Really Good Conversations

Summary Maku Fenaroli went from a career in finance to building Maku The Label — an art-led fashion brand from Melbourne that scaled fast and forced her to back herself sooner than expected.  In this episode, we talk about the real tipping points, the behind-the-scenes challenges of rapid growth, and what it takes to turn creativity into a sustainable business. Guest Maku Fenaroli is the founder and creative force behind Maku The Label, an art-led fashion brand known for bold, wearable designs. With a background in teaching and finance, Maku now combines hand-made creativity with modern e-commerce to build a fast-growing label with a loyal community.   Overview Maku Fenaroli, founder of Maku The Label, shares the leap from "safe job" to building a brand in public. Maku originally trained as a teacher, then fell into the world of superannuation when she moved to Melbourne; a role that felt comfortable, if not aligned. Creativity was always there in the background, but like many people, she didn't believe it could become her full-time life. Everything shifted when she finished breastfeeding her second child and found herself living in T-shirts - but unable to justify the designer price tags or support fast fashion. So she did what most people only think about: she made her own. Starting with a low-risk print-on-demand model, Maku tested designs in real time and quickly discovered what customers were truly craving. We unpack the point where the business became "real": the six-figure Boxing Day sale, the strain of juggling a full-time job alongside late-night production work, and the moment she knew she had enough data to step away from corporate life. Maku also shares the cost of rapid growth, from customer service pressure to product development setbacks, and why building something meaningful requires both resilience and humility.   Visit Maku The Label https://makuthelabel.com/ Transcript Today, I'm joined by Maku Fenaroli, founder of Maku the Label, a bold art-led brand that's built serious traction in a short space of time. Maku started the business while working in finance, created a few t-shirts when she felt she had nothing to lose, and within four months, the momentum was strong enough for her to quit her job. Recently named in the top 50 people in e-commerce, she is building, navigating growth, marketing, self-doubt and the realities of backing yourself. Welcome to the podcast!   Maku (01:06) Thank you. Thank you so much for having me. Lovely intro.   Amy (01:09) It's a fascinating journey that you've been on and different worlds from your finance background to now fashion. And I thought it would be great to tap into that journey a bit more and for listeners to get a bit of an insight of how a change can happen  in your life or direction. So firstly, take us back because before launching Maku, which is a fashion brand, you started in finance. So how did you end up in the financial world?   Maku (01:39) Yeah. So I had a job in a superannuation company and actually back in New Zealand, I was a teacher. So I'd moved to Melbourne thinking I would get another teaching job. I couldn't get the position that I wanted. So one of my friends worked in HR for the superannuation company. And I went in for an interview thinking this would just be like a short term thing. And then I was there for 13 years.   Amy (02:06) It's crazy where the years go. Maku (02:09) Yeah. And I think I just remember thinking when I started, wow, this is so easy. Like, it's such an easy job from teaching, you just go in, do emails and all that stuff, have your lunch and then go home and you're not there still thinking about the children and the program that you're going to teach for the next day. So yeah, I ended up just staying because it was quite comfortable at the time, but it was obviously never my passion.   Amy (02:31) Have you always had a creative…   Maku (02:32) I've always been an artist, yeah. So I've always been an artist, but it was always my side hustle. It was never something that I thought I could do full-time. I always wanted to. Obviously you always want to do your passion full-time, but I was never in that position. But funnily enough, the company that I worked for always used to hero that you can work flexible and you can do your passion. And so I would be the spokesperson for flexible working and I have my career as an artist as well. So I would talk about it at work as well.   Amy (03:03) Oh that's brilliant. And what prompted you to actually, you know, finally take the leap, finally start it and in particular start with t-shirts?   Maku (03:18) Yeah, so t-shirts obviously wasn't on the bingo card for me. But I'd just finished breastfeeding my second child and I was living in t-shirts and I wanted to buy a couple of new tees at the time and they were really expensive. All the ones that I liked that felt like they were me were in the $200 mark or designer t-shirts and I just couldn't afford them. So I was like, whatever, I'll just print my own.   And there are a lot of companies around Australia, like the T-Shirt Company and the Print Bar where you can just upload your artwork onto their website and they'll print you the t-shirt and send it to you. And I thought, let's just give this a go. I've got nothing to lose. I'm not investing any money in this. Even if I pop these up on my website and nothing sells, I haven't pre-bought these t-shirts. So I did that. And of course, you know, my sister and cousin were the only people that bought them when we started.   But then a couple of influencers that I reached out to agreed to let me send them the t-shirts and it just took off. I think one of the reasons that it took off was I was designing pieces that I really wanted to wear. So I knew they were wearable and they weren't just me trying to copy something that another t-shirt brand has done or, you know, trying to come up with the same formula that everybody's used to.   They were looking for something different and for something really colorful. So yeah, it was a very unexpected shift in my career at the time.   Amy (04:50) And at that point as well, by leveraging these other companies as well from a manufacturing point of view, initially then you didn't have to have that big outlay of, buying upfront all of the products, you could actually utilise that service, you know, print on demand, if you will. And then that I imagine gave you a good insight to what are people actually buying and what they want.   Maku (05:13) It was really amazing and it was a really great way to start the business because there was absolutely no risk. You know, I would paint something and then 30 minutes later pop it on Instagram and people could buy it. And it didn't matter if the designs didn't sell because as I said, you know, we weren't buying stock in these. So I was really kind of testing what worked and what didn't. But what wasn't great was it would take people like 10 to 15 days to get their order because they were printing the t-shirts to go.   We didn't manage this company. It was a company that -- this is their standards. You get your printed t-shirts within this time. So not great customer service, but great in terms of learning and great for us as a business who were just kind of testing the water.   Amy (05:59) Very much. And we often talk about it's kind of putting something out there, you know, test, iterate, learn, then, you know, build from it. So not having that huge, you know, risk at the beginning is really useful. And many people, you know, who are perhaps, you know, working corporate worlds or even just other jobs, you know, they might have this idea to, they've got a business idea or something they want to do, but you end up in this situation where, well, you can't fully leave the job yet because you're wanting to cover your salary, perhaps. But then on the next side, you can't grow the other business because you don't have the time to do it because you're working full time elsewhere.    How did you navigate through that period? And when was the tipping point that you thought, right, we're onto something here and I can consider actually leaving my job?   Maku (06:44) Yeah, it was after we had our first ever sale, which was Boxing Day. Bear in mind, the business only started officially in December. And then we had our first Boxing Day sale that same month. And I think we did six figures, and we were like, what?    So I think it was kind of that point that we started thinking maybe this is going to be something we can continue. And then the sales continued in January. We had our biggest month ever in February, which we've learned now that in retail, that's quite unusual. And I think it was at that point that I was working till 12 o'clock at night, setting up these artworks on the website that we were using, cause it was so manual that my mental health was starting to struggle trying to do the two things. I thought, I can either lean in and do the business that I feel most passionate about or we scale back the side hustle and I try and keep the two jobs, but I just wasn't mentally in a place to keep the boat.    And my husband was like, let's do it. I back you. We had just brought on Colleen, the business advisor, and she was like, I think you're safe. So it wasn't without a lot of thought behind it. And also, although, you know, four months isn't that long, we felt like we had enough data there to say, we can comfortably quit our jobs knowing we can expect this amount of revenue for the next year. So I think that was what made us comfortable to quit our jobs at that point -- we felt like we had enough data to say it was safe for us to quit and we would be financially stable. But yeah, it definitely wasn't without hesitation and without a lot of strain on us both.   Amy (08:31) And it is harder, especially with two children in tow as well. You're not thinking of it just solely for yourself. Perhaps when you are in the ear

