Best Rtos Podcasts (2025)

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Scope Trap: Why Expansion Can Trigger Audit Disaster 10:26

Play Pause

6d ago10:26

10:26

In this timely episode, Angela Connell-Richards explores the compliance risks that come with adding courses to your RTO’s scope—especially under the 2025 Standards. What seems like growth can quickly turn into an audit nightmare without the right preparation. Key points discussed: ✅ The audit risks tied to scope additions and amendments ✅ How to pr…

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[EP 299] Avoiding the Lemon: Smarter Business Buying Strategies 29:50

4d ago29:50

29:50

In this episode of The Deal Room Podcast, Joanna Oakey speaks with Brett Goodyer and Alex Gilchrist about avoiding common buyer traps in business purchases.By Joanna Oakey, Aspect Legal

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Funding Chaos: Navigating Australia's Complex VET Landscape with Lauren Hollows 45:46

11d ago45:46

45:46

🎙 In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards and co-host Lauren Hollows tackle a confronting reality in Australia’s VET sector—how arbitrary funding decisions are crippling high-performing private RTOs. Despite delivering 80% of Australia’s training, private RTOs receive just 30% of government funding. Even worse? RTOs wi…

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Beyond 1 July – Building a Culture of Self-Assurance, Not Just Compliance 6:47

13d ago6:47

6:47

In this forward-looking episode, Angela Connell-Richards explores what it takes for RTOs to move beyond the 1 July 2025 Standards deadline and embrace a culture of continuous self-assurance. Rather than treating compliance as a checklist, Angela invites you to reframe it as an ongoing journey of quality, improvement, and organisational excellence. …

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Funding Fairness: Public vs Private RTOs with Lauren Hollows 30:13

18d ago30:13

30:13

🎙 In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards, with Lauren Hollows, dives into one of the biggest funding battles in Australia’s VET sector—the growing inequality between TAFE NSW and private RTOs. Private RTOs are under increasing pressure as TAFE NSW now receives 80% of all Smart and Skilled funding—despite data showing …

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Credential Chaos: Mapping Your Trainers to the 2025 Standards 9:52

20d ago9:52

9:52

In this practical episode, Angela Connell-Richards helps you decode the updated credential requirements for trainers and assessors under the new 2025 Standards. If you’re unsure whether your team meets current expectations—or how to evidence it—this episode is your step-by-step guide. Key points discussed: ✅ What the Credential Policy now requires …

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VET Talks: Future-Proof Your RTO - Embracing the 2025 Standards with Confidence 1:07:03

25d ago1:07:03

1:07:03

VET Talks: Future-Proof Your RTO - Embracing the 2025 Standards with Confidence In this insightful episode of VETtalks, join Scott Rogers (CEO of eSkilled) and Angela Connell (CEO of Vivacity RTO Consulting) for a focused Q&A on navigating the upcoming 2025 Standards for RTOs. With major reforms now on the horizon, this episode dives into why it’s …

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LLND in the Real World: What RTOs Must Know About Standard 2.2 39:53

27d ago39:53

39:53

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards and co-host Maciek Fibrich unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of the 2025 Standards for RTOs—Standard 2.2, with a laser focus on assessing Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills prior to enrolment. There’s been growing confusion in the VET sector: 🌀 Do R…

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At the Brink: Why Private RTOs Can’t Afford Another Year of Funding Cuts 24:35

28d ago24:35

24:35

In this urgent episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards takes you inside a growing crisis in Australia’s vocational education sector. Private RTOs—who deliver over 70% of the nation’s training—are being hit with devastating funding cuts, unfunded compliance reforms, and a wave of closures that threaten access, jobs, and student…

1
We Updated Our Policies… So We’re Compliant, Right? 8:31

1M ago8:31

8:31

In this thought-provoking episode, Angela Connell-Richards challenges the common assumption that simply updating your policies and procedures means your RTO is compliant. She explores the deeper truth behind the new Standards: implementation, understanding, and continuous review are what really matter now. Key points discussed: ✅ Why policy updates…

