True Power

In this episode, I sit down with Mimi Nicklin, an internationally recognized bestselling author, award-winning founder, and thought leader in empathy-driven leadership. As the founder of Empathy Everywhere, Mimi has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between humanism and capitalism, creating workplaces where connection and understanding thrive. With expertise in listening-led leadership, psychological safety, and diversity and inclusion, Mimi’s work redefines how we think about leadership and empathy in modern organisations.

Mimi shares her transformative journey—from stepping into a daunting CEO role in Dubai to becoming a global advocate for empathy in business. We discuss the empathy deficit, how empathy impacts innovation, profits, and motivation, and why leaders need to prioritize connection and understanding in today’s fast-paced, high-stress environments. Mimi’s personal story of resilience, finding purpose, and building a movement around empathy is both inspiring and deeply practical.

Whether you’re a leader seeking to transform your team, an entrepreneur navigating challenges, or someone curious about the power of empathy in our lives, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advise.

Timestamps:
01:47 Mimi Nicklin's Background and Passion for Empathy
05:04 Defining Empathy vs. Intuition
08:21 Understanding the Empathy Deficit and Its Impact
13:33 Empathy in Leadership: Barriers and Misconceptions
19:30 Mimi’s Journey to Living Authentically
25:42 The Role of Self-Empathy in Leadership
32:18 Practical Tips for Cultivating Empathy

Links Mentioned:

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Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone.

I love suppporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good.

Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching

In this episode, I sit down with Cathy Duvel, a seasoned psychotherapist, coach, and facilitator with over 30 years in the leadership and development space. From introducing Time to Think to Australia in 2009, to her extensive work across Asia-Pacific, Cathy has devoted her career to helping individuals and teams activate their fullest potential. With expertise in the Enneagram, human synergy, and self-awareness practices, Cathy’s approach to leadership combines depth, authenticity, and a commitment to personal growth.

We explore the impact of the Thinking Environment—a powerful framework developed by Nancy Klein, designed to create the conditions for deep, impactful thinking. Cathy shares how this method has transformed not only her professional life but also her approach to parenting, relationships, and personal fulfillment. From her decision to break away from corporate expectations to her belief in living authentically, Cathy’s insights remind us of the importance of living true to ourselves and creating environments where others can thrive.

Whether you’re a leader, parent, or simply someone seeking a more meaningful approach to connection and communication, this episode offers practical tools and inspirational guidance for living and leading authentically.

Timestamps:
01:47 Cathy Duvel's Background and Experience
02:52 Discovering the Enneagram
05:16 Introduction to Time to Think
13:10 Implementing the Thinking Environment
25:13 Living Authentically
40:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links Mentioned:

Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone.

I love suppporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good.

Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching 

In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Maude, founder of Fire Up Skills and a champion for women’s success in the Age of AI. With an impressive background working in Digital Transformation for large companies like Unilever, Sainsbury’s, and Diageo, Hannah shares her journey of navigating the corporate landscape while keeping her focus on purpose and people. Now on a mission to help women excel in a future powered by AI and technology, Hannah discusses her vision for a digitally empowered society and how women, whether from tech or non-tech backgrounds, can lead this transformation.

We dive deep into Hannah’s work at Fire Up Skills, her commitment to making digital knowledge accessible, and the practical strategies she uses to help women integrate AI and digital tools into their lives. Hannah also reflects on her own growth from “fitting the mold” to leading authentically, sharing insights from her podcast Fire and Forte, where she has interviewed 40 inspiring women over 40. This episode is a rich resource for those seeking to redefine career growth in the digital age, leveraging technology to drive impact and embracing authenticity to build a fulfilling career path.

Timestamps:
00:02:09 The Journey to Fire Up Skills
00:05:00 The Role of AI in Unlocking Potential
00:09:30 Practical Ways to Use AI
00:27:21 Lessons in Authentic Leadership
00:35:00 Building Cultures of Support and Innovation
00:48:00 Final Thoughts on Being True to Yourself

Links Mentioned:

Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone.

I love suppporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good.

Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching 

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Evarts, founder of Prefixer, who shares his inspiring journey from a shy, newly arrived migrant in Australia to a leader passionate about community, connection, and self-expression. Mark reflects on the impact of his childhood experiences, embracing challenges without prior experience, and his personal revelation about living authentically. He discusses the importance of bringing our true selves to work and fostering environments where others feel safe to do the same.

