Author: MartinWhatPod

David Marquet is a powerful leader because he doesn’t just know how to lead, he also knows how to build other leaders. As Commander of the USS Santa Fe, he transformed the Navy’s worst performing submarine into a ship that won awards and was considered best in Class.

During this conversation we discuss the principles that helped David create such a significant transformation. He shares a host of practical ideas that reinforce how making a few small changes to your intention and language, can make a significant impact to leadership and team performance.

The author of two books, Turn the Ship Around and Leadership is Language, David is a widely respected author and speaker who believes communicating intention, rather than giving instruction, is an essential skill for modern-day leadership. It’s time to listen and learn from leadership expert, David Marquet.

When I found out Ronni had written her autobiography I immediately went down to my local bookstore and bought a copy. And you should too.
Ronni is a social entrepreneur who’s on a mission to reduce our food waste and feed hungry people. Her book A Repurposed Life is an authentic read that is littered with powerful and thought-provoking insights and life lessons.
In this conversation, Ronni and I talk about doing purposeful work, the power of self-perception, overcoming the inevitable obstacles that come with doing work that matters; and a powerful call to action she discovered, that drives her work and life every day.
I found our conversation incredibly meaningful, and motivating, and hope you too, enjoy this episode with the Founder of Oz Harvest, Ronni Kahn.

This month I have a ripping conversation with Pioneer of the 4-day week, Andrew Barnes. A leader who recognised the way we currently work isn’t conducive for people, or performance; and courageously empowered his employees to design and deliver better ways to work.

The result of which was the 4-day week. A new approach to work governed by three core principles: the business targets need to be achieved, with people only working four days per week, while still being paid their equivalent full-time salary.

In this conversation I talk with Andrew about what a 4-day week really means, what he did to make it work; and some of the different methods people used to become more productive. In a world where we sadly, still wear busyness as a badge of honour, this conversation will really resonate for individuals and organisations who are looking for better ways to work.

I hope you enjoy this conversation with pioneer of the 4-day work week, Andrew Barnes. The kind of courageous leader the world needs more of.

Culture. It’s one of those things that, when we get it right, can become a catalyst for attracting talent, building productivity and driving higher levels of
engagement. Of course, get it wrong and all hell can break loose.

So, this month, I sat down with Colin Ellis to talk about how leaders can crack the culture code. Apart from helping organisations create strong cultures, Colin has written four best-selling books, speaks at conferences around the world, and is the host his own podcast called Culture Makers:
a terrific podcast for anyone who wants to create a great place to work.

In this episode Colin shares his insights about why we need diversity and difference in teams, how to adapt and evolve your culture, as well as some of the common mistakes, leaders make when trying to create cultural change. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Colin Ellis.

In late 2014, two mates from Brisbane, Lucas Patchett and Nic Marchesi installed a couple of washing machines and dryers into the back of an old van and started visiting the parks around Brisbane to wash and dry clothes for free.
Fast forward to today, Orange Sky now has 33 vans across the country, and include shower services and remote vehicles in their fleet, giving people across Australia access to free laundry and shower services. But of course, like most entrepreneurial ideas, the path to success was rarely smooth or straight forward, and so naturally, involved a few lessons about leadership and building a successful business.
In this episode, Lucas shares some of those lessons he and Nic learned as they built a business that today, is making a significant social impact. I hope you enjoy this conversation with one of the Founders of Orange Sky, Lucas Patchett.

Susan is a powerful woman who has achieved a significant level of success in her life. Widely known for her passion and service to the Western Bulldog’s Football Club, and for being the catalyst for the formation of the AFLW competition, Susan has also worked tirelessly as a philanthropist, fundraiser and advocate, raising tens of millions of dollars to cure the disease that tragically took her daughter’s life.

In this conversation, we talk about the origins of her success, how to develop a reputation for results; and the lessons she’s learned in striving to make a positive contribution to the many organisations where she has given her time and talent.

I hope you enjoy this conversation with one of Australia’s pre-eminent businesswomen and philanthropists, Susan Alberti.

Mention mental skills and many people conjure up someone seeking out professional help to address an issue or fix something that’s wrong.

Ask Hannah Huesman, the mental skills coach for Major League Baseball team, the Philadelphia Phillies, and she will tell you: a strong mental game is one of the most critical factors for your success the more you advance in your career, leadership or life.

In this episode we have a broad ranging conversation around mental skills and performance, and Hannah offers some compelling insights that make it easy to see why she was recently voted #2 in LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Sport for 2020.

If you have an urge to find your edge, you’re really going to enjoy this
compelling conversation with the Philadelphia Phillies mental skills coach, Hannah Huesman.

Shane Fitzsimmons was the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service during the unprecedented fire season that engulfed the State in late 2019 and early 2020. In the midst of managing the crisis, Shane received high praise for his leadership qualities – particularly his openness, authenticity and vulnerability – as he demonstrated a deep commitment and care for the country, as well as the people under his command.

So, having the chance to talk to him about his philosophies, experience and approach to leadership, and some of the lessons learned during the crisis, was an incredible privilege.

This conversation is packed with practical ideas from a leader who has delivered in the most demanding conditions. Shane shares what his day looked like at the peak of the fires, how he consistently made decisions involving high complexity and consequence; as well as how to maintain the high levels of motivation that lead to the long hours of dedication needed to conquer a crisis.

I hope you enjoy this phenomenal conversation with the current Commissioner of Resilience NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons. The kind of leader I personally believe we need a lot more of, in this Country.