It’s time to debunk one of the biggest myths of modern life: we should all be striving for work-life balance.

You might be curious as to how I could pooh-pooh such a sensationalised idea. Yes, work-life balance is a concept that’s been held up high, glittering as the ultimate key to happiness. It promises a neat, tidy split between work and life. 

But let me ask you something—when was the last time life felt genuinely balanced? If you're anything like me—or indeed like anyone living in the whirlwind that is the 21st century—it probably hasn't felt balanced at all. But here's the kicker: that's not due to your failure. It's because balance is a myth.

Let’s unpack why this idea of balance isn’t as effective as it seems, explore why chasing it leaves us weary and frustrated and—most importantly—discuss what we can do instead. 

We’ll discuss finding integration rather than balance, getting clear on which tasks to prioritise and practical steps towards living with intention. 

I implore you to be kind to yourself. Remember, life isn’t about perfectly balancing every facet. It’s about aligning your work and life with intention, cherishing what matters and honouring your unique rhythm.

So go ahead and take a moment today to embrace intentional living, designing it in a way that aligns with who you are and what you value most.

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In a world where perfection is often prized above all, stepping away from this relentless pursuit can feel daunting. 

As professionals, we frequently don a suit of polished excellence, striving to meet the myriad expectations placed upon us. But what if I told you that imperfection could be your greatest asset? 

This idea is at the heart of my recent conversation with Louise Gibson, a beacon of imperfect leadership and the founder of With Verve. Her deeply personal journey has inspired many to rethink what it means to lead genuinely and effectively in today's world.

A former corporate executive navigating the demands of a high-stakes career and family life, Louise faced a life-altering moment that made her reconsider everything. Imagine receiving a call that your child is in the ER, while you're on the other side of the country. 

For Louise, this moment was a catalyst for redefining her own approach to leadership—showing her that striving to be everything to everyone was untenable. She realised that her pursuit of perfection was more of a hindrance than a help. She now helps purpose-led leaders embrace their imperfections and lead with truth, connection and authenticity.

Through our conversation, Louise unearths three transformative ideas that serve as a guide to embracing imperfect leadership:

1. Truth: Stories We Tell Ourselves
2. Things: Embracing Our Perfectly Imperfect Selves
3. Tribe: Who We Surround Ourselves With

I invite you to consider where in your life you could benefit from embracing your own imperfections. What would it look like for you to pause, reflect and engage with your most authentic self? Imperfect leadership may just be the key to unlocking the potential within yourself and those around you.

I hope Louise’s story and insights provoke you to adopt a mindset where imperfection is not a flaw but a powerful tool for connection and progress. Let’s celebrate our unique journeys, and continue pushing against the tide of societal perfection.

If you'd like further inspiration, Louise's "Fess Up Friday" on LinkedIn is a terrific place to start. Embrace who you are, warts and all, to lead the way forward!

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: [email protected] 

Connect with Louise:

Website: https://withverve.com.au/about/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/with-verve/ 

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Success in leadership and business. What does it actually look like? And what’s the key to achieving it? 

As leaders or entrepreneurs, we’re constantly seeking strategies to enhance our productivity, innovation and satisfaction, both in our personal and professional lives. We commonly believe that working ourselves into the ground and forging ahead no matter what hits us will get us there.

But what if there was a better, more holistic way to not only achieve success, but define it? I had the pleasure of exploring this idea with Repa Patel, a leadership expert who blends neuroscience, positive psychology and mindfulness to create impactful change.

In our conversation, Repa reveals why starting with purpose or even starting with your ‘why’ isn't enough to drive true success. Together, we explore the deeper framework for unlocking joy and fulfillment - one that combines purpose, prosperity, pleasure and freedom. 

Repa also challenges the myth of resilience, showing why trying to be the rock in tough times can actually hold you back, and how becoming the river helps you adapt and thrive. She shares a powerful exercise to reflect more deeply on how we move through the world, to unlock meaningful change in our lives and our leadership. 

As we strive to lead with intention, Repa’s wisdom provides a roadmap not just for achieving success, but for crafting a meaningful life rich with impact.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with intention and create lasting impact and legacy. 

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: [email protected] 

Connect with Repa: 

Website: https://leadingmindfully.com.au/

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

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Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by work commitments, squeezing precious family time into the leftover spaces of your calendar? 

You're definitely not alone. As we wrap up another year and look forward to the fresh opportunities of the next, I want to share with you a transformational approach to planning—a method I've been honing that prioritises life first, then business. 

