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Welcome to another episode of the Leadership Project, this time we talk with Peter Cleary, the founder and CEO of Zinc Group.Zinc is a brand activation business specialising in promotional marketing, relationship marketing, and licensing, with the motto: 'We make brands seen, heard and remembered'.After leaving a large corporate in 2004 Peter seeing out the 'gardening leave' period wrote up a business plan.  Unusually this business plan was based on what the business would be like to work in, with who and what the culture would be.  Then the business was formulated around those principles.  To illustrate the success of this approach, Zinc has been acknowledged as one of Australia's best places to work on the BRW list in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015 for companies with less than 100 employees.  As a consequence of that - a rapidly growing business. In our conversation we discuss Peter's path to start and as CEO of Zinc Group, starting with Values and Culture. Reversing the corporate mantra of happy shareholders, happy clients then 'staff or teams'.  Evolution of the culture of Zinc based on "Shared Value" and Conscious Capitalism.  Peter's leadership development, the importance of and adaptive, flexible business model with the right leadership group.  As well as what is exciting Peter about Zinc today and so much more.  Show Notes:From corporate to founder to CEO/Managing Director [2:04]First Mentor - Peter Grogan [2:25]Large corporate 'experiences' [3:05]"Garding leave" then making a conscious career decision through experimentation [4:10]"What I realised... it wasn't so much what I did, it was how I was doing it that was actually more important" [4:52]Writing a Business Plan about the type of business I always wanted to work in [5:20] Starting with culture before business offering [5:58] "Imagine if you had a place where people actually could sincerely give a shit about each other" [7:33]Intrinsically motivated rather than extrinsically motivated [8:00]Reversing the Mantra - Shareholders, Clients and Staff [8:40]How has the culture matured/evolved since the beginning to today? [10:30]The philosophy of "Shared Value" - Michael Porter  [11:50]More on Shared Value: http://sharedvalue.org/about-shared-value"Capitalism doesn't have to be a zero sum game" [12:19]Conscious Capitalism [12:45]Like minded businesses [12:54]    - Swisse - Radek Sali      - Intrepid Travel - Geoff ManchesterFormal development Vs Self development [15:00]  "The best thing I ever did" - Business Coach [16:52]MBA and/or Business Coaching/Mentoring? [17:30]You never stop learning [20:17]Greatest leadership challenge [20:49]     - A business adaptive and flexible to change     - A leadership group to help lead that evolutionWhat characteristics do you look for in a leader (if you were to replace yourself as CEO/MD?) [22:20]"Sometimes you need to lead and sometimes you need to follow & picking that can be a challenge" [23:16]Retention at Zinc - a retention rate that was too high. [23:35]Culture meetings & the evolution of benefits - "shared value" at Zinc [25:45]What's exciting you about Zinc at the moment? [29:50]Fewer clients - Jerry Maguire moment [31:56]Asian expansion [35:55]Culture during an acquisition - Origination CRM (OCRM) [37:27]   Leadership in the future of an ever changing world [41:00]Where is the next generation of leaders going to come? [42:24]Environmental & Social impact - responsible business [45:46]Social levy: Cambodian Kids Foundation [46:05]Carbon offsetting [47:18]Bcorp   [47:54]In the last 15 minutes Peter made a great point by asking the following question:Where is the next generation of leaders coming from considering the recent changes in online, mobile device based social media?  The Social and environmental impacts, addressing the wealth gap....  These are emerging issues today, but critical for tomorrow.  Let me know your thoughts in the comments for this podcast episode, on Facebook Page or Twitter (@matcoolahan).A very big thank you to Peter Cleary for his time, experience and insights. Thank you too for listening to this episode of the podcast.  If you enjoyed the interview, subscribe on your podcast player of choice!  or share it via social media, recommend it or leave the podcast a rating in iTunes or Stitcher, it only takes a minute or two and it really helps the show be discovered by more like minded people.Check out Zinc Group on zincgroup.com - particularly their about page on their website as it contains their values statement, an informative video titled "We put people first so great things follow".  All references and resources are linked in the show notes, they can be found at the website: leadershipproject.co/podcast.  Whilst on the website check out the blog, I have been working with artist Cons Balaquena to create a series I am calling "Quotables". Which are quotes from the podcast inked out in comic strip form.  I am also splicing the images and adding the original audio as a short video on specific points made during the interviews.  The art can be purchased as framed prints or canvas via our Society6 page - the links are on the blog post.You can find the leadership project on Facebook - search the words "Leadership Project Page" - Like us there for updates.To connect with me, I am on LinkedIn as Mat Coolahanon Twitter you can find me: @matcoolahan.  The Leadership Project is on Instagram - search for me there as the leadership project - spelled out as one word.  Why Instagram? simply - it is great for engagement, I am currently posting leadership quotes, including quotes and insights by the podcast guests.  As always our theme song was written and performed by The Freak Fandango Orchestra.      

