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.

Today I’m joined by Shivani Gopal, the founder and CEO of Elladex, to talk about the importance of inclusion in the workplace. Shivani has won the 2022 New South Wales Excellence in Women's Leadership Award and the Top 50 Small Business Leaders Award. She's recognised as a leading feminist and business thought leader, helping women navigate through their careers, businesses, and financial success.

In our conversation, Shivani talks about the invisible barriers that prevent people from diverse backgrounds from reaching their full potential. She notes that organisations must prioritise inclusion and create a psychologically safe environment where people can speak up, take risks, and innovate.

We discuss the differences between diversity and inclusion, how they are often confused with each other, and why it is important for businesses to have both. Shivani emphasises that diversity and inclusion must go hand-in-hand for organisations to benefit from a diverse workforce. She explains that inclusion is the mechanism that ensures diverse voices are heard and respected, and it is the key to unlocking the potential of diversity.

Shivani also talks about the importance of visibility and representation in leadership roles. She believes that seeing diverse leaders in visible positions creates a greater sense of belonging and permission for others to strive for leadership roles. Shivani asserts that diversity happens from the bottom up, but inclusion must come from the top down, as people in positions of power and authority are crucial to removing barriers to inclusion.

Shivani shares a personal story where she questioned a board member about the company's commitment to inclusion and diversity at the executive and board levels. She highlights the importance of asking these questions respectfully and with a solution-oriented approach.

I absolutely loved talking to Shivani. She is such a passionate advocate for the power of inclusion and works tirelessly to help people succeed in their lives, careers, and finances.

There’s so much wisdom in this episode that I know you’ll love, so sit back, relax, and enjoy!

LINKS

Connect with Shivani Gopal

Elladex: https://elladex.com/

Get the Elladex App: https://elladex.com/get-the-app-0?hsCtaTracking=24de9d61-bce0-4634-9442-77aad9f950f4%7Ca885e408-b2bb-4f51-9ac6-c0df018cdc7d

Instagram: @shivani_gopal

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'm honoured to introduce Peter Baines (OAM), global speaker, author, board director, business consultant and founder of an incredible charity, Hands Across the Water. With an extraordinary background in both elite forensic services and international disaster relief efforts, Peter's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, we explore his recently released book, "Leadership Matters," which encapsulates the essence of authentic leadership gleaned from the heart of crisis and resilience.

As we explore resilience, Peter's insights provide a profound understanding of how leaders can cultivate it in the face of unthinkable challenges. He stresses the power of swift decision-making and the courage to seize opportunities, even in uncertain times. The impact of a leader’s presence cannot be underestimated and Peter expresses how honesty, integrity and the courage to make decisions are attributes that leaders require now and moving into the future. He underscores that leadership's core lies in forging genuine connections, fostering open communication, and wholeheartedly committing to making a positive impact.

Leadership Matters beautifully exemplifies the core principles of resilience. He emphasises the significance of embracing risk rather than avoiding it, as challenges are often gateways to growth. He laments the modern tendency to shield individuals from risk, which ultimately hinders their ability to tackle challenges when they arise. Peter also shares an inspiring story about a woman he works with in Thailand who demonstrated extraordinary resilience working with HIV children for 24 years. Peter reflects that her tenacity to keep going under incredibly challenging circumstances was because she didn’t let today be defined by yesterday.

Through Peter’s insights, we discover that leadership isn't confined to theories—it's a living, breathing force born from the crucible of real-life challenges. His journey paints a vivid picture of leadership's evolution, from confronting the unimaginable to nurturing resilience and embracing risks. Peter's stories of courage, hope, and unwavering dedication remind us that leadership truly does matter—it shapes not only our lives but also the lives of those we touch.

LINKS

Connect with Peter Baines

Website: https://peterbaines.com.au/

Book: Leadership Matters

Charity: https://www.handsacrossthewater.org.au/

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.

Many people today are grappling with the feeling of overwhelm and if you're one of them, you're not alone. Overwhelm can manifest in various forms, but it's vital to recognise that you have the power to change it. The key is understanding your priorities and that’s exactly what I’m diving into today.

In this solo episode, I share how understanding your priorities will help reduce your overwhelm and shed some of the weight you’ve been carrying, whether it be from obligations, people-pleasing tendencies, or habitual actions.

Identifying your true priorities is the first step to setting boundaries and living a life aligned with your values. Today I guide you through a practical exercise to help you step back and reevaluate what’s important to you so you can create a life that you love, not just one that you tolerate.

• Limit Your Priorities: If you have more than three priorities, they're not priorities. Take time to identify what truly matters to you.
• Assess Your Current Juggle: List all the balls you're juggling, categorise them into priorities, important tasks, and those you'd like to drop.
• Set Boundaries: Make your life work for you by aligning it with your priorities. This may mean temporarily letting some balls bounce while you focus on others.
• Continual Evaluation: Reassess your priorities as life evolves and new responsibilities arise. Be willing to make bold, courageous decisions to ensure you're living the life you want to live.

