In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert Dr Richard Chambers to explore how leaders can thrive—not just survive—in today’s hyper-connected, high-expectation workplace.We begin with Richard’s origin story: how his early struggles with focus and anxiety led him in 1999 to discover mindfulness, eventually building a career supporting senior executives in performance, wellbeing and leadership.From there we pull apart two critical themes:Imposter Syndrome & Self-Worth in LeadershipMany high-performers land in leadership roles with minimal preparation—and the result is a constant cycle of trying to prove rather than lead. Richard and I discuss how mindfulness and self-compassion offer practical tools to step out of the “only-if-I-prove-my-worth” loop. We also talk about how organisations can foster psychological safety so that leaders and teams can speak honestly, delegate effectively, and avoid burnout.Digital Detox, Silence & Sustainable PerformanceIn a culture obsessed with busyness and connectivity, one of the most radical moves for a leader is to disconnect. Richard walks us through his “silent commute” experiment, how limiting passive tech and prioritising deep-work time rewires the brain for clarity and impact, and why the idea of mindfulness isn’t just about “quieting the mind” but about freeing it to make better decisions under pressure.Throughout the conversation you’ll pick up evidence-based tools (not just theory), including:How to build deep-focus blocks (and protect them) within leadership schedulesSigns that your leadership model is spinning into survival mode rather than strategic modeThe structural (systemic) as well as personal levers for better workplace wellbeingIf you’re a leader, high-potential, or executive wondering how to lead without losing yourself … this episode’s for you.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------• Visit Richard’s website where you’ll find free meditations, online courses and leadership-resources... https://www.drrichardchambers.com• Connect with Richard on LinkedIn...https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrichardchambers • Watch his TEDx talk “Mindfulness: defeating distraction and amplifying awareness” for a strong intro to his thinking...https://youtu.be/9QjI8nMiwJw?si=7Mqi_bLYbvtW4MSo🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe and hit the bell so you won’t miss future conversations on leadership, wellbeing and performance.As always, Real InSight would not be possible if not for the support of @CorsairSolutions and @MyLumens 📥 Let us know in the comments: When was the last time you scheduled “silence” in your day?

Chapters

0:16 Origin Story of a Mindfulness Expert

1:24 The Rise of Mindfulness in Leadership

3:14 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

7:17 The Importance of Practical Skills

8:39 Insights from a TED Talk Experience

17:09 Embracing Self-Compassion

29:19 Navigating Workplace Well-being

34:00 The Balance of Responsibility

43:18 The Power of Silence

47:39 The Impact of Digital Detox

53:12 Final Reflections and Advice

“It’s not always depression. Sometimes it’s divorce. Sometimes it’s debt. Sometimes it’s no access to your kids. So it's not all about mental illness, that’s a system problem.”

Released to mark Men’s Mental Health Week in Australia, this powerful episode features Rae Bonney OAM — counsellor, speaker, and relentless advocate for the emotional wellbeing of men and boys.

Rae joins Myke to share her personal and professional journey with unfiltered honesty — from growing up in a violent household to confronting her own destructive patterns and ultimately choosing accountability, therapy, and advocacy over silence.

This episode is a deep dive into mens mental health, We look at the real reasons men shut down, break down, or check out. From self-harm and addiction to perfectionism and shame, Rae challenges the culture that tells men to “man up” and offers powerful alternatives rooted in curiosity, connection, and care.

🧠 If you're a father, a partner, a teacher, or a man navigating your own mental health — this one will shift something in you.

What you’ll hear:

- How Rae’s childhood in a violent, patriarchal household shaped her mission

- The damaging impact of fatherlessness and systems that alienate men from parenting

- Why male suicide is often situational — not just a “mental illness” problem

- The invisible epidemic of male loneliness, especially post-40- How self-harm, disordered eating, and “functioning” behaviours often mask emotional collapse

- Why the lack of male-specific mental health services is costing lives

- How Men’s Sheds, jiu-jitsu, and grassroots communities create safer spaces

One of the most striking moments? Rae recounts counselling young people who self-harm — not with judgement, but with presence. “It wasn’t about telling them to stop. It was about keeping them safe while they got through it.”

