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The Politics of Everything

News & Politics Podcasts

A weekly podcast series asking newsworthy experts and leaders the tricky questions about the politics of everything that matters to mankind in the 21st century. Host Amber Daines is a former journalist turned media trainer, speaker, and author who is also devoted to raising her young family.

Location:

Australia

Description:

A weekly podcast series asking newsworthy experts and leaders the tricky questions about the politics of everything that matters to mankind in the 21st century. Host Amber Daines is a former journalist turned media trainer, speaker, and author who is also devoted to raising her young family.

Twitter:

@Ambieu777

Language:

English


Episodes

215: The Politics of Money Mindsets - Obu Ramaraj

3/26/2024
Obu Ramaraj is the CEO of Smart Money Solutions, Money Management Expert, Speaker and Author of two books ‘Smart Women, Smart Home loans: what your lenders won’t tell you’ is a guide and ‘Smart Women, Smart Habits: Powerful practices to create your ideal financial future’. Her experience is quite unique in that she is a first-generation Australian Indian and worked as a research scientist in her previous life. She has built a successful business from ground up in finance while raising two young kids and acting as Chief Financial Officer at home. Obu is also a certified mBIT (multiple Brain Integration Technique) coach. Obu has been nominated for various awards and is an active community volunteer. Her mission is to help women take control of their financial lives. When women transform their relationship with money, they transform their relationship with life. After spending over a decade in the financial industry, Obu knows what is most important to plan and achieve the desired lifestyle for women – and it’s not just about making more and more money. We discuss: 1. What was your childhood career dream? Did you achieve this or tell us your early work story? 2. What is the biggest myth around money and mindset? It has to be more than self-limiting beliefs right? 3. What do you do as a certified mBIT (multiple Brain Integration Technique) coach? Share with us what you do and how. 4. Are there some easy ways we can improve how we view money – tips or ideas we can share with the audience please. 5. Financial planning is a business – do we all need that kind of service or can we become savvy ourselves? Tell us your view and why/how. 6. Takeaway: What is your final message on The Politics of Money Mindsets? Connect further: Home - Oburamaraj POE listener offer: Zencastr is my podcast platform of choice. Use my special link (zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30) and use code “THEPOLITICSOFEVERYTHING” to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:25:59

214: The Politics of Overcoming Anxiety - Vanessa Stuart

3/19/2024
This episode does delve into mental health issues so comes with a listener warning. Vanessa Stuart is the Founder, Director, and CEO of Total You Coaching, and she's on a mission to empower individuals to lead powerful and passionate lives, especially if they're struggling with anxiety. She understands that anxiety can be a significant obstacle in living a fulfilling life, and she specialises in helping people overcome it. Vanessa is dedicated to guiding you towards a life that aligns with your core values, one that not only addresses your anxiety but also ignites a sense of purpose within you. Vanessa firmly believes that everyone deserves to wake up each day with enthusiasm and confidence. She has a range of tools, support, and expertise to help others in anxiety management. Let’s find out how she has found ways to overcome anxiety and succeed. In this show, we cover: 1. What is Vanessa’s experience with anxiety and how did you manage it? 2. Is anxiety always something those experience it has to “overcome”? 3. How can people better recognise their own anxiety triggers? 4. Is overcoming anxiety aligned with better self-managed techniques such as mindfulness and exercise, diet, and well-being, or can external factors like finding your purpose be just as important to feel like you are doing ok? 5. How do you define your own version of success? 6. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Overcoming Anxiety? Connect further: Generated Homepage - Total You Coaching POE LISTENER OFFER: Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your own podcast recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and to get podcasting faster, use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:23:54

Ep 213: The Politics of Business Visibility - Deborah Szabo

3/12/2024
Ever wondered what makes a business visible? I don’t mean the likes on their socials; I mean household name kind of visible or a known leader in their niche. Today I chat to Deb Szabo, a business owner who specialises in this and for 30 years has leveraged her expertise to help build and scale businesses through innovative marketing. She now shares her business-building methods using content marketing, video and organic social media in her online courses and coaching. Deb also facilitates Video Marketing for Social Media, and online coaching to build business and personal brands online. When Deb isn't working, she can be found cooking, bike riding, or traveling to wine destinations with a video camera in hand. Her motto is simple: It's not who has the best product or service, it's about who talks the loudest. I wonder if that always works. Let’s find out the best ways to shine. Hear from Deborah on: 1. What are the top three ways a business or a leader can become highly and positively visible in all the right ways in 2024? 2. Is digital marketing the #1 way to showcase expertise? Explain your view. 3. As a video Marketing Coach and Online Marketing Strategist helping people be highly visible online to grow their business, what are the biggest challenges your clients face? 4. Can you be overexposed and therefore less successful – how can that middle ground be reached so we tune in and not off long term? 5. How can being digitally visible in a business crisis help? Thinking of say companies like Optus or Qantas? 6. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Business Visibility? Connect further: Deb Szabo - Be seen heard & recognised Deb Szabo | Video Marketing Coach | Strategist (@debszabo_video) • Instagram photos and videos POE LISTENER OFFER: Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your own podcast recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and to get podcasting faster, use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:28:56