Summary Phillip Di Bella built one of Australia's most successful coffee businesses, and sold it for $47 million. In this episode, we find what it actually felt like the day after he sold, how his definition of success has changed over the years, and what the next generation needs to hear about work and leadership.  This isn't just a story about building and selling a business, it's about what success really costs, and what's actually worth chasing. Guest Phillip Di Bella is an Australian entrepreneur and founder of Di Bella Coffee and The Coffee Commune. He is also a mentor, speaker and advocate for innovation and collaboration in the hospitality industry. Overview Phillip Di Bella is the founder of Di Bella Coffee, which he launched in Brisbane in 2002 with just $5,000 and scaled into one of Australia's largest specialty coffee brands. After selling the business for $47 million, Phillip could have stepped away. Instead, he doubled down on building community, mentoring entrepreneurs, and reshaping what success looks like. In this episode of Really Good Conversations, Phillip shares the emotional impact of selling a business with your name on it, the cost of relentless growth, and how he lost 80kg to take his life back after burnout. He challenges the hype around startup exits, investment culture, and the "get rich quick" narrative flooding social media. You'll hear his views on leadership, resilience, and what today's business owners need to understand about patience, failure, and building something that lasts.   Key takeaways What it really felt like to sell a business for $47 million and why Phillip asked for the cheque, not a bank transfer The personal cost of growth: burnout, weight gain, and what he changed after the exit Phillip's definition of success today and why it has nothing to do with status or stuff Why the next generation is being sold the wrong version of ambition Startup myths, VC hype, and what founders should focus on before chasing investment The importance of meaningful conversations, with others, and with yourself The one piece of advice that changed the direction of Phillip's life   For more information: The Coffee Commune https://www.coffeecommune.com.au/ Private Coffee Collection https://privatecollection.coffee/     Transcript  Welcome to the Really Good Conversations podcast. Today I am joined by Phillip Di Bella, entrepreneur, mentor, and one of the most recognised names in Australian coffee. He started Di Bella Coffee in 2002 with just $5,000 and built it into Australia's largest specialty coffee brand, later selling it for $47 million. He's done what many dream of, but instead of stepping away, he stayed active, launching the Coffee Commune and mentoring the next generation. In this episode, we unpack what really drives him and what future game changers need to hear. Welcome to the podcast, Phillip!    Phillip (01:09) Thanks for having me.   Amy (01:27) Thank you so much for giving us your time today, because I'm really excited about this conversation. And as I've mentioned to you offline is, you know, to tap into a little bit of behind the scenes, a bit more of your brain and what makes you tick from the journey that you have been on. Because ultimately you have done something that, you know, many people are striving to do in business, launch a product, build a business, sell it, sell it for millions and sail off into the sunset on a mega yacht, never needing to work again.    Phillip (01:43) If only.   Amy (01:53) And you haven't exactly done the latter part, but what I wanted to tap into, because I think people, whether they do start something with that end in mind and if it is the selling or whatever. But if you could take us back to 2014 for just a moment when you did sell the business, how did that actually feel when that went through, that sale, for you? What was it almost like, the next day, to realise that is something you've exited?   Phillip (02:09) It's a sign of relief, it really is. I think it's a combination of emotions. You know, a bit of anxiety kicks in, the unknown territory, a bit of disappointment, you know, you're handing over the keys to something that you've built from scratch. But ultimately, when you look at it and you go, hey, I've been able to build something quite remarkable, I've been able to look after people along the way. I've been able to, obviously now I can set my family up, which was very important with me being, my background being Italian, to set my kids up and take some money off the table because since 2002 right till you sell, you've got an amount of risk. You've got money on the line, you've got debts, you've got all sorts of stuff. So relief is probably, if you said sum it up in one word, relief.    Business is relentless. It's even more relentless today than what it was in 2014, and we can sure unpack that. But because business is relentless when you're an owner and people say, what hours do you work? Well, you never stop working when you own a business. And it doesn't matter whether it's a micro business or a medium business or a small business or a large business, an owner of a business never stops working. The brain's always ticking and it is relentless. I'll keep saying that word. And so in summary, the one word that sums it all up when you finally exit and you know, and I, they wanted to direct debit the money into my account. And I said, no, I want the traditional checks. So I made them present checks and I took a photo of them on the table and you know, it was a bit of old school. The first thing that came to mind was relief. Relief because I was able to set my family up, set myself up and it was a validation of, you know, taking a punt, going out into a challenging world of coffee in 2002 with 2000 competitors, several of them billion dollar companies, several hundred million dollar companies, us being a startup with 5000k. Then growing to be Australia's largest specialty coffee company, which means, you know, it's manufacturing and supplying only into cafes, is that concept of specialty coffee. We had 11 % market share of supply into cafes, which gives you an idea of size. We built a prolific brand, we had an amazing team. It was just relief.   Amy (04:21) And were there any points through the actual journey that stand out of times of just thinking, I don't know if I want to keep doing this? You know, some of my friends and fellow business owners, we're often talking and voice noting being like, what are we doing? Why did we choose this path? Maybe we'll just go get a job.   Phillip (04:38) Yeah, look, all the time, you know, there's no secrets. I started the company in 2002, I was quite healthy, and fit over the years, before you knew it, I'd put on, you know, when I exited completely through the earn out and the whole lot and handed over the keys officially in 2017, I was weighing 167kg. I'd been traveling three weeks a month, I didn't have any work life balance or harmony, something I talk about now. And, you know, I look back and I go, it would have been much easier working for wages and it would have been much easier working for somebody else. And that's not a bad thing. That's why I made sure that all 130 plus of my staff loves coming to work and they've felt integral to the business, because the work team and staff are important and not everybody can be a business owner, but a business owner can't operate without the right people that are dedicated to the cause that are vested emotionally into the vision of the business.    So I wanted to build a workplace that people felt a part of that success and the motto has always been, the more you do for the business, the more the business will do for you in terms of time off, pay, whatever, workplace flexibility, bonuses. The more you put into the business, the more the business will put back into you because I didn't want them to feel just like a staff member or team member because I didn't want to just show up as a staff member or team member into another organisation.    But that whole saying where they say we do today really hard things so that tomorrow can be easier is something that I talk about. Everything was very difficult from 2002 to say 2014, difficult in different ways. From startup to growth to then being Australia's largest to maintaining that, to continuing the growth. But I look back and I go without that journey and without what happened there, I wouldn't be where I am today, which is, again, my kids are set up. My daughter starts university today, turns 18 in a couple of days' time. My boy's in grade 11, he's 16, just got his learners, able to buy him a new car.   It really comes back to now, you know, sitting there and being grateful and looking back and going, I'm 50, I'm the fittest and healthiest I've ever been. My kids are in a great position and set up well. I'm personally in a good space. And you know, that's where gratefulness and reflecting is so important to look back and go, I wouldn't be where I am and who I am today, had I not traveled that journey from a young age. And not just from starting a business, because my journey started nine years before that, working for somebody else, which started before that at university, which started before that growing up as a son of migrants, learning good values and work ethic and how to win with people, something that a lot of people forget today. Something that I instil into my kids, grades are good, but winning with people and a good work ethic will always beat your grades. So make sure that, you know, that to me is the trifecta. Something I instil in my kids, something that I instil in my team, is that you need that whole person in terms of their work ethic. So what I talk about now, mindset, skill set, heart set. They're the three key elements and that's something that was important to me to bring, whether I was working for somebody for nine years or when I became an employer to instil into my te

Summary What happens when you realise the life you've built no longer fits?  In this episode, Andrew Sloan shares the story behind his book Why Things Feel F*cked and the personal reinvention that followed. From ending a long-term relationship to taking his work on the road, Andrew explores why so many of us feel stretched, stuck or overwhelmed and why better conversations might be the way through.  We talk about nervous systems, leadership, perfectionism and the quiet power of human connection. Guest Andrew Sloan is an integrated psychotherapist and leadership coach who works with individuals from all walks of life, as well as CEOs and executive teams navigating performance and culture challenges. His work sits at the intersection of wellbeing and high performance, with a focus on self-leadership, nervous system awareness and meaningful conversations. He is the author of Why Things Feel F*cked and speaks nationally on leadership, resilience and connection. Overview After publishing his book, Andrew made a series of significant life changes, choosing freedom and possibility over stability. That shift becomes the gateway into a wider discussion: why do so many of us feel under pressure, even when life looks "fine" on paper? Andrew unpacks the modern productivity trap and the way digital life keeps our nervous systems in a constant state of activation. He explains why chaos isn't new, but our relationship with it has changed; and how the smallest shifts, from elongating the exhale to reconnecting with nature, can begin to restore calm. Andrew shares why most performance issues at work are really conversation issues. High performance and wellbeing are not opposing forces, but deeply connected. This is a thought provoking, grounding episode about curiosity, courage and the human need for meaningful connection.   Key takeaways Modern life keeps our nervous systems activated through constant digital input Many workplace performance problems are actually conversation problems Calm hasn't disappeared. It's simply covered over by protective patterns The practical shifts that can help us reset  For more information: Andrew Sloan www.andrewsloan.com.au Warning: This episode contains strong language. With quite a few F-bombs.    Transcript  Welcome to the Really Good Conversations podcast. Today I am joined by Andrew Sloan, an integrated psychotherapist, leadership coach, and author of "Why Things Feel F*cked". Andrew works with individuals from all walks of life through his private practice, as well as CEOs and executive teams at the intersection of wellbeing and high performance. Whether it's in his one-to-one sessions or inside leadership rooms, his focus is on what's really going on beneath the surface and when things aren't working. At the heart of his work is one simple but powerful idea. Better human relationships start with better conversations. In today's episode, we're going to explore reinvention, why so many of us feel stuck right now, and what actually helps when life feels a little off. Welcome to the podcast, Andrew.   Andrew (01:25) Thank you for having me, very, very much.   Amy (01:28) Even just reading in your intro totally just aligns with the world that we are in with really good conversations when you highlight that better human relationships start with better conversations. And I felt it was great to get you as a guest on the podcast. You have launched a book in the last year and we are going to get on to that. But the last year has been quite a big year for you. And there's been changes and adventures. So can you give us a little bit of an insight to your own life of what has shifted and what made you realise something needed to change?   Andrew (02:02) Well, I think the last 10 years has been a pretty massive adventure, all sort of crescendoing in the last 12 months where I started to write a book. 2024, I started in June and then as I was writing the book, I realised that there were some really hard conversations I needed to have with the people that I loved. And so as I published the book in November last year, I ended a 13 year relationship and you know, that was because I think it wasn't set up for common connection in the world as I wanted it. And for him, after 13 years, it didn't feel free enough. And so we came to the decision to separate after so long. All whilst I am publishing a book into the world. I wrote about the breakup in the book as well in chapter nine at the beginning. I start to talk about, you know, the critical and really meaningful conversations we needed to have, to make a change possible. And then I just couldn't see my life being anchored to a mortgage or even a lease again. All of those options in front of me were a no towards that sort of being tied down to something. And it just felt energetically in my body, like a big fat no.   And I had to have a really considerate conversation with myself about what that meant to kind of shirk that security. And I bought a motor home and I am traveling around Australia for at least 12 months. The way it's going right now, Amy, it's like, it's really cool. I'm like,  is there an end date? I don't know. But one of the big adventures that I'm on right now is to take the "why things feel f*cked" idea and continue to have that conversation in different communities. And I've already been starting to do that, but also learn what's beyond what feels f*cked. I definitely talk about that in the book, but I think I'm on a journey towards learning at a higher fidelity. What does real great living look like beyond us recognising and knowing this isn't it? What is on the other side of that? Is it more a connection to nature, more diverse people? Is it being a bit more nomadic? And that is what I'm currently discovering. And it's f*cking cool.   Amy (04:37) That is amazing. And even just going back to your own personal experience of writing the book, the majority of people, yeah, the vast majority of people don't perhaps get an opportunity to do that full self discovery. So it's almost, as you said, through that process of writing the book and the context and the content you were writing about, actually showed a mirror into your own world.   And then as you said, you're now getting out there beyond what was your usual world where you were  obviously living at the time and then meeting completely different new people, new communities, new locations and you're just living out your own experiment in some way.   Andrew (05:17) Yeah, it's different vantage points, right? Of the same thing called this human experience. And I will never forget the day I had the printed out manuscript and I was working through it to work on an edit. And I was like,  I don't have this in my relationship right now. I can't have that meaningful conversation right now in this relationship. And it was as I was flicking through it, I was like, f*ck.   I need to make some significant changes here. And,  yeah, it's, it's been a wild, wild ride and it continues to be one. And it's a beautifully profound moment when I can kind of lay down those things that keep us safe, like the mortgage and the house and literally pick up a mobile home, a beautiful one at that and drive around and go, I can actually live a bit more simply than I was.   I can live way more connected to myself and nature than I ever have been. And, look, there's also some really great conversations to have on the road as well.   Amy (06:23) Because we're sold the more, more, more, you know, the work for more, the get the bigger, whether it's the bigger job or the bigger thing to always be reaching the apartment, then the house, then the bigger house. It's always that more, more,   Andrew (06:34) And the job, right? That supports it all because without that job, we can't pay the mortgage at the level we are. And we can't meet the cost of living pressures that we find ourselves in. And so, yeah, we are stuck in a little bit of a trap. And I talk about this in the book as the productivity trap and it is the more, more, more mindset. And it's a myriad of different things that kind of put us into that mode. I'm not sitting here saying, well, they all should be destroyed and broken down. No, I'm not suggesting that. I don't think everyone should go on a motor home because I probably wouldn't have a campsite left if you all joined me. But we do need to orientate ourselves in that so we can make better choices. And the first step is to acclimate ourselves to that and go, oh, I am in that more, more, more. And it is kind of fueling something in my life that is hindering presence, calm, wellbeing, better connection with the people around us. So yeah, it's important we're having this conversation about the more, more. And I think people are starting to realise, yeah, this isn't working and I feel like I'm trapped by it.   Amy (07:47) Just on the treadmill. What for you was the point that you thought, I want to write a book, I need to write a book and actually it's going to really highlight, you know, obviously a title that gets attention for sure, "Why Things Feel F*cked". Where did that drive for you come from in the first place?   Andrew (08:03) It's so multi-layered. And I think if we begin where we were just in our conversation, it was with clients coming to me and saying, I'm really stuck and I have no f*cking idea why I'm in the dark to why I feel like I am so stuck. And this experience of the sort of curtain is closed to why we feel so f*cked and why we then feel so stuck in that.   We're following all the rules and we don't know why joy and happiness and peace is impossible in our lives. That was the beginning of, wow, how do I compile something that will tangibly and practically help not be like a self-help book that just gives you the surface treatment or gives you a couple of the moves, but without the robustness that I think we need in a world that is kind of keeping us in place.   But the other answer to t

