THE COURAGE TO LEAD INTERVIEW SERIES

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.

57. ISAIAH DAWE

This next episode of The Courage to Lead is truly special as I had the honour of interviewing Isaiah Dawe, the CEO of ID Know Yourself, a non-profit organisation dedicated to mentoring Aboriginal young people in and out of home care and the child protection system.
Isaiah’s story is nothing short of inspiring, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. Here are some intriguing moments from our conversation:
Leadership from Humble Beginnings:
Isaiah attributes his first true experience of leadership to an Aboriginal elder he called his "foster pop." This elder’s teachings about discipline, hard work, and making good choices left a lasting impact on Isaiah.
The Power of Kindness
A pivotal moment in Isaiah’s life was when a classmate showed him genuine care during a difficult time, igniting a spark in him to extend that same kindness to others.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite facing disconnection and mistreatment in foster care, Isaiah found solace in sports and the bond with his younger sister, adopting the mantra, "it’s you and me against the world."
Self-Care and Balance
Isaiah candidly shares his struggles with self-doubt and the importance of self-care, including physical exercise, meditation, and connecting with his cultural roots.
Transformative Mentorship
Isaiah’s organisation has supported over 250 families, emphasising the importance of creating a supportive environment where young people can thrive.
From Foster Care to Leadership
Isaiah’s journey from being taken from his family at two months old to becoming a leader and mentor is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Cultural Reconnection
Discover how Isaiah reconnected with his cultural identity and the profound impact it had on his life and work.
Stanford Experience
Learn about Isaiah’s life-changing experience at Stanford University, where he studied non-profit executive leadership on a full scholarship.  I heard recently the power of education, once you have it (education) it cannot be taken away from you.
Isaiah’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of community support and the importance of small acts of kindness. His journey from foster care to leadership is a call to action for all of us to support and uplift those around us.
A great quote at the end of the interview from Isaiah:  "If there is hope in the future, there is power in the present."  Zig Ziggler
I hope you find this episode as inspiring and thought-provoking as I did. Tune in to hear more about Isaiah’s incredible journey and the valuable lessons he has to share.
Listen to the full episode here.

56. JOHN FOONG

In the latest episode of the Courage to Lead Interview Series, I had the pleasure of speaking with John Foong, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director of Agent Experience at Domain Group. With an impressive background that includes roles as the Global Head of Account Management and Customer Engineering for Uber in San Francisco, and Global Director of Partner Sales and Strategic Alliances at Google in California, John shared his unique approach to leadership and team engagement.
Foundation of Leadership: Lessons from Family
John's first true experience of leadership was shaped by his father, who moved from Malaysia to Australia seeking a better life. His father’s leadership style focused on creating an environment that allowed John to grow without imposing his values. This early lesson taught John the importance of setting the right conditions for growth and allowing individuals to choose their own paths.
Earning Trust in a Competitive Environment
John emphasised that in today’s world, leaders need to earn their followers' trust daily. In a competitive job market, employees have the option to work elsewhere, often for equal or greater pay. Therefore, it’s crucial to create an environment where they feel valued and engaged.
Talent Management in a Competitive Marketplace
John’s time at Stanford and Google taught him that Silicon Valley operates as a talent marketplace. Companies must create conditions that attract and retain top talent. At Google, management effectiveness is taken seriously, with regular surveys assessing leadership performance.
Responding to Feedback
When John first became a manager, he realised that being friendly wasn’t enough. Feedback revealed that he wasn’t having meaningful career conversations with his team. He took steps to improve by scheduling regular career discussions and using templates to guide those conversations.
Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace
John highlighted the significance of psychological safety, a concept he learned during his time at Google. Research shows that teams thrive when members feel safe to express their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment.
Balancing Competition and Camaraderie
John believes that the best workplace cultures combine a drive for performance with a sense of enjoyment and appreciation. At Domain, social committees and events foster connectivity among employees, contributing to a fun and engaging workplace.
Building and Maintaining Professional Relationships
John shared how reaching out to his network helped him during career transitions. Even distant connections were willing to provide insights and guidance, highlighting the importance of networking.
Mentorship and Career Guidance
Throughout his career, John has benefited from supportive managers and mentors. These relationships have provided valuable guidance during pivotal moments, helping him navigate career transitions and make informed decisions.
Conclusion
John Foong’s insights on leadership and talent management offer valuable lessons for leaders at all levels. By creating an environment where employees feel valued and engaged, fostering psychological safety, and building strong professional relationships, leaders can drive performance and create a positive workplace culture.

