The Debra Shepherd Podcast

Joining me on The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week is Sarah Croft.  Sarah is an essence photographer in transformative retreat and sacred women's spaces. She deepens the activation and embodiment in these spaces where women are led to rise and shine through breakthrough, expansion and raw truth.   Sarah creates with women who are all in for depth, shifts, and movement. Soul sisters, who are here for zero fluff, not just pretty pictures, nothing standard or normal about them, but instead for the spaces where souls are stirred, and opening is invited and celebrated. Where lasting, rippling impact is the intention.   Sarah's images have a power of their own. They activate and 'hit home'. They carry the energy of being fully seen and of deep continuing embodiment.   In this episode, Sarah shares her business story. We talk about being fully seen in your truest essence.  HIGHLIGHTS  What creating a meaningful life and a meaningful business means to Sarah.   Sarah shares her definition of success.   From a career in banking to photography, Sarah talks about how divine guidance led her to the work she's doing today to support women.   How's Sarah's business has evolved alongside her soulful journey.   Remembering and reclaiming the truth of who you are and being fully seen in your truest essence.    More than photography. Sarah describes the experiences she creates for the women she works with. Sarah's advice for women who struggle to put themselves out there and be seen.  Plus, more! SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast     CONNECT WITH SARAH www.sarahjanephotography.org Instagram @sarah_jane._photography   CONNECT WITH DEBRA Connect and Align Workshop Instagram @_DebraShepherd Learn more about Human Design and Coaching opportunities with Debra here.

Joining me on The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week is Serena Cervall. Serena is the Founder of Cervall & Company and a Strategic Advisor to female founders wanting to scale their business to 7-8 figures. She helps women build businesses that honour how they're uniquely wired, so they can scale authentically without burning out. Serena is a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach with a Master's in Management from Macquarie University. She backs her work with research and draws on a background in sales across the founder, fitness and SaaS spaces. Having grown up with two founder parents, building businesses is in her blood. Her book, [FE]MALE-CENTRED, is forthcoming with Clark & Mackay.   In this episode, Serena dives into the research and shares her story. We talk about leadership, women in business, authenticity, business growth and Serena's forthcoming book.   HIGHLIGHTS     What creating a meaningful life and a meaningful business looks like for Serena.  What drew Serena to Clifton Strengths and to the work she's doing today helping female founders scale their businesses authentically without burning out.  Leaning into your strengths and increasing your visibility.  Serena talks about her forthcoming book, [FE]MALE-CENTRED which is about the challenges women face in a male centered society and how that impacts women not only in society but also in business.  Research shows women-led businesses and teams perform strongly; Serena talks about the contributing factors and how we can harness them to succeed in business.   What founders who scale well do differently. How women can continue to build and succeed in business despite the reality of the data and its impact on women in a male-centered society.  Plus, more! SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast     CONNECT WITH SERENA www.cervallandcompany.com Connect with Serena on LinkedIn Instagram @SerenaCervall Instagram @CervallandCompany   CONNECT WITH DEBRA Instagram @_DebraShepherd Learn more about Human Design and Coaching opportunities with Debra here.

