Transition With Purpose Podcast with Natalie Tran

A lot of professionals assume they’re not ready for a board role because they don’t have a C-suite title, an MBA or a network full of board chairs.

Some think they’re too young.

Others worry they’ve already missed their chance.

But MJ makes an important point:

The better question is not, “Do I look like a typical board candidate?”

It’s: "What specific value can I bring to a board?"

In our conversation, MJ shares three foundations for becoming board-ready:

→ Understand how boards actually work and how new directors are selected.

→ Define your unique value proposition at board level, rather than simply retelling your executive career story.

→ Build a professional brand that makes that value visible and easy to understand.

We also explore something I think more mid-career professionals should consider:

A board role doesn’t necessarily have to sit apart from your main career.

Positioned thoughtfully, it can complement your executive work, broaden your experience and become part of a much more intentional portfolio career.

MJ brings a particularly interesting perspective to this conversation.

His career spans corporate strategy, sustainability and business transformation across aviation, consulting and consumer goods. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at Global Green Company Limited and holds board and advisory roles across agriculture, manufacturing and healthcare. He also helps professionals land Board positions.

It’s a useful conversation for anyone who is board-curious but still wondering where to begin, what they have to offer, or whether they’re “ready enough” yet.

 

You can connect with MJ here...

Guest links:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckleinjaveri/

Other - https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled

 

Connect with Natalie...

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

If you need career and business support in your transition, book a free exploratory chat with me: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/discovery

Check out my Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

 

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Humanoid robots are no longer just science fiction, they're rapidly entering our workplaces, poised to redefine the future of work in ways many leaders haven't yet grasped. In this episode, David Pearce, founder of Our Robot Future, reveals how the next wave of AI-powered humanoids is transforming industries from healthcare to logistics and why organizational readiness is your biggest asset now.

Most importantly, you'll learn how leaders can shift from passive observers to proactive architects of this robotic revolution. Whether you're in executive leadership, HR, or innovation teams, this episode equips you with the mindset, frameworks, and resources to prepare for a future where robots walk into our workplaces and walk alongside us.

David Pearce is the Founder of Our Robot Future, an advisory and consulting practice helping enterprises prepare for humanoid robots and the future of work.

His career spans product development at Ford Motor Company, innovation leadership at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, and founding Our Robot Future to bring specialist expertise to a field moving faster than most organisations can track. David believes thoughtful adoption of humanoid robots will create better outcomes for organisations and the people they employ.

His mission: helping leaders move with clarity and confidence into the humanoid robot era.

You can connect with David here...

Guest links:

Website - www.ourrobotfuture.ai

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/davidpearce

Event (Showcase 22nd June 2026) - Humanoid Robot Showcase for Business Leaders: Melbourne

 

Connect with Natalie...

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

If you need career and business support in your transition, book a free exploratory chat with me: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/discovery

Check out my Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

 

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world obsessed with AI tools, automation, and efficiency, one critical asset is being overlooked - human IP.

In this episode, Natalie sits down with Ali Uren, founder of Kiikstart, to explore why organisations and professionals are unknowingly losing their most valuable intelligence and how to turn lived experience into a compounding advantage.

While knowledge is now abundant and easily accessible, experience, judgement, and adversity-driven insight remain uniquely human and increasingly valuable.

💡 What You’ll Learn
Why organisations are quietly losing competitive advantage through “knowledge evaporation”
What Human IP actually is and why it matters more than ever
The shift from traditional ROI to Return on Skills (ROS)
How the Circular Workplace™ transforms experience into lasting organisational intelligence
Why high-performing professionals often struggle to articulate their true value
The concept of Adversity Intelligence (AQ) and how to turn setbacks into strategic advantage

🔁 Key Themes

1. The AI Illusion
Most organisations are investing in tools — but overlooking the human capability required to create real value.

2. Experience Is Not Automatically an Asset
If it’s not captured, articulated, and leveraged — it disappears.

3. Return on Skills > Return on Investment
Future-ready careers and organisations will be measured by how effectively they compound capability, not just output.

4. Adversity as an Advantage
Setbacks, career pivots, and challenges can become your strongest differentiator — if positioned correctly.

⚡ Practical Takeaways
Start documenting your lived experience as assets, not just history
Build a “circular career” where every role compounds your advantage
Shift from listing skills → articulating outcomes, insights, and patterns
Use visibility (LinkedIn, content, conversations) to signal your Human IP

You can connect with Ali here...

