Lighter Than You Started is a daily podcast offering gentle reflections on the news, the noise, and the small human moments that shape our days. With wry humour and quiet honesty, it’s not about fixing you, just about ending each day feeling a little lighter than when it began.
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Humour In Perspective Podcasts
Welcome to The Wizard In The Wild! We're so happy you're here. This show explores and shares the human experience through love, friendship and laughter. We'll be serving a main of Perspective, with sides of Compassion and Humour. (And vegan dark chocolate ice cream for dessert, obvs). We can't wait to meet you, to share our stories, to be connected. Email us with any question/theme/topic you want to hear about, big or small, by email at [email protected] or DM us @thewizardinthewi ...
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We’re PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson - two dads, two mates, who’ve spent our lives working across business, law, education, charity, and media. Between us, we've made a lot of mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and raised kids who are about to walk into a world of work that’s nothing like the one we grew up in. That’s why we started Wit + Grit - a space for real, human conversations about what it takes to thrive in a world full of AI, constant pressure, and curated perfection. This podcast is abo ...
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This is the official tech and lifestyle podcast for the Afribbean Tech Collective. Employing wit and humour, Afua dissects important technical topics and choices that affect our everyday lives. This podcast is for glass-ceiling breaking, unable-to-put-in-a-box and go-getting African x Caribbean women who want to explore their worlds in and outside of tech. We discuss wealth creation, careers, academics, entrepreneurship and personal development as a whole. Get ready to enjoy some major realn ...
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This podcast is for anyone wanting more… More time & energy. More fulfilment and success. More of the high-performing, purposeful, all-out version of life they know they could and should be living. The method is simple… to give you the proven strategies to live, feel & function at your best, by sharing personal strategies to optimising success on a daily basis, and intimately exploring the lives & minds of the world’s leading Sports Stars, CEOs, Special Forces Operatives & Performance Expert ...
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Produced by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Hosted by Bennett Mason, Boardroom Confidential brings you candid conversations with some of Australia's most influential company directors, business leaders, and experts. Together, we explore their paths to the boardroom, lessons from their careers, and the ideas shaping modern governance. Whether you're an experienced director or just starting your governance journey, each episode offers practical insights into leadership, de ...
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Introducing ‘Let’s Talk, All About Her’ hosted by Kirstin Bouse, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of All About Her - The Centre for Menopause. The menopausal years last about half a woman’s lifetime. And given the constant unpredictable hormonal fluctuations (at least through perimenopause) they tend to be pretty ‘disruptive’ to say the least. Join Kirstin and members of the All About Her Health Professional Community as they share their experiences of working with perimenopausal and post m ...
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Advice is everywhere, and it often means well. But advice doesn’t always fit, and it doesn’t always last. In this episode of Lighter Than You Started, Keith reflects on why stories often help us more than strategies. Stories don’t tell us what to do. They don’t demand change. They simply remind us that we’re not alone. With a short personal anecdot…
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In today’s episode of Lighter Than You Started, Keith gently explains what this space is, and what it most definitely isn’t. This isn’t a news podcast, a self-help programme, or a place that demands urgency or transformation. It’s a pause. A few minutes of breathing room in a noisy world. With warmth, quiet humour, and honest reflection, this episo…
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This is part 2 of our conversation following the loss of my brother earlier this year as we take an in-depth look at the lessons, and blessings, of Grief. We also discuss psychic powers and the importance of dreams. Grief, to me, has been an Initiation. A force for change. A change I didn’t want, or choose, but it has truly been a catalyst for tran…
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Episode 1 - Not a New You. Just a Lighter One.
