Why We Rebranded – The Honest Story Behind the Shift and how to know if its time for you too! Show Notes: After nine years, countless services transformed, and a business that’s evolved far beyond where it started, Platinum Education Group has stepped into a whole new chapter. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real story behind our rebrand the moments that led to it, the challenges along the way, and the meaning behind every detail of our new look. This isn’t just about colours and logos. It’s about alignment, evolution, and stepping boldly into a brand that finally reflects who we are now not who we were when we started. I’m sharing: 💬 The truth bomb from a friend that made me realise I’d outgrown my old brand 🧶 The 6-month branding journey (including concepts that didn’t make the cut) 🎨 The meaning behind the blush pink, navy blue, handwriting, hand, and ball of yarn ✅ 5 signs it might be time for you to rebrand your child care business 🏡 Why this episode is the last one I’ll ever record from my home office — and what’s next for our new HQ and event space Whether you’re a child care business owner, director, or leader, this episode will inspire you to reflect on your own brand, your own growth, and what it might look like to step into your next season. Links & Resources: Follow me on Instagram: @leezabrowne Learn more about Platinum Education Group: [Website Link] Share this episode and tag me — I’d love to hear which part resonated most!

In this deeply personal and unfiltered episode, Leeza invites you behind the curtain of leadership and business—into a raw season of emotional overwhelm, physical exhaustion, and personal growth. Instead of waiting until she’s “through it,” she speaks from the middle of the mess, sharing what it’s like to lead while navigating pain, trauma, and deep internal shifts. This episode is a vulnerable reminder that: You’re not alone when things feel heavy. You don’t need to have it all together to be worthy of support. And real leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. 🔍 In this episode, Leeza explores: The invisible weight leaders carry that no one sees How emotional burnout shows up in the body and heart The default pattern of holding space for others while abandoning ourselves Why it’s so hard to let people in—and what shifts when we do A reframing of strength, humanity, and leadership in the thick of hard seasons 🧠 Reflection Prompts: Where are you carrying invisible weight that no one sees? What would it feel like to stop holding it all on your own? Who could you let in, even just a little, today? 💌 Connect with Leeza: Instagram: @platinumeducationgroup Website: www.platinumed.com.au Podcast: Everything Early Childhood (available on all podcast platforms) If this episode resonated... Please share it with a fellow leader who needs a reminder that they’re not alone. And if you feel called, leave a review, it helps others find this space and feel seen too.

What’s Your Wobbly Chair? — The Small Discomforts We Learn to Live With (Until They Break Us) Host: Leeza Browne | Platinum Education Group Podcast: Everything Early Childhood 🎧 Episode Summary: In this reflective solo episode, Leeza shares a simple but powerful story about a wobbly chair — a metaphor for the things we tolerate in leadership and life until they finally fall apart. You’ll explore why early childhood leaders often live with daily discomforts, how those "wobbly chairs" show up in your service, and why it’s time to stop surviving and start steadying your foundations. This episode includes guided reflection prompts throughout, so you can identify what’s draining your energy, where you’ve been “just managing,” and what small step you can take to shift from tolerating to thriving. 📝 In This Episode, You’ll Reflect On: Why we often tolerate discomfort and avoid change How to spot your personal “wobbly chairs” in leadership What it’s costing you to leave small issues unresolved The danger of waiting until things break before we act How small tweaks can lead to big shifts in your energy and service quality One thing you can fix this week to feel more steady and supported 💬 Journal Prompts from the Episode: What’s one thing you’ve been tolerating in your leadership or service? What’s the cost — to you, your team, or your families — of leaving it unresolved? If nothing changed, what would the worst-case scenario be? 👉 Download it here (insert actual download link) 🎯 Want Support? If you’re ready to stop wobbling through leadership and build strong systems, steady teams, and calm days — let’s work together. 💻 Learn more at platinumedgroup.com or DM Leeza on Instagram @platinumeducationgroup 💖 Connect with Leeza: Website: www.platinumed.com.au Instagram: leezabrowne_plaitnumed LinkedIn: Leeza Browne

Child Protection Can’t Wait: What Every Educator Must Know

Now with Holly-ann Martin, Founder of Safe4Kids For over 30 years, Holly-ann Martin has been a fearless voice for child protection in Australia. Starting her work back in the 1980s when all she had were magazines and honesty. Holly has witnessed firsthand how the risks to children have evolved. What was once simpler has now become more complex, with the rise of technology, access to pornography, and online predators creating new threats we can’t afford to ignore. In this powerful and timely episode, Holly shares surprising data, real stories, and the practical tools educators need to confidently support the children in their care. This isn’t about fear it’s about being prepared. From language to look-fors, Holly shows us how to embed protective education into daily life in a way that empowers both children and educators. Whether you're a leader, owner, or educator on the floor, this episode will leave you informed, equipped, and called to action because child protection can’t wait.

