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Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place - Age Discrimination in Australia

New research from the Australian Human Rights Commission reveals a shocking truth: employers are crying out for workers while systematically excluding them based on age. 

Key findings show only 56% of employers will hire 50-64 year olds, dropping to 28% for those 65+, while just 41% are open to hiring 15-24 year olds. 

Even more concerning - 24% of HR professionals now classify workers over 50 as "older," up 10% from 2023!

Jane explores why this research is important to mid-career professionals, and shares strategies mature Australian workers can use to navigate this challenging landscape with confidence.

For help to navigate these challenges, join Jane’s CAREER SUCCESS PROGRAM at https://www.thecareersacademy.online 

Book one-on-one coaching support with Jane at https://www.janejacksoncoach.com 

Read the full article with links to research findings here:  https://janejacksoncoach.com/age-discrimination-australian-workers/ 

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 >>>  For career clarity and confidence, download Jane's career resources at janejacksoncoach.com 

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Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

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Welcome to episode 275 of YOUR CAREER Podcast and enjoy this insightful interview with Lynnaire Johnston, LinkedIn Strategist, Trainer and Marketer.

Lynnaire is top-ranked international LinkedIn specialist and author dedicated to empowering professionals worldwide. 

She brings a wealth of experience, drawn from a diverse background in journalism, broadcasting, and copywriting, to her work helping individuals and companies leverage LinkedIn for career and professional success.

Our conversation takes us from her early career aspirations to her fascinating broadcasting and journalism career, and how she navigated her career to find the formula for longevity in business and career, and enjoyment in life.

This lovely lady shares her wisdom generously, has a wonderful sense of humour and a deep understanding of LinkedIn. 

A lady of many talents, she is also an amazing gardener – often sharing her LinkedIn insights in reels from her stunning New Zealand garden!

Recognised globally for her expertise, ranked No. 1 in New Zealand and among the top LinkedIn experts worldwide, Lynnaire is also the bestselling author of two influential LinkedIn books, "Link∙Ability" and "Business Gold." 

As founder of the Link∙Ability membership site, she provides practical, actionable strategies through LinkedIn makeovers, personalised coaching, and content creation that transforms professional profiles and opens doors to new opportunities.

If you're looking to elevate your professional brand on LinkedIn, this conversation with Lynnaire Johnston promises to inspire, guide, and equip you with powerful insights to maximise your LinkedIn success. 

Connect with Lynnaire on LinkedIn  www.linkedin.com/in/lynnairejohnston/

Connect with Jane on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/janejackson/

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 >>>  For career clarity and confidence, download Jane's career resources at janejacksoncoach.com 

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
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Picture this: A poster of me, at the age of 16, modelling sunglasses in Hong Kong, looking glamorous with them perched stylishly on top of my head. Not protecting my eyes, just making a fashion statement. [Click this link to view my 1975 poster]

Fast forward 50 years to last Wednesday, and I'm recovering from painful pterygium surgery with my bandaged eye, staring at that very poster on my wall. The irony? I spent decades with the solution literally on my head, just a few inches too high to do any good.

What has this to do with Career Success? Listen to this compelling episode which will make you reflect on the choices we make early on in our lives and careers, and the consequences of bad choices (or avoiding what we must do for future success).

Key takeaways from episode 274 of Your Career Podcast:

1. Prevention is Always Better than the Cure

The most striking lesson is how much easier, and less painful, it is to protect yourself proactively rather than fix problems later. 

My 1975 sunglasses story perfectly illustrates this: a simple daily habit of wearing eye protection could have prevented surgery, seven weeks of recovery, multiple medications, and significant pain. 

This applies to every area of life: career, health, relationships. 

2. Physical Health and Career Success Are Inseparable

You can't compartmentalise your wellbeing. When you're running on empty physically, you can't show up fully in your career. 

Job searching requires stamina, resilience, and clarity of mind. Career transitions demand energy for networking, interviewing, and decision-making. 

If you haven't been taking care of your foundation, sleep, nutrition, exercise, boundaries, you're essentially trying to climb Mount Everest with a broken ankle.

3. Self-Care Is Strategic, Not Selfish

The biggest mindset shift is viewing self-care as protection rather than decoration. Just like networking shouldn't be something you only do when you need a job, taking care of yourself shouldn't be something you postpone until "things calm down." 

Your future self is counting on the choices you make today, and time moves faster than we think. What feels like a distant future becomes today in the blink of an eye - sometimes literally.

Listen to my personal story which we all can relate to, especially those considering a career change when unprepared.  

What will YOU do to ensure you don’t leave your metaphorical sunglasses on top of your head instead of what they were designed to do?

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 >>>  For career clarity and confidence, download Jane's career resources at janejacksoncoach.com 

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In episode 273 I welcome Jane Anderson, a globally recognised strategic communications expert, to Your Career Podcast, nine years after our first interview (ep77)!

Jane shares her journey of professional growth and personal transformation, offering valuable insights for female consultants growing their businesses.

