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.

Did you know the way your voice sounds matters twice as much as the content you’re speaking on?

Our guest today is Rachel Pietsch, a multi-award-winning vocal coach and accredited voice function expert who guides both speakers and singers to bring ease, protection and longevity to their voices.

In our conversation, Rachel shares her fascinating insights into vocal mechanics and the impact a confident and well-projected voice can have on our leadership.

The Journey to Vocal Mastery

Rachel's journey to becoming a voice coach is nothing short of inspirational. Initially a piano teacher, Rachel transitioned into voice coaching and over the course of 15 years, has studied various pedagogies, achieving advanced accreditation and mastering the technical expertise required to train voices effectively. She shares how this journey not only ironed out the issues in her own voice but also equipped her with the tools to help others achieve their vocal goals.

Voice as a Tool for Leadership and Public Speaking

Rachel emphasises that the way a leader's voice sounds can significantly influence their effectiveness. As leaders, we often have many people looking up to us and seeking our direction. A voice that exudes confidence can help them in building trust and receiving our words in the way we intend.

Rachel explains that with proper training, including strengthening and coordination exercises, anyone can improve their vocal quality. For public speakers, additional performance aspects like intonation, pacing and vocal dynamics are crucial.

Practical Tips

To combat nerves and improve vocal projection, Rachel shares some practical exercises involving breathing and specific sounds that can help to relax the vocal cords. She takes us through the concept of breathing low into the diaphragm to reduce strain and enhance sound quality.

Rachel’s own experience and transformation serve as a testament to the power of dedicated practice and proper mechanics in achieving a confident, impactful voice. She encourages us to believe in our potential to become influential through our speech and that with the right guidance, anyone can develop a confident, resonant voice.

So join us in this fascinating conversation and get inspired to embrace the power of using your voice in your leadership journey!

Connect with Rachel:

Website: https://www.rachelpietschvocalstudio.com.au/home

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.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? You probably felt awkward and uncomfortable and perhaps anxiety started creeping in about what people might think. What if you fail?

It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s something we all face.

Brené Brown calls these moments FFTs, which stands for "Fucking First Times" and I couldn’t think of a better way to put it. Today I’m sharing my recent FFT and how to face these moments with courage instead of shying away from doing something new.

After a long time of procrastination and excuses, I finally took the plunge and attended my first spin class at a new centre. Being at a fitness level that I’m not happy with, it felt like I was starting from the beginning and my mind was flooded with excuses not to go. I was nervous about not knowing anyone, about whether I could set up my bike properly and felt like everyone would be watching me with judging eyes.

But, I put my big girl pants on and kept reminding myself of all the things I coach my clients on: embrace discomfort, step outside of your comfort zone, and understand that growth happens there. For me, it was a spin class, and maybe for you, it’s going to the gym, a networking event, starting a new project or having a conversation.

Whatever FFT you’re facing, Brené says the best thing to do is to name the discomfort. Naming what’s causing you anxiety makes it real and approachable. Here are three steps she recommends, which I found incredibly helpful:

1. Normalise It: Understand that everyone experiences discomfort every time they do something new. It’s perfectly okay to feel awkward, nervous and anxious because brave people feel uncomfortable.
2. Put It into Perspective: Realise that the feeling is not permanent and doesn’t mean you’re bad at everything. You’re in the middle of an FFT around this ONE thing.
3. Reality Check Your Expectations: Understand that you won’t crush it right away. Acknowledge that it will suck for a while, but it will get better with time.

I also added a fourth step: Just Do It. Whether it’s booking a class, walking through a door, putting your hand up, or searching Google for tips on how to start your own podcast, taking that first step is crucial.

So did I crush my spin class like I was hoping to? No. My legs felt like lead and I was the last on the leaderboard. I had to remind myself: this was an FFT.

BUT, I did end up knowing someone in the class, which made me feel more comfortable and the instructor was incredibly welcoming and helped me settle in. After the class, I felt proud of myself for just showing up. That FFT was done and next time, it will be easier.

I believe we should all face FFTs more often because growth happens outside our comfort zones. Whether it's writing a book, applying for a new job or attending a networking event, these first times pave the way for growth and confidence.

So, if you’ve been putting off something that feels awkward or completely outside your comfort zone, I hope my recent experience gives you the courage to take that first step. You have a choice to do it or not, to chicken out or do the hard thing, to avoid it or to be proud of yourself. It’s as simple as that.

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.

Have you ever wondered what sets truly great leaders apart from the rest?

Is it their charisma, their decision-making skills, or perhaps their vision?

According to Chris Smith, an expert in leadership and aviation counselling, it’s something much simpler yet profoundly impactful: humility.

Recently I was lucky enough to sit down with Chris, and he shared some wonderful insights from his book Leadership at 43,000 Feet on how humility shapes effective leadership.

