Best Business. Toastmasters Podcasts (2025)

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R.I.S.E. 1:00:13

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4h ago1:00:13

1:00:13

In this special 60-minute episode, Dr. Esohe Irabor sits down with four inspiring leaders from District 36 — our Public Relations Manager (PRM), Maria Pia Younger; Club Growth Director (CGD), Jill Vanderweit; Program Quality Director (PQD), Augusta Inniss; and District Director (DD), Arvind Venugopal. Together, they share candid insights about thei…

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Unleash Your Wild Woman 17:35

5h ago17:35

17:35

Send Lauri a message What opens up when we decide the ‘good girl’ role isn’t ours to play anymore? In this special Inside the Speakers Studio episode, Lauri Smith traces her journey from playing small to unleashing her fire — from meek “Mary Warren” to fiery “Abigail” — and explores the deeper archetypes of Good Girl, Rule Breaker, and Wild Woman. …

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Saying Yes (and Sometimes No): Sarah Stockham on Aligned Speaking 44:14

4d ago44:14

44:14

Send Lauri a message What happens when a lifelong teacher and musician steps out from behind the piano and picks up the mic? In this heartfelt conversation, Simply Sarah host Sarah Stockham shares her journey from back-row musician to mic-on leader — and what it really means to say yes (and sometimes no) on the path of aligned speaking. Together, w…

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Beyond Cookie Cutter: The Soulful Speaking Way 28:01

11d ago28:01

28:01

Send Lauri a message Why “One-Size-Fits-All” Speaking Doesn’t Work — and what to do instead. In this intimate solo episode, Lauri pulls back the curtain on the deeper “why” behind her work—and how it breaks free from the industrial, cookie-cutter speaking world. Through personal stories and client journeys, she reveals how true transformation happe…

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From Anxiety to Aligned: Purpose-Driven Marketing Meets Soulful Speaking 31:08

18d ago31:08

31:08

Send Lauri a message What happens when a natural listener with a “small voice” decides to step into visibility? In this candid and inspiring conversation, digital marketing strategist Berlyn Komar shares how she stretched herself beyond anxiety and discomfort to embrace speaking as part of her purpose-driven business journey. From teaching one work…

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Scorecards 48:56

1M ago48:56

48:56

What do successful clubs, thriving companies, and high-performing teams have in common? They track what matters—and use scorecards to turn goals into action. In this episode, Dr. Esohe Irabor sits down with Professor Barry Piatt—former U.S. Senate Communications Director, strategist, past Distinguished District 36 Director, award-winning evaluator,…

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The Radiant Zone: Where Speakers Come Alive 11:52

30d ago11:52

11:52

Send Lauri a message Most speakers aim for comfort. But “comfortable” rarely moves an audience. In this solo episode, Lauri Smith invites you into the Radiant Zone—the place where speakers come alive, audiences lean in, and transformation happens. Along the way, she shares the three zones of speaking, why “fine” is forgettable, and how fear and exc…

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Beyond the Kremenator: Speaking with Flow and Fire 21:26

1M ago21:26

21:26

Send Lauri a message In part two of my conversation with Kremena Yordanova, we turn to the present — her evolving relationship with speaking, her dance with imposter syndrome, and the art of showing up unscripted and real. Kremena shares her favorite speaking experiences, her perspective on leading across generations, and the importance of humility…

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From Stage Freeze to Soulful Flow: Shedding the Masks We Wear 29:09

2M ago29:09

29:09

Send Lauri a message Before becoming a keynote speaker and conscious leadership voice, Kremena Yordanova was known as “The Kremenator” — a corporate leader who could get things done, but at the cost of masking her softer self. In this first part of our conversation, Kremena shares her earliest experiences with speaking (including a childhood stage …

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Magnetic Selling: From Icky to Aligned 20:25

2M ago20:25

20:25

Send Lauri a message What if selling could feel like service? In this solo episode, Lauri Smith unpacks the vulnerable, often uncomfortable act of making offers—and how to transform it from something that feels icky and manipulative into an act of alignment, service, and magnetism. She shares her own early struggles with “forgetting to ask” or over…

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Speaking Naked, Living Radiant (Part 2) 28:32

