Welcome to ”Leaders of Influence Podcast,” the podcast dedicated to helping you uncover and harness the power of your unique voice. Whether you’re a leader, an entrepreneur, a parent, or someone looking to make a difference, this podcast will guide you through strategies and insights to amplify your influence.
Join us as we explore stories, tips, and actionable advice from industry experts and thought leaders to help you step into your full potential and leave a lasting impact on the world around you.
Tune in and start leading with influence today!
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Leadership Lessons: Why Struggle Makes Us Stronger with Elena Chirich
Episode 189
Sunday, October 11, 2026 • Duration 30:42
Elena Chirich reflects on the leaders who shaped her journey, from astronaut Valentina Tereshkova to Margaret Thatcher and Jacinda Ardern. She explains how embracing authentic leadership led her from corporate transformation work to supporting children’s growth. Her approach centers on helping people feel capable through safe challenges, trust, and room to learn from mistakes. Elena also discusses psychological safety and why leaders and parents should praise effort and decision-making rather than results alone. She closes with a call for servant leadership that helps others grow and go further.
Takeaways:
Help people feel capable, not merely comfortable. Offer safe challenges that stretch team members and children just beyond their comfort zones, supporting growth without overwhelming them.
Make mistakes safe to learn from. Responding to mistakes with curiosity rather than punishment encourages people to take initiative, try new things, and improve.
Praise effort and decisions, not just outcomes. Recognizing the choices and work behind a result helps people build confidence without tying their self-worth solely to achievement.
Quotes:
Don’t make them feel comfortable, but make them capable
Struggle makes us stronger
When you see them making good decisions. Praise that, not the results
Timestamp:
00:00 The Power of Influence
00:46 The Leaders Who Shaped Elena
03:46 Discovering Authentic Leadership
06:28 Finding Purpose Beyond Corporate Life
09:13 Rethinking Leadership
13:53 Creating Safe Challenges
15:00 Psychological Safety and Learning from Mistakes
18:42 Praising Effort and Decisions
25:23 Servant Leadership
Conclusion:
Elena Chirich’s experiences show how leadership can evolve from rigid expectations toward authenticity, empathy, and purpose. Her approach helps people grow through safe challenges rather than keeping them comfortable. When mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn, people are more willing to take initiative and grow. Praising effort and thoughtful decisions builds confidence beyond results alone. Ultimately, servant leadership means helping others go further and achieve more than they could on their own.
What Does It Mean to Lead Through Influence, Trust, and Consistency? with Kaushik Sridhar
Episode 188
Thursday, October 8, 2026 • Duration 47:58
Dr. Kaushik Sridhar, founder of Orka Advisory, shares how his experiences in sport, sustainability, and education shaped his understanding of influence. He explains why influence comes from impact, trust, credibility, and consistency, not job titles or authority. Drawing on his personal journey, he reflects on resilience and the lessons that helped him grow. You’ll also hear practical ways to navigate resistance to change, influence senior leaders, and build support without formal authority. His closing message is simple: true influence is measured by how much better people are because you were part of their journey.
Takeaways:
Influence is about impact, not authority. Build it through trust, credibility, consistency, and a positive effect on others.
Meet resistance with curiosity. Listen to understand its source, clarify the purpose, reduce uncertainty, involve people, and lead by example.
Influence is built through everyday actions. Listen deeply, communicate clearly, act consistently, and aim to leave people better than you found them.
Quotes:
For me, influence isn't measured by how many people know your name. For me, influence is measured by how many people are better off because you were a part of their journey.
Influence is not about control; it's about helping people see the value of moving in a particular direction and making it easier for them to say yes.
Listen deeply, communicate clearly, and act consistently.
Timestamp:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kaushik Sridhar
04:01 Defining Influence
07:17 Personal and Professional Influences
10:17 Kaushik’s Tennis Journey
12:04 Overcoming Childhood Trauma
17:14 The Art of Winging It
19:24 Influencing Without Authority
23:38 Navigating Resistance to Change
26:44 Teaching, Coaching, and Sustainability Advisory
30:51 Managing Up and Challenging with Respect
35:23 Building Everyday Influence
42:50 Storytelling and Public Speaking
44:18 A Life of Positive Influence
The Hard Truth About Career Growth with David Neal
Episode 187
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • Duration 55:56
David Neal, veteran and CEO of Eighth Mile Consulting, shares a practical perspective on influence, leadership, and management. He explains why leaders need to adapt their approach to the context, shifting between clear protocols, operational trade-offs, and strategic contradictions. The conversation explores how facilitation can help people learn how to think rather than simply follow fixed rules. Drawing on his work with ex-incarcerated veterans, Neal discusses building rapport, accountability, and lasting behavior change. He closes with a challenge for aspiring leaders: take responsibility and accept risk on behalf of others to grow your influence.
