The Passion Institute Podcast

In this inspiring episode, we are joined by Jane Anderson - international speaker, author, and one of the world’s leading personal brand experts. With over 20 years of experience and having helped nearly 200,000 people elevate their influence and impact, Jane shares her insights on leadership, purpose, and the power of staying aligned with your vision.This conversation dives into what it really means to lead with clarity and authenticity, how passion can show up in unexpected ways, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is essential for success—especially in today’s fast-changing world.key takeaways:Clarity is magnetic. When leaders are clear about their message, it builds trust and inspires action.Passion doesn’t always look like excitement. It often feels like flow, ease, and a natural sense of energy.Support is a strategy. The right guidance at the right moment can help leaders avoid burnout and stay focused on what matters most.This is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their business and lead with greater purpose and intention.

In this episode, I’m talking about the challenge so many growing businesses face, scaling a team while holding onto the values, purpose, and culture that made your business special in the first place. Whether you're hiring your 5th or 50th team member, it's not just about headcount, it's about hiring intentionally and leading in a way that keeps your culture strong.💡 Key Takeaways:Hire with Intention: Don’t just fill roles—hire people who align with your values and can grow with your culture.Lead with Purpose: Your EVP matters. It’s the story you tell through your actions, not just your job ads.Create Structure That Breathes: Systemise to scale, but leave room for empathy, connection, and human leadership.

In this powerful episode of "The Passion Institute" podcast, we sit down with Dominique Lee - a compassionate changemaker and medical advocate who's transforming the culture of healthcare from the inside out.Dominique opens up about her mission to make hospitals and healthcare less lonely for both doctors and medical staff – especially those early in their careers who often feel unseen. We explore how her own journey through burnout and reflection led her to redefine what leadership, care, and recognition truly look like in high-pressure environments.🔑 3 Key TakeawaysPersonal transformation often begins when we hit a breaking point—and choose to grow from it.You don’t need a title to be a change-maker—compassion and action speak louder.Recognising people not just for their achievements, but for who they are, builds a more inclusive and human workplace.This episode is a reminder that no matter the industry, creating a culture of care starts with how we choose to show up for each other. Tune in now and be inspired to bring more humanity into your work – one conversation at a time.

In this episode of the Passion Institute Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, also known as The Digital Speaker. Mark is a globally recognized #1 futurist, author, and founder of "Futurwise". He works with leaders and organisations around the world to help them understand the impact of emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and the metaverse.Our conversation dives deep into what it takes to lead with passion and purpose in a fast-changing world. Mark shares insights from his unique journey—from cycling across Australia to becoming a global voice on emerging tech—and how passion has remained at the core of everything he does.We explore:How to embrace change and uncertainty with curiosityThe intersection of passion, purpose, and technologyHow leaders can harness AI without losing their human touchThis episode is a must-listen for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds ready to shape what comes next.Tune in now to discover how to lead with vision and stay ahead of the curve.

Curiosity isn’t just for kids — it’s the key to unlocking your boldest, most brilliant life.In this episode of the Passion Institute podcast, I sit down with the energetic and endlessly curious Cristy Burne — scientist, author of 15 books, adventurer, and all-round powerhouse. With four degrees, five countries under her belt, and experience performing in not one but two science circuses, Cristy brings science, storytelling, and joy to everything she does. We talk about turning passion into purpose, embracing failure, and why lifelong learning keeps you future-ready. You’re going to love this conversation — it's inspiring, fun, and full of practical gems.Key Takeaways:✅ Curiosity fuels creativity – Stay curious, stay open.✅ Failure is feedback – Learn, play, grow.✅ Soft skills matter – They’re your edge in a changing world.

