🎙️ 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.

-----

💡 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