Leadership Odysseys

Linda Wallace on The Power of Self-Attunement, Letting Go, and Redefining Success from the Inside Out

In this profound episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with transformational coach Linda Wallace, whose journey spans global leadership roles, a personal reckoning, and a deep return to self. Once climbing the ranks of major corporate brands, Linda hit burnout—mentally, physically, and emotionally. But instead of pushing through, she paused. And in that pause, everything changed.
Today, Linda helps others step into lives of alignment, clarity, and embodied leadership, not through titles or hustle, but through deep listening, inner safety, and somatic awareness.
This episode is a masterclass in self-leadership. A call to let go of who the world told you to be and step into who you truly are.
Episode Highlights:
“Anxiety is loud. Intuition is quiet.” — Linda unpacks the difference between fear-based urgency and grounded self-trust, revealing how true direction is often quiet, not performative.
Purpose isn’t a title. It’s how you show up. — We explore how redefining purpose away from job titles and towards values-led daily action can radically reshape your life.
Our brains are wired for safety, not happiness. — Linda shares the neuroscience behind fear, why we default to the familiar (even if it hurts), and how to build courage through gentle, embodied awareness.
Leadership from clarity, not speed. — We challenge modern leadership norms that celebrate fast decisions and visible output, and explore the power of pause, attunement, and emotional regulation.
The moment she stopped performing and started listening. — Linda shares the pivotal moment that changed everything—and why being honest with herself was the bravest leadership decision she’s ever made.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned the pace, the pressure, or the path they’re on. Linda Wallace reminds us that leadership is not about how loudly we speak, but how deeply we listen. If you’ve been searching for clarity, connection, or courage, this is the conversation your soul’s been waiting for.
Connect with Linda Wallace: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram | Website
This episode is brought to you by: The Beauty Chef | Naturally Glutenfree

Claudine Ogilvie on Reinvention, Leadership in Complexity & the Future of Supply Chain Tech

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we’re joined by Claudine Ogilvie, an executive and entrepreneur who’s spent over two decades at the intersection of technology, transformation, and leadership.
From her time as CIO at Jetstar and Ridley Corporation to board roles with Cuscal and Scyne Advisory, Claudine has built a career shaped by curiosity, courage, and bold transitions. Today, she’s the founder and CEO of HivePix, a data orchestration platform improving transparency and trust across the supply chain.
We dive into the mindset behind leaving corporate leadership to build something new, how to navigate complexity without losing clarity, and why empathy, ethics, and innovation must go hand in hand in the age of AI.
This is a conversation about technology, yes—but also about purpose, progress, and leading with integrity in a rapidly evolving world.
Key Highlights:
~ The Leap into Entrepreneurship: Claudine shares what it took to step away from big business and start HivePix—and the gap in supply chain data she’s now solving.
~ Courageous Career Shifts: We explore how to know when it’s time to pivot, what holds leaders back, and why reinvention requires more belief than certainty.
~ Complexity and Clarity: Claudine offers lessons from leading large-scale transformation at Jetstar, including how to align teams, stay grounded, and make decisions when the path isn’t obvious.
~ The Future of Responsible Tech: A thoughtful look at AI, quantum computing, and the urgent need to build technology with trust, ethics, and inclusion at the core.
~ Act First, Think Differently: Inspired by a quote from Herminia Ibarra, Claudine reflects on how doing—more than thinking—reshapes how we lead and who we become.
Claudine Ogilvie’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about staying in your lane, it’s about learning, leaping, and building what you believe the world needs. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot or shaping the future of tech, this episode offers grounded insight and inspiration for embracing change with clarity and conviction.
Connect with Claudine Ogilvie: LinkedIn | Website 
Connect with HivePix: LinkedIn | Website 
Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram | Website
This episode is brought to you by: Thebeautychef | Flagship