This time I talk with Tristan White the founder and Chief Enthusiasm Officer of The Physio Co.  Impressively The Physio Co. or TPC has been on the Business Review Weekly's 50 best places to work list for the past 7 years. In 2014 TPC was acknowledged as the best place to work in Australia by being listed as number 1 for companies under 100 employee's. The Physio Co continues to grow and serve nationwide, with the team growing to 100 people who will deliver over 200,000 unique consultations to Australian aged care residents in 2016 alone.Tristan is passionate about his business, the culture that he cultivates within the company and of course the people he works with.  In our conversation we cover Tristan's leadership journey, establishing and growing The Physio Co and his approach to leadership development.  And I almost forgot to ask - but remembered just in time - we talked working from home or telecommuting, as Tristan works from his property  2 - 3 days a week, to spend more time with his young family.This is an information dense episode and I hope you enjoy it. Show NotesTristan's leadership journey [1:33]The 10 year plan - AFL sports therapy [2:12]A Change of plan - private practice [3:10]Reflection lead to a new field [5:05] How The Physio Co's values and mission defined [6:20]The Physio Co - Mission and supervising not leading [7:30]Seeking direction overseas [8:40] Leadership expertise: Verne Harnish [9:25]Values Based Business (purpose and values) [9:30]Engaged a coach - Cameron Herold  [10:05]The 3 year vision [10:20]Collaboration and leadership in defining values [11:45]The Annual Culture Book [12:03]The 5th year struggle [12:25]Learning from Zappo's - Tony Hsieh [12:45]Chief Enthusiasm Officer - the golden rule of leadership - lead like you would like to be lead [14:42]Self driven development? [16:03]Value: Find a better Way [17:10]Formal Education - Small Business Management, Kangan Batman TAFE & MBA [17:32]Entrepreneurs Organisation [17:48]Entrepreneurial Masters Program - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) [17:55]The importance of self awareness [18:15]Engaging coaching - the best possible coach for ourself [18:45]Largest leadership challenge [19:21]How is The Physio Co cultivating leaders? [20:55]Quotable - Create More Leaders [22:22]Mentoring [22:39]What does Tristan look for in a leader? [24:26]Recommended Leadership Resources [25:26]For first time managers - The One Minute Manager [25:38]Good to Great by Jim Collins [26:06]Why Tristan does what he does. [27:00]Telecommuting CEO [28:25]Lesson for leaders [29:44]Telecommuting challenges [30:08]Connecting with Tristan [31:21]Blog: Culture is EverythingTwitter @tristanjwhiteInstagramFacebookTo read a bit more about TPC - go to thephysioco.com.au - there on the home page you can watch the YouTube video 'what's it like to work at the physio co".Tristan's blog again is "Culture is Everything" and can be found at TristanWhite.com.auAnd Thank you to you for listening!   If you enjoyed the interview, please leave the podcast a rating in iTunes or Stitcher, it only takes a minute or two and it really helps the show be discovered by more like minded people.All references and resources are linked in the show notes, they can be found at the website: leadershipproject.co/podcast.You can find The Leadership Project on Facebook - search the words "Leadership Project Page" - Like us there for updates.We are now also on Instagram: To connect with me:LinkedIn as Mat CoolahanTwitter: @matcoolahan.  Snapchat username: matcoolahanOur theme song was written and performed by The Freak Fandango Orchestra.Until next time - take care and lead yourself first.

