Optimal Conversations

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I explore the role of self-awareness in leadership - the ability to recognise your emotions, patterns, and impact on others. We’ll look at why leaders who understand themselves lead with greater clarity, empathy, and resilience, and how small shifts in self-awareness can transform relationships and decision-making. e. Tune in to discover how cultivating self-aware...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we talk all things awards - why they are a strategy for success and how you grow through participating in them. Which awards should you enter? Have you done enough to enter an award? How do you deal with that inner voice that says you aren't enough?  Annette Densham, a former journalist, is the leader in award services. She answers all these questions and more... y...

Send us Fan Mail If the word 'feedback' gives you the heebies, you really cannot miss this episode. Whether it is giving feedback, receiving feedback, or both that sets your teeth on edge, this episode will help you make feedback your friend. Feedback is the ultimate growth tool and imperative for progress in your career and all aspects of life. Being open to it helps us grow and progres...

Send us Fan Mail When a customer is told to 'Talk to Jack, ' they're often surprised to find themselves chatting with Jaclyn. As someone who learned through the school of hard knocks, she has forged new frontiers in her business, specialising in Trailers and Caravan repairs in Sydney and is recognised for her strong leadership, hands-on industry knowledge, and dedication to deliveri...

Send us Fan Mail After many years working internationally for major corporations, Angella returned to Australia and now works for herself. She shares her journey of repatriation, the excitement and the challenges of moving to a new continent with her family and furry friend. We talk about growing resilience, finding your place, recognising the right path to take, and so much more. It's a warm...

Send us Fan Mail In this not-to-be-missed episode, we discuss all things creativity, writing, and self-discovery as we explore the skill and craft of writing as a must-use leadership tool. Rochelle is enthusiastic about using story, journaling, and coaching as a pathway for personal development. The current President of the Gold Coast Writers Association (a vibrant group of brilliantly creative le...

Send us Fan Mail If you've wondered how to level up through doing a TED talk, then this is a not-to-be-missed episode. Joyce shares her experience of being accepted to present a TED Talk and offers us insider tips on getting on the TED stage, along with lots of amazing advice about life. It's a fabulous, high-energy episode that will leave you buzzing!  Watch the TED talk here https://yo...

Send us Fan Mail We all know networking events are your chance to get to know people in your community, whether that's local or globally, but what is a 'good' networking event? Take a listen and learn how to make networking your superpower, as we discuss all things networking with Kacie Brignell - what to do, and what not to do! riven by a passion for connecting people and fostering...

Send us Fan Mail We've changed our podcast! Find out more as you listen to this episode. Navigating change can be a leader's greatest struggle, and one of their most outstanding achievements. In this episode, Mary discusses the neuroscience of change and ways to become comfortable with adapting to varying circumstances, enabling you to stand out as an innovative and resilient leader. Fin...

Send us Fan Mail Serial podcaster and strategist, Darren Saul, shares the importance of podcasting for building authority through marketing, brand building, and credibility. We discuss common mistakes and the reasons many people give up early on their podcast aspirations.  Darren shares his own journey, noting that his podcast, "Playing with Perspective," has grown to 250 episodes. He en...

Send us Fan Mail Following a career transition, Aurora's work now focuses on sustainability. We discuss the effect of empowering employees at all levels to take ownership of sustainability initiatives as she shares examples of successful food waste reduction programs. Leaders, listen to find out how creating a culture of conversation and boundary-setting achieve desired outcomes with full tea...

Send us Fan Mail Megan shares her amazing journey to living her yes, and evolving personal leadership. She talks about rediscovering herself amidst the turmoil of a relationship breakup, then shares how she has channelled her learnings into her debut novel, "It's Always Been Me". It's an inspiring listen... and one that may well change your life! Here's the quote she menti...

