In this episode we interview Samantha Ford.

Samantha Ford

Samantha Ford has over 15 years' local and international experience in crisis, emergency and business continuity management working with government, banking, human services, health and industrial sectors. She works with a range of clients to develop; Incident Management Team and crisis communications capabilities; prepare emergency plans; and develop and facilitate training. Samantha runs desktop and hypothetical activities; and designs and facilitates complex functional exercises for government and corporate clients (in other words she gets to play lots of war games)!

Samantha had her own successful consulting practice Adarna Consulting Pty Ltd for 5 years. She has worked with organisations such as Commonwealth Bank and Rio Tinto, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, NSW Art Gallery, NSW Public Works, Icon Water and NSW and ACT Health delivering projects and exercises in crisis communications, incident management and business continuity. She has led international aid, emergency management response and recovery initiatives, and her experience includes 5 years in the NSW State Emergency Management Committee Secretariat where she had significant emergency planning and operational responsibilities. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science (Applied Psychology) and a Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management.

In 2014, Samantha joined Tigertail Australia, a boutique consulting firm that specialises in risk, crisis, emergency and security management. She works with organisations to make them more resilient and better able to operate during emergencies, crises and disasters.

You can find Samantha at www.tigertail.com.au.   

You can connect with Samantha via LinkedIn.

In this episode we discuss

•complex functional exercises - what they are and how they help companies prepare for a crisis

•preparing for an emergency

•managing reputations in a crisis

•tips to help small business owners prepare for an emergency or crisis

•how to identify risks to your business

•preparing for the worst in your business - creating a "death book"

•having a supportive community to help you through a crisis

•preparing for a natural disaster - flood, bushfire, cyclone

•what PTSD looks like and recognising possible symptoms

•teaching your kids about how to cope in an emergency

•preparing your home for an emergency

•Samantha's top tip to get an emergency plan for your home

•what should go in your go-pack 

Resources discussed on the show

•Leadership by Rudolph Giuliani

•NSW SES

•NSW Rural Fire Service

•Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

•How to set up your Apple iPhone Medical ID

Warwick Merry is a bit of a slasher - professional speaker slash MC slash author slash podcaster slash coach slash poodle dad.

Warwick is also the founder of Get More, an organisation dedicated to igniting an inexhaustible passion for life in people. Warwick lives his life based on choices, not on "shoulds". A few years ago he made the choice to turn his own life around, from working long hours in corporate Australia and failing to take care of his health to building a successful business working fewer hours and focusing on his health to lose over twenty kilos in the process.

You can find Warwick at www.warwickmerry.com

You can connect with Warwick on twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Find out more about Warwick's Get Ready For Success in 2016 Workshop.

In this episode we discuss

•falling into a routine

•using your phone while on the loo (!)

•having healthy boundaries when you work for yourself

•planning out the year

•getting in the right head space for planning

•managing phone notifications

•challenges of working from home

•managing the "pick your brain" requests

•the importance of mentoring for accountability and getting stuff done

•resources to help get stuff done

•letting your diary run the day and not your inbox

•5 D's to manage your email

•tips to get the most out of your next 100 days

•why it is important to celebrate success

•defining what success is to you

•benefits of singing in a choir - and JOSH GROBAN!

•Warwick's book, Get More Inspiration, which is designed NOT to read (!)

Resources discussed on the show

•Get More Speaking Success Blab

•Professional Speakers Australia

•Unroll.me

•Celebrate success shopping list

In this episode we talk to co-dependency recovery coach, Roslyn Saunders.

Roslyn Saunders

Born in New Zealand, Roslyn is a mother of four adult children.  An entrepreneur from her teenage years, she has owned and operated several successful businesses and continues to maintain commercial interests from her Australian base in Brisbane.

Roslyn's personal and professional experiences have qualified her for an 'MBA in life'.  Through her own journey of addressing co-dependence - the addiction that screams the loudest, is heard the least, and undiagnosed in the medical world' - she has made it her mission to empower people to do the same.