In this episode I interview Justin Dry an entrepreneur, angel investor, public speaker, co-founder and joint CEO of Vinomofo, one of Australia’s fastest-growing companies.Launched in April 2011 from a little garage in Adelaide, Vinomofo has grown quickly and profitably to a run rate of more than $50m revenue, 400,000 members, and a team of 100.Vinomofo has proven to be a game-changer in the wine industry, taking on retail leaders Woolworths and Coles, challenging the what Justin refers to as ‘bowties and bullshit’ of the elitist wine circle. Driven by the belief that everybody should be able to enjoy good wine, Vinomofo embraces social media and digital content, to engage and excite a new generation of wine consumers.Vinomofo has received a slew of awards over the past few years such as:At the 2014 Startup Awards Vinomofo picked up the Best Startup and Online Business of the Year, whilst Justin was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the YearAnd for the focus of this podcast - Vinomofo was awarded  - Best Employer at the My Business Awards also in 2014In 2015, the business continued to pick up awards and was listed in the BRW Fast 100: at #29 and listed in the Smart 50 at #31 by Smart Company magazine.In our conversation Justin talks about the journey to the success that is Vinomofo, the importance of creating a culture and a workplace that works hard playfully and makes a difference.  We discuss the challenges of self development as a leader and the cornerstone of leadership - people. so without further ado, Justin Dry: Show Notes:Leave a review and rating for the project on iTunes: The Leadership Project on iTunesFrom Christmas trees to Mofo [1:52]Roseworthy (Now Adelaide University) - Marketing Wine [5:22]Stockbroking and investing [7:06]Backpacking in South America [8:00]Facebook for wine - Qwoff [9:28]Pivoting to Vinomofo [12:36]Road to Vino (Wine Show) [13:00] The Great Wine Adventure - Wine region mobile check in app [16:45]Digital Social Agency [20:17]Vinomofo [21:36]Awards as PR [24:38]Care More - The Mofo Credo [26:34]  Mofo Causes [28:18]VinoBomb [29:43] Mission to Mofo Credo [35:03]  Start with Why - Simon Sinek - Defining a Mission [35:29]  Start with Why by Simon Sinek - bookLeadership - People [43:25]Leadership cultivation at the 'Fo [44:03]Leadership development & mentoring [47:00]Leadership resources - Seth Godin [48:02]Seth Godin's Startup School - PodcastBooks by Seth GodinThe book that changed my thinking [49:14]Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.The Right Team to get you started (the Hacker, the Hustler and the Hipster) [50:00]Thanks again to Justin of his time and insights and thank you to you too for listening to this episode of the podcast.  If you enjoyed the interview, please leave the podcast a rating in iTunes, it only takes a minute or two and it really helps the show be discovered by more like minded people.To connect with Justin - you can find him Twitter: @justinldryJustin is also active on Snapchat: you can find him by the ueser name: justindryTo check out Vinomofo and orders yourself some wine - you can find them on the interwebs at: vinomofo.com.auAll references and resources are linked in the show notes, they can be found at the website: leadershipproject.co/podcast.You can find the leadership project on Facebook - search the words "Leadership Project Page" - Like us there for updates.To connect with me, I am on LinkedIn as Mat Coolahanon Twitter you can find me: @matcoolahan.  I have started using Snapchat (yes, influenced by Justin) you can find me by the username: matcoolahanAs always our theme song was written and performed by The Freak Fandango Orchestra.http://www.freakfandango.es/Until next time - take care and lead yourself first.

