The Female Executive’s Survival Guide

In this episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide podcast, Lauren Eyles discusses finance fundamentals with Belinda Turner, an experienced chartered accountant. They explore the importance of understanding financial statements, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to grasp financial concepts to make informed decisions and drive organizational success. They also discuss the role of technology in finance, the significance of identifying business drivers, and the importance of soft skills in leadership. Belinda shares her career journey and offers valuable advice for women in leadership roles.   Takeaways Leaders must understand financial statements to make informed decisions. Financial statements tell a story about the organization's performance. Profit and loss statements show income and expenses over a specific period. The balance sheet provides a snapshot of assets and liabilities. Cash flow statements track money movement in and out of the organization. Identifying business drivers is crucial for strategic planning. Technology can enhance financial reporting and decision-making. Soft skills are essential for effective leadership in finance. Regularly assess personal values and career goals. Growth opportunities often arise from aligning work with personal interests.   Sound bites "The numbers tell us a story." "Cash is king." "Check in on what you enjoy and value in work."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Finance Fundamentals 04:38 Understanding the Importance of Financial Literacy for Leaders 11:13 Key Financial Metrics Every Leader Should Know 15:53 Decoding Financial Statements: Profit and Loss 19:32 Analyzing the Balance Sheet 22:28 Cash Flow Management: The Lifeblood of Business 27:12 Leveraging Technology for Financial Insights 32:28 Empowering Leaders: The Role of Finance in Decision Making 36:42 Soft Skills in Finance: The Human Element 38:28 Aligning Career Values with Professional Growth   Guest bio Belinda Turner is an experienced Chartered Accountant, who has guided small and large businesses in accounting, compliance and internal processes. Belinda is a trusted advisor for Boards, CEOs and Finance Teams across Australia and is currently a Senior Manager with RSM Australia on the NSW Central Coast. With Belinda’s extensive experience, she is well-placed to advise small to large businesses and their accounting practices, compliance issues, special projects and internal processes. Belinda holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle and a Post Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (now known as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand). You can connect with Belinda at RSM or on LinkedIn.   Host bio Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, is a trusted guide to new and experienced leaders, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Coach and Mentor, Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Keywords finance fundamentals, financial statements, profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow, business drivers, technology in finance, leadership, executive coaching, women in leadership

Are you a female leader looking to understand and leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your business? In this insightful episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles speaks with AI expert Leanne Shelton about the transformative impact of AI on leadership and business practices. Lauren and Leanne demystify AI, discussing how you can use it to boost your team's productivity without sacrificing the vital human connection. They share practical advice on integrating AI into your team, establishing clear AI policies, and using effective prompting to train AI to align with your company's values and brand voice. Discover why embracing AI is a competitive advantage and learn how to get started without feeling overwhelmed. This conversation is your guide to leading a tech-forward team while prioritizing ethics, privacy, and human relationships in the age of AI.   Key Discussion Points AI's Impact on Leadership: How AI is changing the roles and responsibilities of modern leaders. Getting Started with AI: Simple, actionable steps for integrating tools like ChatGPT or Copilot into your workflow. The Importance of Human Connection: Strategies to ensure that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, human relationships in the workplace. AI Policies & Best Practices: Why transparency, privacy, and clear guidelines are essential for successful AI adoption. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Leadership 01:25 Embracing AI as a Competitive Advantage 04:19 Navigating AI's Impact on Business Strategy 06:15 Creating a Healthy Work Culture with AI 09:01 Establishing AI Policies for Transparency 12:11 Leveraging AI for Business Growth 15:57 Training AI for Optimal Performance 20:09 Ensuring Privacy and Confidentiality with AI 20:34 Navigating AI and Data Privacy 22:47 Effective Onboarding with AI 25:47 Streamlining Content Creation 27:25 Choosing the Right AI Tools 30:17 Leadership Insights and AI Integration   Bio: Leanne Shelton Leanne Shelton is a global AI coach who demystifies AI for leaders and their teams. Like many people in the creative industries, Leanne’s business was impacted by the arrival of Chat GPT. Rather than lean into the fear of being replaced, she decided to embrace AI as a competitive advantage. Leanne recently published a book, ‘AI Human Fusion’, to help leaders master AI for business growth, without losing their human connection. You can connect with Leanne via her website, LinkedIn or Instagram. Her book, AI Human Fusion, is available online from leading retailers.   Bio: Lauren Eyles Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership. As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Keywords AI for Business AI in Leadership Artificial Intelligence Female Leaders AI Strategy Productivity Tools Leanne Shelton Lauren Eyles Future of Work Workplace Technology

