Thriving Leaders Podcast

What happens when you combine clinical depth, corporate wisdom, and a passion for thriving teams? In this powerful conversation, we explore the idea of relational intelligence and why it’s emerging as the next evolution beyond emotional intelligence. From psychological safety and the hidden signs of burnout to the real human impact of AI on our teams, Mark shares a refreshing take on what leadership truly demands today. This is one of those conversations that will stick with you. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (04:48) – Why relational intelligence is more than emotional intelligence with a makeover (13:04) – How to tune into the emotional soundtrack of your team (21:15) – Why success for a team is ultimately a feeling, not a number (22:37) – Simple ways to create a culture of trust, mattering, and safety (33:06) – The leadership mindset shift from rescuing to holding space (37:15) – How shadow AI use is eroding team conversations and coaching moments (48:07) – The link between burnout and suppressed emotions (and how to spot it early) (54:41) – Final Thoughts Thriving teams aren’t just smarter—they’re more connected. What really stayed with me from this episode is Mark’s beautiful metaphor: "Don’t just look at the dancers, pay attention to the dance." As leaders, we often get caught up in individual behaviors, but it's the collective rhythm of our teams—the unspoken soundtrack—that tells the real story. Our role isn’t to rush in and rescue, but to hold space with curiosity and care, especially in moments of change, fear, or disconnect. That’s what makes a team thrive. 

In this episode, we unpack how to make numbers meaningful, how to avoid the common traps and biases leaders fall into, and why shifting from data-driven to data-informed leadership changes everything.  Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or someone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by dashboards and KPIs, this conversation will help you see data through a whole new lens.  In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (01:30) – Smarter decisions through better data use (04:15) – Data-driven vs data-informed leadership (08:55) – Building data literacy in your team (17:45) – Common data traps and biases (25:25) – Creating a healthy, human-centered data culture (31:30) – Making strategy actionable with metrics (40:15) – Visualising and analysing with AI tools like ChatGPT (44:30) – Data as a starting point for meaningful conversations (46:45) – Final ThoughtsNumbers on their own don’t drive performance — people do.  The real power of data lies in the stories we tell about it, the conversations it sparks, and the actions it inspires.  If this episode shifts how you think about data, I’d love to hear what stood out. Leave a review, share your insights, or forward this to a leader who’s ready to make data more human.

I first met Megumi Miki back in 2009, and even then, I could feel the quiet power she carried into every room. Megumi is a Japanese-Australian speaker, author, and leadership consultant whose work has deeply influenced how I think about leadership. She’s the author of the award-winning book Quietly Powerful: How Your Quiet Nature Is Your Hidden Leadership Strength, and she’s on a mission to challenge outdated assumptions about what leadership should look and sound like. In this episode, Megumi and I dive into the idea that you don’t need to be loud to lead powerfully. We explore how quiet leaders often bring deep listening, humility, and intentionality that transform team cultures. This conversation felt like a breath of fresh air—and a much-needed reframe for anyone who’s ever felt pressure to be someone they’re not in order to lead. Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or someone simply curious about different leadership styles, this episode offers powerful insights on inclusion, psychological safety, and the true nature of influence. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (04:35) – Why Quietly Powerful is not an oxymoron—but essential (10:20) – How Megumi’s personal and professional experiences sparked the Quietly Powerful movement (28:37) – The real reasons people are quiet (30:47) – The double-glazed glass ceiling: quietness, gender, and cultural bias in leadership (34:51)– What inclusive decision-making really looks like (46:30) – How leaders can create space for all voices—especially the ones not being heard (43:45) – Final Thoughts Quiet doesn’t mean introverted or less. In fact, it might mean more. This conversation reminded me that some of the most impactful leaders I’ve worked with led not from the front—but from beside, behind, and within. The ones who create space, not just take it. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear what stood out. Share your thoughts, leave a review, and forward this episode to someone whose quiet strength deserves to be seen and celebrated. 