Send us Fan Mail Mel works with Women Leaders who are navigating their forties and fifties and has many enlightening strategies, tools, and resources that business leaders can use to support their female employees through menopause and peri-menopause. We also discuss how boundaries are important in self-care and how self-awareness underpins successful navigation through difficulties. More about Me...

Send us Fan Mail The most powerful tool we have is a question! Listen and learn how questions help us connect, grow, and learn more about ourselves and others. Emily Jane is a multi-talented, multi-skilled, young leader who walks her talk. In this podcast, she discusses how a powerful question helped her make a huge decision that has impacted her life in a very positive way. Find out more about Em...

Send us Fan Mail After 15 years in corporate leadership roles, Renee's life changes saw her leading as an entrepreneur. We follow her journey of change, as she relates how personal challenges guided her transition into her current business. We also discuss health, nutrition, and the role of non-judgement in a safe space for growth. Find out more about Renee here: www.defininghealth.com.au Fac...

Send us Fan Mail Author of "The Coffee Table book for Mature Dating", Rylll shares her first-hand experience of where her dates went wrong in her search (and discovery) of the greatest love of her life.  Join us as we discuss many subjects, including the differences between growing up last century and this one! It's a lot of fun and very informative. Find Ryll at: Insta: https://www...

Send us Fan Mail In this second part of two podcasts, Shevonne discusses the myth of perfection and the art of apology and shares her very personal journey through complete incapacitation and her ongoing recovery.  This is an inspiring and uplifting listen filled with wisdom and grace. Don't miss it. To find out more about Shevonne, connect with her on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/i...

Send us Fan Mail She is passionate, a driver, creative but also analytical, and an astute problem solver. Meet Shevonne Joyce, a dynamic and neurodivergent leader featured in Harvard Business Review who is still happy to admit to stunning vocal faux pas! Part one of two - this episode is packed with fascinating conversation.  Find out why we are sometimes unlikeable, grow your understanding of aut...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine having a scan as a teenager and discovering you are missing a significant part of your brain - the 'superhighway' that connects the left and right sides. That's what Michael experienced. It plays out in his life and in the lives of others with the condition of neurodivergence and often is coupled with mental health issues as well. In this fascinating discuss...

Send us Fan Mail When Jodi meets women who have so much adrenaline going on that they are constantly in fight or flight, she is reminded of her former life as a wedding planner - a life where everything has to happen promptly and perfectly. That was before she found the power of stillness and the realisation that to speed up, she needed to slow down. Listen to her journey and her tips to living a...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how other businesses seem to find the cash for large projects or equipment? Or perhaps you have already realised that there is a grant that could help you but hold back because of the daunting task of applying. Our guest, Liz Fleming, is a Chartered Accountant with more than 15 years of experience in corporate finance. She now works strategically with client...

Send us Fan Mail A trip to Sierra Leonne as part of her studies changed Jane's perspective on life. She decided to make a difference when she saw how little people there had. This led to her starting her own charity, the Figtree Children.  Supported by a social enterprise gift store, multiple donors, and charity events, Figtree Children supports children to be cared for and educated in one of...

Send us Fan Mail Ana talks about how looking after ourselves is pivotal to successful leadership. With a background in organisational psychology and later on in personal development and coaching, Ana has spent years supporting women in navigating the unique pressures of modern life. In her work with women, she often meets the mother-hens looking after all the chicks and forgetting to care for them...

Send us Fan Mail Natasha shares her journey from a young woman who hid herself away to an emancipated woman enjoying her freedom. Her experience has given Natasha a unique perspective on the world of self-talk. She says our conversations with ourselves are crucial to success in every part of our lives. Insta: natashafountas Great conversations underpin all successful leadership relationships and c...

Send us Fan Mail Take a walk in the world of prolific author and mentor Vicki Bennet. She talks about all things creativity, self-care, and emotional regulation, sharing her expertise from over 35 years of corporate training.  Great conversations underpin all successful leadership relationships and can create enduring transformational impact.  If you want to change the world and don't know wh...