Joining me on The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week is Visibility and Brand Strategist, Content Marketer, and host of the Happily Visible Podcast, Mel Elsbeth.  With a career spanning global brands like Breitling and Davidoff. Mel specialises in helping holistic coaches and creatives find the words, the courage and the joy to talk about their work.   Born in East Germany to parents who marched in the 1989 peaceful revolution that brought down the Berlin Wall, Mel grew up watching people who refused to be invisible - and spent twenty years doing the opposite. Behind global brands and impactful startups across Australia and Europe, Mel found comfort in being the background whisperer. Never the face.   Now, through Happily Visible and her founder marketing agency SunnyChapter, Mel helps women articulate their expertise and turn their own words into interview-driven personal branding content.   Mel's belief: The best marketing is not created. It's uncovered.   In this episode, Mel shares her business story. We talk about visibility, storytelling, creating space for yourself, and why the best marketing isn't created; it's uncovered.  HIGHLIGHTS Mel talks about following her heart and her inner calling and what creating a meaningful life and business means to her.  Learning to trust your inner guidance even if you don't know what's coming next.  Mel shares her story and why she started her business, SunnyChapter.  The fear of being visible. Mel's visibility experiment and her path to being happily visible.  Owning your gifts and your experience and how hard it can be to put the I in front of the sentence.   Storytelling, vulnerability, and how to decide what stories to share. How Mel creates space for herself.  Plus, more!   SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast     CONNECT WITH MEL www.sunnychapter.com Instagram @Mel.Elsbeth Instagram @SunnyChapter_   CONNECT WITH DEBRA Connect and Align Workshop on Thursday, 29 October 2026. Instagram @_DebraShepherd Learn more about Human Design and Coaching opportunities with Debra here.

If you're ready for change and you want to unlock your highest potential so you can finish the year well and have an incredible year ahead, join me for this quick conversation on The Debra Shepherd Podcast.  Thank you for tuning in.  SHOW NOTES   Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast   CONNECT WITH DEBRA Join the Connect and Align Workshop on Thursday, 29 October 2026. Instagram @_DebraShepherd Learn more about Human Design and Coaching opportunities with Debra here.

Joining me on The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week is Dr Marina Christov. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr Marina Christov is a highly respected Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, renowned for her refined, intuitive, and results driven approach.  Dr Marina's work has been featured in Vogue, Daily Mail, Marie Claire, WHO, Australian Weekly, New Idea, and more, and she is a former lecturer in Chinese Medicine as well as a previously elected National Board Director of Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association, reflecting her long-standing leadership and contribution to the profession.  Blending gentle Japanese and Chinese Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, Facial Rejuvenation, and Holistic Counselling, Dr Marina is passionate about restoring Eastern Medicine to its rightful place within modern culture and society. She is deeply committed to educating and empowering her patients to cultivate lasting vitality, balance, and harmony.  Renowned for her vibrant energy and deeply holistic approach, Dr Marina treats the whole person -mind, body, and spirit - working with precision and care to uncover and address the root cause of imbalance.  In this episode, Dr Marina shares her story. We talk about how to restore balance across your body, mind, and energy. Are you ready to elevate your life? HIGHLIGHTS   Dr Marina shares what a meaningful life and business means to her.  How a deep thirst for understanding energy and how to apply energy for regulation, healing and balance drew Dr Marina to Traditional Chinese Medicine.  We're in a fast-paced, always on the go society that forgets the value of rest and deep restoration.  The power of simplicity and reducing the load you're carrying.  The ultimate sign of success.  How emotions get stored in the body and what happens when there are emotional blockages.  Dr Marina's advice for anyone who is constantly striving, pushing forward and doing everything except creating space for themselves.  Plus, more! SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast     CONNECT WITH DR MARINA CHRISTOV www.houseoflife.com.au Instagram @Dr.MarinaChristov Connect with Dr Marina on LinkedIn.   CONNECT WITH DEBRA Instagram @_DebraShepherd Learn more about Human Design and Coaching opportunities with Debra here.

