What happens when everything you have learned about leadership is tested in minutes? Brett Simpson has experienced that reality twice. A senior NSW Ambulance leader at Paddington and President of the Australian Paramedics Association NSW, Brett was the first paramedic and initial ambulance commander on scene at both the Bondi Westfield mass-casualty incident and the later Bondi Beach incident. But this conversation is not simply about commanding major emergencies. It is about what makes someone capable of leading when the pressure becomes almost unimaginable. Brett talks openly about the mentors who shaped him, the importance of remaining calm, preparing repeatedly for situations you hope will never occur, trusting people from other organisations, accepting difficult feedback and having the humility to accept help when your own capacity is overwhelmed. He also speaks with extraordinary honesty about what happened after Bondi Westfield. Brett tried to convince himself he was fine. He wasn't. Eventually, support from colleagues, friends and professional psychological care changed his approach to recovery — and his approach to looking after the people he leads. Perhaps most importantly, Brett believes leadership is about developing people who eventually become better leaders than you.   His goal? For the people he mentors to surpass him.   An extraordinary conversation about Relationships, Reputation and Resilience — and what leadership looks like when it really matters. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM. The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

In Episode 98 of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, John Foong returns to share practical lessons from leadership roles at Google, Uber and Domain. John explains why leadership is a skill built through Theory, Practice and Feedback, and why every employee should be treated as a volunteer with choices. He reflects honestly on the success trap, the value of coaching, meaningful career conversations and preparing for a future CEO role. John also reveals how he uses AI to accelerate learning without surrendering critical thinking. His final challenge is simple: recognise your agency and act with audacity. Agency. Audacity. Growth.   Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM. The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

Rebecca Pinkstone returns for her third appearance on The Courage to Lead Interview Series. From beginning her career as a youth worker in Western Sydney to becoming CEO of Homes New South Wales, Rebecca Pinkstone has built her leadership on deep experience, strong relationships and a genuine commitment to improving people’s lives. Leading approximately 3,500 people during an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, Rebecca Pinkstone explains why high performance and care are not competing ideas. Leaders can hold people accountable, deliver significant outcomes and still create a workplace where employees know they are valued and supported. Rebecca Pinkstone discusses psychological safety, leading a large organisation as a “team of teams,” and the importance of climate, capability and clarity. She also explains why leaders must diagnose problems before acting, give people permission to test new ideas and replace blame with learning. This is also a deeply personal conversation. Rebecca Pinkstone shares how her grandmother found safety and stability through public housing after leaving a violent relationship, helping shape Rebecca Pinkstone’s lifelong commitment to housing, empathy and social justice. She also speaks honestly about juggling a demanding leadership role, raising children and supporting ageing parents—reminding us that life is rarely perfectly balanced. Three words that describe Rebecca Pinkstone are: Authentic. Adaptable. Compassionate. This is a powerful conversation about leadership under pressure and what becomes possible when people are expected to perform while knowing their leaders genuinely care. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM. The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

This week on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard sits down with one of Manly's quiet legends. At 82 years of age, Bob Herring still swims almost every day in the waters he has called home since childhood. A lifelong surfer, surf lifesaver, rugby player, coach, mentor and former President of Manly Surf Life Saving Club, Bob reflects on a lifetime built around community rather than status. From growing up on Sydney's Northern Beaches during the Second World War, to helping shape generations of young lifesavers, to spending over 60 years alongside his wife Judy, Bob shares simple lessons that have guided his life: "Your health is your wealth." "Be kind." "Do the right thing." In a world obsessed with success, Bob reminds us that a rich life is measured by relationships, contribution and contentment. Sometimes the greatest leaders are the ones who never set out to lead at all. A small note before you press play... Bob Herring doesn't own a smartphone or a computer. So, unlike almost every other guest on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, there was only one place this conversation could happen—his much-loved Manly Surf Life Saving Club, a place that has been at the heart of his life for more than 80 years. We sat together overlooking the beach, recording our conversation using nothing more than an iPhone voice recorder. You'll hear the sounds of the surf club around us—people catching up, coffee cups, footsteps and the everyday rhythm of a place Bob has called his second home for most of his life. The audio isn't our usual studio quality, but we decided not to change a thing. Those sounds are part of Bob's story. They remind us that this conversation wasn't recorded in a studio. It was recorded exactly where it belonged—with a remarkable man, sharing a remarkable life, in the place that helped shape him. 3 words that sum up Bob:   Health • Kindness • Community   Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM. The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

