Xtraordinary Leaders - The Podcast Sun, 09 Aug 2026 02:14:33 -0400 https://xtraordinaryleaders.buzzsprout.com en-au © 2026 Xtraordinary Leaders - The Podcast yes 6c0fabf2-f38d-5ff7-a34b-942b0fcf270b Gerard Penna episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Gerard Penna https://storage.buzzsprout.com/li4sd34ctv7wu6zcbrj3l2keqq98?.jpg Xtraordinary Leaders - The Podcast https://xtraordinaryleaders.buzzsprout.com Extraordinary Leaders - A special series on becoming remarkable - Episode 3 Extraordinary Leaders - A special series on becoming remarkable - Episode 3 Extraordinary Leaders - A special series on becoming remarkable 


This is a 3 episode podcast special.

In each episode I share the answers to three big questions I have had about leadership over the last 35 years:

  • What is leadership, and what is the extraordinary version of it that achieves more and has greater impact?
  • What are the most important skills and techniques that allow these extraordinary leaders to be more effective and successful?
  • How do these remarkable everyday leaders grow from ordinary to extraordinary? 


Episode 3:  The becoming of extraordinary leaders

In this last of a three-episode series on extraordinary leadership, I share the deep work that leaders must do if they are to grow fully into their potential to become extraordinary.  



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Extraordinary Leaders - A special series on becoming remarkable 


This is a 3 episode podcast special.

In each episode I share the answers to three big questions I have had about leadership over the last 35 years:

  • What is leadership, and what is the extraordinary version of it that achieves more and has greater impact?
  • What are the most important skills and techniques that allow these extraordinary leaders to be more effective and successful?
  • How do these remarkable everyday leaders grow from ordinary to extraordinary? 


Episode 3:  The becoming of extraordinary leaders

In this last of a three-episode series on extraordinary leadership, I share the deep work that leaders must do if they are to grow fully into their potential to become extraordinary.  



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Buzzsprout-13678526 Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +1100 3192 full false Extraordinary Leaders - A special series on becoming remarkable - Episode 2 Extraordinary Leaders - A special series on becoming remarkable - Episode 2 This is a 3 episode podcast special.

In each episode I share the answers to three big questions I have had about leadership over the last 35 years:

  • What is leadership, and what is the extraordinary version of it that achieves more and has greater impact?
  • What are the most important skills and techniques that allow these extraordinary leaders to be more effective and successful?
  • How do these remarkable everyday leaders grow from ordinary to extraordinary?  


Episode 2: The skills of extraordinary leadership

In this second of a three-episode series on extraordinary leadership, I share more important techniques and skills that extraordinary leaders use to have greater impact and influence.



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> This is a 3 episode podcast special.

In each episode I share the answers to three big questions I have had about leadership over the last 35 years:

  • What is leadership, and what is the extraordinary version of it that achieves more and has greater impact?
  • What are the most important skills and techniques that allow these extraordinary leaders to be more effective and successful?
  • How do these remarkable everyday leaders grow from ordinary to extraordinary?  


Episode 2: The skills of extraordinary leadership

In this second of a three-episode series on extraordinary leadership, I share more important techniques and skills that extraordinary leaders use to have greater impact and influence.



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Buzzsprout-13678516 Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +1100 3375 full false Extraordinary Leaders - A special series on becoming remarkable - Episode 1 Extraordinary Leaders - A special series on becoming remarkable - Episode 1 This is a 3 episode podcast special.

In each episode, I share the answers to three big questions I have had about leadership over the last 35 years:

  • What is leadership, and what is the extraordinary version of it that achieves more and has greater impact?
  • What are the most important skills and techniques that allow these extraordinary leaders to be more effective and successful?
  • How do these remarkable everyday leaders grow from ordinary to extraordinary?  

Episode 1: The secret of extraordinary leadership

In this first of a three-episode series on extraordinary leadership I share the two magic ingredients that are essential for more remarkable impact and results.  



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> This is a 3 episode podcast special.