212: The Politics of Screentime - Jocelyn Brewer

3/5/2024
Many people enjoy for examplemultiplayer games and virtual worlds. Learn how to stay safe while you're gaming online. Our screentime has become part of BAU in work and socially. Smartphones are life as my teen says! One review I read comparing children's screentime before and during COVID, shows children’s screentime spiked by a whopping 52% between 2020 and 2022. Jocelyn Brewer is a Sydney-based psychologist with a special interest in the psychology of technology and staying human in a digitally-saturated age. Jocelyn has previously been a high school social sciences teacher and school counsellor, working across NSW public schools between 2003 and 2021. Her 2009 psychology thesis explored the impacts of increasing access to Internet-enabled laptops on a cohort of grade 10 boys and the emerging area of Problematic Internet Use (PIU), colloquially known as ‘Internet Addiction’. She created Digital Nutrition in 2013 as a positive framework for addressing digital wellbeing issues and our love-hate relationship with technology and in 2021 completed a Masters in Cyberpsychology at Sydney University. In addition to her small private psychology practice where she works with adolescents and adults, Jocelyn is a sought-after speaker, educator and media commentator on issues relating to cyberpsychology, digital well-being and mental health. Hear from Jocelyn on: 1. How much screentime is considered OK? Give us a sense of what age and how much is reasonable in 2024 for kids to adults? 2. There has been a recent study by the eSafety Commissioner in Australia saying carers and parents should spend more time playing online games with their kids? Is this something you see as helpful and why? 3. Is there any way we can make screentime as regularly appealing as other activities as it has a huge sense of control over our work and social lives? 4. Are adults who don’t rely on devices to communicate and stay connected any better off mentally or otherwise than our younger generations? 5. Takeaway: What is your final message for us on The Politics of Screentime? Connect further: jocelynbrewer.com POE LISTENER OFFER: Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your own podcast recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and to get podcasting faster, use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:31:51

211: The Politics of Childhood Resilience - Dina Cooper

2/27/2024
Dina Cooper is a parent coach of 12 years and a wife and mum of two teens. She believes in the limitless potential of us all to heal and be the parent we want to be. She is especially passionate about children growing up with the mindset, courage, and resilience to live their potential through helping parents develop their leadership skills. She is the author of Smart Parenting - How to Develop Your Child’s Mindset Courage and Resilience for the Future of Work and the founder of the 8-module Parent as Leader method. Today we chat about this notion of childhood resilience. Welcome to the show! Hear from Dina on: 1. When did the term “resilience” become something we used in everyday conversations around childhood and parenting? Explain your view. 2. Are there some fail-proof ways to build resilience early in a child’s life? 3. What are we doing not so great in this area? 4. Being a parent, these days is seen by many as a “job” in some ways– share how you developed this concept of ‘parent as leader ‘ and turned it into something tangible. 5. How do you discover the most effective way to parent your child in 2024? 6. Takeaway: What is your final message on The Politics of Childhood Resilience? Connect with Dina further: Insta - https://www.instagram.com/dinacooper_/ Website: www.dinacooper.com.au To find out your parent leadership style take the free quiz at : https://bit.ly/3TwKWdl POE LISTENER OFFER:Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your own podcast recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and to get podcasting faster, use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:22:58

210: The Politics of Healthy High-Performance - Fleur Heazlewood

2/20/2024
Wellbeing isn’t a nice-to-have; it is necessary. It is necessary for our health, energy, connection, creativity, relationships, performance - and so on. But despite this, investing time in our health and well-being often hits the bottom of our priorities – and if you are also wired to seek out high performance it can seem like an oxymoron perhaps. Fleur Heazlewood has been a past guest on this show but as a reminder, she is a leadership expert, speaker, and founder of the Blueberry Institute. She works with leaders to create healthy, high-performing teams and organisations. Fleur has trained over 3000 leaders in mental health mastery, future-fit resilience, and positive leadership skills. Her first book Resilience Recipes, a practical guide to better personal wellbeing won Best Health and Wellbeing Book for 2022. The idea of Leading Wellbeing – A leader's guide to mental health conversations at work is what we are keen to explore in today’s show. Hear in this episode from Fleur on: 1. How do you define healthy high performance and is it easily achievable? 2. Your new book is based on the premise many leaders feel ill-equipped, lacking the skills and training to have the difficult and supportive mental health conversations that are needed to support the well-being of their people How is that so? 3. You have a Mental Health Mastery approach to better conversations, which provides practical steps, suggestions, and scripts to help you prepare, ask, listen, empower action, and support care with performance. Tell us more! Any examples of how this works? 4. How can leaders ensure they are providing psychological safety for their teams and balance both care and performance needs? 5. Is the argument around WFH mandates an example of nonhealthy high performance or is it not about where we work but how and with whom? 6. Takeaway: What is your final message on The Politics of Healthy High Performance? Connect further: (99+) Fleur Heazlewood | LinkedIn https://blueberryinstitute.com/ POE LISTENER: Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and get podcasting faster, my awesome POE show listeners should use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:33:49