Ros has a very keen interest in educating people to make better choices in the area of toxic chemicals, in the area of personal and healthcare.,

This culminates in a healthier person, families and planet.

Combining the lessons of her personal experience, neuro linguistic programming (NLP) practitioner certification, and diploma in counselling, she has emerged with a unique program that informs and educates others as they navigate their own personal journeys to lead more balanced and fulfilled lives.

You can find Roslyn at www.roslynsaunders.com.au.

You can connect with Roslyn on Facebook.

In this episode we discuss

•what co-dependency is

•Ros's personal story of addiction and co-dependency

•overcoming co-dependency

•raising children when you are co-dependent

•the first steps to take to overcome co-dependency

•what to look for in a co-dependency coach

•how to know if you are co-dependent

•areas that are more prone to co-dependency

•personal accountability and co-dependency

Resources discussed in the show

•Maryanne Williamson

•Co-dependent No More by Melody Beattie

In this episode we talk to Alexx Stuart, founder of Low Tox Life.

Alexx Stuart

Alexx Stuart is the founder of the Low Tox Life. She is a concerned citizen, good motivator, speaker and change maker. Mostly Alexx is passionate about educating people about what goes ON and IN us and how to live a life that helps us be our best selves.

Alexx also runs online courses on Your Low Tox Life and Real Food Rockstars. 

You can find Alexx at www.alexxstuart.com.

You can connect with Alexx on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and twitter.

In this episode we discuss

•not getting everything done and being OK with that

•keeping your eye on the big picture

•outsourcing the housework - and other things

•being open to the daily routine not going according to plan

•the importance of reading

•Alexx's Low Tox Life program and how it came about

•how Alexx developed her first Low Tox Life course in 3 WEEKS! (that is insane Alexx!!)

•Alexx's fact finding trip to New York and the United Kingdom

•living your best life

•buying organics and supporting local

•asking questions before buying

•what prompted Alexx to ditch toxins and start her low tox life

•making one change at a time

•living with the strength of your convictions

•the physical benefits of removing toxins and slowing down

•three quick steps everyone can do today to start their low tox life

•when you're doing what you want to do, it's far easier to get stuff done

Resources discussed in the show

•Toxic Baby TED Talk

•Nourished Life

•Young Living oils

•Black Chicken deodorant

•Everyman Jack deodorant

•Fresca unscented deodorant

Helen Crozier is a Technology Coach, Evernote Business Certified Consultant and the Founder of Keyboard Karma. Helen uses her 25 years of technology and productivity experience to select the best possible tools with tips on how to use the most important features. Keyboard Karma specialises in workflow and information management workshops and online consulting for a range of industries and companies of all sizes; and is currently launching a series of innovative interactive software guides. 

Helen writes a blog and newsletter focusing on personal productivity and digital wellbeing. Her main focus is how to master technology so that we have time left for relationships, creativity and good health.

Helen is currently one of the first Australians to be certified as an Evernote business consultant, holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in business administration, has more than 10,000 followers on Twitter and prides herself on being way more digital-savvy than her adult children. Helen lives with her family in one of Sydney's most picturesque coastal suburbs on the northern beaches and wouldn't swap her life for anything.

You can find Helen at www.helencrozier.com.

You can connect with Helen on twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

In this episode we discuss

reading in the morning

creating "zones" for the day for blocking out time to get stuff done

how much we are exposed to food and how much life can revolve around it

setting up your day so you reclaim your agenda

managing a daily to do list and choosing the most important things to do

workflow and information management

how to use Evernote effectively

the difference between the free and premium versions of Evernote

using hashtags in Evernote

using Evernote offline

using Evernote when travelling

top things to do when first starting Evernote

choosing a naming convention in Evernote

stacks vs notebooks

digital wellbeing

productivity apps to help you focus and use your time more effectively

Resources discussed in the show

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

The Motivation Manifesto by Brendan Burchard

Audible

The Charge by Brendan Burchard

Get Plan - app

Evernote email address

Toggl

Rescue Time

Freedom

Evernote

Keyboard Karma Digital Pen Offer

Duo Lingo

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Darren Rowse is one of Australia's top bloggers, as well as author, speaker and podcaster.

