Get Off The Bench Podcast

After a successful career in helping to bring to market billions of dollars of disruptive technology, Mark S A Smith now works with Visionmakers to turn market challengers into market leaders. He works with C-Suite leaders determined to transform their business from a market challenger into the market leader in 3 years or less.

This is exemplified in his two new books, The Nimble C-Suite: How to Align the Diverse Strengths of Your Executive Team to Predictably Deliver Extraordinary Results in a Transformational Economy, and The Nimble Company: A Proactive, Socially Responsible Framework for Driving Sustained Profits and Growth in a Chronically Chaotic World.

Co-founder of NimbilityWorks, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders embrace Nimbility, he brings his broad leadership perspective, extensive business models, professional speaking capacity, and tightly-honed coaching skills to leaders who desire to lead transformational businesses and teams that make a difference.

Socials:

Website: https://nimbilityworks.com/

Web link to LinkedIn: marksonlinkedin.com

LinkedIn: Mark S A Smith

Books: ‘The Nimble C-Suite’ and ‘The Nimble Company’

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Tracie Lund is the Manager of the Morwell Neighbourhood House and has worked tirelessly in the community since starting there in 2012. She has introduced and championed much-needed initiatives, resulting in the Morwell Neighbourhood House becoming a renowned hub where vital support is available for everyone, no matter their circumstances.

Tracie is currently running for the seat of Morwell, after running as an independent candidate in the 2014 State Election, securing 11% of the vote and transforming the once safe seat of Morwell into one of the most marginal electorates in Victoria.

Tracie has earned a reputation as a highly-respected community leader in the Latrobe Valley and is a sitting Councillor of Latrobe City Council after being elected in 2020.

In 2014 when the Hazelwood Mine Fire broke out just 400 metres from the heart of Morwell, Tracie was compelled to act as an advocate for the residents of Morwell and found herself thrust into the communications vacuum. She was a conduit between services and community, providing affected residents with up-to-date information and support that was lacking.

She is passionate about grassroots democracy and strongly believes that investment in and support of the community improves health and wellbeing, resilience, and employment opportunities. Her experience in supporting the local community every day on the ground has given her insight into what is required as the community navigates the future.

Socials:

Website: tracielund.com.au

LinkedIn: Tracie Lund

FB: Tracie Lund

Insta: Tracie Lund @tracielund4morwell

Morwell Neighbourhood House 

Mentions:

Latrobe Valley Authority

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George Siegal began his career in front of the camera as a newscaster, sportscaster, and weathercaster. His work took him from San Antonio Texas, to Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. In addition to work in front of the camera, George was a feature reporter and producer.

In 2001 he formed J.E.L. Productions, a video production company that produces commercials, infomercials, television programs and documentary films. The company also created their own original programming, which included a Texas Travel Program and a building and remodelling show.

George is most proud of his latest venture, forming the documentary film company Move the World Films, Inc. He wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary films ‘The Last House Standing’ which explores the fact that most people think catastrophic destruction will never happen to them, and ‘License to Parent’, which looks at how parenting is the most important job in the world, and how anybody can do it regardless of how qualified they are.

Socials:

Website: thelasthousestanding.org

Website: tellushowhowtomakeitbetter.com

FB: Tell Us How To Make It Better

Insta: Tell Us How To make It Better @tellushowtomakeitbetter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/movetwfilms

Podcast: Tell Us How To make It Better 

LinkedIn: George Siegal

Mentions:

Brock Long (podcast interview)

John Scardena and Aris Papadopoulos (podcast interview)

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

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Daniel Fitzgerald cycled 3169 kilometres from Esperance, Western Australia to Omeo, Victoria to raise funds and suicide awareness for the Black Dog Institute.

He completed the ride in 22 days, which included 4 rest days.

In 2019 Daniel attended the funeral of ‘Whelan’ who lost his battle with depression, where the impact and ripple effect of suicide really hit hard. 

A car accident back in 2004 claimed the life of another mate ‘Tim’, and Daniel didn’t deal with the emotions at the time. The emotions eventually resurfaced as depression, and after a period of hospitalisation, Daniel reached out for help. Eventually the therapy of EMDR changed Daniel’s life.

To show the positive change in his life, and in memory of Whelan, Daniel started making plans for his ride.

Daniel hopes the ride will also inspire people who have challenging situations going on in their lives to reach out and seek help.

Socials:

FB: Wheelin to the mountains @wheelintothemountains 

Mentions:

Black Dog Institute https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Donate: https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/Wheelintothemountains

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Heather Baird is the founder of A Better Life For Foster Kids. She is passionate about raising awareness about the experiences of children in the out of home care system and how it takes all of us working collectively together to make sure children and young people in out of home care get better life outcomes. 

