In season 2 of the Leader in Us podcast, our student hosts talk with leaders who are breaking barriers, shaping the future, and redefining what leadership looks like in uncertain times. Each episode shares real stories, honest conversations, and practical insights to help you grow the leader within.
In this episode, we sit down with Carmen Garcia, CEO of Community Corporate, diversity advocate, and South Australia’s first female Philippine Honorary Consul. From caring for her grandfather while studying at UniSA to becoming a national leader in refugee and migrant employment, Carmen shares how resilience, family, community, and passion shaped her leadership journey.
What does it mean to lead through change? Sociologist and ‘The Sociology of Everything’ podcaster Dr Eric Hsu unpacks the hidden networks and social contexts that make change possible. From reflections on imposter syndrome to the importance of community, humour, and resilience, this conversation challenges traditional views of leadership and offers fresh insights into navigating uncertainty.
Join Sarah Cutbush, CEO of the Leaders Institute of South Australia, President of Surf Life Saving SA, and former UniSA executive leader, as she shares how genuine connections, self-awareness, and embracing discomfort have shaped her approach to leading with impact. She also opens up about gender challenges, imposter syndrome, and why saying “no” can sometimes be the most powerful leadership tool of all.
Hear from Peta Crewe, Regional Manager at UniSA’s Mount Gambier campus, who shares the story of her fundamental career pivot from decades in regional policy and public service to a frontline leadership role in tertiary education. With clarity, candour, and deep community insight, she reflects on what drew her to higher education, and how purpose, place, and values now drive her leadership.
In this episode, Dr Aaron Davis shares his unconventional journey from classical musician to architect, researcher, and global facilitator of co-design. Speaking from Sweden, Aaron reveals why embracing complexity and resisting the urge for quick, simplistic answers, is vital for shaping resilient future leaders.
In this heartfelt and wisdom-rich conversation, psychologist and leadership coach Leigh Willson invites us into the deeply human side of leadership – one shaped by vulnerability, resilience, and radical self-awareness. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors, Leigh shares personal stories of grief, growth and feedback that stung but shaped her.
In this special prelude to our final episode, we pause to reflect on a powerful question posed by Peta Crewe: “How do we better support staff and student cohorts underrepresented in leadership roles?” This is a moment of listening. A moment to hear from those shaping the future of leadership across our campuses, before the change.
In this closing episode, we sit down with Professor David Lloyd, UniSA’s final Vice Chancellor, as he shares his remarkable journey from scientist to leader, the challenges and triumphs of steering UniSA through transformation, and the legacy he leaves as the university prepares to merge into Adelaide University. David explores risk, resilience and the importance of empowering others, reminding us that leadership is as much about humanity as it is about strategy. This episode not only captures the end of an era, but also looks forward, carrying UniSA’s spirit into a new future.
Sophie is a second year PhD Candidate in Allied Health and Human Performance at UniSA. With a background in psychology, she is fascinated by how our beliefs and knowledge shape the way we behave. Outside of studying, she enjoys reading, baking, and running.
Deb is pursuing a Bachelor of Digital Media online while serving as the student leader at UniSA's Mount Gambier campus. She is passionate about utilising digital media to encourage educational inclusivity and build connections among regional and remote students. Outside of her academic and leadership roles, Deb enjoys motorcycle rides, capturing the beauty of Australia with her camera and listening to podcasts through her helmet speakers!
This podcast is a collaboration between UniSA Student Leadership and the 2024 Student Leadership Scholarship Recipients. The stories and opinions expressed in The Leader in Us podcast are those of the host and/or guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of all students and staff at UniSA. The podcast explores topics related to leadership and leadership qualities.