Leadership Decanted

We do a love a 'straight talker'. Someone who is courageous enough to call out the BS. Someone who feels comfortable to speak their mind, and call it 'as they see it'. But sometimes it doesn't take much for a virtue to transform into a form of 'violence'; all of a sudden we feel disempowered by someone else's 'truth'. A 'truth' held so tightly that it suffocates dialogue and good will, disregarding unconscious biases and unspoken intentions. Often these are 'convenient' truths - declarations that exist to advance an agenda and stifle dissent. You may know what we're talking about. This 'violence' can be amplified when there is a power imbalance. When leaders call things 'as they see them' it can spell doom for diversity and innovation, and sometimes even cultivate fear, as those around them dare not contradict those above them. In this Cheeky Half Paul & KG talk about how productive leadership practices can be hijacked by such pernicious assumptions around our own perceptions of the world around us. Join us and let us know what you think! We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

*** WARNING: SOME STRONG LANGUAGE IN THIS EPISODE. *** Many of us might regularly reflect on the big concerns confronting our generation - climate action and our nation's relationship to first nations people are just two of these. And many of us would like to do something about these complex issues. However, for whatever reasons, we might feel like it's not our place, or perhaps we feel we are not authorised nor have the power to do anything at all. For many years now, writer, comedian, journalist and filmmaker, Dan Ilic has been pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the public domain, challenging what he considers to be a lack of action from our leaders on climate change, amongst other things. His mantra? Don't wait for someone to give you permission to 'shake the tree'. No one's going to give it to you. If you feel strongly enough, use whatever power is available to you and exercise any leadership you can to start that conversation. Join KG & Paul as they talk to Dan about his use of comedy and satire to generate awareness and, on occasion, actually get something done. As is our custom, this great conversation is held together by an elegant and complex Chardonnay from vines in the cooler regions, southwest of the Australian capital. A 2022 CLO Tumbarumba Chardonnay. It is smooth, full without being heavy, carrying tasty flavours of pear, lime and green apple. It was generously provided by Annadale Cellars. And, as usual, it is utterly delicious! Sláinte friends! Here are a few links to Dan's work. Worth checking out! A Rational Fear Podcast."Where the f**king hell are you?" much maligned 2006 Australian Tourism campaignTimes Square billboard projectDan's is interviewedJake Tapper We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine! Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!!

Many of us know someone in a Leadership position that oozes self-confidence. They are highly skilled, backing every one of their decisions, as if they were fated. However, what happens when those people lack self-awareness? Many of us have experienced that fallout too. But this leadership character 'equation' may also be turned upside down. What if we worked with a very skilled leader, high in self-awareness, but awfully short on self-confidence? On this Cheeky Half Paul & KG riff on these seemingly simple questions which often generate complex outcomes. How do the dynamics of self-confidence and self-awareness 'show up' in leadership practice. Is there such a thing as 'balance' between each, or are we merely chasing rainbows? Join us and let us know what you think! We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

If you are currently a practicing leader, regardless of the size of your team or organisation, you really don't need us to remind you that it can be a tough gig. Good leadership practice is nothing to sneeze at. It's serious business. But does it always have to be 'serious'? Is there any room for light-heartedness or humour? Can laughter enhance how we lead and how others respond to our leadership? KG & Paul shared a wonderful bottle of wine, and a great conversation, with Gary Eck, one of Australia's best known stand-up comics. Gary is also a filmmaker, author and Coporate MC. We dared to pick Gary's brain and explore the potential role of laughter and humour in leadership practice. Join us for great insights, and a lot of laughter. This fun conversation was helped along by a 2021 Prunotto Dolcetto D'Alba, from the Piedmont Region in Italy. Fruity and easy drinking, it is a wine that will reward you with every sip. And, as usual, it was generously provided by Annadale Cellars. Sláinte friends! We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine! Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!!

