Culture of Leadership

In this episode, I sit down with Candice Boyd to talk openly about the realities of raising a child with autism, the traumatic moments most families never talk about, and what explosive meltdowns actually look like. Candice shares how her daughter’s behaviour changed almost overnight, how food triggers played a role, and the emotional toll it took on her as a parent. We also explore mum-guilt, burnout, and how Candice turned pain into purpose by creating SheRest, a community that offers connection, support, and respite for mothers raising autistic children. This episode is real, raw, and deeply moving.Watch the episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/65O6MtkoKDI SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Welcome and intro00:31 Who is Candice Boyd?01:25 Early signs of regression03:22 The importance of getting a diagnosis06:01 The "Switch Flipped" moment in Queensland10:11 Initial discovery: Food and behaviors12:33 Dealing with "Mom Guilt"14:59 Identifying trauma in the body18:41 Meltdowns vs. Tantrums21:31 Asking "How can I help?" instead of judging26:39 Finding humor in the hardship28:25 The breaking point: Crying under the doona31:59 Taking action: The birth of SheRest33:53 The first community lunch38:14 Business lesson: You don't need ducks in a row45:30 Dreaming big: Nationwide hubs47:52 The hidden domestic violence of carer burnout52:47 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)58:20 The "What's in it for me?" mindset01:01:53 Fears for the future: Police and the law01:07:20 The importance of true respite01:10:46 How special needs parenting impacts marriage01:13:30 Clashing parenting styles01:21:04 The Tug of War: Picking your battles01:23:37 The question of "HeRests"01:29:29 Deep dive: Artificial colors and MSG01:36:47 Final message: Stay curious Do you want to be a more confident leader? Get your FREE workbook at https://thecultureofleadership.com/confident-leader-workbook/ -- LINKS --(When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!) *** PRODUCTS WE LOVE *** (and use!)✅ Check them out at https://thecultureofleadership.com/products-we-use/ *** BOOKS WE LOVE *** (and read!)✅ Check them out at https://thecultureofleadership.com/books-we-recommend/ Subscribe to Culture of Leadership podcast:Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3oPVZhUSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2LvUjvIGoogle Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3aZlglJCastro: https://bit.ly/3yILSRoPocket Casts: https://bit.ly/34nqOSzPodchaser: https://bit.ly/2SxL15FiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3xVl4fwDeezer: https://bit.ly/3w1gvibPodcast Addict: https://bit.ly/3hiY3w7 ResourcesCulture of Leadership Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/​)Brendan Rogers LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjrogers01/​)Culture of Leadership Podcast Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/podcast/​)Culture of Leadership LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-culture-of-leadership/)Culture of Leadership Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tcolpodcast​)Culture of Leadership Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thecultureofleadership/) DISCLOSURE: We often link to products & services we regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links. This means, if you click one of the links and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation. We're fans of Amazon, and many of our links to products are links to those products on Amazon. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites.

In today’s episode, I speak to Jodie Hill, the founder, and director of a company called Custodians of Change. They focus on educating the world on self-sustainability and self-worth. Jodie is a brilliant speaker and articulates with near perfection a model she created around the concept of UBUNTU. This concept has been around for many years in the African cultures - and it means “I am because we are” - referring to the idea that as individuals, we are better when we are contributing to the collective community.  She experienced this idea most powerfully during her time living in South Africa. Her feeling, now, is that the rest of the world could greatly benefit from embracing an “Ubuntu” point of view - both personally and in business. Jodie shares great personal experiences and examples of people “living Ubuntu” and it’s difficult to argue with the proven success in using this outlook to help communities flourish and take care of each other. This episode is one that will hopefully help you see the ways in which you can help others win so that we as a community can win.    Discussion Points What is “Ubuntu”? Behind the philosophy fellowship The “Lebola” system The meaning of “Ubuntu” How Nelson Mandela lived “Ubuntu” Jodie’s experience in South Africa and connecting with the community Jodie’s Ubuntu Model Understand Being Unite New Spirit Trust Unconditional Love The thing that had the greatest impact on Jodie’s leadership journey Do you want to be a more confident leader? Get your FREE workbook at https://thecultureofleadership.com/confident-leader-workbook/ -- LINKS --(When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!) *** PRODUCTS WE LOVE *** (and use!)✅ Check them out at https://thecultureofleadership.com/products-we-use/ *** BOOKS WE LOVE *** (and read!)✅ Check them out at https://thecultureofleadership.com/books-we-recommend/ Subscribe to Culture of Leadership podcast:Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3oPVZhUSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2LvUjvIGoogle Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3aZlglJCastro: https://bit.ly/3yILSRoPocket Casts: https://bit.ly/34nqOSzPodchaser: https://bit.ly/2SxL15FiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3xVl4fwDeezer: https://bit.ly/3w1gvibPodcast Addict: https://bit.ly/3hiY3w7 ResourcesCulture of Leadership Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/​)Brendan Rogers LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjrogers01/​)Culture of Leadership Podcast Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/podcast/​)Culture of Leadership LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-culture-of-leadership/)Culture of Leadership Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tcolpodcast​)Culture of Leadership Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thecultureofleadership/) DISCLOSURE: We often link to products & services we regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links. This means, if you click one of the links and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation. We're fans of Amazon, and many of our links to products are links to those products on Amazon. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites.