"Toxicity is a choice. So is passion."In this episode, I dive deep into one of the toughest—and most necessary—conversations for any workplace: how to manage toxic people. Whether it's the manipulator, the credit stealer, or the energy vampire, toxic behavior doesn’t just affect morale—it can kill productivity, passion, and culture. I’ll break down how to identify it, deal with it, and most importantly, create a high-performing, psychologically safe workplace where people want to show up and contribute.Key Takeaways:🚫 Avoiding one toxic worker can be twice as valuable as hiring a star performer—the ripple effect of negativity is real.🔍 Learn how to spot the signs early—from micromanagers to manipulators, recognition is your first step to resolution.❤️ Create passion-driven cultures—replace toxicity with purpose, feedback, psychological safety, and zero tolerance.This one’s for every leader, manager, and team member who’s ready to stand up for a healthier, stronger workplace.

What’s the #1 trait to look for when hiring? It’s not just skills or experience—it’s self-awareness. Studies show that while 95% of people think they’re self-aware, only 10-15% actually are. So how do we spot true self-awareness in an interview? In this episode, I break down why self-awareness is a game-changer for hiring, leadership, and building high-performing teams.Key Takeaways:✅ Self-aware employees learn faster, adapt quicker, and make better decisions.✅ Self-aware employees inspire others, foster better communication, and reduce workplace conflict.✅ Ask the right interview questions to identify self-awareness and build a stronger team.Tune in and discover how to hire and develop the best talent for long-term success! 🎧✨

In this episode, I dive into the power of leading with tough love—finding the balance between being firm and compassionate as a leader. In my book "Tough Love for Leaders", I share how you can communicate effectively, inspire your team, and create a culture where both accountability and care thrive.I’ll walk you through the three key principles: Bolo (speaking up), Prashantsha (praising great behaviors), and Vinodha (bringing joy), so you can lead with clarity, confidence, and connection.Key Takeaways:✅ Tough doesn’t mean mean—it’s about balancing head and heart in leadership.✅ Great leaders are great communicators—learn how to speak your truth, give praise, and create a positive culture.✅ Only 13% of people are passionate about their work—discover how you can change that as a leader.If you’re ready to transform your leadership style, let’s dive in! 🎧Want to go deeper? Grab my book Tough Love for Leaders here: https://www.askshivani.com/offers/bKE5cHZj/checkout#passioninstitute #askshivani #BusinessCoaching #podcast

The hardest conversations often lead to the biggest breakthroughs.Have you ever avoided a tough conversation, only to watch the problem get worse? In this episode, we dive deep into the art of handling difficult discussions with confidence and clarity. Whether it’s a challenging workplace chat, a leadership moment, or a personal disagreement, mastering these conversations is a game-changer.We’ll explore:✅ Why avoiding tough conversations leads to bigger issues✅ How to approach them with curiosity instead of fear✅ The power of clarity and compassion in communication✅ Practical strategies to stay calm, listen better, and create real understandingIf you want to lead, grow, and strengthen relationships—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now! 🎧

Building a business is like music—find your rhythm and own the stage.What happens when a globally touring DJ transitions into a business leader? Meet Jamie Kritharas, the founder of Defiant, an agency revolutionising marketing by blending creativity with performance.In this episode, Jamie shares his unconventional path—from sharing the stage with Calvin Harris and Martin Garrix to building a business that has propelled over 300 companies forward. Key Takeaways:✅ The power of passion and how it fuels success✅ Navigating career highs and lows—from music industry burnout to entrepreneurial breakthroughs✅ Hiring passionate people and creating a performance-driven cultureAlso, Jamie has a free group where you can join the Scaling Secrets Mastermind! 🚀 Get expert insights on growing brands to $100M+, live Q&As, and bonus masterclasses—all for free.Join here: https://www.skool.com/scaling-secrets-lite-7611Learn more about Jamie Kritharas:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-kritharas/Website: https://defiantdigital.com.au/