For this Cheeky Half Paul & KG riff on the latest report by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, the "Employer Gender Pay Gaps Snapshot." It is both, a compelling and somewhat unsettling look at Australia's progress in reaching gender pay equity. The many interesting pieces of data lead them to ask a couple of simple questions: "What conversations are people in leadership positions actually having about the existing gender pay gap? And is it that difficult a problem to solve?" It will not surprise you to hear [spoiler alert!] they don't end up solving this conundrum. But nevertheless they firmly believe leaders have a responsibility beyond finance and economics to find a way through this intractable problem. Is it ultimately a reflection of how we actually value our people? Here are some useful links: 1. Workplace Gender Equality Agency 2. Employer Gender Pay Gaps Snapshot We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

KG & Paul have always held the position that healthy, productive, and even impactful, leadership practice is one that stays with the difficult conversations - even when these conversations are likely to reveal the most inscrutable, even darker, sides of our own natures. These aren't always comfortable conversations, but they can nevertheless carry a sense of hope and desire for authentic dialogue, mutual understanding and a genuine acknowledgement of the dignity inherent in all of our humanity. To that end, we had the pleasure of a great yarn with Nicole Major and Melissa Clarke, both from Thirriwirri. We felt it important to continue the fraught but necessary conversation that didn't stop with the 2023 Referendum of a Voice to Parliament - it simply switched gears. Nicole is a Bundjalung woman from northern NSW and Melissa a Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Wirangu woman based on Kaurna country in South Australia. It was a broad and super engaging conversation about their experiences leading up to the referendum, and also their thoughts around what could come next. And not only that, they also brought the wine! (Pretty special). It was a delicious 2021 d'Arenberg 'The Footbolt' Shiraz. A great drop! Sláinte friends! We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine! Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!!

In this Special Bonus episode (think of it as a Cheeky three-quarters!), Paul & KG start Season 4 by visiting our sponsor's 'wine cave'. Sitting down with Chris Loth, the owner of Annadale Cellars, and a generous friend of the show, they spend a brief time hearing about Chris' passion for wine, his inspiration and his approach to how he makes his wonderful CLO wines. And, of course, he cracks open a wine he is very proud of, the 2022 CLO Orange Chardonnay (that's Orange, as in the wine region in NSW, Australia, not the colour nor the fruit!). It is an amazing natural wine, with minimal intervention and no additives at all. We recommend everyone get themselves a bottle, or two! Here are some useful links: 1. Annandale Cellars 2. Jura Wine Region, France 3. Orange Wine Region, NSW Australia 4. Tumbarumba, NSW Australia We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

Paul & KG reflect on the year that was - 2023. We love talking about leadership over some lovely wine. It's how it all started in 2021, and how it continues. It's even more exciting to us when we get to share that wine with some very special people as we broaden our discussions and listen to their stories, their experiences and their wisdom. We really love our guests. Join our hosts as they re-live some of the joy and wonder they've experienced through these conversations. And of course, we want to thank our guests for their generosity and, above all else, we want to thank you, our listeners, for your continued support. Thank you so much. Please keep listening! Our generous sponsor Annadale Cellars continues to support our passion project with a most delectable wine to keep the conversation running smoothly! For this episode Annandale Cellars has provided a wonderful Australian white wine. This conversation was helped along by a 2022 Frederick Stevenson Bianco. It is a bright, zesty wine made in an Italian style. Plenty of citrus and minerality. A wonderful summer wine, but don't let the seasons stop you. It's great any time! We encourage you to check it out at Annandale Cellars! Sláinte friends! We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine! Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!!

In this Cheeky Half episode, Paul & KG discuss a very recent report published by the Scanlon institute in Australia, the Mapping Social Cohesion report. It's a fascinating social research project that seeks to assess the state of our 'social cohesion' at a given point (the report is published annually). It looks at categories such as our sense of belonging, acceptance, justice, financial health, amongst many other indicators. KG & Paul were curious about whether an understanding or at least, some exposure, to these societal markers might actually enhance and improve the way people might go about their leadership practice. For example, a phenomenon like 'quiet quitting' may be triggered by a myriad other concerns and anxieties that only touch on our workplaces, although they may heavily influence them. If we were informed about these broader pressures in our own contexts and communities, how might this sharpen our awareness and maybe even improve the quality of our interactions with those we lead? Here are some useful links: 1. TLDR; an executive summary of the report, beautifully visualised. 2. Scanlon Foundation 3. Scanlon Foundation Research Institute 4. Mapping Social Cohesion Report 2023 (Download) We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Is this a topic worth pursuing in one of our longer monthly episodes? Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

