Lead with Courage

The Hairdresser Who Stopped Asking Permission

Most of us think courage means being fearless. It doesn’t. In this episode, Cherie sits down with Jools Purchase, owner of Haus of Jools, a 10-year bankruptcy survivor and the woman inside the Broncos’ Buck suit. Jools shows what courage actually looks like: building a fully booked business on your own terms and becoming the person you needed at 15. If you’ve ever held back because of what people might think, or followed “the way it’s always been done” when it doesn’t work for you, this one’s for you.

• Why she closed her books and stopped working Saturdays. How Jools broke the hairdressing industry’s “work till you drop” rule and her business grew because of it, not in spite of it
• The inner voice that says “you’re all right, kid.” Body image, being turned away from a cheer audition at 15, and coming back to eventually lead the squad
• From hairdresser to Buck. What being the Broncos mascot has taught her about joy, connection and who she really is, with or without the suit
• Why labels and boxes shrink us. Her refreshingly low-drama coming-out story, and why she turned down being called “a gay wedding vendor”
• If you see beauty, speak it. Colour as joy, “endorphin chasing,” and the simple habit of telling strangers they look fabulous

Experience Jools' energy in person at:

GET TICKETS: IGNITE Women in Leadership Conference

Haus of Jools: https://www.hausofjools.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haus_of_jools/

Authenticity Isn't a Trait, It's a Skill You Can Master

Most of us think authenticity is something you're born with (or not). We're wrong. In this episode, Cherie completely rewires how we think about being authentic from a fixed personality trait into a learnable skill. If you've ever felt like you're performing rather than truly showing up, or wondered why your Leadership doesn't land the way you want it to, this changes everything.

• The one skill that changes everything about how you show up and why it has nothing to do with being naturally outgoing or confident
• The Human Iceberg framework the invisible stuff beneath the surface (your values, beliefs, all the experiences that shaped you) that people can actually sense, even when you're not saying anything
• The specific life experiences that built who you are from your relationships and family patterns, all the way to the grief and trauma that shaped your worldview (hint: this is exactly why everyone's version of "authentic" is totally different)
• Why your beliefs don't have to be permanent and what it actually takes to evolve them when they stop serving you
• The one thing everyone gets wrong about authenticity and why that misunderstanding keeps you performing instead of actually connecting

Resources: DEFINE AND ALIGN FREE COURSE: https://www.luminateleadership.com.au/online-courses

What happens when you've built a wildly successful business but realize bigger isn't always better? In this episode, Cherie Canning sits down with Tina Tower, a two-time bestselling author and the visionary behind Her Empire Builder—a thriving online course empire with a six-year-old community of thousands. Over 21 years in business, Tina has learned that leading with courage isn't about confidence; it's about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. She shares her journey from scrappy bootstrapping to profitable growth, the pivotal midlife moment that changed everything, and the critical tipping point most growing businesses miss: when saying yes to everything stops working and saying no becomes your superpower. Whether you're an introvert building a visible brand, struggling with boundaries, or questioning whether your current definition of success still serves you, this conversation will shift how you think about growth, profit, and what really matters. Featuring insights on sustainable business, authentic community-building, and why wealthy women change the world.

🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS

• Tina Tower's Books:
• Her Empire Builder — 6-year-old online course community with thousands of members
• Empress Circle Mastermind — Smaller, more intimate mastermind offering
• Welcome to Adulting — New online course for teenagers (launching 2026)
• Coaches Mentioned:
• Business Tools & Systems:

What does it really mean to practice self-compassion—and why is it not about being "soft"? In this episode, Cherie Canning sits down with Dr. Hayley D. Quinn, a former clinical psychologist and author of From Self-Neglect to Self-Compassion, to explore why so many high-performing women are unknowingly neglecting themselves—and what it costs them. Hayley shares her own late-life autism and ADHD diagnosis at 52, her experience of burnout, and what she's learned about how our brains work against us. Discover the three flows of compassion, how your nervous system impacts your leadership, why accepting help is harder than it looks, and what "humans with tricky brains" really means. Whether you're a business leader, parent, or anyone feeling exhausted by giving everything to everyone else, this conversation will fundamentally shift how you relate to yourself. Packed with practical wisdom and compassion strength, not softness.

🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS

• Dr. Hayley D. Quinn's Book: From Self-Neglect to Self-Compassion (includes QR codes to guided meditations and reflection scripts)
• Compassion Focus Therapy: Framework developed by Professor Paul Gilbert

• Guided Meditations: Future Self Meditation (accessible via QR code in the book)

Cherie Canning sits down with confidence coach and author Erika Kramer to explore what it truly means to lead with courage—and why confidence feels like shit before it feels amazing. From foster care and the US Army to building a thriving coaching empire, Erika shares her raw journey of inner work and transformation. Discover the Five C's of Confidence, why confidence is a practice (not a destination), and how to become magnetic in your own life. Erika challenges the Australian "tall poppy syndrome" and argues that self-doubt is a privilege we can't afford. Whether you're struggling with imposter syndrome, raising confident kids, or ready to step into your full power, this conversation will move you beyond motivation into action. Plus, get a sneak peek at what to expect from Erika at the IGNITE conference this November.

🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS

• Erika Kramer's Books:
• The Queens Table — Erika's coaching community for women
• IGNITE Conference — 13 November 2026, Brisbane
• Wayne Dyer — Referenced throughout for wisdom on lessons and personal gro

Welcome back to Lead With Courage Season 4!

As Cherie Canning marks five years running Luminate Leadership, she sits down to reflect on the leadership lessons that shaped her journey. From the unexpected power of boundaries to the courage it takes to say yes before you're ready, this solo episode dives deep into what it really takes to lead with impact.

Discover Cherie's five transformational lessons: why boundaries aren't luxuries—they're business strategy. How to be intentional about who influences your decisions. The magic that happens when you act despite imperfection. The difference between magnetic and graspy energy. And why your authenticity might be your greatest competitive advantage.

🔗 Resources

• Dare to Lead — Brené Brown's guide to courageous leadership
• Gather Bulimba
• Luminate Leadership

In this deeply insightful episode, Cherie sits down with voice coach, former journalist and author Sally Prosser to explore how courage lives in our voice.

Sally shares the powerful story that led her to this work and the surprising link between self-expression, personal healing and the stories we tell ourselves. Together, they unpack why so many of us hold back from speaking up, how childhood patterns shape our confidence, and why developing your voice is about so much more than sounding polished.

This is not a conversation about speaking perfectly. It’s about coming home to your voice and giving yourself permission to use it.

You’ll hear:

• What it really means to “lead with courage” through voice
• Common reasons people feel blocked or disconnected from their voice
• How live radio, media training and trauma taught Sally the difference between speaking with confidence and speaking your truth
• Tools to shift unhelpful self-talk and step into vocal presence
• Why our voice is an energetic channel, not just a tool for communication
• Simple daily practices to build a more courageous voice
• A behind-the-scenes look at Sally’s upcoming book Voiceprint

Whether you lead meetings, host events, speak on stage, or want to feel more confident sharing your story, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, uplifted and ready to speak up with clarity and courage.

🎧 A conversation for anyone who’s ever felt like their voice didn’t matter. It does.

Connect with Sally: 

https://www.sallyprosser.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-prosser/

https://www.instagram.com/sallyprosservoice/

 📖 PREORDER SALLY'S BOOK HERE:

Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!

______________

Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.

If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.

To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning

Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie x
______________

Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Georgia Barkell is Managing Partner at Sprint Ventures and a standout leader reshaping the future of venture capital with purpose, precision and heart.

In this episode, Georgia joins Cherie and Andy to explore the intersection of courageous leadership, values-led investment, and creating inclusive workplaces. With a career spanning global institutions like Deloitte, GE, Westpac and Nomura, Georgia now leads investor relations, operations and culture at Sprint Ventures,  a firm committed to backing technology that builds a better future.

Together, we dive into:
 – What makes a truly exceptional founder
 – How venture capital works (and who it really serves)
– The value of diverse perspectives in investment decisions
– Building confidence, staying focused, and navigating growth
– Why courage isn’t loud,  it’s values in action

Georgia brings a grounded, insightful lens to innovation, leadership and the messy middle of growth. Whether you're a founder, leader or someone curious about the startup world, this episode is filled with honest reflections and powerful takeaways.

https://sprint.vc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-barkell/

Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!

______________

Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.

If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.

To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning

Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie x
______________

Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

In this episode of Lead with Courage, Cherie is joined by Mandy Dudson to explore one of the most impactful leadership capabilities: emotional intelligence.

Together, they unpack what EQ really means beyond the buzzwords and how leaders can actively develop the five core dimensions: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

From understanding your "human iceberg" to navigating emotional triggers and practicing daily habits that build calm and clarity, this episode offers both insight and practical tools for leaders who want to respond more effectively, connect more deeply, and lead with heart.

You’ll hear:

• Why EQ is a skill, not a fixed trait
• The power of self-awareness as the foundation for empathy
• How stress affects your ability to respond (and what to do about it)
• Ways to uncover your personal triggers and help others do the same
• Why curiosity is the antidote to judgement

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a developing leader, this conversation is a timely reminder that the more emotionally intelligent our leaders are, the better our workplaces and our world will be.

Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!

______________

Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.

If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.

To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning

Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie x
______________

Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

In this candid and inspiring conversation, Cherie and special guest host Andy Canning sit down with Matt Turner, founder of 99 Bikes and Chair of Pedal Group, to unpack the real journey of business growth, from opening one bike shop to leading Australia’s largest bike retailer. Matt reflects on the power of vision (including the infamous "50 stores" goal), the hard lessons in profitability, and the turning point that came from taking two months away from the business to reset and recharge.

Matt shares openly about navigating personal challenges, including an episode of psychosis that reshaped his outlook on life and leadership. He speaks about the ongoing balance between drive and acceptance, the role of employee ownership in building a thriving culture, and what legacy and success mean to him today—as a dad, a leader, and a human being.

Expect reflections on:

• The messy middle of growing a business
• Creating momentum without losing yourself
• Values that shape enduring leadership
• How health, authenticity, and contribution now guide Matt’s definition of success

Whether you're a founder, leader, or simply curious about what it really takes to lead with courage this one’s not to be missed.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt9red/

Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!

______________

Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.

If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.

To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning

Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie x
______________

Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.