Police officer. Survivor. Author. Advocate. Lana Boland author of Aftershot, joins The Courage to Lead for one of the most honest and deeply personal conversations ever recorded on the podcast. Lana speaks openly about childhood trauma, policing, PTSD, leadership, ADHD, organisational culture and the long journey towards accepting herself exactly as she is. Her message is simple but powerful: "Leadership isn't about rank.It's about authenticity.It's about genuinely caring for people." This is not simply a conversation about mental health. It is a conversation about courage. It explores what happens when organisations fail to support their people, why genuine human connection matters more than ever, and how our greatest struggles can become our greatest purpose. Throughout the interview Lana reminds us that healing doesn't come from pretending to be someone else. It comes from finally giving ourselves permission to be ourselves. A remarkable conversation about resilience, vulnerability and hope. 3 words that sum up Lana:   Authentic. Courageous. Unbreakable.   Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM. The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

In one of the most personal episodes ever recorded on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard sits down with his father-in-law, Peter Cook, a man who has lived an extraordinary life filled with adventure, friendship, sport, success, hardship, addiction, recovery and service to others. Just one week before this interview, Peter was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver and lungs. Rather than retreat, he chose to share his story. Peter reflects on his childhood in Melbourne, his talented father "Mac", his sporting career as a cricketer and wicketkeeper, playing representative cricket, travelling to England in the 1960s, lifelong friendships spanning six decades, and a successful business career that saw him become one of Australia's leading flooring specialists in the hospital sector. Most powerfully, Peter shares his decades-long battle with alcoholism. After years of drinking, rehabilitation attempts and self-loathing, he found hope through Alcoholics Anonymous at age 79 and has remained sober for more than five years. Today, even while facing terminal illness, he continues to support others struggling with addiction. This is not simply a story about leadership. It is a story about redemption. It is a story about resilience. It is a story about what really matters when time becomes precious. Three words that sum up Peter's story COURAGE, FRIENDSHIPS, SERVICE   Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM. The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

In this powerful episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard sits down with former NSW Police Sergeant and current Principal Investigator with the NSW Rural Fire Service, Scott Horwood. Just weeks after undergoing major brain surgery to remove a large tumour, Scott shares his remarkable story of resilience, vulnerability and leadership. The conversation explores: ✅ Discovering a life-threatening brain tumour✅ The importance of asking for help✅ Leadership lessons from policing, sport and hospitality✅ Why tough conversations matter✅ Building trust through authenticity✅ Leadership during times of uncertainty✅ The power of treating people with dignity and respect✅ Creating capable teams instead of having all the answers This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about rank or authority—it is about people. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM. The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

In this episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard speaks with Mike Wassing, Commissioner of the NSW State Emergency Service. Mike leads an organisation of more than 11,100 volunteers across 262 units, supported by over 600 staff, with responsibility for floods, storms and tsunamis across New South Wales. This conversation explores Mike’s leadership journey from under-16 cricket captain, park ranger and Country Fire Authority officer, through to senior emergency management roles in Victoria, Queensland and now NSW. Mike shares powerful insights on volunteer leadership, listening, being present, building trust, learning from mistakes, supporting people through crisis, mental health in emergency services, community resilience and the future of disaster management. His three leadership words are humility, empathy and courage — values that sit at the heart of this thoughtful and deeply human conversation. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM. The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

In this deeply reflective episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard speaks with Reverend Dr Mark Layson — researcher, disaster recovery chaplain, former NSW Police officer, Anglican pastor and author of The Unexpected Poison: Betrayal and Moral Injury in Your Workplace. Mark shares his remarkable journey through policing, emergency services, ministry and academia, exploring how workplace culture, leadership and betrayal can profoundly impact mental health and wellbeing. The conversation dives into: Moral injury and how it differs from trauma Why workplace betrayal can damage people more than critical incidents Leadership, psychological safety and “Just Culture” The dangers of blame cultures Organisational trust and the Edelman Trust Barometer Curiosity, accountability and self-leadership Lessons learned from emergency services and ministry The inspiration behind Mark’s groundbreaking book This is an honest, insightful and powerful discussion for leaders across every industry who want to create safer, healthier and more compassionate workplaces. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM. The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

In this compelling episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard sits down with returning guest Alex Greenwich MP to explore leadership under pressure. Alex shares his deeply personal journey over the past three years, including the impact of public attacks, mental health challenges, and the turning point that came from asking for help. They discuss the importance of stability in leadership, working across differences, and staying focused on outcomes that genuinely help people. Alex also reflects on the role of kindness in leadership, the reality of political life, and why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about courage, compassion, and continuing when it would be easier to stop. Follow Allan Sicard on LinkedIn, Instagram and ALLANSICARD.COM. The Courage to Lead - The Book Listen now to The Courage to Lead Podcast and explore more stories of leaders who are redefining courage into action, empowering others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.