8:51
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8:51Welcome to Lighter Than You Started. At the beginning of a new year, there’s a lot of noise about reinvention, resolutions, and becoming someone else. This episode offers a gentler alternative. In this first episode, Keith reflects on the pressure of January, the gap between headlines and real life, and why radical change isn’t always what we need.…
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Holiday Archive - David Kirk on investing in Australia's tech start-ups, what big companies can learn from small ones, and how to prepare for board meetings
39:58
39:58
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39:58Over the holidays, we'll be bringing you some earlier episodes of our Boardroom Confidential podcast. This time it's David Kirk, the co-founder of listed venture capital fund Bailador and chair at a range of organisations including KMD Brands, Forsyth Barr and KiwiHarvest. David was also the CEO of Fairfax Limited and had an extremely successful ca…
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Holiday Archive - Marina Go on how to be an effective chair, tips for starting your director career, and why diversity is critical for boards
41:27
41:27
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41:27Over the holidays, we'll be bringing you some earlier episodes of our Boardroom Confidential podcast. This time it's Marina Go, a board member with Metcash, Southern Cross Media and the AICD itself. She's also been a chair or director with several other organisations including Adore Beauty, Energy Australia, the West Tigers NRL club and Netball Aus…
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In this reflective episode, PJ and Andy pause to mark a milestone: 21 episodes down. What started in June 2025 with a simple decision - “let’s just press go” - has become a powerful lesson in momentum, confidence, and learning through action. They explore why perfection is often the enemy of progress, how confidence is built through doing (not thin…
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In this episode, I discuss a very personal experience of grief, with the loss of my brother earlier this year. With warmth and sensitivity, we discuss the polarities within grief. How we can hold space for happiness and sadness at the same time. How grief changes us, but can also open us, and expand us. This is a short 15 min episode, "Part 1", as …
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Holiday Archive - Andy Penn on preparing for cyber attacks, effective Chair-CEO relationships and governance at the National Gallery of Victoria
33:05
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33:05Over the holidays, we'll be bringing you some earlier episodes of our Boardroom Confidential podcast. This time, it's Andy Penn, a director with Coles and Trustee for the National Gallery of Victoria. He also spent seven years as the CEO of Telstra and previously served as the chair of the federal government's Cyber Security Strategy Expert Advisor…
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Siblings in Sync. Peg and Will: Poker and Mindfulness
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47:11Summary In this episode, siblings Peggy and Will Crawford discuss their unique career paths and shared experiences. Peggy, a data analyst and semi-pro poker player, shares insights into the poker world and her journey in content creation. Will, founder of Quiet Note, talks about integrating mindfulness and music to improve mental wellbeing. They ex…
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Creative Entrepreneurship with Michelle Helmer of Helmer Lifestyle
1:16:37
1:16:37
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1:16:37This week I am joined by my dear friend and soul sister Michelle (Mimi) Helmer, of Helmer Lifestyle. Mimi has come to share an exclusive and very special first look at her latest venture as a Travel Advisor. She is a Cairo-based global soul, sharing mindful travel, culture, and quiet luxury. Internationally shaped and grounded in intention. Mimi ta…
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From 93p an Hour to 26 McDonald’s and a UK-First Kids Village - Doug Wright MBE DL
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47:32In this episode of Wit + Grit, we are joined by Doug Wright MBE DL - a man whose life reads like a masterclass in resilience and service. Doug shares how he went from failing his exams and disappointing his parents to finding purpose on 93p an hour at McDonald’s, becoming the youngest restaurant manager, and then having his world turned upside down…
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S3E5 – Penny Bingham-Hall: Planning for cyber-attacks, climate governance in action, and building a boardroom portfolio
35:09
35:09
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35:09Co-chair of Supply Nation and Fortescue director Penny Bingham-Hall joins Boardroom Confidential to unpack some of the major issues facing today's boards: harnessing AI's predictive power, overseeing cyber risk in a "when, not if" world, and lifting climate governance from compliance to capability. We also explore the craft of a high-performing boa…
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Special Episode - From the Server Room to the Boardroom: AI, Identity and the Cyber Risks Directors Can't Ignore
33:44
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33:44Presented by Okta Cyber security has become a core governance issue, not just an IT problem. In this episode, Mathew Graham, Chief Security Officer for Asia–Pac at Okta, explains why identity is now the front line of security — and what that means for directors. He outlines how cyber risk has shifted from firewalls to cloud systems, remote work and…
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S3E4 – Tim Trumper: Building AI-ready boards, chair succession done right, and leading through volatility
