Made For More

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke sits down with Casey Beros, a journalist, author, and fierce advocate for empowered patients and caregivers.

Casey opens up about the realities of navigating healthcare today, from health literacy and informed decision-making to the often unseen load carried by millions of caregivers.

Drawing from her work, her research, and her own experience caring for her father, Casey shares why education, open communication, and support networks are crucial to improving health outcomes.

Ally and Casey dive...

In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, Ally Nitschke is joined by leadership and transformation expert Kellie Tomney to explore what it truly means to become “future fit” in a rapidly changing world.

Kellie shares her personal journey from redundancy to reinvention, offering powerful insights on future-proofing your career, building trust and confidence as core leadership currencies, and navigating workplace change with clarity and resilience.

Together, they unpack the skills, mindsets, and relationships leaders need to stay relevant, adaptable, and purposeful in an environment where the next 10 years of change will...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke sits down with globally recognised speaker and thought leader, Keith Abraham, for a powerful conversation on purpose, leadership, and personal momentum.

With a career spanning 29 years, Keith has spoken to more than 1.7 million people in 43 countries, authored five bestselling books translated into 12 languages, and built a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in goal achievement and personal mastery.

Keith shares his journey from growing up on a farm along the Cooma River on the Gold Coast to becoming an international keynote...

Get your copy of the special report here.

In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, host Ally Nitschke dives into why leadership is the decisive factor in successfully integrating AI into the workplace.

Drawing from real case studies across financial services and local government, Ally breaks down how trust, transparency, and clear communication shape whether AI becomes a source of stress or a genuine tool for empowerment.

She explores why AI should be seen as augmentation rather than replacement, how leaders can reduce fear by being upfront about what will change...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke sits down with Julia Grace, an award-winning speaker, mental wellness advocate, and performer from New Zealand.

Julia shares her inspiring journey from a background in education and the performing arts to becoming a sought-after voice in the mental health and wellbeing space. Known for her powerful blend of humour, storytelling, and authenticity, Julia helps audiences navigate life’s challenges with courage and connection.

Together, Ally and Julia unpack the importance of storytelling in leadership and personal growth, and how vulnerability can become a br...

Get your copy of the special report here.

In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, host Ally Nitschke explores how leadership success is being redefined as we move toward 2026 and beyond.

Fresh from a busy month of delivering keynotes on courageous communication and modern leadership, Ally unpacks why the traditional scoreboard; revenue, profit, engagement score, no longer captures what truly matters.

With the rise of AI, hybrid teams, and increasing pressure on leaders, the conversation around effectiveness is shifting. It’s no longer just about what leaders deliver, but how they de...

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In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke dives into the evolving landscape of leadership metrics as we approach 2026.

With a busy month of keynotes and discussions on courageous communication, leadership, and storytelling, Ally emphasises the need to rethink how we measure leadership success.

Traditional metrics like revenue, profit, and engagement scores are no longer sufficient in a workplace transformed by AI and hybrid teams.

Ally advocates for an upgraded scoreboard that focuses not only on what leaders achieve but also on how they...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke welcomes Kim Seeling Smith, future-of-work expert, keynote speaker, and founder of Ignite Global.

Kim shares her incredible journey from her roots in Wisconsin to building a thriving international career across Australia and New Zealand. With three passports and decades of global experience, she brings a refreshing perspective on leadership, transformation, and the evolving world of work.

From her early days as an accountant to becoming a leading voice in talent, recruitment, and the future of work, Kim reflects on the pivotal lessons that...

In this episode of The Made for More Podcast, host Ally Nitschke welcomes productivity expert Donna McGeorge, who introduces the concept of Red Brick Thinking.

Instead of adding more policies, tasks, or meetings, Donna shows us how strategic subtraction; removing what’s unnecessary, can simplify work and boost effectiveness.

She explains how shifting away from “addition bias” helps us focus on what truly matters, both at work and at home. From shorter meetings to giving ourselves permission to stop unproductive tasks, Donna shares practical ways to clear the clutter, create balance, and embrace curiosity about new to...

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In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke dives deep into the critical topic of workplace culture as we approach 2026.

Ally emphasises that culture goes beyond superficial elements like posters and buzzwords; it is about the genuine experiences and emotions of individuals in the workplace. With the backdrop of hybrid work, AI disruption, and a multigenerational workforce, she highlights the importance of cultivating a positive culture as a competitive advantage.

Drawing on her insights, Ally also reflects on her past writing, exploring the relationship between culture...

In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, host Ally Nitschke talks with Dr. Sarah Whyte, an expert in conscious leadership and transformational facilitation.

Sarah shares how she helps leaders cultivate awareness, foster connection, and create meaningful, lasting impact. With over 17 years of experience in leadership development, she unpacks what it truly means to lead consciously; balancing performance with purpose, empathy, and authenticity.

Together, Ally and Sarah explore how conscious leadership transforms teams, strengthens culture, and builds organisations where people can thrive.

Join us for a powerful conversation on leadership, growth, and...

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In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke explores the profound implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on leadership. As discussions about AI permeate boardrooms and conferences, Ali delves into the reality of how AI is reshaping work, communication, and decision-making processes.

Ally emphasises the importance of understanding what AI will change, what it won’t, and how leaders can maintain their human touch in an increasingly automated world.