55. GEMMA ACTON

In the latest episode of "Courage to Lead", I had the pleasure of speaking with Gemma Felicity Acton, Director of News Operations for Seven West Media. Since taking on this role in June 2024, Gemma’s career has spanned both finance and media, giving her a rich perspective on leadership. Her journey is not only remarkable but also filled with hard-earned lessons—complete with a few battle scars along the way. Authentic, credible, and deeply compassionate, Gemma’s story offers invaluable insights for leaders at all levels.
Here are the key takeaways from our heartfelt conversation:
1. Seize Opportunities Without Overplanning
“Don’t plan too much; seize the best opportunities in front of you.” Gemma shared this advice, which she received early in her career during a job interview. This mindset helped her navigate roles across finance and media, ultimately leading her to her current leadership position.
Her message? Stay open-minded, take calculated risks, and let opportunities guide you—even if they don’t fit into a rigid plan.
2. Early Leadership Lessons Shape Your Style
Gemma’s leadership journey began at a young age when she became a house captain in primary school. This experience taught her valuable lessons about navigating different opinions and emotions. Her advice to aspiring leaders? Seek leadership roles early on, reflect on those experiences, and use them to craft your own unique leadership style.
3. Recognise and Recover from Toxic Environments
After facing a toxic work environment, Gemma took a well-needed break to rebuild her confidence. She stressed the importance of recognising when a workplace becomes harmful and taking time to recover and recharge. Supportive leadership and a strong personal network were instrumental in her career success, highlighting how crucial it is to lean on friends and family during tough times.
4. Open Communication is Key
For Gemma, effective leadership means fostering an environment of open communication. She keeps her office door open—literally and figuratively—encouraging her team to share their thoughts and concerns. Curiosity also fuels her leadership, as she believes every conversation has the potential to teach something new. "Everyone has something to teach you that you didn’t know until you speak w
ith them," she says.
5. Balancing Work and Personal Life
Balancing professional and personal life is a core value for Gemma. She and her husband share both childcare and job responsibilities equally, showing that partnership and communication are essential. A strong support network at home allows her to be fully present at work and enjoy her personal life without compromise.
Golden Quotes from the Episode
Some of my favourite quotes from Gemma in this interview include her reflections on the importance of support from family and partners:
On becoming National Director of Channel 7 News: “When I stepped out and talked to my husband about it, I thought, you know what? That would be a really great thing to work on—just making sure that this is a terrific newsroom to work in.”
Final Thoughts
Gemma's journey offers valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and the importance of compassion. By embracing opportunities, overcoming challenges - relying on your support network of work colleagues, friends and family, fostering open communication, and prioritising well-being - aspiring leaders can navigate their careers with confidence and purpose. Through that strong foundation, create a great place to work for their teams and organisations.

54. JANA PITTMAN

Welcome to "Courage to Lead," where we explore the power of resilience and leadership through compelling stories.
In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to have an extraordinary guest—Jana Pittman. From Olympic athlete to medical professional and devoted mother of six, Jana embodies the essence of perseverance and empathy.
Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey, uncovering how she navigated the demanding worlds of sports, medicine, and motherhood. We’ll discuss her early leadership experiences, strategies for managing burnout, and the critical role of self-preservation. Jana shares how her personal challenges have fueled her empathy, turning hardships into strengths.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on leading with compassion, overcoming obstacles, or balancing multiple roles, Jana’s insights offer actionable advice and a beacon of hope.
Get ready to be inspired and empowered as we uncover the lessons from a true trailblazer.
This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

