No-nonsense, practical tools to help you show up confidently as an exceptional leader. Overcome self-doubt and overwhelm to gain clarity and a clear plan so you can unapologetically create an impactful career, a thriving, diverse and equitable team and sustainable results.
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A few years ago, I found myself juggling a demanding full-time career while building Master of Achievement—a passion project driven by my desire to unlock new levels of growth, leadership, and success. Through my own experiences and working closely with others, I’ve realized that meaningful achievement doesn’t come from working harder—it comes from mastering the right mindset, leading yourself with intention, and applying practical strategies to overcome challenges. On the Master of Achievem ...
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Welcome to the Working Mumma podcast to support your transition from maternity leave to working mum and beyond so you can feel confident & capable while juggling the demands of motherhood and a career I’m your host, Carina O’Brien, founder of Working Mumma and fellow working mum with 2 young boys. Join me as I explore life returning to work after maternity leave and as a working mum with a mix of solo episodes, amazing interviews with experts, and women sharing their experiences of juggling ...
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EP #28 - "Your career path doesn't have to be linear to be meaningful." / Defining Success on Your Own Terms with Nicole Maycroft from KIC
41:35
41:35
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In this episode of the Master of Achievement Podcast, I sit down with Nicole Maycroft, PR and Communications Manager for KIC, a leading health and wellness app in Australia. Nicole shares her incredibly personal and non-traditional journey into the career she loves today, opening up about the challenges and successes along the way. We discuss how N…
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Balancing Work Travel and Family without the Guilt
24:45
24:45
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In this episode, I reflect on my recent overseas work trip and share some learnings and lessons about balancing professional opportunities with the inevitable "mum guilt." I opened up about the emotional highs and lows of traveling for work, missing my kids and husband, while leaning into the unique experiences and growth that came with the trip. K…
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EP #27 - 3 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Goals Without Even Realizing
28:37
28:37
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If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated with your progress, this episode will help you uncover what’s been holding you back and give you the tools to get back on track. It’s time to stop unknowingly sabotaging your goals and start taking intentional action toward achieving meaningful success. In this solo episode of the Master of Achievement Podcast,…
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EP #26 - "Negotiating isn't just about business, it's about life." / The Art of Negotiation with Dominique Gill Urban Core
50:00
50:00
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In this episode of the Master of Achievement Podcast, I sit down with Dominique Gill, founder and managing director of Urban Core, a trailblazer in the construction industry. We dive deep into the art of negotiation and how it's more than just a business tool—it’s a life skill. We explore how negotiation happens in our everyday lives, from negotiat…
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Projecting Power: Creating Big Boss Energy
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15:25
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Time and again, I’ve encountered incredibly capable women being perceived as lacking a commanding presence. This perception can be career-limiting because executive presence is deemed crucial for inspiring trust and motivating teams. Today, I want to unpack this notion and explore how every one of us can project power in our roles by embracing our …
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How to succeed as a woman in a male-dominated industry with Rebecca Bangura
40:57
40:57
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The statistics don't like on gender equality, especially in male dominated industries such as mining, construction and transport. Change is happening and it is great to see the improvements, but it can still be challenging for women navigating male-dominated industries. In this episode, I speak with coach, facilitator, podcast host, and mother of 3…
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Beyond Words: The Leadership Shadow You Didn’t Know You Were Casting
17:31
17:31
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What leadership shadow are you casting on your team? Are you even aware of the tone you’re setting in the workplace, and how it might be affecting the organisation? As leaders, we really do have the power to create a positive work environment - as well as a toxic one. However, we often don’t realise just how impactful our habits, actions and overal…
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Empowerment Unleashed: Megan Dalla-Camina on Redefining Success for Working Mums
51:44
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This week I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising. Megan shares her career journey, from her early dreams in performing arts to becoming a corporate executive and starting her company after experiencing extreme burnout. We discuss the challenges of balancing career and motherhood, including burnout and soci…
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The Grim Truth about Perfectionism (& How to stop being a perfectionist)
15:12
15:12
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Have you ever felt trapped by your own high standards, constantly striving for flawless performance but finding yourself exhausted and unfulfilled? You're not alone. Many women working in male-dominated fields like property and construction grapple with the relentless pursuit of perfection. That’s why I want to break down what perfectionism is, wha…
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Embracing Imperfection in motherhood - Dr Sophie Brock on the ‘Good Enough’ Mother
55:37
55:37
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In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the constant pressure that mothers face in their quest for perfection (secret - there is no such thing). Sophie has an extensive background and career journey in sociology, focusing on motherhood, sheds lig…
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It's not what you know, it's who you know: The surprising power of loose connections
15:27
15:27
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When I first started navigating my career, I was like many others—relying heavily on the support and guidance of those closest to me. My immediate circle of friends, family, and colleagues played a crucial role in my development. But as I ventured further into my career, I realised something unexpected: the people who know us best, while loving and…
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Simplify Your Focus to Amplify Your Results
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16:17
