Level Up Leadership

No one likes bad news, but as a leader, it’s your responsibility to get ahead of it. When Brett Wiskar said during our interview, "Good news is bad news delivered early," it really resonated. Surprises are rarely welcome, and as leaders, it's our job not only to manage them but to stay ahead of them. In this candid episode, I chat with Brett, a seasoned tech executive, about his rollercoaster leadership journey. Tune in to hear three impactful leadership lessons that have reshaped his approach—and could very well change yours too. I’m saving the lightbulb moments for the episode, but here’s a glimpse of what Brett unpacks: 1. The crucial leadership skill most avoid (yes, it involves those uncomfortable conversations). 2. Why adaptability is more valuable than being right. 3. How to align your team for success. Beyond the lessons, this episode offers a rare inside look at the life of an executive—his day-to-day challenges, the tough decisions, and what it truly takes to lead at the top. Add the podcast to your listen list to deep dive into the real-world experiences of a leader navigating change and innovation. Contact Brett: * www.brettwiskar.com * https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettwiskar/ * https://www.instagram.com/brett.wiskar.speaker/ Find out your personal Leadership Style with the free quiz [https://www.zenithjourney.com/leadership-styles-quiz] Join the Mailing List [http://campus.zenithjourney.com/mailinglist] - hear first when new episodes are live Zenith Journey [http://www.zenithjourney.com] website - leaders aren't born, they're trained Buy the Delegation Playbook [https://campus.zenithjourney.com/playbook] - delegate seamlessly, for better results, without the stress Zenith Journey Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/zenithjourney] Kate Peardon Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katepeardon]

Today's episode is talking about what I believe is the most important first step in leadership - knowing your leadership style. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a new leader, someone who's been at it for a while or an absolute seasoned pro, you need to know what your natural leadership style is. So why is this important?   Your leadership style is happening, whether you know about it or not. If you think about gravity, you do not need to know what gravity is to know that if you drop a pen, it will hit the ground. It's the same with your leadership style, whether you know what your leadership style is or not, it is happening. You have a natural style that you are doing in your leadership, whether you know about it or not. So best to know what it is.  In today's podcast episode, I'm talking about Goleman's six leadership styles, helping you to see your strengths and blind spots, and a free quiz to get some personalised feedback. Find out your personal Leadership Style with the free quiz [https://www.zenithjourney.com/leadership-styles-quiz] Join the Mailing List [http://campus.zenithjourney.com/mailinglist] - hear first when new episodes are live Zenith Journey [http://www.zenithjourney.com] website - leaders aren't born, they're trained Buy the Delegation Playbook [https://campus.zenithjourney.com/playbook] - delegate seamlessly, for better results, without the stress Zenith Journey Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/zenithjourney] Kate Peardon Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katepeardon]

Do you get the best from your team? Guest Brianna Ansaldo is CEO of Australia's largest independent podcast production agency in Australia, and has a completely virtual team. When I started this podcast two years ago, I clicked immediately with Brianna but also knew that after the onboarding I'd be working with the team not Brianna directly. Here's the fascinating bit - her team was just as great to work with. So what was it about her leadership that was creating such a great environment for the team and clients to be thriving? So nervously I asked a podcasting professional to be a guest on my podcast. In this episode we talk about her time as famous singer on reality TV, the time we both have been mascots dressed in huge suits with big heads, her journey into podcasting, and the bit you're probably most interested in, her 3 leadership lessons: 1. the questions she asks during the interview process to ensure a perfect fit for both the job and the team culture at Bamby Media. 2. how to stretch and get the best from your team (hint: it's not a sink or swim approach) 3. her foolproof processes for establishing top-notch work standards within her team, preventing any tasks from falling short of excellence and ending up back on her desk. If Brianna's leadership journey has inspired you to level up your own, here's two ways I can help: 1. Team Leader Essentials - Brisbane 1 day course (4 September 2024) [https://events.humanitix.com/team-leader-essentials?_gl=1*f2yms*_gcl_au*MTU0MzUwNzE4My4xNzIxMDg3Mjgx*_ga*MTUzODU0MjkzOS4xNzIxMDg3Mjgy*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*MTcyMTY5NTk0OC4zLjEuMTcyMTY5NTk2OC40MC4wLjA.] 2. 1:1 Leadership Coaching  [https://www.zenithjourney.com/1on1-mentoring] Guest Bio - Brianna Ansaldo, Bamby Media www.bambymedia.com [http://www.bambymedia.com] After over a decade working as a songwriter, Brianna fell in love with podcast production and founded Bamby Media. Eight years on Bamby Media is now the largest independent podcast production agency in Australia, with a current roster of over 65 clients globally. Brianna is also a podcast industry judge for the Australian Podcast Awards, Webby Awards and Signal Awards. Working with podcast industry professionals to help celebrate the best of the best has been extremely rewarding and Brianna is excited to work more in this space in the coming years. Find out your personal Leadership Style with the free quiz [https://www.zenithjourney.com/leadership-styles-quiz] Join the Mailing List [http://campus.zenithjourney.com/mailinglist] - hear first when new episodes are live Zenith Journey [http://www.zenithjourney.com] website - leaders aren't born, they're trained Buy the Delegation Playbook [https://campus.zenithjourney.com/playbook] - delegate seamlessly, for better results, without the stress Zenith Journey Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/zenithjourney] Kate Peardon Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katepeardon]

