The People Leaders Podcast

Hosted by Jan and Michelle Terkelsen

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Episodes

164

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

The People Leaders Podcast is a resource for managers and business leaders creating high performing teams. Join leadership and team development experts Jan and Michelle Terkelsen each week and explore both subjects from every angle.Through practical tips, valuable insights, and compelling interviews with leadership experts around the world, you’ll learn how to bring out the best in your staff and how to give your best as a leader.We cover issues such as workplace communication, understanding the self and each other, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), managing virtual teams, our very own High Performing Team Assessment Tool and much more.Our goal with the podcast is to reduce workplace stress and increase job satisfaction for leaders, managers and their teams worldwide.

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60 recent

August 6, 2026Episode 16729 min

How AI Is Changing Leadership: Insights from Leadership Expert Sally Foley-Lewis

Discover how middle managers can navigate AI transformation effectively, emphasising human-centred leadership and self-awareness. Join Sally Foley-Lewis, a seasoned leadership expert, as she shares insights on maintaining relevance, fostering trust, and enhancing emotional intelligence in tomorrow’s workplace. Episode Highlights 00:00 How AI Is Changing Leadership 02:47 Navigating AI in the Workplace 05:54 Why Middle Managers Matter More Than Ever 08:45 Creating Behavioural Change with AI 11:41 How Leaders Can Empower Teams Through AI 15:08 The Human Skills AI Can't Replace 17:51 Preparing for the Future of Leadership Connect with Sally Sally Foley-Lewis offers a free community called the Middle Multipliers, designed exclusively for middle managers. She’s also exploring how middle managers navigate their unique leadership identity and role in the AI era. Reach out to learn more about her work and insights on leading with purpose in a digital world. The Middle Multipliers: https://courses.sallyfoleylewis.com/communities/groups/the-middle-multipliers/home?invite=6a32319aa9c5c031cb15f63b Research Project: Influence Without Authority, Role Ambiguity and Identity Conflict in Middle Managers: https://link.tekmatix.com/widget/quiz/Ng4YKh6WXeX5RZHIxzeb Get in touch with us at info@peopleleaders.com.au People Leaders Website - https://peopleleaders.com.au/ People Leaders on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leaders-pty-ltd/ Connect with Jan Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janterkelsen/ Connect with Michelle Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-terkelsen-creating-high-performing-teams-a992744/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/people.leaders

March 17, 2025Episode 16344 min

How to Find and Win Your Next Leadership Role With Richard Triggs

Regardless of where you are on your leadership journey, this epsiode is guaranteed to help you progress your leadership journey and, importantly, set yourself up to win "your ideal role with your employer of choice." I had a fascinating chat with Richard Triggs, the founder and CEO of Arete Executive, an executive search and recruitment company based in Brisbane, Australia. We delved into Richard's extensive experience in placing executives in senior leadership roles and board positions, and discussed his books 'Uncover the Hidden Job Market' and 'Winning the War for Talent.' We explored the intricacies of knowing when it's time for a career move, the importance of self-awareness for leaders, and specific strategies for excelling in job interviews. Additionally, Richard shares actionable advice for leveraging the "hidden job market" and emphasises ongoing personal development. This episode is packed with practical tips and deep insights for both job seekers and employers. Episode Highlights: 00:30 Richard Triggs' Background and Achievements 02:07 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership 03:44 Recognising When It's Time for a Career Change 14:21 Preparing for Job Interviews 22:32 The Importance of Ongoing Education 23:36 The Value of an MBA in Today's Market 26:10 Skills Employers Look For 30:31 Navigating the Hidden Job Market 32:26 Effective Networking Strategies 40:14 Coaching and Recruitment Tips 42:10 Conclusion and Contact Information Useful Links: Arete Executive Website - https://www.areteexecutive.com.au/ Richard Triggs on LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs Uncover the Hidden Job Market Book - https://www.areteexecutive.com.au/uncover-the-hidden-job-market-book/ Get in touch with us at info@peopleleaders.com.au People Leaders Website - https://peopleleaders.com.au/ People Leaders on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leaders-pty-ltd/ Connect with Jan Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janterkelsen/ Connect with Michelle Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-terkelsen-creating-high-performing-teams-a992744/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/people.leaders

