Today, I’m bringing you what is potentially one of my favourite podcast episodes, which is all about being the CEO of you. I’m deeply passionate about this topic and even wrote a whole chapter around it in my book, You Always Have a Choice. In this episode, we explore the decisions we can make and questions to ask ourselves in order to become the best leaders - of ourselves and others - we can be.

Embracing the CEO Mindset

Being the CEO of you is a mindset, and one of courage that requires you to step up and make strategic decisions to lead a life that you love. And to lead a life that is in complete alignment to your vision, values and the experience you want to have, you need to get really clear on your vision. Ask yourself: Where am I going in my career, my business and my relationships? How do I want to feel? How can I energise myself to live the best life I possibly can? Remember, knowledge is power. And when you choose to do something with that knowledge, that’s when your power comes into play.

Making Courageous Choices

While many people believe they can't be leaders, it really comes down to making a choice. Will you make the choices necessary to effectively lead your own life? Leadership is all about taking courageous action, and as Maya Angelou beautifully put it, “stand up straight and realise who you are, that you tower over your circumstances”. I discuss the power of making strategic and brave decisions in all areas of your life, from relationships to work dynamics.

Self-Awareness is Key

Effectively, you need self-awareness around how you lead your life, how you experience it and how you impact others before you can be a great leader of anyone else. I take you through the technique I use with my own clients, which involves asking yourself three questions at the end of each day to really evaluate how you performed as a leader. This isn’t an opportunity to beat yourself up; it’s a powerful exercise in giving you critical insights into yourself and improving - as the leader, the partner, the parent or friend.

So join me today and learn some powerful tactics that will fuel and enable you to be the most effective CEO of you.

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.

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.

Do you find it hard to speak up in the workplace, as well as in your personal life? If so, it’s clear that you are not alone.

Studies show that the rate of women experiencing burnout at work has grown to 42%, with men at 30%. Why is this happening? I believe that a huge part of the problem is that people are too tired or lack the confidence to speak up for themselves when too much is being expected of them.

Today, I’m talking about the incredibly important idea of digging deep and using your voice. I share with you how I did that in one of my darkest moments, and encourage you to use your own voice to lead you through life’s challenges and towards opportunity.

In my previous roles as a leader, I noticed that if I didn’t raise some of the issues I was observing, I'm not sure that the people impacted by them would have spoken up. It made me wonder: Did I not have the level of trust with them? Or is speaking up just something that they're just not used to?

If you’re struggling to use your voice to address an issue in your life, I encourage you to look inside and ask yourself why. Whether it’s societal, cultural or a confidence issue, there will be something deep down for you that is preventing you from taking a stand. I also talk about the practical side of sharing your message, such as giving it at an unemotional time and with a healthy amount of detachment.

I take you through three tips to help you effectively position yourself in using your voice authentically and building trust:

1. Know what you do and don’t stand for
2. Connect to your values
3. Take action using practical strategies

Speaking up for yourself isn’t easy at first, but remember: practice is progress. If you just start doing it, whether it’s at home, work or out in society, you’ll soon feel empowered to use your voice where and when it really matters.

LINKS

Resources mentioned: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

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 do we work in a way that is sustainable and avoids burnout, while still being successful? This is a difficult question for women to answer, with a 2023 survey of Australian working women finding that 54% reported increased levels in stress. Another 30% experienced ongoing burnout and 16% left their jobs in 2022 citing lack of flexibility.

Today, I’m joined by the wonderful Jo Wagstaff, internationally renowned leadership coach and speaker. She has worked with many premier Australian and global firms to support thousands of professionals to embrace the power of conscious, authentic leadership. Jo has recently written her book, Lead Like You, a roadmap for women to lead more authentic and fulfilling lives. In this episode, we’re talking about just that.

Jo takes us through her earlier years of working in the corporate world, where she seemingly had it all. However, a pivotal moment in her life (at a party hosted by James Packer, no less!), along with a season of loss and grief, caused her to step away. We hear about the following messy years, where she became a person and mother she wasn’t proud of, and how she made the conscious decision to change her life.

We talk about the limiting beliefs formed in childhood that often drive us to overwork as adults. Jo talks about how writing her book helped her unpack how her experiences shaped her, and how she found self-acceptance on the journey.

So many of us struggle to find true meaning in our lives. We’re overloaded by society’s expectations on how to be, work and raise children. Jo talks about the importance of self-reflection, boundary-setting and values alignment to combat this. She also believes it’s not just about leaning in; it's about knowing when to step back and breathe.

There's no question that this world needs successful women. Those breaking glass ceilings, sitting at the top of the decision making tree and helping to develop the world that we want to live in. For Jo, it's about how to make them successful in a way that still feels meaningful.

Her motto? Know yourself, care for yourself and be yourself. What is really driving you? As Jo says: our greatest strengths, when overplayed, become our greatest weaknesses. So join us today as we uncover the secrets to combating burnout and finding our true, authentic purpose in life.

LINKS

Connect with Jo:

Book: Lead Like You

Website: https://jowagstaff.com/

Instagram: @jowagstaffofficial

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’s a tendency for so many leaders to constantly want more, do more and strive to be more. But what happens when we continue to forge ahead without ever slowing down?

I know firsthand how operating like this can lead to burnout. So today, I’m talking about an incredibly important yet undervalued strategy that will get you the results you want: taking pause.

While it may seem counterintuitive to stop and breathe in the midst of all the busyness, it’s often the very thing we need to be able to keep going - and improving. I talk about the benefits of pressing the pause button, such as giving your brain a break from overthinking, enabling yourself to process the chaos and reducing overwhelm.

