Dear 21 Year Old Me - life lessons from leaders

Anchored by their 21st birthday and reflecting on their aspirations, our guest discusses how their perspectives on life and leadership have been framed, what critical life and leadership lessons they’ve learned, and what they would say today to their 21-year-old self.

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Latest episodes

23 July 2025

E12: Andrew Klein, MC, speaker, trainer

In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Andrew Klein

We go back in time to 1986 when Andrew turned 21.
Andrew reflects on his early career and what made him change career direction
We talk about the Sydney Olympics and Andrew's involvement
Why is 'Survivor' a TV show Andrew loves?!
We discuss being genuine and the importance of honesty in challenging situations
We ask Andrew what he'd say to his 21-year-old self, and what Andrew at 21 would say to himself now.

Links

Andrew Klein https://andrewklein.com.au/
Jeremy Irvine https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremymirvine/
Dear21 Year Old Me website
You're the Voice original music video

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01:34:11

28 March 2024

E11: Sarah Makris, career success coach

Send us a text In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Sarah Makris We go back in time to 1997 when our guest, Sarah Makris, turned 21. Sarah reflects on her career journey, her drive, and determination. We discuss understanding your brand and the importance of simple, clear communication. Sarah steps back and looks at the contrasts between corporate life and running your own small business. We discuss how Sarah learns from others and the traits of being a good leader. We ask ...

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01:14:22

17 March 2024

E10: John Bucchino, composer, songwriter, performer

Send us a text In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest John Bucchino We go back in time to 1972 when our guest, John Bucchino, turned 21, and look at his trip back to the East Coast from California. John reflects on his earliest musical influences and how he began songwriting. We talk about how John's composing evolved, and the importance of humility and being true to himself. John reflects on a critical lesson with an executive and what led to a key track in a Disney movie. Jo...

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02:12:38

22 February 2024

E9: Garry Pearson OAM, teacher, association CEO, mentor

Send us a text In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Garry Pearson OAM We go back in time to 1973 when our guest, Garry Pearson, turned 21, and look at what was happening in the world, and closer to home back then. Garry reflects on his experiences commencing as a teacher and then moving into executive roles. We talk about how Garry's leadership style has evolved, and the importance of humility. Garry reflects on a critical early lesson learned. Garry talks about the im...

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01:12:36

14 April 2023

E8: Craig Norenbergs - journalist, manager, and sports fan

Send us a text In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Craig Norenbergs We go back in time to 1989 when our guest, Craig Norenbergs, turned 21, and look at what was happening in the world, and closer to home back then. Craig reflects on his experiences growing up in Canberra. We talk about how Craig's leadership style has evolved, and the importance of humility. Craig reflects on how he got his start in the media, driving across two states to try and do so, and how literal...

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28 March 2023

E7: Michael Manthorpe PSM - former senior Australian Public Servant

Send us a text In this episode of Dear 21-Year-Old Me, with guest Michael Manthorpe PSM We go back in time to 1984, when our guest, Michael Manthorpe, turned 21, and look at what was happening in the world, and closer to home back then. Michael reflects on his experiences growing up in Queensland, and how then he eventually joined the Australian Public Service. We talk about how Michael's leadership style evolved, and the importance of curiosity. Michael looks back on his care...

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