Career Confidence

By Georgie HubbardBusiness Entrepreneurship Technology Careers

Career Confidence episodes

October 06, 2024Are We Going Back to 5 Days in the Office? A Necessary Move or a Massive Mistake?
“The hybrid work debate isn’t just about productivity—it’s about quality of life.”
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🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube
👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website
🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn
🔗 Connect with Pam - LinkedIn
Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions
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In this week’s episode of Career Confidence, Georgie and Pam tackle the controversial return-to-office movement. With companies like Amazon and Tabcorp mandating 5 days back in the office, is it really the right move, or are we heading back to outdated work norms?
They explore the reasons behind the push, the impact on employees’ work-life balance, and whether hybrid work is still the future.
Tune in for a heated discussion on whether full-time office life is a strategic necessity or a colossal error.
Key Moments:
Why are companies reversing hybrid policies, and how is this impacting employee morale and retention?
What does the data say about productivity and collaboration in a post-pandemic world?
Forcing employees back into a 5-day office routine could have long-term implications on mental health and job satisfaction.
Are we witnessing the end of hybrid work, or will the backlash push companies to reconsider?
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Timestamps:
[00:00] – Introduction: Why Hybrid Work is a Hot Topic
[03:59] – Georgie and Pam’s Recruitment Background: Insights from Both Sides
[06:18] – Setting Up for Success While Working from Home: Morning Routines
[08:35] – Creating a Productive Routine: How to Separate Family Time and Work
[12:56] – The Reality of Hybrid Work: Why Some Companies are Shifting Back to Full-Time Office Mandates
[15:14] – Productivity Trends: How Companies Like Amazon and Tabcorp Justified the Return
[17:31] – Challenges and Opportunities: Candidates’ Motivations and Employer Policies
[19:57] – Pros of Working from Home: Flexibility, Autonomy, and Cost Savings
[22:24] – The Leadership Dilemma: Should We Go Back to the Office?
[24:44] – COVID’s Lasting Impact: Shaping New Expectations for Workers
[27:07] – The Knowledge Gap: What Young Professionals are Missing Without In-Office Exposure
[29:26] – The Visibility Factor: Why Being Seen Still Matters for Career Growth
[31:43] – Mental Health Impacts of Remote Work: Isolation and Burnout Risks
[34:05] – Collaboration and Creativity: Why In-Person Time is Still Essential
[36:32] – Conclusion: Why Hybrid Work is Likely the Future of Work
[41:18] – Personal Values and Work-Life Integration: A Leadership Perspective
[43:43] – Setting Clear Expectations: Leadership’s Role in Hybrid Success
46 min
September 29, 2024The Future of Work: Jess Rutherford Talks AI, Leadership, and Retaining Women in Tech
"Women aren’t leaving tech because they’re not capable—they’re leaving because they don’t feel supported or valued. That’s what needs to change."
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🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube
👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website
🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn
Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions
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Jess Rutherford on LinkedIn
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In this episode of Career Confidence, Georgie speaks with Jess Rutherford, General Manager of Software Engineering at Aussie Broadband. Jess shares her unique journey of breaking into the tech industry, backed by strong female role models, and how she’s navigated a career in male-dominated spaces.
They explore everything from AI’s impact on the future of work to the strategies needed for retaining female talent in tech.
Jess’s insights on leadership, career growth, and creating inclusive workplaces make this a must-listen for aspiring leaders and those looking to drive positive change in their organisations.
Tune in to learn how Jess crafted her own path, leveraged AI to enhance productivity, and built a successful career aligned with her values.

Why Listen?
How can knowing your values help you create career opportunities instead of waiting for them to appear?
What does it take to lead with empathy and build a team that thrives?
Is AI really a threat, or could it become your secret weapon at work?
Why are women leaving tech, and what can companies do to keep top female talent engaged and supported?

