In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, Ally Nitschke sits down with Dara Simkin to explore why play is not a luxury; it is a leadership and performance advantage.

Together, they unpack how play improves creativity, builds stronger connections, reduces burnout, and helps teams innovate in high-pressure environments.

If work has become all output and no energy, this conversation is a timely reminder that the best workplaces are productive because they are human.

Tune-in to the Made For More Podcast for weekly conversation on courageous leadership, fulfilment and meaningful impact.

[00:02:58] The importance of adult play.

[00:03:52] Adult play in professional life.

[00:09:45] Importance of play in life.

[00:11:36] Joy and play in adulthood.

[00:15:46] Play as a productivity tool.

[00:19:38] Joy, play, and fun distinctions.

[00:24:05] Redefining success and achievement.

[00:28:38] Cultivating ease in life.

[00:31:29] Nervous system regulation fundamentals.

[00:36:07] Redefining success and play.

Connect with Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Connect with Dara Simkin

Cuturehero.co

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

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Check out the book Full Stack Human by Dara Simkin & Tane Hunter.

Middle managers sit at the most critical intersection of an organisation.

They translate strategy into action, shape culture on the ground, and influence how teams experience leadership every day.

Yet despite their impact, middle managers are often under-invested in, under-developed, and misunderstood.

In this episode, Ally Nitschke is joined by Rebecca Houghton to unpack why middle managers carry such a heavy burden in modern organisations and what leaders can do to unlock their true potential.

Together, they explore the idea of developing “B-Suite Leaders”. These are leaders who may not sit in the C-Suite but have the capability to create meaningful strategic impact.

If organisations want transformation to stick, culture to shift, and strategy to translate into real performance, the middle layer of leadership must be equipped, empowered, and developed.

This conversation explores what that actually requires.

[00:02:06] Middle managers' pivotal role.

[00:04:19] Middle managers' reputation challenges.

[00:08:58] Middle managers' education gaps.

[00:12:21] Empowering middle managers effectively.

[00:15:54] Mid-level leaders' confidence issues.

[00:19:41] Future of middle management.

[00:21:14] Middle managers' evolving roles.

[00:25:21] AI companion for middle managers.

Connect with Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Get your leadership roadmap for the AI era. Download the special report here.

Connect with Rebecca Houghton

Boldhr.com

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn.

Get a copy of the book More Impact, More Easily here.

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, leadership communication expert and bestselling author Ally Nitschke tackles a leadership advantage that’s often misunderstood: poise under pressure.

Because poise isn’t a personality trait you’re born with…

It’s a trainable skill that directly impacts how you’re perceived and how effectively you lead when the stakes are high.

Whether you’re navigating a tough performance conversation, presenting to your team, or holding your ground in a boardroom, this episode will help you stay calm, clear, and credible without shutting down, snapping, or second-guessing yourself later.

1. Bust the “natural leaders stay calm” myth (and what’s actually going on instead)
2. Keep your composure when emotions rise and the room gets tense
3. Communicate with clarity under pressure, even when you feel triggered
4. Strengthen your executive presence in meetings, presentations, and difficult conversations
5. Build a poise practice you can use in real-time (not just in theory)

Drawing insights from Ally’s bestselling book Grunt, Grit and Grace, this episode gives you practical strategies to lead with steadiness, influence, and conviction, especially when it matters most.

Tune in and learn how to turn pressure into presence.

[00:00:54] Poise under pressure skills.

[00:04:18] Leadership lessons from ballet.

[00:10:06] The grunt phase in leadership.

[00:12:25] Leadership and emotional regulation.

[00:16:55] Poise under pressure in leadership.

Connect with Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Get your leadership roadmap for the AI era. Download the special report here.

Get your copy of the book Grunt, Grit & Grace here.