In this episode of Everything Early Childhood, Leeza is joined by Dr. Trevor Carlson, paediatric physiotherapist and founder of Therapy Kids, to explore the foundational stages of infant and toddler movement, from tummy time to crawling, standing, and those incredible first steps. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or carer, Trevor shares practical, down-to-earth guidance to support every child’s physical development confidently and playfully. If you’ve ever wondered when to worry, what to look for, or how to encourage movement in natural and engaging ways, this episode is a must-listen. To find out more about Therapy Kids: www.tummytimetowalking.com [email protected]

In this heart-centered episode of Everything Early Childhood, Leeza sits down with Vicki Scheafer, founder of Little Wise One, to explore how mindfulness and movement can transform early childhood spaces. Vicki shares her journey from teaching Kinder Dance in her local community to creating affirmation cards, guided journals, and her latest book, A Mindful Child, supporting educators and families to help children feel seen, heard, worthy, and loved. Together, we explore: ✨ Why mindfulness and movement are powerful tools for young children. ✨ Simple ways educators can integrate mindful moments into busy days. ✨ The importance of nurturing emotional intelligence and resilience in children. ✨ Practical tips for bringing calm, connection, and presence into your classrooms. ✨ Stories of the incredible impact mindfulness can have on a child’s wellbeing. Vicki’s warmth and wisdom will leave you feeling inspired to hold space for the little wise ones in your care and to embrace mindfulness in your own daily practice.

In this heartfelt solo episode, Leeza answers a powerful question submitted by one of our listeners: "How do you deal with the emotional rollercoaster of leadership in early childhood?" Let’s face it—leading in early childhood education isn’t just about policies, procedures, or planning cycles. It’s about people. And that means navigating daily emotional highs and lows that no leadership course can truly prepare you for. In this episode, Leeza shares 5 practical, real-life strategies she uses to stay grounded, present, and emotionally regulated—even on the toughest days. You'll hear: What causes emotional overwhelm in ECE leadership How to protect your energy while still being a supportive leader Simple mindset shifts that make a big difference Tools to help you respond, not react, in high-pressure moments Encouragement if you're feeling tired, torn, or tapped out Whether you’re a centre director, educational leader, or aspiring owner—this episode is for every leader who carries the emotional weight of the team and the children they serve. 🎧 Tune in now and give yourself permission to be human, while leading with heart and consistency.

In this episode, Leeza breaks down what every child care owner needs to know before June 30 — from the Worker Retention Payment and upcoming wage increases, to how to financially prepare your service for the year ahead. You’ll get: Clarity on the WRP deadlines and what to action now A real talk on what this funding really means for your business An EOFY checklist to get your finances sorted Tips to lead with both your head and heart in tough financial times Plus, Leeza shares what’s (still) unknown about 2026 and why knowing your numbers is knowing your future.

In this episode of Everything Early Childhood, Leeza Browne is joined by educator and author Stefanie Hohl, creator of ABC See, Hear, Do. A phonics program that integrates movement and play to help children learn to read. Designed for early learning professionals and parents, this episode explores how multi-sensory, movement-based approaches can better support young learners especially those who don’t thrive with traditional, sit-down methods. Together, Leeza and Stefanie unpack: What multi-sensory learning really looks like in action Why movement matters in early literacy development How to support children who are reluctant, disengaged, or always on the move What educators should stop doing when it comes to teaching reading How to foster confidence, joy, and curiosity through intentional literacy practices Whether you're an educational leader, director, or educator on the floor, this episode will shift the way you think about early reading and offer practical, child-led strategies that you can bring into your programs right away. 🎧 Tune in and let’s reimagine literacy—through the lens of movement, connection, and fun. 🌐 Learn more: abcseeheardo.com Follow Stefanie: @abcseeheardo

Five years ago, I stood in a hotel room, teary-eyed, heart racing, with a phone in my hand and finally shared the story I’d never said out loud. The truth behind why I do what I do. That moment, recorded in raw emotion after a breakthrough at a business event, changed everything. It was the first time I let myself be seen and truly shared my why. Until now, that video stayed hidden. But today, I’m sharing it with you. Because I know what it feels like to question your voice, to feel like you need to be perfect before you can lead, and to wonder if anyone else has felt the same. This episode is for the educator, the director, the owner, the human who is tired of hiding behind the scenes and is ready to reconnect with what matters most. Let this be your reminder that: You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Your story is powerful, even if it’s messy. Progress will always matter more than perfection. So here it is the moment that changed everything for me. Maybe it’s the nudge you need for your next one.