Summary When was the last time you had a night out that felt completely worth it? In this episode, Amy is joined by 'The Jodie's', Jodie Whelan and Jodie de Vries, founders of House of Zim; a women-only events concept redefining what a great night out looks like for women over 35. Guest Jodie Whelan and Jodie de Vries are co-founders of House of Zim, a Sydney-based women-only events concept designed for women over 35. With backgrounds in brand and marketing, they've combined strategic thinking with lived experience to create thoughtfully curated, early-evening dance events that prioritise connection, nostalgia and joy. Overview Between careers, children, responsibilities and the constant pressure to optimise our lives, joy can quietly slip down the priority list. And when getting out requires organising childcare, coordinating diaries and reshuffling life's logistics, the stakes feel higher. If you're going to make the effort, it needs to be worth it. House of Zim was built around that idea - "a guaranteed good night". Together, they explore why women-only spaces feel different, what actually happens on a dance floor when women feel safe, and how music reconnects us with parts of ourselves that may have been pushed aside. The conversation moves beyond events into something deeper; identity, permission, friendship and the courage to prioritise what makes us feel alive. If you've ever wondered when you last danced, laughed freely or did something purely because you wanted to, this episode will resonate.   Key takeaways How the loss of 'joy' sparked the idea of creating 'House of Zim' What 'House of Zim' really means, and who it's for The psychology behind music, memory and connection Building a brand aligned with values and the misconceptions  How women-only spaces shift energy and confidence For more information on House of Zim https://houseofzim.com/   Transcript  Amy (00:02) Welcome to the Really Good Conversations podcast. Today I'm joined by the Jodies, Jodie Whelan and Jodie De Vries, friends, sister-in-laws and co-founders of House of Zim, a women-only events concept rethinking what a great night out looks like for women over 35. Today we're talking about the role of fun, the power of women-only spaces and what it takes to design a guaranteed good night -- and also what it is like building a business together. Welcome to the podcast, ladies.   The Jodies (01:04) Hi, thanks for having us.   Amy (01:06) Thank you. It's so lovely to see you and thank you for bringing your dancing vibe, the energy to this podcast. So our listeners can't see that, you when I dialed in the ladies were there enjoying a good old dance, well and truly living at their brand. I'd love to obviously chat to you about House of Zim, what you're creating and the journey you've been on so far and where you're heading. But tell us firstly, a little bit of the origin story and was there an exact moment for you where you realized fun had perhaps slipped off your radar in your lives.   The Jodies (01:43) Yeah. So, Jodie and I used to own a business together, a branding agency. Jodie still has it, Tiny Hunter. And I stepped back from that about four years ago. Life was too busy and I have two young children. Jodie has three young children and it wasn't too busy for her, but I know we've all got different limits. And so I stepped back and decided to have a little bit of time out and I sort of was mulling over, I was wondering, will I go back in? What else did I want to do? And part of me thought, well, you know, I'll go off and be independent. But actually, I did keep coming back that I wanted to work with Jodie again. And I'd been through the whole, you know, burnt out wellness rituals, all of that, and they helped. They did. But then at some point, I really just started feeling like I wanted to lean back into fun again.   And so Jodie was very supportive and she'd come out to me with all these nights out. And we found that we were going to this one particular bar in the city. We loved it. We knew that it was always going to be great music, but it didn't get good until later on in the evening. And also there was a lot of young people there and young people are lovely. And God bless all the 20 year old women who want to wear crop tops and have fantastic bodies. But I was just perhaps in a place where I was like, Ooh, this is making me feel a bit old.   So, yeah, I sat across from Jodie in a cafe and was like, I know you're really busy, but might you want to start a guaranteed good night out for women who are 35 and over? And that really was as simple as that. We knew that we wanted women to have a crowd that they could relate to. We knew that we wanted it to be music that you know and love. So we're particularly passionate about 90s and 2000s house and pop. And we knew that we wanted it to be a good venue.   So, know, no sticky floors, places that respect your age and that you feel like you're gonna have a good night in.   Amy (03:48) Brilliant. And what made you decide to go down women only specifically?   The Jodies (03:55) Women are the best. Sorry. I just think, well, there are lots of places that you can go to that are for everyone. And we wanted to create something that was special. And I guess, you know, all our girlfriends, they want to catch up with each other, spend time together. So it was creating a space for that, but where they could make new memories instead of talking about the old memories. And I think there's just really a special kind of magic when you get a whole group of women together just having fun, let their hair down. I don't know why, but it's just different. Yeah, there's a certain kind of freedom.   Amy (04:30) Absolutely. Yeah. And when I first heard the concept and Jodie, we'd met at a networking thing last year and I was just like, yes, he totally resonates with me on this. Yeah, you know, I turned 40 in October, which I actually celebrated at your event, at your October event, which was  amazing. So I can definitely vouch for being a tried and tested attendee.   Yeah, it was when you get to this sort of age and perhaps you're not going out as much as you were. There's other responsibilities, you know, we've all had the hangovers and such. Like, it's not really worth the next day. And I always say this, that phrase, borrowing the hours of the next day. You know, if you stay out after midnight now, it is like,  God.   The Jodies (05:15) Yeah, that's right. So our next event runs seven till 11 PM. Yeah. And we're really specific about the type of venue that we want because by the time that you've, if you've got kids, you're organising a babysitter, maybe you need help with your parents or you've got to do something with your pet, you know, and then you've got to get all of your friends together into the same timeline that it's going to work for. It's really annoying if you go out and have a shit night.   So if you're going to do it, you want to make sure that you're going to have a guaranteed great night out. So that's what we're really, we're very discerning about the venues that we use. We only ever use female DJs. Mostly we're using DJs who are in that 35 plus age bracket. We have got one who we just really love. She's a bit younger, but we still forgive her. It is hard to find good female DJs. So if anyone is thinking of doing it, do it. And the other thing, you know, earlier I spoke to that whole, just felt like I was ready to lean into fun and I didn't want to stay in this sort of serious mindset. Jodie's talked about this before. It's like, take supplements, do squats. Are you talking to your children enough? What connection method do you have with your partner? Are you getting eight hours sleep? Are you timing it on a ring or a watch? And it's like, Jesus Christ, we'll just go out and have a good time because actually if you look at any study to do with wellness, all those come lower down and at the top, is walking and dance. Yeah, that is the best thing. And you're out with your friends, you're making new memories. That was one of the things we also talked about. Sometimes you get into this catch up. Yes. And so you meet and you're just telling each other what you've done. And also often, let's be honest, women of a certain age complaining about all of the things you're having to do when you're stressed about. And so we really like the idea of just letting women create new memories. And we always say living a hell yes life. That's what we want. That when somebody sees our event, it's a hell yes answer. Like you said, you saw it and were like, ooh, this really resonates with me.    Amy (07:17) And it's so funny when you were just saying there reeling off the list, it does sometimes feel like it's a full-time job now just to sort of stay alive, just to adult, you know, it's like between the, well you've got to be getting the meditation in, and the journaling, and make sure you're moving for exercise. And if you actually look at all of the other great tips and advice and all of this and wellness, you're like, well, if I do all of those things, what am I actually doing any work or doing the, you know, shopping and the cooking and all of that? There's definitely that freedom feeling, I think, just generally dancing. And I know myself when we were on your dance floor in October, a girlfriend who's got two little ones now, and she actually said to me, she was like, this is the first time I feel alive and like me. I think since, you know, since having the children. And I think because we are in that, you know, if you do have children more so, but obviously if you're just busy with other things in life, you're constantly thinking about those things. And we put ourselves to the bottom of the pile, really, that our fun can come when there's time for it.   The Jodies (08:19) Yeah. Yeah. I think women spend a lot of time thinking about the shoulds. And sometimes when I'm talking to women and I'm just lik

