The Find Your Influence Podcast with Anton Guinea

In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, Anton Guinea sits down with award-winning author and emotional intelligence expert Nikki Langman to unpack what it means to be an unbreakable and restorative leader in a world facing an ongoing crisis. After overcoming early technical hiccups, they explore Nikki’s Unbreakable program, which blends emotional intelligence with Lego Serious Play to make complex human behavior and hard topics like mental health accessible and engaging. Nikki explains her current focus on somatic and restorative leadership and argues that modern leaders must first learn to truly listen, build psychological safety, and restore burned-out, fragmented teams. Together, they redefine influence as a blend of credibility, likability, and trust, grounded in genuine care and vulnerability. Nikki also shares her journey through addiction and adversity and introduces her badass framework, which emphasizes bravery, authenticity, direction, action, self-love, and self-talk as the path to self-mastery and resilient leadership.   Key Takeaways: Influence begins when credibility meets likeability and is held together by trust. Leadership is simply making the person in front of you the most important person in the world for that moment. When you stop reacting from fear and start responding with intention, you reclaim your power as a leader. Restorative leadership heals burned-out teams by listening first and fixing later. Emotional intelligence is the art of turning complex human behavior into clear, practical action.   Quotes:   True influence is built on the trio of credibility, likability, and genuine trust. Restorative leadership is urgently needed to reconnect fragmented, exhausted teams in a world living through an ongoing crisis. Listening to understand rather than to respond transforms mutually exclusive monologs into real connection and psychological safety. Tools like Lego Serious Play and metaphor can safely surface hard topics like trauma and mental health in highly engaging ways. Nikki’s Unbreakable and badass frameworks show that overcoming adversity and addiction is possible through bravery, authenticity, direction, action, self-love, and powerful self-talk.   Timestamps:   00:00:00 Technical setup and welcoming Nikki 00:10:21 Introducing the Find Your Influence podcast and Nikki’s bio 00:12:28 Unbreakable emotional intelligence and Lego Serious Play 00:15:27 Somatic leadership and restorative leadership in a world in crisis 00:19:19 Listening as the core skill of restorative leadership 00:23:18 Empathy versus advice and why I know how you feel is dangerous 00:27:28 Defining influence credibility, likeability, and trust 00:31:21 Psychological safety, vulnerability, and role modeling as a leader 00:36:12 Proactive communication metaphors and the airplane example 00:40:25 Reacting from fear versus responding with your thinking brain 00:43:39 Unbreakable workshops, Lego Serious Play, and mental health 00:48:05 Nikki’s addiction story and the origins of How to Be a Badass 00:50:27 The badass framework and being kind to yourself 00:51:30 A space where truth is sacred and shame cannot breathe 00:52:30 Future part two ideas and closing remarks   Conclusion:   In this episode, Anton and Nikki explored what it really means to lead and influence in a world under pressure, showing that unbreakable leaders are those who listen deeply, build trust intentionally, and create spaces where truth is honored, and shame cannot survive, while they guide themselves and others from fragile survival to courageous self-mastery.   This episode is proudly sponsored by Les Moir, Business Mentor, Coach, and creator of the No Limits to Success program. For more than 18 years, Les has helped trades professionals and small business owners break free from the constant grind, stabilize their income, and reclaim their time so they can build businesses that support both success and lifestyle. If you’re ready to work smarter, grow sustainably, and create more freedom in your business and life, this is a resource worth checking out. https://nolimitstosuccess.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/les.moir/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesdmoir/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@NoLimitsToSuccess  

Shane Kempton, CEO of Harcourts Western Australia and mental fitness coach, discussed his journey from the Australian Army to leadership roles in real estate. He emphasized the importance of mental fitness, particularly for veterans, and his work with the Military Brotherhood and the Steak Sandwich men's group. Shane highlighted his upcoming book on leadership, "Command Soldier to CEO," which combines military leadership principles with corporate strategies. He shared his influences, including his family and mentors like Matt Church. Shane also reflected on the impact of his work on individuals and businesses, stressing the need for a compelling vision to drive success. Key Takeaways: Influence is about inspiring people to take action they did not believe was possible by igniting something inside them. Genuine leadership begins with caring enough to truly understand what your people need to feel safe, valued, and able to belong. Mental fitness, like physical fitness, requires ongoing training, community, and proactive habits rather than waiting for a crisis. A compelling vision creates the sense of duty, purpose, discipline, and urgency that drives consistent action and results. Your lived experiences and scars become powerful leadership tools when you take the time to reflect on them and share the lessons with others. Quotes: True influence is helping people do what they never thought they could by lighting a fire inside them, not under them. A compelling vision creates the discipline, courage, and urgency you need to follow through when things get hard. Leadership starts with a genuine sense of care, where you understand what makes your people feel safe, valued, and able to grow. Your best days are still ahead of you when you commit to mental fitness, continuous learning, and doing the inner work. Purpose‑driven leadership turns personal stories, scars, and experiences into a powerful force for change in others. Timestamps: 00:00 -  Intro 01:12 – Introducing Shane Kempton and His Leadership Background 04:20 – Military Service, SAS Support, and Mental Fitness for Veterans 08:41 – Men’s Mental Health, Brotherhood, and Community 12:47 – What Real Influence Is and Why Intent Matters 14:59 – Leading with Genuine Care and Understanding Your People 16:04 – Family, Early Role Models, and Key Leadership Mentors 21:36 – The Agents and Business Owners Shane Is Most Proud to Have Influenced 26:53 – Shane’s Books and Purpose‑Driven Leadership Philosophy 32:34 – Vision, Discipline, and the “Sense Of” Framework for Leaders 40:29 – Wrapping Up: Books, DISC Profiles, and Plans for Part Two Conclusion: Shane’s journey from army life to the CEO seat shows that true influence starts with a compelling vision and a genuine care for people. His stories of serving veterans, building community for men, and lifting real estate leaders prove that leadership is less about titles and more about impact. When you combine discipline, purpose, and mental fitness, you do not just grow a business; you change lives. Shane reminds us that our best days are still ahead if we are willing to do the inner work and back ourselves. Take what you have heard today and ask yourself where you can lead with more care, more courage, and a stronger sense of duty and purpose. 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 This episode is proudly sponsored by Les Moir, Business Mentor, Coach, and creator of the No Limits to Success program. For more than 18 years, Les has helped trades professionals and small business owners break free from the constant grind, stabilize their income, and reclaim their time so they can build businesses that support both success and lifestyle. If you’re ready to work smarter, grow sustainably, and create more freedom in your business and life, this is a resource worth checking out. https://nolimitstosuccess.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/les.moir/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesdmoir/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@NoLimitsToSuccess

Dr. Christopher S. Taylor powerfully reframes influence as something far deeper than persuasion. It is the result of environment, mentorship, and aligned living. Drawing from his journey in mental health leadership and his research in social learning theory, he reveals that lasting change doesn’t come from willpower or pressure, but from reshaping the environments that shape us. From the pivotal guidance of Master Sergeant Robert Doty to his work helping individuals break cycles of addiction and rebuild their lives, Dr. Taylor shows that true influence is about investing in people, creating spaces for transformation, and living in alignment with your values. His message is clear and compelling: if you want to change your life, or impact others, you don’t start with control, you start with environment, authenticity, and the courage to become who you’re meant to be. Key Takeaways: Influence is built through relationships, not authority. The environment shapes behavior more than motivation alone. True leadership creates space for growth, not control. Authenticity is about alignment with values, not unfiltered expression. Investing in people (human capital) creates long-term impact. Self-actualization means living in alignment with who you truly are. Emotional intelligence is key to navigating influence responsibly. Quotes: “The only thing worth investing in is yourself.” “We don’t change people, we create environments where they can change.” “Authenticity isn’t about saying everything you think—it’s about living in alignment with your values.” “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” “There is no carrot sweet enough or strong enough to beat addiction—but the environment can.” Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction and Dr. Taylor’s background in mental health 2:40 – Defining influence and early reflections on mentorship 5:30 – Master Sergeant Robert Doty and life-changing guidance 9:20 – The role of mentors in personal development 13:10 – Environment vs willpower in shaping behavior 18:00 – PhD journey and social learning theory explained 24:30 – Addiction, environment, and breaking destructive cycles 30:10 – Human capital and employee-first leadership 35:20 – Creating space for transformation, not control 39:40 – Self-actualization and living authentically 44:10 – Authenticity vs honesty and emotional intelligence 49:00 – Final reflections on influence and growth Conclusion: Dr. Christopher S. Taylor’s perspective reframes influence as something far deeper than persuasion, it’s about how we shape environments, invest in people, and live in alignment with our values. His work in mental health and social learning theory makes one thing clear: lasting change doesn’t happen through pressure, but through support, structure, and connection. By emphasizing human capital, authenticity, and emotional intelligence, Dr. Taylor provides a practical roadmap for leaders, professionals, and individuals seeking meaningful growth. His message is both simple and powerful: if you want to influence others, start by investing in yourself, surrounding yourself with the right people, and creating spaces where others can thrive. That’s where real transformation begins.

Luke Flanagan shows that real leadership in emergency services is built in quiet “peacetime” long before a crisis hits. Drawing on more than 17 years across policing, road safety, fire communications, and now Tasmania SES, he explains why “leadership capital” comes from investing in people, trust, and clear processes, not rank or volume. Raised by a single mum who was a police inspector and shaped by mentor Peter Flanders, Luke has learned as much from poor leaders as from great ones—especially how damaging bad leadership can be to health and morale. His core mantra, People, Purpose, Performance, places wellbeing and meaning ahead of KPIs, and underpins his approach to psychological safety in traditionally paramilitary cultures. From supporting traumatized colleagues and inspiring his teenage son by example to inviting listeners to volunteer with SES, Luke proves that influence is a daily choice available to anyone willing to show up, listen, and serve. Key Takeaways: Influence is helping others, not manipulating them. Bad leaders can teach powerful lessons about what not to do. Leadership capital is built in peacetime and spent in crises. People, Purpose, Performance must be in that order. Psychological safety requires honest, human conversations. Leadership is a mindset and practice, not just a title. Volunteering offers deep purpose and community. Quotes: “The hard work of leadership isn’t in the crisis; it’s in peacetime when no one’s watching.” “If your people aren’t right, nothing else matters—no plan or KPI can fix that.” “You don’t have to know everything, but you do have to keep showing up for your people.” “If you don’t like where you are, move—you’re not a tree.” “All most people want is to know they’re not crazy, that their reactions just mean they’re human.” Timestamps: 0:00 – Luke’s background and emergency services leadership journey 3:00 – Defining influence vs manipulation 7:10 – Paramilitary culture, psychological safety, and leadership capital 12:20 – Mentorship from Peter Flanders and learning to be a sounding board 16:00 – Trauma, drinking culture, and finding healthier ways to cope 23:30 – Leading at home and inspiring his son’s leadership journey 27:50 – People, Purpose, Performance framework 39:10 – The unseen impact of lives saved in road policing 42:00 – Invitation to volunteer with SES and serve the community Conclusion: Luke Flanagan’s story makes one truth unmistakable: effective leadership under pressure is the result of consistent, people‑first choices made long before sirens ever sound. By focusing on people, clarifying purpose, and letting performance flow from that foundation, he shows how emergency services—and any high‑stakes environment—can become safer, healthier, and more human. His distinction between influence and manipulation, his honesty about trauma and culture, and his example as both a public leader and a father offer a practical, hopeful model of influence at every level. In the end, Luke’s message is that leadership isn’t reserved for those with rank; it’s available to anyone willing to invest in others, own their impact, and serve. That is how culture changes—one leader, one relationship, and one decision at a time. This episode is made possible by Troy Sawdy, who’s deeply committed to growing people and building lasting impact in the industry. As the Founder of Titan Ind. Pty Ltd, Board Director at Reboot Mindset Academy, and a key force behind Titans of Coal, Troy continues to champion growth, investment, and lasting impact, values we dive into in today’s episode. Take a moment to explore the powerful work Troy and his teams are building 👇 https://titanind.com.au/ https://www.rebootmindsetacademy.org/ https://www.yourtitansofcoal.com/

Heavy-vehicle diesel mechanic-turned-founder Ashley Belteky shows how real influence in the trades starts with human skills, not just technical expertise. From Cummins workshops to remote Bowen Basin mine sites, she’s seen that new starters don’t need to “know everything”, they need to feel included, valued, and safe to learn. Through her company, Blue Leader, and the “Tradies Who Lead” podcast, Ashley helps trade teams build trust, improve communication, and foster psychological safety without corporate jargon. She shares honest lessons from mentoring apprentices, a leadership scholarship, and 360 feedback that taught her leadership is a mindset and daily practice long before it’s a job title. Her mission is to empower trade teams to work better together so the industry becomes not just more productive, but genuinely healthier and more human.   Takeaways: Influence is about soft‑touch encouragement, not control. Inclusion and feeling valued matter more than what a new starter knows. Leadership is a mindset and practice before it is a formal title. Senior leaders must empower and stay connected to ground‑level teams. Psychological safety grows from everyday empathy, feedback, boundaries, and trust.   Quotes: “The most important thing for a new starter is feeling included and valued as the person they are, not just the tradie they’re going to be.” “You can have the best intentions in the world, but if your impact breaks trust, you still have to own it.” “Leadership is a practice and a mindset long before it ever shows up as a title on your shirt.” “Tradies want to be great mentors and leaders—no one’s really shown them how, and that’s something we can change.” “When you empower teams at the ground level to think, decide, and solve problems, that’s when culture and performance truly shift.”   Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro and Ashley’s background as a diesel mechanic 0:03:50 – Why Ashley created Blue Leader for trade teams 0:07:35 – Defining influence as soft‑touch encouragement 0:11:21 – From Cummins workshop to Bowen Basin mining work 0:14:34 – What apprentices and new starters need to feel safe and grow 0:18:21 – Lessons from mentoring apprentices and breaking trust 0:21:13 – Message to senior leaders about empowering tradies 0:26:30 – Leadership scholarship, 360 feedback, and redefining leadership 0:29:41 – Blue Leader’s mission to transform culture in the trades   Conclusion: Ashley Belteky bridges the gap between the workshop and the boardroom, proving that leadership in the trades is as much about inclusion, trust, and self‑awareness as it is about tools and tickets. Her journey from diesel mechanic to founder of Blue Leader shows that influence grows when leaders own both their intentions and their impact, empower teams to solve problems, and make apprentices feel like they belong from day one. By stripping away corporate jargon and focusing on real-world skills—empathy, feedback, boundaries—she offers a practical roadmap for tradies, supervisors, and executives who want safer, healthier, higher‑performing teams. At its heart, her message is hopeful: anyone, at any level, can choose to practice leadership and help shift the culture of the trades for the better.   𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁‼️ This episode is made possible by Troy Sawdy, who’s deeply committed to growing people and building lasting impact in the industry. As the Founder of Titan Ind. Pty Ltd, Board Director at Reboot Mindset Academy, and a key force behind Titans of Coal, Troy continues to champion growth, investment, and lasting impact, values we dive into in today’s episode. Take a moment to explore the powerful work Troy and his teams are building 👇 https://titanind.com.au/ https://www.rebootmindsetacademy.org/ https://www.yourtitansofcoal.com/

Katrina “Lady O” Wyrzykowski proves that sex, faith, and influence don’t have to live in separate worlds. Known as the “orgasm lady” and creator of the Lady O Method, she helps men, women, and couples harness sexual energy not just for pleasure, but for healing, creativity, abundance, and deeper connection, with themselves, their partners, and God. Drawing on exercise science, clear energy therapy, and a deeply Catholic, faith-aligned practice, Katrina dismantles shame and taboo around sex, reframing orgasm as a free, powerful resource for emotional, relational, and spiritual growth. Moving far beyond techniques, she describes how clearing subconscious blocks, trauma, and inherited beliefs lets clients finally look in the mirror and like what they see, come home to relationships that feel safe instead of heavy, and use sexual energy as fuel rather than something to suppress. Grounded in a personal story that runs from prison ministry with her father to mystical experiences of Mary and God, Katrina’s core message is bold and simple: you are divinely created, not an accident; your sexual energy is sacred; and true influence is using your gifts to help others heal, feel whole, and live a life that is enjoyed—not endured. Takeaways: Sex, faith, and influence can be fully aligned. Katrina shows that your sexuality, spirituality, and impact on others are meant to work together, not live in conflict or shame. Sexual energy is a sacred, practical resource. When you understand and circulate sexual energy, it can fuel healing, creativity, money, confidence, and a deeper connection—not just physical pleasure. Clearing subconscious blocks changes everything. Releasing trauma, shame, and inherited beliefs around sex lets people finally like what they see in the mirror and feel safe, loved, and desired in their relationships. Quotes: “Your sexual energy isn’t a problem to manage; it’s a sacred resource you can harness for healing, love, and abundance.” “It’s not actually about the orgasms, it’s about clearing what blocks you from loving yourself and feeling truly alive.” “You are not an accident; you are divinely created, and that includes your body and your desire.” “We were taught the mechanics of sex, but no one taught us how to use pleasure as fuel for our soul, our relationships, and our purpose.” “Life is to be enjoyed, not endured and that starts when you stop suppressing your energy and start honoring it.” Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro and welcome to Katrina “Lady O” 2:14 – Who Katrina works with and why sexual energy matters 3:02 – The Lady O Method overview 7:42 – Sex, money, and the power center 10:13 – 50 Shades, kink, and exploding public curiosity 12:13 – Six client categories and key life stages 14:53 – Clearing limiting beliefs “permanently” with energy work 18:22 – Beyond sex: healing family and life issues 23:06 – Catholic roots, prison ministry, and faith foundation 25:26 – Building her spiritual “team” (Mary, Jesus, Archangels) 29:14 – The mirror moment: finally liking what you see 33:41 – Working with men on multiple orgasms 35:16 – Breath, presence, and removing phones from the bedroom 38:14 – Numbing vs truly living and “seventy summers” Conclusion: Katrina “Lady O” Wyrzykowski takes one of the most taboo topics—orgasm—and reveals it as a doorway into something much larger: healing, self‑acceptance, faith, and influence. By combining exercise science, clear energy therapy, and a deeply personal relationship with God, Mary, and the Archangels, she turns sexual energy from something people hide or feel shame about into a sacred, practical resource for better relationships, stronger boundaries, more creativity, and genuine joy. Her work stretches far beyond the bedroom, helping high‑achieving professionals who dread their own front door, long‑term couples who’ve lost their spark, and singles grieving breakups or fearing they’re “too broken” to love again. The through‑line is constant: you are not an accident; your body is a gift, not an enemy; and your life is meant to be enjoyed, not merely endured. For anyone ready to rethink sex, faith, and influence from the inside out, Katrina offers both a challenge and an invitation: clear what no longer serves you, harness the energy you already have, and step into a life where pleasure, purpose, and presence finally align. This episode is proudly supported by Troy Sawdy, a true leader committed to shaping stronger futures within our industry. As the Founder of Titan Ind. Pty Ltd, Board Director at Reboot Mindset Academy, and a key force behind Titans of Coal, Troy continues to champion growth, investment, and lasting impact, values we dive into in today’s episode. Take a moment to explore the powerful work Troy and his teams are building 👇 https://titanind.com.au/ https://www.rebootmindsetacademy.org/ https://www.yourtitansofcoal.com/ 

