In today’s episode of the Influence Unlocked, I catch up with the indomitable Maria Halasz. The multilingual former ASX-listed company CEO and leading venture capitalist board director is now CEO and co-founder of Stride Equity, Australia’s first venture capital backed equity crowdfunding platform.

As an 18-year old, Hungarian-born Maria abandoned her medical studies following the sudden death of her beloved brother in an accident. Adventure – and Australia, where the siblings had dreamed of visiting together – called. Maria was granted political asylum and issued a one-way ticket to Perth, Western Australia, where she eventually arrived with just $50 and big dreams in her pocket.

In the decades since, her career has unapologetically chartered leadership roles in male-dominated industries like banking, finance, investment, and biotech. “If I thought something [was] important or I could make a difference,” she reflects now, “I just did it!”

Through our work at the PR Hub I have personally enjoyed working with Maria for several years now and we have a few things in common too, including a passion for giving back and helping people in business – “Knock on doors. You’ll be surprised how generous people are with their time” – give it their all and maximise their chances of success.

 No matter your title or where you’re at in business, if you’re looking for some career inspiration, tips for leading at the top and/or are curious about how to attract investment and mentors, you don’t want to miss this episode. 

Follow Maria on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mariahalasz

Explore Stride Equity: strideequity.com.au

Email Sam: [email protected]

Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/

Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast

Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5

Misha Zelinsky is a Fulbright Scholar, lawyer, war correspondent, and a leading authority on the rise of global authoritarianism.

Born and raised by a single mother in the NSW coastal city of Wollongong, famed for its mining industry and surfing beaches, Misha decided to put aside a promising young legal career to pursue his passion for Labor and trade unionism, where he spent 12 years as the leader of the Australian Workers’ Union.

Ultimately, it was this inherent drive to make an impact (“I want to make the biggest difference possible to the things that I care about”) that led him to Ukraine in 2022 as a war correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, following years as a regular columnist for the same news outlet writing on the future of democracy, Australian domestic policy, national security and geopolitics. He’s also the host of podcast, ‘Diplomates – A Geopolitical Chinwag’.

In this episode of the Influence Unlocked, we take a very personal look into Misha’s life and some of the key decisions and turning points that have led him to where he is today. We also discuss the motivation behind becoming a published author, with Misha’s first work of fact-based fiction, The Sun Will Rise, honouring Ukraine’s fight for freedom in its ongoing conflict with Russia, released in late 2023.

On taking chances in career and life, Misha is resolute. “Just jump,” he says. “It's never as scary as you think. People treat their lives as this irreversible decision-making process, but broadly speaking, most people's careers, those decisions, are not as scary as [we] build them up to be.”

“The gut knows. Take the chance, you might surprise yourself!”

Find him on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter): @mishazelinskyBuy The Sun Will Rise book: thesunwillrisebook.com

Email Samantha: [email protected]

Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast

Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussions about eating disorders and pregnancy loss

It’s great to be back after a little time away from the podcast and what better time that to do things a little differently with me in the hot seat!

In this episode, I’m interviewed by my long-time client and more importantly dear friend, the amazing, inspiring and unstoppable, Taryn Williams, an award-winning founder, brand ambassador, board director and business advisor.

In this episode Taryn asks me about some of the most defining moments in my life, those that have shaped and impacted who I am today. Surprisingly, we get quite deep and personal on some topics. Only surprising because I am not used to sharing so much about my personal journey however, I felt really comfortable sharing with you all and hope that some of the things we cover might resonate or even be useful.

We also delve into the topics of entrepreneurship, personal branding and public relations, with some more practical advice for those of you who might be business owners or thought leaders in your industries looking to hear more.

As nervous as I was going into the chat, I really enjoyed the opportunity to sit on the other side of the interview and share some of my story. I hope you enjoy it too - and don’t forget - I would love for you to subscribe on your favourite podcast app and leave a review, so more great people like you can listen in to the Influence Unlocked podcast.

Now over to Taryn!

And don’t forget you can connect with me via email [email protected] or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/

Listen to the Cassandra Kelly interview https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/owning-your-power-with-cassandra-kelly/id1490324814?i=1000549088115

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If there is anyone who understands the dance between brand strategy, the power of authentic storytelling and content production, and what audiences want, it’s my guest for this episode, Adam Bub.

Head of Commercial Media at leading digital media and TV production company Pinstripe Media by day, social media influencer by night, and doer of cryptic crosswords in all the moments in between, Adam Bub has built an impressive 15-year career with major news sites including Nine Digital and Mamamia (interviewing the likes of Kim Kardashian, Hugh Jackman, Will Smith, and Demi Lovato) and crafted content campaigns in partnership with hundreds of Australia's leading brands.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Adam before. He directed me as the ‘talent’ on Kochie’s Business Builders TV and he really makes being on camera a relaxed and fun experience.

