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From startups to scale-ups:
Laura's journey on finance, investing, and life design

What does it truly take to navigate a career across startups, scale-ups, and remote life while managing finances and investments?

Main topics:
* Transitioning from recruiting to tech startups and scale-ups
* The power of networking, cold outreach, and resilience
* Personal finance tips: investing in stocks, diversifying, and tax strategies for expats
* Balancing career growth and mental health through intentional life design
* The significance of early savings, work breaks, and mindfulness practices like meditation
* Managing equity, IPO exposure, and long-term investment planning
* Tips for young professionals entering the tech and sales space

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and podcast overview
00:42 - Catalysts for Laura’s career shift into startups and scale-ups
01:44 - The impact of early networking and cold outreach success stories
03:27 - Transition from recruiting to sales and tech leadership
05:02 - Navigating startup risks and the importance of cultural fit
06:29 - The benefits and challenges of working in scale-ups
08:04 - The value of quick decision-making and trial periods in careers
09:27 - Investing in stocks: diversifying, risk management, and news sources
11:12 - The role of financial planning for expats living abroad
13:09 - Strategies for handling taxes as a US citizen abroad and avoiding surprises
15:14 - The importance of paying professionals to handle complex tax matters
16:41 - How market fluctuations influence long-term investment strategies
18:45 - The significance of diversifying investments across tech sectors
20:25 - Using news and AI for investment decision-making
22:07 - Managing equity, IPOs, and exercise options with financial advisors
24:45 - The psychological aspect of market volatility and holding assets long-term
27:11 - Building a financial network and trusted advisors
28:45 - Tips on risk management in tech stocks and cycles
30:09 - Aligning investments with personal values and long-term goals
33:00 - Realities and strategies for exercising stock options and RSUs
36:24 - Building a life around intentional career moves and savings
38:35 - Managing the risk in tech investment and gut feeling during downturns
42:51 - The importance of diversification and scheduled exit strategies
45:00 - Reality checks: selling vs holding, and emotional control in investment decisions
48:45 - Reflections on the stress and psychology of wealth and stock fluctuation
50:42 - Hidden passions and activities outside LinkedIn profiles
51:08 - Meditation and mental health practices that support decision-making in high-stakes environments
52:45 - Advice to young professionals: values-based career choices and resilience
55:00 - The value of work breaks and financial preparedness for life’s uncertainties
56:42 - How past routines built resilience and planning for future freedom
58:46 - Practical tips on prospecting, outreach, and building sustainable sales pipelines
59:09 - Closing thoughts and gratitude for shared stories

Resources & Links:
* Glassdoor
* LinkedIn
* Microsoft Stocks
* Figma IPO overview
* Vedic Meditation
* The Book "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway"

Connect with Laura:
* LinkedIn

Note: Always consult with a financial advisor or tax specialist, especially for expat tax planning and stock options personal strategies va

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Navigating Career Growth, Leadership, and Work-Life Balance with Karis Dorrigan

In this episode, Karis Dorrigan shares her inspiring journey from early days in product management to leading innovations at Qantas and Freely. We explore themes of intentional career design, overcoming systemic workplace gaps for women and solo parents, and reimagining the future of work to foster greater inclusivity and wellbeing.

Karis is a Head of Product in InsurTech, Coach and Solo Parent.  Karis has led companies to their first million dollars of revenue and led product billion dollar enterprises, shifting  organisations to customer-first, product-led and outcome driven. She is a coach for mid career women in product and tech, looking to step into senior roles. Her mission is simple - to help more women get into leadership roles on their terms. Holding ambition and life together. When we have more women at the top, systems change, customers win, the economy grows

Key Topics:

• Karis’s background growing up as a solo parent and the systemic challenges women face in the workforce
• The importance of persistence and learning from failures in career growth
• How intentionality, networking, and self-promotion can accelerate your career
• Innovating in large enterprises through customer-led thinking and continuous improvement
• Lessons from launching digital initiatives at Qantas, including voice experiences and international check-ins
• Navigating public speaking nerves and practicing for impactful presentations
• The systemic gaps faced by solo parents in workplaces post-COVID and advocating for flexible, inclusive work roles
• Theory and practice of gratitude as a tool for mental wellbeing and maintaining ambition
• Practical ideas for rethinking workplace design: asynchronous work, core hours, four-day work weeks, and role flexibility
• Advice for young professionals: building networks, choosing impactful work, and focusing on outcomes rather than busy work
• Karis’s upcoming project helping product managers elevate into leadership roles

