The Leaders of Influence Podcast with Anton Guinea

Ashley Hayden, a Melbourne-based commercial growth and marketing leader who also runs a small wine business as a creative outlet. Ashley defines influence primarily as the perception you create in others, emphasizing that what really matters is how people receive and interpret your words, actions, and positioning. He links influence closely to trust, connection, and storytelling, arguing that everyone is in sales because we are constantly selling ideas, ourselves, or our work, whether we realize it or not. Ashley highlights the power of creative storytelling to build relationships in both business and personal life, and stresses that genuine influence also depends on being an excellent listener—using our “two ears and one mouth” in the right proportion. Throughout, he and Anton use examples like movies, wine, and workshops to illustrate how recommendations and stories shape others’ perceptions and decisions.
 
Takeaways:
 
Influence is perception-basedAshley defines influence as the perception you create in others—it’s less about what you say about yourself and more about how others receive, interpret, and talk about you when you’re not in the room.
Everyone is in sales (whether they know it or not)From coders to executives, everyone is constantly “selling” themselves, their ideas, or their work. Recommendations about movies, books, or restaurants are all everyday examples of selling through enthusiasm and belief.
Storytelling and listening are core influence skillsCreative storytelling builds connection and trust, but it must be paired with deep listening—using “two ears and one mouth” in proportion—to really understand others’ problems and influence their thinking in a meaningful, respectful way.
 
Quotes:
"I think that influence then is about the perception that people create... you can talk about yourself as much as you want, you can talk about your business as much as you want, but it's really about how other people receive that."
"I always say... we're all salesmen, we're all [in sales]... that person at some point had to get the opportunity to be able to write their code, so they sold themselves at some point."
"We have two ears and we have one mouth for a reason... you should listen twice as much as what you should speak."
 
Timeline:
 
0:00 – 1:20 | Ashley’s definition of influence (perception and trust)Influence as the perception you create in others; trust as a core part of that.
1:20 – 3:56 | Anton’s intro: Leaders of Influence & Ashley’s backgroundPodcast positioning, why influence matters, and Ashley’s corporate/consulting bio.
3:56 – 5:35 | The wine side-hustle storyAshley’s small wine business, being his own best customer, and mixing passion with business.
5:35 – 7:18 | Learning wine by doing & creative outletLeaving corporate comfort, learning winemaking hands-on, and using wine as a creative outlet.
7:18 – 9:26 | Defining influence: perception created, not words saidAshley explains influence as perception, pitches, and how others talk about you when you’re not in the room.
9:26 – 13:07 | Everyone is in sales (movies, recommendations, and influence)How everyday recommendations are selling; influence in workshops and casual conversations.
13:07 – 15:35 | Storytelling, movie choices & shaping perceptionUsing favorite movies as icebreakers, how your choices create a specific perception.
15:35 – 19:00 | Storytelling, connection, and the power of listeningCampfire origins of storytelling, two ears/one mouth, and why listening is a core influence skill.
19:00 – 23:58 | Mentors, stewardship, and long-term influenceAshley’s 17-year mentor story, values, trust, and when the mentor becomes the mentee.
23:58 – 28:21 | Family influence, spouses, and leadership lonelinessInfluence of parents and partners, feedback from spouses, and how lonely leadership can be.
28:21 – 32:41 | Hospitality leadership and seeking supportInfluence challenges in hospitality, transient teams, and the need for mentors/peer circles.
32:41 – 35:45 | Pride in others’ growth: mentees and entrepreneursStories of people Ashley has mentored, from note-taking lessons to a dance & kids’ science business.
35:45 – 39:13 | People, planning, and performance: the execution triadRight people, clear plan, and actually performing—why execution is where many get stuck.
39:13 – 41:00 | One team, one message: Ashley’s leadership mantraLessons from elite teams, avoiding silos, and aligning everyone around a simple, shared message.
41:00 – end | Anton’s recap and call to actionSummary of key influence ideas, book mention, and how to go deeper with Leaders of Influence.
 
Conclusion:
 
This episode centers on Ashley Hayden’s core idea that influence is the perception you create in others, not just the story you tell about yourself. Through examples from consulting, wine-making, and everyday life, Ashley and Anton show that everyone is in sales, constantly “selling” ideas, values, and character in how they show up. They highlight storytelling and deep listening as the practical skills that turn influence into trust and real connection. Ashley’s experiences with mentors, mentees, and hospitality leaders underline that growth comes from supportive relationships, clear plans, and committed execution. The conversation lands on a simple leadership mantra—“one team, one message”—as the anchor for any leader who wants to influence with clarity, consistency, and integrity.
 