209 The Politics of Transgender History Noah Riseman

2/14/2024
Noah Riseman is Professor of History. He specialises in Australian histories of sexuality, gender and race. He is author or co-author of five books, including: Defending Country: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Military Service since 1945 (2016); Serving in Silence? Australian LGBT Servicemen and Women (2018); Indigenous Peoples and the Second World War: The Politics, Experiences and Legacies of War in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand (2019); Pride in Defence: The Australian Military and LGBTI Service since 1945 (2020). His latest book is Transgender Australia: A History Since 1910 (2023). This is the first book on Australian trans history exploring the lives and impacts of trans and gender-diverse Australians. Trans and gender-diverse people have always been present in Australian life, whether they've lived quiet lives in the country, performed in cabaret shows, worked on the streets or run for parliament. But over the last century there have been remarkable changes in how they have identified and expressed themselves. Drawing on over a hundred oral history interviews and previously unexamined documents and media reports, it highlights how trans people have tried to live authentically while navigating a society that often treated them like outcasts. Hear from Noah on: Transgender Australia ?Connect with Noah: Noah Riseman (@NoahRiseman) / X (twitter.com) POE offer: POE LISTENER: Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and get podcasting faster, my awesome POE show listeners should use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:29:40

208 The Politics of Mental Health Stewart Hawkins

2/7/2024
The Politics of Everything podcast with Amber Daines: https://amberdaines.com/podcast/ Here we discuss mental health including suicide so this episode may not be suitable for all listeners. 208 The Politics of Mental Health Stewart Hawkins Stewart Hawkins is a multi-award-winning journalist, photographer, TV producer and editor. He has covered assignments on seven continents, interviewing powerbrokers, politicians, cultural icons, leaders, thinkers and financial market movers. He is a former editor of the Australian Financial Review Magazine, South China Morning Post Magazine, Sophisticated Traveller, Money, and Life & Leisure; worked for Bloomberg TV Hong Kong and is currently Managing Editor of Forbes Australia. Stewart spent the better part of the past decade living in Asia, based in China, and travelling and working in the region from Mumbai to Tokyo. This global career has included working as a journalist educator in Somalia (BBC World Service Trust) and Australia. Added to his list of talents, Stewart is an accomplished fine art photographer, videographer and curator with numerous exhibitions in Hong Kong and Sydney. As part of his day job, Stewart was granted special access to Bhutan a small country of 770,000 people located between China and India in the Eastern Himalayan region. It is often referred to as one of the happiest nations on the planet, despite its economic and societal challenges, and in some ways behind the times lifestyle when it comes to tech for example. We discuss within the show context with its title The Politics of Mental Health. Away from work, he enjoys polo, having played tournaments in Thailand, Spain, the UK, California and Mexico (as well as, memorably, the first camel polo tournament in Ranakpur, Rajasthan!). In this episode, we chat about: 1. This idea of a Gross National Happiness index has been around for some time. How have you come to understand it vs the traditional GDP figures many wealthy nations like Australia, Singapore, or the US may come to focus on? 2. In Bhutan last year you sat down with the country’s secular leader and a senior spiritual scholar to explore that dichotomy of future-focused activities like more technology access vs their spiritual heart and wellbeing. What surprised you most about that conversation and why? 3. We know that Australia is suffering from what seems to be a never-ending mental health crisis. Suicide and self-harm are increasing and social media and access to technology has a role to play especially for younger people. Meanwhile, in Bhutan, there is a split desire for creating happiness but also, a push to digitalise and a serious brain drain to other countries like Australia. Why is that happening and is it just about education and more economic advantages or something more? 4. Gross national happiness, as a governance concept, was introduced to Bhutan in 2008. How has that benefited the way the outside world views Bhutan do you think? 5. Best piece of advice you were ever given and why? 6. If we spoke again in a year what would be your #1 goal to have achieved – explain why. 7. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Mental Health? CONTACT INFO: LinkedIn: (62) Stewart Hawkins 賀健時 | LinkedIn POE listener offer: Zencastr is my podcast platform of choice. Use my special link ( zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 ) and use code “THEPOLITICSOFEVERYTHING” to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:29:21

