Influence Unlocked

In today’s episode of the Influence Unlocked, I catch up with the indomitable Maria Halasz. The multilingual former ASX-listed company CEO and leading venture capitalist board director is now CEO and co-founder of Stride Equity, Australia’s first venture capital backed equity crowdfunding platform. As an 18-year old, Hungarian-born Maria abandoned her medical studies following the sudden death of her beloved brother in an accident. Adventure – and Australia, where the siblings had dreamed of visiting together – called. Maria was granted political asylum and issued a one-way ticket to Perth, Western Australia, where she eventually arrived with just $50 and big dreams in her pocket. In the decades since, her career has unapologetically chartered leadership roles in male-dominated industries like banking, finance, investment, and biotech. “If I thought something [was] important or I could make a difference,” she reflects now, “I just did it!” Through our work at the PR Hub I have personally enjoyed working with Maria for several years now and we have a few things in common too, including a passion for giving back and helping people in business – “Knock on doors. You’ll be surprised how generous people are with their time” – give it their all and maximise their chances of success.  No matter your title or where you’re at in business, if you’re looking for some career inspiration, tips for leading at the top and/or are curious about how to attract investment and mentors, you don’t want to miss this episode.  Follow Maria on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mariahalasz Explore Stride Equity: strideequity.com.au Email Sam: samantha@theprhub.com.au Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5

Misha Zelinsky is a Fulbright Scholar, lawyer, war correspondent, and a leading authority on the rise of global authoritarianism. Born and raised by a single mother in the NSW coastal city of Wollongong, famed for its mining industry and surfing beaches, Misha decided to put aside a promising young legal career to pursue his passion for Labor and trade unionism, where he spent 12 years as the leader of the Australian Workers’ Union. Ultimately, it was this inherent drive to make an impact (“I want to make the biggest difference possible to the things that I care about”) that led him to Ukraine in 2022 as a war correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, following years as a regular columnist for the same news outlet writing on the future of democracy, Australian domestic policy, national security and geopolitics. He’s also the host of podcast, ‘Diplomates – A Geopolitical Chinwag’. In this episode of the Influence Unlocked, we take a very personal look into Misha’s life and some of the key decisions and turning points that have led him to where he is today. We also discuss the motivation behind becoming a published author, with Misha’s first work of fact-based fiction, The Sun Will Rise, honouring Ukraine’s fight for freedom in its ongoing conflict with Russia, released in late 2023. On taking chances in career and life, Misha is resolute. “Just jump,” he says. “It's never as scary as you think. People treat their lives as this irreversible decision-making process, but broadly speaking, most people's careers, those decisions, are not as scary as [we] build them up to be.” “The gut knows. Take the chance, you might surprise yourself!” Find him on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter): @mishazelinskyBuy The Sun Will Rise book: thesunwillrisebook.com Email Samantha: samantha@theprhub.com.au Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussions about eating disorders and pregnancy loss It’s great to be back after a little time away from the podcast and what better time that to do things a little differently with me in the hot seat! In this episode, I’m interviewed by my long-time client and more importantly dear friend, the amazing, inspiring and unstoppable, Taryn Williams, an award-winning founder, brand ambassador, board director and business advisor. In this episode Taryn asks me about some of the most defining moments in my life, those that have shaped and impacted who I am today. Surprisingly, we get quite deep and personal on some topics. Only surprising because I am not used to sharing so much about my personal journey however, I felt really comfortable sharing with you all and hope that some of the things we cover might resonate or even be useful. We also delve into the topics of entrepreneurship, personal branding and public relations, with some more practical advice for those of you who might be business owners or thought leaders in your industries looking to hear more. As nervous as I was going into the chat, I really enjoyed the opportunity to sit on the other side of the interview and share some of my story. I hope you enjoy it too - and don’t forget - I would love for you to subscribe on your favourite podcast app and leave a review, so more great people like you can listen in to the Influence Unlocked podcast. Now over to Taryn! And don’t forget you can connect with me via email samantha@thepruhb.com.au or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Listen to the Cassandra Kelly interview https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/owning-your-power-with-cassandra-kelly/id1490324814?i=1000549088115 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If there is anyone who understands the dance between brand strategy, the power of authentic storytelling and content production, and what audiences want, it’s my guest for this episode, Adam Bub. Head of Commercial Media at leading digital media and TV production company Pinstripe Media by day, social media influencer by night, and doer of cryptic crosswords in all the moments in between, Adam Bub has built an impressive 15-year career with major news sites including Nine Digital and Mamamia (interviewing the likes of Kim Kardashian, Hugh Jackman, Will Smith, and Demi Lovato) and crafted content campaigns in partnership with hundreds of Australia's leading brands. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Adam before. He directed me as the ‘talent’ on Kochie’s Business Builders TV and he really makes being on camera a relaxed and fun experience. In this episode of Influence Unlocked we cover a lot of ground, from what makes a good story (the ‘human factor’) and why it’s so important to ‘become your own brand PR hero’, to Adam’s evolution from shy teenager, coming to terms with his sexuality and whose choicest piece of career advice is simply: do things that terrify you. So, if you are a business owner or public relations professional wanting to better understand what makes a good pitch, or an aspiring content creator wanting a peek into the world of someone who has grown their own personal brand alongside an exciting career both in front of and behind the camera like a boss, listen in. There’s something for everyone in this episode! Follow Adam on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-bubFind him on Instagram & TikTok: @adambub What Adam’s reading: Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So Email Sam: samantha@theprhub.com.au Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Podcast Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be doing what you really love – that thing you felt called to do, even as a young child – for a living, you won’t want to miss this episode.  I first crossed paths with my guest, Ali Lowe, when she wrote an amazing cover story on one of The PR Hub clients, James Spenceley, for the Mosman Daily/North Shore Times a few years back (listen to my interview with James this season in episode 6, the link is below). Like most good stories, Ali’s is one of risk, instinct, and perseverance. Despite a successful 20-year career as a journalist and editor in the UK and Australia, following the death of her brother, she left full-time work to be closer to and more present for her young family. While freelancing, she realised a passion for writing fiction and was accepted into a novel-writing course in 2019, and the rest is history.  Described by The Weekend Australian as both “moving swiftly into the footsteps of Liane Moriarty '' and “one to watch”, it may make it sound at times like it all just fell into place one day, however her success has been anything but accidental. She’s already two books in (her second novel, The Running Club, is out this month) and excited by and grateful for her new, very public image as an author. “Am I a brand now?!” she jokes.  Importantly, for Ali, personal branding was never an ego trip or a commercial pursuit. Instead it meant tapping into the energy and wisdom of successful people she admired, building authentic connections with other writers, and of course, the discipline required to get the job done…and there are lessons in there for us all. The Running Club is available from 14 March ‘23 at all your usual bookshops, Big W, Target, Kmart, Dymocks, Booktopia, Amazon, and Audible. Listen to the James Spenceley interview at https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/entrepreneur-and-vc-james-spenceley-on-how-to-stay/id1490324814?i=1000590065861 Connect with Ali on Instagram @ali_lowe_author Find our more at https://www.aliloweauthor.com/ Email Sam at samantha@theprhhub.com.au Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Podcast Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am thrilled to introduce one of our The PR Hub clients in this episode of the Influence Unlocked. Nicho Plowman is the co-founder of the world's #1 meditation app, Insight Timer, with 23 million active users worldwide and Vedic meditation teacher. Attracted from a young age to the excitement and adrenaline of doing business, Nicho worked with some amazing international organisations like ESPN and was the co-founder of a multimillion-dollar tech software company in his 30s.As he approached 40 he was living a life that on the surface that many people would dream of; a successful tech entrepreneur, with a luxurious global lifestyle alongside his highly successful fashion designer wife and two young daughters. However, beneath the exterior Nicho was a high-flying, hard-living entrepreneur heading down a path of mental, emotional, and physical destruction. Nicho’s journey is an inspiring story for anyone who has felt overworked or highly stressed, and business professionals who seem to have it all on the surface but underneath feel their work/life balance is out of whack and are looking for ways to reclaim their sense of purpose, health & wellbeing. This was an amazing chat and I know you’re going to love it, too. Connect with Nicho on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicho-plowman-ba77b8254/ Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Podcast Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just 27 years old, representative Australian rugby union player Sera Naiqama’s star is well and truly on the rise. But don’t let her age fool you. We can learn so much from Sera’s effervescent outlook on life, her incredible work ethic, and her insatiable thirst for self-improvement Like most success stories, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Growing up in comparative hardship in Sydney’s southern suburbs, and with parents whose marriage ended when she was very young, Sera is the first to admit that “society would say my life was meant to look a certain way.” Likewise her winding path to international rugby stardom, and more recently as a Stan Sport commentator