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Moderna merges HR and IT, the price of office politics, and is sustainable scaling achievable? 27:13

1M ago27:13

27:13

In this episode, we explore three critical workplace strategy topics: how effective leaders can minimize office politics through transparency, accountability, and encouraging diverse viewpoints—strategies that seem obvious yet many workplaces still struggle to implement; Moderna's innovative approach to merging their tech and HR departments under a…

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The Blind Leading the Compliant 45:44

1M ago45:44

45:44

As we race towards the 1 July 2025 implementation of the Revised Standards for RTOs, one uncomfortable truth is becoming clear: many RTOs are more prepared than the national regulator itself. In this unfiltered and empowering bonus episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards takes you behind the scenes of what’s really happening w…

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#016 - Modern Build Systems with Kyle Dando 40:23

1M ago40:23

40:23

In this episode of the Embedded Frontier podcast, Jacob Beningo and Kyle Dando from NXP discuss the modernization of embedded software and firmware, focusing on the MCU Xpresso SDK. They explore the significant changes made to the SDK, including the adoption of CMake and KConfig, the introduction of West for managing software repositories, and the …

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The Top 5 Mistakes RTOs Are Still Making Before July — And How to Fix Them Now 9:59

1M ago9:59

9:59

In this timely episode, Angela Connell-Richards tackles the most common mistakes RTOs are making as they scramble to prepare for the 1 July 2025 Standards deadline. Drawing on her work with dozens of RTOs in recent months, Angela shines a light on the blind spots, oversights, and shortcuts that could cost you dearly—and, most importantly, explains …

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Audit Triggers You’re Not Watching: Scope, Complaints & High-Risk Products 9:41

2M ago9:41

9:41

In this insight-packed episode, Angela Connell-Richards uncovers the silent risks that could land your RTO in an ASQA audit—even if you’ve already met the 1 July deadline. From additions to scope, to complaints, to the delivery of high-risk qualifications, Angela shows how audit triggers have changed—and what RTOs must now do to stay audit-ready. K…

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The cost of DEI rollbacks, the new employer-employee relationship , and the human cost of content moderation 31:13

2M ago31:13

31:13

This episode dives into why some CEOs are paying the price for walking back DEI, how the employer-employee relationship has fundamentally shifted, and the horrifying conditions faced by Meta’s outsourced content moderators. From strategic miscalculations to moral failures, we examine what these stories tell us about leadership, labor, and the value…

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Marketing vs Misleading – Staying Compliant in How You Promote Training 8:32

2M ago8:32

8:32

In this essential episode, Angela Connell-Richards tackles one of the most overlooked audit risks for RTOs—non-compliant marketing. With the 2025 Standards now in full effect, your course flyers, website, and social media content are all under ASQA’s lens. Angela explores how a single misleading phrase can trigger an audit—and what you can do to st…

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#015 - Modernizing Embedded Systems: Step #1 - Overhauling Your Build System 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

In this episode of the Embedded Frontier Podcast, Jacob Beningo discusses the importance of modernizing build systems in embedded software development. He outlines a seven-step framework for developing faster and smarter firmware, focusing on the need to overhaul build systems to keep pace with contemporary development practices. The conversation c…

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A hard job market for new college grads, the cost of declining employee wellbeing, a bold child care policy 27:00

2M ago27:00

27:00

In this episode, we explore Cake’s Body’s bold $36K childcare stipend, why the job market is suddenly so brutal for college grads, and what the WEF’s new report reveals about the steep decline in employee well-being. We break down what these headlines signal about where workplaces are headed—and what HR needs to be thinking about next. Connect: Wit…

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Policies with Purpose: How I’m Rewriting Compliance for the 2025 8:58

2M ago8:58

8:58

In this episode, Angela takes you behind the scenes of her massive compliance rewrite project. Discover why 2025 is the year to rethink—not just update—your policies and procedures. Angela shares the philosophy, strategy, and practical steps she’s using to ensure Vivacity’s documents empower RTOs to meet the new Standards with confidence. Key point…