This isn't just a shift from chaotic busyness to purpose and intention; it's about creating a sustainable business that complements your life rather than competes with it. So, if you've ever felt like your calendar is dictating your life, let’s look at some practical ways you can create a business and life by design.

I’ll take you through the vital steps of designing a business around your life, starting with flipping the traditional planning strategy on its head. We’ll talk about mapping out the moments that matter as a priority, rather than squeezing life into the gaps left by work. 

Once you’ve secured those crucial moments like family events, school commitments and public holidays, it’s time to prioritise self-care. This isn’t just about spa days; it’s about regular maintenance that keeps you, the engine of the business, continuing to run smoothly. 

With personal priorities in place, start to focus on structuring your work commitments. I'd advise treating meetings and tasks with the same scrutiny. Allow for transition times and workload buffers, reducing the inevitable exhaustion from packed schedules. 

Building a business around your life isn’t just about managing time but ensuring profitability. We’ll explore creating a sustainable venture by setting clear financial target, and using your available working days to determine a target day rate that aligns with your financial goals.

As you begin to map out your future, remember: your business should enhance your life, not be in competition with it. If you’re ready to take it further, I'm here to support you with tailored strategies through my speaking engagements, team training, or one-on-one sessions. Reach out, and let's build that life-first business together!

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As we stand at the edge of another year, ready to leap into the exciting blank canvas that is 2025, I often find myself caught in a whirl of mixed emotions. 

On one hand, there's the thrill of stepping into the new year, yet on the other, that persistent pressure to reflect on the goals we may not have quite hit. But, what if we shift the focus? Instead of mulling over what didn't happen, let's celebrate the brilliance of the moments that did—those glimmer moments.

Glimmer moments are those small, magical fragments of joy that light up our lives when we pause to notice them. This concept comes from an amazing psychotherapist named Deb Dana, who describes them as the opposite of triggers. Where triggers ignite stress, glimmers bring calm, connection and joy. They’re unique to each one of us and have the power to transform our outlook on life.

Reflecting on and appreciating these glimmers has a profound impact on our mental health. There’s science behind this too—gratitude rewires our brain, helping us feel calmer and more connected. As Oprah Winfrey beautifully puts it, "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." Recognising glimmers isn’t just a nice idea; it's a necessity—an act of self-care rooting us in the present.

This ritual of reflecting on glimmers, something I do every New Year's Eve, always brings a broad smile to my face. It grounds me in gratitude, reminding me of how much I've grown and achieved. Why don’t you give it a shot this year? Set aside some time on December 31st to reflect on the past year's glimmers. You might be surprised at how this exercise slows down an otherwise fleeting year and shifts your perspective to appreciate the joy that unfolded.

If you feel inspired to share, I'd love to hear about your glimmer moments; reach out, send a message or comment where you’re reading this. Let’s keep celebrating together. Have a truly remarkable end of 2024, and until next time, keep finding and cherishing those glimmers.

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Have you ever felt stifled by the conventional confines of a traditional job? Many of us have had visions of a career that not only secures financial stability but also yearns for creative fulfilment and personal freedom. 

And you know what? Achieving this is actually possible!

I'm thrilled to share an inspiring conversation with an extraordinary individual who has embraced just that and more. Meet Anna Mackenzie, a true luminary in the realm of career reinvention.

Anna embodies the essence of a portfolio career, seamlessly navigating a life rich in variety, creativity, and purpose. With a background as diverse as her current pursuits—ranging from aspiring spy to brand launcher, business podcast creator, and mentor to talented individuals—Anna has crafted a life on her own terms.

Initially a full-time employee and then a full-time business founder, Anna felt the pull for something different about eighteen months ago. She craved variation, creativity and a lifestyle that aligned with her generalist expertise across business spectrums. What emerged was a self-fashioned portfolio of projects, clients, and creative ventures—a career that's an aggregate of diverse passions.

From her early corporate days at Mecca and Uniqlo to co-founding Lady Brains—and yes, thriving during those formidable COVID years—Anna has consistently reinvented herself. This evolution isn’t just about work; it reflects a commitment to a life blending autonomy, variety, and passion.

We talk about the evolution of work and how more and more people are awakening to the possibilities of the portfolio career model. Anna highlights the balance of creative fulfilment with financial security, and shares how she managed to secure multiple retainer clients who supported her vision both creatively and financially. 