February 12, 2025Episode 1629 min

5 Signs Your Team May Need an MBTI Workshop

In this episode, I explore five key indicators that suggest your team may benefit from an MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) workshop. Learn how communication breakdowns, lack of team cohesion, low motivation and engagement, constant decision-making conflicts, and unresolved workplace tension could be holding your team back. Discover practical tips and success stories on how understanding personality dynamics through MBTI can enhance communication, teamwork, and overall workplace efficiency. If these issues sound familiar, it might be time to consider an MBTI workshop for your team. We’ve been delivering MBTI workshops, in person and online, in Australia and around the world, for over 25 years. If you’d like to discuss how an MBTI workshop might benefit your team, contact jan@peopleleaders.com.au or phone Jan on + 61 425 795 938. Episode Highlights: 00:30 Introduction: Why Your Team Needs an MBTI Workshop 00:52 Sign 1: Communication Breakdowns 02:32 Sign 2: Lack of Team Cohesion 03:53 Sign 3: Low Motivation and Engagement 05:30 Sign 4: Constant Decision-Making Conflicts 06:48 Sign 5: Unresolved Workplace Tension 08:05 Conclusion: Transform Your Team with MBTI Get in touch with us at info@peopleleaders.com.au People Leaders Website - https://peopleleaders.com.au/ People Leaders on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leaders-pty-ltd/ Connect with Jan Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janterkelsen/ Connect with Michelle Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-terkelsen-creating-high-performing-teams-a992744/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/people.leaders

January 22, 2025Episode 1618 min

Unlocking Leadership Potential: Simple Hacks for Busy Professionals

As leaders we’re often focussed on the big things and may overlook the simple actions that can make a big difference, so in this episode, I share simple and practical leadership strategies tailored for busy professionals. From learning the art of delegation to implementing the two-minute rule, making meetings more efficient, and using time-independent communication tools, these hacks aim to enhance productivity without adding to your workload. Join me as I explore actionable tips backed by research to help you simplify your tasks and lead more effectively. Episode Highlights: 00:30 Choose One Leadership Hack 01:18 The Art of Delegation 03:04 The Two-Minute Rule 04:04 Effective Meetings 05:19 The 80/20 Rule 05:59 Time-Independent Communication 07:42 Move into Action Useful Links: Get in touch with us at info@peopleleaders.com.au People Leaders Website - https://peopleleaders.com.au/ People Leaders on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leaders-pty-ltd/ Connect with Jan Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janterkelsen/ Connect with Michelle Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-terkelsen-creating-high-performing-teams-a992744/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/people.leaders

January 15, 2025Episode 16017 min

Why Leaders Should Create a Support Network

A support network is one of the most powerful tools in any leader’s arsenal—but it’s often overlooked. It’s important to note that a support network is very different from a general “network” and worlds apart from “networking,” which often brings to mind uncomfortable events full of professionals hunting for their next client or opportunity. Instead, think of your support network as a carefully built community where you exchange ideas, guidance, and encouragement to grow both personally and professionally. While some networks form naturally, the most successful leaders take intentional steps to foster supportive relationships with their peers. In this epsiode, we explore the incredible benefits of having a strong support network and introduce our exciting new initiative: Leadership for Life . This program is designed to help ambitious, career-focused leaders like you access the support they need to excel both professionally and personally. Learn more about Leadership for Life at https://peopleleaders.com.au/community . Episode Highlights: 00:30 Shifting Perspectives on Networking 00:35 The Importance of Networking for Leaders 01:12 Reducing Isolation Through Support Networks 03:03 Benefits of Diverse Perspectives 05:49 Professional Growth and Development 09:31 Emotional Support and Resilience 10:33 Giving Back Through Support Networks 12:59 Feedback Helps us Thrive 14:54 Launching Leadership for Life 16:41 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Useful Links: Get in touch with us at info@peopleleaders.com.au People Leaders Website - https://peopleleaders.com.au/ People Leaders on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leaders-pty-ltd/ Connect with Jan Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janterkelsen/ Connect with Michelle Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-terkelsen-creating-high-performing-teams-a992744/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/people.leaders

