Future Fit Leadership

What if your brand had a signature scent that made clients feel exactly what you wanted them to feel — trust, luxury, energy, nostalgia? In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with doctors-turned-entrepreneurs Suji and Jeeva, co-founders of BrandScent, the game-changing business behind some of Australia’s most memorable branded fragrances. From maternity leave side hustle to Shark Tank and scent tech innovation, their journey blends science, storytelling, and serious startup grit. We explore how scent influences behaviour, memory, and brand loyalty — and why scent might just be your most powerful (and overlooked) branding tool. If you’ve ever said, “This place smells like success,” this episode is for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sami Makelainen is a global tech expert who’s worked across Finland, North America, and Australia. With a background in computer science and a passion for understanding how technology shapes society, Sami brings a uniquely human perspective to some of the most complex conversations in tech today. In this conversation we discuss:  The erosion of critical thinking in the age of AI Why we should treat AI like a brand-new intern, not a CEO Shadow AI, organisational risk, and how culture is being reshaped Quantum computing, ethical tech, and the futures we're not planning for This is more than just a conversation about emerging technology.It’s a deep, honest look at how AI is changing leadership, communication, and the decisions that shape our world. Get ready for a conversation that will challenge your assumptions, stretch your thinking, and reveal why the next decade may be the most transformative in human history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Jodi Geddes – co-founder of Circle In, keynote speaker, and a passionate advocate for caregivers in the workplace. Jodi shares her remarkable journey of building (and selling) a global platform that supports working parents and caregivers across life stages – from parental leave to menopause and beyond. We talk about the reality of returning to work after children, what true empathy in leadership looks like, and how burnout can creep up on even the strongest among us. Jodi opens up about her personal experiences with burnout, the power of vulnerability, and why creating a psychologically safe, family-friendly workplace isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential. We also explore how leaders can role model care, build trust through storytelling, and rethink flexibility in a hybrid world. This is a must-listen for leaders ready to embrace whole-person leadership and for anyone navigating the beautiful, messy juggle of career and caregiving. 🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to decolonise the health system? How do we shift from a system that wasn’t built for First Nations communities to one that recognises, respects, and integrates Indigenous knowledge and leadership? In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Ngaree Blow, a proud First Nations woman and a leader in public health, medical education, and Indigenous health advocacy. We explore her journey into medicine, the challenges she faced as an Indigenous medical student, and the systemic barriers that continue to impact First Nations health outcomes. Dr. Blow shares her vision for a healthcare system that is truly inclusive, where Indigenous ways of healing are valued, where representation in leadership drives better policy, and where First Nations communities no longer face the same health inequities that have existed for generations. We also discuss It’s a Mob Thing, her grassroots initiative that empowers Indigenous communities through culture and storytelling, and the upcoming It’s a Mob Thing Festival in Geelong on March 15. This conversation is about leadership, systemic change, and the power of representation. If we want a better, more equitable future, we need to start by listening to those who are leading the change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year on International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s achievements, we hear inspiring stories, and we applaud progress. But at our current pace, gender parity is still 130 years away—which begs the question: are we actually moving forward, or are we just talking about it? This year’s IWD theme is "Accelerate Action," and that’s exactly what we’re doing in this episode with Penny Locaso, whose latest research in her white paper Hidden Figures: Where Are All the Female Experts? exposes a critical barrier holding women back—their reluctance to own their expertise. We unpack the four key themes from her research, from the "ick" factor of the word expert to the invisible checklist women feel they have to complete before they step forward. We explore how fear of judgment, lack of visibility, and outdated leadership norms continue to sideline highly capable women—and why it’s time for leaders to take responsibility for creating a system where expertise isn’t just recognised, but actively elevated. This isn’t just a conversation for women. It’s a call to action for every leader, every organisation, and every decision-maker. If we truly want gender equity, we can’t just celebrate IWD—we need to use it as a moment of accountability. Penny shares powerful yet practical ways for leaders to step up, including one of the simplest but most impactful actions: publicly recognising and naming the expertise of the women around you. It’s time to stop talking about change and start driving it. If you’re serious about shifting the dial on gender equality, this is the episode you need to hear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes you optimistic? It’s a question Victor Perton, founder of the Centre for Optimism, asks everyone he meets—and in this episode, he shares why infectious optimism is the key to great leadership, resilience, and joy. Optimistic leaders inspire confidence, drive innovation, and create cultures where people thrive. They see opportunities where others see obstacles and bring out the best in their teams, even in challenging times. From his family’s incredible refugee journey to shaping leadership narratives across the world, Victor’s passion for optimism is magnetic. He dives into how small habits—like asking "What's been the best thing in your day?"—can transform workplaces, politics, and personal lives. If you’ve ever needed a reason to embrace optimism, this episode will leave you inspired to find the joy in every moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia needs 1.2 million new homes by 2029, but where will they go? And more importantly—who can afford them? In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Lucinda Hartley, urban designer and co-founder of Mondas, to unpack the biggest challenges and opportunities in housing today. From affordability struggles to alternative homeownership models, Lucinda shares practical solutions that could change the way Australians buy, rent, and invest in property. 🎙️ We discuss:🏡 Why housing is more expensive than ever—and what needs to change📊 The role of data & AI in predicting the next property hotspots💡 How shared equity models are helping buyers get into the market sooner🌆 The impact of urban design on affordability, well-being, and community If you’re a real estate professional, investor, or homebuyer, this episode is packed with insights you need to hear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Welcome to Future Fit Leadership! AI is transforming the way we work, communicate, and lead—but are we using it effectively, or are we losing the human touch? In this episode, I sit down with Leanne Shelton, founder of Human Edge AI Training, to explore how leaders can embrace AI without sacrificing authenticity. From optimising communication to enhancing productivity, Leanne shares how to integrate AI into leadership while keeping the human element front and centre. If you're a leader navigating the future of work, this conversation is for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our first episode of Future Fit Leadership for 2025.  Australia’s property market is constantly shifting—house prices, interest rates, global trends, and government policies all play a role. But what does it mean for you? In this episode we break down the latest data, analyse key market trends across every state, and discuss the impact of economic forces—(both local and global)—on property prices, affordability, and investment opportunities. Join us as we cut through the noise with expert insights and real talk about what’s driving Australian real estate. Let’s dive into the numbers that matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thank you to all our guests for an awesome 2024, to our listeners for all your support.  We look forward to sharing amazing guests with you in 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.