207: The Politics of Hard Times - Leah Mether

11/28/2023
Let’s face it, leaders have been through a lot over the past three years. Yet the storm of organisational change keeps coming, and uncertainty is the new normal. Leadership is ultimately about people, yet many find themselves responsible for implementing change without ever being taught the foundations of how to actually lead people through it. My guest today Leah Mether has a new book Steer through the Storm (Ingram Sparks, $25.00). As a communication and soft skills specialist Leah provides a practical, step-by-step guide to help lead your people through turbulent times. Drawing upon over 15 years experience working with a variety of organisations, Mether outlines a new approach to communication and leadership that will help you deal with the feelings of your people, improve performance, and get better results. Leah is a speaker, trainer, facilitator, and author known for her direct, enthusiastic and relatable style. With a background in leadership, corporate communications and journalism, Leah works with executives, leaders and teams across Australia to help them improve their communication and self-management. With more than 15 years’ experience working with thousands of clients, Leah knows what it takes to communicate under pressure. Her clients represent a diverse range of industries, government agencies, and businesses across Australia – including AGL, Optus, CFA, Energy Australia, Latrobe Community Health Services, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. As a proud Gippslander based in regional Victoria, Leah is passionate about supporting communities through industry transition. We discuss: 1. How have hard times shaped leaders of the past and is it different now? Explain your views. 2. What are some of the best ways we can lead ourselves and others through challenge and change? 3. Accountability can mistaken for being a micro-manager sometimes but how can we hold others to account while leading with some sense of compassion? 4. Conflict is often the result of stress and challenges, but are there any surefire ways to navigate hard times with minimal conflict? 5. Is there a trajectory where say with grief we know there are stages. In the end, acceptance is key to us having a way forward – is that true of all hard experiences? Maybe 1-2 examples. 6. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Hard Times? To connect with Leah: • Weblink: https://www.leahmether.com.au/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahmetherspeaker/ POE listener offer: Zencastr is my podcast platform of choice. Use my special link (zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30) and use code “THEPOLITICSOFEVERYTHING” to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:37:31

206: The Politics of Mental Endurance - Melo Calarco

11/21/2023
We all know about burnout and my show has done a few episodes that have specifically looked at the causes, treatments, and best of all prevention. My guest today Melo Calarco is on a mission to help millions of people beat burnout in the modern world but ever wondered what that takes? He is the published author of Beating Burnout-Finding Balance and is a passionate mindfulness and high-performance coach, keynote speaker and corporate programs facilitator. Melo learned to manage highly challenging and stressful situations, build mental endurance and rise above adversity from his life lessons on the road where he cycled, trekked and travelled over 30,000km’s around the planet on his mountain bike. He traversed five continents and along the way he had to overcome many obstacles and demanding encounters, including near-death experiences. He has helped many CEO’s, leaders, corporate executives, medical professionals, elite athletes and other high performers to build resilience and perform at their absolute best, without burning out. Melo’s work has been described as truly transformational and his clients include, Deloitte, PwC, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Loreal, SEEK, David Jones, ANZ bank and many of the world's top companies. Hear from Melo on: 1. How do you define mental endurance? 2. Are there ways like an athlete or a great achiever in any field, we can build up our own mental endurance and how? 3. Are there things that will impact for better or worse how we retain mental endurance during periods of sustained stress or when we are maybe already burned out? 4. Adversity is part of life – what is the quickest way to change how we navigate it and amplify our path to stronger wellbeing mentally? 5. The most untapped resource when it comes to mental endurance is what, in your experience? 6. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Mental Endurance? CONTACT INFO: LinkedIn: (76) Melo Calarco | LinkedIn http://www.melocalarco.com/ POE offer: POE LISTENER: Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and get podcasting faster, my awesome POE show listeners should use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:30:01

205: The Politics of Self Coaching - Karen Stein

11/14/2023
Many executives and business leaders as well as entrepreneurs get a business coach to drive them further and ensure they stay the course through the investable peaks and troughs of a career or business life. Enter today’s guest Karen Stein, a professional Certified Executive Coach who is passionate about supporting leaders to be their best selves. ​ She has over 30 years’ experience working in the fast-paced world of professional services, with 23 years as a Partner of Deloitte one the Big 4 firms, as we call them in Australia and brings a depth of understanding to the challenges that leaders face. With over 2000 one-on-one coaching hours, Karen has found that important intersection of coaching psychology and real-world experience, which enhances her offering. She is also a volunteer coach for clients of Dress for Success and worked with the social enterprise, Bambuddha Group. ​ Karen has authored a book chapter on Mental Toughness, in Coaching for Self Awareness About Attitude and Mindset, and in June 2023 she published her first book Be your own leadership coach - self-coaching strategies to lead your way. That is our topic for this episode. ​ Her ultimate aim is to have a positive leadership impact which is longstanding in my absence. We cover in our podcast chat: 1. What is self-coaching and why is it valuable for leaders to be able to do this? 2. How do you know if you’ve had the right kind of LASTING impact as a leader? Can you know this at the time very quickly or is it usually a retrospective thing, in your view? I have just heard a few former CEOS speak at the World Business Forum in Sydney including former Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi who was full of reflection and candour because she no long wore that CEO and leadership hat. 3. The best leaders are often excellent speakers but also listen. How can you help your clients refine these skills to communicate more effectively inside and outside their organizations? 4. How does being kind manifest itself so one is not just liked and appreciated but can also command respect in a more grounded and realistic way?. 5. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Self-Coaching? CONTACT INFO: LinkedIn: (59) Karen Stein | LinkedIn W: www.karensteincoaching.com POE listener offer: Zencastr is my podcast platform of choice. Use my special link (zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 [http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30]) and use code "THEPOLITICSOFEVERYTHING" to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:31:17

