Leading You

Rob Rankin is the Principal and Founder of Rankin Business Lawyers. He is an innovative, socially conscious entrepreneur, that has created a national, virtual law firm, which has as its primary purpose to be a force for good. This firm has more than doubled in size in the last 12 months and its growth shows no signs of abating.Rob has basically thrown a rock at the conventional law firms and created a business a culture that is very 21st century and has already been recognised by Forbes Magazine. This conversation is so very interesting as Rob has created something where he would like to work and that his team certainly agree with.In this conversation we discuss:· Disrupting an industry by creating a virtual team and the challenges in doing this· The importance of culture and empowerment· The importance of recruitment· What small business owners should be thinking about to protect their business in a rapidly changing worldLinkshttps://www.rankinbusinesslawyers.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-roy-rankin-2a626218/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our first episode of Making It Count we chat to Frank Bambino, Managing Director of Via Architects and there’s lots of diversity in this conversation.Frank is a successful small business owner who has 20+ years experience running his own business On top of this he has extensive knowledge and experience as an architect gained from a career spanning over 25 years in the industry. Frank brings an energy and enthusiasm that inspires his own work and that of those around him.This episode is an interesting one as we cover:· Lessons learnt from his extensive years in business· The importance of having the right people in the right roles· Tips for future proofing business· The future of the workplace· The evolution of the Aged Care IndustryLinks:Via Architects https://www.viaarchitects.com.au LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankbambino/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Helen Haines. She’s the Director of Dollars and Sense, a boutique Bookkeeping business, sits on the board of Aus Dance Victoria as Treasurer, a mother and a wife. Her business has grown rapidly over the past couple of years and she now has a team working for her.This conversation is a great one for parents who are doing the juggling act between work and life commitments. Helen’s story is a great one, she gave birth only nine months ago to her beautiful daughter and her business continues to grow and thrive. She smashes her targets, gets out there and networks whilst having dedicated time with her daughter. Helen and her husband are changing the stereotypical family roles and living the concept of work-life rhythm.In this episode we discuss:· The importance of communications to achieve professional and personal priorities· Having clarity on your why· The importance of asking for help· How she ‘has it all’ one step at a timeLinks:Dollars and Sense http://dollarsandsense.net.auHelen Haines https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenhainesdollars/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat with Lou Perta. Lou is a Founding Partner of PTP, a business that combines the strengths of it’s business advisory team with the accountability and accuracy of it’s compliance team to create it’s uniqueness. The PTP. mission is “Creating Dreams Worth Fighting For” – and it is with this mission in mind that their team of over 35 staff come to the office every day to make a reality for their clients.Lou is a down to earth, pragmatic and passionate guy who get joy from seeing his team and his clients achieve their dreams. He has a wealth of experience and generously shares many insights including business succession planning with us throughout this conversation.In this episode we cover:· Having clarity on what’s important· Leading a multi-generational team· Communication as the key to success· Tips for Succession PlanningLinks: https://www.ptps.com.auhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/louperta/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Harman was appointed as the CEO of Beyond Blue in May 2014 where she has led a significant expansion of effort and results in service innovation, suicide prevention and digital solutions.Previously, she was the Deputy CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, providing independent advice to government on mental health reform.From 2006-2012, Georgie had national responsibility for mental health, suicide prevention, substance misuse, cancer and chronic disease policy and programsas a senior executive at the Commonwealth Department of Health. She led the development of the largest ever mental health Budget package. At the same time, she was responsible for the strategy and development of legislation to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products in Australia – a world first.Georgie has also led national reforms to lift Australia’s organ and tissue donation rates and worked in the HIV/AIDS sector in Australia and the UK.Also joining us on the discussion is Patrice O’Brien General Manager Workplace, Partnerships & Engagement at . Patrice drives activities to promote mentally healthy workplaces Australia wide, guides the establishment of strategic partnerships for Beyond Blue and leads Beyond Blue’scommunity engagement activities.beyondblueThis is such an important chat and will not only help you in the workplace