Andy Khan proves that long‑term influence in sales is built on consistency, care, and credibility—not charisma or job titles. From founding Cloud Solutions Group and being acquired by Deloitte, to relaunching the business right as COVID hit and growing it faster the second time, he’s kept 70–80% of his customers for 10–15+ years (including his first client from 20 years ago) by refusing to let his “care factor” depend on deal size or timing. An introvert who never planned to work in sales, Andy learned to “wear a different mask” in front of customers while staying anchored in his core values: don’t sell something just to hit numbers, treat every order with equal attention, and focus on relationships that outlast buying cycles, restructures, and even ownership changes. With major lessons learned from his long‑time mentor Josh Rubens and deep experience in both enterprise and mid‑market environments, Andy now applies the same leadership mindset to clients, colleagues, and his own kids: care about people, help them, build trust, and earn respect through your actions over time.    Takeaways:    Influence in sales is earned through long‑term relationships, not quick wins—Andy has kept most clients for 10–20 years by prioritizing trust over transactions.  Clarity, care, and credibility are the core pillars of influence—he treats every deal with the same attention, regardless of size or immediate revenue.  Mid‑market customers need agility, not enterprise red tape—leaving Deloitte let Andy bring big‑enterprise learnings back to clients at mid‑market speed and price.  Introverts can be exceptional sales leaders—Andy “wears a different mask” in meetings while staying grounded in his values and quiet consistency.  Leadership is how you treat people who rely on you—from clients to kids, Andy defines leadership as caring, helping, and earning respect through actions over time.    Quotes:    Sales is influence—if you don’t have influence, you’re probably not going to do well in sales.”  “My care factor doesn’t change depending on how much revenue I’m going to get from a customer this year.”  “A lot of salespeople care when there’s a deal on the table and stop caring when there isn’t—I made it a point never to do that.”  “Respect is earned, not given—even parents have to earn their kids’ respect.”  “I never thought I’d be a sales guy; I’m an introvert and a man of few words, but I’ve learned to wear a different mask in the field while staying true to who I am.”    Timestamps:    0:00 – Intro & setup  2:52 – Company origin story  4:30 – Restarting the business in 2020  5:54 – Experience at Deloitte  8:59 – Leaving Deloitte & restarting  10:46 – Long‑term customer relationships  12:08 – Credibility and trust  13:16 – Personal journey into sales  18:48 – Care factor in sales  19:09 – Three pillars of influence  21:32 – Leadership and trust  23:44 – Mentor: Josh Rubens  26:59 – Consistency in sales  29:33 – Being an introvert in sales  32:06 – Influencing his kids  37:20 – Parenting as leadership  37:55 – Core leadership message  38:53 – Networking and CIO connections      Conclusion:  In this conversation, Andy Khan shows that sustainable influence in sales isn’t about being the loudest or chasing the biggest deal—it’s about consistency, character, and care. He’s grown a mid‑market business through an acquisition, a separation from Deloitte, and a global pandemic by turning enterprise‑grade lessons into agile, right‑sized solutions while keeping relationships at the center. An introvert who never planned to sell, Andy built a 20‑year career on three simple rules—clarity, care, and credibility—refusing to sell what isn’t right and keeping his “care factor” steady regardless of revenue. Whether serving customers, learning from mentor Josh Rubens, or raising his kids, his philosophy is simple: leadership is how you treat the people who rely on you, especially when there’s nothing in it for you today.    This episode is made possible by Troy Sawdy, someone who’s deeply committed to growing people and building lasting impact in the industry. As the force behind Titan Ind. Pty Ltd and actively involved in Reboot Mindset Academy and Titans of Coal, Troy’s work reflects what it truly means to invest in the future. Curious about what he’s building? Check it out below: https://titanind.com.au/ https://www.rebootmindsetacademy.org/ https://www.yourtitansofcoal.com/

Andrea Hayden shows that in HR and people & culture, influence is earned, not given and because HR rarely owns the P&L, real impact comes from trusted relationships, credibility in the bank, and evidence‑based recommendations, not job titles. She reframes positive psychology as wellbeing science, clear goals, boundaries, courageous conversations, and leaders who listen to understand, and ties it directly to psychological safety through mental health champions, EAP, and anonymous pulse surveys. Guided by the mantra “the behavior you walk past is the behavior you accept,” and passionate about multi‑generational leadership from Boomers to Gen Z (and soon Gen Alpha), Andrea’s message is simple and uncompromising: leadership is how you show up, how you treat people, and what you’re willing to tolerate.   Takeaways: Influence without authority relies on three pillars: trusted relationships, credibility built over time, and evidence‑based recommendations. Positive psychology / wellbeing science is practical, not “woo‑woo”—it’s about goals, boundaries, feedback, and daily habits that support financial, physical, mental, and behavioral wellbeing. Psychological safety demands clear expectations, leaders who truly listen, and multiple safe channels (EAP, mental health champions, anonymous surveys) for raising concerns. Leadership is a behavior, not a title—anyone can lead by role‑modeling desired behaviors, addressing issues instead of walking past them, and acting with honesty, integrity, and genuine care. Modern leaders must be adaptable, handling difficult conversations with fairness and kindness and flexing their style to different generations and motivators on their teams.   Quotes: Influence is earned, not given—and without relationships, credibility, and evidence, it’s just noise.” “Leadership is not your job title; it’s what you tolerate, what you challenge, and how you show up every day.” “The behavior you walk past is the behavior you accept.” “People don’t just want a paycheck anymore—they want purpose, clarity, and a voice that’s actually heard.” “The best leaders don’t avoid hard conversations; they tackle them with honesty, courage, and kindness.”   Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro, tech setup, and welcoming Andrea 2:23 – Andrea’s background: HR exec, culture strategist, positive psychology 4:47 – What “influence” means in HR without owning the budget 5:51 – Three pillars of influence: relationships, credibility, evidence & facts 8:45 – Positive psychology as “wellbeing science,” not “woo‑woo” 11:25 – How psychological safety connects to wellbeing and leadership 13:09 – Mental health champions, EAP, and pulse surveys in practice 14:39 – The first visionary leader who shaped Andrea’s approach 18:22 – Becoming that kind of leader for others (mentoring story) 21:42 – Defining leadership: behaviors you model and what you accept 23:32 – “The behavior you walk past is the behavior you accept” 24:21 – Shift from old‑school management to modern, collaborative leadership 27:03 – Leading multi‑generational teams and Andrea’s generational cheat sheet 30:06 – Andrea’s “superpower”: understanding people through curiosity 31:26 – Advice for new leaders: courageous conversations and kindness 35:57 – Profiling tools and using data to better understand people Conclusion: In the end, Andrea Hayden makes one thing unmistakably clear: real influence and leadership have nothing to do with titles and everything to do with how you show up—building trust, earning credibility, backing yourself with evidence, and refusing to walk past behavior that doesn’t match your values. By treating wellbeing as science, not sentiment, and psychological safety as a daily practice, not a poster, she offers a roadmap for modern leaders who want more than compliance—they want purpose, courage, and workplaces where people feel safe enough to do the best work of their lives.   This episode is proudly supported by Troy Sawdy, a true leader committed to shaping stronger futures within our industry. As the Founder of Titan Ind. Pty Ltd, Board Director at Reboot Mindset Academy, and a key force behind Titans of Coal, Troy continues to champion growth, investment, and lasting impact, values we dive into in today’s episode. Take a moment to explore the powerful work Troy and his teams are building 👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-sawdy-2769a2165/ https://titanind.com.au/ https://www.rebootmindsetacademy.org/

What does it take to lead one of Australia’s most significant industrial assets through a period of massive change? In this episode of the Influence In Action podcast, Anton Guinea sits down with Trent, General Manager of Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL). They dive deep into the evolution of leadership, from the "iron fist" supervision of the 90s to the modern necessity of psychological safety, empathy, and consistency. Trent shares his personal journey from an apprentice on the "QAL Apprentice Wall" to leading the organization, offering a rare look at how Gladstone’s major industrial leaders (Rio Tinto, BSL, and more) are collaborating more closely than ever to secure the community’s future. Key highlights in this episode: Leadership vs. Influence: Why you can be an influencer without being a leader, but never the other way around. The Venn Diagram of Success: Articulating a future state, showing deep commitment, and maintaining consistency. Leading Under Pressure: Lessons learned from major industrial incidents and the importance of "Trust Deposits." The Future of Gladstone: How the GMs of QAL, BSL, and Yarwun are working as "umbilical twins" for the region's success. This Episode is sponsored by Troy Sawdy, a leader who truly embodies the "Leader Led, AI Powered" and "Influence in Action" philosophies. Troy is a powerhouse in both industry and community impact. Troy’s commitment to high-performance culture and mental health advocacy is why we are proud to have him as a partner. His work ensures that the people behind our biggest industries are just as strong as the machinery they operate. Check out Troy’s work below: Titan IND: https://titanind.com.au/ Reboot Mindset Academy: https://www.rebootmindsetacademy.org/ Titans of Coal: https://www.yourtitansofcoal.com/ Subscribe for more conversations on high-performance leadership, AI integration, and psychological safety.

Natalie Moore speaks with Anton Guinea about her journey from corporate life to becoming a mindset coach, sharing how stress, motherhood, and lack of fulfillment pushed her to question what work and life should really feel like. She explains how embracing a possibility mindset helped her move from uncertainty into aligned action, even without having a clear path, and how starting a small side hustle became the foundation for her long-term career transformation. The conversation explores how influence begins with self-awareness, and how quietly changing your own behavior can impact others, as seen when her husband decided to start his own business after witnessing her shift. Natalie also shares her work in breaking the stigma around menopause, highlighting how open conversations created real impact for women and organizations, while exposing the resistance many workplaces still have toward these topics. She emphasizes that strong leadership is rooted in emotional intelligence and psychological safety, where people feel safe to express themselves fully, leading to better performance, deeper engagement, and more meaningful work. Takeaways: Influence starts with how you lead yourself before others Possibility mindset = curiosity + openness + trust Doing what aligns with you improves wellbeing and performance Quiet actions can influence others more than direct persuasion Psychological safety drives engagement and honest conversations Leaders should focus on transformation, not just transactions Bringing your full self to work leads to better fulfillment Purpose evolves across different life stages Businesses benefit when employees grow even if they eventually leave Personal authenticity builds stronger connection and influence Quotes: “There has to be more to life than just feeling stressed.” “You don’t need the full path you just need to believe there’s possibility.” “Quietly doing you influences others more than you think.” “We’re one person we shouldn’t have to split who we are at work and home.” “Leaders need to create space where people feel safe to be themselves.” “If people grow with you, they become your strongest advocates.” “Possibility starts with curiosity and an open mind.”  Timestamp Outline: 0:00 – Intro and guest overview 8:49 – Natalie’s background and career shift 11:23 – From stress to possibility mindset 13:29 – Running journey and discipline 14:38 – What influence means 15:42 – Impact on others (husband story) 19:59 – Menopause advocacy and impact 24:01 – Challenges working with organizations 26:39 – Possibility mindset in workplaces   Conclusion: This episode focuses on moving from stress-driven living to intentional, self-aware action, as Natalie Moore shares how burnout, motherhood, and career pressure led her to rethink her direction. Her shift into acting on possibility without full clarity eventually led to a career in coaching and wellbeing, built through small but consistent steps. The conversation highlights how personal change influences others, breaks workplace stigma, and reflects leadership rooted in awareness, emotional intelligence, and daily action.

James King speaks with Anton Guinea about his journey into sex education and relationship coaching, starting from a personal experience with a partner who struggled with sexual trauma and emotional disconnection, which pushed him to question his understanding of intimacy and relationships. He describes how this experience exposed gaps in his sexual knowledge, leading him to explore communication, pleasure, and emotional safety, and how this process gradually shifted his identity from uncertainty into deep curiosity and long-term study of human sexuality. The conversation explores how shame, fear, and lack of communication block sexual expression in men, and how these internal barriers often show up as performance anxiety, erectile issues, and emotional disconnection in relationships. James explains how his coaching process helps men move from silence into open expression by gradually building comfort through writing, speaking, and guided conversation, which leads to improved confidence and stronger intimacy with partners. He also reflects on how sexual compatibility is deeply tied to emotional trust and vulnerability, emphasizing that lasting relationships require ongoing communication, willingness to explore, and the ability to stay honest about desires and boundaries. Takeaways: Sexual confidence is strongly linked to emotional safety and communication. Many sexual issues come from mental pressure, not physical dysfunction. Couples improve intimacy when they openly discuss desires and boundaries. Novelty and exploration keep long-term relationships sexually alive. Vulnerability from men increases trust and deeper connection in relationships. Sexual satisfaction often improves overall life confidence and performance.   Quotes: “Sex is the glue in the relationship.” “Most men have never verbalized their sexual fantasies.” “You don’t know what you don’t know about sex and intimacy.” “Vulnerability is powerful in building connection.” “Everything outside the bedroom affects what happens inside it.” Timestamp Outline: 0:00 – Background and early life discussion 8:15 – Origin story of becoming a sex educator 13:29 – Creativity and novelty in sexual relationships 17:11 – How men can safely express fantasies 20:38 – After-sex communication and feedback methods 22:34 – Masculinity, vulnerability, and relationship dynamics 27:20 – Sexual performance issues and psychological causes 31:51 – Medical approaches vs holistic solutions discussion 34:30 – Coaching journey and transition into purpose-driven work 39:21 – Communication in relationships and sexual openness   Conclusion: The episode shows that sexual health is closely tied to communication, trust, and emotional maturity. James King’s perspective highlights how many relationship problems come from silence rather than physical issues. He emphasizes that learning about intimacy is an ongoing process, not a fixed skill. The conversation also shows how vulnerability can strengthen both attraction and long-term stability. Overall, the message is clear: better communication leads to better relationships and deeper connection. Listeners walk away with a clear message: Sexual confidence and relationship quality are built through communication, not performance Most intimacy problems come from silence, shame, and fear of judgment Early sexual experiences and beliefs shape adult confidence and behavior Avoiding conversations about sex creates distance between partners Emotional safety is required for real sexual openness Vulnerability strengthens trust and deepens connection Novelty and curiosity keep long-term relationships alive Performance pressure often drives sexual dysfunction more than physical causes Small communication changes can shift confidence and desire Healthy intimacy comes from honesty about needs, limits, and desires

Anton Guinea speaks with Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards about his life journey from childhood trauma, repeated running away from home, and emotional instability into self-awareness and personal responsibility. He explains how early experiences shaped his identity and how unresolved pain followed him into adulthood, affecting his relationships, work, and sense of self. A major focus of the conversation is his fourth divorce and the burnout that followed a high-pressure life in personal development and speaking. He describes a pattern of building success and then tearing it down, driven by internal conflict and lack of emotional grounding. The episode then shifts into a powerful story about a toxic and obsessive relationship that became a turning point in his life. He explains how emotional addiction formed, how identity blurred inside the relationship, and how both individuals mirrored each other’s trauma, control patterns, and fear-based behaviors. Dr. Edwards connects this experience to deeper lessons about shame, self-image, and freedom. He shares how speaking openly about his past removed internal fear and helped him release long-held shame. He emphasizes that hiding parts of yourself creates psychological pressure, while honesty creates relief and clarity. A key philosophical shift in the conversation is the belief that “nothing happens to you, everything happens for you.” This reframing allows him to move from victimhood into responsibility faster, shortening emotional suffering and increasing self-awareness. He also reflects on his work with Tony Robbins, his background in spiritual counseling, and how he developed his coaching practice. He explains how influence, behavior change, and emotional awareness became central to his work in leadership and human development. The conversation closes with a broader reflection on identity, authenticity, and freedom, emphasizing that real transformation happens when people stop performing an identity and start living with honesty and self-awareness. 📖 Curious if you can handle the truth? You can check out the first three chapters of his provocative new book, The Venus Fly Trap, and see if you can handle the consequences here: https://bit.ly/47za3EU 🤝 Ready for a deeper transformation? If you're interested in professional coaching and counseling to help navigate your own journey, reach out to Dr. Stephen directly here: https://vft23.com/coaching-and-counselling/?utm_source=Anton+Guinea&utm_medium=%22The+Find+Your+Influence+Podcast+%22&utm_campaign=Podcast+Interview+-+Anton+Guinea Takeaways: Childhood trauma shapes adult identity and behavior patterns People often repeat cycles of success and self-destruction Toxic relationships mirror unresolved emotional wounds Emotional addiction can replace identity inside relationships Shame loses power when it is spoken and owned Victim mindset delays growth and keeps people stuck Reframing life as “happening for you” builds resilience Awareness shortens emotional recovery time Hiding your truth creates internal pressure and fear Honesty creates psychological freedom Influence and leadership start with self-awareness Personal growth requires responsibility, not blame Quotes: “I was running away from my own home, which is me.” “Wherever you go, there you are.” “I became addicted to her.” “We were mirrors of each other.” “Nothing happens to you, everything happens for you.” “You create it all.” “The ultimate dare is being who you really are in front of others.”   Timestamp Outline: 0:00 – Introduction and background conversation (UK to US transition, influence of language and identity) 1:20 – Working with Tony Robbins and early influence in personal development 2:14 – Leadership, organizational development, and team performance work 3:16 – Introduction to Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards and The Venus Flytrap 4:32 – Spiritual counseling and purpose of the book 5:00 – Childhood trauma and repeated attempts to run away from home 6:08 – Realization of self-running patterns and internal identity conflict 6:39 – Cycle of success and self-destruction 7:18 – Fourth divorce and emotional burnout 8:25 – Journaling, personal development practices, and internal misalignment 9:31 – Limits of tools without self-awareness 10:00 – High travel lifestyle and loss of passion 10:38 – Meeting the woman and emotional obsession begins 11:46 – Facing shame and releasing hidden identity 13:13 – Freedom through truth and openness 14:00 – Helping others through shared experience and pattern recognition 15:00 – Writing The Venus Flytrap and expanding it into a series 16:21 – Risk-taking behavior and attraction dynamics 17:11 – “Master teacher” dynamic in toxic relationships 18:02 – Responsibility and ownership of life patterns 19:19 – Introduction to relationship extremes and book context 20:00 – Mirror dynamics: shared trauma and control patterns 21:23 – Control behavior driven by fear in relationships 22:22 – “Bird of paradise vs Venus flytrap” metaphor introduction 23:27 – Recognition of destructive attraction pattern 24:35 – Letting go and emotional separation 25:41 – Healing through solitude and rebuilding identity 26:46 – Redefining marriage, independence, and relationship structure 27:53 – Non-traditional relationship philosophy and boundaries 29:07 – Identifying toxic relationship patterns and warning signs 30:12 – Self-abandonment and control dynamics in relationships 31:42 – Justification of unhealthy relationships and fear of loss 32:45 – Early influences: mother, father, humor, and emotional contrast 34:11 – Influence of Tony Robbins and manifestation philosophy 35:00 – Writing process and creative transformation 36:32 – Spiritual counseling path and licensure journey 37:15 – PhD in spiritual counseling and coaching authority 38:42 – Book impact, coaching work, and publishing direction 39:13 – Vision: community, podcast, and transformation ecosystem 40:10 – Events, retreats, and long-term vision 41:19 – Materialism, identity, and psychological freedom 42:21 – Performance identity vs authentic self 43:40 – “Ultimate dare” concept: authenticity under judgment 44:44 – Acceptance, rejection, and self-definition 45:00 – Reader offer: free chapters and coaching session 46:16 – Host reflection and book positioning 47:13 – Closing reflection on coercive control and toxic relationships   Conclusion: This episode centers on one shift: moving from unconscious identity patterns into conscious responsibility. Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards describes how trauma, shame, and emotional dependency shaped his early life and relationships, and how repeated breakdowns forced deeper self-awareness. The toxic relationship at the center of his book becomes a catalyst for change. It exposes attachment patterns, emotional addiction, and the loss of self that happens when identity merges with another person. The core message is direct. When you stop interpreting life as something happening to you and start seeing it as something revealing you, your behavior changes. Emotional recovery becomes faster. Patterns become visible sooner. Personal responsibility increases. At its core, the conversation is about identity. Not the version you perform, but the one you choose to live with when everything external is stripped away. Listeners walk away with a clear message: Your identity is shaped by early emotional experiences, not just adult choices Success without self-awareness can lead to repeated self-destruction Toxic relationships often reflect unresolved internal patterns Emotional dependency can slowly replace your sense of self Shame loses power when you stop hiding your story Responsibility shortens emotional suffering and builds clarity Victim thinking keeps you stuck in the same cycles Reframing life as meaningful helps you respond instead of react Awareness is the first step toward changing behavior patterns Authenticity removes pressure and creates internal freedom

