Listen in as Brett shares his personal and professional journey, including his teaching experience and his role as an HP Education Ambassador. He described an artwork created by Indigenous artist Melissa Barton (that you can see is his screen background) that represents the Australian education system and HP's educational vision for Australia.

We discus the different types of screen time and its impact on education that is very topical here across media and government policy makers. Brett emphasized the need to differentiate between productive and recreational screen time, highlighting the importance of using technology to enhance learning rather than simply entertain. We also touch on the evolving nature of education and the need to maintain focus on core values and purposes. Brett shared an example from Korea, known as the "wild geese," where students are sent abroad for education, highlighting the perceived quality of education in countries like Australia.

We focus in on the Australian education system's values and the importance of focusing on clear educational goals rather than chasing trends or technology fads. Brett emphasized the need to understand the purpose of AI within education, framing it as a tool under the broader umbrella of cybernetics that serves human needs.

We also discussed the future of learning environments, drawing parallels between ancient learning spaces and modern technology. We explored the concept of "campfire caves, mountaintops, and holodecks" as metaphors for different learning spaces, where it is essential that the importance of balancing technology with human-centered education is forefront.

Brett's recent initiative, the Wattle Vision, involved gathering CIOs from 16 Australian universities to create a collective vision statement for the role of technology in higher education over the next 20 years. The vision focuses on creating relationship-rich environments and experiences for students, emphasizing a human-centered approach. Brett spent two years working with industry experts, including HP, Microsoft, Intel, and Adobe, to develop this vision and has now returned to execute the 13 action items outlined in the plan.

Thriving Matters podcast has just celebrated 150 episodes with 'ordinary gals and guys who are doing extraordinary things in life and work' with more to come!

If you enjoyed this episode with Brett, we would appreciate you subscribing and spreading it around your colleagues, family and friends.

Brett is a champ, who deeply loves his leadership work in educational across the globe!

To Connect with Brett:

LI: linkedin.com/in/salakas

URL: salakas.live

EMAIL: [email protected]

To Connect with Carrie:

LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet

URL: carriebenedet.com 

Email: [email protected]

Our guest is Renata Bernarde, a career coach, who works with clients seeking new jobs or career advancement through her self-agency approach, as well as teaching at Monash University, Melbourne.  

Listen in as we explore the importance of creativity and wellbeing in professional coaching, Renata sharing her experience of working remotely while traveling and how she creates a calming environment for clients through her art-filled background. They explored how background aesthetics can influence client perception during online interviews, with Renata emphasizing the importance of carefully choosing virtual backgrounds to reflect executive presence.

Renata shared her journey into coaching, highlighting her natural coaching personality and past experiences in career counseling and corporate roles. She emphasized her expertise in job searching and career planning, explaining how her extensive client base and research inform her approach.

We discuss strategies for dealing with micromanagement in the workplace, emphasizing job crafting and self-reflection as ways to improve job satisfaction and career alignment. The importance of self-awareness and professional self-expression, particularly in job searches, and noted a growing awareness of wellbeing in the corporate world post-pandemic.

We also discussed the challenges and opportunities of remote and hybrid work environments, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and leadership adaptability. The need for leaders to upskill in managing remote teams, fostering a sense of belonging, and leveraging tools like LinkedIn for visibility and networking is also covered.

If you have enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and share with family, friends and colleagues.

To Connect with Renata:

LI: linkedin.com/in/renatabernarde

URL: renatabernarde.com/ 

EMAIL: [email protected]

To Connect with Carrie:

LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet

URL: carriebenedet.com 

Email: [email protected]

Our guest this conversation is none other than Summer Howarth, highly experienced and recognised educator and thriving leader here in Australia being recently acknowledged locally and globally for her skilled contribution.

We hope you share this with other family, friends and colleagues as education is everyone's business particularly as global societies need to prepare their students for balancing life, work, and personal goals in the future.

Listen in as we explore the importance of building expertise over time and the value of diverse experiences in education and current challenges especially in a time when AI and social media is very topical.