Join us to hear Mark’s insights on trust, transformation, and building resilience in today’s world.

Timestamps:

Links Mentioned:

Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone.

I love suppporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good.

Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching 

In this episode of True Power, Fiona Walsh, a mindset coach and mentor, who supports senior leaders and entrepreneurs in breaking free from limiting beliefs and self-doubt. Fiona shares her unique journey of leaving the corporate world and launching her own coaching practice, where she helps individuals reconnect with their true selves. The conversation explores Fiona's coaching methodologies, blending neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and intuitive practices to guide clients towards a more fulfilling and grounded life. Fiona also discusses her personal experiences, such as raising three children in Canada and navigating her own transformation from corporate life to living in alignment with her values.

Timestamps: 
02:12 - Fiona's Background: From Melbourne to Vancouver
05:01 - Fiona’s Coaching Methodology and Toolkit
09:20 - The Power of Combining Multiple Modalities in Coaching
14:08 - Realising When You're Not True to Yourself
18:45 - The Impact of Self-Abandonment in the Workplace
22:30 - Balancing Leadership and Motherhood
30:17 - Discovering Your True Values
37:05 - Breaking the Cycle of People-Pleasing
45:23 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

Links Mentioned:

Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone.

I love suppporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good.

Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching 

In this episode of True Power, we’re joined by Jo Bowles a former lawyer and risk management executive who transitioned into coaching and mentoring. Jo shares her experiences of leaving behind the corporate world, motivated by a longing to explore her true self beyond job titles and salary packages. She talks about her year-long sabbatical, during which she engaged in ocean swimming, pottery, and other creative pursuits to reconnect with her inner self. The conversation delves into the physical and mental challenges of living authentically, the importance of aligning with one's values, and how Jo assists others in finding their path when they feel stuck. Jo also highlights her work as a telephone crisis supporter and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and compassion.

Timestamps:

02:51 Jo's Leap of Faith

05:02 Discovering Joy in Simple Things

06:47 The Challenge of Decompression

09:38 Embracing Creativity and Imperfection

12:18 The Importance of Inner Work

24:12 Listening to Your Body

32:23 Living Authentically

34:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links mentioned in this episode:

Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone.

I love suppporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good.

Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching 

In this episode of True Power, we’re joined by Hajira Shaheen, a passionate learning designer, coach, consultant, and design thinker. The conversation delves into Shaheen's dedication to designing human-centered learning programs while highlighting her commitment to inclusion and amplifying marginalised voices.

Shaheen shares her personal experiences, including the challenges of navigating name protocols in Australia, her love of improvisation, and her approach to facilitating truly inclusive and equitable spaces.

The discussion also touches on systemic issues contributing to disempowerment and offers practical strategies for leaders seeking to foster more inclusive environments. It’s a compelling conversation about authenticity, identity, and the true meaning of equity in the workplace.

Timestamps:

About the guest:

Shaheen is a long-term learning designer, coach, consultant, facilitator and design thinker. Through Ta’leem consulting she works with leaders and teams in designing and delivering learning programs that are truly human centered. She is passionate about inclusion as a way of empowering voices that are traditionally marginalised. And uses a variety of cognitive tools to enable that. 

What really fills her cup is using all of her skills to make a difference in the world. She is committed to working with leaders in the social impact environment, leveraging her diverse skill set to upskill teams and align leaders with their purpose.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to go it alone.

I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good.

Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching  

In this episode of True Power, we’re joined by Shalimar Abago, the National Manager of People and Culture at Workways Australia. In this episode we dive into the significance of authenticity in leadership, the impacts of psychological safety in the workplace, and the balance between humility and confidence. Shalimar shares his professional mission to create a better world of work and speaks candidly about his own experiences with cognitive and emotional dissonance when unable to live by his values. The discussion touches on the importance of evidence-based approaches in fostering employee well-being, the concepts of positive psychology, and practical strategies for leaders to model authentic and inclusive behavior.

