The Career Confidence Podcast

Hey hey! It's been a hot minute since I last hopped on the mic to chat with you all, but trust me, there's a very good reason for being MIA. Today, I'm diving into something a little different from our usual career chats. I'm getting personal and sharing a story that's incredibly close to my heart... I'm pregnant! Yep, if you've been keeping up with me on social media, you probably already know the news. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes on my pregnancy journey so far. From the initial conception rollercoaster to navigating through the first trimester and beginning of my second trimester, I'm giving you the full scoop. But it's not just about the physical journey. I'm delving into the emotional side too. I'll be sharing my thoughts on stepping into motherhood and some of the worries that have been swirling around in my mind, especially when it comes to balancing it all with my career. Now, I know not all of you tuning in are on the baby train, and that's totally cool. But for those who are or may be thinking about it in the future, I wanted to open up and share my experiences. Because let's face it, navigating the world of motherhood and career paths can feel like a lonely road sometimes. By sharing my journey, I hope to shed some light on the realities and maybe even offer a little bit of comfort to those walking a similar path. So grab your fave beverage, get cozy, and let's chat about the wild ride that is pregnancy! Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.

Have you ever found yourself doing all the right things but you just can't seem to move forward and achieve that goal? Externally you're checking all the right boxes and doing what is required. BUT on a subconscious level, you might have blindspots or fears holding you back. Our guest in this week's episode of The Career Confidence Podcast, shares how you can be an exceptional leader by uncovering your blindspots. Karim Boktor is a hypnotherapist for leadership and businesses. In his TEDx talk titled ‘Overcoming Your Inner Stutter’, Karim shares a compelling journey of overcoming his stutter which held him back as a child to now helping businesses and community leaders to address their "Inner Stutter." His story of transformation is inspiring, from “that boy [in the schoolyard] with the Stutter” to now coaching entrepreneurs and business leaders, and speaking on stages around the world. Karim holds an MBA and after years of coaching entrepreneurs and small business owners, he recognised the biggest problem in business was not ‘the bus’ (i.e. the business systems and processes) but the ‘bus driver.’ He then undertook further study and formal training in Neuro Linguistic Programming as well as Hypnotherapy. From this expertise, he developed ‘The Boktor Method™’ which combines hypnotherapy with business coaching to help each client move forward and to new levels of success. In this episode Karim and I talk about: We talk about this and so much more. This episode will challenge you to go within and ask yourself the important questions so you can uncover your blindspots and create the life you want. Let's dive into this episode! Connect with our Guest: Website: https://www.karimboktor.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/businesshypnotherapist?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karim.boktor?mibextid=tPfjzR Instagram: @karimboktor Book a 30 min free call with Karim HERE. Grab your free e-book (10 things) HERE. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.

Tough times call for leaders to rise up to the challenge and encourage a sustainable and thriving workplace for their teams. But how exactly can you do this from a practical perspective? Our guest today will be providing us with lots of insight and practical tips on how you can create a thriving work environment, encouraging engagement and optimal performance without the burnout. Anna Glynn is a speaker, educator and coach on thriving workplaces. Anna sees her key role as translating research into relatable strategies for organisations to empower their people and performance to thrive. Anna’s mission is to create workplaces where people can be at their best each day and are better off having worked there! Having worked in the financial services industry for a decade including leading national sales teams, Anna understands what it’s like to manage people and be responsible for driving growth in the workplace. In this episode, Anna and I chat about: So much more! Let's dive into this conversation with Anna Glynn. Connect with our Guest: Purchase Anna's book STRONG HERE. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-glynn-mapp-0797b639/ Instagram: @annamglynn Website: https://annaglynn.com.au/ Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.

You can’t control what happens to you, but you can choose how you respond to the circumstances and that’s where the power lies. Our guest today is the shining example of this quote. Sarah Susak completely turned her life around (literally) after being diagnosed with a rare head and neck cancer, which she survived. In this episode we dive deeper into that journey and what she did to transform both her physical, mental and spiritual state. Sarah Susak has a 20+ year career as a corporate lawyer starting in her early years in private practice before moving to Colgate Palmolive Pty Ltd as their Corporate Counsel on a secondment. That secondment turned into an almost 10 year stint with Colgate eventually as their General Counsel moving to Geneva, Paris and New York for various international roles and specialising in marketing and innovation. As a lifelong charitable volunteer and devoted philanthropist she then took an unexpected but unregrettable return to Australia to work for a charity she is passionate about requiring an almost three year sabbatical from law all together. She worked for Wayside as their Partnerships Manager in a non legal role filling one of her great passions which is community. Her legal career was reignited when she took the role as general counsel at Coca-Cola where she had great fun for almost another ten years before moving to her current role as GC in an iconic Australian food manufacturing company called Kinrise who makes famous brands like Cobs popcorn and Greens baking products. She has also just launched her new business, a side hustle for something she is exceptionally passionate about given its huge impact on her own health and wellbeing after a very frightening battle with cancer (which she has survived!) and that business is called Medi Steady Go where on weekends she teaches Vedic Meditation, an ancient and effortless meditation technique she credits with transforming her life. She also has a book in the oven that is almost finished baking which she plans to release this year! She is a mother of a gorgeous 7 year old girl called Stella and is married now for over 10 years to her Croatian husband Halan. In this episode: We talk about this and so much more. I know how much value you’re going to receive from this episode, Sarah is one in a million and provides so much wisdom in a practical way you can start implementing in your life right now. Tune in today! Connect with our Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-susak-2795b3a5/ Instagram: @sarah_susak Website: https://www.sarahsusak.com/home Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.

