Today I’m joined by the wonderful and inspiring Jo Gaines, a seasoned professional who has worked in the technology and media sector for over two decades. Jo's career journey has seen her work for high-profile companies including CBS, Krux, Yahoo and more recently, as Area Vice President of Salesforce. Jo is also a dedicated mother-of-two and a fierce advocate for equality, lending her support as an ambassador for women's shelters. She shares with us her journey through hardship to finding resilience and how changing her mindset helped reshape her story.

Through facing a challenging turning point in her career due to redundancy, Jo embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery that saw her turn to practices such as weight training, breathwork and meditation. She shares the new mindset she adopted through these practices, and how her determination to thrive in the face of uncertainty led to a completely new outlook on life.

In our conversation, Jo shares the grief she experienced when her role at Salesforce came to an end, and how lost she felt when it came to her future. However, she notes there are two choices we can make when it comes to facing adversity. Either we can see it as a downfall, or treat it as an opportunity to expand. Jo chose the latter, and decided to view this new path as one she was destined to be on.

Resilience can often be misunderstood as a suppression of emotions or ignoring our problems. However, we define what resilience really is and discuss its ability to help effectively manage our thoughts and feelings. Jo believes that releasing control and trusting everything will eventually work out can free us from fear and the temptation to give up.

We talk about how navigating through our own life challenges produces empathy, and when we view others through this lens, we become more effective leaders. Recognising that everyone experiences change, particularly in a post-pandemic world, we’re able to rally with our team and prioritise their wellbeing. How can we communicate in a way that resonates for each individual? How do we lead in a way that not only gets them through, but also builds resilience?

Jo also shares her shift in perspective that inspired her to live more fully in the present and pursue the passions that had been sitting on the backburner for too long. She talks about the bucket list she created and the importance of making time and space in life to achieve each goal.

Jo's story is a powerful testament to the transformation resilience can create, and the potential for growth when we embrace change with gratitude. I just know you’ll be as inspired as I was by Jo’s incredible wisdom, and hope you find confidence to implement strategies for a full and rewarding life in leadership and beyond.

LINKS

Connect with Jo Gaines

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jogaines

Instagram: @gogaino

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I visited Siem Reap, Cambodia many years ago, and have a surface-level understanding of the challenges faced there. Aviv Palti not only visited Siem Reap, but together with his family founded an organisation to help break the poverty cycle in Cambodia through the power of education.

Aviv Palti is the CEO of Lifestyle Brands and founder of the Cambodia Rural Students Trust (CRST). The journey started unexpectedly when Aviv's 14-year-old daughter, Steph, was rejected from a school volunteering trip to Cambodia. Upset and dejected, the Palti family decided to seize the opportunity as a family mission. Two months later, six of them found themselves in Cambodia, volunteering at a rural school outside Siem Reap.

What began as teaching English evolved into a comprehensive program. CRST supports students not only through tuition but also by providing living allowances, healthcare, and mentorship. This support allows them to stay focused on their education and future success. The ripple effect to their extended family is huge, breaking the cycle of poverty that so many Cambodian students are trapped in.

Empowering Others: A Leadership Philosophy

The philosophy of building others up underscores CRST, rooted in the belief that empowerment is key to sustainable change. Aviv emphasised the importance of leaders knowing when to step aside and support others, especially when they stumble. It’s about building resilience and capability rather than merely stepping in to fix problems.

Leading by Doing: The CRST Model

CRST’s innovative model places its students at the helm. From early on, students are taught to lead and manage the NGO. They are given roles equivalent to government positions—NGO Manager, Deputy NGO Manager, Education Manager, etc. This hands-on leadership develops their skillsets and instills in them a deep sense of responsibility and ownership, making CRST a sustainable model that equips the leaders of tomorrow.

Building Trust and Sustainability

One of the key elements Aviv highlighted was the importance of trust. From the onset, CRST committed to seeing its students through high school and university. This commitment, coupled with transparency and accountability, has built strong relationships with students and their families. Every year, new student selection teams, composed of current students, engage in a meticulous selection process that involves meeting families and village chiefs, ensuring a deep-rooted trust within the community.