My guest in today’s episode is Michael Crutcher - he’s the founder and CEO of a company called 55 comms. The focus of 55 comms has been to help clients tell their stories in a rapidly changing world. In the 8 years since starting the business, Michael and the 55 comms team have helped many companies, non-profits, and government departments to communicate better and achieve their goals.  Michael was also appointed the editor of the Courier Mail -  Queensland’s largest news and information source. His role as a respected journalist has offered him many opportunities to mix and mingle with legendary leaders both in sport and in politics making him privy to seeing leadership actioned in many different ways. An avid rugby league fan and outside of 55 comms Michael is also the director of the Norths Devils Rugby league football club.  I am privileged to have grown up with Michael and I was excited to catch up with him and learn more about his interesting career journey. He shares with me, his thoughts on what he believes it means to be a good leader based on what he has seen from some of the very best leaders in the world. Discussion Points Michael Crutcher introduction Michael and Brendan’s childhood Leaders Michael has worked with and learned from Differences between sporting and political leaders Leaders Michael admired Michael’s thoughts on male leaders vs female leaders Top three observations by Michael of good leaders More about the company name 55 comms Michael’s leadership role at the Norths Devils Rugby League Club Make sure each team member knows their role How social media has changed leadership pressure in sport Leaders should inspire their team What/who inspires Micheal  Staying cool under pressure The one thing that has had the biggest impact on Michael Resources Brendan Rogers Website Brendan Rogers LinkedIn The Culture of Things Podcast Website The Culture of Things LinkedIn The Culture of Things Facebook Page The Culture of Things YouTube Channel The Culture of Things Instagram  55 comms - Website 55 comms - Facebook 55 comms - Twitter 55 comms - LinkedIn 55 comms - Instagram Norths Devils Rugby League Club Sourced Podcast

Brendan sits down with Laura Prael to unpack the lessons she has learned from over a decade of running her own business. From battling imposter syndrome and redefining what confidence really means, to losing her entire team during COVID and rebuilding stronger than ever, Laura shares an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of leadership. She challenges hustle culture, explains why adaptability matters more than any business plan, and reveals how a four-day work week has transformed her company. This is a conversation packed with honesty, resilience, and practical insights that will inspire anyone building a business or leading a team. Don’t miss this episode if you want to rethink success, confidence, and what it truly means to lead with impact. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Welcome Back & 10-Year Milestone 01:18 – Finding the Right People 03:33 – Energy Match & Team Fit 06:11 – Attracting Talent with a 4-Day Week 09:27 – Growing Into Leadership 14:35 – Redefining Confidence 20:35 – Busting Business Myths 22:36 – Rejecting Hustle Culture 25:08 – Challenges of a 4-Day Week 29:27 – Losing the Team During COVID 32:01 – Rebuilding with Resilience 35:37 – Working with a Partner 37:20 – Feedback That Shapes Leadership 45:26 – The AI Challenge in Marketing 55:50 – Storytelling & Connection 01:00:26 – “Begin Anywhere” Philosophy 01:02:39 – Leading with Impact Do you want to be a more confident leader? Get your FREE workbook at https://thecultureofleadership.com/confident-leader-workbook/ -- LINKS --(When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!) *** PRODUCTS WE LOVE *** (and use!)✅ Check them out at https://thecultureofleadership.com/products-we-use/ *** BOOKS WE LOVE *** (and read!)✅ Check them out at https://thecultureofleadership.com/books-we-recommend/ Subscribe to Culture of Leadership podcast:Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3oPVZhUSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2LvUjvIGoogle Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3aZlglJCastro: https://bit.ly/3yILSRoPocket Casts: https://bit.ly/34nqOSzPodchaser: https://bit.ly/2SxL15FiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3xVl4fwDeezer: https://bit.ly/3w1gvibPodcast Addict: https://bit.ly/3hiY3w7 ResourcesCulture of Leadership Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/​)Brendan Rogers LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjrogers01/​)Culture of Leadership Podcast Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/podcast/​)Culture of Leadership LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-culture-of-leadership/)Culture of Leadership Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tcolpodcast​)Culture of Leadership Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thecultureofleadership/) DISCLOSURE: We often link to products & services we regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links. This means, if you click one of the links and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation. We're fans of Amazon, and many of our links to products are links to those products on Amazon. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites.

Oscar Trimboli is on a quest to create 100 million deep listeners in the world. He is an author and host of the Apple-award-winning podcast, “Deep Listening”. He is passionate about using the gift of good listening skills to bring positive change in workplaces. Resources Brendan Rogers Website Brendan Rogers LinkedIn The Culture of Leadership Podcast Website The Culture of Leadership LinkedIn The Culture of Leadership Facebook Page The Culture of Leadership YouTube Channel The Culture of Leadership Instagram Highly Effective Leader Website Leadership & Growth YouTube Channel Manager to leader book (Amazon) If you have any questions for Brendan around this episode or generally around culture, leadership, or teamwork, feel free to contact him here.