Rolling Through Negotiations

In this new episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, host Matthew Karakoulakis sits down with Cameron Morrall, a proud Wotjobaluk man and co-founder of Little Wombats, an early childhood education initiative dedicated to sharing the richness of First Nations culture with young learners.

Cameron shares how storytelling, music, dance, and art become powerful tools to engage children in Aboriginal culture, helping them build respect, understanding, and a sense of pride from a young age. He opens up about the challenges of keeping cultural integrity in educational spaces, the importance of receiving guidance from Elders, and how cultural principles naturally guide his leadership in classrooms and negotiations alike.

You’ll also hear touching stories of connection with children, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal who are discovering their identity, embracing culture, and learning life skills through Little Wombats’ hands-on programs. Cameron reflects on what it means to nurture the next generation, his hopes for weaving culture into everyday learning, and why moving forward together with respect is so important for all Australians.

If you’d like to learn more about Little Wombats and the programs Cameron and Andrea deliver, visit littlewombats.com.au.

🎧 New episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations drop every Thursday.

Thanks for listening, peace and love to you — and until the next one, take care.

OSS!

Send in a question or comment via text.

Support the RTN Podcast:
If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76 

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future. 

In this powerful episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew yarns with Shelley Ware a proud Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu woman, educator, author, broadcaster, and advocate who has spent more than two decades shaping conversations in sport, education, and community.

Shelley shares her journey from being one of the first Aboriginal women on mainstream television to becoming a nationally respected voice for change. With wisdom and warmth, Shelley reflects on the lessons learned from her mentors and parents, the power of self-talk and mantras, and how she draws strength from her ancestors to step into spaces where Aboriginal voices are often underrepresented.

Together, Matthew and Shelley explore:

• Strategies for negotiating and influencing when faced with power imbalances.
• The role of humility, silence, and listening in authentic leadership.
• How motherhood and teaching have shaped Shelley’s approach to communication and advocacy.
• The importance of preparation, mentorship, and continuous growth in building confidence.
• Shelley’s hopes for the next generation of First Nations leaders and allies.

This conversation is full of insight, resilience, and practical takeaways for anyone seeking to influence with heart, navigate difficult spaces, and create lasting change.

👉 Connect with Shelley on LinkedIn: Shelley Ware

🎧 New episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations drop every Thursday.
Thanks for listening, peace and love to you — and until the next one, take care.
OSS!

Send in a question or comment via text.

Support the RTN Podcast:
If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76 

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future. 

Next month is Indigenous Business Month a nationwide celebration of the strength, innovation, and resilience of First Nations businesses and leaders. But we didn’t want to wait until October to start the conversation.

In this special highlights episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we revisit two powerful yarns with Megan Highfold and Selena McGuire. This edit is a short just a short summary designed to share some of the most inspiring moments. If you’d like to hear the full episodes, the links are below.

Megan Highfold: a proud Gugada woman, Megan shares why respect must sit at the heart of every partnership and how culture strengthens business. Listen to the full episode with Megan here.

Selena McGuire: a proud Yidinji and Parappa woman, and Chair of the CHAC in Northwest Tasmania. Selena’s full episode was packed with wisdom and inspiration. Here, we spotlight some of her most powerful insights on trust, negotiation, and why “mob supporting mob” is a model for self-determination.  Listen to the full episode with Selena here.

If you’re inspired, go back and listen to the full conversations with Megan and Selena and stay tuned, because in October we’ll be bringing you even more First Nations voices as part of Indigenous Business Month 2025.

Thanks for listening, peace and love to you, and until the next one, take care. 

OSS!

Send in a question or comment via text.

Support the RTN Podcast:
If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76 

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future. 

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew yarns with Murray Smith, founder of Grip 6 and Certified EOS Implementer™, to explore how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can transform the way leaders and teams approach challenges.

Murray brings lessons from his experience building and re-engineering organisations, backed by an MBA from MIT, a Master’s in HR & Industrial Relations, and studies at Harvard. 

Together, Matthew and Murray break down: 

• Why discipline and consistency are more powerful than motivation.
• How EOS frameworks help entrepreneurs and leaders negotiate with clarity and accountability.
• The balance between data, gut instinct, and creativity in decision-making.
• Practical questions to prepare for negotiations, from defining your target to mapping out BATNA.
• Real-world examples of how to “increase the size of the pie” so everyone leaves with more value.

Murray also leaves us with a principle worth carrying into business, negotiations, or life that is simple but powerful. Don’t miss it.

Connect with Murray on LinkedIn:  https://au.linkedin.com/in/murraydsmith

🎧 New episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations drop every Thursday.

Thanks for listening, peace and love to you, and until the next one, take care. 

OSS!

Send in a question or comment via text.

Support the RTN Podcast:
If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76 

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future. 

In this new episode, Matthew yarns with Cecilia McKenzie, a proud Wiradjuri woman, First Nations advocate, classically trained vocalist, and lived experience practitioner.

With more than a decade of community and counselling work, Cecilia combines her professional knowledge with an artist’s soul, using her voice in both storytelling and music to share hope, healing, and cultural strength.

Cecilia journey is a powerful reminder that strength is often forged in our deepest valleys, and that finding your voice can inspire and uplift entire communities.

Learn more about Cecilia: ceciliamckenzie.com.au

🎧 New episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations drop every Thursday.

Thanks for listening, peace and love to you, and until the next one, take care. 