In this episode of the Passion Institute podcast, I share my journey of fulfilling a decade-long dream of giving a TEDx talk. I’m diving into the lessons I learned during the preparation process, and how passion alone isn’t enough. I discuss the importance of discipline, the art of simplifying your message, and the value of rehearsing until it feels natural. Whether you're preparing for a talk or trying to communicate more effectively as a leader, entrepreneur, or speaker, I hope you can take something away from these lessons.Key Takeaways:1️⃣ Emotional Connection Matters: Discover the power of storytelling and vulnerability in creating meaningful connections with your audience.2️⃣ The Power of Preparation: Effective communication requires thorough preparation and practice to build confidence and deliver your message with impact.3️⃣ Simplicity is key – Crafting a clear and relatable message is essential, especially within time constraints—less is often more.Tune in now to elevate your communication game!#passioninstitute #coaching #retention #askshivani #TedX #TedXtalk

Are you getting the most out of your training programs?In my latest podcast episode, I dive into the ongoing debate of face-to-face vs. virtual training and why choosing the right approach can make all the difference. Using Getting Your People to Step Up framework, let's break down how training impacts leadership, accountability, and company culture.Some key takeaways:✅ The importance of investing in training for long-term business growth✅ The unique challenges middle managers face and how to effectively support them✅ Strategies to ensure your training drives real change within your organizationIf you’re a leader or business owner, this one’s for you. Give it a listen and let me know your thoughts!

What you pass on today becomes someone else’s inspiration tomorrow.Most people think passion is just about what excites you—but real passion is about what you pass on. Your energy, your drive, your purpose—these aren’t just for you; they’re your legacy.In this episode, we break down how to harness your passion, turn it into impact, and create something bigger than yourself. Because in the end, it’s not just about what you achieve, but what you leave behind.3 Key Takeaways:🔥 Passion isn’t just personal—it’s the energy you transfer to others.🧠 Teaching what you love is the best way to master it yourself.💡 Your legacy isn’t just what you build—it’s what you inspire in others.#passioninstitute #coaching #retention #askshivani

In this episode of The Passion Institute Podcast, we dive into the art of effective communication, entrepreneurship, and the power of taking action with Miranda Barrett—founder of Mind the Mic Consulting. With a deep passion for helping entrepreneurs shine, Miranda shares valuable insights on how to refine your message, overcome hesitation, and create meaningful impact. From her experiences in global leadership roles, Miranda reveals why passion alone isn’t enough—it must be communicated clearly to inspire and influence. She also shares her approach to tackling challenges, taking action despite uncertainty, and the importance of trusting the process. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Passion needs clarity. If your message isn’t understood, your impact is lost. 2️⃣ Progress beats perfection. Take five steps forward, even if you have to take one back. 3️⃣ Trust your feet. Leaning into challenges creates more stability than resisting them. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or speaker looking to amplify your voice and make a real impact, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about Miranda Barrett: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miranda-c-barrett/ Website: https://www.mindthemic.com/ #engagingtalent #leadership #podcast #coaching #ThePassionInstitutePodcast

Passion without purpose is just a dream. Passion with KPIs is unstoppable. In this episode of The Passion Institute Podcast, we dive deep into how business leaders can harness the power of passion projects while keeping them aligned with measurable success. Passion is the driving force behind innovation and growth, but without structure, it can become directionless. Key Takeaways: ✅ How to use the Keep, Stop, Start method to refine your leadership approach ✅ Why passion projects can drive business innovation—when aligned with strategy ✅ The role of KPIs in keeping passion on track and ensuring measurable success If you’re ready to lead with passion and purpose, this episode is for you. Tune in now!

Knowing your personal mission is the compass that guides everything you do. In this episode, I spoke with Georgi Enthoven, founder of Work That’s Worth It, about her journey to creating a career that blends purpose with compensation. With nearly three decades of experience across multiple countries, Georgi shares how young professionals can align their ambitions with meaningful impact. If you’re looking to turn your work into something that’s both fulfilling and impactful, this episode is for you! ✅ A Global Perspective on Careers ✅ Finding Alignment Between Purpose and Compensation ✅ Overcoming Career Misalignment ✅ Creating a Career with Impact Learn more about Georgi Enthoven: Website: https://georgienthoven.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgienthoven/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgienthoven/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgienthoven.workthatsworthit/ #engagingtalent #leadership #podcast #coaching #professionalcareer #askshivani