We’re observing a broader shift in the workplace today, and we discuss how Gen Z and millennials are challenging traditional work norms, prioritising autonomy and independence. For those curious about taking this leap, Anna offers valuable insights: calculate your essential 'survive' and 'thrive' numbers, establish strategic networking habits, and most importantly, trust in the possibility of a fulfilling work structure. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a career shift, already on the path or exploring new ways of working, know this: a life by design really is possible for you. People like Anna, and indeed myself, are living proof that with courage and intention, you can design a career—and life—entirely on your own terms.

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: [email protected] 

Connect with Anna:

Website: https://www.annamackenzie.com.au/

Instagram: @annaclmack

Substack: https://annamackstack.substack.com/ 

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Too many entrepreneurs are playing the waiting game in business. They pour their heart and soul into their business but aren’t able to attract the clients the need because that’s just not enough by itself.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry, today I’m sharing five powerful marketing moves you can make that will transform your lead generation.

1. Craft a Compelling Lead Magnet 

2.  Get Visible with ‘Busking Out’

3. Use Clear Calls to Action

4. Ask for Referrals

5. Make Offers Regularly

Keeping these five strategies in mind is crucial for consistent and effective marketing efforts. They aren't a one-time fix but form part of an ongoing process to make your business thrive. Remember, it’s about getting out there, showing up and serving your ideal clients faithfully.

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Life, as we know it, can sometimes feel like we’re in the midst of a relentless storm. 

The pressures of expectations in life and business can often feel like they’re closing in on us, and finding a moment of peace is much easier said than done.

If you’ve been feeling worn out, weighed down or simply trying to keep it all together, you’re not alone. 

Recently, I had a bit of an epiphany, thanks to my English Springer Spaniel, Nalu. Watching her find such peace and calm in the middle of life's chaos inspired me to consider how we can all find our centre even when the world feels heavy. 

Here, I want to share with you the six grounding strategies I’ve found to be invaluable. These aren’t just ideas; they’re actionable steps that have helped me and others find balance and resilience:

1. Anchor Yourself to Your 'Why'

2. Create a Practice of Pausing and Reflection

3. Lean on Your Support Network

4. Set Boundaries on Your Energy

5. Celebrate Small Wins with Intention

6. Integrate Self-Care Without Guilt

If there’s one thing I want you to take away today, it’s that every storm will eventually pass. Staying steady, grounded in purpose and calm in spirit will help you navigate whatever life throws your way. 

Remember, you have within yourself the strength and resilience to weather any storm. So, whenever you feel overwhelmed, revisit these strategies, trust in yourself and know brighter days are ahead.

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: [email protected] 

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If you want to be successful in business you’re going to have to hustle.

Well, that’s what a lot of people think, and they work themselves to exhaustion because of it. 

But in reality, things aren’t that black and white. Which is precisely why I invited Vanessa and Nicky, the brilliant co-authors of Healthy Hustle, to join me for a conversation about their latest book.

Healthy Hustle is a guidebook for people who are deep in the business world, people who are established leaders with growing teams, and for anyone who feels stuck in a cycle of endless work.  It’s not a get-rich quick guide, but instead an exploration into how business owners can grow their companies without sacrificing their health or their sanity.

You might be surprised that the word “hustle” is in the books title, but it’s not actually advocating to remove hustle from your life. Although it is commonly a drain on people, Vanessa and Nicky argue that hustle, when channelled correctly, can be a source of energy and momentum. "Healthy Hustle" encourages us to embrace those powerful aspects of hustle (like drive and determination) but balance them with your personal joy and wellbeing.

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: [email protected] 

Connect with Nicky and Vanessa: 

Website: https://businesstogether.com.au/

Book: https://businesstogether.com.au/healthy-hustle/

Nicky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithnicky/

Vanessa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamedling/

Book: It's Who You Know

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Free speaking engagements can be a powerful way to build a name for yourself but, like everything we do in business, they come at the cost of our time, energy, focus or money.

So, if you want your speaking gig to be worthwhile you need to make sure you’re getting a return on your investment.

And if you want to make sure you get a return on your investment, you’ll need to be proactive and intentional about leveraging the exposure to generate real opportunities.

When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I took countless free speaking gigs thinking they would help me grow but I quickly realised that wasn’t enough on its own. Since then, I’ve developed strategies to turn these free gigs into gold mines, and today, I want to share them with you!

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: [email protected] 

Book: It's Who You Know

Connect with Janine:

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