The Deliberate Leader Podcast with Rita Cincotta

Hosted by Rita Cincotta

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Apr 2026

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Some of us chase leadership, and sometimes leadership chases us. Whatever the case for you, here at Leadership Lane we will chat all things leadership. We'll hang out on Leadership Lane with other leaders and find out what they love about leadership, their biggest stuff ups and wins, and what keeps them on Leadership Lane. Come hang out with us!

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April 28, 202647 min

The Deliberate Podcast: Why You Should Never Introduce Yourself By Your Title

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝗱𝗵𝗶𝘆𝗮 — purpose-led leader, transformation specialist, and executive with over 25 years’ experience across health, education, government and the not-for-profit sector. Known for leading with clarity, courage and humanity, Pranay shares powerful insights on what it really means to lead through complexity and create lasting impact.Together, we explore how leaders can move beyond titles to focus on true impact, why emotional intelligence is more than just “soft skills,” and how aligning values, people and strategy is key to sustainable transformation.💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:✨ Why leadership is a privilege — and how to focus on leaving people and organisations better than you found them.✨ How emotional intelligence really shows up in leadership, especially during difficult conversations and change.✨ The role of values, judgment and authenticity in making complex leadership decisions.✨ Why developing others is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader.✨ How to navigate challenging transitions, including when values no longer align.✨ Why great leadership isn’t about being the expert — but about bringing people together to achieve outcomes.🎧 Tune in to discover how to lead with purpose, humility and clarity — and how deliberate leaders create impact that lasts beyond their role or title.#TheDeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeadership #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PurposeDrivenLeadership #Melbourne

April 7, 202652 min

The Deliberate Podcast: Leadership Lessons - From Policing to Universities

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗔𝗺𝘆 𝗚𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 - Executive Director, Student Recruitment and Admissions at Monash University.Amy leads domestic and international student recruitment and admissions across Monash University Australia, Monash College, and Monash University Indonesia. Prior to her work in higher education, she spent 22 years with Victoria Police, culminating in her role as Superintendent leading an operational division.In this conversation, Amy shares her journey across sectors, the transferable leadership skills that supported her transition, and why deliberate reflection, courage, and people-focused leadership are essential in complex and evolving organisations.💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:✨ How Amy transitioned from a 22-year career in policing into executive leadership in higher education - and the leadership capabilities that proved transferable.✨ Why deliberate leaders create space to reflect, reset, and re-prioritise - even in fast-paced environments.✨ How people-centred leadership helps drive sustainable change across systems, processes, and culture.✨ Why leaning into discomfort and uncertainty is often the catalyst for professional growth and confidence.✨ How engaging and empowering teams is critical to transforming organisational performance and productivity.🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about career reinvention, self-trust, and leading sustainable change with clarity, empathy, and intention.

March 24, 202646 min

The Deliberate Leader Podcast: Avoiding Leadership Burnout

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗶 — senior marketing leader at Kennards Hire and a passionate advocate for human-centred leadership. With more than two decades in the industry, Manelle shares her journey from marketing assistant to executive leader — and the deeply personal lessons that shaped her leadership philosophy along the way.This is a powerful, honest conversation about what it really means to lead deliberately: slowing down in a fast-paced world, caring for people before process, and recognising that the way we lead today shapes the legacy we leave behind.💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:✨ Why leadership is ultimately about serving and caring for people, not just delivering results.✨ How slowing down — even in high-pressure environments — leads to better thinking, stronger teams, and more sustainable performance.✨ The concept of being “the weather” as a leader, and how your energy shapes the emotional climate of your team.✨ Why ambition and deliberateness are not opposites — and how focusing on impact over titles can transform your career.✨ Practical self-leadership habits, from intentional pauses to re-designing your calendar, that help leaders stay grounded, present, and effective.✨ How thinking about your future legacy — the 65-year-old version of yourself — can reshape the decisions you make today.🎧 Tune in to this deeply human and reflective conversation on how to lead with intention, empathy, and clarity — even in a world that constantly tells us to move faster.

