The Dynamic Leader Podcast

In this episode, Shelley is joined by Chris Smith, a Brisbane-based leadership specialist, senior lecturer and aviation counsellor, to explore the surprising parallels between motorcycles and leadership. Bonded by a shared passion for two wheels, Chris and Shelley reflect on their personal journeys—from Chris’s early days riding a Honda CL90 through the Toowoomba bush, to Shelley’s upbringing on a farm surrounded by bikes and family road trips. Together, they dive into the way motorcyclists are perceived by the public—sometimes with fear or concern—and discuss the unique camaraderie and sense of belonging that exists within the riding community, drawing thought-provoking links to leadership, identity and human connection.Grab a copy of Chris's book: https://www.aculturalleadership.com/store/p/leadership-at-43000-feet-paperbackConnect with Chris:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-smith/Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

In this episode, Shelley sits down with Simi Rayat, a multi-award-winning global business psychologist and founder of Wellbeing Face, to explore the powerful intersection of productivity and joy. Simi shares her personal journey from the brink of burnout—feeling unfocused, overwhelmed and disconnected—to discovering how small daily practices, like five minutes of emotional check-in, can reignite focus and spark joy.With burnout costing Australian businesses up to $60 billion annually, this conversation is a timely reminder of the importance of emotional awareness, authentic leadership and creating moments of connection. Tune in as Shelley and Simi delve into how reconnecting with what truly matters can not only elevate your own wellbeing but also empower those around you through the ripple effect of joy.Grab a copy of Simi's book: https://simirayat.com/book/Connect with Simi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simirayatbusinesspsychologist/Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

In today’s episode, Shelley is joined by Fran Southward, CEO of Auscontact, to reflect on the highlights and insights from their recent annual conference, themed around innovation, disruption and evolution. From the emotional and mental demands of organising such an event to the powerful impact of creating a truly present and tech-free space, Fran shares how attendees were challenged to shift their focus, connect more deeply and engage fully. With organisations investing in their people being away from the workplace, the goal was to ensure a meaningful return on that investment—encouraging presence, open-minded listening and fresh perspectives. Join Shelley and Fran as they unpack the bold decisions, unexpected reactions and lasting impressions of a conference designed to disrupt routine, elevate people practices and inspire real change.Connect with Fran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-southward-82455b49/Learn more about Auscontact: https://www.auscontact.com.au/Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

In this episode, Shelley sits down with Hannes van Rensburg to explore the transformative power of care in leadership. Alongside his partner Siew-Fang, Hannes co-authored The Power of Care and co-founded the leadership consultancy Bento Box of Care, which champions the importance ofleading with compassion and purpose. Reflecting on a pivotal moment in 2008 while drafting afive-year plan and overseeing workplace health and safety, Hannes began to understand the deep connection between organisational culture and genuine care. This sparked a journey toward what he now calls a Culture of Care. Together, Shelley and Hannes dive into the Bento Box model and discuss how care—often sidelined in high-pressure leadership roles—can be the key to inspiring meaningful change, maintaining personal wellbeing, and reshaping the boundaries between leaders and their teams.Grab a copy of Hannes & Siew's book: https://bentoboxofcare.com/Connect with Hannes: linkedin.com/in/hannes-van-rensburg-56311160Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

Shelley continues celebrating 10 years in business with Part 2! If you missed Part 1, catch up to hear about her journey, insights, and some honest reflections on leadership.In this episode, she dives into the next 5 of the top 10 leadership questions she's received, sharing the beliefs that have helped her grow with compassion and kindness over the past decade. Here’s a sneak peek at what she covers:✨ The 5 core beliefs that guide her leadership, including:Understanding that everyone sees the world differentlyRemembering everyone is doing their best with the resources they haveBelieving people are well-intendedTrusting you’re exactly where you’re supposed to beRecognising that what annoys you in others might be a growth opportunity for yourself💡 Plus, she answers questions on:How leaders can truly motivate and engage teams (hint: it’s about helping people find their own motivation)The real impact leaders have on shaping organisational culture (it’s all in the small moments and how you show up)Why leadership development often falls short-and what we can do to make it stickIf you’re passionate about leadership, growth, and creating positive change, this episode is for you. Listen in and let’s keep leading with strength and kindness!  Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠⁠⁠Shelley books: ⁠⁠https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

Shelley left her corporate career in May 2015 so in this episode she shares some reflections of her journey.She has also taking on the task of answering the top 10 leadership questions - five are answered in this episode and the remaining five will be answered in episode #239.Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠⁠Shelley books: ⁠https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, beingcustomer-centric is no longer enough—leaders must drive a companywide shift in how customer value is understood and delivered. In this episode, Shelley is joined by Ingrid Maynard, Founder of The Sales Dr, host of the Sales Revolution podcast and author of The Sales Revolution. With over 25 years of experience transforming sales performance, Ingrid shares her insights on redefining the sales approach through a value-driven, whole-of-business model. Together, they explore the vital role leaders play in influencing, connecting and creating meaningful experiences that elevate not just the customer journey, but the impact on the business and its people.Grab a copy of Ingrid's book: https://thesalesdr.com.au/the-sales-revolution-book/Connect with Ingrid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingridmaynard/Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

In this episode, Shelley sits down with Stephanie Bown — company director, author of Curious, Connected and Calm, and an expert in transformational change and high-performance cultures. As a facilitator for the Young Presidents’ Organisation, Stephanie brings a deep understanding of today’s leadership challenges, especially in a world reshaped by AI. Together, they explore how independent thinkers can merge their strengths, challenge each other and elevate collective performance. They unpack the evolving role of AI in the workplace—not as a replacement for human thinking, but as a tool to amplify cognitive capacity. From the need for intentional thinking time to overcoming algorithmic bias, this conversation is a powerful reminder that better thinking starts with better together.Grab a copy of Stephanie's book: https://stephaniebown.com/Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebown1/Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

In this episode, Shelley dives into the powerful concept that your team is a direct reflection of what you project – your leadership is your mirror. She explores how the behaviours you see in those around you often mirror your own leadership style, even when it's unintentional. Shelley unpacks the common challenge leaders face in fostering accountability, collaboration, proactiveness and openness to feedback within their teams—highlighting that the first step isn't about looking outward, but inward. Through personal insights and practical reflections, she challenges leaders to embody the behaviours they wish to see, creating a ripple effect that transforms team dynamics from the inside out.Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

In this episode, I speak with Emma Lagerlow about the power of living with intention. Emma is a mindset coach, entrepreneur, author, podcast host and mother of four. With over 25 years of experience in finance and marketing, she is passionate about helping others achieve financial freedom, holistic wellbeing, and purpose-driven living. The pandemic was a turning point for Emma, prompting her to reassess her life and redefine what wealth truly meant. After experiencing the transformative impact of working with coaches, she felt called to guide others on a similar journey. Join Shelley and Emma as they explore how redefining wealth and being intentional with your time can help you create a rich, meaningful life on your own terms.Grab a copy of Emma's book: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/Connect with Emma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lagerlow-4a2849/Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop