So you want to be a leader... Really? By Defy Expectations

Hosted by Defy Expectations Ltd

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Oct 2026

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About the show

We’re here to explore the highs and lows of leadership today with our guests and help you navigate the complexity of being a leader. From every aspect, from the sublime to the ridiculous and everything in between. With weekly guests from all levels of the organisation.

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60 recent

October 22, 2026Episode 9632 min

What could go wrong in your businesss with Kurt Uhlir

In this episode, we’re joined by Kurt Uhlir, an executive leader who’s helped organisations scale from millions to billions, but not without learning some hard truths along the way. Kurt shares his journey from being a high-performing but toxic, task-driven leader to building a powerful case for servant leadership, where outcomes matter more than control, and people outperform when they feel safe to think, challenge and contribute.

October 6, 2026Episode 9532 min

Busting the Hustle Culture with Gary Montalvo

In this episode we speak to Gary Montalvo, who explains how self-awareness, ownership, and genuine authenticity shape effective leadership, especially in moments of uncertainty, vulnerability, and growth.

September 24, 2026Episode 9425 min

Love matters with David Cunningham

Today's guest, David Cunningham, discusses conscious leadership and the role of spirituality, centered on the idea that 'love matters' in every interaction. David the shares formative experiences that led him to dedicate his life and work to making love the preeminent way of being, including writing a book and founding a nonprofit.

September 10, 2026Episode 9323 min

Leadership and wellness with Beth Mielbrecht

Today we speak to Beth Mielbrecht on why leaders must treat health as foundational to performance, quality, client satisfaction, and team sustainability. An engineer and former business leader, Beth describes seeing employees struggle silently as revenue and deliverables slipped, and highlights two commonly ignored early warning signs.

September 3, 2026Episode 9222 min

Hybrid intelligence with Daria Rudnik

In this episode, Helen speaks to Daria Rudnik, discussing resilience strategy and 'hybrid intelligence', drawing on Daria’s HR and organisational development experience across crises, transformations, and team dysfunction.

August 25, 2026Episode 9127 min

The art of cognitive fitness with Garrett Wood

In this episode, Helen speaks to Garrett Wood about sustainable success in leadership, burnout, and why many people avoid promotions due to added responsibility without support.

August 11, 2026Episode 9025 min

Finding your leadership brilliance with Pradeepa Narayanaswamy

In this episode, Helen is joined by Pradeepa Narayanaswamy to discuss unlocking authentic leadership by 'mining for diamonds'; focusing on strengths and brilliance rather than obsessing over flaws and endless improvement.

July 30, 2026Episode 8919 min

Stakeholder Management Isn't What You Think with Bill Shander

What if the real skill of leadership isn’t having the answers, but asking better questions? In this episode, Bill Shander explores the art of “stakeholder whispering” and how to uncover what people truly need, not just what they ask for.

July 16, 2026Episode 8819 min

Keeping it human with Jim Bouchard

In this episode, Helen speaks to Jim Bouchard, to discuss the importance of human-centric leadership. Jim shares his journey from addiction recovery through martial arts to becoming a leadership expert, emphasising the need for leaders to inspire, empower, and guide by connecting with people and prioritising meaningful habits.

July 2, 2026Episode 8622 min

The hidden forces that shape leadership with Dave Schoof

Helen explores the intricacies of leadership with Dave Schoof, who focuses on blending business results with consciousness expansion. They discuss the importance of unlocking innate genius, the balance between execution and influence, and the transition required to navigate today's complex leadership landscape.