Timestamps:

01:30 Shalimar's Professional Background
03:10 The Importance of Authenticity in the Workplace
04:20 Positive Psychology and Well-being
06:13 Challenges of Leadership and Authenticity
10:17 Leadership Styles and Authenticity
15:20 Struggles with Authenticity in Leadership
16:23 Impact on Personal Life and Wellbeing
17:26 Realising the Need for Change
21:07 Psychological Safety and Authenticity
23:25 The Importance of Embodied Practice
28:05 Leadership Principles: Safety and Stretch
29:36 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

About the guest:

Shalimar Abago is an energetic and passionate HR leader dedicated to transforming organisations,  fostering inclusion and building high-performing cultures. He is currently serving as the National Manager - People and Culture at Workways Australia. Workways is a non-for-profit organisation that’s been operating for 30 years. Their mission is to deliver employment, youth and environmental services across Eastern Australia. Shalimar's career journey encompasses time spent in roles focussed on leadership development, employee engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is a leader who is passionate for creating a better world of work. 

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Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to go it alone.

I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good.

Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching 

In this episode of True Power, host Cassie welcomes Gill McLaren, the CEO and founder of Syntegrate.

Drawing from her extensive corporate experience, particularly her 20 years at Coca-Cola, Gill shares insights from her book, 'Think, Plan, Live,' and introduces the concept of 'uniqology'—the art and science of each person's unique life fingerprint.

Gill elaborates on the six steps to designing a life congruent with one's core values, the power of curiosity, and the importance of understanding uniqueness in the workplace.

The conversation delves into personal experiences, strategies for identifying and optimising individual strengths, and practical tips for navigating career and life challenges.

Timestamps:

01:54 Gill's Career Journey and Syntegrate
05:06 The Concept of Unicology
06:21 Discovering Your Unique Life Fingerprint
12:10 Implementing Uniqology in Teams and Organizations
18:53 The Six Steps to Uncovering Your Uniqueness
24:16 Connecting the Dots: Simplifying Life's Patterns
25:02 The Power of a Comprehensive Framework
25:54 Designing a Life True to Yourself
26:52 Navigating Career Highs and Lows
27:56 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Adaptability
31:17 Curiosity in Personal and Professional Growth
39:23 Realisng the Need for Change
42:26 Encouragement for Embracing Uniqueness
45:21 Practical Steps for Life Design
48:01 Final Thoughts and Resources

About the guest:

Gill McLaren is an accomplished executive leader, innovator, speaker, consultant, and coach. She is the CEO and Founder of Syntegrate, an organisation that blends strategy, consultancy, and coaching to solve significant problems and create impactful solutions. Before founding Syntegrate, Gill held executive leadership positions at Coca-Cola across the UK, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore, focusing on General Management, Strategic Planning, and Marketing. Gill is also the author of Think Plan Live, a book offering a practical framework for designing a fulfilling life in six simple steps.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to got it alone.

I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good.

Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching  

In this episode of True Power, Cassandra engages in an enlightening conversation with Julie Hyde, a seasoned leadership coach, keynote speaker, resilience expert, and podcaster. Julie shares her journey from corporate senior leader to author of two books, discussing the importance of authentic leadership, resilience, and prioritising what's truly important. She candidly talks about overcoming personal and professional challenges, including her journey with cancer and the need to shed inauthentic personas to become a more effective leader. The discussion highlights practical strategies for leaders to align with their true selves and build a supportive and respectful team culture.

Timestamps:

00:17 Julie's Background and Career Journey
02:06 The Evolution of Leadership
03:21 The Concept of Busyness
06:02 Julie's Latest Book: You Always Have a Choice
07:25 The Crystal, Rubber, and Concrete Balls Analogy
12:02 Navigating Friendships and Priorities
14:43 The Importance of Authentic Leadership
16:32 Julie's Personal Story of Authenticity
25:52 Challenges of Being Liked as a Leader
34:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About the guest:

Julie Hyde is a disruptor and powerful enabler dedicated to helping leaders achieve significant results through expert strategies, integrity, and experience. As a consultant, executive coach, speaker, and author, Julie focuses on modern leadership success, emphasising the importance of aligning business and people priorities. She has transformed large businesses, driven team sales, and empowered leaders to become game-changing role models. Julie's mission is to bring humanity back to leadership and create high-performance cultures where everyone feels valued. Her approach is holistic and future-facing, driven by her own life-changing experiences.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Authentic leadership is tricky business, but you don't have to go it alone.

I love supporting leaders to stay connected to their deepest selves so they can activate their highest potential and serve the greatest good.

Learn about my coaching packages here: https://www.self-fidelity.com/coaching