Summary In this episode, Amy is joined by Isiah McKimmie to talk about intimacy, desire and the conversations couples often avoid. They explore why desire changes over time, how comparison and unrealistic expectations create pressure, and why focusing on what gets in the way of connection can be more helpful than trying to "do more". Guest Isiah McKimmie is a clinical sexologist and relationship therapist who works with individuals and couples around intimacy, desire and connection. Overview With Valentine's Day approaching, this conversation looks beyond the romance and into the realities of long-term relationships; the conversations we avoid, the expectations we carry, and the quiet ways intimacy can start to feel harder over time. Isiah shares what couples most commonly come to therapy for, and why the issue they arrive with is often only part of the picture. Together, Amy and Isiah explore why sex and intimacy feel so emotionally loaded, how avoidance can slowly erode connection, and why comparison often creates unnecessary pressure. They also unpack how desire naturally fluctuates across a relationship, the role emotional and mental load play in intimacy, and why removing what blocks connection is often more powerful than trying to add more.     Key takeaways Why the issue couples come to therapy with is often only part of what's really going on The conversations couples avoid most Why changes in desire are normal across long-term relationships The impact of emotional and mental load on intimacy and connection Why improving intimacy often starts with removing what gets in the way, rather than trying to do more For more information on Isiah McKimmie https://isiah-mckimmie.com/   Transcript  Amy: Welcome to the Really Good Conversations podcast. Today I am joined by Isiah McKimmie, a clinical sexologist and relationship therapist who works with individuals and couples around intimacy, desire and connection. Welcome to the podcast.  Isiah: Thank you so much for having me, Amy. Amy: Thank you for joining me. And I'm so looking forward to this conversation because suddenly we are in February and February is supposed to be the month of love. Valentine's Day is coming up and whether you're in a relationship or not, that could come with all of its different pros, cons, emotions. And I just thought this was a great time to have a conversation with someone like yourself and chat a little bit more about some of the sex, intimacy, the conversations we're avoiding perhaps in relationships as well. Firstly, before we jump in, what do you think of the world of Valentine's Day? Isiah: So this is an interesting question. You've put me on the spot straight away. It's such an interesting time for relationships because we come through December and we see the most amount of breakups of any month of the year. And of course, so much strain on relationships. And then we come into January that has dating Sunday, the most number of sign-ups on, on dating apps. Everyone has a renewed hope for their relationships. And then we come into Valentine's Day. And for me, yes, it's lovely to celebrate love, but I think we should be doing this every month of the year and taking actions to strengthen our relationship every day of the year, not waiting for the one special day. So that is my, that is my tension point around it that We can't just wait for Valentine's Day to do the romantic things. Amy: Yeah. And I feel the same when it comes to, know, Mother's Day, Father's Day and such. And then it is the pressure if you are a daughter or a son, or if you now have children of yourself and it's like, well, what are we doing on this day? And we do put this extra pressure on ourselves. Valentine's been one. And I don't know, it's funny when you're in a longer term relationship, you glaze over these dates a bit more as well. Let's dive a little bit into your world. And when couples come to see you for therapy or guidance, what do they usually say the issue is?   Isiah: Yeah, so couples really show up to see me for all kinds of reasons. So I really work at the combination of couples therapy, relationship therapy, and also sexology. And so there's a really broad spectrum of challenges in there. Really the three biggest topics that people show up with are for a mismatch in sexual desire, usually because one person has noticed a drop in their desire levels over the course of the relationship and it's starting to cause confusion, anxiety or friction between the couple. They show up because they're in a cycle of arguments that they can't seem to resolve, bickering with each other, arguments going in circles, arguments starting over silly little things, and generally just feeling disconnected. as well. So couples feeling like they're growing apart, they still like each other, but they're wondering if they're becoming more like friends or housemates. they've kind of lost some of the connection and spark that, makes their relationship feel special. Amy: And how often do you find what they come in asking for help with is perhaps not actually the issue that they're experiencing. Isiah: Yeah, look, a lot of the time and the way myself and my team look at relationships is very holistically. So we have a lot of research and data that has been gathered over the past 50 years on what makes relationships really strong and lasting and what will predict the end of a relationship. And there are about 30 different factors that we actually measure for in the assessment stage of a relationship. And of course, if you haven't studied this, if no one has told you all the different things that we need to make or break a relationship, you're not gonna even know the things that you're doing that are really right necessarily. And you might be overlooking the things that are getting in the way. And I certainly see this when couples show up. with a mismatch in desire levels. And a lot of couples will say, this really the last piece of the puzzle. It's the only thing we generally have a really good relationship aside from this. And although that might be true when we start asking a few more questions, we often notice that there are some underlying challenges that have just been overlooked because they're just so busy, you know, getting on with life, all these things have kind of crept in slowly. And so that can be things like how the mental load is shared. can be how much time a couple is spending together during the day. It can be how much fun and playfulness they're having. Of course, also the way that they're communicating plays an enormous role in the relationship. And we know that it doesn't matter what couples are arguing about, it's how they're having those conversations together that makes the biggest difference for the success of their relationship. Amy: Yeah. Gosh, and you touch on their conversations, which is obviously something that we're all about. And what do you find the hardest conversations couples are avoiding or struggle to have? Isiah: Yeah, I think every couple will have their own hot button topic usually that they know is kind of heading into danger territory. The really common topics are around sex, around finances, around parenting and around housework and chores. Amy: Yeah, definitely. And I definitely know sometimes if we're having, you know, Alex and I conversations, it might be getting to the end of the night, just as you're about to go to bed. And then Alex might bring up the topic of finances. And I think about literally tried to go to sleep. Now is not the time to get into a finance conversation. Isiah: It's so tricky for couples who are so busy and who have children and are not getting privacy for so much of the day, but then you know that something's on your mind. We have really good data that shows couples who are more connected during the day are more likely to have conversations that go well at the end of the day. So for couples who've been disconnected, know, kind of ships passing in the night, they're off to work, they're busy, they get home. You know, they don't even really kind of see each other. They haven't actually checked in with each other. When one of them raises a sensitive topic, if that couple again is disconnected, that conversation is more likely to end with kind of tension or in a heated way afterwards. So it's part of why we want to make sure, at least I do as a couple's therapist, that I'm addressing a relationship holistically. And I'm giving couples tools so that they can strengthen their relationship holistically. Amy: Yeah, brilliant. And why particularly the topic of sex and intimacy? Why does that feel so emotionally loaded?   Isiah: Sex is such a deeply personal, vulnerable experience. And it's a topic that most of us are not taught how to talk about. know, when, when we often think about growing up, for most of us, sex really wasn't discussed in our household. you know, we might've overheard awkward conversations. We might've got a tiny little bit of sex education, but we're not taught how to talk about it. openly, we're often not even taught the anatomically and physically correct words to use. So when we're not taught that as children and young adults, we are going to struggle with that later in life. and, and that's, you know, consequently what we see in a lot of couples and a lot of people will find it easier to actually have sex than to talk about it with their partner. so you know, showing up in therapy to finally open these topics around sex can feel really vulnerable, which is why actually therapy can also be really helpful because we can really hold couples and support them to have those difficult but really important and sometimes really good conversations. Amy: Yeah, and wow, it's the same that kind of topic like money, know, when people, again, you may inherit this from their parents and it's like, you know, we don't talk about money, you know, that's crude to talk about, sort of sex is in

In 2025 Amy spoke to a range of amazing guests from across around the world - including UK, US, Cyprus & Australia!  This fun episode is a snapshot of the responses our guests gave when asked the question "If you came with a warning label, what would it say?" This question always gets a laugh. Ask it to someone in your life and see what conversations spark Check out all our guests from 2025 and join us in 2026 for more Really Good Conversations. 

In this episode, Amy is joined once again by former Sportsgirl and Sussan CEO, award-winning leader, mentor, speaker and author, Colleen Callander. Colleen kicked off our 2025 guest line-up with "From Shop Floor to CEO: Burnout, Boundaries & Bold Leadership", and now we've come full circle as she returns to close out the year and explore the theme of confidence from her new book, The Power of Confidence. Amy begins by asking Colleen how her year has unfolded since their January conversation, and what tips she has for avoiding the end-of-year panic if we didn't achieve everything we expected. From there, they dive into the idea that confidence isn't something we're born with, but a skill and muscle we can build over time.  Colleen unpacks the cost of low confidence, the stories and self-talk that quietly hold women back, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive inner circle. She explains how to challenge your inner critic, rewrite your story, and talk to yourself like you would your best friend. Colleen also shares her 30-day confidence transformation, showing how small, realistic daily actions can create surprisingly big shifts. This is an uplifting, practical conversation to help you close the year with gratitude and step into 2026 with more courage, clarity and confidence. Key Outtakes:  Focus on what you have achieved and not what you didn't  Confidence isn't something we're born with – it's a skill we can learn, strengthen and practise over time. The stories we tell ourselves can hold us back; changing the narrative can change the trajectory of our lives. Low confidence can quietly limit opportunities, decisions and experiences across a decade or more. Your inner circle matters – the people around you can lift your confidence or slowly chip away at it. Small, consistent daily actions create meaningful confidence shifts, as outlined in Colleen's 30-day transformation.   More about Colleen:  Website https://www.colleencallander.com.au/about Podcast episode: "From Shop Floor to CEO: Burnout, Boundaries & Bold Leadership" https://www.reallygoodconversations.com.au/pages/40-from-shop-floor-to-ceo-burnout-boundaries-bold-leadership  

What does it take to chase freedom, survive the sacrifices, and rebuild a life on your own terms? In this episode, Amy sits down with award-winning entrepreneur and bestselling author Tina Tower, founder of Her Empire Builder, to unpack the truth behind ambition, reinvention, and the pursuit of freedom. Tina shares her journey from launching a tutoring centre at 20 years old to building a franchise before realising that success had come at a cost. She opens up about the years of missing bedtimes, the burnout that followed, and the decision to sell it all in search of a different way to live and work. They talk about motherhood and identity, and what it means to build something without losing yourself along the way.  They touch on cultural differences Tina has experienced between Australia and the US, the fine line between drive and obsession, and why she believes a "healthy dose of delusion" is essential for entrepreneurs. Plus, she explains why she's bringing back in-person coaching, the myth of passive income, and what makes online courses work in an age of AI. A conversation full of honesty, humour, and perspective on redefining success.   Key Outtakes:  The money hungry 17 year old that fuelled her drive The real cost of building a successful franchise business, from burnout to missing bedtimes, and why she still wouldn't change it What she learned from selling the business and navigating an identity crisis after stepping away Why Australians (and Brits!) need a "healthy dose of delusion" - and how mindset differs from the US The future of online courses in an AI world, and why Tina is returning to in-person coaching for deeper connection   For more information about Tina Tower:  Her Empire Builder https://www.herempirebuilder.com/ Tina Tower https://tinatower.com/

Have we forgotten how to think for ourselves? In this episode, Amy speaks with critical thinking and human skills expert, speaker and author Bethan Winn, whose book The Human Edge: Critical Thinking in the Age of AI explores how we can reclaim the essential skills that make us human - curiosity, courage, creativity and conversation. Bethan shares her journey from teaching in London to moving to Perth, Australia, and building a business that helps people think more clearly and confidently.  A health scare became her career turning point, leading to a keen interest in how we form beliefs, make decisions and question assumptions. Amy and Bethan discuss what critical thinking really means, how conversation can be used as a thinking tool, the role of curiosity in learning, and why overthinking can sometimes hold us back. They touch on the risks of outsourcing our judgment to AI, the problem with education systems that reward the "right" answer, and the value of sitting with discomfort and uncertainty. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by information, stuck in indecision, or simply curious about how to think more clearly in a noisy world, this conversation will help you rediscover the lost art of thinking for yourself. Key points:  Bethan's journey from teaching to focusing on critical thinking We're often taught what to think, not how to think Critical thinking blends courage, curiosity and humility The pressure of standardised tests can stifle creativity in education Conversation helps us challenge our own assumptions Overthinking can paralyse us, sometimes all we need to ask is "What's the next right thing?" AI can assist but should not replace human thinking Human connection is vital in a technology-driven world   For more information: Bethan Winn https://www.bethanwinn.com.au/  

Part 2: Moral Codes & Living on your own terms  In Part 2 of my conversation with Maz Farrelly, we move beyond the world of television and into the personal. We talk about reinvention, how to know when to walk away, and how to build a life that actually feels like yours. Maz shares her decision to leave her successful TV career and how bowl of beads in Fiji helped her decide what to do next.  We discuss what it means to live by a moral code, and how her upbringing shaped the values she now brings into every room. She shares her journey to Australia and how a 3 week visit turned into a more permanent move. We also talk about the power of saying "I don't want this anymore" and acting on it. Plus, you'll hear the story she's most proud of which left her more inspired than any industry award. This second half of the conversation is thoughtful, inspiring and filled with life lessons.   You'll laugh, you might tear up and you'll definitely walk away feeling braver.   Tune in to hear: Why Maz walked away from a successful TV career The simple check-in questions she asks herself every year A moving story of impact beyond the screen Her family's influence on her values and voice What to stop worrying about by the time you hit 40 Find out more about Maz:  Website - mazspeaksglobal.com   Showreel - https://vimeo.com/1112852043   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maz-speaks/  

Part 1: The Truth About Reality TV & How to Cut Through the Noise What does it take to really have the X Factor? Maz Farrelly has shaped some of the biggest TV shows of our time, from Big Brother to The X Factor, and has worked with global icons from Beyoncé to Prince Charles.  Maz knows how to grab an audience's attention and hold it. Her content has been watched over 8 billion times! She's an 'Olympic-level storyteller', which is why this is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. We didn't want to cut it; we could have chatted for hours longer. After years in the TV industry, Maz now brings her storytelling skills into boardrooms, onto stages and into big businesses around the world; helping companies win attention, master storytelling, elevate customer experience and lead like a rock star. In this first part episode, Maz takes us behind the curtain of reality TV - how she got into the industy, the rise of reality TV and what it taught her about human behaviour.  As someone who grew up watching these shows, Amy found it fascinating to hear how they were created. She also shares the "doom message" she gave contestants before they entered the public eye, the hard truth about chasing fame, and why being "interesting" is a skill - especially when everyone is shouting. Maz shares her personal journey, hilarious moments to thought-provoking reflections, this episode is packed with straight-talking wisdom and media-savvy gold. Key Outtakes: How Big Brother broke the rules and changed TV forever The unseen consequences of reality TV fame What Maz told contestants before they signed up to the shows Why charisma and authenticity aren't always the same The three-question test she uses to decide if something's "interesting" And be sure to tune in for Part 2: Moral Codes, Reinvention & Living on Your Own Terms   Find out more about Maz:  Website - mazspeaksglobal.com   Showreel - https://vimeo.com/1112852043   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maz-speaks/

