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.

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.

Today I’m joined by Kathryn Elliott, an inspiring woman who made a bold career change in her forties. Kathryn, who is now one of Australia's leading binge-drinking and alcohol coaches, left her former career in PR and media in 2020 to establish her business, the Alcohol Mindset Coach. In this episode, we delve into Kathryn’s remarkable journey, her motivation for making a career shift, the challenges she faced, and the skills she brought from her previous career to succeed in her new venture.

Kathryn's journey began with a significant moment of self-reflection at the age of 47 when she decided to reassess her relationship with alcohol. She recognised that her drinking habits didn't align with her values, leading her to stop drinking in 2019. However, just six weeks later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which further prompted her to question her life's purpose and career choices.

After 25 years in media and PR, Kathryn felt there was more to life than her successful career. She decided to use her personal experience of changing her drinking habits and battling breast cancer as a catalyst for a career change. Kath talks about how this shift led her to become an alcohol coach and her biggest challenge - attracting clients.

Many women in their forties have a desire to change careers but aren’t sure how they can transfer their knowledge and experience into their new venture. Kath shares how her expertise in communication, writing and media relations, along with a network of contacts, proved beneficial. However, she discovered that her true strength lay in sharing her story personally and vulnerably. This authentic approach allowed her to connect with others, helping them see themselves in her journey and inspiring them to make positive changes in their own lives.

One significant lesson Kathryn learned during her transition was the importance of staying true to herself. She shares her journey of attempting to conform to marketing strategies that didn't align with her values and how she realised the importance of authenticity. For her, the key to success was finding channels that felt genuine and authentic to attract clients and surrounding herself with a supportive network.

If you are contemplating a career change, I hope this episode inspires you to embrace it with courage and determination. This life stage offers a wealth of experience and wisdom and Kathryn’s story serves as a testament that with the right mindset, support network, and authenticity, anyone can thrive in a new career, regardless of their age. It's never too late to pursue your passions, find your purpose, and make a meaningful impact

Connect with Kathryn Elliot:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-elliott-630ab532/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealcoholmindsetcoach/

Website: https://www.thealcoholmindsetcoach.com/

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.

My guest today is Cassandra Goodman, founder of the Centre For Self-Fidelity and the author of two insightful books, including her latest release, "Being True: How to Be Yourself at Work." We’re talking today about being your true self in the workplace, some of the reasons why many people lose their sense of identity and how we can reconnect with our authentic selves.

Cassandra’s mission is truly inspiring. Through coaching, workshops, keynote speaking and her books, she aims to empower busy, big-hearted individuals to rediscover their true selves within the often demanding confines of the workplace.

In this conversation, Cassandra shares how, as a child, she attached her self-worth to her achievements rather than her true self, which ultimately caused her to suffer and behave in ways that contradicted her core values.

She explains why people often lose touch with their true nature, trading authenticity for attachment during their formative years. We talk about the fact that these habits and stories need to be challenged so that we can operate out of our authentic nature and not base our identity on external factors.

We also tackle the dilemma of people often feeling compelled to be someone different at work in order to fit in or advance their careers. People are often trapped in this situation due to financial pressures but Cassandra emphasises the importance of evaluating the personal cost and devising a plan to transition to a more compatible workplace.

When it comes to self-worth, recognising that we have placed too much emphasis on external factors can be confronting. Shifting from external validation to internal validation requires a leap of faith and Cassandra shares her advice on how to tap into our own energy source through playfulness and self-awareness.

Connect with Cassandra Goodman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-goodman/

Website: https://www.self-fidelity.com/

Book: Being True

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.