Astute Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Garry Browne

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-AU

About the show

I’m Garry Browne, Astute Leadership Podcast, and author of 'Brand New Brand You.' In this monthly podcast series, I'll be interviewing a broad selection of people from different walks of life and at different stages of their career, branding, relevance and impact journey, and discussing key themes around the idea of building your personal brand and reputation. If you’re looking to develop better skills around managing your personal brand in order to achieve your career goals and broaden your impact, then this podcast series is for you.

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27 recent

July 26, 2026Episode 2649 min

How to Keep Your Reputation Intact When Your Industry Is Under Fire feat. Paul Nicolaou

In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director of Business Sydney and one of Australia’s most well-known business advocates and community champions. With a career spanning political fundraising, leading the Australian Hotels Association through the lockout law era, and national advocacy at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Paul brings decades of hard-won experience to every conversation. During our discussion, we explored what it means to build a personal brand when the roles you hold are controversial, why putting other people first is the most powerful branding strategy of all, and how Paul led businesses through the COVID-19 crisis with 232 Zoom sessions featuring Australia’s most senior political leaders. Paul also reflects on the values instilled by his parents, the importance of knowing what you’d walk away from, and why Australia — the golden ticket — gives all of us both the privilege and the responsibility to contribute. This episode is a powerful conversation about purpose-driven leadership, legacy, and what it truly means to love your city and your country. — Connect With Me: Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ ---- Connect With Paul Nicolaou: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-nicolaou-131114129/ Business Sydney: https://www.businesssydney.com/

April 24, 2026Episode 2547 min

What a Life of Service Really Teaches You About Leadership feat. Matt Anderson

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Anderson PSM, Director and CEO of the Australian War Memorial and one of Australia's most distinguished public servants. With a career spanning a decade in the Australian Defence Force, 25 years in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and now as only the 13th Director in the War Memorial's history, Matt shares what it truly means to lead with purpose, decency, and an unshakeable sense of why. We explored what defines a personal brand when the institution you lead is bigger than any individual, why candour and telling the truth are the foundations of good leadership and good decision making, and how Matt navigated one of the most personally challenging moments of his career when his name was weaponised in a national media storm. Matt also reflects on the value of being a generalist in a world that rewards specialists, the mistake of assuming buy-in when you arrive in a new role, and why the bits where you fall short are often the most defining parts of your journey. This episode is a powerful conversation about values-driven leadership, service, legacy, and what it means to be custodian of something far greater than yourself. — Connect With Me: Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ Connect With Matt Anderson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-anderson-awm/

December 1, 2025Episode 2459 min

40 Years of Brutally Honest Business & Branding Advice (from Peter Switzer)

In this episode, Gary Browne sits down with Peter Switzer, one of Australia’s most recognised business and financial commentators and founder of the Switzer Group. Peter shares how his journey from schoolteacher to media entrepreneur was guided by a simple principle: stay curious and act with integrity. He talks about recognising your competitive advantage, why values must always come before value, and how consistency builds credibility that lasts decades. He also reflects on the power of lifelong learning, from insights he’s gained interviewing leaders like Jerry Harvey and Mark Bouris, to lessons from authors such as Jim Collins, and how mentorship can happen anywhere if you’re willing to learn. Finally, Peter opens up about the personal side of leadership: the influence of family, the discipline learned through sport, and why true legacy is measured not by success alone but by the people you help grow along the way. If you’re interested in building a trusted personal brand and leading with clarity, humility, and purpose, this conversation is not to be missed. — Connect With Me: Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ Connect With Peter Swizter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pswitzer/

July 27, 2025Episode 2347 min

How to Build an Unforgettable Personal Brand Through Authenticity and Empathy

In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Trumper, a seasoned business leader who recently served as Chair of NRMA and currently advises Australia's leading data and analytics firm, Quantium. Tim talks about how authenticity can unintentionally build a powerful personal brand, why consistently showing up as your true self strengthens trust, and the crucial role empathy plays in successful leadership. He also discusses the importance of aligning personal values with professional actions, how mentoring and genuine networks accelerate career growth, and the critical skills every leader needs to navigate uncertainty. If you want to build a lasting reputation and lead with impact, make sure to listen to this episode! — Connect With Me: Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ Connect With Tim Trumper: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-trumper-b7557b4/

May 11, 2025Episode 2249 min

How One Minister Took Government From Paper to Platform feat. Victor Dominello

In this episode, we’re joined by Victor Dominello, former NSW Government Minister, legal professional, and global pioneer in digital service transformation. Recognised as one of Australia’s Top 100 Innovators, Victor led groundbreaking reforms in digital government, customer service, and data transparency during his 12 years in cabinet. He spearheaded initiatives like Service NSW, the Department of Customer Service, and the Digital Restart Fund, earning international recognition for humanising and modernising public services. During our conversation, we explored the mindset shift from citizen to customer, why digital transformation is really about service transformation, and how his personal values shaped his brand as a trusted reformer and servant leader. Victor also reflects on the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and humility in building a leadership legacy, as well as why empowering teams, embracing inclusion, and designing with ethics are critical to earning public trust in the digital age. This episode features a powerful conversation about values-driven leadership, navigating pushback, and building lasting reform. _____ Timestamps: 00:00 - INTRO 02:02 - VICTOR ON BUILDING HIS NAME, REPUTATION, AND BRAND 05:54 - ENVIRONMENT THAT TAUGHT VALUES AND PRINCIPLES 09:10: - THE DATA MONKEY 13:32 - I SEE MYSELF AS A BRAND 16:40 - THE VALUES 18:45 - THE IMPORTANCE OF REPUTATION 23:14 - FOCUS ON THE POLICY AND TRYING TO GET THE RIGHT OUTCOMES 27:18 - TRYING TO MAINTAIN INTEGRITY 32:53 - SPRITE PRINCIPLE 36:40 - A TIME WHEN VICTOR'S VALUES WERE TESTED 38:44 - VICTOR'S LEADERSHIP STYLE 42:01 - VICTOR'S LEADERSHIP VALUES 43:45 - VICTOR'S SKILLS AND TRAITS TO BE AN ASTUTE LEADER 46:13 - MENTORS WHO HELPED VICTOR TO MAKE AN IMPACT 48:20 - OUTRO _____ Connect With Me: Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ Grab a copy of my book ‘Brand New Brand You’: https://garrybrowne.com.au/books Book me as a speaker for your next conference or event: https://garrybrowne.com.au/contact Connect With Victor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victordominello/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHonVictorDominello/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victordominello X: https://x.com/VictorDominello _____ Produced by Social Wave https://www.socialwave.com.au

