In today’s episode, I speak with Lawrence Lam, the managing director and founder of Lumenary Investment Management, a funds management firm specialising in strategic investments in global founder-led companies. Before founding Lumenary, Lawrence was an investment banker at some of the world's top global firms. He is also the author of The Founder Effect—a psychological blueprint for founder-led companies. As an investor, Lawrence takes a unique approach to leadership, focusing on management teams that demonstrate long-term excellence. He emphasises that true profit sustainability lies in a business model’s ability to grow into the future, maximising wealth beyond short-term gains. In this conversation, Lawrence and Shelley explore the key traits of successful executive teams, particularly the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how great leaders with a long-term vision instil this mindset throughout their organisations, fostering a culture of sustained success.Grab a copy of Lawrences book: https://lawrencelam.org/Connect with Lawrence:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-lam-354b84bb/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 conversation, Shelley chats with Nancy Ho about the Professional Paradox—striving for success without sacrifice. This is a concept Shelley explored deeply with many of her leaders last year. In a world of constant demands, balancing ambition with well-being and driving performance while maintaining resilience is a challenge. Can true success exist without sacrifice? Nancy, a seasoned thought leader, life strategist and clarity messenger with over 26 years of experience, has guided countless professionals toward holistic success. She empowers leaders to find the delicate balance between professional achievement and personal fulfilment. Join Nancy and Shelley as they discuss the mindsets, habits and strategies that help leaders thrive—both in their careers and in life—and explore what sustainable success truly looks like.Connect with Nancy: https://www.nancyho.net/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-ho-46370567/Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

Today's podcast was inspired by a viral LinkedIn post that caught Shelley’s attention, amassing over 14,000 comments. The post featured a person holding a coffee, alongside a quote stating, "I’ve cancelled my weekly 1:1 with my staff," suggesting that doing so empowered his team by reducing micromanagement. Shelley, however, strongly believes that 1:1 meetings are among the most valuable conversations leaders can have, fostering capability, engagement and support. In this episode, she dives into the true purpose of 1:1s, how often they should take place and the key elements of a productive agenda—covering priorities, development, personal well-being, performance and progress. Shelley emphasises that while direct reports should take ownership of these meetings, they also serve as a crucial opportunity for leaders to provide guidance and be present for their teams. Tune in as she unpacks why meaningful conversations are essential for effective leadership.Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley's books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

With the rise of AI-assisted written communication toolsthat enhance our written expression, many have shifted away from verbal communication, potentially losing the art of authentic speech. In this discussion, Shelley is joined by Deanna Cooney, a 20-year veteran in the voice-over and acting industry, as well as a voice and speaking coach in WA specialising in practical voice-over skills. Together, they explore verbal communication from a leadership perspective, the impact of over-preparation on authenticity, conversational flow and active listening. Deanna also shares insights on trusting yourself to communicate effectively in the moment and how to identify key points to present relevant information with confidence.Connect with Deanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannacooney/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 conversation, we’re redefining workplace wellness for the modern world with Dr. Elizabeth Kirk, founder of Beyond Ergo—one of Australia’s leading experts in behavior-based office ergonomics and injury prevention. Liz is on a mission to reshape how we work and care for ourselves in the digital age, drawing on research into the health risks of tech-driven, sedentary work. Join Shelley and Liz as they explore simple yet effective ways to release shoulder tension and improve posture using the three-step method—Roll, Reset, Relax—integrating ergonomics, stretching, and aerobic exercise to relieve tension headaches and shoulder pain.Connect with Liz: https://beyondergo.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkirktraining/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, the tables have turned and Shelley is interviewed by, friend and colleague, Viren Thakrar on conflict.Viren, founder, facilitator and product manager of In the Game, brings 17 years of experience in psychology, collaborative design and facilitation to help organisations foster value-led cultures. In this discussion, Shelley shares the importance of conflict—why it excites her, why it’s necessary and how to navigate it effectively. She explains that cohesion is the goal, but conflict is the vehicle that gets us there. Together, Shelley and Viren take us through the spectrum of conflict, from "playing nice"—where excessive agreeability stifles challenge and growth—to the risks of unspoken disagreements leading to resentment and disengagement. They emphasise the need for open, value-aligned conversations where differing perspectives are communicated clearly to build stronger, more engaged teams.Connect with Viren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virenthakrar/https://inthegame.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 a world filled with uncertainty and ambiguity, fear and insecurity can take hold when we’re unsure of what lies ahead. Simon, as a leading geographer and demographer, provides clarity by showing how human behaviour follows predictable patterns tied to life stages. Through demographic insights, he helps us understand how societal shifts, economic trends and political factors shape Australia and the World. While the key drivers remain constant, Simon examines behavioural changes and evolving values to reveal their impact. His insights offer practical guidance for managing organisations and leading teams—cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters.Connect with Simon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonkuestenmacherConnect 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 chat with Glin Bayley, known as the Value Negotiator, a non-executive director, self-leadership coach, author, and speaker. Glin’s unique approach to negotiation is rooted in the belief that it's not just about what you do, but who you become in the process.Famous for herGlin & Tonic events—intimate connection circles designed for deep conversations—she is passionate about guiding others in growth and value creation. Writing is her tool for reflection, and through herGlin & Tonic blog, she shares insights on authenticity and self-expression.In this discussion, Glin and Shelley explore how sharing personal insights can open up deeper dialogue—not just in negotiations with others but also within ourselves—unlocking new possibilities for growth, meaningful relationships, and sustainable success.Grab a copy of Glin's book: https://www.thevaluenegotiator.com/playbookConnect with Glin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glinbayley/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 Fran Southward about disrupting leadership approaches and driving meaningful change. As a change agent with a proven track record in connected engagement and leadership, Fran has been aligned with Shelley for the past nine years. With expertise in Contact Centre design and optimisation, she brings extensive stakeholder engagement experience as CEO of the peak industry body for Australia’s Contact Centre sector. This year’s Auscontact Conference in Melbourne focuses oninnovation, disruption and evolution—sparking strategic and controversial conversations to drive real organisational outcomes. With technology not being the only solution, the industry is embracing innovation, challenging conventional practices and expanding thought leadership to redefine the future of the operating craft.Register for the Auscontact National Conference: https://www.auscontact.com.au/Web/Web/Activities/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=NATCONF25 Connect with Fran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-southward-82455b49/Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠Shelley books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop

Today, Shelley is speaking with Steve Vamos on leading through disruption and change. With 40 years of experience in global technology and digital media, Steve has held leadership roles as CEO of Xero, CEO of Ninemsn and Managing Director of Apple Asia Pacific and he serves as a non-executive director on multiple boards. As the author of Through Shifts and Shocks: Lessons from the Front Line of Technology and Change, Steve will share insights on navigating disruption, the critical role of the How in executing change and the challenges of turning common sense into common practice. He emphasises that while people are an organisation’s greatest asset, aligning individual objectives with business purpose, priorities, resources and technology is key—yet often difficult to achieve. As businesses scale, ensuring alignment becomes even more crucial, as misalignment is what ultimately leads to failure. Steve’s perspective highlights that our mindset and actions in response to change determine our success, making adaptability, teamwork and collaboration essential for meaningful progress. Grab a copy of Steve's book: https://www.stevevamos.com/ Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevamos/ Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠ Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠ Shelley's books: https://www.shelleyflett.com/shop