Joining me on The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week is Yasmin London. Yasmin is an international keynote speaker, event and podcast host, author and the founder of First Movers Co., an organisation redefining leadership for a human focused future in the AI era. A former world champion athlete, police officer, and tech director, Yasmin brings unmatched insight into the worlds of technology, gender, youth, culture, and how they impact our human potential. Yasmin is known for blending powerful storytelling with brave, evidence-based strategy to help people lead, influence and innovate with purpose. Whether on stage, online or on air, Yasmin champions a world where humanity, not just technology, drives progress. Her work activates leaders who go first, create momentum, and shape environments where everyone can rise. In this episode, Yasmin shares her story. We talk about courage, leadership, the human impact of AI, and what it means to be a First Mover. Don't miss this powerful conversation with Yasmin London. HIGHLIGHTS   What creating a meaningful life and a meaningful business means to Yasmin.  Yasmin shares her story and the interesting moment that led Yasmin to start First Movers Co.  Confidence isn't a prerequisite; it's a result of taking courageous action. The more that we take that courageous action, the more proof we have to show ourselves we're capable of more than we ever thought possible.  Actively shaping the environment you're in. Yasmin shares the definition of a First Mover.  Why it's important to have a balanced view of AI and technology and how the end game needs to be about how we can benefit humanity with the technology we create.  Why Yasmin wrote her new book First Movers.  How working in the police force shaped the way Yasmin thinks about technology, safety, and human connection.  How to move through fear and be a First Mover.  Why women and girls are particularly vulnerable as AI and digital systems accelerate.  Yasmin shares one practical First Mover action you can take this week to make a difference.  What competitive swimming taught Yasmin about pressure, fear, courage and resilience.  Plus, more! SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast     CONNECT WITH YASMIN www.yasminlondon.com Get Yasmin's book, First Movers here Instagram @_YasLondon_ Connect with Yasmin on LinkedIn   CONNECT WITH DEBRA Instagram @_DebraShepherd Learn more about Human Design and Coaching opportunities with Debra here.

Joining me on The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week is Melissa Young. Melissa is a Sydney-based beauty and dermal therapist with over 15 years of experience in the beauty and aesthetics industry. Melissa is the founder of Melissa Young Beauty, where she specialises in advanced skin treatments, laser and IPL rejuvenation, brow shaping and artistry, and cosmetic tattooing.  Throughout her career, Melissa has trained extensively both in Australia and internationally, continually building on her knowledge of skin, treatments and the evolving aesthetics industry. Melissa is also an ambassador for CMed Aesthetics Australia and regularly works with beauty and lifestyle media, treating beauty editors and contributing her professional expertise on skin health, treatments, new technologies and changes within the industry.  Alongside treating clients, Melissa is passionate about education, both within her own team and with her clients. Her approach combines science, experience, and artistry, with a strong belief in enhancing what is naturally there rather than changing it.  After more than 15 years in the industry, Melissa remains just as passionate about helping people feel confident in their own skin and raising the standard of education and care within the beauty industry.  In this episode, Melissa shares her business story. She talks about business growth, the importance of connection, relationship building, customer loyalty, and creating extraordinary experiences.  HIGHLIGHTS Melissa explains how creating a meaningful life and business is about people, connection, relationships, and the small moments.  Why Melissa started her business and the growth and evolution of Melissa Young Beauty over the past 12 years.  Education and training have always been and will always be a key priority for Melissa.   Growth and success doesn't always mean growing bigger or having the biggest clinic or the biggest team.  How customer loyalty is built from the heart and the everyday moments.  What is great leadership? How Melissa creates boundaries and prioritises herself.  Build something you're proud of. Build something you're passionate about. Build something that's real. Don't forget to live along the way.    Plus, more! SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast     CONNECT WITH MELISSA www.melissayoungbeauty.com.au Instagram @MelissaYoungBeauty Instagram @MelissaYoungElzein   CONNECT WITH DEBRA Instagram @_DebraShepherd Learn more about Human Design and Coaching opportunities with Debra here.

I'm thrilled to welcome Alison Beck back to The Debra Shepherd Podcast.   Alison is the Founder of Relauncher, Sticky Studio and REAL.brand. She is also the host of The Mindful Biz Podcast.  Alison is a Business Coach with 15 years' experience. She helps business owners re-package years of hard-earned expertise into a scalable offer — so growth finally means more freedom, not more work. With a clear path and guidance every step of the way, Alison's clients build businesses that give them back the flexibility they've earned.  Alison was first on the podcast in 2020 and in this episode, we continue our conversation. Alison shares her story. We talk about business growth, marketing, social media, AI, and coming home to yourself.  HIGHLIGHTS  What a meaningful life and business looks like for Alison.  The power of alignment in life and business.  How community building created the infrastructure of Relauncher.  Alison talks about the evolution of Relauncher and how it's expanding in a new direction to support business owners.  The importance of mindset, support, accountability, and connection in business.  Don't wait until everything is perfect because with the rapid advancement of AI and technology the market will move on.  Building and growing a business involves an element of creativity, and AI doesn't have that.  How to stay relevant as a business owner when there is so much change and competition.  How to know when it's time to pivot or change direction in business.  What it looks like when business owners can't see their blind spots. Creating a workflow that works for you.  Plus, more! SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast     CONNECT WITH ALISON www.relauncher.com.au Instagram @relauncher_alison www.stickystudio.com.au Instagram @stickystudio www.realbrand.com.au Instagram @real.brand.agency   CONNECT WITH DEBRA Instagram @_DebraShepherd Learn more about Human Design and Coaching opportunities with Debra here.

Joining me on The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week is Bree Tucker. Bree is the Founder and CEO of Haús of Vitality, an Australian skin and wellness franchise, entrepreneur, writer and passionate advocate for self-leadership.   Bree's entrepreneurial journey has been anything but conventional—building and scaling businesses, navigating failure and reinvention, franchising a brand, starting over in a new city and doing it all while raising her son as a single mum.   Bree speaks candidly about the side of entrepreneurship we don't always see taking risks before you feel ready, backing yourself when others don't, making decisions under pressure and developing the self-leadership to keep moving when things don't go to plan.   Bree's message - Start before you're ready. Take the risk. Always trust yourself.  HIGHLIGHTS   Bree talks about what creating a meaningful life and business looks like for her.  A serial entrepreneur at heart, Bree talks about her path to starting Haús of Vitality in 2022 and how the business integrates the skin and wellness industries.  What makes Haús of Vitality unique and how Bree established Haús of Vitality using a different business model.  A great leader is accountable and responsible for their own business and actions.  Self-development is a journey you have to go on if you want to create a successful business.  Resilience and the bounce back rate.  You can grind all day, but it doesn't mean you're putting in your best work. Why creating space is essential for moving through your day and being more productive. Bree's top tips for anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey.  Plus, more! SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast     CONNECT WITH BREE www.hausofvitality.com.au Instagram @hausofvitality_ www.breetucker.com Instagram @BreeTucker_   CONNECT WITH DEBRA Instagram @_DebraShepherd Learn more about Human Design and Coaching opportunities with Debra here.

I'm honoured to welcome Jennifer Bicknell to The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week. Most workplace disputes do not start with a legal problem. They start with a conversation someone avoided. Jennifer Bicknell is an employment lawyer who helps businesses fix both. Through Bicknell Law & Consulting she provides practical workplace advice, employment contracts, policies and Fair Work guidance, plus a steady hand when things get messy. Jen also runs Confident Conversations workshops, teaching owners and managers how to plan for and have the hard conversations, so small issues stay small. Jen has practised law for more than thirty years, most of it dealing with disputes, so she has seen exactly how they start and how to stop them. Her goal is to make herself redundant, by giving clients the confidence and tools to handle workplace challenges themselves. In this episode, Jen shares her story. We talk about how to manage difficult conversations with empathy. HIGHLIGHTS  Jen shares what creating a meaningful life and a meaningful business means to her. What attracted Jen to law and how Seth Godin led her to do something different. The risks that can arise if you avoid a difficult or hard conversation in the workplace. The most common difficult conversations leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs leave too long, and what can happen as a result.  The five key ingredients of every effective conversation. Jen's top three tips for managing difficult conversations. Plus, more! SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here:   www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast     CONNECT WITH JEN www.jenniferbicknell.com.au Instagram @BicknellLaw Connect with Jen on LinkedIn. Jen's Workplace News   CONNECT WITH DEBRA Instagram @_DebraShepherd Learn more about Human Design and Coaching opportunities with Debra here.