THE COURAGE TO LEAD INTERVIEW SERIES

Hosted by ALLAN SICARD

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

100

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

KEYNOTE SPEAKER, MC, LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT AND FACILITATOR, PODCAST HOST AND AUTHOR FOR LEADERS WHO EMPOWER OTHERS TO CREATE SUPPORTIVE AND INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES WHERE PEOPLE CAN DO THEIR ABSOLUTE BEST.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 22, 2026Episode 1031 hr 23 min

103. BEN PRONK

We're All Going to Die — So How Do We Make the Most of Life? | Ben Pronk The Courage to Lead Interview Series with Allan Sicard What does a former Australian SAS Commanding Officer know about happiness? As it turns out, quite a lot. In this remarkable conversation, I welcome back Ben Pronk , former Australian Army Special Forces officer, author, leadership consultant and co-founder of Mettle. Ben spent 24 years in the military before transitioning into business, education and a very different exploration of what makes life meaningful. His latest book, We're All Going to Die: Practical Happiness for the Time You Have Left , brings together ancient philosophy, modern research, personal experience and practical techniques to help us make the most of our lives. We explore why happiness requires more than comfort, the importance of finding purpose when life changes, and the extraordinary power of noticing the small moments we often overlook. Ben shares how mentors helped him navigate life beyond the military, why he still experiences imposter syndrome, and how gratitude, meditation and controlled breathing have helped him become more resilient and slower to anger. We also discuss an uncomfortable but important question: How many more times will you see the people who matter most to you? Throughout this conversation, Ben demonstrates that great leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about remaining curious, learning continuously, accepting our humanity and helping others grow. This is an episode about leadership, but even more importantly, it is about living. Because the time we have is precious, and what we choose to do with it matters. The Courage to Lead Interview Series — shining a light on leaders who empower others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces, environments and communities.

October 7, 2026Episode 1021 hr 27 min

102. TRINA JONES

What happens when you are appointed to a leadership role that has never existed before? For Trina Jones, becoming the first NSW Rental Commissioner meant stepping into uncharted territory — charged with helping regulate Australia’s largest rental market, covering around two million renters and one million rental homes. Trina first appeared on The Courage to Lead Interview Series in Episode 8. Her interview went on to become one of the most listened-to episodes in the series. Now she returns with a very different leadership story. When Trina began as Rental Commissioner, the function was essentially her and 0.5 of another position. Today, the rental branch has grown to around 145 people. But this conversation isn't really about organisational growth. It is about how you build the right team, develop other leaders and create an environment where people genuinely care about the purpose of their work. Trina shares why: a title does not automatically give you influence; leaders need to listen before they act; consultation means going to the people most affected; recruitment should identify compassion as well as competence; emerging leaders need opportunities, not simply training courses; predictable processes make organisational change safer; leaders should operate more like gardeners than heroes; and sometimes the most important response to “we've never done it that way” is simply: “This time we are.” One line captures the culture Trina has deliberately built: “To work in our team, you have to care.” And perhaps her strongest leadership message comes at the end: “Don't believe people when they tell you it can't be done… if you've got that fire in your belly and you can see that vision for what's possible, run at it.” A fascinating conversation about purpose, courage, compassion and what it really takes to create a formidable team.

September 18, 2026Episode 1011 hr 59 min

101. JODI RADMORE

What happens when everything you have learned about leadership over four decades is tested — not once, but twice? Detective Superintendent Jodie Radmore is Commander of Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command in Sydney. Her command was at the centre of the response to both the Bondi Junction mass casualty incident and the later Bondi Beach mass casualty incident. Following Episode 99 with Ambulance Commander Brett Simpson and our milestone Episode 100 with Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce, Jodie completes an extraordinary three-episode exploration of leadership, service, courage and care. But this conversation is not about heroics. It is about people. Jodie takes us back through almost 40 years of policing — general duties, criminal investigation, child protection, police negotiation, organised crime, major-event management and senior command — and shows how leadership capability is built long before the crisis arrives. Her philosophy is remarkably simple: Trust your people. Be authentic and honest. Be kind. Jodie explains how relationships established with Westfield, councils, emergency services, community organisations and local leaders before either incident became invaluable when disaster struck. She describes standing officers down when they needed rest, creating dedicated welfare teams, using mental-health clinicians, reconnecting first responders, personally walking officers back through the Bondi Junction scene and supporting her people through the coronial process. When tragedy struck again, the command had learned. They adapted. They supported one another. And, in Jodie's words: “We are stronger together.” This is an exceptional conversation about what leadership looks like when the operational response ends and the responsibility to care for people begins.

