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.

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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!

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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

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Connect with Emmagness:

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

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

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In this episode, we explore the proven framework for transforming your business into a referral-generating machine. This episode highlights eight strategic steps that successful businesses use to create a sustainable flow of quality leads and valuable referrals. From crafting exceptional customer experiences to implementing effective follow-up systems, we break down exactly what you need to do to build a thriving referral network.

Learn how to create memorable customer experiences that naturally lead to referrals, build authentic relationships that stand the test of time, and implement a referral program that turns satisfied clients into passionate advocates.

We explore practical strategies for leveraging testimonials, maintaining top-of-mind awareness, and mastering the art of follow-up. Plus, discover why gratitude isn't just good manners – it's a powerful business strategy that can transform one-time referrals into a consistent stream of opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• How to map and optimise every touchpoint in your customer journey

• The art of asking for referrals without feeling awkward

• Creating a referral program that incentivises and rewards loyalty

• The importance of prompt follow-up and maintaining communication

• Practical ways to show gratitude and maintain long-term referral relationships

• Tips for leveraging social proof through testimonials and case studies

• Strategies for staying top-of-mind with your network

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Struggling to turn promising leads into solid sales? You’re not alone.

I recently sat down with my inner circle community to discuss this problem and our conclusion was clear. Whether you’re running a million dollar business, or pitching your very first offer, we’re all struggling with the same roadblocks.

Clients ghost you, decision times get dragged out, budgets are ever changing  and despite your best efforts, you're left wondering “ what am I doing wrong?”

Today I’m going to answer that question and share three key steps you can take to get the results you’re after.

Delivering Value

Too often, we make assumptions about our client's challenges. What if instead, you walked into that meeting with a crystal-clear understanding of their immediate struggles?

Prepare by considering what keeps them up at night. Reflect on conversations you've had, and come into the meeting ready to engage with their concerns.

Delivering Results

This is where your mastery — your "magic pills" — comes into play. These aren't elaborate schemes, but rather the small, effective tools you wield instinctively. Whatever they looks like for you, these quick wins not only showcase your value but also instil confidence in your potential partners.

Delivering Confidence

Finally, we must empower our clients. Many clients are hesitant, questioning their decision-making capabilities or their ability to implement solutions. Your job is to replace doubt with confidence, showing them the path forward. Share relevant success stories, but make it personal. Show them, "Here’s what we can achieve for you."

Remember, these aren’t just “sales tactics”. By delivering value, results, and confidence, you transform from being just another salesperson to a trusted partner in your client's success.

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It’s time to debunk one of the biggest myths of modern life: we should all be striving for work-life balance.

You might be curious as to how I could pooh-pooh such a sensationalised idea. Yes, work-life balance is a concept that’s been held up high, glittering as the ultimate key to happiness. It promises a neat, tidy split between work and life.

But let me ask you something—when was the last time life felt genuinely balanced? If you're anything like me—or indeed like anyone living in the whirlwind that is the 21st century—it probably hasn't felt balanced at all. But here's the kicker: that's not due to your failure. It's because balance is a myth.

Let’s unpack why this idea of balance isn’t as effective as it seems, explore why chasing it leaves us weary and frustrated and—most importantly—discuss what we can do instead.

We’ll discuss finding integration rather than balance, getting clear on which tasks to prioritise and practical steps towards living with intention.

I implore you to be kind to yourself. Remember, life isn’t about perfectly balancing every facet. It’s about aligning your work and life with intention, cherishing what matters and honouring your unique rhythm.

So go ahead and take a moment today to embrace intentional living, designing it in a way that aligns with who you are and what you value most.

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In a world where perfection is often prized above all, stepping away from this relentless pursuit can feel daunting.

As professionals, we frequently don a suit of polished excellence, striving to meet the myriad expectations placed upon us. But what if I told you that imperfection could be your greatest asset?

This idea is at the heart of my recent conversation with Louise Gibson, a beacon of imperfect leadership and the founder of With Verve. Her deeply personal journey has inspired many to rethink what it means to lead genuinely and effectively in today's world.

A former corporate executive navigating the demands of a high-stakes career and family life, Louise faced a life-altering moment that made her reconsider everything. Imagine receiving a call that your child is in the ER, while you're on the other side of the country.

For Louise, this moment was a catalyst for redefining her own approach to leadership—showing her that striving to be everything to everyone was untenable. She realised that her pursuit of perfection was more of a hindrance than a help. She now helps purpose-led leaders embrace their imperfections and lead with truth, connection and authenticity.

Through our conversation, Louise unearths three transformative ideas that serve as a guide to embracing imperfect leadership:

1. Truth: Stories We Tell Ourselves
2. Things: Embracing Our Perfectly Imperfect Selves
3. Tribe: Who We Surround Ourselves With

I invite you to consider where in your life you could benefit from embracing your own imperfections. What would it look like for you to pause, reflect and engage with your most authentic self? Imperfect leadership may just be the key to unlocking the potential within yourself and those around you.

I hope Louise’s story and insights provoke you to adopt a mindset where imperfection is not a flaw but a powerful tool for connection and progress. Let’s celebrate our unique journeys, and continue pushing against the tide of societal perfection.

If you'd like further inspiration, Louise's "Fess Up Friday" on LinkedIn is a terrific place to start. Embrace who you are, warts and all, to lead the way forward!

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 Louise:

Website: https://withverve.com.au/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/with-verve/

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Success in leadership and business. What does it actually look like? And what’s the key to achieving it?

As leaders or entrepreneurs, we’re constantly seeking strategies to enhance our productivity, innovation and satisfaction, both in our personal and professional lives. We commonly believe that working ourselves into the ground and forging ahead no matter what hits us will get us there.

But what if there was a better, more holistic way to not only achieve success, but define it? I had the pleasure of exploring this idea with Repa Patel, a leadership expert who blends neuroscience, positive psychology and mindfulness to create impactful change.

In our conversation, Repa reveals why starting with purpose or even starting with your ‘why’ isn't enough to drive true success. Together, we explore the deeper framework for unlocking joy and fulfillment - one that combines purpose, prosperity, pleasure and freedom.

Repa also challenges the myth of resilience, showing why trying to be the rock in tough times can actually hold you back, and how becoming the river helps you adapt and thrive. She shares a powerful exercise to reflect more deeply on how we move through the world, to unlock meaningful change in our lives and our leadership.

As we strive to lead with intention, Repa’s wisdom provides a roadmap not just for achieving success, but for crafting a meaningful life rich with impact.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with intention and create lasting impact and legacy.

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 Repa:

Website: https://leadingmindfully.com.au/

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

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