Considering a career in politics but don't know where to start? In this insightful episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles speaks with Licia Heath, CEO of Women for Election, about the essential steps and mindset for aspiring female politicians. They dive deep into the journey of running for office, revealing what's involved, dispelling myths and highlighting transferrable skills. Licia, a former candidate herself, shares invaluable advice on how to get started in politics and why "running is winning." They discuss the increasing trend of female candidates attracting more votes, the importance of recognizing your transferable skills, and why your lived experience is your greatest asset. If you've ever wondered how to transition from community involvement to public office, or whether you have what it takes to change the world, this episode is your roadmap.   Key Discussion Points The Path to Politics: Licia demystifies the process of running for office and how to get started, from local to federal government. Transferable Skills for a Political Career: Learn to recognize and leverage the skills you already have, from your career to your community involvement, to build a powerful political profile. The Reality of Political Life: A candid conversation about the personal costs and benefits of a life in public service. Overcoming Systemic Barriers: Insights into the trends in women's political representation and the systemic challenges that still exist.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Politics and Women in Leadership 02:55 The Journey of Running for Office 05:44 Trends in Women's Political Representation 08:21 Cultural Diversity and Systemic Barriers 11:28 Visibility and Personal Costs in Politics 14:13 Getting Started in Politics 16:54 Recognizing Transferable Skills 19:41 Encouragement for Aspiring Politicians   Bio: Licia Heath Licia Heath is the CEO of the non-profit organisation, Women for Election, a non-partisan group committed to getting more women in public office at all levels of Australian government. A self-professed “Queen Maker”, Licia and her team mentored 46 candidates in the recent Federal Election, across 11 parties, and 8 were elected or re-elected. Licia has a unique perspective, having run as an independent candidate in the 2018 Wentworth by-election and she currently leads a community campaign for a new public high school in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. For two decades she has worked in finance and asset management in the UK and Australia, and helped establish a $5 billion asset management business, Ironbark Asset Management. You can connect with Licia via the Women for Election website or LinkedIn.     Bio: Lauren Eyles Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership. As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Keywords Women in Politics Female Political Candidates Run for Office Licia Heath Women for Election Political Career Leadership Skills Transferable Skills Gender Equality in Politics Public Service Lauren Eyles

In this empowering episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles and emotional intelligence expert Amy Jacobson discuss why emotional intelligence is a non-negotiable skill for women in leadership. They explore how mastering your emotions can help you confidently navigate the unique challenges you face in the workplace, from cultivating stronger team relationships to owning your voice in difficult conversations. Discover why adaptability is a superpower for today's female leaders and how embracing self-awareness can lead to both personal and professional growth. Amy shares practical, actionable strategies for preparing for challenging discussions and managing change with grace. This episode is a roadmap for any woman executive ready to level up her leadership skills and build a powerful, supportive workplace culture.   Key Takeaways for Women in Leadership Emotional intelligence is your secret weapon for effective and authentic leadership. The best leaders are adaptable and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Effective communication is a two-way street that starts with understanding others' emotions. Embracing self-management and taking ownership of your emotions is crucial for your growth. Preparation for difficult conversations should focus on understanding others' perspectives, not just your own.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence 02:56 Understanding Emotional Intelligence 05:39 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 08:22 Changing Expectations of Leadership 11:27 Navigating Difficult Conversations 14:04 Preparing for Difficult Conversations 17:09 The Role of Emotions in Change 19:43 The Impact of Change on Individuals 22:52 Building a Supportive Environment for Change 25:38 The Journey of Leadership 28:47 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Emotional Intelligence   Bio: Amy Jacobson Amy Jacobson is an emotional intelligence specialist who challenges people to own their S.H.I.T., take control and be unstoppable! Amy is the author of The Emotional Intelligence Advantage, which explores how to master difficult conversations and deal with change. She held leadership roles in insurance before training as a coach, and now works with companies across Australia. You can connect with Amy via her website, LinkedIn or Instagram. Her book, The Emotional Intelligence Advantage, is available on Amazon and in bookstores.   Bio: Lauren Eyles Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership. As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Keywords Women in Leadership Female Leadership Emotional Intelligence Executive Coaching Leadership Skills Difficult Conversations Communication Strategies Workplace Culture Change Management Self-Management Lauren Eyles Amy Jacobson