Takeaways:
Influence depends on context. Effective leaders adapt their approach to the situation rather than relying on a single leadership style or fixed rule.
Leadership and management serve different functions. Leadership focuses on people and change; management creates systems and order. Strong leaders know when to shift between them.
Influence grows through responsibility. Neal argues that leaders build trust by accepting risk on others' behalf and taking responsibility when things go wrong.
Quotes:
People’s influence is directly proportional to the level of personal risk they’re willing to accept on others' behalf.
If you want more influence, accept more risk and when it goes wrong, take the hit.
It’s a very dangerous game to teach people what to think in leadership. It’s a game of how to think.
Timestamp:
00:00:23 Welcome to the Leaders of Influence Podcast
00:03:38 Defining Influence
00:04:58 Leadership and Management
00:11:18 Facilitation Over Presentation
00:13:23 Why Context Matters
00:17:25 Leadership at Different Levels
00:20:48 Navigating Leadership Paradoxes
00:30:48 Learning from Experience
00:33:46 Information Overload and Decision-Making
00:39:24 Building Rapport and Accountability
00:45:50 Growing Eighth Mile Consulting
00:51:47 Responsibility, Risk, and Influence
How Can Leaders Inspire and Empower Others Through Authentic Leadership? Tim Hewson
Episode 186
Sunday, October 4, 2026 • Duration 49:17
Tim Hewson joins Anton Guinea to explore how influence can shift from persuading people to inspiring, empowering, and supporting them. He shares how authentic leadership and vulnerability changed the way he connects with colleagues and understands what motivates them. Tim also tells the story of Mongrels Men, which grew from informal golf weekends into a community supporting men’s mental health, with around 60 volunteers. The conversation looks at self-care, psychosocial safety at work, and the shared roles of organizations, leaders, and individuals in supporting wellbeing. Tim’s message is that lasting influence grows through care, connection, practical support, and recognizing what matters to others.
Takeaways:
Influence is about empowering people. Tim describes moving from a corporate view of influence persuading people to inspiring, supporting, and helping them achieve what matters to them.
Connection and vulnerability strengthen leadership. Being authentic, listening to people, and understanding their motivations can build trust and help teams work better together.
Wellbeing is a shared responsibility. Organizations shape the conditions and culture, leaders support open conversations, and individuals speak up and care for their wellbeing.
Quotes:
“Knowing what is best for you allows you to turn up to be the best version of yourself.”
“If you continue to run at that high energy pace when you're switched on, you will turn yourself in knots, and that's not always a good place to be.”
“If you can understand what makes people tick, what they value, you know you can lead through influence, through care and support, by helping them achieve what they want to achieve, not necessarily what you want to achieve.”
Timestamp:
00:00 Introduction to Tim Hewson
02:19 Redefining Influence
03:32 Authentic Leadership and Vulnerability
08:29 Leaders Who Make an Impact
11:19 Leading for Impact
14:20 How Mongrels Men Began
16:32 Self-Care and Wellbeing
20:22 Learning to Switch Off
22:09 Workplace Mental Health and Legislation
29:09 Shared Responsibility for Wellbeing
33:20 The Meaning Behind Mongrels Men
34:33 Coaching Others to Influence
38:33 Recognition and Motivation
40:13 Influence Through Care and Support
44:20 Tim’s Closing Reflections
Conclusion:
The Truth About Upskilling: Mitch Cook Interview
Episode 185
Thursday, October 1, 2026 • Duration 43:20
Brisbane Tigers CEO Mitch Cook joins Anton to share how he rose from volunteer sports trainer to leading a major development club in rugby league. He reflects on the high standards and values he absorbed at the Melbourne Storm and Collingwood, and how those environments shaped his own leadership philosophy. Mitch explains why trust-based leadership, consistent behavior, and listening without judgment are central to positively influencing how people feel, think, and grow. He also opens up about his personal wellbeing toolkit family, running, and music and how looking after himself helps him show up as his best self at work and at home. The conversation finishes with a look at the Brisbane Tigers’ long-term vision, their NRL expansion ambitions, and the responsibility clubs have to support players and staff through career transitions.