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The workplace triple threat: Disengagement, RTOs, and Fake AI Applicants 33:26

2M ago33:26

33:26

This week, we're diving into three concerning workplace trends: First, employee engagement is declining sharply, with managers under 35 and female managers leading this downward slide—potentially because they're caught in middle management roles with high responsibility but little decision-making power. Meanwhile, BNY Mellon is increasing its offic…

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[EP 298] Earnouts vs. Equity Retention Part 2: Working Capital, Valuations & Offshoring 24:46

2M ago24:46

24:46

This episode dives into the critical role of financial clean-up before you’re ready to sell—covering common misconceptions about working capital, valuation gaps and the impact of cultural misalignment— with Joanna Oakey and Rod Hore.By Joanna Oakey, Aspect Legal

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#014 - Modernizing Embedded Systems: A 7-Step Framework 38:02

2M ago38:02

38:02

Summary In this episode of the Embedded Frontier Podcast, Jacob Beningo introduces a comprehensive framework for modernizing embedded systems development. He discusses the importance of adapting to modern techniques in firmware development, emphasizing the need for a shift in workflows, architectures, and tools. The episode outlines a seven-step pr…

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Countdown to Compliance – Your Final 6-Week RTO Survival Guide 8:40

2M ago8:40

8:40

In this episode, Angela Connell-Richards breaks down the essential roadmap for RTOs facing the final stretch before the 1 July 2025 Standards go live. With just six weeks left, this survival guide helps you focus, prioritise, and take action without overwhelm. Angela shares her insider tips, drawn from decades of experience, to help you make the mo…

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The path from CPO to COO, employee choice in RTOs, and job ads for narcissists? 21:06

2M ago21:06

21:06

This week, we discuss why HR professionals are naturally positioned for C-suite operations roles, examining the journey of Hinge's Angel Franklin from CPO to COO and why this transition shouldn't be considered unusual. We also dive into MongoDB's approach to hybrid work models, and fascinating research on how job ad language may inadvertently attra…

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Leading Through Challenge: My Journey Navigating Business, Health, and Hope 6:02

2M ago6:02

6:02

In this deeply personal episode, Angela Connell-Richards, CEO of Vivacity and host of the RTO Superhero Podcast, opens up about her recent diagnoses of thyroid cancer and renal cancer — and how early detection, proactive care, and strong leadership systems have helped her navigate both business and health challenges with resilience and clarity. Ang…

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Under Pressure: International Education, ASQA Scrutiny & the Future of CRICOS RTOs with Lauren Boon-Hollows 1:10:00

3M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

In this explosive episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards is joined by compliance powerhouse Lauren Boon-Hollows to unpack the growing crisis in international education across Australia. From mounting government pressure and audit inconsistencies to the harsh realities facing CRICOS RTOs, Angela and Lauren aren’t pulling any p…

1
Target's DEI rollbacks hit their bottom line, LGBTQ discrimination on the rise, and quiet cracking 21:58

3M ago21:58

21:58

This week, we dive into the real-world impacts of DEI rollbacks, workplace discrimination, and employee disengagement. We examine how Target faced boycotts and significant business impacts after eliminating DEI initiatives recently met with Rev. Al Sharpton to address the impacts of boycotts. We'll also explore troubling new research showing increa…

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Assessment Alignment: Valid, Reliable & Audit-Ready 48:32

3M ago48:32

48:32

In this powerful episode, Angela Connell-Richards sits down with assessment expert Maciek Fibriek to unpack one of the most critical topics under the new 2025 Standards—assessment practices and audit readiness. Together, they dive deep into: ✅ What’s actually changed under Standard 1.3 ✅ Why fit-for-purpose assessment means contextualising for your…

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Workplace Accessibility: How policy changes like RTOs disproportionately impact employees with disabilities 56:28