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Karis’s career overview

02:05 - Personal background and systemic challenges for women and solo parents

03:23 - How early career experiences shaped her approach to product management

05:07 - Advice for those uncertain about their career path

07:10 - Transition into travel at Qantas and key innovations

09:06 - The power of persistence and dealing with rejection

12:00 - Keys to career acceleration at Qantas

13:54 - Networking, visibility, and self-promotion strategies

16:04 - Overcoming public speaking nerves and practicing effectively

18:11 - Solo parenting challenges and systemic gaps in workplaces

20:07 - Post-COVID workplace redesign and flexibility solutions

22:37 - The importance of inclusive role design to retain women in tech

26:35 - Future of work: four-day workweek and impact-based pay models

28:38 - Practicing discomfort and testing innovative ideas in the workplace

29:57 - Cultivating gratitude and balancing ambition with mindfulness

35:07 - Advice to young people entering tech and the importance of relationship-building

36:01 - The value of focusing on impactful work over busywork

37:13 - Upcoming initiatives and how to connect with Karis

Resources & Links:

• Karis Dorrigan on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdorrigan/

Connect with Karis:

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Understanding Change, Communication, and Career Growth
#Unlocking Success in Technology and Communication: An Interview with Ashley Allen

Discover practical insights from Ashley Allen's extensive experience in the tech and communication space. Whether you're starting your career, planning a family, or navigating leadership, her advice on soft skills, adaptability, and industry opportunities is invaluable.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Ashley's unique blend of theater background and tech expertise
• The importance of communication and presentation skills in tech roles
• Career progression tips for women in the channel and tech industries
• How to thrive during industry changes and digital transformation
• Building long-term relationships in channel and partnership management
• Managing work-life balance and career planning as a working parent
• The evolving channel ecosystem and opportunities within GSI partnerships
• Practical strategies for upskilling, observing leaders, and self-development

Timestamps:00:00 - Ashley Allen's journey from theater to technology leadership

02:11 - How your background can enhance communication skills in tech
05:10 - Developing confidence and reading your audience in presentations
07:45 - The impact of theater skills on sales and stakeholder engagement
12:41 - Managing career and family: the importance of planning and flexibility
15:11 - Inside channel sales: roles, growth, and key skills to develop
17:28 - Understanding GSIs and their role in digital transformation efforts
19:43 - The expanding channel ecosystem and emerging partnership models
21:18 - Why sales experience is crucial for career advancement
23:53 - The impact of industry evolution: from physical boxes to AI and digitalisation
27:28 - Continuous upskilling and soft skills development in a fast-changing world
30:03 - Observing and mimicking effective leadership styles
33:01 - Turning problems into solutions: proposing actionable ideas
36:43 - Building empowered teams that bring solutions to the table
39:01 - Tips for rapid career growth and securing your next opportunity
42:17 - Advice for young women entering tech today
44:22 - The importance of sharing knowledge and empowering women in tech
45:36 - Final thoughts: fostering community and continuous learning

Resources & Links:

• Ashley Allen on LinkedIn
• BlueJeans (Cisco)
• Zoom Video Communications
• Avaya
• PWC
• KPMG
• Deloitte
• Tata Communications
• GSI - Global System Integrators
• AI and Digital Transformation

Connect with Ashley Allen:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymdallen/

Enjoy this inspiring conversation on thriving in tech, enhancing communication skills, and building impactful careers!

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Financial Disclaimer for 'fireyfemmes' Podcast Episode
"This podcast episode featuring a financial advisor is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal, or professional advice.
The views expressed by the host, guest, and audience questions are their own and not endorsements.
Listeners should consult qualified professionals before making financial decisions. The host, podcast, and guest disclaim all liability for any losses or actions taken based on this content."

Discover practical strategies and mental models for building wealth, investing wisely, and planning for the future. In this episode, Emily shares her expertise on navigating the financial industry, avoiding common pitfalls, and aligning your financial goals with your values.

In this episode:
The evolution of the financial planning industry post-Royal Commission
The parallels between fitness goals and financial habits
How to motivate young people to start investing early
The power of compound interest and micro-investing apps
Strategies for diversification and risk management
Insights into employee share schemes and tax implications
Common pitfalls for tech professionals and how to avoid them
The importance of regular financial plan reviews
Addressing fears about market downturns and timing investments
Long-term planning: property vs stocks and the role of leverage
How social media influences financial decision-making and misconceptions about assets