In each episode, I share the answers to three big questions I have had about leadership over the last 35 years:

  • What is leadership, and what is the extraordinary version of it that achieves more and has greater impact?
  • What are the most important skills and techniques that allow these extraordinary leaders to be more effective and successful?
  • How do these remarkable everyday leaders grow from ordinary to extraordinary?  

Episode 1: The secret of extraordinary leadership

In this first of a three-episode series on extraordinary leadership I share the two magic ingredients that are essential for more remarkable impact and results.  



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-13275598 Mon, 31 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +1000 3832 full false Provocation as Leadership. A conversation with Michael Johnstone and Maxime Ferm Provocation as Leadership. A conversation with Michael Johnstone and Maxime Ferm Provocation is a critical component of a leader’s toolkit.  To disrupt the system, and challenge the status quo is essential if we are to adapt to new and changing realities. In this episode Gerard is joined by Michael Johnstone and Maxime Ferm to discuss their new book Provocation as Leadership: A Roadmap for Adaptation and Change.  



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Provocation is a critical component of a leader’s toolkit.  To disrupt the system, and challenge the status quo is essential if we are to adapt to new and changing realities. In this episode Gerard is joined by Michael Johnstone and Maxime Ferm to discuss their new book Provocation as Leadership: A Roadmap for Adaptation and Change.  



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-13049422 Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +1000 2387 3 4 full false Coaching Leadership Teams Part 2 Coaching Leadership Teams Part 2 The quality of teamwork achieved by an executive team has an enormous impact on business success. So it makes sense to invest in coaching the team to be healthy and high performing.  In the second instalment of this two-episode special, Gerard shares stories and insights into some of the reasons why executive teams need help, and ways in which leadership teams can conquer dysfunction and achieve higher levels of success.



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> The quality of teamwork achieved by an executive team has an enormous impact on business success. So it makes sense to invest in coaching the team to be healthy and high performing.  In the second instalment of this two-episode special, Gerard shares stories and insights into some of the reasons why executive teams need help, and ways in which leadership teams can conquer dysfunction and achieve higher levels of success.



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-12787554 Mon, 15 May 2023 08:00:00 +1000 1781 3 3 full false Coaching Leadership Teams - Part 1 Coaching Leadership Teams - Part 1 The quality of teamwork achieved by an executive team has an enormous impact on business success. So it makes sense to invest in coaching the team to be healthy and high performing.  In this two-episode special, Gerard shares stories and insights into some of the reasons why executive teams need help, and ways in which leadership teams can conquer dysfunction and achieve higher levels of success.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> The quality of teamwork achieved by an executive team has an enormous impact on business success. So it makes sense to invest in coaching the team to be healthy and high performing.  In this two-episode special, Gerard shares stories and insights into some of the reasons why executive teams need help, and ways in which leadership teams can conquer dysfunction and achieve higher levels of success.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-12505185 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +1100 2221 3 2 full false Why We Need Trust Why We Need Trust The underlying foundation for any leader-follower relationship is trust.

Yet we rarely examine what we mean by that word. Trust.  Nor do we talk about why it is so central to the workings of leadership, or such a critical ingredient in how our societies work.

If you don't understand trust fully, you can't properly value it, build it or protect it.  Which means that ultimately you can't exercise leadership fully, nor can we create the conditions where we experience more trustworthy leadership in our lives.

So this episode is all about trust.  What it actually is, the critical role it plays in leadership, and how we can cultivate more of it.



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> The underlying foundation for any leader-follower relationship is trust.

Yet we rarely examine what we mean by that word. Trust.  Nor do we talk about why it is so central to the workings of leadership, or such a critical ingredient in how our societies work.

If you don't understand trust fully, you can't properly value it, build it or protect it.  Which means that ultimately you can't exercise leadership fully, nor can we create the conditions where we experience more trustworthy leadership in our lives.

So this episode is all about trust.  What it actually is, the critical role it plays in leadership, and how we can cultivate more of it.



