What does leadership look like when the stakes are life and death then again when the mission becomes meaning?
In this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with Colonel Michael Scott CSC, a decorated Australian Army officer turned CEO, author, and founder of the 2023 Foundation, whose mission is to educate and empower others through firsthand experience and truth-seeking.
After serving in East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Israel, Michael shares powerful lessons from three decades in the profession of arms on teamwork, humility, and what it really takes to build a high-performing culture under pressure. From leading soldiers in combat to leading communities through division, he unpacks:
- How to turn adversity into purpose and service
- Why humility and followership matter as much as leadership
- The critical role of emotional intelligence in elite teams
- How to rebuild trust, accountability, and character in modern leadership
- The confronting realities of misinformation and why critical thinking is today’s new battlefield
- Why everyone should visit Israel and experience first hand the beautiful people and culture.
Michael’s story is one of courage, conviction, and legacy. His book, A Light Still Burns: Israel and the Values Worth Defending, challenges us all to rethink what we stand for and how we lead when no one’s watching.
🎧 Tune in to hear how one man’s journey from the front line to the foundation of a new movement is redefining what it means to serve, lead, and live with purpose.
Chapters
00:00 From Soldier to Leader: Michael Scott's Journey 03:36 Lessons from the Battlefield: Building High-Performing Teams 08:47 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 12:23 Embracing Imperfection: The Power of Accountability 14:19 Experiencing Israel: A Life-Changing Perspective 23:10 Finding Your Why: Legacy and Service 24:24 Confronting Intolerance and Victim Blaming 26:14 Finding Your 'Why' and Building Trust 28:02 Navigating Change: The Importance of Adaptability 30:36 Building High-Performing Teams in High-Stakes Environments 34:18 Understanding Israel: Values Worth Defending 40:22 The Complexity of Conflict and the Role of Education
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What is Transforming the Game?
Transforming the Game with Kristina Katsanevas is the podcast for game-changers, risk-takers, and industry shakers. Don’t hate the player—hate the game? Not here. These leaders are rewriting the rules. From high-net-worth entrepreneurs, founders of Australia’s most iconic brands, and those disciplined enough to keep stacking those habits to success. We dive into the minds of pioneers innovating in media, business, fashion, sport and transformation.
Want to know how to break the mold and redefine success in your career, business, and life?
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