What does a hot cup of tea have to do with our understanding of culture in the organisations where we work? Join Paul & KG as they touch on this surprising 'phenomenon' with their special guest, Michael Henderson. Michael is a Corporate Anthropologist (yep, it's a real thing!) with a clear and sharp take on what makes culture in our organisations, and what leaders should be paying attention to. And of course, our generous sponsor Annadale Cellars continues to support our little project with a most delectable wine to keep the conversation running smoothly! For this episode Annandale Cellars has provided an absolutely delicious French white wine. The 2022 Racine Picpoul de Pinet is a wine neither host had ever encountered before, but now they are better humans for it. The wine is crisp and light, with a zesty, citrus overtone - a perfect accompaniment to oysters, and seafood in general. We encourage you to check it out at Annandale Cellars! Sláinte friends! We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine! Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!!

In this Cheeky Half episode, Paul & KG talk about the idea of 'Courageous Conversations'. Why is 'courage' needed in these scenarios? Aren't they simply just conversations that happen to touch on difficult topics? Why then the need for 'courage'? Is there real danger where some form of bravery is required? Or does this term say more about our fears of conflict, or our potential lack of skills or tolerance for navigating the 'heat' of discomfort? Hope you can spend some time with us. We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Is this a topic worth pursuing in one of our longer monthly episodes? Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

KG & Paul often refer to leadership practice as being contextual. No one size, style or framework fits all. And despite their many years of combined leadership practice, they have barely experienced the sheer diversity of contexts where leaders 'play'. And so they invited Nicole Schleicher, General Manager of Services and Impact at redkite, for a leadership chat over a glass of wine. redkite is a donor funded charity providing services and support to families who have a child with cancer. These are undeniably high stakes contexts, and the leadership required to provide the most valuable services, and to sustainably contribute to an organisation's vision, seems a different beast altogether. Join Paul & KG as they explore with Nicole what it takes to lead in these contexts - the aspirations, desires and very real and complex challenges. And of course, our generous sponsor Annadale Cellars provides us with a most delectable wine to keep the conversation running smoothly! For this episode Annandale Cellars provided an incredubly robust and tasty Italian wine from producer, Tenute Cesaroni. The 2021 Le Barbatelle Rosso Piceno from the Marche region is usually a blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano but this particular blend includes some Lacrima di Morro D'Alba, giving it a more of a floral lift. It's a great table wine, and Paul & KG both fantasised about a long, outdoor lunch by a Tuscan villa as they enthusiastically sipped on their wine! We encourage you to check it out at Annandale Cellars! Sláinte friends! We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine! Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!!

Have you ever found yourself in a position where a confidential or sensitive message you need to convey somehow morphs into a set of well-meaning lies? We confess, we have. And sometimes, despite our best intentions, we just haven't worked out how to navigate that slippery slope. Paul & KG talk about some of these moments, not always something to be proud of, but nevertheless a common leadership experience. We are keen to hear from you. How do you handle conversations where the lines between diplomacy, confidentiality and outright lies become blurred. We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Is this a topic worth pursuing in one of our longer monthly episodes? Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

KG & Paul love their regular conversations on leadership over a glass of wine. That's no secret. But it's easy to forget that these conversations provide only a small, even infinitesimal, slice of what leadership is and could be. They'd be the first to admit they don't have a monopoly on leadership practice, nor its definition. It is for this reason KG & Paul thought it a timely opportunity to invite guests who identify with a different experience of leadership, and who work with First Nations People in reclaiming their confidence, dignity and capabilities to lead. It was such a pleasure to spend time with the Founders and Directors of Thirriwirri, Jason Ardler and David Major, as we yarned about leadership for First Nations People, and their passion and work in building up capabilities that will build up and empower generations to come. And our sponsor continues to deliver! For this episode Annandale Cellars generously provided a delectable Spanish wine from winemaker, Olivier Riviere. His 2021 Rayos Uva from the Rioja region is a blend of Tempranillo, Grenache and Graciano. It is unoaked and biodynamically made. An easy to drink, medium bodied red to savour on any occasion. We encourage you to check it out at Annandale Cellars! Sláinte friends! We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine! Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!!