Make sure you check out Aviv’s book, "Empowered," which is designed as a leadership guide. Featuring stories of CRST alumni who worked to become the future social leaders of their country, Aviv’s message is that leadership is a set of responsibilities anyone can learn, practise and own.

LINKS

Connect with Aviv Palti:

Book: Empowered: A new generation of leaders

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aviv-palti-02596080/

Website: https://www.cambodiaruralstudentstrust.org/

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of women feel overwhelmed by the constant juggle… life, career, business, family, taking care of your health - all the things! With so many balls in the air, it can feel like you’re not doing a good job of anything.

If you feel this way, trust me, you're not alone. Many have reached out to me with the same question: How do I be my best when life keeps throwing so many things at me?

Staying in your A-game doesn’t mean upholding a standard of perfection. It means being the best version of you that you can be, even when you're faced with challenges.

And the best version of you isn't static; it changes all the time as you grow and evolve.

At the heart of it all is a proactive mindset. Embracing this mindset sets the foundation for making empowered choices that propel you forward, no matter what life throws your way.

The Juggling Act

In my book, You Always Have a Choice, I talk about categorising the different areas of your life into three balls: crystal, rubber, and concrete. Crystal balls represent your top priorities and values - if these shatter, it would be catastrophic. Rubber balls can bounce back if dropped temporarily and concrete balls are the ones you juggle out of obligation. By identifying and letting go of these concrete balls, you free yourself from unnecessary burden, which is so empowering.

The Power of the Pause

Pausing isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity for clarity and control. I encourage my clients to pause for 10 minutes at the end of each day to breathe, reflect and themselves questions like, "What's most important to maintain my A-game today?" This simple act not only takes you into your parasympathetic nervous system but also empowers you to reset your focus and align with what truly matters.

Mindset is Your Superpower

Our mindset shapes everything—our actions, beliefs, and ultimately, our performance. It's the lens through which we view life's challenges. Shifting from "I have to do everything" to "I choose what's most important for my A-game" transforms obligations into choices. This simple shift can be a game changer in helping you align your actions with your values and long-term goals.

I encourage you to integrate these concepts into your daily life. Whether it's prioritising tasks, allowing time for a thoughtful pause, or transforming your mindset, each step brings you closer to your A-game. Remember, it's not about perfecting it all but choosing wisely in the midst of the juggle.

LINKS

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How often do we hear ourselves saying the word “try”?

I’ll try to get to the gym. I’ll try to stop being so busy. I’ll try to not look at my phone so much.

While “try” sounds harmless, it often acts as an escape route. It can be our way of saying that we're going to make an effort, but leaves room for us to back out and make excuses if things get too hard.

So how do we change our vocabulary in a way that supports us to turn our commitments into real accomplishments?

Today, we're going to discover how the word “try” might be holding you back from achieving the life you truly desire, and the steps you can take to change your mindset.

We'll talk about the power language has to shape our reality, and how replacing "I'll try" with "I will" can make a huge impact in shifting your day-to-day reality.

I challenge you to make this change for one week - you'll begin to notice how liberating and powerful this can be. You'll set realistic expectations and acquire a new level of commitment.

Think about the goals you want to achieve and stop giving yourself a way out. Whether it’s hitting your sales targets, spending more time with family or finally going to the gym, commit to it. When you switch from ”I'm trying” to “I'm doing”, you are setting yourself up for success. As we approach a new year, think about your 2025 goals and align them with a life you love, filled with committed actions.

Remember, it's these small shifts in language that can lead to big changes in life. I’d love to hear your one week challenge goes and the commitments you’re making towards making your dreams a reality!

LINKS

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Negotiation—it’s a word that fills most of us with dread.

It conjures up images of high-stakes boardroom confrontations or uncomfortable salary discussions. But what if I told you that negotiation is a skill we wield more frequently than we realise, and that mastering it could unlock immense value in our lives?