2M ago28:32

28:32

Send Lauri a message What if the tears we fear are actually the doorway to our deepest power? In Part 2 of this flipped conversation, Evelyne Brink invites Lauri to share how letting herself be seen — trembling, raw, and alive — transformed not just her theater work but her life’s calling. Together they explore the sacred edge between control and s…

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Claiming the Fire Within (Part 1) 39:12

2M ago39:12

39:12

Send Lauri a message Beneath every mask we wear, there is a spark waiting to be seen. Season 2 opens with a flipped conversation where voice and visibility coach Evelyne Brink turns the questions back on Lauri. Together they explore the roots of the “Good Girl” mask, how sensitivity shaped survival, and the breakthrough moment when a hidden fire fi…

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Introduction 12:48

2M ago12:48

12:48

Welcome to the very first episode of Toasty Talks! In this introduction, host Dr. Esohe Irabor and the 2025-2026 District 36 Public Relations Manager Maria Pia Younger pull back the curtain on our brand-new podcast. You’ll hear why we created Toasty Talks, what you can expect in future episodes, and how this space will connect, encourage, and infor…

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Season 2 Preview - Wild, Untamed, Radiant 1:19

2M ago1:19

1:19

Send Lauri a message Support the show Thank you so much for listening! Take the free Speaker Alter Ego Quiz to find out which protective mask is hiding your wild, untamed radiance. https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/ Follow me on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-v…

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Good Girl to Wild Woman: The First Spark 9:34

2M ago9:34

9:34

Send Lauri a message The spark that began my Good Girl to Wild Woman journey — from a childhood garage spotlight to the moment I realized I was keeping myself small. Before Season 2 officially begins, Lauri shares the story that sparked a powerful new chapter in her life and work. Originally told in her Soul of Visibility Playshop, this is the firs…

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Soulful Speaking Season 1: Stories That Stir the Soul (Part 2) 28:12

2M ago28:12

28:12

Send Lauri a message What does it really take to speak from the soul? In Part 2 of this special highlight series, we continue our journey through the raw, radiant, and deeply human stories of the Season One Soulful Speaking guests. From moments of doubt to sparks of awakening, each voice reminds us that the path to authentic expression is rarely li…

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Soulful Speaking Season 1: Stories That Stir the Soul (Part 1) 32:01

2M ago32:01

32:01

Send Lauri a message What happens when soulful humans find the courage to speak their truth? In this special Season One highlight reel, we revisit the powerful, personal stories of some of our most beloved guests—from the moments they almost lost their voice to the breakthroughs that brought them home to it. Whether you’re new to Soulful Speaking o…

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Mastering the Job Hunt: Insider Tips from a Durham Careers Adviser 1:03:41

3M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

In this episode, I chat with Peter Fox — careers adviser at Durham University and interview expert — about navigating the job search and building a successful career. We explore practical strategies for landing the right role, including overcoming rejection, tailoring your CV, and preparing effectively for interviews. Peter shares insights on the e…

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Just Do Good - Leadership Lessons From the Most Iconic Movies | Authenticity | Growing Great Teams | Threat of AI | Keith McCoy 54:04

4M ago54:04

54:04

In this episode, I chat with Keith McCoy — leadership expert and author — about the power of authenticity and doing good in leadership. We deep dive into his new book Just Do Good, exploring why fear often stops good people from being their true selves at work, how homogenous leadership teams limit opportunity, and why empathy and emotional intelli…

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Living in a 1-Bedroom House to Becoming a Young Millionaire | Anmol Goel | Venture Capital | Mindset | Law of Attraction | Startups | 1:06:48

4M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In this episode, I sit down with Anmol Goel — entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and TEDx speaker — to talk about his incredible journey from growing up in a one-bedroom house to becoming a young millionaire. We dive into the realities of building a business from scratch, how the law of attraction only works when backed by action, and why urgency, m…

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Leading Transformation by Keeping People at the Heart of Change 30:58

4M ago30:58

30:58

In this episode with Professor Julie Hodges, author of People-Centric Organizational Change, about how to lead change that truly puts people first. They explore why resistance to change is often misunderstood, what core capabilities managers need for transformational change, and why compassion and communication are essential for success. Julie also…