In this essential episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles is joined by recruitment expert and author Roxanne Calder to tackle a topic that impacts every woman's career: earning power and salary negotiation. They dive into the reality of the gender pay gap and empower women to take full ownership of their careers and financial futures.   Roxanne, author of 'Earning Power,' shares invaluable insights on why self-advocacy is a non-negotiable skill for career advancement. Learn practical strategies for confidently negotiating your salary, documenting your achievements, and understanding your true value in the workplace. This conversation will challenge you to see negotiation not as a one-time event, but as a habit that will propel your career forward.   Key Takeaways for Female Leaders Salary negotiation should be a habit, not an exception, especially for promotions.   Taking ownership of your career starts with recognizing and quantifying your value.   Learn to advocate for yourself and confidently ask for what you deserve. Overcome the fear of rejection by viewing it as a natural part of the career journey.   Document your achievements and understand the market rate before any salary discussion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Earning Power 01:49 Taking Ownership of Your Career 04:22 Negotiating Salary and Offers 05:51 Overcoming Job Application Barriers 07:26 Dealing with Rejection and Mindset 10:13 Addressing Salary Disparities 12:37 The Importance of Experience Over Salary 14:14 The Million Dollar Question 16:08 Learning from Leadership Experiences 17:29 Survival Tips for New Executives   Bio: Roxanne Calder Roxanne Calder is a recruiter, career advisor and employment expert. After a global recruitment career, Roxanne established her own recruitment business, EST10, which gives her a unique perspective on talent and opportunity. Roxanne recently published her second book, called Earning Power: Breaking Barriers and Building Wealth for Women, to help women take control of their financial future and close the gender pay gap. She shares small, incremental and brave decisions that we can all take to help close that gap, which can be as high as 1 million dollars over a lifetime. You can connect with Roxanne via her website, LinkedIn or Instagram. Her book, Earning Power, is available on Amazon and in bookstores.   Bio: Lauren Eyles Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership. As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Keywords Women in Leadership Salary Negotiation Gender Pay Gap Career Advancement Self-Advocacy Earning Power Executive Coaching Female Leaders Career Ownership Roxanne Calder Lauren Eyles

In this powerful episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide podcast, host Lauren Eyles is joined by courage and leadership expert Dr. Margie Warrell, author of The Courage Gap. This conversation is a must-listen for any female leader looking to navigate her career with greater confidence and conviction. Lauren and Margie explore the critical role of courage in leadership, diving deep into how fear can impact our decisions and hold us back. Margie shares transformative insights from her book, teaching us how our brains respond to fear and, more importantly, how to break free from its grip. They discuss the hidden costs of avoiding courage and provide practical, actionable steps to cultivate bravery in every aspect of your life. This episode will inspire you to embrace discomfort, focus on what you truly want, and step into the leader you are meant to be. It’s an empowering roadmap for turning fear into a vehicle for growth and achieving your goals.   Key Takeaways for Female Leaders Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it. Understand your brain's response to fear to make more confident decisions. The cost of avoiding courage is often greater than the risk of stepping up. Embrace discomfort as a sign of growth and a path to new opportunities. Shift your focus from your fears to your desired outcomes to expand your possibilities.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Courage in Leadership 02:06 The Role of Fear in Leadership 04:56 Understanding the Cost of Avoiding Courage 08:00 Navigating Conversations and Contexts 10:54 The Five Steps to Courage 13:35 Embodying Courage in Leadership 16:31 Learning from Past Experiences 19:42 The Importance of Vulnerability 22:32 Conclusion and Key Takeaways   Bio: Dr Margie Warrell Margie Warrell is an international best-selling author and leadership expert. Courage is her specialty, from climbing mountains, to raising four children while moving around the world, to helping Fortune 500 leaders manage fear and navigate risk. She is committed to “braver leadership for a better world” and recently published her sixth book, The Courage Gap. You can connect with Margie via her website, LinkedIn, or Instagram. The Courage Gap is available in bookstores and on Amazon.   Bio: Lauren Eyles Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership. As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Keywords Women in Leadership Courage Leadership Skills Female Leadership Empowerment The Courage Gap Dr. Margie Warrell Lauren Eyles Personal Growth Resilience

