Dear 21 Year Old Me - life lessons from leaders

Jeremy Irvine
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Careers
  • Updated Monthly

Anchored by their 21st birthday and reflecting on their aspirations, our guest discusses how their perspectives on life and leadership have been framed, what critical life and leadership lessons they’ve learned, and what they would say today to their 21-year-old self.

  1. 10/23/2025

    E14: Heidi Farren

    In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Heidi Farren We go back in time to 2014 when Heidi turned 21.Heidi reflects on her career in the tourism industry and how at seven years of age, she knew she wanted to run a businessWe talk about how she got into tourism and created Altitude ToursWhat did COVID 19 mean for Heidi's business and what it was like in a tourism region ?We discuss how to "personalise the ordinary and systemise the extraordinary."Heidi talks about building a business and embedding a customer-centric cultureWe ask Heidi her go-to-places in QueenstownWe ask Heidi what she'd say to her 21-year-old self, and what Heidi at 21 would say to herself now. LinksAltitude Tours https://www.altitudetours.co.nz/Tourism Innovation Group https://tig.co.nz/Destination Queenstown https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/Dear21 Year Old Me websiteDemand for choc-milk outstrips supply https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/10622246/Demand-for-choc-milk-outstrips-supplySecurity guards monitor chocolate milkhttps://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/dairy/10648979/Security-guards-monitor-chocolate-milk My Google review of Altitude Tours https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gt45zbF3B5vJqv137Jeremy Irvine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremymirvine/ If you like this podcast, please leave a review on your favourite podcast app - and Tell a friend about the show! 'Security guards monitor chocolate milk', stuff.co.nz, 22 October 2014

    1h 35m

  2. 09/26/2025

    E13: Ros Cardinal

    In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Ros Cardinal We go back in time to 1989 when Ros turned 21.Ros reflects on her career in the federal public service and how she moved to running her own firmWe talk about a critical piece of feedback and what changed Ros's leadership mindsetWhat does AI and its impact mean for leaders?We discuss being your best true self and what that means for leaders and their teamsWe ask Ros her favourite and least favourite organisational phrases (during which we reference TV show Utopia - the character's name we talk about was Beverley, played by Rebecca Massey)We ask Ros what she'd say to her 21-year-old self, and what Ros at 21 would say to herself now. LinksRos Klein https://www.shapingchange.com.au/The Resilient Employee (Amazon website)Jeremy Irvine https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremymirvine/Dear21 Year Old Me website If you like this podcast, please leave a review on your favourite podcast app - and Tell a friend about the show!

    1h 23m

  3. 07/23/2025

    E12: Andrew Klein, MC, speaker, trainer

    In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Andrew Klein We go back in time to 1986 when Andrew turned 21.Andrew reflects on his early career and what made him change career directionWe talk about the Sydney Olympics and Andrew's involvementWhy is 'Survivor' a TV show Andrew loves?!We discuss being genuine and the importance of honesty in challenging situationsWe ask Andrew what he'd say to his 21-year-old self, and what Andrew at 21 would say to himself now. LinksAndrew Klein https://andrewklein.com.au/Jeremy Irvine https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremymirvine/ Dear21 Year Old Me websiteYou're the Voice original music video If you like this podcast, please leave a review on your favourite podcast app - and Tell a friend about the show!

    1h 34m

  4. 03/28/2024

    E11: Sarah Makris, career success coach

    Send us a text In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Sarah Makris We go back in time to 1997 when our guest, Sarah Makris, turned 21. Sarah reflects on her career journey, her drive, and determination. We discuss understanding your brand and the importance of simple, clear communication. Sarah steps back and looks at the contrasts between corporate life and running your own small business. We discuss how Sarah learns from others and the traits of being a good leader. We ask Sarah what she'd say to her 21-year-old self, and what Sarah at 21 would say to himself now. Links www.sarahmakris.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-makris/ Download a free LinkedIn checklist - https://www.sarahmakris.online/linkedin-checklist-new Dear 21 Year Old Me (Jeremy Irvine - host) and Pro Podcast Production Dear21 Year Old Me website Pro Podcast Production website If you like this podcast, please leave a review on your favourite podcast app - and Tell a friend about the show!

