Always Be Connecting

Always Be Connecting: The Culture Engineers webinar featured experts Jude Pullen (an award-winning creative technologist) and Nicole Done (a neuro-inclusion expert). Hosted by our very own Linsey Houston! Neurodiversity is no longer just a "nice-to-have" but a fundamental driver of business innovation. You will learn how cognitive diversity acts as an organisational lifeline, helping teams identif...

In this episode, applied behavioural scientist Colin Jowell breaks down the hidden mechanics of human decision-making and reaction.  From debunking the myth that you should "never go to bed angry" to navigating high-stress interactions using the PEACE process, Colin talked about the psychological frameworks to help you manage triggers and build better relationships at work and home. Key Topic...

Dima Istambouli, founder of Mind Architecture and author of Intentional Reset, shares her journey from a high-stress career in construction to hitting rock bottom, and how she rebuilt her life by "architecting" her mind. We explore the biology of burnout, explaining how stress physically "narrows" our perspective and why true healing requires rewiring the 95% of our brain that runs on subconscious...

We talk with Sunil Purba about the critical misalignment between marketing and finance in business, noting that while both departments ultimately want growth, they often fail to communicate effectively. Marketing often focuses on intangible metrics like impressions and engagement, whereas finance is centered on the bottom line, viewing marketing as a cost input.  Sunil (who is a chartered acc...

We talk with Shahrazz, who shares his journey from growing up in retail, getting senior positions very early on, and working for large chains like British Home Stores and later worked in optics, leading to a head-hunted role to open Vision Express franchise stores in the Middle East. This experience, which included working in foreign exchange finance and spending two years in New York, gave Shahra...

We talk with courage expert Martin Stark about turning fear into real strength. Martin shares the intense story of almost dying from a health emergency, which required a tracheotomy, his biggest fear, to save his life. He openly discusses managing a rare disease called Addison's disease for life and how facing these challenges shaped his view of courage: owning your fear and moving forward with co...

Former professional rugby player Nic Stirzaker of Gain Line Analytics tackles a fundamental question: why do some teams truly succeed while others fail?  The conversation challenges our obsession with constant change, arguing that the real driver of performance is the often-overlooked power of team cohesion - the deep, shared understanding between members built over time.  Nic illustrate...

You're burnt out because someone lied to you: Hustle Culture is a total trap. The world's biggest GOATS aren't grinding 24/7. They're chilling out and mastering a few simple habits. James Laughlin , a high-performance coach, and #1 best-selling author of Habits of High Performers , is here to show you how to win big. James debunks the idea that success means running yourself into the ground. His s...

In this episode of Always Be Connecting, host Linsey Houston sits down with Cathy Burke, an esteemed leadership coach, author of Lead In, and the former CEO of The Hunger Project Australia.  Cathy unpacks her philosophy that true leadership is an "inside job," beginning with the stories we tell ourselves. She introduces her transformative "three-legged stool" framework, combining Mindset, Hea...

Public speaking is one of the most common fears, but it doesn’t have to hold you back.  In this episode of Always Be Connecting, TEDx speaker and personal development coach Trang Nova shares her journey from being a shy, bullied child of Vietnamese immigrants to becoming a confident speaker on global stages. She reveals the “secret” behind her confidence: hundreds of hours of practice, mindse...

The world of work is changing faster than ever and leadership has to keep up! In this episode of Always Be Connecting, host Linsey Houston talks with leadership strategist Trudy MacDonald about the shifts transforming how we lead teams, grow businesses, and shape culture. From the rise of AI to the demand for flexibility and the challenge of burnout, Trudy shares why the old models of HR and leade...

Do your beliefs about your team help them grow or hold them back? In this episode, we explore the powerful concept of the Pygmalion Effect with Sophie Firmager from the Realised Potential Group. This psychological phenomenon reveals how a leader's expectations can directly shape team performance, influence morale, and impact workplace culture. Sophie unpacks how belief, whether positive or negativ...