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I see it time and time again. Women who are passionate, driven, and ready to make a significant impact in their careers often find themselves at a crossroads. They aspire to have fulfilling and rewarding careers, yet when asked what exactly they want or what their focus is, they draw a blank. The advice I give my clients is to know your focus. Simp…
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Why it's time to let go of Superwoman Syndrome with Renee Barnes
56:12
56:12
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This week I speak with Renee Barnes, founder of the People Paradox, and fellow working mum about Superwoman Syndrome and why it is time to let go of the notion. Renee shares invaluable insights into the challenges and growth opportunities mothers face during this transformative journey. Renee shares what is "Superwoman Syndrome", its origins, and h…
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Do you ever find yourself waiting for someone else to recognise your potential before you take the next big step in your career? You're not alone. Waiting for external validation is the biggest thing I see holding women back in their careers, and it’s understandable. It feels good to have someone acknowledge our achievements, and we feel safer with…
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From Overwhelmed to Triumph: You Are a Great Mum
15:32
15:32
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When was the last time you had a moment on your own to acknowledge what a great mum you are? No doubt, it has been a while. In this episode, I want to remind you that you are amazing and not alone in navigating the juggle of motherhood and career. It's not easy, and there are good days and average days, but remember, doing something is better than …
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Stuck in Your Career? You Need A (Strategic) Career Plan
16:21
16:21
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I speak to women all the time who feel stuck in their careers. They dream of making a big impact in the world and achieving great things, but they don't know how to move forward. If you can relate to this feeling, stay tuned because today I’m sharing how to take those significant leaps and move the needle forward so you can realise that rewarding a…
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EP #25 - The Dark Side of Being An Ambitious Achiever
42:10
42:10
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In this episode, I sit down with Rosie Chong - the 9-5 Personal Branding Gal and LinkedIn Expert who shares insider tips & tricks to help inspire and educate others around the world to build a memorable personal brand and has spent the last 3.5 years sharing her authentic journey (the good and the bad) in building her personal brand. So with everyt…
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The Winner's Mindset: Persistence, Resilience & Growth
9:10
9:10
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Recently at bootcamp, I had the chance to celebrate with my trainer, Justin, who has been in the personal training business for 14 years. That's no small feat given that most businesses don't make it past their fourth year. Additionally, surviving through COVID-19 and maintaining a loyal client base is remarkable. So I asked Justin about the keys t…
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Conquering Mum Guilt: Practical Strategies with Sarah Purins
49:34
49:34
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If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and mother, Sarah Purins about how to cope with mum guilt. Sarah and I chat about the triggers and influences of mum guilt, such as societal expectations, personal pressures, and unwanted opinions from oth…
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From Good to Great: The Secret to being Exceptional
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14:17
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Imagine standing out in your field, not just as another competent professional, but as an undeniable force that cannot be ignored. Today, I want to share the secret behind making that leap. Whether you’re navigating a career shift, striving for leadership, or simply pushing the boundaries of your personal growth, this is your blueprint for greatnes…
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EP#24 - 7 Reflection Questions you MUST answer for the first half of 2024
29:56
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Congratulations on making it to the mid year mark of 2024! The year’s just zooomed by hasn't it? If you’re feeling like you’re in autopilot mode, like every week is zooming by so quickly, like you haven’t achieved anything (even though probably in reality you have done so much more than you give yourself credit for), this episode was meant for you.…
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Navigating Mum Guilt at Childcare Drop-Off
18:19
18:19
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In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I dive into the often overwhelming feeling of mum guilt that accompanies childcare drop-offs. I explore why these emotions arise and share practical strategies to manage and alleviate guilt. During the episode, I share practical strategies and tips to help you to reframe the drop-off experience, acknowl…
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How Women Rise: The 12 Habits Keeping You Stuck
17:47
17:47
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Despite being highly competent, women in leadership often encounter unique challenges that can stymie their professional growth. These habits, which might have served us well early in our careers, can actually become corrosive once we get to a certain point. They can derail us from taking that next step and being the impactful leader we really want…
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How to overcome guilt with self-care and the power of 'Me Time'
18:26
18:26
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The topic of 'me time' for working mums is important. Discover why carving out moments for yourself is essential for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This episode shares practical tips on managing your time, overcoming guilt, and building a sustainable 'me time' routine. Whether you’re struggling to find a few quiet minutes in your …
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What if it's not Imposter Syndrome? Maybe You're Just Underprepared
19:08
19:08
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19:08
Imposter syndrome is real, but I often hear my clients stand behind imposter syndrome as a catch-all explanation for why things feel difficult. It’s when we dig a little deeper that we often find it’s not imposter syndrome at all - it’s that we aren't properly prepared or really doing what it takes to create the results we want. This topic comes on…
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EP #23 - Being a champion of change through TRUST
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49:59
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In this conversation, Stephanie Nguyen interviews Shane Kelly, an entrepreneur in the construction industry. They discuss the importance of trust in the decision-making process for clients, the challenges facing the construction industry, and the need for change. Shane shares his experience of starting a business during a global recession and the l…
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Breastfeeding and Career: Navigating Your Return to Work with Sarah Thijs-Smit
47:40