Let’s address the elephant in the room… the impending recession and times of economic instability (eeek). It’s natural that times of economic instability makes everyone feel nervous and some may even be questioning the future of their role within their organisation. When there are difficult times of instability, it’s more important than ever before to have strong leaders that make their people feel secure and instil hope. This episode delves into three ways to be a standout leader in the context of this current economic climate. It may not be what you expect! Tune in to listen. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Resources: https://www.sarahsusak.com/medi-steady-go-courses

Have you ever thought about what makes up a workplace culture? This is something that we all like to talk about, right? Is it a good culture, is it a toxic culture? Workplace culture is made up of shared values, attitudes, behaviours and standards that make up a work environment. But have you thought about this more deeply in terms of how each of us form a workplace culture, how we ourselves are a representation of our culture, our internal, intrinsic culture. My husband (a wise and emotionally intelligent man) introduced me to the idea of the "culture of you." It made me reflect on how we present ourselves in the world and the impact it has on our surroundings. Rather than succumbing to a victim mentality, blaming external factors for our experiences, we have the power to shape our internal culture and, as a by-product, influence the external workplace culture. So, how can you create a strong culture of you? Tune in to this episode to find out. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka

Did I hear you say, new year, new money goals? When it comes to financial planning - alot of us don’t really have a plan. No shade whatsoever. We might have a big goal we want to achieve and we start to save for it but then life happens pushing that goal further ahead. The reality is that money touches all areas of our lives so how can we build a better relationship with money and hit those big beautiful goals we have. If you think about your goals in the past or even goals you might have right now, for example quitting your job and starting your business, starting a family, going on that holiday, moving overseas, upgrading your car or home. Guess what all of these areas require planning our finances so that we can achieve these goals and feel financially secure. Our guest today will be talking to us about all things financial planning so that you can achieve your financial goals sooner rather than later. Our guest is Sam Woodhouse, a financial adviser with over a decade's experience in financial services, Sam knows the levers that you can pull to get ahead in your financial life. He knows how sorting out this money stuff can ultimately give you more clarity to enjoy life. Sam and I talk about: We talk about this and so much more. Now let's dive into today's episode with Sam. Connect with our Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelwoodhouse/ Instagram: @sam_woodhouse_money Website: https://intunefs.com.au/ Join Sam’s email list HERE. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.

Say goodbye to rushed resolutions and hello to crafting a vision for 2024 that's not just a list on a page, but a sustainable, fulfilling journey you'll embark on with joy. This episode isn't just about setting the stage for a year of achieving your biggest goals; it's about understanding the 'why' of your dreams and leaving the 'how' for later. With thought-provoking questions and a step-by-step process, I'll lead you through envisioning a future that resonates with who you are and who you aspire to become. Turn off those notifications and take yourself on a goal-setting date to make this experience fun and exciting. Get your free goal-setting spreadsheet HERE. Work with me The Unbound Lawyer coaching program HERE. Book discovery call HERE. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka

As we close out the year, I'm sitting down to share my highlights and lessons from the past year. From marrying my best friend to running my first in-person workshop at the InView conference, to working with incredible clients, it's been a year of growth, development, and deepening self-trust. Towards the end of this episode I look to 2024 and what my plans are and I give you a cheeky insight into something special I'm creating. Thank you for tuning into The Career Confidence Podcast this year and I can't wait to be back with more episodes in the new year. Work with me in 2024 Click HERE to find out more about The Unbound Lawyer. Click HERE to book a discovery call. Resources Mindset Shifts Free E-Lessons HERE. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka

When you hear the words public speaking, do you run the other way? Well, our guest today might change your perception on the way you look at public speaking and dare I say, even look at it as a fun experience where you get to show up as your authentic self whilst providing value to your audience. Our guest today is Theo Kapodistrias, a multi-award-winning lawyer, based in Hobart, Tasmania. He is also an award-winning speaker, trainer and public speaking coach, running his own business www.theokap.com.au. He is the General Counsel at Evergen - an energy management software company. On our journey with Theo, we explore his career transition from an in-house lawyer at the University of Tasmania to his current role as General Counsel at Evergen, and his role as a public speaking coach. His passion for public speaking was ignited in high school and has since then fueled his mission to empower individuals and business owners to communicate their value effectively. He takes us behind the scenes of TEDx Hobart, an initiative he started to shine a spotlight on the remarkable people in Tasmania and inspire others to share their ideas. In this episode Theo: Without further ado, let's dive into this episode and meet Theo! Connect with our Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theo-kapodistrias/ Instagram: @theokap88 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theokap.com.au Website: www.theokap.com.au. Resources: Free Ultimate Presentation Guide HERE Online course: https://www.theokap.com.au/communicate-for-impact Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.

What if you were to throw out the rule book on what your career should look like in order for it to be successful and start to create a career based on your interests and values? Well our guest today, shares exactly how she has carved out a path in her legal career that is deeply aligned to her. Our guest today is Elisabeth Flett, award-winning General Counsel and Company Secretary at the Cancer Council, recently crowned General Counsel of the Year by the Australian Corporate Council. Lis has spent the majority of her legal career working in-house for large national and global companies, across a number of sectors including construction, agribusiness, and logistics. However, she’s taken the path less travelled, and has pivoted a number of times, in a bid to seek out a better and happier life in the law. Lis has been sharing her personal journey on Instagram as @the.me.shaped.lawyer, in a hope to sprinkle a little glitter into the legal profession and break stereotypes about what it takes to be a ‘successful’ lawyer. When she's not working, Lis loves spending time with her two little girls, doing pottery, or swimming in the beautiful waters off Sydney’s northern Beaches where she calls home. In this episode Lis: Let's dive into this episode! Connect with our Guest: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethflett Instagram: @the.me.shaped.lawyer Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.

Ever felt like the pressures of being a lawyer are too much to handle? You're not alone and I've got some insights for you. Today, we're diving into these overwhelming expectations and taking back control. Being a lawyer comes with high client demands, the pressure of feeling like you have to know everything and like you have to always be available. This episode will arm you with practical strategies to help you navigate these pressures without the overwhelm. Learn how to master the art of time management, think through requests, and above all, implement those much-needed boundaries. Let's dive into this episode! Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.

Have you ever felt the pressure to mold yourself into a version that fits your career, instead of the other way round? In this episode of the Career Confidence podcast, let's turn the tables on this outdated perspective. Join me as I share my own journey of reshaping my career to fit my needs and lifestyle. Learn from my personal experiences as I navigated the legal industry, and discover how you too can design your career to suit your lifestyle. This episode is a journey of self-discovery and a reality check on what's truly important when it comes to your career. We'll explore the power of a fulfilling career and its impact on our daily lives. You'll learn how to transform and reinvent your career to better serve you, no climbing the corporate ladder, no trying to fit a mold. The focus here is on reigniting your 'why' and tailoring a career path that brings you joy and purpose. Tune in and let's create a career that truly fits your lifestyle. The Unbound Lawyer - 1:1 Coaching Program Book discovery call HERE. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Referenced episodes Episode 23 - Designing Your Career For Each Season Of Your Life

Ever felt overwhelmed by LinkedIn and wondering how to make it work for your legal career? In this episode, you'll learn how to design an engaging profile, complete with a professional photo, captivating header, and a dynamic 'About' section that highlights your skills, experience and personality. I'll guide you to harness the basics and move beyond, transforming your LinkedIn profile from an online CV to a platform for meaningful professional connections. Content is king, especially when it comes to building a personal brand. So, in this episode, we'll tackle the fear of putting yourself out there by exploring different content formats. I'll share some tips to help you make small but consistent steps towards creating content that not only resonates with your audience but also opens up new opportunities for your career. So, are you ready to leverage LinkedIn to its full potential? Let's dive in! Want support to elevate your LinkedIn Profile? Book a discovery call HERE to find out how we can work together to amplify your career opportunities. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.

Don’t let these mindset blocks stop you from making your next career move! You’ve decided to make your next career move, but now you're faced with lots of resistance and unhelpful thoughts. Making a career move often brings with it a wave of uncertainty and self-questioning. So, what can you do to overcome these mental roadblocks? Join me in this episode as I walk you through practical strategies to overcoming the common mindset blocks that can keep you feeling stuck. Whether you’re eyeing a new career path, or wanting to up-level in your current role or explore opportunities elsewhere, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive in! Work with me HEREHEREConnect with me Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Episode Reference: Episode 15 - How to Apply for The Role When You Don’t Have Experience