53. KYLEA TINK MP

Kylea attributes her first true experience of leadership to being the oldest of four children. Growing up in a small town in New South Wales, Australia, she was often expected to step up and help care for her siblings. This early responsibility instilled in her a sense of duty and the belief that if something was broken, she should work to fix it.
Kylea's upbringing in Coonabarabran, a small town with a population of around 3,000, was marked by a strong sense of community. Her parents were involved in local initiatives, teaching her the importance of contributing to the community. This collective effort mindset has been a cornerstone of her leadership style.
Despite her fond memories, Kylea felt a strong desire to leave her hometown at 18 to seek new opportunities. This decision was driven by her need for personal growth and new experiences.
Kylea candidly shares her experience of failing her first year at university, which led to her suspension. This moment of failure became a turning point, prompting her to reflect on her true passions. Encouraged by her grandmother, she shifted her focus to studying communications, which ultimately set her on a successful career path.
Kylea discusses her belief in seizing opportunities, even when they come with uncertainty. She recounts her decision to join the McGrath Foundation after the passing of Jane McGrath, emphasising the emotional connection she felt to Jane's story and the mission of the foundation.
Kylea explains the unique role of breast care nurses, which the McGrath Foundation aims to support. These nurses provide essential guidance through the healthcare system, making a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families.
Kylea is a strong advocate for gender equality and emphasises the importance of including women in leadership roles.
Kylea shares her experiences with community politics, particularly concerning the Australian Electoral Commission's proposed changes to electoral boundaries. She expresses concern about the potential abolition of the North Sydney seat, which is currently held by a woman.
In response to Allan's question about advice for those wanting to follow in her footsteps, Kylea offers three key pieces of guidance:
1. Self-Reflection: Take the time to understand what truly motivates you and what you want to achieve.
2. Build Relationships: Identify key players in your field and engage with them to learn and grow.
3. Embrace Opportunities: Be open to saying yes when unexpected opportunities arise, even if they don't align perfectly with your initial goals.
Kylea's journey exemplifies the courage to lead with both heart and head. Her experiences highlight the importance of resilience, community engagement, and the need for leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo. As she continues her work in parliament, Kylea remains committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for all Australians. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders to embrace responsibility, seek new experiences, and advocate for meaningful change in their communities.

52. ANNA GLYNN

Informal Leadership: The Foundation
Anna's leadership journey began in university, where she often found herself nominated to lead committees and social initiatives.
* Seek Opportunities: Look for informal leadership roles in your community or workplace. These roles can provide valuable experience and help you develop essential leadership skills.
* Focus on Impact: Concentrate on the positive impact you can have on others, regardless of your title. Leadership is about influence, not authority.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
When Anna was offered her first formal management position, she experienced feelings of imposter syndrome.
* Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance and support. Their experience can help you navigate the challenges of leadership.
* Continuous Learning: Invest in management courses and personal development to build your confidence and skills.
Recognising and Building on Strengths
Anna discusses her shift from traditional leadership approaches to a strengths-based model.
* Identify Strengths: Use tools like StrengthsFinder or CliftonStrengths to identify the strengths of your team members.
* Align Roles with Strengths: Restructure roles to align with individual strengths, enhancing performance and job satisfaction.
Navigating Pushback and Resistance
Implementing new strategies often comes with pushback, particularly from those accustomed to traditional methods.
* Use Evidence: Present research and case studies that support the benefits of a strengths-based approach.
* Emotional Resonance: Highlight the positive impact of focusing on strengths, as people are more motivated when their strengths are acknowledged.
Embracing Continuous Learning and Resilience
Learning from Challenges
Anna reflects on the challenges she faced during her leadership journey, including moments of doubt and frustration.
* Seek Support: Identify and connect with your "green apples" for encouragement and validation.
* View Failures as Opportunities: Maintain an optimistic outlook and view failures as opportunities for learning and growth.
Educational Background and Positive Psychology
Anna's educational background, including her coaching and management courses, has significantly shaped her leadership philosophy. Her introduction to positive psychology provided her with practical strategies to implement within her team.
* Invest in Education: Pursue courses and certifications in positive psychology and leadership to deepen your understanding and application of these concepts.
* Encourage Autonomy: Foster a sense of choice and autonomy within your team, allowing them to test various strategies and find what works best.
Launching a Leadership Practice During a Crisis
Anna launched her practice coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Be Adaptable: Embrace change and be willing to adapt your strategies to meet new challenges.
* Support Well-Being: Prioritise employee well-being, especially during times of crisis, to maintain a motivated and engaged workforce.
Writing "Strong" and Future Projects
Creating a Leadership Playbook
Anna's book, "Strong," emerged from her desire to share practical strategies for leaders.
* Share Your Knowledge: Consider writing a book or creating content to share your leadership insights and strategies with a broader audience.
* Plan for the Future: Develop a vision for future projects that can continue to provide value and support to leaders.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Anna encourages listeners to seek out their champions—individuals who believe in a better way of leading and creating thriving workplaces.
* Build a Community: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can support and inspire you on your leadership journey.
* Prioritise Well-Being: Focus on creating an environment where your team can thrive, leading to better outcomes for the organisation.