I had the pleasure of diving into this very topic with the fascinating Glin Bayley, known as the Value Negotiator. Glin isn’t just any expert; she’s a negotiation specialist, non-exec board director, self-leadership coach, author and an inspiring speaker.

Her approach is unique, focusing not just on the tactics of negotiation but on the transformative process of understanding who you become along the journey.

Her new book, The Negotiation Playbook, is a treasure trove of insights into value-driven negotiations, and I was thrilled to have her share some of her wisdom with us.

We discuss negotiation as a daily dialogue and how to apply a value-based negotiation framework to both professional and personal interactions. Glin also take us through clear steps that can apply to any situation where we seek to create value.

What I love about Glin’s teachings is how negotiation becomes a pathway to self-understanding, rather than just a transactional skill. By facing our fears of rejection or inadequacy, we grow into more confident communicators and leaders.

Glin’s insights left me with a renewed perspective on negotiation: it’s all about unlocking our own value, understanding others and developing a framework that can transform both professional and personal arenas. Whether you're a leader, collaborator, or even a friend, the ability to negotiate with confidence is invaluable.

I highly recommend Glin’s book for anyone looking to delve deeper into these concepts. You’ll find the tools and inspiration to negotiate not just effectively, but authentically.

LINKS

Connect with Glin:

Book: The Negotiation Playbook

Website: https://www.heartofhuman.com/

Instagram: @heartofhumanofficial

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heartofhuman/

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know that feeling when you walk into a room and the tension is so palpable you could cut it with a knife? It's as if there's a massive elephant taking up all the space, silently daring anyone to acknowledge it.

No one ever does, because we’re scared. But if we’re brave enough to face our fears, we can shrink the elephant and give our team more room to shine.

I recently had the pleasure of discussing this very topic with Genevieve Hawkins, an expert with deep skills in health, human behaviour, and commercial business, and the author of “Shrinking Elephants.” Our conversation left me with invaluable insights that I'm excited to share with you

According to Genevieve, the elephants arise when people see the same situation through different lenses, shaped by their experiences and perspectives. The first step to confronting them is to acknowledge that other people might see things differently than you. Not because they want to be difficult, but because their view of the problem—or the elephant—is different from ours. Having differing views isn’t a bad thing in itself. It’s when we fail to acknowledge and discuss these differences that conflicts grow, blocking effective communication and productivity.

So why don’t people speak up more often? The biggest reason is fear - fear of confrontation, fear of career repercussions, or simply the belief that speaking out wouldn't change anything. It's an environment we've all experienced, where discomfort festers quietly and impacts not just culture and teamwork but individual mental health as well.

Fortunately, Genevieve shares her advice on overcoming that fear and shrinking these elephants - trust. When disagreements are addressed openly, trust is built—not on agreeing, but on the shared ability to have open discussions about differing views. To foster this environment, Genevieve suggests leaders intentionally create bonds with their teams. By finding common ground, recognising strengths, and being curious about team members’ perspectives, leaders can create a safe space where divergent opinions are valued.

Managing group discussions when an elephant emerges requires tact. Genevieve recommends establishing a common language for addressing and resolving these issues. By recognising the elephant and setting ground rules for respectful discussion, teams can embrace diverse perspectives, turning potential flashpoints into opportunities for creative problem-solving.

Finally, Genevieve reminded me that workplaces aren't meant to be free of conflict. On the contrary, the absence of disagreement often indicates tension and lurking quiet conflicts. Constructive conflict, when managed well, can be beneficial by providing a platform for new ideas and improvements.

So, look around your workplace for any elephants lingering in the corners, it’s time to illuminate them! In doing so, you’re opening pathways to trust, innovation, and ultimately, a stronger, more cohesive team.

LINKS

Connect with Genevieve Hawkins:

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/genevievehawkins

Website: https://genevievehawkins.com.au/

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the many difficulties for those with ADHD is the constant need to try and fit into a world that really isn't designed for a complex brain.

