About Our Guest
David Gregory, OAM, is the Executive Producer of "Just a Farmer" and Director of Live Rural. A member of Beyond Blue's NASBO Steering Committee, he has been recognized with the SME Global Leader award at the UN (United Nations). David serves as an Expert Judge for Awards Australia Community Awards and is a member of Screen Producers Australia. He is the former CEO of Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS).
Fear: The Thief of Dreams | Fear, Purpose & Action
Beyond the Badge: A Leader’s Story
In this conversation, David Gregory, OAM, shares his enduring relationship with fear, acknowledging that uncertainty has been his constant companion throughout life. He reflects on his journey from leaving home at fourteen to becoming a CEO and receiving an Order of Australia Medal, revealing how every meaningful dream requires us to walk through our fears rather than wait for them to disappear. Through genuine vulnerability, David explores his ongoing battle with imposter syndrome and his philosophy of "if you can't beat fear, do it scared." He shares how saying "yes" despite uncertainty led him from near bankruptcy to speaking at the United Nations, and most recently, to producing a film about farmer suicide. David's story reveals how fear can become a compass rather than a barrier, offering a roadmap for turning personal challenges into meaningful service to others. His journey reminds us that courage isn't about being fearless, it's about letting our purpose become bigger than our fears.
David’s Tips
There are enough obstacles in life without you becoming one of them.
Many of us aren’t living our dreams because we are living our fears.
Fear is the thief of dreams.
It’s how you respond to fear that defines you. Whether you can accept it, use it, seek it or run from it, is always…always… up to you.
David’s Contact Details
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgregoryOAM
Just a Farmer Movie: https://www.justafarmermovie.com/team/
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Time Stamps
00:00 David Gregory, OAM Intro
02:47 Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Struggle
05:28 Coping Mechanisms: Running Towards Fear
07:50 Achievements and Imposter Syndrome: A Complex Relationship
10:07 The Weight of Recognition: Living Up to Expectations
12:55 The Role of Responsibility: OAM and Community Engagement
14:56 Navigating New Challenges: The Film Journey
17:27 Reflections on Early Life: The Impact of Leaving Home
22:30 Formative Experiences and Life Choices
24:56 The Role of Leadership in Making a Difference
27:21 Navigating Fear and Control in Leadership
32:37 The Burden of Control and Emotional Challenges
38:10 Facing Loneliness and Mental Health Awareness
42:44 Lessons from Life: Messages to My Younger Self
44:45 It's a Wrap
If anything in this episode resonated with you and if you feel like you could use a little extra support, please consider reaching out to trusted local support services in your area. You don’t have to go through it alone.
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