What does it mean to create your future? For Natalia Talkowska, it's not just a phrase but a way of life. Born in communist Poland with dreams of working for Disney or NASA, she took her first flight to London with little money, no connections, and a big sense of curiosity. Today, she is a serial entrepreneur, six-time TEDx speaker, and the founder of Natalka, a consultancy blending neuroscience, storytelling and visual thinking to help organisations simplify complexity. In this episode, Amy chats to Natalia about her journey from childhood dreams to working around the world. They explore why visuals are such a powerful tool for human connection, how neuroscience explains the stories that stick, and why doodling might be the key to unlocking creativity and reducing stress. Natalia's shares her global projects: Doodleledo, which brings people together through doodling, and Good Souls, a movement to combat loneliness and spark meaningful conversations worldwide. Natalia reflects on connection in a digital age, how to navigate information overload, and the role she hopes AI will play in shaping our creative future. Her energy, optimism and belief in human connection are infectious. Whether you're curious about creativity, fascinated by neuroscience, or simply need encouragement to take your own leap, this conversation will leave you inspired to start creating your own future.   Key Topics:  Why Natalia believes "there are no walls, no rules" when it comes to creating your future. The neuroscience behind why stories and visuals help us connect and remember. How Doodleledo grew from a simple idea into a global movement in 27+ countries. The mission of Good Souls: fighting isolation by connecting one billion people. Natalia's hopeful but realistic view of AI's role in creativity and human imagination.   For more information: https://www.natalkadesign.com/ Doodleledo https://www.doodleledo.com/ Good Souls: https://www.instagram.com/_goodsouls/ 

What happens when a career built on success no longer feels like enough?   In this episode Amy chats to her old colleague and friend Serena Dodd.  After a high-energy career in TV and events, Serena Dodd hit a wall - literally on the way to London Waterloo - when a panic attack forced a rethink. Serena shares her journey from realising "something needs to change" to finally stepping away from the industry, then the pivotal year that followed: retraining as a coach, rebuilding confidence, and rewriting her identity. Serena explains why she calls herself an "Aliveness Coach" , what feeling alive actually means and living beyond apathy.  We also talk about Fly, the global community she's building for coaches to counter isolation, learn together and deliver richer services.    Serena's story is a reminder that success isn't static: she was a success before, she's a success now, and the courage to pivot made all the difference.   Key Topics Discussed: A London Waterloo wake-up Taking the steps to change  Moving beyond apathy: why recognising and addressing "living on autopilot" is the first step to feeling truly alive. "Aliveness" = intention + purpose, not perfection Replace "cul-de-sac thoughts" with "motorway thinking." Community (Fly) reduces isolation and elevates practice   Serena Dodd is co-author of My Dad Thinks I'm a Fairy, host of the Made to Fly podcast, and founder of Fly.  www.serenadodd.com Made To Fly Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/made-to-fly/id1827931677 Book: My Dad Thinks I'm A Fairy - Book Link Fly: The Coaches Network - www.wearefly.com   Episode Transcript:  Amy  Welcome to the Really Good Conversations podcast. Today I am joined by an old colleague and very good friend of mine, Serena Dodd. After a successful career in the TV and events industry, Serena retrained as a coach and now helps people navigate change with confidence. She's also the co-author of My Dad Thinks I'm a Fairy, host of the Made to Fly podcast and founder of Fly, a new community for coaches focused on connection and growth.    Welcome to the podcast, Serena. Serena Thanks for having me Avery, I've been looking forward to this for ages. Amy I almost think like we should have actually just batched together our various WhatsApp voice note chats. And I could have just top and tailed that as some sort of conversation. Serena  That's definitely not an hour's worth of content. Maybe a week. Amy It is really awesome to have you here because you've become a lifelong friend now. We have known each other well over 10 years ago, our London days of working in events and experiential. And yeah, lots of fond memories, but I'm keen today to talk a bit about your journey and probably almost since then really, cause you've had a really interesting and exciting last few years   Take us back to your world of TV and events and what initially drew you to a career in that industry.   Serena I think I always wanted to be in the entertainment industry. That was like a key driver for me. I started out as a kid and I wanted to be an actress. And then as I kind of got into my mid teens, was like, this is not quite, I didn't really want to be in the spotlight. And I've just really enjoyed the tech side. So I ended up at a theater school doing stage management and technical theater. And was from there that I got my first job and that happened to be in LA for BAFTA. So that's how I got into the TV world, but doing events. Amy  How long were you in that industry, TV and events? Serena After BAFTA, I came back to the UK and I ended up finding a role in a marketing experiential agency that was looking for people to come onto their content team freelance to do some filming in the Alps. I was like, wow, this sounds fantastic. I must do this. So I applied for this job.   And I heard nothing. And about two months later, they wrote to me and they said, brilliant, come over to the Milton Keynes ski slopes and we'll have an interview with you and we will assess your skiing and everything else. And I had told them that I could ski. Well, I could 10 years ago and hadn't been on a ski slope in that period of time. So I thought, oh my God. So I took myself down to the local dry slope to do some practices the night before, went up to Milton Keynes and it was just all men that were kind of getting interviewed. And it was a woman interview and she came up to me, she goes, listen, you're the only woman, let's have a conversation. So we had this chat and she said, what language do you speak? And I said, English. And she said, we need someone to speak, you know, French or Italian or German. And I said, well, I did say this in my CV and I did say it in my covering notes.   And she was like, never mind, let's just have a conversation. So we had this conversation. She said, look, I can't give you this job, but you know, I'll keep you in mind for another role, at which point you go 'sure'. And so about two weeks later, she contacted me and she said, we're actually looking for a senior, a senior content manager in our experiential agency. Are you interested? And I said, yeah, she said, you have to do some presenting and everything else. thought, well, I haven't done this before. So that's what I did. I ended up in the content team as it was called what was called the broadcast team then. And then it turned into a content team. This was around 2007. And I worked in that industry filming extreme sports events all around the world. And I loved it. So we worked as an agency bringing in production companies to film and then we would work with brands to work on their ROI. You know, this is all very new stuff to me. So I didn't really have a clue what I was doing. So it was quite fun and I really enjoyed it. And I was with really interesting people doing really interesting stuff. And then unfortunately, it was one of my favorite jobs, actually. Unfortunately, the recession hit my role and the business, well, the business went from about 45, 50 people to five people in one day.   God, yeah, I was actually called off holiday to come in and have this conversation because our biggest brands had kind of, they hadn't folded. But the first thing that goes is their marketing budget. So yeah, we went down to a company of five and I was in that five. And so my role changed to be more of an account handler for the events that they were doing. And that's how I got really into events. Amy  We last worked together, it would have been about 2013. you know, again, as you've already touched on, you've done some awesome work around Europe and road shows. And I always highlight for us was doing an event where we got to meet Usain Bolt in Paris and lots of awesome fun memories.  However, you decided to leave the events industry. So was there a defining moment or a gradual realisation that told you it was time for a change? Serena  After I worked on the Olympics, as you know, because you were sort of interspersed intermittently in that world. And I just, I just knew that I didn't love it. You know, I think it was more sort of, I had come from a television background, it wasn't, I sort of just fell into events.  But I knew I could do it and I'd like, you know, there were elements that I liked. I liked dealing with people, but I just didn't like the constant franticness and my energy is not that way inclined, you know, for me, and I suppose that's why I was quite good with clients because I was always able to kind of calm them down. But the sort of mechanics of the events, it just didn't interest me as much, but I knew I could do it and I knew I was uber organised. So after the Olympics, that's when I had the, that was my sort of deciding factor. was like August, 2012, where I thought I needed to change something. I wanted to change something, but I actually didn't have the confidence to feel like I could do anything else. I could, I just felt very sort of blocked mentally on what the options were for me. And I thought, well, I've got loads of contacts in the industry, I can do it. I'll just keep going. And I'll just, I'll just start my own business and freelance and then get some clients. And so I went down that path. And luckily for me, during something like the Olympics, you meet a lot of people. And so, you know, that's when you and I got to work together.   Serena  But it was a bit of an emotional roller coaster at that for about six years. So it was not a decision that was made quickly. And it only got made six years later at the end of 2018. Quite unexpectedly, actually, I just thought this was going to be my life. I thought it was going to be a case of not enjoying my job, like working like crazy, finishing a project, stopping having, you know, a week or so's rest and then getting onto the next project. And I was doing a conference in Barcelona. I happened to be in the UK. It was a week out. It wasn't the most taxing event that I had done because I had a really good team. We were in a really good position and I left work about seven o'clock and I thought, I'm going to go, I'm going to go for a massage. And everyone's like ushering about the door, going, yes, enjoy, enjoy sort of, we're all excited for anyone who gets to leave the office before nine. and, I went for this massage and it was a bit, it was a bit of a weird massage in terms of she didn't clearly know how to mess up. And, I ended up walking to Waterloo station and I just blanked out my, my whole, my whole world became very small, I lost my eyesight temporarily.   And even though I didn't think it at the time, I was having a panic attack and I leant against this wall, which happens to be part of a fire station bar. And I just, I just really focused on, I remember my world getting small and focusing on my breathing. And I bet when I came, when I came to, when my, my eyesight came back, it probably was only, you know, a minute, but it felt like an eternity. I thought I can't actually go into the station. I just