In this essential episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, we tackle a difficult but critical topic: navigating tricky workplace dynamics, particularly among women. Host Lauren Eyles sits down with high-performance coach and workplace psychologist Vanessa Vershaw to discuss the prevalence of female workplace aggression, the vital role of psychological safety, and the need for strong support networks. Vanessa shares eye-opening insights, challenging the idea that a lack of women in senior roles is a pipeline issue. Instead, she argues that toxic workplace cultures and subtle resistance are often the real barriers. This conversation provides practical strategies for identifying and addressing incivility, fostering healthier environments, and learning to lead with authenticity. Discover how to build a "brave workplace" and why your well-being should always be your top priority. Key Discussion Points Understanding Female Workplace Aggression: Learn to recognize the subtle forms of incivility and aggression that can undermine women in the workplace. Building Psychological Safety: Discover how leaders can create an environment where women feel safe to speak up and thrive. The Power of Authenticity: Why leading as your true self is the most effective strategy for building a loyal and high-performing team. Prioritizing Your Well-being: Practical advice for recognizing when a workplace is no longer serving you and why it's okay to leave a toxic environment.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Workplace Dynamics 03:13 The Sisterhood Paradox: Understanding Female Workplace Aggression 05:57 Pipeline vs. Resistance: The Real Issues for Women in Leadership 09:04 Identifying Workplace Aggression: Bullying vs. Microaggressions 11:56 Navigating Tricky Dynamics: Strategies for Women 14:57 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Workplace Culture 17:49 Building Brave Workplaces: The Importance of Psychological Safety 20:46 Taking Action Against Bullying: Strategies and Support 23:46 The Importance of Mentorship and Support Networks 26:49 Final Thoughts: Leading Authentically and Courageously   Bio: Vanessa Vershaw Vanessa Vershaw is a high performance coach and workplace psychologist who helps leaders from around the world think boldly and solve big challenges. Alongside her talent development work, Vanessa has a passion for improving workplace dynamics. She is the author of The Sisterhood Paradox: the psychology of female workplace aggression. You can connect with Vanessa via her Website, LinkedIn or Instagram. Her books are available here.   Bio: Lauren Eyles Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership. As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Keywords Female Leadership Women in Leadership Workplace Dynamics Workplace Aggression Psychological Safety Workplace Culture Authentic Leadership Leadership Coach Vanessa Vershaw Lauren Eyles Career Growth

Are you a female leader who wants to master risk management and corporate governance? In this crucial episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles speaks with senior legal executive and Non-Executive Director Paula Davies about the essential tools and frameworks you need to manage risk effectively. Lauren and Paula explore what "good governance" truly means and how you can gain a deeper understanding of your Board's risk appetite. They share powerful insights on ethical leadership and the vital role of leaders in safeguarding vulnerable populations, including children, people with disabilities, and older people. This conversation goes beyond theory, offering a look into Paula's personal journey and the experiences that fueled her passion for creating safe environments. Learn how to navigate the complex dynamics between management and boards, take the long view in your career, and lead with purpose. This episode is your guide to becoming a more confident, ethical, and effective leader in an ever-changing world. Key Discussion Points Understanding Governance and Risk Management: A practical breakdown of the key frameworks and tools leaders use to manage risk effectively. The Leader's Role in Safeguarding: Why safeguarding vulnerable individuals is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility of all leaders. The Board-Management Dynamic: Insights into the relationship between executives and boards, and how to navigate it successfully. Career Longevity: Advice on taking the long view in your career, staying resilient, and knowing when it's okay to say "enough."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Governance and Leadership 03:01 The Journey into Corporate Governance 05:56 Advice for New Executives 09:13 Understanding Risk Management 11:56 The Role of Safeguarding in Governance 14:48 Personal Experiences and Passion for Safeguarding 18:05 Navigating Board Dynamics 20:51 The Importance of Communication 24:07 Reflections on Leadership and Boundaries 26:54 Final Thoughts and Survival Tips   Bio: Paula Davies Paula Davies is a Senior Legal Executive and a Non Executive Director who specialises in corporate governance and risk management. She has led multidisciplinary teams that developed and managed effective compliance and ethics programs within large and complex organisations. Paula believes that good decision making starts with a strong and ethical corporate culture. In addition to her General Counsel and Company Secretary role with the Adelaide Primary Health Network, Paula is a Non Executive Director across many sectors, with a passion for safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of children and adults.   LinkedIn Influence Global The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse Blue Knot Foundation Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) - free or low cost governance training Women on Boards (WOB) Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)   Bio: Lauren Eyles Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership. As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Keywords Women in Leadership Risk Management Corporate Governance Female Leaders Safeguarding Board of Directors Ethical Leadership Lauren Eyles Paula Davies Career Development

