They translate strategy into action, shape culture on the ground, and influence how teams experience leadership every day.

Yet despite their impact, middle managers are often under-invested in, under-developed, and misunderstood.

In this episode, Ally Nitschke is joined by Rebecca Houghton to unpack why middle managers carry such a heavy burden in modern organisations and what leaders can do to unlock their true potential.

Together, they explore the idea of developing “B-Suite Leaders”. These are leaders who may not sit in the C-Suite but have the capability to create meaningful strategic impact.

If organisations want transformation to stick, culture to shift, and strategy to translate into real performance, the middle layer of leadership must be equipped, empowered, and developed.

This conversation explores what that actually requires.

Timestamps

[00:02:06] Middle managers' pivotal role.

[00:04:19] Middle managers' reputation challenges.

[00:08:58] Middle managers' education gaps.

[00:12:21] Empowering middle managers effectively.

[00:15:54] Mid-level leaders' confidence issues.

[00:19:41] Future of middle management.

[00:21:14] Middle managers' evolving roles.

[00:25:21] AI companion for middle managers.

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Boldhr.com

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In this episode of the Made For More podcast, leadership communication expert and bestselling author Ally Nitschke tackles a leadership advantage that’s often misunderstood: poise under pressure.

Because poise isn’t a personality trait you’re born with…

It’s a trainable skill that directly impacts how you’re perceived and how effectively you lead when the stakes are high.

Whether you’re navigating a tough performance conversation, presenting to your team, or holding your ground in a boardroom, this episode will help you stay calm, clear, and credible without shutting down, snapping, or second-guessing yourself later.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

1. Bust the “natural leaders stay calm” myth (and what’s actually going on instead)
2. Keep your composure when emotions rise and the room gets tense
3. Communicate with clarity under pressure, even when you feel triggered
4. Strengthen your executive presence in meetings, presentations, and difficult conversations
5. Build a poise practice you can use in real-time (not just in theory)

Drawing insights from Ally’s bestselling book Grunt, Grit and Grace, this episode gives you practical strategies to lead with steadiness, influence, and conviction, especially when it matters most.

Tune in and learn how to turn pressure into presence.

Timestamps

[00:00:54] Poise under pressure skills.

[00:04:18] Leadership lessons from ballet.

[00:10:06] The grunt phase in leadership.

[00:12:25] Leadership and emotional regulation.

[00:16:55] Poise under pressure in leadership.

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Get your copy of the book Grunt, Grit & Grace here.

They unpack the concept of cognitive sovereignty and the risks of outsourcing our thinking to technology.

Bethan shares practical strategies to strengthen discernment, confidence, and reflective decision making.

Together they explore how empathy and connection create the conditions for higher order thinking in teams.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that the future of leadership is not just technical. It is deeply human.

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:02:00] Critical thinking in AI age.

[00:04:41] The art of discernment.

[00:09:04] Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

[00:12:22] Cognitive sovereignty and attention.

[00:15:05] Information addiction awareness.

[00:20:16] Action is the antidote.

[00:21:46] Lack of self-confidence in individuals.

[00:25:34] Human skills in AI era.

[00:30:55] Strategic thinking simplified.

[00:32:12] Critical thinking questions.

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Trudiboatwright.com

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Get your copy of the book The Human Edge here.

She unpacks the growing need for organisations to assess team energy as a leading indicator of sustainable performance.

Ally shares the hidden signs of low energy that often sit behind strong results.

She outlines practical ways leaders can begin measuring energy through conversations, patterns, and simple systems.

This episode challenges leaders to redefine productivity beyond exhaustion and build environments where teams can truly thrive.

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:02:00] Measuring energy, not just output.

[00:06:26] Thriving versus surviving at work.

[00:08:33] Energy as an organizational asset.

[00:11:01] Measuring team energy effectively.

[00:15:55] Sustainable performance in leadership.

[00:18:37] Energy as an important KPI.

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In this solo episode of the Made For More Podcast, Ally Nitschke offers an approach that shifts the focus from rushing into goals to consciously reflecting before moving forward.

Using the energy of the Chinese New Year as a more intentional starting point, Ally explores why momentum without reflection often leads to burnout, misalignment, or wasted effort.

She introduces the Reflect & Celebrate process as a practical way to acknowledge progress, recognise patterns, and choose what deserves your energy in the year ahead.

Rather than asking “What should I do next?”, this episode invites leaders to first ask, “What is worth carrying forward?”

This episode is not about fixing yourself.

It’s about leading yourself on purpose.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00–1:00 – Episode intro

1:38–2:24 – Shifting focus from calendar New Year to Chinese New Year

2:24–3:06 – Purpose of episode: pause, reflect, celebrate

3:42–4:38 – Why reflection matters before taking action

4:38–6:10 – Fire Horse year: energy, momentum, and intention

6:57–8:03 – Celebrating wins: To-Do vs Ta-Da mindset

9:04–11:24 – Personal achievements and small joys

12:21–14:17 – Success Wheel: whole-of-life reflection

14:17–16:32 – Stop, Start, Continue: identifying patterns

16:32–19:01 – Setting intentional goals without pressure

19:01–22:53 – Habits, routines, and building consistency

24:39–26:06 – Moving forward with clarity, celebration, and intention

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Download Reflect & Celebrate Workbook here.

This is the key to truly engaging and motivating your team.

She explains how understanding individual recognition preferences can boost performance, retention, and workplace connection.

Learn practical strategies for giving meaningful feedback, fostering team bonding, and providing opportunities that inspire growth.

Discover why leading with heart is just as important as leading with strategy. This Valentine’s Day special episode shows how appreciation and intentional leadership can transform your workplace culture.

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:02:30] Leadership Love Languages in Workplace.

[00:04:05] Leadership Love Languages.

[00:08:13] Encouragement in the workplace.

[00:11:57] Leadership Love Languages.

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With technology advancing rapidly, teams don’t follow algorithms, they follow leaders they trust.

Ally discusses how transparency, accountability, and acknowledging fears are essential to maintain trust, engagement, and performance.

She highlights why failing to build trust can lead to disengagement, resistance to change, and lost opportunities, and shares practical ways leaders can foster a culture of trust that empowers teams to thrive in uncertainty.

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:02:01] Trust in the age of AI.

[00:06:11] Steady leadership in uncertainty.

[00:09:45] Trust as a foundation.

[00:12:46] Trust in AI and leadership.

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Often dismissed as a “soft skill,” empathy is reframed here as a commercial and cultural advantage. Ally unpacks how empathy directly impacts engagement, psychological safety, decision-making, and results, and why its absence quietly erodes performance, trust, and retention.

Drawing on a personal story and real-world leadership observations, Ally challenges the false belief that empathy and accountability are opposites. Instead, she shows how the strongest leaders pair care with clarity, listen to understand, and hold high standards without losing their humanity.

This episode is a practical and reflective conversation for leaders who want stronger teams, better performance, and a culture where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to deliver.

If you’re leading people and wondering where disengagement, resistance, or underperformance might really be coming from, this episode offers a powerful place to start.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:54] The importance of empathy in leadership.

[00:06:12] Importance of empathy in parenting.

[00:08:10] The commercialization of empathy.

[00:12:03] Empathy as a performance driver.

[00:17:36] Empathy as a competitive advantage.

[00:18:29] Care and clarity in intention.

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Together, they explore the transformative power of play for adults and organizations.

Trudi shares why play is not just a childhood activity but a vital tool for creativity, learning, connection, and wellbeing. Ally and Trudi discuss how leaders can cultivate a playful mindset, reintroduce moments of play into their teams, and create environments that boost engagement, collaboration, and innovation.

They also unpack practical ways play can prevent burnout and foster personal and professional growth.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders and high-performing professionals looking to spark curiosity, enhance team dynamics, and rediscover joy and energy in their work and life.

Timestamps

[00:02:33] Teaching adults how to play.

[00:04:14] The power of play.

[00:10:19] The power of experiential learning.

[00:13:08] Differences between play and playful.

[00:17:00] Play as a cure for burnout.

[00:21:09] Reconnecting with your sense of play.

[00:24:36] Connection and playfulness in leadership.

[00:26:25] Nonverbal communication in learning.

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Trudiboatwright.com

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Together, they unpack the paradox many high-performing leaders face: achieving success on paper, yet feeling unfulfilled inside.

Nancy explores why external markers like promotions, financial rewards, and recognition often fail to deliver lasting satisfaction, and why introspection and core values are essential for true fulfilment.

Ally and Nancy discuss how leaders can redefine success, integrate personal and professional life, and reconnect with purpose in a way that sustains both performance and wellbeing.

This episode is a powerful conversation for leaders who feel stuck, burnt out, or quietly questioning, “Is this it?”

Timestamps

[00:03:12] Joy vs. Happiness.

[00:05:40] Purpose and joy in success.

[00:10:21] Protecting children from life's challenges.

[00:12:26] Core values and work fulfillment.

[00:17:00] The Paradox of Success.

[00:21:15] Interpersonal investment and relationships.

[00:27:22] Grounding for clarity and focus.

[00:31:11] Dare to be real.

[00:34:00] Blind spots in stress response.

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Nancyho.co

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Karen breaks down why financial well-being is not just about budgeting, investing, or how much money you earn, but also about the emotional relationship we have with money.

She shares how our early experiences and childhood messages about money shape our beliefs, behaviours, and sense of self-worth well into adulthood.

Together, Ally and Karen discuss the often-taboo nature of money, the impact of financial stress on performance and wellbeing, and why open conversations about money matter in both life and work.

This episode offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections for individuals and leaders looking to build a healthier, more balanced relationship with money.

Timestamps

[00:02:34-00:02:44] Financial wellbeing and its dynamics.

[00:04:12] Relationship with money dynamics.

[00:09:11] Money messages for children.

[00:12:46] Financial well-being in workplaces.

[00:15:35] Financial pillars for well-being.

[00:18:52] Financial literacy strategies for emergencies.

[00:24:30] Financial psychology and identity.

[00:26:52] Financial apps and investment choices.

[00:30:06] Change your beliefs about money.

[00:33:44] Teaching kids about money.

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Connect with Karen Eley

Kareneley.com.au

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Visit Women Talking in Finance on Instagram and Facebook

Explore more on womentalkingfinance.com.au

Ally challenges the belief that visibility equals performance and explores why outcomes, not hours or optics, are the true measure of meaningful work.

She dives into the shift from presence-based leadership to results-driven leadership, highlighting the importance of defining clear outcomes, trusting teams, and measuring impact over effort.

This conversation also explores the human side of productivity, including autonomy, psychological safety, and why trust is essential for sustainable performance.

If you’re leading in a hybrid or flexible environment and want to build accountability without burnout, this episode offers practical insights on redefining productivity and leading with clarity and confidence.

Timestamps

[00:01:15] Outcomes over optics in productivity.

[00:04:15] Outcomes over optics in leadership.

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Paul shares his journey from building a successful architecture practice to helping individuals and teams unlock their creative potential.

He emphasizes that creativity isn’t reserved for artists, it’s inherent in everyone and can be nurtured through simple, engaging activities.

Join Ally and Paul as they explore the power of vulnerability in leadership, the value of small contributions, and strategies to foster creativity in work and life.

This episode is packed with insights on embracing uncertainty, redefining creativity, and leading boldly.

Timestamps

[00:00:47] Creative journey of Paul Fairweather.

[00:04:21] Transition from architecture to teamwork.

[00:09:56] Definition of creativity.

[00:12:11] Creativity and primeval expression.

[00:15:30] Bold thinking in today's world.

[00:19:04] AI and life's work authenticity.

[00:23:11] Bold ideas in public speaking.

[00:28:23] Vulnerability in leadership presentations.

[00:30:58] TEDx documentary experience.

[00:35:24] Creative leadership and uncertainty.

[00:36:49] Pieces of string in leadership.

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Paulfairweather.com

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Explore his book BOLD BRAVE and a bit QUIRKY here.

Get a FREE copy of HOW TO PRESENT BOLD IDEAS AND BRAVE STORIES with a visual twist here.

Molly shares her journey from financial chaos to building a thriving community focused on financial literacy, independence, and confidence for women.

They explore practical steps for creating an emergency fund, managing cash flow, starting to invest even with small amounts and understanding superannuation. The conversation also highlights the importance of financial education, open communication with partners, and fostering a supportive culture around money.

Whether you’re looking to build financial security, start investing, or create a “rich life” aligned with your values, this episode offers actionable insights to help you take control of your financial future.

Timestamps

[00:02:01] Financial education for women.

[00:04:54] Managing cash flow and budgeting.

[00:08:43] Myths about superannuation.

[00:12:45] Financial conversations in workplaces.

[00:15:57] Financial education for employees.

[00:18:24] Investing with ETFs and index funds.

[00:22:38] Financial goals and life alignment.

[00:24:27] Financial well-being and happiness.

[00:30:26] Investing as part of adulting.

[00:32:33] Importance of financial planning.

[00:35:30] Emergency fund investing super.

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Connect with Molly Benjamin

Ladiesfinanceclub.com

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Casey opens up about the realities of navigating healthcare today, from health literacy and informed decision-making to the often unseen load carried by millions of caregivers.

Drawing from her work, her research, and her own experience caring for her father, Casey shares why education, open communication, and support networks are crucial to improving health outcomes.

