The Find Your Influence Podcast with Anton Guinea

Melissa Dunbar, a highly respected Australian entrepreneur and founder of Big Fish Events Group (est. 2004), whose three-decade career spans events, marketing, communications, and innovation, and includes recognition as a 2019 Telstra Businesswoman of the Year finalist. Melissa recounts how, after returning from London and Texas and finding traditional roles hard to land, she tapped into her network and was offered a massive first project by former Australian cricketer Dean Jones—a 37‑day, 113‑event journey from Cairns to Sydney celebrating 25 years of State of Origin. The team transported a custom-made trophy “ball” via surfing, kayaking, walking, running, cycling, cars, trains, and a flotilla of boats into Sydney Harbor, raising about $250,000 for Make-A-Wish and granting 11 wishes for children, showcasing her talent for ambitious, high-impact event design rooted in sporting culture and state rivalry. Takeaways: Create Your Own Opportunities (The Big Fish Origin Story)Melissa didn’t wait for the “perfect job.” After returning from overseas and struggling to find a role, she leaned on her network, said yes to a big challenge from Dean Jones, and turned a single opportunity—a 37-day, 113-event State of Origin tour—into the foundation of a 20+ year events business. Influence = Intentional Knowledge TransferMelissa defines influence as the intentional transfer of knowledge from one person to another—spoken, written, or visual. She emphasizes that influence carries responsibility: your actions and words should have clear, positive intent, because every interaction has the potential to shape someone else’s thinking or behavior. Values, Boundaries, and “No Compromise”As a woman working in male-dominated, high-profile sporting and events environments, Melissa’s guidance is to never compromise your values. You always have a choice—silence is still a choice—and you likely have more influence than you think. Her approach is to stay safe, uphold standards, and sometimes step in to “shut down” behavior that isn’t okay, focusing on getting it right, not needing to be right. Quotes: "We talk a lot at Big Fish Events about getting what you need, not necessarily what you want."Used while describing creative problem-solving (like funding the Opera House sails turning blue). Melissa’s focus is on outcomes and resourcefulness, not perfection or wishful thinking. "You don't always have to be right, but you've got to get it right."Melissa’s philosophy on leadership and decision-making: drop the ego, own mistakes, and stay focused on delivering the best result for the team, clients, and stakeholders. "You have more influence than you think."Shared in the context of women (and anyone) in male-dominated or high-pressure environments. Melissa stresses that every person, regardless of title, can shape behavior and outcomes by using their voice and values. Timeline: 00:00 – Anton’s intro to the Find Your Influence podcast and to guest Melissa Dunbar, outlining her background and achievements.04:42 – Melissa explains returning from overseas, struggling to find a job, and how reconnecting with her network led to launching Big Fish Events.06:34 – Detailed story of the first Big Fish project: 37 days, 113 events, 86 legends, and raising $250,000 for Make-A-Wish.11:25 – Behind-the-scenes “footballers on tour” story and early leadership boundaries on that first big event.12:35 – Melissa describes creatively getting the Sydney Opera House sails turned blue and finding a last-minute sponsor.14:48 – Discussion of Melissa speaking on stage at the Sydney Opera House in 2025 and what that experience felt like.17:14 – Melissa defines what influence means to her: intentional transfer of knowledge plus responsibility and intent.20:56 – “Create your own stage” concept: you don’t need a big stage to influence; you can build your own platforms and opportunities.22:10 – Advice for women working with “blokey blokes” in male-dominated

Sean Phillip is an Australian-based mental health and suicide prevention advocate and director of The Shaka Project, based in Torquay, Victoria. Drawing on his own lived experience with mental health challenges from a young age, and the openness of his parents in discussing their diagnoses, Sean has delivered hundreds of workshops and keynotes across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Europe. In this conversation, Sean shares how his family’s honesty about mental health shaped his ability to seek help, the frightening periods of his own journey, and how becoming a father deepened his commitment to creating a more empathetic world for the next generation. He explains the origins of The Shaka Project, including how a simple hand gesture between him and his stepson became a powerful, wordless check-in, and describes the organization’s mission to reduce stigma around suicide (particularly among men) and normalize everyday conversations about mental health. Sean also offers his view of influence as the ability to have a positive impact on others without expecting anything in return, highlighting the crucial role of “everyday influencers” in small communities, not just celebrities or social media figures. Takeaways: Lived experience fuels real impactSean’s own long-term journey with mental health, shaped by parents who openly discussed their diagnoses, underpins his work and shows how honest family conversations can literally save lives. The Shaka as a silent check-inA simple hand gesture between Sean and his stepson evolved into The Shaka Project—using the shaka as a non-verbal way to say “I’m okay” or “I’m here for you,” helping normalize mental health check-ins, especially among men. Influence