In this episode, we unpack how to make numbers meaningful, how to avoid the common traps and biases leaders fall into, and why shifting from data-driven to data-informed leadership changes everything. Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or someone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by dashboards and KPIs, this conversation will help you see data through a whole new lens. In this episode, we cover: – What data storytelling really means — and how it helps teams make smarter decisions – The difference between being data-driven and data-informed (and why it matters) – How to build data literacy in your team — even if you’re “not a numbers person” – The common traps and biases that stop us from using data well – How AI tools like ChatGPT can help leaders visualise, analyse, and act faster – Why great leaders use data to start conversations — not end them Numbers on their own don’t drive performance — people do. The real power of data lies in the stories we tell about it, the conversations it sparks, and the actions it inspires. If this episode shifts how you think about data, I’d love to hear what stood out. Leave a review, share your insights, or forward this to a leader who’s ready to make data more human.
I first met Megumi Miki back in 2009, and even then, I could feel the quiet power she carried into every room. Megumi is a Japanese-Australian speaker, author, and leadership consultant whose work has deeply influenced how I think about leadership. She’s the author of the award-winning book Quietly Powerful: How Your Quiet Nature Is Your Hidden Leadership Strength, and she’s on a mission to challenge outdated assumptions about what leadership should look and sound like.
In this episode, Megumi and I dive into the idea that you don’t need to be loud to lead powerfully. We explore how quiet leaders often bring deep listening, humility, and intentionality that transform team cultures. This conversation felt like a breath of fresh air—and a much-needed reframe for anyone who’s ever felt pressure to be someone they’re not in order to lead.
Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or someone simply curious about different leadership styles, this episode offers powerful insights on inclusion, psychological safety, and the true nature of influence.
In this episode, we cover:
Why Quietly Powerful is not an oxymoron—but essential
How Megumi’s personal and professional experiences sparked the Quietly Powerful movement
The real reasons people are quiet
The double-glazed glass ceiling: quietness, gender, and cultural bias in leadership
How leaders can create space for all voices—especially the ones not being heard
What inclusive decision-making really looks like
The question every leader should ask
Quiet doesn’t mean introverted or less. In fact, it might mean more. This conversation reminded me that some of the most impactful leaders I’ve worked with led not from the front—but from beside, behind, and within. The ones who create space, not just take it.
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear what stood out. Share your thoughts, leave a review, and forward this episode to someone whose quiet strength deserves to be seen and celebrated.
Michelle McQuaid is one of the most trusted voices in workplace wellbeing today. An award-winning researcher, LinkedIn Top Voice for Mental Health, and honorary fellow at Melbourne University’s Centre for Wellbeing Science, Michelle has authored nine bestselling books and hosted over 250 podcast interviews. In this episode, Michelle brings her signature blend of science, zest, and practicality to a conversation that every leader needs right now.
From climbing Kilimanjaro to leading workplace research, Michelle shares insights that are impacting us all. We explore how leaders and teams can navigate the complex emotional landscape of today’s workplaces with more compassion, curiosity, and courage.
In this episode, we cover:
What “quiet cracking” really means—and why it’s different from burnout
The hidden impact of gender norms on wellbeing
Five signs someone on your team may be quietly cracking (and what to do about it)
The five HEART practices for building psychological safety at work
How to create secure attachment—within yourself and your team
The neuroscience of “safe enough” and why it’s the real foundation for change
Michelle’s clarity around the quiet ways leaders and team members are fraying—while still looking "fine" on the outside. The term quiet cracking gave language to a feeling many of us haven’t been able to name. But even more powerfully, Michelle doesn’t just diagnose the challenge—she equips us with practical, science-backed tools to lead through it. If we want thriving teams, we must get more comfortable with discomfort, more honest in our conversations, and more courageous in our compassion. As Michelle says, “None of us have it all figured out—and what a relief that is.”
If this conversation sparked ideas, comforted your inner overachiever, or gave you practical tools to support your team, we’d love for you to share this episode with a leader or teammate who might be quietly cracking.
This conversation was a powerful reminder of how leadership grounded in service can transform teams, uplift culture, and create safer, more human workplaces. Mon generously shared not only practical tools and strategies—but also personal stories of grief, resilience, and what it means to keep showing up when life gets hard. Whether you lead a frontline or an executive team, there’s something in this episode for you.
In this episode, we cover:
Why service isn’t just a department—it’s a leadership mindset
Mon’s most memorable customer service moment (it involves chocolate and the Ritz!)
