’Influence Me’ Leadership Podcasts - Andrew Short AFSM

In this final Part 3 of 'The State of the Emergency Services Sector in Australia' the  conversation turns to the future. In Part 3, my guest (for all three parts) Bruce Byatt AFSM and I take a hard look at what really determines success across emergency services — and where things still quietly unravel. We explore interagency cohesiveness: where collaboration works, where old wounds linger, and why genuine respect is built through relationships, shared experience, and two-way learning — not organisational charts or slick ministerial releases. We unpack the consequences of poorly considered structural redesign and the unintended barriers created by inward-focused agency models. Reform matters — but so does giving reformed agencies the time and space to mature, rather than tipping them on their heads again too soon. Culture takes centre stage. Get it right and capability follows. Get it wrong and no amount of funding will fix it. Through it all, the impact on community safety effectiveness must remain central to ongoing cultural reform efforts. We also tackle some uncomfortable truths: 🚨Spending scarce dollars on capability that may never be used, while critical areas remain under-resourced or entirely non-resourced. 🚨The fragile reality of long-term funding — and why capability, not industrial or stakeholder power, must drive investment decisions 🚨What leaders need to be acutely aware of as they step into senior and executive roles — including the support available, and the fierce resistance they may face The bottom line? ✓ The sector will continue to be confronted by unexpected challenges, amid ongoing fiscal restraints. ✓ The question is whether we’re building the leadership, culture, and capability now to meet them when they arrive.

Part 2 is live — and this is where the conversation truly sharpens. In this follow-up episode with Bruce Byatt AFSM, we move past the polite headlines and into the structural issues that continue to hold the emergency services sector back. In Part 2, we explore: 🚨 PPRR in 2025 — Why does Response still dominate? What does meaningful Prevention and Preparedness look like today? And are we honestly matching resources to risk? 🚨 Stakeholder Tensions — When agencies and stakeholders go head-to-head, the community often pays the price. We unpack why this keeps happening and the personal toll it takes on senior leaders. 🚨 Enterprise Bargaining Agreements — Why are we still relying on a tool designed for the 1980s to solve contemporary workplace challenges? 🚨 Workplace Culture — Many claim it’s been “sorted.” Not quite. So what now? This episode isn’t designed for comfort — it’s for leaders who want the sector to evolve and continue serving communities well into the future. For those in the sector, even if you hesitate liking this post due to perception and personal survival reasons, still have a listen. And drop me an email if you think it would be good to look at certain other sector aspects in future episodes. [email protected] Part 2 is available now. #communitysafety #publicvalue #influenceme #emergencyservices #leadership

Are you interested in how effective our emergency services really are? In this three-part conversation, Bruce Byatt AFSM — former senior executive and long-time leader in the sector — joins me to unpack what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to evolve. We explore: ✅ Vision, Mission & Strategy — are they still fit for purpose? ✅ Resource-to-risk balance — are we getting it right? ✅ The political interface — interacting with ministers and their teams ✅ Is Response the King of PPRR? (Prevention, Preparedness, Response & Recovery) ✅ Organisational culture and operational safety ✅ The complex world of stakeholder and industrial relations A thoughtful, candid look at how emergency services can better serve their communities — and what leadership in this space really takes. Please enjoy Part 1. Part 2 and 3 will be released in the near future. #InfluenceMePodcast #Leadership #EmergencyServices #PublicSafety #PublicValue #IR #OperationalSafety

This episode draws on the incredible knowledge of Michael Grinder, Krista Grinder and Gen Wilcox, in exploring the dynamics of having separate emergency services working together for a common purpose, this importantly being community safety. Whether you’re early in your time as an emergency service member, or even if you’re an experienced senior leader, jump on in and you may learn a thing or two from these three great minds.

The media can be a powerful ally or a formidable foe for leaders. Journalists and emergency responders often find themselves side-by-side in the most challenging situations, from natural disasters to crisis management. But despite their proximity, the media can remain a mystery to many leaders. In this ‘Influence Me’ episode, I’m joined by Graham Metcalf, a seasoned journalist and corporate leader with over 40 years of experience in media relations, crisis communication, and strategic leadership. Back in the day, Graham was key in the development of media capability within emergency services. This guy knows his business, so any current emergency management practitioner will learn something about media and communications in the context of operations. Grab the opportunity or push the episode to someone you know who might benefit. Enjoy.