If you’re raising boys, supporting men, or just trying to make sense of your own story, this conversation is one of the most honest you’ll hear. Men’s lives are at stake — and the way forward starts with listening, not lecturing.

Rae Bonney doesn’t just talk about men’s mental health — she lives it, works in it, and fights for it.

—

🌐 Connect with Rae: https://raybonney.auhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/raebonney

📺 Watch more episodes:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAEay_1WvE2q95NOsLvXHrvHxelFjAryj&si=K2R6ATiJANF2SfeV

—

🏚️ Find out more about Mens Shed:

https://mensshed.org

—Please note this episode openly discusses self harm and suicide. If you or anyone you know may be struggling please reach out for help at any of the below public services:

https://www.beyondblue.org.auhttps://www.lifeline.org.au/https://www.neveralone.org.au

#RaeBonney #MensMentalHealth #Masculinity #MaleSuicide #RealInSight #SupportNotStigma #GenerationalTrauma #Neurodiversity #ADHD #MentalHealthWeek #InvisibleStruggles #SelfHarmAwareness #ParentingBoys #maleloneliness

0:05 Mental Health Perspectives

1:26 Childhood Experiences of Violence

4:42 The Role of Male Role Models8:26 Parenting and Self-Management

13:02 Generational Trauma and Responsibility

17:08 The Loneliness Epidemic

23:48 Gender Conversations and Safety

26:21 Community Support for Men

32:58 Building Male Connections

37:18 Recognition and Advocacy

40:37 Understanding Male Responsibility

45:23 The Importance of Support Networks

In this episode of Real InSight, we sit down with the inspiring and sharp-minded Associate Professor Li Ping Thong, a powerhouse of intellect, creativity, and leadership in the fields of design, culture, and education.As the Associate Dean of Digital Design at RMIT, Li Ping’s work spans far beyond the walls of academia. She’s a leading voice in how we teach, interpret, and live design. From shaping curriculum to challenging cultural norms, she brings a bold, human-centric approach to everything she does.In this deeply engaging conversation, Li Ping shares her journey — from her early days as a curious thinker to becoming a respected academic and change-maker. We explore the realities of working in academia through the lens of someone who brings cross-cultural insight and leadership to the field, and how empathy, representation, and creative freedom are essential to building more inclusive futures.We also dive into her thoughts on how education can be a force for change when we equip students to adapt to evolving technologies, critically shift design methods, and rethink systems.Whether you’re a student, educator, designer, or just someone curious about how creativity can change the world — this episode is packed with insight, perspective, and a healthy dose of inspiration.✨ Listen now — and don’t forget to share your own takeaways in the comments.#DesignLeadership #HigherEducation #RealInSight #CreativityAndCulture #RepresentationMatters #DesignJusticeLi Ping Thong – Publications (RMIT University)https://academics.rmit.edu.au/liping-thong/aboutGive Li Ping a follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lipingthong/0:09 ⁠Welcome to Real Insight⁠1:29 ⁠Journey into Academia⁠4:53 ⁠Exploring Research and Impact⁠10:30 ⁠Gamification in Education⁠16:21 ⁠The Future of AR and VR⁠21:16 ⁠Designing User Experiences⁠25:15 ⁠Bridging Technology and Education⁠30:09 ⁠The Role of AI in Design⁠38:19 ⁠Cultural Influences on Design⁠43:42 ⁠Finding Balance in Farm Life⁠47:59 ⁠Leaving a Legacy Through Design

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Mike Hagan, a seasoned workplace consultant with over 25 years of experience in General Management, Human Resources, Workplace Health, Safety, Wellbeing, and Corporate Compliance.