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome and intro to the episode
02:32 - Emily's background and industry overview
03:47 - Industry changes since Royal Commission
04:17 - Trends in financial education and youth engagement
05:16 - Personal goal: running a half marathon
06:56 - Mental resilience in fitness and finance
08:06 - Motivating young investors & starting early
09:40 - Resources for beginner investors
10:48 - Micro-investing apps and roundup features
12:17 - How much to invest with limited income
14:09 - Managing market volatility and emotional decision-making
16:00 - The importance of a long-term investment horizon
17:39 - Property vs shares: which to prioritise
19:01 - Common traps for tech professionals & share schemes
21:24 - Tax implications of employee shares
22:54 - Planning for unlisted company options
24:42 - Diversification and reducing concentration risk
26:02 - Avoiding default mentalities in money management
27:52 - Recognising lifestyle creep and managing cash flow
28:58 - Personal finance forecasting & household budgeting
32:14 - Prioritising spending & saving based on values
33:28 - Reaching financial independence early
36:57 - Traits of high-achieving investors
37:27 - The value of regular review & plan adjustments
39:13 - Index investing vs active fund managers
41:04 - Building wealth after setbacks

Resources & Links:
Money Smart - Financial Tools - https://moneysmart.gov.au/
Raiz - Micro Investing App - https://raizinvest.com.au/
Spaceship - Investment Platform - https://www.spaceship.com.au/

Connect with Emily
LinkedIn: Emily Djekovic
Via Email: [email protected]

This episode offers actionable insights for anyone looking to understand wealth strategies, avoid common pitfalls, and plan for a secure financial future. Whether you're a beginner or seeking to refine your approach, Emily's experience cuts through the noise to deliver clear, research-backed advice.

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From infertility, endometriosis, how it affects earning capacity and everything else!

In this episode, we explore women’s health with Nicole Butler, the future of work, and how technology particularly femtech is transforming careers, wellbeing, and long-term financial outcomes. From AI and layoffs to fertility, hormones, and menopause, this conversation highlights why women’s health literacy is critical in modern work and life.

Nicole is a tech & software leader who is passionate about femtech.

Key Topics

• Women’s health and career progression
• AI, ChatGPT, and the future of work
• Layoffs, redundancy, and workforce shifts
• Hormonal health: fertility, endometriosis, menopause
• Femtech and women’s health technology trends
• Cycle syncing and hormonally aligned productivity
• Wearable health tech (Oura Ring)
• Menopause support in the workplace
• Gender pay gap and health-related career impact
• FemTech Australia and the future of women’s wellness

Resources

• Oura Ring – wearable health tracking
• FemTech Australia – women’s health tech ecosystem
• Ovium AI – data-driven women’s health tools
• ChatGPT – AI tool referenced

Resources & Links:
Oura Ring - Wearable for tracking sleep, temperature, and health patterns: https://ouraring.com
FemTech Australia - connecting women with health tech innovations
Ovium AI - Data-powered tools supporting women’s health diagnosis https://www.askovum.com/
ChatGPT - AI tool mentioned for everyday use and personal growth

Connect with Nicole Butler:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolebutlerprofile/
FemTech Australia newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7390931796407787521/?displayConfirmation=true

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This quick episode was a candid chat between Nicole who is an experienced leader in the talent & HR space and Sheena where they discuss the perfect storm for job applicants and recruiters.

It's no secret the talent marketplace is INSANE right now. 
There are numerous reasons why:

• ghost job listings
• a big pool of high quality talent
• uncertain economy
  
  

AND NOW we are entering the world of AI resumes, recorded interviewing too.

Tune in for more and how you can get past these challenges.

‪@fireyfemmes‬

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This content is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects personal experiences and opinions. It is not financial, legal or investment advice. Always seek advice from a qualified professional before making decisions.

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Sheena interviews Isis Nair, a seasoned professional who has transitioned from a successful career in tech to counselling and angel investing. Isis shares her journey through high-pressure roles at companies like Google and VGW, emphasising the importance of emotional well-being in the workplace. She discusses her motivations for shifting careers, highlighting the need for inner sustainability alongside external achievements. The dialogue also touches on the challenges women face in financial literacy, especially during life transitions like divorce, and the importance of having open conversations about money and risk with partners.
Isis provides valuable insights into the significance of empathy in the tech industry and the necessity for women to advocate for their financial independence. She encourages listeners to explore investment opportunities, including equity negotiations and self-managed super funds, while also emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. The conversation concludes with Isis offering advice to young women in tech, urging them to embrace their authentic selves rather than conforming to traditional expectations.


Keywords

career reinvention, emotional intelligence, angel investing, financial literacy, women in tech, counselling, empathy, self-managed super funds, divorce, risk management



Takeaways
Success can quietly come at a cost.
Prioritise inner sustainability alongside external achievement.
Empathy is a powerful tool in tech and leadership.
Women should advocate for their financial independence.
Invest in what you know and understand.


