In this episode, we sit down with Matt Anderson PSM, Director and CEO of the Australian War Memorial and one of Australia's most distinguished public servants.

With a career spanning a decade in the Australian Defence Force, 25 years in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and now as only the 13th Director in the War Memorial's history, Matt shares what it truly means to lead with purpose, decency, and an unshakeable sense of why.

We explored what defines a personal brand when the institution you lead is bigger than any individual, why candour and telling the truth are the foundations of good leadership and good decision making, and how Matt navigated one of the most personally challenging moments of his career when his name was weaponised in a national media storm.

Matt also reflects on the value of being a generalist in a world that rewards specialists, the mistake of assuming buy-in when you arrive in a new role, and why the bits where you fall short are often the most defining parts of your journey.

This episode is a powerful conversation about values-driven leadership, service, legacy, and what it means to be custodian of something far greater than yourself.

—

Connect With Me:

Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ

Connect With Matt Anderson:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-anderson-awm/

In this episode, Gary Browne sits down with Peter Switzer, one of Australia’s most recognised business and financial commentators and founder of the Switzer Group.

Peter shares how his journey from schoolteacher to media entrepreneur was guided by a simple principle: stay curious and act with integrity. He talks about recognising your competitive advantage, why values must always come before value, and how consistency builds credibility that lasts decades.

He also reflects on the power of lifelong learning, from insights he’s gained interviewing leaders like Jerry Harvey and Mark Bouris, to lessons from authors such as Jim Collins, and how mentorship can happen anywhere if you’re willing to learn.

Finally, Peter opens up about the personal side of leadership: the influence of family, the discipline learned through sport, and why true legacy is measured not by success alone but by the people you help grow along the way.

If you’re interested in building a trusted personal brand and leading with clarity, humility, and purpose, this conversation is not to be missed.

—

Connect With Me:

Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ

Connect With Peter Swizter:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pswitzer/

In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Trumper, a seasoned business leader who recently served as Chair of NRMA and currently advises Australia's leading data and analytics firm, Quantium.

Tim talks about how authenticity can unintentionally build a powerful personal brand, why consistently showing up as your true self strengthens trust, and the crucial role empathy plays in successful leadership.

He also discusses the importance of aligning personal values with professional actions, how mentoring and genuine networks accelerate career growth, and the critical skills every leader needs to navigate uncertainty.

If you want to build a lasting reputation and lead with impact, make sure to listen to this episode!

—

Connect With Me:

Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ

Connect With Tim Trumper:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-trumper-b7557b4/

In this episode, we’re joined by Victor Dominello, former NSW Government Minister, legal professional, and global pioneer in digital service transformation.

Recognised as one of Australia’s Top 100 Innovators, Victor led groundbreaking reforms in digital government, customer service, and data transparency during his 12 years in cabinet.

He spearheaded initiatives like Service NSW, the Department of Customer Service, and the Digital Restart Fund, earning international recognition for humanising and modernising public services.

During our conversation, we explored the mindset shift from citizen to customer, why digital transformation is really about service transformation, and how his personal values shaped his brand as a trusted reformer and servant leader.

Victor also reflects on the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and humility in building a leadership legacy, as well as why empowering teams, embracing inclusion, and designing with ethics are critical to earning public trust in the digital age.

This episode features a powerful conversation about values-driven leadership, navigating pushback, and building lasting reform.

_____

Timestamps:

00:00 - INTRO
02:02 - VICTOR ON BUILDING HIS NAME, REPUTATION, AND BRAND
05:54 - ENVIRONMENT THAT TAUGHT VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
09:10: - THE DATA MONKEY
13:32 - I SEE MYSELF AS A BRAND
16:40 - THE VALUES
18:45 - THE IMPORTANCE OF REPUTATION
23:14 - FOCUS ON THE POLICY AND TRYING TO GET THE RIGHT OUTCOMES
27:18 - TRYING TO MAINTAIN INTEGRITY
32:53 - SPRITE PRINCIPLE
36:40 - A TIME WHEN VICTOR'S VALUES WERE TESTED
38:44 - VICTOR'S LEADERSHIP STYLE
42:01 - VICTOR'S LEADERSHIP VALUES
43:45 - VICTOR'S SKILLS AND TRAITS TO BE AN ASTUTE LEADER
46:13 - MENTORS WHO HELPED VICTOR TO MAKE AN IMPACT
48:20 - OUTRO

_____

Connect With Me:

Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ

Grab a copy of my book ‘Brand New Brand You’: https://garrybrowne.com.au/books
Book me as a speaker for your next conference or event: https://garrybrowne.com.au/contact

Connect With Victor:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victordominello/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHonVictorDominello/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victordominello
X: https://x.com/VictorDominello

_____

Produced by Social Wave
https://www.socialwave.com.au

Today, we are joined by Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, former Australian Ambassador to the United States, Cabinet Minister, and a respected authority in public policy, economic strategy, and global affairs.