In 2002 Darren stumbled upon an article about blogging and it changed his life. Today he earns a full time living from blogging at his two blogs, Digital Photography School and ProBlogger, where he blogs multiple times a week.

For the last six years Darren has run an annual ProBlogger Training Event, this year attended by over 700 very excited bloggers (including us!).

Darren has also authored a number of books and ebooks, is a sought after conference speaker and podcast guest and earlier this year he launched his own ProBlogger Podcast.

You can find Darren at Problogger and Digital Photography School. 

You can connect with Darren at Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

In this episode we discuss

•what its like to have 5 million (!!!) views a month on your blog

•Darren's daily rituals

•establishing a template for the week and scheduling your priorities

•maintaining focus as a dad - so that family takes priority

•setting up signals when you work from home, so your family knows when you are working and when you are happy for interruption

•separation from home and work when you work from home

•how Darren started blogging

•Darren's favourite social media platform/s

•using Periscope

•why Darren started podcasting and what he loves about it

•what Darren loved most about 2015 ProBlogger event

•seven steps to better use your time

•outsourcing

•staying focused and getting stuff done when you work from home

•favourite apps

•the importance of physical and mental health to blogging

Resources discussed in the show

•Rescue Time app

•Myers Briggs

•Periscope

•Blab

•Medium

•ProBlogger training event

•Meet Edgar

•Evernote

•Fantastical

•Wunderlist

•Sprout Social

•Canva

•PicMonkey

In this episode we interview Valerie Khoo.

Valerie Khoo

Valerie Khoo is CEO of the Australian Writers' Centre, the country's leading centre for writing courses. Over the past 10 years, more than 26,000 students have graduated from courses at the centre. Graduates score book deals, become freelance writers for magazines and enhance their writing skills so they get promotions at work.

Valerie is also a journalist, small business commentator and podcaster. She is author of the bestselling book "Power Stories: The 8 Stories You MUST Tell to Build an Epic Business" and is co-host of the popular podcasts "So you want to be a writer" and "So you want to be a photographer". Valerie also mentors business owners in writing business books and runs courses in storytelling for businesses.

You can find Valerie at the Australian Writers' Centre or her personal website, ValerieKhoo.com.

You can connect with Valerie on Facebook, Instagram and twitter.

In this episode we discuss

•writing morning pages every day to help unlock your creativity

•founding the Australian Writers' Centre and celebrating ten years

•starting life as an accountant and why Valerie founded a writers' centre

•a love of writing

•tips for people who want to start a business

•staying focused so you can achieve your dreams

•self-publishing vs traditional publishing - and why it's different for fiction and non-fiction books

•pitching your book over twitter

•do you really need an agent?

•using deadlines to stay focused

•the benefit of rewards

•changing locations to work - and how this can increase your focus

•overcoming writer's block

•coming up with content ideas

•the benefits of outsourcing

•why Valerie loves her Mastermind group

•the difference between a mentor, a coach and a Mastermind group

•clearing clutter - mental, physical, emotional

Resources discussed in the show

•The Artists' Way by Julia Cameron

•Freedom app

•co-working spaces

•Fiverr

In today's episode we interview Spencer Howson. Spencer presents the breakfast show on ABC612, the local ABC radio station in Brisbane, Australia. He's been with the ABC since 1993, working in Rockhampton and Brisbane. He's broadcast from ABC studios and remote locations all over Queensland and has a particular fondness for the outback. He also has a passion for the next generation of radio broadcasters, talent-spotting in university journalism classes and welcoming as interns in his team. The 612 ABC Brisbane breakfast program is currently #1 in Brisbane (he's been #1 in forty surveys since first achieving top spot at the end of 2006).

You can listen to Spencer on ABC612 Brisbane or online.