September 3, 2026Episode 1001 hr 54 min

100.STEVEN PEARCE

Episode 100 — Do the Right Thing in the Right Moment | Steven Pearce AFSM For the 100th episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series , Allan Sicard welcomes someone he has been trying to get onto the podcast since Episode 1 — Steven Pearce AFSM, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW. And the wait was worth it. Steven has spent more than four decades in emergency services and public safety leadership, from a 25-year career in Fire & Rescue NSW , to senior executive leadership in the NSW State Emergency Service , to leading the transformation of Surf Life Saving NSW. But this conversation is about much more than positions and achievements. Steven talks candidly about the moments that shaped the leader he became. He remembers a quiet firefighter in 1985 who stood up against the treatment of the first female firefighters joining the organisation — teaching Steven that leadership is not about rank, size or personality. Sometimes it is simply about having the courage to do the right thing in the right moment. He discusses building formidable teams by trusting people, delegating authority and — critically — giving them permission to fail. He reflects on one of the most difficult periods of his life, when a devastating reputational crisis threatened everything he had spent decades building, and why he made the conscious decision to play the long game rather than burn bridges. Steven also speaks with extraordinary vulnerability about trauma, resilience and the personal impact of leadership following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, including the moment his own people recognised that he had reached his limit and told him it was time to step away temporarily. And he explains how Surf Life Saving NSW has continued to evolve — embracing innovation, drones, emergency management, diversity and inclusion while creating an organisation where there is a role for everyone. Perhaps Steven's simplest leadership philosophy says it best: “It’s not about you. It’s all about the team.” For Episode 100, it is difficult to imagine a better conversation to represent what The Courage to Lead Interview Series has always been about: Shining a light on leaders who empower others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can do amazing things. Content note: This episode includes discussion of operational trauma, post-traumatic stress and suicidal thoughts. If this conversation raises concerns for you, Lifeline is available in Australia 24/7 on 13 11 14. If life is in immediate danger, call 000. “You don't have to be a superhero. You just need to do the right thing in the right moment.” An extraordinary conversation about Relationships, Reputation and Resilience — and what leadership looks like when it really matters. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn , Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM . The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

August 19, 2026Episode 991 hr 47 min

99. BRETT SIMPSON

What happens when everything you have learned about leadership is tested in minutes? Brett Simpson has experienced that reality twice. A senior NSW Ambulance leader at Paddington and President of the Australian Paramedics Association NSW , Brett was the first paramedic and initial ambulance commander on scene at both the Bondi Westfield mass-casualty incident and the later Bondi Beach incident . But this conversation is not simply about commanding major emergencies. It is about what makes someone capable of leading when the pressure becomes almost unimaginable. Brett talks openly about the mentors who shaped him, the importance of remaining calm, preparing repeatedly for situations you hope will never occur, trusting people from other organisations, accepting difficult feedback and having the humility to accept help when your own capacity is overwhelmed. He also speaks with extraordinary honesty about what happened after Bondi Westfield. Brett tried to convince himself he was fine. He wasn't. Eventually, support from colleagues, friends and professional psychological care changed his approach to recovery — and his approach to looking after the people he leads. Perhaps most importantly, Brett believes leadership is about developing people who eventually become better leaders than you. His goal? For the people he mentors to surpass him. An extraordinary conversation about Relationships, Reputation and Resilience — and what leadership looks like when it really matters. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn , Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM . The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

August 6, 2026Episode 981 hr 12 min

98. JOHN FOONG

In Episode 98 of T he Courage to Lead Interview Series, John Foong returns to share practical lessons from leadership roles at Google , Uber and Domain. John explains why leadership is a skill built through Theory, Practice and Feedback, and why every employee should be treated as a volunteer with choices. He reflects honestly on the success trap, the value of coaching, meaningful career conversations and preparing for a future CEO role. John also reveals how he uses AI to accelerate learning without surrendering critical thinking. His final challenge is simple: recognise your agency and act with audacity. Agency. Audacity. Growth. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn , Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM . The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