Summer discussed the evolution of mapping technology from traditional methods to modern GPS systems, drawing parallels to the current rise of AI and expressed concerns about the potential over-reliance on technology and the need for critical thinking skills, particularly in the context of AI. We agreed on the importance of engaging young people and educators in conversations about AI, emphasizing the need for guardrails and considerations in its use. Summer also highlighted the necessity of a rights-based participation approach when addressing new technologies and challenges.

We also covered the importance of considering children's views in decision-making processes, emphasizing partnership and collaboration with young people, expressed support for social media bans if implemented in a consultative manner, noting that young people often view them positively.

We explored how technology and access to devices can enhance autonomous learning, while acknowledging equity issues and the importance of place-based, generational, and narrative learning methods. Summer emphasized the role of young people in education and the need to develop technologies that support collaborative learning environments.

You may also be interested in our thoughts on the evolving role of schools and classrooms, the importance of intergenerational learning and creating meaningful, joyful experiences for students. We explored how AI could potentially streamline tasks like scheduling and record-keeping, while also raising concerns about misinformation and the need for human oversight.

Leadership is dear to us both, particularly Middle Leaders and the role of schools in fostering civic participation and digital literacy.

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you subscribe for our ongoing Education and Wellness focus.

To Connect with Summer:

LI: linkedin.com/in/summerhowarth

URL: eventfullearning.co/ 

EMAIL: [email protected]

To Connect with Carrie:

LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet

URL: carriebenedet.com 

Email: [email protected]

Our guest this episode is David Montgomery, affectionately known as 'Monty'. We dived right into thriving in life and work, with David sharing his usual morning routine of gym and meditation, being agile and maintaining a routine that can adapt to changes. Another 'ordinary guy doing extraordinary things in life and work!"

Listen in to David story, his 20-year career in the construction industry and his focus on supporting both management and front-line workers. He highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and support in the construction industry, emphasizing the value of recognizing and respecting personal growth and evolution.

David shares his belief that CEOs and leaders should lead by example and support their staff, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and building strong relationships within the workplace. He discussed the value of mentoring and learning from others, as well as the impact of positive leadership on both staff morale and business success.

We talked communication and conflict management in construction projects to improve productivity and workplace culture, and the need for tools and skills to address conflicts, especially in multicultural and multilingual settings.

David introduced his concept of "prehab" - a preventative approach to address issues before they escalate, and we both agreed on the importance of adapting workplace programs to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.

David also explained the components of his latest program - 'Watchwell' which includes Genos International assessments, mental health first aid training, and modules on emotional intelligence competencies, a pulse-check survey system to monitor employee well-being that provides data for leadership teams.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with your friends and colleagues.

To Connect with David:

LI: linkedin.com/in/davidwmontgomery

URL: watchwell.com.au (Personal)

EMAIL: [email protected]

To Connect with Carrie:

LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet

URL: carriebenedet.com 

Email: [email protected]

Our guest this episode is Wendy Watson who shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting with her upbringing in a family of business owners and her transition from corporate accounting to massage therapy and coaching after losing her job during the 2009 recession. She described her decision to move from Phoenix to Colorado Springs in 2021, where she built a new business and became involved in various community organizations.

Listen in as we discuss personal growth and self-discovery, with Wendy sharing her journey through significant life changes including two divorces and the loss of a child, which led her to redefine her identity and relationships. They explored how people can evolve their understanding of themselves and their beliefs, noting that emotional intelligence and self-awareness are crucial for leading both oneself and others. Wendy emphasized the importance of examining and redefining personal traits, particularly those inherited from family, and how this process can improve relationships.

We used a process for exploring relationships, by identifying the first six words that come to mind about a relationship without judgment. Wendy explained that these words reveal underlying operating patterns, and she uses a combination of intuition, energy work, and tailored coaching approaches to help clients improve their relationships.

Wendy also shared that she is an author and speaker, having written "Beyond the Blueprint" and created resources like "Taconomics" and "The 7 Essential Relationships," and she invites listeners to visit her website at TBR Spiritual Health for more information.

If you enjoyed this episode with Wendy, subscribe and share with others whom you know may benefit from the conversation. Remember... your are precious and your #thrivingmatters.

