Having experienced first-hand, the two  extremes of workplace culture and leadership, Sarah is dedicated to helping organisations develop their leaders and institute a results-driven yet people-focused culture. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in dealing with top-level leaders, Sarah has devised executive and team leadership coaching and workshop programs that incorporate how  to effectively lead, motivate and inspire others.

Her areas of expertise include coaching leaders in clarifying and communicating a compelling, purposeful vision  as well as creating a dynamic leadership strategy and climate that will help stimulate teams to maximise both productivity and potential. Sarah works to strengthen her client’s  emotional intelligence, leadership mindset and self-leadership which includes work/life integration and stress management.

She also coaches executive teams on developing a growth mindset, building a goal oriented, relationship management focused and customer-centric approach. Sarah works with clients to develop high performance and agile teams with a future focus and her personal passion is to help grow a healthy and robust culture incorporating diversity and inclusion.

Currently, Sarah facilitates Growth Mindset, Success Mindset and Leadership workshops as well as Leadership Coaching programs for senior leaders. Based out of Brisbane, Australia she regularly coaches teams and senior executives and she also consults for organisations on corporate culture and strategic leadership, frequently travelling between Australia and the UK. Aside from this,  Sarah also writes leadership programs for national summits and delivers keynote talks  geared towards inspiring the audience.

Career Highlights

I’m sure for any business owner, Board’s, management who are looking to shape their business and people resources differently and are looking at different ways of getting the best out of their people, then this is a chat you need to tune into.

Follow Vision Insight Here:

Twitter: @vision_insight

LinkedIn:  http://bit.ly/2pBZz3h

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2olNUSU

Sarah’s Publications:

Growth mindset article on LinkedIn  http://bit.ly/2t4brKQ

'Be agile minded' article on Linkedin http://bit.ly/2pY6ggr

Coaching Life' magazine article about coaching   http://bit.ly/2ohl74v

Special Offer to The First Step Podcast listeners

Vision Insight is offering a 5% discount for a Growth Mindset workshop.

Show Notes

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Brent Valle is a force of nature with a passion for life and for making the world a better place every way he can. As a highly successful entrepreneur, rugged outdoor sportsman and a true humanitarian, Brent is not content to just forge his own business and life successes, he earnestly works to bring others along for the ride.

Brent built and sold two companies. His most recent success a tech start-up he co-founded and recently sold in a multimillion dollar deal. At NGage Technology Group, he turned an initial $2000 investment into a $27 million gross revenue company within five short years. Won awards including the CRN Fast 50 and finishing 5th in the BRW Fast 100.  

Brent has launched a new start up - The Future Phase - that is a leadership and mentoring company that incorporates epic adventures into its programs to give its members the kick-start they need and forward momentum to accelerate them rapidly to their goals. 

Family comes first for Brent and he loves surfing and snowboarding and is also a passionate philanthropist, environmentalist and aspiring author (currently writing his first book).

This episode is about having a spirit of adventure (when it’s lost).

Follow The Future Phase Online Here:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/thefuturephase

Facebook: http://facebook.com/thefuturephase

Twitter: http://twitter.com/@thefuturephase

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/thefuturephase

Website: http://thefuturephase.com.au

Follow Brent Valle Online Here:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/actionbv

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/brentvalle

Facebook: http://facebook.com/brentvalle

Snapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/actionbv

Twitter: http://twitter.com/@Brent_Valle

Show Notes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the story of how Tamara helped take a business from under half a million turnover to over $10M in 2 years and the importance of sweat equity to help make it happen.

Tamara started a marketing company 19 years ago specialising in national and international ASX and established brands. Tamara’s agency also worked closely with medium size private companies to develop and implementing high-growth marketing and sales strategies. The agency grew to be in the top 2% of agencies in Australia. 