Raf Adams, The Suited Monk: How to Align Success with Inner Fulfilment

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with Raf Adams, global thought leader and creator of The Suited Monk philosophy. Raf shares the profound personal journey that led him from corporate success in global shipping to emotional burnout, and ultimately, to founding a global leadership movement that’s helped thousands of executives and organisations around the world.
Through his signature framework, distinguishing between the Suit (external success) and the Monk (inner self), Raf teaches us how to identify the gap between who we are and who we’ve been conditioned to be. If you’ve ever achieved success and still felt like something was missing, this conversation is for you.
~ The Gap Between the Suit and the MonkRaf explains how early conditioning and people-pleasing create a split between our outward identity and inner truth and how this hidden gap affects performance, well-being, and fulfilment.
~ The Wake-Up CallFrom chronic fatigue at 24 to being laid off during the 2008 financial crisis, Raf shares how his own journey forced him to stop chasing external validation and begin listening to his inner Monk.
~ The Three-Step Suited Monk MethodologyRaf outlines his transformative model that starts by reconnecting with self-awareness, then clearing emotional blockages, and finally aligning external achievement with personal purpose.
~ Making Suited Monk DecisionsHe reveals how true freedom and fulfilment come from making decisions that honour both your intuition and your responsibilities integrating the Monk first, then the Suit.
~ The Power of Slowing DownRaf explains why meditation isn’t always the answer—and how awareness can be found in silence, reflection, and choosing truth over noise.
Raf’s journey is a powerful reminder that success without alignment is never sustainable. The most courageous path we can take is the one that brings us back to ourselves. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or simply someone seeking more meaning in your work and life, this episode offers clarity, depth, and an invitation to tune inward.
Start your own journey home by taking The Suited Monk Life Review Quiz, a free reflection tool designed to help you reconnect with your inner Monk and realign with what truly matters: 👉 www.suitedmonk.com/quiz
Connect with Raf Adams: LinkedIn 
The Suited Monk: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website | You Tube Video
Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram | Website
This episode is brought to you by: Thebeautychef | Airwallex

Alan Shields on Curiosity, Communication & the Startup Journey

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with Alan Shields—entrepreneur, board advisor, speaker, and co-founder of RFI Global. With over two decades of experience scaling a two-person startup into a global data insights powerhouse, Alan shares his leadership journey, the importance of storytelling, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts. From physics to financial services, Alan’s path is grounded in curiosity, strategic thinking, and a clear passion for helping others grow.
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a team leader, or someone navigating your next big leap, this episode is filled with practical wisdom you’ll want to carry forward.
Key Insights from Alan’s Odyssey:
~ Curiosity is the foundation of great leadership. Alan explains why curiosity can’t be taught—and why it’s the single most important trait he looks for when hiring and mentoring.
~ Storytelling is a leadership superpower. With over 3,000 presentations under his belt, Alan shares how he structures compelling narratives using the SCQA method—situation, complication, question, and answer.
~ Build the right team, not just a big one. From day one at RFI, Alan focused on diverse, values-aligned talent. The result? A high-performing global team with over 24 nationalities—driven by curiosity, not just credentials.
~ Founders don’t have to do it all. Alan opens up about the moment he realised he wasn’t the right person to take RFI Global to the next level—and why self-awareness is a core part of leadership.
~ Startup lessons are meant to be shared. From writing The Startup Handbook to mentoring emerging founders, Alan reflects on why giving back is now central to his purpose.
Alan’s odyssey is a masterclass in scaling with heart, humility, and clarity. His approach to leadership—grounded in thoughtful reflection and bold decision-making—is a reminder that success isn’t just about building big, it’s about building well. Whether you’re on day one or year ten of your own journey, Alan’s story will leave you inspired to ask better questions, back yourself, and lead with intent.
Connect with Alan Shields: LinkedIn | RFI Global Website | The Startup Handbook
Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram | Website
This episode is brought to you by: Thebeautychef | Airwallex

The World’s Last Royal Coachmaker – Jim Frecklington’s Living Legacy

In this extraordinary episode of the Leadership Odysseys podcast, we step into the world of Jim Frecklington MVO, OAM—Australia’s master royal coach builder and the man behind some of the most iconic ceremonial carriages in modern history.
From the rural fields of Peak Hill, NSW, to the grand halls of Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, Jim’s journey is a testament to passion, craftsmanship, and courageous leadership. He has built not one, but three royal coaches—each an intricate fusion of tradition, symbolism, and vision. As he opens the doors of his workshop to share his story, we’re reminded that leadership can be quiet, purposeful, and deeply legacy-driven.
 
In this episode, you’ll discover:
~ The inspiration behind Jim’s lifelong pursuit of building carriages fit for royalty—rooted in art, history, and heart. ~ How he assembled a global team of master artisans to create time capsules of British and Commonwealth history. ~ The resilience it takes to build something truly lasting—mortgaging his home, battling cancer, and continuing to create with unwavering commitment. ~ Why preserving craftsmanship matters now more than ever in an increasingly digital world. ~ His reflections on riding with Queen Elizabeth II, honoring the fallen of Dunkirk, and designing a masterpiece for King Charles III—an entirely hand-built, history-laden carriage that will one day carry future kings, including Prince William and Prince George, and be treasured as one of the most significant artistic and cultural creations of our time.
This is more than an interview. It’s a window into legacy-making at its finest. Jim Frecklington doesn’t just build coaches—he tells stories in motion, stories that will outlive all of us. His humility, wisdom, and quiet courage will leave you moved, inspired, and reminded that some of the greatest leaders are those who choose to leave something beautiful behind.
 
Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram | Website
This episode is brought to you by: Naturally Glutenfree  | Airwallex

Lead with Purpose. Live with Agency: Robyn Saranah’s Odyssey

In this powerful episode of Leadership Odysseys, Kirsty sits down with Robyn Saranah—Executive General Manager at Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand and former National GM of Commonwealth Private. Robyn is not only a leader in finance but a lifelong champion for social impact and financial empowerment, especially for women. From growing up in a small country town to leading change across some of Australia’s most respected institutions, her journey is rich with insight, resilience, and heart. We explore the mindset shifts that shaped her, the importance of building agency through financial independence, and why vulnerability and courage are essential for modern leadership.
Key Insights from the Episode:
~ Resilience is built at the edgeRobyn shares that growth happens when we challenge ourselves at our “development edge”—those moments of discomfort that lead to real transformation, not just in leadership but in life.
~ Financial literacy is not about money—it’s about choiceShe reframes financial independence as a form of freedom, agency, and power. Whether you’re raising a family, building a business, or navigating change, knowing how to manage money is fundamental to self-determination.
~ You don’t need a title to be a leaderRobyn dismantles traditional definitions of leadership, reminding us that influence comes from how we show up, ask questions, build trust, and create safety for others, not just from a job title.
~ Surround yourself with “treasures”From mentors to challengers, Robyn encourages all leaders to build an inner circle of truth-tellers—people who know your values and will hold you accountable when you're out of alignment.
~ Kindness is a strategy, not softnessOne of Robyn’s most profound messages: enter every relationship with the mindset of “how can I help?” The universe has a way of showing up when you do—and this generosity builds deeper community and lasting impact.
Robyn’s odyssey reminds us that leadership is not a ladder—it’s a layered, evolving journey grounded in curiosity, courage, and connection. Whether you're navigating your first leadership role or building your legacy, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with purpose and humanity. Her call to action? Start small, ask the big questions, and never underestimate the power of asking for help.
Connect with Robyn: LinkedIn 
Good Shepherd Australia and New Zealand: LinkedIn | Website
Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram | Website
This episode is brought to you by: Thebeautychef | Naturally Glutenfree  | Airwallex

The Leadership Power of Curiosity, Play, and Presence – Caterina Embersic-Dunne’s Odyssey

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, I sit down with Caterina (Cat) Embersic-Dunne—a dynamic executive coach, lecturer, and leadership expert who brings an unconventional yet highly effective approach to coaching: play. Through her work and doctoral research, Cat has pioneered the integration of play into leadership and team development, helping individuals unlock creativity, foster resilience, and navigate challenges with a fresh perspective.
Key Highlights: 
~ The Power of Play in Leadership – How Cat uses play methods to drive innovation, connection, and learning within teams.~ The Crossroads Moment – Why Cat made the bold decision to pivot her career and lean into coaching full-time.~ The Art of Self-Reflection – How embracing self-awareness and holding things lightly can lead to sustainable success.~ Redefining Leadership – Challenging traditional leadership models and why it’s not just about titles but about influence, relationships, and accountability.~ Cooking, Coaching & Martial Arts – How Cat’s experience as a chef on The Chef’s Line and her journey to a second-degree Black Belt have shaped her approach to leadership.
Cat’s insights are a powerful reminder that leadership is not about rigid structures—it’s about adaptability, creativity, and the courage to explore new ways of thinking. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating change, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will leave you with a renewed perspective on what it truly means to embrace the journey.
 
Connect with Cat Embersic-Dunne: LinkedIn | Website 
Centre of Coaching in Organisations: LinkedIn
Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram | Website
This episode is brought to you by: Thebeautychef | Naturally Glutenfree  | Flagship