What leaders need to know about psychological safety and customer aggression
A simple but powerful de-escalation framework (that works beyond customer service)
How to build service culture in the face of silos, turnover, and burnout
The three behaviours leaders must master
Why acting on feedback (and closing the loop) is key to team engagement
If there’s one thing I’m taking from this episode, it’s this: service starts on the inside. When we create exceptional experiences for our people, we unlock extraordinary experiences for our customers.
Mon has such a gift for making people feel seen. And her stories—particularly around writing her new book in Italy while processing deep personal loss—reminded me that great leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up even when it’s hard. That’s what thriving leaders do.
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Share it with a fellow leader, tag us on LinkedIn, or drop me a note. These conversations are only the beginning.
What happens when a team is deeply engaged—but underperforming?
In this episode, I sit down with Greg Pickering, Senior Manager at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), to explore what it really takes to lead complex, emotionally demanding teams toward high performance—without losing sight of trust, fairness, or being human.
Greg brings a rich blend of leadership experience, personal insight, and even a touch of theatrical flair from his life in arts and podcasting. Together, we unpack how he led a cultural transformation inside one of AFCA’s teams—turning friction into flow, and resistance into results.
Whether you're managing change, leading other leaders, or committed to building psychological safety at scale, this conversation offers practical insight and honest reflection on the messy, human side of leadership.
In this episode, we cover:
Why 100% employee engagement doesn’t always mean high performance
How unconditional positive regard can unlock trust and candor
Using data not just to measure—but to listen and understand
What it takes to reestablish fairness in complex team dynamics
How Greg balanced care and accountability to shift team performance
What vulnerability, clarity, and psychological safety look like in action
Leadership lessons from transforming a high-resistance, high-impact team
What struck me most was how Greg uses data not just to inform—but to connect. By digging into the deeper story beneath performance and engagement, he uncovered insights that reshaped team dynamics in powerful, lasting ways. His approach shows that setting clear expectations and holding people accountable isn't harsh—it’s one of the most respectful things we can do when we lead with care.
What does it take to build a law firm that challenges the traditional model—and thrives?
In this episode, I sit down with the leaders from Hive Legal, a values-led firm that has reimagined what it means to work in legal services. From purpose-driven strategy to radical flexibility, this conversation explores how a commitment to trust, innovation, and team alignment has shaped their success.
We dive into the realities of leading with integrity, building psychological safety, and creating an environment where people genuinely want to show up, collaborate, and grow.
Whether you're leading a professional services team or rethinking how your workplace shows up in the world—this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.
In this episode, we cover:
How Hive Legal redefined flexibility before it became a trend
Why trust is a daily practice, not a policy
The role of courageous conversations in driving clarity and connection
Leading through disruption with purpose and intentionality
How distributed leadership works when values are shared
Building culture that supports wellbeing and high performance
What happens when you treat people like adults—and mean it
What struck me most was how clearly this team lives their values—not just words, but as a daily practice. When you create a culture based on trust and flexibility, you get teams who show up with energy, ownership, and a real sense of belonging. Hive Legal is proof that building thriving cultures isn’t fluffy—it’s strategic.
If this episode sparked something in your own leadership practice or team culture, I’d love to hear your reflections.
In this episode, I speak with Justin Williams, a leader with deep expertise in AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), digital transformation, and the human impact of innovation. Justin approaches the AI conversation not from a place of hype, but from one of grounded insight, clear values, and a commitment to learning.
Together, we explore how AI is reshaping leadership, team dynamics, and the very nature of work—and what it takes for leaders to remain not just relevant, but truly human, as technology evolves. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting with tools, this conversation will stretch your thinking and equip you to lead with clarity, courage, and ethics.
In this episode, we cover:
What AI actually means for leaders and teams today
Why curiosity and ethics matter more than ever
How to lead through ambiguity—not avoid it
The mindset shifts needed to stay future-fit
Practical ways to build trust, clarity, and energy in AI-enabled teams
I particularly loved leaders need to frame the lens of learning.
It’s a powerful reminder that staying present, people-focused, and open to learning is what will keep us ahead.