belongs to everyoneSean defines influence as making a positive impact without expecting anything in return, emphasizing that people in small communities—parents, teammates, coworkers—can be more powerful influencers than high-profile “influencers.” Quotes: "I think influence is simply the ability to have a positive impact on someone without getting anything in return." "Suicide prevention is everybody's responsibility... it starts every day, it ends every night, it starts again every morning." "We really want to focus on the people that are closest to us all... the footy coach, or the bloke who runs the pub, or the mum of two that's struggling with her own demons." Timestamps: 00:00 - Sean talks about the different historical origins of the Shaka and its connection to surfing and checking in with friends.01:00 - Anton introduces the Find Your Influence podcast and Sean Phillip’s role as a mental health and suicide prevention advocate and director of The Shaka Project.03:30 - Sean shares his early mental health diagnosis, his parents’ openness about their own struggles, and how that shaped his ability to seek support.07:31 - Sean tells the story of how a silent Shaka exchange with his young stepson at a playground inspired the name and concept for The Shaka Project.11:30 - Sean defines influence as having a positive impact on someone without expecting anything in return and explains why “everyday people” can be the most powerful influencers.21:06 - Sean and Anton discuss current suicide statistics in Australia and the ongoing challenge of reducing those numbers.28:53 - Sean outlines the vision for The Shaka Project: building a community that gives people permission to talk about their mental health, with a strong focus on regional and everyday communities. Conclusion: Sean Phillip shows how powerful lived experience can be when it’s shared openly and without shame. From growing up in a home where mental health was talked about honestly, to surviving his own crises, to founding The Shaka Project, Sean demonstrates that prevention starts with everyday conversations and simple signals of care. By redefining the shaka as a check-in gesture and championing “everyday influencers” in small communities, he remi

Ultra-endurance strategist Greg Huppatz shares how he leads a 12-person crew to guide cyclist Al Jefferson across America in one of the world’s toughest races. Greg unpacks the math behind performance, from speed, distance, time, calories, and wattage to sleep cycles, hydration, and recovery, and shows how numbers, teamwork, and trust turn a 5,000 km ride into a repeatable winning system. Along the way, he reveals powerful lessons on leadership, influence, and building high-performing teams under extreme pressure. Takeaways: Numbers drive performance, not just effortGreg runs the race like a math problem—constantly balancing speed, distance, time, calories, wattage, hydration, and sleep so Al can sustain 20+ hours of riding a day. A “solo” race is actually a team sportBehind Al is a 12-person crew (doctor, paramedic, therapists, mechanics, drivers, coordinators) all clear on their roles, empowered to act, and aligned to one goal: keep Al safely and efficiently moving. Great leadership = clarity, trust, and preparationGreg sets clear boundaries, communicates expectations early (newsletters, briefings), gives people ownership of their tasks, and builds in redundancy so the team can adapt quickly when plans fail. Quotes: “People say this is a bike race, and obviously it is, but for me, it’s a maths competition.” “He doesn’t understand why other people get so excited about what it is that he does, because in his mind he says, ‘I’m just riding my bike.’” “Surround yourself with good people and good things will follow.” Timestamps: 0:00:00 – Welcome to the Find Your Influence podcast and introduction of guest Greg Huppatz and rider Alan “Bad Al” Jefferson.0:02:55 – What Race Across America is: 3,069-mile single-stage time trial from Oceanside, CA to Atlantic City, NJ.0:04:31 – Who Al is, why he rides, and the causes he supports: suicide prevention and men’s health.0:06:44 – Al’s results, his 2022 overall win, and how he became the oldest winner of the race.0:08:09 – Why Greg sees the race as a “maths competition”: speed, distance, time, calories, wattage, and sleep.0:11:40 – How Al influences Greg, and what makes Al a “special human” in Greg’s eyes.0:16:14 – Total trust: why Al hands over all key decisions (sleep, food, pacing) to Greg and the crew.0:21:02 – Inside the 12-person support team: follow vehicle, RV, doctor, paramedic, mechanic, and therapists.0:25:26 – The numbers strategy that changed their approach: energy “bucket,” sleep cycles, and structured rest.0:32:35 – Managing saddle issues and chafing: kit changes, special saddles, and risk mitigation.0:36:06 – Nutrition at 12,000 calories a day: liquid diet, Ensure Plus, and gradual reintroduction of solid food.0:41:14 – Greg’s leadership playbook: clear expectations, ownership, communication, and giving people the tools to perform.0:45:40 – Closing reflections on ultra-cycling, influence, and surrounding yourself with good people. Conclusion: Pushing a rider 5,000 km across America might look like a test of one person’s toughness, but Greg Huppatz shows it’s really the product of numbers, planning, and a tightly led team. By obsessing over data—speed, calories, sleep, hydration—and pairing it with deep trust and clear leadership, Greg helps Alan “just ride his bike” while the crew handles everything else. Their story is a powerful example of how influence, preparation, and the right people can turn an impossible goal into a repeatable system for winning under extreme pressure.

