Our latest episode takes you through the intricate dance of business leadership, where tough choices aren't just a possibility—they're a certainty. Inspired by a friend's remarkable ability to navigate these waters, I'll share how I've been molded by their blend of steely resolve and heart-forward leadership.Then, we steer toward the horizon where integrity is the lighthouse for every leader's journey. It's not just about the choices that keep the ship afloat today, but the ones t...

In this episode, we navigate the  challenges new leaders face in today’s dynamic  landscape.  I'll share my insights to consider when stepping up from individual contributor to a leadership role.   Are you ready to become the leader your team not only respects but is inspired by? We'll discuss the nuances of trust-based relationships and the fine balance between being respected and liked.  Every aspiring leader will find some helpful tips in this episode. Please subscribe so you don't miss...

Ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an auditor as they traverse the complexities of field audits? This episode of the Growth Project is your backstage pass to the auditor's world, as we dissect the crucial roles these professionals play in maintaining the lifelines of safety, quality, and environmental standards within any buzzing organization. We're pulling back the curtain on the attitudes and approaches that define a successful audit, from the pre-audit tango of benchmarks and...

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of a career shift, feeling both anticipation and trepidation about the path ahead? Fiona Leishman joins me to share her transformative journey from compliance manager to operations manager, offering a unique window into the growth and camaraderie that propels our small business. We promise an insightful discussion that will challenge your views on leadership, personal growth, and the power of a dynamic work environment. Discover the intricacies of an...

What a year that was!  We’ve published 19 episodes in our first year, reached 27 countries and covered crucial topics for emerging leaders.   From the art of maintaining composure in heated conversations, armed with brain science tactics and practical emotive management tools, to the crucial steps of conducting repair conversations post-conflict, we've covered ground that's vital for every leader, especially in the hands-on world of blue-collar industries.    And let's not forget the...

Imagine if you had the power to transform difficult conversations into growth opportunities? Kwame Christian, founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, joins us in this enlightening episode to reveal just how to do that. With his background as a business lawyer and negotiation consultant, Kwame draws on his rich experiences to offer practical advice on navigating challenging dialogues, the importance of vulnerability, and personal growth. Our conversation takes an insightful...

In this episode, we delve into what it means to be on the receiving end of an audit and how open communication, transparency and consistency in the process can impact the experience and outcomes. First, we discuss the importance of a transparent auditing process. As a worker, understanding the criteria and methods used by auditors can demystify the process, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of fairness.  For workers, consistent auditing standards and practices across different teams or job...

Welcome to the first ever offshoot, "Curiosity Corner" episode!  I'll be doing these from time to time, just a light hearted exploration of hobbies, topics and other things I find interesting. Ever wish you had the inside scoop on whiskey, its unique flavour profiles, and the artistry behind creating a memorable whisky experience?  Your wish is our command! In a special episode from the cozy confines of the Wobbly Wombat, an actual home pub, we join our host and whisky aficionado, John...

Our podcast episode today offers an eye-opening discussion about mental health in the workplace. We have the pleasure to converse with Tersia Woodenberg, a seasoned professional in the field of training, education and holistic counselling.  Tersia takes us on an inspiring journey through her personal struggles with mental health, underlining the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership roles. How do we maintain a professional standard while grappling with emotional...

How would you feel if you could unlock a treasure trove of creativity, unique perspectives, and untapped potential in your team? Get ready to discover the power of neurodiversity in the workplace. In this episode, we unravel the complexities of supporting neurodivergent team members, highlighting the intricacies of ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Tune in as we offer key insights into recognizing these traits and implementing strategies to ensure your team not only survives but thrives. Imagine a...

Can leadership principles buffer the blow of financial stress in the workplace? That's a thought-provoking question we are set to interrogate in this engaging episode. We kick off the conversation with an exploration of Australian entrepreneur Tim Gurner's controversial comments on economic pain and unemployment rates, hinting at the need for a reset in the employment landscape.   In this episode, we highlight the power of words in shaping public opinion and their influence on...

Imagine if conflict wasn't a negative force at your workplace, but a catalyst for innovation and better decision making?  That's right, this episode will upend everything you think you know about conflict.  We'll look at its triggers, delve into how it manifests in the workplace, and refute common misconceptions.   We'll also explore the toll it can take on emotions, leading to stress and burnout, and discuss ways to handle these challenges.  This is not about winning or losing, but about...