and sought-after MC, has not been without its hurdles and, inevitably, huge emotional setbacks. But at every turn, and with the support of a close network of friends and mentors, Sera has chosen bravery. “You never know what’s siting on the other side of your fear,” she says, adding that “with a bit of faith, hope, and hard work, or whatever word works for you, nothing is ever wasted.” As promised during our interview with Sera: The 7 P’s: Proper Preparation and Practice Prevents Piss Poor Performance!Link to Season 4, Episode 4: Jimmy Galvin interview. Follow Sera on IG and Twitter: @seranaiqama Connect with Sera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sera-naiqama Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Spenceley is arguably one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs turned venture capitalist, local politician and philanthropist. He is also someone Samantha and The PR Hub has had the pleasure of working with over the past six years.  The three time Young Rich lister and two time EY Entrepreneur of the Year winner is one of the youngest Australians to found and lead an ASX 100 company, Vocus Communications. He's Chair of publicly listed companies Airtasker and Swoop, along with being a Non-Executive Director of Kogan. In 2021 he decided to turn his hand to local politics and was elected as a counselor for North Sydney Council in NSW. Yet while James is known for a hearty risk appetite in business, perhaps his most courageous project to date has been a deeply personal one, delivering custom built ambulances and medical equipment to the front lines of the war in Ukraine (James’ wife, Victoriia, is Ukrainian and they first met while James was living in Ukraine many years ago).  Why ambulances? Because ambulances were desperately needed, which speaks to one of James’ most important tips for anyone in business: ask What does your customer really need? “We approached our drive to contribute to the war effort in Ukraine like we would a business - what’s needed, how do we fulfil the need better - and evolved the product accordingly.” “As soon as people heard about it, they wanted to give, we got press, and the momentum started building. It’s been incredible.” Join James in conversation with Samantha as they delve into how to effectively manage stress, deal with negative publicity, and what drives the indefatigable James Spenceley forward every day (yes, there is Red Bull involved). If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone leading a high growth, disruptive business looking for ideas and inspiration then you won’t want to miss this episode! Find out more about Aus Ukraine Aid at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ausukraineaid, follow @ausukraineaid, or DONATE AT https://www.ausukraineaid.org/. Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-spenceley/ Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Podcast Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After leaving her corporate career as a tax adviser in banking & finance at PwC, Alina Gozin’a built a career as a globally in-demand portrait photographer and interdisciplinary artist with commissions spanning Sydney, Berlin, New York, and LA. She is known for some of the most iconic Australian Financial Review Magazine covers of notable figures such as Frank Lowy, Andrew Forrest, Judith Neilson, Scott Farquhar, Kevin Rudd and Canva cofounders Mel Perkins and Cliff Obrecht, to name a few. Over the years, her iconic photographic work evolved and expanded to include creative campaigns and art activations for some of the world’s most exclusive brands, until… Like millions of others, Alina was grounded by COVID and extended global lockdowns, and challenged to diversify her business. It became a game-changing hiatus. For the first time in years, she had the time and headspace to dream of something different. And so The Art of Seeing – was born. As an artist, she concedes “it took me a long time to believe in myself and honestly, to give myself permission to understand that ‘personal branding’ is not a dirty word, that it’s OK to be comfortable financially, and that I really have to now embrace it, hopefully with integrity.” Alina’s role in bridging the gap between art and commerce, and connecting people across these two worlds, is one she is hugely passionate about. She is an absolute powerhouse, leading a creative life with purpose and intent, and we’re thrilled to share Alina in conversation with Samantha Dybac in the latest episode of the Influence Unlocked podcast. Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest for Season 4, Episode 4 is the remarkable Jimmy Galvin; seasoned sports administrator, globally acclaimed house DJ, music label founder and event/festival producer, and now, cofounder and CEO of Raydel Aqua Rugby, Australia’s first floating rugby tournament. Described as the ‘Hong Kong Sevens meets the Monaco Grand Prix’, Aqua Rugby is making an almighty splash in Australia’s live entertainment scene at Manly Cove in November ‘22, the festival’s second season after its launch event earlier this year. The team have secured the backing of naming rights sponsor, Raydel, along with Destination NSW, Buildcorp, Budgy Smuggler, Lion White Claw, and 4 Pines Brewing Company, to name a few.  From Brooklyn, NY to the beaches of Bali, from Burning Man to the boardroom, it’s safe to say Jimmy Galvin is a busy guy. But he takes it all in his stride; his energy and passion for life, for the business, his team, and of course rugby, is pure delight. It’s inspiring, and it’s infectious! Characteristically, Jimmy has forged his own unique path in life and business, and encourages others to do the same. “You will carve your own leadership journey and your own leadership style.” Being in business is tough. There will always be challenges, so staying focused - and positive - is key. “Just remember why you started what you started,” Jimmy counsels. “Aqua Rugby is my passion. Music is my passion. They still put me under stress and there are days when I ask myself, ‘Why? Why?!’ But then I take a deep breath and remind myself, ‘Jimmy, this is exactly what you wanted in your life. You can bloody do this and I'm proud of you." So how does one of the busiest guys in Sydney, find balance and create calm amidst the chaos? For Jimmy, it’s simple: “Rest. Emotionally, spiritually, physically, you need to rest to be at your best.” Jimmy’s book recommendation: The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr. Find out more about the Raydel Aqua Rugby Australia sporting series via https://aquarugby.com/ or via Instagram: @aquarugbyausFollow Jimmy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-galvin/ Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer: https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest for Season 4, Episode 3 is an exceptional woman. Krystal Barter has lived most of her adult life in the spotlight. Her moving personal story, from her BRCA1 gene diagnosis and preventative double mastectomy as a young mum to purpose-driven entrepreneur and startup founder, has made headlines around the world. In 2009 at the age of 25, she launched the not-for-profit Pink Hope from her hospital bed as she recuperated from her life-altering surgery, even attracting the attention of Angelina Jolie, who reached out to Krystal following her own BRCA gene detection. By 2019, despite being widely recognised and awarded across multiple platforms for her important advocacy work, today, Krystal had her sights set on something greater. Realising her mission to create change in the global healthcare landscape, she made “the hardest decision of [her] life” to step away from Pink Hope and launch Humanise Health, a dynamic change agency placing patients at the center of health communications and awareness campaigns globally. In this inspiring episode, we go deep, tapping into Krystal’s enviable reserves of positivity, discovering the power of listening, and asking ourselves ‘What does it really take to lead with purpose?’ For Krystal, the power of influence ultimately comes from finding that purpose, but also by giving back to those around you. “I really strongly believe,” she says, “that lived experiences and stories can change the world.” www.wehumanisehealth.com www.krystalbarter.com/ Follow Krystal: www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-b-39045628/ Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram: @influenceunlockedpodcast Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac Producer: http://www.piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Episode 2 of Season 4 and my guest is Scott Purcell, cofounder of Australia’s largest men’s lifestyle platform, Man of Many. Scott co-founded Man of Many with his housemate Frank Arthur in 2012 and the pair have since grown their weekend side hustle into a multi-award winning business and one of the country’s fastest growing media companies, with a global monthly audience of 5 million. Their growing stockpile of accolades includes the prestigious AFR Fast 100 list and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 APAC, the Financial Times Fast Growing Companies APAC list in 2022, and Brand of the Year at the 2021 Mumbrella Publish Awards, to name a few. For Scott, his evolution from ‘nerdy’ teen and self-taught coder to CFA Charterholder and senior financial analyst to now award-winning startup founder, has been one hell of a ride. With the company gearing up for its 10th birthday celebrations later this year, Scott excitedly reflects on his journey and shares some valuable insights into what it takes to build a successful startup. Hot tip: it did not happen overnight! While neither Scott nor Frank set out to be the ‘faces’ of their business, they’ve learned to face their fears and embrace personal branding to help grow the business. “No one’s going to sell [your brand] for you.” Scott says. If you’re an existing or budding entrepreneur and want an insight into the growth and success of Man of Many then don’t miss this one! www.Manofmany.com Scott Purcell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-purcell-cfa/ Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram@influenceunlockedpodcast Find out more about The PR Hub: https://www.theprhub.com.au/ Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer:  http://www.piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back for Season 4 and our first episode is a beauty as we talk life, leadership, and the law with one of Australia’s most prominent female legal minds, Rebekah Giles. An accomplished litigator with specialist expertise in reputational risk and over 20 years’ top tier experience in Australia and the United Kingdom, Rebekah has a diverse portfolio of non-executive directorships in government, sport, and private enterprise. She’s an ambassador for the Fertility Research Clinic at the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation, a mother, and - miraculously - a survivor of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. She’s now also a successful startup founder, launching her private practice, Company (Giles), in 2019. Rebekah is on a roll. Honoured with an Award for Excellence from the Faculty of Law at UTS in 2017, in 2018, she was listed in the AFR’s 100 Women of Influence (Boards and Management). Awards for Reputational Risk Lawyer of the Year by Global Law Experts followed in 2019, 2020 and 2021. A deep believer in the power of influence to affect positive change and the importance of giving back, her advice for success is