Sound Bites
"I wanted to understand what's going on underneath it."
"I found it a bit of an ego thing."
"Empathy is a powerful tool."


Chapters
00:00
Navigating Personal and Professional Changes
01:55
Embracing Nature and Self-Discovery
04:31
Redefining Success Beyond Titles
07:26
Financial Awareness Post-Divorce
10:23
The Importance of Equity in Career Growth
24:49
Understanding Risk Profiles in Financial Decisions
29:57
Conversations Women Should Have About Money
34:09
Exploring Self-Managed Super Funds
42:07
Investing Strategies for Women
52:59
The Importance of Empathy in Tech
56:24
Empowering Women in the Workplace

fireyfemmes explores money, career and independence for women navigating high-earning careers and life inflection points.


This content is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects personal experiences and opinions. It is not financial, legal or investment advice. Always seek advice from a qualified professional before making decisions.

Tools, books and companies mentioned:
Aussie Angels 
https://www.aussieangels.com/

Birchal 
https://www.birchal.com/

Stake
https://hellostake.com/au

Raiz / Acorns
https://raizinvest.com.au/

Barefoot Investor
https://www.barefootinvestor.com/

Atomic Habits 
https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

Mention of products or companies does not constitute endorsement or financial advice.

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The Quiet Financial Decisions That Shape Your Next Chapter

Not all financial decisions are loud or visible.

Some of the most powerful choices we make happen quietly without announcements, promotions, or big milestones attached. And yet, they’re the decisions that shape how much freedom, optionality, and calm we carry into our next chapter.

In this solo episode, Sheena reflects on the non-headline financial choices that compound over time especially for high-earning women navigating career transitions, reinvention, or a shift in priorities.

This is not an advice-heavy episode.
It’s a grounded, thoughtful reflection on money, career, and intentional design.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why cash buffers are about more than safety they’re about choice
• The difference between career optimisation and career optionality
• How equity decisions are often emotional, not just financial
• Lifestyle creep vs intentional lifestyle design
• Why “doing nothing” can be a strategic financial decision
• How small, quiet choices shape your freedom more than dramatic moves

Key takeaway:

Your next chapter won’t be defined by one bold decision but by the quiet ones you repeat consistently.

This episode is for you if:

• You’ve built skill, income, and credibility but feel at a crossroads
• You want more optionality, not just more income
• You’re rethinking what success looks like beyond titles and optics
• You’re designing a life with intention, not urgency

🎧 Listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who’s quietly recalibrating their relationship with money and career.

Follow fireyfemmes for more conversations at the intersection of wealth, identity, and reinvention.

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Description:After years of climbing careers, titles, expectations many women reach a moment of quiet truth:

The achievement didn’t feel the way we thought it would.

This episode is an invitation into your Reinvention Era the chapter that doesn’t follow a ladder, but a compass.

You’ll learn:✨ Why achievement without alignment creates restlessness✨ The three identities of reinvention: The Performer, The Questioner, The Creator✨ Why nothing you’ve done is wasted — it all becomes the foundation for your next version✨ What women actually want after “proving” themselves✨ How to design the next decade of your life intentionally and emotionally

If you’ve been feeling the pull for something different more freedom, more purpose, more alignment this episode gives you the roadmap and the permission.

🎯 Your Reinvention Prompt:
“What do I want my next 5 years to feel like?”
Not what you want to achieve. Not what looks good externally.
What you want to feel.
Let that be your compass.

💬 If you do the exercise, tag @fireyfemmes I’d love to witness your next chapter.

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Description:For too long, women have been taught that money is something to manage, fear, or survive — not something we can leverage.In this episode, we shift from stress to strategy and talk about how money becomes one of the most powerful tools for choice, confidence, and reinvention.

You’ll learn:✨ The mindset shift from survival to optionality✨ What “money as leverage” actually looks like✨ Why optionality makes women powerful in negotiations, careers & relationships✨ The small levers that build financial safety + confidence✨ How to calculate your freedom number (your first optionality target)

If you’ve ever felt stressed about money or stuck because you felt financially trapped this episode will help you see money differently: as choice, space, and possibility.

💛 Special Shoutout:This beauty of a dress is from Nooki, the e-commerce brand for women who want to feel confident, comfortable, and effortlessly themselves.

www.nookie.com.au

Discover them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lovenookie/

@lovenookie

🎯 Your Action Step This Week:

Journal:

“What amount of money would give me enough optionality to breathe?”Not forever. Not perfection.

Just next-month freedom.

💬

If you calculate your number, tag @fireyfemmes I love seeing women step into their financial power.

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