Ally and Casey dive into the future of care, the rising pressures on families, and how leaders and workplaces can better understand and support the caregivers within their teams.

A grounded, eye-opening conversation on advocacy, agency, and why empowering everyday caregivers has never been more important.

Timestamps

[00:01:56] Fascination with health and stories.

[00:06:04] Health equity challenges.

[00:09:06] Empowering patients in healthcare.

[00:13:15] Empowerment through education in birth.

[00:14:19] End of life experience.

[00:19:40] Definition of a 'carer'.

[00:22:14] Challenges of caregiving today.

[00:26:36] Caregiver support and empowerment.

[00:30:05] Navigating personal challenges at work.

[00:34:18] Overlooked self-care strategies.

[00:39:26] Unsexy but effective exercise habits.

[00:41:06] How to feel better.

[00:44:14] Bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model.

[00:49:39] Gratitude for mental well-being.

[00:52:04] Supermarket music psychology.

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Caseyberos.com

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Get your copy of Next of Kin here.

Kellie shares her personal journey from redundancy to reinvention, offering powerful insights on future-proofing your career, building trust and confidence as core leadership currencies, and navigating workplace change with clarity and resilience.

Together, they unpack the skills, mindsets, and relationships leaders need to stay relevant, adaptable, and purposeful in an environment where the next 10 years of change will outpace the last 100.

This conversation is practical, energising, and designed to help modern leaders make progress over perfection and lead with confidence in the future of work.

Timestamps

[00:03:12] Future proofing oneself in careers.

[00:04:38] Future-proofing in uncertain times.

[00:10:14] Flexibility in modern work careers.

[00:14:34] Fractional work in Australia.

[00:18:59] Future fit key principles.

[00:23:29] Trust as new currency.

[00:27:06] Trust as the new currency.

[00:30:41] Clarity builds confidence.

[00:34:53] Progress over perfection in leadership.

[00:39:12] Choosing courage over comfort.

[00:44:10] Moving beyond burnout and resilience.

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Kellietomney.com

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Secure your free Strategy Call and your free FUTUREPROOF BOOK here.

Explore Future FITT™ here.

With a career spanning 29 years, Keith has spoken to more than 1.7 million people in 43 countries, authored five bestselling books translated into 12 languages, and built a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in goal achievement and personal mastery.

Keith shares his journey from growing up on a farm along the Cooma River on the Gold Coast to becoming an international keynote speaker. He also gives listeners an exclusive preview of his upcoming book, Unstoppable Velocity, launching this December.

Timestamps

[00:01:15] Leadership and personal development.

[00:05:44] Unstoppable velocity in goal setting.

[00:09:49] Eight core goal drivers.

[00:12:10] Starting with how you feel.

[00:16:33] The importance of goal clarity.

[00:22:29] Developing your determination.

[00:25:23] Daily micro wins.

[00:29:11] Year-defining goals and focus.

[00:34:50] Courage as a mindset choice.

[00:38:30] The importance of solitude.

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Keithabraham.com

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In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, host Ally Nitschke dives into why leadership is the decisive factor in successfully integrating AI into the workplace.

Drawing from real case studies across financial services and local government, Ally breaks down how trust, transparency, and clear communication shape whether AI becomes a source of stress or a genuine tool for empowerment.

She explores why AI should be seen as augmentation rather than replacement, how leaders can reduce fear by being upfront about what will change, and why training, clarity, and consistency matter more than ever.

With practical examples of organisations achieving faster turnaround times, reduced burnout, and stronger engagement, this episode highlights what it truly takes to lead well in an AI-enabled world.

If you’re navigating rapid change or preparing your team for the future of work, this conversation offers grounded, real-world guidance to help you blend technology with humanity and lead with confidence.

Timestamps

[00:02:41] Strategic decision thinking in practice.

[00:05:02] AI and leadership transformation.

[00:10:01] Leadership and AI implementation success.

[00:12:00] AI's role in innovation.

[00:16:54] Leadership discipline and clarity.

[00:19:37] Leadership and AI collaboration.

[00:23:30] Mastering human leadership in digital.

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Julia shares her inspiring journey from a background in education and the performing arts to becoming a sought-after voice in the mental health and wellbeing space. Known for her powerful blend of humour, storytelling, and authenticity, Julia helps audiences navigate life’s challenges with courage and connection.

Together, Ally and Julia unpack the importance of storytelling in leadership and personal growth, and how vulnerability can become a bridge to resilience and genuine human connection.

Tune in for a heartfelt and energising conversation about purpose, courage, and the power of sharing your story to inspire others.

Timestamps

[00:01:13] Mental health challenges and experiences.

[00:04:33] Resilience movement in workplaces.

[00:11:17] Radical accountability in the workplace.

[00:12:29] Resilience in daily life.

[00:16:10] The power of small habits.

[00:20:34] High bucket habits for self-care.

[00:24:00] Habit tracking for health benefits.

[00:28:30] Making the most of control.

[00:31:18] Embracing vulnerability in leadership.

[00:34:39] Wholehearted living tips.

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Juliagrace.co.nz

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In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, host Ally Nitschke explores how leadership success is being redefined as we move toward 2026 and beyond.

Fresh from a busy month of delivering keynotes on courageous communication and modern leadership, Ally unpacks why the traditional scoreboard; revenue, profit, engagement score, no longer captures what truly matters.

With the rise of AI, hybrid teams, and increasing pressure on leaders, the conversation around effectiveness is shifting. It’s no longer just about what leaders deliver, but how they deliver it. Ally breaks down the new metrics that matter, including psychological safety, capacity management, clarity, and the ability to lead without burning out yourself or your team.

If you’re navigating today’s fast-changing workplace or preparing your organisation for the future, this episode offers practical insights to help you lead with intention, courage, and impact.

Timestamps

[00:01:05] Measuring leadership success.

[00:06:18] Culture, trust, and human energy.

[00:08:05] Leadership scoreboard for future success.

[00:14:04] The importance of trust.

[00:16:31] Compliance and integrity in leadership.

[00:19:24] New leadership metrics for success.

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In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke dives into the evolving landscape of leadership metrics as we approach 2026.

With a busy month of keynotes and discussions on courageous communication, leadership, and storytelling, Ally emphasises the need to rethink how we measure leadership success.

Traditional metrics like revenue, profit, and engagement scores are no longer sufficient in a workplace transformed by AI and hybrid teams.

Ally advocates for an upgraded scoreboard that focuses not only on what leaders achieve but also on how they achieve it, addressing the critical issue of burnout and the challenges of maximising resources in a changing environment. Join us as we explore these pressing topics and reimagine leadership success for the future.

Kim shares her incredible journey from her roots in Wisconsin to building a thriving international career across Australia and New Zealand. With three passports and decades of global experience, she brings a refreshing perspective on leadership, transformation, and the evolving world of work.

From her early days as an accountant to becoming a leading voice in talent, recruitment, and the future of work, Kim reflects on the pivotal lessons that shaped her purpose and success.

Join Ally and Kim for an insightful conversation on adaptability, meaningful work, and what it truly means to live a life that’s made for more.

Timestamps

[00:02:48] Future-proofing businesses and individuals.

[00:06:06] Finding passion in work.

[00:09:01] Future-proofing organizations against disruption.

[00:11:10] AI's impact on identity and purpose.

[00:16:01] AI as a permanent technology.

[00:21:15] AI-generated podcasts.

[00:24:09] Email management system improvements.

[00:27:10] Future-proofing businesses with scenario planning.

[00:30:47] Future of talent management.

[00:36:26] Think differently as a leader.

[00:38:06] AI tools and their impact.

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Kimseelingsmith.com

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Instead of adding more policies, tasks, or meetings, Donna shows us how strategic subtraction; removing what’s unnecessary, can simplify work and boost effectiveness.

She explains how shifting away from “addition bias” helps us focus on what truly matters, both at work and at home. From shorter meetings to giving ourselves permission to stop unproductive tasks, Donna shares practical ways to clear the clutter, create balance, and embrace curiosity about new tools like AI.

Red Brick Thinking is ultimately about making space for what really counts.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:10] Defining productivity and busyness.

[00:03:42] The impact of technology on downtime.

[00:09:28] Instant gratification and knowledge retention.

[00:11:39] Strategic subtraction in organizations.

[00:15:29] Permission to remove obligations.

[00:20:08] The importance of not doing.

[00:25:15] Red brick revolution.

[00:27:55] Top five tips for productivity.

[00:30:24] Curiosity about generative AI.

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donnamcgeorge.com

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In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke dives deep into the critical topic of workplace culture as we approach 2026.

Ally emphasises that culture goes beyond superficial elements like posters and buzzwords; it is about the genuine experiences and emotions of individuals in the workplace. With the backdrop of hybrid work, AI disruption, and a multigenerational workforce, she highlights the importance of cultivating a positive culture as a competitive advantage.

Drawing on her insights, Ally also reflects on her past writing, exploring the relationship between culture and strategy, reiterating that while culture is paramount, strategy plays a vital role in establishing the foundation for a thriving work environment.

Tune in for valuable perspectives that every leader and team member needs to hear!

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Get your leadership roadmap for the AI era. Download the special report here.

Sarah shares how she helps leaders cultivate awareness, foster connection, and create meaningful, lasting impact. With over 17 years of experience in leadership development, she unpacks what it truly means to lead consciously; balancing performance with purpose, empathy, and authenticity.

Together, Ally and Sarah explore how conscious leadership transforms teams, strengthens culture, and builds organisations where people can thrive.

Join us for a powerful conversation on leadership, growth, and the impact of leading with awareness and intention.

Timestamps

[00:03:07] Conscious leadership explained.

[00:05:01] The rise of conscious leadership.

[00:08:50] Imposter syndrome and self-awareness.

[00:12:44] Cost of maintaining emotional masks.

[00:15:19] Emotional intelligence in leadership.

[00:20:53] Emotional intelligence can be learned.

[00:24:13] Principles of conscious leadership.

[00:28:10] Soft skills make strong leaders.

[00:29:50] Conscious leadership newsletter.

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Drsarahwhyte.com

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In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke explores the profound implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on leadership. As discussions about AI permeate boardrooms and conferences, Ali delves into the reality of how AI is reshaping work, communication, and decision-making processes.

Ally emphasises the importance of understanding what AI will change, what it won’t, and how leaders can maintain their human touch in an increasingly automated world.

Ally introduces the concept of AI as a mirror, reflecting both efficiency and inefficiency, and encourages leaders to navigate the noise surrounding AI to uncover the nuanced truths that will impact their leadership journeys, team dynamics, and overall business strategies.

Tune in for insights on how to lead effectively in the age of AI.

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Get your leadership roadmap for the AI era. Download the special report here.

Yamini shares her fascinating journey from working as an economist to discovering the power of storytelling as a tool for influence and connection. She reflects on her move to Australia in the 1990s, her love for Melbourne (especially the Hawthorn community), and her experiences navigating corporate life.

A pivotal moment in Yamini’s career came when she discovered “The Leader’s Guide to Storytelling” by Stephen Denning. A book that inspired her to blend data with emotion and transform the way leaders communicate.

Join Ally and Yamini for an insightful conversation on how storytelling can elevate leadership, strengthen influence, and create lasting impact in the workplace and beyond.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:12] Storytelling in business.

[00:04:20] Data and storytelling integration.

[00:10:17] X Factor potential and expression.

[00:11:14] Hyper-personal identity transformation.

[00:15:18] The power of X Factor.

[00:19:07] Crafting unique personal statements.

[00:25:04] X Factor as personal identity.

[00:28:23] River swimming and creativity.

[00:31:18] Let go of expectations.

[00:33:21] Last words of gratitude.

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Get your leadership roadmap for the AI era. Download the special report here.

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In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke delves into the crucial topic of trust in leadership, particularly in the context of the evolving landscape influenced by AI.

As a leadership communication expert, Ali emphasises the importance of understanding how AI is reshaping the future of leadership and the workplace. She encourages listeners to download the special report on the future of leadership, which offers insights into leading with purpose and meaning during times of fatigue and change.

Join Ally as she explores the intersection of courageous leadership and the human aspect of work in an AI-driven world. Don't miss the opportunity to gain valuable perspectives on building trust and leading effectively in the new year.

Grab your free copy of the report here!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:00] Trust in leadership and technology.

[00:06:50] Trust under pressure in workplaces.

[00:10:33] Trust and capability in leadership.

[00:11:27] Trust and leadership evolution.

[00:16:05] Psychological safety in leadership.

[00:20:00] Trust as performance infrastructure.

CONNECT WITH ALLY NITSCHKE

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Get your leadership roadmap for the AI era. Download the special report here.

From her humble beginnings in Brisbane to becoming a sought-after voice in professional development, Sally shares her remarkable journey of service, growth, and purpose. She reflects on how her early experiences; from being a girl guide to mentoring others, shaped her mission to help leaders become more capable, connected, and courageous.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding strength through service, unlocking your potential, and creating meaningful impact in the workplace and beyond.

[00:02:32] Middle managers' role explained.

[00:04:03] The power of middle management.

[00:08:29] Breaking the urgency pattern.

[00:12:05] Middle management as burgers.

[00:15:55] Values and self-awareness discovery.

[00:19:34] Communication as a nurturing ingredient.

[00:25:05] Middle managers' professional development.