3M ago56:28

56:28

This week, we welcome Nathan Chung, Jessica Donahue, and Greer Procich for a critical conversation about workplace accessibility and inclusion. With collective experience in HR, cybersecurity, and disability advocacy, our panel examines how current workplace policies often overlook the experiences of disabled and neurodivergent employees. The conve…

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#013 - The Role of AI in Embedded Software Development 30:20

3M ago30:20

30:20

In this episode of the Embedded Frontier podcast, Jacob Beningo explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in embedded systems development. He discusses the potential applications of AI, including code review, documentation, and generating code, while emphasizing the importance of adopting AI technologies to enhance productivity and…

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Trainer Compliance Under the New Standards: What RTOs Must Do Now with Lauren Boon-Hollows 35:05

3M ago35:05

35:05

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards and Lauren Hollows explore the essential elements of structured and engaging training that meets compliance under Standards 1.1 & 1.2. They break down how to design well-paced training programs, avoid the pitfalls of condensed courses, and ensure students remain engaged throughou…

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Meta's "do not rehire" list, the decline of workplace friendships, and HR teams too stretched to action employee feedback 26:19

3M ago26:19

26:19

In this episode, we analyze new Glassdoor research suggesting employees are increasingly deprioritizing workplace relationships, questioning whether this shift stems from broader social disconnection or reflects changing priorities in a hybrid world. We also discuss a revealing Perceptyx survey showing that while 95% of HR teams are collecting empl…

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[EP 297] Earnouts vs. Equity Retention: Valuations, Performance and Strategic Decisions 21:52

3M ago21:52

21:52

Performance trends, strategies for business owners, Covid's impact, and exploring earnouts versus equity retention. They also discuss understanding business valuation strategies for maximising valueBy Joanna Oakey, Aspect Legal

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VET Workforce Management & Industry Experts – What RTOs Need to Know with Maciek Fibrich 19:54

3M ago19:54

19:54

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, host Angela Connell-Richards is joined once again by Maciek Fibrich, RTO coach and compliance expert, to unpack the major changes in Quality Area 3 – VET Workforce Management under the new 2025 Standards for RTOs. With a fresh focus on whole-of-organisation workforce management, these changes mean that …

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Tokyo's 4-day workweek, resignation by proxy, and a low status desk 15:37

3M ago15:37

15:37

Kim Minnick joins this week as we dive into three fascinating workplace trends from around the globe. We examine Tokyo's move toward a four-day workweek aimed at addressing Japan's population crisis and work-life balance challenges, while questioning why it takes demographic emergencies to implement family-friendly policies. We also explore the "re…

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The New Standards Have Landed: What RTOs Need to Know Now with Lauren Boon-Hollows 50:49

3M ago50:49

50:49

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards is joined by Lauren Hollows to discuss the critical role of clear and transparent student information under Standards 2.1 & 2.2. They break down what RTOs must communicate before enrolment, how to avoid misleading marketing, and why realistic course durations are essential for co…

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April Fools - can we tell the real headlines from the fake? 28:18

3M ago28:18

28:18

In this special April Fool’s Day episode, host Stacey Nordwall hands over the reins to co-producer Lexi Croswell for a fun twist on the usual format. Instead of tooting or booting HR headlines, Stacey and HR consultant Nadia Eran have to decide if the headlines are real or fake – and why! Connect: Nadia Eran -> on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com…

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Breaking Down the New RTO Standards – Risk Management & Compliance with Maciek Fibrich 30:57

4M ago30:57

30:57

🎙️ Episode 8: The Essentials of a Compliant Training System In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards is joined by Maciek Fibrich to explore what it takes to build a compliant, high-quality training system under the revised Standards for RTOs (1.1 & 1.2). They break down the key compliance requirements, common pitfalls, …

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#012 - Trends from Embedded World 2025 39:32

4M ago39:32

39:32

Summary In this episode of the Embedded Frontier, Jacob Beningo discusses the key trends observed at Embedded World 2025, focusing on the integration of commercial tools with modern workflows, the rise of Zephyr as a dominant RTOS, the pervasive influence of AI in embedded systems, the necessity of multi-core processors, and the mainstream adoption…

