The Impact Professional Podcast
Dr Seán Barnes 30 episodes Jun 20, 2026
The Impact Professional Podcast is hosted by Dr Seán Barnes and explores change across professions. Each episode examines emerging trends and ideas that are reshaping professional work, with thought-provoking conversations featuring innovative leaders. The show is designed to challenge norms, encourage curiosity, and help listeners lead positive change in their work and professions.
Episodes
IP Episode 29 - Benjamin and Seán discuss modern slavery
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.Today we have another special episode. I talk with Benjamin Skinner, a world-renowned author, investigative journalist and modern slavery expert. We discuss the harm that modern slavery does in it’s many forms, and corporate and government efforts to address this issue.Find out more about Benjamin and connect with Transparentem here https://transparentem.
IP Episode 28 - Gary and Seán explore the NZ Modern Slavery Bill
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.Today we have a special episode (after a verrrrrry long hiatus). I talk with Gary Shaw about the Modern Slavery Act that is currently progressing through the NZ parliament. We traverse our thoughts on language, risk and other aspects of the Bill. Ultimately we encourage you to submit and support this Bill as it is an important milestone for New Zealand.Co
IP Episode 27 - Sara and Seán discuss service
Today is an interview show and we welcome Sara Templeton. Sara is an inspiring wahine who has worked tirelessly in service of her local Heathcote, and our wider Christchurch community for many years. We talk about service and her experiences in community development and in local government. To connect with Sara, find her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-templeton-chch and on her
IP Episode 26 - Chris and Seán discuss connection, impact and being a founder
I'm back!!Today is an interview with Dr Chris Burnett - founder of That Conversations Movement. We talk about life, positive impact and connections. We also explore Chris' experience as a founder of a global movement to promote deeper conversations. To find an event and keep up to date with That Conversations, visit:https://www.conversationsmovement.com/ To connect with Chris, find him on
IP Episode 25 - What is next for the podcast?
The Impact Professional is taking a wee hiatus - and plans are being hatched. Today Seán shares an update and discusses what is to come.To subscribe to Sean's Substack (as mentioned today):https://substack.com/@seanobarnz Comment on what you want to hear about or drop Seán an email if you're that way inclined!Please subscribe to get future episodes.For more and to get a copy of the book, please vi
IP Episode 24 - Steven and Seán discuss law and impact
Today is an interview show and haere mai to Steven Moe, a leading impact professional. Steven is not only a specialist “impact lawyer” by day, he is also a proud father and a big thought leader with the Seeds podcast, his childrens book The Apple Tree and numerous other creative side hustles! It was a pleasure to finally have him on the show as he was a big inspiration for the book.To connect with
IP Episode 23 - Kieran and Seán present WNOW: When No One’s Watching
Today is a mini show and I sit down with Kieran (star of Episode 22) to discuss a new project we have launched in Ōtautahi Christchurch focussed on growing connection and supporting men’s health. The Sunrise Club is a weekly point of connection and part of a rapidly growing global movement. To find out more about WNOW go to wnow.com.au and you can also find and join a chapter near you. It’s going
IP Episode 22 - Kieran and Seán discuss finances, money and wellbeing
Today is an interview show and we meet Kieran Sutherland, a close friend who weaves together financial advice and wellbeing in his day to day work. Kieran is a mental health advocate, and you can hear how he brings his life experiences to his work. Also, he has a lot of great content and tools to explore at Cents of Worth (mentioned in the show).To connect with Kieran, you can find him at CIC Fina
IP Episode 21 - AUDIOBOOK The Impact Professional (Reintroduction, Impact Professional Charter and Shout-Outs)
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another audiobook show.
We close out the book with some parting thoughts, where to next and the Impact Professional Charter. Seán also gives some shout-outs to all the important people who inspired and supported the book.
Please subscribe to get future episodes.
For more and to get a copy of the book, please visit impactprofessional.nz
To ge
IP Episode 20 - AUDIOBOOK Chapter 10: Amplifying Change
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another audiobook show.
We close out Section C: Aspiring for Better with Chapter 10: Amplifying Change. This chapter looks at increasing the scale of our change and how we can bring more people along with us.
Please subscribe to get future episodes.
For more and to get a copy of the book, please visit impactprofessional.nz
To get in touch wi
IP Episode 19 - Maka Kama and Seán discuss culture and the workplace
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another interview show and we meet Maka Kama who works to close the digital divide in remote and indigenous communities in Australia. Maka is an inspiration and this episode explores how his whakapapa, culture and upbringing fuels and gives meaning to his professional work. This was a real joy!
To connect with Maka, you can find him on LinkedIn
IP Episode 18 - AUDIOBOOK Chapter 9: First Nations Learning
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another audiobook show.
We continue Section C: Aspiring for Better with Chapter 9: First Nations Learning. This chapter looks First Nations thinking and how concepts like connection, respect and wisdom offer us opportunities to lift our impact to new levels by standing on the shoulders of our elders.
Please subscribe to get future episodes.
Fo
IP Episode 17 - Callum McKirdy and Seán discuss positivity
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another companion interview - and we meet Callum McKirdy who is a beacon of positivity through his advocacy for neurodiversity in the workplace. We have a lot of laughs on this show as we look on the bright side of life.
To find out more about Callum, visit his website here https://www.callummckirdy.com/
Please subscribe to get future episode
IP Episode 16 - AUDIOBOOK Chapter 8: The Power of Positive
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another audiobook show.
We continue Section C: Aspiring for Better with Chapter 8: The Power of Positive. This chapter looks at upside and opportunity and how going positive empowers us and others to act.
Please subscribe to get future episodes.
