The world of work is changing faster than ever and leadership has to keep up!

In this episode of Always Be Connecting, host Linsey Houston talks with leadership strategist Trudy MacDonald about the shifts transforming how we lead teams, grow businesses, and shape culture. From the rise of AI to the demand for flexibility and the challenge of burnout, Trudy shares why the old models of HR and leadership no longer work.

She unpacks the skills every leader needs right now including emotional intelligence, resilience, and agility, and how to use them to build high-performing, future-ready teams. You’ll hear why psychological safety is no longer optional, how generational change is redefining the workplace, and what business owners can do today to prepare for tomorrow.

Packed with practical insights and forward-looking strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to thrive as a leader in 2025 and beyond.

Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:

https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/

Connect with Storytellers Australia:

🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/

📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767

📧 Email: [email protected]

👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/

Connect with Linsey Houston: 

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/

Connect with Trudy MacDonald:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudy-macdonald-tchr/

🔗 Website: https://www.talentcodehr.com.au/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do your beliefs about your team help them grow or hold them back?

In this episode, we explore the powerful concept of the Pygmalion Effect with Sophie Firmager from the Realised Potential Group. This psychological phenomenon reveals how a leader's expectations can directly shape team performance, influence morale, and impact workplace culture. Sophie unpacks how belief, whether positive or negative, can become a self-fulfilling prophecy in the workplace, and what leaders can do to create an environment where people truly thrive.

We cover:

✅ The psychology behind the Pygmalion Effect

✅ Common leadership traps and how to avoid them

✅ How belief shapes behaviour in teams

✅ Practical ways to build a belief-driven culture

Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:

https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/

Connect with Storytellers Australia:

🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/

📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767

📧 Email: [email protected]

👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/

Connect with Linsey Houston: 

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/

Connect with Guest Name:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-firmager-0b95813/

🔗 Website: https://www.realisedpotentialgroup.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Racism in the workplace isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it hides in policies, hiring decisions, or everyday interactions that go unchallenged. 

In this frank and honest conversation with Gloria Tabi, she shares her lived experience as a Black woman in Australia and explains how structural racism shows up at work.

From being overlooked for roles she was qualified for to feeling pressure to hide her natural hair, Gloria highlights the hidden barriers that many still face. This conversation offers a reality check for managers who genuinely want to do better but may not know where to start.

We explore practical steps leaders can take to create more inclusive and equitable environments. If you're building a team or leading a business in Australia, this is essential listening.

Could your decisions be limiting someone's opportunity without you realising it?

Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:

https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/

Connect with Storytellers Australia:

🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/

📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767

📧 Email: [email protected]

👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/

Connect with Linsey Houston: 

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/

Connect with Gloria Tabi:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriatabi/

🔗 Website: https://everydayinclusion.com.au/

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriabinks/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to lead with authenticity and resilience?

In this episode, Stephanie Christopher, CEO of Vistage Australia and New Zealand, opens up about her journey, exploring the importance of true connection, loyalty, and optimism in business. She reflects on how discerning genuine connections and staying grounded in her values have shaped her leadership style.

Stephanie also dives into the role of “grit,” revealing how resilience helped her stay calm and find solutions in tough times. Through candid insights, she shares her approach to learning from failure and balancing the demands of work with a fulfilling personal life. As she looks ahead to 2025, Stephanie is energized by plans for growth and purpose, offering inspiration for those ready to lead with impact.

Connect with Stephanie:

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

Website: https://www.vistage.com.au/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you turn online connections into real success?

In this episode, Matt shares how he went from feeling stuck in agency life to building his own thriving digital marketing business. He talks about the ups and downs of finding his path, the power of showing up consistently, and the importance of keeping it real.

Matt believes that helping small businesses grow has a huge impact on communities, and he’s all about making those connections. He’s not into quick wins but putting in the daily work to make things happen.

Connect with Matt:

Website: https://heytony.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heytony.agency/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when audio and video technology come together seamlessly? In this episode, Tristan Salter, Senior Product Manager at RØDE, introduces their latest innovation designed to simplify content creation for everyone.

RØDE's new product combines audio and video into one user-friendly device, making it easier for creators of all levels to produce professional-quality content. Tristan shares how the company has evolved from making microphones for musicians to becoming a leader in the podcasting space. He also highlights the impact of COVID-19 on content creation trends and discusses the growing accessibility of production tools. From wireless microphones to all-in-one consoles, RØDE continues to innovate! Join us as we explore how RØDE is shaping the next wave of technology with Tristan Salter!

Connect with Tristan:

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Arthur Backouche, Senior Salesforce Marketing Cloud Consultant, shares his insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work and interact.

He discusses how AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for more creative and meaningful activities. From predictive analytics to AI-powered chatbots, Arthur explains the practical uses of AI in both business and everyday life. He also touches on the potential challenges, such as job displacement and ethical dilemmas, and offers a balanced view on how we can navigate these issues.

The conversation is engaging and thought-provoking, providing a clear look at what AI can—and cannot—do. Arthur’s perspective on the future of technology is both informative and relatable, making complex concepts easy to understand. Whether you’re curious about the latest tech trends or just want to know how AI might change your daily life, this episode has something for everyone.

Tune in and get inspired by the possibilities of artificial intelligence!

Key Topics:

➡️ Practical applications of AI in business and daily life

➡️ Automating repetitive tasks to improve productivity

➡️ Ethical considerations and societal impact of AI

➡️ Potential future of AI and its integration into human life

➡️ Concerns about AI replacing jobs and redefining workforce roles

Connect with Arthur:

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do businesses keep up with all the rapid tech changes? In this episode, Ross Bark shares his insights, sharing how companies can improve their customer experience with smart digital tools. He explains the importance of using technology while keeping customer needs at the forefront. Ross has worked with top retail and wholesale brands to highlight practical strategies for simplifying complex business processes.

Learn how to streamline operations and improve engagement through smart digital tools. We also discuss the balance between innovation and consistency in customer service. Find out how to make technology work for your business, not the other way around. Watch the full episode now!

Connect with Ross:

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

Website: https://enterprisewide.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know that you can brand a place? Dr. Giannina Warren breaks down how place branding goes way beyond a catchy slogan or a shiny new logo. It’s about capturing the essence of what makes a community special, from its people to its culture and stories. 

Dr. Warren shares how marketers can help create a sense of pride and belonging for both locals and visitors alike. Using real-life examples, she talks about the power of authenticity and why it matters in today’s world. Tune in today to learn more about place branding!

Connect with Dr. Giannina Warren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianninawarren/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to succeed in sales today? Donncha Lynch shares his journey from unexpected beginnings to becoming a sales expert. He discusses the importance of trust, relationship-building, and adding value at every step. Donncha also reveals his go-to strategies for setting achievable daily goals and maintaining accountability. He explains how modern sales have shifted from aggressive tactics to a more respectful, client-focused approach. With practical insights on using technology like CRMs and building long-term partnerships, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.

Connect with Donncha:

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

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkedin.comelevatesales/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.