[00:27:15] The importance of slowing down.

[00:31:19] Burger mindset in leadership.

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As you reflect on today’s episode, ask yourself:

• Am I making assumptions about younger or older generations?
• Am I adapting my leadership style to meet different needs?
• Am I creating opportunities for generations to learn from each other?

Because the leaders who can answer “yes” to those questions are the ones who will thrive in the age of AI, ambiguity, and acceleration.

SHOWNOTES

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke explores the impact of generational shifts on leadership in the age of AI. She discusses the current multi-generational workforce, including Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, and how their differing motivators and communication styles influence leadership strategies.

Ally emphasises the importance of understanding these generational dynamics to adapt leadership approaches effectively. She also highlights the upcoming entry of Gen Alpha into the workforce and urges leaders to consider how to prepare for this new generation.

Tune in for insights on navigating the complexities of leading a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive work environment.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:15] Multi-generational workforce challenges.

[00:04:33] Generational workforce differences.

[00:10:14] Purpose across generations in leadership.

[00:12:11] Leadership love languages and recognition.

[00:17:40] Generational shifts in leadership.

[00:19:36] Podcast episode release schedule.

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SHOWNOTES

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke delves into the urgent issues of rising burnout and the importance of psychological safety in leadership, especially in the age of AI. Drawing from her personal experiences with burnout, including her struggles at age 26 and again at the end of last year, Ally emphasizes the increasing prevalence of burnout in today’s fast-paced world filled with overwhelming information and constant demands. She reflects on her journey back to well-being and highlights the critical need for leaders to address these challenges to foster healthier work environments. Tune in to explore how leaders can better support their teams in navigating these pressing issues.

Timestamps

[00:01:05] Rising burnout and psychological safety.

[00:04:59] Understanding workplace burnout.

[00:09:49] Burnout as a cultural issue.

[00:12:32] Tackling workplace burnout effectively.

[00:17:38] Addressing workplace burnout.

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SHOWNOTES

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, we dive into the hybrid paradox, exploring why leaders struggle with trust in flexible workplaces. As hybrid work became mainstream, many believed it offered the perfect balance of flexibility for employees and productivity for businesses. However, a significant disconnect exists: while 87% of employees feel they are working productively in hybrid models, 85% of leaders express a lack of trust in this productivity. We discuss the importance of prioritizing flexibility and connection over mere presence in the office, challenging traditional notions of productivity and leadership in the age of AI. Don't forget to download our special report on the future of leadership and AI from our website or the show notes!

Timestamps

[00:01:41] Hybrid paradox and trust issues.

[00:04:01] Trust gap in leadership.

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SHOWNOTES

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ali Nitschke explores the complexities of hybrid and distributed work in the age of AI. As organizations navigate the challenges of creating effective hybrid work environments, Ali delves into the "hybrid paradox," where employees seek flexibility while leaders desire connection. Emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, Ali advocates for a custom-designed leadership model tailored to individual needs rather than a blanket solution for teams or organizations. Join us as we unpack the origins of hybrid work and the future of leadership in this new landscape.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:15] The hybrid paradox.

[00:05:10] High flexibility and high connection.

[00:10:01] Measure connection, not attendance.

[00:12:05] Hybrid leadership competencies.

CONNECT WITH ALLY

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Michelle shares why presentation skills should be seen as essential "power skills," not just soft skills, and offers practical advice on overcoming nerves, structuring a message for maximum engagement, and connecting authentically with any audience.

From her unique "whites of the eyes" technique for building rapport to common pitfalls like relying on a "thank you" slide, Michelle reveals simple yet powerful strategies to elevate your presentations and ensure your message truly lands.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode is full of actionable tips to help you speak with confidence, clarity, and influence.

00:03:25 Presentation skills as a necessity.

00:04:04 Presentation skills as power skills.

00:08:09 Nervousness vs. Excitement Energy.

00:12:05 Persuasion blueprint linguistic patterns.

00:17:35 Eye contact for connection.

00:20:25 Audience engagement in presentations.

00:22:29 The law of reciprocity.

00:28:25 Ending presentations effectively.

00:30:30 Meeting effectiveness and purpose.

00:35:00 Mood is contagious.

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michellebowden.com.au

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In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, Ally Nitschke breaks down the Hybrid Paradox and what it really takes for leaders to design hybrid teams that thrive. Drawing on real-world examples from tech, professional services, government, and healthcare, Ally shares practical strategies for balancing autonomy with belonging, and flexibility with culture.

If you’ve been struggling with how many days in the office is “enough,” this episode will show you why the real question is about trust, cadence, and courageous leadership.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The history of hybrid work: how we got here and why it’s now the default for knowledge workers.
• The Hybrid Paradox Quadrant: four workplace realities leaders must navigate.
• Why “bums on seats” is the wrong measure and what to measure instead.
• Real-world examples of hybrid done right (and wrong) across industries.
• The 3 non-negotiables for leading hybrid teams: set the rhythm, communicate like crazy, measure connection.
• What the future of hybrid leadership looks like by 2030 and why it’s not about policies but competencies.

Key Takeaways for Leaders

• Hybrid doesn’t succeed on autopilot, it requires deliberate design and cadence.
• Flexibility without connection creates isolation. Connection without flexibility breeds resentment. Leaders must balance both.
• Communication is the glue of hybrid teams. Silence creates disengagement.
• Engagement and belonging are the true KPIs of hybrid, not attendance logs.
• Leading hybrid is fast becoming a core leadership skill, not a nice-to-have.

Hybrid doesn’t manage itself. Leaders do. And the ones who get it right will have teams that aren’t just productive. They’ll be energised, engaged, and ready to thrive in the future of work.”

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, Ally Nitschke unpacks the three waves of AI; Automation, Augmentation, and Human–AI Collaboration and what they mean for leaders navigating workplaces under pressure. Drawing on real-world case studies from industries like finance, healthcare, and government, Ally shows why technology alone doesn’t guarantee success. Leadership does.

If you’re leading a team, function, or organisation, this episode will help you cut through the hype, understand the hidden risks, and position yourself as the kind of leader the future demands: courageous, adaptive, and human.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The 3 Waves of AI in the Workplace – From automation to augmentation to human–AI collaboration, and how each wave shifts leadership demands.
• The Hidden Leadership Crisis – Why “busyness without progress” is the biggest risk AI can expose in your organisation.
• Workplace Realities in 2025 – How AI is reshaping roles, skills, and culture across industries like finance, law, education, and healthcare.
• Case Study: Finance Sector – How one insurance company reduced claims cycle time by 40% while improving wellbeing and trust.
• The Leadership Shift Required – Why trust, transparency, and capability matter more than tools or technology.
• Culture as a Differentiator – How AI can either amplify fear or strengthen trust depending on your leadership.
• Future-Proof Skills – The rise of AI literacy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence as core capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• AI replaces tasks, not people. It’s leadership that determines whether adoption builds trust or creates fear.
• Output is not enough. Leaders must measure energy, engagement, and trust if they want sustainable performance.
• Culture amplifies technology. A culture of fear magnifies risks. A culture of trust multiplies opportunities.
• Transparency is non-negotiable. Staff embrace change when they understand the “why” behind it.

Leadership is the differentiator. Technology sets the stage, but it’s leaders who write the script.

She examines the fundamental shift from traditional authority-based leadership to adaptability. As workplaces adapt to hybrid models, generational change, and constant disruption, the old command-and-control approach is proving ineffective.

Ally highlights why today’s leaders must embrace collaboration, purpose, and shared ownership to keep pace with rapid information flow and the complexities of modern challenges.

Listeners will discover how cultivating adaptability over authority fosters resilience and empowers teams to thrive in a dynamic environment.

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY OF THE SPECIAL REPORT

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke examines the evolving landscape of leadership in the age of AI.

Drawing on extensive conversations with leaders across finance, health, government, technology, education, and pharmacy, Ally shares insights from her newly released report on the future of leadership.

Originally intended as a white paper, the project expanded into a comprehensive 60-page report, underscoring the critical importance of the people dimension in leadership. The episode also reflects on the strong reception of the report at recent leadership breakfasts, where demand exceeded expectations.

Listeners will gain thought-provoking insights into the human side of business and leadership, and why a fundamental shift in approach is essential in light of rapid technological advancement.

Five years ago, she took a bold leap, leaving corporate America to launch her own venture, A3 Culture Lab, dedicated to cultivating positive workplace cultures. Alongside her consulting work, Andrea embraced a completely different passion: running a lavender farm on five acres in the Pacific Northwest.

Tune in as we unpack Andrea’s remarkable career shift, her insights on leadership, and how she’s redefining success on her own terms.

00:01:45 Transition from IT to HR.

00:04:17 Kindness versus niceness.

00:11:06 Incubator of resentment in leadership.

00:12:54 Authenticity in modern leadership.

00:16:23 Authentic leadership presence.

00:21:35 Managing emotions as a leader.

00:25:01 Authenticity in leadership.

00:28:32 Accountability in team performance.

00:32:16 Five-step leadership process.

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A3Culturelab.com

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Ally shares her personal experiences of balancing her roles as a professional speaker, business owner, and mother of four, highlighting the common challenge of maintaining equilibrium between work and home life.

She discusses the "leadership mask" that many high-performing individuals wear, and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the complexities of leadership. Tune in for an authentic and powerful conversation about the reality of leadership and the pursuit of balance.

Ally shares her Accountability Code, a simple but game-changing three-step framework designed to help leaders and their teams move from awareness into action, and action into real, measurable results.

She reveals why accountability isn’t about blame or micromanaging, but about creating clarity, consistency, and trust. Especially in a world of constant change, hybrid teams, and global uncertainty.

Through real stories from her own leadership journey, practical strategies leaders can apply immediately, and some uncomfortable truths about burnout, Ally gives leaders the tools to reset their spark, raise the standard, and lead with clarity in the chaos.

A must-listen for anyone ready to navigate modern leadership with courage, consistency, and results.

Time Stamps

[00:00:34] Radical accountability in leadership.

[00:05:11] Accountability Code Explained.

[00:08:26] Clear expectations for accountability.

[00:12:06] Team Accountability and Leadership Systems.

[00:19:04] Radical accountability in leadership.

[00:20:29] Finding your spark again.

The conversation dives deep into the topic of burnout, which Sally experienced firsthand during her time in a high-pressure law firm. She reflects on the pivotal moment she recognised the signs of burnout and the transformative steps she took to recover, including a life-changing move to Morocco and a reconnection with nature.

Sally offers a powerful reframe of burnout, describing it not as a personal weakness but as a natural response to chronic stress influenced by societal, organisational, and internalised cultural pressures. She highlights the importance of self-knowledge, self-awareness, and self-compassion in both preventing and recovering from burnout.

Throughout the episode, Sally and Ally explore generational shifts in attitudes towards work and wellbeing. Sally provides valuable insights for leaders seeking to build supportive and engaging workplace cultures, along with practical strategies to recognise and address burnout, both personally and within teams.

Listeners can connect with Sally via LinkedIn or through her website at www.salcla.com. For those who may be experiencing burnout, she encourages reaching out for support and taking proactive steps towards healing and balance.

This episode offers an inspiring and thought-provoking look at how individuals and organisations can better understand, prevent, and respond to burnout in today’s world of work.

00:03:26 - Corporate law career shift.

00:05:36 - Workplace burnout awareness and stigma.

00:09:21 - Burnout causes and prevention.

00:10:23 - Organizational culture and burnout.

00:14:01 - Work contributing to society.

00:19:09 - Burnout among high performers.

00:20:45 - The three selves framework.

00:25:06 - Symptoms of burnout.

00:28:00 - Burnout and self-awareness strategies.

00:30:56 - Leadership and wellbeing strategies.

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Joel shares his remarkable journey from working in youth and social work to becoming a celebrated spoken word poet and keynote speaker. He opens the episode with a compelling poetic introduction that immediately sets the tone for a rich, thought-provoking dialogue.

Throughout the conversation, Joel explores the transformative power of storytelling in leadership, asserting that all human behaviour is shaped by the stories we tell ourselves and those around us. He underscores the critical importance of listening as a foundational skill for effective leadership.

Joel and Ally also delve into the role of creativity in leadership, with Joel cautioning against an over-dependence on artificial intelligence for creative tasks. He champions the value of facing the blank page, embracing the discomfort of self-confrontation, and finding authentic expression through creativity.

Offering practical takeaways, Joel encourages leaders to engage in inner work, excavate their personal stories, and empower others to reframe and articulate their own. His passion for storytelling as a tool for connection, engagement, and transformation is evident throughout the discussion.

Listeners interested in Joel’s work can connect with him via LinkedIn, Instagram, or explore further resources on joelmckerrow.com.