What does it take to lead an Olympic-level team? Not on the field—but behind the scenes? In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Carroll AM, one of Australia’s most accomplished sports administrators. As the former CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee from 2017 to 2025, Matt led teams through some of the most complex Olympic cycles in history—including the Tokyo Games during the pandemic, the Paris Games, and the early planning for Brisbane 2032. Matt’s leadership legacy goes well beyond sport. Matt’s career spans more than 30 years, across rugby, football, and sailing—including pivotal roles with Rugby World Cup 2003, the A-League, and Japan Rugby. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004 for his service to sport. Together, we unpack what it takes to build thriving teams in high-pressure, high-stakes environments—and how purpose, trust, and clarity shape performance at every level. In this episode, we cover: – What Olympic-level leadership looks like off the field – How to build alignment between home and away teams – Why strategic planning in “quads” (four-year cycles) keeps teams focused and accountable – How trust and mutual respect underpin high performance—even when no one’s watching – What Matt learned from managing the Tokyo Games during a global pandemic – The power of stakeholder alignment across government, sponsors, sports, and community – Why every role matters—no matter how visible—and how to build a “one team” mindset One of my favourite takeaways? Matt’s story about the “home and away” teams during the Tokyo Games reminded me that contribution isn’t measured by visibility—it’s measured by alignment to purpose. When everyone understands what we’re doing, why it matters, and how we’ll get there, we unlock extraordinary performance—together. If this conversation sparked ideas for how you can lead with more purpose, clarity and connection—we’d love to hear your reflections. Thanks for joining The Thriving Leaders Podcast. Keep on thriving.
Jeremy Summers is the CEO of Insync, a consultancy known for its data-driven approach to culture, engagement, and leadership. With a rich background in financial services and operational excellence, Jeremy brings both strategic acumen and grounded leadership to the table.
In this conversation, Jeremy and I explore how they have built a people-first, high performing organisation. We discuss what it looks like to lead with kindness and courage—especially in the face of rapid change, hybrid work, and big-budget competitors. We discuss how Insync’s deliberate design choices—from dissolving the traditional executive team to embedding psychological safety into everyday behaviors—have enabled both cultural strength and commercial success.
In this episode, we cover:
Why Jeremy disbanded the executive leadership team—and what replaced it
The importance of aligning visible behaviors with psychological safety
How to build a feedback culture rooted in kindness, accountability and trust
Rituals that keep hybrid teams connected, including coffee roulette and peer-led learning
How Insync competes with global SaaS giants through its people
What sustainable accountability actually looks like in practice
"Kindness isn’t softness—it’s the foundation for sustainable high performance."
When leaders combine clarity with compassion, accountability with trust, and direction with dialogue, teams don’t just deliver—they thrive.
If you're leading in a hybrid world, wondering how to deepen connection, without losing momentum, this episode is full of insight and practical inspiration.
Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently:
Physical: Purchase here International: Amazon, Booktopia, Barnes & Noble
Audio: Audible & Spotify
For all other resources:
Learn more about our leadership development programs
Join our fortnightly newsletter
Want to connect directly with Claire? claire.gray@thrivingculture.com.au
Follow along on Linkedin
Check out our website
Grant Gemmell is the Managing Director at Facet5 Global, and someone I’ve had the privilege of working alongside for over 15 years. His deep expertise in personality science—and his commitment to unlocking human potential—has shaped how I think about team dynamics, psychological safety, and the value of quality conversations at work.
In this conversation, we go deep into what it takes to build truly thriving teams. We explore how rituals, boundaries, and better dialogue can radically improve the way teams connect, collaborate, and perform.
In this episode, we cover:
Why personality should be seen as a lens, not a label—and how that shift transforms team culture
The role of mutual understanding and respect in building psychological safety
How clear personal boundaries support trust, wellbeing, and long-term performance
Grant’s five “super skills” of meaningful, high-quality conversations
What happens when teams misuse personality tools—and how to course-correct
Simple, powerful rituals that sustain connection in hybrid and dispersed teams
The most urgent leadership shifts needed right now—and the surprising trends to watch
In the work I do with teams—and in writing this book—it’s clear that conscious self-awareness isn’t optional anymore. It’s the foundation for everything: how we show up, how we connect, and how we lead with intention.
If you're curious about the real inner workings of high-performing teams, this conversation is for you.
Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently:
Physical: Purchase here International: Amazon, Booktopia, Barnes & Noble
For all other resources:
Learn more about our leadership development programs
Join our fortnightly newsletter
Want to connect directly with Claire? claire.gray@thrivingculture.com.au
Follow along on Linkedin
Check out our website
In this episode, I sit down with Leo Bottary—author of Peernovation and founder of Peernovation, LLC—to explore what truly makes teams thrive in today’s complex and collaborative work environments. With a rich background in CEO advisory groups and an unwavering commitment to psychological safety, Leo brings deep insight into the power of peers to transform team dynamics.
From the core principles of servant leadership to the vital role of psychological safety in innovation and performance, Leo shares how the very best teams operate—and how leaders can intentionally create those conditions.