By stepping back from the constant busyness in our work and personal lives, we create space for self-awareness and enhance our capacity for growth. I encourage you to develop a daily practice in setting aside time to breathe, reflect and reconnect with your centre.

A simple breathwork practice can work wonders to calm your nervous system, and I take you through a breathing technique you can implement in your routine to ground yourself when you’re in overwhelm.

I also share with you 5 practical tips to effectively press the pause button:

1. Pick your quiet time
2. Set the length of time for your pause
3. Find your solitude
4. Remove distractions
5. Sit with the silence

Taking pause is not just a valuable strategy to enhance your performance and that of your team; it’s a mindset shift that will empower you to choose how you show up in the world, both as a leader and an individual.

So join me today and learn the tools and techniques to help you become the most resilient and effective leader you can be.

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.

Did you know that your mindset can be your superpower? Never have I experienced the truth of this more than when I was diagnosed with cancer. Facing an enemy within, I’ve had to fuel and protect my mindset with intention. I believe in the power of mindset so much that I dedicated an entire chapter to this in my book, You Always Have a Choice.

Today, we’re exploring how you too can harness the power of your mindset to achieve the success that you’re after.

Firstly, l take you through a short quiz to help you determine which of these two mindsets you have:

1. Fixed mindset
2. Growth mindset

While a fixed mindset may keep you stuck in your ways and adamant that your way is right, a growth mindset is one that is open to change, learning and embracing others’ perspectives. I talk about the importance of developing that growth mindset, so you can stand in resilience and succeed no matter what challenges may come your way.

We’ll explore Ernest Hemingway’s iceberg model, which states that while people usually only see our 10% - being our results and outcomes - our real power lies in the 90% below the surface. This refers to our behaviours, decisions, attitudes and beliefs that shape who we are.

So what is happening for you in the 90% below? Is there something you need to change in order to adopt a healthy mindset that will help you grow? I take you through some practical strategies to help you influence your mindset and in turn, your actions.

The good news is, your mindset is malleable. And it needs to be if you are going to adapt to change or grow in life. So, join me today and get inspired to truly look within and create that solid foundation for the success and happiness you so desire.

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.

Are you striving to become a leader but keep getting shut down for no reason? Are you feeling stuck or undervalued? If so, then today’s episode is for you!

I want to share something that has genuinely changed my life. It's an exercise born out of a challenging time that turned into one of my most powerful personal growth tools, branding exercises, and leadership strategies.

The "Three Words" Exercise
First, you need to write down three words that you believe best describe yourself. We don’t want “I’m nice” or “I’m a good worker”, go deeper and come up with answers like “I’m great at communicating or solving problems”. These words serve as a mirror reflecting how you perceive yourself in various aspects of your life, whether it be in your career, leadership style, or personal brand.

Then, I challenge you to seek out three people who can give you the three words they think best describe you. Make sure you’re asking people you trust and who’ll be honest. Avoid people who sugarcoat things or who you’d feel uncomfortable with. I know reaching out for help with this is scary, I’ve been there. But trust me, the insights you'll gain are priceless. When I did it, I was surprised—and a little shaken—by what I heard. But that discomfort? It was the push I needed to bridge the gap between how I saw myself and how others saw me.

My Experience
The first time I did this exercise, it wasn’t intentional. I thought I was ready for a leadership role, but my boss didn't see it that way. I confided in a friend looking for comfort but instead, he told me the truth. At work, I was seen as laid back and fun- a good employee but not necessarily leadership material. It was hard to accept but eventually, I realised he was right and got to work changing things. It wasn’t easy, change never is, but at least now I knew the way forward. And it paid off! A year later, I landed the leadership role I’d been after.

So, here's my challenge to you: try the "Three Words" exercise. Use the feedback to fuel your growth and become the best version of yourself. And remember to embrace the discomfort because that's where the magic happens.

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.

Have you ever wondered what separates an average leader from an exceptional one?

I’m back from a magical holiday in central australia, and I want to get started again with five transformative strategies that will level up your leadership skills. Whether you are an experienced leader or an up-and-coming one, these actionable tips will empower you to unlock your full potential.

Step One: Invest in your Wellbeing and Growth
Your health is your responsibility. It’s crucial that you prioritise rest, maintain good sleep strategies, eat well, and allow your brain to reflect after the chaos of the day. By role-modeling this well-being—both physical and mental—you show your team what is possible for them.

Step Two: Enhance your Emotional Intelligence
Emotionally intelligent leaders are more effective than those who rely solely on IQ. Emotional intelligence involves self-regulation, self-awareness, social awareness, and managing relationships. This is beneficial not only for your role as a leader but also in your personal life, whether you are a parent, friend, or peer.

Step Three: Effective Communication
Communication is fundamental to the success of any organisation. The way you communicate can make or break your culture, performance, and relationships. It is important to articulate your vision clearly and to actively listen to those around you. Remember, it's not just about what is being said, but also about what isn't being said.

Step Four: Empowering and Delegating
Micromanaging stifles creativity and trust. It’s important to trust your team with responsibilities and provide the necessary support. This not only boosts their motivation but also encourages them to grow and take on new challenges. Delegation is not abdication—implement a process to ensure accountability and completion of tasks.

Step Five: Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The best leaders continuously seek to learn and adapt to new ways of working, thinking, and leading. Invest in learning, attend workshops, seek peer advice, and listen to inspiring podcasts. This curiosity and willingness to adapt will fuel your leadership potential and keep you ahead of the game.

By implementing these five strategies, you can level up your leadership game. If you found today’s episode helpful, please leave a review or rating and share it with others. Winter in Australia can be a reflective time—use it to assess your leadership skills and determine which of these strategies you can adopt to elevate your capabilities.

Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you in the next podcast episode.

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.