Takeaways:
Positive influence starts with trust and consistency. Mitch shows how leading with trust, role modeling the right behaviors, and showing up consistently can shape how people feel, think, and grow.
High-performance cultures are built on clear values and standards. Lessons from clubs like Melbourne Storm and Collingwood highlight that alignment to a common goal, high standards, and strong communication underpin sustained success.
Great leaders prioritize wellbeing and development for themselves and others. Mitch uses his own wellbeing toolkit (family, running, music) to be his best self, while focusing on developing future leaders and supporting players and staff through career transitions.
Quotes:
Be a positive influence on how people feel, think, behave, and grow.
Lead with trust and give people the confidence to step up.
Be the best version of yourself so you can help others be the best version of themselves.
Timestamp:
00:00 Welcome and Mitch Cook’s Background
03:20 From Personal Training to Strength and Conditioning
04:58 Lessons from Melbourne Storm and High-Performance Culture
08:03 Defining Positive Influence and Trust-Based Leadership
10:59 Parenting, Presence, and Creating Future Leaders
13:14 People Who Shaped Mitch’s Leadership Journey
18:22 Influence Mitch Is Most Proud Of
21:08 Wellbeing Toolkit: Family, Running, and Music
26:40 Leading Diverse Stakeholders Across a Club
28:48 What It Means to Be a Development Club
30:50 Player Transitions and Life After Professional Sport
33:49 The Brisbane Tigers Story and NRL Expansion Vision
37:12 Anton’s Summary of Key Leadership Insights
40:23 Mitch’s Final Philosophy on Meaningful Leadership
Can Kindness Survive Politics? Heidi Victoria’s Journey
Episode 184
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 • Duration 44:07
Former politician and stroke survivor Heidi Victoria joins Anton to share how her fight for her son’s bilingual education unexpectedly led to a 12-year parliamentary career. She explains how real influence starts with a clear end goal and is powered by persistence, empathy, and the courage to stand up for what’s right. Heidi reveals how a life-threatening stroke became a turning point, fueling her advocacy with the Stroke Foundation and deepening her appreciation for mortality, health, and second chances. She and Anton dig into practical leadership lessons around quiet influence, emotional regulation, and adapting your communication style so the listener truly hears you. Heidi also talks about returning to her roots as a photographer, helping women show up authentically in their personal brands while championing equality, kindness, and respect for every person, regardless of title or role.
Takeaways:
Influence starts with a clear purpose – Heidi shows that true influence is a means to an end, driven by a clear goal, like fighting to save her son’s bilingual education program and ultimately entering politics to make change.
Quiet leadership is powerful – From whispering in a chaotic parliament to staying calm with angry people, Heidi demonstrates that low, slow, and empathetic communication can be more effective than loud, forceful tactics.
Crisis can become a calling – Her stroke and recovery deepened her “mortality motivation,” leading her to advocate for stroke awareness, prevention, and respectful, human-centered leadership while returning to authentic, purpose-driven work in photography.
Quotes:
Treat everybody with kindness. That's not a sign of weakness. That's a sign of strength.
We've got to make the most of what we can do.
You can only have influence if they get it.
Timestamp:
00:00 Meet Heidi Victoria: From Photography to Politics
03:45 Correcting the Record: Updating Heidi’s Political Bio
06:30 Defining Influence and Fighting for a Bilingual School
12:40 Lessons from Mum: Standing Up and Making a Difference
18:10 Whispering for Power: Quiet Influence in Politics
24:30 Stroke Story: The Day Everything Changed
30:20 FAST and Stroke Awareness: Saving Lives with Knowledge
35:10 Advocacy and the Stroke Foundation: Turning Pain Into Purpose
40:00 Leadership, Kindness, and Equality on International Women’s Day
How Can Leaders Use Influence and Action to Build Loyalty in High-Risk Industries? with Matt Campiutti
Episode 183
Sunday, September 27, 2026 • Duration 33:54
CEO Matt Campiutti from Walz Group joins Anton Guinea to explore how real influence is built through motivation, inspiration, and consistent action. He shares formative lessons from his parents’ long careers in nursing and teaching, and how those values of loyalty and hard work shaped his leadership. The conversation digs into leading teams in high-risk industrial environments, balancing safety, process, and commercial pressures. Matt explains how authenticity, approachability, and visibility help him empower frontline leaders and maintain a genuine family culture across the business. Listeners also hear how titles, ego, and respect intersect, and why actions always speak louder than words for any leader.