The conversation centers on leadership, influence, and the pivotal role of coaches and women leaders in sport and beyond. Carol Fox shares how her background as an athlete and swimming/water polo family shaped her views on dedication, mindset, and the importance of nurturing coaching. She defines influence as the impact we have before, during, and after we speak, essentially how people experience us and how they feel after interacting with us, with validation as a core leadership behavior. Carol emphasizes that great coaches and leaders deeply understand the individuals in front of them, adapt their style to different needs, and recognize the ripple effect of their behavior on athletes, teams, families, and communities. A major theme is kindness: Carol’s leadership and parenting mantra is to be kind to yourself and others, challenge negative labels like “difficult,” and consciously choose positive assumptions, especially in the context of increasing women’s representation and visibility in coaching, governance, and sports leadership roles.
Takeaways: 
Influence is felt, not just heard – Leadership impact comes from how people experience you before, during, and after you speak, especially whether they feel seen, heard, and emotionally validated.
Great coaches adapt to the individual – The most effective coaches and leaders take time to understand each person’s needs, mindset, and communication style, then tailor their approach rather than using one style for everyone.
Kindness creates powerful ripple effects – Leading with kindness, positive assumptions, and respect—while championing more women in coaching and leadership—quietly shapes cultures, role models, and future generations far beyond the initial interaction.
Quotes:
"For me, influence is how are people experiencing us, and so that's why a lot of my work is, you know, how are you projecting yourself, and how do people feel when they leave you?"
"The most important thing you can do as a leader is to validate the person in front of you, because the experience they're having is real."
Timeline:
0:00 – Coaches under pressure – Grassroots coaches juggling athletes, parents, and club politics.0:47 – Podcast intro & who is Carol Fox? – Anton frames the show and introduces Carol’s leadership and coaching work.3:42 – 40+ years in sport – Carol’s long career and early life as a swimmer, water polo player, and surf lifesaver.7:15 – Validation in a post‑pandemic world – Why people need their feelings and stress responses acknowledged.8:29 – Seen, heard, felt – Different communication styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and why they matter.9:34 – Self-awareness & situational awareness – Understanding yourself and others to adapt your leadership.11:22 – Family, Olympians, and early coaches – How Carol’s elite-sport family shaped her mindset and standards.18:41 – The hidden load of coaching – Parents, committees, politics, and the pressure on (often volunteer) coaches.20:35 – Small moments of impact – Why Carol treasures quiet feedback from clients years later.23:24 – The ripple effect of influence – How one coach’s shift changes athletes, families, and communities.25:27 – Take it on, give it a go, live it – Carol’s three-step approach to applying leadership tools.26:51 – Women in sport leadership – Why visible female coaches, umpires, and board members matter.29:26 – Progress and programs for women coaches – Representation stats and initiatives like W32 for 2032.31:01 – Role models for boys and girls – How both genders benefit from seeing women and men in leadership.37:30 – How we treat each other matters – Culture cues, from whiteboard slogans to “Believe” signs.38:09 – Being human and fixing it – We all slip; what matters is noticing, apologizing, and realigning.40:00 – Anton’s recap of key lessons – Validation, mindset, small moments, and the pebble-in-the-pond metaphor.41:58 – Carol’s closing message – Be kind, create space, and validate people’s experiences.
Conclusion:
Carol Fox highlights that real leadership and influence are less about titles and more about how we make others feel—seen, heard, and validated. Through stories from sport, coaching, and governance, Carol shows that the most impactful leaders are those who know themselves, understand the unique people in front of them, and deliberately adapt their communication. Her focus on kindness as a non‑negotiable leadership mantra reminds us that positive assumptions and small, respectful actions can create far-reaching ripple effects. The push for greater representation of women in coaching and sport leadership is not just about fairness; it’s about enriching decision-making and role modeling for the next generation. Ultimately, Carol’s message is that if we choose kindness, validation, and genuine curiosity about others, our influence will extend far beyond what we can ever see.

This episode of the Leaders of Influence podcast features Denise Mokadsi, a Melbourne-based integrative health practitioner and belief transformation coach who works with midlife women on energy, clarity, and confidence. The conversation centers on influence as the often-invisible forces, external (like social media, family, society) and internal (beliefs, values, meanings) that shape how we think and act. Denise emphasizes that the true power of influence lies in how much meaning we assign to experiences and how consciously we choose what to let affect us, especially in relation to our core values. She also highlights the darker side of influence as manipulation, in which people may be persuaded to act against their values in exchange for validation, success, or material rewards, unless they remain aware of and aligned with what they truly believe.
Takeaways:
Influence starts internally, not externally – The impact any person, platform, or situation has on us is determined by the meaning we assign to it and how consciously we choose to let it affect us.
Life direction is shaped by who we let influence us – Especially when younger and less self-confident, we may over-rely on respected figures (like parents) and pursue paths that fit their view of our strengths rather than our true passions.
 
Quotes:
"The amount of influence that something or someone has on us is only going to be determined by the level of our experience or meaning we give that interaction with someone or something."
 
Timeline:
0:00 – Opening Reflection on Influence & Leadership
1:13 – Podcast Introduction & Guest Bio
5:46 – The Role of Beliefs in Influence
8:47 – Trading Values for Validation or Success
10:26 – Influence, Values, and Leadership Integrity
13:27 – Returning to Teaching and Coaching
17:23 – The Puzzle Piece Metaphor
23:41 – Belief, Trauma Work, and a Turning Point
24:34 – From Wheelchair to Dancer
28:05 – Leadership and Influence: Why Leaders Matter
32:46 – Borrowing a Leader’s Confidence
33:45 – Host’s Appreciation and Closing on Leadership
34:29 – From Science to Nursing to Education
 
Conclusion: 
Denise shows that influence isn’t something we chase outside ourselves, but something we consciously reclaim from within. By becoming aware of the meanings we attach to experiences and how those meanings shape our values, health choices, and leadership, we regain agency over our direction in life. Her stories, from being steered by others’ expectations to helping her son transform a devastating diagnosis into a dancing future, underline the power of curiosity, self-trust, and aligned action. Listeners are left with a clear invitation: know your values, trust your inner signals, and choose your influences deliberately so you can lead yourself and others with integrity.

