In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Lorena Bernal—a celebrated actress, model, and entrepreneur whose life and work are rooted in elegance, intention, and inner strength.

With a career that spans global television hits like CSI: Miami, NCIS, and Chuck, as well as appearances on the covers of Elle, Marie Claire, and more, Lorena is no stranger to the spotlight. But it’s her off-screen journey that reveals a deeper, more inspiring story. Today, as the founder of Live Love Better, Lorena is redefining what it means to live with purpose—focusing on self-growth, mindfulness, and empowering women around the world to lead connected, intentional lives.

Born in Argentina, raised in Spain, and educated in France, Lorena brings a global perspective to leadership, authenticity, and resilience. A proud mother of three boys and wife to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, she speaks candidly with Luke about the evolution of motherhood, the balance between personal and professional life, and the courage it takes to be true to yourself in every chapter of life.

Throughout this heartfelt conversation, Lorena shares why perfection is the enemy of authenticity, the vision behind Live Love Better, and how mindfulness shaped her parenting and leadership style.

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

This episode is filled with wisdom, warmth, and real-life insight from a woman who lives what she leads.

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In this episode, Luke sits down with one of Australia’s most celebrated portrait artists, Vincent Fantauzzo. Known for capturing the souls of icons like Heath Ledger, Paul McCartney, and Australia’s first female Prime Minister - Julia Gillard, Vincent shares the raw and deeply personal journey behind his acclaimed work. From his early life in Melbourne’s commission housing to global success, Vincent embodies resilience, passion, and purpose. Vincent tells Luke how despite the challenges of severe dyslexia and leaving school at 14, he managed to carve a path through creativity, discipline, and sheer determination.

Despite facing severe dyslexia and leaving school at 14, Vincent’s neurodivergence became a catalyst for his creative genius. His remarkable path is a testament to how different minds can lead us to powerful new perspectives. In this raw conversation, Vincent opens up about the emotional process of writing his memoir, how art became his therapy, and why human connection lies at the heart of every portrait he paints. He also reflects on the life-changing influence of his boxing coach and the importance of nurturing children’s individuality and passions.

This episode is a celebration of creativity, courage, and the beauty of seeing—and thinking—differently.

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Luke Darcy is joined by Dr. Pippa Grange—renowned psychologist, author, and culture coach—for a moving and enlightening conversation on the soul of sport, the power of vulnerability, and the true meaning of performance.

Best known for her groundbreaking work with England’s national football team, Pippa helped shift their fear-driven mindset into one of connection, courage, and psychological freedom. Her influence was pivotal in England’s transformative journey to the 2018 World Cup, and her character and her work is now being portrayed in the award-winning West End play Dear England that explores just how their success became possible.

Pippa’s career began in Australia, advising several AFL teams, before taking on the role of Head of People and Team Development at the Football Association—home of the world’s oldest national football team. Her influence now reaches far beyond sport.

Pippa and Luke discuss the dangers of shallow winning, the regenerative power of love and soul in competition, and the necessity of self-awareness and authentic connection in leadership.

It’s a conversation that encourages you to start thinking about success as a deeper, more fulfilling expression of human potential. We’ve all felt the tension between high performance and personal wellbeing and Pippa has the salve.

Watch this episode on 7Plus in Australia.

If you enjoy listening to the Empowering Leaders podcast, be sure to subscribe and please, if you have a moment, leave a review for us so we can reach more listeners and empower more leaders.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head to Aleda Collective to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.