THE COURAGE TO LEAD INTERVIEW SERIES

86. AMANDA DAVIES

In this episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard speaks with Professor Amanda Davies, PhD — currently based in Dubai, leading research acceleration with Dubai Police and supporting policing curriculum at their academy. Amanda shares how a single opportunity (sparked by supportive leaders and family) led her from Charles Sturt University and the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn to senior academic leadership roles in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Amanda explores the power of mentorship, how inclusive leadership means listening to the people closest to the work, and why informed decision-making matters — especially in high-stakes policing environments. She reflects on earning credibility as a non-police academic in policing settings, leading as a woman in predominantly male environments, and the importance of checking how communication lands across cultures and languages.
This is an inspiring conversation about service, courage, and the quiet leadership choices that change lives — including your own.
3 words to describe Amanda's leadership style:
Thoughtful   Courageous  Generous  
 
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The Courage to Lead - The Book
Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.
 

85. BEN PRONK

In this episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard speaks with Ben Pronk DSC — former Commanding Officer of the Australian SAS, co-author of The Resilient Shield, and co-host of the Unforgiving 60 podcast. Ben shares his earliest experience of leadership (surprisingly, in junior cricket), the influence of his father’s belief that “everything is figure-outable,” and why leadership is a learnable skill — not something you’re simply born with.
The conversation moves through Ben’s transition from infantry to special operations, the realities of leading in complex environments, and the often-unspoken loneliness of command. Ben reflects on Afghanistan, the importance of peer support, the need for humility and vulnerability in leadership, and why certainty can be dangerous in a polarised world.
Ben also discusses organisational identity and cultural transition during his time commanding the SAS, plus the role of family, stability, and relationships in shaping a meaningful life. He closes with a standout three-part guide for any leader:
 
Educate. Back yourself. Fail.
 
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The Courage to Lead - The Book
Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

84. ANTHONY BURKE

In this episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard speaks with Professor Anthony Burke—architect, educator, broadcaster and TV presenter—about leadership, purpose, and human connection. Anthony shares his philosophy of “leading from the middle,” lessons from studying at Columbia University in New York, and how great leaders hold opposing ideas in balance. He reflects on setbacks, resilience, and the discipline of reflection through running and meditation. Anthony also reveals why he landed major TV roles: he didn’t perform to the camera—he connected with people.
A powerful conversation on curiosity, courage, and building a life driven by purpose.
Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM.
The Courage to Lead - The Book
Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

83. DEB WALLACE APM

In this deeply powerful episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard speaks with Deborah Wallace APM — one of Australia’s most respected policing leaders. From frontline policing to organised crime, from tragedy to reform, Deb shares extraordinary insights on leadership, integrity, community safety, and resilience. This conversation explores authentic leadership beyond rank, the power of listening, and the human moments that define great leaders. An essential episode for anyone passionate about courage, service, and making a difference.
 
COURAGE   COMPASSION   LEGACY
 
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The Courage to Lead - The Book
Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

82. DEBBIE LEE

In this episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard speaks with Debbie Lee, owner and publisher of Ginninderra Press and Festival Director of Melbourne Jewish Book Week. From her childhood instinct to protect the kid being left out, to her early days as a book rep, to inheriting Ginninderra Press from its founder Stephen Matthews, Debbie’s story is all about connection.
She shares how she builds strong networks across the publishing world, champions First Nations and social justice stories, helps an 81-year-old survivor bring a lifelong secret to light, and supports advocates tackling gambling harm and homelessness. Debbie also reflects on identity, antisemitism, and hosting Israeli–Palestinian peace-builders in an era of deep division.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership can simply be the courage to
Connect, Include and Listen.
Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM.
The Courage to Lead - The Book
Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

81. MATT LAHOOD

In this episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, I sit down with Matt LaHood, founder and real estate CEO of The Agency. Matt shares how his leadership was shaped by his parents — a father who brought thongs to Australia and a mother who backed him to take courageous risks — and by giants like John McGrath and John Symond.
We explore how he built an “attraction business” where people queue to join, why he believes you “can’t coach care,” and how he spots and supports team members with “black clouds” over their heads. Matt opens up about difficult conversations, rejection, retention, and doing the right thing every time.
This is leadership with
Heart, Consistency and Courage.
 
 
 
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The Courage to Lead - The Book
Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

80. MICHELLE HUNTINGTON

Captain Michelle Huntington — pilot, author of Lady MacGyver, and breast-cancer survivor — shares how curiosity, preparation, and mentoring forged her leadership. From conquering air-sickness by teaching the lesson to ferrying a Beechcraft across the Pacific with a 750-kg fuel bladder and a syringe-fed oil hack, she shows why you must “fly one hour in a thousand different ways.” As a 737 Captain she led with questions, analogies, and trust, proving that checklists and compassion can coexist. Her three beacons: don’t take “no” as final, choose the hard reps, and treat every person as significant. This is a blueprint for staying calm when the air gets bumpy — in the cockpit and in life.
This conversation is about:
COMPASSION, PREPARATION, KINDNESS
 
Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM.
The Courage to Lead - The Book
Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.
 

79. HUGH BRASHER

The Humanity of Hugh Brasher: Leading the World’s Greatest Marathon with Heart
In this episode, on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Hugh Brasher — CEO of the TCS London Marathon — shares his deeply human approach to leadership. From growing up as the son of Olympic and tennis champions to leading one of the world’s most inspiring events, Hugh reveals the values that guide him: curiosity, humility, and compassion. He reflects on learning from mistakes, leading through values, and uniting communities through sport. His message is clear — togetherness beats competition. This is a story of humanity, courage, and what it truly means to lead.
This conversation is about:
Togetherness. Curiosity. Humanity.
Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM.
The Courage to Lead - The Book
Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

78. ALLY KELLY

In this powerful episode of The Courage to Lead, Allan Sicard sits down with Ally Kelly, Founder and CEO of MindBlank, to explore how early intervention and prevention can transform mental health outcomes. Ally shares her personal journey from carer to changemaker and explains how MindBlank’s innovative interactive theatre empowers people to “Spot, Share, and Refer” before crisis strikes. Through lived experience and practical wisdom, she shows how leaders, teachers, and workplaces can hold space for others and build resilience through empathy and awareness.
This is a conversation about Prevention. Compassion. Empowerment.
Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM.
The Courage to Lead - The Book
Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.
 
 

77. GARY GROVES

From a shy 14-year-old questioning how newspapers were delivered to leading Australia’s largest digital youth mental health platform, Gary Groves’ story is a masterclass in courage, curiosity, and compassion. In this episode, Gary reveals how vulnerability became his greatest strength — transforming command-and-control leadership into collaborative, evidence-based change. From the frontline of policing to shaping national reform, he shows that real leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions.
This is a conversation about courage, curiosity and compassion.
Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM.
The Courage to Lead - The Book
Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.