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 HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Welcome and intro
00:31 Who is Candice Boyd?
01:25 Early signs of regression
03:22 The importance of getting a diagnosis
06:01 The "Switch Flipped" moment in Queensland
10:11 Initial discovery: Food and behaviors
12:33 Dealing with "Mom Guilt"
14:59 Identifying trauma in the body
18:41 Meltdowns vs. Tantrums
21:31 Asking "How can I help?" instead of judging
26:39 Finding humor in the hardship
28:25 The breaking point: Crying under the doona
31:59 Taking action: The birth of SheRest
33:53 The first community lunch
38:14 Business lesson: You don't need ducks in a row
45:30 Dreaming big: Nationwide hubs
47:52 The hidden domestic violence of carer burnout
52:47 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
58:20 The "What's in it for me?" mindset
01:01:53 Fears for the future: Police and the law
01:07:20 The importance of true respite
01:10:46 How special needs parenting impacts marriage
01:13:30 Clashing parenting styles
01:21:04 The Tug of War: Picking your battles
01:23:37 The question of "HeRests"
01:29:29 Deep dive: Artificial colors and MSG
01:36:47 Final message: Stay curious

Do you want to be a more confident leader? Get your FREE workbook at https://thecultureofleadership.com/confident-leader-workbook/

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Resources
Culture of Leadership Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/​)
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Culture of Leadership Podcast Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/podcast/​)
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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/

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Resources
Culture 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.

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/

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*** PRODUCTS WE LOVE *** (and use!)
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Resources
Culture 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.

Karen and Matt Page have walked through some tumultuous times together, to say the least. It all began after Matt suffered a traumatic brain injury during his military deployment. Unfortunately, the accident turned out to be only the beginning of some of the most difficult times in their lives – putting a massive strain on their marriage and family life. Karen wrote the book “My Broken Soldier” as part of her healing process, sharing some of the deepest, darkest moments of their family’s struggle. Matt and Karen both join me on today’s episode, sharing some of how they dealt with some incredibly difficult periods in Matt’s healing process and what they feel helped them get through it all.

They have now made it their personal mission to make sure that they help other families in the same situation get access to the help they need sooner and more efficiently. The stigma that surrounds mental health in Australia and the world needs to end – and they believe that talking about one’s experiences more openly will be the key to unlocking this change in society. This, in turn, will help families struggling with mental health issues realize that they aren’t as isolated as they might feel. Reading Karen’s book has touched me deeply, and opened my eyes to the nearly impossible strength that it took for this couple to get as far as they have – and still be working together to live their best lives. I am grateful for their presence on today’s episode and I hope that this platform will help spread their powerful message to people who need to hear it!

Discussion Points

• The motivation behind the book
• Matt’s accident
• The comedy of errors post the accident
• The many other people in the same situation
• Matt’s healing process
• Managing mental health
• Realizing your worth
• Dealing with tough moments
• Karen’s relationship with her dad
• Matt becoming “dad” to Karen’s daughters
• The process of having a baby
• Opening up about difficult times – ask for help
• Working to help others in the same situation
• Transitioning from defence back into civilian life
• Matt & Karen’s advice to other families

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

Kaz Page/My Broken Soldier Website

Karen Page LinkedIn

Karen Page Instagram

My broken Soldier Facebook page

In this episode of Cultural Leadership, Brendan sits down with Adam, co-founder of Boys to the Bush, to explore how a grassroots idea grew into a movement changing lives across regional Australia.