March 20, 2025Episode 2148 min

How to Master Authentic Leadership (Even Without Direct Power) feat. Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO

Today, we are joined by Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, former Australian Ambassador to the United States, Cabinet Minister, and a respected authority in public policy, economic strategy, and global affairs. Arthur has built a career defined by trust, resilience, and strategic leadership, serving at the highest levels of government and diplomacy. Now, as Partner and Chair of The Asia Group’s Australian practice, he helps organisations navigate geopolitical risks and business strategy in the Indo-Pacific. In this episode, Arthur reflects on his journey from working behind the scenes as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister to representing Australia on the global stage. He shares how he built his personal brand as a trusted advisor, the fragility of reputation in public life, and the leadership lessons that have shaped his career. We also discuss his insights on staying relevant in a changing world, the balance between integrity and compromise in politics, and his best advice for young professionals looking to build a meaningful career. — Connect With Me: Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ Connect With Arthur: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-hon-arthur-sinodinos-ao-5b688445/ X: https://x.com/A_Sinodinos Time Stamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:11 - They See Me as a Brand/Authenticity Is Important 05:35 - Moving Into Different Roles 08:44 - The Importance of Reputation 13:15 - Change in the Mindset of Broader Population 16:58 - Navigating Geopolitics, Business, and Policy in the Indo-Pacific 22:57 - Values Emerge in Practical Situations 24:55 - They’re Not Going to Do Everything That You Want 29:24 - Different Values 31:55 - Maintaining Relevance in a Changing Global Landscape 33:56 - Leading With Transparency, Trust, and Integrity 39:22 - Mentors and Role Models 41:43 - Guidance and Leadership in Diplomacy 43:49 - Advice to Young People 47:30 - Outro

August 27, 2024Episode 2047 min

Using Your Personal Brand to Make a Positive Impact In the World feat. Hagai M. Segal

Today, we are joined by Hagai Segal, a multi-award-winning academic and internationally renowned consultant, commentator, and keynote speaker. Hagai is a leading authority on geopolitical issues, strategic risks, the Middle East, and counter-terrorism known for his ability to explain and contextualise evolving global political events and crises. In this episode, Hagai shares the story of how he developed his expertise and reputation, from his early days studying politics to becoming a trusted voice advising top corporations and government agencies. We also discuss his insights on the challenges of conveying expertise in today's 'post-fact' world, the priceless value of continuous learning, and how Hagai uses his knowledge to act as a catalyst for change. — Connect With Me: Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ Connect With Hagai: Website: https://www.hagaisegal.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hagai-m-segal-3323947/

July 23, 2024Episode 1946 min

Creating Authentic Connections and Paving the Way for The Younger Generation feat. Shane Fitzsimmons

Today, we are joined by Shane Fitzsimmons, a prominent figure in emergency services and community resilience and currently the Managing Director of SAF Leading Advisory. Shane is not only the former Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service, but his leadership during the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season also made him a notable face across the country. In this episode, we talk about Shane's journey from a young volunteer firefighter to a national leader, his perspectives on authentic leadership, and how his personal values have shaped his career and decision-making. We also explore his transition from public service to his current advisory roles and his ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on society. — Connect With Me: Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ Connect With Shane: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-fitzsimmons-ao-afsm-9312361b9/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ShaneFitzAU/ Twitter: https://x.com/shanefitzau

March 12, 2024Episode 1846 min

Episode 18: Quitting a High-Profile Job to Build a Business Empire from Her Spare Room feat. Gemma Tognini

Today, we are joined by Gemma Tognini, a well-respected figure in the business and media sectors and founder of GT Communications. With a career spanning over three decades, Gemma is not only an award-winning entrepreneur, recognised by the Telstra Business Women's Awards, but also a seasoned journalist, having worked with the Seven Network. Her corporate advising and media commentary expertise, covering diverse topics from gender pay parity to family challenges, has made her a highly sought-after strategic advisor. In this episode, we talk about Gemma's unique journey from a seasoned journalist to a leading figure in strategic communications, her process of shaping her personal brand, and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. — Connect With Me: Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ Connect With Gemma: LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/gemma-tognini-27a4094 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmatognini_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GemmaTognini Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/GemmaTogninWriter/ GT Communications Website: https://www.gtcommunications.com.au/ GT Communications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtcommunications/ GT Communications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtmedia/

February 20, 2024Episode 1719 min

Episode 17: Looking Back On the Year 2023 feat. Garry Browne AM

In this episode, we revisit the best of last year's conversations with our incredible guests who have appeared on the show, including the likes of Sir Peter Cosgrove, Craig Foster, Tony Nash and Caroline Gurney to name a few. Coming from all walks of life, these snippets from 2023 hold evergreen advice, stories and lessons that will help the audience build a relatable, authentic, and values-driven brand. — Connect With Me: Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