"Words can change lives" In this episode of the Really Good Conversations podcast, Amy speaks with Steve York; a former police negotiator, tactical commander, and now corporate risk advisor and negotiation coach. Steve's career has taken him from life-or-death hostage situations to high-stakes corporate boardrooms. In this conversation he shares what these intense moments have taught him about how people behave under pressure, how power works in a room, and how to influence outcomes through calm, presence and insight - not force. They explore the role of ego, emotion, and self-interest in negotiation, and why understanding what drives people is key to finding resolution. Steve also shares how body language, silence, and listening can all shift the dynamic in your favour. Key Topics Discussed:  What prompted Steve to train in hostage negotiations  Why self-interest sits at the heart of all negotiation How ego and emotion can derail conversations The power of silence and body language Why "win-win" outcomes are often a myth What hostage situations reveal about everyday human behaviour Practical tactics for handling high-stakes or high-pressure conversations   Whether you're negotiating at work, managing conflict at home, or just trying to communicate more effectively, the principles Steve outlines are widely applicable - and surprisingly simple.   Find out more about Stev York  Website: https://www.steveyork.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-york-64785a237/?originalSubdomain=au   Episode Transcript:  We touch on gun violence and suicide in this episode, so this is a trigger warning for listeners. Amy Welcome to the Really Good Conversations podcast. Today I am joined by Steve York, a former police negotiator, tactical commander and corporate risk advisor. Steve spent over 20 years in New South Wales police force, leading hundreds of high-stake negotiations and helping reshape how dangerous situations are approached. Since leaving the force, he's worked across Europe and Australia in corporate security, risk management and negotiation coaching.  Welcome to the podcast, Steve. Steve Thank you very much. It's good to be here. Amy  I am keen to dive into your world, which I just feel that those listening and myself would have no idea what goes on behind the scenes in the police force, in high state negotiations. It's so far removed from our normal day to day life. So firstly, can you take us back over 20 years ago and tell us what was the catalyst that made you train to be a negotiator when you were in the police force? Steve Well, it's interesting. I was in the tactical team carrying a sawn off shotgun and wearing the black gear in the balaclava. And we went to an incident looking for a person that had killed a police officer. And we were going to a few places to try and find him. We had a warrant and he was lawful. We went in and into this house and I turned to the first door and I pointed my shotgun to the general part of the room. And for whatever reason, the person who was lying in bed reached down and grabbed something that was about, I don't know, probably about 45cm long. And my initial thoughts were that it was a gun. And as I brought my gun up, my partner came in through the door and turned and did the same thing as I was going to do. And I saw my partner going for his gun as I recognised it was an umbrella that he was picking up. All I could get out was no. And he changed his, what he was doing. And we went into a different mode, you know, of basically getting the person down. Wow. And it was about that point that I realised that this was pretty dangerous work, you know, someone could get killed and it could be me. And I thought to myself, there's got to be better ways to do this. And at the same time, I did find a couple of guys that were thinking about how to do it better. They were working from some work that had been done in the FBI and in the New York City police. And so I joined them and helped develop protocols for first response to major incidents like that and change it from armed aggressive response to surround and negotiate. there's all police were telling me other people that they argued it for year, for every year, that we'd lose evidence and you know, people wouldn't have the same respect and all that sort of stuff. B ut I remember the first day we used it, it was on the, we wanted a simultaneous raid on, I think it was 12 houses, what about 11? And so we had people set up in the room in the headquarters and basically we sent police out, surrounded the houses and we called each of the house out through the front door using negotiators. Wow. And it worked. Everyone came out. Did they, did we lose evidence? We probably did. Because I've had more time to move things around. They put drugs down the toilet, that sort of thing. But for every action like that, there's a forensic reaction. We can test the water in the sewer pipes and all sorts of stuff. We can do all that to prove that substances were there. So there's other ways to do it, but not as quick and not as cheap. Amy It's fascinating because even that first example when you had that moment in that bedroom, you you were in such a high pressure, need to react instantly. And then yet a gun could have gone off in that scenario, either with the person in the room or yourself or your colleague. And then you've got a completely different situation on your hand to deal with. And you often think when you do, you know, as a novice member of the public and you hear the stories and someone has been shot immediately, you're like, "Well, they can't speak now and tell you what's going on." There's an element you think, well, if you want to find out what they're doing. Steve  Yeah, and the thing is it had happened. Yeah. Only recently before police had shot a bloke by the name of Gundy and it was a matter of false identification. God. And that was a real watershed and it sort of helped what we were doing in the background about changing the policy. And we eventually did change the policy and it was done in the national police guidelines for high risk situations. But since the Lynch siege, basically I'd say that we've gone back to what we used to do. Amy I was going to ask if you think where we are now today, obviously your career was over 20 years and then you've left the force quite some time ago now. Yes, I was going to ask if it's then continued in that negotiation direction, but no, we've gone back to the heavy-handed approach. Steve Well, see people, particularly politicians, like to see things happening and things happening in a manner that the public can understand. And waiting and talking isn't good for them. They want to see action. And so they always get nervous and want to hurry us up and all that sort of stuff. And of course, it's not always the best thing in relation to the incident. And I think that's where we're at right now that the patients from the politicians is very low. Amy Wow, well, we could talk about this for quite some time. This is really fascinating, as I said, as novices on the streets have no idea about what goes on behind the scenes. But I wanted to talk to you a bit about the reality of you've moved more into the corporate space now. But as you have negotiated with armed criminals and corporate executives, what do you see that those environments have in common? Steve Well, it's all about what the individual is aiming for. It's about self-interest. What's their self-interest in the matter? And invariably it comes down to power, money, position, influence. Now, about who you're dealing with. It's about you can't talk a criminal who has a hostage in relation to where is he going to be in a month's time because the reason you're talking there is because there's a preordained has to go to jail, right? And I think that's a harder negotiation. You negotiate that someone's gonna go from here to jail and that's the best it can be. In a corporate setting, usually there's self-interest. Usually it's about bonus or something like that. Power, influence, all that sort of thing. But there's a million, there's a billion alternatives to resolve it. But people don't take the time to resolve it because they go on past results or past incidents or past, you know, this is what's happened in them in in this situation before. And people tend to go to, you know, what works. I mean, that's really good. What has worked in the past is a good benchmark. It's about what situationally is better for this person. and has been in the past. So in other words, you'd do a lot of creative thinking to try and get through. But the bottom line, it's about speaking between people to achieve a goal. Right? And I say to all my students, first of all, go to self-interest. What is in it for them? Why are they doing it? What's the background? Because some criminals only do it so they can get a better stature in jail. They hold up to the police for a longer period of time they come back to jail more famous than they were. Conversely if they fold early they'll be seen as weak and they'll get eaten back in jail. Amy How interesting.  What a different world. And how much do you see emotion and ego showing up in negotiations?   Steve Yeah, all the time. And sometimes it's on the negotiator side. All of us, I'll include myself in the old team of negotiators, but we all had our egos. I mean, it's about doing the job properly and doing it so people would respect what you've done and admire what you've done. I think the funny thing I kept on reminding my team was that we don't get paid anymore. There's no money in it for us other than overtime sometimes. And that's very little. So what else is there to work for? So it's gotta be around those things of ego and the way you look at yourself and the way that you operate within a team, the way that senior officers would look at you in respect to your skills, those sort of things for future work. I

Kate Toon is an award-winning entrepreneur, author and digital marketing expert. But in 2024, after building a thriving online business, she did something unexpected; she bought a struggling bookshop in her beachside town of Umina Beach. In this honest and entertaining conversation, Kate shares how burnout, curiosity, and a craving for real-world connection led her to make a bold pivot from online courses and passive income to running a bricks-and-mortar bookshop.  We talk about the risks, the realities, and the rewards of stepping into something completely different. Kate also opens up about the early days of motherhood and business, how much pressure we put on ourselves to "do it all", and why her book Six Figures in School Hours is really about letting go of guilt and embracing what's realistic.   Kate's journey from the UK to Australia as a backpacker Starting her first business when she was 5 months pregnant  Why her book 'Six Figures in School Hours' is really a book about working parents having forgiveness, not hustle The bold (and slightly mad) decision to buy a struggling bookshop The real numbers behind digital business vs bricks-and-mortar retail How motherhood reshaped Kate's relationship with work, identity, and ambition The importance of doing things that bring joy, even if they don't "scale" Why reinvention doesn't need a 5-year plan; just a willingness to take the next step   Whether you're a business owner craving a change, a parent trying to balance it all, or just someone who loves a good reinvention story; this episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and plenty of laughs along the way.   For more information on Kate Toon:  https://www.katetoon.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katetoon/ The Umina Beach Book Nook: https://uminabeachbooknook.com.au/   Episode Transcript:  Amy  Welcome to the Really Good Conversations podcast. Today, I am joined by Kate Toon, award-winning entrepreneur, author, mentor, speaker, and digital marketing expert. In 2024, she added bookshop owner to her portfolio after purchasing a struggling bookshop in her hometown, the Umina Beach Book Nook.  Welcome to the podcast, Kate. Kate  I am very excited to be here. I'm just going to warn the audience that both of us are Northern. As this podcast goes on, we will get more Northern. Subtitles can be provided. Ha! Amy Well, actually, I've got to say that when I do put any audio into the likes of chat GPT, it picks me up as Welsh. It can't understand me. Kate  Yeah, well, that just shows AI has a long way to go. Amy Definitely. Well, you touched on that. You are a fellow Brit and we are chatting here in Australia. So first up, tell us a little bit about how you have ended up in Australia. Kate I was a backpacker, so I came out,I was supposed to be in Thailand, but my travel partner after a week fell in love with a Thai boy called Bang, great name, and off they went to Bang.  And I came to Australia and I ran out of money after about two weeks and I got a job at Ogilvy as the head of digital production, which sounded very fancy, I wasn't qualified for it. And they eventually sponsored me, I went back to the UK and then came back here just as the Olympic Games were happening, 1999, with a partner that I put in a box and brought with me, and then we had our son, and I've been here ever since. Amy Wow, fantastic. I love that and it's impressive to get a role like that wandering in as a backpacker. Kate They soon regretted it. It's the only job where I've been demoted as the word rather than promoted. So people came in above and above me because I was like 25. You know, I started the job and all I had was one Portman's skirt and a pair of flip flops, which I had to, you know, wash each day and bring back in.  I didn't know what I was doing, you know, but the thing is, when you come from England and you at that era, we were so far ahead in terms of digital marketing that I seemed dead clever and they quickly realised I wasn't. Amy That's brilliant. You actually developed and started your first business in 2008 before the arrival of your son. So take us back to those early years and how you started that business journey. Kate Well, yeah, I was kind of contracting for different ad agencies at that point, sort of as a senior producer, general manager, hating it, absolutely hating it. And I had wanted to get pregnant for a while and we were told that we couldn't get pregnant. So I'd kind of given up on that. And I thought, my God, I'm going to have to be a career woman and I hate my career. So this is brilliant. And then fantastically, I got pregnant. And that enabled me to leave my job because I didn't want to do the long hours, the advertising demands and have a human, especially since I wanted that human.  So I gave up my job when I was about five months pregnant and I had no idea how to run a business. I'd been in the corporate world all my life.  And I just started out as kind of a do-anything person. So I was building people's websites. I was making logos, but I didn't know how to use Photoshop. So I did them in PowerPoint. Built some very bad WordPress websites and slowly just moved more and more into copywriting. And then from copywriting into SEO copywriting and Google writing, which was really innovative back then, 100 years ago. And that was it, I started just as a freelancer.  So when then my son was born and those first two or three years were absolutely miserable and then carried on from there. Amy fantastic. You've developed multiple revenue streams since then and you've got a number of books, some of them titled Six Figures in School Hours and Six Figures Whilst You Sleep. Tell us how have you managed it all with being a mother and developing these businesses? Kate To be honest, not very well. The Six Figures in School Hours is the book I wish I had had when I was trying to do it. And it's not necessarily about becoming a super being and finding all these efficiencies to do things faster and better and writing social media posts while you're breastfeeding. It's about forgiveness. It's about mom guilt. It's about making the most of the time that you have and being realistic about the time you have.but also realising the mantra from the book is the world will wait. You know, I felt such a sense of urgency when I had my son when he was two or three that I needed to keep going. I was going to lose my place before going to get ahead of me. And really nothing effective happened until he went to school. And now he's 16 and I'm still here doing stuff and I've got many years left. And if I'd have done everything five years ago, I'd have nothing left to do. So it's like the world will wait, be patient. You will get there but it's going to take you a bit longer than somebody who can work 40 hours a week. And that's okay, right? So it's really, that book is a book about forgiveness, which I slowly learned, but I wish I'd learned it a lot earlier, you know. Amy   Yeah, and it feels so relatable to where I am right now, because my little one's three and a half. Yeah. And I did actually, as I said to you before, when we chatted, have listened to the audio book of that, that book, because it is in those early years, you're looking for the nuggets, the golds, the how am going to do all of this, because you're trying to do and be everything. Kate But also it's an identity thing. When you become a mum, it can be all consuming and you're like, yeah, but I still want to be me and I still want to do my things. And therefore I need to push harder because I've lost something by becoming a mum. It's a weird way that we're judged as being mothers. It's the best thing in the world, but also it's the worst thing in the world. So you're pushing yourself even harder rather than saying, I chose to make a human. I can take a little break. It's all going to be OK. It feels like it's all going to slip away. But it isn't. It isn't at all. If people wanted you before you had a baby, people will want you again and probably more because you'll have more experience, more empathy, more understanding. You're a better person often, you know, because you've had more trials and tribulations and so you'll be more desirable post-child, you know. Amy Yeah, I absolutely love what you've got on your current website, like the timeline of your journey and your businesses. And it is just a great little snapshot. I think actually you've probably covered a bit of advice points then, but what key pieces of advice would you give to others, whether it's mums trying to juggle life and business? Kate I think the main thing is to stop kidding yourself.  You know, like you think, well, I'm dropping him off at daycare at eight and I'm picking him up at two or whatever it may be, or I'm dropping them off at school and I'm picking him up. And you're like, wait, great. I've got six hours. You haven't got six hours. By the time you've driven home, gone to Coles, put the stuff in the fridge, set the washing machine, go and add a wee, scrolls, do scrolls for half an hour, done a little bit of work. It's time to pick them up again. know, realistically, I worked out and it was all worked out in the book that most Kate  Mums or parents I should say because it's not just mums. You have a kid or kids in preschool or school have about 15 productive hours a week. Productive billable money making hours. So if you want to make six grand a month from your business you're charging $100 an hour. It's simple maths but the problem is we think we've got 20 and we don't then hit 20 and we're not making enough. We're like we must be doing something wrong. We're doing something. Why aren't I making as much money as I should? Because you're never going to. You were never going to, you didn't have the time in the first place. And also that something's got to give, that time has to come from somewhere and it's either going to come from your relationship, from your child, from your health and wel