Mike specializes in helping organizations strategically address workplace psychosocial factors that can lead to employee burnout, high turnover, and productivity losses. His pragmatic approach focuses on identifying root causes, implementing strategic solutions, and upskilling employees to proactively manage workplace challenges.

Key Discussion Points:

Understanding Psychosocial Hazards: Mike delves into the importance of recognizing and mitigating factors that negatively impact employee well-being and organizational performance.

Strategic HR and WHS Integration: Insights into how integrating Human Resources with Workplace Health and Safety initiatives can lead to improved employee engagement and business outcomes.

Leadership Development: The role of tailored leadership programs in fostering effective managers and cultivating a positive workplace culture.

Mental Health Advocacy: Mike shares his passion for mental health advocacy and the significance of creating workplace cultures where 'It's OK not to be OK.'

Join us as we explore practical strategies for transforming workplaces into environments that support both employee well-being and organizational success.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on creating healthier, more productive workplaces.

Find out more about Mike here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hagan-a7b22417/?originalSubdomain=auAnd his various services here: https://mikehaganconsulting.com.au

#WorkplaceWellbeing #HR #WHS #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthAdvocacy #RealInsightPodcast

Chapters

0:10 Introduction to Mike Hagan

2:35 Mike's Journey and Mental Health Experiences

5:59 Evolving Workplace Mental Health Perspectives

11:31 Debunking Psychosocial Health in Workplaces

13:11 Genuine Care vs. Compliance in Organizations

13:44 Understanding Organizational Motivations

13:55 The Role of Legislation in Workplace Change

16:53 Personal Experiences with Neurodiversity

20:47 Leadership and Mental Health in Organizations

32:23 Navigating Personal Challenges in Leadership

40:17 Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace

50:00 The Importance of Individualized Approaches

1:07:26 The Wellfish Program and Personal Well-being

1:13:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations

🎙 Episode Summary

In this premiere episode of Season 2, I sit down with Leonie M Hicks, a powerhouse in workplace design and a driving force at Unispace, the global firm reimagining how the world works. With over 20 years of experience in architecture and interior design, Leonie shares her insights into how spaces influence behavior, creativity, and collaboration—especially in a post-pandemic world.

We explore the evolving role of technology in workplace environments, the psychological impact of design choices, and the importance of sustainability in modern office planning. Leonie also shares her journey from traditional architecture to pioneering flexible, human-centered workspaces for some of the world’s most forward-thinking companies.If you’ve ever wondered how physical environments shape culture, productivity, and the future of work—this one’s for you.

👤 About Leonie M Hicks

Leonie M Hicks is a senior leader at Unispace, where she combines her deep knowledge of workplace strategy, sustainable design, and interior architecture to deliver transformative spaces for global clients. With a background in both academic design training and hands-on architectural practice, Leonie has led projects that respond to the unique needs of hybrid work, employee well-being, and brand identity.

Her portfolio includes:

Multinational HQ transformations

Flexible co-working hubs

Post-COVID workplace redesigns

Leonie is also a respected speaker and thought leader, frequently featured at international conferences and in industry publications.

🧠 Key Themes:

Hybrid work models & the new office landscape

The role of environmental psychology in workplace design

Bridging technology and space to enhance collaboration

Why workplace design needs to be as dynamic as the people in it

Hit play and let’s talk about the future of where—and how—we work.----

Download the @unispaceglobal Future Workplace Insight Report

https://www.unispace.com/global-workplace-insights-en----

Find out more about Leonie M Hicks

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonie-m-hicks/

InSight Systems and @mykeireland would also like to recognize @CorsairSolutions and @MyLumens for their ongoing support of Real InSight.

