Lead with Courage

**Please note this episode discussed sensitive topics including suicide
When Josh Creamer decided to use his voice to echo the stories of his Indigenous community, he committed to a path of resilience and leadership. As one of Australia's few Indigenous barristers, Josh opens up about his journey from the responsibilities that anchored his youth to the courtroom battles that have come to define much of his life's work. His candid conversation brings us face to face with the raw emotions of his legal crusades in landmark human rights cases and the personal struggles that have shaped his pursuit of justice and truth.
Embark on a deeply moving exploration of the systemic barriers that contribute to Indigenous disadvantage, interwoven with Josh Creamer's personal narrative of loss, leadership, and the legacy he aims to leave. His legal battles, including those for the Palm Island and Stolen Wages cases, reveal a commitment to shifting the narrative for his people—a chapter of Australian history often overshadowed. Join us as Josh shares his quest to empower Indigenous voices in law through the establishment of a scholarship aimed at supporting Indigenous women—a testament to the transformative power of mentorship.
In the shadows of trauma and adversity, Josh reveals the sanctity of self-care and the strength found in life's most challenging moments. He shares the poignant story of his trek to Everest Base Camp, a physical and symbolic journey that honors his brother's memory while shining a light on mental health and suicide prevention. This episode is not just a conversation; it's an invitation to witness the remarkable resilience of one man who, in the face of generational trauma, continues to rise, lead, and inspire change for a more inclusive future.

Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!

______________
Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.
If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.
To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning
Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie x
______________
Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

In this inspiring episode, hosts Cherie and Andy Canning welcome Dr. Dinesh Palipana, a trailblazing leader and changemaker, to the Lead with Courage podcast. As the second person with quadriplegia to graduate as a doctor in Australia and an advocate for inclusivity, Dinesh shares his unique perspective on life, leadership, and the importance of courage.

This conversation delves into Dinesh’s remarkable journey, from a life-changing car accident to becoming a doctor, lawyer, and author. Through personal anecdotes and thought-provoking reflections, Dinesh explores how perspective and empathy shape effective leadership and how purpose can bring meaning to our lives. Whether it’s his experiences in Sri Lanka, the values he lives by, or the impact of gratitude, Dinesh’s insights offer powerful lessons for leaders at all stages.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What “leading with courage” means and why courage is integral to leadership.
• How Dinesh’s accident transformed his life and taught him to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
• The role of empathy and perspective in creating impactful leadership.
• Why purpose and values are essential in navigating life’s complexities.
• Practical advice on embracing gratitude and staying present in the moment.

Notable Quotes:

• “Courage is part of what makes up leadership—you can’t separate the two.”
• “The world is a reflection of ourselves. Perspective and gratitude can transform even the hardest days.”
• “Empathy isn’t just understanding those who are similar to us; it’s about bridging divides and creating unity.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Dinesh Palipana’s book: Stronger
• The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Connect with Dr. Dinesh Palipana:

• Instagram: @dinesh.palipana

Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!

______________
Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.
If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.
To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning
Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie x
______________
Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

In this episode, Cherie and Mandy dive into the importance of giving and receiving feedback, drawing on lessons from workshops and experiences.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Need for Feedback: Many leaders struggle to give valuable feedback because they aren't observing their teams closely enough. Feedback should be specific and based on either skills or daily tasks.
• Types of Feedback: Mandy highlights two types—skills-based and task-based feedback. Both require different approaches, but leaders must focus on providing detailed, constructive input beyond generic praise like "You're doing great."
• Catch People Doing the Right Thing: Cherie emphasizes the importance of giving positive feedback, even on behaviors we assume others already know are appreciated. This builds trust and makes growth feedback easier to accept.
• Reactions to Feedback: The 3 common reactions to feedback are Defend, Deny, and Deflect. Mandy suggests holding space for these reactions, as they often come from fear or insecurity.
• Receiving Feedback: Cherie shares that staying curious and thanking the person giving feedback, even when it's tough, is crucial. It's important to check if negative reactions stem from ego or insecurities.
• Intentions in Feedback: Mandy advises leaders to check their intentions before delivering feedback. Feedback should be given with the intent to help the recipient grow, which influences tone, body language, and delivery.

Takeaways:

• Feedback should be timely, actionable, and given in small, regular doses.
• Build trust with positive feedback to create a foundation for constructive growth discussions.
• Approach both giving and receiving feedback with curiosity, empathy, and clear intentions.

Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!

______________
Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.
If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.
To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning
Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie x
______________
Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

What does it take to lead with trust, resilience, and courage—both in the pool and in the boardroom? In this episode of Lead with Courage, Cherie Canning sits down with Olympian-turned-entrepreneur Toby Jenkins to explore the lessons he’s learned from elite sport and leadership.

Toby, a former Australian water polo player and now Executive Coach, knows firsthand the power of trust under pressure. He shares how his Olympic journey shaped his leadership philosophy and how the same principles of teamwork, discipline, and psychological safety apply to business and beyond.

Together, Cherie and Toby dive into why trust is the ultimate competitive advantage, how leaders can create environments where people feel safe to take risks, and the small yet powerful actions that build deeper connections. With practical strategies and real-world insights, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to lead with more authenticity, courage, and impact.

If you're looking to elevate your leadership, strengthen relationships, and create high-performing teams, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss!
Resources:
Psychological Flexibility Test

Connect with Toby

Website: https://www.tobyajenkins.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobyjenkins/

Instagram @tobyjenkins

X: Toby_Jenkins

Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!

______________
Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.
If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.
To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning
Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie x
______________
Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Have you ever found yourself in a room with someone who radiated such authenticity it made you rethink your own life choices?
Lauren White, a seasoned sexologist, joins us today to delve into the heart of what it means to truly connect. We discuss the power of vulnerability and spontaneity and how these elements bring richness to our conversations and relationships.
Lauren is an award winning sexologist, business mentor & speaking coach for women who want to explore the uncharted waters of their power and pleasure for a deeply impactful business and more satisfying intimacy.
She's the host of the White Hot Business Podcast, an international speaker and the author of Permission: Personal Liberation for Switched on Women.
Embarking on a candid exploration of sexuality isn't for the faint of heart, but it's a journey Lauren believes can redefine empowerment and leadership for women. This episode weaves through the complex tapestry of mental health, drug counseling, and the profound effect that embracing our entire selves can have on our professional and personal lives.
Lauren's profound insights into setting intentions for intimate experiences and recognising the qualitative nature of sexual fulfilment might just hold the key to unlocking new dimensions of your life.
Lauren masterfully illustrates how the simple pleasures of music and dance can not only rewire our neural pathways but also empower us to live more authentically. By the end of our conversation, you'll feel inspired to make each day a genuine self-expression.
Join us as we celebrate the multifaceted nature of our beings and learn how to harness the transformative power of pleasure and authenticity.
You can find Lauren on socials here.

Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!

______________
Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.
If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.
To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning
Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie x
______________
Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.