Unapologetically Authentic: Suzan Mutesi on Creativity, Resilience & Self-Love

What does it take to truly embrace your journey when the world questions your place in it? In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, I sit down with Suzan Mutesi—an actress, award-winning fashion designer, author, and influencer whose story is one of relentless reinvention. From growing up in Uganda during the civil war to building a life and career in Australia, Suzan’s journey has been anything but conventional.
She opens up about navigating the entertainment and fashion industries, the challenges of being in the public eye, and the resilience it takes to keep going when criticism is louder than applause. Most importantly, she shares a powerful message on self-love, authenticity, and the courage to keep showing up.
This conversation is real, raw, and deeply inspiring—one that will leave you reflecting on what it means to embrace who you are, unapologetically.
Key Takeaways
🌀 The Power of Reinvention – Suzan’s journey proves that you don’t have to fit into one box. From fashion to acting to writing, she’s embraced every opportunity that came her way.
🌀 "I Deserve to Be Here" – Suzan shares the emotional reality of self-doubt and public scrutiny, and how she reminds herself that she has earned her place.
🌀 Authenticity is Your Superpower – A powerful lesson on why staying true to yourself—even when misunderstood—is the key to long-term success.
🌀 Navigating the Media and Public Criticism – Suzan opens up about what it’s like to be in the headlines, how she processes negativity, and why she refuses to let external opinions define her.
🌀 Love, Relationships & Finding Your Person – Why Suzan believes that life isn’t meant to be done alone and the importance of finding someone who truly sees you.
Suzan’s story is a reminder that resilience is built in the moments no one sees—the tears before stepping onto a red carpet, the silent self-doubt before hitting ‘post,’ and the courage to keep going even when the world questions your worth.
Her journey isn’t just about success; it’s about embracing every chapter—no matter how messy, misunderstood, or unexpected.
Connect with Suzan: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok 
Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram
This episode is brought to you by: Flagship | Thebeautychef

Huw Griffiths: The Power of Connection, Reinvention & Leadership in Fintech

What does it take to go from a punk rock guitarist to leading Enterprise in one of the fastest-growing fintech enterprises in the world? Huw Griffiths has never followed the conventional path. From his days playing in Kid Courageous to becoming Head of Enterprise ANZ at Airwallex, his journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and deep connection. In this episode, we uncover the defining moments that shaped Huw—his leap from music to finance, the bold career moves that propelled him forward, and why he believes people are the heartbeat of every successful business.
Key Highlights from Huw’s Odyssey:
~ From stage to boardroom: How a music career built the confidence and presence that later defined his leadership style.~ Breaking into banking with no formal experience: The mindset shift that helped him land a role at the Royal Bank of Scotland.~ The fintech boom: Lessons from Klarna, Afterpay, and Airwallex—why speed, vision, and adaptability matter in a high-growth environment.~ The power of connection: How networking, relationship-building, and emotional intelligence have been the cornerstone of his success.~ Balancing high-performance leadership with personal life: His take on resilience, energy management, and showing up as your best self.
Huw’s journey is a testament to trusting the process, backing yourself, and saying yes to opportunities—even when you’re not ready. His ability to connect people, build cultures, and drive business growth makes him a standout leader in fintech and beyond. Whether you’re scaling a business, navigating career transitions, or simply looking to strengthen your own network, this conversation is filled with insights that will change the way you think about leadership and connection.
 
Connect with Huw: LinkedIn
Connect with Airwallex: LinkedIn | Website
Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram
This episode is brought to you by: Airwallex | Thebeautychef | Naturally Glutenfree 

Arvin Singh: The Currency of Leadership—Resilience, Risk, and Reinvention

What does it take to redefine an industry, navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and still emerge with a relentless drive for impact? In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with Arvin Singh—a visionary fintech leader whose journey from the rice fields of Guyana to co-founding hoolah, and driving its acquisition by ShopBack, is nothing short of extraordinary.
Arvin’s story is one of bold decisions, unwavering resilience, and the art of embracing the journey, both professionally and personally. From his early days at Visa and Worldpay to shaping fintech ecosystems across Asia, Arvin shares not just milestones but the lessons learned in the messy, beautiful middle of leadership.
 
Key Highlights:
~ The Power of Starting Small: Arvin reflects on his humble beginnings in Guyana, the pivotal move to Canada, and how these early experiences shaped his worldview and leadership philosophy.~ Entrepreneurship with Purpose: Discover how Arvin transitioned from corporate roles to co-founding hoolah, tackling self-doubt, and embracing the chaos of startups with conviction.~ Navigating the M&A Rollercoaster: He offers an honest look at what it really feels like to sell the business you’ve built from scratch—the excitement, the grief, and the lessons in letting go.~ Building Resilience Through People: Arvin emphasises the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people—mentors, co-founders, and advisors—and how these connections became his anchor during tough times.~ Leadership Beyond Titles: As a current advisor and Board Member at Fly Fairly, Arvin shares insights on leading without authority, influencing change, and staying true to one’s values in evolving roles.
Arvin’s journey isn’t just about fintech success; it’s about growth, grit, and gratitude. His story reminds us that leadership isn’t a destination—it’s an odyssey, filled with unexpected detours, transformative experiences, and the courage to keep going even when the path isn’t clear.
If you’re a leader navigating change, an entrepreneur chasing your next big idea, or someone curious about what happens after the “big win,” this episode will resonate deeply.
Connect with Arvin Singh : LinkedIn 
Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram
Sponsorship: Flagship | Naturally Glutenfree