To Connect with Wendy:

LI: linkedin.com/in/wendywatson-tbr

URL: tbrspiritualhealth.com/ (Company)

EMAIL: [email protected]

To Connect with Carrie:

LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet

URL: carriebenedet.com 

Email: [email protected]

In this podcast episode of Thriving Matters, Carrie and Serena Low discuss the link between wellbeing and leadership in these uncertain times.

Listen in as Serena shares her daily wellness routine, which includes 10 push-ups and yoga, and her goal to run 5 kilometers without stopping. We talked about Serena's background as a lawyer and how she grew up following a strict academic and career path in Singapore. Serena explained that in her culture, family honor and academic success were very important, leading her to pursue a prestigious career in law.

In Serena's transition journey, her vision of being in a "golden cage" motivated her to leave her comfortable job in Singapore after 11 years of practice. She took time off to recover from a miscarriage and later moved to Melbourne, where she had to rebuild her life and career from scratch in a new cultural environment.

Serena discussed her journey from being an introvert to becoming a podcast host, highlighting how she overcame her reluctance to speak. We also discussed the challenges faced by introverts in workplace meetings dominated by extroverted voices and proposed strategies for them to be heard without acting extroverted. Serena emphasized the importance of finding allies and positioning oneself to get noticed, while also advocating for inclusive communication practices. Serena defined introversion and extroversion on a spectrum, highlighting the context-dependent nature of these traits and the need for self-awareness.

If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to subscribe and share with your people. Go gently, your thriving matters!

To Connect with Serena:

LI: linkedin.com/in/serena-low

URL: serenalow.com.au 

Email: [email protected]

To Connect with Carrie:

LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet

URL: carriebenedet.com 

Email: [email protected]

Our guest is Mary M'Mukindia, an absolutely beautiful person inside and out!

A quick heads up - Mary and I are connected through the Genos International community and were together last year in Bangkok which was such a delight. We did have a few wifi wobbles between Kenya and Sydney!

Listen in as Mary opens up about her own journey of self-discovery, shedding her professional mask and embracing vulnerability. We discuss the importance of sharing personal stories to build connection and understanding. Thriving does matter!

Mary explains how her training in emotional intelligence has transformed her approach to leadership, where the importance of our self-awareness, empathy, and people-centric skills is essential for wellbeing and leadership. We also explore how emotional intelligence can help leaders navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.

Of course we discuss the evolving global landscape of wellbeing and leadership where self-care, grace and a focus on vision and people can be complimented by embracing new technologies while maintaining a human-centric approach where AI can enhance productivity and free up time for more meaningful work.

We conclude our conversation by celebrating the power of community, curiosity, and creativity to drive positive change.

If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to subscribe and share with your people. Go gently, your thriving matters!

To Connect with Mary:

LI: linkedin.com/in/marymmukindia-leadership-coach

Email: [email protected]

To Connect with Carrie

LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet

URL: carriebenedet.com 

Email: [email protected]

Listen in as Daniel and I discuss 'thriving matters' in an education context. It was so good to have this conversation about the direct link between wellbeing and leadership - I do hope you enjoy this.

Daniel shared his journey from being an educator to working in corporate communications and returning back to teaching, highlighting his experiences in diverse communities and the challenges of burnout. He emphasized the importance of exceptional leadership in his career and reflected on personal growth through various roles. Daniel's story underscores the rewards and challenges of teaching, as well as the value of pursuing one's passion despite setbacks.

Daniel shared his personal insights gained from six months of corporate work to finding fulfillment in his education career that allows him to make a positive impact on young people and the community. He emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with the right people and supporting them to collaborate towards a common direction. Daniel also discussed how he learned to focus on the big picture rather than sweating the small stuff, and the need for self-care and a personal plan to maintain well-being in the demanding role of an educator.

We focused in on Daniel's thriving strategies at MLC School, including the display of student artwork and team-building activities like morning tea with gratitude shout-outs. His approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of having a good team, building trust, and maintaining a balance between operational and strategic focus through structured meetings like the Square Table and Round Table meetings are simple and consistently effective.

