Courageous Me

When you look back at all that you've been through, it will tell you who you are.   Growing up in Mauritius, where opportunities for women are limited, Vee realized that pursuing her dreams would require her own efforts and uncomfortable decisions.   In her late 20s, Vee set out to rediscover herself and create a new identity by starting afresh and moving to Australia, knowing only one person....

Everyone is creative, even you!    This episode is when I was a guest on the Creativity: Uncovered Podcast hosted by the creative genius Abi Gatling. It was episode 21 Expand your comfort zone (don’t step outside it).   In our conversation, Abi asked me to share some of my creative journey, which started slowly after being labelled “not creative” as a child. Then, another lack lustre experience in...

Shades of possibility exist beyond the extremes.    This episode challenges the conventional black-and-white thinking that often rules our lives. Life is not a series of extremes but rather a large spectrum of in-betweens. I delve into the power of rejecting stereotypes where it makes sense, being more creative using improv techniques, and unlocking opportunities by breaking free from 'either-...

If you don’t action your ideas, someone else will.    Inspiration's a sneaky thing that can hit you like a lightning bolt, often at inconvenient times, like while you're showering, out for a run, or at 2 am. And if you don't jump on board and run with it, someone else will.  When you feel the magic of an idea come to you, take it, run with it, turn it into something. Because if you saw...

When you operate from a level of knowing, you make a bigger impact.    In this episode I explore the concept of ‘knowing’ and its impact on our lives. Inspired by Regan Hillyer's program, "The Art of Manifesting," focusing on the power of operating from a place of knowing and the importance of reprogramming ingrained beliefs to live life you way. Reflecting on my own journey and prof...

The thing that you think is ordinary, is not.  In this episode, Jo Smyth shares her journey of courage, which in her forties led her to leave a corporate job and start her own business, and in her fifties, finalising writing a book called 'Finding My Voice,' which features the stories of 50 women and their experiences of courage.  Jo mentions that the catalyst for making life-changing deci...

Come home by listening to what's true for you and voicing it. In this captivating episode, Lisa Britcliffe shares her incredible journey of courage, highlighting the importance of staying true to yourself and trusting your internal guidance. Lisa candidly recounts pivotal moments, including leaving a seemingly perfect marriage to unveiling a hidden eating disorder and making a return to real e...

“ Courage is the root of change - and change is what we’re chemically designed to do ” Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry.   In this episode, I'm taking a stroll down the courage lane, reflecting on the key themes from the inspiring stories shared by previous guests. A change on the calendar is the prime time for reflection, being open to new opportunities, and taking the next courageous step...

“I learned quite quickly that whatever I want, I can actually create .” Despite a challenging background, feeling judged as an outcast, and leaving school at 14.5 years old, Shantelle is proof that resilience, determination, and a positive mindset can create a life that makes you proud. Without following the conventional path, Shantelle’s self-made success came from her eagerness to learn, grow, a...

Courage is what you get when you step into vulnerability, face your fears, and find ways to move forward.   Mark Zaglas can trace his journey to courage back to his childhood curiosity, where excuses for setbacks and bullying at school led him to find inner confidence through training, competing, and teaching martial arts. Since then, Mark's life has been a never-ending journey of expanding bo...

When you change the label, you shift behaviour.   In this episode, I share the idea that we are "label makers" assigning labels to ourselves that can propel us forward, serve as catalysts for personal growth, hinder our progress, and create unnecessary limitations. Tune in and discover which labels may need reassigning to impact your life positively.  What you'll learn in this episod...

"My job is to help you dress in a way where you can be your absolute best."    If following the script of what 'should' make you happy leaves you yearning for a better life, change the script. This is precisely what Lucy Owens did. When her life no longer fulfilled her, she courageously quit and embarked on a journey into the unknown. Through a series of serendipitous events, she...