Takeaways:
• Actions define leadership more than words – consistent behavior, fairness, and respect do more to build influence than any speech or slogan.
• Authenticity and approachability build trust – staying the same person after gaining a title, keeping doors open, and being visible on site help leaders earn genuine respect.
• Safety and family values drive decisions – prioritizing safety, process, and a family-like culture over pure price competition shapes which clients the Walls Group works with and how they operate.
Quotes:
• I guess influence, in a leadership sense, is really just having the ability to motivate and inspire your colleagues.
• For me, I try to let my actions do the speaking, and I think that way, yeah, the talk is always a short-term thing.
• Actions speak louder than words.
Timestamp:
0:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Matt Campiutti
0:03 – What Influence Means in Leadership
0:04 – Family Roots, Hard Work, and Loyalty
0:06 – Creating Loyalty and a “Family” Culture at Walls Group
0:07 – Mentors, Founders, and Long-Term Influence
0:09 – Who Leaders Influence Most: Teams and Children
0:11 – Leadership Character: Actions Over Words
0:14 – Double Standards, Culture, and Leading by Example
0:15 – Sleepless Nights and Caring About Safety
0:17 – Safety, Quality, and Choosing the Right Clients
0:18 – Critical Role of Frontline Supervisors
0:19 – Coaching New Frontline Leaders and Staying Authentic
0:22 – Titles, Ego, and Not Changing Who You Are
0:23 – Approachability, Open Doors, and Being Visible on Site
0:25 – Respect, Simple Conversations, and Human Connection
0:25 – Walz Group Elevator Pitch and 50-Year Milestone
0:26 – Host Summary of Key Leadership Lessons
0:31 – Final Leadership Message: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Why a Simple Phone Call Changes Everything With Adele McAuley
Episode 182
Thursday, September 24, 2026 • Duration 50:07
Adele McAuley shares how she grew from a quiet, unsure student into the managing director of a high-performing international freight forwarding business. She unpacks what freight forwarding looks like day-to-day, from urgent mine-site deliveries to moving massive capital-works cargo across the globe. Adele reveals why she calls herself an “accidental CEO” and how leadership found her long before she had any formal qualifications. The conversation dives into how she builds a strong team culture, develops young talent like Carly and Jared, and keeps morale high in a demanding service-based industry. Listeners also hear Adele’s core belief that hard work, attitude, and consistent follow-through will always attract the right people willing to invest in your success.
Quotes:
Yeah, making miracles happen daily.
I feel like sometimes I'm a magnet for those kinds of customers, for the high-needs ones or the ones that get burnt or something, and just need to get some Facebook support in.
Show up, put in the effort, and the right people will find you; they will help you, guide you, and take you where you need to go.
Key Takeaways
Leadership can be “accidental” – Adele didn’t plan to be a freight forwarder or a managing director, but saying yes to opportunities and responsibility gradually led her into senior leadership.
Attitude beats formal education – she emphasizes that hard work, effort, and the right mindset matter more for success than completing degrees or having perfect qualifications.
Strong culture starts with the leader’s behavior – Adele intentionally sets a positive tone each day, truly knows her people, and invests in their growth, which creates a team that pulls together so no one sinks.