In this episode of Influence Unlocked we cover a lot of ground, from what makes a good story (the ‘human factor’) and why it’s so important to ‘become your own brand PR hero’, to Adam’s evolution from shy teenager, coming to terms with his sexuality and whose choicest piece of career advice is simply: do things that terrify you.

So, if you are a business owner or public relations professional wanting to better understand what makes a good pitch, or an aspiring content creator wanting a peek into the world of someone who has grown their own personal brand alongside an exciting career both in front of and behind the camera like a boss, listen in. There’s something for everyone in this episode!

Follow Adam on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-bubFind him on Instagram & TikTok: @adambub

What Adam’s reading: Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So

Email Sam: [email protected]

Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast

Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/

Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5

Podcast Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be doing what you really love – that thing you felt called to do, even as a young child – for a living, you won’t want to miss this episode. 

I first crossed paths with my guest, Ali Lowe, when she wrote an amazing cover story on one of The PR Hub clients, James Spenceley, for the Mosman Daily/North Shore Times a few years back (listen to my interview with James this season in episode 6, the link is below).

Like most good stories, Ali’s is one of risk, instinct, and perseverance. Despite a successful 20-year career as a journalist and editor in the UK and Australia, following the death of her brother, she left full-time work to be closer to and more present for her young family. While freelancing, she realised a passion for writing fiction and was accepted into a novel-writing course in 2019, and the rest is history. 

Described by The Weekend Australian as both “moving swiftly into the footsteps of Liane Moriarty '' and “one to watch”, it may make it sound at times like it all just fell into place one day, however her success has been anything but accidental.

She’s already two books in (her second novel, The Running Club, is out this month) and excited by and grateful for her new, very public image as an author. “Am I a brand now?!” she jokes. 

Importantly, for Ali, personal branding was never an ego trip or a commercial pursuit. Instead it meant tapping into the energy and wisdom of successful people she admired, building authentic connections with other writers, and of course, the discipline required to get the job done…and there are lessons in there for us all.

The Running Club is available from 14 March ‘23 at all your usual bookshops, Big W, Target, Kmart, Dymocks, Booktopia, Amazon, and Audible.

Listen to the James Spenceley interview at https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/entrepreneur-and-vc-james-spenceley-on-how-to-stay/id1490324814?i=1000590065861

Connect with Ali on Instagram @ali_lowe_author

Find our more at https://www.aliloweauthor.com/

Email Sam at [email protected]

Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast

Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/

Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5

Podcast Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am thrilled to introduce one of our The PR Hub clients in this episode of the Influence Unlocked.

Nicho Plowman is the co-founder of the world's #1 meditation app, Insight Timer, with 23 million active users worldwide and Vedic meditation teacher.

Attracted from a young age to the excitement and adrenaline of doing business, Nicho worked with some amazing international organisations like ESPN and was the co-founder of a multimillion-dollar tech software company in his 30s.As he approached 40 he was living a life that on the surface that many people would dream of; a successful tech entrepreneur, with a luxurious global lifestyle alongside his highly successful fashion designer wife and two young daughters.

However, beneath the exterior Nicho was a high-flying, hard-living entrepreneur heading down a path of mental, emotional, and physical destruction.

Nicho’s journey is an inspiring story for anyone who has felt overworked or highly stressed, and business professionals who seem to have it all on the surface but underneath feel their work/life balance is out of whack and are looking for ways to reclaim their sense of purpose, health & wellbeing.

This was an amazing chat and I know you’re going to love it, too.

Connect with Nicho on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicho-plowman-ba77b8254/

Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast

Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/

Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5

Podcast Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just 27 years old, representative Australian rugby union player Sera Naiqama’s star is well and truly on the rise. But don’t let her age fool you. We can learn so much from Sera’s effervescent outlook on life, her incredible work ethic, and her insatiable thirst for self-improvement

Like most success stories, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Growing up in comparative hardship in Sydney’s southern suburbs, and with parents whose marriage ended when she was very young, Sera is the first to admit that “society would say my life was meant to look a certain way.”

Likewise her winding path to international rugby stardom, and more recently as a Stan Sport commentator and sought-after MC, has not been without its hurdles and, inevitably, huge emotional setbacks.

But at every turn, and with the support of a close network of friends and mentors, Sera has chosen bravery. “You never know what’s siting on the other side of your fear,” she says, adding that “with a bit of faith, hope, and hard work, or whatever word works for you, nothing is ever wasted.”

As promised during our interview with Sera:

The 7 P’s: Proper Preparation and Practice Prevents Piss Poor Performance!Link to Season 4, Episode 4: Jimmy Galvin interview.

Follow Sera on IG and Twitter: @seranaiqama

Connect with Sera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sera-naiqama

Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast

Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/

Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Spenceley is arguably one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs turned venture capitalist, local politician and philanthropist. He is also someone Samantha and The PR Hub has had the pleasure of working with over the past six years.

