Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.

And thanks to tech today, you can also listen to a book if you’re not a visual learner, including the 10 very favourite (so far) books we have loved and learned from over the years. Some books are oldies, others are very recent!

To find out what titles we recommend (we brought different recommendations) and why, listen in. And here’s where Jac & Ral align and here’s where they are different in their favourite choices:

Common Ground

1. Big-Picture Thinkers – We are both drawn to books about vision, purpose, and legacy.
2. Passion for Leadership & Performance – We both admire leadership principles that build long-lasting impact.
3. Creativity & Innovation – We both value creativity, but we approach it in different ways.

Key Differences

• Ral is more emotionally intuitive & bold → She loves books that challenge conventional wisdom, celebrate creativity and emphasise human connection.

• Jac is more analytical & strategic → She loves books that explore cognitive biases, motivation, and long-term leadership.

• Ral is about storytelling & experience → Her books focus on sticky ideas, culture, and moments that matter.

• Jac is about psychology & purpose → Her books explorehow people think, what drives them, and how to lead for the long haul.




Our Recommendations

- Made to Stick

https://www.amazon.com.au/Made-Stick-ideas-others-unstuck/dp/009950569X




- Big Magic

https://www.amazon.com.au/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1408866757




- Legacy

https://www.amazon.com.au/Legacy-James-Kerr/dp/147210353X




- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

https://www.amazon.com.au/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/1925483592




- Unreasonable Hospitality

https://www.amazon.com.au/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/1529146828




- The Infinite Game

https://www.amazon.com.au/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/0241385636




- Thinking Fast and Slow

https://www.amazon.com.au/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0141033576




- Shoe Dog

https://www.amazon.com.au/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-NIKE/dp/1471146723




- Drive

https://www.amazon.com.au/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1786891700




- The Creative Act

https://www.amazon.com.au/Creative-ACT-Way-Being/dp/0593652886




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Find out more about our Finders Keepers event in Fiji

https://tinyurl.com/JacandRalFinderskeeperss

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New Episode Every Monday




Follow the show

https://www.instagram.com/keepingitrealwithjacandral/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5yIs5ncJGvJyXhI55Js0if?si=aCNOdB68QnOGnT0vCTPcPg




Follow Jac https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacphillips/

https://www.instagram.com/jac.phillips.coaching/




Follow Ral

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/

https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/

Produced by Keehlan Ferrari-Brown

There are some brands you never forget… when it comes to experience.

In this episode we explore the power of creative engagement when it comes to how brands can make their customer experiences unforgettable.

We discuss Unreasonable Hospitality, the magic of Eleven Madison Park, and how Mecca the cosmetics retailer sets the standard for customer connection.

It often comes down to giving more than expected... unless you’re asking Ral to complete a survey!  Tune in for fresh ideas on standing out in a crowded market!

Enjoy Keepers!

Find out more about our Finders Keepers event in Fiji

https://tinyurl.com/JacandRalFinderskeeperss

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New Episode Every Monday

Follow the show

https://www.instagram.com/keepingitrealwithjacandral/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5yIs5ncJGvJyXhI55Js0if?si=aCNOdB68QnOGnT0vCTPcPg

Follow Jac https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacphillips/

https://www.instagram.com/jac.phillips.coaching/

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/

https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/

Produced by Keehlan Ferrari-Brown

Will A.I. take your job?

Unlikely, but someone who knows how to use A.I. will!

There are many benefits to exploring, learning, practising and using artificial intelligence, or LLMs – large language models. Two people who pride themselves on keeping it real (smart) are both getting right into artificial intelligence.

So who is Charlie??

We share what you should do to start (just start!), how we use it and all the different ways you can use it and keep using it. The trick is honing your prompts…

Efficiency, boosting productivity, expanding your creativity, growing your team are just some of the advantages we are finding using LLMs like ChatGPT, Claude and others.

Jac & Ral reckon ChatGPT is starting to challenge our favourite search engine Google… Ral gives a great analogy of the difference between Googe and ChatGPT – she also gets excited about how AI can help her cook… Jac would rather ask A.I. for the best new wines to try with Ral’s new recipes  

Enjoy Keepers!

