I’m going to say it: I’m sick of International Women's Day. Now, don’t get me wrong - I believe in what it stands for. I’m ferociously passionate about empowering and bettering the lives of the women in my community.

However, International Women’s Day, in my opinion, has become a predictable parade of pink cupcakes, corporate panels and unpaid speaking requests. While the day's core mission of empowering women remains crucial, the annual flood of hashtags and feel-good messages isn't creating the systemic change we desperately need.

Today, I’m talking about how real progress demands action, not just awareness. This means actively calling out injustice, voting for policies that prioritise women's rights and most importantly, fighting for our most vulnerable sisters.

So join me as we explore breaking free from superficial gestures and using our voices to demand change that builds a new, inclusive foundation for every woman and girl.

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au

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It’s time to talk about the 3 Deadly S’s: Shiny Stuffy Syndrome. Affecting many of us who thrive on innovation and creativity, you’ve likely felt its pull. It's that magnetic attraction to the latest trends and ideas—especially the ones that promise transformative results—which, unfortunately, often derail us from our main objectives.

It can be driven by seeing fresh strategies on your social feeds or noticing your competitors' latest moves and feeling compelled to try them all. Projects are left unfinished, business goals become misaligned, resources are wasted. Worst of all, it can lead to stagnation, leaving you and your business spinning.

So how do we overcome it? Luckily, there's a path back to focus—a method of maintaining sustained, purposeful progress. The key lies in four essential strategies:

1. Pause
2. Communicate
3. Measure
4. Quit

Breaking free from Shiny Stuff Syndrome is more than just overcoming distractions; it's an intentional shift in focus. It’s honing your selective attention to ensure those tempting but divergent paths don't veer you off course.

Adopting this mindset might just lead you toward a more resilient, successful business. So, keep bright, hold your gaze on the prize and may your focus be less on the shiny and more on the brilliance of clear purpose!

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au

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The Focus Finder Assessment

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In a world that often tries to put us neatly into boxes, daring to stand out and be true to ourselves can feel daunting. Many of us, at some point, have struggled with the fear of being too much or too little for this world. But what if we stopped shrinking ourselves to fit into spaces that were never designed for our brilliance? What if we dared to redefine inclusivity and self-worth on our own terms?

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Emmagness Ruzvidzo, a powerhouse in brand strategy and a beacon of inspiration. Emmagness, the CEO of VAKA Consulting, has spent over fifteen years perfecting the art of strategic brand management, and she's made waves in the world of inclusive branding.

When you hear her name, you might also think of accolades like Queensland's 40 Under 40 or the Wonderful Women of Waterford award. But what stands out most to me is Emmagness’s steadfast dedication to promoting authentic leadership and impactful inclusion. She firmly believes that to achieve personal and professional growth, we must stop shrinking ourselves to make others comfortable. Her journey from Zimbabwe to Australia encapsulates stories of resilience and triumph, making her insights truly invaluable.

The conversation with Emmagness opened up a realm of reflection about how we define inclusivity and self-worth. She emphasised that embracing our identity and maintaining curiosity about real inclusivity are vital, not just for personal success, but also for brands keen on making a lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of self-worth and embracing your identity
• Challenging societal norms and why we should stop shrinking to fit
• The impact of inclusive brand strategies
• The value in personal branding for migrants
• Navigating cultural transitions and the psychological impacts of moving countries
• Embracing change through coaching
• Roles of brands in shaping diverse perspectives
• The best approach for having conversations around inclusivity
• How to foster curiosity and challenge unconscious bias

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au

Connect with Emmagness:

Website: https://vaka.com.au/meet-emmagness/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmagness

Connect with Janine:

Elevate with Janine

The Focus Finder Assessment

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to our Elevate Mastermind

Elevate Mastermind