Have you ever felt trapped in the never-ending grind of work, constantly striving to meet high expectations while forgetting about your own desires and well-being? I can relate to that (sheepishly putting up my hand). In this episode of The Career Confidence, we're diving into the invaluable impact rest and play has on your career (and of course your well-being). Through my own experiences, I've come to the realisation (after many bouts of burnout) that true success isn't just about piling on as many achievements as you can possibly fit into your day; it's also about finding joy and fulfilment in our lives. We also talk about allocating your energy to the right things that will make the most impact so that you can continue to pursue your goals, rather than spread yourself thin. Taking time for rest and play isn't a sign of failure; in reality, it's a pivotal part of the journey toward a fulfilling and exciting career. I'd love to hear your key takeaways from this episode, so don't be shy, reach out on LinkedIn! Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka

Have you ever felt like you have to be everything for everyone, even if it means sacrificing your own happiness and growth? Well, I can totally relate to that struggle. Join me in this season finale episode as I share my personal journey of self-discovery and growth from the last 6 months. It's been a rollercoaster ride, but I've learned some valuable lessons along the way. One of the most important things I've discovered is the power of stepping out of my comfort zone and moving through fear rather than running away from it. It's scary at first, but it's where the magic happens. I've also realised that it's okay to ask for help when I need it. I used to think I had to do everything on my own, but now I understand the strength in reaching out for support. Setting strong personal boundaries has been a game-changer for me. I used to try to please everyone, but I've learned that it's essential to take care of myself too. And you know what? When you stop being the 'saviour,' you give yourself the space to grow in ways you never thought possible. Balancing work, life, and business is no easy feat, but it's absolutely doable. I've adopted an agile approach that allows me to integrate my personal and professional life seamlessly. Family and relationships are a priority, so I've learned to create intentional spaces for work while also making time to unwind and rejuvenate. It's a constant challenge, but the rewards are so worth it. Confidence plays a significant role in building a thriving career, and I've been actively working on developing my own confidence journey. I'm excited to share my experiences and tips with you, so you can build a fulfilling career without compromising your personal growth. I hope my journey inspires you to step out of your comfort zone, embrace daunting opportunities, and forge your own path in your career. Join The Unbound Lawyer Program Waitlist HERE. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.

Are you caught in the indecisive loop of too many opportunities, passions, and ideas? It's an exciting, yet paralysing place to be. But, what if you could break free and finally decide on a single path to focus on? That's exactly what we're chatting about today! In this episode, I'll guide you through a three-step strategy: extracting all your swirling ideas, pinpointing the one you feel pulled towards, and ensuring it aligns with your values and interests. As we close, I'll equip you with practical strategies to step out of the indecisiveness loop. Think self-reflection, mentorship, and taking concrete action. I'd love to hear about the path you've chosen and your goals, so don't be shy, reach out! Join The Unbound Lawyer Program Waitlist HERE. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka

Have you been stuck in a career rut? Dreaming of making a change but can't figure out how to make it happen? That's exactly what we're talking about in this episode. I'm channeling my years of experience as a lawyer and career coach to provide you with a roadmap to overcome common career struggles. I'm taking you behind the scenes on how I would coach my client on the three common struggles they face when they come to me: not believing that there are opportunities out there for them, not knowing how or where to start, and the inability to recognise the value of their unique gifts and experiences. Now, imagine harnessing your unique abilities and experiences to open up unseen opportunities. Imagine having a clear-cut strategy to propel your career forward. That is exactly what we explore in this episode. We delve into the art of conducting a career audit, the power of introspection, and strategies to meet the requirements for your dream role. Whether you're contemplating a career change, wanting to step into a leadership role or looking to make the most of your unique gifts, this episode is bursting with practical tips to help you navigate your career with purpose and confidence. Join The Unbound Lawyer Program Waitlist HERE. Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka

What happens when you embrace new opportunities and take your legal career on a non-linear path? Our guest today, Seshani Bala, General Counsel at KPMG New Zealand, shares her unique journey and how it has led to personal and professional growth. From private practice to in-house counsel and international roles, Seshani offers valuable insights into navigating the legal profession and building a fulfilling career. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential in the legal world, especially when it means dealing with boards and C-suite executives. Seshani shares her approach to coaching, mentorship, and building strong relationships in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of being concise, focused, and practical. Furthermore, she offers advice on harnessing the power of AI to stay ahead in the game and developing tech literacy to empower ourselves in the ever-evolving legal landscape. As we explore the future of the legal industry, we dive into the role of AI and how it impacts the careers of lawyers. By focusing on the human skills that AI will never take over, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, negotiations, and relationship building, Seshani encourages legal professionals to create a unique value proposition that sets them apart. Don't miss this empowering episode full of invaluable wisdom and experience from Seshani Bala. Join The Unbound Lawyer waitlist HERE. Connect with our Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seshanibala/ Connect with the host: Website: https://marijaduka.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/ Instagram: @marija.duka Join The Unbound Lawyer Program HERE.