The Balanced Leader Podcast

Hosted by Rob Hills

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Latest episode

Sep 2025

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EN-AU

About the show

The Balanced Leader Podcast tackles the biggest challenge facing today's leaders: how to drive exceptional results without burning out. Host Rob Hills, a leadership and wellbeing expert, combines proven leadership principles with sustainable performance strategies to help you lead more effectively. Each episode delivers practical insights on building high-performing teams while creating healthier work environments. Whether you're exploring fundamental leadership concepts, learning from experts guests or discovering new approaches to sustainable success, you'll gain actionable strategies to elevate both your leadership impact and your team's wellbeing. Join us to discover how the best leaders achieve outstanding results while maintaining balance - because sustainable high performance is the future of leadership.

Listen to episodes

42 recent

September 28, 2025Episode 4243 min

Resilient Leadership: Mental Fitness and Wellbeing with Chelsea Pottenger

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Balanced Leader Podcast, I sit down with Chelsea Pottenger, an internationally recognised speaker and expert on resilience, mindfulness, and mental fitness. Chelsea shares her powerful personal journey and the lessons she’s learned from helping leaders and organisations build a culture of wellbeing without compromising on results.We explore how leaders can create space for mental recovery, build resilience in high-pressure environments, and model sustainable practices for their teams. Chelsea also gives us practical tools you can start using today to strengthen your mental fitness and lead with clarity, courage, and compassion. If you’re ready to find a better balance between performance and wellbeing, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Connect with Chelsea: https://www.eqminds.com/For the full show notes and transcript, click here.Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.auRob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhillsRob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

August 31, 2025Episode 417 min

If You’re Sinking, Change Your Thinking: Cognitive Reframing for Leaders

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Balanced Leader Podcast, I share a simple but powerful phrase that came home with my son one afternoon: “If you’re sinking, change your thinking.” At first, I thought it was just a helpful tool for him — but it quickly became something my wife and son were reminding me of when I slipped into negative thinking. And honestly, they were right. This saying might sound lighthearted, but it has incredible staying power when life or leadership feels overwhelming.I explore how this phrase connects to real neuroscience and leadership research, and how reframing your thoughts can help you reduce burnout, recover faster, and lead with clarity. You’ll hear a relatable story of a leader spiraling into “doomsday thinking,” practical reframing tools you can use straight away, and even a little Stoic wisdom. If you’ve ever felt stuck in negative thought patterns, this episode will give you fresh strategies to notice it, shift it, and lead with greater resilience.For the full show notes and transcript, click here.Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.auRob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhillsRob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

August 10, 2025Episode 4043 min

Leading from Within: Eliminating Stress at the Source with Andrew Rooke

Send us Fan MailWhat if I told you that 97.5% of what drives your stress, overwhelm, and leadership challenges is completely unconscious? In this eye-opening conversation with Andrew Rooke, we explore how the most successful leaders aren't just managing stress—they're eliminating it at the source by mastering their inner world. Andrew's journey from burnt-out executive to transformational coach offers a roadmap for any leader feeling trapped in cycles of overwhelm and reactivity.We dive into practical strategies for developing self-awareness, identifying your triggers through body sensations, and the three foundational elements that can transform your leadership: self-awareness, conscious choice-making, and radical responsibility. Andrew shares powerful insights about why traditional stress management fails and how to break free from unconscious patterns formed in childhood. This isn't just another wellness conversation—it's about fundamentally changing how you show up as a leader and human being.Connect with Andrew: https://www.andrewrooke.com/For the full show notes and transcript, click here.Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.auRob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhillsRob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

July 20, 2025Episode 398 min

Maximizers vs Satisficers: Overcoming Decision Fatigue for Perfectionists

Send us Fan MailDo you find yourself trapped in analysis paralysis, spending hours or even days on decisions that should take minutes? In this episode, I share my personal struggle with being a "maximizer"—someone who needs to make the perfect decision every time. Using psychologist Barry Schwartz's research, I break down the difference between maximizers (who exhaust themselves seeking the best option) and satisficers (who happily choose "good enough" and move on).I'll reveal why satisficers are actually happier with their decisions, introduce you to the game-changing concept that "there are no solutions, only trade-offs," and give you practical strategies to escape decision fatigue. Whether you're a fellow maximizer burning out over every choice or a leader wanting to understand your team's decision-making styles, this episode will transform how you approach the countless decisions that fill your leadership days.For the full show notes and transcript, click here.Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.auRob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhillsRob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

June 29, 2025Episode 3837 min

Beyond the Midlife Crisis: How Leaders Evolve as they Age with Aneace Haddad

Send us Fan MailWhat if I told you that the changes you're experiencing as a leader in your 40s and 50s aren't signs of decline, but the emergence of extraordinary leadership superpowers? In this eye-opening conversation with executive coach Aneace Haddad, I explore the fascinating science behind midlife leadership transformation. Aneace, who exclusively coaches leaders over 40, reveals how our brains literally rewire during this period—creating new capabilities for wisdom, emotional empathy, and presence.We dive into the three "winds of change" that reshape midlife leaders, discuss why the traditional leadership development approach fails senior executives, and explore how the shift from seeking purpose to embracing presence can revolutionise your leadership effectiveness. Whether you're currently navigating this transition or approaching it, this episode will completely change how you view the second half of your leadership journey. Connect with Aneace: https://aramyss.com/For the full show notes and transcript, click here.Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.auRob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhillsRob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

