The Secret Life of Leaders

Hosted by Angela Koning

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Mar 2024

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About the show

Host Angela Koning gives unprecedented access to the inner workings of Australia’s leading thinkers and practitioners at the forefront of environmental, social and governance (ESG) change. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from coaching Australia’s top change leaders, it’s that they are all balancing an urgent need to make a big positive impact on pressing existential challenges, with their personal capacity to sustain a passionate, lifelong commitment to the cause. This podcast explores the inner worlds of change leaders, including the leadership development practices that help them navigate complex problems, alongside the personal development and self-care approaches that keep them energised and focussed on creating lasting positive impact. Episodes will be real, raw and unpolished and feature the people who are teaching, inspiring, challenging and perhaps pressing on our delicate and raw points of being a responsible human on planet Earth. The cutting edge of change can often feel lonely, but you’re not alone here… The Secret Life of Leaders rehumanises the experience of life and leadership and creates a platform for us all to learn and grow together.

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11 recent

March 5, 202454 min

10. Driving Systemic ESG Change with Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO, David Ritter

In this episode, David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia, takes us on his journey into the leadership of environmental activism. We explore the power of collaboration in driving impactful outcomes at scale,  the vital role of trust-building in creating lasting change, and the necessity of forging strategic partnerships with like minded collaborators to support a sustainable future.I was most inspired by David’s personal congruence with his mission, how artfully he expresses his vision to lead his organisation and strategically affects massive change, and his openness about personal sustainability in the face of long term challenges.You’re going to love hearing about how purposeful leadership and meaningful, intentional collaboration can catalyse transformative impact in our communities and beyond.In this episode:David’s journey from lawyer to Greenpeace CEOHis desired impact on the worldAffecting change at scale through collaborationSigns of positive change in responsible engagementChallenges in affecting change at scaleInstitutional challenges and systemic changeLeadership and culture at GreenpeacePersonal resilience and leadership responsibilitiesLinks:David Ritter LinkedInDavid Ritter Book: Loving – Living with the Anthropocene

December 3, 202354 min

9. Facilitating complex conversations with Nick Rakis

In this episode, we talk to Nick Rakis, a Venture Architect and partner at Accelio, about stakeholder engagement for complex projects. We discuss the key elements for a successful collaborative process as well as the importance of designing for desired outcomes and the challenges of different groups. We also delve into Nick's personal approach to helping leaders drive positive change. Learn how you, too, can create a positive and engaged stakeholder experience through this conversation.In this episode:The importance of stakeholder engagementClarifying the purpose and goals of facilitated workshopsDifferent types of leaders and their approach to facilitationThe misconceptions about collaboration, and the need for process discipline and standards Collaboration within a structured container for effective workshopsTrust, accountability, and transparency in a high-stakes project The evolution of AccelioNick's leadership style and wellbeing approaches Links:Nick Rakis LinkedInAccelio LinkedIn

October 31, 20231 hr 4 min

8. Driving Equality in the Global Women, Peace and Security Agenda with Jennifer Wittwer, CSM

In this episode, we are joined by Jennifer Wittwer, CSM, an international consultant promoting gender equality, particularly in the peacekeeping and security context. We discuss the importance of addressing gender inequality and harassment in the military, along with increasing women's representation, personal growth, self-leadership and creating an inclusive environment for everyone to thrive. In this episode:Jennifer’s dedication to gender equality in peacekeeping and opening opportunities for Women in the MilitaryValuing diversity and reshaping Militaries for effective PeacekeepingAdapting the military to reflect diversity and changing needsAchieving equality by breaking barriers and changing perspectivesThe challenges of Gender Equality in organisational settingsBuilding trust and providing hope in leadershipAchieving tangible results and collective change.Links:Jennifer Wittwer websiteJennifer Wittwer LinkedIn Jennifer Wittwer Twitter