47:40
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Are you about to return to work and still breastfeeding and wondering how you will navigate this part of the transition? This episode will help you navigate breastfeeding and return to work. I speak with lactation consultant, Sarah Thijs-Smit, who shares great tips, strategies, and practical advice to help you maintain breastfeeding and return to w…
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The Biggest Barrier to Your Success is YOU
12:54
12:54
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No one likes to hear this, but it's true: the biggest barrier to your success is you. Admitting and accepting this may be uncomfortable, but it's essential for taking ownership of your situation and driving meaningful change. When we own our circumstances, we move from a passive state—where things happen to us—to an active state, where we're in con…
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Gender Balance Advocate: Mark’s Journey to Redefine Roles at Home and Work
46:53
46:53
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I chat with Mark Morris, a husband, father, and advocate for equity and inclusion with a special interest in gender equality. Mark shares his personal commitment to social justice and gender equality, highlighting his decision to take his wife’s surname and his active efforts to promote fairness in the workplace and at home. Mark passionately speak…
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Deconstructing Women’s Development Programs: What they are, what they’re not and why we need them
13:00
13:00
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13:00
With nearly two decades in project management and development, I can tell you firsthand that the property and construction industry is tough. And unsurprisingly, it’s even tougher for women. As someone who specialises in supporting women within the property and construction industry, I’m passionate about discovering how we best attract, retain and …
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EP #22 - Currently feeling demotivated, lost, and confused? Listen to this.
41:25
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Today I’m revisiting a vulnerable episode I did with the lovely Ishani Nigam about overcoming my limiting beliefs and outgrowing my need for external validations to achieve true fulfillment in my career. Growing up in an immigrant family, I was taught that academic success and stability were the keys to happiness. However, I realized that achieving…
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Navigating your return to work after parental leave
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35:05
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Returning to work after maternity leave can be both exciting and daunting. It is important to acknowledge that your return to work will be a transition over several months. Preparing for this transition mentally, emotionally, and physically over some time helps set yourself up for success. In this episode, I explore practical tips and insights to h…
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MEN - We Need You! The Indispensable role of Male Allies
13:44
13:44
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Men, we need you. If we want to continue to be a thriving, sustainable, and profitable industry, we need to get more women into this industry and strive for gender equity. The only way we are going to get there is if we have the support of male allies to help drive that change. The Changing Landscape Recently, I was at a NAWIC event, where we were …
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Challenging Mental Load Stereotypes to improve Gender Equality with Maja Paleka
59:41
59:41
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Have you considered about the nuances of the mental load and its impact on gender equality? I chat with Maja Paleka, a mum of 2 and consultant, speaker, and advisor and previously held leadership roles in engineering, sales and operations across three continents. We delve into practical strategies for challenging stereotypes and improving communica…
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You are Worth It: How to Seize Opportunities in the face of Doubt
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11:22
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I recently spoke with a powerful woman in our industry, and we talked about the progress we've made. There are so many more opportunities for women than there used to be. But even with all these openings, women still hesitate to step into leadership roles. It's like there's an invisible barrier stopping them from grabbing that promotion or stepping…
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EP #21 - Why Authentic Leadership is Most Powerful with Rebecca Bangura
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Rebecca Bangura is a coach, facilitator and speaker who elevates leaders into building cohesive, high-functioning teams. She is on a mission to transform the world of modern leadership and team development. In this episode, you will learn about: → What is leadership? Which leadership style is the best? → How the most successful leaders drive action…
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How to keep your relationship strong after having a baby with Laura Press
43:14
43:14
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I sit down with Laura Press, a relationship counselor and mother of three, to discuss how to keep your relationship strong after having a baby and managing the mental load of working motherhood. Laura shares practical strategies for setting standards and expectations with your partner, effective communication techniques, and the importance of self-…
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From the Broken Rung to the Glass Ceiling: The Systemic Challenges Keeping Women Stuck - Part 2
12:25
12:25
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The construction and property industry is a powerhouse, but for women, navigating this sector can feel like climbing a wall with no footholds. Systemic challenges—from ingrained stereotypes to inflexible work-life balance models—create a landscape that often pushes women to the sidelines. In our previous episode, I discussed many of the systemic ch…
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MUM STORY: Brooke Hanson - Olympian, managing infant loss, mother to 4
58:50
58:50
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Everyone has their own parenting journey and I had an inspiring conversation with Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson. She shares her journey from an elite athlete representing her country to a working mum. Brooke has 4 children, 3 earthside and one angel baby, Jack, after he passed away when he was 9 months old. She has faced my challenges in both her p…
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From the Broken Rung to the Glass Ceiling: The Systemic Challenges Keeping Women Stuck - Part 1
15:44
15:44
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The journey towards gender equality is riddled with obstacles that hinder progress and limit opportunities for women. The first step to tearing these barriers down is to identify and understand them, so today I’m sharing some of the biggest systemic challenges I see women facing. Gender Bias and Stereotyping Although things for women have greatly i…
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Ep #20 - Is Investing in a Mentor or Coach Worth It?