Are you living in alignment with your passions, or just passing through life? In this episode, I discussed the three key questions to help you discover and act on your passions. Learn how awareness, goal-setting, and recognising the finiteness of time can align your goals with what excites you most. Get clear on your passions and start living with purpose—both personally and professionally. Tune in for insights that will help you take meaningful action towards what truly matters. ✅ Awareness: Know what sparks your passion. ✅ Time is finite: Focus on what truly matters. ✅ Ask better questions: Quality questions lead to a better life. #engagingtalent #leadership #podcast #coaching #lifegoals #askshivani

Mindset is everything—focus on what you can change, accept what you can't, and channel your energy where it matters most. In this episode, we are joined by Vanessa Bennett, CEO of Next Evolution Performance, as she shares neuroscience-backed strategies to boost productivity, increase profitability, and reduce burnout. With decades of experience in finance and fitness, Vanessa reveals how leaders can achieve sustainable success by improving team performance and retaining top talent. Don't miss her practical strategies for optimising both business and well-being. ✅ Mindset shapes outcomes during challenging times. ✅ Clarity in communication boosts team engagement. ✅ Accountability fosters self-responsibility in teams. ✅ Focus on tasks that provide a high return on energy (ROE). Learn more about Vanessa Bennett: Email: vbennett@neperform.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/high-performance-coach-vanessa-bennett Website: https://nextevolutionperformance.com/ Instagam: https://www.instagram.com/high_perform_ness/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextevolutionperformance #engagingtalent #leadership #podcast #coaching #businessstrategy #askshivani

Leadership isn't just about today—it's about preparing for tomorrow. In this episode, I’m joined by Zoë Routh, a leadership futurist, award-winning author, and podcaster with over 30 years of experience shaping global leaders. As an award-winning author of People Stuff and The Olympus Project, Zoe emphasises the importance of curiosity, clear communication, and service to others in leadership. She also discusses strategies for engaging and retaining talent, focusing on purpose, autonomy, and recognition. Plus, Zoë is offering an exclusive gift to all listeners: 40 Book Recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance—along with 28 author interviews! BONUS SECRET RECORDING - https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast-news Unlock the vault when you subscribe to a FREE BONUS SECRET AUDIO from the pre-launch of her best-selling, multiple award-winning book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An Advanced Handbook for Leaders. It’s titled “How to Deal with Troublemakers.” Don't miss this rare opportunity! This conversation is full of valuable insights for leaders looking to make a lasting impact. ✅ Overcoming adversity builds resilience ✅ Engaged teams drive success ✅ Curiosity fuels growth Learn more about Zoe Routh: Website: https://www.zoerouth.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoerouth/ Twitter: https://x.com/zoerouth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoerouth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoerouth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ZoeRouthInnerCompass/%E2%81%A0 Threads: https://www.threads.net/@zoerouth #engagingtalent #leadership #podcast #coaching #businessstrategy #askshivani

How can you create a workplace where people thrive and productivity soars? In my new podcast episode, I’m joined by Caroline Knight, Senior Lecturer at The University of Queensland Business School. Caroline’s research focuses on designing healthy work environments that boost both individual well-being and organisational success. Caroline collaborates with researchers, practitioners, and industry partners globally and has secured nearly AUD$1,000,000 in industry, government, and university grants. She completed her PhD at the Institute of Work Psychology, Sheffield University, and has published in top-tier academic and practitioner journals. Caroline also shares a valuable resource, here's their recent paper on SMART Work Design, which sets out how to design work to make it optimally healthy: https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.22200 - Parker, S. K., & Knight, C. (2024). (The SMART model of work design: A higher order structure to help see the wood from the trees. Human Resource Management, 63(2), 265-291.) Whether you’re leading a team or rethinking your organisation’s work structures, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a healthier, more productive workplace. Caroline Knight LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-knight-932b9876/