Ally introduces the concept of AI as a mirror, reflecting both efficiency and inefficiency, and encourages leaders to...

In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, host Ally Nitschke talks with Yamini Naidu, an internationally recognised speaker, author, and expert in storytelling and corporate communication.

Yamini shares her fascinating journey from working as an economist to discovering the power of storytelling as a tool for influence and connection. She reflects on her move to Australia in the 1990s, her love for Melbourne (especially the Hawthorn community), and her experiences navigating corporate life.

A pivotal moment in Yamini’s career came when she discovered “The Leader’s Guide to Storytelling” by Stephen Denning. A book t...

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In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke delves into the crucial topic of trust in leadership, particularly in the context of the evolving landscape influenced by AI.

As a leadership communication expert, Ali emphasises the importance of understanding how AI is reshaping the future of leadership and the workplace. She encourages listeners to download the special report on the future of leadership, which offers insights into leading with purpose and meaning during times of fatigue and change.

Join Ally as she explores the intersection of...

In this episode of The Made For More Podcast, host Ally Nitschke sits down with Sally Foley-Lewis, an award-winning speaker, facilitator, and leadership expert dedicated to empowering middle managers to step up with courage and confidence.

From her humble beginnings in Brisbane to becoming a sought-after voice in professional development, Sally shares her remarkable journey of service, growth, and purpose. She reflects on how her early experiences; from being a girl guide to mentoring others, shaped her mission to help leaders become more capable, connected, and courageous.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding...

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As you reflect on today’s episode, ask yourself:

Because the leaders who can answer “yes” to those questions are the ones who will thrive in the age of AI, ambiguity, and acceleration.

SHOWNOTES

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke explores the impact of generational shifts on leadership in the age of...

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SHOWNOTES

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke delves into the urgent issues of rising burnout and the importance of psychological safety in leadership, especially in the age of AI. Drawing from her personal experiences with burnout, including her struggles at age 26 and again at the end of last year, Ally emphasizes the increasing prevalence of burnout in today’s fast-paced world filled with overwhelming information and constant demands. She reflects on her journey back to well-being and highlights the critical need for le...

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SHOWNOTES

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, we dive into the hybrid paradox, exploring why leaders struggle with trust in flexible workplaces. As hybrid work became mainstream, many believed it offered the perfect balance of flexibility for employees and productivity for businesses. However, a significant disconnect exists: while 87% of employees feel they are working productively in hybrid models, 85% of leaders express a lack of trust in this productivity. We discuss the importance of prioritizing flexibility and connection over mere presence in the office, challenging traditional notions of productivity...

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SHOWNOTES

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ali Nitschke explores the complexities of hybrid and distributed work in the age of AI. As organizations navigate the challenges of creating effective hybrid work environments, Ali delves into the "hybrid paradox," where employees seek flexibility while leaders desire connection. Emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, Ali advocates for a custom-designed leadership model tailored to individual needs rather than a blanket solution for teams or organizations. Join us as we unpack the origins of hybrid work and...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke is joined by Michelle Bowden, a presentation skills expert with over 26 years of experience helping leaders, professionals, and teams communicate with impact.

Michelle shares why presentation skills should be seen as essential "power skills," not just soft skills, and offers practical advice on overcoming nerves, structuring a message for maximum engagement, and connecting authentically with any audience.

From her unique "whites of the eyes" technique for building rapport to common pitfalls like relying on a "thank you" slide, Michelle reveals simple yet powerful...

Hybrid and distributed work are no longer experiments, they’re the new reality. But here’s the challenge: flexibility and connection often pull in opposite directions.

In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, Ally Nitschke breaks down the Hybrid Paradox and what it really takes for leaders to design hybrid teams that thrive. Drawing on real-world examples from tech, professional services, government, and healthcare, Ally shares practical strategies for balancing autonomy with belonging, and flexibility with culture.

If you’ve been struggling with how many days in the office is “enough,” this episode will show you...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just changing how we work. t’s redefining what leadership looks like in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, Ally Nitschke unpacks the three waves of AI; Automation, Augmentation, and Human–AI Collaboration and what they mean for leaders navigating workplaces under pressure. Drawing on real-world case studies from industries like finance, healthcare, and government, Ally shows why technology alone doesn’t guarantee success. Leadership does.

If you’re leading a team, function, or organisation, this episode will help you cut through the hype, understand the hidden...

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke explores the evolving landscape of leadership in the age of AI and beyond.

She examines the fundamental shift from traditional authority-based leadership to adaptability. As workplaces adapt to hybrid models, generational change, and constant disruption, the old command-and-control approach is proving ineffective.

Ally highlights why today’s leaders must embrace collaboration, purpose, and shared ownership to keep pace with rapid information flow and the complexities of modern challenges.

Listeners will discover how cultivating adaptability over authority fosters resilience and empowers teams to thr...

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In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke examines the evolving landscape of leadership in the age of AI.

Drawing on extensive conversations with leaders across finance, health, government, technology, education, and pharmacy, Ally shares insights from her newly released report on the future of leadership.

