In this episode of The Grit Diaries, we sit down with Dave Chauhan — author, leadership consultant, and former corporate executive — to explore what leadership really means in today’s world.

After nearly two decades in the corporate world, Dave realised that traditional definitions of success — titles, income, and status — weren’t aligned with what truly matters. Shaped by a childhood between two very different value systems, he began questioning everything he thought he knew about leadership.

This conversation challenges outdated leadership models and explores what it takes to lead with purpose, empathy, and responsibility.

Episode Pillars

● Two Worlds, One Identity

Growing up between two sets of parents and conflicting values — and how this shaped Dave’s leadership philosophy

● Success vs Purpose

The moment Dave realised corporate success wasn’t enough — and chose a different path

● Why Leadership Is Broken

How outdated, KPI-driven leadership models are failing people and organisations

● The Captain Set Sail Framework

Beacon (purpose), Wayfinder (adaptability), and Seafarer (courage) — a new way to lead

● The Hidden Weight of Leadership

Decision fatigue, emotional pressure, and the responsibility leaders carry every day

The Kintsugi Connection

Dave’s journey reflects the essence of Kintsugi — where life’s fractures become the foundation for growth, purpose, and impact.

Rather than being defined by pressure or misalignment, Dave used those experiences to rebuild a new understanding of leadership grounded in values and humanity.

About Kintsugi Heroes

Kintsugi Heroes is an Australian not-for-profit (DGR endorsed) dedicated to strengthening mental wellbeing through the power of storytelling.

We believe that lived experience is a gift to be shared, not a scar to be hidden.

Partner with Us

https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/partners/

Donate

https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate/#donate

Connect With Us

Website: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kintsugi-heroes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintsugi.heroes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kintsugi-Heroes-100084850387170/

Episode Summary

What would you do if you were given 72 hours to live? When Julie Randall was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma that had spread to her brain, she refused to accept a terminal "no." In this powerful episode of Grit Diaries, Mon & Mazz explore Julie’s extraordinary journey of tenacity—from the moment her life changed overnight to her global search for a life-saving clinical trial. Julie’s story is a masterclass in the "Grit" required to find a Plan B when the world says there isn't one.

Episode Pillars

1. The 72-Hour Turning Point: Facing a terminal diagnosis with two young daughters and choosing to "not go quietly."
2. The Global Search for a Miracle: The relentless pursuit of a US-based clinical trial and the bureaucratic hurdles of the medical system.
3. Mindset as Medicine: How Julie managed the mental "white noise" of trauma to stay focused on survival.
4. Patient Advocacy: Why Julie now dedicates her life to helping others navigate the "broken" parts of the healthcare system.
5. The Kintsugi Connection: Finding the gold in the repair and why scars are a testament to a life fought for and won.

Topics Covered: > Julie Randall, Stage 4 Melanoma, Grit Diaries, Kintsugi Heroes, Cancer Survivor Stories, Clinical Trials, Patient 71, Resilience, Overcoming Terminal Diagnosis, Patient Advocacy, Australia Podcast, Metastatic Melanoma, Mental Wellbeing, Simone Allan, Maryan Bova.

The Kintsugi Connection

To see the visual story of Julie's journey and explore more episodes of resilience, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kintsugiheroes/videos

If Julie’s story moved you, explore these related Hero conversations:

1. Dealing with Illness? Listen to Ian Westmoreland’s story of launching Kintsugi Heroes while facing his own melanoma journey.
2. Seeking Resilience? Discover how Cameron reframed a terminal prognosis into a life of peace and flight.

About Kintsugi Heroes

Kintsugi Heroes is an Australian not-for-profit (DGR endorsed) dedicated to strengthening mental wellbeing through the power of storytelling. We believe that lived experience is a gift to be shared, not a scar to be hidden.

