Lead with Courage

Authenticity Isn't a Trait, It's a Skill You Can Master Most of us think authenticity is something you're born with (or not). We're wrong. In this episode, Cherie completely rewires how we think about being authentic from a fixed personality trait into a learnable skill. If you've ever felt like you're performing rather than truly showing up, or wondered why your Leadership...

What happens when you've built a wildly successful business but realize bigger isn't always better? In this episode, Cherie Canning sits down with Tina Tower, a two-time bestselling author and the visionary behind Her Empire Builder—a thriving online course empire with a six-year-old community of thousands. Over 21 years in business, Tina has learned that leading with courage isn't abo...

What does it really mean to practice self-compassion—and why is it not about being "soft"? In this episode, Cherie Canning sits down with Dr. Hayley D. Quinn, a former clinical psychologist and author of From Self-Neglect to Self-Compassion , to explore why so many high-performing women are unknowingly neglecting themselves—and what it costs them. Hayley shares her own late-life autism a...

Cherie Canning sits down with confidence coach and author Erika Kramer to explore what it truly means to lead with courage—and why confidence feels like shit before it feels amazing. From foster care and the US Army to building a thriving coaching empire, Erika shares her raw journey of inner work and transformation. Discover the Five C's of Confidence, why confidence is a practice (not a dest...

Welcome back to Lead With Courage Season 4! As Cherie Canning marks five years running Luminate Leadership, she sits down to reflect on the leadership lessons that shaped her journey. From the unexpected power of boundaries to the courage it takes to say yes before you're ready, this solo episode dives deep into what it really takes to lead with impact. Discover Cherie's five transformatio...

In this deeply insightful episode, Cherie sits down with voice coach, former journalist and author Sally Prosser to explore how courage lives in our voice. Sally shares the powerful story that led her to this work and the surprising link between self-expression, personal healing and the stories we tell ourselves. Together, they unpack why so many of us hold back from speaking up, how childhood pat...

Georgia Barkell is Managing Partner at Sprint Ventures and a standout leader reshaping the future of venture capital with purpose, precision and heart. In this episode, Georgia joins Cherie and Andy to explore the intersection of courageous leadership, values-led investment, and creating inclusive workplaces. With a career spanning global institutions like Deloitte, GE, Westpac and Nomura, Georgia...

In this episode of Lead with Courage , Cherie is joined by Mandy Dudson to explore one of the most impactful leadership capabilities: emotional intelligence . Together, they unpack what EQ really means beyond the buzzwords and how leaders can actively develop the five core dimensions: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. From understanding your "human icebe...

In this candid and inspiring conversation, Cherie and special guest host Andy Canning sit down with Matt Turner, founder of 99 Bikes and Chair of Pedal Group, to unpack the real journey of business growth, from opening one bike shop to leading Australia’s largest bike retailer. Matt reflects on the power of vision (including the infamous "50 stores" goal), the hard lessons in profitabili...

Guest: Nat Cook – Olympian & Advocate for Aussie Athletes In this inspiring episode, five-time Olympian and Olympic gold medallist Nat Cook sits down with Cherie to share the real story behind elite sport, the courage, resilience, and grit required to compete at the highest level, and the often unseen challenges that come after the medals. Nat opens up about: The raw truth of leading with cour...

In this episode, Cherie is joined by real estate powerhouse and entrepreneur Hayley Van De Ven , owner of multiple RE/MAX businesses and ambassador for Four Voices. Together, they explore what it means to lead with courage — from navigating tough conversations and setting boundaries, to building magnetic culture and a strong personal brand. Hayley shares her journey from a teenage Kiwi receptionis...

What does it take to lead with trust, resilience, and courage—both in the pool and in the boardroom? In this episode of Lead with Courage , Cherie Canning sits down with Olympian-turned-entrepreneur Toby Jenkins to explore the lessons he’s learned from elite sport and leadership. Toby, a former Australian water polo player and now Executive Coach, knows firsthand the power of trust under pressure....