Episode Timeline:
0:00 – Introducing Adele McAuley and Powerhouse International Queensland
3:14 – What Freight Forwarding Really Looks Like Day to Day
6:53 – Making Miracles Happen and the Power of Picking Up the Phone
10:36 – Adele’s Unexpected Career Path into Freight and Leadership
15:22 – Early Influences, Opportunities, and Learning from Global Partners
19:17 – Defining Influence and the Hidden Impact of Small Actions
21:28 – The Grade Five Responsibility Story and Discovering Confidence
25:16 – Pride in the Team: Jared, Carly, and a Culture of “No One Sinks”
32:20 – How Adele Builds and Protects a Strong, Positive Culture
36:43 – Learning Leadership from Experience, Not Textbooks
39:03 – Advice to Aspiring Leaders: Attitude Over Education
46:40 – Final Message: Show Up, Put in the Effort, and the Right People Will Invest in You
How Can Servant Leadership and Kindness Transform Your Ability to Influence Others? with Poya PJ Sobhanian
Episode 181
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 39:24
Anton sits down with Dr. Poya “PJ” Sobhanian, a dentist and multi-site executive, to unpack what influence and leadership really look like when you’re responsible for hundreds of people. PJ shares how his parents and Christian faith shaped his ideas of citizenship, service, and servant leadership, and why he believes leadership is fundamentally “influence to change.” The conversation dives into practical examples from his dental practice and public roles, including how he developed teenagers into standout professionals through training and trust. Anton and PJ explore the power of micro-decisions: how you dress, how you show up, what you walk past, and how they silently shape culture more than any speech. They wrap by emphasizing kindness and grace toward yourself and others as the foundation for sustainable change and a workplace people actually want to be part of.
Quotes:
Influence isn’t about being in charge; it’s about being the reason people choose to change.
The strongest leaders build teams that can thrive without them, not systems that collapse when they step away.
Servant leadership isn’t soft; it’s the hardest path because it puts responsibility for everyone’s growth on your shoulders.
Key Takeaways
Leadership = influence to change
Leadership is fundamentally about influencing people to change their behavior sustainably, which makes it very different from simply managing processes.
Servant leadership starts with intent and citizenship
True servant leadership is grounded in service, values, and citizenship, showing up as a reliable, respectful member of your community and team, and setting the tone through your daily actions and standards.
Trust, kindness, and consistency create lasting impact
Long-term influence comes from being consistent, doing what you say you’ll do, visiting and listening to people on the front lines, and practicing kindness toward yourself and others so that grace and high-performance culture can follow.
Episode Timeline:
0:00 – Introduction to Dr. Poya (PJ) Sobhanian and His Leadership Journey
3:40 – Defining Influence and the Difference Between Leadership and Management
4:44 – Early Influences: Parents, Faith, and the Roots of Service
8:13 – What Servant Leadership Really Looks Like in Practice
13:46 – Developing Young Talent and Shaping First Work Experiences
17:26 – Coaching Senior Leaders to Increase Their Influence
22:16 – Leadership, Decorum, Discipline, and Professional Presence
23:27 – Leadership as Influence to Change and the Role of Values
27:23 – What’s Next for PJ: Machu Picchu, Career Transition, and New Opportunities
31:24 – Reflections on Dentistry, Responsibility, and Service
35:49 – Kindness, Grace, and Creating Positive Work Environments
Conclusion:
How Did a Maths Teacher Become a Data Analytics Leader and World Champion Athlete? with Oliver Signorini
Episode 180
Sunday, September 20, 2026 • Duration 32:45
World champion surf lifesaver and data analyst Oliver Signorini shares how a childhood spent in surf lifesaving and years of “average” results eventually led to Australian and world titles. He reflects on the power of influence, from sporting heroes and resilient parents to his partner's quiet, steady support. Oliver opens up about his time as a high school maths teacher, the challenge of engaging restless teenage minds, and the strategies he used to help students learn to love a subject they once disliked. The conversation then explores his transition into finance transformation and data analytics, where he now uses automation, Power BI, and AI upskilling to modernize financial operations. Throughout, Oliver emphasizes resilience, failing forward, and the importance of trying new things at any age.
Quotes:
Failure is important for growth because it forces you to learn from it.
Influence is about helping people guide their decisions toward the goals and aspirations that matter to them.
If AI can do 80–90% of the grunt work, you’re freed up to do the more human, higher‑leverage tasks.
Key Takeaways
Resilience beats talent over time – Oliver’s 15+ year journey from “average” competitor to surf lifesaving world champion shows how consistent effort, setbacks, and persistence compound into elite performance.
Influence is lived, not just spoken – From his dad and coaches to his partner and students, Oliver shows that real influence comes through actions, accountability, and enabling others to reach their own goals.