Racism in the workplace isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it hides in policies, hiring decisions, or everyday interactions that go unchallenged.  In this frank and honest conversation with Gloria Tabi, she shares her lived experience as a Black woman in Australia and explains how structural racism shows up at work. From being overlooked for roles she was qualified for to feeling pressure to hid...

What does it take to lead with authenticity and resilience? In this episode, Stephanie Christopher, CEO of Vistage Australia and New Zealand, opens up about her journey, exploring the importance of true connection, loyalty, and optimism in business. She reflects on how discerning genuine connections and staying grounded in her values have shaped her leadership style. Stephanie also dives into the...

How do you turn online connections into real success? In this episode, Matt shares how he went from feeling stuck in agency life to building his own thriving digital marketing business. He talks about the ups and downs of finding his path, the power of showing up consistently, and the importance of keeping it real. Matt believes that helping small businesses grow has a huge impact on communities,...

What happens when audio and video technology come together seamlessly? In this episode, Tristan Salter, Senior Product Manager at RØDE, introduces their latest innovation designed to simplify content creation for everyone. RØDE's new product combines audio and video into one user-friendly device, making it easier for creators of all levels to produce professional-quality content. Tristan shares ho...

In this episode, Arthur Backouche, Senior Salesforce Marketing Cloud Consultant, shares his insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work and interact. He discusses how AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for more creative and meaningful activities. From predictive analytics to AI-powered chatbots, Arthur explains the practical uses of AI in both business and ever...

How do businesses keep up with all the rapid tech changes? In this episode, Ross Bark shares his insights, sharing how companies can improve their customer experience with smart digital tools. He explains the importance of using technology while keeping customer needs at the forefront. Ross has worked with top retail and wholesale brands to highlight practical strategies for simplifying complex bu...

Do you know that you can brand a place? Dr. Giannina Warren breaks down how place branding goes way beyond a catchy slogan or a shiny new logo. It’s about capturing the essence of what makes a community special, from its people to its culture and stories.  Dr. Warren shares how marketers can help create a sense of pride and belonging for both locals and visitors alike. Using real-life example...

What does it take to succeed in sales today? Donncha Lynch shares his journey from unexpected beginnings to becoming a sales expert. He discusses the importance of trust, relationship-building, and adding value at every step. Donncha also reveals his go-to strategies for setting achievable daily goals and maintaining accountability. He explains how modern sales have shifted from aggressive tactics...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get a redeal on life and start anew in a foreign country? Shivi Bhalla's journey to Australia offers a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of such a bold endeavor. From navigating the language barrier to building a successful business. Arriving in Australia,, Shivpal quickly found himself immersed in a culture vastly different from his own. The u...

Ever wondered how a local club can make a big impact on its community? In this episode, Robert Lopez, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Norths Collective shares how his team is all about creating real connections that matter. He talks about how their digital upgrades have boosted their ability to give back, from supporting junior sports to addressing mental health needs. We dive into how t...

Ever dreamed of turning a childhood obsession into a career? Join us as we chat with gaming mastermind Ben Lee from Blowfish Studios. From Commodore VIC-20 to indie game developer and publisher, Ben shares everything from crafting gameplay to the art of storytelling.  Discover the essential ingredients that make games truly engaging, learn how to mitigate creative risk-taking, and uncover the...

Join us in this episode as we sit down for a frank discussion with The Living Leader founder, Penny Ferguson. Penny shares her inspiring journey from personal crisis to becoming a renowned leadership expert. She emphasises the importance of authenticity and responsibility in both personal and professional life. Find out the circumstances that led to the creation of The Living Leader program and it...

In this episode, we take you into the world of Pepe Saya, the iconic producer of cultured butter. Discover how Pepe Saya turned a single product into a beloved brand found in top restaurants, airlines and homes across Australia. Pierre Issa (Pepe) shares how his close relationship with the customer, producers and distributors enables more opportunities. Pepe Saya's recent expansion into the U.S.,...