Jacs Recommended Ai Courses

https://tinyurl.com/Jacsaicourses

Find out more about our Finders Keepers event in Fiji

https://tinyurl.com/JacandRalFinderskeeperss

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New Episode Every Monday

Follow the show

https://www.instagram.com/keepingitrealwithjacandral/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5yIs5ncJGvJyXhI55Js0if?si=aCNOdB68QnOGnT0vCTPcPg

Follow Jac https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacphillips/

https://www.instagram.com/jac.phillips.coaching/

Follow Ral

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/

https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/

Produced by Keehlan Ferrari-Brown

Have you ever had a bit on the side? If not, we encourage you to

There are many benefits to having a side hustle – any work or project outside of your main job that allows you to earn an extra income, learn new skills, develop an idea, meet new people and teach you something.

Jac started a side hustle when she was living in Singapore and had a need… she continued her side hustle for years and it taught her more than any MBA could have. Ral set up her side hustle when she was in corporate, it served her well and is still going to this day – though became more than her side hustle.

Jac & Ral encourage everyone to have a side hustle – it might be the one employment thing you can control.

Listen in to get inspired on what a side hustle really is, how to start one, why it is good to have one and find out why ‘having no time’ is not a good excuse to starting one!

Enjoy Keepers!

Find out more about our Finders Keepers event in Fiji

https://tinyurl.com/JacandRalFinderskeeperss

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New Episode Every Monday

Follow the show

https://www.instagram.com/keepingitrealwithjacandral/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5yIs5ncJGvJyXhI55Js0if?si=aCNOdB68QnOGnT0vCTPcPg

Follow Jac https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacphillips/

https://www.instagram.com/jac.phillips.coaching/

Follow Ral

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/

https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/

Produced by Keehlan Ferrari-Brown

We love a good podcast so we thought we would share our individual most favoured regular listens with our Keepers in this episode but we didn’t stop there… we also asked A.I. what our choices say about us…

Jac’s podcast choices reveal a sharp, business-savvy, and intellectually curious mindset with a passion for leadership, personal growth, and high performance. Here’s what her podcast picks tell us about her:

1. A Strategic & Commercial Thinker

2. A Growth-Oriented & High-Performance Leader

3. A Deep Thinker with Intellectual Curiosity

4. Passionate About Governance & Leadership

5. A No-BS, Practical Problem Solver

Overall, Jac is a forward-thinking, results-driven leader who thrives on insightful conversations, bold ideas, and continuous learning. She values practical wisdom, high performance, and unfiltered discussions that challenge conventional thinking.

Ral’s podcast choices reveal her to be intellectually curious, politically engaged, and drawn to sharp, insightful conversations with a touch of humour. Here’s what her podcast picks say about her:

1. Thoughtful & Reflective

2. Intellectually Engaged & Politically Curious

3. Values Smart, Witty Conversation

4. Australian-Focused but Global in Perspective

Overall, Ral is a sharp, engaged, and curious thinker who values insight, humour, and deep conversations about the world. She is drawn to strong personalities, intellectual debates, and content that informs, challenges, and entertains.

Jac's Recommendations:

Prof G: https://open.spotify.com/show/7syF2ry9j6nqYc656WHBA7

Alex Hormozi 'The Game' : https://open.spotify.com/show/6YNopzKDGDwf0auIpPTIID

15 Minute Boss: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5qcHSuuPHTeQfEsMcMgoEG

Take on Board: https://open.spotify.com/show/38AvsbDrdRJ5fwdL8PnSSb

Joe Rogan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3pVNAc36azP2NVP2EHb4Zh

Diary of a CEO: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0N8pwL3JeHoc34TElV7idF

Diary of a CEO Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Diary-CEO-Laws-Business-Marketing-ebook/dp/B09VRXYMW5

Lex Fridman: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MAi0BvDc6GTFvKFPXnkCL

Ral's Recommendations:

Pivot: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MU3RFGELZxPT9XHVwTNPR

Wiser than Me: https://open.spotify.com/show/3zaHNdVeLiqOSXwxdoWcij

The Rest is Politics US: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6r1a2M1ISB4JALwpf2W4Yo

Not Stupid: https://open.spotify.com/show/7F6ALfNtMAKi6zuZSPbWKe

Chat 10: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vX0jVjbnlzFeWWxugNIbT

Find out more about our Finders Keepers event in Fiji

https://tinyurl.com/JacandRalFinderskeeperss

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New Episode Every Monday

Follow the show

https://www.instagram.com/keepingitrealwithjacandral/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5yIs5ncJGvJyXhI55Js0if?si=aCNOdB68QnOGnT0vCTPcPg

Follow Jac https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacphillips/

https://www.instagram.com/jac.phillips.coaching/

Follow Ral

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/

https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/

Produced by Keehlan Ferrari-Brown

We think using the ol’ ageism chestnut when you don’t get a role could be a convenient story you tell yourself. Maybe even an excuse…!