but will help you in life situations also. When the statistics are showing that 1 in 5 Australians workers will suffer a mental illness, the conversation in business has got to change to include tabling mental illness as a business as usual discussion. Georgie and Patrice share examples, stories and some really simple strategies that you can run with to ensure you have a mentally fit workplace and taking care of yourself.In this episode we cover:· Georgie’s role as CEO and how she keeps herself grounded in her leadership· Heads Up - the resources available and tips for leaders and small business owners to keep themselves mentally fit· What is a mentally fit workplace· Keys to providing a mentally fit workplace· Tips for how to manage mental health issues when confronted with themThere are incredible resources available for small business specifically on the website – refer to the Heads Up link below.Links:Beyondblue Heads Up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee Ussher is our guest on the Podcast today. Lee is head of Digital and Social Media Management at Buzz Web Media and is a Corporate Brand Strategist. Lee helps companies and their executive leaders develop and maintain brand influence through creating loyal and sustainable network relationships that drive performance.Lee cofounded Buzz Web Media with her husband JP and they now have a team of specialists, who know how to create cohesive digital marketing and advertising solutions that support the management of brands as they grow and need to evolve. The team includes social media advertisers, Google Partners, graphic designers; web developers, digital and PR communications and we act as your external marketing partner solution.Lee is a professional speaker and media commentator referenced for her thoughts on developing brand leadership, social media trends and digital influence.Her innovative marketing strategies have been showcased alongside Telstra, Optus, St George, and NAB at national conferences and forums.With over 20 years of training experience she is known for delivering practical methods and easy to use resources that any business size can implement to build credibility and maintain an authority of influence.This is an awesome chat and one that will leave you with lots to think about! Lee is incredibly generous with her insights and tips for how to get the best results from social media. We chat about:· What is important to get clear on prior to embarking on a social mediapresence· The biggest mistakes people are making in this space· The keys for the success of your social media· The best social media platforms to useGrab a pen and paper for this one. There’s lots of practical advice shared and I know you’ll get great benefit from this podcast.Buzz Web MediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Julie Hyde shares four questions she’s been reflecting on to assist with your thinking and planning for 2019, ensuring your resolutions translate into something meaningful for you rather than just an idea on a page!It’s important to have clarity on what you want to achieve, who you want to be and who you surround yourself with to fuel your commitment and confidence as we navigate another full on year. It will enable you to use your time much more effectively and understand what you need to say ‘no’ to in order to meet your goals.It’s a quick and easy listen. Julie shares:· Some tips for making your 2019 resolutions count.· Four questions to propel your 2019 thinkingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Making It Count, Oscar Trimboli joins me. Oscar is a coach supervisor, speaker and author of Deep Listening: Impact beyond words, The 125/400 Rule: The Art and Science of Listening and Breakthroughs: How to confront your assumptions. Through his work with chairs, boards of directors and executive teams in local, regional and global organisations, Oscar has experienced first hand the transformational impact leaders and organisations can have when they listen beyond the words.He consults to organisations including Cisco, Google, HSBC, News Corp, PayPal, Qantas, TripAdvisor helping executives and their teams listen to what’s unsaid by the customers and employees.Oscar lives in Sydney with his wife Jennie, where he helps first-time runners and ocean swimmers conquer their fears and contributes to the cure for cancer as part of Can Too, a cancer research charity.This is an interesting chat. Oscars key message is people that want to be heard but what they really crave is to be listened to and we explore what this means and some tips on how to do that.In this episode we cover:· What deep listening is· The unfair advantage you can gain· Tip for deeps listening· Many other little gold nuggets throughout this insightful chatLinks Oscar TrimboliLinked In See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining me on the podcast is Stephen Durkin, CEO of AusIMM.Having personally led six major business transformations over his 30 year career, Stephen is regarded as a seasoned change agent. Stephen has extensive experience in association management and business leadership, as both an Executive and Director.Since May 2017 Stephen has been CEO of AusIMM, the peak body for professionals in the mining industry, following the five years prior as CEO of Engineers Australia.In both instances Stephen has led widely applauded transformations of these long-standing Institutes to rebuild them to be more