Thriving Leaders Podcast

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: What “quiet cracking” really means—and why it’s different from burnout The hidden impact of gender norms on wellbeing Five signs someone on your team may be quietly cracking (and what to do about it) The five HEART practices for building psychological safety at work How to create secure attachment—within yourself and your team The neuroscience of “safe enough” and why it’s the real foundation for change 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: Why service isn’t just a department—it’s a leadership mindset Mon’s most memorable customer service moment (it involves chocolate and the Ritz!) What leaders need to know about psychological safety and customer aggression A simple but powerful de-escalation framework (that works beyond customer service) How to build service culture in the face of silos, turnover, and burnout The three behaviours leaders must masterWhy acting on feedback (and closing the loop) is key to team engagement 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: Why 100% employee engagement doesn’t always mean high performance How unconditional positive regard can unlock trust and candor Using data not just to measure—but to listen and understand What it takes to reestablish fairness in complex team dynamics How Greg balanced care and accountability to shift team performance What vulnerability, clarity, and psychological safety look like in action Leadership lessons from transforming a high-resistance, high-impact team 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: How Hive Legal redefined flexibility before it became a trend Why trust is a daily practice, not a policy The role of courageous conversations in driving clarity and connection Leading through disruption with purpose and intentionality How distributed leadership works when values are shared Building culture that supports wellbeing and high performance What happens when you treat people like adults—and mean it 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: What AI actually means for leaders and teams today Why curiosity and ethics matter more than ever How to lead through ambiguity—not avoid it The mindset shifts needed to stay future-fit Practical ways to build trust, clarity, and energy in AI-enabled teams 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: – What Olympic-level leadership looks like off the field – How to build alignment between home and away teams – Why strategic planning in “quads” (four-year cycles) keeps teams focused and accountable – How trust and mutual respect underpin high performance—even when no one’s watching – What Matt learned from managing the Tokyo Games during a global pandemic – The power of stakeholder alignment across government, sponsors, sports, and community – Why every role matters—no matter how visible—and how to build a “one team” mindset 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: Why Jeremy disbanded the executive leadership team—and what replaced it The importance of aligning visible behaviors with psychological safety How to build a feedback culture rooted in kindness, accountability and trust Rituals that keep hybrid teams connected, including coffee roulette and peer-led learning How Insync competes with global SaaS giants through its people What sustainable accountability actually looks like in practice "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

Grant Gemmell is the Managing Director at Facet5 Global, and someone I’ve had the privilege of working alongside for over 15 years. His deep expertise in personality science—and his commitment to unlocking human potential—has shaped how I think about team dynamics, psychological safety, and the value of quality conversations at work. In this conversation, we go deep into what it takes to build truly thriving teams. We explore how rituals, boundaries, and better dialogue can radically improve the way teams connect, collaborate, and perform. In this episode, we cover: Why personality should be seen as a lens, not a label—and how that shift transforms team culture The role of mutual understanding and respect in building psychological safety How clear personal boundaries support trust, wellbeing, and long-term performance Grant’s five “super skills” of meaningful, high-quality conversations What happens when teams misuse personality tools—and how to course-correct Simple, powerful rituals that sustain connection in hybrid and dispersed teams The most urgent leadership shifts needed right now—and the surprising trends to watch  In the work I do with teams—and in writing this book—it’s clear that conscious self-awareness isn’t optional anymore. It’s the foundation for everything: how we show up, how we connect, and how we lead with intention. If you're curious about the real inner workings of high-performing teams, this conversation is for you. Where to get the book, Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently: Physical: ⁠Purchase here⁠ International: ⁠Amazon,⁠ ⁠Booktopia,⁠ ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ Audio: ⁠Audible⁠ & ⁠Spotify⁠ For all other resources: Learn more about our ⁠leadership development programs⁠ Join our fortnightly ⁠newsletter⁠ Want to connect directly with Claire? ⁠claire.gray@thrivingculture.com.au⁠ Follow along on ⁠Linkedin⁠ Check out our ⁠website⁠ 

In this episode, I sit down with Leo Bottary—author of Peernovation and founder of Peernovation, LLC—to explore what truly makes teams thrive in today’s complex and collaborative work environments. With a rich background in CEO advisory groups and an unwavering commitment to psychological safety, Leo brings deep insight into the power of peers to transform team dynamics. From the core principles of servant leadership to the vital role of psychological safety in innovation and performance, Leo shares how the very best teams operate—and how leaders can intentionally create those conditions. In this episode, we cover: Why psychological safety is not optional—but essential—for thriving teams The five key factors that underpin peer-powered performanceHow peer forums became a blueprint for high-performing teams The critical difference between collaboration and cooperation Why leadership is about creating the conditions for others to succeed One of my favourite takeaways? Thriving teams are intentional and create habits and rituals such as celebrating wins, reflect on progress and embed learning. I also love his tips when asking for help, which can feel uncomfortable. This episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to tap into the collective intelligence of their teams and create cultures where accountability, trust, and performance go hand-in-hand. I’d love to hear what stood out for you—let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going. Link/s: Connect with Leo: leo.bottary@peernovation.biz Visit: http://peernovation.biz Buy Leo’s book: https://a.co/d/6qfVD5O

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kaye Monk-Morgan—President and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center—to unpack what it really means to lead in today’s civic and organisational environments. Kaye brings three decades of leadership wisdom and a sharp lens on adaptive challenges, systems change, and collective accountability. From her roots in education to influencing public leadership across Kansas and beyond, Kaye offers rich, practical insights into how leadership can (and must) be practiced by everyone—not just those with authority. In this episode, we cover: Why leadership is an activity, not a role—and how that changes everything The difference between authority and leadership (and why it matters for teams) How to distinguish technical from adaptive challenges in real time The role of civic leadership in tackling issues like homelessness, parks, and public planning How shared and systemic accountability builds stronger, more resilient teams One of my favourite takeaways? Leadership doesn’t always mean stepping up—it often means stepping aside, giving the work back, and creating space for others to lead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating complex change or seeking to build a thriving culture where leadership is truly everyone’s business. I’d love to hear what stood out for you—let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going.