In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, host Anton Guinea interviews chartered accountant and wealth strategist Gary Brown about money, influence, and financial freedom. Gary shares his journey from arriving in Melbourne at 18 with $1,500 to building a net worth of about $75 million, emphasizing hard work, integrity, and learning from both his own and clients’ financial decisions. They explore how financial stress drives relationship breakdowns, the importance of shared financial transparency in couples, and Gary’s concept of “play money” so both partners can spend guilt‑free within an agreed structure. Gary defines influence as helping people make the right choices for the right reasons, contrasts it with manipulation, and explains how poor, consumption‑driven habits versus investing behaviors shape long‑term outcomes. He also discusses looming tax and structural changes for small businesses, concerns about government policy impacts on housing and investment, and his philosophy of becoming financially free so you can do what you want, when you want, with whom you want. Takeaways: Financial transparency + play money = healthier relationshipsGary strongly advocates for couples pooling income into a joint account for shared bills, then giving each partner personal “play money” to spend guilt‑free. This reduces conflict, guilt, and secrecy around money and supports trust. Influence is helping people choose what’s right for themHe defines influence as helping someone make the right choice for the right reasons, contrasted with manipulation (getting them to choose for the wrong reasons). His work is largely about presenting clear choices and guiding clients toward decisions that support their long‑term goals. Wealth comes from knowing the rules and investing early, not just working hardGary’s journey from $1,500 to ~$75M highlights that the difference between “rich” and “poor” behavior is often how money is used: Poor mindset: primarily consuming (cars, houses, lifestyle). Wealth mindset: consistently investing (shares, property, assets that grow).He stresses starting early, being consistent, and understanding how tax and policy rules shape your strategy. Quotes On what influence really is “Influence, the way I would think about influence is, it's helping someone to make the right choice for the right reasons, because you know you have influence, and then you have manipulation, and manipulation is for the wrong reasons.”— Gary Brown On financial freedom and choice “If you become financially free, you have the choices to do whatever you want, whenever you want, with who you want, and that's something that's pretty special.”— Gary Brown On the difference between rich and poor mindsets “Most people consume, and that's the poor mindset. The rich mindset is to also invest… First, become financially free, invest your time and energy into building that passive income, getting yourself in the right position. Then do whatever you want to do.”— Gary Brown Timestamps: 00:00 – Gary on knowing “where all the money is” and the idea of joint accounts plus personal “play money” 00:58 – Anton introduces the Find Your Influence podcast and today’s guest, Gary Brown 01:48 – Anton’s intro of Gary’s background, qualifications, and business achievements 03:00 – Story of HNB Accounting rebranding to Hatcher Advisory to enable scaling 03:55 – Gary’s journey: from $1,500 and a $14k start-up to ~$75M net worth, long hours, and keeping promises 06:21 – Integrity in business: “We say what we do, and we do what we say” and frustration with flaky service providers 07:28 – Critique of some tradies’ billing practices and how short‑term thinking hurts business 08:37 – Transition to the topic of influence 08:47 – Gary defines influence vs manipulation; example of warning a client not to buy a Porsche with ATO debts 10:15 – His “why”: helping people make better financial decisions, shaped by his parents’ mistak

What do you actually see when you walk onto a worksite? Do you see a hazard, or do you see the human consequence? In this powerful episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, Anton Guinea sits down with Patrick (Pat) Fordyce, COO of Berg Engineering and Author of 'The Stability Cycle', to look at what it truly takes to drive operational discipline and human-centred leadership. Anton shares a life-changing story from a safety walk he did with Pat years ago. While Anton saw a physical hazard, Pat saw the real-world consequence: an injury, an ambulance turning up, a devastating phone call to parents, and a family disrupted. This conversation dives deep into the foresight leaders need to build true psychological safety and protect their teams. We also explore: • The 4 pillars of operational discipline: Systems, Symbols, Behaviour, and Structure. • Patrick Lencioni’s 'Five Dysfunctions of a Team'—how to move an executive team from healthy conflict to convergence and total commitment. • Strategic leadership alignment: Why Pat placed Anton into a tough, technical commissioning role to leverage his high-influence energy and lift an entire workforce. • Shifting from unconscious habits to conscious change, and why great leaders "expect people to fail" during a transition so they can support them through it. Leadership work is hard, complex, and sometimes lonely—but the results are entirely worth it. Tune in for an hour of pure executive coaching. If you enjoyed this conversation, please be one of the 10% of legendary viewers who hit that subscribe button, like the video, and drop a comment below! 👉 Want to sponsor the podcast or suggest our next guest? Reach out to us directly! #FindYourInfluence #LeadershipDevelopment #CultureChange #SystemsLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #PatrickFordyce #TheStabilityCycle #SafetyCulture #OperationalDiscipline #HumanCentredLeadership

