A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist

ANNETTE  FOUND REFUGE FROM THE BULLYING IN HER SCHOOL LIBRARY.
With a Kindle called ‘her best mate’ and borderline obsession for reading, Annette Densham, writer, journalist, storyteller was destined to have a career centered around delicious, wonderful words. From hiding in the school library as a 10-year-old determined to fill more reading cards than her classmates (her record is three in one term) to meeting deadlines as a journalist, Annette’s innate curiosity has driven her love for storytelling. When she is not reading or writing stories, this multi-award-winning PR and business awards specialist is working with professional service providers to cement their position as a market leader through strategic planning and good old fashion storytelling.

 On this episode of 'A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist' I had a thoroughly enjoyable chat with Annette who shared her journey.  Amongst other things, we chatted about 

• The importance of businesses telling a great story to connect with their market.  People connect with people through their stories, not the company or products.
• Her health challenges and recent weight loss surgery which has had a remarkable positive impact on previous other health conditions such as Asthma.
• Her new book 'How To Eat A Shit Sandwich and Keep Smiling'

A very entertaining and open lady.  

Does your business run you or do you run your business?  Can your business run without you?  How many hours do you work in your business?

In this episode of 'A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist, successful CEO and Businesswoman turned elite business coach and mentor, Tammy Edwards shared her success steps and strategies. on how, from very humble beginnings, she built and sold a multi-million dollar business.

Tammy had a clear plan.  Starting with no staff and in only 15 short years, Tammy sold Tuckfields to the first person SHE wanted to sell it to at the price she wanted.  Tammy regularly took time off (including one continuous 3 month period) and with the systems she had in place, the business ran itself.  In fact, at the time of the sale, she was regularly only working 11 hours per week.  

What is even more remarkable about her story is that she started with no money and NEVER borrowed any to build it.  The growth was funded purely by profit.

Tammy shared:

• The importance of having people in her corner
• Having a clear plan from the get-go
• Her staff selection process
• The importance of protecting your profit

and right at the end, a very valuable lesson with the difference between capacity and availability.

Tammy has walked the walk and is very qualified to talk the talk. She is now an elite business coach and has created Tammy's Table, an inclusive and supportive community of like-minded business owners who are determined to run, rather than be run by their businesses.

For more information about her coaching and Tammy's Table head to her website
www.tammy-edwards.com.au/

11 YEARS SINCE BEING DIAGNOSED WITH A RARE CANCER, DESIREE FRASER CONTINUES HER BATTLE.   Only about 80 people a year are diagnosed with ADENOID CYSTIC CARCINOMA, a rare cancer with no cure.   Many other cancers demonstrate a higher probability of survival as the period of remission and being cancer-free increases.
Where patients with ACC are not classified as 'being in remission'  but with 'No Findings Present' (NFP) and the longer they are NFP, the probability of the cancer returning increases.

On this episode of 'A Cuppa with The Conversationalist' I caught up with Desiree to see how she was progressing after our initial 'Cuppa' a year ago.  (to listen to the original interview click HERE )
After having income protection insurance and full private health cover, Desiree is now $60k out of pocket, has had 60 medical procedures and is currently on a waiting list to reconstruct her jaw which has all but disintegrated as a result of the radiation therapy.
And through all this, Desiree continues her tireless work with her foundation, Without a Ribbon.
Desiree's story is one of courage, resilience and service for fellow cancer 'warriors'
Whilst raising funds for her charity is vital to continue it's valuable work, raising awareness is critical!  PLEASE, PLEASE SHARE THIS TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS OF THIS AND OTHER RARE CANCERS.  IT WILL COST YOU NOTHING.  PLEASE.

WOULD YOU RECOGNIZE UNDUE INFLUENCE AND COERCIVE CONTROL?

Christopher Karvountzis was born into the secretive religion know as the Jehovah's Witnesses and spent his first 30 years a part of this group.

In this episode of 'A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist', Christopher shared his compelling and emotional journey from experiencing control of every aspect of his life to his attempted suicide and eventually, his leaving as a gay man, disowned by former friends, community, and family.

I asked him:

• The origins of his families involvement
• What tactics of undue influence and control were employed
• The circumstances of attempting to end his life
• The consequences of his acknowledgment of his sexuality and much more.

Christopher has had a professional career spanning the wine, property development, government, and private industry.  A constant theme of his career has been transformed through learning, empowerment, and experimentation.  To date, Christopher has assisted businesses to drive transformative innovation through product and service redesign in the public and private sectors.

 Going forward Christopher’s work will assist in educating the public on the dangers of cults and high control groups, helping them to identify the tactics techniques they use to manipulate, recruit, and retain members and also assisting service providers to understand and empathize with clients who may be experiencing negative consequences of membership.
  
 Very soon he will be launching a website with tools, resources, and links so watch this space. 

HOW IS THE MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

The current pandemic has created an environment no one could have ever imagined.  Lockdowns and working from home have become the new norm and the toll on our mental health is high.

On this episode of 'A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist' I chatted with Sophie Bretag, experienced People, Culture and HR Leader, Founder of Metta Leaders and Kindness Consultant and Mindful Mentor.  Sophie was also a finalist in the 2020  'Leadership HQ National Women in Leadership Award'

Sophie shared:

• Simple strategies both employers and employees can implement to improve mental health both in the workplace and at home
• Low or no cost Employer Assisted Programs to support workplace mental health
• The ROI for the employer and much more.

