The Dynamic Leader Podcast

In today’s episode, Shelley is joined by Dr Michelle McQuaid to explore a heart-based approach to change and what it truly means for today’s workplaces. An award-winning researcher, LinkedIn Top Voice for Mental Health and honorary fellow at Melbourne University’s Centre for Wellbeing Science, Michelle is known for translating cutting-edge research into practical strategies that strengthen wellbeing and psychosocial safety. With nine best-selling books, more than 250 podcast interviews, and regular features in Psychology Today, Forbes and global media, Michelle brings both depth and clarity to one of the most pressing conversations of our time.Together, Shelley and Michelle unpack Melbourne University’s 2025 Workplace Wellbeing Report and examine how constant change is impacting organisations and individuals alike. They discuss the growing risks of burnout and “quiet cracking,” where people appear to be coping on the outside while silently struggling within, often driven by poor change management. The conversation also explores leadership in uncertain times - from authentic vulnerability and owning your growth, to coordinated, system-wide action that makes the invisible visible. By looking at change through the individual, collective and organisational lens, Shelley and Michelle offer practical insights on how we can better support one another and navigate change with compassion and intention.Grab a copy of Michelle's book: https://www.michellemcquaid.com/shop/Grab a copy of the workplace report: https://www.michellemcquaid.com/research/Connect with Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chellemcquaid/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 speaks with Brad Giles, founder ofstrategic planning and coaching consultancy Evolution Partners, about why bigger isn’t always better in business. Brad, who works closely with CEOs and leadership teams to build enduring organisations, unpacks how the constant pushfor growth can mask deeper issues such as fractured teams, high turnover and disappearing customers. Drawing on insights from his new book, Bigger Isn’t Better, Better Is Better, Brad explains how truly great companies focus on loyalty, culture and unique offerings that competitors can’t copy. Together, Shelley and Brad explore why the pursuit of “more” can become a trap, and how redefining growth on your own terms can lead to a better business and a betterlife.Grab a copy of Brad's book: https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/Connect with Brad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles/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 Anna Glynn - speaker, author, trainer and leading expert in sustainable high performance, to explore how leaders and teams can build thriving cultures where people excel and exceptional results follow.Anna shares her expertise on equipping leaders with the mindset, toolset and skillset to sustain high performance and navigate long-term challenges, while also unpacking the evolving demands on leaders in an era of rapid technological change.Together, Anna and Shelley discuss the shift from control to influence, highlighting how relationship-building, selling and transparent conversations about future changes are becoming essential for business growth and the importance of acknowledging fears around changing roles and guiding teams with clarity and confidence as organisations adapt to what’s next.Grab a copy of Anna’s book: https://annaglynn.com.au/book/ Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-glynn-mapp-0797b639/ Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley's books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

In this episode, Shelley speaks with Anthony Moss about boardroom insights for executive leaders. With more than 30 years’ experience in strategy and governance and CEO and Director roles across the UK, Europe, the USA and Australia - Anthony brings a truly global perspective to complex organisational challenges. A passionate advocate for advisory boards and author of The CEO Game Changer: How an Advisory Board Can Unleash Your Business Potential, Anthony shares practical, grounded insights drawn from decades in the boardroom. Together, Shelley and Anthony explore real-world challenges facing CEOs and Boards, from pursuing growth and building the right teams, to navigating market shocks, industry transformation and the strategic shifts required to stay competitive and lead with confidence.Grab a copy of Anthony's book: https://www.leadyourindustry.com/the-ceo-game-changer-book/Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymoss/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 is joined by Melissa Gonzalez —visionary entrepreneur, author, design strategist and founder of the Lioness Group. As Principal at MG2, shareholder at Colliers Engineering & Design and author of The Purpose Pivot, Melissa is known for bridging creativity with strategic problem-solving. Together, they explore the power of intuition as a leadership tool — understanding the signals shaped by our personal experiences, recognising when vulnerability guides better decision-making and resisting the noise of logic that can drown out what we innately know. Join Shelley and Melissa as they discuss how leaders can embrace intuition with awareness, reflection and confidence, unlocking a more purposeful and empowered approach to leadership.Grab a copy of Melissa's book: https://www.melissagonzalez.com/booksConnect with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagonzalezlionesque/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, we join the Auscontact Annual Webinar Series themed Connected for Impact - a celebration of how people, technology and purpose come together to shape the future of customer service. Coinciding with Customer Service Week, this conversation shines a light on the incredible impact of frontline professionals - the empathy they show, the problems they solve and the meaningful connections they create every day. Shelley shares her insights on the thought-provoking topic of The Expectations Trap: Breaking Barriers to Real Connection, inspiring practical ideas and new perspectives for businesses to take forward. Connect with 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 speaks with Megan Dalla-Camina - Author, Founder, PhD Researcher, and guide for women ready to reclaim their power, trust their wisdom and create lives of meaning, impact and deep connection. For over two decades, Megan has worked at the intersection of women’s leadership, empowerment and spirituality. Her book Women Rising is the culmination of her extensive experience - from 18 years in the corporate sector to over a decade running her own company focused on women’s leadership and empowerment. Together, Shelley and Megan explore how patriarchal systems continue to shape our workplaces and lives and how understanding the six paradoxes of power can help us quiet the inner critic, take aligned action and create space for both women and men to thrive through more equitable systems, structures and communities.Grab a copy of Megan's book: https://megandallacamina.com/womenrisingbook/Connect with Megan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megandallacamina/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 leadership consultant and keynote speaker Daniel Murray to discuss the pivotal role of empathy in driving organisational success. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience across corporate and not-for-profit environments, Daniel shares insights on how empathy is a learnable skill that underpins effective leadership and high-performing teams. Together, they delve into why smaller organisations often excel through engaged workforces and dynamic leadership, with evidence showing that employees are most motivated when their work feels meaningful and impactful.Grab a copy of Daniel's book: https://theempathygap.com/Connect with Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-empathicconsulting/https://danielmurray.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 explores the difference between talking about change and actually making it happen. Through her leadership programs, she often hears what people should be doing - but when asked what they’re actually doing, the answers rarely align. Shelley invites listeners to consider one powerful question: “What’s the very first thing that needs to happen so all the other things can happen?” Drawing on the wisdom of stillness practices that have existed for centuries, she discusses how cultivating stillness of both the body and mind can lead to embodied decision-making and meaningful action. Sometimes, that first step is as simple as a walk in nature - allowing movement to quiet the mind and clarity to rise to the surface.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 speaks with Vinisha Rathod, founder of P3 Studio, a consultancy helping businesses scale through People, Partnerships and Purpose. With over 15 years of experience across government, corporate, tech and not-for-profit sectors, Vinisha is the go-to partner for leadership, strategy and culture that work in the real world. She is also the author of The Briefcase Effect, which shares her unique personal branding method - how to attract the right people and opportunities while letting go of what no longer aligns. Shelley and Vinisha dive into The Briefcase Effect - inspired by her dad and a powerful symbol of change - exploring what’s inside your own “briefcase,” how you design it with intention, carry it with confidence and amplify it through your mindset and presence. Together, they unpack how to integrate your real self, blending the old and the new to become the best version of you.Grab a copy of Vinisha's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FDN5GJSNConnect with Vinisha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop