Ambition & Life

In this episode of Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, Karis speaks with Paul Keen, VP of Engineering at Culture Amp, about leadership, culture, inclusion, and what he has seen across a career spanning Qantas, Airtasker, Tyro, and Culture Amp.Paul brings a perspective shaped by working inside organisations with very different experiences of gender equity, including companies that have struggled with gender gaps and others that have come much closer to pay equity. Together, Karis and Paul explore what leaders can learn from those environments, what actually helps people thrive at work, and why culture is shaped by everyday norms, not just formal policy.This is a grounded conversation about leadership in tech, the role culture plays in inclusion, and what it takes to build workplaces where people can do strong work and feel supported while doing it.Paul’s leadership journey across major Australian tech and corporate brandsWhat has shaped his perspective as an executive leaderThe difference between working in organisations with gender gaps and those closer to pay equityLeadership, technology, culture and inclusionWhy policy alone is not enoughThe role cultural norms play in shaping people’s day-to-day experience at workWhat leaders can do to create more inclusive and supportive workplacesChapters00:00 Introduction to Paul Keen's Journey04:02 Exploring Gender Equity in Organizations11:22 The Future of Work: Hybrid Models and Flexibility15:22 Retention Challenges for Women in Tech22:18 Attracting Diverse Talent to the Tech Sector24:22 Balancing Career and Life: Key Advice25:40 Creating Inclusive Environments in LeadershipConnect with PaulLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keenpaul/Connect with KarisWebsite: https://www.ambitionandlife.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdorrigan/Karis Dorrigan is a Head of Product in InsurTech, coach, podcast host and solo parent. She has helped scale companies to their first million dollars in revenue and led product across billion-dollar enterprises, shaping organisations to be more customer-first, product-led and outcome-driven.Today, she coaches mid-career women in product and tech to step into senior leadership roles on their terms. Her mission is simple: to help more women rise into leadership without sacrificing the life they want to build. Because when more women lead, systems shift, customers win, and the economy grows stronger.If this episode speaks to your experience as a solo parent, caregiver or leader, follow Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, share this episode with a colleague, and join the movement to build systems where ambition and care can thrive side by side.Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseLicense ID: #22026995Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T

In this episode of Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, Karis speaks with Bernadette Payne, founder of That’s My Style, about her career in fashion, motherhood, and the decision to leave corporate life to build a business that worked better for her family.Bernadette shares her 25-year career across the fashion industry, covering pattern making, design, buying, producing and travel. She reflects on the pressure of senior roles, the constant expectation to keep juggling, and the reality of working in an environment where she did not feel seen as a whole person.When Bernadette became a mum, she realised the industry did not support the kind of balance she wanted. She talks about being expected to return after six weeks, fighting to take 12 months leave, and later negotiating part-time work that still came with full-time expectations.Bernadette also shares how founding That’s My Style allowed her to keep fashion in her life while working in a way that better aligned with her family, values and wellbeing. She explains how her work is not just about clothes, but about understanding women, their stories, their insecurities and what helps them feel like themselves.Karis and Bernadette also explore the ongoing challenges women face in 2026, including rigid work structures, the invisible mental load, and the importance of leaders having more open conversations about what support really looks like.Bernadette’s 25-year career in the fashion industryThe pressure of senior corporate roles in fashionWhy motherhood changed what work needed to look likeFighting for 12 months leave and part-time flexibilityThe challenge of part-time roles with full-time expectationsWhy Bernadette started That’s My StyleBuilding work around family lifeStyle, identity and understanding the woman behind the clothingHealth, boundaries and putting yourself firstWhat leaders can do to better support women and parents at work00:00 Introduction to Bernadette's Journey03:03 Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship06:00 Challenges of Balancing Career and Motherhood10:41 Creating a Business that Aligns with Family Life14:29 The Importance of Self-Care and Personal Growth19:04 Navigating the Gender Pay Gap and Workplace Challenges25:53 Advice for Women in Business and Leadership31:37 Closing Thoughts and Future AspirationsFollow Bernadette, That's My StyleWebsite: https://thatsmystyle.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsmystyle_bybernadette/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatsmystyleAU/Connect with KarisWebsite: https://www.ambitionandlife.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdorrigan/Karis Dorrigan is a Head of Product in InsurTech, coach, podcast host and solo parent. She has helped scale companies to their first million dollars in revenue and led product across billion-dollar enterprises, shaping organisations to be more customer-first, product-led and outcome-driven.Today, she is Head of Product and coaches mid-career women in product and tech to step into senior leadership roles on their terms. Her mission is simple: to help more women rise into leadership. Because when more women lead, systems shift, customers win, and the economy grows stronger.If this episode speaks to your experience as a solo parent, caregiver or leader, follow Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, share this episode with a colleague, and join the movement to build systems where ambition and care can thrive side by side.Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseLicense ID: #22026995Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T

What if workplaces stopped pretending we do not have children and homes to care about, and actually designed work around real lives?In this episode, I sit down with Dr Ellen Joan Ford, award winning researcher, military veteran, international speaker, parent and author of #WorkSchoolHours. Together we unpack how leaders can redesign work so people are not forced to choose between a big career and a big life.Ellen shares what she found in her research with working parents, why so many are pushed out or quietly downgraded in their careers, and how her work school hours principles give leaders a practical blueprint to change that.We talk about:The moment Ellen realised “the world expects us to work as if we do not have children and parent as if we do not have a job”How becoming a parent expanded, not reduced, her ambition and what success looks like nowThe three core principles of #WorkSchoolHours and why they are commercial strategies, not perksSimple leadership experiments that change everything, like shifting an 8.30 am recurring meeting to 9.15 am or setting true core hoursHow to align projects and quarters to school terms so parents are not punished for 13 weeks of school holidaysThe real commercial upside: retention, productivity, wellbeing and closing the motherhood penaltyWhy fear and “playing not to lose” keep leaders stuck in rigid office mandatesHow to build culture and connection in hybrid teams without relying on mandated desk timeA step by step way individuals can pitch new work rhythms to their manager as a win winThis conversation is for executives, HR and people leaders, and any ambitious parent or caregiver who refuses to accept that ambition and care are mutually exclusive.Your people have a life beyond work, and that is an asset, not a liability. Measure outputs, not hours. Flexibility is a commercial strategy. Do not design for the lowest performers. The boldest move is also the simplest. Ask each person: “What would help you thrive here?” Then act on it where you can..Explore Ellen’s work and resources:Website and resources: ellenjoanford.comBook: #WorkSchoolHours (paperback, ebook and audio)Follow Ellen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ellen-joan-ford-791a2655/If this episode speaks to your experience as a solo parent, caregiver or leader, follow Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, share this episode with a colleague, and join the movement to build systems where ambition and care can thrive side by side.Music rights:Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseLicense ID: #22026995Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06TFollow Karis: linkedin.com/in/kdorrigan

In this conversation, I sit down with Michael Ray - solo dad, advocate and author to explore the stereotypes, structural barriers and everyday assumptions that shape modern fatherhood. Michael shares his journey from a hyper-masculine career in security and elite sport to becoming a first-time parent at 50 and then a single parent shortly after.We unpack how parenting reshaped his identity, the cultural messages that tell men they’re “less equipped” to care, and the subtle but powerful ways workplaces still separate breadwinning from caregiving. Michael brings forward practical, lived insights about negotiating flexibility, challenging outdated norms and understanding why supporting fathers is essential for genuine gender equity.If you care about inclusive leadership, the future of work, solo parenthood, or designing roles that honour both ambition and care, this episode offers grounded, real-world perspective.Challenging the stereotypes that define fatherhood and masculinityHow unsolicited advice and cultural narratives shape confidence in new parentsThe realities of navigating work, identity and responsibility as a solo dadWhy caregiving and breadwinning are inseparable (and always have been)How workplaces can redesign roles and rhythms to support all parentsThe cultural and emotional impact of treating fatherhood as “different, not less”The science behind the hormonal and neurological shifts in caregivingWhy language matters when advocating for equitable workplacesChapters00:00 Challenging Narratives of Fatherhood06:24 The Transformation of Identity Through Parenting10:49 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Single Parent14:24 The Intersection of Caregiving and Career17:24 Redefining Masculinity in Modern Fatherhood21:26 Collaboration Over Competition in Gender Equity25:21 The Gift of Clarity Through Crisis26:22 Redefining Fatherhood and Gender Roles27:12 The Importance of Paternity Leave29:01 The Science of Caregiving and Emotional Intelligence30:22 Normalizing Caregiving for Men31:29 The Role of Advertising in Shaping Perceptions32:48 Inclusion and Representation in Parenting35:16 Creating Equitable Spaces for All Parents36:49 The Need for Structural Changes in Workplaces37:52 The Impact of Early Parenting on Future GenerationsFind out more about Michael Ray:Website: https://www.michaelray.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ray-574079183/ Book and speaking details available via his website.The Ambition & Life podcast is produced by Karis Dorrigan - leader, solo parent and advocate for the future of work. This is intentionally designed to amplify real stories about ambition, leadership, care and the systems that shape our lives.Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseLicense ID: #22026995Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T