Originally intended as a white paper, the project expanded into a comprehensive 60-page report, underscoring the critical importance of the people dimension in leadership. The episode also reflects on the strong reception of the report at recent leadership breakfasts, where dema...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke sits down with Andrea Wanerstrand. Andrea is a seasoned leader with a career path as diverse as it is inspiring. From an 18-year run in telecommunications as an IT Program Manager to pivotal roles in HR and organisational effectiveness at industry giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Hitachi, Andrea has built a reputation for creating leadership and coaching programs that empower people and transform teams.

Five years ago, she took a bold leap, leaving corporate America to launch her own venture, A3 Culture Lab, dedicated to...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke dives deep into the often unspoken struggles faced by leaders, particularly women, who appear to be powerhouses on the outside but feel like a hot mess internally.

Ally shares her personal experiences of balancing her roles as a professional speaker, business owner, and mother of four, highlighting the common challenge of maintaining equilibrium between work and home life.

She discusses the "leadership mask" that many high-performing individuals wear, and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the complexities of leadership. Tune in for an authentic...

Leadership isn’t what it used to be. The pace is faster, the pressure is higher, and the path forward isn’t always clear. In this episode of Made For More, leadership and communication expert Ally Nitschke unpacks one of the most powerful tools a modern leader can have: Radical Accountability.

Ally shares her Accountability Code, a simple but game-changing three-step framework designed to help leaders and their teams move from awareness into action, and action into real, measurable results.

She reveals why accountability isn’t about blame or micromanaging, but about creating clarity, consistency, and trust...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke, is joined by burnout expert and author Sally Clarke. Sally shares her remarkable journey, from her upbringing in South Australia to working as a corporate finance lawyer in Europe, and ultimately transitioning to a more meaningful life in Morocco.

The conversation dives deep into the topic of burnout, which Sally experienced firsthand during her time in a high-pressure law firm. She reflects on the pivotal moment she recognised the signs of burnout and the transformative steps she took to recover, including a life-changing move to...

In this insightful episode of the Made For More podcast, Ally Nitschke is joined by the dynamic and creative Joel McKerrow, a renowned Australian poet, speaker, and creative facilitator. Known fondly as the “red-headed poet guy,” Joel brings a unique blend of creativity, depth, and storytelling expertise to the conversation.

Joel shares his remarkable journey from working in youth and social work to becoming a celebrated spoken word poet and keynote speaker. He opens the episode with a compelling poetic introduction that immediately sets the tone for a rich, thought-provoking dialogue.

Throughout the conversation, Joel expl...

Show Notes

Welcome to the Made For More podcast. In this episode, Ally Nitschke shares a recap of her action-packed May, which included extensive travel and client engagements. She also announces some exciting news: her team has been named finalists in five categories for the prestigious ROAR Awards, celebrating excellence in small business across Australia. This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of both her team and her incredible clients.

The core theme of this episode is “the art of being uncomfortable” and why discomfort is essential for leadership growth. Drawing on her unique background, including her ea...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke welcomes the incredibly insightful and engaging Dr. Kristy Goodwin.

Dr. Kristy shares her fascinating journey from being a teacher to becoming a neuro performance scientist, keynote speaker, researcher, and author. Her work focuses on the impact of technology on the brain and body, particularly in today’s digitally demanding world.

During the conversation, Dr. Kristy opens up about her personal experience with burnout during the pandemic, which led to a severe health crisis. This pivotal moment deepened her understanding of how technology and stre...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke is joined by the first guest of 2025, Michelle Ray, an Australian living in Canada with a rich background in the media industry. Michelle has transitioned into leadership and mentorship roles, focusing on empowering young people through her work with a non-profit organisation.

The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of leadership and how the expectations of the workforce have shifted dramatically in recent years. Michelle emphasises the critical role leaders play in shaping the careers of their team members and highlights the importance of being awa...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke speaks with the remarkable Nicole Hatherly, a brand and leadership specialist. The discussion explores the evolution of personal branding, particularly how it has transformed in the digital age. Nicole shares her journey, from her early days in advertising to her current role as a certified professional speaker and brand strategist.

A key highlight of the conversation is Nicole’s assertion that “personal brand is dead” and has been replaced by the concept of a “human brand.” This shift underscores the importance of authenticity and the seamless int...

Shownotes

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, Ally Nitschke delves into the critical topic of transformational leadership and strategy activation. Designed for leaders, executives, and anyone responsible for driving significant change within their organisation, this episode offers valuable insights and practical guidance.

Ally explores the concept of strategy activation teams—pivotal groups that breathe life into strategic plans. Too often, strategic initiatives become mere artefacts, filed away and forgotten. Ally discusses how strategy activation teams can prevent this by transforming dusty documents into tangible, actionable results.

The episode introduces the BLAZE...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke welcomes the incredible Maz Farrelly, a seasoned TV producer turned keynote speaker and trainer. Maz shares her fascinating journey from a unique educational background to a successful career in television across Australia, London, and LA.

The conversation explores Maz’s transition from television to public speaking, where she discovered her passion for helping professionals become more interesting and engaging. She emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace and shares her unique approach to capturing attention with memorable one-liners, such as the unforgettable "I fix...

Leadership Love Languages in the Workplace

With Valentine's Day approaching, love is in the air, and Ally Nitschke’s household is fully embracing the spirit of appreciation. Her children are busy baking heart-shaped cookies for their BFFEs, and her husband surprised her with beautiful native flowers. In their home, celebrating love and appreciation is a cherished tradition.