Life can sometimes beat us around, and it doesn't care who you are or what responsibilities you hold in an organisation. And yet, if you do hold a position where you have responsibility over others, and a deeply emotional crisis hits you and the team, then you may be at risk of neglecting your own feelings of emotional and psychological exhaustion, simply because you are exercising your duty of care. Understandable, but dangerous. Join Paul & KG as they gently step into that space when Paul outlines his last few weeks. Despite the topic, it's a considered and insightful conversation of leadership's responsibilities to ensure they put their own oxygen masks on first. Join us and please, share your thoughts. Use our web site or email to let us know of your experiences, and how you navigate difficult times as a leader. Sláinte! If this conversation triggers you in any way, we strongly encourage you to seek appropriate medical support. If in doubt, your family doctor is always a good starting point. Online mental health services can also be of great help. We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Is this a topic worth pursuing in one of our longer monthly episodes? Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

"Two sporting teams, both alike in dignity, In fair London, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean." (with sincere apologies to Mr Shakespeare...) What leadership object lessons can we take from a recent sporting controversy. Where two teams, two captains, face what seems to be the same event, but opposing narratives provide us with as glimpse of how complex leadership in the heat of battle can be like. You may not know, or even like, anything about this sport, but it certainly gives KG & Paul plenty to talk about. And we welcome our new sponsor! Annandale Cellars has generously agreed to support our project with the most delectable array of wines. Owner and manager, Chris Loth, will curate and select a bottle for every episode, and we will proceed to drink it!! Of course, all in the service of some leadership insights. Our first bottle from our newest friends is a Crudo Shiraz 2022 (Luke Lambert), a gorgeous red in the Rhone style of Southern France. Smooth and slightly 'spicy' in the mouth, it is a very satisfying drink. We encourage you to check it out at Annandale Cellars! Please join us, we'd love your company. Sláinte friends! We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine! Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!!

Is influence an essential trait for effective leadership? Join Paul & KG as they explore different notions of influence. Is it persuasion? Is it manipulation? How about the art of telling compelling stories, advocating for others, and leading by example? Join the conversation and tell us what you think influence to be, and how it might work in practice. Join us and please, share your thoughts! Sláinte! We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Is this a topic worth pursuing in one of our longer monthly episodes? Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

In leadership roles, we often face uncomfortable conversations and encounters. When experiencing these unsettling situations, we have a few options. These include enduring the discomfort and navigating through the storm until we find stability, or prematurely ending the conversation, ignoring the tension. One approach fosters growth and connection, the other doesn't. Join KG & Paul as they wrestle with the 'return of the repressed', 'inspired' by the recent and unexpected visit from an infamous virus. Today, the conversation is supported by an delectable Italian style red wine, Angullong 'Fossil Hill', Barbera, Sagrantino, Sangiovese blend, 2019. A surprisingly approachable and accessible wine from the Orange Region in NSW, Australia. Please join us, we'd love your company. Sláinte friends! We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine! Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!!

The term 'Self Care' has become a common one. However, the practice itself, as it pertains to those in leadership positions, seems to be as scarce or as ad hoc as ever. Why should we care about 'Self Care', and what difference would it even make to how we lead? Join Paul & KG as they discuss their own challenges around 'Self Care', and how they try and address a stubbornly elusive desire. Join us and please, share your thoughts! Sláinte! We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation. Is this a topic worth pursuing in one of our longer monthly episodes? Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

Celebrating our leadership successes should be a joyful and necessary practice. However, if we are not attentive to our leadership shortcomings, especially our failures, then we are condemned to repeat the same mistakes. Join KG & Paul as they chat with Ed Vaughn, from Generation Leadership, about his fascination with leadership failure and, amongst many insightful moments, the podcast he created to explore the nature of our leadership failures and how we might grow from them. Today, the conversation is gently buoyed by a very tasty Argentinian drop - a 2020 Flight of the Condor, Malbec. Yum! Please join us, we'd love your company. Sláinte friends! We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below. Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine! Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!! Links & Resources from this conversation: Generation LeadershipThe BlunderBus