THE COURAGE TO LEAD INTERVIEW SERIES

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.
Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM.

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.
Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM.

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.
Follow Allan Sicard on Linkedin, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM

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.
Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn and at ALLANSICARD.COM

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.

61. MARK COYNE

Mark Coyne, the former CEO and current Executive Director of Employees Mutuals Limited (EML). Mark’s journey from professional footballer to business leader
Key Lessons and Insights:
Leadership in Sports and Business: Mark’s first true experience of leadership came from his time as a professional footballer with the St. George Dragons. He learned the importance of doing the basics right and the courage to lead from the front.
Overcoming Adversity: Mark shared a powerful story about being dropped from his team and how he turned that setback into a comeback through hard work and accountability.
Transitioning Careers: Moving from sports to business wasn’t easy, but Mark’s dedication to mastering the basics and his willingness to learn from others helped him succeed.
Building a Great Workplace: EML was recognised as one of the top ten workplaces in Australia. He emphasised the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where employees feel valued and connected to a common purpose.
Connecting with Your Team: Mark believes in the power of personal connections. He makes it a point to understand his team members’ motivations and challenges, fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
Resilience and Hard Work: Success, according to Mark, comes when hard work meets opportunity. He encourages aspiring leaders to be prepared for when opportunities arise and to embrace challenges as growth opportunities.
Curiosities and Personal Stories:
Introverted Leader: Despite his public roles, Mark considers himself an introvert. He shared how he overcame his discomfort with public speaking through thorough preparation and practice.
Family and Work Balance: Mark’s approach to leadership includes recognising the importance of employees’ lives outside of work. He organises family events to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere, which in turn fosters loyalty and engagement.
Mentorship: Mark is a strong advocate for mentorship. He believes in seeking advice from multiple mentors and adapting their strengths to fit one’s own style.

60. REIKA PHUNG

Some quotes from our interview with Reika Phung.
We need more leaders like this in our workplaces, so everyone and that means everyone has a great place to work.
"To be a strong leader, you've got to drive ego out of the equation as much as possible because the essence of leadership is that its actually about everyone else and not about you."
"The key thing for me in terms of my relationship with people in my team is to really get to know them, not just understand who they are at work but also who they are at home."
"You’re not frightened of having people with better skills than you? Because that’s for the team, not for you, but you’re part of the team."

59. TANYA TAYLOR - MAYOR OF WILLOUGHBY

In this next episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, we talk to the newly elected Mayor of Willoughby Council, for her 2nd Term, Tanya Taylor
Community Engagement in Queenstown, Tasmania
Growing up in the small, isolated community of Queenstown, Tasmania, had a significant impact on Tanya's values and sense of community. Her experiences in such a close-knit environment shaped her understanding of the importance of community engagement and support.
Transition to Event Management
Tanya's career in event management began when she worked for a professional conference organiser in Sydney, managing large international events. Despite her success, she felt a lack of fulfillment, prompting her to seek more meaningful community involvement.
Starting a Business and Navigating Challenges
Tanya started her own business to explore different types of events, including film premieres and product launches. She identified a gap in the market and started a recruitment business to connect freelancers with businesses needing staff during peak times. However, the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the birth of her third child brought significant changes.
Personal Experiences with Disability
Tanya's son, Daniel, has cerebral palsy, and her experiences as a mother have deeply influenced her leadership style and commitment to community service. She emphasises the importance of advocacy and support for families in similar situations.
Impact of COVID-19 on Community Work
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tanya was seconded to the grants team at the City of Sydney, where she transitioned from seeking sponsorship for events to distributing grants. This shift allowed her to work with food relief organisations and provide business grants to support local businesses.
Compassionate Leadership
Tanya's leadership style is characterised by compassion, courage, and creativity. She emphasises the need for leaders to be empathetic, take bold actions when necessary, and think innovatively to drive positive change.
Key Takeaways:
Compassion:** Show empathy and understanding towards others, especially in challenging situations.
Courage:** Be willing to take bold actions and make difficult decisions when necessary.
Creativity:** Think outside the box and find innovative solutions to problems.
Communication and Transparency
Tanya practices sharing social media updates after council meetings to enhance transparency and ensure that the community understands the council's decisions and actions.
Managing Burnout
Tanya acknowledges the importance of maintaining a work-life balance for mental health and family well-being. She emphasises the need to prioritise relationships outside of work and take mental health breaks when needed.
Continuous Learning
Tanya pursued a degree in community development at 47 years old, highlighting the importance of continuous learning for effective leadership.
Conclusion
Tanya Taylor's journey into leadership and her experiences as the Mayor of Willoughby offer valuable insights for aspiring leaders and community advocates. Her commitment to community building, advocacy for disability support, and compassionate leadership style serve as an inspiration for others. By embracing early leadership experiences, seeking fulfillment in meaningful work, advocating for important causes, and maintaining a work-life balance, you can make a positive impact in your community and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace your roots and early experiences to shape your leadership journey.
Seek fulfillment in work that aligns with your values and passions.
Advocate for causes that are important to you and build support networks.
Practice compassionate leadership and transparent communication.
Prioritize work-life balance and continuous learning for personal and professional growth.

58. BREDA MCCAGUE

Key Takeaways with Breda McCague
From Curious Girl to Trailblazing Leader:
Breda’s journey began with a childhood curiosity about the military, leading her to become a leader in both the defence forces and the corporate world. Her story is a testament to the power of curiosity and determination.
First Leadership Roles and Challenges:
Breda shared her early experiences in leadership, starting as a corporal and quickly rising to officer. She was the first female officer in her unit, facing challenges like unconscious bias and loneliness. Her insights into these experiences are both eye-opening and inspiring.
Military vs. Corporate Leadership:
We delved into the differences between military and corporate leadership. Breda highlighted how the clear hierarchy in the military contrasts with the fluidity of the corporate world, offering unique perspectives on leadership dynamics.
Emotional Intelligence is Key:
Breda emphasised the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. She believes that many leaders are promoted based on technical skills but lack the interpersonal skills needed to truly inspire and connect with their teams.
Overcoming Unconscious Bias:
Breda’s journey was marked by overcoming unconscious bias and proving her capabilities despite societal expectations. Her determination to advocate for diversity in leadership is truly motivating.
The Role of Music in Leadership:
Did you know Breda has a passion for music? She shared how joining a show band to support herself through college not only honed her performance skills but also provided an emotional outlet. Music, she believes, is a powerful tool for emotional expression and stress relief.
Vision Boards and Manifestation:
Breda’s use of vision boards to manifest her goals is a fascinating part of her story. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she turned to vision boards to reignite her hope and take action towards her dreams.
Mentorship and Empowerment:
One of the most touching parts of our conversation was Breda’s story of mentoring someone who was struggling to find their path. Her guidance helped transform their life, showcasing the profound impact of mentorship.
Advice for Young Leaders:
Breda’s advice to young leaders is to be brave, courageous, and bold. She encourages confronting fears and taking action despite feeling afraid, reinforcing that courage is a skill that can be developed.
Pursuing Passions at Any Age:
Breda’s journey of rediscovering her love for music by joining a rock band at 40 is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. Joy and fulfilment should be prioritised at any stage of life.