Provocative? Yep. Accurate? Maybe.

Ageism is when we discriminate based on age – younger or older, everyone could experience ageism but when we deem it the reason we didn’t get the job, or the reason we weren’t promoted or the reason we were made redundant or sacked, we would like to challenge your thinking…

In this episode we ask you to answer this question:

“Are you relevant?”

Have you kept up your training, growth and skills development? It’s a jungle out there… things are changingrapidly so if you’re not keeping up then you’ll be pushed out and your age won’t have anything to do with it!

Nanna Phillips and Nanna Dolan reckon they’re ageless progressives… because age is an attitude and they both continue to learn, grow and put themselves out there when it comes to ensuring they remain relevant irrespective of the number on their birth certificate! !

Find out more about our Finders Keepers event in Fiji

https://tinyurl.com/JacandRalFinderskeeperss

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New Episode Every Monday

Follow the show

https://www.instagram.com/keepingitrealwithjacandral/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5yIs5ncJGvJyXhI55Js0if?si=aCNOdB68QnOGnT0vCTPcPg

Follow Jac https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacphillips/

https://www.instagram.com/jac.phillips.coaching/

Follow Ral

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/

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Produced by Keehlan Ferrari-Brown

Salary negotiation should be taught in school Jac & Ral reckon.

Both have had long careers in corporate as well as working for themselves, so negotiating salaries and incomes are something they have a bit of experience in.

In this episode they share stories about what they did well and what they did wrong when it comes to seeking out higher salaries with their employers.

Things like:

• What is it I want and why do I deserve it? Know your value
• Do your research when it comes to the salary range/benchmarking
• Think about the mutual value exchange for both parties (ditch the winner and the loser mentality)
• Know when to walk away
• Move with strategy not emotion!

And here’s a tip.. as professional female speakers, don’t ask them to speak for free on IWD!

Enjoy Keepers!

Find out more about our Finders Keepers event in Fiji

https://tinyurl.com/JacandRalFinderskeeperss

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New Episode Every Monday

Follow the show

https://www.instagram.com/keepingitrealwithjacandral/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5yIs5ncJGvJyXhI55Js0if?si=aCNOdB68QnOGnT0vCTPcPg

Follow Jac https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacphillips/

https://www.instagram.com/jac.phillips.coaching/

Follow Ral

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/

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Produced by Keehlan Ferrari-Brown

What is a portfolio career? Is one right for you? If so, how do you start?

Jac & Ral both have portfolio careers and reckon they’re the bees’ knees.

But not everyone is suited to a portfolio career.

So how do you know if you are?

Check out this episode to find out more, including the 3 key tips Jac shares at the end which will set you up well if this is the direction you want to go in. Best advice… start before you start!Enjoy Keepers!

The article Jac wrote on Career Portfolioshttps://tinyurl.com/jacandral

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New Episode Every Monday

Follow the show

https://www.instagram.com/keepingitrealwithjacandral/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5yIs5ncJGvJyXhI55Js0if?si=aCNOdB68QnOGnT0vCTPcPg

Follow Jac https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacphillips/

https://www.instagram.com/jac.phillips.coaching/

Follow Ral

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/

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Produced by Keehlan Ferrari-Brown

She’s been around… but in a good way!

This year, this month (February) marks 20 years of a great working life with lots of learnings for young Ral and every year she adds a new ‘thing’ she knows to be true, thanks to her many experiences.

We discuss the 20 things Ral has learned, which cover Being yourself; Dickheads; Relationships; Leaving meetings with no work to do; Busy is overrated and bored is undervalued, Always have your next holiday booked, and If it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a f*#k no!

Jac asks Ral about her 19th thing… Look for ways to challenge yourself and together they discuss the benefits of trying something new and different. Jac shares 4 tips on how to get started and both agree, if you give no. 19 a crack, you will be BETTER than if you hadn’t!

Enjoy Keepers!

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New Episode Every Monday

Follow the show

https://www.instagram.com/keepingitrealwithjacandral/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5yIs5ncJGvJyXhI55Js0if?si=aCNOdB68QnOGnT0vCTPcPg

Follow Jac https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacphillips/

https://www.instagram.com/jac.phillips.coaching/

Follow Ral

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/

https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/

Produced by Keehlan Ferrari-Brown

Our first episode of 2025 and our 50th

We discuss our reflections and insights from the

Jac says family and friends are everything, we ALL need more breaks, more holidays and mini breaks.

And taking all of these reflections, Jac & Ral

Enjoy Keepers!

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