Guest links:

Website - https://kickstart.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali

 

Guest resources:

Ali's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali
Kickstart Website - https://kickstart.com
Circular Workplace Framework - https://kickstart.com/circular-workplace
Adversity Intelligence Concept - https://kickstart.com/adversity-intelligence

 

Connect with Natalie...

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

If you need career and business support in your transition, book a free exploratory chat with me: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/discovery

Check out my Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

 

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Do you struggle with being seen as an authority in your field? You're not alone. 

Building expert authority isn’t just about credentials. It’s about connecting authentically with your audience and showcasing your unique value. 

In this insightful interview, Christine Blosdale, The Expert Authority Coach™, shares practical strategies for building authentic authority, overcoming imposter syndrome, and leveraging podcasting and AI to enhance visibility and credibility. Perfect for mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs looking to elevate their personal brand.

You can connect with Christine here...

Guest links:

Website - https://christineblosdale.com

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/christineblosdale

Podcast - https://christineblosdale.com/podcasts

 

Guest resources:

Christine Blosdale's Website - https://christineblosdale.com

Podcasting Resources by Christine Blosdale - https://christineblosdale.com/podcasts

AI Tools for Content Creation - https://chat.openai.com

Book: Building a Personal Brand - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=building+a+personal+brand

LinkedIn Profile of Christine Blosdale - https://linkedin.com/in/christineblosdale

 

Connect with Natalie...

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

If you need career and business support in your transition, book a free exploratory chat with me: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/discovery

Check out my Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

 

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of Season 4 for 2025 of the Transition with Purpose podcast, I sit down with Sam Silva, a digital and social media strategist and founder of Dusol Australia and My Vivid Melbourne. We discuss Sam's journey from facing an unexpected redundancy to launching his own social media agency, the importance of networking, and the challenges of adapting to a new country. Sam shares insights on building a personal brand, networking, the significance of mindset, and the core values that drive his business. The conversation also delves into DuSol's unique offerings for small to medium businesses and the evolving landscape of social media marketing. Sam's journey will inspire you to end 2025 strong with conviction that you can do it and to go out there and make it happen.

You can connect with Sam here...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nsamsilva/

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/dusolaus

https://www.instagram.com/myvividmelbourne/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuSolAus/

https://www.facebook.com/myvividmelbourne

Websites: https://dusol.com.au/ https://myvividmelbourne.com.au/

Connect with Natalie...

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

If you need career and business support in your transition, book a free exploratory chat with me: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/discovery

Check out my new Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my new Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

 

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In this episode, Sally-Anne (General Manager - Career Transition & Talent Management of Right Management Australia) shares her journey through various career transitions, emphasising the importance of connection, authenticity, and backing oneself in new roles. She reflects on her experiences in leadership, the challenges of change, and the significance of personal branding, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. The discussion also touches on overcoming fear in career moves and the evolving nature of leadership in the face of technological advancements.

You can connect with Sally-Anne here...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyanneblanshard/

 

Connect with Natalie...

If you need career and business support in your transition, book a free exploratory chat with me: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/discovery

Check out my new Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my new Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

 

 

 

 

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In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, many professionals find themselves at a crossroads, seeking meaningful transitions that align with their passions and values.  In this episode, Natalie sits down with Julius Schoenfeld, co-founder of Team Up Now, to unpack his journey from the finance world to leading a purpose-driven business.

Julius shares how his early career in accounting and finance gave him structure, but not fulfillment. What began as a practical path eventually led to a bigger question, what does meaningful work look like when stability is no longer enough?

We talk about the mindset shifts that helped him step away from traditional success and into entrepreneurship. He shares how Team Up Now was born out of a need for better outsourcing, one that values people, integration, and ethical growth.

Together, we explore:

• The moment he knew finance wasn’t his final path

• How he built a people-first approach to outsourcing

• Why sustainable growth starts with valuing your team

• What it takes to create alignment between skill, service, and impact

Julius’s story is a grounded reminder that every career transition starts with honesty, about what no longer fits and what kind of contribution you want to make next.

You can connect with Julius and Eiza, the co-founders of Team Up Now here....

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julius-schoenfeld/

Website: http://www.teamupnow.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliusschoenfeld

Eiza Fiel Tampus LinkedIn (Co-Founder) https://www.linkedin.com/in/eiza-fiel-tampus-20404756/?originalSubdomain=ph

Connect with Natalie...