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-12105504 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +1100 1730 3 1 full false Leadership and Loss with special guest Robbie MacPherson Leadership and Loss with special guest Robbie MacPherson The amount of disruption and change we are experiencing in our lives seems to be increasing.  Yet the challenge of change has always confronted us, demanding courageous and compassionate leadership to help us make our way through it.  In this episode Gerard speaks with colleague and leadership expert Robbie MacPherson about the essential role leaders play in helping people through the struggle of loss and suffering that accompanies major change, and how leaders can use their own lives as a powerful teacher to learn more about leadership.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> The amount of disruption and change we are experiencing in our lives seems to be increasing.  Yet the challenge of change has always confronted us, demanding courageous and compassionate leadership to help us make our way through it.  In this episode Gerard speaks with colleague and leadership expert Robbie MacPherson about the essential role leaders play in helping people through the struggle of loss and suffering that accompanies major change, and how leaders can use their own lives as a powerful teacher to learn more about leadership.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Buzzsprout-11717551 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +1100 4000 2 12 full false Natural Leadership Styles Natural Leadership Styles In this episode Gerard shares the four natural leadership styles that can form the backbone of your success as a leader.  With each leadership style reflecting your natural strengths, motivations and life experiences, he shows how greater energy, authenticity and effectiveness can flow from pursuing your natural and instinctive approach to leadership.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> In this episode Gerard shares the four natural leadership styles that can form the backbone of your success as a leader.  With each leadership style reflecting your natural strengths, motivations and life experiences, he shows how greater energy, authenticity and effectiveness can flow from pursuing your natural and instinctive approach to leadership.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-11454252 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +1100 1776 2 11 full false Why Investing in Leadership Pays Off with Chris Rolls Why Investing in Leadership Pays Off with Chris Rolls Chris Rolls, Managing Director of PieLAB Private Equity believes that the best investment that we and our organisations can make is in leadership. In fact, the capital fund he runs makes its investment decisions, and leverages the value from the many millions invested, by focusing on and growing leadership.

It’s paying off too, with their first investment fund performed so well, that they are now raising capital for a second fund using the same philosophy, with 39 out of their original 43 investors buying in again, with some increasing their stakes by up to 10 times their original investment

Chris is also a successful entrepreneur and business leader in his own right, building, growing and selling at least four businesses before establishing PieLABs first investment fund in 2017. 

In this episode Chris shares why leadership makes all the difference to their success, how he learned to value leadership, and some of the key leadership principles that have driven his own success, and that of the businesses they invest in.



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Chris Rolls, Managing Director of PieLAB Private Equity believes that the best investment that we and our organisations can make is in leadership. In fact, the capital fund he runs makes its investment decisions, and leverages the value from the many millions invested, by focusing on and growing leadership.

It’s paying off too, with their first investment fund performed so well, that they are now raising capital for a second fund using the same philosophy, with 39 out of their original 43 investors buying in again, with some increasing their stakes by up to 10 times their original investment

Chris is also a successful entrepreneur and business leader in his own right, building, growing and selling at least four businesses before establishing PieLABs first investment fund in 2017. 

In this episode Chris shares why leadership makes all the difference to their success, how he learned to value leadership, and some of the key leadership principles that have driven his own success, and that of the businesses they invest in.



Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Buzzsprout-11266131 Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +1000 2544 2 10 full false Learning by Leading with Paul Bradshaw Learning by Leading with Paul Bradshaw Paul Bradshaw is the Managing Director of the fast-growing outdoor goods retailer BCF. An accomplished business leader, who learned from legends in the world of retailing - Sam Walton, Walmart founder and Sir Archie Norman, the turnaround king - Paul is now leading the spectacular rise of the BCF business in Australia.  In this episode Paul shares with Gerard what he has learned about the critical importance of role modelling the culture you want to create, listening, being curious, supporting experimentation, and looking after yourself.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Paul Bradshaw is the Managing Director of the fast-growing outdoor goods retailer BCF. An accomplished business leader, who learned from legends in the world of retailing - Sam Walton, Walmart founder and Sir Archie Norman, the turnaround king - Paul is now leading the spectacular rise of the BCF business in Australia.  In this episode Paul shares with Gerard what he has learned about the critical importance of role modelling the culture you want to create, listening, being curious, supporting experimentation, and looking after yourself.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-11137987 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +1000 3107 2 9 full false Humanising Leadership with Mark LeBusque Humanising Leadership with Mark LeBusque Mark LeBusque is on a mission to challenge leaders and organisation to be more human.  His people centric approach to leadership and organisation development is both provocative and timely as companies grapple with the competing tensions between people and profit.   In this episode Ged talks with his good friend Mark about the mission, why it matters and how leaders can adopt more human-centric practices that can unleash the real potential of their teams and organisations.   

