🎙️ 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

🎙️ Episode 6: When Ego Gets in the Way (and What to Do About It)

In this episode, I’m joined once again by Les Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at Hind Management / Sudima Hotels, for a thoughtful conversation about a topic that quietly influences so much of how we lead: ego.

We explore how ego shows up in leadership—sometimes as overconfidence, sometimes as defensiveness—and what to do when it starts getting in the way. Les reflects on the subtle ways ego can affect decision-making, how leaders can stay grounded in moments of tension, and the role of self-awareness in keeping your ego in check.

We also talk about managing egos in others, the difference between confidence and arrogance, and why leading with humility isn’t about being soft—it’s about being secure.

This episode is honest, down-to-earth, and full of small shifts that can make a big difference.

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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 5: Leading with Heart – A Conversation with Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala

In this episode, I’m joined by Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala, CEO and Owner of Sudima Hotels and Hind Management—and someone whose leadership is a true reflection of what it means to be a good human first.

We talk about the values that have shaped him, from lessons learned growing up in a humble household to the principles he still holds onto today. Sudesh shares stories about the importance of kindness, integrity, and doing the right thing—especially when no one’s watching.

He opens up about how those values show up in business decisions, from accessible hotel design and sustainability efforts to creating a culture where people genuinely feel they belong. We also touch on leadership legacy, embracing discomfort, and how to make decisions from both the heart and the head.

This conversation is grounded, thoughtful, and quietly powerful—and a reminder that strong leadership doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it just starts with doing the right thing.

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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 4: Confidence Without the Overthinking: Just Do It Anyway! (feat. Xanthe Smythe) In this episode, I’m joined by Xanthe Smythe, Sales Manager for Conferences and Business Groups at Hind Management / Sudima Hotels, to talk about a leadership trait that gets a lot of attention—but often for the wrong reasons: confidence.

We unpack what confidence really is (and what it isn’t), how to build it, and how to walk the line between being secure in yourself and being perceived as arrogant. Xanthe shares honest reflections on how she grew up surrounded by strong role models, how her personal values show up in her work, and why confidence is less about being loud—and more about being sure of who you are.

We also explore how leaders can foster confidence in others, the myth of extroverts always being confident, and why sometimes, just wearing your “power jacket” can change the energy in a room. -----

Have a topic in mind that you’d like me to cover on Good Humans, Better Leaders? Connect with me on LinkedIn

Episode 3: From Connection to Impact: Rethinking Influence (feat. Les Morgan) In this episode, I’m joined once again by Les Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at Hind Management / Sudima Hotels, for an unscripted and thoughtful conversation about one of the most essential—and often misunderstood—leadership skills: influence.

We explore what it really means to influence others respectfully, how to steer conversations with care, and why building trust starts with connection, not control. Les shares insights on leading across different cultures and generations, the power of preparation, and why “being yourself” is one of the most effective tools a leader can use.

We also dive into self-promotion, managing up, and what we can learn from both great—and poor—communicators. Whether you’re leading a team or just starting your journey, this episode is full of honest, practical reflections to help you grow your impact without losing your authenticity. -----

Have a topic in mind that you’d like me to cover on Good Humans, Better Leaders? Connect with me on LinkedIn

Episode 2: The Art of Decision-Making (feat. Les Morgan)

In Episode 1, we explored the traits that make good humans and better leaders. In this episode, we dive deeper into one of the most critical — and challenging — leadership skills: effective decision-making.

I’m joined once again by Les Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at Hind Management / Sudima Hotels, as we unpack how great leaders approach decisions in a fast-changing world.

We discuss the importance of preparation, trusting your gut instinct, empowering others, owning mistakes, and having the courage to change course when needed.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating decisions in your personal life, or reflecting on your leadership journey, this episode offers honest insights and practical strategies to strengthen your decision-making skills.