Brent reflects on how his lifelong love of rugby league began in childhood, when his mum signed him up to channel his energy, and how the game shaped his identity, friendships, and career. He and the host explore the idea that influence is primarily about daily behaviors and setting an example, especially for children, teammates, and colleagues, rather than just words or status. Brent also speaks candidly about the pressures of professional sport, the physical toll of repeated serious injuries, and how his resilience and self-talk were tests of character he refused to fail, with support from influential mentors like Wayne Bennett, Craig Bellamy, Mick Devere, and his brother-in-law Steve Price.
 
Takeaways: 
 
Influence is behavior, not titleInfluence shows up in what you consistently do—your routines, discipline, and how you treat people—more than in what you say or the position you hold. Kids, teammates, and colleagues “watch” you more than they “listen” to you.
Resilience is a daily test of characterBrent viewed his serious injuries as tests of character he refused to fail. Through self-talk, self-motivation, and disciplined action (showing up to rehab, doing the hard work), he kept coming back, building his “willpower muscle” over time.
Great leadership creates belief and clarityCoaches like Wayne Bennett, Ivan Cleary, and Paul Green influenced Brent through structure, clear roles, high standards, and genuine care. Strong leaders give people confidence, clear expectations, and a standard of excellence that lifts performance and culture.
 
Quotes:
 
On willpower and resilience
“Willpower, it's like they say, it's a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets.”Description: Brent sums up his philosophy on resilience here—treating willpower as something you train every day, especially through rehab and setbacks, not something you either “have” or “don’t have.”
On what influence really is
“When I think about influence, it's behaviors, and people observe and watch behaviors… that's the biggest influence of all, how you act and the behaviors that you display on a daily basis.”Description: This captures the core theme of the episode: influence isn’t about titles or speeches, it’s about the small, consistent actions others see you take.
On discipline, standards, and culture
“When people talk about culture, culture’s behaviors at the end of the day… if you've got good standards and good behaviors, well, you've got a great culture.”Description: Brent boils “culture” down to something practical and controllable—everyday standards and behaviors—making it highly applicable for both sports teams and organizations.
 
Timeline:
0:00 – Brent on injuries & self-talkUsing setbacks as tests of character, daily self-talk, willpower as a muscle.
1:00 – Podcast intro & Brent’s career highlightsAnton introduces the Leaders of Influence / Find Your Influence podcast and runs through Brent’s NRL, Origin, and Test career.
4:00 – How Brent fell in love with rugby leagueChildhood memory in Toowoomba, mum signing him up, watching Bulldogs vs Wests, and never looking back.
5:40 – Rugby league shaping character and behaviorMum threatening to take league away, behavior turnaround, how the sport set him on a better path.
6:00 – What rugby league has given (and taken) himFriendship circles, providing for family, joy of watching footy, and acknowledging the physical costs.
8:20 – Defining influence: behaviors over wordsInfluence as daily behavior, routines, fitness, and how kids and colleagues copy what you do (“monkey see, monkey do”).
10:30 – Key influences and mentorsWayne Bennett, Craig Bellamy, Mick Devere’s professionalism, and being deliberately paired with disciplined role models.
11:50 – Family influence: Steve Price and support networkEmotional reflection on his brother-in-law Steve Price, the importance of good people in your corner.
13:20 – The pressure cooker of professional sportPublic scrutiny, constant pressure (e.g., Reece Walsh), and the “rope off the chest” feeling when he retired.
16:00 – The magic of the Maroons jerseyWhat it feels like to run out for Queensland, deep emotional connection to Origin and Suncorp.
17:40 – Injuries, pain, and long-term impactLasting knee issues, being unable to run, and the physical toll of a long NRL career.
18:20 – Comebacks, mindset, and inner driveDoctors and physios helping, but why the hard work must come from within; seeing rehab as a test of character.
20:00 – Self-influence and mental strengthDaily self-talk, self-reassurance, discipline to do the work, and strengthening willpower over time.
21:00 – Stepping into leadership at the WarriorsCraving a leadership role, Ivan Cleary pushing him to “find your voice,” calling out soft options.
23:20 – Leadership, confidence, and readinessMoving from being ready to lead to actually speaking up and influencing the group.
23:50 – Senior leadership and parenting as leadershipLeadership groups at Warriors and Cowboys; parallels between parenting and leadership.
25:45 – Lessons from great coachesWayne Bennett’s “better humans make better footballers,” Paul Green’s standards and excellence, and structure and routine.
27:05 – Culture = behaviors and standardsSimple definition of culture: daily behavior when people walk through the door; the standards and behaviors that drive performance.
29:10 – Hard work, discomfort, and rewardDiscipline, early mornings, extra work, and the idea that “nothing worth getting comes easy.”
30:55 – Life after footy and corporate ambitionsEnjoying the corporate world, board role at the Cowboys, Fox commentary, and wanting to keep making an impact.
32:00 – Staying connected to the game & mediaWhy staying connected eases retirement, pros and cons of media, and rugby league as entertainment and constant storylines.
33:50 – Host’s recap of influence and leadership themesAnton summarizes Brent’s story, early influences, resilience, leadership lessons, and staying connected to the game.
37:30 – Brent’s closing motivational thoughtsWillpower as a muscle, controlling what you can control, and the quotes he lives by.
38:10 – Episode close & call to actionAnton’s outro: subscribe, share, and mention of the Leaders of Influence book and framework.
 