With 20+ years of experience, Jane has worked with over 180,000 people to build trust and influence in their businesses and brands. Her achievements include:

• Top 3 branding guru globally
• 50+ industry awards
• Featured in Business Insider, Sydney Morning Herald, Forbes
• Author of 13 books
• Host of "The Jane Anderson Show" podcast
• Clients: Virgin Australia, Lego, Ikea, Rio Tinto

Jane's Journey

Jane reflects on her evolution since 2016, including winning the Australian Small Business Champion Award this year. She's successfully created a balanced business model aligned with her values, and thrives on supporting consultants to create businesses that align with their values and career aspirations.

Our conversation covers valuable insights for all consultants.

Female Business Community

Jane has created a supportive community for Australia's leading female B2B consultants, addressing isolation challenges:

"Building genuine connections and having a supportive network is essential for overcoming business growth challenges."

Mentorship Impact

"Female leaders pushed me to take on tasks beyond my capabilities. They saw potential I couldn't yet see in myself."

These experiences taught her to step outside her comfort zone to achieve growth.

AI for Small Business

Jane's practical insights for leveraging AI:

• Empower virtual assistants with AI tools
• Use CopyAI to repurpose content
• Maintain original thought leadership
• Implement effective prompt engineering

Growth Challenges

Common pitfalls:

1. Unclear messaging and positioning
2. Insufficient infrastructure
3. Underpricing services
4. Resistance to technological adaptation

Upcoming Events

• Content Creation Boot Camp: Bali (25-26 June 2025)
• Content Creation Boot Camp: Kingscliff, NSW (20-21 September 2025)

These two-day workshops help create a year's worth of content for multiple platforms.

This reunion episode highlights persistence, adaptation, and community in career building. Jane's journey shows how embracing change and continuous development leads to extraordinary growth.

Jane Anderson, Strategic Communication Expert

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 >>>  For career clarity and confidence, download Jane's career resources at janejacksoncoach.com 

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
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A chance encounter while walking along Manly Beach recently stopped me in my tracks – a man wearing a t-shirt that read: "My beautiful wife has dementia, please say 'HELLO' to her." 

In this heartfelt episode, I share how this simple act of love reveals powerful lessons about compassionate leadership that no corporate training seminar could teach.

What does it mean to truly see others beyond their job titles and functions? 

I explore how authentic leadership often appears in unexpected places and offer practical insights into creating meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings. 

Drawing wisdom from Brené Brown, Simon Sinek and others, I challenge you to consider the invisible struggles our colleagues may be facing.

Join me as I reveal why "leadership is love in action" and offers a compelling challenge that could transform your approach to leadership, regardless of your title or position. 

Learn how building bridges of human connection might be the most important leadership skill we can develop in today's workplace. For more inspiration visit www.janejacksoncoach.com

Listen now and discover how a simple t-shirt message contains more wisdom about leadership than many executive training programs.

 >>>  For career clarity and confidence, download Jane's career resources at janejacksoncoach.com 

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
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Steve Budgen is a trusted global Security advisor and leader.

With over 30 years of experience spanning elite policing units, international security operations, and crisis management, this interview on YOUR CAREER podcast is a story of courage, determination and exceptional leadership.

Steve Budgen has led high-stakes security projects across Iraq, the UAE, Papua New Guinea, and beyond. 

As the founder of Batavi Special Projects, Steve specialises in physical security, risk management, and leadership development, offering strategic guidance to companies navigating complex challenges.

A former AFP Tactical Operations leader, Steve ran complex special operations overseas before stepping out of his comfort zone to pursue a successful career in the commercial world. 

His consulting work has supported large organisations in the maritime, transport, mining, and oil and gas sectors, delivering bespoke solutions to contemporary challenges.

Steve also served as a Director with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), where he drove cultural reform before returning to consulting, bringing his leadership expertise to help organisations strengthen their resilience and operational excellence.

Steve’s story is one of resilience and transformation, shaped by a rough and troubled childhood that taught him the importance of self-belief, perseverance, and the power of knowing when to walk away versus when to push through. 

His passion lies in helping others leverage their strengths, passions, and life experiences to create valuable, marketable tools for success.

A strong advocate for continuous growth, Steve holds certifications in security and risk management and is focused on further enhancing his expertise in change management and governance. 

His career journey embodies the balance between mental and physical fitness, embracing challenges, and driving meaningful change.

Follow Steve on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stevebudgen

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 >>>  For career clarity and confidence, download Jane's career resources at janejacksoncoach.com 

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

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In episode 270 of Your Career Podcast I welcome back Dr. Kyle Elliott, tech industry specialist and trauma-informed career coach, to discuss the evolving job market in 2025 and practical strategies for job seekers.

I first interviewed Kyle in episode 181 during which he shared his career journey - a fascinating account of transition and change.

And now, from navigating layoffs to leveraging AI responsibly, this episode provides invaluable insights to help listeners feel calm, confident, and in control during their job search.

Key Discussion Topics for Job Seekers:

1. The State of the Job Market in 2025

• Current trends in the U.S. and Australia job markets.
• The impact of AI and layoffs on recruitment timelines and job-seeking challenges.

