Psychologist Meredith Fuller returns for her fourth Wisepreneurs conversation to address a challenge facing many experienced professionals: feeling invisible at work despite making substantial contributions. Drawing from over 45 years counseling individuals who "don't quite fit," 

Meredith explores why reflective, introverted thinkers struggle in organizations that reward rapid-fire responses over deep insight. She introduces the concept of "liminal space"—that uncomfortable transition period between who you were and who you're becoming—and reframes it as productive territory rather than professional limbo. 

Listeners will learn practical language for articulating pattern recognition capabilities, understand how physical sensations function as legitimate business intelligence, and discover concrete strategies for making invisible work visible. 

The conversation connects to Jean Boulton's complexity science framework, showing how organizations function as adaptive systems rather than machines, and why your need for processing time produces insights others cannot generate.

Books & Authors

• Jean Boulton - The Dao of Complexity (referenced in episode introduction regarding organizations as adaptive systems vs machines)
• Carl Jung - Referenced for work on shadow work, reflective self, and archetypal self
• Gabor Maté - Mentioned for work on addiction and the need for feeling loved and valued

Related Episodes

• Episode 78: Mayumi Kataoka on forest therapy and why your brain needs trees (complementary discussion of slowing down and attunement)

Concepts & Frameworks

• Liminal Space - The transitional period between identities or states of being; productive uncertainty rather than professional limbo
• Congruence - Maintaining authentic self across all contexts (work, rest, home, with friends, with colleagues); being comprehensively true to yourself
• Embodied Intelligence - Physical sensations and somatic awareness as legitimate business data
• The Fallow Period - Necessary reflection time where nothing much appears to be happening before breakthrough thinking emerges
• Heart-Mind Integration - Chinese concept that rejects Western mind-body dualism; thinking and feeling as unified process
• Reflexive Interweaving - Creating stability through patterns that repeat but adapt, maintaining core identity while responding to context

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Mark Trinham has spent 30 years building a thriving full-time art practice without formal business training—creating large-scale public artworks, running a successful collaboration company, and maintaining creative independence. 

In this conversation, Mark reveals how he moved from illustration and graphic design into public art and sculpture, developed a sustainable business model that keeps him booked 18 months ahead, and learned when to say no after decades of saying yes to everything.

You'll discover how Mark positions accumulated expertise in environmental connection and place-based storytelling as premium capability, why collaboration amplifies rather than dilutes artistic voice, and how he's now creating space for fine art practice after 30 years of commissioned work. 

This isn't intended to be a motivational interview about following your passion—the intent is to provide you with the practical insight into what it takes to build recognised expertise, navigate pricing without business training, and sustaining creative work across several decades. And, to actually do that and succeed as an artist.

Resources Mentioned, all in Australia

Organizations & Networks:

• Regional Arts Victoria
• Surf Coast Arts - Torquay

Venues & Creative Spaces:

• Ashmore Arts, Torquay
• Cowrie Market, Torquay

Projects & Artworks:

• Torquay Mosaic Sundial (1995) - Mark's first public art project
• Diamantina Shire Land Art, near Betoota
• Wildlife Collector Cards Project (2009-2014) - 135 A3-sized realistic paintings of local wildlife for Landcare

Publications:

• Bush Tails, The Quest - written by Ali Cork, illustrated by Mark Trinham

Music:

• Moonah (band) recently released fifth CD "Ghost Country" (EP). 
• Lucy and The Night Sky - Nine-piece band that Mark and his Moonah bandmates backed as supporting musicians.
• Nightjar Independent Arts Festival - Arts market with food vendors and live music

Contact & Portfolio:

• Instagram: @marktrinham - Mark's primary platform for current work updates and posts
• Facebook:

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At 73, Jon Younger has spent his career understanding how talent evolves—from HR executive at Exxon to business builder to independent advisor on the future of work and AI. 