December 20, 2024Episode 15911 min

Key Takeaways from 2024: Insights on Self-Leadership and Personal Growth

I’ve put together a short wrap-up video of 2024 where you can learn valuable insights about self-leadership and personal growth to help you end the year on a high note… Explore important questions like 'Who do I need to be?' in various interactions and how changing behaviors and habits can impact your life. Discover the significance of setting an environment, making conscious choices, and maintaining habits to facilitate change. Understand the power of acceptance, asking powerful questions, and the necessity to lead yourself through familiar and unfamiliar challenges. Additionally, get a sneak peek into our new community launching next year focused on self-leadership, community support, coaching, and accountability . Lastly, gain communication tips like the 'three gates of communication' to navigate difficult conversations effectively. All this and more in less than 11 minutes! Click the video below to watch it now. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Who do I need to be? 00:42 Changing behaviour 02:27 What habit could you replace right now? 03:53 The power of acceptance 07:32 Self Leadership 08:28 Community 09:39 The three gates of communication Useful Links: Get in touch with us at info@peopleleaders.com.au People Leaders Website - https://peopleleaders.com.au/ People Leaders on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leaders-pty-ltd/ Connect with Jan Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janterkelsen/ Connect with Michelle Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-terkelsen-creating-high-performing-teams-a992744/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/people.leaders

November 5, 2024Episode 15817 min

Why Being Vulnerable Makes You a Better Leader

In this episode, we explore the critical role of vulnerability in effective leadership. Drawing on studies from Harvard Business Review and the Academy of Management Journal, we highlight how vulnerability can enhance trust, collaboration, and bottom-line results. Through real-world stories and experiences, we discuss the transformation that occurs in teams when leaders openly share their intentions, admit mistakes, and embrace innovation. We also delve into the misconceptions around vulnerability, outlining its benefits in fostering creativity, authentic leadership, and organisational resilience. We challenge leaders to start incorporating vulnerability into their interactions. Episode Highlights: 00:30 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 01:25 Building Trust Through Vulnerability 04:40 Vulnerability and Innovation 06:44 Resilience Through Vulnerability 09:24 Authentic Leadership and Employee Engagement 16:06 Practical Tips for Embracing Vulnerability Useful Links: Get in touch with us at info@peopleleaders.com.au People Leaders Website - https://peopleleaders.com.au/ People Leaders on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leaders-pty-ltd/ Connect with Jan Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janterkelsen/ Connect with Michelle Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-terkelsen-creating-high-performing-teams-a992744/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/people.leaders