A heartfelt thank you to Joel McKerrow for sharing his wisdom, poetic brilliance, and deep insight into how creativity and storytelling can elevate leadership and drive meaningful change.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Joel McKerrow

00:00:40 - Joel's Unique Approach to Poetry

00:01:01 - The Invitation of the Present Moment

00:02:31 - Host's Reaction to Joel's Poetry

00:03:01 - Joel's Background and Journey

00:04:04 - Transition from Social Work to Poetry

00:05:09 - Impact of Poetry on Transformation

00:06:03 - Combining Poetry with Leadership

00:07:03 - The Power of Story in Leadership

00:08:07 - Stories Shaping Human Behavior

00:09:10 - Organizational Stories and Culture

00:10:03 - Applied Narrative Intelligence

00:11:05 - Internal Stories and Self-Growth

00:12:03 - Importance of Listening

00:13:07 - Listening to Deeper Stories

00:14:10 - Plot vs. Story in Human Experience

00:15:02 - Internal Listening and Self-Reflection

00:16:05 - Quality of Presence in Relationships

00:17:12 - Practical Tips for Better Listening

00:18:15 - Intentional Presence and Deep Listening

00:19:09 - Joel's Practice of Writing Weekly Poems

00:20:25 - The Impact of Personalized Poems

00:21:07 - Listening for Meta and Metaphor

00:22:00 - Using Metaphor to Convey Depth

00:23:06 - Metaphor in Organizational Vision

00:24:04 - Shared Experience through Metaphor

00:25:06 - Storytelling for Team Engagement

00:26:00 - Visionary Leadership and Storytelling

00:27:00 - Real-Life Stories in Vision Casting

00:28:03 - Example of Sean Askinosie's Story

00:29:01 - Transformational Power of Dark Stories

00:30:03 - Joseph Campbell's Cave Metaphor

00:31:07 - Authenticity in Leadership Stories

00:32:04 - AI and Creativity in Leadership

00:33:04 - The Risk of Over-Reliance on AI

00:34:07 - Facing the Blank Page and Fear

00:35:01 - The Importance of Creative Muscles

00:36:04 - Authentic Human Stories for Impact

00:37:09 - Unique Value of Personal Experiences

00:38:02 - Essence of Effective Leadership

00:39:08 - Top Tips for Emerging Leaders

00:40:10 - Excavating and Re-storying Your Life

00:41:13 - Connecting Internal Work with Teams

00:42:09 - Finding Meaning in Work through Story

00:42:48 - Where to Follow Joel McKerrow

00:43:01 - Resources and White Papers on Creativity

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Welcome to the Made For More podcast. In this episode, Ally Nitschke shares a recap of her action-packed May, which included extensive travel and client engagements. She also announces some exciting news: her team has been named finalists in five categories for the prestigious ROAR Awards, celebrating excellence in small business across Australia. This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of both her team and her incredible clients.

The core theme of this episode is “the art of being uncomfortable” and why discomfort is essential for leadership growth. Drawing on her unique background, including her early years as a professional ballet dancer, Ally explores how embracing discomfort can fuel both personal and professional development. She reframes discomfort not as a red flag, but as evidence of trying something new, courageous, and transformative.

Listeners will walk away with practical tools for reframing discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Ally offers advice on starting small, consistently stretching beyond what feels familiar, and building a network of support to help navigate uncomfortable moments.

She also shares a personal story from her ballet career, one that required deep courage and mental fortitude to perform a physically demanding jump... Highlighting the power of mindset in overcoming challenges.

To close, Ally invites listeners to reflect on one area in their life where they can lean into discomfort and take a bold step forward. Because, as she reminds us, real growth happens at the edge of our comfort zone.

Tune in and be inspired to take your next bold leap.

Timestamps

[00:01:05] Five categories finalist excitement.

[00:04:28] The art of being uncomfortable.

[00:09:37] Failure as feedback.

[00:12:40] Growth through discomfort.

[00:15:34] Embracing discomfort in leadership.

[00:19:40] Leaning into discomfort for growth.

Links

Breakfast Roadshow - www.madeformore.com.au/events

Connect

Connect with Ally on LinkedIN, YouTube,

Subscribe to Weekly tips and Practical Advice.

Dr. Kristy shares her fascinating journey from being a teacher to becoming a neuro performance scientist, keynote speaker, researcher, and author. Her work focuses on the impact of technology on the brain and body, particularly in today’s digitally demanding world.

During the conversation, Dr. Kristy opens up about her personal experience with burnout during the pandemic, which led to a severe health crisis. This pivotal moment deepened her understanding of how technology and stress affect not only children but also adults.

She introduces the concept of the “success tax,” highlighting how individuals often sacrifice their physical health, mental well-being, and relationships in the pursuit of success.

The discussion explores the signs of burnout, which include prolonged physical and psychological exhaustion, reduced feelings of efficacy, and increased negativity or cynicism towards work. Dr. Kristy also sheds light on the gender well-being gap, explaining how women frequently experience higher levels of stress due to the digital double burden and societal expectations.

She introduces her Flourishing Formula, which consists of three key pillars:

1. Building Stress Adaptability – Developing stress resilience and reducing micro-stresses.
2. Optimising Focus – Cultivating the ability to control and direct attention in a distracting world.
3. Reframing Recovery – Prioritising rest and recovery to enhance productivity and overall well-being.

Dr. Kristy shares practical strategies such as managing notifications, taking piccolo breaks, and working in alignment with one's chrono type to optimise performance and health. She also emphasises the importance of leaders role-modeling recovery and well-being practices in the workplace.

For those interested in exploring her insights further, Dr. Kristy’s book Digital: We Need to Talk offers valuable strategies for optimising the relationship with technology. She is also active on Instagram and LinkedIn, where she shares the latest research and brain-based protocols.

This episode is packed with actionable insights, offering listeners a deeper understanding of how to navigate technology, stress, and performance in today’s world.

Links and Resources

Dr Kristy Resources HERE

Download the Reflect & Celebrate Workbook here. 

Download the Goal Setting workbook here. 

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The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of leadership and how the expectations of the workforce have shifted dramatically in recent years. Michelle emphasises the critical role leaders play in shaping the careers of their team members and highlights the importance of being aware of their influence. Together, Ally and Michelle explore the concept of "Real-Time Leadership," which is about being present and responsive to the immediate needs of both the organisation and its people.

Michelle also shares her insights on managing change, emphasising the importance of understanding the emotional impact of change to gain employee buy-in. The discussion touches on the necessity for leaders to embrace continuous learning and the value of authenticity in leadership.

Looking ahead to 2025, Michelle provides valuable predictions for the workplace, including the growing importance of purpose-driven work, the coexistence of AI and human-centered leadership, and the rising demand for mental health and well-being initiatives. She concludes the conversation by sharing her top five tips for new leaders, emphasising the power of influence, prioritising people, and maintaining an open mindset.

This enlightening episode serves as both an insightful discussion and a call to action for leaders to step up and adapt to the rapidly changing world of work.

Listeners are encouraged to connect with Michelle through her website and LinkedIn and to download her PDF on leadership and workplace predictions for 2025 for additional insights.

Thank you for tuning in to this inspiring episode of Made For More!Timestamps

[00:02:45] Toxic leadership experiences impact careers.

[00:07:05] Real-time leadership understanding.

[00:10:21] Continuous professional development importance.

[00:12:27] Embracing change for success.

[00:18:06] Bold decision-making in leadership.

[00:23:06] Meaning as the new motivation.

[00:27:01] AI and human-centered leadership.

[00:28:44] Leadership starts with you.

[00:32:47] Prioritising your people.

Links and Resources

Michelle's LinkedIN

Michelle's Website

Connect With Ally Nitschke

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A key highlight of the conversation is Nicole’s assertion that “personal brand is dead” and has been replaced by the concept of a “human brand.” This shift underscores the importance of authenticity and the seamless integration of personal and professional identities. She and Ally discuss how leaders can bring their true selves to work without feeling as though they are boasting or being inauthentic.

Nicole also addresses the common struggle with imposter syndrome, encouraging professionals to recognize their unique value and articulate it effectively. She introduces her 3P Visibility Report—Progress, Planning, and Problems—as a practical tool for tracking achievements and enhancing workplace visibility without the discomfort of self-promotion.

The conversation also delves into the significance of vulnerability in leadership and how it differs from emotional dumping. Nicole provides valuable insights on refining one’s human brand and highlights the role of strategic influence in career progression.

As the episode concludes, she shares her top five tips for emerging leaders, emphasizing the need for visibility, an understanding of perception, and continuous brand evolution. She also offers a free Personal Rebrand Checklist to help listeners reshape their human brand.

Packed with actionable advice and powerful insights, this episode provides invaluable guidance for anyone looking to enhance their leadership presence and embrace authenticity in the professional world.

TimeStamps

[00:02:57] Personal branding evolution.

[00:07:12] Personal branding in leadership.

[00:09:05] Personal brand and professional persona.

[00:13:50] Human brand versus personal brand.

[00:18:32] Authenticity vs. Humility in Leadership.

[00:20:05] Vulnerability vs. emotional dumping.

[00:23:46] Visibility isn't vanity, it's value.

[00:29:30] Casual acquaintances and career progression.

[00:32:36] Articulating your leadership value.

[00:35:21] Visibility is your currency.

[00:00:00] Nick's delightful insights.

Links and Resources

Nicole's LinkedIN

Nicole's Website

Nicole's free Personal Rebrand Checklist: Checklist

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, Ally Nitschke delves into the critical topic of transformational leadership and strategy activation. Designed for leaders, executives, and anyone responsible for driving significant change within their organisation, this episode offers valuable insights and practical guidance.

Ally explores the concept of strategy activation teams—pivotal groups that breathe life into strategic plans. Too often, strategic initiatives become mere artefacts, filed away and forgotten. Ally discusses how strategy activation teams can prevent this by transforming dusty documents into tangible, actionable results.

The episode introduces the BLAZE Framework (B-L-A-Z-E), a powerful tool designed to turn strategic artefacts into actualised actions. The framework includes:

• Breakthrough Vision: Setting ambitious goals and a compelling vision that energises the team.
• Leadership Leverage: Enhancing delegation and empowerment within the leadership team.
• Action Alignment: Ensuring all efforts and resources are strategically aligned with key objectives.
• Zone of Genius: Focusing on team members' strengths to boost productivity and efficiency.
• Execution Excellence: Maintaining high levels of accountability for consistent progress.

Ally emphasises the importance of alignment at the top, which influences execution at every level. Cohesive, clear, and courageous strategy activation teams have the power to drive significant results, while misaligned teams can stall progress.

Drawing on extensive experience working with a range of clients, Ally highlights the essential roles of communication, leadership development, and maintaining a regular cadence. She also stresses the need for a holistic approach to leadership transformation—one that considers mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

To conclude, Ally encourages listeners to evaluate their strategy activation teams, ensuring they are aligned, empowered, and supported with the right tools and resources. For those seeking further support, she offers services in leadership development, communication mastery, and strategy activation.

Thank you for tuning in. Remember, you were made for more, and sometimes the right partner is all you need to unlock your full potential. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your network and stay tuned for more insights on transformational leadership.

Timestamps

[00:01:13] Strategy activation teams.

[00:04:18] Blaze Framework for Strategy Activation.

[00:09:18] Holistic leadership transformation.

[00:13:58] Whack-A-Mole in business strategy.

[00:15:55] Leadership confidence and accountability.

[00:18:36] Leadership development and communication mastery.

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Work with Ally - https://www.madeformore.com.au/courageous-strategy

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Book a time to meet with Ally - https://calendly.com/ally-madeformore/complimentary

The conversation explores Maz’s transition from television to public speaking, where she discovered her passion for helping professionals become more interesting and engaging. She emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace and shares her unique approach to capturing attention with memorable one-liners, such as the unforgettable "I fix dicks" from a mental health professional.

Throughout the discussion, Maz highlights the significance of authenticity, kindness, and humor in leadership. She encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and control their narratives, reinforcing the idea that being interesting isn’t about being the loudest in the room but rather about being genuine and impactful.

Maz also provides valuable insights for new leaders, including the importance of having a personal code of conduct, the power of laughter, and the necessity of kindness in the workplace. Her passion for helping others shine is evident, leaving listeners inspired by her commitment to making the world a more connected and engaging place.

For those interested in learning more about Maz and her work, she will soon be launching her new website, Maz Speaks Global, and remains active on LinkedIn. This episode offers practical insights and inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their presence and influence.

Timestamps

[00:02:51] Transition from TV to speaking.

[00:06:15] Finding your true talent.

[00:09:31] How to be more interesting.

[00:12:50] Importance of being interesting.

[00:15:34] Controlling the narrative as a leader.

[00:19:14] Memorable versus interesting communication.

[00:26:23] Being interesting without being loud.

[00:29:35] The importance of human connection.

[00:32:07] Leadership and kindness in action.

[00:35:39] Kindness as a competitive advantage.

[00:39:01] The effort of podcasting.

Links and Resources

Download the Reflect & Celebrate Workbook here. 

Download the Goal Setting workbook here. 

Connect with Maz Farrelly

https://www.mazspeaks.com

Connect with Maz on LinkedIn

Connect with Maz on Instagram

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

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With Valentine's Day approaching, love is in the air, and Ally Nitschke’s household is fully embracing the spirit of appreciation. Her children are busy baking heart-shaped cookies for their BFFEs, and her husband surprised her with beautiful native flowers. In their home, celebrating love and appreciation is a cherished tradition.

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, Ally shifts the focus from Valentine's Day to relationships and their impact on daily life—particularly in the workplace. Inspired by Gary Chapman's concept of love languages, she introduces the idea of Leadership Love Languages to help leaders foster deeper engagement and appreciation within their teams.

