Australian Investors Podcast Leadership & masculinity: from Special Operations to The Sound of Music, with Shane Horsburgh
Dec 28, 2025
Shane Horsburgh, an ex-police tactical leader and author of Fighting Blind, dives deep into the evolving concept of masculinity in leadership. He shares insights on being guided by the soul rather than ego, emphasizing the importance of inner stillness and emotional regulation. Drawing from his experiences in Iraq and police operations, Shane discusses how leaders often collapse under complexity due to a need for control. This engaging conversation also touches on AI as a challenge for leadership and the necessity of adaptability in turbulent times.
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Moment That Shifted His Path
- Shane Horsburgh recalls an interpreter in Iraq asking, “You're either guided by your soul or driven by your ego.”
- That question forced Shane to reassess why he pursued dangerous, ego-driven roles and sparked long-term change.
From Baghdad To The Sound Of Music
- After Iraq, Shane ditched his return ticket in Dubai and travelled aimlessly to Europe, finding Salzburg and the Sound of Music tour.
- That spontaneous trip led him back to hobbies like musical theatre and helped redefine his identity beyond macho roles.
Ego Collapses Decision Space
- Acting from ego narrows options by ‘collapsing the field’ and forces single-threaded decision-making.
- Leaders who reduce ego-opened choice fields enable richer data and better decisions.