In this episode, we cover:
One of my favourite takeaways? Thriving teams are intentional and create habits and rituals such as celebrating wins, reflect on progress and embed learning. I also love his tips when asking for help, which can feel uncomfortable.
This episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to tap into the collective intelligence of their teams and create cultures where accountability, trust, and performance go hand-in-hand. I’d love to hear what stood out for you—let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going.
Link/s:
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kaye Monk-Morgan—President and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center—to unpack what it really means to lead in today’s civic and organisational environments. Kaye brings three decades of leadership wisdom and a sharp lens on adaptive challenges, systems change, and collective accountability.
From her roots in education to influencing public leadership across Kansas and beyond, Kaye offers rich, practical insights into how leadership can (and must) be practiced by everyone—not just those with authority.
In this episode, we cover:
Why leadership is an activity, not a role—and how that changes everything
The difference between authority and leadership (and why it matters for teams)
How to distinguish technical from adaptive challenges in real time
The role of civic leadership in tackling issues like homelessness, parks, and public planning
How shared and systemic accountability builds stronger, more resilient teams
One of my favourite takeaways? Leadership doesn’t always mean stepping up—it often means stepping aside, giving the work back, and creating space for others to lead.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating complex change or seeking to build a thriving culture where leadership is truly everyone’s business.
I’d love to hear what stood out for you—let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going.
In this episode, I sit down with Professor David Clutterbuck—pioneer of team coaching, co-founder of the EMCC, and author of over 70 books—to explore what makes teams thrive in today’s complex environments. A deeply insightful conversation that transforms how we think about teams.
From the science of team dynamics to building cultures of accountability and coaching, David shares frameworks and stories that every leader should hear.
In this episode, we cover:
What it means to see teams as complex adaptive systems
The six essential PERILL elements that influence team performance
Why leaders need to foster coaching cultures—not just coach individuals
How to navigate stakeholder complexity and team alignment
Creating self-sustaining teams and scaling distributed leadership
One of my favourite takeaways? The difference between discussion, debate, and dialogue. Teams that truly thrive don’t argue or compromise—they find new meaning together.
This conversation is full of practical strategies for building teams that don’t just function—they flourish.
I’d love to hear what stood out for you—let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going.
Physical: Purchase here
International: Amazon Booktopia Barnes & Noble
Audio: Audible Spotify
For all other resources:
– Learn more about our leadership programs
– Join our fortnightly newsletter
– Want to connect directly with Claire? claire.gray@thrivingculture.com.au
– Follow on LinkedIn
– Visit: www.thrivingculture.com.au
I’m thrilled to share the latest episode of the Thriving Leaders Podcast, featuring an insightful conversation with Claire de Carteret, Managing Director of Gallup APAC. If you’ve ever wondered what truly drives high performance in teams, this episode is a must-listen.
Gallup is renowned for its global research on engagement, wellbeing, and leadership. Claire brings the data to life with real-world strategies that leaders can apply immediately. We talk about the 12 conditions required for high performance, how to shift away from outdated hierarchies, and why "having a best friend at work" is more than just a feel-good phrase.
In this episode, we cover:
– The evidence behind Gallup's definition of engagement and how it's linked to high performance
–The enduring power of the Q12 elements—and what makes them still relevant today
– Why most engagement strategies fail (and what to do instead)
– The four key needs of followers and how great leaders meet them
– How to create meaningful conversations that drive trust, stability, and hope
One of my favourite takeaways? Claire’s simple but powerful strategy: One meaningful conversation a week. That alone can shift the dynamic of your team.
If you're committed to building a thriving team culture, this episode will give you fresh ideas and evidence-based frameworks to do just that. I’d love to hear what resonates with you.
Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently:
Physical: Purchase here
International: Amazon Booktopia Barnes & Noble
For all other resources:
– Learn more about our leadership programs
– Join our fortnightly newsletter
– Want to connect directly with Claire? claire.gray@thrivingculture.com.au
– Follow on LinkedIn
– Visit: www.thrivingculture.com.au
In this Thriving Leaders Podcast I meet with Dermot Crowley—productivity expert, bestselling author, and founder of Adapt Productivity.
Dermot’s practical and people-focused approach to productivity has reshaped how thousands of professionals manage their time and teams. In this episode, we dive into the critical habits and systems that allow leaders and teams to perform at their best—without burning out.
We explore what causes teams to get bogged down in busy work and how they can reclaim their time and energy through smarter collaboration, clear communication, and prioritisation that actually works.
This conversation is full of actionable strategies to help leaders go beyond individual productivity and build team cultures that thrive on clarity, consistency, and effectiveness.