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35:34Former NRMA Chair Tim Trumper joins Boardroom Confidential to talk about AI in the boardroom, data-led transformations, and the craft of modern chairing. Drawing on his book AI: Game On, Tim explores one of the central governance questions of our time — "who or what decides?" — and how directors can set guardrails that protect customers while still…
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Small Habits, Big Confidence: Becca Horley on Becoming the Person You Want to Be
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44:31Summary In this uplifting and deeply honest conversation, Becca Horley shares the journey behind her award-winning legal career and the personal transformation that shaped it. From feeling “stuck” and disconnected to redefining her identity through fitness, fashion, boundaries and self-respect, Becca opens up about what it really takes to build a h…
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S3E3 – Taryn Williams: Shifting from founder to director, balancing AI opportunities with guardrails, and boards' growing responsibility for brand and reputation
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36:37
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36:37From founding her first company at 21 to building and exiting multiple tech ventures, Taryn Williams has spent her career at the intersection of talent, media and innovation. In this episode, the award-winning entrepreneur and director reflects on the mindset behind scaling fast-growing businesses, the challenge of stepping back as a founder, and h…
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Pursuing Passions and Fresh Perspectives from Young Entrepreneurs: Abbi Evans & Rhiannon Fry
49:41
49:41
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49:41In this episode, two young entrepreneurs, Rhiannon Fry and Abbi Evans, share their journeys of building businesses in their teens. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the role of education in preparing for real-world experiences. The conversation also touches on the influence of family and…
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Dig One Hole, Dig It Deep: The Man Commercial Protection Story
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34:21Summary In this episode, Iain McCallister, CEO of Man Commercial Protection, shares his journey of building a successful security business. He emphasises the importance of focusing on one thing and doing it well, as encapsulated in his mantra, 'Dig one hole, dig it deep.' Iain discusses the challenges and triumphs of leading a company through acqui…
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S3E2 – David Gallop: Staying calm in a crisis, lessons from the NRL & Football Australia, and how to make a CEO-Chair relationship work
29:39
29:39
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29:39David Gallop AM — former CEO of the NRL and Football Australia —share lessons on leadership, crisis, and culture from a career spent in the spotlight. In this conversation, David reflects on two decades at the helm of high-profile sports, the experiences he's carried into the boardroom, and what makes an effective chair in today's governance landsc…
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Catch Up Session: Lessons from Episodes 7 - 11
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46:09
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46:09**Summary** In this episode, PJ and Andy reflect on episodes 7 through 11, discussing themes of resilience, opportunity, and self-belief. They highlight conversations with guests Paul Faulkner, Latoyah Thompson, Sam Dell, Richard Parker, Sharon Bell and Katey Martin, exploring topics such as the importance of storytelling, networking, and embracing…
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S3E1 – Naomi Simson: Growing Red Balloon Group, small business under threat, and knowing when a founder should step down as CEO
41:06
41:06
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41:06Naomi Simson is an experienced director, successful entrepreneur, and acclaimed author. She co-founded Big Red Group and helped it grow to become Australia's largest experience network. In this candid conversation, Naomi reflects on two decades of building and scaling businesses, the lessons learned stepping back from the CEO role, and why small bu…
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Beyond the Battlefield: Ben Williams on Life and Leadership
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56:26
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56:26In this episode, Ben Williams shares his journey from a Royal Marines commando to a resilience coach, discussing the importance of resilience, leadership, and personal growth. He reflects on his experiences in the military, his transition to civilian life, and his work with the England football team. Ben emphasises the value of humour and grit in o…
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The Best of Our First Five Guests: Key Takeaways with Andy and PJ
29:54
29:54
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29:54In this episode, we reflect on the insights and key themes from our first five guests. We discuss the importance of creating opportunities, resilience, and the evolving role of AI in our lives. The conversation highlights the value of life skills, the impact of mentorship, and the significance of time over advice. Join us as we jump into these topi…
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The Power of Making People Feel Seen. A Conversation with Jas Rohel
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40:57
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40:57We are joined by Jas Rohel, the CEO and founder of Education Awards, who shares her journey from working in education to establishing an awards program that recognises outstanding contributions in the field. The discussion covers the importance of celebrating educators, the need for curriculum reform, the impact of technology on learning, and perso…
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Navigating the Job Market: Insights from Emma Neale and Parth Patel.