In this conversation, Jon addresses the positioning challenge experienced professionals rarely voice: how do you justify premium rates when younger consultants cost less and AI handles routine knowledge work?

Jon explains why accumulated professional judgment creates diagnostic capabilities that remain valuable despite automation, how the traditional four-stage career model breaks down in the AI era, and what systematic business architecture independent practitioners need beyond corporate scaffolding. 

You'll learn specific frameworks for using AI as cognitive amplification rather than content generator, why freelancing requires treating your practice as genuine business rather than hobby, and how to maintain intellectual engagement while managing finite energy in later career stages.

This episode provides immediately applicable frameworks for positioning crystallised intelligence as competitive advantage, not obsolete experience.

Resources Mentioned
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
RBL Group (Robert Baker Lawrence Group)
Matt Mottola of Human Cloud on freelancing and future of work research
Outlier AI (owned by Scale AI)
Turing,
Brain Trust
Surge AI
Kaklachra
Mercor
ChatGPT Plus and Claude Pro
Gleicher's Formula for Change
Career Stages Model
The Hamming Question

Contact Jon Younger
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-younger-phd-57a41455/

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In our hyperconnected world, we respond to time scarcity by optimising, accelerating, and implementing more productivity systems. But what if the solution isn't doing more—it's doing less?

Mayumi Kataoka, a certified forest therapy guide based in Sydney, takes professionals on three-hour walks that cover barely 1.2 kilometers. Participants consistently report losing track of time and finding clarity they didn't know they were missing.

In this conversation, Mayumi shares her journey from IT professional and martial arts instructor to nature photographer to forest therapy guide, revealing how each phase built the observational capacity she now brings to her practice. She explains the science behind Shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing), why our genes expect natural environments, and how systematic sensory engagement creates measurable cognitive benefits.

Connect with Mayumi Kataoka

Website (Individual Practice): forestminds.com

Website (Collective): foresttherapycollectivensw.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/forestminds

Resources

"Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkerman Challenges conventional productivity by exploring life's brevity (4,000 weeks if you live to 80) and advocating for acceptance of limits.

"The Extended Mind" by Annie Murphy Paul Examines how thinking extends beyond the brain through tools, environments, and bodies.

"The Distracted Mind" by Adam Gazzaley and Larry D. Rosen Explores how modern technology fragments attention and reduces cognitive performance.

Organizations

Japanese Forest Therapy Society Original institution developing Shinrin-yoku practices, maintaining certified sites throughout Japan, and supporting global research into forest bathing benefits.

International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance Provides forest therapy guide certification and research. Based in Melbourne.

Key Concepts

Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing): Japanese therapeutic nature immersion practice backed by 40 years of research.

Biophilia Hypothesis: E.O. Wilson's theory that humans have innate tendencies to connect with nature, evolved over 2 million years.

4E Cognition: Understanding cognition

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When Anna Burgess Yang was diagnosed with a brain tumor just weeks before surgery, her three years of systematic business building became the difference between collapse and continuity. In this conversation, Anna shares how strategic financial planning, smart automation systems, and operational frameworks allowed her FinTech writing business to run for two months without her active involvement. She reveals the specific tools, workflows, and thinking that transformed her solo practice from vulnerable to resilient—from Zapier automations that generated social media content to the financial buffers that eliminated money stress during recovery. This episode offers practical guidance on building sustainable solo businesses through emergency planning, automation architecture, and strategic tool selection. Essential listening for any professional concerned about the precariousness of independent work.