In this inspiring episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide podcast, host Lauren Eyles speaks with Cherie Johnson, a proud Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman and the visionary founder of the arts and education consultancy, Speaking in Colour. This is a must-listen for any female leader who wants to create a meaningful legacy and learn how to genuinely contribute to reconciliation in Australia. Cherie shares her personal and professional journey, detailing what it truly means to build a business that reflects your values and what she is most proud of. She offers powerful, practical advice for leaders and organizations looking to begin their journey towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This conversation explores the difference between a scripted land acknowledgment and a heartfelt, personalized Acknowledgement of Country. Cherie explains the significance of a Welcome to Country and how to engage with Aboriginal communities and culture with respect and authenticity. Learn how to foster reciprocal relationships and why partnering with Aboriginal-owned businesses is a powerful way to support self-determination.   Key Discussion Points Leading a Legacy Business: Cherie's journey of creating a business that is not only successful but also a vehicle for cultural pride and community empowerment. The Reconciliation Journey: Practical, actionable advice for leaders and organizations on how to respectfully and effectively begin their journey towards reconciliation. Authentic Cultural Engagement: Understanding the importance of a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, a Welcome to Country, and other ways to engage with Aboriginal culture. Embracing Your Story: Insights into personal growth, changing priorities in your 40s, and the power of rewriting your own life story.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Legacy 01:08 Cherie Johnson: Connecting Culture and Community 02:23 The Genesis of Speaking in Colour 06:11 Transformations in Business and Life 12:45 Understanding Welcome to Country 24:33 Guidelines for Acknowledgment of Country 32:19 Creating Quick Wins in Relationships 34:03 Building Sustainable Relationships with Aboriginal Businesses 36:47 The Importance of Self-Determination in Business 38:54 Strategic Approaches to Reconciliation 40:30 Mapping Opportunities and Risks 42:57 Understanding Organizational Culture and Timing 46:01 Pride in Personal and Community Achievements 51:12 Leadership and Growing Other Leaders 56:00 Survival Tips for Women in Leadership 01:00:10 Embracing Change and Redefining Success   Bio: Cherie Johnson Cherie Johnson is the Founder and Managing Director of Speaking in Colour, an arts and education consultancy, connecting people, educators and businesses with Aboriginal culture. Cherie is a Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman, and is an active member of the Awabakal Community in Newcastle. A highly regarded lecturer in Aboriginal culture and education at the University of Newcastle, Cherie is also completing a PhD, researching “the effects of urban Aboriginal Women coming to culture and its importance” today. Cherie is a woman of many talents, including business, dance, art, speaking, and she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Teaching. You can connected with Cherie via: LinkedIn Speaking in Colour website   Bio: Lauren Eyles Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership. As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Keywords Reconciliation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cherie Johnson Women in Leadership Female Leadership Cultural Competence Legacy Acknowledgement of Country Welcome to Country Self-Determination

In this episode, Lauren Eyles discusses how to encourage your team members to speak up in meetings. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different personality styles within a team, creating a safe environment for contributions, and the value of silence. Additionally, she touches on the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care as a leader. Lauren also invites listeners to join her for free mentoring sessions to further support their leadership journeys.   Takeaways Leadership can be a lonely journey, and support is essential. Understanding personality styles using DiSC helps improve team communication. Creating a safe space encourages team members to contribute. Silence can be a powerful tool in meetings. Leaders should prioritize self-care and set boundaries. Feedback is crucial for personal and team growth. Encouraging team members to take on leadership roles fosters confidence. Nonverbal communication significantly impacts team dynamics. It's important to be open to change and feedback as a leader. Mentoring can provide valuable support for aspiring leaders.   Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Leadership Challenges 02:21  Understanding Team Dynamics and Personality Styles 07:32  Creating a Safe Space for Team Contributions 11:54  The Importance of Silence in Communication 15:29  Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care 17:52  Invitation to Free Mentoring and Closing Thoughts   Sound Bites “DiSC is a great way of understanding how people like to communicate so we can speak each other’s language”. "Don't fill the silence." "You matter."   Host bio Lauren Eyles is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change as an Executive Coach and Mentor. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. She started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Free mentoring sessions Lauren is writing a book to help women thrive in their first senior leadership role and would love to ask you a few questions to ensure it’s relevant and helpful. To say thanks, Lauren will provide some free mentoring. A monthly group session will be held on the last Wednesday of the month at 7pm Sydney AEST time. Click here to register.   Keywords leadership, team dynamics, communication, personality styles, self-care, mentoring, executive coaching, team meetings, confidence, feedback