Arthur has built a career defined by trust, resilience, and strategic leadership, serving at the highest levels of government and diplomacy.

Now, as Partner and Chair of The Asia Group’s Australian practice, he helps organisations navigate geopolitical risks and business strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

In this episode, Arthur reflects on his journey from working behind the scenes as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister to representing Australia on the global stage.

He shares how he built his personal brand as a trusted advisor, the fragility of reputation in public life, and the leadership lessons that have shaped his career.

We also discuss his insights on staying relevant in a changing world, the balance between integrity and compromise in politics, and his best advice for young professionals looking to build a meaningful career.

—

Connect With Me:

Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ

Connect With Arthur:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-hon-arthur-sinodinos-ao-5b688445/
X: https://x.com/A_Sinodinos

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Intro
02:11 - They See Me as a Brand/Authenticity Is Important
05:35 - Moving Into Different Roles
08:44 - The Importance of Reputation
13:15 - Change in the Mindset of Broader Population
16:58 - Navigating Geopolitics, Business, and Policy in the Indo-Pacific
22:57 - Values Emerge in Practical Situations
24:55 - They’re Not Going to Do Everything That You Want
29:24 - Different Values
31:55 - Maintaining Relevance in a Changing Global Landscape
33:56 - Leading With Transparency, Trust, and Integrity
39:22 - Mentors and Role Models
41:43 - Guidance and Leadership in Diplomacy
43:49 - Advice to Young People
47:30 - Outro

Today, we are joined by Hagai Segal, a multi-award-winning academic and internationally renowned consultant, commentator, and keynote speaker.

Hagai is a leading authority on geopolitical issues, strategic risks, the Middle East, and counter-terrorism known for his ability to explain and contextualise evolving global political events and crises.

In this episode, Hagai shares the story of how he developed his expertise and reputation, from his early days studying politics to becoming a trusted voice advising top corporations and government agencies.

We also discuss his insights on the challenges of conveying expertise in today's 'post-fact' world, the priceless value of continuous learning, and how Hagai uses his knowledge to act as a catalyst for change.

—

Connect With Me:

Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ

Connect With Hagai:

Website: https://www.hagaisegal.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hagai-m-segal-3323947/

Today, we are joined by Shane Fitzsimmons, a prominent figure in emergency services and community resilience and currently the Managing Director of SAF Leading Advisory.

Shane is not only the former Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service, but his leadership during the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season also made him a notable face across the country.

In this episode, we talk about Shane's journey from a young volunteer firefighter to a national leader, his perspectives on authentic leadership, and how his personal values have shaped his career and decision-making.

We also explore his transition from public service to his current advisory roles and his ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on society.

—

Connect With Me:

Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ

Connect With Shane:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-fitzsimmons-ao-afsm-9312361b9/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ShaneFitzAU/
Twitter: https://x.com/shanefitzau

Today, we are joined by Gemma Tognini, a well-respected figure in the business and media sectors and founder of GT Communications.

With a career spanning over three decades, Gemma is not only an award-winning entrepreneur, recognised by the Telstra Business Women's Awards, but also a seasoned journalist, having worked with the Seven Network.

Her corporate advising and media commentary expertise, covering diverse topics from gender pay parity to family challenges, has made her a highly sought-after strategic advisor.

In this episode, we talk about Gemma's unique journey from a seasoned journalist to a leading figure in strategic communications, her process of shaping her personal brand, and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.

—

Connect With Me:

Website: https://garrybrowne.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Browne-AM-128667246043006
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-browne-am-bba118/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmBLvthjUa7nwrpIIqjbAQ

Connect With Gemma:

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/gemma-tognini-27a4094
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmatognini_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GemmaTognini
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/GemmaTogninWriter/
GT Communications Website: https://www.gtcommunications.com.au/
GT Communications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtcommunications/
GT Communications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtmedia/