BONUS FW series: Allegra Spender was "too nerdy": it took her to the top of fashion and politics

What does bravery mean in leadership? And are there secrets to being brave, even when you don't feel like it is possible? Ruby Riethmuller is the founder and CEO of Womn-Kind, a youth-led mental health platform. She launched the platform in 2020, after struggling with anxiety as a teenager and coming to terms with her own identity as LGBTQ in a small country town. She’s also a regional health advocate and Deputy Commissioner at the NSW mental health commission. In this episode, she talks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about Gen Z work habits, imposter syndrome and how she makes the conscious effort to be brave, each and every day.  Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering YOUR leadership questions. Wait to the end of the episode to hear her take on 1-1 meetings. If you have any leadership dilemmas, conundrums and pet peeves for Helen, send them her way by emailing [email protected].  Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Reid is the founder of the world-famous Lune Croissanterie. But before creating her own formula for the perfect buttery, flaky croissant, she was a Formula One aerodynamicist, working on some of the fastest cars on the planet. And though she’s been labelled "too lucky", in this episode, she reveals the grit behind every seemingly effortless pivot, the years of hard work, and how a battle with an eating disorder led her to the top of a pastry empire. Too Much is a podcast series proudly supported by Victoria Police, who are looking for more women to join their ranks. Consider making the switch and explore a career with Victoria Police. Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if courageous leadership isn't always about immediate action. But instead knowing how to wait and build influence to create maximum impact...  Michael De’Ath started his career as a teacher and went on to become one of the country’s most accomplished public servants before starting his own leadership advisory and executive coaching business. In this episode, he speaks with FW's Helen McCabe about courageous leadership, decisiveness and why people too often think about succession planning all wrong.  Plus, this season Helen McCabe will be answering YOUR leadership questions. We want to know your leadership dilemmas, conundrums and pet peeves. Send them our way by emailing [email protected].  Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For almost two decades, Lana Jones was a principal dancer at the Australian Ballet, celebrated for lead roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Sleeping Beauty. And still, she was told she was “too strong”. After an illustrious career, Jones stepped away from the spotlight to retrain as a midwife. In this episode, Lana joins Briana Blackett to discuss how being “too strong” has helped her soar – from the stage to the delivery room. Too Much is a podcast series proudly supported by Victoria Police, who are looking for more women to join their ranks. Consider making the switch and explore a career with Victoria Police. Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From styling hair to fighting crime, Detective Senior Sergeant Leemara Fairgrieve made quite the switch when she left hairdressing to join Victoria Police. These days, she’s busting major drug syndicates and rising through the ranks. But while she’s tough on crime, Leemara admits she can be tough on herself, and at times, ‘too accommodating’. In this episode, Leemara joins Briana Blackett to discuss how her softer side actually helped her build trust, discover her passion, and find success in her role as a police officer. Too Much is a podcast series proudly supported by Victoria Police, who are looking for more women to join their ranks. Consider making the switch and explore a career with Victoria Police. Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development.  Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You shortcut to this season's top leadership advice...  Over the summer, we're playing a special series containing season five's most interesting and practical leadership advice. Each episode revolves around a single question. This week it's: Imagine you are the Prime Minister, what is the one thing you would change?  You'll hear from Director of the Australian-Geospatial Intelligence Organisation Kathryn McMullan, Fair Futures Founder Fiona David, reputational risk lawyer Rebekah Giles and executive communications coach Kate Mason. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carla Zampatti’s daughter, self-confessed nerd Allegra Spender, never saw herself as a natural fit to lead her late mother’s fashion empire. But that’s where she ended up, before a runway-worthy career-pivot which saw her ride the Teal wave into federal politics. In this episode, Allegra joins Briana Blackett to discuss how being “too nerdy” helped her break the mould in fashion, her switch from colour palettes to politics – and why playing to your strengths is the key to every professional pivot.  Too Much is a podcast series proudly supported by Victoria Police, who are looking for more women to join their ranks. Consider making the switch and explore a career with Victoria Police. Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're revisiting our interview with newly minted Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg.  Bennell-Pegg is Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency, and the first person to train as an astronaut under the Australian flag. Back in 2024. she spoke with Helen McCabe about her remarkable career, imposter syndrome and whether grit is more important than talent. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You shortcut to this season's top leadership advice...  Over the summer, we're playing a special series containing season five's most interesting and practical leadership advice. Each episode revolves around a single question. This week it's: tell me about your biggest leadership failure and what you learned from it?  You'll hear from Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, former Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, Director of the Australian-Geospatial Intelligence Organisation Kathryn McMullan, University of Sydney Vice Chancellor Mark Scott and Australian fashion industry leader Kellie Hush.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You shortcut to this season's top leadership advice...  Over the summer, we're playing a special series containing season five's most interesting and practical leadership advice. Each episode revolves around a single question. First up: What's the best piece of career feedback you've received?  You'll hear from CBRE's Natalie Slessor, Senator Jane Hume, CEO of the Group of Eight Universities Vicki Thompson and executive communications coach Kate Mason. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.