Ally explores five distinct Leadership Love Languages:

1. Feedback and Mentorship – Some team members thrive on direct, meaningful feedback and mentorship. Recognizing their efforts in a specific way can make a significant difference.
2. Workplace Bonding – For others, feeling connected to their team is crucial. Regular check-ins, casual gatherings, and meaningful conversations can help strengthen these relationships.
3. New Opportunities and Challenges – Many individuals crave growth and career progression. Providing high-visibility projects and new challenges can keep them motivated and engaged.
4. Support and Encouragement – In a fast-paced work environment, feeling seen and supported is essential. Regular check-ins and encouragement for mental health breaks can have a big impact.
5. Encouraging Touch Points – Frequent and intentional communication is key for some team members. Celebrating small wins and recognizing milestones can help maintain motivation.

Ally encourages leaders to determine which Leadership Love Language resonates most with their team members by simply asking them. Incorporating this conversation into team meetings can provide valuable insights and help create a culture of appreciation.

Building strong teams isn’t just about skills—it’s about connection and recognition. Ally invites listeners to share how they plan to implement Leadership Love Languages with their teams. Listeners can connect with her via social media or email for further discussion.

Happy Love Day and Love Week!

00:00:00 - Introduction and Family Love

00:01:06 - Teaching Appreciation to Kids

00:01:26 - Valentine's Day and Relationships

00:01:58 - Gary Chapman's Love Languages

00:03:02 - Introducing Leadership Love Languages

00:04:16 - Feedback and Mentorship

00:05:44 - Workplace Bonding

00:07:08 - New Opportunities and Challenges

00:08:13 - Support and Encouragement

00:09:28 - Encouraging Touch Points

00:10:51 - Identifying Team Members' Preferences

00:11:46 - Strategic Appreciation in the Workplace

00:12:19 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Connect With Ally



Originally from Sweden, Charlotte transitioned from a career in law to becoming an airline pilot, working for Virgin Australia for 12 years. However, the pandemic introduced unexpected challenges, grounding her and leading to a significant personal crisis when a chronic eye infection ended her flying career. This pivotal moment forced her to reevaluate her life and uncover her innate strengths and values.

Throughout the discussion, Charlotte emphasizes the importance of self-awareness as a foundation for effective leadership. She shares insights on reframing challenges, recognizing natural strengths, and harnessing the power of curiosity to foster growth. The conversation highlights how understanding personal values can guide decisions and help individuals embrace change with confidence.

Charlotte also provides practical advice for new leaders, outlining five key strategies: prioritizing self-awareness, taking stock of internal dialogue, cultivating curiosity, and embracing small steps toward progress. She introduces a values tool that listeners can use to identify their core drivers, serving as a compass for decision-making.

This episode serves as a reminder that while change is inevitable, the response to it can be empowering. Charlotte’s insights offer valuable takeaways, inspiring listeners to embrace their own journey of change and self-discovery.

Links and Resources

Charlotte's LinkedIN

Charlotte's Website

Values Tool DOWNLOAD

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Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Ally discusses the Chinese zodiac, highlighting the Year of the Wood Snake, which represents wisdom, intuition, and transformation. She encourages listeners to embrace this time as a perfect opportunity for renewal and intention-setting. Ally also emphasizes the importance of decluttering—both physically and mentally—to create space for fresh energy and growth.

A key feature of this episode is Ally's introduction of her "success wheel" concept, which divides life into eight slices: friends and family, brain power, health and recreation, time, work and study, finances, fun and leisure, and environment. She invites listeners to reflect on their current state in each area and to set meaningful intentions for improvement.

Ally also shares her practical approach to goal-setting, breaking down yearly intentions into quarterly and monthly goals. She highlights her personal project of identifying 25 things she wants to accomplish in 2025 to thrive and discusses her "Magical Mondays," a dedicated time for planning and setting intentions for the week ahead.

Throughout the episode, Ally provides actionable tips and resources to help listeners take charge of their own goal-setting journey. She encourages them to access The Reflect and Celebrate workbook and other planning tools to shed what no longer serves them and embrace the possibilities of a fresh start.

Join Ally as she inspires listeners to use the Lunar New Year as a catalyst for stepping into a new, empowered version of themselves.

Happy Lunar New Year!

[00:01:31] Lunar New Year celebrations.

[00:06:00] Year of the wood snake.

[00:08:08] Friends and family reflection.

[00:13:38] Fun bucket and leisure.

[00:17:09] 25 things to thrive.

[00:19:27] Coaching schedule and strategies.

Download the Reflect & Celebrate Workbook here.

Download the Goal Setting workbook here.

Leaders often face the challenge of juggling numerous responsibilities, from managing teams and driving projects to maintaining fulfilling personal lives. Ally reassures listeners that achieving a sustainable work-life balance is not only possible but essential for long-term success.

This episode highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries, defining work hours, and creating dedicated workspaces. Ally explains that boundaries are not about being unkind or unapproachable—they are an act of self-respect and a tool for building resilience. She discusses how prioritising tasks and delegating effectively allows leaders to focus on what truly matters, enhancing productivity and avoiding burnout.

Ally shares practical strategies for achieving this balance, such as communicating work hours to teams, carving out dedicated spaces for work, and reflecting on what work-life balance looks like on an individual level. She also highlights the long-term benefits of maintaining boundaries, including better decision-making, stronger relationships, and sustainable success.

Throughout the episode, Ally encourages listeners to take intentional steps to protect their time and well-being. She reminds them that work-life balance is an ongoing journey rather than a fixed destination. By setting boundaries and prioritising what matters most, leaders can lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Listeners are invited to share their thoughts and experiences by emailing podcast@madeformore.com.au. Together, Ally and her audience can explore more ways to navigate the challenges of leadership and work-life balance.

Tune in to this empowering episode and remember—you are Made For More!



[00:00:44] Leadership and work-life balance.

[00:04:40] Work-life balance for leaders.

[00:09:08] Work-life balance strategies.

[00:12:18] Work-life balance strategies.

[00:15:31] The importance of delegation.

[00:20:09] Work-life boundaries enhance leadership.

[00:24:27] Sustainable work-life balance.

[00:27:30] Creating balance in your life.

Links and Resources

Download the Reflect & Celebrate Workbook here.

Download the Goal Setting workbook here.

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Join Ally as she dives into:

• The concept of flow and its significance in effective leadership
• Identifying and removing friction points that hinder productivity
• Strategies for improving communication and team dynamics
• The importance of self-care and setting boundaries
• Practical tips for maintaining focus and celebrating progress

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with ease and confidence.

Don't forget to share your thoughts and let us know one friction point you're planning to remove this week!

Stay balanced, stay focused, and as always, find your flow!

Timestamps

[00:01:47] Fresh beginnings and new goals.

[00:05:29] Finding flow in leadership.

[00:09:00] Removing friction for leadership flow.

[00:12:25] Personal blocks in leadership.

[00:17:23] Prioritizing self-care for wellbeing.

[00:19:08] Leadership and flow state.

[00:23:03] Celebrating progress in leadership.

Links:

• Goal Setting Workbook here
• Connect with Ally ally@madeformore.com.au

Subscribe for more episodes and insights!

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Holding people accountable is a crucial aspect of effective leadership and management. In the podcast episode, Ally Nitschke emphasises that holding people accountable is not synonymous with micromanaging. She clarifies that setting clear expectations and following up to ensure that desired results are achieved is a fundamental responsibility of a manager. By setting clear goals and monitoring progress towards those goals, leaders can ensure that their team is on track and aligned with organisational objectives.

Accountability fosters a culture of responsibility and ownership within a team. It provides clarity on expectations and helps in tracking progress towards goals. When leaders hold their team members accountable, it promotes transparency, communication, and a sense of urgency to meet deadlines and deliver results. This proactive approach to accountability can enhance team performance and overall productivity.

Micromanaging, on the other hand, involves excessive control and involvement in every detail of a team member's work. It undermines trust, stifles creativity, and hampers autonomy. By distinguishing between holding people accountable and micromanaging, leaders can create a balanced approach that empowers their team members while ensuring that tasks are completed effectively and efficiently.

Following up on deadlines is a crucial aspect of effective management and leadership. In the podcast episode, Ally Nitschke emphasises that checking in on overdue tasks and following up on deadlines is not considered micromanaging but rather a fundamental management responsibility. By setting clear expectations and deadlines for tasks or projects, managers ensure that the team stays on track and delivers results in a timely manner.

When managers fail to follow up on deadlines, it can lead to missed targets, delays in project completion, and a lack of accountability within the team. Ally Nitschke highlights the importance of holding team members accountable for meeting deadlines and delivering results. This practice not only ensures that projects progress smoothly but also helps in maintaining a high level of productivity and efficiency within the team.

By actively monitoring deadlines and progress, managers can make necessary adjustments, provide support where needed, and address any potential roadblocks that may hinder the team's success. This proactive approach to following up on deadlines demonstrates effective leadership and a commitment to achieving organisational goals.

While some may perceive following up on deadlines as micromanaging, it is, in fact, a vital management practice that fosters accountability, drives productivity, and ensures the successful completion of projects. Managers who prioritise timely follow-ups on deadlines exhibit strong leadership skills and contribute to a culture of excellence within their teams.

Setting clear guidelines and being organised and detail-oriented are crucial aspects of effective leadership. In the podcast episode, Ally Nitschke emphasises the importance of setting clear guidelines as a way to provide direction and boundaries for the team. She mentions that setting clear guidelines is not micromanaging but rather a kind and essential practice in leadership. By defining boundaries and offering clear direction, leaders can ensure that their team understands expectations and can work towards achieving the desired outcomes.

To talk about Booking Ally for your next event or professional Development activity, find a complimentary time here.

Additionally, being organised and detail-oriented is highlighted as a valuable trait for leaders. Ally discusses how some individuals, referred to as "owls" in the workplace, thrive on being detail-oriented and organised. This attention to detail can help in ensuring that projects run smoothly and work programs are executed effectively. However, it is crucial to differentiate between being detail-oriented and micromanaging. Micromanaging occurs when leaders fixate on minor tasks without trusting their employees to carry out their responsibilities.

This episode emphasises that setting clear guidelines and being organised and detail-oriented are not synonymous with micromanaging. Instead, these qualities are essential for effective leadership as they provide structure, direction, and ensure that tasks are completed efficiently. Leaders who possess these traits can effectively guide their teams towards success without falling into the trap of micromanagement.

We delved into the concept of the loneliness epidemic, as highlighted by Vivek Murthy, and discussed how modern work environments often lead to disconnection despite technological advancements. Celeste introduced her Connected Leader System, which emphasizes the importance of connecting with oneself, finding meaning and purpose, and fostering genuine connections with others.

Celeste's insights on the physical and emotional impacts of loneliness were eye-opening, and she provided practical advice on how leaders can create more connected and fulfilling workplaces. We also touched on the importance of authenticity, alignment, and attention in leadership, and how these elements contribute to a thriving organizational culture.

For those looking to deepen their understanding of leadership and connection, Celeste's work and upcoming book on the Reconnection Revolution offer valuable resources. You can find more about her Connected Leader System on her website and follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram for regular updates and practical leadership advice.

Thank you, Celeste, for sharing your expertise and inspiring us to create more connected and meaningful work environments.

[00:03:44] Connection obsession began in London.

[00:06:15] Work-Life Balance Discovery.

[00:10:23] Loneliness pandemic.

[00:14:38] Fear of busyness culture.

[00:15:23] Rediscovering your inner child.

[00:19:50] Building Executive Presence.

[00:25:31] Listening with fascination.

[00:28:59] Focusing on active listening.

[00:33:25] The reconnection revolution.

To connect with Celeste, you can find her on

LinkedIN

Website

Insta

To find out more about upcoming events check it out here - www.madeformore.com.au/events

To reach out to Ally directly ally@madeformore.com.au

Josephine discussed her personal journey with imposter syndrome, detailing her experiences in high-responsibility roles at Telstra and as an academic in organisational psychology. Despite her successes, she often battled feelings of doubt and incompetence, which she later addressed through therapy and her background in psychology.

We delved into the definition of imposter syndrome, characterised by a chronic sense of self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evident competencies. Josephine highlighted that this phenomenon is not limited to women, as it was once thought, but is also prevalent among men.

The conversation also covered strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome. Josephine emphasised the importance of building confidence, not by proving competence but by fostering a belief in one's ability to handle challenges. She shared practical tips such as sharing failures, reframing thoughts, taking credit for achievements, and avoiding detrimental social comparisons.

Josephine's insights are not only enlightening but also empowering, encouraging us to transform our imposters into leaders. For those looking to connect with Josephine or learn more about her work, she can be found on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Thank you for tuning in to this enlightening discussion on imposter syndrome. Remember to subscribe for more episodes, and feel free to connect with me on social media for updates and more engaging content.

Catch you in the next episode!

Episode 66 introduces a new segment called Ally Speaks, where Ally answers questions and discusses her favourite topics. The episode also serves as an opportunity for Ally to thank her team and acknowledge their contributions to the podcast's success.

Episode 67 features an interview with an award-winning pharmacist and entrepreneur Karen Brown. Karen shares insights on the most important leadership skills for 2023 and beyond, providing valuable advice for aspiring and current leaders.