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, Ally shifts the focus from Valentine's Day to relationships and their impact on daily life—particularly in the workplace. Inspired by Gary Chapman's concept of love languages, she introduces the id...

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, host Ally Nitschke speaks with Charlotte Hillenbrand, an inspiring guest who shares her journey of embracing change and building resilience. Recorded at the end of January 2025, the conversation explores the importance of navigating change, particularly in today’s rapidly evolving world.

Originally from Sweden, Charlotte transitioned from a career in law to becoming an airline pilot, working for Virgin Australia for 12 years. However, the pandemic introduced unexpected challenges, grounding her and leading to a significant personal crisis when a chronic eye infection ended her flying career. This pivotal mome...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke shares her excitement about the return of routine in her household and the opportunity it brings to refocus her energy. She explores the significance of the Lunar New Year, which falls on January 29 in 2025, and how she aligns her personal goal-setting practices with this meaningful celebration.

Ally discusses the Chinese zodiac, highlighting the Year of the Wood Snake, which represents wisdom, intuition, and transformation. She encourages listeners to embrace this time as a perfect opportunity for renewal and intention-setting. Ally also emphasizes the importance of declu...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke takes a deep dive into the critical intersection of leadership and work-life balance—a topic that is both timeless and increasingly relevant in today’s fast-paced world.

Leaders often face the challenge of juggling numerous responsibilities, from managing teams and driving projects to maintaining fulfilling personal lives. Ally reassures listeners that achieving a sustainable work-life balance is not only possible but essential for long-term success.

This episode highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries, defining work hours, and creating dedicated workspaces. Ally explains that boun...

Welcome to the Made for More podcast! In this episode, host Ally Nitschke kicks off 2025 with an inspiring discussion on how to remove friction and find flow in your leadership. After a whirlwind year in 2024, Ally reflects on the importance of fresh beginnings and sustainable habits, encouraging listeners to embrace new opportunities at any time of the year.

Join Ally as she dives into:

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, Ally Nitschke delves into the topic of micromanagement. Sharing insights from various industries she works with, Ally starts with myth-busting around micromanagement. She addresses the fear many leaders have of being labelled as micromanagers and debunks seven common myths. Stay tuned for part two where she will explore the problems with micromanagement.

Holding people accountable is a crucial aspect of effective leadership and management. In the podcast episode, Ally Nitschke emphasises that holding people accountable is not synonymous with micromanaging. She clarifies that setting clear expectations and following...

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Celeste Halliday, a renowned coach, keynote speaker, and facilitator with over 25 years of experience working with leaders and their teams. Celeste shared her journey from running away to London after a challenging personal experience to leading the UK's largest social healthcare provider. This pivotal moment ignited her passion for connection and transforming workplace culture.

We delved into the concept of the loneliness epidemic, as highlighted by Vivek Murthy, and discussed how modern work environments often lead to disconnection despite technological advancements. Celeste...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast Ally Nitschke, communication specialist shares one of her favourite tools of communication, the 'Pre-Frame'.

In this episode Ally shares her thoughts on Leadership procrastination, and what it's really costing you.

To find out more about upcoming events check it out here - www.madeformore.com.au/events

To reach out to Ally directly ally@madeformore.com.au

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In today's episode of the Made for More podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Josephine Palmero, who previously joined us in season five. Josephine, an expert on imposter syndrome, shared invaluable insights into this pervasive issue that affects many high achievers.

Josephine discussed her personal journey with imposter syndrome, detailing her experiences in high-responsibility roles at Telstra and as an academic in organisational psychology. Despite her successes, she often battled feelings of doubt and incompetence, which she later addressed through therapy and her background in psychology.

We delved into the definition of imposter...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke wraps up season five, which focused on Leadership Your Way. She starts by expressing gratitude to her team for making the podcast possible. Ally emphasises the importance of a diverse approach to leadership, highlighting the need for different perspectives and strategies.

Episode 66 introduces a new segment called Ally Speaks, where Ally answers questions and discusses her favourite topics. The episode also serves as an opportunity for Ally to thank her team and acknowledge their contributions to the podcast's success.

Episode 67 features an interview...

In this episode, host Ally Nitschke interviews Mel Kettle who is an expert in leadership and communication. Mel's extensive experience includes working with associations, non-profits, and iconic brands. She is also the host of the podcast Disconnected Life and the author of two books.

Mel shares her background and journey into the communication and leadership space. She recounts her first job counting people on the ski tube in the New South Wales Central Coast, as well as her experience organising conferences and working for the Office of Fair Trading in Queensland. Mel emphasises the importance of understanding...

In this podcast episode, Ally Nitschke and Josephine Palermo delve into the topic of femininity and feminine power in the workplace and leadership roles. Drawing on her expertise as a PhD holder in education and her extensive experience in corporate Australia, Palermo asserts that femininity is not only relevant but serves as the foundation for modern leadership. She argues that recruitment processes should consider not only technical expertise but also relational capabilities, which can be found in both men and women. Palermo emphasises the importance of creating a work environment and culture that fosters collaboration and allows individuals to...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke shares her personal journey with goal setting and how it has helped her both as a professional ballet dancer and in the boardroom. She emphasises the importance of having goals in life as it provides direction, focus, and a sense of purpose. Ally also shares her own goal of running the City to Bay, a 12-kilometre run, and how the journey towards achieving it was more rewarding than the result itself.