 The three time Young Rich lister and two time EY Entrepreneur of the Year winner is one of the youngest Australians to found and lead an ASX 100 company, Vocus Communications. He's Chair of publicly listed companies Airtasker and Swoop, along with being a Non-Executive Director of Kogan.

In 2021 he decided to turn his hand to local politics and was elected as a counselor for North Sydney Council in NSW.

Yet while James is known for a hearty risk appetite in business, perhaps his most courageous project to date has been a deeply personal one, delivering custom built ambulances and medical equipment to the front lines of the war in Ukraine (James’ wife, Victoriia, is Ukrainian and they first met while James was living in Ukraine many years ago).

 Why ambulances? Because ambulances were desperately needed, which speaks to one of James’ most important tips for anyone in business: ask What does your customer really need?

“We approached our drive to contribute to the war effort in Ukraine like we would a business - what’s needed, how do we fulfil the need better - and evolved the product accordingly.”

“As soon as people heard about it, they wanted to give, we got press, and the momentum started building. It’s been incredible.”

Join James in conversation with Samantha as they delve into how to effectively manage stress, deal with negative publicity, and what drives the indefatigable James Spenceley forward every day (yes, there is Red Bull involved).

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone leading a high growth, disruptive business looking for ideas and inspiration then you won’t want to miss this episode!

Find out more about Aus Ukraine Aid at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ausukraineaid, follow @ausukraineaid, or DONATE AT https://www.ausukraineaid.org/.

Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-spenceley/

Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast

Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/

Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5

Podcast Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After leaving her corporate career as a tax adviser in banking & finance at PwC, Alina Gozin’a built a career as a globally in-demand portrait photographer and interdisciplinary artist with commissions spanning Sydney, Berlin, New York, and LA. She is known for some of the most iconic Australian Financial Review Magazine covers of notable figures such as Frank Lowy, Andrew Forrest, Judith Neilson, Scott Farquhar, Kevin Rudd and Canva cofounders Mel Perkins and Cliff Obrecht, to name a few.

Over the years, her iconic photographic work evolved and expanded to include creative campaigns and art activations for some of the world’s most exclusive brands, until…

Like millions of others, Alina was grounded by COVID and extended global lockdowns, and challenged to diversify her business. It became a game-changing hiatus. For the first time in years, she had the time and headspace to dream of something different. And so The Art of Seeing – was born.

As an artist, she concedes “it took me a long time to believe in myself and honestly, to give myself permission to understand that ‘personal branding’ is not a dirty word, that it’s OK to be comfortable financially, and that I really have to now embrace it, hopefully with integrity.”

Alina’s role in bridging the gap between art and commerce, and connecting people across these two worlds, is one she is hugely passionate about.

She is an absolute powerhouse, leading a creative life with purpose and intent, and we’re thrilled to share Alina in conversation with Samantha Dybac in the latest episode of the Influence Unlocked podcast.

Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast

Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/

Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5

Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest for Season 4, Episode 4 is the remarkable Jimmy Galvin; seasoned sports administrator, globally acclaimed house DJ, music label founder and event/festival producer, and now, cofounder and CEO of Raydel Aqua Rugby, Australia’s first floating rugby tournament.

Described as the ‘Hong Kong Sevens meets the Monaco Grand Prix’, Aqua Rugby is making an almighty splash in Australia’s live entertainment scene at Manly Cove in November ‘22, the festival’s second season after its launch event earlier this year. The team have secured the backing of naming rights sponsor, Raydel, along with Destination NSW, Buildcorp, Budgy Smuggler, Lion White Claw, and 4 Pines Brewing Company, to name a few. 

From Brooklyn, NY to the beaches of Bali, from Burning Man to the boardroom, it’s safe to say Jimmy Galvin is a busy guy. But he takes it all in his stride; his energy and passion for life, for the business, his team, and of course rugby, is pure delight. It’s inspiring, and it’s infectious!

Characteristically, Jimmy has forged his own unique path in life and business, and encourages others to do the same. “You will carve your own leadership journey and your own leadership style.”

Being in business is tough. There will always be challenges, so staying focused - and positive - is key. “Just remember why you started what you started,” Jimmy counsels. “Aqua Rugby is my passion. Music is my passion. They still put me under stress and there are days when I ask myself, ‘Why? Why?!’ But then I take a deep breath and remind myself, ‘Jimmy, this is exactly what you wanted in your life. You can bloody do this and I'm proud of you."

So how does one of the busiest guys in Sydney, find balance and create calm amidst the chaos? For Jimmy, it’s simple: “Rest. Emotionally, spiritually, physically, you need to rest to be at your best.”

Jimmy’s book recommendation: The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr.

Find out more about the Raydel Aqua Rugby Australia sporting series via https://aquarugby.com/ or via Instagram: @aquarugbyausFollow Jimmy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-galvin/

Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast

Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/

Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5

Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.