Her inspirational drive to create change for children in out of home care and for carers is informed by her own experiences growing up in orphanages and foster homes from the age of 2 and a half, as well as her time on placement with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (then DHHS) in child protection, while she undertook a Diploma of Social Services.

Heather has been featured in numerous radio programs, podcasts, and news articles, and frequently gives talks on the issues faced by children in out of home care to groups around Victoria. People are often surprised by what they learn about the out of home care system when they hear Heather speak for the first time.

Socials:

Website: http://abetterlifeforfosterkids.org.au/

LinkedIn: Heather Baird

FB: A Better Life For Foster Kids Inc @abetterlifeforfosterkids

Insta: Heather Baird @a_better_life_for_foster_kids_

Mentions:

Westfield Local Hero 

Gippsland Community Leadership Program

Girls With Hammers

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Kerryn Vaughan is an author, speaker, facilitator and the creator and host of Get Off The Bench.

This week I’ve been thinking a lot about the fine line between showing up and self care.

I think there’s too much noise about hustle and grind, and it’s way too easy to drive ourselves into the ground and not take care of ourselves.

I do believe it’s important to show up, especially if that means changing people’s lives and making a difference. But we need to fine the balance so we can keep our own cup full first.

What do we hang on to and what do we give up. Today I share a few of my own thoughts which are true to me.

Socials:

Website: https://www.kerrynvaughan.com/

LinkedIn: Kerryn Vaughan

FB: Get Off The Bench - Kerryn Vaughan

Insta: Kerryn Vaughan @getoffthebench

Julie Philip believes in following your dream, and she doesn’t do it half-heartedly.

Following her passion for Africa, Julie decided to learn African drumming and after just one lesson found herself in a band. Not long after, she realised the deep connection she felt with art, so pursued that. Very soon she was holding exhibitions and selling her pieces.

Alongside the passions Julie follows, is her full time job as a public servant. In 2019, while having a review with her manager, and being asked what she really wanted to do, Julie said “I’ve always wanted to be a barber”. Fully supported by her manager, Julie began the year long journey to becoming a qualified barber.

But what has really impacted Julie, is how the simple act of cutting hair has led to an increase in confidence and self-worth for the people she lovingly styles.

Julie volunteers 1 day per month at the Morwell Neighbourhood House, and truly knows how she is changing lives. Not only do the recipients appreciate her work and care, Julie goes home feeling incredibly blessed to be in a position to share so much joy.

Her next venture? To build a Barber Army. 

Socials:

LinkedIn: Julie Philip

Mentions:

Morwell Neighbourhood House

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Most people fly, some board a ship, but Tammy van Wisse has done it the hard way by swimming 1.5 times round the world. At 32, Tammy has swum 60,000 kilometres – a testament to her amazing stamina and strength. 

Tammy is a master at conquering extreme challenges, including swimming some of the coldest, deepest and longest waterways on the planet including Loch Ness, Bass Strait, the English Channel and the Murray River, amassing an astonishing 65,000kms, which is equivalent to one and half times around the globe!

Victorian born Tammy started her formal swimming training at age 11. She progressed through her teens winning Victorian State Swimming and Victorian Royal Life Saving Titles. 

Lifesaving became an integral part of Tammy’s career, and she entered events such as the Lorne Pier to Pub swim, which she won in 1986, 1987 and 1989. 

Her first marathon swim was in 1986 from Beaumaris to Frankston, a distance of 20 kilometres. 

A decade later, Tammy entered the Guinness Book of Records as the first person to swim Bass Strait. 

Tammy went on to establish other record times and wins for swimming Loch Ness, New Zealand’s Cook Strait, the English Channel, the Olympic Games Centenary Marathon swim in Greece and the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim in New York. 

In 2001, Tammy completed her greatest challenge to date by swimming the entire length of the Murray River from the Alps to the ocean – a feat no one else has achieved, taking 106 days and covering a distance of 2438 kilometres. 

As a human water quality tester, Tammy has long been a campaigner for cleaner waterways. Through her amazing swims, Tammy raises awareness about environmental issues confronting Australia’s river systems, such as poor environmental flows, salinity and toxic algal bloom. 

Career Highlights

Swum more than 65,000kms, equivalent to one-and-half times around the planet

Fastest woman to swim the Cook Strait, New Zealand

First and only person in world to swim Bass Strait (97.4km) – Tasmania to Victoria, Australia.

Fastest person to swim Loch Ness, Scotland

Fastest person to swim 2438km length of the Murray River, Australia.

Champion for change highlighting the Murray River’s environmental plight from her own perspective as a “human water quality tester”.

Broke world record for New York to New Jersey, USA as tribute to Gertrude Ederle, first woman across the English Channel and her contribution to Women in Sport.

Has a day named after her in New Jersey, USA.