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Mark LeBusque is on a mission to challenge leaders and organisation to be more human.  His people centric approach to leadership and organisation development is both provocative and timely as companies grapple with the competing tensions between people and profit.   In this episode Ged talks with his good friend Mark about the mission, why it matters and how leaders can adopt more human-centric practices that can unleash the real potential of their teams and organisations.   

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Buzzsprout-10960389 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +1000 3184 2 8 full false Leading the Energy Transition with Erin Coldham Leading the Energy Transition with Erin Coldham The Australian transition to renewable energy has not been an easy one.  Our dependency on fossil fuels, and until recently a conflicted national energy policy, has made it hard to make progress toward climate-friendly renewable energy resources like offshore wind.  Despite these challenges, a dedicated team of professionals have been making ground on Australia's first offshore wind farm.  When built it will power over 1.5 million homes and produce 25% of Victorias' energy.  Gerard talks with Erin Coldham, the acting CEO and Chief Development Officer of Star of the South about the challenges and opportunities they have encountered as they have sought to lead the way towards a green future

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> The Australian transition to renewable energy has not been an easy one.  Our dependency on fossil fuels, and until recently a conflicted national energy policy, has made it hard to make progress toward climate-friendly renewable energy resources like offshore wind.  Despite these challenges, a dedicated team of professionals have been making ground on Australia's first offshore wind farm.  When built it will power over 1.5 million homes and produce 25% of Victorias' energy.  Gerard talks with Erin Coldham, the acting CEO and Chief Development Officer of Star of the South about the challenges and opportunities they have encountered as they have sought to lead the way towards a green future

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-10828315 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +1000 2986 2 7 full false Leading Resilient Teams with guest, Paul Taylor Leading Resilient Teams with guest, Paul Taylor Resilience continues as a big leadership topic but this time it's all about the team. Paul Taylor, neuroscientist, exercise physiologist and former airborne naval officer, joins Gerard for a conversation about the role leaders play in promoting more resilient teams. 

Paul shares his 7 keys leaders can use to cultivate resilient teams, brought to life by Gerard and Paul sharing their insights gained working with some truly remarkable leaders and teams. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Resilience continues as a big leadership topic but this time it's all about the team. Paul Taylor, neuroscientist, exercise physiologist and former airborne naval officer, joins Gerard for a conversation about the role leaders play in promoting more resilient teams. 

Paul shares his 7 keys leaders can use to cultivate resilient teams, brought to life by Gerard and Paul sharing their insights gained working with some truly remarkable leaders and teams. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-10662514 Mon, 23 May 2022 09:00:00 +1000 4140 2 6 full false The Employee Energy Solution The Employee Energy Solution With so many employees and leaders reporting fatigue and tiredness, the big question is, "How can we help them find new and sustainable reserves of energy?". In next week's episode, Gerard explores the science of motivation and shares leadership techniques for energising others more powerfully and sustainably.  

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> With so many employees and leaders reporting fatigue and tiredness, the big question is, "How can we help them find new and sustainable reserves of energy?". In next week's episode, Gerard explores the science of motivation and shares leadership techniques for energising others more powerfully and sustainably.  

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-10374094 Mon, 04 Apr 2022 20:00:00 +1000 2530 2 5 full false The Empathy Crisis The Empathy Crisis What is 'the empathy crisis' and how can we make progress toward solving it?