How do you build a brand people remember and a network that actually leads to something meaningful? Originally from Russia, Oksana Koriakova moved to Australia with a suitcase and a six-month visa, knowing no one and speaking no English. 20 years later, she's built a thriving brand merchandise business, launched a successful speaking career, and become known in Sydney as the "networking queen." Oksana shares her story of reinvention, the key conversations that shaped her journey, and how she turned discomfort into confidence.  She shares her views on branding and what it really means beyond logos, and why consistency, emotion, and trust matter most. We discuss her keynote "How to Bring WOW to Your Marketing" and why thinking like a wedding planner could completely shift the way you approach your campaigns.  She also shares her top networking tips, including how to follow up well, how to spot when a connection could become a real relationship, and why quality always beats quantity. Key Outtakes: How one coffee in Moscow and a last-minute conversation at a farewell party changed Oksana's life Why branding is less about logos and more about how you make people feel The secret to WOW marketing; and why she wears a wedding dress during her keynote Oksana's golden rule for networking: victory loves preparation Why your customers will become your friends faster than your friends will become your customers The mantra that guides her: if everyone's doing it, that's your sign to do the opposite   Whether you're looking to grow your business, find your voice, or rethink how you connect with people this is an insightful episode.  For more info on Oksana  Connect with Oksana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksanakoriakova Impero https://impero.com.au/ Episode Transcript:  Amy Welcome to the Really Good Conversations podcast. Today, I'm joined by Oksana Koriakova, Marketing Maverick, speaker and founder of Impero. Originally from Russia, Oksana has spent more than 20 years in Australia, helping brands become more memorable and helping people show up more confidently in business. She's passionate about human connection, branding and marketing that actually makes people feel something. Welcome to the podcast Oksana! Oksana (01:05) Thank you, Amy. Thank you for the invitation. Amy (01:08) As I mentioned, you've been in Australia for over 20 years. Can you tell us a bit more about what brought you here from Russia? Was there a particular conversation or moment in time that prompted that move? Oksana (01:20) It's interesting how in life we have these sliding moments and we think this one conversation doesn't really matter, but life changes because of one conversation quite often, right? And I think a lot of people who are in Australia, they didn't have a plan to stay here and live here. And maybe even the same with you, Amy and your family. ⁓ And yes, I did have this conversation obviously where Russia became an open country after 1989 and the collapse of the communist systems that we were building. And this was an opportunity for the first time for us to travel.  My goal was to learn English and I didn't have a conversation and coffee with someone in Moscow and they suggest that you know it's going to be winter ⁓ why don't you just go for summer in Australia for six months and I thought yeah sounds like a good idea why don't I and this is how I arrived to Australia with one suitcase I didn't speak any English, you know, I didn't know anyone. yeah, this was my six months that one little conversation that changed the direction of my life, I guess.   Amy (02:53) Wow, that is amazing.  It takes real courage to obviously move countries to a country where you don't speak the language. When you came over back then, there wasn't the WhatsApp and the technology and communication tools that we have now. So I have a lot of admiration because that really would have been going completely the other side of the world with little connection and communication back home.   Oksana (03:19) Yeah, but it's forced you, like I always say, how do you shut up a talkative person? This is the only way to shut them up, to send them to a country where they don't speak the language, right? And it also gives you the opportunity to actually listen and absorb because you can't speak, right? And it's an interesting journey. It's an interesting journey. It is a challenging journey, but with everything in life, our growth and our wisdom comes from the challenges. If everything was nice and smooth and we never had any problems, we would have no challenges, we would just become lazy, unmotivated humans, I think.   Amy (04:07) Yeah, absolutely. And when you were first arriving in Australia, what helped build your confidence in those early years? So you've just mentioned that then that, you perhaps have to listen, you can't really talk to people, but that must have felt very isolating. So how did you overcome that? Oksana (04:23) I knew it's going to be hard and it was hard. I never say, oh my God, I was walking in the park because I came from a small city. It's under a million people and I almost knew everyone there. So not having a connection and we met and you know how important the human connection for me is. I was kind of like a fish out of water. But for me, because it was such a huge investment for me to be here financially and emotionally, I knew this was my project and I knew that ⁓ I just need to give myself time. And the six months of discomfort and struggle and crying and all the difficulties, I knew that it would get better. And it did get better, but we just have to, we don't want to sit in discomfort, right? Because it's the brain and the mind, they want to get out of the difficult situation. They want to find comfort.    But I guess I'm grateful for my discipline that I grew up with in the communist country. So we kind of have the gene of sacrificing and toughen it up, know, like life is tough. get a helmet ⁓ kind of scenario.   Amy (05:56) Oksana, take us back. How does one arrive in Australia and then you go into a life of brand merchandise? What was the top line journey when you got here? Oksana (06:08) So it was a six month visa. I went to school and then I was celebrating my Bon Voyage party and I was ready to leave. And then I met the girl again, one little conversation got me to Australia and one little conversation made me stay in Australia. She said, why are you leaving? Why didn't you apply for residency? I'm like, ⁓ and she said, and I can introduce you to someone who can help.   Again, who? She introduced me to immigration agent. And I thought, OK, sounds like a good idea. Why don't I? I know what's in Russia. I grew up in Russia. I finished school there in uni. And a year and a half later, I got my residency. And when I got the residency, because I'm unemployable, the only logical thing to do was to start the business.   So I started the Hamper company. Originally it was called Gifts on the Run. And I was on the run and there were a lot of gifts. And I loved it. I loved it.  I did a calligraphy course and the business became very successful, but grew so fast and took all my freedom away. And freedom is my number one value.  I did not want to have a great business and a lot of money and no freedom. So I rebranded and I started the Merch company because with Merch it's a different game. And this is how I got to, and now it's been 22 years since I launched Impero. And now I'm reinventing myself as well. Now I'm separating Impero from myself and I'm launching Oksana.  Oksana the speaker and mentor. It's kind of the next step in the evolution of business. Amy (08:19) That's a fantastic journey. That is brilliant to hear.  I genuinely find people's journeys interesting. And I think even more so when moving countries or speaking in other languages, et cetera, you are always interested to know what those stepping stones have been along the way. And we'll talk a little bit about branding and business because that is a huge part of your world and has been a part of your journey. And obviously with Impero, you have the merchandise branding business.   So for you, what does branding mean beyond just logos and colour palettes in your world?   Oksana (08:53) Brand for me, it's trust and it's consistency that we deliver. ⁓ and this is what helps people that you serve to make a decision. If you're a small business owner, you start with yourself, you are the brand. It doesn't matter what business you do in everything you say, everything you do, every email you send, every meeting you have. Every time you show up, you're building, you're building the brand. put in the tick in their mind. Can I trust them? Are they consistent? Do I like them? Are we on the same page? And this is, this is so then when they are ready to buy, they go, I go to this person because they have a brand. And if you don't have consistency, like you take people on the roller coaster ride, it's. It's not a good journey, I think. And I also focus on the feeling, you know, the famous saying, people forget what you did, people forget what you said, but people never forget how you make them feel. So if we focus, before anything, we say, when people come to me and when they leave, how do I want them to feel? And if you just focus on that, then... Oksana (10:22) You create your processes and your customer experience around that, because it doesn't matter if you're serving coffee or you're building the website or you do the car wash. It's irrelevant, right? People come to people and come back to people because they make them feel a certain way. Brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room.   Amy (10:49) Absolutely. What do you think people get wrong or they overlook when they come to building their brand? Oksana (10:56) They have an idea and for me, I'm not sure if you're familiar with Gallup's strength profile, my number one skill is strategic. So e