If you need career and business support in your transition, book a free exploratory chat with me: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/discovery

Check out my new Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my new Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

 

 

 

 

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In this episode, Triin-Liis Treial shares her inspiring journey from moving countries to landing a government job to becoming a certified building biologist and now entrepreneur. She discusses the pivotal moments that led to her career transitions, including an injury that pushed her to pursue her passion. Triin-Liis emphasises the importance of mindset, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of knowing your 'why' in business. She also shares insights on networking, collaboration, and the evolution of her business, Chameleon Sand Candle, which focuses on environmentally friendly products.

Takeaways

• Triin-Liis transitioned from a government job to building biology.
• An injury served as a catalyst for her career change.
• Building biology allowed her to help people understand their home environments.
• Entrepreneurship requires a learner's mindset and adaptability.
• Chameleon Sand Candle emphasises environmental health and sustainability.
• Networking and collaboration are key to business growth.
• Knowing your 'why' is crucial for long-term success.
• Reinvention is necessary in business to stay relevant.
• Daily struggles are part of the entrepreneurial journey.

 

You can connect with Triin-Liis here....

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triin-liis-treial/

Website: https://chameleonsandcandle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triinliistreial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triinliistreial

 

Connect with Natalie...

If you need career and business support in your transition, book a free exploratory chat with me: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/discovery

Check out my new Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my new Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

 

 

 

 

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diana Nguyen shares her journey as a storyteller, comedian, MC, entrepreneur, dancer-influencer on LinkedIn with over 73k followers. She was named as the 2021 Top 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian of the year. She is a #JoyFool dancer who has spoken at conferences around the world including her first TedTalk in 2020 called "Joy is my Caffeine – JoyFool".

Diana has performed at Comedy Festivals around Australia, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Edinburgh and Los Angeles with shows including Phi and Me (4.5 stars Herald Sun), Chasing Keanu Reeves (4 stars TimeOut) and Naked (4.95 Stars Australia Times).

She is the co-creator of the first ever Vietnamese Australian family comedy web series called Phi and Me TV – 5 episodes are available now on [phiandme.tv](http://phiandme.tv/) – celebrating Vietnamese refugee migration to Australia and the hilarious trials of intergenerational family love.

Her business The Launch Off helps professionals, CEOs and creative share their work on a business platform.

Diana discusses the importance of joy in her life, the impact of art and performance, and how she navigated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Diana emphasizes the power of authenticity and connection in both personal and professional realms, and she reflects on the balance between motherhood and career. With exciting plans for her memoir and stand-up tour, Diana inspires listeners to embrace their stories and pursue their passions.

Takeaways:

• Diana emphasizes the importance of storytelling in personal and professional growth.
• Art and performance provided Diana with joy and a foundation for her career.
• Comedy is a challenging yet rewarding form of expression that requires resilience.
• COVID-19 forced many to pivot and adapt, leading to unexpected opportunities.
• Diana's 'Launch Off' initiative aims to empower others to share their stories.
• Going viral on LinkedIn opened new doors for Diana and showcased the power of video.
• Authenticity is a key advantage in connecting with audiences and clients.
• Women often face compromises in balancing career and motherhood, but strategic planning can help.
• Surrounding oneself with supportive people is crucial for growth and success.
• Diana is working on her memoir and plans to tour with her stand-up comedy.

 

You can connect with Diana here....

Website: www.diananguyen.com.au 

Instagram: realdiananguyen

Youtube: DianaNguyen

Facebook: realdiananguyen

Tik Tok: realdiananguyen

Email: [email protected]

 

Connect with Natalie...

Check out my new Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my new Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

 

 

 

 

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Natalie and String explore the journey of personal and professional growth, touching on pivotal life events, the importance of creativity, and the challenges of building a personal brand. String shares her experiences with resilience, navigating career choices, and the impact of her brother's passing on her drive to creating her own path. They discuss the significance of authenticity in branding, the challenges of visibility in today's digital landscape, and the lessons learned from personal experiences, including the journey into motherhood. The conversation concludes with valuable advice and insights into creating a sustainable content strategy.

Takeaways:

• Losing a loved one can drive you to create your own path.
• Resilience is built through personal challenges and experiences.
• Creativity is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Branding should focus on authenticity rather than polish.
• Traveling can be a transformative experience for self-discovery.
• Understanding your financial mindset is crucial for success.
• Visibility and influence are key in today's digital world.
• Personal branding should connect with your core theme.
• Overcoming fears around public speaking can enhance content creation.
• Building a supportive community is vital for growth.

You can connect with String at..

Website: stringstory.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stringstory/

Email: [email protected]

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/stringstory/?hl=en

 

Connect with Natalie...

Check out my new Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my new Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

 

 

 

 

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.