contemporary; financially sustainable and with a stronger external brand. Prior these positions leading professional associations Stephen was at National Australia Bank for 15 years in a number of senior executive leadership roles including as State Manager, Retail Bank NSW/ACT.Stephen has an MBA as well as an Honours degree in Civil Engineering from Monash University.Stephen has been named on several occasions as one of Australia's 100 most influential engineers and was Monash University Civil Engineering Alumnus of the Year in 2014. He has been on the Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Industry 4.0 and is a Victorian Government Club Melbourne Ambassador.Stephen is a deep and considered thinker and having personally worked for him, I can absolutely endorse him as a relevant and influential leader who genuinely cares about his people and creates a powerful culture.In this podcast Stephen will share:Some of his leadership reflections and factors that have contributed to his success so farThe importance of teams and culture in building high performanceA powerful distinction on busySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining me on the podcast today is Rachel Derrico, Senior Associate at Rankin Business Lawyers.Rachel is an experienced employment and industrial relations lawyer and works across all areas of workplace relations law.Rachel enjoys working with clients to reduce risk in the workplace by providing proactive and commercial solutions for clients and conducting practical and targeted workplace training on a range of employment law issues including discrimination, bullying, mental health and work health and safety.Rachel’s wide ranging experience includes drafting employment agreements and advising clients on employment rights and obligations, the application and operation of industrial instruments, termination of employment, organisational change, restraint of trade and confidentiality issues, unfair dismissal, adverse action, discrimination and work health and safety.Prior to joining Rankin Business Lawyers, Rachel gained practical legal and HR experience working in the HR team at Abigroup Contractors (now Lendlease) which then led her to work in private practice in boutique law firms.Rachel has a combined Bachelor of Laws (honours) and Bachelor of Arts degree and has also completed her Master of Laws in Workplace and Employment Law at Monash University.This podcast has two levels to it:Firstly, Rachel generously shares her knowledge on employment law and we discuss:The top 4 things employers should have in place when starting to employ peopleThe three most common mistakes employers are makingThe benefits of taking a human approach to businessHow Rachel can assist employers and leadersSecondly, you will hear a clear message from an employee who is fully engaged and committed to her employer because she is able to live true to her values and has the flexibility she needs to operate at her best.This is also a very powerful message for employers and leaders and is first hand evidence of how strong an advocate for your business your employees can be when a strong culture is cultivated and when the business operates true to it’s values. Enjoy!LinksRankin Business LawyersRachel Derrico Linked InSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining me on the podcast today is Adam Rowse, Head of Branch Based Banking at Barclay’s Bank in the UK.Adam is responsible for a team of around 12,000 people supporting customers across the UK branch estate and serving over 24 million Barclay’s Bank clients.Adam is passionate about delivering the right solution at the right place, at the right time whether that is in a branch, on the telephone or via a digital channel.Before taking this position in 2018, Adam was Head of Business Banking Coverage teams across the UK made up of 4500+ colleagues, that serve the 1 million customers and clients that encompass start up Businesses through to SME’s.Adam joined Barclays in 2007, prior to that he worked at National Australia Bank, leading distribution teams and strategy development.Adam is such an authentic leader who just ‘get’s it’. He has experienced enormous change and disruption throughout his leadership, particularly in the UK. He understands his success is achieved through those around him and works tirelessly to calm the chaos that change creates and empower his team enabling them to be the best they can be.Adam shares loads of pragmatic leadership tips in this episode. We chat about:Keeping things calm in the face of chaosTips for transitioning change effectivelyHow to make a multi-generational and diverse workforce function wellAdam’s ‘Jazz Hands’ theory (you’ll love this!)Enjoy listening to Adam.LinksAdam RowseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I have with me Maureen Kyne, founder and Director of Maureen Kyne and Associates.Maureen is a seasoned investigator of bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment claims; real-world experience that underpins highly effective bullying prevention programs she delivers across multiple sectors in metropolitan and regional Australia.With extensive experience driving behavioural and cultural change, Maureen’s focus ensures your most important asset – your ‘people’ – don’t end up at the wrong place at the wrong time. Including Jail.Her Leadership training helps senior managers gain a better understanding of their self-awareness and the impact their behaviour has on