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Live in Las Vegas at Transform 13:20

4M ago13:20

13:20

Last week our team was at the Transform Conference in Las Vegas, connecting with HR practitioners and thought leaders. We decided to have some fun and do quick on the conference floor interviews with fellow attendees and friends of the pod. So this week we're spreading the fun and bringing you a special compilation episode of all of our interviews,…

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[EP 296] A Fresh Look at Risk & Protection: Reviewing Risk in the Business Sale Process 24:06

4M ago24:06

24:06

Explore the pre-sale, transaction, and post-sale phases of business sales with key insights on risk mitigation, warranties, restraints, and contracts in this AI-powered episode of The Deal Room Podcast.By Joanna Oakey, Aspect Legal

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Get on board or get out buyout tactics, sex discrimination and revenge quitting 41:34

4M ago41:34

41:34

We discuss a recent sex discrimination case where a male employee in a female-dominated workplace filed a claim after being excluded from awards with the announcement "it's not going to be any of the men." We explore the complex dynamics of being in the minority at work. Next, we analyze the growing trend of companies like Google and the Trump admi…

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The New RTO Standards 2025: What You Need to Know 22:30

4M ago22:30

22:30

🚨 The wait is over! The New Standards for RTOs 2025 are finalised and come into effect on 1 July 2025. If you’re an RTO owner, compliance manager, trainer, or assessor, this episode is a must-listen! In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, host Angela Connell-Richards breaks down everything you need to know about the new compliance framework,…

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Supporting Students with Disabilities – What RTOs Must Do with Lauren Boon-Hollows 30:01

4M ago30:01

30:01

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards and Lauren Hollows explore supporting students with disabilities under the revised Standards for RTOs. With a greater emphasis on reasonable adjustments, compliance, and trainer responsibilities, they break down what RTOs need to do to ensure inclusive, accessible training. 🎙️ Ke…

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Ageism, career catfishing, and a 10-year low for US employee engagement 36:57

4M ago36:57

36:57

In this episode, we start with the concerning prevalence of workplace ageism, where research shows nearly all employees over 40 experience age discrimination and feel pressured to downplay their experience. We then explore the puzzling "career catfishing" phenomenon, where 34% of Gen Z workers reportedly accept positions only to deliberately skip t…

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The Future of Vocational Education in Australia with Maciek Fibrich 41:50

4M ago41:50

41:50

Welcome back to the RTO Superhero Podcast! In this episode, host Angela Connell-Richards is joined once again by Maciek Fibrich, who is caravanning around Australia while working with RTOs. Together, they explore the future of vocational education in Australia and the impact of the new standards for RTOs. In this thought-provoking discussion, Angel…

1
JPMorgan CEO hates on remote work, Britain takes on flexible working, and work-life balance 28:30

4M ago28:30

28:30

Matt is back to talk about the growing divide in workplace flexibility across different sectors of the workforce. We dive into new research showing how Britain's frontline workers are being left behind in the flexible work revolution, creating a "two-tier" system. We'll explore Randstad's 2025 Workmonitor report revealing that workers now prioritiz…

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[EP 295] Share Sales, Succession Planning and What is a Whitewash? 18:55

5M ago18:55

18:55

Discover the essentials of share sales, using shares to support succession, and what on earth is a whitewash? In this episode of The Deal Room Podcast, Joanna Oakey answers key questions on navigating business acquisitions, legal compliance, and RTO transactions.By Joanna Oakey, Aspect Legal

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Understanding VET Student Support – What’s Changing? with Lauren Boon-Hollows 36:45

5M ago36:45

36:45

Join Angela Connell-Richards and Lauren Hollows in this insightful episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, where they break down the changes to VET Student Support Services under the Revised Standards for RTOs. With the introduction of Standards 2.3 and 2.4, student support has now been given its own Quality Area, significantly impacting how RTOs mus…