Anton Guinea speaks with child and family connection strategist Jess Robertson about how early relationships shape a child’s identity, emotional development, and lifelong ability to navigate the world. Jess explains that a child’s sense of self begins forming from the earliest stages of life, including pregnancy, and is heavily influenced by the emotional state and availability of primary caregivers. The conversation explores the importance of connection over correction, emphasizing presence, eye contact, emotional safety, and the role of a supportive “village” around new parents. Jess highlights how modern isolation has replaced traditional community structures, placing excessive pressure on parents, especially mothers, while reducing access to natural support systems. Jess challenges common parenting approaches, especially the overuse of praise, and introduces the idea of “prize over praise,” in which effort is valued over outcomes. She explains how excessive praise can create a dependency on external validation, while intentional language helps children develop internal confidence and self-awareness. The discussion expands into emotional intelligence, behavior as communication, and the importance of seeing the child behind the behavior. Jess emphasizes that children must feel seen, heard, and valued, and that adults must first model the emotional regulation and behaviors they expect from children. The episode also connects parenting with leadership, arguing that influence is shaped by how adults choose to show up in relationships. Jess stresses that unlearning disconnection is now a societal challenge, especially in a technology-driven world where basic social skills are declining. Takeaways: A child’s identity begins forming from the earliest stages of life. Connection, not correction, is the foundation of healthy development. Parents need support systems; isolation harms both caregiver and child. Praise can create dependency; effort-based feedback builds resilience. Children develop internal identity through how adults respond to them. Behavior is communication, not defiance or failure. Emotional intelligence starts with adult self-regulation and modeling. The “village” approach strengthens both parent and child wellbeing. Technology is reducing natural social skill development in children. Influence starts with how adults choose to show up consistently. Quotes: “Connection is everything in the first years of life. It shapes how a child walks in the world.” “Prize over praise focus on effort, not outcome.” “Behavior is a message. It’s not who the child is.” “Let others in. Parenting was never meant to be done alone.” “You are the mirror. Children learn who they are from how you show up.” “If a child isn’t being seen or heard, the behavior will escalate until they are.” “We are unlearning social skills as a society.” Timestamp Outline: 0:00 – Introduction and Jess Robertson’s background 2:00 – Why early childhood development matters 5:00 – Connection as the foundation of identity 8:00 – Early signs of emotional development in children 11:00 – Neuroscience and brain development in early life 14:00 – Caregiver wellbeing and the impact on children 17:00 – The “village” concept and modern parenting isolation 20:00 – Asking for help and building support systems 23:00 – Outsourcing support vs replacing parenting responsibility 26:00 – Effort over praise (“prize over praise”) 29:00 – Language, validation, and building internal confidence 32:00 – Behavior as communication and emotional signals 35:00 – Modeling emotional regulation as adults 38:00 – Seen, heard, and valued: shaping identity in children 41:00 – Technology, social skills, and emotional intelligence decline 44:00 – Parenting as leadership and influence Conclusion: This conversation reframes parenting and leadership around one core principle: connection shapes identity. Jess Robertson emphasizes that children do not develop confidence from praise alone, but from consistent emotional safety, modeled behavior, and meaningful adult presence. The discussion extends beyond parenting into leadership and society, highlighting a growing risk of disconnection in a technology-heavy world. Listeners walk away with a clear message: Children build identity through relationships, not instruction. Adults shape outcomes through presence, not pressure. Emotional intelligence starts with how adults regulate themselves. Human connection is becoming a critical skill, not a given This episode is proudly brought to you by W Daniel Cox III. We are grateful for their support in helping us share these vital stories of leadership and impact. https://wdanielcoxiii.com/

Anton Guinea speaks with executive coach and LinkedIn expert Rachel Lounds about how self-doubt, perception, and identity shape professional success. Rachel breaks down imposter syndrome as a perception of competence rather than a lack of ability, drawing from her work with world-leading researcher Dr. Valerie Young. She explains five competence types: perfectionist, expert, natural genius, soloist, and superhuman, and how these patterns quietly drive insecurity and underperformance. Rachel shares her personal transition from a 25-year advertising career to coaching, following a toxic workplace experience and a forced career reset. She reflects on how imposter syndrome showed up even while training with top global experts, and how COVID became a turning point for rebuilding her career in coaching and LinkedIn strategy. The conversation moves into leadership, influence, and self-perception. Rachel emphasizes that influence starts internally: you must first influence how you see yourself before you can influence others. She also discusses real-world leadership failures, workplace bullying, and the importance of support, care, and psychological safety in organizations. The episode closes with her thoughts on influence in practice, helping clients own their achievements, like a two-time Winter Olympian who learned to publicly embrace her identity and unlock new visibility and opportunities.   Takeaways: Imposter syndrome is driven by how you perceive your competence, not your actual ability. Five competence patterns shape most self-doubt: perfectionist, expert, natural genius, soloist, and superhuman. Most people experience imposter syndrome; it is not rare or gender-specific. Progress comes from three actions: normalize the feeling, reframe the thought, and take action anyway. Confidence does not come first; it develops through repeated action. Self-influence is the foundation of external influence. Toxic workplaces often create long-term psychological and physical harm. Reinvention is possible after burnout, job loss, or systemic workplace failure. LinkedIn success comes from clarity, consistency, and confidence in your message. Owning your achievements unlocks visibility and new opportunities.   Quotes:   “I may not know everything right now, but I’m smart enough to find out.” “Confidence comes from doing the thing. You can’t wait for it first.” “Imposter syndrome is not about confidence, it’s about your perception of competence.” “Normalize it. Most people in the room are feeling the same way you are.” “Why not me? That question changes everything.” “Leadership is taking care of people.”   Timestamp Outline: 0:00 – Introduction and Rachel’s background in LinkedIn and coaching 1:30 – Imposter syndrome research origins and Dr. Valerie Young 4:00 – Moving from advertising to coaching career 6:30 – Experiencing imposter syndrome while training with experts 9:00 – Five competence types explained (perfectionist, expert, natural genius, soloist, superhuman) 13:00 – Childhood conditioning and shaping self-belief 15:30 – Normalizing, reframing, and taking action framework 18:00 – Self-influence and how confidence is built 20:00 – Toxic workplace experience and internal politics 24:00 – Psychological and physical impact of workplace stress 27:00 – COVID career reset and rebuilding through coaching 30:00 – Client case study: Olympic athlete and identity ownership 33:00 – Defining influence and leadership 35:30 – Closing insights on self-doubt and action   Conclusion:  This episode reframes imposter syndrome as a pattern of perception rather than a personal flaw. Rachel Lounds shows how competence is often present but unrecognized, and how most limitations come from internal narratives rather than external reality. The conversation connects mindset, workplace culture, and personal reinvention into a practical framework for building confidence and influence. Listeners walk away with a clear shift in thinking: Self-doubt is common and predictable. Confidence is built through action, not preparation. Leadership starts with how you manage your own thoughts.   This episode is proudly brought to you by W Daniel Cox III. We are grateful for their support in helping us share these vital stories of leadership and impact. https://wdanielcoxiii.com/

Anton Guinea reconnects with long-time friend Aaron Tselepy to unpack a life defined by early responsibility, hard lessons, and deep personal growth. Aaron shares how a rugby scholarship took him from a rough North Queensland upbringing to Nudgee College, where exposure to privilege lit a fire for ambition. He describes becoming a husband at 19 and a father of three by 22, and how that pressure pushed him from packing shelves at Safeway to building a thriving chiropractic practice, then multiple practices, and later a hot yoga (Bonfire) business. A devastating wrist injury forced Aaron to stop hands-on chiropractic and reinvent himself as a teacher, mentor, and eventually yoga teacher and farmer, while living with bipolar disorder and exploring biochemistry, endocrinology, dopamine, and cortisol as part of his philosophy of self-leadership. The conversation spans boarding school bullying, skepticism of religion in education, Rotary exchange, Burning Man, his three high-achieving yet very different adult children, and why Aaron ultimately sees his greatest legacy not in businesses built, but in the relationships he’s forged with his kids and the future he hopes to shape as a grandfather. Takeaways Early fatherhood became Aaron’s greatest safety rail—forcing him to grow up fast instead of going off the rails. A single injury ended his chiropractic career but unlocked a complete reinvention as teacher, yogi, and farmer. Real leadership, Aaron insists, is mastering your own choices—around work, pleasure, health, and temptation. Unearned dopamine (from screens, substances, and shortcuts) quietly destroys you; earned dopamine builds you. For all his business wins, Aaron’s true legacy is not clinics or companies—it’s the deep, messy, loving relationships with his three kids and future grandkids.   Quotes: “Without being married at 19 and having three kids by 22, I would have been off the rails 100%—responsibility saved my life.” “You are never glued to who you are right now; body and mind are rebuildable at any age.” “The only person who can truly heal your life is you—everyone else is just a guide or a mirror.” “Real leadership isn’t controlling others; it’s mastering your own choices in the face of comfort and temptation.” “My real legacy isn’t the businesses I built—it’s the love, scars, and stories I share with my children and future grandchildren.” Timestamp Outline: 0:00 – Reconnecting and casual banter 2:30 – Standing out at Nudgee College 5:45 – From small-town kid to scholarship student 7:50 – Experiencing class and wealth shock 10:40 – Life-changing Rotary year in Sweden 14:10 – Early self-education and personal growth 18:00 – Uni life with a young family 19:30 – Turning tutoring into real income 22:50 – Launching the first chiropractic practice 24:30 – Career-ending injury and forced pivot 27:00 – Reinventing as teacher and mentor 29:40 – Discovering hot yoga and physical healing 32:00 – Semi-retirement and simpler living 34:20 – Three very different, high-achieving kids 38:00 – A son’s addiction, homelessness, and hope 41:20 – Grieving, acceptance, and choosing hope 44:10 – Children as greatest influence and legacy 46:05 – Bullying, boarding school, and religion 49:40 – Obsession with biochemistry and hormones 53:00 – The danger of unearned dopamine 55:30 – Bipolar as a managed “superpower” 57:40 – Burning Man and late-life experimentation   Conclusion: This episode is a raw, wandering, and deeply human look at how a life can be shaped by early responsibility, injury, mental health, and relentless reinvention, without ever fitting the neat mold of a “success story.” Instead, Aaron Tselepy offers a lived-in picture of self-leadership, where real influence is measured not by titles or trophies, but by the daily choices you make around family, work, health, and even dopamine. Listeners are left with a powerful reminder that your life is never finished, and that the most important person you’ll ever learn to lead is yourself. Listeners walk away with a richer understanding that: Parenthood can be both constraint and salvation. Failure—of bodies, businesses, and plans—can be the doorway to reinvention. Science and spirituality can coexist without religion. You’re never done building who you are. For anyone feeling behind, broken, or mid-rebuild at 30, 40, 50, or beyond, this conversation is a reminder that your story is still being written—and that the most important person you’ll ever learn to lead is yourself.   This episode is proudly brought to you by W Daniel Cox III. We are grateful for their support in helping us share these vital stories of leadership and impact. https://wdanielcoxiii.com/

In this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, host Anton Guinea sits down with Damon Davis—AI strategist, healthcare innovator, and creator of the Who Am I Really? podcast—to explore how influence is shaped by both preparation and the deepest parts of our personal story. Damon shares how a “spontaneous” keynote on stage was actually the result of a year of preparation, embodying his belief that “if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” He then opens up about the powerful and painful influence of his father, Willie Davis, who rose from poverty to a huge business exit but ended his life broke and alone due to a lack of money mentors. The conversation dives into Damon’s adoption and reunion journey, including the extraordinary discovery that his birth mother worked just three blocks away from him in Washington, DC while he served under President Barack Obama. Motivated by the many adoptees whose experiences are far from “Disney endings,” Damon created Who Am I Really? to amplify adoptee voices and tell the full, often complex truth about adoption, identity, and belonging.    Summary:    Throughout the conversation, Damon and Anton unpack how positive and negative influences shape who we become, from Damon’s father’s financial missteps to the missing “chapter one” of his own life as an adoptee. Damon explains how his father’s story became a negative example that fueled better decisions about money, mentorship, and legacy, while his adoption story—culminating in an almost cinematic reunion with his birth mother—revealed how powerful it is to finally know the truth about your origins. This personal journey led Damon to launch the Who Am I Really? podcast, where he has recorded hundreds of adoptee stories that span joyful reunions, painful rejections, closed records, and lifelong questions. Woven through it all are Damon’s experiences in leadership and public service, including his work in the Obama administration democratizing health data, and his belief that true influence blends service, honesty, and diverse perspectives rather than perfection.    Takeaways:  Influence comes from both positive and negative experiences.  Preparation is the hidden engine behind “effortless” influence.  Adoption always begins with loss—and that reality matters.  Sharing hard truths creates space for others to speak.  Leadership is about service, curiosity, and diverse voices.    Quotes:  “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”  “Success is where opportunity meets preparation.”  “My father’s lack of money mentors was a negative influence that became a positive motivator for me.”  “Adoption never starts from a good place—every child available for adoption is there for a not‑so‑positive reason.”  “In the absence of facts, we create our own narrative—and for adoptees, that missing chapter one shapes everything.”    Timestamps:    0:00:53 – Stage Speaking: Preparation And Staying Ready  0:03:21 – Meet Damon Davis: AI Strategist And Podcaster  0:05:00 – What Influence Really Means  0:05:40 – Damon’s Father: Rich Exit, Broke Ending  0:08:56 – Money Mentors: Assets Vs. Liabilities  0:12:40 – Anton’s $2M Collapse And Comeback  0:16:00 – Launching The “Who Am I Really?” Adoption Podcast  0:16:55 – Working In Obama’s Administration  0:17:20 – Birthday Reunion With His Birth Mother  0:18:00 – Beyond “Disney” Reunions: Real Adoptee Stories  0:20:12 – Closed Records, Blocked Searches, And Rejection  0:21:27 – Adoption Myths Vs. Reality  0:23:19 – Growing Up Without “Chapter One”  0:28:21 – Missing Months In Foster Care     Conclusion:    Damon Davis’ story shows that real influence is forged where vulnerability, preparation, and purpose meet. His father’s rise and fall, his own decades-long search for identity, and his decision to publicly embrace his adoptee experience all became catalysts for serving others more deeply—through policy work, technology, and storytelling. By refusing to gloss over the hard parts of adoption and family history, Damon models a form of leadership that is grounded in truth, empathy, and the courage to give others a voice. For listeners who want to understand what influence looks like beyond titles and achievements, this episode is a powerful reminder that our greatest impact often grows out of the very stories we once struggled to tell.    𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 is proudly brought to you by W Daniel Cox III - CMA, CFM. We are grateful for their support in helping us share these vital stories of leadership and impact. https://wdanielcoxiii.com/

Dr. Jae Koonce breaks down the gap between traditional healthcare and true performance-driven health. Drawing from over a decade as a pharmacist, he shares how most patients are treated with medication rather than addressing the root causes of chronic pain, obesity, and metabolic decline. Through his work with Proof of Work Fitness, Dr. Koonce shifts the focus toward prevention, movement, and long-term lifestyle sustainability—especially for high-performing individuals who often neglect their physical health while chasing success. The conversation explores the importance of influencing yourself before influencing others, emphasizing behavior change over motivation. Dr. Koonce highlights how discipline, consistency, and self-awareness are the real drivers of transformation—not quick fixes. Blending healthcare insight with performance coaching, he reframes health as a leadership responsibility and a foundational pillar for long-term success. Takeaways: True health transformation starts with behavior change, not just motivation or inspiration. The modern healthcare system often treats symptoms instead of addressing root causes. High performers must align physical health with professional success to sustain long-term performance. Preventative health and movement are critical to avoiding chronic disease and burnout. Self-influence is the foundation of leadership—if you can’t lead yourself, you can’t lead others. Quotes: “You have to influence yourself before you can influence others.” “I don’t want you to just be motivated—I want you to change your behavior.” “Most healthcare is built around managing symptoms, not solving problems.” “If you ignore your body long enough, it will force you to pay attention.” “Real performance starts with how well you take care of yourself.” Timestamps: [0:00:00] Studio Intro and Setting the Tone [0:02:00] The Power of Self-Influence and Personal Responsibility [0:04:30] Why Motivation Fails Without Behavior Change [0:07:00] Meet Dr. Jae Koonce: Pharmacy to Performance [0:10:00] Inside Healthcare: What’s Broken [0:13:30] Chronic Disease, Obesity, and Lifestyle Patterns [0:17:00] Treating Symptoms vs Solving Root Causes [0:20:30] Shift Toward Preventative and Performance Health [0:24:00] Movement, Fitness, and Sustainable Lifestyle Change [0:28:00] High Performers: The Cost of Ignoring Health [0:31:30] Discipline, Consistency, and Long-Term Results [0:35:00] Leadership, Self-Awareness, and Influence [0:38:30] Health as the Foundation of Performance [0:42:00] Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways Conclusion: This episode challenges the traditional view of healthcare by exposing its overreliance on medication and symptom management. Dr. Jae Koonce makes a compelling case for shifting toward prevention, movement, and personal responsibility—especially for leaders and high performers. At its core, the conversation is not just about health, but about influence. The ability to lead, perform, and grow sustainably begins with how well you manage your own body and behavior. In a world chasing productivity and success, this episode serves as a reminder that true performance starts from within.   This episode is proudly brought to you by W Daniel Cox III. We are grateful for their support in helping us share these vital stories of leadership and impact. https://agency.antonguinea.ai/ai-demo

In this episode, Anton explores the concept of influence with Kristina Katsanevas, a transformation leader and podcaster who interviews high-profile guests and top performers. Kristina shares how her podcast journey has connected her with A-list celebrities and visionary entrepreneurs, revealing the human stories behind their success. She reflects on key mentors who shaped her career, including a trailblazing female CEO in sport and a director she met through a simple “yes” to a late event entry request. Kristina defines influence as a learnable skill—about energy, confidence, and helping people say yes more often in relationships, conflict, and decision-making. Throughout the episode, Anton and Kristina connect the dots between influence and leadership, showing that truly great leaders are, by definition, deeply influential.   Takeaways   Influence is about walking into a room with the kind of energy that makes people say, Who is that person, I want to meet them. If you are not influential, you might be a manager, but you are not a leader. Babies can’t run, and neither can brands—you have to respect the life cycle and stay patient. Sometimes the most powerful career move you can make is simply saying yes when it would be easier to say no. The mentors who change your life are the ones who trust you to run the national awards when you are still an intern. Quotes:   Influence is about walking into a room with the kind of energy that makes people say, Who is that person, I want to meet them. If you are not influential, you might be a manager, but you are not a leader. Babies can’t run, and neither can brands—you have to respect the life cycle and stay patient. Sometimes the most powerful career move you can make is simply saying yes when it would be easier to say no. The mentors who change your life are the ones who trust you to run the national awards when you are still an intern.   Timestamp: [0:00:00] Pre-Show Banter and Audience Setup [0:02:00] Introducing Khristina: Transformation Leader and Podcaster [0:04:41] Transforming the Game: Launching a Podcast to the Stars [0:05:52] Celebrity Insights: Charlie Sheen and UGG Founder Brian Smith [0:08:36] The Art of Influence and Why It’s a Learnable Skill [0:10:12] Mentors, Sliding Doors, and the Power of Saying Yes [0:17:44] Paying It Forward: Teen Mentoring and the Raise Program [0:22:31] Rocking-Chair Moments, Time, and Smart Business Systems [0:27:35] How AI Is Really Changing Work, Data, and Productivity [0:33:32] AI Adoption Curves, Leadership Fears, and New KPIs [0:37:45] What Great Leadership Looks Like When You’re Not in the Room [0:40:01] Gladstone Roots, Future Plans, and Closing the Conversation   Conclusion: This episode shows that influence is not reserved for a chosen few; it is a practical skill that anyone willing to learn and practice can develop. Through Kristina’s stories—from A-list podcast guests to early mentors and serendipitous networking moments—we see how saying yes, staying patient, and showing up with intention can completely reshape a career. Anton and Kristina remind us that real leadership is simply influence in action, expressed through the way we make decisions, handle conflict, and inspire others. Whether you are building a billion-dollar brand, leading a small team, or just starting out, the principles shared here can help you become more trusted, more visible, and more impactful. Take these lessons, apply them in your own world, and start transforming the game of how you lead and influence today.