October 17, 202340 min

7. Building and Sustaining Resilient Communities with Professor Cheryl Desha

In this episode, Professor Cheryl Desha, a renowned leader in the fields of resilient communities and resilient infrastructure, shares her unique perspective on resilience, emphasising the importance of flexibility, adaptability and understanding the systems and context in which we live. Her mission is to drive positive change in decision-making processes and make a global impact. A significant part of Professor Desha's work involves helping communities plan for and recover from disasters. Join us as we learn more about Professor Desha’s leadership style and her appetite for building leaders and nurturing community. In this episode:Professor Desha’s journey and passion for sustainable development and resilienceCreating a space for learning and inquiryThe need for integrated decision support systemsCollaboration and alliances for addressing complex problemsFinding inspiration and purpose in disaster management and resilienceProfessor Desha’s personal Growth - leading others, building community, and nurturing research.Links:Professor Cheryl Desha LinkedInGriffith Disaster Management Network  Queensland Disaster Research Alliance (QDRA)Article on Professor Desha’s journey

September 19, 202342 min

6. Lessons in Leading Change in Food Security and Environmental Sustainability with Larelle McMillan

In this episode, Larelle McMillan, a sustainability leader at CSIRO's Agriculture and Food Business Unit shares her journey towards sustainability change and the importance of collaborative efforts in the agri-food system. With 20 years of experience, she has contributed to national and globally significant projects in this space. Learn more about Larelle’s leadership approach and her results in leading complex programs of sustainability change that spans disciplines and industry domains, geographies, levels of government and communities.In this episode:Larelle tells us about her background and what led her to devote herself to sustainability changeThe story of how she started leading a program of nearly a hundred researchers in CSIROThe impact that Larelle desires to have in the world and why she is so passionate about itLarelle’s biggest wins in deploying scientific research to solve complex sustainability problems, especially when it comes to agri-foodEncouraging signs of change in the agri-food system and how the collaborations she leads are helping thisThe biggest challenges she and her team face around sustainability change and the lessons they are learning along the wayLarelle’s secrets to staying committed, passionate and inspired.Links:Larelle McMillan LinkedInCSIRO Website

September 5, 202350 min

5. Net Zero as a Winning Business Strategy with Nick Palousis

In this episode, we speak with Nick Palousis, an engineer and climate-tech entrepreneur. Join us as we delve into Nick’s journey into sustainability, where he unveils his endeavours in catalyzing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) transformation. Nick shares his mission to guide businesses on the path to achieving net zero emissions. Find out Nick's approach to consulting to industry on ESG and what drives him in that process. In this episode:Nick shares his background and what led him to devote himself to sustainability changeThe biggest wins of change that he has had in helping organizations build roadmaps to get to net zeroNick’s process and approach to help big businesses to create changeThe stages that businesses move through as they begin to incorporate ESG into their frameworkNick’s thoughts on balancing the ESG agenda with profitThe biggest challenges about leading complex ESG change in business and the lessons he has learned so farSocial sustainability and personal sustainabilityImproving his self-leadership over the yearsThe most important thing being required of someone as a leader bringing about positive change in the world Links:Nick Palousis LinkedIn2XE Website

August 22, 20231 hr 0 min

4. Critical Thinking Skills for the Leadership of Change with Jesse Richardson

In this episode, Jesse Richardson shares his unique way of teaching the next generation how to think independently. Jesse encourages the future leaders to challenge the mainstream way of thinking, and apply both divergent and convergent thinking. By asking questions openly, and not defensively, we can generate positive mindset and cultural shifts. When it comes to business and leadership, Jesse believes these three character traits are important: dogged determination, grandiose ambition and having a vision.In this episode:What is missing in the education system and how it frustrates the progress of divergent thinkers Jesse’s epiphany moment that led him to founding the School of Thought in 2015The importance of synthesizing the divergent (ie creative) and convergent (ie analytical) thinkingThe biggest successes of Jesse’s various ventures, including being featured in the World Economic Forum and ForbesThe Scout Mindset vs. The Soldier MindsetThe challenges in leading the complex social change around critical thinkingJesse’s experience of neurodiversity and its impact on his lifeJesse’s approach to self-leadership as a neurodivergent thinkerHow business has changed after the pandemicThe most important leadership traits we need to bring about positive change in the worldLinksJesse Richardson WebsiteJesse Richardson LinkedInWebsites:The School of Thought: School of Thought‘Your Logical Fallacy Is’ website: Thou shalt not commit logical fallacies (yourlogicalfallacyis.com)Books:The Scout Mindset, by Julia Galef: Julia GalefHow Minds Change, by David McRaney:  How Minds Change — David McRaney

