Max's Island

Renée Gardiner is redesigning mental health & supporting leaders to rise.

She has lived a life driven by her initiative, she has faced considerable personal challenge and has had an interestingly blended career… including being an archeologist a social entrepreneur and leader in mental health recovery.

This story begins when Renée was preparing for open heart surgery. Since that time her life and career have been directed by the desire to do what she wants … by rebuilding her Mind…Body…and Spirit.

Her new initiative is called KŌTA, a Transformational Health & Leadership Academy for the Modern World that is changing the global face of mental health.

https://www.experiencekota.com/

https://www.facebook.com/experiencekota

Paul Price has been inspired by a saying that goes something like this …

“Don’t ask what the world needs … ask what lights you up … because what the world needs is a whole bunch of people that are lit up” (sic)

It’s fascinating to realise this comes from a man who was ranked 4th best in the world in squash, won Commonwealth Games medals, performed consistently on the world sporting stage, coached Australian teams and has been creatively driven to internationally release 3 albums as a talented musician.

He has certainly been “lit up” many times in his life … and it’s happening again.

In his own words … “I went back to trusting my instincts” and with the influence of key people within the Flow Research Collective he is now passionately driven by the positive impact of “FLOW” and what it means to people, organisations and the world.

As  a  Flow  Coach,  Paul now brings his world-class high performance experience together with his passion for the science of flow state to  partner with others to chase & attain what truly makes them come alive.

www.inspiredpeakperformance.com/

Find his Flowcast at :- www.inspiredpeakperformance.com/the-ipp-flowcast

Alastair Mackenzie has filled his life with many things, but now has a passion to make the lives of others better.

He was the first in his family to finish high school. He then was the first to attend university and gain a Graduate degree and ultimately achieve a Master in Business Administration… which took 2 years, 2 months and 15 days.

After many years in commercial advertising … corporate life became unfulfilling…so a change occurred.

He started the Wembley Football Club Integrated Football team and then Alastair begun working in disability sector. This experience has led him to now create a new social enterprise called Buddiup … focusing on creating social inclusion through physical activity. See www.buddiup.com.au

As he says … “They can teach us as much as we can teach them.”

Jason Milhahn dropped out of uni after 2 years and began a journey around the world.

It would see him be away from his home town for over 9 years as he pursued the dream of escape.

During this time he worked in the snow fields of Europe, Canada and the US … pursued the love of snow boarding … and immersed himself in the world of beer, cocktails and spirits. He left Australia with a dream and eventually came home with a range of skills, a lifetime of memories and stories, and a keen idea for what’s important in life.

He now has settled again in Perth with his growing family and operates a flourishing business … Agent 80 …producing real products utilising INTELLIGENT* INGREDIENTS. Fresh & local produce is thoughtfully chosen to create these goods… without using artificial flavours, colours or concentrates or other nonsensical additives.

http://www.agent80.com.au/

How do you think you would cope being locked down in another state … and not being able to get home. In fact, regulations from your own home state keep you out.

Kate O’Hara and Misty Farquhar are two West Aussies experiencing this at the moment … with no immediate hope in sight.

They have different stories of isolation … yet they have so much in common.

Mark Gatty had a successful corporate career before he chose to go into business for himself.

BUT the change was not an obvious progression.

He went from working on doing deals in the Terrace … to owning and running an asphalt supply and lay business. What could have been more different?

For over 13 years he successfully grew the company’s goodwill and financial success on a basis of sound, yet simple, business principles, creating a loyal workforce and quality work.

And most interestingly, he ultimately prepared the business for sale in a way that meant the new owners had the best chance to continue to improve the business and also be successful.

It’s a fascinating story of succeeding by always striving to do the best for customers, employees and business partners.

Lisa Dobrin is an authentic, empathic and values-based leader. Her executive leadership spans 20+ years across commercial, not for profit and local government community services. She is a strong believer in equity, diversity and working selflessly with others for the greater good.

Lisa is currently the CEO of the WA Aids Council and sets her daily goals to make a real difference.

BUT, the journey to this position came after a tough time for her. Being out of work before taking this role … she was financially, emotionally and professionally challenged during this period. However, Lisa was able to take meaning, inspiration and spiritual awareness from the experience, to become the inspired leader she is today.

In her words:-

“ wondering … what the hell had happened … how I’d got here,

how in the blink of an eye,

and a flick of a switch,

and a flip of a coin … life had changed … radically changed.

She has words of wisdom for everyone who at some stage is challenged in their life.

Peter and Vanessa Taylor spent nearly 5 years in Shanghai, China … on a delicate work assignment.

Dealing with the cultural issues, significant commercial pressures and living away from their two teenage daughters, it was an adventure that really influenced their lives.

Peter even lost a quarter of his body weight in a personal quest for health and fitness.

Interesting times in an interesting place.

Ryan Honschooten is a natural sailor. World champion, ocean racer and Sydney to Hobart finisher … he has done a lot to fulfil his sailing bucket list. Ryan always challenges himself and his disability to get the best out of life.

When he got the call to do the Sydney to Hobart … with only 2 weeks notice … he jumped at it.

From leaving “The Heads” in Sydney to arriving at the docks in Hobart, Ryan threw himself head-long into the adventure.

His story will inspire you.

Cameron Britt has been in sports administration for all of his working life. A career that has taken him all around Australia.

And at one stage, he even thought …

“I had some real intentions to be a player agent … I was convinced I was going to be Jerry Maguire … Australia’s version.”

“But tending to all the needs of “jock’s” was probably not something that was going to be fulfilling.”

A career defining moment for Cameron was when he joined the Essendon Football Club in 2012 as Community Manager. This role meant he was actively involved in some pretty special events including the iconic annual ANZAC Day and Dreamtime matches. He also had first hand involvement with the Tiwi Bombers in the Northern Territory.

A family driven move to WA saw him take on the position of CEO at the Wanneroo Basketball Association and four year later become the CEO of the famous South Fremantle Football Club.

Now, after of 8 months in this role, without presiding over a single football game … YET… he is ready for the season to begin and his latest career move to really take effect.