Resources Mentioned

Automation and Productivity Tools:

• Zapier - Automation platform connecting apps and workflows (most expensive tool Anna uses but saves significant time) https://zapier.com
• Make.com - Alternative automation platform mentioned by Nigel as more affordable for non-US users https://www.make.com
• Airtable - Database platform for tracking client work and content library https://airtable.com
• Trello - Project management and content planning tool https://trello.com
• Buffer - Social media scheduling platform https://buffer.com
• ChatGPT Pro - AI tool for content generation and categorization https://openai.com/chatgpt
• Canva - Graphics creation tool https://canva.com
• Loom - Video recording and sharing platform https://loom.com

Note-Taking and Knowledge Management:

• Reflect - Note-taking app Anna uses (Obsidian competitor with bidirectional linking) https://reflect.app
• Obsidian - Free note-taking app mentioned by Nigel https://obsidian.md

Business and Accounting:

• Google Workspace - Email and productivity sui

Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au

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At 74, a routine phone call during COVID changed everything for Dr. Michael Best. After 50 years practicing medicine, he discovered the endocannabinoid system—a biological network in every human body that he'd never learned about in medical school. Now 80, he's writing a scientific book on the topic while mastering AI tools, Obsidian, and Zotero, proving that intellectual challenge sustains cognitive vitality rather than diminishing it. 

In this conversation, Michael reveals why mainstream medicine ignores what patients experience, how accumulated expertise transforms technology from threat to strategic advantage, and why serendipity combined with professional curiosity creates meaningful work beyond traditional retirement. This is essential listening for anyone questioning whether it's too late to learn something complex, pivot careers, or take on ambitious intellectual projects in later life.

Resources Mentioned

• Dr. Michael Best's upcoming book: The Science Beneath Medicinal Cannabis
• Obsidian note-taking app: https://obsidian.md
• Zotero reference manager: https://www.zotero.org
• Claude AI: https://claude.ai (AI research assistant Michael uses)
• ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com (Initial AI tool Michael explored)
• Dr. Michael Best on LinkedIn: [would add link if provided]

Names Mentioned on This Podcast

Hazel Edwards (author, publisher, and Michael's mentor—Michael describes himself as one of her "Hazelnuts"), Luc P. Beaudoin (Canadian cognitive scientist on LinkedIn who discusses "cognitively potent tools")

Key Concepts Discussed

Endocannabinoid system, homeostasis, medicinal cannabis vs recreational cannabis, CBD and THC, pharmaceutical-grade cannabis, TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration - Australia), FDA (Food and Drug Administration - USA), telehealth, PTSD treatment, chronic pain management, anxiety and sleep disorders, ketamine therapy, epilepsy and seizure management, cancer treatment and chemotherapy-related nausea, ADHD, crystallized intelligence, extended mind theory, embodied cognition

Connect With Dr Michael Best on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-best-2b58

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Most career advice tells experienced professionals to modernize, rebrand, and compete with younger workers on their terms. Robert Vlach, who leads Europe's largest freelance community, says that's backwards.

In this three-hour deep dive—our longest episode ever—Robert explains why your "good name" built through decades of professional relationships is more valuable than any personal brand. This conversation fundamentally changed how I think about professional positioning for experienced professionals.

Key Topics Covered

• The "Good Name" vs Personal Branding: Why ancient reputation-building trumps modern marketing tactics
• The Independent Professional Identity: How to position yourself beyond freelancer labels
• Pattern Recognition Advantage: Why 20+ years of experience creates unbeatable market advantages
• Building Professional Reputation: From career capital to client magnet
• Pricing Your Expertise: Why experience commands premium rates
• The AI Advantage: How critical thinking separates you from younger competitors
• Essential Business Skills: What every independent professional must master

About Robert Vlach

Robert Vlach is the author of "The Freelance Way" and leader of Europe's largest freelance community, supporting over 250,000 Czech and Slovak professionals. He's built his expertise over 20+ years working with freelance communities and has become a leading voice on independent professional success in Europe.

