Lele’s story is one of survival, identity, and fierce determination.

This conversation is a testament to resilience, motherhood and the power of music.

We explore how music has Lele’s weapon of resistance and a vessel for preserving her culture.

In this moving episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Di reveals the story behind Lele’s story From her family’s escape from West Papua to becoming Australia’s first prominent West Papuan artist to perform at major events, she shares the realities of living in exile, the deep cultural connection passed down by her late father — legendary musician Agustinus Rumwaropen.

Who is Voice of Lele?

Lele is a Melbourne-based West Papuan singer-songwriter, activist, mother of four and wife to First Nations artist Mitch Tambo. Born in exile, her family were the first West Papuan refugees to settle in Australia in 1988. Drawing on her heritage and personal experiences, her music blends Island Pop with traditional influences, serving as both cultural celebration and political statement.

Find Lele at:

Website: https://www.voiceoflele.com

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

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

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

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

⭐If this conversation lit a spark …..

➜ Don’t keep it to yourself … share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

➜ Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Filming: Chocolate Studios - www.chocolatestudios.com.au

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hana Assafiri OAM speaks candidly about growing up between Lebanon and Australia, her arranged marriage at 15, and the systemic failures women face when seeking freedom from violence. She shares how acts of kindness from strangers shaped her path, how she transformed personal trauma into purpose, and why she founded the iconic Moroccan Soup Bar, a sanctuary where food, community, and women’s empowerment intersect.

Through her memoir, The Audacity to Be Free, and her relentless activism, and latterly her artwork, Hana challenges us to rethink freedom, gender roles, and the responsibility we all share in creating a fairer, more humane world.

We explore:

- Life and freedom beyond survival

- Acts of kindness that change the trajectory of a life

- Why safe spaces and community support matter

- How men must step up as allies in addressing gender-based violence

Who is Hana Assafiri?

Hana Assafiri OAM is a renowned entrepreneur, activist, and author. Best known as the founder of Melbourne’s iconic Moroccan Soup Bar, Hana has spent over 25 years creating spaces that blend food, culture, and community justice. Hana is a leading voice on gender equity, intersectionality, and social change.

Find Hana at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hana-assafiri-oam-293560173/

Moroccan Soup Bar https://www.moroccansoupbar.com.au/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

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

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

⭐If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Filming: Chocolate Studios - www.chocolatestudios.com.au

Disclaimer:  https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you grow up as a third culture kid, speak four languages, and dare to question a system built without you in mind?

In this compelling episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Professor Nada Hamad—renowned haematologist, professor, and fierce advocate—sits down with Di to talk about identity, inclusion, and the urgent need for change in the systems that shape our lives. Nada brings the full force of her experience—as a clinician, a mother of three daughters, and a woman who’s lived across cultures—to unpack the blind spots in our institutions that still fail women today. From her early start in medical school at just 14 to her powerful insights on advocacy, culture, and raising empowered daughters, this episode is equal parts wisdom and wake-up call.

We cover:

- Gendered systems and why they still fall short

- Identity, belonging, and the power of difference

- Why real inclusion means redesigning the rules

Who is Prof Nada Hamad?

A senior haematologist, clinician-researcher, and academic leader with expertise in bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapies. She is the current President of the Australia and New Zealand Transplant and Cellular Therapies (ANZTCT) society and a 2025 Fulbright Senior Scholar. A mother of three and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Hamad is changing the conversation in medicine—and society at large.

Find Nada at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-nada-hamad-a093384/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women: 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

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

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

⭐If this conversation lit a spark …..

➜ Don’t keep it to yourself … share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

➜ Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

CREDITS:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

DISCLAIMER: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks a first for the Power Of Women Podcast — our very first male guest, Wade Kingsley.

Wade’s spent his career helping people unlock bold ideas and back themselves — especially women.

In this epsiode we delve into the intersection of creativity, ageism, and gender dynamics — and explore how men and women can work and thrive better together. Wade doesn’t just talk about empowering women — he’s actively doing it & his insights are a timely reminder that the Power Of Women is stronger when supported by the right allies.

We also explore:

- The role men can play in championing female leadership

- How the workplace is shifting — and why collaboration matters more than ever.

Who is Wade Kingsley?

Wade is a creative entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of The Ideas Business and The Creative Coach. With 25+ years in media, marketing, and leadership, he helps individuals and teams build confidence in their creativity through workshops, coaching, and keynote facilitation. A passionate advocate for everyday creativity, Wade works with brands and leaders to turn bold ideas into action. He also hosts the The Creative Coach podcast.