simple. “Put your skills to use, volunteer in the community, find a passion outside your career to help broaden your experience…and in a world filled with KPIs, just diligently and passionately do your work.” Connect with Rebekah: www.companygiles.com.au Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram@influenceunlockedpodcast Find out more about The PR Hub: https://www.theprhub.com.au/ Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/ Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer:  http://www.piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As an advisor to some of the world’s most powerful people, Cassandra Kelly AM has experienced a life of influence that’s been unlocked by traits that may surprise you – softness and compassion: “I think there's an assumption that when you've achieved so much and you're pushing and you overcome and you're resilient…that there [must be] a harshness that comes with that”. Cassandra pushes back against this idea and instead highlights the importance of kindness and authenticity, and how these are central to brand and business both. Cassandra credits a centring of her six year old self with keeping her authentic, resilient and influential – “People ask about your divinity or whatever is spiritual connection you have, and it's my six year old that is my courage and my bravery”. After some challenging teen years, Cassandra’s return to the courage of her child self is central to her influence journey, one that has seen her travel the world working with global leaders. From Sydney’s Northern Beaches to the skyline of Manhattan, her open hearted excitement for possibility is contagious. She caught up with Samantha Dybac all the way from New York to share her keys to a career that leads to your most authentic and powerful self, no matter your field. Follow Cassandra on https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandrakelly/ Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram@ https://www.instagram.com/influenceunlockedpodcast/ Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer:  http://www.piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two years grounded, Australia's frequent flyers are itching to get back out there. None more so than The Points Whisperer Steve Hui, the founder of iFLYflat. If ever there was a go-to expert in getting bang for your travel buck, it's Steve, and his hopeful, passionate and ambitious outlook is just what business founders need to make it through the challenges of COVID – especially when you’re in the travel business. For Steve, ongoing Lockdowns were just another day in the office, after launching iFLYflat off the back off a redundancy during the GFC of 2012. This pivot to a new career was identity defining for Steve, with his ethos as a business founder based on commitment to authenticity and trust. He’s had to evolve from an introverted accountant to the media darling he is today – something he never expected as a man who describes himself as “…just a guy doing something that I think is really valuable.” In this episode of Influence Unlocked, Samantha Dybac sits down with Steve to hear about his journey and even squeezes out some travel tips from the expert himself. Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram@ https://www.instagram.com/influenceunlockedpodcast/ Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer:  http://www.piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a back-row rebel to front-row style entrepreneur, looking back on her younger days, businesswoman Sali Sasi sees ambition and resilience as the common threads woven through her story. Leaving school early to channel her wild ambition and hands-on attitude into an apprenticeship in business set the tone for an award-winning career across e-commerce, retail and hospitality. Working with sister Julie to found popular e-store StyleRunner, the duo have just launched luxe style app Her Black Book, a platform for style lovers to not just shop, but be inspired by fashion and lifestyle content from a range of perspectives. With these businesses under her belt, plus award-winning restaurant Leigh St Wine Room, Sali’s ambition and entrepreneurial expertise is plain to see. But her resilience has been a quiet hero, steering her through some of life’s toughest challenges. From a breast cancer diagnosis at just 27, to recently undergoing a hysterectomy, a strong sense of self and commitment to choosing resilience has let Sali not only forge a path through, but channel her positivity and perspective into helping others. Sali caught up with Samantha Dybac to talk business, navigating life’s challenges, and trusting your gut. Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram@ https://www.instagram.com/influenceunlockedpodcast/ Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer:  http://www.piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robyn Foyster’s lived a life that could be pulled from the big screen. She even admits it herself (“It [was] very English Patient actually!”) chatting with Influenced Unlocked host Samantha Dybac about her times traipsing through the desert, or gate-crashing in Hollywood in search of stories to tell. Because that’s what she is – a storyteller. Getting her start in the notorious journalism world of London’s Fleet Street, Robyn’s boldness and fearlessness are partly to credit for where she is today. After working across the globe for a number of years, the call of home sounded a lot like a dream gig for a girl from Mudgee – the editor role at The Australian Women’s Weekly. She didn’t know it then, but Robyn would go on to be the first and only person to edit and publish Australia’s three biggest flagship magazines, The Australian Women's Weekly, Women's Day, and New Idea. Flash forward to today, and Robyn is now one of B&T’s 30 Most Powerful Women in Media, running her own websites Women Love Tech, The Carousel and Game Changers. In this week’s episode, Samantha caught up with Robyn to discuss what it takes to see – and do – it all, and what she’s learned along the way. Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram@ https://www.instagram.com/influenceunlockedpodcast/ Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer:  http://www.piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trailblazing her way to becoming an Australian Women’s Cricket Captain seems a fitting role for Lisa Sthalekar, after getting her start playing boys cricket at a local club as a kid – back then, she didn’t even know women’s cricket existed. After travelling the world with the Aussie women’s cricket teams and being recognised as one of the best all-rounders in the game, Lisa has established a career in commentating across some of the biggest games in cricket including the BBL, WBBL and Indian Premier League (IPL). She has also been acknowledged for her outstanding contribution to the game inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame and Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. The path was not always easy – adopted weeks after birth, emigrating to Australia at 4, and losing her mum to breast cancer at 21, Lisa’s ability to appreciate and be grateful for each day has shaped her into the resilient woman she is today. She is one of the most down to earth, passionate and inspiring women I have met. It is a great pleasure to have Lisa join me in this episode to discuss her story, including her experience with adoption, reflections on the work that has gone into making Aussie Women’s Cricket the global leader it’s become, her love for broadcasting sport and the importance of being thankful. Plus some bonus tips on surviving quarantine from someone who’s done it more times than just about anyone. If you want to connect with Lisa she is on Instagram and Twitter Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram@ https://www.instagram.com/influenceunlockedpodcast/ Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer:  http://www.piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Losing a loved one to cancer is everyone’s worst nightmare. When that nightmare came true for Scott Maggs and the friends and family of his mate Wes, he knew he had to turn his grief into meaningful action that would honour Wes’s life, and save others. Enter: Jimmy Niggles Esq. Jimmy Niggles was a persona created by Scott and his friends as part of the Beard Season, a social movement started in 2010 that sought to grow awareness of the risks of the skin cancer that took his mate Wes, and encourage Australians to get themselves checked – and early. With Australia being home to one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, it was a lofty goal. Ten years, a trip to stay on Necker Island with and learn from Richard Branson, a partnership with Merivale and many beards later, Scott’s message recently culminated in the Million Dollar Beard Ball, hosted by Hamish Blake and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli, reaching the charity's Million Dollar fundraising target. I caught up with Scott to talk about the Beard Season journey, chatting about how he saw his big idea be recognised by key industry players, the challenges of being the face of your own brand, and how he worked to turn conversations into results. To learn more and be part of this worthy cause, please visit skincheckchampions.com or follow @skincheckchampions on social media. Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram@ https://www.instagram.com/influenceunlockedpodcast/ Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer:  http://www.piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a self-confessed consumer of all things luxury and the editor-in-chief and publisher of T Australia, The New York Times style magazine, Katarina Kroslakova has a surprising confession to make. “I consider myself neither important nor particularly stylish.” For Katarina, being an influencer is so much more than the glamour, the freebies, the clothes or the overseas trips. It’s about actioning something “that will actually make the world a better place, or that will make people’s lives better. That’s the only way you’re going to inspire people”. Trained as a journalist, Katarina has built an enviable media career with roles at News Limited, Pacific Magazines, Bauer Media, the ABC, Macquarie Radio and a 10-year stint at the AFR as editor of its Life and Leisure weekly lift-out and Luxury magazine. Upon leaving the paper, she was offered the opportunity of a lifetime by The New York Times to launch T Australia, making the courageous decision to fund the venture herself. And it looks like her hard work is finally paying off, with the magazine’s print frequency increasing from four to six issues a year – a remarkable feat considering the decline of the print industry in recent years. Please join me as I chat with Katarina about her transition from editor to publisher and business owner, her experiences as a woman in the mainstream media and what kind of legacy she hopes to leave. We also talk about her hidden talent for making gourmet sandwiches, her plans to release a cookbook and why she considers herself “the biggest dag on the planet”. Follow the Influence Unlocked podcast on Instagram@ https://www.instagram.com/influenceunlockedpodcast/ Follow Samatha Dybac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadybac/Check out the Influence Unlocked podcast videos on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3fq8dJ5 Producer:  http://www.piccolopodcasts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.