Ever wonder why some brilliantly funded startups still crash and burn while others quietly scale into eight and nine figures? In this episode, commercialization and go-to-market specialist Craig T. Ingram breaks down the brutal data on business failure—and the rare strategies that actually flip the odds. We dive into his powerful four-part framework of awareness, attention, adoption, and retention, and how it separates the 55% that shutter from the few that survive and thrive. Along the way, Craig exposes why MBAs, big-brand experience, and corporate titles often matter less than real-world execution and extreme ownership. If you’re serious about turning influence into income and wisdom into long-term profitability, this conversation will challenge how you see leadership, strategy, and success in business.   Summary: Craig Ingram, a US-based commercialization and go-to-market leader, discussed the challenges and strategies for startup success. He highlighted that 55% of US businesses with 500 employees or less fail within five years, and 72-77% fail between their eighth and tenth anniversaries. Craig's advisory firm focuses on a four-part framework: awareness, attraction, adoption, and retention. He emphasized the importance of effective commercial strategies and leadership, advocating for extreme ownership and accountability. Craig also shared his experience with venture capital and the potential of Malta's business-friendly policies, offering a 1.5 million euro grant to companies that stay for 12 months.   Takeaways   Commercial failure is rarely about funding alone; it’s usually about weak awareness, attraction, adoption, and retention. Academic credentials and big-company titles often mask a lack of real, zero-to-one business-building experience. Effective leadership means taking 100% responsibility for outcomes while equipping others to own and fix their part of the work. Strategy options are limited, but small tactical execution choices—like which door you knock on and how—change everything. Long-term business survival and meaningful exits demand wisdom and execution, not just intelligence, theory, or corporate politics.   Quotes: Without high levels of customer adoption, companies go under period. We are not anemic in intelligence in the world, but we are anemic in wisdom, because wisdom is the proper use of intelligence. Leadership is being able to get your team, however big it is, to buy into the vision, the mission and the execution. Leaders are not just people in leadership positions; leaders lead from the front, they don’t tell you what to do, they say, Let’s go do it. The vast majority of people in business are not successful, because success has to be defined as revenue converting into profitability.   Timestamp: [00:00:00] Tech Glitches, Warm-Up, and Guest Introduction [00:04:25] Why Most Businesses Fail and Craig’s “Why” [00:06:50] Surviving Beyond Five and Ten Years in Business [00:08:46] The Four-Part Commercial Framework: Awareness to Retention [00:12:10] Startups, MBAs, and the Illusion of Business Expertise [00:17:01] Strategy vs. Tactics and Selling into Healthcare [00:20:49] Real Influence, Proof of Results, and Questionable “Experts” [00:32:22] Craig’s Origin Story: Family Businesses, Cancer & Early Medtech Sales [00:37:39] Corporate Politics vs. Performance at Johnson & Johnson [00:40:31] Extreme Ownership, Leadership, and Shared Accountability   Conclusion: Business today is brutally simple: if you don’t create real adoption and real profit, you disappear. Craig’s story shows that wisdom, not just intelligence or an MBA, is what actually bridges the gap between a struggling venture and a scalable company. The leaders who win are the ones who own everything in their world, care deeply for their people, and execute with uncommon tactics on a clear strategy. In a market where 55% of companies shut their doors within five years, mediocrity in commercialization and leadership is no longer an option. If you want to beat the statistics, you need influence that nudges people to act, leadership that owns the outcome, and a relentless focus on turning awareness into long-term, profitable clients.

In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, Anton Guinea sits down with strategic business consultant, personal trainer, and mental health advocate Jenny Lobos. Jenny shares how her early career in healthcare compliance opened her eyes to dangerous gaps in systems that directly affect patient safety and outcomes. She explains how she now uses those same systematic frameworks to help high achievers transform their physical health, mindset, and business results. Together, Anton and Jenny explore root cause analysis, the power of the "five whys," and how uncovering deep-seated beliefs can unlock sustainable change. You will also hear inspiring stories of resilience, including Jenny’s 100-mile BMX ride for suicide awareness and how fitness became the missing piece in creating true leadership and influence in everyday life.   Summary:   Jenny Lobos, a strategic business consultant and certified public speaker, discusses her journey from healthcare to health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of systematic approaches. She highlights her work with clients using root cause analysis and the "five whys" method to address issues, leading to significant personal and professional transformations. Jenny shares her experience with a client who lost 20-30 pounds and started a real estate business, illustrating the interconnectedness of health and success. She also recounts her 100-mile single-speed BMX bike ride for suicide awareness, underscoring the power of personal challenges and community support.   Takeaways   Systematic tools like root cause analysis and the five whys can be applied to health, relationships, and business to uncover the real issues holding you back. Lasting weight loss and lifestyle change often depend more on mindset and deep seated beliefs than on diet rules or gym routines alone. The frameworks used in regulated industries such as healthcare can be repurposed to create structure, consistency, and discipline in everyday life. Improving your physical health can unlock confidence, new business opportunities, and better relationships across every area of life. True leadership and influence are about caring for others, creating impact, and giving people simple tools they can use long after the coaching ends.   Quotes: Leadership is knowing that we can all win together and choosing to think of others, not just ourselves. Once you learn systematic structures, you start looking at every part of life differently, from your health to your finances and business. Most people think their problem is food or the gym, but the real issue is usually a belief they have carried since childhood. When you push your body and mind to new limits, you realize how much more you are capable of in every other area of life. If you feel deep down that you are a leader, this is your sign that it is time to start taking action.   Timestamp: 0:00:00 – Introduction to the Find Your Influence Podcast and Jenny’s Bio 0:03:21 – From Healthcare Compliance to Holistic Health and Wellness 0:06:36 – Root Cause Analysis, the Five Whys, and Real‑World Examples 0:11:00 – Mindset, Weight Loss, and Breaking Limiting Beliefs 0:17:50 – Personal Tragedy, System Failures, and Jenny’s Mission 0:22:29 – Client Success Story: From Weight Loss to Business Growth 0:25:23 – How Fitness Becomes a Catalyst for Life and Business 0:28:17 – 100‑Mile BMX Ride for Suicide Awareness and Mental Health 0:33:35 – Daily Systems, Long‑Term Goals, and Discipline in Action 0:36:49 – Ragnar Relay: Testing Limits and Discovering Your Potential 0:39:20 – Jenny’s Philosophy on Leadership and Impact 0:42:02 – Closing Thoughts, Where to Find Jenny, and Episode Wrap‑Up   Conclusion:   This episode shows that influence is not just about titles, it is about the systems and habits you choose every day. Jenny reveals how the same tools that protect patients in healthcare can transform your body, mindset, and business results. From riding 100 miles on a single speed BMX for suicide awareness to helping clients lose weight and launch new ventures, her story proves that structure creates freedom. Anton and Jenny challenge you to stop guessing, start asking why, and design a life that works on purpose instead of by accident. When you treat yourself like a high performer and lead from the inside out, your health, wealth, and relationships all begin to rise together.

Have you ever wondered how an everyday public servant becomes a globally awarded, celebrity-connected entrepreneur in disability support? In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, Anton sits down with Greg Hart, social entrepreneur, co-founder of Soulful AI, and director of the globally recognized disability support business Your Heart to Heart. Greg shares how he went from public service and basic accounts work to running an award-winning family support organization that has changed lives for nearly a decade. You’ll hear how his wife Kerry became his greatest influence, lifting his energy, shaping his leadership, and standing beside him through the toughest financial seasons in both business and marriage. Greg also reveals what it’s really like to interview global celebrities like Kris Jenner, Kevin Costner, and Vince Vaughn, and what he learned about presence, power, and business mindset from those encounters. If you’re thinking about starting a business, protecting your energy, or stepping onto bigger stages, this conversation will challenge you, inspire you, and show you what consistent courage over ten years can create.   Summary:   Greg Hart, a social entrepreneur and business leader, discussed his journey and influence on the "Find Your Influence" podcast. Greg, co-founder of Soulful AI and director of Your Heart to Heart, highlighted his 10-year journey in delivering global award-winning family support services. He shared his experiences of interviewing celebrities like Chris Jenner and Kevin Costner, emphasizing the importance of energy management and leadership. Greg credited his wife, Kerry, as his biggest influence, noting her encouragement and support. He advised aspiring business owners to start part-time and focus on financial stability before quitting their jobs. Greg also stressed the importance of public speaking and being oneself on stage.   Takeaways   Your closest relationships can be your greatest source of influence, support, and belief. Managing your energy is just as important as managing your time if you want long-term success. Financial tension is normal in business, but honest communication and commitment can hold a marriage together through it. You don’t need perfect training to speak on big stages—clarity, preparation, and being yourself are enough to start. Starting part-time and then fully committing when the business has momentum is a smart way to transition out of a job.   Quotes: Influence begins at home with the people who believe in you before the world even knows your name. Protect your energy, and you protect your ability to lead, serve, and make an impact. Courage is quitting the safe job with two clients and trusting yourself to build the life you really want. Awards and fame are just reflections of the quiet work you do when no one is watching. The most powerful leaders are the ones who lift others up while they’re still climbing themselves.   Timestamp: 00:00 | Cricket, Memberships, and Warming Up the Conversation 02:20 | Introducing Greg Hart: Social Entrepreneur and Award-Winning Leader 05:50 | Global Business Awards and Building a Disability Support Empire 08:40 | Backstage with Kris Jenner and Brushing Shoulders with Celebrities 12:20 | Presence, Power, and the Difference Between Actors and Business Minds 15:30 | Defining Influence and the Life-Changing Role of Greg’s Wife, Kerry 19:20 | Protecting Your Energy and Reading People as a Leader 23:10 | Business, Marriage, and Surviving Financial Tension Together 27:30 | Leading a Team of 27 and Supporting Staff Through Tough Days 31:40 | Quitting the Public Service and Jumping into Business with Two Clients 35:40 | Speaking to Thousands: Greg’s No-Training Approach to Public Speaking   Conclusion:   Greg Hart’s story is a powerful reminder that influence doesn’t start with fame—it starts at home, with the people who believe in you before anyone else does. From leaving his government job with just two clients to building a multi-award-winning disability support business, Greg proves that courage and commitment can outperform comfort every time. His reflections on energy, trust, and leadership offer a practical roadmap for anyone who wants to grow without burning out or losing themselves along the way. Whether you’re dreaming of your first client or your first thousand-person audience, Greg’s journey shows that it’s possible to build something meaningful, profitable, and deeply human. As you finish this episode, ask yourself: who are you influencing today, and what legacy are you quietly building, one brave decision at a time?

Damon Davis, adoption stories podcast, adoptee experience, adoptee reunion journey, transracial adoption challenges, inside the adoptee experience, adoption and identity, adoption trauma and healing, finding biological parents, open vs closed adoption, adoption reunion stories, money mentors and legacy, financial mistakes and lessons, building generational wealth, influence and life decisions, overcoming financial hardship, entrepreneur money mindset, impact of preparation on success, leadership lessons from hardship, working in government healthcare, healthcare innovation and data, AI and data driven healthcare, personal growth after bankruptcy, mental health and anxiety recovery, finding purpose through service, storytelling for healing and impact Shownotes:   What if the story you’ve believed about your past for decades turned out to be completely wrong? In this powerful episode, we dive into the raw reality of adoption, identity, and influence, and how early money lessons can shape – or shatter – a family’s legacy. You’ll hear how one man’s father went from a massive business exit to dying broke, and how that painful lesson became fuel for smarter choices, entrepreneurship, and generational wealth. We also explore the hidden emotional cost of adoption, from missing “chapter one” of your life to searching for biological family and finally rewriting your personal narrative. Along the way, we uncover what true leadership looks like under pressure, and why preparation makes “overnight success” possible. If you’re ready to rethink influence, legacy, and what really drives your decisions, this conversation will challenge and inspire you in all the right ways.   Summary:   Anton Guinea interviews Damon Davis about influence, leadership, and Damon’s life story, including the profound impact of his father’s financial mistakes and lack of “money mentors,” which drove Damon toward wiser wealth-building and entrepreneurship. Damon shares his concept of influence as both positive and negative forces shaping decisions and trajectory, illustrated by his father’s rise from poverty to a lucrative consulting exit and eventual financial ruin through liabilities and overspending. He then describes his parallel passion project: the “Who Am I Really?” podcast, where for eight years he has shared nuanced adoption and reunion stories to challenge rose-colored narratives and highlight the complex realities adoptees face around identity, loss, and family. Damon explains how his own “Disney-like” reunion with his birth mother—whom he discovered working three blocks away while he served in the Obama administration—contrasts sharply with more difficult reunions and underscores how missing “chapter one” of one’s life can shape personal narratives for decades. The conversation closes with Damon’s views on leadership (embracing diverse, complementary teams rather than clones), his experience as an appointee in the U.S. Department of Health under President Obama, and some light discussion about podcasting, monetization choices, and building meaningful conversations that serve others.   Takeaways Having no money mentors can turn a dream business exit into financial ruin, making financial literacy and discipline essential. Influence is both positive and negative, and even painful examples—like Damon’s father’s outcome—can fuel better choices in our own lives. Adoption journeys are complex and rarely “Disney stories,” beginning with loss and separation before any healing can start. Growing up adopted often means living decades without “chapter one,” forcing adoptees to invent their own origin story until they find the truth. Reunions can be magical or heartbreaking, and Damon’s work amplifies the full spectrum of adoptee experiences, not just the feel-good ones. Strong leadership means hiring people who complement, not copy, you—trading comfort for creativity, accountability, and better decisions.   Quotes: Stay ready and you don’t have to get ready, because success happens when opportunity collides with preparation. My father’s story taught me that without money mentors, even a massive business exit can end in being flat broke, divorced, and alone. Adoption never starts from a good place, because every adoptee’s story begins with a separation that had to happen for them to be available in the first place. As an adoptee, growing up without “chapter one” means you fill in the blanks with your own narrative until you finally meet the people who know the real story. Real leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about building a diverse team that challenges you, not a room full of people who only say yes.   Timestamp:   0:00 – Podcast Cold Open, Recording Fails, and The Power of Preparation 1:31 – Meet Damon Davis: AI Strategist, Healthcare Innovator, and Author 5:12 – What Is Influence? Damon’s Definition of Positive and Negative Impact 7:10 – Money Mentors, Costly Mistakes, and Damon’s Father’s Financial Collapse 11:55 – Anton’s Near-Bankruptcy Story and Rebuilding After a Two-Million-Dollar Loss 15:08 – Coffee, Kindness, and How a Small Gesture Sparked a Big Connection 15:41 – Inside the “Who Am I Really?” Adoption Podcast and Damon’s Disney-Like Reunion 24:40 – The Hard Truth About Adoption: Loss, Identity, and Living Your Story in Public   Conclusion:   This episode with Damon Davis is a masterclass in how preparation, pain, and purpose can collide to shape a powerful life. From his father’s rise-and-fall financial story to his own near “Disney” adoption reunion, Damon shows that influence isn’t just what inspires us, but also what warns us. His work in healthcare innovation and the Obama administration proves that data and policy can change lives, while his “Who Am I Really?” podcast proves that stories can heal them. Along the way, he and Anton unpack real leadership—hiring opposites, embracing discomfort, and building teams that challenge, not just cheer. You’ll leave this conversation thinking differently about money, identity, adoption, and what it truly means to use your influence to serve others.

Dive into a story that starts in poverty in the Philippines and stretches all the way to 89 hectares of protected ocean floor in Canada. In this episode, you’ll hear how a commercial diver’s concern for ocean damage evolved into a pioneering, sustainable aquaculture enterprise. Our guest shares how she and her husband built a 30-year “ocean ranching” journey around geoduck and sea cucumber, guided by a bold North Star: creating the most environmentally beneficial food production operation on land or sea. We explore what real influence looks like—walking your talk, educating stakeholders, and learning from failure when a nine-year sea cucumber project collapsed. You’ll also discover how she blends leadership, governance, and practical AI to turn organizational knowledge into values-driven, low-risk innovation. Stick around to learn how “know thyself, serve others, leave a legacy” became the foundation of her 300-year vision for people, planet, and profit.   Summary:   Lourdes Gant, a Canada-based strategist and CEO of Blue Horizon Legacy, discussed her journey in sustainable aquaculture, focusing on geoduck and sea cucumber. She highlighted her husband's 30-year effort to establish a sustainable farming operation, which resulted in a 900% increase in quota from 6,000 to 51,000. Lourdes emphasized the importance of leadership, partnership, and stewardship, defining influence as walking the talk. She shared her mentorship experiences, including lessons from her university professor, Cecilia Mercado, and Roger James Hamilton. Lourdes also expressed pride in her 16-year-old son's passion for basketball, illustrating the generational impact of leadership. Takeaways   A Filipino immigrant journeyed from poverty to co-leading 89.1 hectares of protected underwater habitat in Canada. It took 20 years of political lobbying and 10 years of growing to bring their first sustainable geoduck harvest to market. A nine-year failure to aquaculture sea cucumbers became a powerful lesson in the cost of missing education and community buy-in. Grace under pressure, modeled by a key mentor, shaped how she leads in a male-dominated and highly competitive industry. Her family business is guided by a 300-year vision rooted in leadership, partnership, and stewardship for people, planet, and profit.   Quotes: True influence comes from walking your talk, especially in sustainability, rather than greenwashing. Long-term impact requires a clear North Star, like building the most environmentally beneficial food production operation on land or sea. Education and stakeholder buy-in are essential to influencing regulators, communities, and partners in new or misunderstood industries. Leadership is doing the right thing when no one is watching, and that quiet integrity builds trust over decades. Knowing yourself, serving others, and then focusing on your work creates a powerful framework for legacy-driven leadership. Timestamp:   0:00 – Warmup: Swimming, Triathlons and Healthy Aging 2:00 – Introducing Filipino Aquaculture Leader and CEO Lourdes Gant 5:00 – From Commercial Diver to Ocean Rancher: The Geoduck Story 8:00 – Building the World’s Most Environmentally Beneficial Food Operation 11:00 – People, Planet, Profit: Sustainable Business and Circular Economy 14:00 – Fisheries Collapse, Government Regulation and Ocean Stewardship 18:00 – Leadership, Integrity and Doing the Right Thing When No One’s Watching 21:00 – Influence Through Walking Your Talk, Not Greenwashing Sustainability 24:00 – Sea Cucumber Failure: Lessons in Stakeholder Buy‑In and Education 28:00 – Mentors, Grace Under Pressure and Values‑Driven Leadership 32:00 – Gen X, Gen Z and Parenting a Purpose‑Driven Teen Entrepreneur 36:00 – Leadership vs Management: Making Things Happen vs Getting Things Done 40:00 – Know Yourself, Serve Others, Leave a Legacy: A 300‑Year Vision   Conclusion:   Influence isn’t about talk; it’s about 30 years of showing up for the ocean when no one’s watching. From poverty in the Philippines to stewarding 89.1 hectares of underwater habitat, this story proves that values-driven leadership can reshape entire industries. We saw how failures, like a nine-year sea cucumber project, can become powerful lessons when you lead with education, integrity, and partnership. If you remember nothing else, remember this: know yourself, serve others, and your work will naturally turn into legacy. Thanks for listening—now go make one bold move today that your 300-year future self would be proud of.

