Kinda Planned

Grieving Out Loud

A Mini-series on Grief.

Across two episodes, I will share some of my and Melissa's journey following the loss of our first Son, River Henry.

Why Now?

1. I want my son's story to be told and known. He is wanted and deeply loved.
2. It's an opportunity to shine some light on the reality that this kind of loss occurs regularly and is often carried silently.
3. To have a conversation about our culture's complicated and often unhealthy relationship with grief.

Ep 2. The Role of Empathy in Navigating Grief with Mimi Nicklin

In this heartfelt interview, Mimi and I explore the power of empathy in the process of navigating grief. We discuss the difference between empathy and sympathy, how empathy can be developed as a skill set, and how to show up authentically for people who are grieving rather than relying on platitudes or saying what we think we should say.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miminicklin/

Website: https://www.empathyeverywhere.co/

Red Nose Australia: https://rednose.org.au/

Lifeline Australia: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Grieving Out Loud

A Mini-series on Grief.

Across two episodes, I will share some of my and Melissa's journey following the loss of our first Son, River Henry.

Why Now?

1. I want my son's story to be told and known. He is wanted and deeply loved.
2. It's an opportunity to shine some light on the reality that this kind of loss occurs regularly and is often carried silently.
3. To have a conversation about our culture's complicated and often unhealthy relationship with grief.

In Ep 1, I talk with Chris Wood, a Community Engagement Co-ordinator for Red Nose Australia and fellow Bereaved Father.

Chris and I are bonded by the grief we have experienced and our shared healing mechanism in running.

After the loss of his son Liam in 2022, he completely reshaped his career to become an advocate and supporter of other dads going through the pain he himself still carries.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wood-7a1ab7368/

Red Nose Australia: https://rednose.org.au/

Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

This conversation with Steve Jaffe explores the emotional and psychological impact of job loss, discussing the feelings of shame and embarrassment that often accompany it. It emphasises the importance of rebuilding confidence and self-identity, effective job searching strategies, the role of support systems, and the need to embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

Takeaways

1. We carry the shame and embarrassment around after losing a job.
2. Job loss can lead to questioning one's self-worth.
3. Rebuilding confidence is essential after a job loss.
4. Networking can open new doors for opportunities.
5. Support systems are crucial during recovery from job loss.
6. Embracing change can lead to new opportunities.
7. Job searching requires a strategic approach.
8. Self-identity can shift significantly after losing a job.
9. It's important to seek help during tough times.
10. Understanding the emotional impact of job loss is vital.

In this conversation with Matthew Taylor, we unpack the differences between generations, the similarities and how people can better understand one another. Gen Z are the new punching bag, just like every generation before, we get frustrated by youth and can't understand why they don't think and act like us. We conveniently forget we were once just like them.

Matthew is the Founder of Heart HR, an HR consultancy based in Newcastle.

https://hearthr.com.au/

In this episode, Louise Azzopardi shares her inspiring journey from being a heavy vehicle mechanic to becoming a tradeswoman empowerment coach. She discusses the challenges women face in the trades, the improvements in visibility and acceptance, and the importance of building self-belief and confidence. Louise emphasises the need for supportive environments and the role of men in fostering inclusivity. She provides practical tools for women to enhance their self-confidence and navigate their careers in a male-dominated industry.

Takeaways

• Louise Azzopardi transitioned from mechanic to empowerment coach.
• She was the first female to win in her competition category at the World Trade Skills Competition.
• Visibility of women in trades has improved due to social media.
• Women still face challenges and unconscious bias in the industry.
• Supportive environments are crucial for both men and women.
• Self-belief and self-talk are essential for success.
• Women should define their own career goals.
• Assumptions about women's capabilities can limit opportunities.
• Building a supportive network is vital for tradeswomen.
• Louise offers coaching and resources for women in trades.

Chapters

00:00 Empowering Women in Trades

02:44 Louise's Journey to Becoming a Coach

05:54 Challenges and Improvements for Women in Trades

08:40 Cultural Shifts in the Trade Industry

11:47 Addressing Unconscious Bias and Workplace Dynamics

14:25 Building Self-Confidence and Self-Belief

17:38 Practical Tools for Personal Growth

20:45 Taking Action Towards Goals

23:31 Resources and Support for Tradeswomen

PROMOTION:

Email [email protected] and mention my name to get a free video resource, normally only available to Bulmer Group clients. Offer lasts 3 months from the release date.

In this episode of Kinda Planned, Alex Cuttiford and Tony Bulmer discuss the art of speaking and presenting with influence. They explore Tony's career journey, the importance of authenticity in communication, and how to connect with audiences effectively.

The conversation emphasises the need for preparation, the role of confidence in public speaking, and the significance of being audience-centric. Tony shares insights on overcoming nerves and the value of honesty in presentations, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their authentic selves when communicating.

Takeaways

Tony's career journey reflects the theme of exploring new opportunities.

Authenticity is key to effective communication and presentation.

Great presenters focus on being audience-centric rather than self-centric.

Preparation and rehearsal are vital for building confidence.

Nerves can be managed by focusing on the audience's feedback.

Honesty in presentations fosters trust and connection with the audience.

It's important to be yourself in both small and large presentations.

The perception of what makes a great presenter often hinders confidence.

Being real and humanising the presentation process is essential.

Audiences generally want presenters to succeed and connect.

Sound bites

"Audiences want you to win."