Partner with Us

Align your organisation with resilience and social responsibility. Help us amplify voices that inspire change. https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/partners/

Donate

Your tax-deductible contribution helps us reach over 6 million Australians via community radio and continue sharing these vital stories. https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate/#donate

Connect With Us

1. Website: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kintsugi-heroes/
3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintsugi.heroes/
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kintsugi-Heroes-100084850387170/

Born in Manly in 1974, Zali grew up between the Northern Beaches and the French Alps, where she discovered her love for skiing. Coming from a sporting family, with a grandfather who represented Australia in rugby and a father active in rugby and surf lifesaving, it was perhaps no surprise that Zali would go on to compete in four Winter Olympic Games, achieving medal success against the odds.

After retiring from sport, Zali built a remarkable career in law, completing her studies by correspondence while competing, practising as a barrister specialising in sport and family law, and serving on the International Court of Arbitration for Sport. Her contributions to sport and charity earned her an Order of Australia Medal in 2007 and induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Beyond career achievements, Zali is passionate about family and community. She and her family love raising their children in Warringah, taking part in local schools, sports, and activities, while Zali works tirelessly in Parliament to address issues like cost of living, climate, governance, and environmental protection.

In this conversation, we dive into the values that shaped her — courage, commitment, and determination — and how she brings the same drive from the slopes to representing her community in politics.

Her journey is a powerful story of resilience - surviving a life-threatening battle with cerebral malaria, enduring 13 surgeries, and relearning how to walk. This experience ignited her mission to support women in overcoming adversity and building strength in the face of life’s challenges.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Stephenie inspires others to rise above setbacks, embrace innovation, and create meaningful change for vulnerable communities worldwide.

Michael’s passion lies in tackling one of the most hidden and damaging forms of coercive control: financial abuse. Affecting 1 in 6 women and 1 in 13 men in Australia, financial abuse often goes unseen, yet it is a precursor to other forms of domestic violence. Michael’s work focuses on equipping financial service professionals to identify red flags, support clients at risk, and advocate for stronger systems of protection.

In this episode, Michael shares:

-What financial abuse looks like and the red flags to be aware of.

-Why financial service professionals must embrace their duty of care, despite gaps in government policy.

-How elder financial abuse is on the rise, with urgent need for awareness and safeguards.

-A practical framework for survivors to rebuild their financial independence and take back control of their lives.

Michael’s dream is bold but clear: to eradicate domestic violence by shining a light on financial abuse and ensuring all Australians can live with financial dignity and independence. His upcoming book, Financial Abuse: The Real Truth Behind This Hidden Epidemic and Steps to Take Back Control (August 2025), further amplifies this mission.

👉 Connect with Michael:

🌐 www.quantumleap-global.com

Driven by a desire to empower others, Cecilia leans into her lived experience to inspire and inform with stories of recovery and renewal. With a background in counselling and a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, Cecilia is recognised for shining a light on the impact of domestic violence and coercive control, particularly through the lens of regional Aboriginal women.

Through her engagement in government initiatives, she is paving the way for a coalition of voices and action towards delivering more effective services for men and women in regional Australia, and accessible, culturally informed services for First Nations victim survivors.

Cecilia is a classically trained vocalist who has performed on multiple stages across Australia, using the power of story and song to convey hope and share perspectives. When not on stage speaking or performing, Cecilia is living life to the full with her beautiful daughters and partner on their rural property in the Southern Tablelands.

A story told through the eyes of Chelli Look, a creative in the luxury leather handbag space. After the sudden murder of her beloved sister through domestic violence, she shares her journey through grief and loss, using her art as a way to process her experience. Moving her journey to a place of forgiveness and healing, and eventually choosing her next path.

Jason and Blue take us behind the curtain and share how their connection with Chelli took place, the decision to make a heartfelt documentary that is so needed in these times. The challenges on a production side, and the ultimate joy of creating film that matters.