204: The Politics of Website Conversions - Karyn Parkinson

11/7/2023
In its simplest explanation, a website conversion happens when a user completes a desired action on your website, like making a purchase or filling out a contact form. A good conversion rate apparently is between 2 percent and 5 percent. The thing with conversion rate is that even a jump of 0.5 percent can be a big deal. I assume that is about the volume! I am pretty keen to find out. Today I speak with Karyn (“with a Y!”) Parkinson. She is an eCommerce marketing specialist with a knack for high-converting Facebook ad funnels and website optimisation. Through her eCommerce marketing agency and on-the-pulse training programs, Karyn’s helped hundreds of eCommerce store owners across the globe boost profits, generate more revenue, and achieve an ad-spend ROI of their dreams. She’s been featured by Xero, Business Chicks, Afterpay and more. Everyone wants to find a way to do their eCommerce and website work faster, smarter and more profitably so here we go! In this podcast, you will learn from Karyn: 1. What she means by “website conversions”? 2. Why is website conversion seen as hard and mystical – how is that able to be better understood by us non-tech-minded people so we can do it better. 3. How has the landscape changed over the past decade or so? Explain with an example or two. 4. How does one measure ROI other than sales when we look at website and ecommerce success? 5. Do you have some hard and fast rules for ensuring that in 2023 your website is fit for purpose? 6. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Website Conversions? To reach Karyn: https://unstoppableecomm.com https://instagram.com/unstoppableecomm https://www.facebook.com/groups/unstoppableecomm POE listener offer: Zencastr is my podcast platform of choice. Use my special link (zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30) and use code “THEPOLITICSOFEVERYTHING” to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:21:48

203: The Politics of AI Bias - Tracey Spicer

10/31/2023
203 The Politics of AI Bias Tracey Spicer Having been an early guest on this podcast back in 2017 when her book The Good Girl Stripped Bare was released, I am excited to welcome back Tracey Spicer AM. For anyone wanting a recap, Tracey is a multiple Walkley Award-winning author, journalist, and broadcaster who has anchored national programs for ABC TV and radio, Network Ten, and Sky News. The inaugural national convenor of Women in Media, Tracey is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers and emcees in Australia. In 2019 she was named the NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year, accepted the Sydney Peace Prize alongside Tarana Burke for the MeToo movement, and won the national award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership through Women & Leadership Australia. The ABC highlighted Tracey’s #metoo work in the three-part documentary series Silent No More, which featured the stories of hidden survivors. In 2018, Tracey was chosen as one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence, winning the Social Enterprise and Not-For-Profit category. For her 30 years of media and charity work, Tracey has been awarded the Order of Australia. Highlights of her career include writing, producing and presenting documentaries on women and girls in Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, Papua New Guinea and India. She is an Ambassador for ActionAid, the Ethnic Business Awards and Purple Our World, and Patron of the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance. Her newest book, Man-Made: How the bias of the past is being built into the future was released in May 2023. Today we are discussing the world of AI and its biases. Welcome back to The Politics of Everything, Tracey. And before we kick off, note this episode does touch on issues such as coercive control and listener discretion is advised. Some of what chat about includes: 1. How has AI and a new era of feminism become intertwined from your perspective? 2. The Algorithmic Justice League (AJL) says at the very least we should demand inclusive product testing and the regulation of auditing systems - but neither Meta nor Twitter is there yet. Are we too late on this? 3. We know popular tools like ChatGPT have limits and biases, largely gender-related and in my experience in playing with it spits out more American-centric case studies, and ways of structuring content. Is women are over 50% of the population and hence prolific users, why is this happening? 4. Artificial intelligence has been around for years and is not just for sci-fi buffs or tech types– we maybe just accepted it or didn’t realise it’s everyday power in say use of chat bots for online services like banking or streaming services. The conversation is definitely shifting to how we manage AI and ensure we don’t lose all power to the tech giants. Are there some ways you can see this happening so it’s not all doom and gloom? 5. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of AI Bias? Tracey can be found online via: LinkedIn: (14) Tracey Spicer AM GAICD | LinkedIn Instagram: @TraceySpicer POE listener offer: Zencastr is my podcast platform of choice. Use my special link (zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30) and use code “THEPOLITICSOFEVERYTHING” to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:27:24

202: The Politics of Business Security - Gina Field

10/24/2023
Security is something that most of us have come across, at a major sporting event, live concert or even a shopping centre. Have you ever thought much about what it’s like to work in and run such as business? And if I say picture a security guard, you would more likely think of a male. Meet Gina Field. She is the Managing Director of a successful security company, with an impressive 25-year track record. Her journey began as a one-woman home-based business, and through dedication and innovation, she achieved remarkable growth. Gina's company garnered recognition with over 35 industry awards, including prestigious titles like NSW Businesswoman of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Business of the Decade. Gina's outstanding accomplishments include securing major contracts, such as the Western Sydney Airport contract and significant State Government contracts. Her success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women in business, demonstrating the potential for small ventures to flourish into thriving enterprises. With a wealth of experience, Gina likely shares valuable insights into running a successful business, overcoming challenges, and identifying market opportunities. Her journey is a testament to the rewards of perseverance, strategic planning, and a passion for excellence in the security industry. We chat today about The Politics of Security. 1. What did you dream of being as a kid and what did that early career entail for you? 2. Why security and what has helped you build your business? 3. What does your security business do – is every day different? 4. It is hard to go past asking this obvious question but I assume it is a male-dominated industry – is that still the case and how have you seen that change over the years in terms of your ability to be a leader regardless? Any examples that can bring this to life please share. 5. How has how to operate your business security changed over time? 6. What makes your business successful or stand out? 7. Best advice ever given to you, and why? 8. In a year’s time what would you like to have achieved in life or work, and what makes that goal so important? 9. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Business Security? To connect with Gina: (13) Gina Field | LinkedIn http://www.nepeanregionalsecurity.com.au/ POE listener offer: Zencastr is my podcast platform of choice. Use my special link (zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30) and use code “THEPOLITICSOFEVERYTHING” to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:27:26

201: The Politics of Mindset - Sophie Scott

10/17/2023
As some who has struggled at times with high-functioning anxiety, I have often wondered what makes a difference to my day. Is it exercise at dawn, a sense of control over my workload, the way I view the world as good or bad, or a range of nuanced mental and physical factors that can either alleviate or accelerate my condition? Through her media career and social media posts, I have found some great wisdom from today’s guest Sophie Scott. She teaches people around the world how to prevent and manage burnout, reduce stress, and communicate with impact. In addition to a long career as an award-winning medical TV journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sophie is a professional speaker and educator with expertise in mental health. She has an extensive presence on social media, has been an invited speaker at the World Congress on Positive Psychology, has written two books Live a Longer Life (ABC Books) and Road Testing Happiness (Harper Collins), and has won major awards for her journalism and medical reporting. She is an Advisory Board Member of the Australian National Mental Health Prize and sits on the advisory board on stigma at Australia’s National Mental Health Commission and the University of Melbourne’s Contemplative Studies Centre. Sophie is also Adjunct Associate Professor in the Notre Dame University Medical School lecturing in science communication, and an ambassador for Bowel Cancer Australia, Pain Australia and is a patient reviewer for the British Medical Journal. Her talks and workshops help people take better care of their mental health through science-backed techniques so they can build emotional resilience, maximise their potential and thrive at work and at home. Sophie’s mission is to help people help themselves, using evidence-based science and her own personal journey. Here we discuss The Politics of Mindset including: 1. How do you define mindset and is there an example of what it means? 2. What are some of the “science-backed” ways we can change our mindset for the better– say from a fixed to a growth mindset? 3. How do you manage for example bad habits like a scarcity or victim mindset and ensure your past experiences do not overtly define your future? 4. Are some of us born with greater resilience and grit or does it need to develop like a muscle that needs to be trained to be optimal to be a competitive athlete? 5. How is stress aligned with our mindset and is removing stress as simple as reframing how we view it? 6. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Mindset? CONTACT INFO: Sophie website Sophie Instagram Sophie YouTube POE LISTENER: Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and get podcasting faster, my awesome POE show listeners should use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:24:59