Living a life you love is entirely within your reach, but it requires conscious decision-making. Recognise that you don't need to juggle all the balls in your life simultaneously. Prioritise what truly matters, set boundaries, and be willing to adapt as circumstances change. By following these principles, you can escape overwhelm, avoid burnout, and create a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.

LINKS

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.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Ella Zhang, who is a renowned change maker and executive coach. Ella has recently released her book Upgrade: How to Outperform Your Defaults and Gain Your Superpowers and in our conversation, Ella shares her insights on the concept of outperforming your default self in order to tap into your true potential.

In her work with organisations and individuals, Ella identifies self care as a critical aspect of personal and professional development, which includes understanding one's patterns of thinking, behaving and acting. While many corporate leaders today would equate self care with physical health, Ella emphasises the importance of going beyond that and tuning in to our inner selves.

When it comes to facing a challenging situation, Ella encourages us to step back and ask ourselves questions to evaluate how we’re navigating it, such as: How is my body responding? How am I speaking to myself? What am I giving my attention to in this situation?

To help us begin our journey towards becoming stronger and more capable leaders, Ella shares three practical ways we can come back to the body and create the vital self-awareness that leads to positive change:

1. Pay Attention to Your Thoughts: There can be a million different thoughts racing through our minds as we lead others, particularly when we’re faced with a challenging moment. Learning how to capture your thoughts and observe your thinking patterns can give you an understanding as to how you react, and in turn make decisions. Ella gives us some practical strategies on how to sit with our own thoughts and come to a better understanding of where and how we need to change.
2. Become Aware of Physical Sensations: In the workplace, where intellect and technical know-how is hailed as king, emotions are generally viewed as roadblocks and often suppressed. This can lead to a disconnect between leaders and their team. Ella encourages leaders to notice how their body reacts during strong emotional moments, which can help in regulating emotions, improving emotional intelligence and building stronger relationships with their staff.
3. Focus on Breathing: Ella emphasises the significance of breathing and its impact on stress and relaxation. Leaders often thrive in high-stress environments, but they need to balance stress with recovery. Controlled breathing techniques, like deep and rhythmic breathing, can help leaders manage stress effectively.

Ella’s wisdom on the mind-body connection and its benefits is truly eye-opening, and I know you’ll gain so much valuable insight on better understanding yourself as a leader, and in turn those you lead.

Enjoy!

LINKS

Connect with Ella:

Book: Upgrade: How to Outperform Your Default Self to Gain Your Super Powers

LinkedIn: Ella Zhang

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’m thrilled to be sharing a conversation about something a little different today as I chat with celebrity journalist and author, Lucy Broadbent, about her latest book, What Would Ted Lasso Do?: How Ted's Positive Approach Can Help You.

If you haven’t seen this hugely popular television series yet, I highly recommend that you do. Ted Lasso offers so many profound leadership lessons for life and business. Today Lucy and I delve into how Ted’s unique leadership style can guide us all towards a better, kinder, and more effective way of leading ourselves and others.

In this episode, Lucy shares her inspiration behind writing this book and some of her discoveries after digging deeper into the positive psychology embedded in the show. We talk about one of her key takeaways, which is that our reactions to life's challenges can significantly impact our well-being.

A crucial aspect of Ted Lasso's character is his imperfection. He is not a flawless leader, and this is what makes him relatable and authentic. Lucy highlights that the key to Ted's leadership is his vulnerability, and by sharing his flaws and being honest about them, Ted fosters trust among his team members, which is a crucial element in effective leadership.

Lucy talks about one of her favourite lessons from Ted Lasso's playbook - kindness. This overarching message has a profound impact on both the characters in the show and its viewers. It serves as a reminder that being kind to oneself and others can create a positive ripple effect in our lives.

We also talk about Lucy’s upcoming book, "How to Be a Lioness, Not a Panda", which explores the dynamic between the strong female characters in Ted Lasso and how their mentorship and friendship reflect the importance of women supporting each other in the face of challenges. This book promises to be a refreshing take on leadership and feminism, showcasing how women can lead and empower one another.

LINKS

Connect with Lucy Broadbent:

Website: https://www.lucybroadbent.net/

Book: What Would Ted Lasso Do?: How Ted's Positive Approach Can Help You

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.

In today's episode, I dive deep into what it truly means to be courageous. Courage isn't just about the grand acts we associate with heroes but the quiet, persistent strength that manifests every day.

I’ll share a chapter of my corporate journey, where my ambition to climb to a leadership position was met with laughter and skepticism. Other people couldn't see me as a leader because of the persona I portrayed.

One of the boldest things you can do is confront your reflection, especially when you don't like what you see. It was difficult to change my persona into a potential leader but I knew that embracing and exhibiting the qualities of my aspiration was key. I’ll also share how I found the courage to stand firm in my choice, despite not everyone being pleased with my changes.

Courage comes in various forms. Whether it's the determination to change perceptions, the tenacity to keep moving forward despite setbacks, or the ability to genuinely confront oneself, each one of us possesses a unique brand of courage.

I hope this episode can be a call to action, and encourage you to recognize your inner strength and become a leader in your own life.

Listen in for an uplifting boost of inspiration, and remember, the path to courage starts with the person staring back at you in the mirror.

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.