Connect with Robert:

• Book: The Freelance Way (available via Harper Collins worldwide) https://freelanceway.eu/ or available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/9354893228/
• Community: Freelancing.eu - Europe's most comprehensive freelance resource directory
• Website: https://freelancing.eu/robertvlach/

We also have a YouTube version of this podcast found here: https://youtu.be/rvJfsV3nMBU?si=vA0uM2mG_7hHkLtb

Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au

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For many accomplished women, the sudden arrival of brain fog, fatigue, or memory loss can feel like a professional crisis, sparking fears of losing one's edge. But what if these challenges aren't a sign of burnout, but a solvable physiological issue? In this vital episode, Nigel Rawlins sits down with award-winning investigative science writer Amy Alkon, author of Going Menopostal. Amy pulls back the curtain on the shocking gap between medical science and practice in menopausal care. This is an essential guide to self-advocacy and a masterclass in managing menopause for cognitive vitality, empowering you to protect your most valuable asset—your mind—for a thriving career reinvention.

Resources Mentioned

• Amy Alkon's Book: Going Menopostal: What You and Your Doctor Need to Know About the Real Science of Menopause and Perimenopause
• Amy's website: https://www.amyalkon.net/
• Amy Alkon's subscriber list: Get updates from Amy at [email protected]
• Amy Alkon on LinkedIin: https://www.linedin.com/in/amy-alkon-286691/
  
  Names Mentioned on this podcast
  Scott Alexander, Zoe Harcombe, Mike Eades, Mary Dan Eades, Albert Ellis, Catherine Eban, Richard Dawkins, Maryanne Demasi, Amy Dresner, Epictetus, Freud, Dr. Helen (Helen Smith), Stephen King, Jack London, Carrington McDuffy, Jerilynn Prior, David Buss, Gary Taubs, Nina Teicholz, Rudy Voldman 

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If you’ve ever underlined a passage, bookmarked an idea, or highlighted something brilliant—only to forget it—this episode is for you.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Sönke Ahrens joins host Nigel Rawlins to show how to turn a lifetime of learning into real, shareable value. 

Sönke, best known for his book How to Take Smart Notes, shares how digital tools like Obsidian and Readwise can help professionals externalise their thinking, clarify their voice, and build a foundation for thought leadership.

This episode speaks directly to Wisepreneurs navigating career reinvention, writing, and solo work later in life—without getting overwhelmed by technology.

Resources Mentioned
How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens
Obsidian – Free note-taking tool used by Sönke
Readwise – Imports highlights from Kindle, web, and more
Zotero – Citation tool for researchers and writers

Connnect With Sönke Ahrens
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/soenkeahrens/
Website https://www.soenkeahrens.de/
How to Take Smart Notes with Obsidian
20% discount for Wisepreneurs listeners, which you can redeem with WISEPRENEURS (valid from now until the end of August, 2025)  https://smartnotes.teachable.com/p/how-to-take-smart-notes-in-obsidian

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This episode is a masterclass in career reinvention after 60. For professional women considering entrepreneurship, the path can seem filled with challenges, from overcoming age discrimination to navigating financial uncertainty. 

Nigel talks with LinkedIn expert and veteran solopreneur Sue Ellson to create a practical roadmap for success. 

Sue defines her "Geekster" identity—using technology to build a flexible career and reveals why your relationships are the most powerful asset you have to combat ageism and thrive. 

She offers actionable strategies for a resilient transition, including her "job for now" concept for financial security and how to launch your business with minimal cost using LinkedIn.

About Sue Ellson

Sue Ellson is a highly regarded Australian LinkedIn specialist, author, and career development practitioner known for her expertise in helping individuals and businesses leverage digital tools for growth. 

An independent consultant since 1994, she joined LinkedIn in 2003 and is recognised internationally as a leading expert on the platform. Sue is the author of five non-fiction books, including "Gigsters" and "LinkedIn for me and my career or business", and is passionate about empowering people of any age to build meaningful, independent careers.

Resources Mentioned

• Sue Ellson's Website: sueellson.com
• Sue Ellson's LinkedIn Profile:
   linkedin.com/in/sueellson 
• For Sue's books, see her website or researchgate.net

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