In this episode, we cover:
– The two types of productivity erosion and how to prevent them
– Why individual systems matter just as much as team tools
– How to make work visible and reduce friction in collaboration
– The three productivity cultures that shape every team's success
– Simple shifts to streamline meetings, emails, and communication
One of my favourite takeaways? “Make work visible.” Whether it’s through Asana, Planner, or another tool, clear visibility helps teams align, prioritise, and collaborate without chaos.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to leading teams, you’ll find actionable gems that can transform the way your team works—starting tomorrow.
Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently:
Physical:
Purchase here
International:
Amazon
Booktopia
Barnes & Noble
For all other resources:
– Learn more about our leadership programs
– Join our fortnightly newsletter
– Want to connect directly with Claire? claire.gray@thrivingculture.com.au
– Follow on LinkedIn
– Visit: www.thrivingculture.com.au
Chatting with Amy Edmondson about what makes a thriving team has been a career highlight!
Season 2 of the Thriving Leaders Podcast is now live!
And we’re kicking it off with the incredible Amy Edmondson—Novartis Harvard Professor, bestselling author, and the world’s top-ranked management thinker. Her research has been pivotal to my work, and our conversation is full of insights that every leader needs to hear.
Together, we explore what it takes to build not just high-performing teams, but learning teams—those that thrive through curiosity, psychological safety, and shared ownership.
This conversation is energising, practical, and packed with insights you can take straight back to your team.
In this episode, we cover:
– The real difference between trust and psychological safety—and why both matter
– How to create high-quality conversations in your team
– Why we need to reframe accountability as a privilege, not a punishment
– Why leaders shouldn’t talk about psychological safety—and what to focus on instead
– The power of intelligent failure and how to unlearn the fear of getting it wrong
One of my favourite takeaways? Psychological safety isn’t the goal—it’s the environment that allows us to reach our goals.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. I’d love to hear what you took out of the conversation.
Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently:
Physical: Purchase here
International: Amazon, Booktopia, Barnes & Noble
For all other resources:
– Learn more about our leadership development programs
– Join our fortnightly newsletter
– Want to connect directly with Claire? claire.gray@thrivingculture.com.au
– Follow along on Linkedin
– Check out our website
This is our last episode of Season 1 of the Thriving Leaders podcast.
Change is normal, but it can be uncomfortable. We are constantly evolving, improving and adapting the way we do things. Thriving leaders need to lead and communicate change effectively. This creates certainty even when we live in an ambiguous world.
To assist you in communicating and leading change, we cover:
That brings season one - Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently – to an end. Thank you for tuning in, for taking notes, for sharing this podcast with your friends and colleagues, and, most importantly, for applying the teachings of this book so you can become a thriving leader and start leading confidently now.
Stay tuned for Season 2!
Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently:
Physical: Purchase here
International: Amazon, Booktopia, Barnes & Noble
For all other resources:
Learn more about our leadership development programs
Join our fortnightly newsletter
Want to connect directly with Claire? claire.gray@thrivingculture.com.au
Follow along on Linkedin
Check out our website
Following on from our previous 2 episodes on Communication (ep. 16 Communication and ep. 17 Communicating with Purpose), we continue the conversation by diving into structuring your communication so its most effectively received.
In this episode, we explore:
Once you master the art of structuring your communication, then it’s time to communicate change to your team. In our next episode, we cover Communicating and Leading Change. Be sure to tune in.
Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently:
Physical: Purchase here
International: Amazon, Booktopia, Barnes & Noble
For all other resources:
When we connect people to purpose, we inspire them. Purpose is a key driver of employee engagement.
This isn’t a new topic: humans have been searching for meaning and purpose in their personal lives and their careers for some time—seeing as we spend so much time working.
So, in this episode, we’re diving into:
Starting with Why
The Golden Circle Model
The art of storytelling
Will Brook shares Brookfarm’s "Why". He also shares how they communicate that to their team, how they connect their team to their purpose and how that then translates to the market.
In our next episode, we go deeper into communication with a structure for communication. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it.
Everyone needs to be effective at communication—thriving leaders even more so. It is the most universal skill. Effective communication is how thriving leaders engage and inspire their people to follow them.
In the next 4 episodes, we will be breaking down effective communication.
In this episode, we cover:
What is communication
Identifying the barriers to effective communication
The impact of not having effective communication
How to communicate effectively
Understanding your audience
And we hear from Will Brook, CEO of Brookfarm, on how he effectively communicates with his team and connects them to purpose.
In our next episode, we take communication another step further by connecting it to purpose. Stay tuned.