Timestamps:
02:48 – Jess’s unique background: Growing up with strong female role models in tech.
04:57 – Realizing the gender gap: Jess’s early experiences in university and the challenges she faced as one of the few women in her program.
10:21 – Navigating male-dominated spaces: How Jess found her voice and built a support network of allies and mentors.
13:16 – Career-defining moments: How consulting shaped her early career and why taking leaps of faith led to the biggest growth.
16:45 – Joining Aussie Broadband: How Jess created her own role based on her values and skillset.
20:27 – Leadership philosophy: Why understanding and listening to your team is the key to successful leadership.
26:52 – AI in the workplace: The impact of AI on tech roles and how companies can harness it effectively.
34:06 – Retaining women in tech: How companies can support women, both at entry and senior levels, to create lasting change.
39:17 – The role of male allies: Why shared responsibility and flexibility for men in the workplace is crucial for achieving gender balance.
42:51 – Final thoughts and advice: Jess’s top tips for navigating the tech industry and building confidence in your career.
44 min
September 22, 2024I learned a new language in 6 weeks and it changed my career forever - Krithika Hansen's inspiring Story
"We’re all human at the end of the day—connecting with people is the key to great leadership."
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🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube
👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website
🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn
Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions
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Krithika Hansen on LinkedIn
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In this week's Career Confidence, Georgie chats with Krithika Hansen, a remarkable leader in people and culture, whose career journey spans multiple countries and industries. From humble beginnings in India and the U.S. to mastering a new language in six weeks to land her dream job in Spain, Krithika’s story is one of courage, resilience, and relentless drive.
She opens up about the bold decisions that shaped her career, the importance of saying yes to opportunities, and how her experiences working across diverse cultures have shaped her leadership style. Discover how Krithika's fearless mindset and passion for personal growth led her to take risks, push boundaries, and redefine success.
Key Moments
How learning a new language in just 6 weeks changed the course of Krithikas career
What happens when you say yes to opportunities, even when you’re unsure if you’re ready?
How can leaders build stronger connections and drive success through curiosity and humility?
What does it take to create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they truly belong?
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Krithika Hansen joins the show
04:00 – Krithika’s journey from India to the U.S. and her early career
06:20 – How learning Catalan in 6 weeks transformed her career in Spain
08:40 – Embracing risk: Why saying yes to opportunities opens new doors
11:05 – Navigating cultural differences and the power of humility in leadership
20:30 – Transitioning to people and culture roles in Australia
29:45 – Building inclusive and diverse workplaces through strong leadership
36:30 – The importance of creating a culture of belonging in organizations
42:00 – Navigating uncertainty and change in today’s evolving world
47:50 – Krithika’s self-care routine: Slowing down to go fast
52 min
September 15, 2024Feeling STUCK? Knowing WHEN and HOW to make a CAREER CHANGE!
"Before you make a big career move, ask yourself: what am I really chasing?"
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🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube
👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website
🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn
Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions
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In this week's solo episode, Georgie dives deep into the growing sense of uncertainty many professionals are feeling in their careers.
Inspired by recent chats with executives and mid-level managers, Georgie tackles the big questions: Is your current job still serving you? Are you ready for a change but unsure where to start? Whether you’re contemplating a career pivot or just feeling stuck, this episode is packed with practical advice on finding clarity, pushing past fear, and making confident, informed decisions. Tune in for actionable tips on visualising your dream career, planning your next steps, and embracing the journey.
Key Takeaways:
Are you clear on what you really want?
What’s holding you back from making that leap?
Have you planned your career transition properly?
Are you visualising your success every day?

Timestamps:
[00:01] - Market pulse insights
[02:18] - The impact of recent life changes on career decisions
[04:33] - Personal reflections on making big life and career choices
[06:57] - Focus on what you want, not just what you don’t like
[09:22] - Seeking clarity: Defining your ideal job and career path
[11:37] - Exploring options and upskilling before making the leap
[13:44] - The importance of planning your career transition
[15:50] - Highlighting your transferable skills and updating your profile
[18:04] - Facing fear, imposter syndrome, and pushing past self-doubt
[20:31] - Staying persistent and patient in your career journey
[22:49] - The power of visualisation and keeping your goals alive
[25:05] - Final thoughts: Patience, persistence, and progress
29 min
September 08, 2024From Back Office to the C-Suite: Anna Clive’s Journey to CIO
"You don’t need permission to act like a leader. Step up, take charge, and make things happen."
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🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube
👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website
🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn
Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions
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Anna Clive on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Career Confidence, host Georgie sits down with Anna Clive, the former CIO of Aussie Broadband, to chat about her unconventional career journey from working in back-office roles to becoming a leader in tech. Anna shares her inspiring story of embracing change, navigating the challenges of redundancy, and the pivotal moments that led her to the C-Suite. Tune in to discover the mindset shifts, strategies, and personal stories that fuelled Anna's rise, and learn how you can leverage discomfort and resilience to carve your own path to success.

Key Takeaways:
How Can Embracing Discomfort Propel Your Career?
How Do You Bounce Back from Career Setbacks like Redundancy?
What’s the Future of Work with AI, and How Should Leaders Prepare?
What Strategies Helped Anna Clive Rise to Leadership?