These are some of the questions Gerard addresses with San Francisco-based CEO, author and Empathy Activist, Rob Volpe.  Rob shines a light on the crisis, explains what being an empathy activist involves and shares some practical advice on how leaders can apply empathy in their everyday lives to cultivate better engagement, connection and results.

About Rob Volpe
Rob is an astute observer of life and a master storyteller who brings empathy and compassion to the human experience. As CEO of Ignite 360, he leads a team of insights, strategy, and creative professionals serving the world’s leading brands across a range of industries. He is also the author of Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> What is 'the empathy crisis' and how can we make progress toward solving it?

These are some of the questions Gerard addresses with San Francisco-based CEO, author and Empathy Activist, Rob Volpe.  Rob shines a light on the crisis, explains what being an empathy activist involves and shares some practical advice on how leaders can apply empathy in their everyday lives to cultivate better engagement, connection and results.

About Rob Volpe
Rob is an astute observer of life and a master storyteller who brings empathy and compassion to the human experience. As CEO of Ignite 360, he leads a team of insights, strategy, and creative professionals serving the world’s leading brands across a range of industries. He is also the author of Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-10243074 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +1100 3280 2 4 full false Regulating Heat: Harnessing Conflict to Transform Relationships and Results Regulating Heat: Harnessing Conflict to Transform Relationships and Results Conflict is an area that many leaders struggle with. Yet it's a key ingredient to be successful with your leadership.  In this episode, Gerard reveals how extraordinary leaders use the heat that comes with conflict to transform relationships and results. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Conflict is an area that many leaders struggle with. Yet it's a key ingredient to be successful with your leadership.  In this episode, Gerard reveals how extraordinary leaders use the heat that comes with conflict to transform relationships and results. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-10110301 Mon, 21 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +1100 2358 2 3 full false Future Ready Army Leaders Future Ready Army Leaders The Australian Army have an enviable reputation, yet their world is changing rapidly and their leaders have to learn how to respond.  Gerard interviews Lt Col Jamie Martin - Director at Centre for Australian Army Leadership who has responsibility for delivering leadership education to all levels of command.  Jamie shares some of his own unique leadership experiences commanding helicopter squadrons, co-ordinating combat operations and leading peacetime disaster relief - experiences that have also helped inform the new and novel ways that Army are now developing their leaders. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> The Australian Army have an enviable reputation, yet their world is changing rapidly and their leaders have to learn how to respond.  Gerard interviews Lt Col Jamie Martin - Director at Centre for Australian Army Leadership who has responsibility for delivering leadership education to all levels of command.  Jamie shares some of his own unique leadership experiences commanding helicopter squadrons, co-ordinating combat operations and leading peacetime disaster relief - experiences that have also helped inform the new and novel ways that Army are now developing their leaders. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9965433 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +1100 3448 2 2 full false Three Essential Leadership Abilities in 2022 Three Essential Leadership Abilities in 2022 After two years of disruption, what does 2022 hold in store for leaders? In this week's episode, I will share the three most critical abilities leaders will need to meet the moment.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> After two years of disruption, what does 2022 hold in store for leaders? In this week's episode, I will share the three most critical abilities leaders will need to meet the moment.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9896729 Mon, 17 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +1100 1489 2 1 full false The Art of Not Knowing - Leading Without All the Answers with Diana Renner The Art of Not Knowing - Leading Without All the Answers with Diana Renner Leaders should have all the answers right? Wrong! Not knowing can actually be a good thing, especially in the current environment in which uncertainty and novel challenges abound. Gerard interviews award-winning author, lawyer, leadership teacher and refugee advocate Diana Renner about the art of not knowing, and how to turn not having all the answers into a gift.  

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Leaders should have all the answers right? Wrong! Not knowing can actually be a good thing, especially in the current environment in which uncertainty and novel challenges abound. Gerard interviews award-winning author, lawyer, leadership teacher and refugee advocate Diana Renner about the art of not knowing, and how to turn not having all the answers into a gift.  

