clearing the path for your success. ​We have recently added another series within our podcast channel: The Masterclass Series! This series transforms our esteemed interim webinars into easily accessible podcast episodes.

  1. Feb 3

    High‑Performance Leadership: Lessons from the Field to the Boardroom

    In this episode of Watermark’s Agile Leadership Lessons Podcast, host Chris Grant, Partner Executive Search at Watermark Search, sits down with special guest Brad Lloyd, Director at Apogee Sports, former General Manager of Football at Carlton Football Club, former General Manager List Management at Fremantle Dockers, and former AFL Player Agent at Elite Sports Properties. They have a powerful conversation exploring the crossover between elite sport and modern business leadership. With an extraordinary year ahead for Australian sport, the pair unpack what executives can learn from the way high‑performing athletes, coaches and teams operate under pressure. Brad shares how leaders can stay agile when the landscape can shift overnight, how to build and sustain a high‑performance strategy, and what it really takes to foster resilience and mental toughness within teams. Chris and Brad discuss the importance of maintaining clarity and energy during stressful periods and how to keep teams engaged and hungry for success, especially when the pace is relentless. The conversation also delves into spotting potential in emerging talent, succession planning with intent and tailoring leadership approaches to individuals while still keeping everyone aligned to a shared purpose. They explore the leadership nuances between AFL and AFLW, the art of giving meaningful feedback and how to lead calmly and confidently when things go wrong. The episode wraps with the universal traits that define effective leaders and the core habits that consistently show up in top performers. This is a rich, insightful conversation for anyone looking to elevate their leadership game, whether you're in the boardroom, leadership team or on the field.

  2. 11/12/2025

    Leading with Compassion: Mental Health and Leadership in Focus

    In Australia, 22% of people aged 16–85 experience a mental health disorder, whether anxiety, depression, or substance-related, within a single year (ABS & AIHW). In this special Movember episode, we explore what that means for leaders and workplaces today. Host Chris Grant, Partner at Watermark Search, is joined by Hayden Fricke, Managing Director at Steople, psychologist, executive coach, and author of Compassion. Hayden shares what inspired his book and why now is the time to shape a more compassionate society. We dive into: How to think about mental health Practical tips for improving mental wellbeingWhy leadership skills like listening and empathy matter in mental health conversationsThe link between wellbeing and leadership effectivenessAdvice for new CEOs on psychological safety and vulnerabilityEveryday actions leaders can take to create a culture that truly supports mental health Hayden also reveals a personal mindset shift that changed his life and shares his hope for the future of mental health in society. If you’re a leader, or aspire to be one, this episode offers insights and tools to help you lead with compassion and make a real difference.

  3. 05/28/2025

    Navigating Client Loyalty: How Today’s Partners can Become Tomorrow’s Rainmakers

    In this episode of the Watermark Search International Agile Leadership Lessons Podcast, host Robert Atkinson, Partner in our Executive Search Professional Services practice, welcomes guests Rory Channer, founding partner of DCM Insights and Pat Spenner, APAC Managing Director for DCM Insights. Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of client loyalty in professional services. The discussion centres around the emerging challenges faced by professional services leaders, in particular the decline in client loyalty, what underpins this decline and how to adjust to stem the rising tide of procurement and consensus decision making.  Rory and Pat share the research insights (off the back of 2,941 interviews across Professional Services - Law, Consulting, Accounting, Executive Search, Public Relations and Investment Banking), which combined formed the basis of their new book, The Activator Advantage. They also introduce the "Activator" profile, a key driver of higher performance in business development. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the five types of professionals in the industry: the Expert, the Confidant, the Activator, the Realist, and the Debater. The episode explores how Activators, with their proactive and collaborative approach, can significantly enhance client engagement and drive growth. Tune in to learn about the impact of consensus decision-making, the importance of consistent value creation, and the role of technology in supporting business development. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers actionable strategies to adapt to the changing dynamics of client relationships in professional services.

  4. 04/09/2025

    Demystifying Career Coaching in Your Executive Job Search and Through Pivotal Leadership Transitions

    In this episode of the Watermark Search International Agile Leadership Lessons podcast, host Donna Burr dives into the world of career coaching for executives. Joined by Renata Bernarde, Career Coach and host of The Job Hunting Podcast, and Peta Granger, Commercial Director at QBD Books and Non-Executive Director at the Women’s Circus, this episode demystifies career coaching and its pivotal role in executive job searches and leadership transitions. Renata and Peta share their insights on why leaders often struggle with job searches and transitions, the unique value of career coaching, and how it differs from other forms of professional development. Through real-life experiences and practical advice, listeners will learn how career coaching can help them navigate their career paths, overcome stagnation, and develop leadership agility. Whether you're in a career rut or considering professional development options, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you move forward with confidence.