In this episode of Lead with Courage , Cherie Canning speaks with workplace strategist and author Melissa Marsden about how the design of our work environments can significantly impact our well-being, productivity, and overall fulfillment. Melissa shares her expertise on creating spaces that support both individual and collective success by considering factors such as culture, leadership, and empl...

In this episode of the Lead with Courage podcast, Cherie welcomes Leanne Hughes, a dynamic facilitator, speaker, and podcast host known for pushing boundaries in leadership and learning. Leanne shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped her career—including an unexpected challenge in a leadership workshop that ultimately led her to laun...

Shea Morrison, co-founder of The Goodnight Co. and a corporate wellness facilitator specialising in sleep health join Cherie for the first episode of season 3. Cherie and Shea explore the crucial role of sleep in leadership, well-being, and performance, as well as practical strategies for improving sleep quality. Key Insights from the Conversation: The Importance of Sleep in Leadership & Well-...

Cherie sits down with Cooper Chapman, former professional surfer and founder of the Good Human Factory, for an inspiring and deeply reflective conversation. Cooper shares his transformative journey of moving from chasing external validation to living authentically through his core values. Together, they explore the significance of shifting from mental health awareness to action, the life-changing...

In this inspiring episode, hosts Cherie and Andy Canning welcome Dr. Dinesh Palipana, a trailblazing leader and changemaker, to the Lead with Courage podcast. As the second person with quadriplegia to graduate as a doctor in Australia and an advocate for inclusivity, Dinesh shares his unique perspective on life, leadership, and the importance of courage. This conversation delves into Dinesh’s rema...

In this episode of Lead with Courage ,  Cherie Canning has an eye-opening conversation with Jess Taylor, CEO of Qendo, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with endometriosis. Jess shares her personal journey with the chronic condition, reflecting on years of silent suffering, stigmatisation, and misdiagnoses before discovering her own voice and purpose through Qendo. Her s...

In this insightful and heartwarming episode of the Lead with Courage podcast, host Cherie Canning and guest host Andy Canning sit down with Macca (Macaulay Ryan) from LSKD, a passionate runner and Movember ambassador. They dive into Macca's incredible journey of personal growth, mental health awareness, and the power of running. Macca shares how his love for running transformed his life, from...

In this episode of Lead with Courage, Cherie welcomes Ellen Powell, Founder and CEO of The Somehwhere Co. Ellen is a trailblazer in authenticity and courageous leadership.  Ellen shares her journey of living boldly, overcoming obstacles, and leading with genuine resolve. This episode discuses the Ellen's founder journey, Empowering Female Founders, The societal pressure to have children and s...

In this episode, Cherie and Mandy dive into the importance of giving and receiving feedback, drawing on lessons from workshops and experiences. Key Discussion Points: The Need for Feedback: Many leaders struggle to give valuable feedback because they aren't observing their teams closely enough. Feedback should be specific and based on either skills or daily tasks. Types of Feedback: Mandy hig...

About a year ago, co-host Andy Canning set a rather audacious goal of competing in and completing a marathon in 2024. Maybe you're a seasoned runner. Maybe you run once a year when you're late for a bus. However you identify yourself in the running world, this episode is for anyone that has tried, failed and tried again to complete a goal or achieve a dream. Join Cherie and special guest...

In this episode of the Lead with Courage podcast, hosts Cherie and Andy Canning chat with Kylie Chivers, founder of The Feminine Connection. Kylie shares her personal journey of self-reflection and discovery, emphasizing the importance of resilience and maintaining a growth mindset. She discusses the challenges of confronting personal demons and the determination to persevere, particularly as a ro...

In 2020 Ash Conwell was expecting triplets, and in a moment her life changed forever. Ash's story is a hero's journey through grief, love and defining what it is to lead with courage. Please note this episode discusses themes such as grief, loss, mental health and pre-term birth, and if you’re not ready for this just yet please choose another episode and come back when you’re ready. Did...

We welcome Rachel O'Brien back to the podcast to share the story behind the game changing Leadership program - Goddess in the Boardroom. We discuss : The meaning behind the name of the program The purpose and design of the program Who its designed for  What attendees can expect We deep dive into the personal experiences of Cherie and Andy and impacts the program had on them both personally an...