Todd Duncan: The 10 Word Question You Need To Ask Every Client

Michael Cheika: Leading Across Cultures - What Business Can Borrow From Sport

What does it take to lead at the highest level, consistently - across teams, cultures and continents? Michael Cheika has coached national rugby sides in Australia, Argentina and Lebanon, but his leadership journey began much earlier - shaped by the resilience, humility and drive of his immigrant upbringing in Western Sydney. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Michael joins Luke Darcy for a candid and powerful conversation on emotional intelligence, public pressure, and the challenge of building alignment in high-performance teams. He reflects on how he’s learned to balance vulnerability with toughness, what business can borrow from sport, and why defeat often teaches more than success. With his trademark honesty and curiosity, Michael opens up about the influence of his family, the value of lifelong learning, and how great leaders never stop evolving - on or off the field.   The Leadership Playbook in London on September 5, 2025 Discover leadership insights from two of the world’s most respected coaches. Aleda invites you to “The Leadership Playbook”, a live panel discussion with NBA legend Steve Kerr and Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta. This exclusive 90-minute session will share raw, unfiltered insights on: Building teams that thrive under pressure Leading with authenticity and clarity Driving performance through challenges These strategies translate directly into business and leadership, empowering you to build high-performing teams and lead with confidence in any environment. Event Details Date - Friday, 5 September  Time - 3:30pm to 5:00pm  Location - The Londoner Hotel Special Offer for listeners of the Empowering Leaders podcast Enjoy 20% off General Admission and Front Row Tickets with code ALEDA20. For tailored group discounts, please reach out to the team at Aleda via info@aledacollective.com Book your ticket here  Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from two of the greatest minds in leadership and performance. This session is being run as part of the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025, hosted over 4 and 5 September at the Londoner Hotel. The conference features many other incredible, high profile speakers from the world of leadership and wellness and spots are limited. If you are interested in attending or learning more about the conference, please check out the What's Happening page on Aleda's website.    Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yasmin Poole: How to Speak Up - Even When It’s Hard

From busking in a bushfire-prone town in country Victoria to speaking on international stages like the UN, APEC and G20, Yasmin Poole has become one of Australia’s most compelling young voices for justice, inclusion, and systemic change. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with the award-winning speaker, writer, advocate and Rhodes Scholar for a wide-ranging conversation. Yasmin opens up about her upbringing in regional Victoria, how her mother’s experiences as a Muslim woman in post-9/11 Australia shaped her worldview, and the challenges that have forged her sense of identity and justice. Luke and Yasmin unpack the mental load of advocacy, the power of bringing your whole self into leadership, and how anyone can move from apathy to agency when they have integrity, self-awareness, and, most importantly, the courage to refuse to stay silent. For people who want to be seen - not just in the room, but at the actual table - Yasmin knows more than anyone about how to get there through the power of speaking up and making a difference, even when it's hard or inconvenient for others to hear. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Hussey: How to Lead When the Heat Is On

What does it take to stay calm under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and lead with humility? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Mike Hussey, Mr Cricket himself, for a conversation that goes far beyond the boundary line. Known for his resilience, consistency and quiet strength, Mike reflects on the long road to his debut for Australia, the mental demands of elite performance, and the routines that helped him thrive under pressure. Now a respected coach and commentator, he shares what he’s learned about leadership from his time in the IPL, the power of clear communication, and why values like respect, curiosity and humility matter more than ever. Mike embodies the kind of growth that comes from showing up, staying grounded, and never losing the love of the game. You’ll hear Luke reference his recent conversion with the incredible Dr Peter Rea - listen or re-listen here. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.