Episode 68, Ally interviews Clifford Morgan, a former member of the Royal Australian Air Force. Clifford shares his expertise on becoming a coaching leader and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Episode 69 features Renee Draper, the Chief People Officer at Peregrine Corporation. Renee discusses why great leadership goes beyond a title and emphasises the importance of building strong relationships and fostering a positive work culture.

Episode 70, Dr Eva Balin-Vunuk joins Ally to discuss the differences between leadership in the public and private sectors. They explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by leaders in each context.

Episode 71 delves into the power of influence and how it impacts success in the workplace. Ally shares practical tips and strategies for increasing one's influence and achieving professional goals.

Episode 72, Professor Jenny Shaw joins the podcast to discuss leadership in academia. They explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by academic leaders and share insights on effective leadership strategies in this context.

Episode 73, focuses on the importance of reflection and celebration. Ally encourages listeners to take time to reflect on their successes and celebrate their achievements in various areas of life, including family, brain power, health, productivity, learning, finances, fun, and the physical environment.

Episode 74 is about how to develop courageous and servant leadership. This was with a guest, Sarah Morse, and this is really about becoming a servant leader and its importance in the modern world of leadership.

Episode 75 is a preview of Ally’s book "Rise of the Courageous Leader" and its three pillars: self-awareness, team awareness, and organizational awareness.

Episode 76 is where Ally talks about the Importance of setting boundaries for mental health and preventing burnout, tips for setting boundaries based on personal needs, and the significance of effective communication.

Episode 77, Ally explores goal-setting methods such as SMART goals, GROW model, and the challenging goal framework to create direction, focus, and purpose.

Episode 78, Unleashing the Potential of Feminine Power in the Workplace and leadership roles with guest Josephine Palermo, focuses on relational capabilities and creating a collaborative work environment.

Episode 79, Building self-awareness and effective communication with guest Mel Kettle, understanding pain points and connecting in personal and professional settings, and advice for new leaders starting a job.

What’s coming next?! Season 6 of the Made For More podcast is focused on answering your FAQs in leadership. Ally will address frequently asked questions she has received from training, coaching, and conferences. Listeners can look forward to valuable insights and practical advice on a range of topics related to leadership. If you have a FAQ that you’d like some help on email podcast@madeformore.com.au.

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Check out the Made For More blog Here

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

Mel shares her background and journey into the communication and leadership space. She recounts her first job counting people on the ski tube in the New South Wales Central Coast, as well as her experience organising conferences and working for the Office of Fair Trading in Queensland. Mel emphasises the importance of understanding the pain points of your audience and effectively communicating the right message at the right time.

Ally and Mel discuss the challenges of communication and the importance of self-awareness. They provide valuable tips on becoming more self-aware, such as asking oneself questions, listening to others, and observing behaviours. They also highlight the significance of connection in both personal relationships and professional settings.

Mel provides five essential tips for new leaders, including taking care of one's health, avoiding burning bridges, setting clear boundaries, understanding values and priorities, and leaving an organisation with grace.

The episode covers four crucial lessons for starting a new job, which include prioritising health, maintaining good relationships, establishing clear boundaries, and starting as one intends to continue. Mel also emphasises the importance of learning to communicate with conviction to effectively influence, engage, inspire, and motivate.

Listeners are encouraged to connect with Mel through her website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, or by email. Ally also invites listeners to subscribe to the Made For More podcast and leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts. Both Ally and Mel can be found on various social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Mel Kettle is an internationally recognised expert in fully connected leadership and communication. With more than two decades of experience, Mel is a valuable asset to leaders and teams that want to achieve real connection and sustained engagement. She is the host of the podcast This Connected Life and the author of two books, the best-selling Fully Connected and The Social Association. 

Connect with Mel

LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and her website. 

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

The discussion continues with an exploration of the challenges faced by executives today, including increased interdependencies between functional roles, the need for vulnerability and personal leadership, and the importance of involving more women in finding solutions. Palermo shares an example from her book, where a male executive berates a male manager for his reluctance to engage with a stakeholder, using derogatory language. A senior female manager calls out this behaviour, prompting an open dialogue about its implications. Rather than focusing solely on behaviour change, Palermo advocates for dialogue and self-reflection, asking questions such as "What if we did it differently?" and "What are my biases?". She emphasises that men and women face similar challenges and encourages compassion and open dialogue to help men understand and navigate these issues.

To wrap up the episode, Palermo offers five tips for effective leadership, including believing in one's unique feminine strengths, gaining awareness of biases, motivating individuals through autonomy, and prioritising teamwork. Listeners are invited to visit www.risingtofemininepower.com to learn more about Palermo's book, "Rising to Feminine Power," which features Wonder Woman on the cover.

Josephine Palermo is a sought-after speaker, author, leadership coach, mentor, and podcast host with a deep understanding of gender psychology and organizational dynamics. Her philosophy centres around feminine power, as documented in her latest book "Rising to Feminine Power: The Lasso of Truth," where she explores the journey women go through to achieve true feminine power and addresses the struggles many women face with power. Josephine's popular podcast, "Gears, Action, Growth: Shifting Business Culture One Conversation at a Time," showcases her engaging conversational style and expertise, providing valuable knowledge, resources, and inspiration to the audience. Her key focus areas include helping women overcome barriers, viewing leadership through a positive feminine lens, and creating enriched and inclusive cultures that support women leaders to thrive.

Links and Resources:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gearedforgrowth.biz

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/risingtofemininepower  

Twitter: @geared_4_growth

Instagram: @gearedforgrowth.biz 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephinepalermo/

Website: https://gearedforgrowth.biz/ 

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

Ally then discusses popular goal setting methods and methodologies that can help people set meaningful and achievable goals. He introduces the SMART goals framework, the GROW model, the Whoop Whoop method, and the HARD goal framework. He emphasizes that goal setting is a dynamic process that requires regular review, adjustment, and adaptability. Ally encourages people to write down their goals and share them with someone to hold themselves accountable. 

Listeners are also encouraged to check out the podcast episode with Keith Abraham for more information on goal setting. In conclusion, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips on goal setting that can help individuals achieve their aspirations and foster personal growth and development.

Connect With Ally Nitschke:

Check out the Made For More blog Here

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

Ally emphasises that boundaries should be based on personal needs and issues rather than merely following what others are doing. She also discusses how childhood conditioning can impact our ability to set boundaries and recommends flexing one's courage muscle to have tough conversations. Ally also highlights the importance of language when setting boundaries and provides examples of how to communicate effectively.

Finally, Ally shares four tips for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, encouraging listeners to identify, communicate, and uphold their boundaries.

Listeners can also access Ally's book, "The Power of Boundaries" which provides additional resources for fine-tuning boundary-setting skills. To learn more about boundaries or ask questions, listeners can contact us at podcast@madeformore.com.au.

Connect With Ally Nitschke:

Check out the Made For More blog Here

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

I will emphasise the need for leaders to have conviction and courage to be successful, as well as the importance of focusing on impact and legacy while building relationships and adapting to fast-changing circumstances. I will also introduce my model of leadership, which covers the six levels of leadership: frozen, floundering, frazzle, clear, coasting, and confident.

Get the Rise of the Courageous Leader Book Here

Connect With Ally Nitschke:

Check out the Made For More blog Here

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

In this episode, I got to interview Sarah Morse, a professional speaker, healthcare professional, and former (NSW) Young Australian of the Year. Sarah draws on 20 years as a nurse and humanitarian to bring a uniquely global and human perspective to the way humans think, work, and behave. What I absolutely enjoyed about this conversation was Sarah’s passion for servant and courageous leadership. Through her personal experience of burnout, Sarah believes that empowering people to thrive in the workplace is the most important part of a healthy workforce.

Expect to learn more about servant leadership, the benefits of cultivating a culture of courage in the workplace, how to live your values as a leader, and easily applicable tools you can use to become a servant leader.

Topics We Discussed Include:

• Introduction (00:00)
• Biggest Challenges Facing Modern Leaders (04:20)
• Sarah’s Time in a Romanian Orphanage (07:27)
• Everyday Servant Leadership (11:16)
• Living Your Values as a Leader (14:43)
• How to Unpack and Develop Your Own Personal Values (17:00)
• Benefits of Cultivating a Culture of Courage in the Team (18:50)
• Servant Leadership Plus Courageous Leadership at Work (20:27)
• Top 5 Tips for Leaders and Upcoming Leaders (23:28)
• Parting thoughts (26:59)

Links and Resources:

Sarah’s LinkedIn

Sarahmorse.com.au

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

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Today’s episode will be a little different from the leadership broadcasting we normally have. Instead, we’ll cover the benefits of creating time to reflect and celebrate life. Expect to learn the benefits of making time for reflection, how to make time for reflection, what to reflect on, the eight buckets in the Made for More success wheel, and much more!

What You’ll Learn:

• Introduction (00:00)
• Creating Time to Reflect and Reevaluate (02:20)
• The Made for More Success Wheel (03:04)
• The Friends and Family Segment (04:24)
• Brain Power and How Our Minds Work (07:56)
• Making Time for Health and Recreation (11:28)
• Time and Productivity (14:11)
• Work, Study, and Finding Joy in Life-Long Learning (17:17)
• Have a Firm Grasp on Your Finances (19:13)
• The Fun Bucket (20:58)
• The Physical Environment (24:18)
• Why You Need to Forget About Perfection (25:56)
• Parting Thoughts (27:35)

Links and Resources:

Get the Reflect & Celebrate Workbook Here

High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way by Brendon Burchard

Dear Digital, We need to talk: A guilt-free guide to taming your tech habits and thriving in a distracted world by Kristy Goodwin

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Check out the Made For More blog Here

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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In this episode, I got to interview Professor Jennie Shaw, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President of Academics at The University of Adelaide. I had an absolute blast speaking with Professor Shaw about her unique takes on leadership in the world of academia. 

Tune in to learn more about leadership styles in academia, why Australians are no longer going to university, and some intriguing thoughts on personal leadership. Let’s go!

Topics We Discussed Include:

• Introduction (00:00)
• Getting to know Jennie Shaw (01:55)
• How Jennie successfully balances careers in art and law (03:50)
• The future of equity and fairness in Australia (06:07)
• Reasons why fewer Australians are going to university (08:58)
• Why the idea around careers is shifting among Australian youth (12:50)
• How to take on a new skill without disrupting your current life (16:50)
• The evolution of Jennie’s leadership (18:40)
• Jennie’s thoughts on personal leadership (21:03)
• Learning to become an adaptable leader (23:45)
• Taking time off after a hectic 2022 (26:33)
• Top 5 tips for leaders and upcoming leaders (28:10)
• Parting thoughts (34:56)

Links and Resources:

Jennie’s LinkedIn

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel

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In this episode, we discuss the power of influence and how leaders can impact organisational results by changing behaviours and inspiring others to take action. Expect to learn what you can do to become a more influential leader and why you must understand that influence is not about compliance or getting people to do exactly what you want them to do.  

Topics We Discussed Include:

• Introduction (00:00)
• What is Leading with Influence? (02:01)
• Team Alignment and Coordination (03:04)
• How to Customise the Way You Influence People (05:10)
• Building Influence on a Foundation of Trust (06:20)
• Influential Leaders Make Their People Successful (10:18)
• The Equation of Trust (12:17)
• Influence and Keeping Others Accountable (16:49)
• Parting thoughts (18:31)

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Check out the Made For More blog Here

Madeformore.com.au

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel

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How different is it from leading teams in private organizations like Microsoft? 

In this episode, I got to interview Dr. Eva Balan-Vnuk, the Chief Information Officer at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Government of South Australia. Eva is a senior business & thought leader with experience in senior roles such as State Director for Microsoft. I met Eva at a conference in 2022 and was absolutely blown away by her leadership journey.

Tune in to learn more about what it's like working for the government, why you should never lower your standards as a leader, how to cope with culture shock at a new job, and much more. 

Make sure you have your notebooks ready because this one's a cracker!

Topics We Discussed Include:

• Introduction (00:00)
• Getting to know Dr. Eva Balan-Vnuk (03:38)
• How Eva transitioned from working in tech to working for the government (04:46)
• What it means to work around lean processes (06:19)
• Biggest challenges working for the government (07:26) 
• Why lowering standards sets everyone up for failure (10:02)
• Benefits of running a values workshop (15:30)
• Leaders act as they must, not as they feel they should (19:10)
• Characteristics of high-flying teams in government (20:09)
• What Eva does out of work to decompress (25:09)
• Tech in 2016 versus tech in 2023 (27:42) 
• Top 5 tips for leaders and upcoming leaders (34:13)
• Parting thoughts (38:04)

Links and Resources:

Eva's Website

Eva's LinkedIn

Follow Eva on Twitter



Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel

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In this episode, I interviewed Renee Draper, the Chief People Officer of Peregrine Corporation. Renee has a long history of leading large teams in highly strategic but practical workplaces where people, service, and positive experiences are at the heart of everything they do. I absolutely loved Renee’s passion for creating a workplace where people want to be part of something exciting and take ownership of the organization’s success. 

Tune in to hear Renee describe what it takes to build a strong people culture, why a title doesn’t necessarily earn you people’s respect, and how having structure can free up your life. Let’s go!