Data, AI, and teaching all rely on translation – Whether in the classroom or as a finance transformation analyst, Oliver’s strength is turning complex maths and data into clear, practical insights that make people’s work and decisions easier.
Episode Timeline:
00:00 – Introducing Oliver Signorini and his journey
02:30 – From Africa to Australia and falling in love with surf lifesaving
04:30 – The long road from average athlete to world champion
06:40 – Distances, events, and the “crazy” world of endurance swimming
08:15 – Beating champions and defining personal influence
10:30 – What influence really means in Oliver’s life
12:20 – How Oliver’s partner shapes his goals and daily performance
13:10 – Teaching high school maths and influencing teenage minds
14:30 – Engaging different learners and managing diverse classrooms
17:45 – Coaching experiences and thoughts on future coaching
19:15 – Proud teaching moments and changing students’ view of maths
21:00 – From maths teacher to data and finance transformation
22:30 – Using AI and automation to improve decision-making at work
24:40 – Natural strengths in maths, analytics, and endurance
25:20 – Leadership aspirations in sport and business
26:20 – Final reflections on resilience, failure, and trying new things
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Dr. Kaushik Sridhar’s perspective shows that influence is built through positive impact, not titles or authority. Trust, credibility, and consistency help people move forward together. When change meets resistance, curiosity, clear communication, and genuine involvement can turn uncertainty into ownership. His journey also reminds us that hardship can shape resilience and open new paths for growth. Ultimately, meaningful influence is measured by whether others are better off because you were part of their journey.
Ready to turn sustainability into strategic advantage and create a more positive impact?
Connect with Dr. Kaushik Sridhar, founder and CEO of Orka Advisory, to explore sustainability and ESG advisory, executive coaching, teaching, and speaking, focused on helping people and organizations move forward.
David Neal’s insights show that influence is built through understanding context and adapting how you lead. Leadership and management require different approaches, and effective leaders know when to shift between them. Rather than relying on rigid rules, leaders can help people learn how to think through complex situations. Neal also emphasizes that lasting change calls for both meaningful goals and personal accountability. Ultimately, influence grows when leaders take responsibility and accept risk on behalf of others.
Want to build stronger leadership and a culture where people can thrive?
Connect with David Neal at Eighth Mile Consulting to explore practical leadership development, coaching, and culture change designed around your organization’s context and goals.
Tim Hewson’s story shows how influence can grow from persuading people to inspiring, empowering, and supporting them. His experience highlights the value of authenticity, vulnerability, and care in building stronger relationships and healthier workplaces. Through Mongrels Men, he has helped create a community where men can connect and support one another. He reminds us that wellbeing is a shared responsibility, shaped by organizations, leaders, and individuals. Ultimately, lasting influence comes from understanding what matters to people and helping them make a meaningful difference.
Ready to support men’s mental health and create stronger, more connected communities?
Tim Hewson, founder of Mongrels Men, works with communities and workplaces to encourage open conversations, reduce isolation, and strengthen wellbeing. Connect with Tim to learn more about his work in men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and psychological safety.
This conversation with Brisbane Tigers CEO Mitch Cook offers a powerful look at how trust, consistency, and clear values underpin meaningful leadership in both sport and life. Drawing on formative experiences at Melbourne Storm and Collingwood, Mitch shows that high performance is less about slogans and more about daily standards, alignment, and communication. He reframes influence as the ability to positively shape how people feel, think, behave, and grow, focusing on creating future leaders rather than followers. Mitch’s commitment to his own wellbeing through family, running, and music reinforces the idea that leaders must look after themselves to reliably show up for others. Ultimately, his philosophy challenges listeners to be the example, leave people better than they found them, and measure success by the lives they’ve helped lift along the way.
Ready to become a more consistent, values-driven leader and develop future leaders around you?
Learn from Brisbane Tigers CEO Mitch Cook on how to lead with trust, build high-performance environments, and put wellbeing at the center of sustainable success.