200: The Politics of Content Creation - Mel Daniels

10/10/2023
Content creation is often the heart and soul of any modern business and its brand. My guest today Mel Daniels is a Content Strategist and Speaker who loves to understand ‘why’. Even past her toddler years, she always asked why. She wanted to understand why things worked like they did, why people acted a certain way and why she was the only one who loved peanut butter and sultana sandwiches. Her curiosity has led her on an interesting life journey from academic achiever to corporate leader, mum extraordinaire and now business owner. Mel’s purpose is to teach and empower women who want more from their business, on how to use content in a powerful way. She gives them the confidence they need to become more visible, seen as the expert that they are and inspired to take their business to the next level. When she’s not talking about content and client journeys, you will find Mel cheering on her clients from the sidelines. Her other favourite hangouts are the kitchen and gym. Luckily her love of dead lifting counteracts the amount of baking she consumes. Kind of. She is a content creation leader with a finger on the socials, and someone who can definitely help us all shine online! Mel will share in this episode: 1. Content creation starts with a strategy – how do you define or even redefine that for your clients? 2. How can we become better at helping achieve the holy grail content engagement? Is it more than regular posts and sticking to content pillars we work from? 3. What are the main mistakes when it comes to content that does not land? 4. Best tech for us to make the content generation and posting less of a chore? 5. How have new tools like Threads changed how we manage content creation on social media? Explain with an example so we can understand the issues or benefits. 6. Your favourite content “gold star” example and why? Could be a small brand or a large one! CONTACT INFO: W: Meld Business Services | Content Strategy, Content Marketing & Content Creation | Sydney LinkedIn: Melissa Daniels | LinkedIn POE LISTENER: Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and get podcasting faster, my awesome POE show listeners should use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:30:00

199: The Politics of Modern Virtues - Lucinda Holdforth

10/3/2023
Lucinda Holdforth is an accomplished speechwriter, an in-demand speechwriting coach, and a seasoned author. She worked with the likes of Australian deputy prime minister Kim Beazley in the 90s. Her latest book, 21st Century Virtues, How They Are Failing Our Democracy came out in August 2023 and caught my attention ironically through a post she did on LinkedIn, describing the modern perils of the said online professional networking platform where many of us professionals have found ourselves posting, scrolling, adding emotional reactions like “insightful” or “celebrating”, commenting and sharing. ​Her leadership communications experience is broad-ranging, and her client list includes board directors and senior executives across many fields, including aviation, manufacturing, retail, government, telecommunications and information technology, finance, and banking. Her acclaimed speech writing workshop has been delivered to leading organisations such as the Australian Embassy in Beijing, Westpac Bank, and law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Lucinda also provides one-on-one speechwriting coaching/mentoring on request. Lucinda's book about the art of speechwriting was released in 2019 and she is the author of two previous non-fiction works: True Pleasures: A Memoir of Women in Paris (2004) and Why Manners Matter: The Case for Civilised Behaviour in a Barbarous World (2007). Here we discuss The Politics of Modern Virtues including: 1. Why do you regard the free play of speech and ideas as essential for democracy and shared progress? And what does that mean you see is currently happening in 2023? 2. “Authenticity. Vulnerability. Humility. Transparency. These are some of the 21st-century virtues proselytised by mindset gurus, paraded (if not practised) by big corporations, and lauded by professionals on LinkedIn. The quest for authenticity, for example, is central to progressive campaigns for greater diversity and inclusion, while our political and business leaders are highest praised if they appear to be humble. But are Australia’s newest virtues fit for purpose? “This is quite the introduction to explain your latest book. Can you recall the moment that you decided this was book-worthy material and why now? 3. You essentially are resisting this new world orthodoxy. Why do broader civic values better serve our democracy than the more inward-focused ones like sharing “my truth” or “personal brands” we seem to see more of online and even offline. Can you give us an example of why this is not helpful or to be applauded? 4. What is the anecdote to saving our modern democracy from virtue signalling but still recognising the modern world and younger generations are going to define and showcase what matters to them with labels and affirmations, even if we don’t? We may never fully embrace the ways and values of the past. CONTACT INFO: https://www.lucindaholdforth.com/ (11) Lucinda Holdforth | LinkedIn POE listener offer: Zencastr is my podcast platform of choice. Use my special link (zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30) and use code “THEPOLITICSOFEVERYTHING” to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:30:45

198: The Politics of Business Scaling - Rachael Neumann

9/26/2023
My guest Rachael Neumann and I met at a Forbes magazine member event in June. She was the main speaker and clearly understands the opaque and dazzling world of venture capital. Every wondered just what is Venture Capital (VC). VC is a form of private equity and a type of financing that investors provide to startup companies and small businesses that are believed to have long-term growth potential. There are two ways venture capitalists make money. The first way is through a management fee for the investment funds they manage. The second way is through a carried interest or carry, which is a share of the profits earned by the company after the initial investment. Rachael is the Founding Partner at Flying Fox Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm propelling Australian & New Zealand companies across the globe. Over her career, Rachael has worked with thousands of early-stage startups including being Head of Startups for Amazon Web Services ANZ, a Partner at Startmate, and has enjoyed two Federal Government appointments distributing commercialisation and scale funding to early-stage Australian companies. Hear from Rachael on: 1. How did you land up being in the venture capital business? 2. What tips do you often give to those who seek funding from Flying Fox Ventures? 3. How has thelandscape changed in the last few years as money has seemingly dried up and many more start-ups are failing faster than ever? 4. Why are female-founded businesses still receiving less than 2% of VC out there, despite the runaway success stories we see in the world with brands like Canva or Modibodi proving the big returns for investors? 5. When ideally does a founder need to let go and scale with others in the driver’s seat? 6. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Business Scaling? CONTACT INFO: Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaelneumann/ Website: https://www.flyingfox.vc/ POE listener offer: Zencastr is my podcast platform of choice. Use my special link (zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30) and use code “THEPOLITICSOFEVERYTHING” to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:37:20

