There's no one way to lead. Yet we need to find a way. Our own way. And it can be hard to get right. As we find our way to lead it can be useful to listen to how others found theirs. Each fortnight, I’ll share a rich, unhurried conversation with someone who’s leaned into and learned from the challenges of leadership, change, and life while staying true to themselves. You'll get to experience me doing what I do best: asking the surface-piercing questions to help people see what they couldn't ...
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Digby Scott Podcasts

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36. Stepping Into Visibility, Reading the Room, and Why Leadership Isn't About Being Perfect | Cam Fink
50:36
50:36
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50:36What if the very thing that makes you uncomfortable about being seen is exactly what's holding you back as a leader? Today I'm walking by the ocean and sitting in a Wellington playground with Cam Fink, a videographer who's spent years on the other side of the lens, observing what happens when leaders step into visibility. We explore why being comfo…
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What if the constant firefighting and crisis management that fills our days is actually stealing our chance to create something truly meaningful? And what if the most important work we can do isn't about solving the next problem, but about building something that lasts well beyond our time here? This episode explores how we can shift from reactive …
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34. Choosing Kind Over Nice, Disagreeing Well, and the Art of Courageous Connection | Georgia Murch
47:54
47:54
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47:54What if the conversations we're avoiding at work are exactly the ones that could transform everything? And what if there's a crucial difference between being nice to people and being truly kind to them – one that could revolutionise how you lead? Today I'm joined by Georgia Murch, founder of Can We Talk and someone who's spent over 25 years masteri…
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What if the clarity you're seeking isn't about having all the answers, but about cultivating deep conviction in what matters most to you? And what if the wobbly feeling you have when charting your own course isn't a sign you're on the wrong path, but evidence you're choosing authenticity over easy? In this solo episode, I reflect on a conversation …
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32. Escaping the ‘Answer Trap’, and Why Slowing Down Speeds You Up
52:31
52:31
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52:31Do you know that feeling when you're asked a question, you’re under pressure, so you reach for the nearest answer? Or when you're in a meeting and someone says "let's not overcomplicate this" or "we just need to make a decision" and something inside you knows you're moving too fast, but the momentum carries you forward anyway? This episode explores…
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31. Everyone's Viewpoints Make Sense to Them: Why Listening Beats Arguing Every Time
3:33
3:33
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3:33Ever found yourself in a conversation where someone's perspective seems completely wrong to you? Where your first instinct is to correct them, challenge them, or prove your point? What if that instinct is actually blocking you from real connection and genuine influence? This solocast explores a powerful encounter on a flight that challenged everyth…
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30. Letting Others Shape the Vision, Curiosity Over Certainty, and Why Leadership Isn't About You | Andrew Little
39:32
39:32
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39:32What if the most courageous leadership decision you ever make isn't about charging forward, but about stepping aside? And what if the key to authentic influence isn't having all the answers, but mastering the paradox of deep confidence paired with genuine curiosity? This episode explores the delicate balance between ego and humility that defines tr…
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29. Meeting ‘Em Where They're At: Connection Before Content
5:09
5:09
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5:09Have you ever found yourself speaking at cross purposes with someone, searching for that elusive connection point that might unlock meaningful progress? What if the most powerful leadership practice isn't about getting straight to business, but about genuinely meeting people where they're at first? In this solocast episode, I share a story from Pap…
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28. Claiming Your Space, Breaking Free from ‘Should’ Stories, and the Courage to Be You | Nicola Nation
50:55
50:55
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50:55What if the very thing you think makes you qualified to lead is actually limiting your impact? And what if the version of leadership you've been trying to perfect isn't even yours to begin with? This episode explores how authentic leadership begins with claiming your own space to be you, rather than becoming a caricature of someone else's approach.…
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27. Keep Showing Up: How Consistency Creates Connection and Opens Opportunities
4:04
4:04
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4:04What if the secret to finding your place in any new situation isn't about making a big first impression, but about the quiet power of simply showing up, again and again? And what if the discomfort you feel when you're the outsider is actually the gateway to genuine connection? This solocast explores the profound simplicity of consistency – how regu…
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26. Breaking Out of ‘Answer Mode’, Building Collective Wisdom, and the Village That Raises Leaders | Kirsten Patterson
47:03
47:03
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47:03What if the question isn't "Where are all the leaders?" but "Where are all the responsible adults?" Today I'm joined by Kirsten Patterson, better known as KP, CEO of the Institute of Directors New Zealand and chair of the Global Network of Directors Institutes. She had an auspicious start by getting suspended from school at five for challenging the…
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25. What If Resistance Is a Signal, Not a Problem?
