Carly is a state representative gymnastics coach and athlete who has guided Australian representatives through the tumbling program at Peak Trampoline, where she is the Head of High Performance & Life Experience. In this episode, Carly shares her journey from a young gymnast to competing at the highest level all while coaching the next generation of athletes. We dive into her coaching philosophy, how she balances her dual roles as coach and competitor, the importance of building a supportive community, and the story of how she quite literally ran away to join the circus after finishing school.
How do you know if you are a good leader? We delve into the complexities of measuring leadership performance. Discussing both corporate and sporting contexts, we explore the difficulties in attributing organizational success or failure to a single leader. We touch on the tangible metrics like financial performance, win-loss records, and strategic benchmarks, as well as the more nuanced aspects such as organizational culture, employee engagement, and team development. The episode raises important questions about the subjective nature of performance evaluations and the influence of perception and contextual factors.
https://highpl.com.au/
From the sporting field to the classroom, Scotty Jones has lived a life of resilience and purpose. He opens up about the highs and lows of his sporting career, the sacrifices made along the way, and how those lessons shaped him as a youth worker, teacher, and high school dean. Scotty also shares the rewards of mentoring at-risk youth and the grounding role of being a husband and father. This is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and a passion for making a difference.
https://highpl.com.au/
We sit down with Jarrad Smith to unpack all things injuries. From his work in workplace injury management in the mining sector, to navigating workers’ compensation cases, practising as an exercise physiologist, and competing as an athlete. Jarrad shares his own experiences with sporting injuries and how they’ve shaped both his physical and psychological outlook. We explore the importance of putting people first, the challenges of working within legislative frameworks, overcoming setbacks, building resilience, and how lessons from sport can translate into stronger workplace practices.
https://highpl.com.au/
Travis Haney, the high-energy force behind Sparq Fitness in Perth, brings an inspiring mix of passion, grit, and good vibes. Originally from Colorado, Trav shares his story of chasing fitness across the globe, from his days playing American football to building a thriving training community in Australia. He dives into his philosophy on training, personal growth, and what it really takes to push past limits. Along the way, he opens up about running a fitness business, the power of group-led training, and the lessons he’s learned from sport and life. This episode is full of motivation, practical tips, and stories that remind you why hard work, camaraderie, and never settling for less really matter.
https://sparqfitness.com.au/
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Mitchell Miller shares his journey from leading a large team as an operations manager to training as a commercial pilot. He reflects on the professional and personal hurdles of his previous role, and how a change in environment and leadership style inspired him to take a bold leap into aviation. Mitch opens up about the transition from management to flying, highlighting the lifestyle shifts, the power of supportive relationships, and the discipline required to succeed in such a demanding field. From meticulous preparation in controlled airspace to the challenges of mastering flight, we explore what it really takes to progress from novice to prospective commercial pilot. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to become a pilot, or how to navigate big life changes while chasing your dreams this conversation is for you.
https://highpl.com.au/
Daniel sits down with Sherie Le Brun and discusses her journey from a country upbringing in South Australia to managing a top-performing sales team. Sherie shares invaluable insights on the significance of relationship-building in sales, the importance of understanding operational processes, and the challenges of maintaining a team’s motivation and cohesion. Learn how she effectively balances her role in leadership, the impact of her mentors, and her techniques for finding peace and mental clarity amidst a high-pressure career. Don't miss Sherie's views on industry transformation, gender diversity, and her key to building successful professional relationships.
https://highpl.com.au/
With over 37 years of leadership, HR management, and organisational development experience across industries including banking, health care, government, hospitality, and education, James has built a career dedicated to improving culture, strategy, and performance in complex organisations. James shares valuable insights into effective leadership, building company culture, and strategic hiring practices. He reflects on his journey of starting and managing multiple businesses, as well as the influence of key mentors and experiences that shaped his career path. He also recounts a recent 9-day trek through the rugged terrains of the outback and opens up about running IDLEWILD Bridgetown, a country accommodation business located in the Southwest of Western Australia.
https://www.idlewildbridgetown.com.au/
https://highpl.com.au/
Daniel sits down with Blake to explore the experiences and challenges faced by young leaders. From stepping into leadership roles at a young age to managing teams and navigating self-doubt, Blake shares honest reflections on the importance of trust, building strong relationships, and finding the balance between professionalism and approachability. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned one looking to better support the next generation, this episode offers valuable insights into the dynamic, evolving nature of leadership.
https://highpl.com.au/
Daniel sits down with Karl Harding, Wellbeing and Engagement Manager at Boxing Australia to discuss the impactful role he plays in athlete wellbeing. Karl shares his experiences, from early life challenges, a near career-ending injury, and his transition into various support roles across wellbeing and chaplaincy at the Western Australian Institute of Sport, QLD Reds Rugby Union and the Parramatta Eels. He also opens about the crucial role faith plays in his life, the significance of his family, and his commitment to helping athletes reach their potential.
https://highpl.com.au/
Join Daniel and Scott as they delve into the topic of competition, exploring its inevitability and importance in human development. They discuss how competition begins in early life, extends into adulthood, and manifests in various aspects of society such as school, sports, and the workplace. The conversation touches on the differentiation between internal drive and competition, the potential benefits of healthy competition in fostering growth, and the possible downsides like toxicity and anxiety. With references to personal experiences and real-world examples like workplace dynamics, sports teams, and even video games, this episode provides a look at the complex nature of competition. They also consider the role of leadership in managing competition to harness its positive aspects while mitigating negative behaviours. Whether you're aiming to motivate yourself or your team, this discussion offers valuable insights into leveraging competition for better performance and personal development.