Have you ever wondered how some people turn hardship, rejection, and starting over into a life of financial freedom and purpose? In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, we dive deep into the story of a Sydney-based property strategist and buyer’s advocate who went from a migrant kid watching his parents sacrifice everything, to a financially free investor who retired his mum and dad and built a business on genuine care. You’ll hear how he navigated cultural shock, career resets, redundancy at the worst possible time, and the pressure of seven mortgages and a baby on the way—then used property to create flexibility, security, and choice. We unpack what influence really means, why mindset matters more than tactics, and how treating every role like it’s your own business can 10x your results. If you’ve ever felt stuck, undervalued, or unsure how to turn your purpose into profit, this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical direction.   Summary:   Colin Lee shares his journey from migrating from Malaysia to Australia to becoming a leading property strategist and buyer’s advocate. He describes the culture shock his family faced, his father’s painful career reset, and how that experience became the driving force behind his promise at 21 to one day retire his parents. Colin explains how he ultimately did retire them, paying off their mortgage and funding their holidays, using equity built through a carefully constructed property portfolio. He reveals how property became not just an investment vehicle but a safety net that allowed him to start his own business after being made redundant while holding seven mortgages and expecting his first child. Colin walks through his shift from failed early business owner to junior property manager, then top sales agent, emphasizing the power of mindset, humility, and adding genuine value. Throughout, he frames influence as inspiring others through example, caring deeply about people’s stories, and helping them move from where they are to where they want to be.   Takeaways   Influence is being inspired by someone whose life you want to emulate and allowing their example to positively shape your own. Profit must eventually follow purpose; if nothing changes in what you do, nothing changes in your financial reality. Property, when built as a solid asset base, becomes both a safety net and a vehicle for freedom, giving you options when life throws you a curveball. You’re only as good as the value you add to an organization, both in revenue growth and in the efficiencies you create. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, and that starts with truly understanding their story, their dreams, and what matters most to them.   Quotes:   Influence is being inspired by someone whose life you want to emulate and allowing their example to positively shape your own. Profit must eventually follow purpose; if nothing changes in what you do, nothing changes in your financial reality. Property, when built as a solid asset base, becomes both a safety net and a vehicle for freedom, giving you options when life throws you a curveball. You’re only as good as the value you add to an organization, both in revenue growth and in the efficiencies you create. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, and that starts with truly understanding their story, their dreams, and what matters most to them.   Timestamp:   0:00 – What Influence Really Means 1:20 – Meet the Host and Guest 2:50 – Migrating from Malaysia to Australia 4:45 – Dad’s Career Struggles and Rejection 6:40 – A Son’s Promise to Retire His Parents 7:55 – How Colin Retired His Parents with Property 9:10 – Why Colin Chose Property as His Vehicle 11:45 – Redundancy, Seven Mortgages, and a Baby 13:10 – Using Property as a Safety Net for Business 15:00 – The Big Why: Freedom and Family 15:55 – Defining Influence: Impact and Inspiration 17:25 – Leaving Engineering and First Business Lessons 19:00 – When Purpose Lacks Profit 20:20 – Discovering Wealth Through Property Research 22:10 – Meeting Joseph and Entering Real Estate 23:30 – From CEO to Junior Property Manager 25:00 – Treating Every Role Like Your Own Business 27:00 – The Power of Genuinely Caring About Clients 28:30 – 10x Growth in Property Management Portfolio 31:10 – Transitioning into Top Sales Performer 33:20 – Helping Investors Consolidate and Retire 36:00 – Reinvesting Commissions into His Own Portfolio 37:00 – Discovering His Gift for Advising Buyers 38:45 – Becoming Principal and Partner in the Agency 40:10 – Adding Value Through Revenue and Efficiency 42:05 – You’re Only as Valuable as the Value You Add 43:40 – Why Passion-Only Businesses Fail 44:55 – Colin’s Leadership Philosophy: Inspire and Be Inspired 46:20 – The Real Purpose of Business: Happy Clients 48:00 – Inspiring the Host’s Vision on Leadership 50:00 – Wrap-Up, Intros, and Call to Subscribe   Conclusion:   This episode shows that influence is not about titles or status, but about the lives you impact and the legacy you consciously build. Colin Lee’s story demonstrates how a migrant family’s struggle, a son’s promise, and a series of humbling restarts can evolve into financial freedom, business ownership, and meaningful service to others. His journey through property management, sales, and ultimately buyer advocacy reveals the power of mindset, mentorship, and relentless focus on adding value. Listeners are reminded that if they clarify their “why,” commit to growth, and treat every opportunity as if it were their own business, they can turn adversity into advantage. As you finish this episode, you’re invited to reflect on how you can use your own influence, skills, and choices to design a life of purpose, profit, and genuine impact.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations operate, yet many leaders still struggle with how to adopt it effectively. In this episode, generative AI leader and technology advisor Neo Aplin explains why AI implementation isn’t really a technology problem—it’s a people problem. With more than 20 years of experience in technology leadership and digital transformation, Neo now leads AI capability at Inventium, helping organizations turn AI from a buzzword into measurable productivity, innovation, and customer experience improvements. He discusses the common mistakes people make when using AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, why treating AI like a team member leads to better outcomes, and how leaders can normalize AI adoption within their organizations. Throughout the conversation, Neo shares practical insights on communication, curiosity, experimentation, and leadership influence, showing how businesses can confidently embrace AI while empowering their teams rather than replacing them.   Summary:   Neo Aplin shares powerful insights on how leadership, communication, and curiosity play a critical role in successfully adopting artificial intelligence in the workplace. Rather than seeing AI as a threat to jobs, Neo encourages leaders to view it as a people-augmentation tool that helps remove repetitive work and frees teams to focus on higher-value tasks. Drawing from his own career journey—from studying engineering and economics to teaching himself programming and eventually becoming a technology transformation leader—Neo emphasizes the importance of experimentation, clear communication, and logical thinking when working with AI systems. He also reflects on the influence of mentors and early leaders who shaped his mindset, including one leader who taught him the value of “gut-to-gut” collaboration—honest, face-to-face problem solving that prioritizes teamwork over competition. Ultimately, Neo believes the organizations that succeed with AI will be those whose leaders actively demonstrate its use, encourage shared learning, and guide their teams through ongoing technological change.   Takeaways   AI adoption is primarily a people challenge, not a technology challenge. Treat AI tools like employees—clear instructions, context, and expectations produce better outcomes. Leaders must normalize AI usage so employees feel comfortable using it openly. AI works best as a people-augmentation tool, removing repetitive tasks rather than replacing employees. Curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to test new tools are essential leadership skills in a rapidly evolving technological environment.   Quotes:   “AI isn’t a people replacement tool—it’s a people augmentation tool.” “The clearer you are with AI, the better the result you’ll get.” “AI is like a new employee—you have to tell it what good looks like.” “Leaders influence AI adoption by demonstrating how they use it.” “The AI you use today will be the worst AI you’ll ever use again.”   Timestamp:   0:00 – Introduction and discussion on AI in business 3:00 – Why people struggle to use AI effectively 6:00 – How AI can improve communication and leadership clarity 9:00 – Neo’s career journey into technology and programming 12:00 – The importance of logical thinking and workflow design 14:00 – Early exposure to computers and influence from Neo’s parents 18:00 – Why AI adoption is a people challenge, not a tech challenge 21:00 – Leaders normalizing AI use in organizations 24:00 – Real examples of companies saving time using AI 27:00 – A leadership lesson: “gut-to-gut” collaboration 30:00 – Advice for organizations starting their AI journey 33:00 – Mindfulness, leadership, and the recommendation of Mindful in May   Conclusion:   Neo Aplin’s perspective highlights that the real challenge of artificial intelligence in business isn’t the technology itself, but how leaders guide their teams through its adoption. Organizations that thrive with AI will be those where leaders normalize experimentation, openly share how they use the tools, and position AI as a partner rather than a replacement for human talent. By encouraging curiosity, continuous learning, and collaboration, leaders can help their teams unlock the true value of AI—saving time, improving communication, and focusing energy on the work that matters most. Neo’s message ultimately reminds us that the future of AI isn’t just about smarter machines, but about smarter leadership.

Dannielle Haig, an international business psychologist and executive coach, joins the Find Your Influence podcast to reveal how the dark triad, psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism, shows up in real-life high performers, from CEOs to public figures. She explains that most dark-triad personalities aren’t criminals but highly functional, charming, fearless operators with no empathy, capable of driving explosive results and just as easily blowing up teams and businesses when challenged. Dannielle shows how psychopaths’ lack of fear and rejection makes them relentless risk-takers, why narcissists are fragile “Christmas baubles” obsessed with image and admiration, and how Machiavellians quietly play a long power game, keeping score and planning their moves years ahead. Drawing on tens of thousands of hours in research, psychotherapy, and executive coaching, she exposes why we’re so bad at spotting lies, how these people exploit our instinct to trust, and what boards actually want when they hire her to “keep the genius but stop the destruction.” Most importantly, she gives leaders a clear, practical lens to recognize manipulation early, set firm boundaries, and deliberately choose what to learn and what to reject, using practiced confidence, real psychological safety, and a definition of influence rooted in living, modeling, and relentlessly communicating a clear vision without ever dropping their integrity.   Summary: Dannielle Haig explains that dark‑triad personalities aren’t movie villains but often successful leaders, politicians, and executives who are simply high in three traits: psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. Psychopaths feel little or no fear and ignore consequences, narcissists are shiny but fragile “Christmas baubles” obsessed with image, and Machiavellians play a long game for power and control. With no empathy and a purely self‑centered focus, these people can be fearless, charismatic, and highly effective in business—yet also create burnout, addiction, toxic cultures, and even organizational collapse. Dannielle shares how she helps boards keep their brilliance while limiting damage, and what healthy leaders can borrow from them: resilience, long‑term focus, and practiced confidence. In the end, she defines real leadership and influence as living, modeling, and consistently communicating a clear vision while spotting manipulation, protecting yourself, and choosing carefully who you allow to shape your thinking.   Takeaways:   The dark triad = three overlapping traits: psychopathy (no fear, impulsive), narcissism (fragile, admiration‑hungry image), and Machiavellianism (long‑term, power‑seeking strategist). Most dark‑triad leaders are subclinical and highly successful—they’re not criminals, but functional, charismatic people with zero empathy and extreme self‑focus, which makes them both effective and dangerous. We’re terrible lie detectors, and dark‑triad personalities exploit our built‑in tendency to trust and our mental shortcuts, using gaslighting, long‑game revenge, and manipulation to secure their goals. Confidence is not innate; it’s a practiced habit—acting confident changes how you feel and how others respond, and is central to building healthy influence rather than slipping into manipulation. Great leadership mirrors healthy influence: understand dark‑triad patterns, protect yourself, and instead model clear values and vision—live it, communicate it repeatedly, and use difficult people as lessons in both how to lead and how not to.   Quotes:   “Machiavellians are playing 4D chess. They’ve been scratching backs since they were knee‑high to a grasshopper.” “Narcissists are Christmas bauble personalities—shiny and perfect on the outside, but incredibly fragile. Tap them and they shatter.” “The one common denominator in the dark triad is zero degrees of empathy. They do not care about other people. You are useful—or you’re gone.” “Psychopaths don’t think, ‘If I do this, I might get caught or hurt someone.’ It’s thought, impulse, reaction—nothing in between.” “Leadership is influence. You live it, you portray it, and you communicate it—again and again and again.”   Timestamps:   0:00 – Intro, lighting chat, Dannielle in London 1:02 – Podcast intro and Dannielle’s background 3:18 – What is the dark triad? 5:13 – Machiavellians and long‑term power plays 8:35 – Narcissists as “Christmas baubles” 10:11 – Psychopaths: no fear and impulsivity 11:55 – All three traits in one person 13:25 – Psychopath vs sociopath 15:57 – Fear, rejection, and social pain 19:24 – Lack of fear as a “success edge” 20:23 – Confidence as a trained habit 21:41 – Influence vs manipulation 24:06 – Coaching high dark‑triad leaders 27:31 – Private confessions and long‑term revenge 31:05 – Relationships, cheating, and multiple families 33:00 – Learning from terrible leaders 34:14 – Endurance, mindset, and long‑term goals 36:09 – Choosing your fear and focus 39:52 – Dannielle’s academic and career journey 42:48 – The teacher who said “you’re not fit to be a doctor” 47:22 – Are leaders born or made? 49:20 – Thriving in high‑stress environments 50:24 – Genetics, stress, and “career bio‑hacking” 52:11 – Famine, patterns, and intergenerational trauma 55:06 – People who “need” crisis 56:48 – Avoiding drama‑addicted personalities 57:20 – Wrap‑up and ideas for part two   Conclusion:   Dannielle Haig pulls back the curtain on a group of people most of us sense but rarely understand: charming, driven, captivating, and utterly self‑centered leaders who sit high on psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. Her message isn’t “run from them all,” but something more nuanced and useful: understand them, protect yourself, and then decide what to learn and what to leave behind. Dark‑triad individuals reveal the extreme edges of resilience, confidence, strategic thinking, and risk‑taking, as well as the cost of a life without empathy or genuine connection. By blending deep psychological insight with practical leadership wisdom, Dannielle shows how to recognize manipulation early, stop romanticizing charisma, and build your own influence through practiced confidence, clear vision, and consistent behavior. In a world that often rewards loud, fearless personalities, this episode offers a clear framework for staying awake, staying safe, and still stepping into your own powerful, ethical influence.

What does it really mean to influence people in business? In this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, Alyce O'Brien, founder and managing director of Level Up, shares insights from more than a decade working across recruitment, HR strategy, and organizational culture. Alyce explains why trust and clear communication sit at the core of real influence. Drawing from her experience working with global firms and growing businesses, she discusses how leaders can build stronger teams, create psychological safety in the workplace, and rethink how they approach hiring. Alyce also talks about the shift in employee expectations after COVID, highlighting why flexibility, purpose, and supportive leadership now matter more than ever. Listeners will gain practical insights into leadership influence, recruitment psychology, and how businesses can build stronger cultures by focusing on people, not just positions. Summary: Alyce O'Brien shares her journey from working in professional services with global firms to founding Level Up, a talent and HR advisory business that helps companies align people, culture, and strategy. Influenced by strong mentors early in her career, Alyce developed a leadership philosophy built around trust, empathy, and clear communication. The conversation explores how modern workplaces are evolving and why employees now prioritize flexibility, purpose, and supportive leadership over salary alone. Alyce also explains the psychology behind recruitment, emphasizing the importance of understanding both what candidates say and what they leave unsaid. She highlights the risks of hiring only people who resemble existing leaders and argues that diversity in thinking strengthens teams. Through her experience advising companies at different growth stages, Alyce demonstrates how strong leadership, thoughtful hiring, and consistent communication create sustainable business success. 5 Takeaways: Trust and clear communication are the foundation of influence in leadership. Hiring the same type of person repeatedly can limit growth and diversity in a team. Modern employees value flexibility, purpose, and work-life balance more than ever. Recruitment success depends on understanding people beyond what is written on a résumé. Strong leadership focuses on developing people, not simply filling positions. 5 Best Quotes: Influence begins when you build trust and communicate clearly. When communication breaks down, influence disappears quickly. Businesses often try to replace like-for-like, but growth requires new thinking. Recruitment is not about filling a seat. It is about unlocking someone’s potential. The best leaders invest in people and help them grow. Timestamps: 0:00:00 Introduction and What Influence Means 0:01:54 Alyce O'Brien  Background and Career Journey 0:06:06 Why Level Up Was Founded 0:09:35 Changing Employee Expectations After COVID 0:12:54 Defining Influence Through Trust and Communication 0:13:38 Leadership Influences and Mentors 0:18:56 The Psychology of Recruitment 0:23:48 How Leaders Should Evaluate Candidates 0:25:02 Using Influence to Challenge Hiring Decisions 0:29:20 Trust, Credibility, and Long-Term Leadership Impact   Conclusion: Alyce O'Brien's perspective on influence shows that strong leadership starts with trust, honesty, and genuine care for people. Her experience across recruitment and HR strategy reveals how culture, communication, and thoughtful hiring decisions shape the long-term success of organizations. As workplaces continue to evolve, leaders who listen carefully, challenge assumptions, and invest in their teams will stand out. Alyce's insights remind us that influence is not about authority. It is about building relationships, understanding people, and creating environments where individuals and businesses can grow together.

In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, Anton Guinea interviews Peter Holmes à Court about leadership and influence. The conversation centers on the tension between internal motivation and external validation. Peter reflects on redefining success beyond profit, status, and public approval. Drawing from business, sport, and humanitarian work, he explains how leaders shape impact over time. This discussion challenges you to define success from the inside out.  Summary:  Peter describes influence as a balance between inner conviction and outside pressure. He explains that true leadership requires humility, vulnerability, and clarity of self. Using a sporting metaphor, he frames leaders as coaches who cannot step onto the field but must enable others to perform. He emphasizes impact over recognition, focusing on helping many people improve incrementally. The episode reinforces that lasting influence comes from disciplined effort and strong internal standards.  5 Takeaways:  Define success internally before seeking external approval.  The voices inside your head must outweigh outside opinions.  Leaders are coaches, not players; they enable performance rather than execute it.  Small improvements across many people create long-term impact.  Passion has its place, but focus deeply on what truly matters.  The visible result is only 1%; the unseen work is 99%.  Influence becomes meaningful when it evolves into lasting impact.  5 Best Quotes:   “The voices from the outside are never stronger than the voices from the inside of a person.”  “Leaders can’t touch the ball.”  “A little bit of change to the most people possible.”  “Why be good at one sport when you can be bad at three?”  “Define what success looks like for you.”  Timestamps:  0:00:00 Introduction and Defining Influence  0:04:23 Internal vs External Validation  0:05:44 Early Influences: Mum and Dad  0:07:29 Measuring Impact Across Thousands  0:09:26 Leadership as Coaching, Not Playing  0:11:13 Sport, Passion, and Perspective  0:13:32 The 1% Outcome and 99% Work  0:15:19 Cycling, Triathlon, and Mental Discipline  0:18:14 Art, Science, and Performance Mindset  0:21:02 Redefining Success and Lasting Impact    Conclusion:  This episode makes one principle clear: influence begins within. When you ground yourself in internal standards, you lead with strength and stability. Leadership is not about control; it is about enabling others to succeed. Impact compounds over time through consistent effort and integrity. If you want lasting influence, start by shaping your inner voice first. 

What does influence really mean when you’ve stood at over 1,000 finish lines? On this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, Anton Guinea speaks with Mike Reilly, the legendary “Voice of Ironman.” For decades, his words have marked one of the most powerful moments in endurance sport. But Mike doesn’t see himself as the influencer. He believes the real influence belongs to the athletes who choose to begin. This conversation breaks down why finishing what you start changes everything.  Summary:  Mike Reilly shares how a simple moment at a local 10K in San Diego led to a lifetime behind the microphone. He explains how the iconic phrase “You are an Ironman” was born organically at the Ironman World Championship in 1991. Mike reflects on witnessing thousands of personal battles from grief to addiction to physical adversity and how those stories shaped his understanding of influence. He discusses why Ironman represents the discipline of finishing what you start, not just physical endurance. The episode closes with his core belief: you are the cause of your own experience.  5 Takeaways:  Influence starts with self-leadership. The first person you must influence is yourself.  Actions inspire more than words. You don’t need to preach; you need to show up.  The phrase “You are an Ironman” became powerful because it was personal.  Hard things build identity. Doing something difficult changes how you face life.  You are responsible for your reactions, your standards, and your outcomes.  5 Best Quotes:   The number one influencer is the person who influences themselves.”  “You inspire and influence others just by your actions.”  “Finish what you start.”  “If you do something hard every day, it changes you.”  “You’re the cause of your own experience.”  Timestamps:  0:00 What influence means and why self-influence comes first  1:41 Introduction to Mike Reilly and career highlights  6:53 How he first picked up a microphone at a 10K race  10:35 The origin of “You are an Ironman” (1991, Kona)  18:20 Powerful athlete stories and unmatched “whys”  22:49 What Ironman represents beyond sport  26:28 Favorite Kona memories and historic races  30:21 Final Kona in 2022 and legacy reflections  32:19 Retirement, family, and perspective  33:19 Life advice: Be the cause of your own experience  35:10 Episode close    Conclusion:  Mike Reilly spent decades announcing finishers at the Ironman World Championship, but he never saw himself as the hero of the story. He believes the real heroes are the athletes who show up, endure, and finish. His message is direct: take responsibility for your life and your reactions. Do hard things. Finish what you start. When you do that, you won’t just cross finish lines you’ll build a life you’re proud of. 