Lee Campbell, a Gold Coast-based manifestation trainer and women’s empowerment mentor. Lee explains her core archetypes (Warrior/Wonder Woman, Lover, Magician, Queen) and how women can consciously “call in” different identities to support self-leadership, resilience, and growth. Using the Wizard of Oz and Wonder Woman as metaphors, she describes the idea of taking continual “two-millimeter shifts” on the path to one’s “Emerald City” life, supported by tools like vision boards, embodiment (posture, anchors, props like a wand), and powerful mentors. She shares how mentors such as Lauren Lahav and the Tony Robbins ecosystem helped her move from corporate IT and single motherhood into a life of global travel, speaking (including on stage in a Wonder Woman outfit), and running masterminds, and how she aims to pass this level of self-leadership, adventure, and possibility on to her children and clients. Takeaways: Archetypes as self-leadership tools Lee uses intentional archetypes—Warrior/Wonder Woman, Lover (Aphrodite), Queen (Arata), and Magician (Dorothy)—to step into different versions of herself. Naming and “calling in” these identities helps her access specific qualities like courage, softness, wisdom, or creativity on demand. “Two millimeter shifts” toward your Emerald City Personal transformation doesn’t have to be a giant leap. Lee frames growth as tiny, consistent 2 mm shifts—new beliefs, small actions, or daily habits—that cumulatively redirect your life path toward your own “Emerald City” (your ideal life and goals). Vision boards as focus and manifestation tools Lee treats vision boards as focus boards: what you see often is what you focus on, and what you focus on is what you attract. She uses images, symbols, and even AI-generated pictures of herself (e.g., Wonder Woman in a canyon) to align her inner world with her outer reality, supporting big manifestations like international travel, speaking on stage, and life experiences with her kids. Quotes: You are only like, if you just shift two millimeters, you will go on a totally different course in your life, whether that's a new belief, a new action, something new that you do at the gym, something that you do in your career or in finance, everything's a two millimeter shift." — Lee Campbell "To me, that's what self-leadership is. It's being able to lead yourself first, but sometimes we can't do that unless we've got a little bit of help. So, these have been my little bit of guidance in helping me along the path every day to go, come on, like, who is this next 2.0 version of you that needs to get to that goal?" — Lee Campbell "Sometimes people aren't always going to be aligned on your dream, but just keep staying true to you and your beliefs, and you know what you really truly stand for, and you can show people the path, but not everybody's gonna follow the same path as you." — Lee Campbell Timeline: 0:00 – Multiple archetypes and calling in “Wonder Woman” energy0:54 – Anton opens the Find Your Influence podcast and introduces Lee2:55 – Lee reacts to the intro, and Anton credits his researcher, Debbie3:14 – The Wizard of Oz, the yellow brick road, and “two millimeter shifts.”5:46 – “Who do you need to become?” and looking beyond your immediate circle7:42 – Wonder Woman’s creator and why the warrior archetype gets tired9:55 – Lee’s four archetypes: Warrior, Lover, Magician, and Queen12:13 – Can you be all these archetypes in one day?13:48 – Anchors, a magician’s wand, and the power of visual triggers15:13 – Vision boards as focus boards: what you focus on, you attract18:03 – Manifesting a dream house and real-life proof of vision boards19:09 – Lee’s mentor Lauren Lahav and the Tony Robbins connection22:10 – From corporate IT and single mum to global travel and speaking24:45 – Writing down “impossible” goals and the Wonder Woman stage story27:52 – Why Lee’s proudest influence is on her two teenage sons30:33 – Monument Valley, Wonder Woman photos, and

In this powerful conversation, leadership and safety expert Chad Hymas shares how a catastrophic workplace accident at 27, when a 2,000‑pound bale of hay shattered his neck and left him a quadriplegic, completely transformed his life, work, and view of leadership. He describes the harsh realities of living without the use of his legs, core, or hands, the strain and tenderness in his marriage and caregiving relationship with his wife Shondell, and the crucial support role his children and strangers play in his daily independence. Chad opens up about men’s mental health, depression, and suicidal thoughts, arguing that while physical challenges can be managed, the mental game is the same for all of us. He explains how his purpose evolved from farming land to “farming people” through his ranch (Royal Creek Ranches), global keynotes, and leadership retreats, emphasizing proactive kindness and service—reaching out before being asked—as the true heart of influence and leadership. Grounded in his faith in God and hard‑won perspective, Chad challenges listeners to stop “robbing themselves” of purpose, to actively serve others, and to recognize that even small, sincere acts of encouragement can change lives. Takeaways: The real battle is mental, not physical. Physical limitations can be adapted to; the “hard part” is the mental game, which is the