Empowering Leaders

Hosted by Aleda

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Episodes

267

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

In this series, Luke Darcy is joined by iconic leaders to unpack learnings and life lessons from these game changers in their chosen field, whether it’s sports, art, business or education. We’ll break down the fundamentals of the new style of leadership, such as collaboration, integrity and innovation, through the stories of these iconic leaders.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 27, 202641 min

Josh Piterman: Unmasking the Value in Who We Are, Not What We Do

This week’s guest on Empowering Leaders is acclaimed Australian musical theatre legend, author and breathwork and mindset coach, Josh Piterman. Josh’s career evolution is nothing short of extraordinary. From performing onstage in lead roles in The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables , to a coaching practice that helps athletes and high performers reconnect with themselves, Josh’s journey is a masterclass in what’s possible when you stay true to your authentic self. In this raw and honest conversation, Josh reveals how an injury that almost ended his career became the catalyst for confronting the identity he’d built around performance; an exploration of self that ultimately opened the door to a whole new chapter. Josh speaks about the profound impact breathwork, meditation and the Aleda Connect program have had on both his personal and professional growth. You’ll also hear insights into navigating setbacks, the difference between success and fulfilment, and the power that comes in finding your purpose. … We’re proud to have Josh as part of our Aleda Connect community. Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Ready to be in the room with exceptional leaders like Josh? Take the next step here: https://bit.ly/3IYnLrS Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 20, 202639 min

Will Cole: Is The Key to Better Health Buried Deeper Than You Think?

What if the key to better health isn't just treating symptoms, but understanding what's causing them in the first place? This week , world-renowned functional medicine expert and New York Times bestselling author Will Cole joins us to explore the connection between physical health, mental wellbeing and the pressures of modern life. In this episode, Will explains how chronic stress, unresolved trauma, poor nutrition and our constantly connected lifestyles can affect everything from inflammation and hormones, to energy and resilience. He shares why burnout can be particularly difficult to recognise when you're passionate about what you do, and why even those who eat well and exercise can still struggle when the mind-body connection is overlooked. Will breaks down the confusing world of peptides, and shares his thoughts on why finding a balanced ‘sweet spot’ is vital to achieving positive health outcomes. He also offers practical ways to manage stress, build healthier relationships with technology, and how to take a more considered approach to the overwhelming amount of health advice we encounter every day. … Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Ready to be in the room with exceptional leaders? Take the next step here: https://bit.ly/3IYnLrS Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 13, 202641 min

Scott Parkinson: People, Purpose and the Power of Women in Sport

This week we’re joined by Scott Parkinson, Head Assistant Coach at Seattle Reign FC in the US National Women’s Soccer League. In this episode, Scott reflects on his career in high performance sport, and the huge impact working in women’s football has had on his life, leadership, and the way he approaches feedback and communication. You’ll also hear about his passion for championing women in sport, and why creating opportunities for others has become such an integral part of his leadership. Scott explains why authenticity is a leadership superpower, how genuine human connection unlocks the best in yourself and others, and why treating people fairly doesn't always mean treating them the same. There’s also Scott’s brilliant take on the Aleda Connect program as a form of ‘professional self-care’, and the childhood lesson from his grandfather that taught him why fairness, not winning, is the greatest victory of all. Listen to our episode with Scott Kerr referenced in this episode here . Listen to our episode with Chris Lendrum referenced in this episode here . … We’re proud to have Scott as part of our Aleda Connect community. Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Ready to be in the room with exceptional leaders like Scott? Take the next step here: https://bit.ly/3IYnLrS Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 6, 202638 min

Keith D’Amelio: Unlocking Elite Performance in Sport, Business and Beyond

This week we’re joined by performance strategy and innovation advisor, founder of Heretic Performance and the current Head of Innovation at the WNBA’s New York Liberty, Keith D’Amelio, For over two decades, Keith has worked with some of the world’s top sporting teams and organisations, including the NBA’s Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors, and Nike. In this episode, he shares the mindset, habits and leadership principles that drive high performance, and provides insight into what truly separates the very good from the very best. Keith discusses the key roles curiosity and clear communication play in impactful leadership and innovation, shares his experience in the Aleda Connect program, and tells us why so often, the best ideas are found when you venture outside your own industry. You can find out more about Heretic Performance here . … We’re proud to have Keith as part of our Aleda Connect community. Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Ready to be in the room with exceptional leaders like Keith? Take the next step here: https://bit.ly/3IYnLrS Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 29, 202646 min

Dandapani: Master Your Mind by Mastering Your Awareness

In a world designed to constantly capture our attention, learning how to focus has become one of the most valuable skills we can develop. This week, Luke Darcy sits down with Dandapani, a Hindu priest, entrepreneur, bestselling author, speaker and former monk who spent 10 years living and training in a monastery. In this episode, Dandapani explains the important distinction between the mind and awareness, using simple imagery to reveal how, through practice, we can CHOOSE where our awareness goes, rather than allowing external factors to dictate it for us. You’ll hear Dandapani’s thoughts on why focus is a skill that must be practised like any other, the powerful connection between purpose and priorities, and why undivided attention is one of the greatest gifts you can give another human. To learn more about Dandapani's work and access some incredible resources, visit the dedicated gift page for the Empowering Leaders audience here . … Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Curious about Aleda Connect? Take the next step and find out more here: https://bit.ly/3IYnLrS Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 22, 202633 min

