THE COURAGE TO LEAD INTERVIEW SERIES

71. BEN MILLINGTON

In this episode of The Courage to Lead, Deputy Commissioner Ben Millington shares his inspiring leadership journey from surf lifesaving as a teenager to leading operational coordination for NSW Rural Fire Service. Ben reflects on key lessons from policing in tough communities, coordinating crisis responses during the Black Summer fires and COVID, and driving reform in Queensland. With honesty and humility, he highlights the power of persistence, team trust, and listening deeply. A must-listen for leaders navigating high-stakes environments and complex change.
 
🔊 Listen now to learn how leadership in high stakes environments and more importantly how to prepare yourself to be the best leader you can be.
 
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70. JAMIE CALDWELL

🎙 Navigating Leadership in Crisis Situations: Jamie Caldwell’s Leadership Journey
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jamie Caldwell, Director of Energy Operations in New South Wales, to explore what it means to lead through complexity, uncertainty, and crisis. Jamie shares his insights on why leadership is less about technical know-how and more about human connection, trust, and adaptability.
He reflects on the challenges of operating in a rapidly evolving energy sector, the impact of shifting political landscapes, and the importance of continuous learning. From working alongside local politicians to managing diverse energy sources and ensuring equitable access, Jamie highlights the critical role of collaboration and communication in effective leadership.
We dive into the importance of fostering strong team dynamics—through open dialogue, recognition, and one-on-one connection—and how these values shape a resilient and motivated workforce.
The episode culminates with Jamie’s account of the Broken Hill electricity outage, a real-world crisis response that put leadership principles to the test. He walks us through the challenges of coordinating a statewide response, the importance of community resilience, and the need for strategic, calm decision-making under pressure.
Whether you’re leading a team, navigating change, or preparing for the unexpected, this episode is packed with wisdom for leaders at every level.
🔊 Listen now to learn how leadership in crisis is built on connection, clarity, and courage.
 
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69. PROFESSOR PAULINE BOSS

This interview by Allan Sicard on The Courage to Lead Interview Series with Professor Pauline Boss, author of Loving Someone with Dementia, looks at what our futures will be like.  1 in 2 women, and 1 in 3 men over 85, in the western world will experience dementia.  
The scary part is that the carers of dementia are currently dying quicker than the people with dementia.  
This interview and her book provides insights and valuable tips on how to navigate this challenging journey for both ourselves and our loved ones.
The interview should also act as a level of awareness for leaders in any workplace, as the role of caregiver, amongst our employees will become more and more prevalent, and how do workplaces deal with this new challenge.
 
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68. CORDELIA FINE

This interview by Allan Sicard on The Courage to Lead Interview Series explores what is really meant by Gender Equality with a true expert in the field Professor Cordelia Fine. 
This is the 2nd time Cordelia has been on our podcast(see Episode 36). She is described as a 'living legend' researcher in this field with her books on the subject having the following descriptions :
‘Ten books about women that will change your life’ (Sunday Times), '22 books women think men should read’ (Huffington Post), ‘Top 10 books on women in the past 30 years’ (The Australian) and the New York Public Library’s Essential Reads on Feminism, 100 Years After the 19th Amendment, among others. 
Her latest book titled "Patriarchy Inc" seeks to shift the dial from something we need to do in a business sense to the concept of well-being for everyone. 
As our responsibilities grow we have periods in our lives that we step in and out of paid work for care giving responsibilities as parent and as a carer, for partners, parents and relatives. 
It is unfathomable that women should be the only care givers.  As the baby boomers age, 1 in 2 women over 80 and 1 in 3 men over 80 will suffer from dementia.  A lot of people will be parents to their children and carers to their parents.  Care giving will potentially be a greater activity than paid work. 
Gender equality is getting lost in economic framing.  Equality and inclusion is about a fairer and more just society for everybody.  It really is that simple and something we should all embrace  and consider what our workplaces will need to be like to accomodate our care giving responsibilities.
 
