🎙️ Episode 9 – Leading with Empathy and Energy (with Ali Appelman)

In this episode, I’m joined by Ali Appelman, Hotel Manager at Sudima Queenstown Five Mile—an empathetic leader, “active relaxer,” and self-described adventurer who brings both warmth and drive to her role.

We talk about why empathy sits at the heart of her leadership style, how it shapes both the guest and team experience, and why kindness is not a weakness but a strength worth doubling down on. Ali shares how she builds an engaged, high-performing team—balancing visibility with autonomy, celebrating the small wins, and creating a culture where every department works as one.

We explore practical ways to stay organised and calm as a leader, from time-blocking and batching to early morning routines that set the tone for the day. Ali also opens up about what she looks for in a “good human” when hiring, and why starting interviews with personal stories can reveal far more than a CV ever could.

This is a conversation full of grounded advice, positive energy, and reminders that great leadership is as much about who you are as what you do.

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💡 Have a topic in mind that you’d like me to cover on Good Humans, Better Leaders? Connect with me on LinkedIn: 🔗 linkedin.com/in/michal-pawlowicz-nz

🎙️Episode 8 – Reflections on My Coaching Journey

This episode is a bit different from the previous ones—there’s no guest this time, just me and some reflections from my recent coaching certification journey.

I share how coaching has already shifted the way I show up—in conversations with others, and in how I reflect on things myself. It’s changed how I listen, the kinds of questions I ask, and how I support others without jumping in to fix or give advice.

This one’s a bit more personal. If you're curious about coaching, reflection, or how we can lead with a bit more space and intention, I hope you'll find something here that speaks to you.

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💡 Have a topic in mind that you’d like me to cover on Good Humans, Better Leaders? Connect with me on LinkedIn: 🔗 linkedin.com/in/michal-pawlowicz-nz

🎙️ Episode 7: Keeping The Space for Magic (with Dr. Deepika Jindal)

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Deepika Jindal, Professional Teaching Fellow and Programme Director for the Master of Business Management at the University of Auckland Business School, and President of the HRNZ Academic Branch.

We talk about leadership not as a fixed identity, but as a journey of exploration—something shaped by reflection, values, and how we choose to show up in the world. Deepika shares her views on servant leadership, describing it as a practice of knowing when to walk in front, when to walk alongside, and when to walk behind your team. It’s a powerful image of humility, presence, and trust.

We explore the role of self-awareness, how learning can come from the most unexpected places, and why creating space—for reflection, for stillness, for magic—is just as important as setting direction.

This conversation is full of quiet insight, thoughtful questions, and permission to lead with more curiosity and intention.

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💡 Have a topic in mind that you’d like me to cover on Good Humans, Better Leaders? Connect with me on LinkedIn: 🔗 linkedin.com/in/michal-pawlowicz-nz