March 20, 202649 min

The Deliberate Leader Podcast: Lead like a Human in the age of A.I

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗖𝗮𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 — AI strategist, business coach, author, and founder of the AI Coaching Academy. With a background in digital marketing and years spent helping leaders and entrepreneurs scale their impact, Caelan shares practical, grounded insights on how leaders can partner with AI — not fear it.Together, we explore what leadership looks like in an AI-powered world, how to use AI as a thinking partner, and why human skills like ethical judgment, intention, and curiosity are becoming more valuable — not less.💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:✨ How AI can save time on admin allowing more focus on strategic thinking and people leadership.✨ Why curious generalists will thrive in the AI era.✨ How to use AI as a coach and thinking partner.✨ Building a culture of experimentation and psychological safety with AI.✨ Why intention and ethical judgment matter more than ever.🎧 Tune in to discover how to work with AI, rather than against it — and how deliberate leaders can harness this technology to lead with more clarity, confidence, and impact.🔗 Learn more about Caelan and his work:Caelan’s website: https://caelanhuntress.com/AI Coaching Academy: https://join.ai-coaching.academy/

November 18, 202544 min

The Deliberate Leader Podcast: Bring Funny Into How You Lead

🎙 In this episode of The Deliberate Leader Podcast, we’re joined by 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 — professional speaker, clean comedy expert, and founder of Clean Comedians®. With his book 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧, Adam dives into how humor can be a powerful leadership tool, helping us connect more deeply, inspire others, and create memorable moments without relying on shock value. Having spoken across 49 states, emceed major events, and built a career rooted in meaningful, clean comedy, Adam brings a unique perspective on why laughter matters in leadership and how we can use it with intention in our everyday interactions. 💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:✨ Why laughter is one of the most powerful tools for creating genuine connection in teams and workplaces.✨How leaders who don’t see themselves as “funny” can still bring humor in authentically without forcing it.✨ Simple ways to use lightness and levity to help people relax, engage, and do better work together.✨ The mindset shift from “being funny” to “creating connection,” and why that’s the real secret to using humor well.✨ A preview of Adam’s five humor tactics from The Laughter Factor and how you can start applying them right away.🎧 Tune in now and discover how to bring more connection, lightness, and authentic humor into your leadership — and don’t forget to check out Adam’s book 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧!https://www.amazon.com/Laughter-Factor-Humor-Tactics-Link/dp/B0DQNLY65M #ThedeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeaderMindset #DeliberateLeadership #Melbourne #TheLaughterFactor

October 14, 202549 min

The Deliberate Leader Podcast: The Joy of Being Deliberate

🎙 In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we’re joined by 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗶 𝗥𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘁, an award-winning Global Business Psychologist, Executive Psychology Coach, and author of Productivity Joy. With two decades of experience, Simi helps leaders and professionals elevate their leadership through the lens of psychology, wellbeing, and inclusion. A Forbes contributor and trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies, she’s on a mission to help 5 million professionals thrive by creating cultures where joy fuels performance and impact.💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:✅ How to design your day with more clarity, self-awareness, empathy, and intention✅ Simi Rayat’s Five Qs framework from her book Productivity Joy — a simple tool to bring more focus and flow to your day✅ Practical tips to start and close your day deliberately, reducing stress and preventing burnout✅ How creating time and space can shift you from constant busyness to purposeful action✅ Insights from Simi’s Global Joy Mission — inspiring 5 million professionals to thrive with more balance, wellbeing, and joy🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead and live with more intention and joy.#ThedeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeaderMindset #DeliberateLeadership #DeliberateTeam #Melbourne #JoyofBeingDeliberate