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67. ANEACE HADDAD

This interview by Allan Sicard on The Courage to Lead Interview Series delivers a story with a twist on leadership.  As we hit the golden age of 40 + we bring with us a level of wisdom and capabilities that we didn't possess when we were younger.  
This is the story of leadership from Aneace Haddad, A C-Suite Coach who unlocks the potential of C-suite teams.
Aneace introduces "joyful rejuvenation" as a proactive embrace of change and transformation. As individuals age, their resilience increases, allowing them to approach challenges with joy and curiosity rather than fear.
He observes that leaders often default to a directive style, akin to parenting, which can infantilise team members. He advocates for empowering others, where leaders act as supportive guides rather than authoritative figures.
The conversation concludes with the importance of joy in the workplace. Aneace highlights that when leaders embody fun and positivity, it sets the tone for the organisation, inspiring creativity and collaboration.
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66. MICHELLE O'KEEFFE

This interview by Allan Sicard on The Courage to Lead Interview Series delivers a story that we do not see that often.  A CEO and a Company that genuinely puts their people first and from that building an amazing culture and a profitable business.
This is the story of leadership from Michelle O'Keeffe, CEO of Engaging.io a technology business in North Sydney that recently placed in the top 10 workplaces for the Great Place to Work Australia in small businesses for 2024-5 and ranked in the top 3 for Technology business.
Michelle O'Keeffe emphasised the importance of helping employees achieve their career goals, even if it means they move on to other opportunities. This open and supportive approach to employee development is a cornerstone of their culture. Imagine working for a company that supported you in this way. 
Another great focus that Michelle and her team have is if clients put pressure on staff to work 24/7, after hours and on weekends Michelle will push back on the client and advise them that's not they do business.  We will work hard for you Monday to Friday in business hours and provide you with an excellent outcome - that's why you chose us.  How many bosses will do that for their staff.
Is it any wonder their is a waiting list for Engaging.IO to work there.  There are always prospective staff knocking on the door wanting to work for Michelle and her team.  
This is truly a story about leaders putting people first and what comes from that.  We need more stories and more leaders like Michelle O'Keeffe and Engaging.IO.  A special thank you for Great Place to Work Australia for highlighting that these type of workplaces exist and are more than possible.
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65. PETER OVERTON

This interview by Allan Sicard on The Courage to Lead Interview Series delves into the captivating journey of renowned Australian journalist Peter Overton, exploring his path from school leadership to pivotal career moments like the Thredbo disaster, while emphasising the values of authenticity, mentorship, and teamwork that have shaped his distinguished career.
By embracing early leadership opportunities, seeking mentorship, recognising and appreciating others, staying true to oneself, and building strong connections, aspiring leaders can navigate their own paths to success.
Peter's insights serve as a testament to the power of values, resilience, and the impact of supportive relationships in achieving personal and professional growth.
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64. Wayne Larden

Wayne Larden is the Event Director of TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS - The 7th Abbott World Marathon Major.  This interview by host Allan Sicard is the second interview with Wayne Larden on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, with the first interview over 3 years ago, before the Sydney Marathon entered the qualifying process for it to become an Abbott World Marathon Major, next to the cities of Tokoyo, London, New York, Chicago, Boston and Berlin.  This is the story of how Wayne Larden and his team at Pont 3 turned a passion for marathon running and major events into Sydney becoming a World Major Marathon, putting Sydney and Australia on the world stage.  
The link to the first interview with Wayne Larden is here.
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63. REBECCA MOULYNOX