Peter Dornan AM believes that men can be both troubled and troublesome — often to themselves and to the women in their lives. Despite contributing to the advancement of modern society, many men still struggle with its demands and their own responsibilities. A former senior Queensland Australian of the year (2020) and renowned physiotherapist, Peter, in his book 'In Search of Manhood – A guide to better male health and lifestyle’, explores the complexities of modern masculinity. Drawing from a life fully lived — including surviving prostate cancer and founding vastly improved support for many diagnosed men and their families — Peter examines why men resist vulnerability, cling to dominance, communicate poorly, and neglect their health. His new book defines the challenges men face, delves into their roots, and offers clear, practical solutions for change. It's a pleasure to have Peter as my guest for this very important episode for emergency services, and society more broadly, as we explore how his own personal journey led him to write this book.

Influence Me - Season 3 focuses on thought-provoking conversations with leaders who influence the emergency services sector. The big challenges facing the industry are explored in this series, whilst emphasising the role of leadership in driving progress. My guest for this important discussion about sub-culture is Shannan Quain. Shannan is an experienced Senior Leader with a demonstrated history of achievement across all levels of Government. Skilled in Innovation, Strategy, Leadership, Organisational Development, Human Resources, and Culture Change. Strong skills in human centred design and agile work methods with Post Graduate qualifications in Human Resources and Change Management. Neuroscientist in training, passionate about developing leaders with resilience and kindness. Currently researching performance management in workplaces, with a view to helping organisations better lead their people.

My guest for this Podcast, Dr Nikola Stepanov, has spent much of her career in service to the public sector and community. Her background is in professional ethics and governance, research and research regulation, mediation and dispute resolution, and board governance. She has expertise in resolving complex and contentious conflicts where there are grave personal or governance risks. She holds six degrees, including a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). She completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne with the School of Global and Population Health and the Melbourne Medical School. In her spare time, she is a devoted section and thru hiker. She has just returned from hiking the 270 Km Portuguese Coastal Camino (through Portugal and Spain in 36-37 degrees!) and for her next trip is planning to hike the stunning 'W Trek’ through the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. Have a listen to this podcast if you wish to improve your approach to navigating those challenging ethical and Integrity moments in both professional and personal life.

“At times, you have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.” ― Alan Alda (Actor and Educator) In this ‘Influence Me’ Leadership Podcast, I speak with my friend Doug Beitz (former emergency service officer, and successful business leader) about the benefit of understanding and then using your intuition for personal and professional effectiveness. Do yourself a favour and consider how this area of interest may bring bring extremely positive changes to you. #intuition #leadership #service #growing #experience #gutfeel 

When a potential guest says he is dangerously allergic to the archaic approach to leadership development - I want to interview him! For this episode, my guest Matt Callow is a registered Psychologist with over 10 years experience consulting to organisations and delivering success in talent management, organisational development, learning & development; and strategic human resource management solutions. Matt blends commercial realism with proven behavioural science to help organisations increase productivity, performance and profitability. Matt work’s in partnership with Executives, OD, HR, L&D and Recruitment Leaders in determining the profile of success for their people, and consequently, the productivity and profitability of their organisations. Matt is also obsessed with seeing people challenge themselves. With more than 10 years of psychology-in-the-workplace and behavioural-intervention experience, he's obsessed with innovating new ways of rebuilding leaders and cultures; creating high impact programs and alternate delivery mechanisms that exude passion and produce tools and insights that are ludicrously useful and effective. Matt is dangerously allergic to the archaic approach to leadership development – a ‘death by PowerPoint’ approach limited in efficacy due to the cognitive dissonance and paltry half-life associated with traditional learning. Described as a mix between a mad scientist and sports coach, Matt uses powerful brain tools, psychology and neuroscience to enhance success and give people the choice and opportunity to grow beyond today.