197: The Politics of Property Negotiations - Michelle May

9/19/2023
Property is a hot topic. Always. I have interviewed a range of property experts over the past 196 episodes of my podcast, and there is something about our national interest, obsessions even with property in Australia that seems to get everyone buzzing. Michelle May is a buyer’s agent, and she has some insights for us all on how to negotiate the next property sale or purchase. She has 25 years of experience and a raft of awards. Growing up in North Africa due to her parent's job, Michelle started travelling the world from an early age. Moving to the UK at the age of 20 she held down a 'normal' job for 12 years, whilst also renovating and flipping properties, starting with her first project at the age of 22. Landing in Australia in 2007 gave her the opportunity to transform her property passion into the well-respected business it is today. She educates her clients into making better property purchasing decisions, through her business as well as her podcast Buy Your Side, and by being a regular media contributor. Michelle is passionate about giving buyers back the power in their property buying experience. Michelle is a mother to 2 teenagers, a speaker of 4 languages, and lives by the motto ' A day not laughed is a day not lived'. Hear from Michelle on: 1. Negotiating is not for everyone and explains of course why you have a successful business that does this – what is your mindset when you negotiate either on behalf of a client or to get a new client on the books? 2. How can buyers and sellers negotiate in a tight property market? 3. Should you always buy in a blue-chip area or are there exceptions for say rent-vesters or a retiree who just need a decent rental return or even a tax benefit? 4. What are the best ways as a seller can really leverage a buyer’s agent who maybe approaches your real sales agent looking for a quick sale – off market as they say? Is it just about making an offer that has a time limit or is above value? 5. Will buyer’s agent’s roles change in the future and if so, any trends you can see unfolding? 6. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Property Negotiations? CONTACT INFO: W: https://www.michellemay.com.au/ LinkedIn: (2) Michelle May | LinkedIn POE LISTENER: Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and get podcasting faster, my awesome POE show listeners should use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:37:03

196: The Politics of Business Profit - Amanda Thompson

9/12/2023
Your business's profit (or loss) is the difference between your income and expenses. Put simply, that's the amount that comes into your business and goes out. However, there are some businesses that seem to thrive and even gamify their numbers to ensure profits and cashflow flow are king, and perhaps tax and other expenses are reduced or even nullified. My guest today Amanda Thompson is an award-winning financial planner, author, Ironwoman, and the founder of Endurance Financial. Whether she’s launching her own business, facing a cancer battle or qualifying three times for the Ironman World Championships, Amanda has never been afraid of a challenge. Amanda’s business Endurance Financial is driven to help women overcome the gender biases that stand in the way of personal achievement; lessons learned after thriving in typically male-dominated environments. Amanda draws on her 20 years of financial advising and life experiences to educate and mentor women through their own their financial future. In her new book, Financially Fit Women: How to be your own CFO – Confident, Focused and On top of your money (Dean Publishing $39.99), Amanda draws upon decades of experience helping women to guide readers through common money issues and set them up for financial success in business and life. We delve into: 1. What are the golden rules of business profit, and can you give us an example of the best way to create that from day one? 2. Why has your book focused on women being financially fit? Is there a personal WHY for you? 3. Tell us how you’ve managed your business growth and has that changed over time as the business grew or are the principles the same? 4. The funding of a business can be a major challenge for some starting up or expanding their entity – the ability to raise money through venture capital has changed lately– what general advice do you have for anyone wanting to scale and accept external funding to do so? 5. How do we profit enough to successfully exit or sell a business? 6. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Business Profit? CONTACT INFO: LinkedIn: (7) Amanda Thompson | LinkedIn W: http://www.endurancefinancial.com.au/ POE LISTENER: Hey podcaster friends. Please note we have a new updated link for the 30% discount code for my Zencastr offer if you decide to use that platform as your recording and hosting place – even transcripts and videos included. For a 30% discount on your Zencastr platform subscription and get podcasting faster, my awesome POE show listeners should use this VIP Link: http://zen.ai/thepoliticsofeverything30 #madeonzencastr

Duration:00:30:30