During this time, Tamara enjoyed working closely with M&As to help increase the value of businesses for acquisition through improved brand equity and sales, whilst demonstrating strong growth trends for the future. This lead to Tamara recently taking on her first sweat equity project FivePointFour which saw 780% growth in the first 12 months. 

Tamara has since start her second sweat equity project. Tamara’s specialty is in online sales automation and is an international speaker on the topic. Tamara’s focus is on subscription-based online products/services that use social media channels to build brands and sales off limited marketing budgets (organic growth strategies). 

Awards:

Show Notes

Social Sites

FivePointFour

Hot Tresses

Mitara Communications

PieLAB Venture Partners

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting their business two years ago from the humble setting of their families dining room table and with only $20k in their pockets, these guys have grown to become the largest DIY teeth whiting brand in the world. 

Nik Mirkovic is a co-founder of multi-million-dollar e-tailer, HiSmile (www.hismileteeth.com), Australia’s leading DIY teeth whitening brand. Nik started the business with co-founder and best mate, Alex Tomic straight out of school, and after only two years in market the duo have taken on the globe with their teeth whitening sensation.  

Nik has a very strong entrepreneurial sense and spends his time analysing and observing the world around him. This intuitiveness and curiosity, especially in the digital and social media realm has been the driving force behind the success of HiSmile today, with Nik always ensuring the business is one step ahead of the latest changes and advancements.

Alex Tomic’s entrepreneurial streak took off when he grew bored of his university studies just six months into a Commerce degree and at just 19 years old. Alex went on to channel his passion for entrepreneurialism and found a gap in the market where he believed the teeth whitening industry was a prime target for disruption.

Much like his co-founder, Alex observed and analysed the market and used his social media acumen to launch HiSmile in 2015, sending half of the first batch of product to social media influencers. Two years on, the business attracts lucrative partnerships with high-end celebrities and influencers across the world and social media today continues to be the number one driver of sales for the business.

Through social media their business has reached all corners of the world, with over 1 million Facebook followers, half a million Instagram followers, and many more on Twitter, Snapchat and Music.ly.  Chances are you’ve see HiSmile while flicking through your social media feeds.  If you’re a fan of HiSmile like me, you’re in good company.  A flick through social media shows actors, musician, TV stars and even Kylie Jenner are into HiSmile. 

Nik & Alex’s insight into building a business through social media is absolute gold and their pragmatic approach to business is refreshing.  Trust me after you hear this podcast, you’ll be reassessing how your business uses social media. 

Whether you’re a small start-up looking to get in front of new customers or a well-established business wanting to get more out of social media, there are nuggets of gold scattered for you throughout the next hour or so.

After you listen to this episode, please share it with your friends and others you like because you’ll be doing them a massive favour too.

Join the HiSmile movement:

Website: https://hismileteeth.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hismileteeth

Instagram: www.instagram.com/hismileteeth

Snapchat: hismileteeth

YouTube: www.youtube.com/hismilechannel

Musical.ly: hismileteeth

Show Notes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Tan is the founder of Sieverts Radiation Consultancy, one of Australia’s leading radiation safety advisory companies. He is a qualified medical physicist & scientist and he is also co-founder and one of the managing directors of Northstar Investment Group, Clayfield Family Wellness Clinic and Yeti Media.

In 2016, he was a finalist in the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Year. William was also a board member for the Weekend to End Women’s Cancer Foundation.

William is often invited as a guest lecturer in medical schools, universities and professional conferences.

William is passionate about empowering others to reach their full potential. He is a strong advocate of financial literacy, education and philanthropic mindset. William believes the greatest calling and responsibility of every entrepreneur is to create high quality sustainable jobs for the community.

This chat is about learning everything you need to know to get your company started and replicate its success every time.

Enjoy. 

Show Notes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss how Jellaine founded Cherry Blooms at 24 and how to make it in the global market. 