From eating discounted dinners off an ironing board in a freezing London terrace to leading Australian Investment Education (AIE), Andrew Baxter shows that financial freedom is built on work ethic, courage, and integrity—not privilege. In this episode, Andrew shares how his working‑class upbringing in a UK railway town and his parents’ relentless overtime taught him to outwork everyone and think differently about money. He reveals the real story behind his first over‑stretched property purchase in London and how that uncomfortable leap became the foundation of his wealth journey. You’ll hear how he went from professional trader to global financial educator, sharing stages with Robert Kiyosaki and Tony Robbins, all while building a team culture grounded in transparency and psychological safety. If you’ve ever waited for the “perfect time” to invest or doubted that someone with a modest background could build real wealth, this conversation will challenge your excuses and give you a practical path forward.   Summary: Andrew Baxter breaks down why the biggest edge in wealth creation isn’t a secret strategy, but the willingness to get in the market, stay in, and outwork everyone else. He explains how money, when used well, doesn’t buy happiness but buys back time and options, allowing you to spend your life on what actually matters. Andrew shares powerful client stories—like a hairdresser who replaced her salon income through trading—and shows how implementation beats information every time. He also dives into his leadership philosophy at AIE: hire for character, lead with transparency, reward ownership, and create psychological safety so people feel safe to innovate and fail. Throughout the episode, he returns to one core theme: when you combine work ethic, integrity, and long‑term thinking, you don’t just build income—you build freedom and a reputation that lasts.   Takeaways Getting into the property and investment market early, even when it’s uncomfortable and imperfect, often matters more than timing it perfectly. Work ethic, modeled by Andrew’s parents and lived in his own sacrifices, is a greater advantage than any “insider” tactic or shortcut. Money doesn’t automatically create happiness, but it can buy back your time, which is where real fulfillment and freedom live. Long-term success in financial education depends on integrity, honesty, and doing what you say you’ll do—even when that means telling someone “this isn’t right for you.” Hiring and leading based on values, character, and psychological safety creates teams that take ownership, support each other, and deliver exceptional service to clients.   Quotes: “If you’re prepared to outwork anyone, you’ll win the game. It’s as simple as that.” “Money doesn’t buy happiness. What it does is buy your time back so you can spend your time doing things that make you happy.” “Get in, stay in. People often wait till it’s a better time. The best time to invest was yesterday, and the better time was the day before.” “You can train someone to do the job, but you can’t train them to be ethical. You either are or you’re not.” “Do it right, and you get a client for life.”   Timestamp: 0:00 – Meet Andrew: six kids, life balance, and escaping a house full of kids 6:14 – What “influence” really means in leadership, parenting, and finance 8:24 – The most influential people in Andrew’s life and the work ethic they modeled 12:08 – From Rich Dad Poor Dad to sharing stages with Robert Kiyosaki and Tony Robbins 19:54 – The first London property: broken boiler, no furniture, and dinners on an ironing board 23:52 – Why you must “get in and stay in” the market instead of waiting for perfect timing 30:23 – Andrew’s leadership philosophy: never ask your team to do what you wouldn’t do 35:43 – Psychological safety and a commission-based team that cheers each other on 40:23 – Incentives, integrity, and why doing the right thing wins long term   Conclusion: Andrew Baxter’s journey proves that you don’t need a perfect start or perfect timing to build serious wealth—you need the courage to begin, the discipline to keep going, and the integrity to do right by people along the way. By combining early, imperfect action in the market with relentless work ethic and a deep commitment to service, he’s turned a cold London terrace and an ironing board dinner table into a life of financial freedom, meaningful work, and long-term impact. His story shows that when you align your values, money strategy, and leadership, you don’t just grow a portfolio—you create time, trust, and legacy.

Hollywood Director Michele Kanan reveals how love, leadership, and influence fuel high-performance partnerships, sharing behind-the-scenes insights from Body Man, the Emmy-recognized Studio City, and her real-life Co-Creator marriage with Sean Kanan, proving that trust, communication, and shared vision are the ultimate power move.   Summary: In this powerful conversation, Michele Kanan breaks down how Co-Creator Couples build lasting love, lead with influence, and turn marriage into a strategic advantage in Hollywood and beyond.   Takeaways: Co-Creator Couples align on mission, vision, and values. Leadership at home shapes leadership in business. Romance is a discipline—not an afterthought. Trust, respect, and gratitude create unshakable partnerships. Influence is earned through inspiration, not control.   Best Quotes: “Romance begins in the morning.” “You can be dead right, or you can be happy.” “Catch him being good.” “Leadership is inspiring people to follow.” “Don’t fall asleep at the wheel in your relationship.”   Timestamp: 00:00 – From actress to director 08:45 – Building Body Man together 18:20 – The Co-Creator Couple philosophy 32:10 – Trust, respect & daily romance 44:30 – Leadership lessons from Hollywood 55:00 – Influence that lasts   Conclusion: Michele Kanan demonstrates that when love and leadership align, influence multiplies, showing why Co-Creator Couples who communicate clearly, lead with gratitude, and build together don’t just succeed, they create legacy.

What does it mean to truly influence others while staying authentic to who you are? In this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, Emmy Award–winning actor, author, and speaker Sean Kanan joins Anton Guinea to explore influence, resilience, and the underdog spirit. Sean shares how, as a bullied kid, he found refuge and early “mentors” in movie characters like Rocky Balboa and Daniel LaRusso, inspiring his journey into acting and his desire to positively impact others. He opens up about hitting rock bottom at 50—struggling with alcohol, carrying extra weight, and nearly losing his marriage—before committing to big personal change, sobriety, and a new way of living. Drawing on his Way of the Cobra book series and his couples book co-written with his wife Michelle, Sean explains why authenticity is a “force multiplier,” how the law of vibration and an abundance mindset shape our reality, and why your choice of partner can make or break your potential. Along the way, he and Anton discuss “choosing your hard,” navigating conflict in long-term relationships, and leading by inspiring others rather than controlling them—offering a powerful roadmap for anyone who’s ever felt like the underdog and is ready to rewrite their story.    Summary:  Sean Kanan joins Anton Guinea on the Find Your Influence Podcast to share how he went from a bullied kid hiding in movie theaters to an Emmy Award–winning actor, author, and coach focused on helping others transform their lives. He explains that real influence comes from authenticity and the underdog’s relentless pursuit of improvement, not just “winning.” Sean details hitting rock bottom at 50—battling alcohol addiction, being 45 pounds overweight, and nearly losing his marriage—before choosing to change through sobriety, discipline, and a new mindset. Drawing on his Way of the Cobra series and his couples book co-written with his wife Michelle, he breaks down ideas like “choose your hard,” the law of vibration, abundance versus scarcity thinking, and why the right partner is the single biggest factor in long-term success. The conversation ties these lessons to leadership, relationships, and everyday choices, offering a clear, practical picture of what it looks like to become a force for good in your own life and in the lives of others.      Takeaways:  Authenticity is a “force multiplier” for influence—being your true self is the most powerful way to positively impact others. Underdog stories resonate because growth comes from the struggle and pursuit, not just from winning the final battle. Transformational change often begins at rock bottom; honest self-reflection and consistent action can turn mediocrity into momentum.  An abundance mindset, supported by the law of vibration, attracts more opportunity, while scarcity thinking creates more of what you fear.  The right partner elevates your life and potential—relationships built on equality, challenge, and support are critical to long-term success.    Best Quotes:    “For me, I find the greatest way to influence people… is to be the most authentic version of themselves. That is an absolute force multiplier.”  “The point is, it doesn’t even matter if the underdog wins. It’s the dynamic and kinetic pursuit of winning… it’s that struggle to overcome that we all find so compelling.” Life’s hard one way or the other. You’re going to deal with hard. I’d rather deal with the hard that I choose.” “When you live in a world of scarcity… the universe says, ‘Oh, you’re living in scarcity. I’m going to match your vibration. You want more scarcity?’ And you get the very thing you don’t want.” “The right one will make you, the wrong one will break you. Who you choose as your partner is either going to drag you down or allow you to become the individual you were meant to become.”    Timestamps:  0:00:00 – Defining Influence and the Power of Authenticity  0:06:13 – Bullied Childhood, Movie Theaters, and On-Screen Mentors  0:08:48 – Why Underdog Stories Move Us All  0:12:57 – Discovering a Super Objective: Becoming a Force for Good  0:16:01 – Rock Bottom at 50: Addiction, Weight, and Feeling Like a Fraud  0:18:20 – Rebuilding Through Sobriety, Discipline, and New Habits  0:21:41 – “Choose Your Hard”: A Framework for Life Decisions  0:22:40 – Equal Partnership, Conflict, and Choosing Happiness Over Being Right  0:25:37 – Introducing Way of the Cobra Couples and the COBRA Acronym  0:32:35 – Real Leadership: Inspiring, Not Ordering, and Always Adding Value    Conclusion:  Sean Kanan’s conversation with Anton Guinea shows that real influence is grounded in authenticity, resilience, and intentional choices. Drawing on his journey from bullied underdog to Emmy Award–winning actor and author, Sean explains how hitting rock bottom with addiction, health issues, and marital strain became the catalyst for radical change. By embracing the law of vibration, shifting from scarcity to abundance, and “choosing his hard” in health, habits, and relationships, he rebuilt his life and aligned it with his purpose of being a force for good. His emphasis on the power of underdog stories, the critical importance of choosing the right life partner, and leading by inspiring rather than controlling offers a clear roadmap for anyone seeking deeper impact in their personal and professional life. Ultimately, Sean’s story demonstrates that lasting influence begins with brutally honest self-reflection, courageous action, and a commitment to becoming the most authentic version of yourself. 

In this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, AI expert and entrepreneur Erik Simons shares how a background in business and psychology led him to become an early internet pioneer and co-author of Business Is War: AI Is the Secret Weapon in Business with JT Foxx. Erik explains why AI is a bigger shift than the early internet, why most people underestimate its impact, and how it will soon shape both our work and personal lives. He also offers practical advice for business owners on where to start with AI, plus his leadership philosophy of leading by example and understanding every role you manage.    Erik Simons recounts building the first browser-based online casino and affiliate program in the early days of the internet and draws direct parallels to today’s AI wave. He argues that AI will soon be woven into everyday life, with people talking more to AI than to humans, and urges leaders to educate themselves and start using simple AI tools now. The conversation covers influence, role models like his father, uncle, and JT Foxx, and why effective leadership means doing the work yourself first, then guiding others.    Takeaways:  AI is a transformational technology on par with (and larger than) the early internet.  Psychology helps explain both human behavior and how AI models are designed.  Business owners should first learn about AI, then experiment with simple tools.  Automating repetitive tasks (e.g., transcription) is an easy, high-value entry point.  Real leadership is influence through example and firsthand understanding of every role.    Best Quotes:  “AI will become a better friend than any human can be… it can get to know you better than you know yourself, and it’ll always be there for you.”  “This really reminds me of that time in the early internet… the world is about to adopt AI in a much bigger way than we adopted the internet.”  “Number one is definitely understand it… you cannot just ignore this. Learn as much as you can about AI.”  “Often it’s not the most complex, shiny object that creates value, but simple applications of the technology to repetitive tasks.”  “It’s difficult to lead somebody if you don’t really understand the job they do. I always like to get my hands dirty and experience it myself first.”    Timestamps:    0:00 – Introduction and Erik’s background in business and psychology  0:05 – Creating the first browser-based online casino and affiliate model  0:08 – Why AI matters and why “Business Is War” was written  0:09 – Prediction: talking to AI more than to humans  0:12 – Ray Kurzweil, future forecasts, and AI adoption  0:16 – Three steps for business owners to start with AI  0:18 – Transcription and content as simple AI wins  0:19 – Erik’s definition of influence and choosing influences  0:20 – Family and JT Foxx as key influencers  0:31 – Leadership by example and doing every role yourself  0:33 – Psychology experiments: conformity, authority, and behavior  0:36 – Final reflections on influence and the future    Conclusion:    Erik Simons combines psychology, early internet experience, and AI expertise to show why leaders can’t afford to ignore AI. His message is clear: understand the technology, start small, and apply it where it creates real value, while leading teams by example. This episode offers a concise playbook for anyone wanting to stay influential and effective in an AI-driven future. 

What does it really take to lead with authenticity and influence in a male‑dominated industry? In this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, Angela Bondini, experienced business manager at Cool Right Air Conditioning, shares how she and her husband transformed a long‑standing family HVAC company into a respected industrial infrastructure specialist. From honoring a business founded in 1978 to reshaping it into something that truly reflects who they are, Angela reveals the realities of hard work, risk, and reinvention behind the scenes.    Drawing on her diverse background across government, hospitality, and property, Angela explains how a “rolling snowball” of experiences and strong female role models shaped her leadership style. She opens up about learning to balance masculine and feminine energies—holding her own in a tough, male‑heavy environment while staying deeply connected to emotion, empathy, and authenticity. Listeners will gain insight into how Angela defines influence, how she leads her team through example and transparency, and why investing in staff development and personal growth is central to the way she does business. Join us as we unpack what it means to be a powerful, genuine female leader in a traditional trade.    Summary:    In this episode, Angela Bondini shares how she and her husband transformed Cool Right Air Conditioning from a long‑standing residential family business into a specialist in industrial infrastructure. She explains how her diverse career background, strong female role models, and events like Lauren Lahav’s women’s empowerment experiences have shaped her authentic leadership style in a male‑dominated industry. Angela highlights her definition of influence—showing people a better way by example—and details how she and Paul invest in their team’s growth, blending commercial success with genuine care for their employees’ wellbeing and futures.    Takeaways:  Influence is about example, not position.  Angela sees influence as showing people a better way—how you communicate, behave under pressure, and design a life that aligns with your values.  You can blend strength with authenticity.  In a male‑dominated space, Angela consciously balances assertiveness and independence with emotion, empathy, and vulnerability, rather than choosing one over the other.  Family businesses can be reinvented.  Angela and Paul respected the legacy of a 1978 residential HVAC business while intentionally shifting it toward industrial infrastructure work that challenges and excites them.  Investing in staff creates a win–win.  Profit isn’t just for owners; they redirect success into better pay, equipment, technology, training, and personal development so their team can build great lives too.  Women benefit from empowered, supportive spaces.  Experiences like Lauren Lahav’s events highlight how powerful it is for women to gather in rooms where they feel safe, loved, and encouraged to be fully themselves.    Best Quotes:  “Where we are today certainly didn’t come to us on a platter—we’ve done the hard slog to turn an established business on its head and make it our own.”  “As women, we can put on that masculine energy to hold our space in business, but we’re still women. We still have that emotion we carry, and that flowy feminine feel is so important.”  “Being an influence is really just showing people potentially a better way—setting a good example of what success looks like for you.”   “It doesn’t work just with Paul or just with me. We both play important roles in our business. We’re a team, and our people are part of that team too.”  “If we’re doing well, we want our employees doing well. It’s not, ‘We made profit so we go on holiday.’ It’s better pay, better tools, better vehicles, better training—and a better life for them.”    Timestamps:    0:00 – Who influenced Angela + podcast intro  2:30 – What Cool Right Air Conditioning does today  4:10 – 1978 origins and Paul’s journey into industrial HVAC  5:30 – Transforming the family business and “making it our own”  12:15 – How strong women and Lauren Lahav shaped Angela  15:21 – Balancing masculine and feminine energy as a female leader  18:17 – Challenges for women leading in a male‑dominated industry  25:19 – Angela’s definition of influence  29:53 – Investing profits back into staff, tools, and training    Conclusion:    In this episode, Angela Bondini shows what authentic leadership looks like inside a male‑dominated, family‑owned trade business. By honoring the legacy of Cool Right Air Conditioning while boldly reshaping it toward industrial work, she and her husband Paul demonstrate that tradition and transformation can coexist. Angela’s blend of strength, vulnerability, and openness—paired with a genuine commitment to reinvesting in her people—highlights that real influence is earned through example, integrity, and care. Her story is a powerful reminder that when leaders stay true to themselves and intentionally lift others, both businesses and the humans inside them can truly thrive. 

This episode dives into the unlikely journey of an introverted, heavily bullied kid who grew into a confident accountant creating viral street interview content. You will hear how he turned dry topics like tax and accounting into fun, bingeable clips that pull over a million monthly views on social media. He opens up about using rejection therapy, humor, and curiosity to talk to strangers, build relationships, and turn conversations into powerful content. Along the way, he shares deeply personal moments of transformation, from being publicly humiliated in high school to finding mentors who gave him the brutal truth he needed to hear. You will also learn how he now mentors others, leads by example, and uses influence not to control people, but to open their minds to new ideas. If you have ever felt socially awkward, creatively stuck, or afraid of rejection, this conversation will give you both practical tools and serious inspiration.   Summary: The guest explains how he went from a bullied, friendless teenager with poor social skills to a confident accountant and content creator who conducts street interviews on money, taxes, and life. He breaks down his strategy for making complex financial topics entertaining, using humor, curiosity,y and honest conversations with everyday people. He shares how rejection therapy and social freedom drills helped him overcome fear of judgment and become comfortable approaching strangers on the street. The episode also highlights the role of mentors in his journey, especially one friend who gave him brutally honest feedback that sparked a major personal transformation. Finally, he talks about leadership, mentorship, and influence, describing how he now helps his videographer and others grow in business and life while staying grounded in integrity and values.   Takeaways: You can turn even “boring” topics like tax and accounting into viral content if you focus on storytelling, humor, and real people. Rejection therapy and social freedom drills are powerful tools for overcoming social anxiety and fear of being judged. Brutally honest feedback delivered with genuine care can become the turning point for massive personal growth. True leadership means never asking your team to do something you have not done and are not willing to do yourself. Small daily interactions, like saying hello to strangers, can compound into opportunities, friendships and unexpected benefits.   Best Quotes: Influence is helping people see different ideas, then think critically about which ones they accept. Rejection only hurts when you let it hit your ego; if you treat it as a game, you become unstoppable. I only lead people as far as I have gone myself, so leadership keeps pushing me to grow first. Most people forget you in 20 or 30 seconds, which means you are free to be yourself in public. I would rather underpromise and overdeliver than make fast money by crossing ethical lines.   Timestamps: 00:00:00 Audio setup and microphone talk 00:04:36 From accounting to social media and marketing 00:05:42 Making tax and money content actually entertaining 00:06:58 Rejection therapy and stories from the street 00:10:38 Fun dating angle with “would you date an accountant.” 00:12:59 Social proof and growth to a million monthly views 00:13:55 From bullied kid to personal development journey 00:17:51 Redefining influence and opening minds 00:19:59 When do you become an influencer 00:21:09 Values, integrity, and turning away misaligned clients 00:24:11 The pickup artist show andthe  first spark of hope 00:26:49 Meeting his mentor and life-changing tough love 00:31:40 Reading people and delivering the right message 00:32:40 Helping his videographer rebuild and grow 00:36:56 Leadership by example and transparent guidance 00:40:11 No one is above any task in the business 00:42:32 Using everyday interactions to build relationships 00:45:25 Gratitude, connection, and wrapping up the show   Conclusion: This episode proves that your past does not have to dictate your future, especially if you are willing to face discomfort and grow. Our guest shows how vulnerability, humor, and relentless practice can transform social anxiety into social freedom. His story is a reminder that influence is not about fame; it is about helping people see new possibilities for themselves. Whether you are a creator, a professional, or simply someone who wants more confidence, his journey gives you a blueprint you can start following today. As you finish listening, ask yourself where you are hiding from rejection and how you can step into the street, the conversatio,n or the opportunity that might change everything.

In this episode, Savvy Steve takes you from the paddock to the boardroom as he shares how a broken horse and a wild idea sparked a life-changing business. What starts as a story about energy, the Year of the Fire Horse, and an unlikely connection with an abused gelding becomes a masterclass in resilience and intuition. Steve unpacks how hands-on healing, essential oils, and a relentless belief in his products evolved into Savvy Touch and its now-iconic Rocket Fuel. You will hear how he and his wife turned a garage filled with 20-liter pails into a thriving operation that survived crashes, pandemics, and sleepless nights. Along the way, Steve reveals how saying yes, learning fast, and backing yourself can transform setbacks into million-dollar months. Get ready for a raw, unpolished, and incredibly inspiring entrepreneurial ride. Summary: The conversation centers on the journey of a business called Savvy Touch, founded by Steve, who has a deep connection to horses. Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with his early ventures in New Zealand, including bringing in copy eyewear and developing reactive apparel. He faced significant challenges, including the loss of the tourist industry and corporate clients. Steve's passion for horses led him to develop horse care products, which later expanded into the human market. The turning point came with the equine flu outbreak, where his products saved many horses. The business grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now entering the pro market with products for elite athletes.   Takeaways: Your biggest breakthroughs often emerge from your deepest failures and the moments you most want to quit. Truly effective products come from solving real problems for real people long before there is a polished brand. Synergy in ingredients and alignment in purpose can turn a simple formulation into a category-defining product. Pivoting quickly in a crisis, like COVID, can transform a small side hustle into a scalable business. Surrounding yourself with positive influences and owning your mistakes is essential for long-term entrepreneurial success.   Best Quotes: The Year of the Fire Horse is all about burning everything down so you can rebuild with clean energy and massive abundance. Horses are nature’s purest mirror, so whatever energy you bring to them is exactly what they send back to you. Our products are not special because they are natural; they are special because every ingredient is synergistic and makes the next stronger. Rocket Fuel is the product that took us from a niche brand to an iconic one. Companies that survive are the ones that take the beatings, stay deep in the red, and still refuse to quit. Timestamps: 00:00 Fire Horse Energy And New Beginnings 03:02 Personality, Taurus Traits And Business Role 04:03 Becoming The Face Of Savvy Touch 07:00 Early Ventures And Financial Crash 10:00 The Abused Horse That Changed Everything 17:01 Mark Todd, Elite Horses And Savvy Touch Origins 26:02 From Equine Flu Fix To Human Rocket Fuel 33:00 Covid Pivot And Garage Production Boom 36:19 Certification And Entry Into Pro Athlete Market 37:17 Sports Teams, Growth And Global Expansion 40:48 Influence, Mindset And Learning From Failure 45:53 Discount Code And Final Wrap Up   Conclusion: Savvy Steve’s story proves that a business can be both deeply spiritual and fiercely practical. From an abused horse and a cracked neck adjustment to Rocket Fuel and million-dollar months, this journey is built on intuition, grit, and an obsession with results. What began in stables and garages now impacts thousands of households, athletes, and teams who rely on Savvy Touch every day. The lesson is clear: stay in the fight, listen to your gut, and let your failures sharpen you rather than stop you. If you have ever wondered whether your crazy idea is worth pursuing, this episode shows you exactly what can happen when you refuse to let go.