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5:45
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5:45What if resistance isn't something to overcome, but something to work with? And what if that uncomfortable tension you feel when facing change is pointing you toward something valuable on the other side? This solocast dives into the emotional messiness of change through the lens of a recent house move. It’s one of life's most stressful transitions.…
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24. The Man Behind the Microphone, Unhurried Productivity, and the Power of ‘I-Matter’ Conversations | Digby Scott
47:20
47:20
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47:20What if your perception of "unhurried productivity" isn't about someone constantly on holiday, but rather a deliberate approach to crafting a life aligned with your values? And what if the most powerful leadership practice isn't about getting things done faster, but creating genuine I-matter conversations where people truly feel seen and heard? Tha…
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23. How to Bring Both Your Head and Heart to Leadership
4:55
4:55
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4:55Ever found yourself so focused on getting things done that you've completely disconnected from what you're feeling? And noticed how that numbness starts seeping into your relationships, your team dynamics, and your ability to truly lead? This episode explores the critical balance between head and heart in leadership – and why operating from just on…
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22. Embracing Confusion, The Power of Idealism, and Cultivating a Well-Lived Life | Jennifer Garvey-Berger
52:08
52:08
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52:08Do you find yourself constantly seeking clarity and certainty, even when faced with complex challenges that don't have simple answers? What if that very pursuit of certainty – that comfortable feeling we all chase – is actually blocking your growth, your learning, and your ability to create something new? This episode explores the counterintuitive …
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21. When Stepping Away Creates More Impact Than Stepping In
7:18
7:18
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7:18What if the most powerful thing you could do as a leader isn't to step in and save the day, but to step back and create space for others to shine? And what if your obsession with being the hero is actually preventing your team from reaching their potential? This episode looks at one of the most challenging transitions in leadership: moving from her…
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20. Embracing Vulnerability, Navigating Rock Bottom, and Leading with Purpose | Sarah Manley
54:38
54:38
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54:38Have you ever found yourself caught in an endless cycle of meetings and tasks, wondering if your leadership is truly making a difference? What if the most powerful leadership tool isn't your strategic plan or your team's expertise, but your ability to recognise and act on the second chances life gives you? This episode explores how our personal cha…
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to shift an entire leadership team's mindset and approach in today's fast-changing environment? This week, I share a case study from a recent 12-month engagement with a senior leadership team. It’s a story about moving from technical perfection to purposeful experimentation, and from control to empowerment. You'…
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18. Why Creating Space Matters More Than Efficiency | Simon Dowling on Intentional Leadership
1:03:54
1:03:54
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1:03:54What if leadership isn't about having all the answers, but about creating the right space for people to thrive? And what if the outcomes from meetings weren’t just about being efficiency and effectiveness, but also about being engaging and expansive? Simon Dowling brings a fascinating blend of legal precision and improvisational creativity to his w…
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17. Choosing Not Reacting, The Power of Slow Thinking, and Life Beyond the Zeitgeist | Derek Sivers
55:36
55:36
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55:36Are you trapped in a life you didn't consciously choose? Do you find yourself constantly reacting to demands rather than intentionally responding? Are you seeking a more deliberate way to live and lead that creates impact without burning you out? In this episode, Derek Sivers shares counterintuitive wisdom about breaking free from unconscious patte…
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16. How to Take A Career Break and Return Stronger: An In-Depth Guide
1:22:54
1:22:54
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1:22:54Have you ever wanted to take a career break? Maybe you’ve taken one and want to get inspiration for the next one? Perhaps you’re curious about how you can make them a part of your organisation’s talent strategy? Career breaks done well can provide massive benefits for your professional and personal life. This conversation gives you both ideas for t…
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15. The Value of Mentorship, Embracing Nuance, and Finding Your Red Thread | Hazel Maclaurin
59:25
59:25
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59:25Have you ever felt caught between competing identities in your professional life? Perhaps you've built a career on expertise and achievement in one domain, only to find yourself navigating an entirely new landscape that fundamentally changes how you're perceived. Today's conversation explores the importance of evolving your identity as your context…
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14. Natural Systems, Nervous Systems, and Navigating Change | Adam Cooper
1:00:14
1:00:14
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1:00:14Do you know that feeling when you're in a meeting or delivering a speech and you're caught up in thinking about what you want to say next? Then you completely miss the moment when something happens? And you're scrambling to catch up? This episode hones in on how we can stay more present to what's going on and then respond in the moment to what's ha…
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13. Breaking Out of Boxes, Constructive Challenge, and the Gift of Heritage | CO2 Rob Pa'o
54:39
54:39
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54:39How willing are you to let your ideas be destroyed? That's a scary concept for many people because we can equate good ideas with being worthy. But what if your worth comes from being a learner and not perfect? In this messy and complex world where the old structures and systems of society and work are found wanting, we need to evolve and adopt new …
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12. Systems Thinking, The Power of Imagination, and Generational Wisdom | Dr. Richard Hodge
1:01:21
1:01:21
