The Thriving Workplace Podcast

In this episode, Jason and Lauren kick off the new season of the Thriving Workplace podcast, discussing their excitement for 2026 and the focus on workplace wellbeing, leadership, and organizational health. They emphasise the importance of listening to employees, being proactive in addressing workplace challenges, and the need for long-term strategies to create lasting impact. The conversation als...

In this conversation, Jennifer Jefferies shares her personal journey of overcoming health challenges, including Hashimoto's disease. She discusses her experience at a health retreat that transformed her life and led her to become a naturopath. The conversation highlights the importance of emotional and physical healing and the journey from being a patient to a health practitioner. Follow Jennifer...

In this episode, the conversation explores the evolving landscape of workplace wellbeing, emphasizing the shift from ad hoc initiatives to a more structured, data-driven approach. By 2026, organizations will be expected to proactively manage psychosocial risks and demonstrate their commitment to employee wellbeing through measurable strategies. Leadership capabilities in managing stress and confli...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace Podcast, hosts Jason and Lauren welcome Pam Espin, an expert in burnout resilience and workplace wellbeing. Pam discusses the importance of creating neuroaffirming workplaces, the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals, and the benefits of understanding and supporting employees with ADHD. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication,...

In this episode, Lauren and Jason talk with Steve Hodgson, founder of Beyond The Noise, about why proactive support is essential for a healthy workplace. They discuss simple tools, early interventions, and practical strategies that help organizations address employee struggles before they escalate, creating stronger, safer, and more supportive cultures where people can thrive. Follow Steve Hodgson...

In this conversation, WPWI Co-founders, Lauren McGee and Jason Marshall, explore the various archetypes of individuals who engage in difficult conversations, focusing on the traits of overthinkers and overpreparers. They discuss how these archetypes impact communication and conflict resolution, providing insights into effective strategies for navigating challenging discussions. Follow Lauren McGee...

In this conversation, Lauren McGee discusses the importance of mindfulness and the need for technology detox in our daily lives. He emphasizes the significance of setting aside time for self-reflection and gratitude, as well as establishing daily non-negotiables that contribute to overall well-being. These practices help individuals reconnect with their essence and regulate their nervous systems,...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Jason Marshall discusses the critical human needs that must be met for employees to thrive in their workplace. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these needs: certainty, variety, significance, connection, growth, and contribution, and how they impact employee engagement and retention. Leaders are encouraged to recognize the signs of unm...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, we speak with Tracy Sedman, founder of Sexual Safety Australia, about the critical importance of addressing sexual safety in the workplace. Tracy discusses the various aspects of sexual safety, including harassment, discrimination, and the need for proactive education. She emphasizes the role of workplaces in fostering inclusive environments and t...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Jason Marshall emphasizes the importance of understanding and articulating one's 'why' in both personal and professional contexts. He shares his journey from teaching to leadership consultancy, highlighting the need for workplaces to prioritize employee wellbeing. Jason provides a framework for crafting a personal 'why' statement and encourages le...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, hosts Jason Marshall and Lauren McGee speaks with Lloyd Ross, a financial education expert, about the importance of financial wellbeing and its impact on overall health and workplace performance. Lloyd defines financial wellbeing as a state where money does not negatively affect mental, physical, or emotional health. He discusses the significance...

In this episode, Jason Marshall reflects on the recent National Workplace Wellbeing Conference, discussing the significance of the event, the insights gained from keynote speakers, and the overall experience of attendees. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a supportive workplace culture, the challenges faced in organizing the conference, and the key takeaways for leaders lookin...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Jason and Lauren discuss the critical differences between good and great workplaces, emphasizing the importance of proactive culture management. They explore how organizations often settle for mediocrity, the need to challenge traditional practices, and the significance of understanding employee needs. The conversation also addresses the importanc...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Alana Hannaford, a design strategist and change management leader, discusses the importance of workplace design in enhancing employee wellbeing and organizational performance. She shares her journey into workplace strategy, emphasizing the need for human-centered design processes that engage employees in creating conducive work environments. Alana...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Jason and Lauren discuss the critical importance of workplace culture and its financial implications for businesses in Australia. They explore the staggering costs associated with poor culture, including absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover. The conversation delves into the necessity of integrating wellbeing into business strategy, the pitfalls...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Mia Shilkin shares her extensive experience in the Australian property market, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and strategic property investment. She discusses her journey into real estate, the transformations she has witnessed in her clients, and the common mistakes people make when investing in property. Mia also highlights the...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace Podcast, Lauren dives deep into one of the most pressing challenges facing Australian workers today: burnout. Drawing from her personal journey as a former paramedic, her experience founding the Workplace Performance Wellbeing Institute, and the latest research, Lauren unpacks why burnout isn’t just an individual issue; it’s also systemic and cultural. Fro...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Karen Hillen shares her extensive experience in human resources, focusing on performance management, the role of HR, and strategies for employee engagement. She emphasizes the importance of addressing underperformance quickly and compassionately, the need for HR even in high-performing teams, and the significance of tailored reward and recognition...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Reid Ossington shares his unique journey from military service to corporate leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding team dynamics and culture in achieving business success. He discusses the significance of strategic planning in workplace culture, the necessity of context in leadership, and the concept of 'flow' in organizational dy...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Mitch Cook, CEO of the Brisbane Tigers, shares his journey through the world of sports leadership. He discusses the chaotic nature of leading a sports organization, the importance of core values like impact, growth, and connection, and how to foster team cohesion. Mitch emphasizes the need for psychological safety within teams and the balance betw...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Robyn Djelassi, an experienced HR leader, shares her journey from a tech background to becoming a Chief People Officer. She discusses the concept of fractional leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing business objectives with employee well-being. Robin highlights the significance of psychological safety in the workplace and how leaders...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Jonny Mirkin, founder and CEO of Givenwell, shares his personal journey from experiencing burnout to creating a personalised wellbeing solution for organisations. He discusses the importance of proactive wellbeing strategies, the gaps in traditional approaches, and how Givenwell empowers individuals to take charge of their wellbeing. Jonny emphasi...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Jason and Lauren welcome comedian Jake Lambert, who shares his journey into comedy, the importance of audience connection, and how laughter can transform workplace culture. Jake discusses his first experiences on stage, handling pressure, and the role of humor in serious situations. He emphasizes the need for communication and understanding in tea...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Benjamin Read, CEO and co-founder of Merchant.com.au, shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights on startup growth, and the importance of understanding customer needs. He emphasizes the significance of building a strong company culture and the necessity of data-driven decision-making in business. Reed discusses the challenges and successes faced...

In this episode of the Thriving Workplace podcast, Jodi Brown, a mental health educator and founder of Mental Mate, shares his journey and insights into workplace mental health. He discusses the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the challenges organisations face in creating a supportive culture. Jodi emphasises the need for vulnerability, open conversati...