Former AFL footballer turned entrepreneur. The late great Jim Stynes, who was the co-founder of Reach came to Fergus’ school and led a program that had an immense impact on him and led him to pursue a career that would see him do immense good. 

Reach is a foundation that helps support over 40,000 kids a year. Their aim is to create generations of confident, self-aware, passionate young people who can shape the world to be a better place.

Unpack it all with Luke Darcy, and hear how Fergus moved through entrepreneurship, after a career in the AFL. 

Head to Aleda Collective and take the empowering leaders indicator tool to understand the impact you have on your environment

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former AFL footballer turned entrepreneur. The late great Jim Stynes, who was the co-founder of Reach came to Fergus’ school and led a program that had an immense impact on him and led him to pursue a career that would see him do immense good.  Reach is a foundation that helps support over 40,000 kids a year. Their aim is to create generations of confident, self-aware, passionate young people who can shape the world to be a better place. Unpack it all with Luke Darcy, and hear how Fergus moved through entrepreneurship, after a career in the AFL.  Head to Aleda Collective and take the empowering leaders indicator tool to understand the impact you have on your environment Learn. Lead. Collaborate.  See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

In this series, Luke Darcy is joined by iconic leaders to unpack learnings and life lessons from these game changers in their chosen field, whether it’s sports, art, business or education. We’ll break down the fundamentals of the new style of leadership, such as collaboration, integrity and innovation, through the stories of these iconic leaders.

Empowering Leaders

In this series, Luke Darcy is joined by iconic leaders to unpack learnings and life lessons from these game changers in their chosen field, whether it’s sports, art, social venture, business or education. We’ll break down the fundamentals of the new style of leadership, such as collaboration, integrity and innovation, through the stories of these iconic leaders.

In this series, Luke Darcy is joined by iconic leaders to unpack learnings and life lessons from these game changers in their chosen field, whether it&rsquo;s sports, art, social venture, business or education. We&rsquo;ll break down the fundamentals of the new style of leadership, such as collaboration, integrity and innovation, through the stories of these iconic leaders.

Fergus Watts - CEO of the Reach Foundation

If your team wins, who gets the credit… and what does your answer say about the culture you're building?

​​Ian McKeown has spent more than two decades at the cutting edge of elite sport…  from the AFL to the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers, and back to Australia as General Manager of Performance at the Adelaide Crows. 

He holds a PhD in strength and conditioning, has published extensively on ecological dynamics and applied sports science, and is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated performance architects in global sport. But spend five minutes with him and what strikes you most isn't the credentials… it's the human.

In this episode, Ian unpacks what he's learned across three continents about the conditions that allow people - and teams - to truly thrive. He talks about why you can smell a dysfunctional culture the moment you walk in, and why the fanciest facility in the world means nothing if it doesn't feel right. He shares the Seth Godin book he read on the plane from Ireland to Australia that changed the way he thought about his career along with the winning philosophy he's carried ever since. 

He explains why shared goals, shared ownership and shared success are the only things that actually build something sustainable. He also gets into the butterfly effect of great leadership, the two words he comes back to every single day - kindness and composure - and why he believes the scariest person in any room isn't the loudest one. It's the one who doesn’t flinch.

Ian’s belief in the power of connection, curiosity and genuine human relationships runs through every single minute of this conversation.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

We are privileged to have Ian as part of our Aleda Connect community.

Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. 

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

If your team wins, who gets the credit&hellip; and what does your answer say about the culture you're building?
​​Ian McKeown has spent more than two decades at the cutting edge of elite sport&hellip;&nbsp; from the AFL to the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers, and back to Australia as General Manager of Performance at the Adelaide Crows.&nbsp;
He holds a PhD in strength and conditioning, has published extensively on ecological dynamics and applied sports science, and is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated performance architects in global sport. But spend five minutes with him and what strikes you most isn't the credentials&hellip; it's the human.
In this episode, Ian unpacks what he's learned across three continents about the conditions that allow people - and teams - to truly thrive. He talks about why you can smell a dysfunctional culture the moment you walk in, and why the fanciest facility in the world means nothing if it doesn't feel right. He shares the Seth Godin book he read on the plane from Ireland to Australia that changed the way he thought about his career along with the winning philosophy he's carried ever since.&nbsp;
He explains why shared goals, shared ownership and shared success are the only things that actually build something sustainable. He also gets into the butterfly effect of great leadership, the two words he comes back to every single day - kindness and composure - and why he believes the scariest person in any room isn't the loudest one. It's the one who doesn&rsquo;t flinch.
Ian&rsquo;s belief in the power of connection, curiosity and genuine human relationships runs through every single minute of this conversation.
Learn. Lead. Collaborate.
We are privileged to have Ian as part of our Aleda Connect community.
Start your leadership journey today. Head <a href="https://www.aledacollective.com/program/leadconnect">here</a> to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.&nbsp;
Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yzcchzea">here</a>.