Ally then discusses popular goal setting methods and methodologies that can help people set...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally dives deep into the topic of boundaries. After delivering a keynote on the subject at a women's conference, she received numerous requests for more information on the topic. Ally explains why boundaries are essential for maintaining mental health and warding off burnout, and offers practical tips for setting them.

Ally emphasises that boundaries should be based on personal needs and issues rather than merely following what others are doing. She also discusses how childhood conditioning can impact our ability to set boundaries and recommends flexing one's...

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, I will discuss my recently released book, Rise of the Courageous Leader. I will introduce the three pillars of leadership: self-awareness, team awareness, and organizational awareness and start reading through the book to give listeners a sneak peek of what it is about. I will also share my own experiences with leadership, including how I had to learn to use my words to have courageous conversations with my team in order to turn around a toxic work environment.

I will emphasise the need for leaders to have conviction...

What does it take to become a servant leader? What about courage - is it an essential part of modern leadership?

In this episode, I got to interview Sarah Morse, a professional speaker, healthcare professional, and former (NSW) Young Australian of the Year. Sarah draws on 20 years as a nurse and humanitarian to bring a uniquely global and human perspective to the way humans think, work, and behave. What I absolutely enjoyed about this conversation was Sarah’s passion for servant and courageous leadership. Through her personal experience of burnout, Sarah believes that empowering people to thrive in...

Do you ever take time to reflect? When was the last time you made time to reflect on your life, celebrate wins, and assess your current situation? 

Today’s episode will be a little different from the leadership broadcasting we normally have. Instead, we’ll cover the benefits of creating time to reflect and celebrate life. Expect to learn the benefits of making time for reflection, how to make time for reflection, what to reflect on, the eight buckets in the Made for More success wheel, and much more!

What You’ll Learn:

Leadership means many things in academia. The good news is that with all the changes happening in the world, it’s an exciting time to be in higher education. The not-so-good news is that leadership in academia poses ethical and structural challenges that require a special set of capabilities.

In this episode, I got to interview Professor Jennie Shaw, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President of Academics at The University of Adelaide. I had an absolute blast speaking with Professor Shaw about her unique takes on leadership in the world of academia. 

Tune in to learn mor...

Want to become a super successful leader that the entire team adores? Here’s a little secret: you need influence, not authority. 

In this episode, we discuss the power of influence and how leaders can impact organisational results by changing behaviours and inspiring others to take action. Expect to learn what you can do to become a more influential leader and why you must understand that influence is not about compliance or getting people to do exactly what you want them to do.  

Topics We Discussed Include:

What is it like leading teams in government agencies?

How different is it from leading teams in private organizations like Microsoft? 

In this episode, I got to interview Dr. Eva Balan-Vnuk, the Chief Information Officer at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Government of South Australia. Eva is a senior business & thought leader with experience in senior roles such as State Director for Microsoft. I met Eva at a conference in 2022 and was absolutely blown away by her leadership journey.

Tune in to learn more about what it's like working for the g...

Are you a young leader? Do you think you’re worthy of respect? Gone are the days when leaders automatically received respect due to their titles. Today’s teams demand a new type of leader; the type worthy of their respect, regardless of age. 

In this episode, I interviewed Renee Draper, the Chief People Officer of Peregrine Corporation. Renee has a long history of leading large teams in highly strategic but practical workplaces where people, service, and positive experiences are at the heart of everything they do. I absolutely loved Renee’s passion for creating a workplace where p...

What was your first month in leadership like? If you’re like most people, you probably weren’t good at it. I know I wasn’t, but my experience doesn’t come close to what today’s guest experienced. In just his first month as a leader, 15 volunteers quit. Imagine that! 

In this episode, I got to interview Clifford Morgan, a former member of the Royal Australian Air Force and now the Director and Principal of Lumian Consulting - a firm helping leaders and organizations unlock their potential and performance. What I absolutely loved about this conversation was Cliffor...

Why do professional athletes make the best leaders and entrepreneurs? Which unique qualities among successful athletes can translate into the business world? 

In this episode, I got to interview Karen Brown, an award-winning pharmacist, entrepreneur, and Founder of Batch Tested - a company on a mission to ensure no athlete returns a positive drug test due to a contaminated supplement or nutritional product. What I absolutely loved about Karen is her ability to wear many hats - Pharmacist, Pharmacy Owner, Founder, Director, Leader, Speaker and most proudly wife and mum.

Tune in to hear Karen d...

The Made For More Podcast is now in Season 5. What started as a fun thing to do during Covid is now an incredible journey of empowering leaders to embrace their unique leadership style and unlock their true potential.

Season 5, titled Leadership Your Way, will explore diverse leadership approaches and the transformative impact effective leadership can have on individuals, teams, and the organization. Throughout this series, we’ll break down captivating leadership styles that have made a massive dent in the world. We’ll also unravel remarkable stories of leaders who have defied conventions and demonstrated that there’s no s...

