What does living your best life actually look like?

For Vicki Hartley, it has meant building a fulfilling career while knowing when family, purpose and life outside work need to come first.

In this episode, Vicki reflects on moving from the UK to Australia at 30 and starting a new life, saying yes to opportunities that stretched her, achieving her goal of becoming a CFO - not easy for a young woman! - and eventually building a portfolio of non executive director and advisory board roles.

But some of the most important decisions Vicki's made were about much more than work. She talks openly about stepping away from a major career opportunity for her family, finding purpose through volunteering, and creating a life that now gives her room for meaningful work, travel, family and freedom.

Vicki also gives a shout out to Dr Adam Fraser for his work and reminder of the reality and benefits of struggling and the importance of striving.

You’ll uncover

• Why saying yes to opportunities outside her comfort zone helped Vicki grow, even when she did not feel completely ready.

• What being told she was too young for boards in her mid 40s revealed about the barriers women faced around the boardroom table.

• Why Vicki chose family over the next big career opportunity, and how that decision shaped what came next.

• How volunteering with Domestic Violence Services Management and Dress for Success brought purpose and contribution into her life.

• Why success today looks like meaningful board work, time with family, travel, and the flexibility to handle the occasional broken down car in remote South Australia.

Vicki’s story is for women thinking about what a good life looks like at different ages and stages. It is about ambition without allowing work to become everything, making choices that reflect what matters at the time, and recognising that our definition of success can change. Sometimes the biggest leap is giving yourself permission to claim your own time and place.

Vicki Hartley is a former CFO and experienced non executive director whose board work has included Domestic Violence Services Management and Dress for Success. She is on the board of Defence bank Australia and is settling into a new non executive director role at UTS College.

Wondering if it's your time, your place? Her Time, Her Place is hosted by Amanda Webb, CEO of Xplore for Success, where she helps women build the clarity and confidence to lead their own next chapter. The women who join her on this show are exactly who Amanda works with every day, ambitious, thoughtful, ready for what's next. It's work she describes simply: changing leaders, lives, and careers in all kinds of organisations. Learn more at xplore.net.au.

Thirteen episodes in, Amanda takes a pause to reflect on the conversations, the common themes and the wisdom shared by eleven remarkable women, and on what she has learned from the experience of becoming a podcast host.

Episode summary

When Amanda launched Her Time, Her Place, she set out to create honest conversations about the moments that shape us. Thirteen episodes later, she pauses to reflect on the experience, not only what she learned from her guests, but also what she learned about listening, storytelling and the threads that connect us all.

Drawing on conversations with Diana Ryall, Sonia Casanova, Licia Heath, Lisa Annese, Alison Hernandez, Andrea Hardy, Lou Wardlaw, Kathy Rhodes, Tracey Henderson, Laura Berry and Danielle Asciak, Amanda shares the eight reflections that emerged from their stories. From unexpected career turns and quiet acts of courage to reinvention, resilience, friendship and the importance of community, these conversations reveal that there is no single path to a meaningful life. Together, these women remind us that our lives are shaped not by perfect plans, but by the choices we make, the people who support us and the opportunities we choose to embrace.

You'll uncover

• Why the best careers, and lives, rarely follow a carefully mapped plan.

• How curiosity can open doors and create opportunities we could never have anticipated.

• Why success is rarely achieved alone, and the important role mentors, sponsors, friends and family play along the way.

• What quiet courage looks like, from taking an unexpected opportunity to speaking up for what matters.

• How reflection, reinvention and making time for yourself can create space for an entirely new chapter.

This episode is for women who are questioning what comes next, whether they are just beginning their careers, considering a change or redefining success after years of achievement. Amanda's reflections remind us that our lives are shaped less by grand plans and more by curiosity, courage, relationships and the willingness to keep moving forward.

Perhaps the most powerful lesson of all is that we are not simply building careers. We are creating lives filled with meaning, purpose, connection and joy. The biggest leaps often begin when we decide to claim our own time and place.

Guest bio

Amanda Webb is the host of Her Time, Her Place. A lifelong advocate for women's leadership and participation, she brings more than thirty years of experience across business, entrepreneurship and the not for profit sector to every conversation. Curious by nature and an avid traveller, Amanda believes the most interesting stories often emerge when people are given the time and space to share them.

Wondering if it's your time, your place? Her Time, Her Place is hosted by Amanda Webb, CEO of Xplore for Success, where she helps women build the clarity and confidence to lead their own next chapter. The women who join her on this show are exactly who Amanda works with every day, ambitious, thoughtful, ready for what's next. It's work she describes simply: changing leaders, lives, and careers in all kinds of organisations.

Learn more at xplore.net.au.

Imagine building a career that seamlessly weaves artistry, advocacy, and business into a powerful leadership fabric. Danielle Asciak’s journey from performing her own Cabaret show to CEO, leading Australia’s historic Women’s Club, reveals how diverse skills and unexpected detours can forge extraordinary leaders.

