Beyond Instinct

Beyond Instinct: Katharine Pons - Conscious leadership

The Beyond Instinct podcast delves into the world of innovation, business transformation, and industry advancements, bringing expert perspectives to the forefront. In this episode, Michael Russell is joined by Katharine Pons, from Executive Wisdom, for a thought-provoking conversation on conscious leadership. Together, they unpack what it really means to lead with awareness, purpose, and empathy in today’s fast-moving business landscape. From decision-making and culture to personal accountability and sustainable growth, they explore how conscious leadership can drive stronger teams, healthier organisations, and more meaningful impact.

Beyond Instinct: Michael Russell - Reflection & Direction

Beyond Instinct Podcast: Reflecting, Learning, and Looking Ahead In this special episode of the Beyond Instinct podcast, host Michael Russell takes a step back to reflect on his journey since launching the show. Looking ahead, he explores the future of Beyond Instinct and what listeners can expect as the podcast continues to evolve. Plus, he shares his perspective as an SME business owner for 2026.

Beyond Instinct: Darcy Laceby - Forbes 30 under 30 (8years of rapid scale)

The Beyond Instinct podcast delves into the world of innovation, business transformation, and industry advancements, bringing expert perspectives to the forefront. In this episode of Beyond Instinct, Michael Russell sits down with Darcy Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen. They explore Darcy’s journey as a founder, the challenges and rewards of working with family, and the rapid growth of Absolute Collagen and what it meant for her and the business.

Beyond Instinct: Harsha Malaweera - From Founder to Owner

The Beyond Instinct podcast delves into the world of innovation, business transformation, and industry advancements, bringing expert perspectives to the forefront. Transitioning from founder to business owner is rarely a straight path. In this episode, we explore the unique challenges, frustrations, and roadblocks that SME founders face when stepping back from the day-to-day. We dive into the emotional journey of letting go—understanding that your business isn’t a reflection of you, and learning that sometimes, even with the best intentions, letting go doesn’t go quite to plan. Through candid stories and real-life experiences, we uncover the lessons, the missteps, and the unexpected growth that comes from shifting your role in the business you built. Whether you’re a founder contemplating the next chapter or simply curious about the reality behind ownership transitions, this episode offers insight, empathy, and practical advice for navigating the leap from founder to owner.

Beyond Instinct: Russ Edgar - Creativity & Design

The Beyond Instinct podcast delves into the world of innovation, business transformation, and industry advancements, bringing expert perspectives to the forefront. In this episode, Michael sits down with Russ Edgar from VDM to dive deep into the world of design. Together, they explore the creative process behind logos, effective branding, and the evolving role of design in shaping a company's identity. Whether you're a designer, business owner, or just curious about the power of visual storytelling, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.