OSS!

Send in a question or comment via text.

Support the RTN Podcast:
If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76 

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future. 

🥋 What does it really take to turn passion into a thriving business while staying true to your values?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew yarn with Sharon Brindley a proud Yamatji Noongar woman, Founder/CEO of Jala Jala Treats, and serial entrepreneur behind multiple ventures including Cooee Café & Catering and TrapEase.

Sharon shares her journey from starting out with raw enthusiasm to becoming an award-winning businesswoman who champions authenticity, diversity, and Black excellence. From the tough lessons of misplaced trust to the power of contracts, slowing down growth, and standing firm on values, Sharon opens up about the grit behind the glamour.

We talk about:

• The early mistakes that became her greatest teachers
• Why contracts and values are non-negotiable in business
• Building relationships before making sales
• Diversity as strength in products, people, and partnerships
• The role of internal negotiation and learning to say no

This yarn is equal parts business insight, cultural pride, and straight-up honesty, a reminder that success isn’t overnight, it’s built step by step, with resilience and heart.

Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/sharon-brindley

🎧 New episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations drop every Thursday.

Thanks for listening, peace and love to you, and until the next one, take care. 

OSS!

Send in a question or comment via text.

Support the RTN Podcast:
If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76 

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future. 

🥋 What does it take to challenge the thinking of CEOs and boards and help them see the blind spots in their own business?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with John Kounas, Business Strategist and Advisor to C-Suite Executives and Boards, to unpack the structures, strategies, and mindset shifts that drive real results.

From building vision, mission, and values that teams actually buy into, to pivoting fast when the market shifts, John shares why clarity, agility, and integrity are non-negotiable for leaders. He reveals how scaling is all about structuring teams, listening deeply, and making decisions that ripple through an entire organisation.

Whether you’re leading a business, building one, or looking to sharpen your negotiation game, this conversation offers practical takeaways and a fresh perspective on success that lasts.

Connect with John Kounas on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/john-kounas-682a99209

🎧 New episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations drop every Thursday.

Thanks for listening, peace and love to you, and until the next one, take care. 

OSS!

Send in a question or comment via text.

Support the RTN Podcast:
If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76 

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future. 

🥋What does genuine reconciliation really look like?

In this episode, we yarn with Professor Andrew Gunstone, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation at Federation University and founder of the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice.

We unpack the uncomfortable truth behind many so-called reconciliation efforts, where flying flags, wearing t-shirts, and hosting morning teas are treated as the full story, not just the starting point. We look beyond performative gestures and ask what it really takes to create structural change, build accountability, and stay grounded in self-reflection.

From asking "what’s your why?" before launching a RAP, to advocating for bold systemic reform, including treaty, truth-telling, and Indigenous-led governance, Andrew reminds us that without justice and truth, reconciliation is just a word.

With deep insight, courage, and decades of experience, Professor Gunstone shares stories and reflections that challenge us to think more deeply and act more genuinely. If you’ve ever questioned what real reconciliation looks like or what role you can play in it, this is an episode worth sitting with. 

Connect with Professor Andrew Gunstone on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/andrew-gunstone-22950a176

🎧 New episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations drop every Thursday.

Thanks for listening, peace and love to you, and until the next one, take care. 

OSS!

Send in a question or comment via text.

Support the RTN Podcast:
If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76 

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future. 

🥋 What does it mean to truly listen, not just in a conversation, but in life, business, and negotiation?

This week on Rolling Through Negotiations, we yarn with EJ Garrett, a proud Darumbal and Wulli Wulli man, filmmaker, and founder of EJ Garrett Pty Ltd, an Indigenous-owned media company leading powerful community based projects.

EJ has written, directed, and produced documentaries for NITV, and his approach to storytelling is deeply grounded in respect, listening, and the power of relationships. In this episode, he shares what he's learned from decades behind the lens, working with Elders, and telling stories that centre community, not just content.

We unpack: 

• Why the best storytellers are the best listeners
• How negotiation is shaped by the questions you ask and the patience to hear the answers
• Why pricing your work right is about honouring your worth
• And how money, at its core, might just be another form of energy and service
  
  

🔗 Check out EJ’s work and community platform at ejgarrett.au and support his initiative Buying Black to help sustain Indigenous-led media and storytelling.

https://www.buyingblack.com.au/about

🎧 New episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations drop every Thursday.

Thanks for listening, peace and love to you, and until the next one, take care. 

OSS!

Send in a question or comment via text.

Support the RTN Podcast:
If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76 

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future. 

🥋 What if mastering sales could help you create real change, not just in business, but for community too?

In this episode we yarn with Richard Hurst, a proud Gamilaroi man whose career spans property, education, recruitment, and leadership across both government and corporate sectors. Richard shares powerful insights from his journey. 

We unpack:

• The misunderstood art of sales (and why it starts with listening)
• How First Nations programs benefit from real connections
• The power of asking the right questions
• Black excellence in the workplace 

💬 "Don’t sell yourself short. Ask. Be bold. Reverse engineer where you want to be and help others get there too."

This yarn speaks to anyone walking the line between staying true to who they are and stepping boldly into spaces where they want to make a mark.

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: Richard Hurst

🎧 New episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations drop every Thursday.

Thanks for listening, peace and love to you, and until the next one, take care. 

OSS!

Send in a question or comment via text.

Support the RTN Podcast:
If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76 

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.