In 2010 podcast host Kate Peardon met fellow Australian Emilia Simonin in an MBA classroom in Paris. Throughout the years they've shared their journey across a number of countries and through corporate leadership, and today Emilia is the Global Market and Business Intelligence Director at L'Oreal, in Paris.  Today's episode interviews Emilia on her three key leadership lessons on her experience leading cross-cultural teams, and how each has shaped her journey from an Australian working in marketing in Sydney, to international director in Paris.  Her lessons include: 1. It's all about people, no matter who or where you're leading 2. Communication styles in different cultures 3. How authenticity has helped Emilia overcome cultural barriers Find out your personal Leadership Style with the free quiz [https://www.zenithjourney.com/leadership-styles-quiz] Join the Mailing List [http://campus.zenithjourney.com/mailinglist] - hear first when new episodes are live Zenith Journey [http://www.zenithjourney.com] website - leaders aren't born, they're trained Buy the Delegation Playbook [https://campus.zenithjourney.com/playbook] - delegate seamlessly, for better results, without the stress Zenith Journey Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/zenithjourney] Kate Peardon Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katepeardon]

Join Claire O'Shea on her journey from young dancer to Dance Energy Studios founder, podcast producer, and business mentor. At just 19 she started her first dance studio and in this interview she shares insights on scaling her studio, building the right team, and navigating leadership in the arts. Learn about her transition from dance teacher (the person with the technical skill) to the CEO, leading a number of businesses, being the strategic manager, mastering delegation and balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship. We loved learning about how Claire's leadership style shapes her studio's culture, even when she's not in the spotlight. Tune in to hear her story. Join the Founders Academy of Business [https://www.zenithjourney.com/founders-academy] Guest Bio - Claire O'Shea Claire O'Shea is a dynamic entrepreneur and educator in the dance industry, serving as the Founder, Director, and Class Teacher of Dance Energy Studios. With a Bachelor of Education, Claire has developed innovative programs like Petite Performers Preschool Dance, designed for children aged 0-5. She spearheads digital initiatives such as 'Dance on Demand' and mentors aspiring dance educators through the 'Power Up Teacher Training Program.' As host of the "Assemble Dance Studio Coaching Podcast," Claire shares valuable insights with dance studio owners worldwide, while her speaking engagements and coaching sessions inspire growth and success in the industry. * Instagram: @assembledancestudiocoaching @danceenergystudios * https://assembledancestudiocoaching.com/ [https://assembledancestudiocoaching.com/]  * www.danceenergystudios.net.au [ https://www.danceenergystudios.net.au]  * https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/assemble-dance-studio-coaching/id1276431018 [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/assemble-dance-studio-coaching/id1276431018] Find out your personal Leadership Style with the free quiz [https://www.zenithjourney.com/leadership-styles-quiz] Join the Mailing List [http://campus.zenithjourney.com/mailinglist] - hear first when new episodes are live Zenith Journey [http://www.zenithjourney.com] website - leaders aren't born, they're trained Buy the Delegation Playbook [https://campus.zenithjourney.com/playbook] - delegate seamlessly, for better results, without the stress Zenith Journey Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/zenithjourney] Kate Peardon Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katepeardon]