Timestamps:
04:22 – Anna’s Career Beginnings: Anna shares her early career experiences, including her start in financial planning and transition into consulting.
11:45 – Finding Comfort in Discomfort: The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and how it shaped Anna’s career.
17:59 – Key Moments and Career Advice: Practical steps that led Anna to leadership roles, including the power of taking responsibility and seeking feedback.
27:54 – Handling Redundancy: Anna’s candid take on being made redundant and advice for professionals facing similar challenges.
31:47 – The AI Evolution: Anna’s insights on the impact of AI on the future of work and what leaders need to know.
39:38 – Leading Through Chaos and Change: How to guide teams during uncertain times and encourage a culture of experimentation and risk-taking.
44:38 – Staying Optimistic and Resilient: Anna’s personal routines and strategies for staying positive amid career ups and downs.
49:26 – Advice to Younger Self: What Anna would tell her younger self about career choices, risks, and knowing your strengths.
54 min
September 01, 2024Embrace Change and Take Calculated Risks: From Corporate Life to Tech Entrepreneur with Mona Zia
"Innovation is no longer optional. Businesses (and people) that don’t adapt to new technologies will be left behind"
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🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube
👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website
🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn
Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions
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Connect with Mona: LinkedIn
Avant Tech
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In this week's episode of the Career Confidence Podcast, Georgie sits down with Mona Zia, founder of Avant Tech, to discuss her journey from corporate life to successful entrepreneur. Mona shares her experience moving from Pakistan to Australia, navigating the challenges of the tech industry, and her mission to help businesses leverage digital assets.
Mona explores the mindset needed to thrive as an entrepreneur, the importance of building strong relationships, and why embracing technology and innovation is essential for business success.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to level up in your career, Mona’s story is packed with valuable insights and motivation to help you take bold steps toward your dreams.
Key Takeaways:
Embracing Change and Taking Risks: Mona shares her journey of moving to Australia and shifting from corporate roles to founding her own digital development agency, Avant Tech. She emphasises the importance of embracing change, taking calculated risks, and being open to learning from every experience.
The Power of Relationships and Communication: Mona highlights the significance of building strong, trust-based relationships with clients and partners. She discusses how transparent communication, clear expectations, and alignment with your values can differentiate you in a crowded market.
Leveraging Technology for Business/Career Success: As the world rapidly moves toward digital transformation, Mona stresses the need for businesses to stay ahead of the curve by investing in digital assets and embracing new technologies like AI. She provides insights into how companies can strategically position themselves for future success.
Mindset and Self-Care for Entrepreneurs: Mona discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship and the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset. She shares her personal strategies for staying motivated, managing stress, and finding balance as a business owner and mother.
Timestamps:
04:04 – Mona introduces herself and shares her career journey from Pakistan to Australia.
06:55 – Transition to Financial Services: Mona discusses her move from advertising to working at American Express and the lessons she learned.
09:14 – Founding Avant Tech: Mona explains the inspiration behind starting her digital development agency during the COVID-19 pandemic.
13:33 – Overcoming Cultural Barriers: Mona’s experience adjusting to life in Australia and integrating into the business landscape.
17:47 – Advice for Startups: How Mona helps businesses embrace technology, digital assets, and AI to stay competitive.
23:45 – Entrepreneurial Challenges: Navigating fear, uncertainty, and taking the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship.
31:52 – Building Strong Client Relationships: Mona’s approach to fostering long-term partnerships and trust with clients.
39:36 – Hiring the Right Team: Lessons learned from hiring mistakes and finding the right talent to support business growth.
44:42 – Mindset and Self-Care: Mona’s routines and practices that help her maintain resilience as an entrepreneur.
50 min
August 25, 2024LeadHERship Labs: LIVE Sisterhood Social with Colleen Pender, Karen Symes, and Georgia Patin
"Leadership comes in many forms. It’s not about the title, but about how you use your influence to empower others and drive meaningful change."
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🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube
👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website
🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn
🔗 Connect with Pam - LinkedIn
Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions
Thanks to our event sponsors - 7-Eleven Australia & UniSuper
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Colleen Pender: LinkedIn
Karen Symes: LinkedIn
Georgia Patin: LinkedIn