0:26 Introduction to the Interview

1:26 Journey to Sobriety

1:40 The Resilient Workplace Model

2:17 Workplace Strategy Explained

5:47 Measuring Success in Relocation

7:31 The Hybrid Workplace Challenge

9:10 Space Optimization Trends

12:40 Neurodiversity and Work Style

14:03 The Future of Hot Desking

21:09 Flexibility in Work Hours

22:57 Addressing Empty Spaces

23:50 Resilient Workplace Model Overview

25:23 Enablement and Technology

30:49 Adaptability in Workspaces

34:59 Well-being in the Workplace

38:02 Personal Experiences with Neurodiversity

48:03 Importance of Connection

51:07 Authenticity in Workplace Design

54:16 The Rewarding Nature of Projects

1:01:07 The Evolution of Classroom Technology

1:06:48 Designing with Nature in Mind

1:07:17 Conclusion and Further Resources

In this episode, we dive into a compelling conversation with Will Wheeler, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and the CEO of Neurodiversity Academy. We explore his mission to disrupt traditional educational pathways, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, thereby ensuring that they can identify suitable learning environments that offer meaningful support. Will provides invaluable insight into his background and personal experiences with neurodivergence, including his own diagnoses of ADHD and dyslexia. He shares how receiving these diagnoses shaped his understanding of himself and influenced his journey to help others similarly affected. We discuss the challenges he faced throughout his education and career and the importance of creating understanding and support for neurodivergent individuals in educational settings and workplaces alike. One key theme in our conversation is Will’s emphasis on the necessity for educational institutions to genuinely invest in understanding and catering to the needs of neurodivergent learners. He highlights the common pitfalls of educational providers that claim to be inclusive, only to lack actual support mechanisms for their students. Will advocates for an accreditation system to help direct students toward institutions that genuinely foster a supportive environment for neurodivergent learning, which would not only benefit the students but also enhance institutional reputation and financial sustainability. We also delve into practical approaches that businesses can adopt to create more accommodating workplaces for neurodivergent employees. Will stresses the importance of establishing a healthy corporate culture that goes beyond mere policy creation, advocating for a progressive vision where neurodiversity is woven into the fabric of a company’s operations. By fostering an environment that recognizes individual strengths, understanding comes into play where both the organization and the employees can thrive. Throughout the episode, Will openly shares his personal anecdotes about entrepreneurship and the inherent struggles that come with it, particularly from the perspective of a neurodivergent individual. From navigating the complexities of finding the right business partners to managing the balance between hyper-focus and burnout, he candidly describes how he is cultivating a work culture that embraces flexibility and respects individual work styles. This is a crucial element for neurodivergent thinkers who often find themselves at odds with conventional work structures. Listeners will come away with a greater understanding of the unique challenges that neurodivergent individuals face, especially in education and the workforce, as well as practical steps that can be taken to support those challenges. Will Wheeler's insights highlight the importance of creating an inclusive society that values diversity in thinking patterns, paving the way for innovative solutions that emerge from people of varied backgrounds and experiences. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel inspired to advocate for neurodiversity in your own spheres—whether in educational settings, workplaces, or broader societal discussions. Will emphasizes the power of community and connection, encouraging listeners to reach out and engage with ongoing conversations about neurodiversity and inclusion. #WillWheeler #neurodiversitymatters #educational #neurodivergent #individual #ADHD #ASD #AuDHD #dyslexia #support #accreditation #institutions #advocacy #inclusion Check out Will's Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/66isx5cy6CWfs368S4xGxH?si=QlLYa6sWSMGk3ykt7CKrDQ

Check out Will's Podcast - @Neurodivergentmates

Jump over The Academy - https://neurodiversityacademy.com

Or ping Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerwill/ 0:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity 27:30 Creating Supportive Work Environments 43:32 Connecting and Networking in the Community