Brenton known as “Ben” grew up and was educated in country Western Australia. In 1980 Ben joined the Australian Army where he began a journey that would last for 32 years. He developed a passion very early in his career for training and leadership which over his extensive career took him from being a Junior Commander through to senior management level as a Unit Commander. Among numerous experiences and qualifications Ben specialised as a Bomb Disposal Technician operating in and leading small teams and later up to regimental (600 personnel) size groups. Having moved through the ranks from a Private soldier to a Commissioned Officer Ben’s life and leadership experiences are extensive. Ben has undertaken training and operational duties in Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Tonga, India, Pakistan, United States, Iraq and Afghanistan. Ben is fluent in Pidgin English having also spent two years seconded to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force as a Military Adviser. Ben has been the recipient of several military Commendations including three from the Chief of the Australian Defence Force for meritorious service in the fields of training and leadership. The greatest honour was when Ben received the Order of Australia Medal (Military Division) in the 2009 Australia Day awards. Leaving the Australian Army in 2011, Ben joined emergency services sector of the Queensland State government where he is currently employed as the Executive Manager, QFES Workforce Development Unit. Ben is married to Maureen and has one son Matthew. Ben has several hobbies (none of which he is good at) including, fishing, woodworking (ruining perfectly good timber), caravanning and collecting military memorabilia.

In this rich and informative Podcast I discuss matters of leadership during emergency operations with John Cawcutt AFSM. John is an Assistant Commissioner with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services where he leads a multi-disciplinary team of over 1000 fire service officers, emergency managers and public service officers in the delivery of all-hazards prevention, preparedness and emergency response operations for Brisbane city and regional surrounds. John has been a firefighter for over thirty five years and has served in metropolitan and regional centres in operational and management roles specialising in emergency response, risk and disaster management. In his operational and leadership capacity John has led multiple interstate and intrastate responses to emergencies of national importance and has frequently presented at both national and international conferences. John is an Australian Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Taskforce Leader and led disaster response teams to the Sumatran fires as well as to earthquakes in Padang, Indonesia and Christchurch, New Zealand. He has represented Australia at numerous United Nations Search and Rescue meetings and is an international Classifier having assessed more than a dozen different countries. In addition, John was the official mentor for the Japan, New Zealand, USA and China international disaster response teams. John is a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors and has a broad range of academic qualifications that include a Masters in Public Administration, Masters in Leadership & Management (Policing), Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership a Bachelor of Further Education & Training. John has sat on a number of humanitarian Boards and committees and among other awards was proud to receive the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the 2006 Queen's Birthday Honours list.

As it is said, from little things big things grow. Robert’s initial experience with the fire services was as an untrained and ineffectual volunteer firefighter with the CFA in the early 1980’s. In 1983 he fled the Ash Wednesday fires with his wife and month old daughter, and shortly thereafter while he worked in TAFE, and before the era of Certificates, he conducted many Train-the-Trainer programs for the CFA trainers at Fiskville. Robert went on to work with the Fiskville trainers to develop training packages to improve the skills of the CFA volunteers. In the mid-90’s he escaped Ballarat’s miserable winters and moved to Maleny. Around that time a major review of Queensland’s fire services lead to a major restructure. 81 fire boards in local government were replaced by a single fire service and this is was the early genesis of the current QFES. Robert worked within the new organisation with its exceptional people for many years to develop the capability of the new teams. He went on to do similar work with QAS and other agencies within the Emergency Services. Robert has also worked on major and minor organisational development projects in other sectors and across the globe. He is currently retired but always happy to support people doing good work with good people.

What an opportunity to speak with Doug Beitz, a long-term colleague and friend. Doug was previously an emergency services officer, a successful business operator, with him now moving into the role of life coach. This podcast tells his life story to date, including the many lessons he has gleaned, all with lots of meaning. Doug is incredibly curious when it comes to life, and he is someone who I have learnt from personally. During our conversation, we cover three distinct phases of his life, and knowing Doug as I do - there’s more to come. His desire to support others is expressed through his own Podcast series ‘Conversations with Doug’, and I recommend that listeners may gain benefit in tuning it to episodes that may hold personal meaning.

For this podcast it’s a pleasure to have Queensland Ambulance Service - Deputy Commissioner Dee Taylor-Dutton ASM as my guest. In her current role, Dee has accountability for all aspects of QAS frontline operational service delivery. Commencing in 1995 as a Student Ambulance Officer in Townsville, Dee has since held positions in operations, communications, corporate services and management, as well as leading operational service delivery to rural, remote, and urban communities across Queensland. Dee is a recipient of the prestigious Ambulance Service Medal as well as the National Medal, she is also a graduate of the Australian and New Zealand School of Government and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has a number of tertiary qualifications, including an Executive Masters of Public Administration, Bachelor degrees in Law and Science, as well as an Associate Diploma in Applied Science. It’s great to be able to have this important discussion with Dee. I certainly learnt a bit more about psychological safety in the workplace, I’m sure other listeners will as well.

My guest for this Podcast Nick Dunn is a corporate professional with over twenty years in management and leadership positions with his current role with global insurance firm Aon as their Operations, Projects and Facilities Manager for Queensland and Northern Territory. Nick also travels nationally, project managing, design and construction of new office sites for Aon; as well as being the lead for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity.   Nick has been volunteering with the SES for nearly ten years and is currently a Deputy Local Controller with the Brisbane Unit, occasionally back filling the Local Controller position when required. Nick has a passion for developing leaders and has created a leadership coaching program for new and emerging leaders within the SES which is available to all volunteers to help with their own leadership development. Nick is well known as an innovator and intuitive problem solver, with a strong empathetic leadership ethos and culture that includes nurturing, confidence, empowerment, openness and inclusion within the people that he leads and works alongside. An avid triathlete, challenging his own abilities, both physically and mentally is one catalyst for Nick wanting to help others grow and be the best (SES member) they can be. Nick's favourite quote mirrors his attitude toward developing people being, "If you're not making someone else's life better, you're wasting your time”. In this Podcast we discuss the critical aspect of supporting our emerging leaders, so they can avoid making the mistakes many leaders unfortunately make during their leadership journey.

Kerry Howard is a best-selling author and psychologist specialising in trauma prevention and treatment. Kerry has won two international awards for her commitment to treating PTSD and improving mental health in Australia. Since 2010, Kerry has presented at a variety of international conferences including the USA, Europe and Australia. She developed professional development training in the promotion, prevention and early intervention of traumatic injury. Kerry is a former executive level leader who developed policy and programs in a variety of health focussed areas. Kerry’s new book, ‘The Trouble with Trauma’ provides clear guidance for individuals and organisations about how to resolve traumatic experience. See https://thetroublewithtrauma.com In this Podcast we discuss the challenge and impact of trauma, and the role leaders can play in improving trauma impact outcomes.

“Be honest, frank and fearless and get some grasp of the real values of life… Read some good, heavy, serious books just for discipline: Take yourself in hand and master yourself.” W.E.B. Du Bois (Civil Rights Leader and Author). My guest his Podcast Bruce Byatt AFSM is a second-generation firefighter who started his fire service career with the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Service on 14th January 1977 and was promoted to station officer in 1983.  He relocated to Queensland in 1992 and worked out of Kemp Place fire station as both a Station Officer and Acting Assistant District Commander before moving into project work. In 1997 he was promoted to Area Commander (Southport) in South Eastern Region, he took on the role of Acting Director of the Queensland Combined Emergency Service Academy in 2006-2008 and oversaw the completion of the $20m scenario/streetscape development project at Whyte Island.  Bruce was promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent in 2009 and served as the Director Regional Operations – Brisbane Region. In 2013 relocated to the Northern Territory and served as Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Chief Fire Officer, in 2015 moved to Victoria as a Deputy Chief Officer within the CFA managing readiness and response and is currently serving as Tasmania Fire Service Deputy Chief Officer culminating in over 43 years’ experience across 5 jurisdictions. He is now looking to transform the Tasmania Fire Service with a focus on leadership development and creating a service delivery model based on the principles of functional management better reflecting a contemporary emergency service provider. In this Podcast we talk about ‘Frank and Fearless’ Leadership.