Conclusion: 
 
Brent Tate’s story illustrating how influence, resilience, and discipline play out in real life—not as abstract ideas, but through daily choices. From his mum’s decision to sign him up for rugby league, to mentors like Wayne Bennett, Ivan Cleary, Paul Green, and Steve Price, Brent shows that the right people and standards around you can shape your character and career. His perspective that “willpower is like a muscle” and that culture is simply “behaviors and standards” offers a clear, practical blueprint for leaders in sport, business, and at home. Ultimately, Brent’s journey—from an injured player constantly fighting back to a corporate leader, board member, and commentator—reinforces that nothing truly worth having comes easily, and that we each have more control than we think over the person and leader we become.
 
 

Gen Dohrmann, CEO of Table Tennis Victoria, shares her journey into sports leadership, explaining how a background in communications and marketing across multiple sports led her to her current role. She describes the recent overhaul of table tennis membership structures in Australia, expanding beyond simple “social” and “competitive” categories to better reflect different levels of play and introducing a free “fan and fun” membership to capture the many informal players outside the formal system. Gen emphasizes that influence for her is rooted in clear communication and getting genuine buy‑in so others come on the journey with her, especially when balancing the needs of traditional members and new participants. She highlights key influencers in her own career, particularly former CEO Jamie Parsons, mentor Carol from Women’s Sport Australia, and her parents, and how they encouraged her leadership aspirations and board involvement at a relatively young age. Now, Gen is focused on “handing the ladder down” by mentoring younger professionals (especially women in sport), sharing her story publicly, modeling flexible leadership as a part‑time job‑share CEO and mother, and contributing to the Global Institute of Sport advisory board to help grow pathways into sports careers.
Takeaways:
Influence is built on clear, honest communication.Gen sees influence as getting genuine buy‑in by communicating the vision, strategy, and reasoning behind decisions so people feel part of the journey, even when changes are unpopular.
Female leadership in sport needs visibility and pathways.Her drive to lead was sparked by seeing too few women applying for CEO roles in female‑dominant sports, and mentors like Jamie and Carol helped her step into board and executive positions earlier than she thought possible.
 
Quotes:
On influence and communication
"Influence is so important to be able to do what you do and do it well. You need to have the buy-in of others, and I think that communication plays such a key role in this."
On women stepping into leadership
"That for me was like a lightning bolt of like, okay, well that's not good enough; like, females can do this job, and a female sport should be represented by a female at the helm."
 
Timeline:
0:00 Updated membership model at Table Tennis Victoria1:25 Leaders of Influence podcast intro2:15 Introducing CEO Gen Dohrmann3:54 Gen reacts to her bio and sets the scene4:40 What influence means to Jen as a leader6:14 Gen’s career journey into sports administration8:55 Deciding to pursue CEO roles and female leadership10:25 Balancing traditional members and new participants11:14 Detailed breakdown of the new membership categories17:00 How Gen pays it forward and supports her team19:46 Being a mum, job-share CEO, and female leader in sport20:06 Never saying no to a coffee and helping early‑career talent24:19 Building pathways into sports careers25:42 The most important character trait of a good leader26:02 Empathetic leadership versus old-school authoritarian styles27:18 Leading by example at tournaments and “all hands on deck”28:18 Communicating hard decisions with transparency29:18 Real-life example: cutting and reinstating prize money31:14 Making prize money fair and equitable for women32:14 Call for sponsors and supporting community table tennis32:31 Wrapping Gen’s impact on women’s sport33:19 Can you make a living playing table tennis?34:35 Pathways, overseas competition, and Brisbane 203234:51 Role of Table Tennis Australia and home Olympics opportunity35:38 Future talent and excitement for a home Games36:14 Host’s recap of Gen’s leadership and influence38:05 Gen’s closing quote: “Those that need to know, know”39:04 Podcast outro and call to action for listeners
 
Conclusions:Gen Dohrmann’s story is a powerful example of how modern leadership in sport is built on empathy, clarity, and a genuine commitment to lifting others. From reshaping Table Tennis Victoria’s membership model to better reflect how Australians actually play, to challenging the status quo on female leadership and board representation, she shows that influence is less about titles and more about how effectively you communicate, include, and develop people. Guided by mentors and now mentoring others, Gen “hands the ladder down” to the next generation of women in sport while proving that flexible, family-friendly leadership at CEO level is not only possible but highly effective. Her journey underscores that when leaders are transparent in tough calls, willing to get hands-on with their teams, and intentional about creating pathways, they don’t just grow a sport—they change its culture.

Melissa Williams, an award-winning global authority on adult learning, joins leadership expert Anton Guinea to explore how true influence is built through learning. Melissa shares her journey from believing she was “dumb” at school to becoming CEO of a successful learning organization, thanks to discovering the FORMAT model and her own learning preferences. Together, they unpack the difference between influence and manipulation, the power of intent, and why creating a love of learning is one of the greatest gifts a leader, parent, or educator can give. They break down the four learning preferences—why, what, how, and what if—and show how designing for all of them transforms engagement, confidence, and results. The conversation also dives into psychological safety, handling mistakes, and practical ways leaders can build cultures where people feel supported in learning, growing, and taking risks.
 