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Pivot Pivot Season 1 Mash-Up: When the Mic Gets Personal 13:52

5M ago13:52

13:52

Send Lauri a message What do 14 soulful speakers say when the spotlight softens and the mic gets personal? In this special bonus episode, we’re mashing up answers from the “Pivot Pivot” lightning round—a series of rapid-fire questions inspired by Bernard Pivot and Inside the Actors Studio. From favorite words to how they hope to be remembered, this…

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1st Female Finisher in HURT 100 & MOAB 240 Mile Race | Ultra Mindset to Push Through Pain and Achieve the Impossible | Alyssa Clark 1:04:32

5M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

In this inspiring episode, ultra-runner and coach Alyssa Clark shares her incredible transformation—from a hospital bed at age 14, battling ulcerative colitis and undergoing emergency surgery, to becoming the first female finisher of both the grueling HURT 100 and Moab 240 races.Her mindset isn’t just about endurance—it’s about grit, self-awareness…

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From Silence to Service: The Alchemy of Speaking with Giselle Jennaway 55:04

5M ago55:04

55:04

Send Lauri a message Giselle Jennaway’s journey from strenuous avoidance of speaking to using her voice as a tool for deep transformation is nothing short of alchemy. In this soulful conversation, Lauri and Giselle explore the moments that shaped Giselle’s relationship with her voice - from childhood shutdowns to profound ahas. A series of synchron…

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From Stage Fright to Spotlight: Speaking Through Sensitivity 48:29

5M ago48:29

48:29

Send Lauri a message What happens when a highly sensitive person takes center stage? In this episode of Soulful Speaking, copywriting soul genius Joanne Homestead shares her journey from a terrified five-year-old clutching a microphone to a confident entrepreneur embracing her authentic voice. Along the way, she invites us into a deeply human explo…

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Master Public Speaking & Entrepreneurial Wisdom | Toastmasters | Jim Gregory 1:20:30

5M ago1:20:30

1:20:30

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jim Gregory, a seasoned entrepreneur and public speaking master with over two decades of experience! Jim shares incredible, candid stories from his journey, from his early days selling copper rings to building thriving computer game and web design businesses. Discover his powerful secrets to overcoming pub…

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Root to Rise: A Soulful Speaking Warm-Up 7:43

6M ago7:43

7:43

Send Lauri a message This mini-sode is more than a warm-up—it’s a return to yourself. Straight from the opening moments of the Spring 2025 Soulful Speaking Immersion, this grounding practice invites you to root into the earth, rise into your voice, and connect with your soul’s presence. Whether you’re about to speak, create, or simply want to recon…

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Speaking & Writing with Soul: Amy Vogel on Finding Your Voice 30:23

6M ago30:23

30:23

Send Lauri a message How do you find your voice—whether in writing, speaking, or leading? In this episode of Soulful Speaking, I sit down with Amy Vogel, an author and book coach who helps women share their stories and turn their publishing dreams into reality. Amy’s journey took her from sales to preaching to publishing, and she shares the lessons…

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The 3C Business Growth Strategy To Double Your Profits 44:31

6M ago44:31

44:31

In this engaging episode, business growth strategist Lewis Berrisford breaks down his signature 3C process for sustainable business growth. Learn how clarity, connection, and communication are essential for attracting ideal clients and doubling your income. Lewis also shares personal anecdotes on overcoming limiting beliefs, the entrepreneurial spi…

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Soul Suckers Revealed: Speaking Beyond the Static 22:38

6M ago22:38

22:38

Send Lauri a message What if the voice in your head that tells you you're too much—or not enough—isn’t the truth, but a frightened part of you trying to keep you safe? In this episode, Lauri shines a compassionate light on the “Soul Suckers”—inner critics like the Nervous Nellies, the Controlling Stage Mothers, the Imposter Monsters, and the Below-…

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Beyond the Mantra: A Deep Dive into Intend, Align, Invite 49:52

