Mentor List – Détails, épisodes et analyse

A must-listen for HR and people leaders looking to lead with impact, challenge traditional thinking, and build workplaces that truly put people at the centre.

In this episode of the Mentor List Podcast’s HR Connect Leadership Series, we speak to Simone Wright, a strategic HR leader known for driving large-scale transformation and designing globally admired leadership and wellbeing programs.

Together, they explore what human-centred leadership really looks like in practice, and how HR can shape the future of work through innovation, inclusion, and authentic employee experiences.

Simone shares insights from her work across organisational design, talent strategy, and cultural change, and explains why attracting, developing, and supporting talent has become a defining capability for modern organisations.

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In this episode of the Mentor List Podcast – HR Connect Leadership Series, host Simone Turner sits down with Colin Pritchard, a senior executive with a rare blend of deep HR expertise and commercial leadership experience across Australian and global organisations.

With more than 25 years in HR and 15 years in commercial and strategic roles, Colin has led across IT&T and resources industries in Australia, the UK and South East Asia. His career spans workforce capability planning, learning and development, performance and reward, HR operations, acquisitions, strategic planning and finance—giving him a uniquely holistic perspective on leadership and organisational impact.

Now the Founder of LaCe Professional Consulting, Colin works with leaders and SMEs through executive coaching and HR strategy consulting, helping them build resilient, high-performing teams and sustainable cultures.

In this conversation, Colin shares his belief that leadership is a privilege, one grounded in empathy, authenticity and commercial impact. He explores the importance of understanding the individual, leveraging diversity, fostering continuous learning, and creating healthy cultures that drive innovation and long-term business growth.

A thoughtful and practical discussion for HR professionals and leaders navigating transformation, culture and the evolving expectations of modern leadership.

Show Notes:

• Discover more about our HR Connect memberships: https://mentorlist.com/hr-connect
• Learn more about LaCe Professional Consulting: https://www.laceprofessional.com

Jins Kadwood brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this episode, bridging the worlds of sports and business. Known for his transformation from a football coach with the Australian young socceroos to a high-performance coach for business teams, Jin reveals his insights on team dynamics and performance. His upcoming book, "Lead with Love," delves into building relationships and creating a familial atmosphere within teams, concepts that he believes are essential for both sports and corporate success.

Chapters

(00:00) - Cultivating High Performance in Business

(14:14) - Building High Performance Teams in Business

(26:03) - Achieving High Performance Through Collaboration

(36:31) - Observing and Coaching High Performance

(42:44) - The Power of Team Collaboration

(48:01) - Lessons in Leadership and Innovation

(59:00) - Uncovering Entrepreneurial Insights in Luxury Brands

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Unlock the secrets to maximising the value of AI tools in your business with our insightful conversation featuring Jeremiah Mannings. Understand why not every business problem needs an AI solution and how parallels can be drawn between today's AI and past technologies like blockchain. Discover the challenges organisations face in justifying the costs of AI tools like Microsoft's Copilot, and learn why a strategic approach is essential for effective AI adoption within your company.

Hear about the long-term benefits of AI that go beyond immediate financial returns, such as productivity increases and customer service improvements. Learn the value of understanding user needs and the importance of clear communication in change management. Plus, get Jeremiah’s insights on the transition to cloud-based systems, the evolution of data leadership roles, and the critical balance between customisation and standardised processes within cloud environments.

Podcast Chapters

00:00 - Navigating the Value of AI Tools
05:46 - Evolving Ownership and Use of AI
11:33 - Data Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
22:39 - Transitioning to Cloud-Based Systems
28:11 - Managing AI Integration & Information Governance
35:27 - AI Impact on Workforce and Processes
46:50- Explaining Value Beyond ROI Metrics
53:09 - Slow Is Fast
58:37 - Gen AI vs Traditional Data Analytics

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What drives a founder to turn an idea into a groundbreaking startup? In this episode, we invite Bede Moore to explore the evolving landscape of startups and venture capital in Australia. Bede shares his journey from studying colonial history to becoming a key player in the venture capital scene. We also discuss the federal government's ESVCLP regime and its significant impact on the growth of these investment funds.

Bede offers insights into the high-risk nature of venture capital and the types of businesses that tend to thrive in this environment, providing valuable advice for those seeking seed-stage funding in emerging markets.Bede shares inspirational stories of founders who have overcome significant obstacles and highlights the importance of open-mindedness, domain expertise, and tenacity. We also touch on the exhilarating first months following a pre-seed investment, the concept of power law in venture capital, and the transformative journey of being a founder.

Podcast Chapters

00:00 - Navigating the Future of Startups

12:00 - Understanding Venture Capital and Business Growth

18:29 - Identifying Traits of Successful Founders

29:19 - Founders

40:03 - Building a Successful Startup

54:58 - Entrepreneurial Journey and Insights

59:58 - Startup Strategies and Insights

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Christine Zeitz, a trailblazer in the defence industry, joins us to share her remarkable journey leading to her ascent in leadership. Christine's diverse experience in finance, commercial contracts, procurement, and business development has equipped her with a unique skill set essential for top-tier leadership roles. As she articulates, balancing commercial returns while maintaining customer satisfaction is a delicate act, but one that is vital for success in the defence sector.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the intersection of merit, quotas, and diversity, with a keen focus on gender equality. Christine offers a candid look at the advantages and challenges she faced as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry.  She highlights the importance of leveraging past experiences to open new opportunities and the significance of having role models in leadership positions. Christine also discusses her ethical boundaries in career choices and wraps up with some rapid-fire questions on impactful books, corporate leadership, and defence technology.