themselves and others. Maureen’s range of services include confidant, consulting, bullying advisory, training and crisis intervention.This topic isn’t a sexy one but this is a very important conversation given the significant and needed change in this space and the zero tolerance that is being adopted across the board.We talk about:Why this needs to be a focus for business, organisations and leadersThe impact on people from bullying, sexual harassment and discriminationHow you can prevent these issues happening on your business or organisation.Maureen’s passion for her work shines through this Podcast as does her expertise. This is a must listen for all leaders in business.LinksMaureen Kyne & AssociatesLinkedIn - Maureen KyneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining me on the podcast today is Michael Haynes. Michael is a B2B Customer Strategy Specialist and is the founder of his advisory firm for Start-Ups and SMEs, Listen Innovate Grow.His interest and passion is helping start-ups and SMEs to build and grow successful businesses by enabling them to sell to other businesses. To that end, last year, Michael published his first book, Listen Innovate Grow: A Guidebook for Start-Ups and SMEs to Acquire and Grow Business CustomersMichael has over 20 years’ experience working with companies ranging from microbusinesses to large corporates to develop and implement customer driven strategies to drive business growth. Michael has worked with start-ups and SMEs across a range of industries including Professional Services, IT and Transportation. He is an advisor with Startup Canada as well as a mentor with Stone & Chalk, which is one of the leading accelerator/incubator programs for start-ups in Australia.Michael is super passionate and an absolute expert in this space. You will hear his passion and expertise shine through on this podcast as he shares some very pragmatic tips. We chat about:The key success strategies for success in the B2B spaceThe explore the concept of Listen, Innovate and Grow for B2B’sThe biggest mistakes businesses make in this spaceThis is high energy and action packed! You’ll need a notepad and pen for this one as there are lots of gems shared. Enjoy listening to Michael.Links:Listen Innovate Grow LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining me on the podcast today is Jenny Brown.Jenny is an award winning CEO and Founder of JBS Financial Strategists in Melbourne specialising in Self Managed Super Funds, working with business owners and those transitioning through to retirement.She’s proudly the 2013 AFA Adviser of the Year and FS Smileys Scholar of the Year, and is very involved within her industry as the Australian Chair of MDRT. Jenny offers more than 27 years’ experience in the financial planning industry. JBS have their own Australian Financial Services License and her business is about building relationships, which has enabled her to grow JBS into the thriving and progressive practice it is today, backed by a lively and dedicated team of advisers and specialists.Her great passions are social media and networking, but she’s equally driven to help women in business and sits on several business advisory boards.This is a great chat where we explore:Keys to building a financially sustainable businessThe importance of surrounding yourself with the right team that will grow with you and take your business to the next levelJenny’s passion for giving back and enabling others to be successful.Jenny is incredibly passionate about what she does and shares some valuable pearls of wisdom here whether you have your own business or not.Enjoy listening to Jenny.Links:JBS Financial StrategistsJenny BrownSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I have Jeanette Cremor (JC) with me.Jeanette has a reputation of being a strategic design thinker, fun maker and someone who gets the job done. She is the creator of The Project Ecosystem ® a learning framework to support others in creating their own project success stories.With over 20 years’ experience in government, education, utilities and sport sectors delivering business change by linking people, process and technology she is an expert on project management – what works and what doesn’t.Jeanette offers consulting services to check the pulse of your project and provide a 'back to health' action plan or you can join her program and mentoring sessions to get hands-on practical lessons.If you don’t find her at a whiteboard, she will be with family and friends indulging in good food and wine.If you are thinking about rolling out a project or in the midst of implementation you need to listen to this. Jeanette has an incredible mind and is a very clever strategic thinker. This is an awesome chat where we dive into the world of Project Management and discuss:How Jeanette adds value to new and in-progress projectsThe three keys to ensuring a project is a successThe biggest mistake organisations are making in this space.How to keep your energy levels up whilst working on a project.The tips shared here are so valuable and they will really get you thinking. You can adopt what Jeanette is sharing here to any size project, even your personal projects.Enjoy my chat with Jeanette!LinksJC WebsiteJC LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I have Darren Kelk, Founder of Fresh Networking with me.Darren has had a very successful career in the travel industry, starting at Flight Centre as a travel consultant in 