Takeaways:
Influence vs. Manipulation Comes Down to IntentInfluence and manipulation can look similar on the surface—both change how people think or act—but the key difference is the intent behind them. Leaders must constantly check their motives and use their power responsibly.
Learning Works Best When You Honor Different PreferencesMelissa’s use of the FORMAT model (why, what, how, what if) shows that people learn in different ways and sequences. When leaders, trainers, and parents design conversations, meetings, or training to touch all four, engagement and retention go up dramatically.
Psychological Safety Fuels Growth and PerformanceA powerful leadership move is to respond to mistakes with “What happened?” and “How can I support you?” rather than blame. This builds trust, encourages risk‑taking, and creates a culture where people feel safe learning, experimenting, and improving.
Quotes:
"The only difference between manipulation and influence is intent."Description: Melissa highlights that what truly separates healthy influence from manipulation isn’t the tools or techniques, but the motive behind them.
"Learning is simply the making of meaning, and meaning is always personal."Description: She reframes learning as a deeply individual process of connecting new information to past experience, which explains why the same lesson lands differently for different people.
"If a leader can actually encourage their people to embrace learning through authentically doing it themselves, then you come together as a team whilst you're leading, whilst you're growing."Description: Melissa underlines that the best leaders role‑model learning, turning growth into a shared team journey rather than a top‑down directive.
 
Timeline:
00:00 – Opening: Melissa’s view on learning vs. grades00:53 – Show intro and Melissa’s background and awards05:03 – Growing up “dumb” and discovering the FORMAT model08:56 – Definition of influence and intent vs. manipulation10:54 – Authenticity, mistakes, and learning like riding a bike16:45 – The four FORMAT learning preferences (why, what, how, what if)20:09 – Brain, VAK styles, and how we code learning visually23:37 – Learning as “the making of meaning”25:44 – Who influenced Melissa and seeing herself in adult learners30:12 – Pebble in the pond: the ripple effect of teachers and leaders35:12 – “Bouncy boys,” non‑judgment, and respecting learning preferences40:04 – Melissa’s definition of leadership and psychological safety43:34 – Two culture‑shaping questions: “What happened?” and “How can I support you?”44:55 – Parenting, leadership, and learning as a lifelong gift
 
Conclusion:
 
Melissa Williams leaves us with a powerful reminder that learning is less about grades and more about meaning, confidence, and possibility. When leaders, teachers, and parents understand how people learn—and design experiences that honor different learning preferences—they don’t just transfer knowledge; they ignite potential. Influence, as Melissa frames it, is about intent and about artfully guiding others to see and act differently without ever stripping away their agency. And leadership at its best creates a safe space for people to say, “I stuffed up,” and still feel supported in growing. If there’s one takeaway to carry forward, it’s this: when you commit to your own learning and create spaces where others can safely learn, experiment, and make meaning, your impact ripples far beyond what you’ll ever see.
 

Leadership coach Anton Guinea interviews storytelling expert Gabrielle Dolan about how storytelling functions as a core leadership and influence skill, not a “nice to have.” Gabrielle explains that stories make messages “sticky” by creating emotional connection and long-term memory, drawing on examples from First Nations cultures, safety storytelling, and her work in change management and values communication. She outlines a simple framework—be crystal clear about your message, choose a personal story, keep it tight (60–90 seconds) with a clear beginning–middle–end, and finish with an inviting, reflective close rather than a moral. Through stories about leaders she’s coached (including a once-skeptical CFO and a values-driven “touch the wall” moment), she shows how sharing authentic and even vulnerable experiences humanizes leaders, builds trust and credibility, and brings organizational values like “doing the right thing” to life in day-to-day decisions.
 
Takeaways:
 
Stories make messages “sticky.”Storytelling creates emotional connection and locks ideas into long-term memory, which is why people remember stories from a presentation or tour long after they’ve forgotten the facts and figures.
Leadership, influence, and values live in stories, not slogans.You can’t meaningfully communicate values like “doing the right thing” or “safety first” with posters and bullet points alone—concrete stories (like the “go back and touch the wall” example) show what those values look like in real decisions.
A simple story structure beats polished slides.Be crystal clear on your message, choose a short (60–90 second) often-personal story, start with time and place, give it a clear beginning–middle–end, and end with a reflective question or thought rather than “the moral of the story is…”
 
Quotes:
 
"Get into the habit of saying, would a story help me communicate this more effectively?"Description: Gabrielle encourages leaders to make storytelling a default consideration whenever they need to deliver an important message, whether at work or at home.
"Stories make your messages sticky."Description: This captures Gabrielle’s core point that stories help people actually remember and act on what you say, unlike standalone data or bullet points.
"Leadership is a verb, it's not a noun, and it is certainly not a title."Description: Gabrielle’s definition of leadership emphasizes action and influence over role or status, aligning with her view that anyone can display leadership through how they show up and communicate.
 
