How Can Leaders Inspire and Empower Others Through Authentic Leadership? Tim Hewson

Tim Hewson joins Anton Guinea to explore how influence can shift from persuading people to inspiring, empowering, and supporting them. He shares how authentic leadership and vulnerability changed the way he connects with colleagues and understands what motivates them. Tim also tells the story of Mongrels Men, which grew from informal golf weekends into a community supporting men’s mental health, with around 60 volunteers. The conversation looks at self-care, psychosocial safety at work, and the shared roles of organizations, leaders, and individuals in supporting wellbeing. Tim’s message is that lasting influence grows through care, connection, practical support, and recognizing what matters to others.

Takeaways:

1. Influence is about empowering people. Tim describes moving from a corporate view of influence persuading people to inspiring, supporting, and helping them achieve what matters to them.
2. Connection and vulnerability strengthen leadership. Being authentic, listening to people, and understanding their motivations can build trust and help teams work better together.
3. Wellbeing is a shared responsibility. Organizations shape the conditions and culture, leaders support open conversations, and individuals speak up and care for their wellbeing.

Quotes:

• “Knowing what is best for you allows you to turn up to be the best version of yourself.”
• “If you continue to run at that high energy pace when you're switched on, you will turn yourself in knots, and that's not always a good place to be.”
• “If you can understand what makes people tick, what they value, you know you can lead through influence, through care and support, by helping them achieve what they want to achieve, not necessarily what you want to achieve.”

Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction to Tim Hewson 02:19 Redefining Influence 03:32 Authentic Leadership and Vulnerability 08:29 Leaders Who Make an Impact 11:19 Leading for Impact 14:20 How Mongrels Men Began 16:32 Self-Care and Wellbeing 20:22 Learning to Switch Off 22:09 Workplace Mental Health and Legislation 29:09 Shared Responsibility for Wellbeing 33:20 The Meaning Behind Mongrels Men 34:33 Coaching Others to Influence 38:33 Recognition and Motivation 40:13 Influence Through Care and Support 44:20 Tim’s Closing Reflections

Conclusion:

Tim Hewson’s story shows how influence can grow from persuading people to inspiring, empowering, and supporting them. His experience highlights the value of authenticity, vulnerability, and care in building stronger relationships and healthier workplaces. Through Mongrels Men, he has helped create a community where men can connect and support one another. He reminds us that wellbeing is a shared responsibility, shaped by organizations, leaders, and individuals. Ultimately, lasting influence comes from understanding what matters to people and helping them make a meaningful difference.

Ready to support men’s mental health and create stronger, more connected communities?

Tim Hewson, founder of Mongrels Men, works with communities and workplaces to encourage open conversations, reduce isolation, and strengthen wellbeing. Connect with Tim to learn more about his work in men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and psychological safety.

📧 Email: mongrelsmen@gmail.com 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhewson1/ 🌐 Visit: https://bettermentco.com.au/