

Future Fit Leadership
Sadhana Smiles
Welcome to Future Fit Leadership a podcast for emerging and experienced leaders to learn, grow and become future fit!
There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic.
In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth.
No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry.
Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.
Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au
Or connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/
There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic.
In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth.
No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry.
Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.
Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au
Or connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 3, 2025 • 13min
“Why Great Leaders Design Work That Works for Everyone” with Michelle Redfern
In this Spotlight episode, Michelle Redfern calls on leaders to take radical accountability — not just for results, but for developing people. She shares why skills are the defining currency of the future, why too many leaders still overlook talent development, and how inclusive workplace design can unlock untapped potential. From leadership brand to business intelligence, Michelle breaks down her BQ-EQ-SQ model and challenges leaders to lead with intention, integrity, and a clear sense of purpose. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 27, 2025 • 10min
From Purpose to Plastic: Nik Robinson on Leading with Courage, Curiosity and Kids
Nik Robinson, founder of purpose-led brand Good Citizens, joins us for this episode of the Future Fit Spotlight series. Known for turning plastic waste into stylish, 100% recycled sunglasses—and doing it alongside his two young sons—Nik brings an honest, refreshing take on what it really means to lead with purpose, courage, and collaboration. In this candid conversation, Nik shares why vulnerability is a superpower, how his kids challenge him to think differently, and why the best leadership doesn’t come from the top down—it comes from listening deeply, embracing discomfort, and staying curious. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 20, 2025 • 9min
Gen Z, Trust & the Future of Work: Leadership Insights with Ashly Fell
In this episode of our Future Fit Leadership Spotlight series, demographer and social researcher Ashly Fell explores how generational change is reshaping the workforce—and what leaders need to do about it. From Gen Z’s expectations of purpose and flexibility to the future of workplace culture and trust, Ashly brings a fresh, data-backed lens to leadership. If you’re managing multi-gen teams or designing culture for the future, this conversation is essential listening. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 13, 2025 • 7min
How to Lead with Humanity, Clarity and Courage with Michelle Loader
Michelle Loader is the Managing Director of Future Leadership — an organisation shaping the future of board and executive capability in Australia. In this Spotlight episode, Michelle shares the three traits she believes are essential for future-fit leaders, the underestimated risks and opportunities of AI, and why empathy is now a business-critical skill. It’s a grounded and insightful conversation about what it takes to lead with humanity, clarity, and courage in a fast-changing world. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Leadership Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 6, 2025 • 11min
Curiosity, Human Leadership, and the Power of Unlearning with Ben Hamer
In this episode of our Future Fit Leadership Spotlight series, futurist and workforce expert Ben Hamer shares what it takes to lead in a rapidly changing world. From the underestimated power of curiosity to the rise of Gen Z in the workforce, Ben challenges outdated assumptions and urges leaders to prioritise adaptability, energy over time, and human connection. This short conversation is packed with forward-thinking insights—from managing energy instead of hours, to rethinking what younger generations value most at work. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 29, 2025 • 10min
Spotlight Series - The Courage to Lead with Compassion with Penny Locaso
What if leadership wasn’t about being the loudest in the room — but the most human? In this episode, Penny Locaso, behavioural scientist and founder of the Impact Makers movement, shares a bold vision for the future of leadership — one built on compassion, long-term thinking, and women leading unapologetically on their own terms. Penny challenges traditional leadership models and explains why the next era of leaders must stop asking for permission and start defining success by impact, not ego. If you’ve ever questioned how leadership should feel — this conversation will shift your thinking. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 22, 2025 • 8min
Spotlight Series - The Best Leaders of the Future will Ask Better Questions with Michelle Broadbent
What if the best leaders of the future aren’t the ones with all the answers — but the ones who ask better questions? In this episode of our Future Fit Spotlight series, trusted advisor and business strategist Michelle Broadbent reflects on the leadership qualities we’ll need most in the decade ahead: adaptability, empathy, and a clear, distraction-proof strategy. Michelle shares why we must shift from being the “expert in the room” to the enabler of others, and why redefining success — away from hustle and towards purpose — is not just a trend, but a necessity. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 15, 2025 • 9min
Spotlight Series - Flexible, Fast & Human: The New Rules of Leadership with Lucinda Hartley
In a world where change is accelerating faster than ever, what does it take to lead with clarity and courage? Urban futurist and co-founder of Neighbourlytics, Lucinda Hartley, joins the Future Fit Leadership Spotlight to explore why curiosity, flexibility, and authenticity will define tomorrow’s leaders. She shares how speed is reshaping leadership, why perfection is holding us back, and what it means to lead with momentum — even when we don’t have all the answers. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of change, Lucinda offers a refreshing take on how to stay relevant, responsive, and human. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 8, 2025 • 12min
Spotlight Series - Leading for the Future You Won't See with Elliott Dellys
What happens when our technology evolves faster than we do? In this episode, strategic advisor and ethical business advocate Elliott Dellys reflects on the future of leadership in a rapidly changing world. Elliott shares why visionary thinking, resilience, and empathy aren’t just desirable leadership traits — they’re essential for navigating misinformation, rebuilding trust, and leading with purpose in an age of disruption. He also unpacks the role of adaptability, ethical business, and creating a legacy that goes beyond profit. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 1, 2025 • 10min
Spotlight Series - Why Growth Mindset and Calm Leadership Are the Future with Dr Marianne Broadbent
In this episode of our Future Fit Leadership Spotlight series, we hear from Dr Marianne Broadbent, global executive advisor, board director, and leadership educator. Marianne shares what it means to lead with a growth mindset, why we must become more comfortable with ambiguity, and how the rapid rise of geopolitical disruption is catching many leaders off guard. She also reflects on the power of calm leadership, the importance of staying curious, and why taking accountability with empathy will be one of the most essential leadership qualities in the decade ahead. This is a quick yet powerful conversation with one of Australia’s most respected voices on leadership and governance. 🎧 Part of our limited Future Fit Spotlight series — four questions, fresh perspectives, and leadership insights that stay with you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.