Timeline:
 
00:00 – Storytelling as a leadership skill00:55 – Anton’s intro and Gabrielle’s bio03:35 – Why Anton invited Gabrielle on the show03:57 – What influence means to Gabrielle05:29 – Discovering storytelling in change management06:05 – Why humans are wired for stories07:22 – Emotion, memory, and “sticky” messages10:03 – Storytelling as a learnable leadership skill10:49 – PowerPoint vs. stories12:24 – Gabrielle’s simple story framework15:18 – How to start and end a story well16:47 – Who influenced Gabrielle most18:55 – Early resistance to storytelling in business21:33 – The skeptical CFO who became a CEO23:07 – Vulnerable storytelling and brand change26:19 – Learning from others’ failures28:33 – Safety culture and “safety shares”29:52 – You can’t communicate values without stories30:53 – Values, behaviors, and lived examples33:08 – The “go back and touch the wall” story36:25 – Using stories to guide real decisions37:09 – What leadership means to Gabrielle38:37 – Leadership as a verb, not a title40:53 – A non-example of leadership in action43:26 – Anton’s wrap-up and key lessons
 
Conclusion:
 
Gabrielle Dolan shows that storytelling isn’t a soft extra for leaders but a core tool for influence, culture, and values in action. By making stories short, clear, and often personal, leaders can turn abstract ideas—like safety, integrity, and “doing the right thing”—into vivid moments people remember and act on. When leadership is treated as a verb, not a title, the stories leaders choose to tell (and live) become the most powerful way they earn trust, shape behavior, and create lasting impact.
 

Canberra-based community care leaders Lisa Walker and Natashia (Tash) Telfer share how their personal histories. Lisa’s transition from high-level government finance roles into family-run care businesses, and Tash’s battle with stage 4B Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 18, shaped a leadership style built on kindness, culture, and advocacy. They discuss what influence means beyond social media likes: creating long-term, positive impact on vulnerable clients and on the nurses and support staff whose careers they help shape. Through their work at National Community Care, they’ve moved long-term “bed-blocker” patients with tracheostomies from hospital into community homes, designed their own specialist training where none existed, and repeatedly fought underfunding in the NDIS, often sacrificing their own financial comfort rather than compromising safety or dignity. Using tools like DISC profiling, strong governance, and modern HR/rostering systems, they hire and develop people for values first, skills second, fiercely protect a healthy culture, and invest heavily in staff wellbeing. Their story is also one of a profound partnership: two contrasting DISC profiles in a “yin–yang” dynamic who have navigated divorce, domestic violence, IVF, postnatal depression, and neurodivergence together, turning those hardships into fuel for a mission-driven, people-first approach to leadership and care.
 
Takeaways:
Influence = Long-Term Impact, Not LikesLisa and Tash define influence as the lasting, positive change you create in people’s lives and careers, not popularity or social media metrics.
Culture Is Built by Who You Let In (and Who You Don’t)They hire for values and common sense over resumes, protect their caring culture fiercely, and remove “culture killers” even when it’s hard.
Advocacy Means Putting Clients Before ProfitThey repeatedly fight systems (like NDIS underfunding), create their own clinical training when none exists, and even sacrifice their own finances to ensure clients get safe, dignified care.
 
Quotes:
“We can teach you skills and we can teach you learnings and how to do things, etc. But we can't teach you the culture – you need to either fit in, or, you know, don't be here, don't break it.”On why they hire for values first and protect culture fiercely.
“Do good and the good will come – we've always put our people, whether that's our clients or our staff, always first.”On leading with service, even when it costs them financially in the short term.
“It's probably only been in the last two, three years that we've actually gone, they're not really tethered together anymore. We're literally in the one dinghy… we are now in the one boat.”On how their partnership has deepened from two separate leaders to a single, united leadership team.
 
Timeline:
00:00 – Lisa’s early life, caring upbringing, and shift from government finance roles to wanting more human impact01:03 – Anton’s podcast intro, show purpose around leadership and influence, and introduction of Lisa02:48 – Introduction of Tash, her background in disability and community services, and leadership roles04:30 – Reveal that Tash is an author and brief intro to her book “Project Kind”04:39 – Tash explains why she wrote “Project Kind” and how lessons and kindness shape her work05:27 – Tash defines influence as a positive impact beyond social media likes and spreading that through their team06:43 – Lisa expands on unseen influence, long-term impact on students and team members08:07 – Story of a long-term staff member whose career and life kept circling back to their organization, “feels like home”09:01 – Another staff story about their youngest employee, inspired by the care given to her grandmother10:05 – The grandmother’s relatives visit the office to express gratitude for the care provided11:03 – Anton asks who influenced them to become kind and caring leaders11:04 – Lisa’s detailed story: mum as a nurse, early assistant nurse work, government career, then taking over the family agencies13:38 – Tash’s “complete opposite” path: rebellion, rejecting uni, then stage 4B Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis and treatment experience17:10 – Discussion of culture: family culture, culture of care, culture killers, and how deliberate they are about culture18:23 – Hiring philosophy: can teach skills but not culture, importance of common sense and advocacy for vulnerable people19:16 – Anton links “don’t break our culture” to leadership principles and comments on their strength of conviction19:36 – DISC profiling of their team, Anton guesses their profiles, and they reflect on people-focused profiles in care19:58 – How opposite DISC profiles can repel yet complement; Lisa’s directness balanced by Tash’s systems and processes20:55 – Using their DISC differences as a yin–yang leadership model21:01 – Lisa’s leadership growth from “iron fist” to more collaborative, empathetic leadership with her teams and kids22:28 – Anton ties DISC back to communication as the foundation of strong culture23:14 – Who they are most proud of: Lisa names Tash and explains why23:24 – Story of the Beyond Blue event: Tash freezes on stage and Lisa carries the presentation24:13 – Contrast to now: Tash speaks internationally, on TV, and at major events like the Australian Embassy in Paris25:38 – Their boats/dinghy metaphor: moving from tethered boats to being in the same boat together with their families26:37 – More on the “same boat” idea and rowing together, even if sometimes in circles27:02 – Anton relates their styles back to DISC in practical decision-making terms27:41 – Example: performance management and termination decisions, Lisa as decider, Tash ensuring process and care28:13 – Protecting culture and clients while following due process and supporting staff28:40 – Beginning of the COVID/TV story: their work didn’t stop during lockdown, and they had long-term “bed-blocker” clients to move30:53 – Tash’s detailed account of the tracheostomy clients’ situation, delays and promise to get them out of hospital31:24 – Long fight to create a community home, design, furnish it, and get clients moved safely during COVID34:45 – Intention to become an RTO and gift their tracheostomy training package to raise national standards34:49 – How the Today Show segment came about; Lisa nominates Tash and her husband to help them buy a home35:28 – Tash and her husband receive fifteen thousand dollars toward a deposit, eventually buying their own family home36:28 – Ongoing advocacy: NDIS significantly underfunds a client, they keep providing care at their own cost37:17 – Refusal to return clients to hospital or risk nurses’ registrations despite funding pressures37:45 – “Do good and the good will come”: they accept personal financial sacrifice to protect clients and staff39:02 – Lisa’s persistent campaigning to local MPs and ministers to recover 18 months of unpaid services40:50 – Systems and tech investment: implementing AI-enabled HR and rostering tools to free staff for care41:08 – Anton reflects on how fortunate clients are to have Lisa and Tash as advocates41:15 – Example of another provider returning a similar client to hospital, contrasted with their philosophy42:36 – How they prioritise people over flash: industrial-area office, reinvesting in training and staff instead of status44:36 – External partners: HESTA, Amanda Thompson, Nutrition Australia, helping staff with money, super, nutrition, and shift work45:06 – Anton’s closing reflections on their story of influence, impact, advocacy and kindness, plus his calls to action for listeners
 