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1:01:21Are you trying to make lasting change happen, but you feel like you’re banging your head against a wall of short-term dramas and siloed thinking? This episode will help you to rise above the fray and hone in on how to be valuable, stay relevant, and play the longer game. Dr. Richard Hodge is one of Australasia’s preeminent thought-leaders in system…
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11. The Power of Purpose, Rethinking HR, and Making Work Better for Everyone | Gillian Brookes
1:01:26
1:01:26
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1:01:26Do you feel like work is taking over your life, leaving little room for fulfillment? Are you struggling to make your work align with your values or wondering how to create more balance and purpose in your career? In this episode, we explore how to bring more meaning into your work by aligning it with your values and learning how to lead with purpos…
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10. Embracing a Squiggly Career, Trusting Your Gut, and Leading with Vulnerability | Jodi Willocks
1:03:41
1:03:41
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1:03:41Have you ever felt uncertain about your career path or questioned whether your empathetic leadership style is a strength or a weakness? Or maybe you’ve wondered if it’s okay to embrace a non-linear, “squiggly” career while still finding success and fulfillment. In this episode, we dive deep into the power of following your gut, embracing a career t…
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9. End of Year Reflections: Embracing Discomfort, From Hero to Host Leadership, Creating Space for Reflection, and the Let Go | Digby Scott
20:18
20:18
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20:18In this final episode of Dig Deeper for 2024, I’m reflecting on the key themes I’ve explored in the podcast and my blogs throughout the year. I'll cover four themes: the importance of discomfort for growth the shift from a hero to a host mindset in leadership the necessity of creating space for reflection the power of letting go of control. Each th…
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8. How to Challenge and Change the Rules that Limit Us, Question Our Perspectives, and Think Outside the Box | Suzanne Rosa
1:01:21
1:01:21
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1:01:21Do you ever feel hamstrung by the rules you’re bound by? The have-to’s and should’s and the ‘don’t-do-that’s’ that govern your work practices and broader life? Do you ever wonder what things would be like if you could change the rules of the game? Rules are invented. They're made up. Which means they can be uninvented, or reinvented. Today’s conver…
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7. When Leaders Are Human: Navigating Complexity with Integrity | Sir Ashley Bloomfield
1:09:18
1:09:18
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1:09:18Leadership is a journey of constant tension – between expectation and authenticity, between comfort and courage, between being liked and being effective. What if you could transform those tensions into your greatest source of strength? Join me for an extraordinary conversation with Sir Ashley Bloomfield, a leader who navigated one of the most chall…
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6. How to Create Space When You’re Under Pressure, Balancing Delivery and Discovery, and Staying True to Yourself
1:01:09
1:01:09
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1:01:09Do you ever feel the need to be the leader with all the answers? Do you feel the relentless pressure to bow to the barrage of deliverables that are in front of you every day? Do you wish you could just get some space? There’s got to be a better way, right? This episode is gold if you’re looking for a better way to sustain your own and your people’s…
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5. The Value of Taking Deliberate Career Breaks, Crafting a Well-Lived Life, and Defining Your Path | Katie Hair
53:40
53:40
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53:40Have you ever wished you could take a career break? If you’re finding yourself at a career crossroads, or you’re simply seeking more fulfillment and satisfaction from your work, this episode is for you. You’ll see what can be made possible when you get deliberate about creating spaces between the chapters of your career, and learn how to structure …
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4. The Power of Being Unhurried, What Happens When You Dial Up Curiosity, and What Leadership is Really About: Andrew Maffett
1:17:37
1:17:37
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1:17:37What happens when you slow down? If you feel like life is a relentless treadmill, this episode offers an alternative. You’ll get fresh perspectives about what can happen when you unhook from relentless busyness, and an invitation to explore what really matters when it comes to leading yourself and others. Andrew Maffett is a lifelong adventurer and…
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3. Avoid the Mundane, Quieten your Cleverness, and Practice Hosting as a Potent Form of Leadership | D.K.
1:06:05
1:06:05
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1:06:05How effectively can you bring out the best in a group of people? We can often get trapped into thinking that it’s our role to be the ‘hero’ for a group, where it’s likely that you can be way more effective by being the ‘host’. This episode will help you get out of your own way so you can unlock the potential that exists in those you lead. Today I’m…
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2. How to Embrace Disruption, Surrender Control, and Make Change Happen | Danni Ermilova Williams
52:18
52:18
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52:18Can we ever obtain a fully productive work life, or a fully productive organisation? What does that even mean? This rich conversation with impact coach and business consultant Danni Ermilova Williams will give you a fresh perspective on how to reshape work to create more meaningful, sustaining experiences. Danni and I explore what it means to live …
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1. Why We Fear Feedback, Letting Go of Competition and How to Make Others Safely Uncomfortable | Callum McKirdy
1:02:37
1:02:37
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1:02:37What's your relationship like with discomfort? What about asking for feedback? Both of these things are essential to get our heads around if we're going to find our own way to lead and thrive in life. This entertaining, thought-provoking conversation with Callum McKirdy will help you to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable. You’ll learn…
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Trailer: Welcome to Dig Deeper with Digby Scott
3:16
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3:16There's no one way to lead. Yet we need to find a way. Our way. That can be hard to get right. As we find our own way to lead it can be useful to listen to how others found theirs. I'm your host, Digby Scott, leadership coach and author of Change Makers. I'm on a mission to help people find their authentic way to lead so they can have more impact w…
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