Husband and wife duo, Jason & Blue are an award-winning co-directing team working in films and commercials together and individually. They have directed for brands such as Walgreens, 7UP, Scotch-Brite, Meiomi Wine, Chipotle, Intelligentsia, and LOEWE. Their heart for storytelling can be seen in their work for The Boys & Girls Clubs, GE Girls, Athletes Unlimited, Lincoln Park Community Services, which won a Silver Telly, as well as a piece for Chicago Connected, which President Barack Obama shared. Their film, Otis’ Dream, about voter suppression, debuted during the months leading up to the 2020 election and was shared by Oprah as an official Super Soul Sunday short film, gaining attention from major media outlets. Female and male, tactful and feeling, they evoke imagination and authentic human narratives directing as one voice.

jasonandblue.com

@jasonandblue

@buffalo

dawnduskfilm.com

You can view the documentary on Amazon and Hoopla

dawnduskfilm.com/trailer

dawnduskfilm.com/press

tinyurl.com/42ujswjy

Karen is a master of storytelling, founder of The Story Room Global, a platform for people to come together and listen to stories from a diverse range of backgrounds A monthly dose of people coming together to this sold out event to listen, be inspired, entertained and a time to think about life more deeply.

Karen is an entrepreneur, founding her podcast and publishing her book Ageing Fearlessly.

A marriage celebrant, an global adventurer, a regular swimmer at the famous Bold and the Beautiful swimming crew at Manly.

All of this with anxiety, something that many are dealing with.

Please listen in, as Karen shares her journey, her attitude to life, and what really matters.

After a 15-year career as a process engineer, Kate followed her entrepreneurial spirit and transitioned in 2012 to building and growing small businesses. Today, as a business growth specialist, she helps entrepreneurial people start, grow, and scale ventures effectively, driven by her passion to see others succeed in doing what they love.

Sonya is the host of the popular podcast Dear Menopause, having interviewed leading local and global experts and commentators in the fields of menopausal health, mental health and government.

In this interview, Sonya shares her deeply personal experience of being diagnosed with aggressive Breast cancer at 47, and navigating

 the chaos of a medically induced menopause,  Unprepared, unsupported and uneducated she made it her mission to change that experience for others. In 2025 Sonya was announced as the Australian and NZ Ambassador for the global charity, Menopause and Cancer. Sonya has just announced teaming up with Lorai Health as the Communications and community Engagement lead.

A passionate leader in this space that is gaining fast momentum in Australia, for all those dealing with Perimenopause/menopause, you'll want to watch this episode!

https://www.instagram.com/sonyalovell/

sonyalovell.com

https://www.dearmenopause.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonyalovell/

Juliana is a Domestic Violence Advocate committed to create a world without Domestic and Family Violence Workplace Program Manager - Challenge DV Beyond DV Advocate

Join us as Juliana shares her incredible story, from her migrant experience to her mission to create safer communities for women and families. Her talk will inspire, empower, and encourage others to never give up on their dreams, no matter how challenging life may get.

On our very first episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with the amazing Anne Gately - Stage IV Melanoma survivor, passionate advocate for sun and skin safety, and changing the way us  Aussies view our relationship with the glorified Bronzed Aussie image.  Australia is the capital for skin cancer. I am a nurse so I see the effects of Melanoma almost daily, it is truly devastating.

Anne,  author of "Sunburnt", Speaker, advocate for Sun Safety, and featured in the Documentary "Conquering Skin Cancer", released in November 2024 is a passionate leader in the education space that is turning the tide on Melanoma rates.

In our conversation, Anne unpacks her childhood beach lifestyle, her diagnosis, gruelling treatment and incredible road back to remission, and what's important to her now.

Enjoy our first episode, here on The Grit Diaries!

Anne's socials and links:

Website: https://www.annegately.com.au/

Purchase the book: https://www.annegately.com.au/collections/sunburnt-collection

The film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33477058/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annegately_author/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-gately/

Join your hosts Mon and Mazz as they uncover inspiring stories of local heroes – often unsung, but always extraordinary. These are stories of tenacity, resilience, and the grace that emerges through life’s toughest challenges.

Each fortnight, you’ll hear from remarkable individuals who’ve overcome obstacles, made a difference, and embody the true Aussie pioneering spirit.

The first episode drops Tuesday 24 September on all Kintsugi Heroes platforms, with new episodes every second Wednesday.