Conclusion:
Lisa Walker and Natashia (Tash) Telfer show what real influence looks like when kindness, courage, and culture sit at the center of leadership. Their stories move from personal hardship—serious illness, family breakdown, financial pressure—to a shared mission of lifting standards in community care, even when that means fighting systems and sacrificing their own comfort. They redefine influence as long-term impact: shaping staff careers, keeping high-needs clients safely at home, and challenging a funding and regulatory environment that often falls short. Supported by a complementary DISC “yin–yang” partnership and strong governance, they’ve built an organisation where values come before profit, advocacy is non-negotiable, and “do good and the good will come” is more than a slogan—it’s the way they operate day to day.

What happens when a straight-talking boilermaker with real-world experience in gas, coal, and agriculture steps into the halls of power? In this episode, you’ll hear a raw, no-filter conversation about politics, work, and life from someone who built a career with their hands long before they ever set foot in parliament. Colin shares why so many modern politicians are out of touch with everyday Australians, how a lack of genuine business and life experience leads to bad decisions, and why representing Central Queensland means understanding the realities of mining, resources, heavy industry, and agriculture – not just reading about them in briefing notes. 
You’ll discover how he went from earthmoving contractor to high-pressure pipe welder in his 40s, proving it’s never too late to change direction, upskill, and take control of your future. He opens up about the values that shaped him, from hard work and self-sufficiency to raising kids who understood the importance of earning their way in life. We dig into the growing gap between metropolitan Australia and regional communities, the hypocrisy of exporting energy resources we refuse to properly use ourselves, and the importance of honest, direct communication in leadership – even when the truth is uncomfortable. The conversation also tackles some of the biggest challenges facing young people today, including why so many struggle to buy a home, how lifestyle and financial choices compound over time, and the failures of an education system that doesn’t teach basic money skills like interest, debt, and credit cards. Along the way, you’ll hear the influence of conservative figures like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher, learn why “don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t” is more than just a slogan, and be reminded that if you’re going through hell, you really do have to keep going. This episode is a must-listen if you care about politics grounded in reality, personal responsibility, and the power of backing yourself at any age. 
 
Takeaways: 
Real-world experience matters – Politics needs more leaders who’ve actually worked in industries like mining, gas, and agriculture, not just career politicians. 
It’s never too late to reinvent yourself – You can start a new trade, upskill, and change direction even in your 40s and beyond. 
Honest communication builds trust – People respect leaders who tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, instead of dodging questions. 
Young people lack financial preparation – Schools fail to teach basic money skills like interest, debt, and credit cards, leaving many struggling to get ahead. 
Mindset and choices shape your future – Your attitude, work ethic, and decisions over time matter more than the cards you’re dealt. 
Quotes: 
“First and foremost, don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t, and don’t ever think it’s too late.” 
“If you want something bad enough, go out and get it, because nobody’s going to hand it to you on a plate.” 
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” 
 
Timestamps: 
[00:00:00] – Never Too Late to Change Your Life 
[00:00:45] – From Workboots to the World of Politics
[00:03:00] – The Problem with Career Politicians 
[00:05:30] – Central Queensland & the Port of Gladstone
[00:08:30] – From Local Council to Federal Parliament 
[00:11:30] – Young People, Housing, and Hard Choices
[00:15:00] – How School Fails on Money and Life Skills Critique 
[00:18:00] – Leadership, Communication, and Telling the Truth
[00:22:00] – City vs Country: A Growing Divide 
[00:26:00] – Reinvention at 40 and the Churchill Mindset  
Conclusion: Colin Boyce, a trade-qualified politician representing Central Queensland, discusses the lack of real-world experience among many politicians. He emphasizes the importance of practical experience in industries like coal, gas, and agriculture for effective representation. He criticizes the hypocrisy of exporting resources while not utilizing them domestically. Speaker 1 advocates for community interests, citing his background in boilermaking and earthmoving. He highlights the education system's failure to prepare youth for financial independence and stresses the importance of communication and honesty in leadership. He concludes with a motivational message about personal growth and resilience. 

