Empowering Leaders

Brad Harrison is not your typical venture capitalist. A decorated US Army Airborne Ranger and West Point graduate turned founder of Scout Ventures, Brad now sits at the cutting edge of national security, investing in the technologies shaping our future—AI, space, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems. But beyond the battlefield and boardroom, Brad’s leadership journey is just as much about inner work as outer impact. In this episode, he opens up about his shift from combat missions to meditation, from elite operations to yoga retreats. Brad shares how practices like breathwork, biohacking, and self-reflection help him stay grounded while navigating high-stakes innovation. He unpacks the delicate balance between military deterrence and peacekeeping, and why technologies like AI and autonomy, when guided by ethical, empathetic leadership, can be forces for good. With a deep emphasis on authenticity, self-improvement, and community, Brad offers a unique perspective on what it takes to lead. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julian Treasure, a sound and communication expert known for his impactful TED Talks, shares invaluable insights on the art of listening. He emphasizes that effective leadership isn't just about speaking well but listening actively. The discussion highlights the dangers of noise pollution on our health and the transformative power of silence. Julian introduces his initiative, The Listening Society, aimed at enhancing communication in education and business. He also tackles the need to teach essential skills like listening in schools for better problem-solving and engagement.

What if being a better human is the most underrated performance tool of all? In this episode, leadership expert and author Dr. Peter Rea joins Luke Darcy to explore why character - not talent - is the real game-changer in leadership, teamwork, and parenting. Drawing from years of teaching and research, Peter breaks down how timeless virtues like courage, humility, and forgiveness can transform the way we lead, live, and raise the next generation. Peter shares the three incredibly potent questions every parent should ask their kids after school and he beautifully distills decades of research into simple mindset shifts with profound ripple effects like boosting performance, lowering anxiety, and building resilience.  Packed with timeless wisdom and practical takeaways, and insight after insight - you'll find yourself coming back to this episode again and again for fresh perspective and motivation. We know you are going to love this conversation about leading with heart, building strong relationships, and embracing the messy, human side of growth. *** You’ll hear Luke reference a recent episode with Dr. Pippa Grange. If you haven’t listened to it yet, you should! Check it out here. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here or visit Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Bec Daniher, Executive Director of Fight MND and daughter of AFL legend Neale Daniher. Recorded and released just days ahead of Big Freeze 11 on June 9, this conversation explores Bec’s personal and professional journey as she leads the fight against one of the world’s most brutal diseases — motor neurone disease (MND, better known in the USA as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). Bec reflects on the emotional toll of her father's ongoing battle with MND since 2013, and champions his enduring message: action over words. With over $115 million raised to date, Fight MND continues to drive vital research and awareness. Bec shares how humor, community, and collaboration fuel their mission and why she believes true leadership is about creating a better future for others. To get involved and learn more about ways to donate head to FightMND here. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke is joined by Dr. Ben Hamer, a leading sociologist and futurist, to explore the seismic changes redefining work, leadership, and life in the 21st century. Ben discusses the evolving role of AI and predicts a future where autonomous agents play a key part in our daily lives. He also outlines the critical skills leaders must now cultivate—especially AI literacy, emotional intelligence, and above all, curiosity. The conversation touches on how younger generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reshaping workplace expectations with their demand for authenticity, connection, and purpose. Ben also explores our negativity bias and how it impacts the way we tend to perceive the future, and why that means embracing optimism and adaptability is more important than ever. Ben draws insights from his experience in sport, leadership, and academia to make a compelling case for collaboration, lifelong learning, and the importance of balancing personal well-being with professional impact in this age of exponential change. Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you have a big career, raise a family, and still feel like yourself at the end of the day? For Dixie Marshall, the answer is yes - and she’s done it with her signature mix of courage, clarity, and collaboration. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Dixie shares her incredible journey from becoming Australia’s first female AFL boundary rider to leading high-stakes government communications and now serving on influential corporate and community boards.Along the way, she’s balanced her ambition with true authenticity, navigated industries that sadly weren’t built for women, and discovered that the stories we tell - and the ones we tell ourselves - have the power to shape culture and shift outcomes.Dixie speaks candidly about the challenges she faced breaking into sports media, the transformational power of curiosity, and the value of surrounding yourself with diverse thinkers who challenge your perspective. She offers practical wisdom on career transitions, building resilience, and why collaboration is more than a buzzword - it’s a leadership mindset. Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this mind-expanding episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Dr. Andy Walshe, one of the world’s foremost experts on elite human performance. In this conversation, Andy invites us to reimagine performance—not as a solitary pursuit, but as a collective journey toward becoming more human in an increasingly technological world. With over two decades of experience working with Olympic athletes, cultural leaders, special forces, and pioneering innovators, Andy brings a rare depth of insight into what drives human excellence. As Director of High Performance at Red Bull, Andy led groundbreaking initiatives like the Red Bull Stratos mission—coaching Felix Baumgartner to the edge of space and back in a record-breaking leap that captivated the world. Now, as the Chief Performance Officer and founding member of Liminal Collective, he continues to push the frontiers of what’s possible in human potential. In this chat with Luke, Andy tells us how to unlock elite performance in any field, why empathy and curiosity are crucial tools for leaders and he drives home the importance of patience and self-compassion for our own personal growth. Andy and Luke also discuss what artificial intelligence means for the future of human capability. This episode is a masterclass in mindset, preparation, and leading with purpose. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Lorena Bernal—a celebrated actress, model, and entrepreneur whose life and work are rooted in elegance, intention, and inner strength. With a career that spans global television hits like CSI: Miami, NCIS, and Chuck, as well as appearances on the covers of Elle, Marie Claire, and more, Lorena is no stranger to the spotlight. But it’s her off-screen journey that reveals a deeper, more inspiring story. Today, as the founder of Live Love Better, Lorena is redefining what it means to live with purpose—focusing on self-growth, mindfulness, and empowering women around the world to lead connected, intentional lives. Born in Argentina, raised in Spain, and educated in France, Lorena brings a global perspective to leadership, authenticity, and resilience. A proud mother of three boys and wife to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, she speaks candidly with Luke about the evolution of motherhood, the balance between personal and professional life, and the courage it takes to be true to yourself in every chapter of life. Throughout this heartfelt conversation, Lorena shares why perfection is the enemy of authenticity, the vision behind Live Love Better, and how mindfulness shaped her parenting and leadership style. This episode is filled with wisdom, warmth, and real-life insight from a woman who lives what she leads. Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Luke sits down with one of Australia’s most celebrated portrait artists, Vincent Fantauzzo. Known for capturing the souls of icons like Heath Ledger, Paul McCartney, and Australia’s first female Prime Minister - Julia Gillard, Vincent shares the raw and deeply personal journey behind his acclaimed work. From his early life in Melbourne’s commission housing to global success, Vincent embodies resilience, passion, and purpose. Vincent tells Luke how despite the challenges of severe dyslexia and leaving school at 14, he managed to carve a path through creativity, discipline, and sheer determination. Despite facing severe dyslexia and leaving school at 14, Vincent’s neurodivergence became a catalyst for his creative genius. His remarkable path is a testament to how different minds can lead us to powerful new perspectives. In this raw conversation, Vincent opens up about the emotional process of writing his memoir, how art became his therapy, and why human connection lies at the heart of every portrait he paints. He also reflects on the life-changing influence of his boxing coach and the importance of nurturing children’s individuality and passions. This episode is a celebration of creativity, courage, and the beauty of seeing—and thinking—differently. Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Luke Darcy is joined by Dr. Pippa Grange—renowned psychologist, author, and culture coach—for a moving and enlightening conversation on the soul of sport, the power of vulnerability, and the true meaning of performance. Best known for her groundbreaking work with England’s national football team, Pippa helped shift their fear-driven mindset into one of connection, courage, and psychological freedom. Her influence was pivotal in England’s transformative journey to the 2018 World Cup, and her character and her work is now being portrayed in the award-winning West End play Dear England that explores just how their success became possible. Pippa’s career began in Australia, advising several AFL teams, before taking on the role of Head of People and Team Development at the Football Association—home of the world’s oldest national football team. Her influence now reaches far beyond sport. Pippa and Luke discuss the dangers of shallow winning, the regenerative power of love and soul in competition, and the necessity of self-awareness and authentic connection in leadership. It’s a conversation that encourages you to start thinking about success as a deeper, more fulfilling expression of human potential. We’ve all felt the tension between high performance and personal wellbeing and Pippa has the salve. Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia. If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.