Adam shares the spark that started it all, the tough lessons learned from working with vulnerable kids, and what real, authentic leadership looks like. From building trust and consistency to empowering communities and shaping future leaders, this conversation is packed with raw insights, hope, and inspiration.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
00:30 – The Spark Behind Boys to the Bush
04:15 – From Camps to Mentoring Programs
06:13 – Leading Through Challenges
09:22 – What Leadership Means to Adam
13:32 – Helping Others See Themselves as Leaders
16:13 – Supporting and Growing the Team
20:30 – The Qualities That Make Great Mentors
24:39 – Building Trust with Kids
30:18 – Why Time and Consistency Matter
33:14 – Lessons from Kids: Presence Over Presents
38:27 – Funding Challenges & Staying True to Purpose
42:45 – Community-Led Change
46:47 – Can the Model Work in Cities?
48:44 – Helping Boys Means Helping Girls Too
52:27 – Preventing Burnout & Supporting Staff
56:23 – Toughest Moments in Leadership
01:02:15 – The Role of Business Leaders in Shaping Youth
01:04:51 – Greatest Leadership Lessons Learned
01:08:06 – A Business Growth Lesson for Leaders
01:09:34 – Closing Reflections

Do you want to be a more confident leader? Get your FREE workbook at https://thecultureofleadership.com/confident-leader-workbook/

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Resources
Culture 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.

Today I’m talking to Erin Jewell – a Thrive Global top 10 coach of 2021. She is an executive mindset, growth- and performance coach, speaker, and professor of leadership at Villanova University. She has over twenty years of leadership experience in the healthcare sector, working at Pfizer, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic. She has become an expert in strategies to manage team performance and had built a successful consulting practice based on these strategies. Our focus today is on engaged versus disengaged team members. Erin unpacks a few of the reasons team members might be disengaged, things leaders can do to change the situation and things leaders should avoid doing that may cause team members to disengage.

Our conversation goes into some great tips that will help both leaders and team members to better engage with each other by focusing on themselves and what they can do to promote a better work environment.

Discussion Points

• Erin as Thrive Global top 10 coach
• Working with leaders in the vaccine development industry
• The impact of the pandemic on leaders in different industries
• The great resignation
• Engaged vs Disengaged
• What can a leader do that causes disengagement?
• The meaning quotient (MQ)
• How to choose the right person to lead
• Transitioning from individual performer to leader
• Self-awareness in leadership
• Practicing what you preach as a leader
• Compassion and boundaries go hand in hand
• The Karpman Drama Triangle
• The responsibility of the team member/employee
• What has had the greatest impact on Erin’s leadership journey?

Resources

Brendan Rogers Website

Brendan Rogers LinkedIn

Culture of Leadership Podcast Website

Culture of Leadership LinkedIn

Culture of Leadership Facebook Page

Culture of Leadership YouTube Channel

Culture of Leadership Instagram

Erin Jewel Instagram

Erin Jewel Facebook

Erin Jewel LinkedIn

The Meaning Quotient study

The Karpman Drama triangle

In this episode of the Culture of Leadership, host Brendan Rogers interviews Susan Toft, founder of The Laundry Lady, who shares her journey from a busy mom to building a scalable laundry service business.

Starting in 2012, Susan discusses overcoming daily frustrations, systemizing operations, and leveraging technology like Time Boss to scale globally. She emphasizes flexibility, values-driven leadership, and empowering contractors while sharing insights on delegation, AI integration, and pitching to investors.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:07 - Susan’s Journey with The Laundry Lady
02:39 - From Chore to Business Opportunity
04:48 - Mindset for Scaling a Business
06:46 - Serving Diverse Customers
08:29 - Leadership Without Micromanaging
11:56 - Building Systems Early
17:16 - Time Boss: Strategic Technology Play
19:31 - Embracing AI in Business
21:33 - Lessons in Delegation
24:41 - Transition to Operations Manager
26:45 - Focusing on Marketing Passion
28:33 - Pitching on Shark Tank
31:41 - Contractor Values and Flexibility
35:30 - The Laundry Lady Business Model
39:54 - Customer Complaints and Communication
41:46 - Vision for Future Success
43:34 - Laundry Lads and Branding
44:52 - Lessons for Susan’s Sons
48:28 - Advice for SME Owners

Do you want to be a more confident leader? Get your FREE workbook at https://thecultureofleadership.com/confident-leader-workbook/

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Resources
Culture 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.