In this episode I am excited to share with you an interview with Chris Ridd, the Managing Director of Xero Australia.Xero established in 2006 in New Zealand by founder Rod Drury has been business accountings most significant industry disrupter.  Now a global company, Xero has continued amazing growth over the past 8 years. In 2010 Chris Ridd was appointed the Managing Director role of the fledgling Australian presence, an office of 7 employee's servicing around 500 customers.  During the past 5 years Chris has overseen the growth of the Australian footprint of Xero to near 250 staff servicing and supporting over 262,000 local customers.Over the past 3 years Xero has won an impressive array of awards within Australia:In 2012 winning the CeBIT Top Business Solution Award & ICT Excellence Award - which is the highest accolade in Australia's Tech industryIn 2014 Xero is listed in the BRW Best Place to work list, acknowledging the leadership and level of employee engagement within the company. Also in 2014 Xero adds the BRW Australia's most innovative company list to it's accolades.  So that is the company, Chris Ridd has also received an impressive list of acknowledgements of late:In 2015 Chris was awarded two International Bronze Stevie Awards, one for Executive of the year (Computer Service) and the second for Innovator of the year (Asia/Oceania). Stevies are the Oscar's for the business world - they are awarded to recognise accomplishments and contributions of companies and business people worldwide. Chris was also awarded CEO Magazine's Financial Service Executive of the Year in 2015 and this year's Runner up for Managing Director of the Year.In our discussion we cover Chris's journey to the MD role at Xero Australia, the establishment and evolution of the values and culture within the company.  We discuss lessons, mentoring, cultivating leadership, resource recommendations and mistakes - come reflections.So where ever you are listing to this, thank you for listening I hope you enjoy the conversations as much as I did, there is plenty here. Show NotesLeave a review and rating for the project on iTunes: The Leadership Project on iTunesFrom Microsoft to Xero [3:00]Xero - start up to a great place to work [4:42]Culture and Values [9:04]Recruiting and selling Xero to employee's  [14:31]What experience or circumstance set the leadership trajectory and frame [19:17]Definition of leadership? [24:08]Self driven leadership development & mentorship [28:26]Largest lesson as Managing Director of Xero [31:04]Cultivation of Leadership at Xero [34:48]Mentorship [38:43]Choose a Mentor - alive or dead, who? [40:25]Steve Vamos   Chris Winkler  Rebuttal - Mentor: Lindsay Fox [44:55]What leadership characteristics would Chris Ridd look for in a successor? [43:05]Trust, Integrity & Loyalty (TIL) - Lindsay Fox (Mentorship)  [45:42]Recommended Leadership Resource [46:39]The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by  Patrick LencioniWhat was Chris's biggest leadership mistake [48:36]Social & ConnectChris on Twitter : @Chris_Ridd or on LinkedIn: Chris RiddThe Leadership Project Website: leadershipproject.coThe Leadership Project on Facebook - Like us there for updates.To connect with me, I am on LinkedIn as Mat CoolahanIf Twitter is your choice for social media you can find me on: @matcoolahan.Our theme song was written and performed by The Freak Fandango Orchestra.  http://www.freakfandango.es/

This episodes guest is none other than the Duchess of Delegation of G Adventures, Belinda Ward. So who is G Adventures?  From their website:G Adventures has defined (and redefined) small group travel for 25 years. Travelling with them is the very best way to get up-close and personal with your planet in a way you’d never manage on your own. And when you travel with them, you support local communities and help make the world a little bit better for everyone.In our wide ranging conversation we cover Belinda's journey to the Duchess of Delegation which is the Managing Director position of G Adventures in Australia, and what that title is all about.   We talk core values and how they influence culture and behaviours.  Why G Adventures is a great place to work.  Belinda's definition of leadership, her sources for leadership resources and examples.  We talk about mentoring and some big news on her horizon.  