Leading with Intention: John Pollaers on Building a Purpose-Driven Career and a Joyful Life
06/10/24 • 66 min
Dive into the mind of John Pollaers, a visionary whose career achievements rival the plot of an inspiring biopic. From ascending to CEO by 35 to pioneering change in assistive technology, John takes us through the chapters of his life that exemplify leadership with a steadfast purpose. His story is not just a roadmap to success but a guide to living with intention, as he breaks down the philosophy that drove him to make an indelible mark on society and industry alike.
As we unravel John's journey, we're reminded that the balance of work and life's pleasures isn't a tightrope but a spacious path to be navigated with joy. He shares his wisdom on redefining retirement, not as an end but as a shift towards a life of desired engagement and impact. The tales of his own experiences, from academic rigor to boardroom strategising, illuminate how the joy of the journey can elevate both personal fulfilment and professional accomplishment.
Lastly, John imparts the significance of fostering positivity and effective communication during corporate transitions, providing a masterclass in maintaining morale amidst upheaval. His anecdote about the weekly calls that rallied his team through a hostile takeover illustrates the transformative power of a leader who champions continuous learning and adapts with agility. So plug in, as we take you through a narrative that not only celebrates an extraordinary career but also serves as a catalyst for your own story of purpose-driven success.
Podcast Chapters
00:00 - Building a Career With Purpose
10:20 - Career Progression and Personal Development
20:09 - Balancing Work, Retirement, and Impact
32:07 - Driving Industry Responsibility and Collaboration
42:49 - Reflections on Purpose and Genius
56:24 - Crafting Yourself
01:00:10 - Positivity and Rapid Fire Dialogue
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Dive into the mind of John Pollaers, a visionary whose career achievements rival the plot of an inspiring biopic. From ascending to CEO by 35 to pioneering change in assistive technology, John takes us through the chapters of his life that exemplify leadership with a steadfast purpose. His story is not just a roadmap to success but a guide to living with intention, as he breaks down the philosophy that drove him to make an indelible mark on society and industry alike.
As we unravel John's journey, we're reminded that the balance of work and life's pleasures isn't a tightrope but a spacious path to be navigated with joy. He shares his wisdom on redefining retirement, not as an end but as a shift towards a life of desired engagement and impact. The tales of his own experiences, from academic rigor to boardroom strategising, illuminate how the joy of the journey can elevate both personal fulfilment and professional accomplishment.
Lastly, John imparts the significance of fostering positivity and effective communication during corporate transitions, providing a masterclass in maintaining morale amidst upheaval. His anecdote about the weekly calls that rallied his team through a hostile takeover illustrates the transformative power of a leader who champions continuous learning and adapts with agility. So plug in, as we take you through a narrative that not only celebrates an extraordinary career but also serves as a catalyst for your own story of purpose-driven success.
Podcast Chapters
00:00 - Building a Career With Purpose
10:20 - Career Progression and Personal Development
20:09 - Balancing Work, Retirement, and Impact
32:07 - Driving Industry Responsibility and Collaboration
42:49 - Reflections on Purpose and Genius
56:24 - Crafting Yourself
01:00:10 - Positivity and Rapid Fire Dialogue
Connect with Us:
Mentor List Instagram
Follow Your Host:
Follow Your Guest:
Previous Episode
Leading with care and compassion: Navigating the Intersection of Leadership and Well-being with Arthur Papagiannis
On today's Mentor List Podcast, we sit down with Arthur Papagiannis, CEO of AP Psychology and Consulting Services, who shares his profound insights into leadership, mental well-being, and the art of creating a supportive work environment. In this episode we unravel the behavioural cues indicative of someone's internal struggle and discuss how to approach these delicate topics with respect, empathy, and genuine care.
We converse about the transformative power of simple acts, like addressing colleagues by name, that can dramatically boost morale and foster identity. Our conversation delves into the use of emotional intelligence in recognising the unspoken pleas for help that can often go unnoticed, reinforcing the importance of nurturing not just professional, but personal relationships as well.
Tune in for a discussion that will leave you with a new perspective on the importance of championing mental health in business and leadership.
Podcast Chapters:
00:00 - Leading With Care and Compassion
15:17 - Humanising Leadership and Business Performance
21:17 - Leading With Care and Compassion
24:53 - Creating a Psychologically Safe Work Environment
41:18 - Workplace Mental Health and Safety
49:41 - Creating Humanistic Workplace Cultures
01:02:11 - Building Well-Being Conversations in Leadership
01:16:37 - Championing Mental Health in Business
01:02:11 - Building Well-Being Conversations in Leadership
01:16:37 - Championing Mental Health in Business
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Next Episode
Navigating Healthcare Innovation: Challenges, Strategies, and Breakthroughs with Robert Klupacs
Discover the forefront of healthcare innovation with Robert Klupacs, CEO of the Bionics Institute. Robert shares his unique perspective on innovation, defining it as finding distinct solutions to well-known challenges. Australia's knack for ingenuity shines through with examples like the cochlear implant, but scaling these innovations globally remains a hurdle. We discuss how transforming educational and cultural strengths into significant economic and health advancements is crucial and the indispensable role of investment in health technology projects.
We also tackle the pressing challenges in Australian innovation and manufacturing. Despite Australia's top-tier ranking in scientific discovery, the leap from research to commercialisation is fraught with difficulties. Robert sheds light on the critical "valley of death" stage and the insufficient industrial R&D investment that hampers progress. Highlighting Australia's potential in low volume, high-value manufacturing akin to Swiss watchmaking, we examine systemic issues pushing initiatives overseas and strategies to leverage Australia's intellectual prowess effectively.
Finally, we delve into the cultural differences in entrepreneurship between Australia and the US, particularly attitudes toward failure. The fear of failure in Australia stifles innovation, unlike the US where learning from mistakes is celebrated. Robert emphasises the importance of launching minimal viable products quickly and learning from feedback. We also explore the advancements in wearable technology, particularly hearing aids, and the vital role of storytelling in making innovations accessible and exciting. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on confidence, innovation, and the dynamic balance needed for business strategy and growth.
Podcast Chapters
00:00 - Cultivating Innovation in Healthcare
13:09 - Challenges in Australian Innovation and Manufacturing
27:22 - Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship
37:29 - Innovations in Wearable Technology
44:18 - Lessons in Confidence, Innovation, and Growth
48:31 - Innovation in Business Strategy
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