In 2024 Daniel attended Oxford University's high performance leadership program, which was a pivotal moment in his personal and professional life. He was selected for this week-long residential course after his principal encouraged him to pursue something outside his usual sector. Daniel gained valuable insights into global leadership and visited schools in London during his time in the UK. The program brought together leaders from 23 different countries, providing Daniel with unique opportunities for learning and connection.

We also discussed the relationship between leadership and employee well-being, citing research from Oxford that showed a 60% improvement in employee health when they feel valued by leaders. We explored how feedback is crucial for leaders to provide, both to their teams and to seek themselves for improvement. The conversation concluded with Daniel emphasizing that future leadership must remain person-centered, even as AI and remote work change the learning environment, and Carrie noting the importance of educating young people about AI while developing their critical thinking skills.

If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to subscribe and share with your people. Go gently, your thriving matters!

To Connect with Daniel:

LI: linkedin.com/in/daniel-sandral-947b5131

EMAIL: [email protected]

To Connect with Carrie

LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet

URL: carriebenedet.com 

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Thriving Matters, our guest Eva Vennari discussed her journey of self-discovery and healing from chronic illnesses, including chronic fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, depression, fibromyalgia, and infertility.

She shared how she initially sought medical help but was unsatisfied with the results and decided to take matters into her own hands. Eva discovered a method called mineral balancing, which provided her with a blueprint for supplementation and dietary care. She experienced significant improvements in her physical health, including the reversal of perimenopause symptoms.

Carrie and Eva discussed the impact of various factors on their emotional and cognitive well-being. They acknowledged the influence of toxic metals, nutrient balances, and economic pressures on their lives. They also touched upon the growing trend of seeking a spiritual side of life and the flexibility in work-life balance. Eva emphasized the importance of discerning one's values and identity, using her own experiences as examples. They concluded by acknowledging the need for self-exploration and the role of significant life events in shaping their identities.

We also discussed the impact of Covid on work and personal lives. Eva shared her experience of adapting to the new normal, emphasizing the importance of self-care and listening to one's body. She described her daily routine, which includes various modalities, regular eating and hydration, and scheduling downtime. Carrie agreed with Eva's approach, drawing parallels with surfing and the need for mindfulness in daily activities.

I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation as I hope you do too. Don't forget to share the love with your friends, colleagues and family and subscribe so you don't miss our thriving 'ordinary gals and guys who are doing extraordinary things in life and work!'

Go gently, you are precious!

To Connect with Eva:

LI: linkedin.com/in/reducemystresseva

URL: TheElevateInstitute.com (Company)

Email: [email protected]

To connect with Carrie:

LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet

URL: carriebenedet.com (Company)

Email: [email protected]

This episode my guest Breanna May discusses her love of how emotional intelligence has become the superpower in her personal and professional journey to date.

A law degree didn't fulfil Breanna's inner quest and she moved into education. Working as a teenage mindset coach Breanna helped teenage girls navigate high school socially, emotionally, and academically. She noticed that the girls' emotional state and mindset had a significant impact on their academic performance. Breanna then expanded her work to include mother-daughter retreats and coaching women, as she believed that many people were not taught emotional intelligence and were instead taught to suppress their emotions.

Listen in as we discuss the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in personal and professional development; the need for our youth adolescents to be courageous and confident in their actions, and the importance of balancing mental and emotional well-being.

Breanna shared her experiences with her Mind School certification program and her Level Up Your Life online course, which focus on emotional intelligence and personal growth. They also touched on the impact of social media and technology on modern society and the need for individuals to be more mindful and present in their daily lives.

We also covered the need for updated leadership styles that prioritize integrity, emotional regulation, and collaboration, leaders walking with their people and leading by example, being adaptable and open to change, as well as the importance of considering the well-being of both the leader and their team.

Breanna plans to open a business mastermind for coaches and leaders, and her podcast, which has reached 200,000 downloads. They also discussed the need for self-directed and self-motivated individuals in the current business landscape.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share with your family, friends and colleagues. We all like a little bit of LOVE!

To Connect with Breanna:

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanna-may-086765330/

URL: https://www.breannamay.com/the-mind-school-method/

Email: [email protected]

To connect with Carrie:

LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet

URL: carriebenedet.com (Company)

Email: [email protected]