August 19, 202555 min

The Deliberate Leader Podcast: High Impact Leadership with George Liberopoulos

🎙 In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 we are joined by 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘀, a seasoned commercial exec and HR leader turned builder of better leaders and high-performance teams. 🌟 George leads 𝙄𝙈𝙋𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙊𝙇𝙊𝙂𝙔, building resilient business-partnering teams across HR, Finance, Procurement and more while guiding CEOs through uncertainty, and 𝙄𝙈𝙋𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙊𝙍𝘼, an HR Tech platform helping early-career professionals and first-time leaders grow with confidence. He is also co-author of EVOLVE: The Business Partnering Playbook, Impact Producer of the award-winning documentary How to Thrive, and a dedicated mental-health advocate.The discussion explored what it means to be a deliberate leader from values-driven clarity and strong relationships to the idea that thoughtfulness isn’t hesitation, and that leadership can be both fast and precise. George shared his “𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙢𝙨,” challenged leadership misconceptions, and examined AI’s impact, highlighting problem-solving as the core capability.💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:1️⃣ Why deliberate leadership is about character, not just skills2️⃣ How to move fast and stay thoughtful3️⃣ The role of personal values in sustaining leadership growth4️⃣ Why leadership is always contextual5️⃣ The one capability needed no matter what tech changes come next🎧 Tune in now for insights, perspective, and practical wisdom to elevate leadership at any level.#ThedeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeaderMindset #DeliberateLeadership #DeliberateTeam #Melbourne #HighImpactLeadership

August 5, 202546 min

The Deliberate Leader Podcast: Deliberate Leader Mindset with Anna Tsikouris

🎙 In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we are joined by 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗧𝘀𝗶𝗸𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice-President at Monash University.With a global career spanning top-tier institutions and industries, Anna brings deep insight into leadership, finance, and strategic impact especially within complex and evolving environments like higher education.Today’s conversation centres around self-awareness and impact, particularly in the context of women’s leadership development—beyond the usual metrics of pipelines and quotas.✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:1️⃣ How to elevate your leadership impact through self-awareness2️⃣ Why going beyond the pipeline matters in women’s leadership3️⃣ The real outcomes to look for after leadership programs4️⃣ Navigating career transitions and growth across sectors5️⃣ Insights from Anna’s own journey from global roles to leading change in Australian universities🎧 This episode is a must-listen if you're ready to think bigger about leadership impact, equity, and what true progress looks like both personally and professionally.#ThedeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeaderMindset #DeliberateLeadership #DeliberateTeam #Melbourne #Self-awarness

July 22, 202526 min

The Deliberate Leader Podcast: When we focus on elevating leadership impact, we improve talent pipelines.

🗣️ In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we’re diving into the real impact of women’s leadership development — beyond pipelines, beyond quotas, and beyond check-the-box targets.This episode unpacks the deeper value of leadership programs: not just who gets in, but what they get out. Are they progressing? Shifting careers? Being promoted? Earning more? It's about understanding the ripple effect on the person, not just the numbers.𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:🎯 Why self-awareness is key to elevating your leadership impact🎯 What’s often missing in traditional women’s leadership development programs🎯 How to move beyond quotas and into meaningful growth🎯 Real markers of success: promotions, industry shifts, and personal impact🎯 Ways to measure value beyond just attending a program🎙️ 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀.#BeyondThePipeline #ElevateYourImpact #WomensLeadership #TheDeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeadership #DeliberateTeam #Melbourne

July 1, 202539 min

The Deliberate Leader Podcast: Performance - What You Need to Know to Get The Best Out of Your Team

💥In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we wrap up our three-part series by diving deep into 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 and this one's not to be missed!We explore the big levers that drive real, lasting impact: connection, empathy, goal setting, capability development, feedback, and decision-making. Whether you're gearing up for performance reviews or simply want to make performance a natural part of everyday conversations, this episode is packed with practical insights.𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:✅ How to build performance conversations around empathy and connection✅ Ways to set meaningful goals that motivate and align your team✅ Strategies to develop individual and team capability over time✅ How to make feedback a regular, constructive part of your culture✅ Why decision-making plays a critical role in driving high performanceIf you’ve already tuned in to our chats on energy and relationships, this final piece will complete the puzzle 🧩.𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺'𝘀) 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹.#TheDeliberateLeader #DeliberateLeadership #DeliberateTeam #Melbourne #PerformanceCulture #PeopleLeadership #TeamPerformance