Chris has had a broad and winding career, trying multiple paths before finding his true calling in aviation. From this experience, Chris saw that the best leaders he encountered weren’t driven by personal gain, instead they were motivated by something bigger than themselves. He references respected leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Barack Obama as individuals who demonstrate remarkable humility.

Respect plays a crucial role in leadership. Chris shared that whether in the cockpit or managing a company, treating people with respect ensures they feel safe enough to communicate openly. Now this isn’t something you can buy. It’s built through consistent, respectful actions and a genuine concern for team members. If you can earn that respect then people will continue to follow you, even through challenging times.

Towards the end of our conversation, we spoke about legacy which is not only is it a major theme of Chris’ book but his main reason for writing it. He wanted Leadership at 43,000 Feet to give his children and grandchildren a deeper understanding of who he is beyond just ‘Dad’ or ‘Grandad’.

He also opens up about living away from family due to work commitments and urges us to find a balance between career ambitions and our personal lives. In the long run, what truly matters is maintaining close personal relationships, as the time lost cannot be reclaimed.

Leadership is complex, and often, we overlook the simplest but most profound qualities that make the best leaders stand out. So, take a moment today to think about your own leadership journey. Are you leading with humility? Are you respecting the people you work with? These small shifts can create lasting changes, not just in your professional life but in your personal life as well.

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

Connect with Chris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-0080374b/

His Book: www.booktopia.com.au/leadership-at-43000-feet-chris-smith/book/9781923007659.html

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.

What if you could apply the winning strategies of elite athletes to your leadership style?

Picture yourself leading not just with authority but with the precision and resilience of a champion. Sound good? Well, stick around, because I’m sharing six lessons from the world of sports that can help us lead ourselves and our teams to victory.

Rest: Athletes know that rest is essential for recovery and injury prevention, and similarly, leaders need to recognise the importance of downtime. Taking time to rest allows us to recharge, avoid burnout, and return with renewed energy and perspective every day. This doesn’t have to be a big commitment, stepping away from your desk during the workday to give yourself a micro-break is proven to boost productivity.

Visualisation: Top athletes use visualisation to mentally prepare for success. They see themselves crossing the finish line before the race even starts, knowing their game plan every step of the way. As leaders, we can apply the same technique to our goals. Visualising successful outcomes and the steps needed to get there can enhance focus, build confidence, and make our objectives more tangible.

Patience and Persistence: Success, whether in sport or leadership, doesn’t happen overnight. Take Jessica Hull, an Australian middle-distance runner who won silver at the Olympics. Her journey to success wasn’t immediate; it came with time, patience, and consistent effort. As leaders, we must remember that sometimes pushing too hard isn’t the right option. Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint.

Resilience: Whether you’re an athlete or a leader, you’ll need resilience to reach success. Just like Michelle Jenneke, the Australian hurdling champion, who fell during a crucial race but got up to finish it, resilience in leadership means bouncing back from failures, learning from mistakes, and staying committed even when the path gets tough.

Compromise: Professional athletes often have to make compromises, adjusting strategies mid-game or balancing training with personal life. For leaders, compromise is about finding the balance that allows you and your team to move forward while considering diverse perspectives and needs. It can’t always be our way, we need to consider what’s most important for the greater good, which creates better outcomes for everyone.

Feeding Your Body Right: Proper nutrition isn’t just for athletes; it’s critical for leaders too. Our roles demand a lot from us, and a leader who takes care of their body is better equipped to handle these demands. Eating good food, along with proper sleep and regular exercise, will lay the foundation for high performance!

Bonus! Your Mindset: The most important lesson we can learn from athletes is to cultivate a strong mindset. In addition to their bodies, they train their minds to stay focused, positive, and resilient. For leaders, a growth mindset—one that embraces challenges and views failures as opportunities for growth—can be the difference between success and stagnation.

So next time you face a challenge, think like a pro athlete: stay focused, stay resilient, and don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way.

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.

Imagine a workplace where every team member is not just doing their job but is passionately engaged and thriving. Seems like a dream, right? But it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategies and mindset, you can make this a reality!

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Shivani Gupta an award-winning entrepreneur, coach, and author who has transformed not just her own life but also the businesses of many leaders globally. In our conversation, she shares some of the strategies from her latest book “Getting Your People to Step Up,” on how leaders can more effectively motivate their teams.

One of my favourite parts of Shivani's book is the “Passion Model.” Instead of assuming work needs to be their top priority, Shivani encourages leaders to understand what truly motivates their employees. This means you can tailor roles and incentives to align with what truly drives their team members. For example, if an employee's number one passion is health and fitness, providing a gym membership as part of their package can be a huge motivator. By tapping into what your employees care about most, you can foster a more engaged and productive workforce.