same for everyone, regardless of their specific challenge. One plus one doesn’t equal two—it can equal three or infinity. Chad’s idea that 1 + 1 = 3 (or infinity) reflects how collaboration, support, and shared struggle multiply impact far beyond what individuals can do alone. Independence is built on dependence. Chad insists he is not truly independent—his independence is created by being willing to depend on and ask for help from others, often complete strangers. Caregiving deeply impacts relationships. Having his wife, Shondell, help with intimate, daily care creates emotional and relational tension, challenging traditional views of a man’s role as “protector and provider.” Quotes: On the real challenge being mental, not physical, “The mental game is where it's really hard. I mean, the physical part, we deal with that, we figure it out, but the mental game, it's the same for all of us…” – Chad Hymas On proactive kindness and leadership “Proactive kindness and proactive service, that's a whole different way to live a life… People will help when they're asked. Will you do it when you're not asked?” – Chad Hymas On honoring loss by how you live, “If you focus on what you lost, you end up staying stuck. But if you focus on the little bit you still have, more comes to you in the process… You honor the loss by the way you change and live your life moving forward.” – Chad Hymas Timestamps: [00:00:00] – The Mental Game & 1+1=3Chad opens by arguing that the mental game is harder than the physical, and introduces his “1 + 1 = 3 / infinity” view of leadership and support. [00:03:25] – The Accident StoryChad recounts the workplace accident with the 2,000‑pound bale of hay that shattered his neck and changed his life at 27. [00:08:28] – Independence Through DependenceHe explains his physical limitations, using a manual wheelchair, traveling alone, and why he says he’s not independent—he’s dependent on strangers. [00:10:35] – Marriage, Caregiving & MasculinityCandid discussion about Shondell’s caregiving, how it affects intimacy, pride, and his sense of being a husband and man. [00:13:28] – Men’s Mental Health & Suicidal ThoughtsChad opens up about depression, suicidal ideation, and skyrocketing male suicide rates, and why he advocates for men’s mental health. [00:26:22] – The Mental Game is the Same for All of UsHe revisits Anton’s knee injury, asserts that no one’s pain is “less than”, and expands on the shared mental struggle we all face. [00:29:20] – Proactive vs Reactive KindnessCore leadership lesson: the difference between helping when asked and seeking peop

Dominique Lamb is a premier Australian governance, policy, and advocacy leader currently serving as the Director of Community Affairs to the President of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Dominique explains how the 2032 Games are shifting away from traditional, isolated sporting events toward a distributed, 14-host-city model designed to act as a catalyst for "public value", ensuring long-term infrastructure, economic development, and generational change impact regional communities that have historically been left behind. She describes how she defines influence as a collaborative, place-based journey rooted in storytelling rather than rigid corporate hierarchies, allowing her to advocate effectively across government bodies, industry associations, and regional stakeholders. Drawing from her diverse career as a lawyer, CEO, and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique shares profound insights into leadership as an act of psychological safety, navigating isolation at the executive level, and why leaders must consciously define their own value compass to stay grounded when making hard decisions. Takeaways: Shifting from Profit to Public Value: Dominique highlights how leading in community and government spaces requires a mindset shift from standard corporate profitability to maximizing positive, lasting impact for the greatest number of people. Leadership is Psychological Safety: She defines the core of organizational leadership as creating a secure bond where employees can show up as authentic human beings, voice their struggles on hard days, and build mutual loyalty. Owning Your Value Compass: Reflecting on her time in a high-performance bodybuilding team, Dominique emphasizes that personal and professional values must be a conscious, daily choice that dictates your behavior, serving as a critical anchor during times of executive pressure. Quotes: "Influence is about taking people on a journey. Storytelling predominantly. Because I don't think that you can influence in a hierarchical sense. I don't think you can do it through aggression. I don't think that you can create true or long-term influence unless you bring people on a journey." — Dominique Lamb "When you work with the government, the government's focus is around where can I achieve the public value... impacting the most people in the most positive way." — Dominique Lamb "People spend their whole lives trying to get to the top and they think that you get to the top and then you're good... But in actual fact it gets harder... The single thing that gets anyone through are the people around them. You're the sum of the five people around you." — Dominique Lamb Conclusion: This episode demonstrates that true leadership isn't about imposing decisions on a community, but navigating the journey with them. Dominique’s insights are a powerful reminder for any leader to deliberately choose their values, protect their team's safety, and focus on leaving a legacy of public worth.