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31:17
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In this episode you will learn: My strategies in finding the right mentor/coach that will provide maximum return on investment How much should you pay for a mentor/coach? What's the price range? What kind of mentor/coach do you actually need? If you don't have the financial capacity to invest in a mentor/coach, how can you still reap the benefits w…
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Why you need a plan to juggle motherhood and a career
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16:28
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Many women meticulously plan their childbirth, but what about planning for the long journey of being a working mum? Parenting and balancing work can last 18+ years, spanning various stages from childcare to high school. Each phase brings unique challenges and chances to reflect on your desires for yourself and your family. In this episode, we delve…
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Closing the Gender Pay Gap: 5 Steps to Move the Needle
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Today, we’re continuing our conversation around the gender pay gap. Last week, we delved into the complexities of this issue, and now I want to look to the future and how we can close it. I’m going to share five actionable steps you can take to drive equality, whether you're tackling it individually or organisationally. Step 1: Building the Busines…
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Jodi Geddes: Redefining Success as a Working Mum
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24:18
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In this episode, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of being a working mum. Jodi Geddes, the co-founder of Circle In, shares her personal journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks. We also discuss strategies for managing the mental load of motherhood and …
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Ep #19 - What Makes Successful High Performing Teams? (Part 2) with Rebecca Del Rio | Ploomo, BizCap, Elco
23:50
23:50
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In this episode, you'll learn about: How to use different interaction styles and core traits to improve team cohesion. How observing and understanding the workplace dynamics is crucial for junior professionals to contribute effectively. How to deal with politics in the workplace - focusing on facts, maintaining integrity, and not getting caught up …
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Picture this: for every dollar a man pockets in Australia, a woman is left with just 78 cents in her purse. It’s an unfortunate reality according to recent reports that highlight a gender pay gap of 21.7% across the nation. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the amount of work we still need to do to achieve pay equity in the workplace. Open…
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MUM STORY: Stephanie-Kate Bratton on career, motherhood and husband as primary caregiver
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In this episode, we dive into the unique journey of Stephanie-Kate Bratton, a mum, lawyer, and author, who shares her experiences navigating a successful career with motherhood and having her husband as the primary caregiver. From international career moves to redefining traditional gender roles, Stephanie's story offers a unique perspective on the…
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Ambition is not a dirty word. As leaders and as women in a male-dominated space, we often struggle to articulate what it is we are working towards, or we have disempowering beliefs about what is possible for ourselves. We allow ourselves to be held back because we don’t want to be seen as ambitious and the negative conceptions that come with that. …
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Ep #18 - What Makes Successful High Performing Teams? (Part 1) with Rebecca Del Rio | Ploomo, BizCap, Elco
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26:49
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In this episode, you'll learn about: The foundations of a successful company include having the right people with alignment and achieving product-market fit. How increasing awareness and understanding of oneself and others is key to building high-performing teams. How to manage up and giving feedback to your managers (especially as a young professi…
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How to navigate the journey as a working mum
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In this episode, I delve into eight things I wish I had known before embarking on my journey as a mum. While pregnancy comes with its fair share of advice, there's often less guidance on navigating the complexities of balancing career and motherhood. Join me as I share these personal insights to help you navigate your own journey: - Understanding w…
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