Topics We Discussed Include:

• Getting to Know Renee Draper (00:00)
• Renee’s First Taste of Leadership (04:27)
• Why Renee Joined Peregrine Corporation (06:47)
• What It’s Like Transforming Owner-Operated Businesses (07:58)
• Renee’s Big Why (09:16)
• How to Build Resilience For Yourself and Your Team (11:22)
• Renee’s Resilience Practice (13:28)
• How Having Structure Can Free Up Your Life (18:27)
• The Benefits of Making Time For Reflection (20:22)
• Major Highlights in Renee’s Career So Far (21:05)
• Top 5 tips for leaders and upcoming leaders (24:23)
• Parting thoughts (27:29)

Links and Resources:

Renee’s LinkedIn

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

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In this episode, I got to interview Clifford Morgan, a former member of the Royal Australian Air Force and now the Director and Principal of Lumian Consulting - a firm helping leaders and organizations unlock their potential and performance. What I absolutely loved about this conversation was Clifford’s ability to use illustrative stories and practical strategies to demonstrate the transformative power of coaching leadership.

Tune in to hear Cliff share insights into what it means to be a coaching leader, how to develop a pipeline of leaders for your organization, and ways to help your employees become better problem solvers.

Topics We Discussed Include:

• Introduction (00:00)
• Getting to know Clifford Morgan (02:00)
• Clifford’s journey to the Australian Air Force (03:40)
• Leadership in the Air Force versus civilian leadership (04:55)
• How Clifford lost 15 volunteers in his first month as a leader (08:53)
• Breaking down Clifford’s book The Coaching Leader (11:08)
• The difference between a good leader and a great leader (14:27)
• Roadblocks to Effective Leadership (17:47) 
• How long does it take to become a coaching leader? (21:40)
• Ways to help your employees become better problem solvers (26:52) 
• Top 5 tips for leaders and upcoming leaders (29:00)
• Parting thoughts (33:24)

Links and Resources:

Clifford’s LinkedIn

Clifford’s website

The Coaching Leader: Essential Skills to Enhance Your Leadership and Develop Your People Every Day by Clifford Morgan



Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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In this episode, I got to interview Karen Brown, an award-winning pharmacist, entrepreneur, and Founder of Batch Tested - a company on a mission to ensure no athlete returns a positive drug test due to a contaminated supplement or nutritional product. What I absolutely loved about Karen is her ability to wear many hats - Pharmacist, Pharmacy Owner, Founder, Director, Leader, Speaker and most proudly wife and mum.

Tune in to hear Karen drop nugget after nugget on how the busiest people get things done, why nothing exciting happens in equilibrium, and the building blocks of kind, connected, and courageous leadership. This one’s an absolute banger!

Topics We Discussed Include:

• Introduction (00:00)
• Getting to Know Karen Brown (03:34)
• Why Karen Chose to Pursue Pharmacy (06:20)
• Balancing Study and Professional Sports (08:49) 
• How the Busiest People Get More Things Done (10:39)
• The Benefits of Living in the Present (13:50)
• Karen’s First Taste of Entrepreneurship (17:53)
• Why Leaders Need to Stop Trying to Fix Everything (21:58)
• The Concept of Coaching in Leadership (24:50)
• Batch Tested and What It's All About (28:10)
• Top 5 tips for leaders and upcoming leaders (32:57)
• Parting thoughts (34:54)

Links and Resources:

Karen’s LinkedIn

Batchtested.com.au

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel

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Season 5, titled Leadership Your Way, will explore diverse leadership approaches and the transformative impact effective leadership can have on individuals, teams, and the organization. Throughout this series, we’ll break down captivating leadership styles that have made a massive dent in the world. We’ll also unravel remarkable stories of leaders who have defied conventions and demonstrated that there’s no singular formula for success. 

I can’t wait to share this season’s special episodes, guests, and topics with you. Expect to learn the important skills you need to start flexing to make leadership easier, more enjoyable and more impactful. Let’s Go!

Topics We Discussed Include:

• Introduction (00:00)
• Who is Ally Nitschke (01:00)
• What to Expect From the Podcast This Season (02:48)
• Why Effective Leadership is Now More Important Than Ever (03:58)
• The New Era of Leadership (05:29)
• Unleash the Leader Within You (06:10) 
• Leadership Your Way (08:11)
• Parting Thoughts (11:05)

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

Gone are the times when a CEO or a corporate executive could take refuge behind the veil of corporate brand; even if you attempt it, you are definitely committing a blunder, in present times. Personal branding is a reality everywhere, including Australia. Ensuring visibility and engagement both within and outside work is important. Take the typical example for what people look for while looking for a job; obviously it is not the pay or working conditions. But it is about “What is it going to be like working for ….” And “Who am I working with and for”. Unfortunately, businesses do not realise this.

Those leaders who want to thrive should make themselves visible within the organisation and exhibit your organisational-value-driven behaviour to build personal relations. Take advantage of social media, emails or zoom to connect with your employees. Similarly, connect with outsiders on LinkedIn or webinars through your areas of expertise. Telling stories of how one learned something hard way is a great way to connect with people.

High workforce mobility coupled with wider job choices than ever and changing nature of jobs, everyone is bound to leave the organisation at some point of time. But what is important is ensuring that they remain with the organisation for longer than they intended/planned. This calls for creating a “place to stay for”. But people can’t be kept for a whole career. So, one needs to look beyond and strategise on how to build a “place one would want to return to”.

It would be another blunder if you work in the direction of policies against re-hiring. Rather turn to loyalty as the key to keep people attached and connected. Keeping the people who left within your radar ensure both celebrating them and also maintaining a path to return will go a long way in ensuring both growth and sustainability. 

But the question of “how” remains. Thus, to help you know more about building an organisational culture that will lead to boomerang of your past employees, in this special episode of Made For More podcast, we are glad to bring to you, our guest, Lee Caraher. She is the CEO of of Double Forte, a national independent PR & Communications agency. An acclaimed communication strategist and author of two books, she is known for her practical solutions to big problems. She is on a mission to help small businesses break through the noise and make big impact. She has a reputation of building cohesive high producing teams who have fun together at the same time. So, tune in to learn more!

Topics We Discussed include:

·     Getting to know Lee Caraher (3:22)

·     The myth of “PR is only for companies” (5:20)

·     Ways to elevate Personal Relations within the organisation (8:43)

·     Ways to elevate Personal Relations outside the organisation (10:45)

·     A culture that people want to return to (13:41)

·     Millennials and return (20:40)

·      Re-hiring (21:48)

·     Loyalty and return (22:26)

·     Allowing and encouraging Return (23:09)

·     Organisational Outreach to past (25:19)

·     Connecting with people who left (26:28)

·     Top five tips for leaders (29:33)

·     Don’t be afraid to be in relation with people you don’t know (31:43)

Links and Resources

https://double-forte.com/

https://leecaraher.com/

Connect with Lee Caraher via LinkedIn

Connect with Lee Caraher via Facebook

Connect with Lee Caraher via Twitter

Connect with Lee Caraher via Instagram

Link: Creating Corporate Alumni Program

Book:  The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organisations by Encouraging People

Book: The Boomerang Principle: Inspire Lifetime Loyalty from Your Employees

Book: Millennials & Management: The Essential Guide to Making it Work at Work

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

Now more than ever, understanding data is a skill that all leaders need to use, manage and recognise what story the data is telling and make informed decisions based on that evidence.

It's important to recognise that data-driven and data-informed are two different things. While the former focuses only on numbers and excludes the human side of the story, data-informed accounts for both the quantitative as well as qualitative information which provides a holistic picture. At the end of the day, data does not tell us what we need to do, it requires human touch to know what needs to be done.

Like any storytelling, in data story-telling one needs to be passionate, confident and the story should sound interesting (WIIFM) so that it inspires people to want to take action. In addition, having visuals will drive the point home. The way you tell the data story should be able to change the perspective of people.

In a world rich of data, if you are worried and wondering how to improve your data story-telling skills (as a beginner), relax and identify the insights. If the does not come easily observing someone who tells a very good data story can be a good starting point. Observe what stood out and how they made it sound interesting and then replicating those will likely help you be a better data story teller.

Data is here to stay and expected to be stacked up in organisations, at least in the short/medium term. It is expected to grow exponentially but humans need to be able to make the final decision after evaluating its impact. That’s decision-making process can never be replaced by technology. So put your fear of being redundant due to technology at rest. However, data storyteller expert Selena Fisk cautions that it is important to be not over-run by technology but be able to appreciate its utility and make your own decision.

The common tendency of confirmation bias that we experience in our daily lives is yet another phenomenon that needs to be avoided and the importance of looking at the data afresh with new eyes cannot be emphasised enough.

To know more about data storytelling, tune in into our new episode with Selena Fisk, who is passionate about helping others sort through the numbers to tell the real stories and lead positive change. With her experience of having mentored hundreds of executive leaders, middle managers and employees in data storytelling, she discusses the highlights of data storytelling based on her book, 'I'm not a numbers person: How to make good decisions in a data rich world" which was published in April this year by Major Street Publishing.

Topics We Discussed include:

• Getting to know Selena Fisk (3:21)
• Data-driven Vs. data-informed decision-making (6:03)
• Aptitude for numbers: Kids Vs. adults (8:41)
• First step towards data literacy/capability (10:07)
• Data literacy (12:04)
• 3 components of data story-telling (13:21)
• Normal story-telling Vs. data story-telling (14:20)
• How to improve data story-telling for beginners (15:29)
• Data in next 10 years (18:26)
• Apprehension in embracing technology (20:35)
• Confirmation bias (22:52)
• Top five tips for leaders (25:32)

Links and Resources:

Connect With Selena Fisk

https://www.selenafisk.com/

Connect with Selena Fisk via LinkedIn

Connect with Selena Fisk Twitter 

Connect with Selena Fisk Facebook

Book: I'm not a numbers person: How to make good decisions in a data rich world

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

In reality, this culture of wanting to do the best; your pursuit for brilliance could be actually driving you towards burnout. Your desire to do more, putting in a greater number of hours, wanting to have perfection, which we believe is the recipe for success and high performance, can actually lead to burnout without your awareness.

If you are too exhausted to get out of the bed by Friday night or do not have time to catch up with your social circle or too busy to carry out your favourite activity, then you could probably be heading towards burnout.

Prevention is definitely better than cure.

Self-care is one strategy to prevent burnout. It is a duty which is not listed in the job description that allows us to do everything on the job description. Thus, it should not to be treated as a luxury but a necessity. It could be as simple as starting with something small which is easy to do like doing yoga, going for a brief walk and the like. But people could often have a long a list that it starts putting pressure on you and ultimately self-care could lead to burnout. One needs to know what fuels your tank.

If you have been working too many hours or taking on too many tasks lately, don’t spread yourself too thin that you land up delivering crap; learn to say ‘No’ to save yourself from burnout. Our guest for this episode believes that it is not your job to know it all or do it all. Tune in into our podcast and listen to what Jess Stuart has to say on ‘how to prevent burnout and the steps to recover from burnout’. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experiences on being a sustainable resource and achieving our potential.

Topics We Discussed include:

·     Getting to know Jess Stuart (3:20)

·     Signs of burnout (4:10)

·     What led to burnout (6:58)

·     Imposter Syndrome and burnout (8:45)

·     How to get out of burnout (10:23)

·     Learnings from Buddhist monks (12:14)

·     Self-care (13:50)

·     Saying No and setting limits (15:46)

·     Brilliance Now as opposed to how Jess defined Brilliance then (18:11)

·     What can you do to actively come out of burnout (20:39)

·     Key signs to look out for (22:34)

·     Top five tips for leaders (24:05)

Links and Resources

Connect with Jess Stuart via LinkedIn

Connect with Jess Stuart via Facebook

Connect with Jess Stuart via Instagram

Connect with Jess Stuart via YouTube

Website: Jessstuart.co.nz

Book: Burnout to Brilliance

Book: The Superwoman Survival Guide: A Book for Busy Women

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

The inclusion of people’s idea into that plan and being able to provide value to the members are critical. This process can be accelerated by making investment in people; getting to know people outside your normal circle, by taking interest in their stories and building networks. This allows for understanding different perspectives, both from the personal and cultural levels, which is very important for a leader.

This is what the former professional footballer and the current CEO at Committee for Adelaide, Bruce Djite, our guest for this episode, has to say. Listen to Bruce who has moved from being an athlete, a professional soccer player, to being a man behind policy driving the development of Adelaide with plans for population to traffic, infrastructure and technology driven growth for Adelaide, out of his sheer like for challenge.

For Adelaide to achieve its targets for 2030, Bruce says the individual organisations need to position themselves for growth, need to be openminded and have a growth mindset. They should have the ability to see the talent rather than letting them go where they are appreciated – eye for preventing brain-drain.

To know the details, listen to our podcast with Bruce Djite.

Topics We Discussed include:

·  Getting to know Bruce Djite (2:59)

·  Targets or plans for Adelaide (6:45)

·  Sector or industry with biggest growth potential (9:10)

·  Reason for moving from sports to policy making (Committee of Adelaide) (10:44)

·  Getting the team aboard (16:39)

·  Role of the stakeholders in realising your goals (20:20) mindset of the people

·  How to get the individual organisations moving forward (22:15)

·  How to build/grow your network (25:01)

·  Knowing different languages and openness to multi(cultural) perspectives (27:41)

·  What lies ahead for Committee of Adelaide (30:27)

·  Solutions and being ambitious (31:19)

·  Mindset (32:03)

·  Top five tips for leaders (36:17)

Links and Resources

Connect with Bruce via Facebook

Connect with Bruce via Instagram

Connect with Bruce via LinkedIn

Connect with Bruce via Twitter

committeeforadelaide.org.au

adelaideconnect.com.au

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel

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Right from the school days we have heard of SMART goals. So, is it that your goals were not SMART enough that you could not follow through? May be it's time to move from SMART to SMARTER goals.