October 31, 2024Episode 15729 min

Combating Workplace Stress with Vedic Meditation: An Interview with Brett Jarman

Workplace stress, resilience, psychological safety… These are all buzzwords that have gained increasing attention in recent years. And rightly so. We spend a huge proportion of our time at the workplace, so it’s critical that we do our best to keep stress to a minimum. But who is actually responsible for this? Our guest on the podcast this week says the burden of responsibility is shared, and proposes meditation as a solution that can have a huge impact on stress, not just from within the workplace, but also the stresses that naturally make their way into the workplace from “outside.” Brett Jarman is a Vedic Meditation teacher, and has practised the technique every day, without exception, for more than 33 years. (We, Jan and Michelle, have also been practising the technique for the same period of time). As a business consultant, mentor, and business mastermind group facilitator, Brett’s also well versed in the impacts of stress in the workplace. He is also Jan’s husband 🙂, and is very active behind the scenes in our business, so is very familiar with the world of leaders and managers. He says meditation, and Vedic Meditation in particular, is not just a personal pursuit; it’s a transformative tool that can profoundly benefit the workplace environment. Episode Highlights: 00:30 Introduction to the Interview 01:25 Understanding Stress in the Workplace 04:23 The Contagion of Stress 05:18 Identifying Signs of Stress 05:26 The Role of Good Stress 08:45 Stress and Employee Roles 12:09 Benefits of Meditation in the Workplace 16:00 Personal Benefits of Meditation 17:19 Understanding Baseline Happiness 19:05 Different Types of Meditation 22:45 The Science Behind Meditation 23:32 Learning Vedic Meditation 26:05 Teaching Meditation in Workplaces 27:46 Current Projects and Future Plans 29:29 Conclusion and Contact Information Useful Links: The Meditation People website - https://themeditationpeople.com Brett Jarman on Instagram - https://instagram.com/brettjarman Brett Jarman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettjarman/ Get in touch with us at info@peopleleaders.com.au People Leaders Website - https://peopleleaders.com.au/ People Leaders on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leaders-pty-ltd/ Connect with Jan Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janterkelsen/ Connect with Michelle Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-terkelsen-creating-high-performing-teams-a992744/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/people.leaders

October 23, 2024Episode 15615 min

Your Personality Has the Biggest Impact on How You Lead

As a leader it can be tempting to point to team members as being responsible for team performance issues. Sometimes this is the case, but more often than not, we see a failure on the part of the leader to take different personality styles and preferences into account. This is actually the primary job of a leader, and what sets leadership responsibilities apart from individual contributor responsibilities, so in this episode, we delve into how your personality profoundly impacts your leadership style and effectiveness. We explore introversion and extroversion, sensorial vs. intuitive information processing, logical vs. feeling decision-making, and structured vs. flexible approaches. By understanding and balancing these preferences, leaders can enhance their ability to connect with their team, make better decisions, and ultimately achieve greater success. Even better, they can teach their team how to do the same Join us as we share insightful examples and practical strategies for growing into a more self-aware and adaptable leader. Episode Highlights: 00:30 Understanding the Impact of Personality on Leadership 00:58 Introversion vs. Extroversion in Leadership 02:00 Adapting Leadership Styles for Team Effectiveness 03:17 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership 04:50 Sensing vs. Intuition: Information Preferences 08:38 Balancing Task and People Focus in Decision-Making 11:04 Judging vs. Perceiving: Flexibility in Leadership 14:27 The Path to Psychological Maturity and Effective Leadership Useful Links: Get in touch with us at info@peopleleaders.com.au People Leaders Website - https://peopleleaders.com.au/ People Leaders on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leaders-pty-ltd/ Connect with Jan Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janterkelsen/ Connect with Michelle Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-terkelsen-creating-high-performing-teams-a992744/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/people.leaders

October 21, 2024Episode 15522 min

Transforming Feedback into Powerful Learning Opportunities

In this episode, we explore the surprising and somewhat disturbing statistic that only one in four employees find feedback helpful for their performance. We discuss the importance of transforming feedback into powerful learning opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We highlight the role of trust, the need for a habit of inviting feedback, and using a forward-focused and solution-oriented approach. We introduce the SBIN model for delivering feedback, emphasising the necessity of specificity and actionable steps. We also stress the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in receiving feedback effectively. Finally, we provide practical tips and real-life examples to help engage with feedback constructively and turn it into a valuable tool for improvement. Episode Highlights: 01:03 The Power of Personalised Feedback 02:58 Giving and Receiving Feedback Effectively 03:41 The Importance of Specific and Constructive Feedback 05:18 Transforming Feedback into Learning Opportunities 09:05 Five Key Considerations for Effective Feedback 13:27 Practical Tips for Practicing Feedback 21:01 Conclusion: Embracing Feedback for Growth Use Links: Get in touch with us at info@peopleleaders.com.au People Leaders Website - https://peopleleaders.com.au/ People Leaders on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leaders-pty-ltd/ Connect with Jan Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janterkelsen/ Connect with Michelle Terkelsen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-terkelsen-creating-high-performing-teams-a992744/ Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/people.leaders