In this exciting episode of "Real Insight," I sit down with Mia Bowyer, a lifestyle business entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social marketing extraordinaire. Mia's journey is nothing short of inspirational. She has traveled the world, working with Fortune 500 brands like The World Bank, The United Nations, and Microsoft, launching world-first campaigns, and achieving record growth. Mia is an award-winning marketing specialist, mentor, and lecturer who has now channeled her expertise into creating a revolutionary '2-hour social media' model. With this model, she can set up a brand's social media presence in just 2 hours a month. Some of Mia's notable achievements include: ✅ Launching the world's first fair trade plastic campaign in Bangalore, India, with The Body Shop and Plastics For Change, achieving a viral reach of 686 million online. ✅ Creating a 5-star podcast to tell the stories of people living with invisible disabilities. ✅ Engaging Twitch gamers to raise funds and awareness for the Australian bushfires. Mia's industry-best strategies, social campaigns, and lead generation methodologies have the power to transform any marketing department. Join us as we delve into her remarkable journey and uncover the secrets behind her success. #Podcast #Marketing #SocialMedia #Philanthropy #BusinessSuccess #RealInsight #MiaBowyer #Innovation #Leadership #Inspiration Don't miss this insightful conversation with Mia Bowyer. Tune in now! 🎧✨ Reach to to Mia here: https://www.oneearthmarketing.com ...and here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miabowyer/ Mia's Links:

Opus Clip ----------------- http://www.opus.pro

Zapier ---------------------- https://zapier.com

Notion---------------------- https://www.notion.so

Buffer ---------------------- https://buffer.com

Taplio ---------------------- https://taplio.com

In this special episode of "Real InSight," I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark O'Connor, the CEO of Steinway Galleries Australia. Mark's journey is both inspiring and intriguing, and this episode delves into the many facets of his life and career. Mark shared how his personal friend, mentor, and co-owner of Steinway Galleries Australia, Lindsay Fox, has significantly impacted his life. Lindsay's guidance has been instrumental in shaping Mark's career and personal growth, helping him navigate the challenges and opportunities in the music industry. We also reminisced about our childhoods and the various places we’ve worked together. Mark's drive to strive for the best is evident in every story he tells. From breaking work records to leaving one of Australia’s biggest musical instrument retailers to start his own venture, Mark’s journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. One of the key highlights of our conversation was discussing the remarkable growth of Steinway Galleries Australia under Mark's leadership. He has been pivotal in promoting the innovative Steinway SPIRIO, a high-resolution player piano that can accurately reproduce performances by the world’s best pianists. This innovation has not only elevated the brand's presence in Australia but also captivated audiences at events such as the Sydney International Piano Competition. Mark’s commitment to quality and his vision for Steinway Galleries Australia have made a lasting impact on the music community. His story is a blend of passion, dedication, and the constant drive to achieve greatness. Tune in to this episode for an engaging and insightful discussion with Mark O'Connor. Discover the stories behind his success, the influence of his mentor Lindsay Fox, and the exciting developments at Steinway Galleries Australia. :------Steinway Galleries Australia------: https://steinway.com.au/

:-----------The Steinway SPIRIO------------: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_XPRAiy9Y4

:------------The Black Diamond-------------: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK1SXAIweTM

#Podcast #MarkOConnor #SteinwayGalleries #MusicIndustry #Innovation #RealInsight #Leadership #Inspiration

0:00 Introduction to Steinway Galleries Australia 10:48 The Early Days at Allans Music Group 19:52 A Generous Offer and a Unique Sale 30:31 Importance of Building Relationships in Sales 41:35 Making Decisions with Lindsay 52:36 Unexpected Business Partners 1:01:59 Becoming National Distributors 1:04:54 The Game-Changing Spirio Launch 1:05:34 The Spirio Innovation 1:06:09 The Rising Costs 1:07:39 Pricing Strategies 1:11:09 Leveraging Videos 1:13:50 Million-Dollar Pianos 1:19:57 Building Relationships 1:24:59 Lessons from Childhood 1:31:55 The Pursuit of Excellence 1:36:55 Taking the First Step