Michellie Jones, an Australian triathlon legend, discussed her career highlights, including winning the ITU World Championship in 1992, the Olympic silver medal in 2000, and the Ironman World Championship in 2006. She emphasized the importance of consistency and overcoming challenges, sharing personal anecdotes about her high school coach's influence and her transition to equestrian sports. Jones also highlighted her recent achievements, such as winning the 55-59 age group at the 2022 Wollongong ITU Short Course Age Group World Championships and the 70.3 World Championships in Spain. She stressed the value of community, self-care, and the impact of actions on others. Takeaways: Michellie’s core message: “You don’t have to be extraordinary, you can just be ordinary and still tick off the boxes.” Her real “talent” is consistency over decades, not some magical gift. Her high school sports master John White started a simple run group, bought her first triathlon bike, and backed her when she had little money. He attended key moments (Sydney Olympics, Kona win, Wollongong worlds), showing how one believer can shape an entire career. Comments like “you’re not Olympic medal material” or “why bother with sport, you’ll just get a boyfriend and quit” became motivation to prove people wrong. She used disappointments (e.g., missing the Athens Olympic team) to pivot into Ironman, which led to her Kona world title. Quotes: “You don’t have to be extraordinary, you can just be ordinary and still tick off the boxes.” “I don’t think I was always the most talented athlete. Yes, my talent was consistency. Consistency is king, if you want to do something well.” “Be happy with the race you had rather than the race you wished you had… As long as you can walk away having learned something, that is a big, huge win in my book.” Conclusion: This episode is ultimately a masterclass in how an “ordinary” person creates an extraordinary career through consistency, community, and courage to pivot. From a modest upbringing and a high school coach who believed in her, Michellie built a legacy that includes an Olympic silver medal, an Ironman World Championship, and world titles spanning decades—yet she keeps returning to the same themes: show up, take action, and let consistency be your superpower. She turns criticism and setbacks into fuel, treats every race as a learning opportunity, and leans on self‑care and smart adaptation to stay durable over time. Above all, her story shows that influence isn’t about trying to be an influencer; it’s about being authentically yourself, acting on your values, and never underestimating how your actions—big or small—might change someone else’s life. 🔥 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 This episode is proudly sponsored by Les Moir, Business Mentor, Coach, and creator of the No Limits to Success program. For more than 18 years, Les has helped trades professionals and small business owners break free from the constant grind, stabilize their income, and reclaim their time so they can build businesses that support both success and lifestyle. If you’re ready to work smarter, grow sustainably, and create more freedom in your business and life, this is a resource worth checking out. https://nolimitstosuccess.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/les.moir/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesdmoir/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@NoLimitsToSuccess

In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, Anton Guinea sits down with award-winning author and emotional intelligence expert Nikki Langman to unpack what it means to be an unbreakable and restorative leader in a world facing an ongoing crisis. After overcoming early technical hiccups, they explore Nikki’s Unbreakable program, which blends emotional intelligence with Lego Serious Play to make complex human behavior and hard topics like mental health accessible and engaging. Nikki explains her current focus on somatic and restorative leadership and argues that modern leaders must first learn to truly listen, build psychological safety, and restore burned-out, fragmented teams. Together, they redefine influence as a blend of credibility, likability, and trust, grounded in genuine care and vulnerability. Nikki also shares her journey through addiction and adversity and introduces her badass framework, which emphasizes bravery, authenticity, direction, action, self-love, and self-talk as the path to self-mastery and resilient leadership. Key Takeaways: Influence begins when credibility meets likeability and is held together by trust. Leadership is simply making the person in front of you the most important person in the world for that moment. When you stop reacting from fear and start responding with intention, you reclaim your power as a leader. Restorative leadership heals burned-out teams by listening first and fixing later. Emotional intelligence is the art of turning complex human behavior into clear, practical action. Quotes: True influence is built on the trio of credibility, likability, and genuine trust. Restorative leadership is urgently needed to reconnect fragmented, exhausted teams in a world living through an ongoing crisis. Listening to understand rather than to respond transforms mutually exclusive monologs into real connection and psychological safety. Tools like Lego Serious Play and metaphor can safely surface hard topics like trauma and mental health in highly engaging ways. Nikki’s Unbreakable and badass frameworks show that overcoming adversity and addiction is possible through bravery, authenticity, direction, action, self-love, and powerful self-talk. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Technical setup and welcoming Nikki 00:10:21 Introducing the Find Your Influence podcast and Nikki’s bio 00:12:28 Unbreakable emotional intelligence and Lego Serious Play 00:15:27 Somatic leadership and restorative leadership in a world in crisis 00:19:19 Listening as the core skill of restorative leadership 00:23:18 Empathy versus advice and why I know how you feel is dangerous 00:27:28 Defining influence credibility, likeability, and trust 00:31:21 Psychological safety, vulnerability, and role modeling as a leader 00:36:12 Proactive communication metaphors and the airplane example 00:40:25 Reacting from fear versus responding with your thinking brain 00:43:39 Unbreakable workshops, Lego Serious Play, and mental health 00:48:05 Nikki’s addiction story and the origins of How to Be a Badass 00:50:27 The badass framework and being kind to yourself 00:51:30 A space where truth is sacred and shame cannot breathe 00:52:30 Future part two ideas and closing remarks Conclusion: In this episode, Anton and Nikki explored what it really means to lead and influence in a world under pressure, showing that unbreakable leaders are those who listen deeply, build trust intentionally, and create spaces where truth is honored, and shame cannot survive, while they guide themselves and others from fragile survival to courageous self-mastery. This episode is proudly sponsored by Les Moir, Business Mentor, Coach, and creator of the No Limits to Success program. For more than 18 years, Les has helped trades professionals and small business owners break free from the constant grind, stabilize their income, and reclaim their time so they can build businesses that support both success and lifestyle. If you’re ready to work sm

Dr. Christopher S. Taylor powerfully reframes influence as something far deeper than persuasion. It is the result of environment, mentorship, and aligned living. Drawing from his journey in mental health leadership and his research in social learning theory, he reveals that lasting change doesn’t come from willpower or pressure, but from reshaping the environments that shape us. From the pivotal guidance of Master Sergeant Robert Doty to his work helping individuals break cycles of addiction and rebuild their lives, Dr. Taylor shows that true influence is about investing in people, creating spaces for transformation, and living in alignment with your values. His message is clear and compelling: if you want to change your life, or impact others, you don’t start with control, you start with environment, authenticity, and the courage to become who you’re meant to be. Key Takeaways:Influence is built through relationships, not authority.The environment shapes behavior more than motivation alone.True leadership creates space for growth, not control.Authenticity is about alignment with values, not unfiltered expression.Investing in people (human capital) creates long-term impact.Self-actualization means living in alignment with who you truly are.Emotional intelligence is key to navigating influence responsibly. Quotes:“The only thing worth investing in is yourself.”“We don’t change people, we create environments where they can change.”“Authenticity isn’t about saying everything you think—it’s about living in alignment with your values.”“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”“There is no carrot sweet enough or strong enough to beat addiction—but the environment can.” Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction and Dr. Taylor’s background in mental health2:40 – Defining influence and early reflections on mentorship5:30 – Master Sergeant Robert Doty and life-changing guidance9:20 – The role of mentors in personal development13:10 – Environment vs willpower in shaping behavior18:00 – PhD journey and social learning theory explained24:30 – Addiction, environment, and breaking destructive cycles30:10 – Human capital and employee-first leadership35:20 – Creating space for transformation, not control39:40 – Self-actualization and living authentically44:10 – Authenticity vs honesty and emotional intelligence49:00 – Final reflections on influence and growth Conclusion:Dr. Christopher S. Taylor’s perspective reframes influence as something far deeper than persuasion, it’s about how we shape environments, invest in people, and live in alignment with our values. His work in mental health and social learning theory makes one thing clear: lasting change doesn’t happen through pressure, but through support, structure, and connection. By emphasizing human capital, authenticity, and emotional intelligence, Dr. Taylor provides a practical roadmap for leaders, professionals, and individuals seeking meaningful growth. His message is both simple and powerful: if you want to influence others, start by investing in yourself, surrounding yourself with the right people, and creating spaces where others can thrive. That’s where real transformation begins.

Heavy-vehicle diesel mechanic-turned-founder Ashley Belteky shows how real influence in the trades starts with human skills, not just technical expertise. From Cummins workshops to remote Bowen Basin mine sites, she’s seen that new starters don’t need to “know everything”, they need to feel included, valued, and safe to learn. Through her company, Blue Leader, and the “Tradies Who Lead” podcast, Ashley helps trade teams build trust, improve communication, and foster psychological safety without corporate jargon. She shares honest lessons from mentoring apprentices, a leadership scholarship, and 360 feedback that taught her leadership is a mindset and daily practice long before it’s a job title. Her mission is to empower trade teams to work better together so the industry becomes not just more productive, but genuinely healthier and more human. Takeaways: Influence is about soft‑touch encouragement, not control. Inclusion and feeling valued matter more than what a new starter knows. Leadership is a mindset and practice before it is a formal title. Senior leaders must empower and stay connected to ground‑level teams. Psychological safety grows from everyday empathy, feedback, boundaries, and trust. Quotes: “The most important thing for a new starter is feeling included and valued as the person they are, not just the tradie they’re going to be.” “You can have the best intentions in the world, but if your impact breaks trust, you still have to own it.” “Leadership is a practice and a mindset long before it ever shows up as a title on your shirt.” “Tradies want to be great mentors and leaders—no one’s really shown them how, and that’s something we can change.” “When you empower teams at the ground level to think, decide, and solve problems, that’s when culture and performance truly shift.” Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro and Ashley’s background as a diesel mechanic 0:03:50 – Why Ashley created Blue Leader for trade teams 0:07:35 – Defining influence as soft‑touch encouragement 0:11:21 – From Cummins workshop to Bowen Basin mining work 0:14:34 – What apprentices and new starters need to feel safe and grow 0:18:21 – Lessons from mentoring apprentices and breaking trust 0:21:13 – Message to senior leaders about empowering tradies 0:26:30 – Leadership scholarship, 360 feedback, and redefining leadership 0:29:41 – Blue Leader’s mission to transform culture in the trades Conclusion: Ashley Belteky bridges the gap between the workshop and the boardroom, proving that leadership in the trades is as much about inclusion, trust, and self‑awareness as it is about tools and tickets. Her journey from diesel mechanic to founder of Blue Leader shows that influence grows when leaders own both their intentions and their impact, empower teams to solve problems, and make apprentices feel like they belong from day one. By stripping away corporate jargon and focusing on real-world skills—empathy, feedback, boundaries—she offers a practical roadmap for tradies, supervisors, and executives who want safer, healthier, higher‑performing teams. At its heart, her message is hopeful: anyone, at any level, can choose to practice leadership and help shift the culture of the trades for the better. 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁‼️ This episode is made possible by Troy Sawdy, who’s deeply committed to growing people and building lasting impact in the industry. As the Founder of Titan Ind. Pty Ltd, Board Director at Reboot Mindset Academy, and a key force behind Titans of Coal, Troy continues to champion growth, investment, and lasting impact, values we dive into in today’s episode. Take a moment to explore the powerful work Troy and his teams are building 👇 https://titanind.com.au/ https://www.rebootmindsetacademy.org/ https://www.yourtitansofcoal.com/

Andy Khan proves that long‑term influence in sales is built on consistency, care, and credibility—not charisma or job titles. From founding Cloud Solutions Group and being acquired by Deloitte, to relaunching the business right as COVID hit and growing it faster the second time, he’s kept 70–80% of his customers for 10–15+ years (including his first client from 20 years ago) by refusing to let his “care factor” depend on deal size or timing. An introvert who never planned to work in sales, Andy learned to “wear a different mask” in front of customers while staying anchored in his core values: don’t sell something just to hit numbers, treat every order with equal attention, and focus on relationships that outlast buying cycles, restructures, and even ownership changes. With major lessons learned from his long‑time mentor Josh Rubens and deep experience in both enterprise and mid‑market environments, Andy now applies the same leadership mindset to clients, colleagues, and his own kids: care about people, help them, build trust, and earn respect through your actions over time. Takeaways: Influence in sales is earned through long‑term relationships, not quick wins—Andy has kept most clients for 10–20 years by prioritizing trust over transactions. Clarity, care, and credibility are the core pillars of influence—he treats every deal with the same attention, regardless of size or immediate revenue. Mid‑market customers need agility, not enterprise red tape—leaving Deloitte let Andy bring big‑enterprise learnings back to clients at mid‑market speed and price. Introverts can be exceptional sales leaders—Andy “wears a different mask” in meetings while staying grounded in his values and quiet consistency. Leadership is how you treat people who rely on you—from clients to kids, Andy defines leadership as caring, helping, and earning respect through actions over time. Quotes: Sales is influence—if you don’t have influence, you’re probably not going to do well in sales.” “My care factor doesn’t change depending on how much revenue I’m going to get from a customer this year.” “A lot of salespeople care when there’s a deal on the table and stop caring when there isn’t—I made it a point never to do that.” “Respect is earned, not given—even parents have to earn their kids’ respect.” “I never thought I’d be a sales guy; I’m an introvert and a man of few words, but I’ve learned to wear a different mask in the field while staying true to who I am.” Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & setup 2:52 – Company origin story 4:30 – Restarting the business in 2020 5:54 – Experience at Deloitte 8:59 – Leaving Deloitte & restarting 10:46 – Long‑term customer relationships 12:08 – Credibility and trust 13:16 – Personal journey into sales 18:48 – Care factor in sales 19:09 – Three pillars of influence 21:32 – Leadership and trust 23:44 – Mentor: Josh Rubens 26:59 – Consistency in sales 29:33 – Being an introvert in sales 32:06 – Influencing his kids 37:20 – Parenting as leadership 37:55 – Core leadership message 38:53 – Networking and CIO connections Conclusion: In this conversation, Andy Khan shows that sustainable influence in sales isn’t about being the loudest or chasing the biggest deal—it’s about consistency, character, and care. He’s grown a mid‑market business through an acquisition, a separation from Deloitte, and a global pandemic by turning enterprise‑grade lessons into agile, right‑sized solutions while keeping relationships at the center. An introvert who never planned to sell, Andy built a 20‑year career on three simple rules—clarity, care, and credibility—refusing to sell what isn’t right and keeping his “care factor” steady regardless of revenue. Whether serving customers, learning from mentor Josh Rubens, or raising his kids, his philosophy is simple: leadership is how you treat the people who rely on you, especially when there’s nothing in it for you today. Thi