Michelle McQuaid is one of the most trusted voices in workplace wellbeing today. An award-winning researcher, LinkedIn Top Voice for Mental Health, and honorary fellow at Melbourne University’s Centre for Wellbeing Science, Michelle has authored nine bestselling books and hosted over 250 podcast interviews. In this episode, Michelle brings her signature blend of science, zest, and practicality to a conversation that every leader needs right now. From climbing Kilimanjaro to leading workplace research, Michelle shares insights that are impacting us all. We explore how leaders and teams can navigate the complex emotional landscape of today’s workplaces with more compassion, curiosity, and courage. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (03:06) – What “quiet cracking” really means—and why it’s different from burnout (05:19) – The hidden impact of gender norms on wellbeing (11:58) – Five signs someone on your team may be quietly cracking (and what to do about it) (18:07) – The five HEART practices for protecting against quiet cracking (37:33) – How to create secure attachment—within yourself and your team (40:50) – The neuroscience of “safe enough” and why it’s the real foundation for change (52:59) – Final Thoughts Michelle’s clarity around the quiet ways leaders and team members are fraying—while still looking "fine" on the outside. The term quiet cracking gave language to a feeling many of us haven’t been able to name. But even more powerfully, Michelle doesn’t just diagnose the challenge—she equips us with practical, science-backed tools to lead through it. If we want thriving teams, we must get more comfortable with discomfort, more honest in our conversations, and more courageous in our compassion. As Michelle says, “None of us have it all figured out—and what a relief that is.” If this conversation sparked ideas, comforted your inner overachiever, or gave you practical tools to support your team, we’d love for you to share this episode with a leader or teammate who might be quietly cracking. 

This conversation was a powerful reminder of how leadership grounded in service can transform teams, uplift culture, and create safer, more human workplaces. Mon generously shared not only practical tools and strategies—but also personal stories of grief, resilience, and what it means to keep showing up when life gets hard. Whether you lead a frontline or an executive team, there’s something in this episode for you. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (01:16) – Why service isn’t just a department—it’s a leadership mindset (04:07) – Mon’s most memorable customer service moment (it involves chocolate and the Ritz!) (14:48) – What leaders need to know about psychological safety and customer aggression (22:11) – A simple but powerful de-escalation framework (that works beyond customer service) (38:18) – How to build service culture in the face of silos, turnover, and burnout (39:28) – The three behaviours leaders must master (42:53) – Why acting on feedback (and closing the loop) is key to team engagement (44:48) – Final Thoughts If there’s one thing I’m taking from this episode, it’s this: service starts on the inside. When we create exceptional experiences for our people, we unlock extraordinary experiences for our customers.Mon has such a gift for making people feel seen. And her stories—particularly around writing her new book in Italy while processing deep personal loss—reminded me that great leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up even when it’s hard. That’s what thriving leaders do. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Share it with a fellow leader, tag us on LinkedIn, or drop me a note. These conversations are only the beginning.

What happens when a team is deeply engaged—but underperforming? In this episode, I sit down with Greg Pickering, Senior Manager at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), to explore what it really takes to lead complex, emotionally demanding teams toward high performance—without losing sight of trust, fairness, or being human. Greg brings a rich blend of leadership experience, personal insight, and even a touch of theatrical flair from his life in arts and podcasting. Together, we unpack how he led a cultural transformation inside one of AFCA’s teams—turning friction into flow, and resistance into results. Whether you're managing change, leading other leaders, or committed to building psychological safety at scale, this conversation offers practical insight and honest reflection on the messy, human side of leadership. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (07:36) – Why 100% employee engagement doesn’t always mean high performance (11:32) – How unconditional positive regard can unlock trust and candor (15:21) – Using data not just to measure—but to listen and understand (17:13) – What it takes to reestablish fairness in complex team dynamics (24:53) – How Greg balanced care and accountability to shift team performance (34:38) – What vulnerability, clarity, and psychological safety look like in action (37:12) – Leadership lessons from transforming a high-resistance, high-impact team (47:58) – Final Thoughts What struck me most was how Greg uses data not just to inform—but to connect. By digging into the deeper story beneath performance and engagement, he uncovered insights that reshaped team dynamics in powerful, lasting ways. His approach shows that setting clear expectations and holding people accountable isn't harsh—it’s one of the most respectful things we can do when we lead with care. 

What does it take to build a law firm that challenges the traditional model—and thrives? In this episode, I sit down with the leaders from Hive Legal, a values-led firm that has reimagined what it means to work in legal services. From purpose-driven strategy to radical flexibility, this conversation explores how a commitment to trust, innovation, and team alignment has shaped their success. We dive into the realities of leading with integrity, building psychological safety, and creating an environment where people genuinely want to show up, collaborate, and grow. Whether you're leading a professional services team or rethinking how your workplace shows up in the world—this episode offers practical insight and inspiration. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (02:58) – How Hive Legal pioneered flexible work long before it became the norm (09:33) – Why trust isn’t a statement on a wall — it’s something leaders practise daily (26:53) – How courageous conversations create clarity, connection and healthier team dynamics (30:04) – Leading through disruption with purpose, direction and intentional intent (34:24) – What distributed leadership looks like when your values genuinely guide behaviour (38:00) – Creating a culture that balances wellbeing with high performance (48:06) – Final Thoughts What struck me most was how clearly this team lives their values—not just words, but as a daily practice. When you create a culture based on trust and flexibility, you get teams who show up with energy, ownership, and a real sense of belonging. Hive Legal is proof that building thriving cultures isn’t fluffy—it’s strategic. If this episode sparked something in your own leadership practice or team culture, I’d love to hear your reflections. 