Find Wade at:

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

Website https://www.wadekingsley.com/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

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

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

⭐If this conversation lit a spark …..

➜ Don’t keep it to yourself … share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

➜ Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

CREDITS:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

DISCLAIMER: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether you're a woman with a big idea, or in a moment of doubt, this episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship. At 22, Stephanie Woollard followed a woman into a tin shed in Kathmandu — and walked out with a purpose that would change thousands of lives. With just $200 and an unwavering belief in dignity over charity, she founded Seven Women, a social enterprise that empowered marginalised women through skills training and employment. Now, 17 years on and an Order of Australia Medal recipient, Stephanie has handed back that thriving organisation to the Nepali community — and turned her attention to a new chapter: The Celtic Way.

KEY TOPICS:

- Personal growth and overcoming self-doubt

- How she built a global social enterprise from scratch

- The philosophy of 'trade, not aid' was central to her approach

- Community and unity among women led to significant change.

WHO IS STEPHANIE WOLLARD OAM?

Stephanie Woollard OAM is a social entrepreneur and humanitarian whose journey began at just 22, when she founded Seven Women in a Kathmandu tin shed. Since then, she’s empowered thousands across Nepal through education and employment, led purpose-driven ventures, and been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal for her global impact. Today, she’s the founder of The Celtic Way — a travel venture — and a passionate advocate for business as a force for good.

FIND STEPHANIE AT:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E2%98%98%EF%B8%8F-stephanie-woollard-oam-46300342/

RESOURCES:

Bringing The Light: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxHsclrjyF4

CONNECT WITH DI & POWER OF WOMEN:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

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

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations. Follow, share & subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

CREDITS:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - www.vinilo.com.au/

Filming: Chocolate Studios Melbourne

DISCLAIMER:  https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Di Gillett sits down with psychologists—Dr. Jessie Stern and Rachel Samson, authors of ‘Beyond Difficult’—to explore the emotional terrain of difficult relationships and just how to survive the difficult people in your life. Let’s face it – we all have at least one – or maybe it’s you who’s the problem!

Together, they unpack what really makes someone “difficult” (spoiler: it’s not a diagnosis), and how attachment theory, temperament, and communication styles shape our experience of others—at home, at work, and in ourselves.

KEY TOPICS:

Understanding difficult relationships

The subjectivity of difficult behaviour

Attachment theory and its impact

Navigating workplace dynamics

The role of empathy in relationships

When to walk away from relationships

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

WHO ARE Dr. JESSIE STERN AND RACHEL SAMSON?

Dr. Jessie Stern and Rachel Samson are expert psychologists. Rachel Samson, M. Psych (Clin) is an Australian clinical psychologist, lecturer, writer and speaker. Recognised as a relationships and parenting expert. Dr Jessie Stern, PhD is an American psychologist, researcher, and assistant professor at Pomona College. Her work – including more than 50 research articles and book chapters on relationships – has been featured by CNN, The Conversation and Scientific American.

FIND RACHEL AT:

Rachel on Instagram @australianpsychologist

CONNECT WITH DI & POWER OF WOMEN:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

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

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations. Follow, share & subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/

CREDITS:

Sound Design: Daryl Missen - www.vinilo.com.au

DISCLAIMER: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aged care is one of the most confronting—and inevitable—journeys we’ll face which is why we opted to talk about this on the @Power Of Women Podcast. Kathy Kirby and Kate Lamont, aged care advocates and co-founders of Thrive Aged Care, walk us through the landscape of aged care in Australia. Whether you're planning for yourself, supporting a parent, or navigating care for a partner, the truth is most of us are uninformed and unprepared when the moment arrives. And whilst it is not always the case, more often than not, the care planning and care giving, falls to women. Listen to Kathy & Kate as they draw on their frontline experience to help families approach aged care with clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom.

KEY TOPICS:

- Aged care is complex—but with the right planning, it’s not impossible to navigate.

- Dementia care requires a different lens. Understanding brain changes can help families respond with empathy, not fear.

- Carer burnout is real. Most carers are women. Most are unpaid. And most don’t ask for help until it’s too late.

- Early conversations are the game-changer- instead of waiting until crisis hits.

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

WHO ARE KATHY KIRBY & KATE LAMONT?

Kate Lamont and Kathy Kirby are Thrive Aged Care Consultants. Kathy a Registered Nurse and Kate a registered Occupational Therapist, are on a mission to change the way care and services are provided to older people, so they THRIVE in their later years…not just survive.