Ever wondered why your feedback isn't producing the results you anticipate, or why team morale takes a hit every time you offer a critique?  Fret not, as this episode promises to illuminate the path to mastering the art of effective feedback. We dissect the notorious feedback sandwich model in all its glory and fallacy, shedding light on its benefits and potential pitfalls. As we move forward, we journey into the world of the Situation-Behavior-Impact feedback model, a change of course...

Have you ever felt caught in the gray areas of employment law?  Are you unsure how to tackle performance management effectively?  Join me as I sit down with Natasha Hannah, an experienced employment lawyer and HR specialist, to navigate these uncharted waters.  Natasha brings a unique 'less lawyer, more human' approach from her journey of starting her own law firm, with invaluable insights from working in both private practice and in-house. We unravel the importance of understanding...

As someone who's known Chad Murdoch for more than two decades - I can say with certainty - Chad's wisdom on leadership and relationship building, has been of great benefit to me.  This episode is a testament to that.  We took a deep dive into leadership and business ownership challenges, how to build trust, and the importance of emotional intelligence.   We shared stories, laughed, and at times got serious discussing the tough times and how those experiences shaped us.  Ever wondered how to...

Ever felt that knot in your stomach knowing you have to face a difficult conversation? Don't worry, we've all been there - but there's a way to navigate these murky waters without sinking your relationships.  On this episode of The Growth Project, we look into the art of managing tricky discussions, specifically focusing on how the simple yet powerful 'I' statements can keep conversational detours at bay. We break down the anatomy of an 'I' statement, offering a practical tool that can...

On this episode, I answer a few questions sent through via email. I’ll continue with Q&A episodes occasionally as questions come through, please feel free to email me at [email protected] Please subscribe so you don't miss anything, and share the podcast to anyone you think would benefit from tuning in! www.growthproject.com.au Contact: [email protected]

The demands of leadership can be overwhelming, and mismanaged stress can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and impaired decision-making.   Leaders who can manage their stress and energy effectively are better equipped to handle challenging situations, maintain their focus and clarity, and make sound decisions that benefit their teams and businesses. Additionally, leaders who model healthy stress management behaviors can positively impact the well-being of their teams and create a...

Today I explore the concept of rupture and repair, and how embracing accountability offers opportunities for growth and deeper connections. I talk about the positive impact of effective conflict resolution skills and the ability to repair ruptured relationships in fostering collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect.  As a leader, you need to embrace and utilise tools for building trust, fostering a growth mindset, demonstrating integrity, encouraging open communication,...

Conflict is a common occurrence in both personal and work life, and it can easily escalate when individuals lose their cool.   Keeping a level head during conflict is essential for effective communication and finding a solution that works for all parties involved, but it is difficult. When individuals can regulate their emotions during conflict, they can better understand the issues at hand, communicate more effectively, and work towards resolving the conflict in a positive and productive...

Today I speak with Nichole Myles, an expert in the field of trauma, resilience and psychology.  Nichole has a Masters in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and is certified in trauma and resilience, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and non-profit management. Trauma has a profound impact on our lives, and we all have and will experience trauma in varied forms. In this episode, we'll be looking at ways in which trauma can affect workplace cultures and experiences,...

John Granat is a Technical Training Manager and workplace coach & mentor.  I talk with John about the importance and skill of checking in with colleagues and loved ones.  This topic is vitally important in providing empathetic leadership, building trust and forming closer working relationships. The RUOK website contains lots of excellent resources and information, please visit https://www.ruok.org.au/ to find out more. Please subscribe so you don't miss anything, and share the podcast to...

Today I'm introducing what I believe are the 5 foundations of leadership.  The misconception that concepts like this are only for corporate environments is widespread, I'm looking to dismantle this believe, and I offer my thoughts on how this may apply to small business and blue collar environments. I highly recommend checking out "The Leading Edge" by Holly Ransom - link below: https://hollyransom.com/learning-hub/the-leading-edge/ Please subscribe so you don't miss anything, and share the...

Welcome to The Growth Project I’ll be talking to people who've had direct impact on my own growth, mentors and colleagues, trying to have some fun and a laugh in the process, but no doubt going deep down into some interesting rabbit holes. The aim is to upload content fortnightly, but I do run a busy small business so whilst the uploads might not always be uploaded on certain days and may be delayed, I’ll always be working on some new content. Thanks for taking the time to check this...