With PR, Public Relations, and communications evolving all the time, the myth that PR is only for companies and media related should be shaken off. Think about who is your public? your customers, employees, business associates, suppliers, government, the community, including those who hate your business. Without PR, businesses are sure to be left behind as it revolves around influencing or informing someone about something or anything that is of interest to you. How you define public defines how PR is conducted. Thus, leaving PR only for the companies could be a grave mistake on your part.

...

If you find it daunting to work your way through data, you are not alone. Data is a reality, both at work and home, but often people find it challenging to navigate through data to make an informed decision.

Now more than ever, understanding data is a skill that all leaders need to use, manage and recognise what story the data is telling and make informed decisions based on that evidence.

It's important to recognise that data-driven and data-informed are two different things. While the former focuses only on numbers and excludes the human side...

With a desire to be successful and achieve high performance, people often throw themselves into work to the extent that you are completely exhausted by the end of week; working for 60, 70 hours and you don’t have time to take a much-deserved break. And to add on you have the imposter syndrome which makes you feel that you do not deserve to be where you are positioned and then feel the pressure to do well to justify the position you are in.

In reality, this culture of wanting to do the best; your pursuit for brilliance could be...

Institutions and organisations plan and set targets but they need the support of the team and the stakeholders to be materialised. This is where the role of a leader becomes strategic as he/she needs to get the team to see that vision and get them on board.

The inclusion of people’s idea into that plan and being able to provide value to the members are critical. This process can be accelerated by making investment in people; getting to know people outside your normal circle, by taking interest in their stories and building networks. This allows fo...

Goal setting is a common personal and professional phenomenon. One of the most common time to set a goal is at the new year. We hear of our friends, family and colleagues setting goals for the year which can be as simple as improving your sleeping habits to securing a promotion. But what is even more common is not following it through; many-a-times the goals remain as goals.

Right from the school days we have heard of SMART goals. So, is it that your goals were not SMART enough that you could not follow through? May be...

As a leader, if you have the inclination to make sure everything is on track either through monitoring your team or getting things done by yourself, you are not alone; every leader experiences the urge to do the tasks yourself as that could be quicker and match your expected standard. This leaves the leaders with lesser time to focus on the strategy level of the business. And sadly, this is where the strategic role of the leader is required.

To be able to cater to the strategic needs of the business, as a leader, one needs to...

The trend around the globe is indicative of lesser women in the leadership role as they view themselves to be unlikely, to be a leader. This is because, most often then not, people stick around the narrow theories and models of leadership that outline the necessity to possess certain traits to be a leader when, in reality, everyone has the leadership ability. It is just a matter of activation.

Women are too conscious of the burden of leadership and undermine the benefit they can bring to themselves and their community through their leadership. As a woman, do...

Each of us is limitless, and self-leadership is where it begins. You can't lead others until you know who you are and what you stand for. As a leader, it is essential to energise mindset, accelerate communication, collaboration, and leadership to lift performance and culture. You should be self-aware and have a clear goal for the adaptive leadership mindset where leaders do the things that really matter & create future leaders.

There are skills that you need to have to lead and live a life of purpose, connection and contribution. Empathy is an essential skill, which allows us...

Office politics exist in virtually all organisations in the world. They often get a bad rep because, more often than not, people use them to push their agendas or grow their power and influence. But what are they, and what's their role in today's office environment? First, workplace politics are defined as the complex social structure of a workplace. They involve team members using their powers, authority, and delegation to push personal agendas.

The thing you need to understand here is that workplace politics can be difficult to navigate. And while they have their flaws, y...

This International Womens Day is time to #breakthebias

March 8th is recognized as International Women's Day; a day set aside to celebrate the achievements and awesomeness of women all over the world. At the time of recording this episode, which was actually on March 8th, I thought we'd do something different. In keeping with this year's theme, #BreaktheBias, it's time for leaders to speak up about bias in and out of the workplace and proactively work towards building a more inclusive work environment. 

Unfortunately, it may not be noticeable to many of us how gender b...

Did you know that we are somehow in the middle of a mental health epidemic? Yes, anxiety, depression, and mental health-related issues are steadily rising, particularly among young people. That said, why aren’t we doing anything about it? We all know the immeasurable benefits of being mentally healthy, yet our only focus is on treating instead of preventing mental health-related issues. 

The importance of mental health and well-being continues to grow. But people are still not sure about the subject, and a lot of stereotypes and myths still exist. It is therefore important that leaders be awa...

Have you thought about using or experiencing outdoor adventure to shift how you view yourself, your team, and your leadership in general? Many leaders do not recognize the importance of outdoor adventures. They don’t get out of four walls which restrict them from reflecting on themselves, thinking creatively, and building connections.

Getting back to work after a pandemic and lockdown is challenging for any leader. To cope with a new situation and survive it without becoming burned out, you need to do certain things.

People are productive (creative and active) at different times of th...

The Benefits of Being a Generalists in the

Current Business Environment

Generalists are people who choose to focus their time and resources on learning about a wide range of topics. Most leaders in today’s world are generalists. They perform multiple tasks, sometimes across departments, and understand all the moving parts of an organization. Unfortunately, the current business environment places more emphasis on specialising that we’ve forgotten the value of being a generalist. 

Of course, the world needs specialists, and there’s nothing wrong with having an area of focus. However, people should...

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Most people are familiar with constructive feedback, but when you are a leader and when you are providing feedback, it's not always about constructive feedback, but also good feedback.