FIND THE THRIVE TEAM AT:

Website https://www.thriveaged.com.au/

RESOURCES:

Teepa Snow https://teepasnow.com/

CONNECT WITH DI & POWER OF WOMEN:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

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

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations. Follow, share & subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/

CREDITS:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen -- https://vinilo.com.au/

DISCLAIMER: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, host Di Gillett sits down with Michelle Phillips, CEO of YWCA Australia, to talk about one of the most urgent issues facing Australian women today: homelessness and the fight for safe, secure housing. From launching the Women’s A-League to leading global reproductive health services, Michelle’s career has been grounded in fairness, equity, and bold leadership. Now, she’s on the frontlines of Australia’s housing crisis, reshaping how we think about women’s homelessness and why “a roof over your head” is only part of the story.

KEY TOPICS:

- The early signs of housing insecurity many women miss

- Why women are more vulnerable to homelessness than ever before

- The powerful role of community support and policy change

- What the YWCA’s Women’s Housing Framework is doing differently

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

WHO IS MICHELLE PHILLIPS?

Michelle Phillips is CEO of YWCA Australia and a champion for gender equality. She’s led major reforms in women’s housing, introduced a gendered housing framework, and previously broke new ground in sport as the first female CEO of a men’s A-League football team and in establishing the national women’s football league.

FIND GUEST NAME AT:

Learn more about the Women’s Housing Framework and how to support YWCA: www.ywca.org.au

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-phillips-au/

CONNECT WITH DI & POWER OF WOMEN:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

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

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations. Follow, share & subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - www.vinilo.com.au 

DISCLAIMER:  https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Jenny Valentish reveals what it really takes to navigate an extrovert’s world when you’re wired for solitude - & we explore how to navigate your career as an introvert.

A self-described “reformed sociophobe,” Jenny shares the surprising ways she rebuilt her confidence—from fighting in a boxing ring to walking a bodybuilding stage in heels. Drawing on her new book, The Introvert’s Guide to Leaving the House, she unpacks the internal tug-of-war so many women feel around being visible, speaking up, and dealing with conflict.

With candour, humour and real tools, this conversation explores:

• Social anxiety, the spotlight effect and letting go of control
• How introverts can lead without burning out
• Smarter strategies for visibility, self-promotion and saying what needs to be said
• 
  

You don’t need to change your job—just change the game plan.

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

WHO IS JENNY VALENTISH?

Jenny Valentish is a journalist, author and speaker whose latest book, The Introvert’s Guide to Leaving the House, explores social anxiety, visibility and finding your voice—on your terms.

FIND JENNY AT:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennyvalentish_public/?hl=en

Website https://jennyvalentish.com/

CONNECT WITH DI & POWER OF WOMEN:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

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

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations. Follow, share & subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/

CREDITS:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - www.vinilo.com.au 

Filming: Chocolate Studios - www.chocolatestudios.com.au

DISCLAIMER:  https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hema Prakash is a rebel with a cause. She built her career in male-dominated boardrooms. Now she’s disrupting another broken system: women’s healthcare. In this powerful episode, Hema shares how her rebellious streak, global upbringing, and experience in tech and private equity converged to ignite Ponti Health—a ground-breaking, one-stop clinic for women’s health care that refuses to medicalise menopause or diminish a woman’s agency.

Hema challenges the idea that menopause is a “condition” to be treated. For her, it’s a transition—normal, natural, and deserving of slow, respectful, evidence-based care. She opens up about her own journey through perimenopause, what’s missing in the Australian health system, and why women must stop putting themselves last.

KEY TOPICS:

·      Menopause isn’t a disease—and Héma’s on a mission to change how it's treated

·      Research in women's health is underfunded and needs support.·       

·      What it means to lead with humility, excellence, and empathy in business and health

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

WHO IS HEMA PRAKASH?

Hema Prakash is a dynamic entrepreneur and the co-founder of Ponti Health, Australia’s first integrated clinic dedicated to women’s health. With over 25 years of experience across technology, private equity, and business innovation, she brings a sharp, systems-thinking lens to healthcare. Driven by personal experience and a passion for equity, Hema is redefining menopause care—championing time, respect, and agency for women at every stage of life.

FIND HEMA AT:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hema-prakash-503260/

Explore Pont Health www.pontihealth.com.au

CONNECT WITH DI & POWER OF WOMEN:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

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

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations. Follow, share & subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

CREDITS:

Sound Design: Daryl Missen - www.vinilo.com.au 

Filming: Chocolate Studios - www.chocolatestudios.com.au

DISCLAIMER:  https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.