June 8, 2025Episode 378 min

Leading with AI: How to Harness Technology Without Losing Your Human Edge

Send us Fan MailEvery day feels like another AI breakthrough announcement, and as leaders, we're caught between excitement and terror about what this means for our work. I've been experimenting with AI tools for years, and I'm convinced that leaders who don't start dabbling now risk getting left behind. But here's the thing: AI isn't about replacing your leadership, it's about amplifying it without losing what makes you uniquely human.In this episode, I'm sharing the promise and pitfalls of AI for leaders like you. I'll walk you through three categories where AI can genuinely help: time-saving assistance, decision support, and coaching insights. But I'll also warn you about the real risks: over automation, outsourcing judgment, and digital exhaustion. Plus, I'm giving you three specific AI tools to try this week, along with practical ways to use them without undermining your leadership presence.For the full show notes and transcript, click here.Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.auRob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhillsRob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

May 18, 2025Episode 367 min

Is Your Ladder Against the Wrong Wall? Avoiding Life's Biggest Regrets

Send us Fan MailIn this thought-provoking episode, I explore one of life's most powerful metaphors: what happens when we realise the ladder we've been climbing is leaning against the wrong wall? Many of us work tirelessly toward goals we set years ago, only to discover that our values and desires have shifted along the way. Drawing from Stephen Covey's wisdom, I dig into why achievement can sometimes feel hollow despite "doing everything right."I share practical strategies for pausing to reassess your direction, beginning with the end in mind, and making intentional choices that align with your true values. We'll also explore Bronnie Ware's illuminating work with the dying and their most common regrets. If you've ever felt that disconnect between success and fulfillment, this episode offers the permission and guidance you need to reorient your ladder—because it's never too late to climb the right wall.For the full show notes and transcript, click here.Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.auRob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhillsRob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

April 27, 2025Episode 3541 min

Ubuntu: Cultivating Compassion and Connection with Alfred Chidembo

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode, I sit down with Alfred Chidembo to explore the transformative power of Ubuntu—an ancient African philosophy that emphasizes our interconnectedness and collective humanity. Alfred shares his extraordinary journey from a small Zimbabwean village to becoming a thought leader on compassionate leadership in Australia. His powerful insights on leading with empathy, gratitude, and genuine human connection offer a refreshing alternative to the individualistic leadership models that often dominate our workplaces.What I love about this conversation is how Alfred translates the profound wisdom of Ubuntu into practical leadership strategies anyone can implement. From his spreadsheet method of intentional team connection to stories of sports teams achieving championship success through Ubuntu principles, Alfred demonstrates that putting people first isn't just "touchy-feely stuff"—it's essential for creating high-performing teams where people truly thrive. If you're looking to create a more compassionate, connected workplace culture while still achieving outstanding results, this episode is a must-listen.Connect with Alfred: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfred-chidembo/For the full show notes and transcript, click here.Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.auRob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhillsRob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

April 13, 2025Episode 347 min

Check In Before They Check Out: The Power of Connection

Send us Fan MailEmployee engagement is declining—and in this solo episode, I’m sharing why a regular, human check-in could be the most underrated leadership tool you’re not using. I’ll walk you through how a 30-minute chat over coffee can make all the difference, how I track my team’s wellbeing with a simple 1 to 10 scale, and why noticing the trend is more important than any one-off answer. If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with more empathy without adding another thing to your already-packed calendar, this one’s for you.This episode is full of practical ideas you can apply right away, without needing a single new system or strategy. Just a bit more heart. Let’s check in.For the full show notes and transcript, click here.Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.auRob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhillsRob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

March 30, 2025Episode 3344 min

Mastering Anxiety: The Mind Strength Method with Dr. Jodie Lowinger

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Balanced Leader Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jodie Lowinger, a clinical psychologist and anxiety mindset expert who shows us how anxiety can actually be our superpower. Dr. Jodie shares her four-step Mind Strength Method to help leaders curb anxiety, conquer worry, and build resilience. We explore what anxiety really is, how it impacts leadership, and practical strategies to transform anxiety from a limitation into a strength.If you're someone who experiences anxiety or leads others who do, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Dr. Jodie explains how our natural discomfort with uncertainty drives anxious thoughts, and offers a refreshing perspective on how the very qualities that make us anxious—deep care, analytical thinking, and empathy—can become our greatest assets when channeled correctly. Learn how to move from fight-or-flight reactions to values-aligned actions that enhance your leadership and wellbeing.Connect with Jodie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jodie-lowinger/For the full show notes and transcript, click here.Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.auRob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhillsRob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/