In this conversation, I sit down with Nikki Tugano, Founder & CEO of SeenCulture, to talk about how work can be redesigns to open doors, not quietly close them.We explore practical ways leaders can surface unseen potential, write inclusive role descriptions, and use positive psychology and job crafting to lift performance and wellbeing.Nikki’s story, from feeling unseen as a child to building a company that helps individuals and teams get truly recognised offers a rare blend of evidence, empathy and action.If you care about equity, flexible job design and building teams that deliver impact without burning people out, this one’s for you.What we coverThe definition of “unseen potential” and how to make it visibleWriting senior role descriptions that open doors (not quietly close them)Autonomy, connection, mastery: the psychology behind motivation and performanceHow to use AI responsibly to de-bias job ads and widen candidate poolsPractical prompts for 1:1s that reveal strengths you’re not using yetChapters00:00 Introduction to Scene Culture and Its Mission04:50 Defining Unseen Potential05:58 Leadership's Role in Uncovering Potential07:49 Innovative Job Design in Recruitment08:57 Positive Psychology in Job Design12:24 AI and Job Design Considerations15:10 Supporting Single Parents in Leadership17:59 Hope for Equity and Opportunity19:34 Key Takeaways for Leaders21:45 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionFind out more about SeenCulture and Nikki's amazing workAccess a free individual profile to start mapping your strengths and uncover your unseen potential: https://seenteams.com/Learn more about SeenCulture’s work: https://www.seenculture.com/ Music CreditsThe Ambition & Life podcast is produced by Karis Dorrigan — intentionally designed to amplify real stories about ambition, care, and the systems that shape our lives.Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseLicense ID: #22026995Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T

In this conversation, Jessica Graham, Marketing Director at The Search Experience, shares her journey of redefining ambition and work-life balance. She discusses her experience with redundancy, the importance of flexible work arrangements, and how she navigates her role in a way that allows her to prioritise family while achieving professional success.Jessica emphasizes the need for leaders to rethink traditional work structures, particularly the concept of part-time work, and advocates for a focus on outcomes rather than hours worked.The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of marketing in the age of AI and the importance of trust in team dynamics.TakeawaysJessica emphasizes the importance of a four-day work week for work-life balance.Redundancy can be a catalyst for positive change and new opportunities.Leaders should keep an open mind when hiring and designing roles.Part-time work should be reframed to focus on outcomes, not hours.AI is reshaping marketing and creating new opportunities for innovation.Flexibility in work arrangements can lead to higher performance and satisfaction.Trusting employees to manage their own schedules can enhance productivity.Work-life integration is essential for long-term career success.Employers need to adapt to attract top talent by offering flexibility.Creating a supportive work environment can lead to better employee retention.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jessica Graham02:01 Who is Jessica03:08 Ambition05:16 Navigating Redundancy and Embracing Change08:06 Establishing a New Work Rhythm09:03 Negotiating Flexibility in Leadership Roles14:11 Reframing Part-Time Work15:55 The Future of Marketing in the Age of AI18:31 Practical Strategies for Work-Life Balance22:14 Final Thoughts on Ambition and LifeConnect with Jessica on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagraham/Learn more about Jessica's company The Search Experience: www.tsetalent.comFollow Jessica's passion project - Book Trivia Podcast: https://www.booktriviapodcast.com/Music CreditsThe Ambition & Life podcast is produced by Karis Dorrigan, intentionally designed to amplify real stories about ambition, care, and the systems that shape our lives.Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseUsage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platformsCode: ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.

In this deeply personal opening episode, Karis Dorrigan shares the story behind her mission. From leading billion-dollar teams to navigating solo parenthood and why she’s determined to build a world where ambition and care can thrive together.00:00 Introduction to Ambition and Life Podcast00:52 Karis Dorrigan's Journey and Motivation03:01 The Challenges of Solo Parenting05:25 The Impact of Systems on Parenting and Work07:21 Redesigning Work for Real Lives08:18 The Vision for the PodcastMusic CreditsThe Ambition & Life podcast is produced by Karis Dorrigan, intentionally designed to amplify real stories about ambition, care, and the systems that shape our lives.Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseUsage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platformsCode: ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.