"It's okay to be me."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Speaking with Influence

02:48 Tony's Career Journey and Communication Skills

05:46 The Importance of Authenticity in Presenting

09:00 Audience-Centric Presenting

11:40 Preparation and Rehearsal Techniques

14:52 Building Confidence and Overcoming Nerves

17:53 The Role of Authenticity in Leadership

20:55 Connecting with Your Audience

23:44 The Challenges of Public Speaking

26:45 The Power of Being Yourself

29:45 Conclusion and Resources

https://www.bulmergroup.com/

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

In this episode, Alex Cuttiford speaks with HR consulting expert Kelly Vines about her career journey and the critical aspects of employee engagement, performance management, and workplace culture. They discuss the challenges organisations face in maintaining employee engagement, the importance of authentic leadership, and how effective onboarding and training can enhance retention. Kelly emphasises the need for open communication and feedback in fostering a supportive work environment.

Takeaways

Kelly Vines has over 23 years of experience in HR.

Employee engagement is crucial for organisational success.

Leaders should be vulnerable and authentic to build trust.

Feedback must be acted upon to maintain employee trust.

Lack of clarity and purpose can lead to disengagement.

HR's role extends beyond payroll to strategic support.

Performance management conversations should be constructive.

Investing in employee development can reduce turnover.

Effective onboarding is key to employee retention.

Open communication is essential for a healthy workplace culture.

Sound bites

"Feedback without action burns trust."

"Lack of purpose causes disengagement."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kelly Vines and Her Journey

04:49 The Importance of Employee Engagement

10:01 Challenges in Employee Engagement

14:53 Navigating Performance Management Conversations

19:49 Training and Development Concerns

24:40 Onboarding and Retention Strategies

29:54 Building a Supportive Work Culture

In this engaging conversation, Alex Cuttiford and Ryan Nelson discuss their journeys from growing up in the country to navigating life in Sydney, focusing on personal growth, career challenges, and the joys of fatherhood. Ryan shares his experiences of raising three daughters, including twins, and the unique challenges that come with it. The discussion also explores the balance between career ambitions and family life, providing valuable insights and advice for new parents.

Takeaways

Ryan moved from Bathurst to Sydney, facing challenges and growth.

The transition from country to city life can be shocking.

Ryan's career evolved from personal training to exercise physiology.

Raising twins presents unique challenges and experiences.

Support networks are crucial for new parents.

Flexibility in work can enhance family time.

Parenting requires adaptability and patience.

Every child's journey is unique, including naming them.

Embracing chaos is part of the parenting experience.

It's important to filter advice and find what works for your family.

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting Through Fatherhood

02:48 Career Journey from Bathurst to Sydney

05:48 Cultural Shocks of City Life

08:44 The Journey into Fatherhood

11:49 Navigating the Challenges of Twins

14:48 Balancing Career and Family Life

17:50 Advice for New Parents

20:41 Reflections on the Parenting Journey

In this episode of the Kinda Planned Career Podcast, host Alex Cuttiford speaks with Ali Killali, founder of Workpants, about the intersection of fatherhood and career development. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise when becoming a parent, including the importance of flexibility, financial planning, and the need for a supportive community.

Ali shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of work-life balance and the transferable skills gained through parenthood that can enhance one's career. The conversation emphasises the importance of adaptability and kindness to oneself during this transformative journey.

https://www.workpants.com.au/resources/dad-career-guide

Takeaways

The journey into parenthood can significantly impact career paths.

Flexibility and adaptability are crucial in navigating work and family life.

Financial planning is essential for new parents to ensure stability.

Having a supportive community can alleviate the challenges of parenthood.

It's important to approach parenting with a mindset of experimentation and kindness.

Common pitfalls include rigid planning and unrealistic expectations of oneself.

Parenthood can enhance skills like empathy, resilience, and adaptability.

Recognising the value of transferable skills gained through parenting is important.

It's okay to seek help and support from others during this journey.

Finding a balance between personal values and societal expectations is key.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Career Challenges

03:06 Ali's Career Journey and the Birth of Workpants

05:56 Navigating Parenthood and Career Transitions

08:57 Financial Planning for New Parents

11:51 The Fluidity of Parenthood and Career Planning

14:54 Protective Instincts and Social Dynamics of Parenthood

18:00 Pitfalls in Preparing for Parenthood

19:23 Navigating Parenthood: Embracing Change and Flexibility

22:40 The Pressure of Expectations: Finding Balance in Parenthood

26:24 Overcorrection in Parenting: Striking the Right Balance

31:40 Transferable Skills: How Parenthood Enhances Career Growth

35:41 Building Your Support Village: The Importance of Community

In this episode, Alex Cuttiford interviews Andy Olrich, a business improvement specialist and managing director of North Street Partners. They discuss Andy's career journey, the importance of lean and agile methodologies in business, and the significance of fostering a growth mindset in leadership. The conversation also delves into the challenges of change management, building a strong organisational culture, and the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in today's fast-paced business environment.

Takeaways

• Andy Olrich emphasises the importance of a growth mindset in leadership.
• Lean methodology focuses on removing waste and improving efficiency.
• Agile methodologies prioritise rapid value deployment and customer feedback.
• Effective change management requires clear communication of the 'why' behind changes.
• A strong organisational culture is built on vulnerable leadership and team engagement.
• Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Trust and accountability are essential for fostering a positive work environment.
• Leaders should encourage feedback and be open to learning from mistakes.
• Mentorship and networking are valuable for aspiring leaders.
• Strategy should align with the culture to ensure the successful implementation of initiatives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andy Olrich and His Journey

04:39 Understanding Lean and Agile Methodologies

09:54 The Importance of Culture in Leadership

14:49 Navigating Change Management Challenges

19:42 Preparing for Leadership Roles

29:54 Conclusion and Key Takeaways