The Culture Standard

The Culture Standard

This is where wisdom meets action. We dive into the best books, podcasts, and minds out there, pulling out the real, practical takeaways you can actually use. No b******t. No theory overload. Just simple, powerful ideas to help you build stronger teams and better habits for growth. We're aiming to create a community of like-minded people to hold each other accountable in creating positive life changes.

  1. Jul 14

    Episode 15: Andy Walton

    Some people don’t just come into your life… they change the direction of it.  Outside of family, no one has had a bigger positive influence on Beau’s life than Andy Walton.  Andy isn’t famous.  He hasn’t coached AFL premierships or led a Fortune 500 company.  He’s simply one of the finest people you’ll ever meet.  A true blue Aussie. A country lad. A devoted husband and father. Hard-working, humble, authentic, and the type of bloke who makes everyone around him feel like they matter.  Years ago, Andy was Beau’s boss as a house painter. But he was far more than a boss. He created a workplace where people genuinely loved turning up each day. He trusted people, challenged them, encouraged them and somehow managed to bring out the very best in everyone around him.  That’s his superpower.  Andy has an incredible ability to make people feel valued, believed in and capable of more than they ever thought possible.  Life hasn’t always been easy. We talk about how Andy has been through some incredibly tough times, but what stands out isn’t the adversity—it’s the attitude he’s chosen to face it with. His positivity, resilience and ability to keep moving forward are nothing short of inspiring.  Andy was also one of the driving forces behind the incredible culture built at the Phillip Island Football Club. As one of the club’s best junior coaches and later Beau’s senior assistant coach during one of the most successful eras in the club’s history, he influenced hundreds of players—not just to become better footballers, but better people. His fingerprints are all over the culture that made that club such a special place.  This episode is about character.  It’s about the kind of person we should all aspire to become.  If you want to become a better leader, coach, parent, teammate, friend, or person this conversation is for you.  We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.  The Culture Standard  Better People. Better Teams. Better Culture.

  2. Jul 7

    Episode 14: David Parkin AM - Wisdom from one of Australia's greatest leaders

    In this episode of The Culture Standard, we sit down with one of the greatest leaders Australian sport has ever produced—David Parkin AM.  His résumé is extraordinary.  211 AFL games for Hawthorn. Premiership captain. Four-time premiership coach. Carlton Coach of the Century. AFL Hall of Fame. Australian Sport Hall of Fame. Legend status at both Hawthorn and Carlton. Order of Australia recipient. Educator. University lecturer.  But this conversation isn’t about football.  It’s about life.  David reflects on the lessons he’s learnt through decades of leadership, success, setbacks, criticism, illness and personal growth.  We explore the pressure that comes with putting yourself out there, dealing with judgement, being sacked despite reaching the top of your profession, and how leadership can become all-consuming if you’re not careful. David speaks openly about the sacrifices that can come with chasing excellence and how his perspective has changed over the years.    For Beau, this conversation was particularly special. David became his mentor during his Level 2 coaching accreditation, generously giving his time through coffees, phone calls, training sessions and match-day feedback. What quickly became obvious wasn’t just how great a coach David was—but how remarkable he was as a person.  His humility.  His curiosity.  His willingness to keep learning.  His desire to leave people better than he found them.  One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that great leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about continually evolving.  In this episode we discuss:  How great leadership changes over time  Having the courage to put yourself out there despite criticism  Learning from setbacks, sackings and failure  Why flexibility is one of a leader’s greatest strengths  The importance of physical and mental fitness  Finding trusted mentors and “critical friends”  Reflecting on legacy and what really matters  Lessons from a lifetime of coaching, teaching and leading  As usual David also shares:  ✔️ His two greatest pieces of wisdom.  ✔️ The biggest hardship he’s faced.  ✔️ One area he’s still trying to improve.  This isn’t just a conversation for football lovers.  It’s a masterclass in leadership, resilience, self-reflection and living a meaningful life.  We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

  3. Jun 2

    Episode 9: Peggy O’Neal AO

    What does it take to have the courage to be yourself? In this episode of The Culture Standard, we sit down with one of Australia’s most respected leaders, Peggy O’Neal AO. Born and raised in the United States, Peggy shares the challenges of moving to Australia, building a life from scratch, and creating a strong sense of community despite having few connections when she arrived. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of backing yourself, embracing change, and doing what you can, when you can. Peggy has broken barriers throughout her career. She became the first female lawyer at her century-old law firm and later the first female President in AFL history, helping lead the Richmond Football Club through one of the most successful eras in its history, including three premierships. But what stood out most to us wasn’t the list of achievements. It was Peggy’s authenticity. Her willingness to be herself. Her curiosity about people. Her ability to treat everyone with the same respect, regardless of their title, status, or background. Throughout this conversation, Peggy shares wisdom on courage, belief, perspective, empathy, community, kindness, volunteering, reading, writing, and living a life of purpose. This episode is packed with practical lessons and timeless advice from someone who has achieved extraordinary things while never losing sight of what matters most. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay true to yourself while leading others, this conversation is for you. Key themes: • The courage to be yourself • Building community and meaningful relationships • Leadership and breaking barriers • Perspective, empathy and kindness • Doing what you can, when you can • Volunteering and giving back • Lifelong learning through reading and writing • Creating a life of purpose and impact We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. The Culture Standard

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This is where wisdom meets action. We dive into the best books, podcasts, and minds out there, pulling out the real, practical takeaways you can actually use. No b******t. No theory overload. Just simple, powerful ideas to help you build stronger teams and better habits for growth. We're aiming to create a community of like-minded people to hold each other accountable in creating positive life changes.

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