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This episode looks at the challenges related to being short-staffed in a business environment, particularly the impact on operational outcomes and team morale. We look at the importance of effective forecasting and data analysis to predict labour needs accurately. The conversation touches on practical strategies like cross-training employees, utilizing casual labour, maintaining clear KPIs, and planning around unexpected absences. Dan & Scott highlight the significance of building relationships with all workers, including casuals, and offer insights into making educated decisions based on real-time data analysis. The episode underscores the value of a proactive approach to workforce management to avoid team burnout and inefficiency.
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In the latest episode of our podcast, Scott and Dan delve into the multifaceted world of workplace challenges. From personal issues creeping into professional spaces to service-level failures like policy breaches and customer complaints. In this episode, they explore strategies to navigate these hurdles while also addressing the often overlooked emotional and psychological aspects of leadership.
https://highpl.com.au/
Dan welcomes Lead ‘Em All’s first guest Michael “Gilby” Holden to discuss a decade-long journey in scaling a business. The conversation begins with a reflection on the early days of Bustle, a transport management software company that started in 2015 with a small team of a few close members. Today, the company has expanded to a team of nearly 30 with 37 clients. Michael shares insights into the challenges and milestones of growing the business while also managing a personal life that includes raising four children. Topics include the strategic pivots from an Uber-style model to a SaaS platform, the importance of maintaining relationships, and the balance of work-life demands. Michael also discusses his leadership style, the value of humour in stressful situations, and his contributions to the community through coaching junior sports.
https://bustle.tech/
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Dan and Scotty discuss the significant impact thatleadership styles have on team retention and recruitment. They start by exploring how poor leadership can prompt team members to leave, using analogies from sports and education. They emphasize the importance of leaders fostering strong relationships with their team members, treating them well, and investing in their growth. The conversation delves into the costs associated with recruitment and the benefits of promoting internally versus hiring externally. They highlight the influence that a positive organizational culture and effective leadership can have on employee satisfaction and retention. The episode closes with reflections on personal experiences and insights into what younger employees value in a workplace.
In this episode, Daniel & Scott delve into the topic of growing team capabilities. Drawing from personal experiences in the world of sports, particularly rugby league, the discussion highlights the importance of increasing individual capacities within existing teams. Key anecdotes include the contrasting treatment of players, whose growth was stifled by inadequate support but later flourished elsewhere, underscoring the value of nurturing potential within organizations. The conversation extends to practical organizational contexts, discussing strategies for upskilling team members, fostering confidence, and maintaining momentum despite challenges. The importance of relationship-building, proactive leadership, and addressing the inherent risks of stagnant team growth are examined, providing actionable insights for leaders looking to enhance team performance and retention. The episode concludes with a segue into the next topic of recruitment and retention, promising further exploration of effective team management practices.
In this episode, Dan & Scotty delve into the critical topic of assertive conversations, building on their previous discussion about setting and maintaining standards. They share personal anecdotes and strategies from their leadership experiences, focusing on the emotional challenges and practical techniques for conducting assertive conversations effectively. The conversation touches on common fears, the importance of clarity, and the impact of assertive conversations on team dynamics and culture. They also discuss the nuances of having these conversations with peers, subordinates, and superiors, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building alongside assertiveness. This episode offers practical advice for leaders struggling with difficult conversations and highlights the significance of maintaining clear communication to ensure team standards and performance.
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In this episode, Dan & Scott engage in a detailed discussion on the complexities of maintaining workplace standards. They highlight the importance of building relationships and the role of consistent reminders and feedback in ensuring that set standards are adhered to. Real-life examples are shared, such as managing team behaviors and implementing safety protocols, emphasizing the difference between organizational and personal standards. The conversation also delves into the psychological aspects of leadership and the behaviors that influence maintaining high performancewithin teams. They conclude by stressing that while setting standards is often straightforward, the real challenge lies in consistently maintaining them.
highpl.com.au
In this episode, the discussion revolves around the concept of mindsets, focusing particularly on how we treat ourselves through internal dialogue.
Scotty and Dan explore the prevalence of negative self-talk and how it can hinder personal growth and performance. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and the transformative power of shifting to a positive mindset.
Various strategies to overcome one's comfort zone, such as physical challenges and cognitive behavioral exercises, are discussed.
The episode also delves into the responsibilities of leadership in fostering an environment that encourages growth and resilience among team members. Practical tips and real-life examples are provided to inspire listeners to challenge their mental habits and adopt a growth mentality.