    1h 14m

  5. 03/17/2024

    E10: John Bucchino, composer, songwriter, performer

    Send us a text In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest John Bucchino We go back in time to 1972 when our guest, John Bucchino, turned 21, and look at his trip back to the East Coast from California. John reflects on his earliest musical influences and how he began songwriting. We talk about how John's composing evolved, and the importance of humility and being true to himself. John reflects on a critical lesson with an executive and what led to a key track in a Disney movie. John talks about having to let go, the creative process, and being the best you can be.  John reflects on the array of people he's worked with, and having to learn how to collaborate. We ask John what he'd say to his 21-year-old self, and what John at 21 would say to himself now.Resources and links John Bucchino websiteJohn Bucchino store including albumsJohn Bucchino Patreon pageJohn Bucchino on SpotifyJohn Bucchino Facebook fan page Australian Musical Festival May 2024 page  Australian Musical Festival 2024 It's Only Life performance 15 May Patti LuPone with Yo-Yo Ma, John Williams and the Boston Pops - Unexpressed (by John Bucchino) David Campbell Taking the Wheel album (David Campbell official YouTube site)David Campbell Sings John Bucchino album (David Campbell official YouTube site)David Campbell sings John Bucchino - Grateful (Social Family Records official YouTube site)David Campbell sings John Bucchino - extended interview Kane Alexander official siteKane Alexander Different Stages Broadway albumKane Alexander/Simon Gleeson, Lily's Eyes (Kane Alexander official YouTube site) A Peacock Among Pigeons | Boston Gay Men's Chorus Anthony Warlow/Philip Quast, Lily's Eyes (YouTube) Jeremy Irvine - blog on interviewing John BucchinoDear 21 Year Old Me (Jeremy Irvine - host) and Pro Podcast Production Dear21 Year Old Me website Pro Podcast Production website If you like this podcast, please leave a review on your favourite podcast app - and Tell a friend about the show!

    2h 13m

  6. 02/22/2024

    E9: Garry Pearson OAM, teacher, association CEO, mentor

    Send us a text In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Garry Pearson OAM We go back in time to 1973 when our guest, Garry Pearson, turned 21, and look at what was happening in the world, and closer to home back then. Garry reflects on his experiences commencing as a teacher and then moving into executive roles. We talk about how Garry's leadership style has evolved, and the importance of humility.  Garry reflects on a critical early lesson learned. Garry talks about the importance of reflective practice and learning from mistakes. Garry discusses what it was like to receive his Order of Australia Media.  We ask Garry what he'd say to his 21-year-old self, and what Garry at 21 would say to himself now.Resources and links Associations Forum Australasian Association of Society Executives Harvard Program on Negotiation resources Stephen Covey's 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' resources Roger Fisher and William Ury's 'Getting to Yes' Garry's contact details: Mobile: 0419 347 599 / garry.pearson@polgovpro.com.au Check Garry’s LinkedIn profile and articles Alternatively, view his articles on reflective practice, governance, policy, and strategy topics at -https://polgovpro.blog/author/polgov1/ See especially -  https://polgovpro.blog/2019/05/01/what-so-what-and-now-what-your-reflective-practice-guide/ See Garry’s large collection of charts and other resources relating to his work at - https://www.pinterest.com.au/garry3296/ Dear 21 Year Old Me (Jeremy Irvine - host) and Pro Podcast Production Dear21 Year Old Me website Pro Podcast Production website If you like this podcast, please leave a review on your favourite podcast app - and Tell a friend about the show!

    1h 13m

  7. 04/14/2023

    E8: Craig Norenbergs - journalist, manager, and sports fan

    Send us a text In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Craig Norenbergs We go back in time to 1989 when our guest, Craig Norenbergs, turned 21, and look at what was happening in the world, and closer to home back then. Craig reflects on his experiences growing up in Canberra. We talk about how Craig's leadership style has evolved, and the importance of humility.  Craig reflects on how he got his start in the media, driving across two states to try and do so, and how literally a 'break' was the break he needed to get into the media. Craig talks about the day he was at work, the phone rang, and on the other end was Kerry Packer. Craig looks back on his career and his personal leadership lessons, including what it has been like living overseas including in New Zealand. We ask Craig what he'd say to his 21-year-old self, and what Craig at 21 would say to himself now. Mentioned in the show Eddie Norenbergs (Craig's Dad)'s story on how he and his family came to Australia CTC 7 Canberra promo, 1986 TEN Capital News, December 1988 The Breeze, New Zealand radio station promo Scruff Lovely (Canberra band) - Canberra Times article 1994 Craig on Twitter Dear 21 Year Old Me (Jeremy Irvine - host) and Pro Podcast Production Dear21 Year Old Me website Pro Podcast Production website If you like this podcast, please leave a review on your favourite podcast app - and Tell a friend about the show!

    1h 31m

  8. 03/28/2023

    E7: Michael Manthorpe PSM - former senior Australian Public Servant

    Send us a text In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Michael Manthorpe PSM We go back in time to 1984, when our guest, Michael Manthorpe, turned 21, and look at what was happening in the world, and closer to home back then. Michael reflects on his experiences growing up in Queensland, and how then he eventually joined the Australian Public Service.  We talk about how Michael's leadership style evolved, and the importance of curiosity.  Michael looks back on his career and his personal leadership lessons from his public service career. We ask Michael what he'd say to his 21-year-old self, and what Michael at 21 would say to himself now.Mentioned in the show Transcript from Michael's comments at an IPAA ACT event, 21 December 2021Sunday in the Park with George musical cast recording Dear 21 Year Old Me (Jeremy Irvine - host) and Pro Podcast Production Dear21 Year Old Me website Pro Podcast Production website If you like this podcast, please leave a review on your favourite podcast app - and Tell a friend about the show!

    42 min
See All (14)

About

Anchored by their 21st birthday and reflecting on their aspirations, our guest discusses how their perspectives on life and leadership have been framed, what critical life and leadership lessons they’ve learned, and what they would say today to their 21-year-old self.

Information