You can follow Spencer on twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode we discuss:

•breakfast radio and getting up at 3.30am every day

•Spencer's daily routine - with a lot of focus on when he eats!

•the ratings and being #1 in forty surveys

•the "glamorous" side of radio

•finding stories for his breakfast radio show

•reading hard copy newspapers vs online

•what Spencer loves about working for the ABC

•what Spencer loves most about working in radio

•what Spencer thinks about the latest James Bond theme song

•how do you conceptualise one million - and the bread tag story

•Spencer's favourite guests - and who he would love to interview one day

•winning the number one breakfast spot in forty surveys - and what it's like when he doesn't

•the daily post-show chat to discuss the good and bad of the show and how it can be improved

•on becoming an Australian citizen and Spencer's new Aussie nicknames

•being an umbraphile and witnessing eclipses

•compartmentalising vs multi-tasking

•has twitter jumped the shark?

Resources discussed in the show

•Hyperlapse app - instagram

•ABC online

•BBC iPlayer

•Brisbane Planetarium 

•twitter

In this episode we interview Caroline (Caz) Makepeace. We had a few sound quality issues in the episode, with less than fabulous internet connections. Please bear with us!

Caroline Makepeace

Caroline (Caz) Makepeace wants to live in a world where people fearlessly follow their heart to embrace travel more.

She's the co-founder of ytravelblog.com, one of the world's biggest travel blogs and has been featured by notable brands such as Virgin Australia, Expedia and Lonely Planet. In 2014 Caz and her husband Craig were invited to attend the first travel summit at the White House as top digital travel influencers.

When not travelling and writing about it, you can find Caz swinging in a beach hammock at sunset to the tunes of Jack Johnson, or buying another crystal to meditate with at a local market.

You can find Caz at www.ytravelblog.com.

You can follow Caz on Facebook, twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

In this episode we discuss:

•Caz and Craig's visit to the White House

•How they fit everything into their day

•Layering vs multitasking

•Caz's morning routine and why meditation is important to her

•Caz and Craig's 18 month road trip around Australia

•Travelling and running an online business with dodgy internet connections

•Distance education

•A love of writing and blogging

•How Y Travel Blog started

•Keeping on top of everything blogging entails - social media, SEO, managing email, writing content

•Making money from blogging

•Tools to save time

•Tips for working with brands

•Business failures

•Saving money so you can travel more

•Morning rituals

•Caz's top tip to get stuff done.

Resources discussed in the show:

•Dr Wayne Dyer

•Marianne Williamson

•World Tourism Forum, Istanbul, February 2016

•Tailwind app

•Latergram

•Hootsuite

•The 30 day Money Cleanse free webinar

Mel Kettle is a communication and social media strategist, speaker, blogger, educator, board member and now podcaster.

She has worked in marketing communications for over 20 years and 9 years ago started consulting. During that time she also completed a Master of Business in Marketing and a Master of Public Health.

Mel is also an enthusiastic but very amateur photographer, a very keen eatie - as opposed to a foodie! And she loves to travel, which is all showcased in her food and travel blog, The cook's notebook.

In her spare time, Mel also sits on the board of the International Association of Business Communicators (Qld), writes a marketing and social media blog at www.melkettle.com and is now adding podcaster to her list of accomplishments.

She lives in Brisbane with her partner Shaun and her 4 crazy chickens, Harriet, Moneypenny, Thelma and Louise.

You can find Mel at www.melkettle.com and www.cooks-notebook.com.au

You can follow Mel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

During Annette's conversation with Mel they discussed:

•Mel's daily "routine"

•Writing morning pages

•Flexibility of working from home

•Starting her business in 2006

•Making the leap from being an employee to being a consultant

•Networking tips when starting a new business

•Juggling work and study

•Dealing with grief

•Writing two blogs and how they came about

•Why Mel started a podcast

•Getting away and recharging

•Staying focused on a relationship

•Meeting her partner on RSVP and then seeing a life coach together after only three months!

•Short term and long term goal setting

•Finding a melanoma and dealing with having skin cancer