EP:33 - Dalton Henshaw: The No BS Leadership Lesson You Need to Hear (Part 2)

In this episode of Top of Mind, host Hayley Westoby sits down with Dalton Henshaw, founder of Bullfrog and one of Australia’s most influential creative leaders, to explore what it really takes to build a people-first business that’s high-performing, values-led, and unapologetically different.

Dalton shares the journey behind launching Bullfrog - a creative business that has quickly become one of the top independents in the country - and the mindset shifts, leadership philosophies, and structural decisions that have shaped its success.

Together, Hayley and Dalton unpack:

• Why “people-first” is often misunderstood in business

• The critical difference between transparency and vulnerability as a leader

• How to build a culture where failure is seen as growth

• What founders get wrong when hiring senior leaders

• The power of internal brand building and employer reputation

• Why Bullfrog ditched traditional agency structures for something smarter

• And how they ended up with a Guinness World Record for a hairy suit (!)

Dalton also opens up about dealing with tall poppy syndrome, the importance of trusting your gut, and why he believes the best leaders are willing to clap for themselves in an empty auditorium.

Whether you're building a brand, leading a team, or simply rethinking what modern leadership looks like - this episode is a must-listen.

Got a question you'd like Hayley to cover in a future episode? Get in touch via DM, email, or the comments.

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Dalton Henshaw on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dalthenshaw

Dalton Henshaw on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalthenshaw/

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