Always Be Connecting

Former professional rugby player Nic Stirzaker of Gain Line Analytics tackles a fundamental question: why do some teams truly succeed while others fail? The conversation challenges our obsession with constant change, arguing that the real driver of performance is the often-overlooked power of team cohesion - the deep, shared understanding between members built over time. Nic illustrates this through compelling analogies, from the difficulty of riding a "backwards bike" to the inefficiency of navigating an unfamiliar supermarket, to show how disruption and "unlearning" old habits carry a heavy price. He also unpacks the "swing the pendulum" effect, where decisions made by leadership create amplified negative consequences for those on the front line. The discussion reveals how our instinct to react to failure with immediate changes, a tendency called "action bias," is often counterproductive and can make a bad situation worse. Ultimately, this episode makes a powerful case for the underestimated value of patience and stability in building winning teams in both sports and business.Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/Connect with Storytellers Australia:🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/Connect with Linsey Houston: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/Connect with Nic Stirzaker:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-stirzaker-77b42113a/🔗 Website: https://www.gainline.biz/🔗 GainLine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gain-line Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You're burnt out because someone lied to you: Hustle Culture is a total trap. The world's biggest GOATS aren't grinding 24/7. They're chilling out and mastering a few simple habits.James Laughlin, a high-performance coach, and #1 best-selling author of Habits of High Performers, is here to show you how to win big. James debunks the idea that success means running yourself into the ground. His simple truth: GOAT-level performance comes from relaxed, sustainable habits.Here's what we talk about:How figures like Nelson Mandela became legends by being "creatures of habit" not workaholics.The simple Radical Clarity framework James used to nail big personal changes (like quitting drinking).Why trying to change too many habits at once is your #1 mistake (the 66-day rule).Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/Connect with Storytellers Australia:🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/Connect with Linsey Houston: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/Connect with James Laughlin:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/?originalSubdomain=nz🔗 Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Always Be Connecting, host Linsey Houston sits down with Cathy Burke, an esteemed leadership coach, author of Lead In, and the former CEO of The Hunger Project Australia. Cathy unpacks her philosophy that true leadership is an "inside job," beginning with the stories we tell ourselves. She introduces her transformative "three-legged stool" framework, combining Mindset, Heartset, and Soulset, as a powerful tool for lasting change. The conversation dives into dismantling the core belief of "I'm not enough" and overcoming a scarcity mindset by recognizing your unseen resources. Linsey also shares a personal epiphany he had while reading Cathy's book, connecting her lessons on "unlikely leaders" to underdog stories like Happy Gilmore. This episode is an essential guide for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider but is ready to lead from within.Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/Connect with Storytellers Australia:🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/Connect with Linsey Houston: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/Connect with Cathy Burke: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-burke-1658985/🔗 Website: https://www.cathyburke.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Public speaking is one of the most common fears, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. In this episode of Always Be Connecting, TEDx speaker and personal development coach Trang Nova shares her journey from being a shy, bullied child of Vietnamese immigrants to becoming a confident speaker on global stages. She reveals the “secret” behind her confidence: hundreds of hours of practice, mindset shifts, and embracing authenticity.We dive into why our brains trigger fear when we step on stage, and how to reframe those nerves into fuel for impact. Trang also explains practical tools like power poses, body language, and storytelling as “pattern interrupters” that help you stand out. You’ll hear honest stories of failures, lessons learned, and the breakthrough moments that changed everything.This is a powerful conversation about finding your voice, overcoming fear, and using your story to inspire others. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone who dreads presentations, you’ll walk away with practical steps to speak with confidence and authenticity.Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/Connect with Storytellers Australia:🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/Connect with Linsey Houston: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/Connect with Trang Nova:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trang-nova/🔗 Website: https://trangnova.com/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trang_nova/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world of work is changing faster than ever and leadership has to keep up!In this episode of Always Be Connecting, host Linsey Houston talks with leadership strategist Trudy MacDonald about the shifts transforming how we lead teams, grow businesses, and shape culture. From the rise of AI to the demand for flexibility and the challenge of burnout, Trudy shares why the old models of HR and leadership no longer work.She unpacks the skills every leader needs right now including emotional intelligence, resilience, and agility, and how to use them to build high-performing, future-ready teams. You’ll hear why psychological safety is no longer optional, how generational change is redefining the workplace, and what business owners can do today to prepare for tomorrow.Packed with practical insights and forward-looking strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to thrive as a leader in 2025 and beyond.Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/Connect with Storytellers Australia:🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/Connect with Linsey Houston: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/Connect with Trudy MacDonald:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudy-macdonald-tchr/🔗 Website: https://www.talentcodehr.com.