August 8, 202344 min

3. At the Front Lines of Humanitarian Leadership with Tom White

In this episode of The Secret Life of Leaders, Tom White joins us to share his experience and knowledge in leading large-scale humanitarian programs in conflict zones. His interesting story of transforming lives and providing aid to vulnerable populations will definitely ignite a spark of inspiration. Join us as we unravel stories and secrets of impactful leadership in challenging environments.  In this episode:The story of how Tom landed his role as the Director of the United Nations Refugee Agency for Palestinian Refugees. Tom shares his passion about making an impact in the world, particularly in Gaza. The challenges of working in a complex environment. Encouraging signs of change in this environment and how their programs of work are helping people. How they maintain the balance of their long-term and short-term interventions. The biggest lessons Tom has learned working in this environment as an individual and a leader. The biggest wins across his career in humanitarian aid leadership over the last 20 years. Unhelpful assumptions that he would like to see addressed. How Tom stays passionate and inspired with leading an organization of 13,000 people. Advice for Emerging Humanitarian Leaders: Learn and Communicate Effectively Tips from Tom on how to keep your focus and improve self-leadership. Experiencing burnout in his role and how he overcame it. Reflecting on challenges in the world. Links:Equenti websiteAngela Koning LinkedIn

August 8, 202352 min

2. Leading Complex Change for a Better World with Professor Bronwyn Harch

In this episode of the Secret Life of Leaders, Professor Bronwyn Harch shares her experience on how she leads and gets results from complex programs of change. Professor Harch delves into the keys to successful collaborative projects, highlighting the crucial role of multidisciplinary teams and shared leadership. Get a glimpse into Professor Harch's unique leadership approach, emphasizing the value of authenticity and self-care when confronting complex problems.  In this episode:Professor Harch shares her experience from a few of her projects. Examples of large-scale collaborations. Navigating complexities as a leader. The encouraging signs of change and how collaborations can help. The types of problems Professor Bronwyn is interested in leading at the moment. Her approach to complex problems. Her thoughts on self-care as a leader. Top things required from a leader to bring positive change in the world. Links:Fixed va Growth Mindset video by Carol Dweck (Stanford)Equenti websiteAngela Koning LinkedIn

August 8, 20238 min

1. Introduction: Learning about Sustainability Change Leadership from the World's Best Leaders

Welcome to The Secret Life of Leaders, where we give you unprecedented access to the world of environmental, social, and governance change. Here, we rehumanize the experience of life and leadership and create a platform for us to learn and grow together.In this first episode, I'll share the mission and purpose behind this podcast. Our goal is to explore the lives of the quiet heroes, the change-makers who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place. We aim to provide a supportive space for leaders driving positive change in our society. This podcast is for individuals with a heart for goodness who want to create a positive impact on our planet.Through engaging stories and real-world examples, we'll delve into the strategies these leaders employ to navigate the complexities of sustainability change. We'll also explore how they strengthen their leadership approaches, maintain their well-being, and avoid burnout.In this episode:Introducing "The Secret Life of Leaders" podcastWho is this podcast for?The Inspiration behind the PodcastCuriosity about Sustainability Change LeadersIntroduction and Invitation to SubscribeLinks:Equenti websiteAngela Koning LinkedIn