6M ago49:52

49:52

Send Lauri a message What does it really mean to speak soulfully when you’re in front of a crowd, feeling the nerves, trying to stay connected? In this intimate follow-up conversation, Dana Baugh returns with thoughtful questions about the deeper layers of Lauri Smith’s Vocal Presence Path approach to soulful speaking. Together, they revisit the ro…

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The Infinite Pursuit of Excellence | CA & CFA PASS | Tejas Tiwari 44:50

6M ago44:50

44:50

In this episode, Tejas Tiwari—former Deloitte professional, CA, CFA, and published poet—unpacks what it truly means to chase excellence. He reflects on the power of structure, honest feedback, and a constantly evolving work ethic. From balancing demanding professional exams with a full-time job to publishing a poetry collection, Tejas shares how em…

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Beyond Authenticity (mini-sode) 4:23

6M ago4:23

4:23

Send Lauri a message Authenticity has become the gold standard in public speaking—but what if it’s just the beginning? In this mini-episode, Lauri explores what lies beyond authenticity: a deeper resonance that moves through body, breath, and voice to transform not just connection, but the room itself. Soulful speaking goes beyond being seen. It’s …

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Coloring Outside the Lines: Own Your Sparkle with Tina B 48:02

7M ago48:02

48:02

Send Lauri a message What happens when a big-hearted farm girl turns Muppet-inspired porch performances into TED Talks and global keynotes? Tina B. joins Lauri for a soulful, sparkly conversation on intuition, presence, and the power of letting your full self be seen. From the fifth-grade teacher who believed in her voice, to a Paris keynote gone s…

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Dream Big and Make it Happen | Yuru Guo | Hey! Food is Ready! 41:20

7M ago41:20

41:20

In this episode, Yuru, founder of "Hey Food is Ready," shares her inspiring journey of building a food events business grounded in strong relationships, trust, and community support. She talks about overcoming challenges like scaling operations, building a repeatable sales pipeline, and learning quickly from mistakes. Yuru also highlights the impor…

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Called, Not Planned: My Path to Soulful Speaking (mini-sode) 9:25

7M ago9:25

9:25

Send Lauri a message This one’s personal. In this solo episode, Lauri pulls back the curtain on the winding, unexpected, soul-led path that led to the creation of the Soulful Speaking Immersion and the Speaker Studio. What started as an urge, a whisper, a “no way,” became a calling she couldn’t ignore—blending theater, coaching, voicework, and entr…

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Beyond the Mask: From Armor to Aliveness 42:37

7M ago42:37

42:37

Send Lauri a message What happens when the voice you’ve been told you have to use isn’t your own? Executive coach and organizational change consultant Dana Baugh joins Soulful Speaking to share her journey from corporate leader—where she was encouraged to “man up” and mask her true self—to a more heart-centered, present, and authentic speaker. Her …

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How Pop-Culture (Doctor Who, Harry Potter & Star Trek) Fuels Entrepreneurial Thinking 50:58

7M ago50:58

50:58

In this episode, I chat with Paul about how pop culture icons like Doctor Who, Harry Potter, and Star Wars can inspire entrepreneurial thinking. Paul shares how these beloved universes help bridge the gap for potential entrepreneurs, offering valuable lessons in research, pitching, and solving real-world problems. He emphasises the importance of re…

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From Soul Suckers to Sacred Speaking: Inside the Speaker’s Studio (minisode) 11:25

7M ago11:25

11:25

Send Lauri a message Ever feel like your body goes into panic mode when you speak? Like something invisible is whispering “You’re not enough” or “No one cares what you have to say”? In this special peek inside the Speakers Studio’s Soulful Speaking Immersion, Lauri guides you through the internal voices, habits, and energies that show up when we sp…

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Soul Over Strategy: Finding the Aliveness in Speaking 33:40

8M ago33:40

33:40

Send Lauri a message In a special flipped episode, Brian Perry turns the tables and interviews Soulful Speaking host Lauri Smith, diving into her journey of learning to surrender to creativity, let go of control, and serve the moment fully. Together, they explore the magic of playing beyond fear and tuning into the energy of aliveness. Brian highli…

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Authentic Leadership: How to Stay True to Yourself and Lead with Impact 44:00