The emotional bank account: the money that comes in is like good feedback, and the money that goes out is constructive feedback. To make sure we have money available when the time comes to withdraw, we have to put money into the bank account.

One constructive feedback is equal to five good feedbacks.

Constructive feedback comes as a surprise and disrupts the relationship, so...

We live in a digital-centric world where we've, unfortunately, lost the art of effective communication. Today's communication channels have become increasingly volatile, uncertain, and complex, making it harder to collaborate and improve problem-solving within organisations. The pandemic certainly hasn't helped much either, but that doesn't negate the fact that effective communication is still one of the most crucial aspects of business success. 

As a leader, your ability to convey your message with meaning and purpose is extremely crucial in the workplace. Whether you're trying to communicate with a co-worker, the CEO, or an associate, you ca...

Successful parenting is tricky. The kids don't come with a 'manual,' and the guides we find online do not guarantee quick fixes because, let’s face it, every child is different. So, how do some parents make parenting look so easy while others struggle? In fact, the question should be, what defines a truly successful family? 

First, success is subjective, and your definition of success might not necessarily match the next person's definition. However, some things remain constant among parents, and that's raising happy and contented kids who mature into responsible, hardworking, and caring individuals.

Y...

10 or 20 years ago, the role of CFOs in the corporate world was pretty straightforward. They kept books and records for their companies, did financial reporting, and maintained statutory compliance. Interestingly, CFOs operated behind the scenes and made company decisions sorely based on budgetary reasons; all the other strategy implementation and decision-making were left to the rest of the C-Suite executives. But in today’s world, that’s no longer the case. 

Gone are the days when CFOs only had technical skills that revolved around financial reporting, compliance, and audits. The CFO of today plays a key ro...

Have you ever noticed that your thoughts, to some extent, affect how you behave? Like, for the most part, thoughts lead to actions, and not the other way round. For example, if you believe you’re going to have a great, productive day, chances are, you will have a good day. This fundamental truth is one of the reasons why mindset is so important. Unfortunately, our minds often prove difficult to manage. Although our thoughts can be a source of happiness and positivity, the mind somehow enjoys reminding us of our anxieties, failures, and limitations.

Lea...

Critical Steps for Sustainable Change Management and Long-Term Adoption

Change management is arguably one of the most critical factors that guarantee business success in today's rapidly changing world. However, managing change is tough. And postponing change can be detrimental to future success. Companies that fail to adapt and grab growth opportunities are most likely to be outcompeted by flexible competitors. Interestingly, part of the problem is that most organisations don't know what to aim for. Transformation initiatives lack intent such that five executives spearheading change in the same organisation will give you five different answers when asked...

Mindful leadership is important now more than ever. Not because of our current complex and fast-paced way of living, but because mindful leadership is way more effective. Think about it this way, why do so many people believe that they can get more done if they switch to autopilot and get through the day in a somewhat scripted routine? Mind you; we're not against following a routine. But an unchallenged overreliance on patterns can be detrimental to an organisation. This is because disengagement leads to missed opportunities and mistakes. Moreover, it can be dangerous to get too comfortable and...

With most organisations preaching gender equality in the workplace, women continue to be under-represented. The reality is that, for aspiring women leaders, being hard-working, smart, and savvy isn't enough. Sadly, the situation worsens when it comes to entrepreneurship. 

When a woman plans to open up a business, naysayers often predict that the business is doomed to fail. That type of thinking is untrue and only promotes negative stereotypes. However, for women, starting a business still comes with its fair share of difficulties. For example, female entrepreneurs often lack access to capital and exhibit different mindset co...

What does it take to be an entrepreneur? Is it a solid idea for a new product or a strong business plan to back it up? Yes, both these things play a part in the initial stages of entrepreneurship. But, for a new entrepreneurial venture to achieve long-term success, the entrepreneur must have the leadership qualities necessary to transform that vision into reality.

It’s no secret that you can’t grow a business without employees. Yet, most business owners focus their attention on everything except leading their teams and forget that employees don’t see the...

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke welcomes Coach G, also known as George Moustakas, a personal trainer at EFM Health Clubs.

Coach G shares his journey into the fitness industry, which began at the age of 18 when he sought an alternative to the corporate desk job he feared.

Reflecting on his early career, he discusses the rigorous training required to become a personal trainer in the early 2000s and how he found his niche in small group training at EFM. Tune in to hear more about Coach G's experiences...

Are you in your 20s with dreams of launching and scaling a business? Are you worried about your chances of success? You’re not alone. Most people will argue that you’re too young and lack professional experience. Some will further highlight that you’re not mature enough to handle the responsibility of owning and operating a business. That may be true, but don’t let the naysayers dissuade you from becoming an entrepreneur. After all, the only way to achieve your goals is through trial and error. Just do what you have to do to get it done, no matte...

www.madeformore.com.au/30

In an industry that runs 24/7, 365 days a year, mining never stops.

The work is hard and hazardous, while the working conditions are among the most unfriendly of any occupation.

Furthermore, the typical miner earns good wages and is also forced by circumstances to work longer hours, live away from family, and operate in extremely dangerous or remote environments.

All this, coupled with the notion that miners must not show any signs of weakness, means that the industry is flooding with people experiencing mental health issues. 