Melissa Dunbar, a highly respected Australian entrepreneur and founder of Big Fish Events Group (est. 2004), whose three-decade career spans events, marketing, communications, and innovation, and includes recognition as a 2019 Telstra Businesswoman of the Year finalist. Melissa recounts how, after returning from London and Texas and finding traditional roles hard to land, she tapped into her network and was offered a massive first project by former Australian cricketer Dean Jones—a 37‑day, 113‑event journey from Cairns to Sydney celebrating 25 years of State of Origin. The team transported a custom-made trophy “ball” via surfing, kayaking, walking, running, cycling, cars, trains, and a flotilla of boats into Sydney Harbor, raising about $250,000 for Make-A-Wish and granting 11 wishes for children, showcasing her talent for ambitious, high-impact event design rooted in sporting culture and state rivalry.
 
Takeaways:
 
Create Your Own Opportunities (The Big Fish Origin Story)Melissa didn’t wait for the “perfect job.” After returning from overseas and struggling to find a role, she leaned on her network, said yes to a big challenge from Dean Jones, and turned a single opportunity—a 37-day, 113-event State of Origin tour—into the foundation of a 20+ year events business.
Influence = Intentional Knowledge TransferMelissa defines influence as the intentional transfer of knowledge from one person to another—spoken, written, or visual. She emphasizes that influence carries responsibility: your actions and words should have clear, positive intent, because every interaction has the potential to shape someone else’s thinking or behavior.
Values, Boundaries, and “No Compromise”As a woman working in male-dominated, high-profile sporting and events environments, Melissa’s guidance is to never compromise your values. You always have a choice—silence is still a choice—and you likely have more influence than you think. Her approach is to stay safe, uphold standards, and sometimes step in to “shut down” behavior that isn’t okay, focusing on getting it right, not needing to be right.
 
Quotes:
 
"We talk a lot at Big Fish Events about getting what you need, not necessarily what you want."Used while describing creative problem-solving (like funding the Opera House sails turning blue). Melissa’s focus is on outcomes and resourcefulness, not perfection or wishful thinking.
"You don't always have to be right, but you've got to get it right."Melissa’s philosophy on leadership and decision-making: drop the ego, own mistakes, and stay focused on delivering the best result for the team, clients, and stakeholders.
"You have more influence than you think."Shared in the context of women (and anyone) in male-dominated or high-pressure environments. Melissa stresses that every person, regardless of title, can shape behavior and outcomes by using their voice and values.
 
Timeline:
 
00:00 – Anton’s intro to the Find Your Influence podcast and to guest Melissa Dunbar, outlining her background and achievements.04:42 – Melissa explains returning from overseas, struggling to find a job, and how reconnecting with her network led to launching Big Fish Events.06:34 – Detailed story of the first Big Fish project: 37 days, 113 events, 86 legends, and raising $250,000 for Make-A-Wish.11:25 – Behind-the-scenes “footballers on tour” story and early leadership boundaries on that first big event.12:35 – Melissa describes creatively getting the Sydney Opera House sails turned blue and finding a last-minute sponsor.14:48 – Discussion of Melissa speaking on stage at the Sydney Opera House in 2025 and what that experience felt like.17:14 – Melissa defines what influence means to her: intentional transfer of knowledge plus responsibility and intent.20:56 – “Create your own stage” concept: you don’t need a big stage to influence; you can build your own platforms and opportunities.22:10 – Advice for women working with “blokey blokes” in male-dominated industries: never compromise, always choose, and understand that silence is a choice.26:27 – Key line: “You don’t always have to be right, but you’ve got to get it right” and “You have more influence than you think.”27:13 – Early influences: growing up one of six, brothers, lots of kids at home, and the people skills that created.29:16 – The impact of dance training: discipline, professionalism, presentation, and “excellence as base level.”31:48 – What Melissa learned from elite athletes and why they “don’t compromise” on excellence.35:20 – Favorite elite sportspeople and notable figures she’s worked with, including Dean Jones, Darren Lehmann, David Beckham, Olivia Newton-John, and Queen Elizabeth II.39:11 – Melissa’s definition of leadership: do what you say you’re going to do, own your mistakes, and always bring a solution.
 
Conclusion:
 
This conversation with Melissa Dunbar showcases how intentional influence, uncompromising values, and a commitment to excellence can shape a remarkable career in events and leadership. From her audacious first project—a 37‑day, 113‑event State of Origin tour that raised significant funds for Make-A-Wish—to turning the Sydney Opera House sails blue and eventually speaking on its stage, Melissa demonstrates what’s possible when you back yourself, create your own opportunities, and refuse to compromise your standards. Her philosophy—influence as responsible knowledge transfer, leadership as doing what you say you’ll do, and the reminder that you have more influence than you think—offers powerful guidance for anyone wanting to build a meaningful career, especially in high-pressure or male-dominated environments.