For neurodivergent leaders, or those leading neurodivergent team members, the traditional workplace can present challenges that not only negatively affect performance, but have the potential to create psychological harm.

So how do we create inclusive, safe environments for ourselves and those we lead?

Julie Cockerill is an expert in the field of neurodiversity and workplace inclusivity, and has an ADHD diagnosis herself. I had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with her all about it. Julie is the founder of Lemon Co, a leadership coaching and consultancy firm dedicated to transforming how leaders thrive amidst today’s fast-paced demands. Julie blends her experience with a deep knowledge of brain science, positive psychology and emotional intelligence to empower leaders to lead boldly, break through burnout and create inclusive, brain friendly workplaces.

Julie shares her insights around understanding the unique way our brains function, which empowers us to better manage our work and energy. She takes us through her own journey to an ADHD diagnosis and how she has learnt to embrace her neurodivergence.

Historically, ADHD was often overlooked or misdiagnosed, especially in women, leading to a myriad of misunderstood emotional experiences. Our discussion underscores the importance of an accurate understanding of ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by varying symptoms, complexities and brain wiring differences.

Julie passionately describes what it means to create a neurodivergent-inclusive workplace. The brain's natural inclination is to seek safety and reward, hence organisations must foster an environment where team members feel secure and engaged. Psychological safety and inclusive leadership are key to unlocking creativity, learning and collaboration.

When a team member discloses their neurodivergent diagnosis, it’s crucial for leaders to listen and respond with curiosity and compassion. We discuss building trust through understanding and vulnerability, which can greatly enhance a team's dynamics.

In a world still learning to embrace neurodiversity, these conversations are vital. I’m grateful to Julie for sharing her insights and for the important work she does in paving the way for more inclusive workplaces. As leaders, may we continue to evolve, ensuring that everyone can bring their whole selves to work, shining brightly in their own unique ways.

LINKS

Connect with Julie Cockerill:

Website: https://juliecockerill.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliecockerill

Instagram: @juliecockerill.au

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As this year comes to an end, we have the opportunity to pause, reflect, and plan for 2025 with clarity and intention.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider asking your future self for guidance. Imagine you’re talking to the you at the end of 2025. What advice would they share? What choices would they tell you to make today to create the life that you truly want?

Before we fly forward, we want to look at the year that’s gone. Did you take strides in self-care? Perhaps a career decision that resonated with your values? Celebrate these wins! Too often we move past victories, missing the momentum they create.

Personally, releasing my book "You Always Have a Choice" was a monumental triumph amidst adversity. The empowerment that comes from seeing such projects to fruition is immense, and now it’s lighting the path for others. What win are you celebrating? Write it down and bask in it.

On the other hand, it’s important to reflect on the things that didn’t go to plan. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about learning from our mistakes so we can avoid them in the future.

Looking ahead once again, I invite you to visualise yourself in December 2025. What does your life look like? Are you healthy, content, and deeply connected with your true self? Most importantly, what steps did the future you take to build that beautiful future? This exercise isn’t about achievements in your career or finances, but rather how you live and how you feel.

Once we have an idea of where we’re going, it can be a good idea to unload some things that aren’t serving us. Perhaps it’s the fear of saying 'no,' or the pressure to remain perpetually busy. Give yourself permission to let go of what no longer serves you—jot it down and embrace the simplicity of one decisive step forward.

Next, boundary-setting is vital. It’s about defending your time and energy rather than shutting others out. Identify a boundary that aligns with your 2025 vision. A personal example is my commitment to unwinding before bedtime and being off my phone after a certain hour, which has been non-negotiable during my health journey.

Finally, it's about those daily choices that shape who you'll become. Be intentional with how you act, respond, and prioritise. Have a clear understanding of your goals and values to guide these decisions, and let your envisioned future self be the beacon.

You always have a choice in how you lead your life, so why not make 2025 the year you live boldly, and embrace your potential? Thanks so much for tuning in. Leading You will be back in the new year but until then I’m wishing you and your loved ones a magical holiday season.

LINKS

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.