Podcast Chapters

00:00 - Navigating Male-Dominated Industries

15:43 - Navigating Gender Equality and Diversity

25:08 - Transitioning to Non-Executive Board Roles

41:40 - Impactful Books and Rapid-Fire Questions

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Unlock the secrets of digital transformation and discover how AI is reshaping the business landscape with our special guest, David Banger. We unpack the rapid acceleration of digitalisation driven by the pandemic and explore the emergence of hybrid working models, digital talent acquisition, and health monitoring technologies. Gain invaluable insights into navigating this new digital age, where workplace dynamics are evolving and the importance of health awareness is more prominent than ever.

In this episode, we turn the spotlight on data privacy and cybersecurity, revealing the critical steps organisations must take to secure their data and enhance efficiency through strategic technology investments. David shares his expertise on hyper-automation and highlights the significance of eliminating non-value-adding work. As we delve into AI strategies, our conversation emphasises the crucial role of data governance, the complexities of AI transparency, and the necessity for a zero-trust environment to safeguard data security.

Podcast Chapters:

12:41 - Enhancing Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

19:19 - Data Governance and AI Strategy

24:38 - Leveraging Technology and AI Strategy

34:53 - Navigating Career Development and Leadership

47:24 - Life Lessons and Personal Growth

54:34 - Embracing Humanistic Approach in Technology

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Discover the secrets to excelling under pressure as we sit down with Sal Perna, a revered figure in law enforcement and sports tribunals. Sal’s gripping stories from his time in policing, coupled with his expert insights on sports integrity and anti-doping measures, provides a masterclass in balancing intuition with evidence-based decision-making. Hear about the real-life consequences and pressures that come with every critical choice, and find out why staying true to yourself is paramount amid external scrutiny.

Leadership isn't just about making decisions, it's about owning them. Sal shares his wisdom on navigating high-pressure situations, contrasting the collaborative Australian corporate style with the more hierarchical American approach. Gain practical techniques to maintain clarity and focus, such as taking strategic breaks and engaging diverse perspectives. Sal's experience spans both policing and corporate environments, offering a unique lens on how different leadership styles can be applied effectively depending on the situation. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to refine their leadership skills.

Podcast Chapters

00:47 - Effective Decision Making in High-Stakes Environments

11:14 - Navigating High-Pressure Decision Making

22:36 - Navigating Ethical Decision Making

35:45 - Sports Integrity and Anti-Doping Measures

43:17 - Learning From Experience and Maintaining Integrity

57:11 - Decision Making and Leadership Insights

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Unlock the secrets of effective regulation and gain unparalleled insights from Sean Hughes, a distinguished veteran in regulatory bodies and commercial roles. Discover why regulation is essential in modern business, often stepping in where self-regulation fails. Sean breaks down the evolution of compliance as a vital profession and the increasing complexity boards face in managing extensive compliance obligations. This episode is designed to equip you with a balanced understanding of the ever-expanding regulatory environment and its impact on organisational priorities.

We delve into the behavioural aspects of regulation, exploring why self-policing often fails and how leaders can influence compliance culture. Drawing on Malcolm Sparrow's theory, Sean categorises individuals based on their compliance tendencies and discusses the importance of positive reinforcement in regulatory interactions. Finally, we compare leadership dynamics between regulatory bodies and corporate environments, highlighting the benefits of embracing challenges and the role of empathy and humility in regulatory practices. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricate dance between regulation, leadership, and human behaviour.

Podcast Chapters

00:00 - Trust and Integrity in Regulation

10:37 - Regulatory Challenges and Oversight

23:42 - Role of Oversight and Professional Challenges

40:10 - Behaviour, Compliance, and Regulation

46:35 - Leadership and Regulation

54:27 - Balancing Risk and Responsibility

01:04:53 - Regulator Humility and Listening

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Sean Hughes LinkedIn

Ever wondered what separates a good football team from an exceptional one? Join us as we sit down with Gavin Brown, a seasoned player and coach, who shares his wealth of experience on building and maintaining a high-performance culture in football. Gavin delves into the delicate balance between structured roles and creative brilliance and reveals the critical importance of every team member buying into the collective vision for sustained success.

Gavin also speaks candidly about the often-overlooked transition from an athletic career to life after the final whistle. He underscores the need for professionalism, meticulous attention to diet, sleep, and continuous learning, which contributed to his impressive 14-year career. Explore the emotional and physical readiness required for this significant shift, and the value of setting new goals to maintain a sense of purpose in retirement. Gavin's personal journey from a young, unconfident player to a seasoned professional highlights the pivotal role of self-drive, determination, and evolving club infrastructures in fostering successful athletes.

Podcast Chapters 

00:00 - High Performance Culture in Football

07:44 - Creating Longevity Through Professionalism

12:21 - Navigating Competitive Dynamics in AFL

18:43 - Effective Feedback in High Performance

30:04 - Building Trust Through Communication

42:59 - Staying in the Moment Through Basics

48:16 - Seeking Inspiration in Different Codes

54:32 - Transitioning to Corporate High Performance

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