**The Power of Leadership: Insights from Rebecca Moulynox**
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the essence of effective leadership is often overshadowed by metrics and bottom lines. However, Rebecca Moulynox, General Manager of Great Places to Work Australia and New Zealand, reminds us that true leadership is about creating environments where employees feel valued, trusted, and engaged.
Rebecca’s journey into leadership began with her own experiences in the workplace. She recalls her first true leader at Bunnings, who demonstrated the importance of empathy and care. This leader not only recognised the fears of his team but also took the time to nurture their growth. His approach left a lasting impression on Rebecca, shaping her belief that leadership is fundamentally about caring for people.
Throughout her career, Rebecca has encountered both inspiring and challenging leaders. These experiences fuelled her passion for improving workplace culture.
She emphasizes that leadership is not just about authority; it’s about fostering trust and creating a sense of belonging. “If you trust the people you work for, your whole opinion of the organization changes,” she asserts.
This belief is at the core of Great Places to Work’s mission, which aims to help organizations cultivate environments where employees thrive.
One of the most compelling stories Rebecca shares is about a man who transformed his life by seeking employment at a certified Great Place to Work. After enduring a toxic work environment, he found a new role where he was appreciated and supported. The positive impact on his mental health and family life was profound, illustrating how a great workplace can ripple through personal lives and communities.
Rebecca’s insights into leadership are invaluable. She advocates for three key principles: adaptability, empathy, and humility.
Leaders must be flexible, understanding that change is a constant.
Empathy allows leaders to connect with their teams on a human level, while humility fosters an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute ideas and learn from mistakes.
In a world where many leaders fall short, Rebecca Moulynox stands out as a beacon of what effective leadership can achieve.
By prioritizing employee engagement and fostering a culture of trust, she exemplifies the profound impact that great leadership can have—not just on organizations, but on the lives of individuals and their families.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, her message is clear: leadership is a privilege, and it’s our responsibility to honour it.

62. AMELIA ADAMS

In a recent episode of the Courage to Lead podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Amelia Adams, a senior reporter for 60 Minutes Australia. With years of experience covering high-stakes global events, Amelia’s career has been marked by a commitment to powerful storytelling, resilience under pressure, and an unwavering curiosity about the world. What struck me most, however, was how her leadership philosophy transcends journalism and offers valuable lessons for anyone in a leadership role.
The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
At the heart of Amelia’s approach to journalism is the belief that storytelling has the power to change perceptions and create understanding. But Amelia emphasises that storytelling in journalism isn't just about presenting facts. It’s about elevating the voices of those often ignored or marginalised, providing a more nuanced and complete picture of complex issues.
For Amelia, leadership in journalism—and in any field—means assuming the responsibility of amplifying diverse perspectives. This involves not only telling the stories of those at the center of major events but also of those on the periphery whose experiences are often overlooked.
During the U.S. elections, Amelia noticed how many voters felt ignored and unheard by the political system. By giving these voices a platform, she helped shed light on the emotional undercurrents driving the political landscape. This ability to connect with everyday people and listen to their stories, she argues, is an essential leadership trait.
“Empathy is key,” Amelia says. “By building authentic relationships and listening with an open heart, you can create a space for trust and honest dialogue.”
Resilience: The Cornerstone of Leadership
In an industry as demanding as journalism, resilience is a non-negotiable trait.
“Resilience is not about perfection,” she explains. “It’s about adapting, learning from mistakes, and continuing to move forward, even when things don’t go as planned.”
In Amelia’s view, resilience is a learned skill—one that is built through experience, failure, and perseverance. A leader must embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and use them to improve and grow.
Curiosity: Fuelling Growth and Innovation
Amelia’s curiosity is one of the driving forces behind her career. This relentless curiosity has been central not just to her success as a journalist, but to her growth as a leader.
Leading Through Change
Amelia’s career is a testament to the power of embracing change. From small-town reporting to covering international events, Amelia has always been open to new opportunities, even when they come with uncertainty. For her, leadership is about navigating transitions with courage and adaptability.
“Seize opportunities,” Amelia advises. “Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.”
Kindness: The Unsung Leadership Quality
In the fast-paced world of journalism, where high-pressure situations are the norm, it’s easy to become hardened. But Amelia insists that kindness is a crucial leadership trait—one that is often overlooked in demanding fields.
“Kindness is a strength,” she says. “In high-stakes environments, it’s easy to become detached or cynical, but leading with compassion creates trust and fosters loyalty.”
Final Thoughts: Leadership is a Journey
Amelia’s conversation on Courage to Lead was a powerful reminder that leadership is not a destination—it’s a journey. It requires resilience to navigate challenges, curiosity to drive growth, kindness to foster loyalty, and empathy to build trust. The best leaders, Amelia suggests, are those who inspire others while lifting them up along the way.
True leadership is about empowering those around you to achieve their potential, not just your own success. As Amelia’s career demonstrates, when we lead with empathy, resilience, curiosity, and kindness, we build not just successful careers but meaningful, lasting legacies.