Danielle's story challenges the notion that careers and success need a plan, showing instead that resilience, creativity, sponsorship and strategic risk-taking open doors you never knew existed.

In this episode, Danielle shares her unconventional path, starting with a childhood passion for music and performance, and evolving into strategic roles across arts, education, and public policy. Discover how her early experiences, from writing and performing her solos satirical caberet to transforming organisations like Musica Viva and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, equipped her with unique soft skills of empathy, discipline, and innovation, that underpin her leadership today.

You'll unlock:

• How soft skills honed as a performer translate into executive success
• The role of mentorship and strategic networking in accelerating your career
• Why embracing ambiguity and risk creates unexpected opportunities
• The driving force behind her inspiring leadership at The Women’s Club, Australia's oldest women’s organization
• Practical insights for women seeking to diversify their careers and lead with authenticity and impact

Why does this matter?

Because navigating a career in today’s ever-changing landscape isn’t about following a predefined path. It’s about embracing your multifaceted nature, leveraging transferable skills, and confidently stepping through doors—whether they’re open or slam shut. Danielle’s story is a testament to how resilience and versatility can turn a passion for art into a platform for influence and meaningful change.

Perfect for aspiring leaders, creative professionals, or women ready to pivot, this episode distills decades of experience into actionable wisdom. Whether you’re looking to amplify your impact or understand how to wield soft skills with confidence, Danielle’s insights will inspire you to build your own extraordinary journey.

What does it take to navigate a career as diverse and inspiring as Laura Berry’s?

From her early days in Canberra, where her love of politics was born, to leading Supply Nation as CEO, all while starting her family and stepping into boardrooms, Laura’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, courage, and purpose. Discover how her ability to say "yes" even when unsure, coupled with an unwavering belief in herself, catapulted her into roles she once never imagined, including leading a major Indigenous engagement strategy while pregnant with her first child.

You’ll uncover:

• The pivotal moments that pushed Laura beyond her comfort zone, including her infamous interview at 25 for a role that questioned her age and confidence.
• The power of sponsorship, networking, and the subtle art of being “seen” and how others’ belief in her unlocked opportunities she never sought on her own.
• Practical insights on balancing a high-powered career, community involvement, and family, especially in navigating leadership while managing imposter syndrome and societal expectations.
• The importance of structured learning, real on-the-job experience, and embracing BOLD moves like taking a sabbatical to clarify your next chapter.
• How her intentional shift to a portfolio career and board roles has offered her the space for reflection, growth, and contributing meaningfully to her community.

At just 20 weeks pregnant, Laura stepped into her first CEO role, a testament to her grit and conviction. Her story highlights the value of perseverance, self-belief, and leveraging networks, vital lessons for women aiming to lead and influence at every level. The stakes? Missing out on fulfilling opportunities and the chance to make a difference would be a real loss. Instead, Laura’s approach shows how openness, humility, and strategic risk can fuel a fulfilling, impactful career.This episode is perfect for aspiring leaders, women in community service, and anyone feeling unsure if they’re “ready” for their next move. Laura’s candid stories remind us that the most significant leaps often start with a simple act: saying “yes” and backing yourself. Her insights will inspire you to embrace your unique journey with confidence and clarity.

Most people underestimate the power of clarity and purpose in shaping a sustained and fulfilling career. Tracey Henderson reveals how understanding what you truly want can unlock your next chapter at any age. Imagine building a 50-year career that keeps you inspired, resilient, and eager to grow, despite challenges like layoffs, unethical work environments, or personal setbacks.

Tracey Henderson, a seasoned executive coach with nearly three decades of experience, shares her transformative journey through corporate highs and lows, including overcoming burnout, navigating career pivots, and finding her true passion in coaching others through life’s toughest transitions.

You'll discover:

• The crucial importance of defining “what you truly want” versus vague ambitions, and how this clarity drives your success.
• Practical strategies for rebuilding confidence after job loss, including the power of personal agency and owning your core strengths.
• Insights into the unique traits that make executives and career-changers courageous, curious, and trusted—like asking bold questions and building authentic relationships.
• How to leverage your individuality—whether extroverted or introverted—to build trust and secure opportunities across diverse professional landscapes.
• The vital role of process and self-awareness in career growth, especially during uncertain times such as organizational restructuring or technological disruption.

Why does this matter? In a rapidly changing work environment—where AI, downsizing, and market shifts are common—knowing what you want and owning your story can set you apart. This episode highlights the significance of intentional career design, continuous learning, and staying true to yourself, enabling you to craft a lifestyle that balances purpose, productivity, and personal fulfillment.Perfect for mid-career professionals, those facing career transition, or anyone eager to reflect on how to keep their career vibrant and aligned with their passions. If you believe your work can be an extension of your identity and joy, this conversation is a must-listen.Tracey Henderson, an accomplished outplacement and career transition expert, is known for her honest insights, compassionate coaching, and unwavering curiosity.

Throughout her 50-year profession, she’s inspired countless individuals to reclaim agency, develop resilience, and find fulfillment in their work and life.Join us to learn how to turn decades of experience into your next gift—an empowered, authentic, and balanced career journey.