Oh and we talk about AFL Football - in context, you'll see.Show notes can be found on: http://www.leadershipproject.co/podcast  Show NotesTo leave a rating and review in iTunes: The Leadership Project About G Adventures [0:54]Introducing Belinda Ward [1:10]Belinda Ward career progression from PE Teacher to the Duchess of Delegation role [1:47]On Titles and the story behind the Duchess of Delegation  [4:38]Bruce Poon Tip - Honey Badger  & owner of G Adventures Honey Badger don't care - YouTubeG Adventures Core Values [6:22]Changes made in G Adventures to earn a place on the BRW Best Place to work List [9:40]Ball Pit meeting room [10:20]  Company Culture [11:06]Environment and democratic input [11:41]Global engagement survey - The Gauge [12:15]Meaningful visible actions resulting from The Gauge [12:57]Staff retention and opportunities [12:07] NPS - Net Promoter Score [15:46]  Leadership in creating a great Place to work [17:08]Belinda's philosophy of leadership [19:18]Belinda's largest leadership challenges [22:33]Diversity in the travel industry [25:26]Belinda's definition of leadership [26:25]Recommended leadership resources [30:44]Looptail: How One Company Changed the World by Reinventing Business by Bruce Poon TipSelling with Noble Purpose: How to Drive Revenue and Do Work That Makes You Proud by Lisa Earl McLeodForbes Article: Why Millennials Keep Dumping You: An Open Letter to Management by Lisa Earl McLeodTribal Leadership: Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving Organization by Dave Logan, John King , Halee Fischer-WrightLeadership is a lot about self awareness [33:10]Belinda's ideal mentor (alive or dead) [33:42]"Clients do not come first.  Employees come first.  If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients." - Richard Branson  YouTubeScrew Business As Usual by Richard BransonLeadership inspiration from the AFL [34:54]What the next step for you in leadership Belinda?  [36:10]Connect & SocialTo connect with Belinda - you can find her on LinkedInThe G Adventures website is gadventures.com.auThe Leadership Project Website: leadershipproject.coThe Leadership Project on Facebook - Like us there for updates.To connect with me, I am on LinkedIn as Mat CoolahanIf Twitter is your choice for social media you can find me on: @matcoolahan.The theme song was written and performed by The Freak Fandango Orchestra.  http://www.freakfandango.es/

Introducing the Leadership Project and the first interview with Zrinka Lovrencic (@Zrinkal), the Managing Director of the Great Place to Work Institute in Sydney.  Great Place to Work is the organisation behind the BRW Best Place to Work list published each September.  In our conversation we cover her path to the MD position, what The Great Place to Work institute is about, how it ranks the best places to work list, the financial benefits observed of these companies, Zrinka's challenges as a leader - particularly one training, consulting and defining a list like the best places to work. And we discuss leadership resources and recommendations. Show Notes can be found at: http://www.leadershipproject.co/podcast  Show NotesWhat is Engagement by Kevin Kruse  [0:43]The State of the Global Workplace: Employee Engagement Insights for Business Leaders Worldwide - Gallup Research  [0:57]Who is Responsible for Employee Engagement - Bain and Company  [1:15]Where are all the Real Leaders - by Mat Coolahan (LinkedIn)  [1:38]The Leap Year Project by Victor Saad  [1:47]How to Create Your Own Real World MBA - Tim Ferriss [2:06]Business Review Weekly (BRW) Best Places to Work - AustraliaZrinka's career progression to the MD at Great Place to Work [3:48]Relationship with the Great Place to Work in the US? (including the company origin story) [7:01]The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America. Robert Levering & Milton Moskowitz.Fortune Magazine Best Place to Work List: http://fortune.com/best-companies/What Great Place to Work provides to leaders and companies.  [9:55]Commonalities amounts great places to work [10:48]The Best Place to Work evaluation criteria  [11:48]Consultancy Services  [15:11]Key challenges working with leaders and changes over the past 8 years. [16:23]Internal leadership challenges when evaluating and improving companies to be great places to work. [17:46]Key benefits of being a great place to work (high engaged workforce) [18:53]Russell Index by Russell InvestmentsLeadership qualities [22:08]Why so few leaders focused on creating great places to work.  [24:39]Recommended leadership resources  [27:30]Drive - The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - by Daniel H. PinkThe Power of Alignment - How Great Companies Stay Centred and Accomplish Extraordinary Things by George Labovitz and Victor RosanskyVision, Mission & Values  [29:36]Connect & Social:To connect with Zrinka - you can find her on Twitter @ZrinkalThe Great Place to Work website is greatplacetowork.com.auThe Leadership Project Website: leadershipproject.coThe Leadership Project on Facebook - Like us there for updates.To connect with me, I am on LinkedIn as Mat CoolahanIf Twitter is your choice for social media you can find me on: @matcoolahan.The theme song was written and performed by The Freak Fandango Orchestra.  http://www.freakfandango.es/Permalink