Winner of round Manhattan Island Marathon Race, USA (48kms)

Two solo swims of the English Channel with honour of fastest person across in 1993 and first brother & sister to cross together in 1994.

Lifesaver of the Year & winner of more than 150 Victorian State Lifesaving Titles.

Australian Geographic “Adventurer of the Year”

Ambassador for National Drowning Prevention Day & Play it Safe by the Water

Ambassador for The Male Hug – raising awareness of Men’s Mental Health

Socials:

LinkedIn: Tammy van Wisse

Insta: Tammy van Wisse @tammyvanwisse

Mentions:

Dawn Fraser

Royal Lifesaving Society

Ernie Sigley

Herald Sun

Duncan MacGillivray (Piper)

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Flight Lieutenant Ben Price, 34, grew up on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. From a young age, Ben had dreamed of being a pilot. However in the years following Year 12, he started and completed an apprenticeship as an electrician. After seven years in the electrical industry, Ben decided to chase his long-term dream of becoming a pilot in the Air Force. With no aviation experience, Ben was accepted into the Air Force and began his new career as a Pilot in 2015.

Ben graduated on 246 Pilots Course in 2017 on the Pilatus PC-9/A and was posted to No. 33 Squadron to fly the KC-30A out of RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. During his time on the tanker aircraft, Ben was involved in two Middle East region deployments, VIP tasking and various operations and exercises both domestically and internationally.

This is Ben’s first season with the Roulettes and first posting to Central Flying School. Away from work Ben enjoys time with his fiancé, young son, family and friends. Ben enjoys everything AFL, the beach, the snow and a good laugh with friends.

Air Force Roulettes

The Roulettes are the Royal Australian Air Force's aerobatic display team. They were established in 1970 following the success of earlier teams, the Red Sales and Telstars.

The Roulettes had their first public display at RAAF Base Point Cook in 1970. The team flew a Macchi MB-326 aircraft, which was replaced by the Pilatus PC-9/A (the Air Force's new pilot training aircraft) in 1989. Since then, the Roulettes have become a six aircraft, seven member team which completes two display seasons each year (a season runs for six months).

The Pilatus PC-9/A retired from Roulettes operations in March 2019 and was replaced by Pilatus PC-21 – one of the most advanced training aircraft in the world.

Roulette displays are flown all around Australia and consist of a number of manoeuvres flown in various formations at low level. They are an extension of formation, aerobatics, low level flying, and airmanship skills, taught to Air Force pilots and developed throughout their career.

The Roulettes fly as low as 250 feet (80 m) at speeds of up to 370 knots  to 685km/h and pilots can experience up to 6 ‘G', or 6 times, the force of gravity during a display. Flying as close as three metres apart, the team showcases the level of visual judgement and hand-eye coordination that pilots in the Air Force are able to achieve.

Roulette pilots are Qualified Flying Instructors who work at the Central Flying School, based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria. Between displays, they teach other Air Force pilots to become instructors.

Socials:

About Ben Price: https://www.airforce.gov.au/displays/roulette-seven

Roulettes: https://www.airforce.gov.au/roulettes

FB: Airforce Roulettes https://www.facebook.com/AirForceRoulettes

Insta: Airforce Roulettes @airforceroulettes https://www.instagram.com/airforceroulettes/

Mentions:

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au

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What would you do if you discovered that most of what you believe about yourself is a lie? What if we could identify and release your lies and uncover your undisputed truth?

Most of us have lived lives programmed by parents, teachers, friends, socioeconomic status, news, culture, religion, and even genetics. In this book, you will discover the different ways you have been lied to, lied to yourself, and lied to others unconsciously. Living a lie often causes fear, regret, stress, unhappiness, and an inability to reach your full potential.

International Best Selling author, Lisa Schermerhorn, has twenty years of experience as a transformational leader and is an expert in human behavior, personal development, and the subconscious mind. 

In her latest book, ‘In Every Belief There is a Lie’, you’ll learn how to understand your Lies, where they come from, and techniques to help you discover your Truth.

Examples of the Lies we believe:

That you are not smart

That money is the root of all evil

That when you forgive, your actions are absolved

The Lie that you can solve your problems using the same thinking you had when you created them

And more…

Within the pages of ‘In Every Belief There is a Lie’, read stories of self-discovery and learn strategies for living your truth today.

Socials:

Website: https://lisaschermerhorncoaching.com/

Website: https://peakperformancemindsetcoaching.com/

LinkedIn: Lisa Schermerhorn

FB: Lisa Schermerhorn Coaching

Insta: LisaSchermerhorn @lisafriedmanschermerhorn

Book: In Every Belief There Is A Lie

Mentions:

The Four Agreements (Book)

The Fifth Agreement (Book)

Ho’oponopono

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