For more and to get a copy of the book, please visit impactprofessional.nz
To get in touch with S
IP Episode 15 - Clemmie Baker and Seán discuss impact
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.Today is another companion interview - and we meet Clemmie Baker, who I would call my ‘impact sherpa’ as I grew my understanding of impact of the years. We take on this big topic and break it down for you all! Clammie also reminds us to be exceptional, not busy :-)To find out more about Clemmie, visit her organisation Hoku https://hoku.nz/ and check out h
IP Episode 14 - AUDIOBOOK Chapter 7: Positive Change is Powerful
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another audiobook show.
We kick off Section C: Aspiring for Better with Chapter 7: Positive Change is Powerful. This dives into Positive Change and how we make sure we get it right. It explores different perspectives on impact, and the common mistakes people make.
Please subscribe to get future episodes.
For more and to get a copy of the book,
IP Episode 13 - Sarah Blackie and Seán discuss relationships and connection
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another companion interview - and we meet the original ‘SB’ Sarah Blackie! Sarah is someone who cares deeply about relationships and shows how important they are to success. We reflect on being guided by something bigger than ourselves and Sarah introduces the 4C’s of competence, care, consistency and candor in relationships!
To find out more a
IP Episode 12 - AUDIOBOOK Chapter 6: Relationships and Connection
We wrap up Section B: Getting Things Done with Chapter 6: Relationships and Connection. This focuses on relationships and how they can be built and maintained, as well as the different roles people play in supporting you and taking action.
Please subscribe to get future episodes.
For more and to get a copy of the book, please visit impactprofessional.nz
To get in touch with Seán, email barnz.c
IP Episode 11 - Frae Cairns and Seán discuss the roles of positive change
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another companion interview - and we meet the amazing Frae Cairns from Puna Awarau. We explore change and the roles that champions practically play inside organisations and Frae talks about the importance of being open to experiences and the necessity of a strong support network.
To find out more about Frae, check out Frae’s organisation Puna A
IP Episode 10 - AUDIOBOOK Chapter 5: Time and Hustle
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another audiobook show.
We continue Section B: Getting Things Done and move to Chapter 5: Time and Hustle. This explores the concept of time and more particularly where choose to spend our time. It also explores the roles Impact Professionals play in positive change.
Please subscribe to get future episodes.
For more and to get a copy of the bo
IP Episode 9 - Hone Dalton and Seán discuss taking action
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another companion interview - and we dig into taking action with the amazing and wise Hone Dalton. We discussed Hone’s career journey and how he took big steps into opportunity. Hone has a very deliberate approach to navigating change in organisations and I was struck by his practical advice and the many things that can be applied.
To find out
IP Episode 8 - AUDIOBOOK Chapter 4: Trying Stuff and Taking Action
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another audiobook show.
We start Section B: Getting Things Done and open with Chapter 4: trying Stuff and Taking Action. We move into the action phase of being an impact professional and more particularly the need to take the approach of learning through action.
Please subscribe to get future episodes.
For more and to get a copy of the book,
IP Episode 7 - Bevan James Eyles and Seán discuss self-care
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another companion interview - and we meet the passionate Bevan James Eyles. Bev is a long time friend, and I couldn’t think of a better person to have this conversation with given his work in fitness, coaching and wellbeing.
To find out more about Bevan, visit his website here: https://www.bevanjameseyles.com/home
Please subscribe to get futu
IP Episode 6 - AUDIOBOOK Chapter 3: Performance and Self-Care
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another audiobook show.
We wrap up Section A: Starting with You with the Chapter 3: Performance and Self-Care. The third chapter is based on the simple premise that if you’re not at your best yourself, then you cannot give your best to your work and others. This is fundamental to being an impact professional.
Please subscribe to get future ep
IP Episode 5 - Stu van Rij and Seán discuss imperfection
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another companion interview show - and we meet the amazing Stu van Rij. Stu works in the space of people, leaderships and influence, and has an interesting career arc from law to his current work. He is also a great yarn as you’ll hear on the show - and we take on the complex and deeply personal topic of imperfection.
To find out more about Stu
IP Episode 4 - AUDIOBOOK Chapter 2: The Imperfection Challenge
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is another audiobook show.
We continue on Section A: Starting with You and move to Chapter 2: The Imperfection Challenge. This second chapter looks at how imperfection plays out in our professional roles and the things we need to think about to unleash our inner impact professional!
Please subscribe to get future episodes.
For more and to get a c
IP Episode 3 - Kate Selway and Seán discuss values
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is our first interview show - and we welcome the wonderful Kate Selway. We hear more about Kate’s career in People, culture and human resources, and discuss values and how these play out in our organisations and professions.
To find out more about Kate on LinkedIn here : https://nz.linkedin.com/in/kateselway
And another podcast she has done aroun
IP Episode 2 - AUDIOBOOK Chapter 1: Values and Living Them
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is the launch of the audio version of the Impact Professional! And a bonus Episode 2.
We start on Section A: Starting with You and open with Chapter 1: Values and Living Them. The first chapter explores values, both our personal values, how they play out in organisations and also the values of the professions that we're part of.
Please subscribe
IP Episode 1 - AUDIOBOOK The Impact Professional (Front Matter, Introduction)
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today is the launch of the audio version of the Impact Professional! For all you audiobook fans out there and for those who requested this - here you go.
Episode 1 includes the “front matter” of the book so the introduction and what it’s all about. I’ve also released Episode 2 today so you can get straight into Chapter 1 of the book.
Please subscribe t
Introducing the Impact Professional Podcast
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa!
Welcome to the Impact Professional Podcast.
Today we launch and find out more about what is coming up.
Please subscribe to get future episodes.
For more and to get a copy of the book, please visit impactprofessional.nz
To get in touch with Seán, email barnz.consulting@gmail.com
