Future Fit Leadership

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.

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.

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.

What does it really take to lead in a way that inspires trust, creativity, and collaboration? In this episode of our Future Fit Spotlight series, award-winning leadership and mindset specialist Tanja Lee shares why coherence—being in balance emotionally, mentally, and physically—is the essential leadership quality for the decade ahead. From the neuroscience of stress to creating cultures of innovation, Tanja offers powerful insights on how leaders can shift out of survival mode and into sustainable, purpose-driven influence. 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.

Right now, 735 million people face hunger and one in three of the world’s population is malnourished. But the global food crisis is  the ‘elephant in the room’ - too often ignored in political discussions and in the media. It's a climate crisis, a conflict crisis, and a cost-of-living crisis: it demands a massive and joined-up global response that is currently lacking. In a bid to meet the UN’s second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG2) of zero hunger by 2030, one campaign is asking you to eat more beans. Its argument? Beans are cheap, long-lasting, nutritious, versatile, planet-friendly, and ubiquitous. Paul Newnham is the executive director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub, which campaigns to achieve the UN's goal of ending hunger by 2030.  I promise you this podcast will get you reaching out for more beans in your next supermarket shop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Maher, an expert in workplace safety and culture, discusses the critical importance of building safe and inclusive workplaces. Maher shares her background, having experienced workplace harassment and bullying early in her career, which motivated her to specialise in this field. Maher emphasises that the impact of poor workplace behaviors, such as bullying and harassment, can be devastating, both for the individuals directly affected as well as the broader organization. She highlights common misconceptions, such as the belief that intent matters more than the actual impact of the behavior. Maher stresses that organizations have a duty of care to address these issues proactively, rather than reactively. The discussion covers the concept of "psychosocial safety" - the need to ensure not just physical safety, but also psychological safety in the workplace. Maher outlines key elements that organizations should consider when developing anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies, such as clear definitions, reporting mechanisms, and support systems for affected employees. Maher also emphasizes the critical role of leadership in setting the tone and modeling the desired behaviors. She shares success stories of organizations that have transformed their cultures by prioritizing respect, education, and a strong speak-up culture. Looking to the future, Maher anticipates increased regulatory scrutiny and prosecution of organizations that fail to provide safe workplaces, particularly around psychosocial hazards. She encourages businesses to be proactive in addressing these issues, rather than waiting for something to go wrong. Overall, the interview highlights the significant impact that workplace bullying and harassment can have, and the importance of organizations taking a comprehensive, preventative approach to building safe, inclusive, and high-performing work environments. To find out more https://www.karenmaher.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, we welcome David Knoff, Antarctic station leader and author of 537 Days of Winter. David’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and the sheer mental fortitude required to lead a team through unprecedented isolation and extreme conditions. From managing resources and morale to navigating the mental toll of Antarctica's harsh environment—compounded by an unexpected pandemic lockdown—David shares powerful insights on crisis leadership and what it takes to keep a team motivated in the world’s most remote and challenging location. Tune in for a unique conversation that delves into leadership, resilience, and the art of maintaining hope and connection, even when you’re far from home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Elliott Dellys — founder and CEO of Phronesis, Australia’s first B Corp-certified cybersecurity firm. A former intelligence officer turned entrepreneur, Elliott is leading a very different kind of security conversation — one grounded not just in technology, but in ethics, leadership, and culture. Elliott believes cybersecurity is ultimately a people problem — and that the biggest risks we face aren’t just digital, they’re deeply human. From the rise of AI-powered cybercrime to the flawed systems that leave organisations vulnerable, this conversation goes far beyond firewalls. We explore: Why groupthink is one of the most dangerous threats inside modern organisations How fear, conformity, and poor leadership compromise security and innovation The myth of “hacking” — and what most businesses get wrong about risk What it means to build a values-driven company in an industry obsessed with fear His bold take on why Australia won’t meet its 2030 cybersecurity goals — and what real progress would look like Elliott also shares why he donates 10% of profits to social impact, why he built Phronesis around the Greek word for “practical wisdom,” and how philosophy remains his greatest leadership tool. This is a conversation about courage, systems thinking, and the urgent need for leaders who can think beyond compliance — and lead with conscience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.