According to the Hunter Institute of M...

Every generation has its own struggles. The sad reality is that older generations often struggle to understand and relate to the issues plaguing today's young adults and soon-to-be adults. Additionally, these problems are completely different from how it was a decade ago. Of course, they may differ depending on who you ask, but it's clear that something needs to be done.

The rise in social media use has also contributed to a change in how our young generations learn, consume information and interact with each other. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is different. Thus...

Not many industries are as people-intensive as the retail industry. Even with the pandemic giving birth to contact-less transactions, there is still constant interaction between the store manager, store employees, and the customers. 

Leaders in the retail space were already being seriously challenged before the pandemic hit. The sector experienced a period of unprecedented change and transformation that required a shift from the traditional brick and mortar environment.

With that, managers need to develop leadership skills that will be tested as they navigate a new reality of cleaning, lower foot traffic, and employees needing more r...

To succeed in today’s highly competitive business world, you need to be flexible and have exceptional planning and organizational skills. Unfortunately, many people start a business thinking that they’ll instantly be successful, only to find that running a business is much more than putting in the hours. The dedication, creativity, and even luck required to make a business successful can demoralize even the most inspired entrepreneurs. 

 If starting one business is all that, what happens when someone juggles one, two, or even three businesses? When you add another venture into the mix, you’re not doubling...

Breaking a bone or experiencing a severe cold can make life a little unbearable. Fortunately, a doctor's appointment later, you're practically good to go. However, with spiritual matters, it gets a little complicated than that. Firstly, most of us don't even acknowledge that we're hurting, which makes seeking help even harder. This is mostly because spiritual and mental health issues are often shamed and ridiculed. 

Deep down, we all know we aren't immune to life's lemons. Thus, whenever unforeseen things happen, our weaknesses are usually compromised, making us vulnerable. Vulnerability generates fear, which is why mo...

Every year, we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and Self-Care Day, yet it takes tragedies before people can talk about mental health.

Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health issues means that millions of people worldwide suffer in silence due to the fear of being shamed.

The pandemic might have highlighted the need to have meaningful discussions about mental health, but there is still more to be done.

With this in mind, leaders need to adopt a new leadership style where they embrace vulnerability and create safe spaces where team members can be open...

Have you ever asked yourself what the more successful companies do differently that makes them so successful? Is it their market understanding, their customer focus, or maybe a visionary growth strategy?

Yes, all these factors can play a part in a company’s fortunes, but one thing makes all the difference. We know that they don’t develop innovative ideas by a stroke of good luck because luck is not guaranteed. 

The one thing that makes them win consistently and attract the best talent is cultivating a culture of innovation. They build frameworks within their teams...

Today's guest joins me to discuss using Empathy in the workplace.

Madhavi Parker, Managing Director of Positive Minds Australia, psychologist, multi-published author, and all round incredible person; discusses the importance of empathy, how to practice empathy, and what it actually means to show empathy to others.

Empathy is a necessary skill in today's environment. whether you're a leader of people, leading a business, or even your family. Being able to show empathy to others is the quickest way to diffuse conflict, and connect with others.

You can check out the details of the...

And we're back for a cracking 2021.

After a successful season 1 and launch of the Made For More podcast, we're giving you more of what you asked for.

Don't forget to subscribe so you're updated each week with new episodes on Courage Building, and of course guest interviews with some of the best in the business from around the globe.

As always, reach out to podcast@madeformore.com.au to be featured or submit your question for our Q&A episode.

If you want to check out and listen to past episodes...

In a world full of anxiety and stress, leaders are increasingly short of options for boosting work engagement. The interesting part, however, is that these leaders are ignoring one of the most underutilized and undervalued tools to boost office engagement- humor. As a stress buster, most psychologists believe that humor is the opposite of stress. An important thing to note is that humor is not primarily used as an office stress reliever but as an engagement tool.  

Using your sense of humor is not all about telling jokes; it’s about saying the right words at the righ...

In an already uniquely stressful year, many people are trying to redefine the word normal to fit their current situations. Although some people find themselves struggling with their emotions and channeling their energy to more meaningful objectives, others are already creating opportunities for themselves. 

The fact of the matter is that not everybody can be great, but everybody can make an impact. That idea that everybody thinks is crazy has every chance of being the next big thing. It doesn’t matter what people say, and it also doesn’t matter what times we’re in; all that ma...

Moving, on its own, is a daunting task. Moving because of work takes the stress and doubles it. However, moving to another continent is a whole different ball game altogether. So, when Noa Ronen moved from Israel to the U.S, she thought things would remain the same. Little did she know that adapting to a different culture and professional atmosphere would not be as easy as she had imagined.

Other than the physically tiring activities associated with moving, most people overlook the psychological stress of moving. 

Once you decide to mov...

From growing up in a circus, to building a multi million dollar property portfolio, some jail time and now training for an ultramarathon. Today’s interview with Oliver jackson is the stuff of movie. 

With more than two-thirds of ex-felons getting rearrested within the first two years of being free,  the probability of an ex-con becoming a successful entrepreneur? Well, not high. When the going got tough, Oliver got focused on what he did want. Society has been known to frown upon ex-offenders with the assumption that they haven’t been rehabilitated enough. With limited options, they are le...