Istarlin Hassan, a mother of seven from Victoria, was accused of masterminding one of Australia’s most shocking welfare fraud schemes. Over several years, she allegedly exploited multiple government programs—including childcare subsidies, parenting payments, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)—to pocket an estimated $800,000.

Investigators claim Hassan misused NDIS funds meant for her own child with a disability, set up a fraudulent provider business, and collaborated with others to siphon money from vulnerable participants. At least six people with disabilities were left without the full support they desperately needed.

In 2024, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission banned Hassan from providing any services or support for two years, marking a major crackdown on fraud within the disability support system.

This case highlights the devastating impact of financial exploitation—not just on taxpayers, but on the most vulnerable members of society who rely on these services for survival.

Website – www.drfionagirkin.com

Email – [email protected]

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DrFionaGirkin

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Belle Gibson’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of misinformation and influencer culture. Her case highlights the importance of verifying health claims, questioning authority, and holding fraudsters accountable. While she has largely disappeared from public view, her legacy serves as a stark reminder: always fact-check before placing trust in online personalities.

Contact: [email protected] 

**This episode includes references to suicide, please seek assistance if you find this episode upsetting**

Melissa Caddick’s story is one of deception, greed, and fraud against family and friends. Melissa was raided by the Australian Federal Police and the following day she disappeared. Her foot turned up on a beach several months later. The rest of her remains have never been found. While her victims continue to seek justice, her case remains a cautionary tale for investors everywhere. 

References

Contact:  [email protected] 

Elizabeth Holmes' story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of ethical leadership. Her rise and fall offer critical lessons for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone navigating the high-stakes world of innovation.

Thanks for tuning in. Stay with us for more stories that reveal the human psychology behind the headlines.

References

[1] Theranos Founder Elizabeth Holmes Found Guilty Of Investor Fraud

[2] Court denies ex-Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes' petition to have fraud conviction appeal reheard

[3] Theranos felon Elizabeth Holmes advising baby-daddy on new blood-testing startup from behind bars: report

[4] The Leadership of Elizabeth Holmes: Lessons From the Dark Side of ...

[5] The "Who" and "Why" of Elizabeth Holmes and Her Fraudulent Behavior

Contact Dr Fiona Girkin on [email protected] 

Leadership Shenanigans started as a podcast about leading, following and running away, focusing on leadership and coping with toxic behaviour at work and at home. Since completing her PhD, Dr Fiona Girkin from Tasmania, Australia, wants to focus this podcast on the bad side of human nature. You will get to hear about the dark side of everyday people and how psychopathy and other dark traits can cause significant side effects in life. Dr. Girkin is an expert in female psychopathics with the latest series focusing on women behaving badly. Enjoy - Dark Beauty : Women who use psychopathic behaviour.

Enjoy!

Contact us on : [email protected] 

Gaslighting was the most searched term on Google in 2022 even though the term has been around since the 1930’s it appears to become the new ‘it’ word.  Gaslighting is when one person manipulates another to make them question reality.  In the episode learn about who are the instigators and victims and how to protect yourself of workplace bullies who use gaslighting. Enjoy!

Episode Links:

Very Well Mind – What is Gaslighting - https://www.verywellmind.com/is-someone-gaslighting-you-4147470

Fingerprint for Success – 10 sneaky signs of gaslighting at work (and how to stop it) - https://www.fingerprintforsuccess.com/blog/gaslighting-at-work

[email protected] 

We all have toxic people in our lives who we wish would find someone else to torment.  But what if the person you find exhaustedly emotionally draining is at work.  How do you know they are toxic?, Why are they being such a self-esteem vampire? And what can you do to combat their impact on you? Learn all this and more. Cause lets face it, humans are complicated!

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In July 2022, I presented at the WorkSafe Tasmania Conference, Safe Minds, Safe Bodies. This is the audio recording of my presentation, Enjoy!

Workplace culture can make or break the mental health and well-being of employees. One of the key impacts on culture can be individual interactions in the office, at the warehouse or around the water cooler if respect and empathy are missing.

This presentation will provide an overview of emotional bullying in the workplace and how these impacts on the productivity, culture, and the bottom line. Attendees will understand what to look for and how to mitigate the risks associated with bullying in the workplace, how to improve workplace well-being and where to seek assistance as an employee, a manager or an organisation.

[email protected]

R E S P E C T .... it can sometimes be hard to get as a leader.  In this episode you will learn about how to give and receive respect as a leader.  You will be learn 5 key ways to gain respect from your employees as well as how to develop an understanding of why someone might be disrespectful. 

Enjoy

Fiona :) 

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I can't believe its nearly been 2 years since I last recorded a podcast, why? Because I have been procrastinating.

I could give you a million excuses but what it comes down to is a list of poor excuses. 

Episode #7 will discuss procrastination and a few strategies for over coming putting things off for another day, so like me you don't get 2 years down the track and still not done anything on your to do list. 

Enjoy

Fiona :) 

Links

Tim Urban - Inside the mind of a master procrastinator - TED Talk

https://youtu.be/arj7oStGLkU

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