'Whether we realise it or not, in the battle arena we call life most of our time is spent in one grey area or the another' - Adelle Bradford (Author). Brian Cox is currently a senior officer within the Queensland State Emergency Service. He has an extensive 40-year military career as a regular, and still maintains his ADF connection as a current Colonel in the Army Reserve.  His military highlights include joining as a trooper in 1980 driving Leopard Tanks, working with the British Army on the Rhine in 1986 conducting operations on the Berlin Wall, attachment to the British Forces during the first Gulf War 1991 to 1992, Commandant and Head of Corps of the Military Police in 2000, Australian National Commander in East Timor in 2005, and operations as a senior defence investigator in Afghanistan in 2010. Brian also has an extensive disaster management portfolio, working with the ASEAN Regional Forum and United Nations developing operating procedures for Humanitarian Response and Assistance, through to coordinating Defence responses to storms, fires and floods. Brian joined EMQ in 2011 as the Director Disaster Management and continues to contribute as a senior QFES officer. Want to understand Leadership in those grey areas a bit better? Then listen to this Podcast.

Such a pleasure to host Assistant Commissioner Joanne Greenfield for this special International Women’s Day episode of ‘Influence Me’. Joanne has extensive experience across emergency management, health services and various international United Nations missions. Prior to joining QFES, Joanne gained experience in many countries ranging from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe leading responses to pandemics, epidemics and natural and manmade disasters for the UK Government and the United Nations. Joanne has been the UN Cluster lead or UN Coordinator for events across hazards ranging from earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, civil unrest and cholera, HIV/AIDs, SARs and H1N1 pandemics as well as national recovery operations in Kosovo and Pakistan. In this podcast we explore the journey female leaders must take to be the best leader they can be. It’s an absolute pleasure to talk with her.

“Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.” — Les Brown (Motivational speaker and author). My guest for this Podcast, Ali Lane is a principal at an IT consulting firm called Enable, a role which involves project management, people leadership and managing customer success. Whilst she loves being an “Enabler” celebrating her organisation’s employee-first culture, it is no secret that her passion lies in her “side-gig” in the SES. Ali is an aspiring leader in the Brisbane SES unit, having been appointed as Deputy Group Leader at her group in August this year. As someone with only 3 years tenure in the Service, she understands the challenges faced by new members wanting to make a positive difference in what can be a daunting organisation somewhat resistant to change. Ali is a busy and active person who believes the key to success is being wholehearted, positive and most importantly, showing up. This is a great Podcast for understanding leadership from the perspective of a current emerging leader.

Costa Georgiadis is a landscape architect who gardens with his hands and his heart and in 2019 won the Australian Logies award for the Most Popular Presenter. Costa has an all-consuming passion for plants and people - he knows how to bring out the best in both of them, and takes great pleasure in bringing them together. In this podcast I discuss matters of people and he shares what he’s learnt along the way about influencing people in working together for a common cause. Enjoy!

Jason Sertori is a former QFES officer who courageously took an opportunity with the United Nations in 2016. Currently based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jason Sertori is the Chief officer of the United Nations largest fire service, and has held this position since leaving QFES in 2016. In 2019, Jason was temporarily appointed as the Senior Coordinator for the Tactical Operations Centre for the Ebola Emergency Response, a position he held for several months, before returning to his normal role once that mission was achieved. In this podcast we discuss the many important points relating to moving from a frontline leadership role to a senior level leadership position. There are lots of pitfalls, however with the right counsel and some decent personal reflection, people can successfully make this jump. Enjoy the podcast!

Stuart Ellis AM is an experienced leader in the emergency management sector and was appointed Chief Executive Officer of AFAC in 2012. Stuart is focussed on national initiatives that progress the effectiveness and professional standing of fire and emergency services and has a focus on progressing an industry wide, integrated approach to emergency management. Previously, Stuart Ellis was the Chief Executive Officer/Chief Officer of the South Australian Country Fire Service. In 2002 he established a consultancy company and has been involved in over 20 operational reviews including the Canberra Bushfires, the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission and the operational response to the Christchurch Earthquake. Prior to that Stuart was an Army Officer for over 22 years serving with the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment. Stuart’s view is that simple leadership habits form the foundation of a successful and resilient leadership, and during this podcast we explore what has worked for him over many years, and why?