From weekend markets to being headhunted for product inclusion in the Golden Globes and the Oscars Gift Bags, Jellaine Dee’s climb to the top has been both rapid and unconventional. The 34-year old Telstra Young Women’s Business Award winner began her career in the advertising industry, but quickly discovered she had the “entrepreneurial bug”.

Her first big product to bring to market was the Beauty Bag Organiser, but it was her Brush On Fiber Lashes that catapulted Cherry Blooms to global success and multi-million dollar turn over within 12 months of launching in USA. Cherry Blooms is distributed across 50 states in the United States, Canada and several South American and European Union countries. It is just one of three Aussie brands to land distribution in US department chain Nordstrom.

Awards/Highlights

2012 – Selected to be included in the Golden Globe Gift Bags

2013 - Nominated Entrepreneur of the Year by Cosmopolitan Magazine

2013 - Winner for the prestigious Telstra Young Women’s Business Award

2013 – Selected to be included in the Oscars Gift Bags

2013 – Included in the list of Queensland’s Best and Brightest Top 50 under 50

2014 – Trailblazer Award for Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur Awards

2014 – One of 12 entrepreneurs selected nationwide to meet Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton during their Australian tour. During this meeting, Jellaine had the opportunity to chat with the Duchess and gift her with Cherry Blooms’ flagship Brush On Fiber Lashes

2015 – Finalist for Brisbane Lord Mayor Awards, “Young Entrepreneur of the Year”

2015 – Finalist for the QLD Premier Export Awards

2015 – Launched in 110 Nordstrom Department Stores, USA

2015 – Winner for the Women in Business Gold Coast Awards

2015 – Finalist for the Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur Awards

2015 - Winner for Stevie Awards International NY, Female Entrepreneur Australasia

2015 – BRW Fast Starters list, top 100

2016 – Launched in David Jones Australia

2016 – Raised Capital investment with Equity investor

2017 – Launched into 130 Dillards Department Stores, USA

Show Notes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Every ship only needs one captain. Vision & strategy should come from the top."

At just 27, Joe Andon is an experienced business leader, with a flair for breaking tradition and developing products that challenge established perceptions.

He started Vuly after finishing high school – building the website and selling trampolines from his childhood bedroom, until he earned enough money to open the Wakerley warehouse. Since then, Vuly has grown into one of Australia’s largest outdoor play companies, selling in dozens of countries. It has relationships with retail giants Spin Master, Toys ‘R’ Us, Harvey Norman, Canadian Tire and SkyZone. 

Joe and Vuly are recognised global leaders in trampoline safety, with a number of industry awards – including the Good Design Award in 2014. In 2016, Vuly was one of only four Australian companies selected by Google and Deloitte as case studies on digital strategy for the Prime Minister’s Office.

Topics we discuss include how he got his parents to invest money into his idea, how he went about finding investors, his innovations, challenges he found when growing internationally & some great war stories.

If you're wanting to bounce with Vuly, check out their products at www.vulyplay.com

Show Notes

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In this podcast Steve talks about how everything is a negotiation, whether it's convincing the kids to do their homework or closing million dollar deals. He shares with us a ton of practical tips on how to ask for what we want in any setting — and what tools we have available right now to get started.

 "Be brave enough to say that you need to relearn how to listen."

When Steve York began his career in 1976 as a clerk at AMP he had no idea what the future held for him.  In time he did realise that working as a clerk was not for him.  Soon after, Steve followed in the footsteps of his father and joined the NSW Police force. Over a 20 year career in the Police force Steve worked his way to become the Commander of the Hostage Negotiation Team and the Negotiation Team Leader for Australia’s counter terrorist negotiation team until he left the force in 1996. With this position came much responsibility, pressure and a heavy work load.

Steve holds a Master of Science (Risk) from Leicester University and a Master of Dispute Resolution from University of Technology, Sydney.  He has been awarded the National Medal and received several commendations for bravery.