Long-distance triathlon is not just about strong legs and lungs; it is about how far your mind will let you go. In this episode, you will hear a legendary iron-distance racer share how influence, mindset, and a tiny bit of crazy shaped her life on and off the course. From freezing days in Challenge Roth to stacking 50 full-distance races, she explains why age groupers might actually be the real superheroes of the sport. You will hear how mentors, coaches, and partners redirected her entire career and why being open to influence is her secret weapon. We also explore her second life in triathlon as a commentator, pro liaison, and mentor to the next generation. If you care about high performance, resiliency, and what it really takes to show up year after year, this conversation is for you. Summary: This episode dives into how influence shapes an athlete from childhood through a long professional triathlon career and into life after racing. The guest shares stories of brutal cold races, stacked Ironman seasons, and the mental games required to keep showing up. She highlights the crucial role of mentors and coaches who taught her to treat triathlon as a full-time job and to respect recovery as much as training. We hear how she reframed DNFs, near misses, and pressure-filled showdowns into fuel for growth rather than failure. The episode closes with her work as a commentator, pro liaison, and youth mentor, helping the next generation navigate sport, media, and mindset. Takeaways: Mindset and willingness to suffer matter just as much as talent in long distance triathlon. Age group athletes deserve massive respect for balancing training, travel, work, and family. The right mentors can completely change your career by teaching you how to live like a professional, not just train like one. Social media can be a powerful but dangerous influence, so athletes need support and boundaries around it. Life after racing can be just as meaningful when you use your experience to guide and protect the next generation. 5 Best Quotes: You have to be just a little bit crazy to race long distance triathlon and actually enjoy hurting that much. In our sport, the age group athletes might be even crazier than the pros because they do all the same work while holding jobs and raising families. There is no such thing as failure in racing if you can take even one positive lesson and never make the same mistake again. Influence shapes who we become long before we realize it, from parents who push us to try new things to coaches and partners who see potential before we do. The mind controls everything in long-distance racing, and believing you can win often starts with someone else believing in you first. Timestamps: [00:00:00] Tech struggles and pre-race banter [00:01:50] Coldest day at Challenge Roth [00:03:50] Why long-distance triathletes are a little crazy [00:06:25] Pros versus age groupers and respect for both [00:09:27] Racing 50 iron distance events and five a year [00:11:59] Coaching, belief, and the power of mindset [00:15:14] Lifelong love affair with triathlon [00:16:16] Racing around the world and choosing destinations [00:17:53] What influence really means in sport [00:20:10] Early influences from family and partner [00:22:42] Learning the craft from Rock and Heather [00:24:50] Treating triathlon like a full-time job [00:28:29] Social media as a positive and negative influence [00:30:10] Turning failure into reframing and growth [00:33:00] Old school tough coaches and mental strength [00:35:10] Rivalry, pressure, and the breakthrough win [00:40:54] When pressure flips,s and you crack [00:42:38] Modern pressures on pros and public image [00:45:40] Creating the pro liaison role at Challenge Family [00:48:40] Mentoring youth at Phoenix Futures camps [00:53:23] Lifelong friendships and giving back to the sport Conclusion: This episode proves that performance is never just about watts and pace; it is about the people and ideas that shape you along the way. From freezing marathons and five Ironman seasons to mentoring teenagers with world-class potential, our guest shows how influence can be the difference between burnout and legacy. Her stories remind us that pressure can crush you or sharpen you, depending on how you frame it. She has turned a lifetime in triathlon into a platform to give back, champion pros, and guide rising stars. If you are chasing your own big goals, this conversation invites you to ask who is influencing you and how you can become that positive influence for someone else.

Robby Kruyer went from fiery young chippy to a reflective, values-driven leader building high-performance homes and high-performing teams. In this episode, he opens up about the unseen stress of running a construction business that literally builds people’s dreams. Robby shares how female leaders and team members reshaped his leadership, his empathy, and even how he thinks about something as simple as a worksite toilet. You’ll hear how honesty, transparency, and character separated the people who thrived after leaving his business from those who collapsed into liquidation. We also dive into energetic connection, the wild story of landing on The Block TV show, and why Robby is obsessed with passive, high-performance homes. If you care about leadership, legacy, and doing business the right way, this conversation will hit home.   Summary: Robby Kruyer talks about the emotional and mental load of running a construction business and how he had to evolve from an angry, fiery boss into a more empathetic and self-aware leader. He explains how feedback from young apprentices and female team members challenged his management style and helped him grow, especially through honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations. The episode explores the role of women in trades, how their perspective changes culture on site, and why creating respectful environments matters more than ever. Robby shares how he has helped team members start their own companies, highlighting the difference that transparency, values, and character make in long-term success. He finishes by explaining his passion for high-performance passive homes and why focusing on the building envelope and sustainability is the future of residential construction.   Takeaways: Sustainable leadership means owning your mistakes, sharing your lessons, and accepting that your influence shapes other people’s futures. Female team members can dramatically improve culture, communication, and awareness in traditionally male-dominated trades. Transparency and honesty when leaving or starting a business relationship often determine who thrives and who fails long term. Strategic mentorship and investing in your own business education can fast-track growth, even when it feels financially uncomfortable at the start. Passive, high-performance homes prioritize airtight, energy-efficient building envelopes that reduce or even eliminate the need for heating and cooling.   Best Quotes: Influence comes with a massive responsibility, because if you hide your mistakes, you’ll guide people in the wrong direction. You’ve got to lead by example on site, even down to how clean the portaloo is, because your culture shows up in the smallest details. Don’t try to jump from A to Z in business; just move from Column A to Column B to Column C, one step at a time. Having more feminine energy in leadership makes you more empathetic, more aware, and better at understanding why people feel the way they do. Building a passive, high-performance home is about the quality of the building envelope, not the shiny things you put inside it.   Timestamps: 00:00 | Opening reflections on stress, responsibility, and growth 02:27 | Transparency, values, and helping team members start their own companies 05:26 | Learning from female team members and changing site culture 08:05 | Feminine energy, relationships, and female influence in Robby’s life 09:15 | Zoe’s impact and building radical transparency in the team 10:48 | Millie’s “manifestation” story and breaking into construction as a woman 12:10 | Growing up without a father figure and the example of a hardworking mum 13:10 | Legacy, influence, and the responsibility of guiding others in business 15:16 | Sharing financial mistakes, accounting systems, and step-by-step growth 16:02 | Business coaching, investing in knowledge, and trusting the right people 18:20 | Energetic connection, manifestation, and opportunities appearing at the right time 19:13 | The Block TV show, pressure, and doors opened through exposure 21:49 | Risk, payment challenges, and long-term business payoff from TV exposure 22:34 | What Evo Built does and the vision for high-performance passive homes 23:20 | Explaining passive houses, airtight building envelopes, and sustainability focus   Conclusion: This episode shows that real strength in business isn’t about barking orders, it’s about listening harder, softening your ego, and owning your impact. Robby’s story proves that when you embrace feedback—from apprentices, women in your team, and trusted mentors—you don’t just build better houses, you build better humans. His journey from chaotic early days to leading a values-driven construction company is a roadmap for anyone who wants to grow without losing their integrity. Whether it’s helping former employees start their own companies or chasing the vision of truly passive homes, Robby keeps choosing legacy over shortcuts. If you’re ready to rethink leadership, culture, and what’s possible in the building game, this conversation will stay with you long after the tools are packed away

Listeners discover how common self injury actually is, as Lori explains that it affects people far beyond the stereotype of teenage girls, including children as young as eight and adults well into their fifties. She highlights the strong correlation between non suicidal self injury and suicide, showing why early recognition and intervention are critical for safety and recovery. During the conversation, Lori describes how COVID intensified an already raging mental health crisis and pushed many people to seek counseling for the first time in their lives. We also explore how C suite and organizational leaders shape workplace mental health through their actions, their vulnerability, and the way they respond when employees ask for help. Finally, Lori reframes influence as servant leadership and service, sharing powerful clinical stories and the mission behind Van Wellness and the Institute for Non Suicidal Self Injury..   Summary: Luke explains how Australian property prices have surged while rental yields and cash flow have fallen, making it harder for new deals to stack up. He shares how selling properties in Melbourne, paying capital gains tax, and reallocating into Brisbane produced far better long term growth than simply holding. Luke also describes his pivot from purely residential into commercial property, development, and other business ventures as the market shifts. Beyond money, he unpacks his eight year streak of running at least 7 kilometers every single day and how that consistency has inspired others to raise their own standards. Throughout the episode, Luke and Anton connect influence, leadership, and investing back to one core principle: consistent action that builds trust over time.From Single Properties To Strategic Portfolios The New Rules Of Investing   5 Takeaways: Self injury carries an estimated lifetime risk around 30 percent in the United States and has a very high correlation with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. COVID did not start the mental health crisis, it dramatically intensified it and drove many adults and young people into counseling for the first time. Organizational trust around mental health depends on how leaders and HR respond when employees disclose struggles or ask for time off and accommodations. Influence and leadership have the greatest impact when they prioritize service, ethics, and a willingness to refer clients or staff to other experts when needed Building strong rel,ationships and a recognizable brand helps you become the person others think of and reach out to when they are in crisis or seeking change.   5 Best Quotes: Influence comes with responsibility and is at its best when it is rooted in humility, service, and a focus on others rather than ego. Self injury is far more common than most people realize, and it is not just a teenage phase but a behavior that spans childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The true attitude toward mental health in any organization starts at the top, where C suite actions speak much louder than polished memos. Real leadership is inseparable from being a servant who is willing to show vulnerability, share struggles, and model the hard work you expect from others. It is not who you know but who knows you, and how many people think of you first as a trusted resource when they need help and guidance.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Lori Vann Background 02:10 How Common Self Injury Really Is 04:57 Suicide Risk and Why Self Injury Matters 05:56 Covid and the Mental Health Wildfire 07:50 Are Companies Serious About Mental Health 08:59 How Leaders Can Influence Mental Health Culture 11:35 Vulnerability and Humanity in the C Suite 12:38 Redefining Influence As Service 14:58 Family Roots and Early Influences 17:34 Business Coaching and Relationship Capital 20:22 Life Changing Clinical Success Stories 23:58 Ethics, Limits, and Referring Out 25:03 Why Self Injury Chose Lori’s Career 27:20 Realizing Friends Had Also Self Injured 30:10 Leadership Through A Servant Lens 31:36 The Cost Of Disconnected Senior Leaders 32:57 A Message To Those Who Are Struggling 34:51 Where To Find Self Injury Resources 36:51 Closing Thanks And Future Connections   Conclusion: This episode brings self injury and suicide risk out of the shadows and into an honest, compassionate conversation that leaders and everyday listeners need to hear. Lori Vann shows that while the statistics can feel heavy, there is real hope when skilled professionals and caring leaders commit to prevention, intervention, and stigma reduction. For organizations, the takeaway is that mental health is no longer optional, it is a core leadership responsibility that demands consistent, human centered action. For individuals who are struggling, Lori’s message is that you are not alone, what you are facing is more common than you think, and there are people and resources designed specifically to help you. As you finish this episode, consider how you can use your influence to serve others, support mental health, and help create spaces where asking for help is respected as a sign of strength

influence, leadership, consistency, daily habits, long term wealth, property investing, Australian property market, residential property, commercial property, portfolio strategy, capital gains tax, selling and reinvesting, Brisbane property, Melbourne property, affordability, rental yields, cash flow, buyers agent, business exit, business growth, running streak, daily running, mindset, discipline, trust, credibility, inspiration, impact, financial freedom, investing strategy Shownotes: Influence is not built in a moment; it is forged in the quiet, relentless act of showing up day after day. In this episode, we sit down with Australian property strategist and eight year run streak legend Luke Moroney to unpack what real influence and real wealth building actually look like. Luke lifts the hood on a brutally hot property market, why yields are getting squeezed, and how smart investors can still move the needle by thinking in portfolios, not one off deals. Along the way, he shares how a single colleague changed the trajectory of his life, how he built and exited a buyers agency, and how he has inspired others through his extreme consistency. From running at airports to repositioning millions between cities, Luke shows that the same mindset can transform both your health and your net worth. If you want a blueprint for long term success that is grounded in discipline rather than hype, this conversation is your playbook. Summary: Luke explains how Australian property prices have surged while rental yields and cash flow have fallen, making it harder for new deals to stack up. He shares how selling properties in Melbourne, paying capital gains tax, and reallocating into Brisbane produced far better long term growth than simply holding. Luke also describes his pivot from purely residential into commercial property, development, and other business ventures as the market shifts. Beyond money, he unpacks his eight year streak of running at least 7 kilometers every single day and how that consistency has inspired others to raise their own standards. Throughout the episode, Luke and Anton connect influence, leadership, and investing back to one core principle: consistent action that builds trust over time.From Single Properties To Strategic Portfolios The New Rules Of Investing 5 Takeaways: Consistency in small daily actions compounds into credibility, influence, and long term results. You must adapt your investing strategy as markets change instead of clinging to what used to work. Paying capital gains tax can be a smart move if it lets you reposition into stronger growth opportunities. Thinking like a portfolio strategist instead of a single property owner leads to better decisions and resilience. Leadership and influence are earned by doing the hard work in full view, not by talking about what you might do. 5 Best Quotes: Every action you take has an effect on someone else, so how you show up is incredibly powerful. Lead by example by being the first one in and the last one to leave, because people trust what they see you do. You do not always start with belief in yourself, but seeing proof in others can unlock what you are truly capable of. In property, the real strategy is long term portfolio design, not emotional attachment to a single property. Influence starts with impact and ultimately becomes inspiration when people choose to follow your example. Timestamps: 00:00 Recording chaos and the quarter to rule 01:00 Scaling podcast production on a budget 03:20 Fixing the distracting background on camera 04:00 Luke’s simple 7 lap daily run routine 05:05 Eight years straight and managing niggles 06:12 Running through travel, airports and jet lag 06:48 Training smart after injuries and blisters 07:55 Redefining influence as impact and inspiration 09:00 Introducing Luke and his property background 10:45 Pivoting beyond residential into new ventures 12:00 Affordability crunch and yield challenges 13:30 Selling in Melbourne and reallocating to Brisbane 15:30 Olympics, infrastructure and regional growth stories 16:40 Influence as the impact of your actions 18:00 The colleague who sparked Luke’s investing journey 19:20 Helping a cousin build a five property portfolio 20:30 Leading by example with first in, last out 21:40 How consistency builds deep trust over time 22:40 Borrowing belief from the proof of others 24:20 Anton’s 23 day run streak and lessons learned 25:20 The five pillars of influence framework 26:40 Planning part two and asking for new guests Conclusion: Influence is not a lightning strike; it is the steady beat of turning up when others would rather tap out. Luke’s story shows that the same discipline that gets you out the door for a run every day is the discipline that lets you buy, sell, and reposition your portfolio with confidence. When you stop obsessing over one property and start thinking like a long term strategist, the fear around tax, timing, and market noise starts to fade. Most of all, this episode is an invitation to lead from the front in your health, your money, and your relationships, so others can borrow belief from your example. If you are ready to build a life where your influence, wealth, and well being all grow together, Luke’s playbook is a powerful place to start.

Public speaking terrifies most people, but what if the very thing you fear becomes the engine that grows your business every single day? In this episode, you will hear how a shy, introverted computer programmer turned his fear of the spotlight into a thriving podcasting and content machine. We dig into how podcasting helps you beat the traffic problem, build real relationships, and stay relevant in a noisy online world. You will discover how simple tools like your phone, a couch, and a clear offer can turn casual conversations into serious revenue. Along the way, you will hear stories of mentors, clients, and a growing team that prove consistency and courage trump perfection. If you are serious about growing your business, this episode shows you why you cannot afford to ignore podcasting any longer. Summary: This episode explores how podcasting became the key that unlocked business growth, visibility, and confidence for an introverted tech entrepreneur. Robert shares how he leaned into his fear of public speaking, built a show, and used podcast guesting and hosting to attract clients, partnerships, and long-term opportunities. He explains how simple tools and environments, from cars to couches to Riverside, can remove technical excuses and make content creation easy and sustainable. The conversation highlights how mentors, pricing shifts, LinkedIn networking, and a quarterly compilation book series helped him package his skills into scalable services. Finally, he breaks down how building a remote team, delegating production, and offering a simple done-for-you podcast service lets business owners focus on the conversations while his company handles everything else. 5 Takeaways: Podcasting is a powerful solution to the traffic and visibility problem for serious business owners. You do not need fancy gear to start, only a phone, a quiet space, and the courage to have meaningful conversations. Mentors, simple pricing, and bold decisions like raising rates can rapidly accelerate your income and impact. LinkedIn is a highly effective way to find quality guests, build relationships, and turn conversations into clients or referrals. Delegating production to a capable team frees you to focus on relationships, strategy, and consistent content creation. 5 Best Quotes: Public speaking used to paralyze me, but podcasting became the vehicle that set me free and built my business. If you can figure out podcasting, you can fight the noise, build your network, and attract the right people to you. Discipline is huge because once the calendar is in front of me, I will show up and I will not let anyone down. Sometimes the simplest advice, like double your prices, forces you to grow into the business you were meant to run. You do the conversations and let the team handle the rest, because there is only one of you and trying to do it all will keep you small. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Overcoming fear of public speaking and early struggles 00:02:18 Discovering podcasting as the solution to the traffic problem 00:05:03 Simple tech, cars and couches as easy recording studios 00:06:51 Mindset, enthusiasm, and escaping negative people 00:09:20 Fear, evolution, and choosing positivity in modern business 00:11:39 Discipline, introversion, and building a podcasting habit 00:13:48 Staying relevant and prolific with consistent content 00:15:48 Mentor story and the power of doubling your prices 00:18:09 Recommending mentors and the ongoing networking effect 00:18:46 Favorite guests and multi dimensional success stories 00:20:20 Using LinkedIn to book quality podcast guests at scale 00:24:32 Introducing the podcast service and current client base 00:26:17 Favorite client story and creating a simple monthly offer 00:28:26 Client uniqueness, names, and memorable personal brands 00:29:19 Publishing frequency and managing a daily podcast show 00:30:13 Supportive relationships and long term consistency 00:30:58 Building a remote team, delegating, and buying back time 00:34:38 Long term collaborations, compilation books, and client podcasts 00:36:04 Commitment, passion, and sticking with the journey 00:37:30 Episode wrap up and goodbye Conclusion: This episode proves that you do not need to be a natural performer to win with podcasting. What you need is a clear why, a simple system, and the courage to keep showing up even when it feels uncomfortable. By turning conversations into content and content into relationships, you can stay visible, relevant, and top of mind in your market every single day. When you pair that consistency with a supportive team and a streamlined offer, podcasting stops being a side project and becomes a true growth engine. Listen back, pick one concept you heard today, and act on it so that your next conversation can become the start of your next big breakthrough.

