Exceptional Leadership
The weekly podcast for Emerging Leaders everywhere, this show will arm you with the knowledge you need to ensure you too can lead in an exceptional manner. Mathew is an experienced people leader and holds an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business.
Episodes
In this episode of The Exceptional Leadership Podcast, we explore one of the most common traps leaders and professionals fall into: the dangers of impulsivity and jumping to conclusions. From business deals and partnerships to personal relationships and team dynamics, the urge to act fast or assume motives without evidence can cost us dearly.
We’ll unpack how rushed decisions can backfire — whether it’s assuming staff ...
In this episode of The Exceptional Leadership Podcast, we explore how Dr. Gary Chapman’s famous 5 Love Languages can be adapted into the workplace to help leaders communicate more effectively, build trust, and inspire their teams. Known in the corporate world as The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, this framework gives leaders practical tools to recognise, motivate, and connect with their people in ways t...
Stepping into a new leadership role can feel exciting — and overwhelming. For many high achievers, promotion brings not just new responsibilities but also the shadow of imposter syndrome: the nagging belief that you don’t deserve your success or that others will “find you out.”
In this episode, we explore the science behind imposter syndrome, why it often strikes after a promotion, and how leaders can reframe self-doub...
In this milestone 50th episode of The Exceptional Leadership Podcast, I tackle a powerful question: “How do you balance being approachable with maintaining authority?”
It’s a challenge every leader faces. Lean too far into approachability and you risk being taken for granted; lean too heavily on authority and you may seem distant or unrelatable. In this episode, I share practical strategies for finding that sweet spot ...
In this episode of The Exceptional Leadership Podcast, we take a fresh look at leadership through the lens of personal and family finance. I break down the power of index funds—why they’ve become one of the most accessible, low-cost, and effective ways for everyday people to build wealth—and why understanding them is a leadership skill in its own right.
We’ll also explore the magic of compounding interest, showing how ...
The latest Hays Salary Guide reveals a deeper story: while competitive pay and great conditions are essential, they’re no longer enough to keep top talent engaged long-term. Employees are searching for something more—a sense of meaning, purpose, and emotional investment in the mission of the organisation.
In this episode of The Exceptional Leadership Podcast, we explore why leaders must go beyond pay and perks to inspi...
In this episode of The Exceptional Leadership Podcast, we explore the timeless story of The Emperor’s New Clothes and the critical leadership lesson it holds: the importance of having the courage to speak the truth, even when everyone else stays silent.
Strong leaders understand their north star—their core values and guiding principles—and use it to anchor their decisions. But knowing what you stand for is only half th...
Getting promoted is a career milestone worth celebrating—but it can also create friction with colleagues who feel overlooked. In this episode of The Exceptional Leadership Podcast, we tackle the all-too-common challenge of navigating colleague jealousy after your promotion.
I share four practical strategies every leader should know:
- Expect opposition and prepare mentally – Anchor yourself to your core leadership va...
Your leadership potential is directly influenced by the people you surround yourself with. In this episode of The Exceptional Leadership Podcast, we explore why great leaders must be intentional about their inner circle—both personally and professionally.
Discover how negative energy, toxic team members, and poor cultural fit can erode morale, stifle innovation, and damage organisational health. More importantly, ...
In this episode, we unpack the leadership dynamics behind the OceanGate Titan submersible disaster — a tragedy not just of engineering, but of ego, culture, and silenced dissent.
We explore the stark contrast between OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, whose charismatic but unchecked leadership style punished criticism and glorified risk, and David Lochridge, the whistleblower whose integrity and courage stood as a rare ...
Middle management is often the most demanding layer of leadership—caught between frontline realities and executive expectations. In this episode, we explore why middle managers have one of the toughest jobs in any organisation.
I unpack the unique pressures middle managers face: staying connected to daily operations, acting as the escalation point for junior leaders, and serving as the crucial link between the exe...
Failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s part of it. In this episode, we explore why exceptional leaders don’t just accept failure, they learn how to fail well. From reframing setbacks to building resilience and extracting the right lessons, this episode gives you a practical mindset shift that separates great leaders from average ones. Learn how to embrace calculated risks, bounce back faster, and create a c...
In this episode of The Exceptional Leadership Podcast, we dive into a common but complex workplace challenge: when an employee skips their direct supervisor and takes a complaint or concern straight to the next level.
I share a personal example of a time I did this myself — not out of strategy, but driven by fear, uncertainty, and a lack of trust. It’s a reminder that bypassing the chain of command often reveals d...
In this episode of Exceptional Leadership, we explore the powerful concept of positive disruption — and why the ability to lead change without waiting for permission is a defining skill of exceptional leaders.
You’ll learn why this courageous approach sets leaders apart in environments where risk aversion often leads to default “no” responses, even from other leaders. We dive into the reality that people rarely fo...
In this episode of Exceptional Leadership, we tackle a challenge that holds many leaders back: decision paralysis. Using Kodak’s infamous failure to embrace digital photography as a real-world example, we explore how overthinking and the pursuit of a “perfect” decision can lead to missed opportunities—and even the downfall of industry giants.
You’ll learn why perfection is a myth in leadership, and how delaying de...
In this episode of The Exceptional Leadership Podcast, we explore why critical thinking is one of the most important leadership skills in 2025—and why its value now extends far beyond the boardroom.
With endless information, competing narratives, and increasing pressure to make fast decisions, leaders today must be able to filter the noise, challenge assumptions, and think independently. Whether you’re steering a ...
If you’re trying to do everything yourself, you’re not leading — you’re surviving. In this episode, we break down why real leadership means stepping back, zooming out, and mastering the art of delegation.
You’ll learn why effective delegation becomes non-negotiable as your team grows, and how your true value as a leader lies in aligning your team’s strengths toward larger strategic goals — not grinding through the...
What stops people from taking action when it matters most? In this powerful episode, we explore the psychological phenomenon of pluralistic ignorance—and how it can paralyse even the most capable individuals in critical moments.
Drawing on a real-life emergency situation I witnessed, you’ll learn how leadership outside the workplace is just as important as leadership in it. I break down why people fail to act in g...
In this episode, we explore what it truly means to lead without having an official leadership title. Longevity in an organisation often builds trust and expertise — and people naturally start turning to you for answers. While that’s a great sign of respect, it’s just the beginning.
True leadership isn’t just about knowing the business inside out. It’s about understanding people, building relationships, and in...
Struggling to stay on top of your team’s budget? In this episode, I share three practical tips to help leaders improve budget management, reduce surprises, and make better financial decisions.
You’ll learn:
- Why monthly budget updates from your finance team are essential—and what to look for in those reports
- The importance of categorising income and expenses using clear cost codes and accessible invoice...
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