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In this special episode of the LeadHERship Labs podcast, recorded live at the Sisterhood Club event in Melbourne, we bring together a powerhouse panel of female leaders in technology to discuss their career journeys, leadership styles, and the challenges they’ve faced in a male-dominated industry. Colleen Pender, Karen Symes, and Georgia Pattin share their insights on key topics, including career growth, the importance of mentorship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the future of women in tech. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that highlight the importance of allyship, communication, and continuous learning.
Key Questions Asked:
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as women in tech, and how did you overcome them?
The panel shares their strategies for dealing with imposter syndrome, breaking into male-dominated roles, and learning to navigate different communication styles in the workplace.
How would you describe your leadership style, and how do you motivate and inspire your team?
Colleen, Karen, and Georgia discuss the importance of authenticity, servant leadership, and setting clear objectives to drive team success.
What advice would you give to women who want to step up into leadership roles in tech?
The panel offers guidance on building confidence, seeking feedback, and strategically volunteering for cross-functional projects to showcase your leadership potential.
What is your vision for the future of women in technology, and what steps need to be taken to achieve gender parity in the industry?
The discussion covers the importance of male allies, data-driven focus on diversity, and the evolving role of women in tech as they leverage new technologies like AI.
Timestamps:
[06:37] - Panel introductions: Meet Karen Symes, Georgia Pattin, and Colleen Pender.
[11:11] - Early influences: How these women started their careers in technology.
[14:46] - Key experiences: Navigating the tech industry as women and carving paths to leadership.
[20:31] - Overcoming challenges: Dealing with imposter syndrome and learning to communicate in male-dominated spaces.
[27:12] - Leadership styles: How authenticity, servant leadership, and clear communication drive success.
[33:28] - Advice for aspiring leaders: Building confidence, seeking feedback, and volunteering for opportunities.
[43:55] - The future of women in tech: Steps toward achieving gender parity and embracing technological change.
[55:12] - Q&A: Addressing audience questions on breaking into male-dominated roles, changing company culture, and balancing career ambitions with personal life.
1 hr 9 min
August 18, 2024Women Rising: Aligning PURPOSE, POWER, and AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP with Megan Dalla-Camina
"Confidence is the ability to turn our thoughts into action. When we get stuck, it's often the stories we tell ourselves that hold us back."
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🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube
👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website
🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn
Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions
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Megan Dalla-Camina’s Website: megandallacamina.com
Women Rising Book: womenrisingbook.com
Women Rising Program: womenrisingco.com
Follow Megan on Instagram: @megandallacamina
Connect on LinkedIn: Megan Dalla-Camina
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In this week's episode of the Career Confidence podcast, Georgie was joined by the inspiring Megan Dalla-Camina, best-selling author, leadership expert, and founder of Women Rising. Megan shares her incredible journey from a corporate career spanning GE, PwC, and IBM to launching her own successful company focused on empowering women in the workplace.
They dive deep into clarity, confidence, and career crafting as Megan discusses aligning your purpose and power to lead authentically. Whether navigating a leadership role, dealing with burnout, or striving to achieve work-life balance, this episode is packed with actionable insights and transformative advice.
About Megan Dalla-Camina:
Megan Dalla-Camina is a globally recognised leader in women's empowerment, leadership development, and wellbeing. Ranked #20 on the 2024 Tech Powerlist and honoured as Woman of the Year and Mentor of the Year at the 2023 B&T Women Leading Tech Awards, Megan is celebrated for her bold and transformative approach to helping women rise.
As the Founder and CEO of Women Rising, Megan is committed to forging a new path for women to own their power, embrace their sovereignty, and lead authentically. With an extensive 18-year corporate career in Fortune 100 companies and over a decade as an award-winning entrepreneur, Megan blends science, spirit, and experience to inspire change.
A best-selling author, influential writer, and dedicated researcher, Megan is a compelling advocate for women's leadership and wellbeing, drawing on her rich experience to empower women worldwide.

Key Takeaways:
The Power of Clarity: Discover why gaining clarity on your purpose and values is the first crucial step in building confidence and achieving your career goals.
Job Crafting: Learn how to craft your career by aligning your role with your passions and interests, and why this is essential for long-term fulfilment.
Overcoming Burnout: Megan shares her personal experience with burnout and provides practical tips on how to recognise the warning signs before it's too late.
Authentic Leadership: Understand the importance of aligning your leadership style with your true self and how to navigate the challenges of doing so in a traditionally masculine work environment.

Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction and Welcome
[01:17] Megan’s Career Journey: From Performing Arts to Corporate Leadership
[04:25] The Reality of Unconscious Bias and Gender Inequality in the Workplace
[07:53] Job Crafting: How Megan Shaped Her Career by Following Her Interests
[12:16] Advice on Crafting Your Career and Finding Purpose
[19:24] Dealing with Burnout: Megan’s Personal Story and Warning Signs
[28:48] The Paradoxes of Power and Patriarchy: Understanding External Forces
[32:00] Confidence and Inner Critic: Turning Thoughts Into Action
[45:38] Tools for Building Confidence and Setting Boundaries
[52:13] Authentic Leadership: How to Lead Without Losing Yourself
[56:57] Megan’s Upcoming Book Women Rising and What’s Next for Her
1 hr 11 min
August 11, 2024Success Isn't One-Size-Fits-All! Unlocking Career Fulfilment and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Sandra Quelle
"Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. If people are leaving Google, it’s clear there’s more to life than just a dream job title."
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🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube
👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website
🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn
Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions
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🔗 Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn
⭐️ The Happy Monday's Co
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In today's Career Confidence podcast, I am joined by Sandra Quelle, founder and CEO of Happy Mondays, a career coaching company dedicated to helping people love what they do. Sandra shares her personal journey from feeling unfulfilled in recruitment to creating a company that empowers individuals to find career success on their own terms.
The conversation dives deep into overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of aligning your career with your values and needs, and practical steps to take charge of your professional journey. Whether you’re struggling with confidence, seeking clarity, or ready to take the next step in your career, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories to help you move forward.
Key Takeaways:
The Power of Alignment: Discover how aligning your career with your personal values and needs can lead to greater job satisfaction and success.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Sandra and Georgie discuss strategies for recognising and quieting the inner critic that holds many professionals back.
Practical Steps for Career Clarity: Learn how to identify what you truly want in your career and break down your goals into manageable steps.
Embracing Multifaceted Success: Understand that success is not one-size-fits-all, and it’s okay to have diverse needs and desires in your professional life.
Timestamps:
[03:07] Sandra’s Career Journey – Sandra shares her path from recruitment to founding Happy Mondays.
[07:35] The Concept of Alignment – Discussion on the importance of aligning your career with your values and needs.
[09:27] Red Flags of Misalignment – Identifying signs that you’re out of alignment in your career.
[19:54] Common Patterns in Career Coaching – Sandra reveals the three main challenges her clients face.
[23:05] Boosting Confidence – Practical tips for overcoming limiting beliefs and boosting self-confidence.
[28:57] Gaining Clarity – How to define what you want in your career by focusing on values and needs.
[43:26] Taking Action – Strategies for setting realistic goals and maintaining momentum in your career.
[52:09] Addressing Imposter Syndrome – Techniques for managing self-doubt and stepping out of your comfort zone.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Career Confidence Podcast, leave a review, and share it with your colleagues. Be sure to connect with us on social media for updates and more Career Confidence tips! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
59 min
August 04, 2024KINDNESS vs. NICENESS: Unlocking True Leadership with Terri Figueroa
"Kindness and niceness are not the same; being kind involves honesty and growth, while niceness can sometimes hold people back."
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🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube
👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website
🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn
Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions
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🔗 Connect with Terri on LinkedIn
⭐️ Communicate to Connect online program
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In this week's Career Confidence episode, we explore the crucial difference between kindness and niceness with HR Director Terri Figueroa. Terri shares her journey of discovering true happiness by focusing inward, rather than chasing external validation. We delve into the importance of setting intentions, the impact of a healthy mindset on workplace culture, and practical tips for self-care and personal growth. Terri also discusses how leaders can cultivate a supportive environment that encourages growth through constructive feedback.
About Terri
Terri Figueroa is an experienced HR professional with over 15 years in the industry, spanning sectors like non-profits, arts, banking, and professional services. Passionate about workplace well-being, Terri founded Healthy Mindset to focus on positive psychology and holistic personal growth. She is committed to fostering a culture of kindness and self-care in both personal and professional settings.
Top Takeaways:
Kindness vs. Niceness: Understanding the difference and how genuine kindness can foster growth and trust.
The Power of Intention: How setting daily intentions can positively influence your day and interactions.
Self-Care and Mindfulness: Practical strategies for incorporating mindfulness and self-care into your routine to enhance overall well-being.
Creating a Positive Workplace Culture: The role of leaders in fostering a supportive and innovative work environment.

Timestamps:
[00:43] Introduction and Terri's journey
[05:24] Discovering the power of internal happiness
[14:46] Practical steps for slowing down and embracing mindfulness
[25:06] The importance of setting boundaries and self-worth
[37:50] The impact of individual energy on workplace culture
[42:35] Being kind vs. being nice: A leadership perspective
[53:28] Closing thoughts and final advice
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Career Confidence Podcast, leave a review, and share it with your colleagues. Be sure to connect with us on social media for updates and more Career Confidence tips! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
50 min