In this episode of The Mind Behind, Graham Dobbin sits down with Mick Ord, former BBC journalist turned crisis communications specialist, to explore what it really takes to build trust when scrutiny is relentless and information is messy. Drawing on decades inside one of the world’s most watched media institutions, Mick shares how newsroom principles can help leaders communicate clearly, calmly, and credibly when the stakes are high. Tune in to hear: • How to build trust when the cameras are rolling • The illusion of message control and what really matters instead • Authenticity under pressure and how to lead with it • Why “no comment” is never a strategy • How AI and social media are changing crisis response 🎧 If you lead, communicate, or get called on when things go wrong, this one’s for you. Practical, honest insights on staying calm, clear, and credible when the heat’s on. Connect with: Mick: linkedin.com/in/mick-ord-80911bb Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamdobbin Additional links: Gerald Ratner story: https://thehustle.co/gerald-ratners-billion-dollar-speech Cyber attack opinion: https://www.mickord.com/british-library-cyber-attack-a-lesson-for-us-all/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Hillsborough Disaster: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-47697569 Toxteth Riots: https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/sep/14/toxteth-riots-1981-summer-liverpool-burned-patrick-mi... Heysel: https://www.brusselstimes.com/1601436/the-heysel-stadium-disaster-40-years-on

Everyone’s talking about AI. Few are talking about how to keep humans at the centre of it. In this episode, Graham Dobbin and Sharbani Dhar unpack what happens when innovation stalls under its own caution. From the Australia–India corridor to empathy-led design and human-in-the-loop AI, they explore how trust, curiosity, and capability turn technology into transformation. 🎧 Tune in to explore: • Why empathy still outperforms algorithms • How human-centred design is reshaping manufacturing • What Australia can learn from India’s bold innovation culture • Why upskilling, not replacement, defines the real future of work Because staying relevant isn’t about keeping up with AI, it’s about keeping up with ourselves. Connect with: Sharbani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharbanidhar Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamdobbin Additional links: https://www.dotinfinity.co/

What if the secret to better marketing isn’t more data, campaigns, or ROI — but a completely different way of thinking? In this episode, Graham Dobbin talks with Ross Hastings, CEO of Ne-Lo and Anatomy of Marketing Training, about how real growth begins when marketing stops being a department and becomes part of how everyone thinks, decides, and connects. Together, they explore how to: 💡Shift from doing marketing to being marketing and why that changes everything 💡Build capability and confidence across teams 💡Lead with curiosity instead of control 💡Align culture and brand from the inside out 💡Draw lessons from Apple, Spotify, and Rory Sutherland’s Alchemy Smart, challenging, and refreshingly human, this episode reveals what happens when leaders stop chasing ROI and start creating cultures that think marketing. Connect with: Ross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-hastings/ Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamdobbin/ Additional links: Ne-Lo: https://www.ne-lo.com/ Anatomy of Marketing Training: https://anatomyofmarketing.training/ Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense: https://www.amazon.com.au/Alchemy-Surprising-Power-Ideas-Sense/dp/0753556529/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1RQD3B9U9S6S2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yuIt7AXfDuRfCAVlniNUxk5X9kSBPNl4QKTtPu_aqgY-71wNvsGNipyDyI9w-6meHwEp_RAjOBezl6tf57VRRZEqKOVgbst7_YHDb5XmqUk.HoEIYSAcBzryKnorbXMoDRu_Ll-riZ9-nInyJCO8ehA&dib_tag=se&keywords=rory+sutherland+alchemy&qid=1761700969&sprefix=rory+suther%2Caps%2C628&sr=8-2 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that dig beneath the surface. 👍 Like, share, and let us know what resonated with you.

What can a Roman emperor teach us about leadership in 2025? On this episode of The Mind Behind, Graham Dobbin is joined once again by Ted Miller, lawyer, academic, and lifelong student of philosophy, to explore the enduring lessons of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic tradition. What you’ll discover in this episode: 💡 How Marcus Aurelius became the original “philosopher king” 💡 The Stoic principles shaping clarity, judgment, and resilience in leadership 💡 Why timeless thinking still drives performance in complex environments 💡 How to turn ancient philosophy into practical choices that shape culture, strategy, and results 🎧 Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or just curious about how ancient wisdom shapes modern thinking, this episode shows why Stoicism still matters, and how it can change the way you lead today. ------------------------------------- 🔗 Resources Mentioned Meditations by Marcus Aurelius — foundational text of Stoic philosophy (Gregory Hays translation): https://www.amazon.com.au/Mod-Lib-Meditations-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/0812968255 The Daily Stoic — modern reflections on Stoic principles: https://dailystoic.com/ Stoicism – Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy — academic overview: https://iep.utm.edu/stoicism/ Ted Miller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-miller-5a8183299/ Graham Dobbin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamdobbin/ Sponsored by Dale Carnegie Australia: https://www.dalecarnegietraining.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/dale-carnegie-au

He didn’t just have a plan. He had a habit, one that would shape his career across four countries, multiple industries, and into a leadership role at LinkedIn. That habit? Saying yes. In this episode, James joins Graham to talk about: 💡 How a “yes” mindset opened doors from Manchester to Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia 💡 The human skills that matter most in an AI-driven workplace (and why they’re harder than you think) 💡 What recruitment is really getting right and where it needs to evolve 💡 The traits and habits that will define the next decade of work It’s a conversation about curiosity, courage, and creating your own momentum, instead of waiting for the future to arrive. Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesnutt1/ Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamdobbin/ 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that dig beneath the surface. 👍 Like, share, and let us know what resonated with you.