8M ago44:00

44:00

Send us a text In this episode with Litsa Smith we explore the importance of leading with authenticity, embracing a "test and learn" approach, and creating a positive team culture. Litsa shares her insights on overcoming perfectionism, prioritizing what truly matters, and how to build strong relationships in both personal and professional settings.…

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Brain Freeze Busters: Stop the Freeze Before it Starts (mini-sode) 6:06

8M ago6:06

6:06

Send Lauri a message Brain freeze doesn’t happen in the moment—it starts long before we step up to the mic. In this mini-sode, Lauri explores how to prevent that icy mental shutdown before it ever takes hold. She dives into the hidden ways we set ourselves up to freeze and how to shift from freeze to flow by setting clear intentions, organizing tho…

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From Overthinking to Flow: Unlock Your True Speaking Voice 43:53

8M ago43:53

43:53

Send Lauri a message In this episode of Soulful Speaking, we delve into the transformative power of breath and intention as host Lauri Smith coaches guest Eric Ayers. Together, they explore how to move beyond imposter syndrome, embrace flow, and tap into the natural energy of authentic communication. Using her Intend, Align, Invite framework, Lauri…

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E05. Mastering the Art of Mindfulness | The Power of Marginal Improvement | Shivank Taksali 21:13

8M ago21:13

21:13

Send us a text In this episode, I interview my cousin brother Shivank Taksali! We dive into personal growth, leadership, and the power of small habits. From gratitude journaling and mindfulness to lessons from iconic leaders and entrepreneurs, Shivank shares valuable tips on how to improve daily, foster meaningful connections, and build lasting suc…

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How To Say NO Without Feeling Guilty 3:44

8M ago3:44

3:44

Send us a text Full episode: Youtube - https://youtu.be/8OJkqvd_Pa4?si=lQbuEr7QD3EPh4Aw Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workplace-burnout-how-to-recognise-it-and-overcome-it/id1772973274?i=1000696998876 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sfcRifYhIcXpzd2D2heBz?si=c13acd0e5161445d Saying no is often seen as negative, bu…

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Surround to Thrive: 5 People Who Keep You Strong 7:05

8M ago7:05

7:05

Send us a text Full episode: Youtube - https://youtu.be/8OJkqvd_Pa4?si=lQbuEr7QD3EPh4Aw Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workplace-burnout-how-to-recognise-it-and-overcome-it/id1772973274?i=1000696998876 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sfcRifYhIcXpzd2D2heBz?si=c13acd0e5161445d Our guest, Tara Kermiet, introduces the…

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Five C's for Burnout Prevention 8:07

8M ago8:07

8:07

Send us a text Full episode: Youtube - https://youtu.be/8OJkqvd_Pa4?si=lQbuEr7QD3EPh4Aw Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workplace-burnout-how-to-recognise-it-and-overcome-it/id1772973274?i=1000696998876 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sfcRifYhIcXpzd2D2heBz?si=c13acd0e5161445d Burnout is more than exhaustion—it’s a …

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OUCH! How to Go from (Brain) Freeze to Flow 7:57

8M ago7:57

7:57

Send Lauri a message Have you ever experienced a sudden freeze while speaking—where your mind goes completely blank, your mouth won’t move, and panic sets in? That kind of speaking brain freeze mirrors the dreaded popsicle brain freeze from our childhood. In this mini-sode, Lauri dives deep into the subconscious fears that lead us to stop breathing…

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From Director’s Chair to Spotlight: A Comedic Creative’s Speaking Evolution 45:58

9M ago45:58

45:58

Send Lauri a message In this episode of Soulful Speaking, Lauri welcomes back Emily, a seasoned creative professional with a wealth of experience in video production, marketing, and sketch comedy. Emily shares her journey of stepping out of the shadows of her directing role and embracing the challenge of being seen and heard. From navigating impost…

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E04.Workplace Burnout: How to Recognise it and Overcome it 1:00:10

9M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Send us a text In this insightful episode, I sit down with Tara Kermiet to discuss work-life balance, burnout prevention, and creating a thriving workplace culture. Tara shares her perspective on the Four Burners Theory, illustrating how we can effectively manage different areas of our lives—work, relationships, self-care, and personal growth—witho…