Jess Bala: Leading Through Life’s Biggest Challenges with Vulnerability and Humanity

This week’s guest is Jess Bala, the former Managing Director of General Motors Australia and New Zealand. In this deeply personal episode, Jess opens up about the devastating loss of her brother, beloved sports journalist Sam Landsberger. She shares how Sam’s passing has impacted her family, and shaped the way she approaches leadership, vulnerability and the relationship between work and life. Jess tells us about her unwavering passion for the Western Bulldogs, and the special way football connected her family, and continues to today. She reflects on building a global career with GM, her experience working in the US alongside GM Chair and CEO, Mary Barra, and what she learnt about the importance of backing yourself. This is a conversation that extends far beyond conventional leadership. It’s about family, love, loss, resilience, authenticity, and above all, making the most of the one precious life we have. … Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Ready to be in the room with exceptional leaders like Jess? Take the next step here . Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 15, 202645 min

Hedley Thomas: A Storyteller’s Relentless Pursuit for Justice

This week, Luke Darcy sits down with one of Australia’s most respected investigative journalists and two-time Gold Walkley Award winner, Hedley Thomas. For over four decades, Hedley has been pursuing stories that matter, with a career that has taken him from the fall of the Berlin Wall, to the groundbreaking investigation into the disappearance of Lynette Dawson in The Teacher’s Pet podcast. In this episode, you’ll hear about the experiences that shaped Hedley’s career, including the influence of his parents on both his storytelling style, and commitment to facts and detail. He reflects on the personal connection between his family history and The Teacher’s Pet , and the impact of bringing renewed attention to criminal cases that have remained unsolved for decades. Hedley openly discusses the personal toll that comes with covering traumatic events, his most terrifying moments, and reveals the surprisingly simple tool that helped him navigate his way through it all. This is a truly insightful conversation about the pursuit of justice through storytelling, with a man dedicated to leading with genuine care and compassion. … Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Ready to be in the room with exceptional leaders? Take the next step here: https://bit.ly/3IYnLrS Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 8, 202652 min

John Lynch: Making History in Melbourne with the San Francisco 49ers

What does it take to build a winning culture, and then sustain it at the highest level? In this special live episode of Empowering Leaders , we sit down with NFL legend and San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch during the team’s historic visit to Melbourne. John shares the lessons behind his extraordinary journey; from struggling to establish himself as an NFL player, to helping transform the 49ers into a consistent championship contender. He reveals why culture starts with the people you surround yourself with, how the 49ers assess the character and “spirit” of potential players, and why developing people is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader. He also reflects on the challenges of leadership at the top, the loneliness that can come with making big decisions, the importance of having trusted peers, and how his involvement with the Aleda community has connected him with other leaders that provided practical insights he could apply directly to his work. From resilience and self-belief to building teams that thrive, John offers a fascinating insight into what great leadership looks like when the margins between success and failure are incredibly small. … Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Ready to be in the room with exceptional leaders like John? Take the next step here: https://bit.ly/3IYnLrS Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 2, 202638 min

Dr Martha Beck: What If Success Isn’t What You Think It Is?

For best-selling author, life coach and sociologist Dr. Martha Beck, living a successful and meaningful life isn't found in status or other people's expectations. It's found by discovering your own truth, and having the courage to live it. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Martha explores why so many highly successful people often feel empty, how social and cultural expectations can pull us away from who we really are, and why small "one degree turns" can help us move towards a more authentic life. She shares deeply personal stories from her own journey, including the dramatic consequences of choosing to live with complete honesty, and reflects on her friendship with Oprah Winfrey, and what she taught her about courage and integrity. Martha also shares practical insights for leaders on turning anxiety into curiosity, staying connected to uniquely human qualities in an age of AI, helping children develop their own sense of truth, and finding moments of stillness and authenticity amid the demands of everyday life. Learn more about Martha’s work here. … Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Ready to be in the room with exceptional leaders? Take the next step here: https://bit.ly/3IYnLrS Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 202653 min

Chris Judd: The Mindset of an Outlier - From AFL Legend to Investment Powerhouse

Chris Judd is one of the most decorated players in AFL history, but his second chapter is proving to be equally as compelling as his first. In this conversation, Chris discusses his transition from elite sport to the world of finance and investing, and the attributes and lessons he has carried across both careers. From the discipline required to think differently and stay calm under pressure, to why great leaders are the most important factor when investing in a business, you’ll hear the mindset behind Chris’s approach to success. He also shares how he got his start in finance, tracking all the way back to the beginning of his AFL career, and a conscious decision to avoid media commentary of his performance. You’ll also hear about the importance of financial literacy, AI and the future of work, family, leadership, and why knowing yourself is the most important skill of all. … Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Ready to be in the room with exceptional leaders? Take the next step here: https://bit.ly/3IYnLrS Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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