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do your beliefs about your team help them grow or hold them back?In this episode, we explore the powerful concept of the Pygmalion Effect with Sophie Firmager from the Realised Potential Group. This psychological phenomenon reveals how a leader's expectations can directly shape team performance, influence morale, and impact workplace culture. Sophie unpacks how belief, whether positive or negative, can become a self-fulfilling prophecy in the workplace, and what leaders can do to create an environment where people truly thrive.We cover:✅ The psychology behind the Pygmalion Effect✅ Common leadership traps and how to avoid them✅ How belief shapes behaviour in teams✅ Practical ways to build a belief-driven cultureSubscribe to Always Be Connecting:https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/Connect with Storytellers Australia:🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/Connect with Linsey Houston: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/Connect with Guest Name:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-firmager-0b95813/🔗 Website: https://www.realisedpotentialgroup.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Racism in the workplace isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it hides in policies, hiring decisions, or everyday interactions that go unchallenged. In this frank and honest conversation with Gloria Tabi, she shares her lived experience as a Black woman in Australia and explains how structural racism shows up at work.From being overlooked for roles she was qualified for to feeling pressure to hide her natural hair, Gloria highlights the hidden barriers that many still face. This conversation offers a reality check for managers who genuinely want to do better but may not know where to start.We explore practical steps leaders can take to create more inclusive and equitable environments. If you're building a team or leading a business in Australia, this is essential listening.Could your decisions be limiting someone's opportunity without you realising it?Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/Connect with Storytellers Australia:🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/Connect with Linsey Houston: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/Connect with Gloria Tabi:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriatabi/🔗 Website: https://everydayinclusion.com.au/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriabinks/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to lead with authenticity and resilience?In this episode, Stephanie Christopher, CEO of Vistage Australia and New Zealand, opens up about her journey, exploring the importance of true connection, loyalty, and optimism in business. She reflects on how discerning genuine connections and staying grounded in her values have shaped her leadership style. Stephanie also dives into the role of “grit,” revealing how resilience helped her stay calm and find solutions in tough times. Through candid insights, she shares her approach to learning from failure and balancing the demands of work with a fulfilling personal life. As she looks ahead to 2025, Stephanie is energized by plans for growth and purpose, offering inspiration for those ready to lead with impact.Connect with Stephanie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniechristopherceo/Website: https://www.vistage.com.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you turn online connections into real success? In this episode, Matt shares how he went from feeling stuck in agency life to building his own thriving digital marketing business. He talks about the ups and downs of finding his path, the power of showing up consistently, and the importance of keeping it real. Matt believes that helping small businesses grow has a huge impact on communities, and he’s all about making those connections. He’s not into quick wins but putting in the daily work to make things happen. Connect with Matt:Website: https://heytony.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heytony.agency/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when audio and video technology come together seamlessly? In this episode, Tristan Salter, Senior Product Manager at RØDE, introduces their latest innovation designed to simplify content creation for everyone. RØDE's new product combines audio and video into one user-friendly device, making it easier for creators of all levels to produce professional-quality content. Tristan shares how the company has evolved from making microphones for musicians to becoming a leader in the podcasting space. He also highlights the impact of COVID-19 on content creation trends and discusses the growing accessibility of production tools. From wireless microphones to all-in-one consoles, RØDE continues to innovate! Join us as we explore how RØDE is shaping the next wave of technology with Tristan Salter! Connect with Tristan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristansalter/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Arthur Backouche, Senior Salesforce Marketing Cloud Consultant, shares his insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work and interact. He discusses how AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for more creative and meaningful activities. From predictive analytics to AI-powered chatbots, Arthur explains the practical uses of AI in both business and everyday life. He also touches on the potential challenges, such as job displacement and ethical dilemmas, and offers a balanced view on how we can navigate these issues. The conversation is engaging and thought-provoking, providing a clear look at what AI can—and cannot—do. Arthur’s perspective on the future of technology is both informative and relatable, making complex concepts easy to understand. Whether you’re curious about the latest tech trends or just want to know how AI might change your daily life, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in and get inspired by the possibilities of artificial intelligence!Key Topics:➡️ Practical applications of AI in business and daily life➡️ Automating repetitive tasks to improve productivity➡️ Ethical considerations and societal impact of AI➡️ Potential future of AI and its integration into human life➡️ Concerns about AI replacing jobs and redefining workforce rolesConnect with Arthur: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurbackouche/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do businesses keep up with all the rapid tech changes? In this episode, Ross Bark shares his insights, sharing how companies can improve their customer experience with smart digital tools. He explains the importance of using technology while keeping customer needs at the forefront. Ross has worked with top retail and wholesale brands to highlight practical strategies for simplifying complex business processes.Learn how to streamline operations and improve engagement through smart digital tools. We also discuss the balance between innovation and consistency in customer service. Find out how to make technology work for your business, not the other way around. Watch the full episode now!Connect with Ross:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossbark/Website: https://enterprisewide.