2001 and working his way up to Area Leader. He then ventured out on his own with TravelManagers in 2010 which is where he discovered the art of Networking and found he was a natural fit.Networking became a key marketing strategy in his business and throughout the years he has been involved with many networking groups throughout Melbourne. However, as Darren’s business evolved he found it difficult to find a group that really resonated with his values, so, therefore, he created his own called Fresh Networking.Darren started Fresh as a hobby with a hub in South Yarra, Melbourne with 15 people and now it has grown to 17 hubs with over 200 Freshies in Melbourne and is now looking to expand up to the Eastern coast. His official title is 'His Royal Freshness', which shows his quirky humour and sense of fun, which resonates throughout all aspects of the business.This is a fun and interesting chat where we discuss:Fresh Networking and how it differs to other events out thereHow to network effectively to achieve the best outcomesThe biggest mistakes people make with networkingHow Darren has managed the rapid growth of his business.Enjoy my chat with Darren.Links: Fresh NetworkingTravelManagersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining me is Marguerite Picard.Marguerite is the co-founder of MELCA, a collaborative center for separating families that have just been awarded the 2019 Most Innovative Company at the Business Excellence Awards Australasia. She is an Accredited Specialist Family Lawyer with over three decades of experience in the industry and is also a disruptor!Marguerite is on a mission to disrupt the law industry. Her goal is to reshape the practice of law into a consensus model and to tip the family law system upside down, so we start and finish with what most concerns the clients, not what the law thinks they should be interested in. The two things are rarely the same.This is a great chat where you will get an insight into the courage and conviction of someone who truly believes in what she is doing and understand what Marguerite and her co-founders are doing is really common sense but not commonly practiced.We chat about:What is driving force is for Marguerite’s passion for change.The benefits of a collaborative approach when families are separatingWhat most concerns people when they are looking to separateLinks:MELCAMarguerite PicardSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining me today is Professor Clive Smallman.Clive is a high school failure who became a Professor. The shock of his failure to his system meant that reading, thinking and writing became more important than rugby, beer, and girls. He is a learning 'tragic' with a grasp of business and management best practice and theory gets a real buzz out of helping others to learn from moments of truth and to avoid or at least better manage risks and crises.Clive is an expert in experiential learning. He believes that most organisations and people don't learn from their own experiences. They struggle to learn from the success and failure of others and that the same or similar mistakes over and again. This is what Clive is on a mission to change.Clive is quite a character and we chat about:What leadership through learning is all aboutLearning through ‘moments of truth’How to improve the high disengagement levels organisations are experiencingWhat we need to consider for the future of workEnjoy my chat with CliveLinksWebsite Linked InSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the podcast today, Hazel Smirlis joins me.Hazel is Director and Senior Consultant at Compliance Lab. A natural born leader with impeccable attention to detail, Hazel has cemented herself as an expert in the Compliance industry over the last 10 years.Hazel is fascinated with creating structures and systems that help Small and Medium business owners run their businesses more effectively. She believes that creating processes that streamline the way a business runs gives her clients an edge in their respective industries.Hazel is a very humble and authentic leader and I’m sure you will pick up on this throughout the podcast and she also knows her stuff! We chat about:The importance and benefits of systems and structureThe keys to recruiting people into your businessHow Hazel manages the multiple demands on her time.Enjoy listening to Hazel.Links:Compliance LabLinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With me today is Wendy Eva-Scott.Wendy is the Principal of Your Home Hunter who works with time poor professionals, Country, Interstate and International clients to find them a property to rent in Melbourne - without the stress.After spending nearly 30 years working in highly focused Customer Service roles, including her previous start up business and as a Flight Attendant, Wendy has developed an intuitive understanding of people and knows what tenants want and expect.Wendy is an inspiration and a smart cookie. From identifying a gap in the market she's started a fantastic business - Your Home Hunter - that is growing rapidly and making a difference for so many in a very competitive environment.This is a great chat where you will understand the resilience and courage that Wendy has had to tap into through various challenges she has faced and how she is building a unique business and making it count for those she assists.Enjoy my chat with Wendy.Links:Your Home HunterLinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.