July 26, 2026Episode 971 hr 19 min

97. REBECCA PINKSTONE

Rebecca Pinkstone returns for her third appearance on The Courage to Lead Interview Series. From beginning her career as a youth worker in Western Sydney to becoming CEO of Homes New South Wales, Rebecca Pinkstone has built her leadership on deep experience, strong relationships and a genuine commitment to improving people’s lives. Leading approximately 3,500 people during an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, Rebecca Pinkstone explains why high performance and care are not competing ideas. Leaders can hold people accountable, deliver significant outcomes and still create a workplace where employees know they are valued and supported. Rebecca Pinkstone discusses psychological safety, leading a large organisation as a “team of teams,” and the importance of climate, capability and clarity. She also explains why leaders must diagnose problems before acting, give people permission to test new ideas and replace blame with learning. This is also a deeply personal conversation. Rebecca Pinkstone shares how her grandmother found safety and stability through public housing after leaving a violent relationship, helping shape Rebecca Pinkstone’s lifelong commitment to housing, empathy and social justice. She also speaks honestly about juggling a demanding leadership role, raising children and supporting ageing parents—reminding us that life is rarely perfectly balanced. Three words that describe Rebecca Pinkstone are: Authentic. Adaptable. Compassionate. This is a powerful conversation about leadership under pressure and what becomes possible when people are expected to perform while knowing their leaders genuinely care. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn , Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM . The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

July 6, 2026Episode 9657 min

96. BOB HERRING

This week on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard sits down with one of Manly's quiet legends. At 82 years of age, Bob Herring still swims almost every day in the waters he has called home since childhood. A lifelong surfer, surf lifesaver, rugby player, coach, mentor and former President of Manly Surf Life Saving Club , Bob reflects on a lifetime built around community rather than status. From growing up on Sydney's Northern Beaches during the Second World War, to helping shape generations of young lifesavers, to spending over 60 years alongside his wife Judy, Bob shares simple lessons that have guided his life: "Your health is your wealth." "Be kind." "Do the right thing." In a world obsessed with success, Bob reminds us that a rich life is measured by relationships, contribution and contentment. Sometimes the greatest leaders are the ones who never set out to lead at all. A small note before you press play... Bob Herring doesn't own a smartphone or a computer. So, unlike almost every other guest on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, there was only one place this conversation could happen—his much-loved Manly Surf Life Saving Club, a place that has been at the heart of his life for more than 80 years. We sat together overlooking the beach, recording our conversation using nothing more than an iPhone voice recorder. You'll hear the sounds of the surf club around us—people catching up, coffee cups, footsteps and the everyday rhythm of a place Bob has called his second home for most of his life. The audio isn't our usual studio quality, but we decided not to change a thing. Those sounds are part of Bob's story. They remind us that this conversation wasn't recorded in a studio. It was recorded exactly where it belonged—with a remarkable man, sharing a remarkable life, in the place that helped shape him. 3 words that sum up Bob: Health • Kindness • Community Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn , Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM . The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

June 26, 2026Episode 951 hr 31 min

95. LANA BOLAND

Police officer. Survivor. Author. Advocate. Lana Boland author of Aftershot , joins The Courage to Lead for one of the most honest and deeply personal conversations ever recorded on the podcast. Lana speaks openly about childhood trauma, policing, PTSD, leadership, ADHD, organisational culture and the long journey towards accepting herself exactly as she is. Her message is simple but powerful: "Leadership isn't about rank. It's about authenticity. It's about genuinely caring for people." This is not simply a conversation about mental health. It is a conversation about courage. It explores what happens when organisations fail to support their people, why genuine human connection matters more than ever, and how our greatest struggles can become our greatest purpose. Throughout the interview Lana reminds us that healing doesn't come from pretending to be someone else. It comes from finally giving ourselves permission to be ourselves. A remarkable conversation about resilience, vulnerability and hope. 3 words that sum up Lana: Authentic. Courageous. Unbreakable. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn , Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM . The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

June 24, 2026Episode 941 hr 4 min

94. PETER COOK

In one of the most personal episodes ever recorded on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard sits down with his father-in-law, Peter Cook, a man who has lived an extraordinary life filled with adventure, friendship, sport, success, hardship, addiction, recovery and service to others. Just one week before this interview, Peter was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver and lungs. Rather than retreat, he chose to share his story. Peter reflects on his childhood in Melbourne, his talented father "Mac", his sporting career as a cricketer and wicketkeeper, playing representative cricket, travelling to England in the 1960s, lifelong friendships spanning six decades, and a successful business career that saw him become one of Australia's leading flooring specialists in the hospital sector. Most powerfully, Peter shares his decades-long battle with alcoholism. After years of drinking, rehabilitation attempts and self-loathing, he found hope through Alcoholics Anonymous at age 79 and has remained sober for more than five years. Today, even while facing terminal illness, he continues to support others struggling with addiction. This is not simply a story about leadership. It is a story about redemption. It is a story about resilience. It is a story about what really matters when time becomes precious. Three words that sum up Peter's story COURAGE, FRIENDSHIPS, SERVICE Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn , Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM . The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.