Ian McKeown: Why Composure Is the Ultimate Superpower

What separates a good wine from a truly world-class one? 

According to Adam Wadewitz, it comes down to balance, finesse… and a relentless commitment to the vineyard.

Adam is the Chief Winemaker and Joint CEO at Shaw + Smith, one of Australia's most iconic cool-climate wineries, and one of the most decorated winemakers of his generation. In this episode, he takes us from the footy fields of Willunga in South Australia to the vineyards of Europe… sharing what drove him to the top of his craft, how great teams are built, and why he believes Australian Grenache is on the cusp of a new world chapter!

He also generously shares with you the list of his five wines to drink before you die, the legendary story behind Wendouree and how he came to hold cuttings from one of Australia's most coveted vineyards, and what he’s learned from a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conductor about leadership and energy.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

We are privileged to have Adam as part of our Aleda Connect community.

Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. 

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

What separates a good wine from a truly world-class one?&nbsp;
According to Adam Wadewitz, it comes down to balance, finesse&hellip; and a relentless commitment to the vineyard.
Adam is the Chief Winemaker and Joint CEO at Shaw + Smith, one of Australia's most iconic cool-climate wineries, and one of the most decorated winemakers of his generation. In this episode, he takes us from the footy fields of Willunga in South Australia to the vineyards of Europe&hellip; sharing what drove him to the top of his craft, how great teams are built, and why he believes Australian Grenache is on the cusp of a new world chapter!
He also generously shares with you the list of his five wines to drink before you die, the legendary story behind Wendouree and how he came to hold cuttings from one of Australia's most coveted vineyards, and what he&rsquo;s learned from a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conductor about leadership and energy.
Learn. Lead. Collaborate.
We are privileged to have Adam as part of our Aleda Connect community.
Start your leadership journey today. Head <a href="https://www.aledacollective.com/program/leadconnect">here</a> to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time.&nbsp;
Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yzcchzea">here</a>.

Adam Wadewitz: The Iconic Winemaker on Passion, Precision and the Pursuit of World-Class Wine

Last week, our guest Luke Tunnecliffe told the story of his son Jack… eight and a half years old, non-verbal and autistic… and the search that brought his family to a clinic in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

This week, our guest is the doctor who runs that clinic.

Dr Kyle Daigle is a clinician, author and global thought leader in functional neurology. From his clinic in Louisiana, which attracts families and athletes from over 78 countries, Kyle is doing what many doctors said couldn't be done. He's helping non-verbal children find their voice, uncovering the hidden connections between the gut, the sinuses and the brain, and working with Olympians and elite athletes to unlock peak performance.

In this episode, Kyle shares the multi-system approach he uses to understand and treat complex neurological conditions, the surprising parallel between neurodiverse children and elite athletes, how sensory stimulation and light therapy are producing results that are changing families' lives, the leadership lessons forged through his own journey as an ADHD kid with a speech impediment, and the simple belief at the heart of everything he does - when you understand the brain, create safety and stay patient, incredible change is possible.

This conversation reflects Dr Kyle's clinical experience and personal philosophy. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners should always seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals when making decisions about their own health.

Learn. Lead. Collaborate.

Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today.

Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.

Last week, our guest Luke Tunnecliffe told the story of his son Jack&hellip; eight and a half years old, non-verbal and autistic&hellip; and the search that brought his family to a clinic in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
This week, our guest is the doctor who runs that clinic.
Dr Kyle Daigle is a clinician, author and global thought leader in functional neurology. From his clinic in Louisiana, which attracts families and athletes from over 78 countries, Kyle is doing what many doctors said couldn't be done. He's helping non-verbal children find their voice, uncovering the hidden connections between the gut, the sinuses and the brain, and working with Olympians and elite athletes to unlock peak performance.
In this episode, Kyle shares the multi-system approach he uses to understand and treat complex neurological conditions, the surprising parallel between neurodiverse children and elite athletes, how sensory stimulation and light therapy are producing results that are changing families' lives, the leadership lessons forged through his own journey as an ADHD kid with a speech impediment, and the simple belief at the heart of everything he does - when you understand the brain, create safety and stay patient, incredible change is possible.
This conversation reflects Dr Kyle's clinical experience and personal philosophy. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners should always seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals when making decisions about their own health.
Learn. Lead. Collaborate.
Start your leadership journey today. Head <a href="https://www.aledacollective.com/program/leadconnect">here</a> to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a <a href="https://calendly.com/matt-1756/30min">discovery call today.</a>
Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yzcchzea">here</a>.

Fergus Watts - CEO of the Reach Foundation

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