HOW DO YOU DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF AND STAND OUT ABOVE THE SOCIAL MEDIA NOISE?

On this episode of  'A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist', I chatted with Samantha Riley, Authority Positioning Strategist, Best Selling Author, Speaker, and host of 'The Thought Leaders Business Lab' podcast.

What was the one constant in marketing she had seen over her 27 years?
How do you build 'trust' when you are starting out?

Samantha shared her thoughts on those and many more questions and told me why 'collaboration' is such an important business strategy.

Samantha has built multiple businesses over the last 27 years, and grew her first 7-figure business from the ground up before she was 30.

With a wealth of knowledge, Samantha works with experts to be positioned as the trusted thought leader people turn to, and has a passion for helping people to create their business so they can live their life by design.

ARE YOU USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO BUILD A BRAND AND BE KNOW AS AN EXPERT IN YOUR AREA OR JUST TRYING TO SELL?  How adept are you to change?  How is your customer experience?

On this very early episode, before it was an official podcast, I had a cuppa with Kym McGuinness State Manager  realestate.com.au.  Whilst this was recorded at the outset of COVID, the content is still relevant to all businesses but particularly the Real Estate sector.  The sound quality was not as good in the early days.  I'm pleased to say, it's MUCH better now.

Kym had some great insights from his journey and some really strong messages.  With a resume like this, his knowledge and expertise is definitely worth listening to. 

Kym’s career in sales and sale management started in Telco at Answer Page/ Hutchison Telecoms, selling pagers (before mobile phones), then introducing mobile tech to SA. 

He then moved to AAPT as State Business Sales Manager and helped roll out one of the first fibre networks through the CBD as well as service business’s telecommunications needs through their telecommunications carrier service. 

More recently, Kym has been the State Manager at realesate.com.au for over 15 year, witnessing the explosion of digital media in the real estate sector during that time.  

He is skilled in digital strategy, negotiation, business planning, advertising/marketing and change management. Kym is passionate and dedicated to making the customers experience outstanding whilst achieving REA’s company objectives.

These are just some of the questions I asked Kym: 

Common theme, Initiating major change…..  were there common barriers /objections? 

COVID-19 has created major challenges in the industry regards opens and auctions. 

You told me some time ago, that you have lived in the same suburb for over 20 years and no 1 agent “owned” the area. 

Attention on our devices and social had increased by 60% yet I don’t see anyone taking advantage?  I see “look at this home” or come to my open”  but I don’t see anyone building a brand or an audience, someone that would be the “go to” agent 

With tech  we broadly  group users into 3 categories.   early adopters, middle majority, Laggards, where do you put the Real Estate industry as a whole? 

What do you see as the next “big thing/ change” in the real estate industry? 

One message to agencies and agents?

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU CROSS A FORMER LITIGATION LAWYER, PROFESSIONAL CORPORATE MAGICIAN, AND A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER?

You get Gary Edwards!  

On this episode of 'A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist' I shared a cuppa with this talented, articulate, and all-around great guy!  He was kind enough to share parts of his journey, life's lessons, and his battle with depression.

Gary's CV is very impressive indeed.  In addition to having been a Commercial Litigation lawyer and now a Professional Corporate Magician, Professional Speaker, and Communication Coach, he:

• Has worked with the SA Police to develop conflict resolution programs and done research work with police hostage negotiators
• Is a Certified Speaking Professional, the highest designation award by the peak body for professional speakers in Australia, The Professional Speakers Association
• Is 3 x SA Chapter President 
• is the 2021 winner of the PSA's highest honor, The Nevin Award, awarded for outstanding service to professional speakers and the speaking profession

WOULD YOU GO TO JAIL TO PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION SOURCE?
On this episode of 'A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist', I chatted with former investigative ABC journalist, Chris Nicholls. 
After receiving credible information from an informant on the condition of anonymity, Chris broke a story about corruption around gaming legislation at the ministerial level.  After being 'hung out to dry' and defying a judge's order to divulge his source, 
Chris was jailed in 1994  for 4 months.  His sentence was the longest handed to a western journalist for withholding his source. 
Chris shares his story on how he shared a cell with the people he had previously been reporting on during his career and how uses the lessons from his experience. Now as a professional speaker with his message 'The Power of One'  Chris is a Crisis Leadership Consultant and Leadership mentor.  His strong message is one person, one action can make a difference.  For more information on Chris's work follow him on LinkedIn 

Social Media is a minefield for many small businesses but it is a vital part of marketing in today's digital world.

Do you struggle to post regular content?  Are you freaked out by Instagram Reels?

What to post, where to post it, and how often to post are just some of the questions  we posed to Natalie Paraskevopoulos, Director of Digitale, Social Media and Creative Agency on this episode of  'A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist'

Natalie knows her stuff.....her clients include EOS by Skycity. Bickfords, Alexis George and Ray White Real Estate just to mention a few.

Natalie definitely cleared my 'muddy social media waters'

Also to help you with your social media content, get your FREE ContentPlanner from Digitale at https://www.digi-tale.com.au/