Don't miss this episode if you're ready to get clear, stay courageous, and build a career and life you love.

Tracey Henderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyhenderson1/

In this episode of Her Time, Her Place, I sat down with Kathy Rhodes, founder of Held and Free, for a powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and the path that led her from corporate marketing to social entrepreneurship. Kathy shares how an early academic opportunity shaped her curious, non-linear career, and how roles in PR, the Cancer Council, luxury brands in London, financial services, and business strategy all helped build the skills she uses today.

Kathy opens up about the defining life moments that changed everything: the loss of close family members in the Laos plane crash, her own cervical cancer diagnosis during the pandemic, and the experience of watching a friend fall through the cracks during a crisis.That experience became the spark for Held and Free, a social enterprise and not-for-profit designed to support women in business through personal crisis so their livelihoods can continue. Kathy explains how the model works, why it matters, and how support, advice, and practical intervention can help women stay afloat when life gets hard.

Along the way, she reflects on ADHD, late diagnosis, grief, strength, kindness, and why women need more than applause - the ones who “get the wipes” in the hard moments. Her closing insight, “K stands for Kaleidoscope,” is a beautiful reminder that every woman’s lived experience creates a unique and valuable contribution.

This is an honest, moving, and huge hearted episode about building something bigger than yourself and standing in the gap for women who need it most.

Websites

Held and Free - https://www.heldfree.com/

Kathy Rhodes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-rhodes/

Lou Wardlaw, Chair of charity One in Five and Founder of Grounded Together, is one of the optomistic, hopeful and joyous humans I know!

In this episode Lou takes us through her journey from curious student to corporate executive, now executive coach and a committed mental health advocate and leader.

Lou opens up about the opportunities that came her way and the personal challenges that shaped her path, and why hope, self-care, and leading with heart have become the foundation of her work. It's a conversation about what happens when lived experience becomes purpose.

So many gems of wisdom:-

• "Use your influence"
• "Don't disqualify yourself"
• "Choose hope"
• "Look for the lovely"
• "Lead with your heart"
• "Self care is not a reward, its a responsibility to ourselves"

Keywords

Leadership, Mental Health, Self-Care, Resilience, Career Path, Personal Growth, Advocacy, Women in Leadership

Key Topics

• Career journey and diverse experiences
• Heart-lead leadership
• The importance of self-care and resilience

• Supporting mental health and carers

Websites

One in Five

Grounded Together

What do you do when someone else closes the door on your ambitions?

For Andrea Hardy, it wasn't the end of the story, it was the beginning of a new one. In this inspiring conversation, Andrea reflects on the moments that shaped her, her lifelong love of learning, and the choices that led to a rewarding portfolio career across leadership, governance and community impact. A thoughtful reminder that your career is rarely a straight line, and that the doors you open yourself are often the ones that matter most.

If you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or ready for your next chapter, Andrea's story will leave you feeling both challenged and encouraged.

Episode 6 is a little different ... I've recorded it solo, from Koh Samui, Thailand, during my annual Purpose and Passion Cultural Trip to capture why I created these women-only trips and share what we get up to while I'm actually living it!  You'll get an insight into my passion for helping women make time for themselves and, most importantly, the 'purpose' part - seeing first-hand the impact of our chosen charity partner, Sisters on Samui.

This episode is about what it looks like to choose yourself - to step away from routine, embrace adventure, make new connections and to travel with purpose instead of just an itinerary.

Her Time indeed!

Topics covered:

·       Why I created the Xplore Purpose and Passion Cultural Trips, and what they're really designed to create

·       The reality of taking leave and the importance of self-care for women in leadership and caregiving roles, and why rest rarely happens on its own

·       Sisters on Samui, our chosen charity partner, and their community work

·       What shifts in women when they get space to reconnect with themselves and expand their connections

Sound bites:

·       "Women often put their own health and wellbeing last on the list."

·       "This isn't a holiday from your life, it's a chance to come back to yourself."

·       "When you support a local charity directly, you see exactly where the impact lands."

Websites:

·       Xplore the Purpose and Passion Cultural Trips

·       Sisters on Samui

I've known Alison Hernandez for decades, and always thing of her adventurous spirit. She's full of energy and has always been ahead of the curve. In this episode, I got to uncover more about Ali's back story and found out just where that drive and future-state thinking came from!

Alison Hernandez has had the unplanned joy of experiencing diverse roles across four countries, transitioning from corporate to entrepreneur, all while embracing the unexpected.

Her early days in hospitality taught her the importance of customer and employee experience. This obsession has been a guiding force throughout her career.

When she took a gap year in 1997, she never imagined it would lead to amazing opportunities like managing careers for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. A game-changer for her future career!

Ali also shares the deep importance of taking care of our own health and wellbeing, and how she's doing just that.

Listen in for Ali's full story of seizing the moment, being client and human-centred and never staying still!

#CareerJourney #DiversityAndInclusion #Entrepreneurship #Sydney2000 #LongevityExpert