Shannan Quain is a senior executive leader with experience across all levels of government. As the Chief of HR for a large Queensland Government Department she isn’t your typical CHRO as she started her career as a sports scientist and brings a different lens to the typical issues that organisations face. She isn’t afraid of a tough challenge and speaks with authority and respect as someone who has met many challenges head on to come out the other side a stronger and more capable leader. In this podcast, the topic is “Leadership in a time of disruption”. When considering the VUCA world (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) we now live in, there’s benefit in considering how best to frame our world view in the VUCA context, thus allowing us to accept and then confront the challenges that lie in wait. “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence – it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” – Peter Drucker

“Your brand is a gateway to your true work. You know you are here to do something – to create something or help others in some way. The question is, how can you set up your life and work so that you can do it? The answer lies in your brand. When you create a compelling brand you attract people who want the promise of your brand – which you deliver”. – Dave Buck (Business Coach Professional).  With a rich background encompassing many different sectors and agencies, Gen Wilcox brings clarity to matters of personal reputation.  She uses the term ‘brand’ to articulate the manner by which people’s actions and legacy are seen by others.  As a current Executive Director within QFES, Gen is known as a person who is extremely considerate and someone who you can depend on.  She’s also one of the most insightful people I know.  Listeners will enjoy this discussion, and learn quite a bit about personal brand.  

Andrew Crisp is the current Emergency Management Commissioner for Victoria, heading up Emergency Management Victoria. He started the role on the 13th of August 2018. Previously he held the position of Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations of Victoria Police.  Andrew is clearly a people-centric type of leader, and it’s a pleasure to discuss matters of leadership with him. He has a view that ‘confident humility’ is an approach that all leaders could benefit from by using it as part of their overall leadership approach. As the byline of the Dan Kent book on ‘Confident Humility’ outlines, it’s about ‘Becoming Your Full Self without Becoming Full of Yourself’. Such a pleasure to talk with Andrew in this podcast episode.  Enjoy!

‘Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful’ (Ann Landers).  My guest for this Podcast - Craig Harper is one of Australia’s leading presenters, writers and educators in the areas of health, high-performance, resilience, self-management, leadership, corporate change, communication, stress management, addiction and personal transformation.  In this Podcast we discuss the concept of Self-Awareness including Internal and External aspects.  I absolutely enjoy the frankness of this guy, particularly in how he reflects on his own life, and the choices and changes he has taken as a result of living a live that keeps self-awareness as a key central factor.  As Anthony de Mello stated, “Wisdom tends to grow in proportion to one’s awareness of one’s ignorance.”  If you want to know how to get to know yourself a little bit better, have a listen.

“Ego is just like dust in the eyes. Without clearing the dust, we can’t see anything clearly, so clear the ego and see the world.” (Anonymous.) What a pleasure to discuss matters of ego with Eleni Dracakis. Eleni is a Business Psychologist, entrepreneur and strategist, dedicated to helping leaders and teams thrive. In this Podcast we jump in to the wicked issue of big egos in teams and organisations, and in society more generally. We explore the questions around how egos can be healthy or unhealthy, and what you need to consider if you happen to work for or with someone with a large size ego. Have a listen, you may even recognise someone!

Commissioner Greg Leach joined the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services in December 2019.  With 33 years’ experience in the emergency services, Greg Leach is a highly-regarded emergency services executive with both country and metropolitan fire and ambulance services.  Now six months into his current role, Commissioner Leach agreed to speak with me on his own leadership journey, including his early life experiences and influences, and importantly we discussed his views on how personal values are an important foundation for developing and maintaining strong leadership.  If you want to get to know Commissioner Greg Leach a little bit better, this is the Podcast for you.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services keeps Kate busy with the corporate relationships that build community and strengthen the organisation, especially supporting the volunteer services of Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Service.  Sponsorship is too common a word for what happens with that.  Outside of that ‘work’, one of Kate’s goals is to build better humans and Kate uses Taekwondo to do that.  She has a solid perspective on people that has stemmed for a generation involved in that combat sport, at all levels.  She’s also spent many years on many committees and boards in sport, events and clubs including leadership roles at the national level.  With passions for volunteering, inclusion and sport, and, as a wife, mother of adult sons and cancer survivor, her busy life still finds time for hobbies of embroidery and medieval history in what can only be described as a ‘hyperactive’ lifestyle. Kate’s personal core values are INTEGRITY - RESPECT - COURAGE – SERVICE. It’s a pleasure to have Kate as my Podcast 10 Guest.