People often lack commitment, connection and a compelling sense to work towards achievement of the goals. There is a need to have the Emotional connection and Reward elements in the goal. Goals need drivers to be realised. Of the 135 emotions that we experience, you will be surprised to know that there are 8 goal drivers.

To better understand the dynamic role of the goal drivers, we are glad to bring to you, our guest for this episode, Keith Abraham, a multi-award-winning speaker on goal setting with his insights and thoughts on goal drivers. Listen to his phenomenial talk on goal-beyond-goal and tips for making your goals a reality.

Topics We Discussed include:

·     Getting to know Keith Abraham (2:59)

·     Basics of goal setting (5:28)

·     SMART to SMARTER goals (6:58)

·     Rewards (9:41)

·     Goal beyond the goal (11:10)

·     Emotions and goals (12:15)

·     8 drivers of goals (13:31)

·     Goal setting diagnostic (17:28)

·     Successful influencer (20:26)

·     Short term Vs. long term goals (27:27)

·     Top five tips for leaders (34:13)

·     Move from ‘Am I’ to ‘I am’ (36:38)

·     Personal words to listeners (40:06)

Links and Resources

·Connect with Keith Abraham on LinkedIn 

·Connect with Keith Abraham on Facebook

·Subscribe to Keith’s YouTube Channel

·Connect with Keith Abraham on Instagram

·keithabraham.com

·mygoaldriver.com

·Book: Be Book: 100 life time goals

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

To be able to cater to the strategic needs of the business, as a leader, one needs to move out of that comfort zone of being the leader (in control). This is often very challenging for many a leader, across the board, as it calls for letting go of things by empowering one’s team and making oneself redundant. 

If you can empower your team, you are in for many pleasant surprises including having more time than before. You will see that your team is more abled to take some tasks/projects off your too-full-plate. It serves as a doubled-edged sword of getting you people up-skilled and leaving you with more time to work on the strategy level. 

You may not be the best at everything or you may not like doing everything. So, kindly and gently, let go of things, focus on the big picture and lead the team. To know more about empowering your team, tune in to our Made For More pod cast where Ally shares her experiences and some actionable tips on empowering your team to take your leadership to the next level.

Topics Discussed include: 

• Context of empowering your team and making yourself redundant (1:02)
• Giving sometime back (3:08)
• Letting go (5:04)
• Slow down, to speed up (6:30)
• Focus on strategy by empowering the team (7:11)
• Benefits of empowering the team (8:01)
• Where you spend your time on the Four Quadrants of 4 Ds (10:20)
• Encouraging different ideas (15:32)
• Painting the big picture (16:55)
• Summary of the top tips to empower your team (19:53)

Connect With Ally Nitschke

• Madeformore.com.au
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel
• Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

Women are too conscious of the burden of leadership and undermine the benefit they can bring to themselves and their community through their leadership. As a woman, do not wait for a big reason to step up or hold the situation to be blamed. You need to realise that it is the mindset that is stopping you from being a leader.

Rather than sticking to the orthodoxia mindset of men being better leaders, women need to be aware of such mindset which requires you to lead yourself first. Take a stock of your own capabilities and strengths. Things can be challenging, intimidating and threatening but ask yourself, ‘what are the costs and benefits of stepping up, raising your hand, raising your voice, and embracing leadership?’

Our guest for this episode, Cathy Burke, strongly urges all the women who may see yourself unlikely to be a leader, you need to know that you are enough, as you are, to lead. Rooted in her decades’ experience of working with millions of women villagers, she offers hands-on tips to activate that unlikely leader in oneself because it has never been more important to activate this in organisations and communities, worldwide. So, tune in into this episode to know more on ways and techniques to awaken the unlikely leader in yourself.

 Topics We Discussed include:

·     Knowing Cathy Burke (3:05)

·     Context of Unlikely Leader (4:26)

·     Unlikely leader: Women villagers (5:52)

·     Unlikely leader notion amongst educated women (6:42)

·     Pillar of leadership: Mindset (10:00)

·     Technique of working with mindset: Noticing (13:54)

·     Technique of working with mindset: Questioning (15:11)

·     Importance of ‘role model’ to change the mindset of unlikely leaders (17:45)

·     What does authenticity mean for (unlikely) leaders? (21:41)

·     Blockages for unlikely leaders (women) (25:50)

·     Top five tips for leaders (32:05)

·     Know that you are enough, as you are, to lead (32:20)

·     Leadership is an inside job (33:30)

·     To be authentic to future you (34:44)

·     Expect leadership to be messy and confusing (35:42)

·     Having a vision (37:03)

Links and Resources

Connect with Cathy Burke via LinkedIn

Connect with Cathy Burke via Facebook

Connect with Cathy Burke via Instagram

Connect with Cathy Burke via Twitter

White paper: cathyburke.com/white-paper

Book: Unlikely Leaders: Lessons in leadership from village classroom

Book: Lead In: Mindsets to lead, live and work differently  

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

There are skills that you need to have to lead and live a life of purpose, connection and contribution. Empathy is an essential skill, which allows us to see things through the eyes of others. The other is optimism -- appreciating what you have and focusing on what you can do. The last one is curiosity: observing, asking questions, and exploring the things you are curious about.

In today’s episode, we have Renee Giarrusso, Founder & CEO RG Dynamics-Limitless Leaders to share with us the key traits of being a limitless leader. Listen to the episode to learn the importance of each skill in detail.

TOPICS WE DISCUSSED INCLUDE

• Getting to Know Renee Giarrusso (05:21)
• The biggest shift from 16 years ago to now (07:34)
• Self-leadership (09:40)
• Important soft skills for leaders (10:33)
• Gift of empathy, optimism, and curiosity (16:25)
• The great resignation (17:56)
• Building self-growth (19:13)
• Is empathy a learned skill? (20:31)
• Being present and Increasing self-awareness (22:38)
• Practicing gratitude (25:21)
• Optimism versus toxic positivity (28:24)
• Focus on the headset and the heart set, not the text set (29:51)
• Top Five Tips for Leaders (30:21)

Links and Resources:

Reneegiarrusso.com 

Renee’s LinkedIn

Book: Gift Mindset: Unwrap the 12 Gifts to lead and live a life of purpose, connection and contribution

Book: The Secret Code of Success: 7 Hidden Steps to More Wealth and Happiness

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

The thing you need to understand here is that workplace politics can be difficult to navigate. And while they have their flaws, you'll be better off being able to navigate them efficiently.  

Despite all the negative attributes around office politics, they are not inherently evil. At the end of the day, most people only want influence, relationships, and the power that comes with it. Furthermore, all of us play some form of politics; we just subtly engage in it. So, if you're starting out in your career or have joined a new organisation and think it's best to sit out politics, you're in for a rude surprise. Our guest for today, Dr. Mira Brancu, believes that sitting out of office politics is probably the worst thing you can do for your career. She believes that despite the potential for exploitation and misuse, there are healthy ways to navigate the murky waters of office politics. Tune in as she shares insights into how to navigate office politics, the myths around office politics, and so much more.

TOPICS WE DISCUSSED INCLUDE

• Getting to know Dr. Mira Brancu (3:59)
• Office politics will always exist, no matter the organisation (08:28)
• The Most valuable lesson learnt from the mentor (8:34)
• Why office politics are not necessarily a bad thing (10:28)
• The three-workplace politics framework (11:00)
• When inclusion meets office politics (13:56)
• Some of the biggest traps in some industries (14:15)
• The difference between millennials and Gen Z (16:40)
• First thing to focus on as a person with influence (Leaders) (18:20)
• Why most leaders struggle giving feedback (20:40)
• Organisational culture and how it dictates office politics (21:46)
• How much does the Culture dictate Politics or Politics dictates the Culture? (22:07)
• What to do when a company's office politics are not in line with your beliefs (23:40)
• Steps to make decisions or Change as a Leader (24:00)
• Networking and how to make office politics work for you (27:35)
• Vulnerability and why it's so important in today's work environment (29:20)
• Top five Tips for Leaders (30:53)
• Parting Thoughts (37:05)

Links and Resources

l Connect with Dr. Brancu via LinkedIn

l Book: Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics by Dr. Mira Brancu

l Book: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

l Brancuassociates.com

Connect With Ally Nitschke

l Madeformore.com.au

l Connect with me on LinkedIn

l Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

l Subscribe to my YouTube channel

l Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

March 8th is recognized as International Women's Day; a day set aside to celebrate the achievements and awesomeness of women all over the world. At the time of recording this episode, which was actually on March 8th, I thought we'd do something different. In keeping with this year's theme, #BreaktheBias, it's time for leaders to speak up about bias in and out of the workplace and proactively work towards building a more inclusive work environment. 

Unfortunately, it may not be noticeable to many of us how gender biases and stereotypes have been deeply ingrained into our office norms. Sometimes these biases can go as far as influencing the way we work, hiring new employees, and handing out promotions.

In this year's International Women's Day, I believe leaders will be at the forefront in breaking these biases by challenging gender assumptions in the workplace. Leaders also need to start addressing cultural issues that hold talent back because of bias. It won't be easy, but it's achievable. We just need to be intentional about our changes and make sure the changes stick past International Women's Day.

"I'm lucky enough to be the mother of 4 brilliant boys.

I'm also very aware of the social responsibility to raise 4 young men who understand the important role they play, not just on #IWD2022 But each and every day to #breaktheBias, to show #kindness and stand up for what's right and lean into #Courage"

In this solo episode, Ally goes through her thoughts on international Womens day. While it's nice to have a day to celebrate, for real change to happen we need to be looking at ways to break the bias for the other 364 days of the year.

For as long as I can remember I've been passionate about Equality, I think it's in my DNA; A combination of my mother championing women in STEM in the 80's (#trendsetter) and my father sharing and showing me everything growing up on a farm that would traditionally fall under the category of 'mens work'.

Imagine a world;

~ That's free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination

~ That's diverse, equitable and inclusive

~ That celebrates and values differences

It takes more than just one day to break the bias, it's everyone's responsibility to break bias in communities, and workplaces, in clubs and in schools.

Topics We Discussed Include:

• Gender stereotypes in today's society (00:27)
• Understanding biases and how they influence people's decisions (05:01)
• Gender biases in top management and executive settings (07:50)
• The first steps towards breaking the bias (09:55)
• Addressing the gender disparities in the workplace (11:53)
• Why leaders need to ask for feedback from their team members regarding office biases (13:50)
• Why you need to start speaking up against gender biases and disparities (16:49)

CONNECT WITH ALLY NITSCHKE

Madeformore.com.au

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Subscribe to my Youtube channel

Get our Courageous Conversations Guide

The importance of mental health and well-being continues to grow. But people are still not sure about the subject, and a lot of stereotypes and myths still exist. It is therefore important that leaders be aware of the well-being of themselves, as well as their teams.

When people are mentally healthy, they have more energy, they are more focused, they are more motivated, and they are more productive. Thus, good mental health is an essential part of your business practice. Healthy thinking (balanced, helpful, and realistic thinking) promotes well-being and serves as an antidote for anxiety and depression.

It’s so unfortunate that when talking about mental health, the first thing that comes to our minds is mental illness. It’s like the only time we can try to improve our mental health is when something goes wrong. Here’s the thing, we all have the capacity to avoid mental health-related problems. Your brain is a muscle, and just like all our other muscles, it can be trained. Think of it this way; when improving your physical health, you’ll get a gym membership, workout and eventually get stronger, fitter, better. According to Dr. Tom Nehmy, mental health is exactly the same. It’s preventable as well as reversible. You just have to spot the negative trends early enough to get the best results. 

Today we’re going to talk about well-being. Our special guest, Dr. Tom Nehmy, talks about what it means to be mentally healthy and have well-being and resilience in the workplace. An award-winning clinical psychologist and director of the Healthy Minds Program, Tom is passionate about preventative psychology and teaching people to become mentally healthy.

TOPICS WE DISCUSSED INCLUDE

Getting to know Dr. Tom Nehmy (04:37)

Why Dr. Nehmy got into preventive psychology (06:15)

The link between being mentally healthy and high performance (10:20)

The myths and misconceptions around mental health (13:00)

The theory of stress and performance (14:29)

Why optimism is a lot more than positive thinking (18:53)

The three main parts of a healthy mindset (21:56)

Healthy thinking when tackling anxiety and depression (25:00)

Wellbeing reviews and why they are so effective (27:40) 

The 6 core components of a wellbeing review (30:30)

Behavioral activation and having fun in an office setting (32:50)

Dr. Nehmy’s go-to fun activities (34:50)

Top 5 tips for leaders and upcoming leaders (36:17)

Parting thoughts (40:50)

Links and Resources

Tom’s LinkedIn

Tomnehmy.com

Healthymindsprogram.com

Book: Apples for the Mind: Creating Emotional Balance, Peak Performance & Lifelong Wellbeing

Ultimate Corporate Wellbeing Playbook:

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

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