Another chapter we dive into is around the importance of creating inclusive and diverse workplaces. As an immigrant and a woman of colour working in male-dominated industries, Shivani is passionate about fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated. Whether it's gender, ethnicity, or cultural background, diverse teams can offer unique perspectives and innovative solutions. Shivani encourages leaders to be proactive in hiring individuals from various backgrounds and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included. By doing so, businesses can cultivate a richer, more dynamic workforce.

Finally, we discuss a challenge that many leaders face today, how to motivate younger workers, who have different values and expectations than previous generations. Today's employees seek flexibility, quicker advancement, and a work-life balance that previous generations only dreamed of.

Shivani advises leaders to be open-minded and flexible in their management styles. For example, allowing part-time work for roles traditionally seen as full-time can attract high-quality candidates who value their work-life balance. By setting clear KPIs and being outcome-focused, leaders can ensure productivity while catering to the different needs of their team members.

With Shivani's wisdom, you can turn your workplace into a powerhouse of talent and productivity.

Ready to see what your team can achieve?

Connect with Shivani

Website: https://www.askshivani.com/

Book: Getting Your People to Step Up

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.

There are now five generations in the workforce.

With that comes a broad set of values for leaders to navigate, and all at a time where the pace of complex change continues to increase.

So how do we most effectively grapple with the evolving dynamics of a multi-generational workforce?

I had the pleasure of discussing just this with Dr. Paige Williams, an organisational psychologist, keynote speaker and honorary fellow at the University of Melbourne. With a wealth of experience and a knack for asking the right questions, Paige is a world leader in positive psychology and author of six insightful books on leadership.

Her passion for systems and organisations, specifically in leadership, led her to become one of the small team that introduced the science of well being, positive psychology to Australia.

She now works alongside leaders and teams to help them find how to be exceptional in their work and create cultures that encourage others to do the same.

Join us as we explore the fascinating psychology behind the unique worldview of Millennials and why it may differ to that of their Gen X and Gen Z counterparts.

Paige also takes us through practical strategies for engaging, leading and empowering Millennials to not only effectively navigate the generational divide, but to foster a thriving and dynamic workplace.

Connect with Dr Paige Williams

Website: https://drpaige.au/

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

Book: What Does Good Look Like?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we leap into spring, my favourite season of the year, I want to talk to you about making empowered choices for your mindset.

Spring is a magical time of growth, fresh starts, and new beginnings. It’s an ideal season to make some powerful decisions about how you show up in life, what you need to let go of, and how you want to carve your path forward. The choices we make now can set the tone for how we finish this year and start the next. So, how can we harness the energy of spring to empower our mindset?

An empowered choice is one made with intention and awareness. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive, taking control of your decisions, and by extension, your life. When we make empowered choices, we choose to live a life aligned with our values, goals, and the person we aspire to be.

The Connection Between Empowerment and Mindset

Our mindset is like a lens through which we view the world. It shapes how we interpret experiences, respond to challenges, and perceive opportunities. By making empowered choices, we choose the lens through which we see our reality. We can see challenges as opportunities for growth, setbacks as lessons, and every experience as a step closer to our goals.

Personally, I had to make empowered choices when I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma cancer. It wasn’t the ideal situation, and my initial misdiagnoses made things worse. I had the choice to fall into a victim mentality or to be a victor. I chose the latter. I decided that cancer wouldn’t define me and chose to lead myself through it with hope and resilience. This mindset allowed me to share my journey and help others facing similar battles.

Spring Cleaning for Your Mindset

Why spring? Spring is synonymous with renewal. Just as we clean our homes and get rid of clutter, it’s essential to clear out mental clutter: negative thoughts, limiting beliefs, and unproductive behaviours. Mental clutter can weigh us down, cloud our judgment, and keep us stuck. Spring is the perfect time to make space for new, empowering thoughts and beliefs.

Ask yourself, what thoughts are holding me back? What beliefs do I need to release? Maybe it’s the belief you’re not good enough. Acknowledge it and choose to let it go. Consciously choose a new narrative and plant the seeds of positivity.

Think of your mind as a garden. What will you plant today to ensure it flourishes in the future? One way to plant seeds of positivity is through gratitude. Start each day by acknowledging three things you’re grateful for. This shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant.

Set intentions for what you want to achieve this spring. Who do you want to be? Write it down and revisit your goals regularly. Even a small empowered choice, like taking a 10-minute break to clear your mind when feeling overwhelmed, can have a significant impact on your mindset.

Meditation and mindful breathing, even just for a few minutes, can center your mindset and relieve stress. This spring, align your goals with the theme of renewal. Take this opportunity to learn something new, step outside your comfort zone, and embrace growth.

My challenge for you this week is to make one empowered choice that aligns with the person or leader you want to become. It doesn’t have to be big; start your day with a positive intention. Make that choice with intention and purpose and watch how it impacts your mindset.

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.