"There's this huge shame, stigma, and ageism attached to menopause, so I thought I better do something about it."  Grace Molloy, the powerful CEO of Menopause Friendly Australia, is on a mission to remove the shame, stigma, and ageism surrounding menopause.    In this episode, Grace takes us through her incredible journey, spanning multiple careers in accounting, financial services,...

Values are the foundation of a fulfilled life.  In this episode, I delve into the connection between success and your values, sharing my journey and the four core values that shape my daily life. You'll discover how values serve as guiding parameters for decision-making and the importance of revisiting and adapting them over time.  If you need clarification about your values, let this episode...

"I still think it's the best career in the world. It's a window to life."   In this episode, we dive into the life of Narelle Fraser, who gives us a fascinating, behind-the-scenes insight into the daily life of a Police Officer from a female perspective. Narelle was a member of Victoria Police for 27 years, 15 of those as a Detective 'doing time' at the Rape and Homicide...

"Every person is born on purpose, for a purpose, and everyone has a story to tell." Holly Salisbury  Holly grew up before she was ten, helping raise her four younger brothers and protecting them from the heartbreaking, toxic domestic environment they lived in. As a little girl, it seemed like she was confined within a closed and sealed box, stifling her ability to express her ideas, opin...

Being seen, heard, and understood is at the heart of being human.  In this episode, we dive into how you can make people feel seen, heard, and valued by how you communicate. What we say and how we speak to others and ourselves is pivotal in all our interactions. It’s a skill we can master by tackling the saboteurs that show up as our inner critic, self-doubt, and fear, enabling us to create genuin...

Being courageous creates a ripple effect that inspires endless possibility.    Courage is often the overlooked key ingredient for tapping into our full potential. Sometimes, all it takes is one small act of bravery to set off a chain reaction of positive change across our lives. Courage is contagious. It’s not limited to the extraordinary; it’s part of our everyday lives. It’s what got us to where...

“It took me being honest with myself about what I really wanted and to stop procrastinating and being scared of the unknown.”   In this breathtaking episode, you’ll meet the incredibly brave Rosie Overcomer who was born into Gloriavale - a religious cult. In a tremendous leap of faith, at 27 years of age, she made the courageous decision to leave the only life she knew. Her husband had already bee...

“Giving up is simply not in my DNA. When I get something in my mind, I make it happen.”   When forced to fend for herself from a very young age, Nicole realised that if you want something in life, you do what it takes. Coming up against some of life’s biggest challenges, she has an extraordinary story of courage, overcoming setbacks, and relentlessly pursuing her dreams for career success, her own...

“Knowing how valuable you are and the value you bring to everything you do – it’s the lighthouse.” From switching careers three times to drawing life lessons from primary school kids, Julissa Shrewsbury understands the power of aligning your values with what brings you freedom and joy.  Growing up as a shy ‘scaredy-cat’ who feared the unknown, she also believed in her ability to dream big, put in...

Ever wondered how a simple question can be the secret sauce to richer, more meaningful relationships?  In this episode, I take you on a journey into the fascinating world of questions and the surprising insights they bring.  You'll hear a wisdom bomb from a ten-year-old and learn how unconventional approaches can take your questioning game to the next level.  Even for those seasoned question-a...

The best way to fire up a woman or inspire courage is when your nine-year-old daughter says, "You have to fix this, mum."  Those words pushed Suzy Miller over the line to pursue her passion and create a women's leadership program in a regional area that literally transforms lives. Suzy is no stranger to courage. With her name and executive title on an NAB business card for 22 years,...

Are you worth it?  One of the best investments you can make is in yourself and your happiness.  This investment may involve advancing your career, personal growth or pursuing activities that light you up.  Yet, many of us hesitate to invest the time, money, or energy required to become the best versions of ourselves. However, when we make that investment, we not only enrich our own lives but also...

Have you ever considered what you'd ask for if a genie granted you a wish?  It's a question that often leaves people stumped.  While many know we want more, pinpointing what it is can be surprisingly challenging.  This thought-provoking episode was inspired by a friend who, content with her life, questioned the idea of wanting "more" and whether she might be missing something. So...