Too many strategies die in beautiful slide decks. Sian Heaphy is here to stop the rot. With 14+ years transforming marketing, sales, and customer success teams across the globe, Sian knows what it takes to turn strategy into action and why most businesses don’t. In this episode, we dive into the messy middle between ambition and execution, where clarity slips, alignment fades, and momentum stalls. We unpack: 💡 Why “saying no” might be the most strategic thing you do all week 💡 The real difference between alignment and commitment (most teams fake the first and miss the second) 💡 How to spot and stop strategy drift before it derails everything 💡 What it takes to build systems that make strategy stick long after the buzz has worn off Whether you're scaling a business, stuck in silos, or just tired of strategy theatre, this one’s packed with sharp insight and real-world takeaways. 🎯 Plus: Sian’s throw-down challenge could change how you show up in your next meeting. Connect with Sian Heaphy: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sianheaphy-business-transformation/ 🌐 Bright Innovation: https://www.brightinnovation.co.uk/ Additional resources: Miro: https://miro.com/ #LeadershipUnfiltered #StrategyThatWorks #GoToMarket #SianHeaphy #TheMindBehind

He had no plan — and no idea where to start. Six years later, Connor Widmaier has sold over $3 million in online programs, helped scale a business to $10M+, and now works alongside Quest Nutrition founder Tom Bilyeu. But it all started with one unexpected decision: taking a Dale Carnegie course in New York. In this episode, Connor joins Graham to talk about: 💡 The moment he realised confidence is a learnable skill 💡 Why communication — not strategy — was the real game-changer 💡 The messy path to finding your niche (and why that’s okay) 💡 What it’s like working at the intersection of personal development, sales, and influence It’s an honest, energising conversation about self-education, selling with purpose, and backing yourself — even when the path isn’t clear. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that dig beneath the surface. 👍 Like, share, and let us know what resonated with you. #TheMindBehindPodcast #Leadership #SalesJourney #SelfEducation #DaleCarnegie #PersonalDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #GrowthMindset #TomBilyeu #CareerJourney #Influence

From the suburbs of Redfern to shaping Australia’s built environment, Bill Maloukis shares a story that’s as personal as it is professional. In this heartfelt conversation, Bill reflects on his family’s migration from Greece, the values forged through tough love, and the leap into sales that changed his life. From his early days at CSR to leading teams and driving bold projects, Bill’s story is a reminder that real leadership is built on strong foundations. 🎧 Tune in to hear Bill’s insights on: 💡 The career-defining leap into sales — and the mentor who saw his potential 💡 Legacy, purpose, and pride — why great leaders build more than just business 💡 Risk and resilience — staying grounded while pushing boundaries It’s a powerful conversation about identity, impact, and the mindset that drives long-term success. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that dig beneath the surface. 👍 Like, share, and let us know what resonated with you. #TheMindBehindPodcast #Leadership #Legacy #ConstructionIndustry #SalesJourney #MigrationStories #Resilience #AustralianLeaders

In this episode of The Mind Behind, Graham sits down with Ted Miller, a retired lawyer, barrister, academic, and author, to unpack the game-changing role of AI in the legal world. From courtroom controversies to drafting contracts, Ted breaks down how generative AI is shaking up legal practice — and why it’s not all smooth sailing. You’ll hear about a jaw-dropping case where AI made up fake legal precedents (yes, really) and how that blunder sparked worldwide regulations. What you’ll discover in this episode: 💡 Why AI isn’t ready to replace human judgment in law 💡 The real risks of relying on AI for legal research and case preparation 💡 How smaller firms can benefit from AI while large firms may resist 💡 The surprising role of creativity and human intuition in the courtroom If you’re curious about the future of law and technology — or just want to hear a fresh perspective on the evolving legal landscape — this episode is for you! More from Ted (James Miller): 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-miller-5a8183299/ 📚 Books by Ted: Shoot and Demonise: The Death of Roni Levi (2000) – A gripping account of a controversial police shooting in Sydney https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/313345117754?srsltid=AfmBOop3PpTcz9yUVZGtN6X14cbCGPjw0Qt7aI4y42O2ZFV45_At8V49 Getting Into Law (2002) – A guide still used in university law schools across Australia https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/164785388261?srsltid=AfmBOoqOKfdMplRKt6WR3QwRwppN9a3msucjEdb74Uy5syDK6Jditow1 The Priests (2016) – A powerful personal memoir on trauma, recovery, and truth https://www.amazon.com.au/Priests-James-M-Miller/dp/1925048667 🎙️ Stay tuned for his upcoming release: The Catholic Moment: Ideas, Power and the Catholic Resurgence in the West 🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations! 👍 Like, share, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! #LegalTech #AI #Law #FutureOfWork #Podcast #Inspiration