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

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.

~ Resilience is built at the edge Robyn 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 choice She 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 leader Robyn 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 softness One 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

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

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.

🌀 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

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.

~ 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

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.

~ 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

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, Oliver Weidlich, Founder and Director of Design & Innovation at Contxtual, reveals why Spatial Computing isn’t just the next big thing—it’s the future of how we’ll work, learn, and connect. With over two decades of experience in User Experience (UX) design and a background in psychology, Oliver has been at the forefront of digital innovation, from the rise of mobile technology to the cutting edge of Augmented Reality (AR). In this conversation, he shares not just the technical side of Spatial Computing, but how it will fundamentally change the way we experience the world around us—and why it’s closer than you think.

Oliver takes us on his remarkable journey—from a curious teenager tinkering with early Apple computers to becoming a global thought leader in UX. His story is a powerful reflection on how technology, when paired with purpose and human-centered design, can create transformative experiences in both business and everyday life.

1. The Intersection of Psychology and UX Design: Oliver explains how his background in psychology laid the foundation for understanding human behavior, perception, and cognition—critical elements that influence how people interact with digital products and services.
2. The Evolution of Technology and User Experience: From the rise of mobile devices to the emergence of Spatial Computing, Oliver walks us through the technological shifts he’s witnessed and how these changes have redefined user expectations and design strategies.
3. AI as an Enabler, Not Just a Product: Oliver offers a thought-provoking perspective on Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing its role as an enabling technology that enhances user experiences rather than existing as a standalone product.
4. The Power and Potential of Spatial Computing: Sharing firsthand experiences with devices like the Apple Vision Pro, Oliver explores how Spatial Computing is set to revolutionize how we work, learn, and connect, offering new ways to collaborate, visualize data, and create immersive experiences.
5. Lessons in Leadership and Lifelong Learning: Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Oliver discusses the importance of finding your niche, staying curious, and fostering meaningful connections—both in business and in life.

Oliver’s passion for blending technology with purpose shines through in this conversation. His insights remind us that while technology evolves rapidly, the core of great design remains rooted in understanding human needs and behaviours. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or someone curious about the future of digital experiences, this episode offers invaluable lessons on embracing change, leading with intention, and designing for impact.

Connect with Oliver: LinkedIn

Connect with Contxtual: LinkedIn | Website

Connect with Kirsty Gee: Lin | |

Sponsorship: The beauty Chef

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Carla Oates, founder and CEO of The Beauty Chef, who has revolutionised the beauty and wellness industry by championing the connection between gut health and radiant skin. From her early days of dealing with eczema to pioneering the global inner beauty category, Carla shares her remarkable journey of resilience, innovation, and passion for holistic well-being. Discover how her unwavering commitment to natural beauty and self-care has transformed lives and created a thriving business rooted in science and heart.

Key Highlights:

1. The Birth of The Beauty Chef Carla shares how her daughter's eczema led her to explore gut healing protocols and the transformative power of probiotic-rich, lacto-fermented foods. This deeply personal experience inspired the creation of Glow, the world's first inner beauty powder, and laid the foundation for her groundbreaking brand.
2. Gut Health as the Foundation of Beauty and Wellness Learn about Carla's philosophy that true beauty starts from within, backed by the science of gut health. She explains the vital role of the gut microbiome in regulating immune, metabolic, and skin health, and how her products empower people to take charge of their wellness journeys.
3. Overcoming Challenges and Scaling a Global Brand From starting with just $3,000 to building a state-of-the-art biofermentation facility, Carla discusses the trials and triumphs of growing The Beauty Chef into an international success. She highlights the importance of persistence, passion, and surrounding yourself with the right team.
4. Lessons in Leadership and Self-Care Carla opens up about balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal well-being. She emphasises the importance of journaling, walking, and nurturing relationships as integral parts of her self-care routine.
5. Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders Carla’s advice is simple yet profound: "Look after your gut, be gutsy, and follow your instincts." She also reminds listeners to be kind to themselves and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Carla Oates exemplifies the power of following your passion and staying true to your values. Her journey from a small kitchen experiment to leading a global wellness movement is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of meaningful impact. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a wellness enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration, Carla’s story will leave you motivated to embrace your own unique journey. Tune in to hear her insights, learn about the science behind her success, and discover the beauty that begins within.

Connect with Carla: LinkedIn

The Beauty Chef: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Connect with Kirsty Gee: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Sponsorship: Naturally Glutenfree website