2. AI in Recruitment: Friend or Foe?

• How AI has revolutionized recruitment while also depersonalizing the process.
• Strategic tips for job seekers to stand out in an AI-driven world.

3. The Importance of Networking

• Why building human-to-human connections is more critical than ever.
• Advice on how to prioritise genuine interactions over mass applications.

4. Trauma-Informed Career Coaching

• Understanding how past experiences can impact the job search process.
• Tools to manage emotions, build self-worth, and project confidence.

5. Skills for the Future

• The growing demand for soft skills like collaboration, communication, and leadership.
• How coaching principles can enhance leadership effectiveness.

6. Building Hope and Resilience

• Why staying hopeful and focusing on controllable aspects of the job search is key.
• Practical strategies to manage setbacks and maintain mental well-being.

Free Resource: Job Search Launch Guide

Dr. Kyle Elliott has shared his free "Job Search Launch Guide," a step-by-step resource to help job seekers prioritize their efforts and navigate their search with clarity and confidence. Download the guide here.

 >>>  For career clarity and confidence, download Jane's career resources at janejacksoncoach.com 

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

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In this inspiring episode of Your Career Podcast, I share the lessons I learned from an unforgettable stay at the playful and creative W Hotel in Darling Harbour, Sydney. 

This delightful experience challenged my expectations, sparked fresh ideas, and inspired me to rethink how I approach career transitions for my clients.

Just as the W Hotel uses creativity and humour to challenge the status quo, you too can harness fresh perspectives to redefine your career path. In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for career growth.
• How I surprise and delight my clients with tools like my Online Career Quiz, popular career podcasts, and interactive workshops and webinars.
• The importance of reconnecting with your passion and potential during a career change.
• Practical steps to transform your career, including rediscovering your story, embracing curiosity, and leveraging creative tools.

If you’re feeling stuck in your career, this episode will inspire you to inject creativity, fun, and fresh thinking into your journey.

Ready to challenge the status quo and rediscover what excites you? Hit play now and let’s start transforming your career!

For help in your career visit:  www.janejacksoncoach.com


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 >>>  For career clarity and confidence, download Jane's career resources at janejacksoncoach.com 

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

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In episode 268 of YOUR CAREER Podcast, Sydney based Career Coach and podcast host, Jane Jackson, speaks with Dr. Annie Cole, Ed.D. who is an expert money coach and financial educator.

Annie discusses how she was able to make several successful career transitions despite the challenges she faced.  She shares that in her 20s, she was a burnt-out social worker struggling on a $26,000 salary. 

However, by her 30s, Annie had climbed the ladder to a Vice President role, invested over $350k, owned $1 million in real estate, and cut 20 years off her retirement date. 

She now runs her own coaching business, Money Essentials for Women, and inspires women to step into new levels of money mastery and confidence.

In this episode, Jane and Annie discuss how she now teaches women to master all areas of their finances, from budgeting and paying off debt to investing, building wealth, and retiring early. 

 Get your tickets to the Money Essentials Virtual Conference, Your Rich Year 2025

Get Annie's Book, 101 Ways to Build Wealth, on Amazon or as an eBook

Download Annie's guide, Job Search Tips for 2025

 >>>  For career clarity and confidence, download Jane's career resources at janejacksoncoach.com 

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
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Episode 267 helps you to deal with a toxic work environment.  Many of my clients say they are seeking a career change because of a Toxic Workplace.  Have you experienced one?  We know they exist, and sadly, many of us may be tolerating one right now, or have survived by escaping from one. 

In fact, the topic has been discussed so frequently that I’ve released a video post on my LinkedIn profile covering toxic workplaces and office bullies.

If you’re stuck with an office bully or “white ant” - that sneaky, termite-like colleague who gnaws away at your sanity while maintaining a false façade of support – in this episode I’ll provide a few tips on how to navigate the situation without losing your self-respect. 

I was in a toxic environment in my career many years ago and, having only chosen to work in environments where I shared common values prior to that, this negative environment took me by surprise and I couldn’t believe how much it affected me.  

I remember dreading Mondays and going in to work I would feel tearful before I arrived in anticipation of the stresses I would encounter.  By the end of the day I was exhausted and unhappy.  I simply couldn’t understand why, as a natural collaborator, I was in such a competitive, aggressive and non-supportive environment.   

I hadn’t expected that the job spec would change so much when the incredible, warm and wonderfully supportive leader who hired me left the business (they must have seen the writing on the wall!), and a new leader took their place.  

That new leader meant that everything changed. Culture, expectations, and a highly competitive, fearful and ‘blame’ environment developed.

My husband asked me why I didn’t just quit but I told him, “I’m not a quitter!”  I was such a martyr!  

However I soon realised that I couldn’t change anything but my own reactions, and for my own wellbeing and mental health I had to get out of that environment. 

If you find yourself in a toxic environment, this episode covers some strategies to help you cope. 

To make a successful Career Change, book a session with me at https://www.janejacksoncoach.com

* * * * * * * *

 >>>  For career clarity and confidence, download Jane's career resources at janejacksoncoach.com 

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
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