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
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...
In this episode of the Exceptional Leadership podcast, we explore five practical leadership strategies that will set you up for success in your first 30 days in a new leadership role. Whether you’re an emerging leader, newly promoted manager, or stepping into a new team, these focus points will help you build trust, clarity, and momentum quickly.
We cover:
- Why optional one-on-one meetings can drive better engag...
Chaos can be frightening, but it can also present opportunities for courageous leaders to implement positive change. However, like most things in life, there is a flip side, and that is that chaos can also create leadership vacuums which are then filled by people with ill intent and bad ideas.
As leaders, we must be alert to both possibilities and act accordingly.
🔗Links to Socials:
Instagram https://www.instagra...
Good culture is the foundation for organisational success, and as leaders, we’re responsible for building and maintaining it. What are the consequences of poor culture and how can you correct it? Better still, how can we avoid toxic culture from taking root in the first place?
Follow the show on Instagram for more content here https://www.instagram.com/exceptional_leadership_podcast?igsh=MXh0bWk1ZGgyMXduaA%3D%3D&...
What techniques can we utilise to optimise ourselves as leaders? Perhaps more importantly, why do we need to ensure we’re optimised, and what’s at stake if we aren’t approaching the issue seriously? It’s not just about getting the best out of yourself, it’s about ensuring you don’t burnout altogether.
Follow the show on Instagram for more content here https://www.instagram.com/exceptional_leadership_podcast?igsh=M...
Understanding your personality type, and the personalities of those we lead can be enormously valuable in helping us harness our strengths, mitigate our weaknesses, and communicate more effectively with those around us.
Use this link to do a FREE personality test: https://www.16personalities.com/
Follow the show on Instagram for more content here https://www.instagram.com/exceptional_leadership_podcast?igsh=MXh0bWk...
One of the most difficult aspects of leadership is making logic based decisions that have an emotional cost to ourselves and those we lead. It’s just one of the reasons why people leadership is such a difficult thing to do well.
Follow the show on Instagram for more content here https://www.instagram.com/exceptional_leadership_podcast?igsh=MXh0bWk1ZGgyMXduaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
As leaders, we need to be able to operate with composure in chaotic environments, as everyone looks to us for direction. To achieve this we must be like water.
Follow the show on Instagram for more content here https://www.instagram.com/exceptional_leadership_podcast?igsh=MXh0bWk1ZGgyMXduaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
For networking opportunities and access to knowledge from established leaders across my network, join ...
It’s important to understand when we’re limiting ourselves due to self-doubt, anxiety, and fear, versus objective reality. Understanding this dichotomy may be the difference between unlocking successful career evolution and staying stagnant.
Follow the show on Instagram for more content here https://www.instagram.com/exceptional_leadership_podcast?igsh=MXh0bWk1ZGgyMXduaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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