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49:51Dive into a conversation with Parth, a third-year student at Aston University, and Emma Neale, a Senior Teaching Fellow at the same Uni. Discover Parth's journey in seeking a placement in accounting and finance, and hear Emma's insights on bridging the gap between education and industry. The discussion touches on the importance of resilience, netwo…
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Negotiating Life: Insights from a Counterterrorism Expert, Katey Martin
51:06
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The Power of Music: Sharon Bell on Education and Inclusivity
44:42
44:42
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44:42In this episode of Wit and Grit, Sharon Bell, Chief Executive of Services for Education, shares her journey from an accountant to leading a charity focused on music education in Birmingham. She discusses the challenges and innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of music in education, and the impact of providing accessible music op…
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Unlocking Opportunities: Richard Parker's Vision for the West Midlands
34:12
34:12
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34:12Join us as we sit down with Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, to explore his inspiring journey from a working-class upbringing to a leadership role in regional politics. In this episode, Richard shares his vision for growth and opportunity in the West Midlands, emphasising the importance of creating jobs and nurturing young talent. Di…
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Belief Meets Action: Inspiring Legal Journeys with Latoyah Thompson and Sam Dell
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39:58Join us as we delve into the inspiring journeys of Latoyah Thompson and Sam Dell. From humble beginnings in Birmingham to thriving careers in law, Latoyah and Sam share their unique paths, the challenges they overcame, and the pivotal moments that shaped their professional lives. Discover how belief, resilience, and mentorship played crucial roles …
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If You’re Good Enough, You’re Old Enough - Resilience, Confidence and Opportunity with Paul Faulkner.
39:08
39:08
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39:08In this episode, we dive into the world of business and education with Paul Faulkner, co-founder of Element 45. We explore the evolving landscape of business in 2025, the innovative approach of Alpha Schools in the U.S., and the importance of resilience and adaptability in today's workforce. Paul shares insights from his eclectic career, emphasisin…
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Catch-up: Andy and PJ on Bookshops, Balance, and Being Real.
42:53
42:53
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42:53Join us as we dive into a conversation about the realities of success, the importance of authenticity, and the power of storytelling. From personal anecdotes about career choices to reflections on parenting in a digital age, this episode offers insights into finding balance in life and work. Key Topics: Andy's love for bookshops and his guilty plea…
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The Creative Equation: Andy Wilkinson on Technology and Imagination
37:01
37:01
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37:01In this episode we discuss the evolution of communication and marketing over the past 25 years, highlighting the importance of personal connections in business, the skills gap in the workforce, and the impact of AI and technology on the industry. Andy shares insights from his experience as the founder of OWB Creative Comms and emphasises the need f…
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Opening Doors: Ad Davies' Journey from Coaching to Leadership
40:13
40:13
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40:13In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Ad Davies, a cultural architect who transitioned from sports coaching to business leadership. Ad shares his experiences from the football field to the boardroom, highlighting the power of storytelling and the importance of opportunity in shaping company identity. Tune in to hear how Ad's uniqu…
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Mentorship and Innovation: Bridging Generations with Abbie Vlahakis
37:12
37:12
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37:12Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point and Deputy Lieutenant, discusses her journey from the private sector to the charity sector, emphasising the importance of community engagement and mentorship for young people. She highlights the mission of Millennium Point in inspiring education and careers in STEM fields, addressing the skills gap and youth …
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Empowering Youth: Tom Clarke-Forrest on Sport, Skills, and Social Change
40:11
40:11
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40:11In this engaging conversation, Tom Clarke-Forrest, founder and CEO of Sport 4 Life UK, shares insights into the challenges and opportunities facing young people today. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the essential life skills needed for success, and the impact of sports on personal development. The conversation also touches on the role o…
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Tech, Ethics, and Misogyny: Tracy Westall OBE on Building Better Futures
40:22
40:22
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40:22In this engaging conversation, Tracy Westall OBE shares her journey from a successful corporate career to a portfolio career, emphasising the importance of ethics, technology, and the ongoing challenges of misogyny and sexism in the workplace. The discussion highlights generational differences in attitudes towards these issues, the role of AI in sh…
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In this conversation, Andy Dawson and PJ Ellis explore the themes of wit and grit, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing future generations in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the impact of technology, particularly AI, on work and interpersonal relationships, emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence and honest conver…
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Inside the AICD's Company Directors Course