Conclusion:
Heidi Victoria’s story is a powerful reminder that influence begins with a clear purpose and the courage to stand up for what matters. Her journey from photographer to politician, and later stroke survivor and advocate, shows how personal challenges can evolve into a mission to help others. By modeling quiet, compassionate leadership, she demonstrates that calm, respectful communication can be more impactful than aggression or volume. Her advocacy for stroke awareness and equality underscores the importance of valuing every person, regardless of title, status, or role. Ultimately, Heidi invites us to live with mortality motivation, use our voice wisely, and lead with kindness, authenticity, and intent.
Ready to show up as your most confident, authentic self in life, leadership, and your personal brand?
Connect with Heidi Victoria to explore how you can communicate with quiet influence, advocate with purpose, and present your best self on camera and in the world.
Conclusion:
Matt Campiutti highlights that meaningful influence is built on consistent actions, not titles or rhetoric. Drawing from his parents’ example of loyalty and service and his own journey at Walz Group, Matt shows how authenticity, respect, and empowerment create lasting trust in high-risk environments. His commitment to safety, family values, and choosing the right clients shows that commercial success does not have to come at people's expense. By remaining approachable and visible, he bridges the gap between the boardroom and the frontline, strengthening culture and accountability. Listeners are left with a clear reminder that leaders earn influence when their daily behavior matches the standards they set for others.
Ready to partner with a safety‑driven industrial construction team that treats your people like family and brings 50 years of experience to every project?
Connect with Matt Campiutti and the Walz Group to explore how their focus on safety, quality, and loyal long-term relationships can support your resources, energy, and infrastructure work across Central Queensland and beyond. From fabrication and on-site construction to maintenance and blasting/painting, their teams operate with a “family” culture, strong frontline leadership, and uncompromising standards.
Adele McAuley’s journey shows how saying yes to responsibility, even when it feels accidental, can lead to remarkable leadership and business success. Her story highlights that freight forwarding is far more than moving boxes; it’s about solving complex problems under pressure while keeping human relationships at the center. By investing deeply in her team, setting a consistent positive tone, and refusing to let anyone “sink,” she has built a culture that delivers for clients and supports personal growth. Adele’s path also proves that attitude, effort, and a willingness to learn can outweigh formal qualifications when the right people notice and invest in you. Listeners walk away reminded that real influence often starts with small acts of responsibility, courage, and genuine care for others.
Ready to move mountains with your freight and build a stronger, people-focused business?
Connect with Adele McAuley at Powerhouse International Queensland to discover how a proactive, relationship-driven logistics partner can help you solve complex supply chain challenges, support critical projects, and keep your operations moving no matter the urgency.
This conversation with Dr. Poya “PJ” Sobhanian highlights that real leadership is less about titles and more about influencing meaningful, sustainable change in people. Grounded in his experiences as a dentist, executive, and public servant, PJ shows how servant leadership, citizenship, and strong values can shape entire teams and communities. He reminds us that the smallest choices how we dress, how we speak, what we walk past quietly define our culture far more than big speeches ever do. Trust, consistency, and kindness form the backbone of his approach, allowing difficult change to feel possible and shared rather than imposed. Listeners are left with a simple yet powerful charge: lead with service, grace, and kindness, and your influence will naturally extend far beyond your immediate role.
Ready to lead with more influence, kindness, and long-term impact?
Learn from Dr. Poya “PJ” Sobhanian’s approach to servant leadership, where trust, consistency, and citizenship shape teams that thrive and change that actually lasts. PJ’s journey as a clinician, executive, and public servant shows how values-based leadership can transform workplaces, communities, and the people who work in them every day.
To connect with or learn more about PJ:
You can contact him directly or send a message via his verified
Oliver’s story ties together elite sport, classroom teaching, and data-driven transformation to show how influence and resilience shape a meaningful life. From years of grinding in the surf to finally becoming a world champion, he demonstrates that progress often comes after long periods of feeling “average.” His time as a maths teacher highlights how real impact comes from meeting people where they are and helping them see what they’re capable of. In his current role as a finance transformation data analyst, he channels the same mindset into using AI, automation, and analytics to make work more human and effective. Above all, Oliver’s journey reminds us that failure is a teacher, influence is a responsibility, and it’s never too late to try something new.
Ready to explore how resilience, data, and influence can transform both performance and career?
Connect with Oliver Signorini to learn how he went from “average” surf lifesaver to world champion, transitioned into finance transformation and data analytics, and now helps teams use AI and automation to work smarter, not harder.