construction business, building business, home builder, high performing homes, airtight construction, energy efficiency, insulation, double glazing, ventilation systems, Tasmanian builder, Future Builder community, builder education, business coaching for builders, construction leadership, scaling a trades business, managing cashflow, builder pricing mistakes, markup and margins, profit and loss, banking buckets, multiple bank accounts, avoiding going broke, construction systems, estimating mistakes, client relationships, referrals, sales skills for tradies, social media marketing for builders, Facebook ads for builders, TikTok audience, niche marketing, leadership evolution, team culture, work ethic, long hours, burnout, asking for help, podcasts, online courses, AI in construction, data driven decisions, business resilience, financial safety net, operating expenses Shownotes: From nearly going broke on multimillion-dollar builds to mentoring 100-plus construction companies, this episode is a masterclass in turning pain into power. Our Kyle Zanetto shares how he went from a young tradie on the tools to leading multiple teams across Tasmania and co-founding a fast-growing builders’ education community. You will hear the real numbers, the near-disasters, and the pivotal mindset shifts that turned a struggling builder into a data-driven business owner. We dig into high-performing homes, airtight construction, smart banking systems, and why most builders fail long before the market takes them out. If you are in construction, trades, or any service business, this conversation will show you how to stop working seven days a week for free and start building a business that supports your life, not destroys it. Get ready for a raw, practical, no-ego look at what it really takes to win in the modern building game. Summary: In this episode, our Kyle Zanetto explains how he went from a hands-on builder in Tasmania to a multi-location business owner and co-founder of Future Builder, a community that shares tools, templates, and training for builders. He breaks down the fundamentals of high-performing homes, focusing on airtight construction, insulation, quality windows, and smart ventilation to reduce energy loss and improve comfort. The conversation dives deep into the harsh financial realities of building businesses, including underpricing, thin margins, and a year where he lost hundreds of thousands of dollars while working 80 to 100 hours a week. He shares how investing heavily in business education, systems, banking structures, and leadership transformed his operations and gave him clarity and control over his numbers. Throughout, he emphasizes the power of community, asking for help, and building a company big enough to hold the dreams of every employee so they never feel forced to go out on their own. 5 Takeaways: Invest in business education before you start your own building company so your first jobs are profitable instead of experiments. High-performing homes start with airtight construction, great insulation, and quality windows paired with proper ventilation. You may need to rebuild your team and culture as you evolve from a crew of mates to a professional, system-driven company. Smart banking with multiple accounts and clear buckets for tax, overhead, and project money can save you from silent financial disaster. Surrounding yourself with a community of open-book builders accelerates learning and reduces the chances of going broke alone. 5 Best Quotes: Joining the right community can give you more progress in six months than the last ten years in business. You go from being a builder to being a business owner, but most of us try to do it without any business apprenticeship at all. Sometimes you have to Phoenix the business and rebuild it so the new company matches the new vision. If you do not know how to sell, your only chance is to be so good that referrals do the talking for you. Every piece of information you need is already online, but you only get it when you are willing to drop the ego and ask for help. Timestamps: 00:00 Coast life, sheds, and staying focused 05:01 What high-performing homes really are 07:34 Birth of Future Builder and the builders’ library 09:45 Member wins and the power of zero bad feedback 11:02 Family business roots and choosing building over engineering 13:06 Starting a company young and learning the hard way 15:44 Early work, tiling, and building a local reputation 17:24 Sales, referrals, and the small-town advantage 19:38 Finding your niche and not trying to please everyone 21:55 Long-term marketing and choosing the right platforms 22:55 Growing to 30-plus staff across Tasmania 23:28 From lads on the tools to a professional company 24:39 Leadership style shifts and meeting rhythms 25:24 Building a company big enough for everyone’s dreams 26:08 One-on-one mentoring and giving away his playbook 27:18 A community of 100 open-book builders 28:36 The hope of ending the broke-builder cycle 29:10 Why construction is brutal and who survives it 30:34 Advice for new builders before starting a business 31:32 The year he lost hundreds of thousands of dollars 33:05 Building a three-month safety net in every company 34:32 From one bank account to 60 smart buckets 36:39 Drop the ego and ask for help 37:03 Education is everywhere if you are willing to invest 37:57 Who he thinks should be on the show next 39:18 Podcast talk, tech fails, and behind-the-scenes moments 41:02 Estimates lost to software and why backups matter 42:42 Going broke, life costs, and appreciating money 43:04 Relationships, sacrifice, and still being here Conclusion: This episode proves that being great on the tools is not enough if you want to survive the modern building industry. Our Kyle Zanetto shows that the real turning point comes when you treat business skills like a trade in themselves and train accordingly. By rebuilding his systems, team, finances, and mindset, he turned near-collapse into a platform for helping builders across the country. His story is a reminder that you can love the chaos of construction without letting it consume your health, relationships, or bank account. If you are ready to stop guessing your numbers, stop undercharging, and start building a future-proof business, this conversation is your wake-up call.

From a bullied apprentice on the workshop floor to an international WorldSkills competitor and a coach for tradeswomen, this episode dives into what it really takes to survive and thrive in blue-collar industries. Louise shares how being the only woman in the workshop, battling mental health and bystander bullying, pushed her to build the support she wished she had. You’ll hear how a single offhand comment from a friend cracked open a whole new career path and reminded her that she loved the work, just not the workplace. We unpack the emotional whiplash of winning national competitions while simultaneously being dragged through HR investigations. Louise reveals how she transformed that chaos into a purpose-driven coaching business dedicated to helping tradeswomen lead, recover from burnout, and stand tall in tough environments. If you’re in the trades or lead people in high-pressure, male-dominated workplaces, this conversation is a masterclass in self-leadership, resilience, and real influence. Summary: In this episode, Louise shares her journey from growing up on a farm to becoming a heavy vehicle and plant mechanic in a male-dominated industry. She opens up about years of bullying at work, the silence of bystanders and how those experiences deeply affected her mental health and confidence. Louise explains how competing in the World Skills Competition, often called the Olympics for tradies, brought both pride and intense pressure that eventually contributed to burnout. She then talks about moving into a training role where she discovered informal leadership, mutual respect with much older colleagues, and a love for mentoring apprentices. Today, Louise blends her lived experience with formal life coaching and NLP training to support tradeswomen and blue-collar workers, helping them navigate bullying, rebuild confidence, and step into leadership while creating an ecosystem of women supporting women in the trades. Takeaways: Bullying, plus poor mental health, and a silent bystander culture can turn a normal apprenticeship into years of feeling trapped and isolated. A single conversation or perspective shift can reveal that you don’t have to leave your trade to leave a toxic workplace. Competing in World Skills gave Louise massive confidence and skill, but also fed perfectionism and pressure that later contributed to burnout. Stepping into a training role showed her the power of mutual respect, self-awareness, and informal leadership in male-dominated teams. Her long-term vision is an ecosystem of women supporting women in the trades, so the “first girl” in every workshop is no longer standing alone. Best Quotes: Influence is often just loving your work openly enough that someone else can see themselves in your story. Sometimes the hardest part of bullying is not what’s said to you, but what your own mind keeps replaying when you’re alone. The difference between staying stuck and breaking through is often one outside voice reminding you that you still love the work, just not the environment. Real leadership in the trades starts with admitting what you don’t know and being hungry enough to learn it. The first woman in the workshop needs just as much support as the women she is trying to mentor behind her. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and Louise’s background 03:00 – Bullying, mental health and the bystander culture 10:00 – Apprenticeship journey and meeting a role model at the expo 20:00 – World Skills competitions and the double life of success and HR stress 24:00 – Becoming a trainer and earning respect in an older team 30:00 – Discovering coaching and launching a business for tradeswomen 37:00 – Building an ecosystem of women supporting women in the trades 43:00 – Podcast plans, tools, and final wrap-up 38:45 – Final question and closing the conversation Conclusion: This episode proves that the trades don’t just build machines and infrastructure; they also forge character, courage, and leaders. Louise shows how the same grit that gets you through a brutal workday can also power a complete life and career transformation. Her story is a roadmap for any tradie who feels like they’re “the problem” when the real issue is a broken culture and lack of support. By turning her pain into a coaching mission, she’s quietly building the kind of mentoring ecosystem many women in the trades have never seen before. Listen to the end, then decide what kind of influence you’re willing to have in your own workshop, crew or company.

Have you ever wondered how much your clothes really influence the way people see you? In this episode, UK-based luxury fashion and image consultant Yulia Seijkens shares how style can be used as a strategic tool to shape your presence and authority. Drawing on a lifetime in show business, modeling, and performance from the age of six, she explains why what you wear is an unspoken language that speaks before you ever say a word. Yulia reveals why “luxury” isn’t about money or labels, but about intentionally leveling up your presence to match the goals and impact you want in life. If you’re a leader, executive, or high-impact professional who wants to be more influential in every room you enter, this conversation will change how you think about style forever. Summary: In this episode, Yulia Seijkens breaks down the difference between simply buying expensive clothes and strategically styling yourself to influence how others perceive you. She shares stories from working with high-net-worth individuals—including a Saudi prince—to show that money alone does not create presence or style. Instead, Yulia focuses on “styling from within,” aligning inner values, confidence, and identity with the outer image you present to the world. She explains how presence, energy, posture, grooming, and clothing all work together as a silent language that communicates authority, trustworthiness, and credibility. By the end of the conversation, listeners understand that true style is not superficial; it’s a powerful lever for business success, relationships, and personal influence. Takeaways: Style is not just about looking good; it is a strategic tool that shapes how others perceive your authority and credibility. Luxury is less about how much money you spend and more about intentionally leveling up your presence to match your goals. “Styling from within” means your clothes and appearance should reflect a deeper inner transformation, not try to compensate for its absence. Presence is a combination of clothing, grooming, posture, movement, and energy—the “vibe” you bring when you walk into a room. Real beauty and powerful presence are rooted in inner values like kindness, courage, honesty, and compassion, which style can then amplify. Best Quotes: I style them from within, and that inner version slowly starts to expand outside themselves. Style is an unspoken, silent language that tells people who you are before you say a single word. You can have all the money in the world and still not have style if your presence is not leveled up. People are always communicating a message with how they show up; the real question is whether they know what that message is. Real beauty comes from deep inside—from your smile, kindness, courage, honesty, and compassion. Timestamps: 0:00 – Warm welcome, Christmas setting, and re-introducing Yulia 1:27 – Who is Yulia Seijkens and what is “Style to Influence”? 2:38 – Winning Best Luxury Consultant: what the award really means 4:07 – What makes luxury styling different in Yulia’s work? 4:47 – Leveling up presence vs chasing luxury labels 7:25 – Defining presence as a bridge from where you are to where you want to go 8:05 – Style as a strategic, silent language of influence 11:33 – Presence, “vibe,” and the difference between men’s and women’s energy 14:05 – Being the person who lights up the room when you walk in 15:00 – The message your style sends before you say your name 16:41 – Dressing to communicate confidence, knowledge, and authority 18:51 – Styling from within vs just buying a great suit or dress 20:27 – How costumes and clothing change behavior and identity 22:29 – When clients aren’t ready: openness, trust, and commitment to change 23:23 – Real beauty, core values, and the personal nature of styling 26:48 – Curious vs serious: why not everyone is ready to level up 31:21 – How style builds authority, believability, and trust 32:24 – A CEO client case study: a hair change that shifted her whole energy 35:41 – Yulia’s artistic vision: seeing the “after” version of her clients 37:01 – Can this skill be taught and scaled to a team? 38:45 – Final question and closing the conversation Conclusion: Style is not just what you wear; it is the story you silently tell every room you walk into. When your inner values and outer image finally match, your presence stops asking for permission and starts commanding attention. Yulia’s approach proves that influence is not reserved for celebrities and CEOs—it is available to anyone willing to level up from the inside out. The next time you choose an outfit, you’re not just picking clothes; you’re choosing the message you want the world to read about you. If you’re ready to be the person who lights up the room instead of the one people forget, this episode gives you the blueprint to dress for the life and impact you actually want.

What does it take to turn personal adversity into a business triumph? In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, guest Rich Galgano shares his remarkable journey from battling a gambling addiction to founding Windy City Wire and selling it for half a billion dollars. Host Antwon Guinea digs into Rich’s unconventional business strategies and his commitment to giving back. We also hear about Rich’s approach to leadership and his deep family ties. Tune in for inspiration and actionable insights from a true industry leader. Summary: Rich Galgano, founder and CEO of Windy City Wire, discussed his journey from overcoming a gambling addiction to building a successful low-voltage wiring company. The company, established in 1994 and sold for $500 million in 2020, introduced color-coded low-voltage wire, revolutionizing the industry. Galgano emphasized the importance of transparency, integrity, and delivering on promises in leadership. He also shared his personal health challenges, including atrial fibrillation, and his commitment to family, crediting his wife and five children for his success. Galgano highlighted the need for leaders to inspire and lead their teams effectively. 5 Takeaways: Overcoming personal adversity can fuel entrepreneurial success. Visionary leadership and unconventional strategies drive industry disruption. Giving back through philanthropy is a key part of lasting success. Strong family support plays a crucial role in enduring challenging journeys. Strategic investments can foster continuous growth beyond one business. 5 Best Quotes: Sometimes the greatest success comes from knowing when to quit and start something new. True leaders bring others with them and never expect the team to pull the wagon alone. Innovation means redefining what’s possible, turning small ideas into industry standards. Overcoming personal challenges can shape your business vision and fuel growth. Building a company is about more than money—it’s about creating real value and leaving a legacy. Timestamps: 0:00:00 Greetings and Book Appreciation 0:01:10 Technical Setup and Microphone Adjustment 0:02:11 Guest Introduction and Host Welcome 0:03:45 Rich’s Background and Entrepreneurial Beginnings 0:07:46 Overcoming Addiction and Personal Lessons 0:11:13 Courage to Quit and Business Transitions 0:12:26 Founding Windy City Wire 0:15:16 Leadership, Influence, and Credibility 0:18:51 Innovation in Manufacturing and Color-Coding 0:20:21 Unique Product Development and Industry Impact 0:24:20 Health Challenges and Mindset Changes 0:32:22 Family, Support Systems, and Personal Values 0:40:40 Leadership Philosophy and Team Building 0:43:22 Future Plans, Legacy, and Closing Remarks 0:44:58 Episode Wrap-Up and Farewell Conclusion: Rich Galgano’s story on the Find Your Influence podcast serves as a testament to resilience and vision in business. His transformative journey inspires both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike. The discussion offers practical insights on overcoming obstacles, building thriving companies, and making meaningful contributions to the community. This episode is a reminder that success is not just about profits but also about the legacy you create. Don’t miss the wisdom and encouragement shared in this insightful conversation.

What does it truly take to lead with purpose and influence positive change in the world? In this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, Claire Baines, CEO of Hands Across the Water, shares her journey from corporate events to running a groundbreaking social enterprise supporting children in Thailand. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Claire reveals how purpose, belief, and accountability shape effective leadership. Listeners will discover the unique challenges and triumphs encountered as tragedy is turned into hope. Join us as we unpack the lessons learned and the power of building strong relationships to drive sustainable social impact.  Summary:  Claire Baines discusses her path to becoming the CEO of Hands Across the Water, an Australian charity supporting Thai children. The conversation explores her leadership philosophy, deeply influenced by her partner, Peter, and other mentors, and highlights the origins and growth of their charity work following the 2004 tsunami. Through anecdotes about major fundraising events, such as long-distance runs and bicycle rides, Claire illustrates the importance of experiential giving and bringing donors directly into the mission. The episode also covers key aspects of influence, including communication, compassion, and belief in both purpose and people. Claire’s story is a testament to the impact of authentic leadership and the transformative power of supporting others.  5 Takeaways:  Purpose-driven leadership can turn tragedy into hope for entire communities.  Genuine belief and support among team members build the foundation for long-lasting influence.  Creating immersive experiences for donors fosters lasting commitment to a charitable cause.  Accountability and integrity are vital values in both nonprofit management and personal growth.  Effective leaders guide and coach, empowering others rather than controlling every outcome.  5 Best Quotes:   Put on your own oxygen mask first and focus on your own routine.  The ability to influence comes from taking people on the journey and getting them to believe.  Guide and coach without doing the job for them.  Having someone who believes in you and supports you in a powerful way always has such an influence on your life.  Doing the right thing, even when it’s not popular, is integrity.  Timestamps:  0:00:00 Introduction and Biggest Learning  0:01:13 Who Is Claire Baines and Hands Across the Water  0:04:08 Origin Story: Tsunami and Building a Charity  0:07:11 Experiential Fundraising and Challenges  0:09:24 The Thailand Run: Purpose and Event Planning  0:13:20 Influences and Support Systems  0:15:31 What Is Influence and How to Build It  0:18:47 Role Models, Accountability, and Integrity  0:20:12 A Story of Personal Impact: Am’s Journey  0:23:19 Leadership Styles and Final Thoughts    Conclusion:  Claire Baines’ inspiring leadership journey reveals that true impact comes from leading with purpose, compassion, and unwavering belief in others. By transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, she demonstrates the powerful ripple effect one person can have on an organization and community. Her commitment to accountability and integrity drives sustainable change, motivating both her team and the people they serve. For anyone seeking to understand the real meaning of influence, Claire’s story highlights the importance of authentic connections and purposeful action. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that influence starts with belief in oneself and in the mission at hand. 

How can data and personal stories spark a national conversation about racism in Australia? In this episode, two leading advocates discuss the genesis and goals of the Racism Register, an online platform documenting experiences of racism. Through sharing lived experiences and research, Elizabeth Lang and Liz Tekanyo shine a light on both overt and covert forms of racism. Listeners learn how collecting data acts as a catalyst for awareness, empathy, and systemic change. The conversation also delves into Australian cultural identity and the hope for a more inclusive future.  Summary:  The episode explores Australia’s journey to recognize and address racism, with guests Elizabeth Lang and Liz Tekanyo sharing research and personal accounts. They explain the purpose of the Racism Register as a tool to document and make visible acts of racism across the country. Through discussing both everyday microaggressions and systemic biases, the guests emphasize the importance of empathy and education. The conversation also covers how a deeper understanding of personal and collective identity can foster greater inclusion. The episode concludes with ambitions for generational change and a vision of Australia where everyone feels accepted.  5 Takeaways:  Data collection is essential for making invisible experiences of racism visible and actionable.  Both overt and casual forms of racism significantly impact individuals and communities.  Personal and collective identity awareness can reduce exclusion and cultural defensiveness.  Empathy and open conversations are vital to dismantle unconscious biases and foster inclusion.  The ultimate goal is to create a future Australia where all people can be themselves without prejudice.  5 Best Quotes:   Racism isn’t just overt abuse; it often hides in everyday jokes and assumptions.   Data gives us a chance to measure what has long been ignored or denied.   Asking where someone is from can carry the message that they don’t belong.   Everyone benefits when we broaden our circles and truly get to know people unlike ourselves.   Our vision is a country where no one needs to change who they are to fit in.  Timestamps:  0:00 - Introduction and Podcast Background  2:33 - Guest Introductions and Backgrounds  2:52 - Origins and Purpose of the Racism Register  4:49 - Lived Experiences with Racism  12:10 - Data Collection and Societal Influence  14:05 - The Meaning of Identity and Belonging  16:25 - Defining Racism and Unconscious Bias  21:10 - Conversations on White Australian Identity  24:53 - Cultural Heritage and Ancestry Discussions  30:17 - Using Data for Systemic Change  33:33 - Vision for an Ideal Australia    Conclusion:  This episode highlights the transformative power of sharing experiences and collecting data to address racism in Australia. By blending personal stories with research, the guests illustrate the urgency of combating both visible and hidden biases. Their insights encourage listeners to question assumptions, embrace diversity, and work toward true inclusion. The Racism Register stands as a critical tool for awareness and advocacy, while hopes for generational change remain strong. Ultimately, the call is for an Australia where everyone belongs and can live authentically. 

This episode delves into a journey of perseverance and adaptability, taking listeners from unexpected challenges to career triumphs. Hear firsthand how setbacks can spark innovation and drive personal growth, even in tough industries. The story features lessons in risk management, workplace safety, and the transformative power of mentorship. Alongside tales of survival and resilience, practical strategies for leading and inspiring teams are shared. Prepare for a reflection on embracing adversity and turning obstacles into stepping stones for future success.

What if real influence isn’t about visibility, but about expanding someone’s belief in what’s possible? In this powerful episode of Find Your Influence, Lauren Clemett, one of Australia’s most respected personal branding strategists and the Founder & CEO of The Audacious Agency, to explore what influence really means in leadership, business, and life. Lauren shares deeply personal stories, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom on thought leadership, confidence, awards, and why true leadership is about giving people wings, not holding them back. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “ready,” “good enough,” or “visible enough” to step up, this episode is for you!

In this conversation, Andrew Ford, founder & CEO of Social Star shares what it really takes to build a personal brand that creates influence, trust, and long-term success. From escaping the “grey cubicle” of corporate life to building values-aligned businesses, Andrew unpacks why connection beats selling, why human brands win in the age of AI, and how your network can change the trajectory of your career and life.   Tune in! This episode is packed with real-world insights for leaders, consultants, founders, and professionals who want to grow their influence without losing themselves in the process.