In 1996 he was involved in risk management and contributed to the first risk management standard AS/NZ 4360. He built up his own risk consulting company with many high profile clients.  In 2000 he sold his share and commenced work as an Executive Manager, Operational Risk at the CBA. At that time he was involved in the introduction of the Basel I across the CBA Group. Since then he has worked as a senior risk management executive across several industries (Partner, Deloitte Central Europe, Enterprise Risk, and Marsh McLennan, General Manager, Risk Consulting) and senior internal corporate roles (CBA, General Manager, Security and Financial Crime).  He is currently the General Manager, Compliance, Security and Business Resilience, Bank of Queensland.

Steve also conducts workshops on “Negotiation Skills for any situation!” They have proved to be very popular and in high demand.  Having Steve to teach you, educate you and show you how to create the best outcome in any negotiation situation, will be the best investment in your personal growth.

If you would like to book Steve for a speaking engagement or workshop, he has requested all inquiries to be directed to Nerissa Chaux on + 61 7 3102 3202 or [email protected] 

You can purchase Steve's book ‘Negotiation Evolved here via Amazon 

Show Notes:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vikas Malkani, the founder of SoulCentre, is one of the world’s leading teachers of personal growth and self-development.  He is an expert on meditation, mindfulness and happiness, and is highly sought after by individuals and companies to help them maximise their innate potential. 

His work has been embraced by leading companies, CEO’s, royalty, top entrepreneurs, Hollywood actors, psychologists, educators, counselors, coaches, doctors, holistic practitioners, consultants and others interested in maximising life.

SoulCentre® Academy is recognised as Asia’s Premier Personal Development Centre for adults and children. Vikas is also the creator of the award-winning SoulKids® Life Skills Program, which empowers children with effective methods and tools for creating happiness and success. SoulKids has won multiple awards and is recognised as a ‘Brand of excellence in life-skills education for children’.

Training seminars conducted by Vikas have benefited cutting edge corporations & conferences such as Proctor & Gamble, Siemens Healthcare, Nike, Ogilvy & Mather, Global Brand Forum, Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Stamford American International School (SAIS), Bordier & Cie Private Bank, Singapore Sun Festival, The Malaysian Liver Foundation, The Times of India Group, Smart Kids Asia, Young Entrepreneurs Organization (YEO), Kidz Academy Asia, Chambers of Indian Industry (CII) and HCL Technologies, to name just a few.

An expert on life skills for happiness and success, some of the recent best-selling books written by Vikas are The Little Manual of Happiness, The Little Manual of Success, The SoulKids Book of Self-Confidence series and The SoulKids Book of Happiness.

If you would like to book Vikas for a speaking engagement, or benefit from a corporate seminar, connect with us via [email protected] or +61 7 3102 3202 and if in Singapore, drop into one of their centres. 

Show Notes

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"Get comfortable with being uncomfortable". 

In this podcast, Marty Cantwell discusses his “come to fitness” moment where he transformed from a 30-year-old couch potato to a body builder. From being an IT professional who wasn’t loving his job to now owning a personal training business, our interview with Marty is on how other people can make similar lifestyle transformations and we talk about practical steps for pursuing consistent weight loss.

Marty is a strength and conditioning coach who has trained athletes from a range of sports, including AUS-PGA & Asia-PGA Golf, Australian GT Championship, Surfing, Rowing and Rugby. Some well known faces include Leon Ang and Simon Ellingham. 

Marty has developed a program “Empower You” about realising your true potential & living life on your terms through self-mastery, education, exercise and nutrition.

I believe his story will resonate with all of us. In 2008, Marty started to gain a lot of weight through the stress of his divorce and unhappiness in his job and this is his story about educating himself on nutrition, exercise and through this self-discovery on how he can help us with the first step in making a change.

If you're interested in learning more about Marty's "Empower You" program or want to find out what it takes to transform yourself, contact Marty at macs-blueprint.com.au or [email protected]

 Show Notes:

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