What happens when you bring military discipline, strategic thinking and straight-talking honesty into the boardroom? In this episode, Amy chats with Marcus Dimbleby, a former Royal Air Force officer who now helps businesses make smarter decisions, faster. After 24 years in the military, Marcus transitioned into corporate coaching and consultancy, bringing with him a no-nonsense approach shaped by combat zones, critical thinking, and high-stakes leadership. We talk about Applied Critical Thinking, Red Team Thinking, and why most business strategies fail before they begin. Marcus shares what surprised him most when he left the military, how he helps leaders slow down to speed up, and why ineffective meetings are costing companies more than they realise. He also reflects on his recent move to Cyprus, how Mediterranean life reinforces his principles, and why mindset, clarity and adaptability matter more than ever.   Key Topics Discussed:  Marcus' journey from military to corporate life  Slow down to speed up: How clear thinking upfront leads to faster, better decisions later Why most business strategies fail before they begin Discipline starts with self: Military leadership is built on responsibility and looking after your team Mindset drives results: Prioritise ruthlessly and lead with adaptability to thrive in change.   It's a wide-ranging, insight-packed episode from someone who's seen leadership from every angle.   For more information on Marcus: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusdimbleby/ Effecitve Direction https://www.effectivedirection.com/   Episode Transcript:  Amy: Welcome to the Really Good Conversations podcast, Marcus Dimbleby. Marcus is a former Royal Air Force officer turned corporate coach, trainer, and consultant. After 20 years in the military, he now helps businesses make smarter decisions faster, bringing military precision and critical thinking to the boardroom. Welcome, Marcus. Marcus: Thank you, Amy. Wonderful to be here. I'm looking forward to a really good conversation. Amy: Me too. I love that we're connecting across the world. I'm sat in Sydney and you're in Cyprus. Marcus: Both northerners from the UK. I love that. Amy: Exactly! I really enjoy how this podcast brings me together with people based all over the place. Marcus: That's awesome. Amy: Before we dive into the topics for today, can you share a little more about your background and what led you to a career in the military? Marcus: Sure. I did 24 years in the military. I joined straight out of school. It all started when I was around eight or nine, going to air shows with my dad. We'd go to Church Fenton and Linton-on-Ouse in the north. I remember watching Vulcans and Phantoms roaring overhead, shaking the ground. I knew then I wanted to be part of that world. I joined the Air Cadets. There was no plan B. You had to be 17 and a half to join as an officer, so I finished my O Levels at 16, went to sixth form to wait it out, then left at 18. My mum asked, "What if you don't pass?" and I said, "There is no option." Luckily, it all worked out. Amy: Did you go on to fly those jets? Marcus: No. In the cadets, I had a flying scholarship and flew solo at 17. In testing, I scored 95% for pilot and 98% for fighter control. They offered me a place as a fighter controller. I still wanted to be a pilot, but I decided to go along and try. During a four-month holding stint, I was placed with 74 Squadron flying Phantoms. The pilots all said, "Don't do fighter control, be a pilot." I intended to fail the course and switch, but I ended up loving it. I think if I'd been a pilot, I might have made a mess of it. Fighter control turned out to be a great fit. Amy: That's fascinating. As your military career came to an end, what motivated you to move into the corporate world? How did your early experiences shape your consulting approach? Marcus: At 42, the options to stay weren't appealing. I was pensionable and young enough to try something new. I resigned without a plan. I looked at everything — from John Lewis to Virgin Airways — to really understand what was out there. Eventually, I met a senior risk officer at Morgan Stanley. He told me to get into consulting, that it would demilitarise me and broaden my view. I ended up joining Capgemini, intent on learning. I wanted to understand government, corporate, and commercial life — properly leaving the military, unlike many who stay in defence roles. Amy: What surprised you most about corporate life? Marcus: Honestly, how little people know what they're doing. I planned to observe quietly, but within two weeks I had to get involved. Many just wing it. There's a lack of structured training, which is the norm in the military. I quickly realised I wasn't the naive one. Amy: I had a similar feeling after uni. My sandwich course helped, but once in business, it's mostly shadowing and guessing. Marcus: That's common. Luckily, in our consultancy, the senior partner admired military people and trusted us. He gave us responsibility early on, which helped us grow fast. Amy: Your business, Effective Direction, is grounded in applied critical thinking. Can you explain what that means? Marcus: It's about thinking on purpose. People think all the time, but that doesn't mean they're thinking critically. We teach four core principles. First, slow down to think intentionally. Based on Dr Daniel Kahneman's work, system one is fast and intuitive, but error-prone. System two is logical and effortful. Engaging system two leads to better decisions. Second, challenge assumptions. We move too fast, so we accept assumptions without questioning. Most strategies are built on wishful thinking. When you dig in, they're shaky. Third, engage diverse perspectives. This is the real enabler of diversity and inclusion. It's no good having diversity if people aren't heard. This approach ensures all voices contribute. Finally, make decisions based on clarity, not comfort. People often rush decisions that feel safe but aren't well-informed. Slowing down leads to better long-term outcomes. Amy: That all sounds like common sense. Marcus: It is. I call it face-palm coaching. People know it, but they don't apply it. Everyone's too busy. Amy: Even meetings are often ineffective. People show up without an agenda or clear purpose. Marcus: Meetings are a scourge. They're badly run. People spend 30 to 65% of their time in meetings, and 90% of those are useless. Amy: I mentioned before that my neighbour said, "Indecision kills." He gets frustrated when we can't decide where to go for dinner. Marcus: Exactly. Not deciding is still a decision. Leaders are paid to make big calls but are often afraid. That fear blocks progress. We encourage leaders to unleash their people, involve them, and seek feedback. It's not about doing everything yourself. Amy: I've seen you talk about red teaming. What is that? Marcus: Red teaming is applying critical thinking to challenge a strategy, plan, or idea. It comes from the military. Red is the enemy, blue is friendly. We'd simulate what the enemy would do in response to our moves. In business, we do the same. We pull a plan apart, challenge every assumption, and then rebuild it with clarity. It's not to destroy the plan but to make it better. Without red teaming, a plan might have a 20% success rate. With it, 80% or more. Amy: You also co-authored the manual Big Things Fast. What can leaders learn from it? Marcus: It's a practical field guide based on real-world application. The first key principle is to focus on priority, not priorities. If you have ten, you have none. Next is to diagnose slowly to execute efficiently. Like Einstein said, "Spend most of the hour thinking about the problem." Slow down to speed up. The third is growth needs sceptics and idealists. You need constructive tension between realism and optimism. Lastly, mindset matters. People first, always. You get buy-in when people are involved, not just told what to do. Amy: What are the biggest blockers to change? Marcus: Two main things: status quo bias and ineffective leadership. People want to stick with what's familiar. Leaders often resist adapting because they got where they are using outdated behaviours. Until that changes, it's hard for organisations to evolve. Amy: Leaders are under a lot of pressure. How do you stay calm? Marcus: I slow down. I ask, is anyone getting shot? No. Then relax. I also use what I call helicopters and rabbit holes. I get everyone to pull up to 5,000 feet and look down. It gives perspective and reduces panic. Amy: How has your military background shaped your leadership style? Marcus: It taught me self-discipline. In the military, you have to be squared away because your actions affect the people beside you. Adaptability is crucial too. No plan survives contact with the enemy, so you need to adjust fast. And always put people first. Amy: Would you support compulsory national service? Marcus: Yes. In Cyprus they still do it, and it shapes the young adults positively. In the UK, I think it's too late now, but I'd love to see more support for cadet-style programmes that teach structure and community. Amy: You recently moved to Cyprus. What inspired that? Marcus: Travel was always part of our plan. My wife got long COVID, and her doctor advised moving sooner. Our daughter was up for it, so we relocated. It's helped reinforce our philosophy of slowing down to speed up. We still work globally, but life is more balanced here. Amy: What advice would you give to someone leaving the military or making a big shift? Marcus: Don't be afraid. The military can scare people into thinking they'll fail outside. Take your time, do your research, and don't jump at the first offer. Understand your worth. Veterans bring leadership, adaptability, and discipline. Once you're out, forget the rank — observe, learn, and then contribute. Amy: Final question before we go to the cards. What's one thing the military gets right about

How small, science-backed habits can help you boost energy, balance hormones and future-proof your health  In this episode of the Really Good Conversations podcast, Amy Faulkner chats with Camilla Thompson - Australia's leading biohacker, wellness coach, and author of Biohack Me.  From corporate burnout and postnatal depression to chronic illness triggered by mould exposure, Camilla shares her deeply personal journey into the world of biohacking. Camilla unpacks what biohacking really is, and why it's not just for Silicon Valley types.  Instead, it's about simple, science-backed strategies that anyone can use to feel better, think clearer, and age well.  They explore foundational biohacks basics like improving sleep, getting natural morning light, balancing nutrition, and building anchor habits that ripple through your energy, mood and focus. Camilia highlights why healthspan matters just as much as lifespan; especially for high-performing professionals, business owners and parents navigating stress, brain fog and the mental load. Key Outtakes:  Biohacking is about personal, preventative health - not expensive tech Camilla's journey from mould poisoning to exploring biohacking Sleep is the most underrated health strategy Chronic stress and "mum brain" are real - and reversible Understanding hormones is crucial for women's health Biohacking basics do not require expensive technology Nature and simple practices can be powerful biohacks   Whether you're leading a business, running a household, or trying to stay sharp in a high-pressure role, this episode offers practical strategies to help you future-proof your health, and show up at your best.   For more information about Camilla and her work: The Wellness Coach https://www.thewellnesscoach.org/ Biohack Me https://www.biohackme.com.au/ Book: Bio Hack Me https://www.biohackme.com.au/my-book    

"Most kids don't need therapy, they need their environment to change." In this episode of the Really Good Conversations podcast, Amy speaks with psychotherapist, parent coach, and author Nicole Runyon about modern parenting, child mental health, and the unseen impact of technology.  In this honest conversation, Nicole explains why therapy isn't always the answer, and how children's behaviours are often a response to their environment, not a diagnosis.  Drawing from her book Free to Fly, she shares insights into child development stages, screen time by age, and the long-term effects of permissive parenting.  Nicole encourages parents to reclaim their role, delay exposure to tech, and prioritise everyday moments of connection to help their children grow into resilient, independent adults. Key Outtakes:  Why the mental health industry may not want people to truly get well The problem with over-relying on therapy for anxious children How early screen use disrupts natural development stages Why discomfort and frustration are essential to growing resilience What parents can do to course-correct, even if they feel it's "too late"   For more information: Nicole Runyon Website https://nicolerunyon.com/ Book: Free to Fly https://nicolerunyon.com/free-to-fly/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerunyonlmsw/    

How Atlassian's Work Futurist is flipping the script on how work really works. In this episode of Amy speaks with Dominic Price, Atlassian's Work Futurist and self-described recovering workaholic.  From growing up in Manchester, UK to helping transform global organisations, Dom shares an honest, entertaining take on productivity, leadership, and the very human side of work. Together, they explore what's broken about modern work and what needs to change if we're going to build something better. They discuss why "high-performance teams" are a myth, how our obsession with busyness is holding us back, and why many wellness initiatives are more theatre than substance. Dom explains how large companies can become unstuck from outdated ways of working, and why small businesses have an unfair advantage when it comes to learning and adaptability. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in global workplaces, the role of honest conversations in team dynamics, and how to cut through the noise of tech tools to actually get work done. Dom reflects on his own journey, the impact of losing his sister, and how fatherhood has shifted his priorities and approach to boundaries.   Key Outtakes:  What 'A Work Futurist' actually is  Dom's journey from growing up in Manchester to Sydney as a Work Futurist  Our unhealthy obsession with productivity & why it's often the wrong thing to measure  The power of learning velocity in small businesses Why boundaries and honest conversations matter more than ever How to cut through noise and tech clutter to focus on impact What the next generation needs from the future of work   Whether you're leading a team, running your own business, or simply wondering what the future of work holds — this conversation will challenge how you think, and maybe even how you work.   Find out more about Dom Price: Website - https://domprice.me/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-price-0892243/ Atlassian - https://www.atlassian.com/