In this episode, I speak with Justin Williams, a leader with deep expertise in AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), digital transformation, and the human impact of innovation. Justin approaches the AI conversation not from a place of hype, but from one of grounded insight, clear values, and a commitment to learning. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping leadership, team dynamics, and the very nature of work—and what it takes for leaders to remain not just relevant, but truly human, as technology evolves. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting with tools, this conversation will stretch your thinking and equip you to lead with clarity, courage, and ethics. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (03:40) – How businesses use AI (06:42) – What AI actually is (11:02) – What AI actually means for leaders and teams today (13:56) – Risks: accuracy & prompts (16:39) – Do we have the skills to review AI? (23:01) – Privacy & transcription concerns (28:49) – Will AI reduce collaboration? (32:06) – Critical thinking becomes essential (38:01) – Tech vs human connection (42:03) – Practical ways to build trust, clarity, and energy in AI-enabled teams (49:12) – Environmental cost of AI (52:36) – Final Thoughts I particularly loved leaders need to frame the lens of learning. It’s a powerful reminder that staying present, people-focused, and open to learning is what will keep us ahead. 

What does it take to lead an Olympic-level team? Not on the field—but behind the scenes? In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Carroll AM, one of Australia’s most accomplished sports administrators. As the former CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee from 2017 to 2025, Matt led teams through some of the most complex Olympic cycles in history—including the Tokyo Games during the pandemic, the Paris Games, and the early planning for Brisbane 2032. Matt’s leadership legacy goes well beyond sport. Matt’s career spans more than 30 years, across rugby, football, and sailing—including pivotal roles with Rugby World Cup 2003, the A-League, and Japan Rugby. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004 for his service to sport. Together, we unpack what it takes to build thriving teams in high-pressure, high-stakes environments—and how purpose, trust, and clarity shape performance at every level. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (05:24) – What Olympic-level leadership looks like off the field (08:10)– How to build alignment between home and away teams (10:12) – Why strategic planning in “quads” (four-year cycles) keeps teams focused and accountable (23:44) – How trust and mutual respect underpin high performance—even when no one’s watching (25:56) – What Matt learned from managing the Tokyo Games during a global pandemic (29:41) – The power of stakeholder alignment across government, sponsors, sports, and community (39:22)– Why every role matters—no matter how visible—and how to build a “one team” mindset (43:10) – Final Thoughts One of my favourite takeaways? Matt’s story about the “home and away” teams during the Tokyo Games reminded me that contribution isn’t measured by visibility—it’s measured by alignment to purpose. When everyone understands what we’re doing, why it matters, and how we’ll get there, we unlock extraordinary performance—together. If this conversation sparked ideas for how you can lead with more purpose, clarity and connection—we’d love to hear your reflections. Thanks for joining The Thriving Leaders Podcast. Keep on thriving.

Jeremy Summers is the CEO of Insync, a consultancy known for its data-driven approach to culture, engagement, and leadership. With a rich background in financial services and operational excellence, Jeremy brings both strategic acumen and grounded leadership to the table.  In this conversation, Jeremy and I explore how they have built a people-first, high performing organisation. We discuss what it looks like to lead with kindness and courage—especially in the face of rapid change, hybrid work, and big-budget competitors. We discuss how Insync’s deliberate design choices—from dissolving the traditional executive team to embedding psychological safety into everyday behaviors—have enabled both cultural strength and commercial success. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Introduction (08:40) – Why Jeremy disbanded the executive leadership team—and what replaced it (13:34) – The importance of aligning visible behaviors with psychological safety (16:56) – How to build a feedback culture anchored in kindness, accountability and trust (24:32) – Rituals that keep hybrid teams connected, including coffee roulette and peer-led learning (30:52) – How Insync competes with global SaaS giants through its people (32:59) – What sustainable accountability actually looks like in practice (36:25) – Final Thoughts "Kindness isn’t softness—it’s the foundation for sustainable high performance." When leaders combine clarity with compassion, accountability with trust, and direction with dialogue, teams don’t just deliver—they thrive. If you're leading in a hybrid world, wondering how to deepen connection, without losing momentum, this episode is full of insight and practical inspiration. Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently: Physical: ⁠⁠Purchase here⁠⁠ International: ⁠⁠Amazon,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Booktopia,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠Audio: ⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠For all other resources: Learn more about our ⁠⁠leadership development programs⁠⁠Join our fortnightly ⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠Want to connect directly with Claire? ⁠⁠claire.gray@thrivingculture.com.au⁠⁠Follow along on ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠Check out our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