About podcast

The Mind Behind

On The Mind Behind, we explore what real, everyday leadership looks like with leaders who are unique, influential, engaging, and have that extra something. We get below the surface and ask the questions you want answered. We get to the heart of what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what makes the difference. We look at what’s happening now and gain insights into what’s next. One thing for sure, we encourage opinions.

Listen in for open conversations, honest insights, new ideas, and a bit of fun.

Featured Episodes
AI and Law: Will Tech Change the Legal Game?

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 Sydneyhttps://www.ebay.com.au/itm/313345117754?srsltid=AfmBOop3PpTcz9yUVZGtN6X14cbCGP

Getting Into Law (2002) – A guide still used in university law schools across Australiahttps://www.ebay.com.au/itm/164785388261?srsltid=AfmBOoqOKfdMplRKt6WR3QwRwppN9a3msucjEdb74Uy5syDK6Jditow1

The Priests (2016) – A powerful personal memoir on trauma, recovery, and truthhttps://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

Bernard Desmond’s Journey from Newcomer to Broker of the Year | THE MIND BEHIND

How do you build a successful career from the ground up in a new country? In this episode of The Mind Behind, Graham sits down with Bernard Desmond — M̶o̶r̶t̶g̶a̶g̶e̶  Opportunity Broker and the powerhouse behind Blank Financial — to discuss his remarkable journey from arriving in Australia with just two suitcases to becoming 2025 Residential Broker of the Year.

Bernard’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to success. He shares how he overcame the challenges of starting from scratch, built his network from the ground up, and balanced personal sacrifices with professional growth.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

💡Why taking risks and staying persistent matters

💡Why acting fast and staying proactive is more than just a strategy

💡How empathy and consistency set you apart.

💡The honest truth about balancing career aspirations with family life.


Whether you're looking for career inspiration or practical advice on how to build something from nothing, Bernard’s story will leave you motivated to take charge of your own journey.

Connect with Bernard:

https://blank.financial/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernarddesmond/(Personal):

https://www.instagram.com/bernarddesmondaus/(Business):

https://www.instagram.com/blank.financial/

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations!

👍 Like, share, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

#Success #Perseverance #CareerGrowth #MortgageBroker #Podcast #Inspiration

Navigating Media Crises and Corporate Culture with Neil Henderson

This episode has been 30 years in the making! Graham catches up with Neil Henderson, a broadcasting prodigy turned crisis communication expert. Starting his career at just 15 as the UK's youngest TV commentator for the BBC, Neil went on to work with ITN, Sky Sports, and Sky News. His journey didn’t stop there — he transitioned into brand reputation and crisis comms, working with global giants like Samsung, McDonald's, and Pfizer.

Now based in Switzerland, Neil shares his insights on:

💡Corporate culture evolution — how leadership styles have changed over the years

💡Managing media crises — navigating misinformation and deepfakes

💡The human touch in a tech-driven world — why AI can’t replace real connections

💡Building resilience — how networking and adaptability fuel career success

It’s a candid, thought-provoking conversation that blends Neil’s personal experiences with practical advice on leadership and communication.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations!

👍 Like, share, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

#TheMindBehindPodcast #Leadership #CrisisCommunication #CorporateCulture #AI #Broadcasting

From Algorithms to Empathy: AI, Deep Tech & The Human Element with Sharbani Dhar

As AI and deep tech rapidly reshape our world, one big question remains — how do we innovate without losing what makes us human?

In this episode, Graham sits down with Sharbani Dhar, CEO of DotInfinity and a 2023 ISG Digital Titan, to explore the evolving relationship between technology, business, and human behavior. With a career spanning government, finance, telecom, and tech, Sharbani is a leading voice in AI and design-led strategy, helping businesses balance customer-centric innovation with real-world impact.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

💡 The rapid rise of AI — opportunities, risks, and the limits of automation

💡 Bridging the skills gap — why companies must upskill, not just replace

💡 Cultural attitudes toward AI — why some countries embrace it faster than others

💡 The future of seamless technology — will AI become invisible in our daily lives?💡 The power of perspective — why spending 30 minutes with someone who disagrees with you can change everything

📌 Can AI ever replicate human intuition, creativity, and connection? Or is there a limit to what machines can do? Tune in to find out!