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9730071 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +1100 2882 1 12 full false Companies With Heart - The Great Attraction Companies With Heart - The Great Attraction People want and need more than just a pay cheque.  Being part of an organisation that knows what it stands for, and lives it every day is enormously attractive.  In this episode Gerard explores what it takes to be an organisation with heart, how it  contributes to sustainable performance, and why employees are leaving hollow organisations in this post pandemic environment.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> People want and need more than just a pay cheque.  Being part of an organisation that knows what it stands for, and lives it every day is enormously attractive.  In this episode Gerard explores what it takes to be an organisation with heart, how it  contributes to sustainable performance, and why employees are leaving hollow organisations in this post pandemic environment.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9646481 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +1100 1397 1 11 full false Leadership Lessons from a POW camp - with Lt. Colonel Lee Ellis Leadership Lessons from a POW camp - with Lt. Colonel Lee Ellis Imagine ejecting from your exploding jet plane and falling straight into the arms of the enemy.  Lee Ellis shares with Gerard  lessons about leadership from his five years inside the notorious Hanoi Hilton POW camp, and other valuable learnings from a lifetime  teaching leadership in the military, business and community. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Imagine ejecting from your exploding jet plane and falling straight into the arms of the enemy.  Lee Ellis shares with Gerard  lessons about leadership from his five years inside the notorious Hanoi Hilton POW camp, and other valuable learnings from a lifetime  teaching leadership in the military, business and community. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9555625 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +1100 2888 1 10 full false The Power of Purpose - How great leaders connect others to their "why". The Power of Purpose - How great leaders connect others to their "why". Leaders must connect team members to a purpose that energises and engages. Otherwise, who'd want to stay in a workplace that doesn't? In this episode Ged explains how connecting to purpose may very well be the skill leaders need to deal with the Big Resignation problem that everyone seems to be talking about. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Leaders must connect team members to a purpose that energises and engages. Otherwise, who'd want to stay in a workplace that doesn't? In this episode Ged explains how connecting to purpose may very well be the skill leaders need to deal with the Big Resignation problem that everyone seems to be talking about. 

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9488189 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 01:00:00 +1100 1972 1 9 full false Are You Burnt Out? - with Wellbeing Expert Audrey McGibbon Are You Burnt Out? - with Wellbeing Expert Audrey McGibbon In a world full of volatility and uncertainty many leaders are being pushed to the brink - and some beyond.  In this episode the insightful and passionate psychologist and wellbeing expert Audrey McGibbon lifts the lid on what's going on with burnout - how it affects leaders, how to spot it and what you can do to address it.   

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> In a world full of volatility and uncertainty many leaders are being pushed to the brink - and some beyond.  In this episode the insightful and passionate psychologist and wellbeing expert Audrey McGibbon lifts the lid on what's going on with burnout - how it affects leaders, how to spot it and what you can do to address it.   

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9425878 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +1100 3861 1 8 full false Thriving whilst leading - Meeting the demands of leadership Thriving whilst leading - Meeting the demands of leadership Sustaining your energy as a high performing leader is not an easy task.  Especially in these challenging times. In this episode Gerard draws on extensive experience coaching senior executives to share advice and insights into how more extraordinary leaders deliberately set out to achieve balance in their lives.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Sustaining your energy as a high performing leader is not an easy task.  Especially in these challenging times. In this episode Gerard draws on extensive experience coaching senior executives to share advice and insights into how more extraordinary leaders deliberately set out to achieve balance in their lives.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9319686 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +1100 4004 1 7 full false The Power of Confidence - Realising your full potential with Michelle Sales The Power of Confidence - Realising your full potential with Michelle Sales In this episode Gerard talks with author, leadership expert and experienced senior executive Michelle Sales about the role  that confidence plays in becoming your best self, and ways that you can increase your confidence to reach your full potential.   

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> In this episode Gerard talks with author, leadership expert and experienced senior executive Michelle Sales about the role  that confidence plays in becoming your best self, and ways that you can increase your confidence to reach your full potential.   