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know that you can brand a place? Dr. Giannina Warren breaks down how place branding goes way beyond a catchy slogan or a shiny new logo. It’s about capturing the essence of what makes a community special, from its people to its culture and stories. Dr. Warren shares how marketers can help create a sense of pride and belonging for both locals and visitors alike. Using real-life examples, she talks about the power of authenticity and why it matters in today’s world. Tune in today to learn more about place branding!Connect with Dr. Giannina Warren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianninawarren/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to succeed in sales today? Donncha Lynch shares his journey from unexpected beginnings to becoming a sales expert. He discusses the importance of trust, relationship-building, and adding value at every step. Donncha also reveals his go-to strategies for setting achievable daily goals and maintaining accountability. He explains how modern sales have shifted from aggressive tactics to a more respectful, client-focused approach. With practical insights on using technology like CRMs and building long-term partnerships, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.Connect with Donncha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnchalynch/Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkedin.comelevatesales/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get a redeal on life and start anew in a foreign country? Shivi Bhalla's journey to Australia offers a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of such a bold endeavor. From navigating the language barrier to building a successful business. Arriving in Australia,, Shivpal quickly found himself immersed in a culture vastly different from his own. The unfamiliar language, customs, and way of life presented significant hurdles. Yet, the challenges presented an opportunity to help others and soon after he started his own business Englishwise, to help newcomers to Australia with a pathway to language and cultural adoption.His journey offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a similar path, highlighting the importance of cultural adaptation, building a strong support network, and never giving up on your dreams.Connect with Shivi:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivibhalla/Website: https://englishwise.com.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered how a local club can make a big impact on its community? In this episode, Robert Lopez, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Norths Collective shares how his team is all about creating real connections that matter. He talks about how their digital upgrades have boosted their ability to give back, from supporting junior sports to addressing mental health needs. We dive into how they’re using tech to keep things personal while staying true to their community-first mindset. Robert also gives us a peek into the unique culture at North Collective, where everyone feels like they’re part of something special. It’s all about balancing business with doing good locally.Connect with Robert:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roblop/Website: https://northscollective.com.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever dreamed of turning a childhood obsession into a career? Join us as we chat with gaming mastermind Ben Lee from Blowfish Studios. From Commodore VIC-20 to indie game developer and publisher, Ben shares everything from crafting gameplay to the art of storytelling. Discover the essential ingredients that make games truly engaging, learn how to mitigate creative risk-taking, and uncover the Japanese secret to transforming everyday chores into enjoyable experiences.Listen to the full podcast today!Connect with Ben:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-r-lee/Website: https://www.blowfishstudios.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us in this episode as we sit down for a frank discussion with The Living Leader founder, Penny Ferguson. Penny shares her inspiring journey from personal crisis to becoming a renowned leadership expert. She emphasises the importance of authenticity and responsibility in both personal and professional life. Find out the circumstances that led to the creation of The Living Leader program and its profound impact on thousands of participants. Penny also introduces the upcoming Australian program, designed for leadership teams. Find out more about the Living Leader Australian program below here: https://www.thelivingleader.com/Connect with Penny: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-ferguson-2287481/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we take you into the world of Pepe Saya, the iconic producer of cultured butter. Discover how Pepe Saya turned a single product into a beloved brand found in top restaurants, airlines and homes across Australia. Pierre Issa (Pepe) shares how his close relationship with the customer, producers and distributors enables more opportunities. Pepe Saya's recent expansion into the U.S., collaborating with the Amish community, showcases their commitment to authentic craftsmanship. The episode also explores their approach to sustainability, focusing on everything from profitability to fair supply chain practices. Get inspired by the story behind Pepe Saya's butter and the passionate team that drives it.Connect with Pepe Saya:Website: https://pepesaya.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepesaya/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pepesaya/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk with Daniel McKenzie, Kwik Kopy Franchise of the Year Winner, as he shares inspiring stories and practical advice for small teams looking to thrive. As the owner and director of Kwik Kopy Miller Street, he shares his experiences and lessons learned from managing and growing small teams. Discover the challenges they faced and the creative solutions they implemented. Whether you're part of a startup, a small business, or any close-knit group, this podcast will provide valuable takeaways to help your team succeed. Connect with Daniel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mckenzie-3628211b/Website: https://kwikkopy.com.au/location/nsw/miller-street Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.