THE COURAGE TO LEAD INTERVIEW SERIES

In this episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard speaks with Debbie Lee, owner and publisher of Ginninderra Press and Festival Director of Melbourne Jewish Book Week. From her childhood instinct to protect the kid being left out, to her early days as a book rep, to inheriting Ginninderra Press from its founder Stephen Matthews, Debbie’s story is all about connection. She shares how she builds strong networks across the publishing world, champions First Nations and social justice stories, helps an 81-year-old survivor bring a lifelong secret to light, and supports advocates tackling gambling harm and homelessness. Debbie also reflects on identity, antisemitism, and hosting Israeli–Palestinian peace-builders in an era of deep division. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership can simply be the courage to Connect, Include and Listen. 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, I sit down with Matt LaHood, founder and real estate CEO of The Agency. Matt shares how his leadership was shaped by his parents — a father who brought thongs to Australia and a mother who backed him to take courageous risks — and by giants like John McGrath and John Symond. We explore how he built an “attraction business” where people queue to join, why he believes you “can’t coach care,” and how he spots and supports team members with “black clouds” over their heads. Matt opens up about difficult conversations, rejection, retention, and doing the right thing every time. This is leadership with Heart, Consistency and Courage.       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.

Captain Michelle Huntington — pilot, author of Lady MacGyver, and breast-cancer survivor — shares how curiosity, preparation, and mentoring forged her leadership. From conquering air-sickness by teaching the lesson to ferrying a Beechcraft across the Pacific with a 750-kg fuel bladder and a syringe-fed oil hack, she shows why you must “fly one hour in a thousand different ways.” As a 737 Captain she led with questions, analogies, and trust, proving that checklists and compassion can coexist. Her three beacons: don’t take “no” as final, choose the hard reps, and treat every person as significant. This is a blueprint for staying calm when the air gets bumpy — in the cockpit and in life. This conversation is about: COMPASSION, PREPARATION, KINDNESS   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.  

The Humanity of Hugh Brasher: Leading the World’s Greatest Marathon with Heart In this episode, on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Hugh Brasher — CEO of the TCS London Marathon — shares his deeply human approach to leadership. From growing up as the son of Olympic and tennis champions to leading one of the world’s most inspiring events, Hugh reveals the values that guide him: curiosity, humility, and compassion. He reflects on learning from mistakes, leading through values, and uniting communities through sport. His message is clear — togetherness beats competition. This is a story of humanity, courage, and what it truly means to lead. This conversation is about: Togetherness. Curiosity. Humanity. 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, Allan Sicard sits down with Ally Kelly, Founder and CEO of MindBlank, to explore how early intervention and prevention can transform mental health outcomes. Ally shares her personal journey from carer to changemaker and explains how MindBlank’s innovative interactive theatre empowers people to “Spot, Share, and Refer” before crisis strikes. Through lived experience and practical wisdom, she shows how leaders, teachers, and workplaces can hold space for others and build resilience through empathy and awareness. This is a conversation about Prevention. Compassion. Empowerment. 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.