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9265047 Mon, 27 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +1000 2253 1 6 full false Growth in a Crisis - Using Disruption to Change Yourself Growth in a Crisis - Using Disruption to Change Yourself In this episode Gerard explores the often untapped yet enormous potential for leadership growth and personal transformation in the midst of a sustained crisis or life challenge.   

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> In this episode Gerard explores the often untapped yet enormous potential for leadership growth and personal transformation in the midst of a sustained crisis or life challenge.   

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9183335 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +1000 1643 1 5 full false It's harder than it looks - transforming businesses with Adam Warden It's harder than it looks - transforming businesses with Adam Warden More than 70% of the attempts made to transform, reinvent or turn organisations around will fail however having the right leadership can make all the difference.  In this episode Gerard speaks with the brilliant and straight up Adam Warden who is one of the most experienced players globally in the field of business transformations, about what it really takes to successfully lead a response to major business disruption.  

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> More than 70% of the attempts made to transform, reinvent or turn organisations around will fail however having the right leadership can make all the difference.  In this episode Gerard speaks with the brilliant and straight up Adam Warden who is one of the most experienced players globally in the field of business transformations, about what it really takes to successfully lead a response to major business disruption.  

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9071074 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +1000 3105 1 4 full false Mindful Leadership - A pathway to greater presence and connection Mindful Leadership - A pathway to greater presence and connection Mindfulness is a skill that all leaders need, especially when experiencing pressure and stress in their lives.  In this episode Gerard shares his 20 year journey learning, practicing and teaching mindfulness to leaders in Australia and overseas.  By demystifying mindfulness, and showing how it can help all of us be better leaders, Gerard makes it accessible to anyone and everyone.  


Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Mindfulness is a skill that all leaders need, especially when experiencing pressure and stress in their lives.  In this episode Gerard shares his 20 year journey learning, practicing and teaching mindfulness to leaders in Australia and overseas.  By demystifying mindfulness, and showing how it can help all of us be better leaders, Gerard makes it accessible to anyone and everyone.  


Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-9021808 Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +1000 1493 1 3 full false When the Going Gets Tough - with Resilience Expert Paul Taylor When the Going Gets Tough - with Resilience Expert Paul Taylor Paul Taylor knows about stress and resilience.  He's coordinated naval fleet responses to submarine attacks, rescued injured mountain climbers and survived intensive resistance to interrogation training.  Today he's a neuroscientist and physiologist studying how we can increase our resilience and performance under pressure. Together with Xtraordinary Leaders CEO and Founder Gerard Penna he explores the challenges of leading in these extraordinary times,  and examines opportunities leaders have to condition their leadership to be more resilient, sustainable and effective.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Paul Taylor knows about stress and resilience.  He's coordinated naval fleet responses to submarine attacks, rescued injured mountain climbers and survived intensive resistance to interrogation training.  Today he's a neuroscientist and physiologist studying how we can increase our resilience and performance under pressure. Together with Xtraordinary Leaders CEO and Founder Gerard Penna he explores the challenges of leading in these extraordinary times,  and examines opportunities leaders have to condition their leadership to be more resilient, sustainable and effective.

Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Penna Buzzsprout-8939756 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +1000 3372 1 2 full false We need less ordinary leadership - a prologue We need less ordinary leadership - a prologue In this first episode Gerard shares the compelling reasons why we need more extraordinary leaders, and how this podcast series meets the moment.


Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> In this first episode Gerard shares the compelling reasons why we need more extraordinary leaders, and how this podcast series meets the moment.


Contact Xtraordinary Leaders

1.       Tweet us @XtraordinaryLe2

2.       Follow us on Instagram @xtraordinary_leaders

3.       Email us at interact@xtraordinaryleaders.com.au

4.      Check out our website for more info Home | Xtraordinary Leaders

Take Care, Lead Well. 

]]> Gerard Buzzsprout-8811441 Mon, 05 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +1000 916 1 1 full false