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30:27This special podcast will take you inside the AICD's flagship Company Directors Course (CDC). Whether you're a current board member, aspiring director, or senior executive – the CDC is the gold standard in governance education. For more than 50 years, the course has helped shape more informed, capable and confident directors. In this podcast, you'l…
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Special Episode – Thomson Reuters CEO Steve Hasker: the rise of AI, lessons on private equity, and the future of news
30:36
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30:36Steve Hasker is the CEO and President of Thomson Reuters, plus a director with ASX-listed Appen. He was visiting Australia recently and took part in a special event with the AICD. We talked with Steve about the rise of artificial intelligence, lessons from his experiences with private equity, and the future of news and information.…
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Supporting Women Through Menopause with Kirstie Clarke
43:43
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43:43In this episode of ALL ABOUT HER, Kirstin welcomes back Kristie Clarke, a clinical psychologist who specializes in supporting women through the challenges of menopause. Together, they dive deeper into the unique needs of women during this transformative stage of life and explore strategies for making menopause "all about her." Key Topics: Revisitin…
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Embracing Change: A Psychologist's Perspective on Menopause with Kirstie Clarke
20:44
20:44
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20:44Clinical psychologist Kristie Clarke shares her personal experiences and professional insights on navigating the menopausal transition. Kristie discusses the challenges she faced in finding the right support, the impact on her high-achieving career, and how her journey has shaped her approach to working with menopausal women. The conversation explo…
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S2E12 – Kate Jenkins: Becoming the Chair of the Australian Sports Commission, gender targets at sports boards, and progress since the Respect@Work report
41:55
41:55
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41:55Kate Jenkins AO GAICD is the Chair of the Australian Sports Commission and the Creative Workplaces Council. She's also a former Sex Discrimination Commissioner and led the landmark Respect@Work report. We talk with Kate about: her chair role at the ASC, gender targets for sports boards and progress since the release of the Respect@Work report. Clic…
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Menopause and Mental Health Key Findings from the Senate Inquiry
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18:30In this episode, the host Kirstin Bouse discusses the findings of a recent Senate inquiry in Australia that looked at the wide-ranging impacts of menopause on women's health, careers, families, and overall well-being. The inquiry received over 290 submissions from women sharing their lived experiences, as well as healthcare professionals, researche…
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Gut Health for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause
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30:55Gut health plays a vital role in women's health, especially during the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause, yet it's often overlooked. In this episode, nutritionist and naturopath Susie Garden joins Kirsten Bouse to explore the significant impact of gut health on hormone balance, energy levels, and overall well-being. Susie explains how …
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S2E11 – Rebecca McGrath: inside a multi-billion-dollar M&A deal, preparing for meetings with a new board, and learnings from working overseas
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46:29
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46:29Rebecca McGrath FAICD is the Chair of Investa Property Group, plus a director with Macquarie Group and Bank, Djerriwarrh Investments and Melbourne Business School. We talk about: OZ Minerals' multi-billion-dollar acquisition by BHP, learnings from working overseas, and preparing for meetings at a new board. Plus, key insights on the board's role in…
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Redefining Priorities: Navigating Menopause with Purpose
34:20
34:20
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34:20In this episode, Kirsten Bouse, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of All About Her, welcomes psychologist Angela Brooks-Horn back to discuss the transformative experience of menopause. Angela shares her unique perspective, viewing menopause as an opportunity for women to pause, reflect, and redefine their priorities. Together, they explore how this…
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S2E10 – Lisa Chung: Advice for new directors, governance at PwC Australia, and why boards need a sense of humour
34:26
34:26
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34:26Lisa Chung AM FAICD is the chair of Australian Unity and the Front Project. She also has board roles with PwC Australia, AVJennings and the Foundation of the Art Gallery of NSW. We discuss: advice for new directors, governance at PwC Australia and lessons on being a successful chair. Plus, why boards need a sense of humour.…
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Menopause and Mental Health: Insights from Psychologist Angela Brooks-Horn
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17:17In this episode, Kirstin Bouse sits down with psychologist Angela Brooks-Horn to discuss her career and her work supporting women through the menopausal transition. Angela reflects on how her personal experience with menopause, along with her deep dive into research, has shaped her practice and approach to helping women during this significant life…
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S2E9 – Audette Exel: Social entrepreneurship in action, learning from mistakes, and the board's role in promoting philanthropy
36:47
36:47
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36:47Audette Exel AO is the Chair of Adara Group and a director at Westpac. She's also a former board member at Suncorp and ex-Chair of the Bermuda Stock Exchange. We discuss: Adara's mission & purpose, learning from mistakes, and social entrepreneurship in action. Plus, what can boards do to better promote philanthropy?…
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