There’s nothing as good as talking with individuals who have lived a full and challenging life, particularly one enriched with many leadership moments.  Adrian d’Hage’s life is rich with experience, including his life as a soldier, commencing as a platoon commander and serving in the Vietnam war.  He was awarded the Military Cross for ‘gallantry during active operations against the enemy’.  He then subsequently rose to the rank of Brigadier, and on concluding his military career, he successfully transitioned into a life as a popular and talented author.  It’s a privilege to have Adrian as my Podcast 9 guest.  This guy knows something about leadership under duress, and the choices available to leaders during these moments. Want to learn more about this very unique individual after listening to the podcast?  Go to adriandhage.com

As CEO of the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN), Dr. Elizabeth Deveny knows a thing of two about leadership.  Like most successful leaders, Elizabeth probably learnt a few things the hard way.  In this Podcast I discuss matters of values-based leadership with Elizabeth.  Martin Luther King Jr. once posed, ‘a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a moulder of consensus’.  This Podcast explores how values-based leadership plays a central role in bringing people together for the purpose of achieving organisational success.  This is one smart lady, I really love her sense of humour and her clear commitment to human-centric leadership.  I’m so honoured to have had this chance to speak with her.

For Podcast 7 I’m delighted to have Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM as my guest. Mike has now served in senior leadership roles in two states, and he is well known for his very personable style, and for his values-based leadership approach.  The podcast topic is Mission Command, a concept that has been central to the success of countless organisations, both in the military setting and broader.  Mission Command has been known to drive success, however certain supporting concepts are required to be in place for Mission Command to be at its best. Listen in to understand what these crucial components are, and what actions you can take to utilise Mission Command concepts.

As posed by the founder of the Harvard Kennedy School of Public Leadership, Mr Ronald Heifetz, ‘exercising adaptive leadership is about giving meaning to your life beyond your own ambition’. In this Podcast I speak with a respected State Emergency Service volunteer and leader, on matters of leadership within the context of her own personal journey. Enjoy!

Difficult and challenging times require effective leadership. Effective leadership by nature possesses the power to 'influence' without reliance on the blunt and short term solution that is positional power. Enjoy this Podcast where I discuss the nuances of leadership influence with an experienced and respected Rural Fire Service leader.

For Podcast 4 of ‘Influence Me’ - it is an absolute pleasure to interview Assistant Commissioner (Rtd) Joanne Crampton M.O.M. who recently concluded an impressive career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I appreciate her discussing with me the ongoing mental health challenges present in the policing and emergency service sector, both nationally and internationally. During this podcast we discuss the 2018 Beyond Blue ‘Answering the call’ report which has shed further light on mental health challenges in the context of this crucial sector. We also discuss the big impact of workplace culture on mental health outcomes. As Glenn Close was quoted as saying “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”

It’s a pleasure to share this recent ‘Influence me’ podcast I recorded with Michael Grinder, when he spend time with our organisation. If you’re interested in getting a different perspective on how important personal communication is to your own leadership, have a listen whilst driving, at the gym, or when on your bike. A quote I admire by Margaret Fuller says it all - “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.”

How do we distill and share the leadership capabilities of frontline leaders who really know what they're doing? As Ken Blanchard once said, "one of the topics I'm most passionate about is servant leadership - the greatest leaders recognize that they're here to serve, not to be served". In this Podcast I speak with Ian Ames, one of our long serving Station Officers, who has been instrumental in the advancement, over many years, of road crash rescue techniques and approaches in Australia, and is acknowledged as someone who knows a bit about practical leadership.

My inaugural ‘Influence Me’ guest Alison Hill is someone who I respect greatly. As a professional ‘head-mechanic’ (Psychologist) Ali has worked with 'em all. She is author of 'Stand Out: A real world guide to get clear, find purpose, and become the boss of busy', best-selling co-author of the top business book 'Dealing with the Tough Stuff: How to achieve results from key conversations', is a regular on Channel 9, has regular articles published with Business Chicks, and is highly sought after to assist individuals and teams transition through the tough stuff. Her work has found its way inside a few big businesses you might have heard of… PepsiCo, Siemens, McDonalds, Sydney Water, BHP Billiton, Bond University, Griffith University, and Blue Care just to name a few. Ali presents her unique and authentic message as a sought after keynote speaker, where she engages her audience with humour, practicality and real-world thinking.