  5. 01/29/2025

    Successful and Healthy Leaders: The Intersection of Wellbeing and Agility

    In our first episode for 2025, we delve into the essential aspects of maintaining mental and physical strength as a leader. Join Watermark’s Chris Grant, Partner in our Health and Human Services practices and guest speaker, Peter Dijkema. Peter is a separation coach, and seasoned leadership and executive coach with decades of experience across diverse settings, cultures and countries. As an ICF-certified coach and a Thrive-accredited practitioner, Peter brings a unique perspective to the intersection of personal and professional growth. The episode starts with Peter’s top three takeaways to stay mentally strong and then we explore the significant link between job satisfaction and overall health, discussing how both enjoying your work and engaging in meaningful work can positively impact both your physical and mental wellbeing. Our guest also opens up about his personal fitness routine and the best advice he’s received for staying fit and healthy. The conversation then moves to the role of mateship and relationships in wellbeing and how this contributes to you being a leader as well as key advice for executives on what to focus on for sustained wellbeing and longevity. To wrap up, Peter shares his motivational mottos and discusses the importance of mental and physical wellbeing, meaningful work, strong relationships, and continuous personal growth for leadership agility. Peter also suggests some great podcasts and books to further your thinking and action on this topic. If you are a leader looking to build resilience and foster a healthy relationship with yourself and those around you, you will take a lot away from this episode.

  6. 10/23/2024

    MASTERCLASS SERIES - Beyond the Payslip: Exploring the Deeper Benefits of Meaningful Work

    Renee Burkinshaw, Founder and Director of Originate Coaching and Consulting unlocks the hidden treasures that lie beyond the payslip and speaks about: Prosperity: The essential ingredients for organisational prosperity. She delves into the fascinating intersection of culture, wellbeing, inclusion, productivity, and sustainability. Belonging and Meaning: Is it enough to clock in and collect a payslip? We think not! Renee explores the profound difference between merely being and true belonging at work. In today’s competitive landscape, attracting and retaining top talent hinges on understanding this distinction. Purpose: Ever wondered about your life’s purpose? We’ve got you covered! Renee introduces her research on purpose-led inclusion. Learn how to be intentional in realising your purpose, both personally and professionally. Actionable Tips: Ready to infuse your work with purpose? Renee gives practical strategies to kickstart your journey toward a more meaningful professional life.

  7. 06/26/2024

    MASTERCLASS SERIES - Foresight Meets Strategy: Empowering Individuals and Executives for the Future

    Join Watermark for the first episode in our Masterclass Series, where we turn our highly regarded interim webinars into podcast episodes. This episode features futurist and author, Diana Wu David, and she unveils the exciting landscape of tomorrow.  Diana guides us through envisioning what lies ahead and offers insights on how these changes will impact each of us as individuals and as leaders within our organisations. With captivating real-world examples, she sheds light on the personal and professional applications. An opportunity to expand your horizons and rethink your approach to the future.

    MASTERCLASS SERIES - Foresight Meets Strategy: Empowering Individuals and Executives for the Future

  8. 11/13/2023

    Part 2 - Mastering Leadership Agility: Lessons from a CEO and Board Director in Hospital, Health and Aged Care

    In the highly anticipated Part 2 of "Mastering Leadership Agility: Lessons from a CEO and Board Director in Hospital, Health and Aged Care" your host, Jocelyn Santosa, Partner at Watermark Search International, is joined once again by the remarkable CEO, Chair, and Board Director in the healthcare, hospital, and aged care sectors, Toby Hall. This episode dives deep into different aspects of leadership in these critical fields. Together, they tackle essential questions such as:   Public vs. Private: Are there differences in working in these settings, and what key insights should individuals be aware of when operating in these unique environments? The Transition Challenge: How difficult is it to transition from public to private, or vice versa? Discover the complexities of this shift and the skills required to succeed. Boardroom Dynamics: Unravel the mysteries of boardroom leadership. Learn how to ensure that your leadership team is well-versed in key governance issues. The Art of Board Membership: What qualities make an exceptional board member? Toby Hall shares invaluable insights on what it takes to excel in this role. Board Selection: Explore due diligence strategies to employ before committing to a board position, ensuring it's the right fit for you. Continuous Self-Reflection: Discover the importance of self-reflection when choosing board roles, ensuring you make choices aligned with your values and goals. Join Jocelyn Santosa and Toby Hall for a conversation for those navigating the ever-evolving healthcare landscape and the importance of leadership agility.

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About

Benefit from the experience of current leaders to help you better achieve your business and career goals. Our Watermark team ask highly regarded leaders to share their knowledge and expertise of agile leadership spanning a multitude of different sectors. Avoid the pitfalls and hear key takeaways of how to navigate different leadership challenges, clearing the path for your success. ​We have recently added another series within our podcast channel: The Masterclass Series! This series transforms our esteemed interim webinars into easily accessible podcast episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    Watermark Search International
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Watermark Search International
  • Show Website
    Agile Leadership Lessons