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In this episode of The Balanced Leader Podcast, I share a simple but powerful phrase that came home with my son one afternoon: “If you’re sinking, change your thinking.” At first, I thought it was just a helpful tool for him — but it quickly became something my wife and son were reminding me of when I slipped into negative thinking. And honestly, they were right. This saying might sound lighthearted, but it has incredible staying power when life or leadership feels overwhelming.

I explore how this phrase connects to real neuroscience and leadership research, and how reframing your thoughts can help you reduce burnout, recover faster, and lead with clarity. You’ll hear a relatable story of a leader spiraling into “doomsday thinking,” practical reframing tools you can use straight away, and even a little Stoic wisdom. If you’ve ever felt stuck in negative thought patterns, this episode will give you fresh strategies to notice it, shift it, and lead with greater resilience.

For the full show notes and transcript, click here.

Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.au
Rob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_
Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhills
Rob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

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What if I told you that 97.5% of what drives your stress, overwhelm, and leadership challenges is completely unconscious? In this eye-opening conversation with Andrew Rooke, we explore how the most successful leaders aren't just managing stress—they're eliminating it at the source by mastering their inner world. Andrew's journey from burnt-out executive to transformational coach offers a roadmap for any leader feeling trapped in cycles of overwhelm and reactivity.

We dive into practical strategies for developing self-awareness, identifying your triggers through body sensations, and the three foundational elements that can transform your leadership: self-awareness, conscious choice-making, and radical responsibility. Andrew shares powerful insights about why traditional stress management fails and how to break free from unconscious patterns formed in childhood. This isn't just another wellness conversation—it's about fundamentally changing how you show up as a leader and human being.

Connect with Andrew: https://www.andrewrooke.com/

For the full show notes and transcript, click here.

Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.au
Rob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_
Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhills
Rob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

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Do you find yourself trapped in analysis paralysis, spending hours or even days on decisions that should take minutes? In this episode, I share my personal struggle with being a "maximizer"—someone who needs to make the perfect decision every time. Using psychologist Barry Schwartz's research, I break down the difference between maximizers (who exhaust themselves seeking the best option) and satisficers (who happily choose "good enough" and move on).

I'll reveal why satisficers are actually happier with their decisions, introduce you to the game-changing concept that "there are no solutions, only trade-offs," and give you practical strategies to escape decision fatigue. Whether you're a fellow maximizer burning out over every choice or a leader wanting to understand your team's decision-making styles, this episode will transform how you approach the countless decisions that fill your leadership days.

For the full show notes and transcript, click here.

Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.au
Rob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_
Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhills
Rob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

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What if I told you that the changes you're experiencing as a leader in your 40s and 50s aren't signs of decline, but the emergence of extraordinary leadership superpowers? In this eye-opening conversation with executive coach Aneace Haddad, I explore the fascinating science behind midlife leadership transformation. Aneace, who exclusively coaches leaders over 40, reveals how our brains literally rewire during this period—creating new capabilities for wisdom, emotional empathy, and presence.

We dive into the three "winds of change" that reshape midlife leaders, discuss why the traditional leadership development approach fails senior executives, and explore how the shift from seeking purpose to embracing presence can revolutionise your leadership effectiveness. Whether you're currently navigating this transition or approaching it, this episode will completely change how you view the second half of your leadership journey.

Connect with Aneace: https://aramyss.com/

For the full show notes and transcript, click here.

Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.au
Rob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_
Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhills
Rob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

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Every day feels like another AI breakthrough announcement, and as leaders, we're caught between excitement and terror about what this means for our work. I've been experimenting with AI tools for years, and I'm convinced that leaders who don't start dabbling now risk getting left behind. But here's the thing: AI isn't about replacing your leadership, it's about amplifying it without losing what makes you uniquely human.

In this episode, I'm sharing the promise and pitfalls of AI for leaders like you. I'll walk you through three categories where AI can genuinely help: time-saving assistance, decision support, and coaching insights. But I'll also warn you about the real risks: over automation, outsourcing judgment, and digital exhaustion. Plus, I'm giving you three specific AI tools to try this week, along with practical ways to use them without undermining your leadership presence.

For the full show notes and transcript, click here.

Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.au
Rob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_
Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhills
Rob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

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In this thought-provoking episode, I explore one of life's most powerful metaphors: what happens when we realise the ladder we've been climbing is leaning against the wrong wall? Many of us work tirelessly toward goals we set years ago, only to discover that our values and desires have shifted along the way. Drawing from Stephen Covey's wisdom, I dig into why achievement can sometimes feel hollow despite "doing everything right."

I share practical strategies for pausing to reassess your direction, beginning with the end in mind, and making intentional choices that align with your true values. We'll also explore Bronnie Ware's illuminating work with the dying and their most common regrets. If you've ever felt that disconnect between success and fulfillment, this episode offers the permission and guidance you need to reorient your ladder—because it's never too late to climb the right wall.

For the full show notes and transcript, click here.

Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.au
Rob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_
Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhills
Rob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

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In this week’s episode, I sit down with Alfred Chidembo to explore the transformative power of Ubuntu—an ancient African philosophy that emphasizes our interconnectedness and collective humanity. Alfred shares his extraordinary journey from a small Zimbabwean village to becoming a thought leader on compassionate leadership in Australia. His powerful insights on leading with empathy, gratitude, and genuine human connection offer a refreshing alternative to the individualistic leadership models that often dominate our workplaces.

What I love about this conversation is how Alfred translates the profound wisdom of Ubuntu into practical leadership strategies anyone can implement. From his spreadsheet method of intentional team connection to stories of sports teams achieving championship success through Ubuntu principles, Alfred demonstrates that putting people first isn't just "touchy-feely stuff"—it's essential for creating high-performing teams where people truly thrive. If you're looking to create a more compassionate, connected workplace culture while still achieving outstanding results, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Alfred: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfred-chidembo/

For the full show notes and transcript, click here.

Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.au
Rob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_
Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhills
Rob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/

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Employee engagement is declining—and in this solo episode, I’m sharing why a regular, human check-in could be the most underrated leadership tool you’re not using. I’ll walk you through how a 30-minute chat over coffee can make all the difference, how I track my team’s wellbeing with a simple 1 to 10 scale, and why noticing the trend is more important than any one-off answer. If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with more empathy without adding another thing to your already-packed calendar, this one’s for you.

This episode is full of practical ideas you can apply right away, without needing a single new system or strategy. Just a bit more heart. Let’s check in.

For the full show notes and transcript, click here.

Find out more about Rob Hills: www.robhills.com.au
Rob Hills Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhills_
Rob Hills Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iamrobhills
Rob Hills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hills/