🔔 Subscribe for more insightful conversations on tech, leadership, and the future of work!

#AI #DeepTech #FutureOfWork #HumanCenteredDesign #Podcast #Innovation

Growth, Grit & Letting Go — A Conversation with Terry Hamill 2.0

What does it take to build a thriving business while navigating life’s toughest challenges? In this episode, Terry Hamill, CorporateConnections' Expansion Partner and National Director, shares his journey from becoming Scotland’s youngest qualified hairdresser at 15 to managing thousands of clients across Portugal, Brazil, and Spain. Terry opens up about his recent cancer diagnosis, the power of effective delegation during recovery, and how the experience reshaped his perspective on leadership and business.

We dive into his philosophy on networking without selling, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and the reality of imposter syndrome — even after decades of success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone looking for inspiration, Terry’s insights on resilience, relationships, and reinvention will leave you with valuable takeaways.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

✅ How Terry built a global executive networking community

✅ Lessons from his cancer recovery and business continuity

✅ The role of empathy and authenticity in leadership

✅ Overcoming imposter syndrome — even at the highest levels

Listen now for a candid and insightful conversation with a leader who has truly seen it all.

Building Bridges: Trust, Influence & Scottish Legacy with Russell Dalgleish

In this episode of The Mind Behind, we sit down with Russell Dalgleish, a Scottish serial entrepreneur, investor, and global connector. As the founder of the Scottish Business Network, Russell has dedicated his career to bridging Scotland with the world — helping businesses, leaders, and communities build influence, trust, and opportunities on a global scale.

We explore his personal journey, the power of authentic connections, and the role of Scottish identity in business and leadership. From the legacy of Andrew Carnegie to the impact of AI and adaptability in today's world, Russell shares insights on influence, success, and fostering a global community of Scots.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on business, culture, and the mindset needed to create meaningful impact.

More at https://www.dalecarnegietraining.com.au/the-mind-behind.

Getting Started in L&D with Lauren Scholtz | THE MIND BEHIND

Lauren Scholtz is all about starting up the Learning and Development function in organisations that have never had one before. She's done it previously in a startup-turned-ASX-listed tech company, and is at it again at Humanforce. 

As the "Robin Hood of skills", Lauren supports the first-timers, the one-person-teams and the unofficial L&D-ers that make up the majority of Learning and Development departments.  Through her podcast, "Starting up L&D", Lauren shares her wins (and mistakes!) to give others a head start.

Join Graham Dobbin on The Mind Behind as we explore Lauren’s journey and insights.

https://www.dalecarnegietraining.com.au/the-mind-behind

Making Good Choices with Tony Hamilton

In this episode of The Mind Behind, Graham Dobbin welcomes Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive of the Celtic FC Foundation. From humble beginnings as “the half-time guy” to leading the club’s charitable arm of one of the most recognisable football clubs in the world, Tony shares his remarkable journey and his unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Tony reflects on how his deep connection to Celtic FC and the local community has influenced his leadership, the rewards of giving back, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Navigating the Future of Work: Insights with Morag Fitzsimons

Step into the dynamic world of workplace transformation with Morag Fitzsimons, Head of People Advisory at Lockton.

Morag brings a wealth of experience in banking, insurance, and workers' compensation, adding depth to our conversation. We explore the intriguing world of generational shifts, gaining insights into the impending dominance of Gen Z in the workforce. Morag discusses attitudinal differences, workplace expectations, and the vital role of mentorship in bridging the generational gap.

Get ready for an engaging journey through the ever-evolving dynamics of work culture!

No Spin, Just Trust: Real-World Crisis Lessons for Leaders

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

AI Won’t Replace You, But Slow Thinking Will

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/

Meet the host
Graham Dobbin

Never one to hold back, Graham brings a direct, curious voice to every conversation. As a podcast host, facilitator and speaker, he asks the tough questions that get people thinking and knows how to engage audiences of all kinds.

Naturally inquisitive from a young age, that same curiosity now drives him to explore what makes people, teams and organisations really tick.

Today, Graham works with organisations like Specsavers, Amazon, LinkedIn and Macquarie across Australia, the US and the UK, exploring the shifts shaping work — from new skill demands and AI to leadership, culture and the everyday challenges of hybrid teams and talent.