Don't Stop Us Now! Podcast

We’re back from Covid (hooray!) and so even more excited about this week’s inspiring guest! Joanna Flint is Chief Commercial Officer for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group where she’s responsible for its global marketing, sales, revenue management, brand and distribution functions. She is also a member of the company’s Board. Joanna joined the luxury brand last year after more than twelve years with Google in Asia where, amongst other roles, she was Managing Director of Google Singapore. Based in Singapore with her family, after 20 years living in Asia, Joanna is also a member of YPO and a mentor to early stage start-ups. If you’re contemplating your career or thinking about changing roles then you have come to the right place because Joanna has some of the most thoughtful musings on this topic we’ve heard. In this episode you’ll learn:The incredible story of why Joanna nearly didn’t apply for the top job at Google in Singapore and what happened to make her change her mindThe opportunities

This week’s mini episode explores what it takes to build a successful partnership with a co-founder. One thing we’ve noticed with numerous early stage startups is the challenge in those very early days of finding a co-founder, or co-founders, whom you can really work with for the long term, even when the pressure’s on. So often you hear of acrimonious founder breakups and it got us asking ourselves, how do you create a good working relationship over time if you have co-founders? One person who’s brilliantly navigated the co-founder challenge is serial Scottish entrepreneur Lesley Eccles, who with her 4 other co-founders built a blockbuster business called FanDuel. We spoke to Lesley on the podcast a year ago and she has some amazing stories and experiences if you haven’t heard that episode.  In this mini episode you’ll hear how Lesley and her co-founders made a success of working and pivoting together for more than ten years to create a business that has ultimately been valued over $11 bil

We have a smart operator and a great champion for women on the show this week. Her name is Vered Raviv Schwarz  and she’s spent the past 20 years in disruptive tech companies, based in Israel. These days Vered is President and Chief Operating Officer for Guesty, a property management platform offering software that’s used by people renting out short term and vacation rental properties around the world. With Guesty’s multiple features they can easily list and manage their rentals on multiple sites such as AirBnb and Vebo. Before Guesty, Vered spent nearly 6 years at the freelancer marketplace Fiverr as Chief Operating Officer. And prior to that she was a lawyer and General Counsel at other tech companies.We’ve been struck by what a smart operator and thinker Vered is. In this episode you’ll hear a lot of great advice including:How some of the best advice Vered was given, and now gives herself, changed the course of her entire careerWhy she’s passionate about making tech companies more

This week’s mini episode is all about the value of having a mindset of ‘keeping on going’ even when you stumble. Now that isn’t always easy is it? One woman who’s really mastered the knack of telling herself constructive stories when things don’t go to plan, is US-based international Uber executive, Julia Paige. Julia is Uber’s global head of Social Impact and she also happens to be a mum of triplets. When Julia was on the show 18 months ago we were really struck by how good she is at constructive self-talk and her ability to dust herself off and keep moving. At the heart of Julia’s outlook on tackling tough times is the powerful idea that we all control our own stories. We get to write our narrative and we get to say how our stories end - and, for Julia, she makes sure that the story never ends with failure. Enjoy this mini episode. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’re super excited about our first guest for the year. Speaker, author and storyteller, Briony Benjamin, is known for the amazing and purposeful viral videos she creates, as well as her book, ‘Life is Tough But So are You’, which came out last year. Briony is a master at her craft and she’s also incredibly inspiring when she talks about her cancer journey.In this episode you’ll hear about: The moment when Briony realised a career in accounting or commerce wasn’t for herHow her life changed in an instant with a diagnosis everyone dreadsWhat she thinks about when it comes to getting her creative work out into the worldAnd what habits she cultivates to stay on top of her content game. Enjoy this episode with the irrepressible, funny and delightful Briony Benjamin.  Useful LinksBriony on Instagram - @briony_benjamin Website: www.brionybenjamin.comMust Do - watch this amazing viral video from Briony - ‘You Only Get One Life’: Briony’s Book - ‘Life is Tough! But so are You’Books

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”. Oscar Wilde Being genuinely yourself sounds good but it’s not always easy to do is it? It takes strength to resist the societal pressures and norms we all operate under, and it also takes real clarity on what actually is important, deep down, to each of us as individuals.It’s always so interesting to hear how different people define success for themselves and this week’s mini episode shares some wonderful examples. Hint, the two extraordinary women we hear from have very different but equally beautiful answers. Be fired up hearing Oatly Executive Creative Director for North America, Heidi Hackemer’s personal success definition and inspired by entrepreneur and passionate womens’ advocate, Bobbi Mahab’s very different version.The key truth is, there’s no one right answer. So what would yours be? Enjoy. Useful LinksHeidi's full interview with us - Heidi Hackemer - Navigating the WorstBobbi's full interview with us - Bobbi Mahlab -

Career decisions can be tricky things can’t they? Often they can be some of the most stressful decisions we make; decisions such as: ”Should I say yes to this project or transfer?” Or “Should I stay in my job or should I go?” These times come to nearly all of us . . . unless you’re the Queen of course who’s just reached her 70th year anniversary in her job! Can you imagine that? Our How To episode this week explores all that’s involved in making great career decisions and with a lot less stress. Huge apologies to Her Majesty as we know this probably isn’t the episode for her

What better way to start a new Lunar Year than by dusting off any Omicron blues and ensuring you have the right mindset for the day and week ahead? Our first mini episode for the year brings you self-confessed ‘rabid optimist’ and former Australian of the Year, Dr Fiona Wood. This inspiring powerhouse manages to stay incredibly positive despite her very confronting and life-saving work as a world-leading burns surgeon. Learn some tactics that she uses to bring back happy memories and change her own mood.In this short but sweet episode you can also contemplate whether or not you agree with Voltaire on what our most important decision of all is. Enjoy! And if you haven’t already, why not connect with us on LinkedIn... just mention “Don’t Stop Us Now! podcast” and we’ll be right there.Links of interest Fiona’s full interview with usIf you enjoy this episode, an interview you might like too; Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas - Humour as a Super Power See acast.com/privacy for privacy and

Our first episode for 2022 explores different ways of thinking about your year ahead. You’ll hear us have a candid and informal conversation about how we’re individually thinking about our own plans and aspirations, and how to make them happen. You may be surprised at just how different our approaches are!You’ll learn why Greta thinks getting really granular with her time management is what she needs this year to reach her goals, while Claire is focusing on her key priorities and planning around those. We plan to make more conversational and ‘unplugged’ episodes like this one so please let us know what you think or if you disagree! We always love to hear from you. P.S. If you’re really hungry for more content on planning your year then also check out our episode from 2020 called How to Have a Great Year.  Useful LinksGoogle researchers discuss the rise in searches related to changing priorities Brene Brown interview with James Clear Jonathan Fields podcast - Good Life P

We’re really thrilled to share a very different type of episode, one that features some of the best advice and insights from six of our incredible guests this year. We recap some of the key themes that emerged from 2021 AND we explore how to set yourself up for 2022.If you’re looking for some perspective at the end of another crazy year filled with all the highs, lows, cancellations, and uncertainties that come with living during a global pandemic then you’re welcome! :-) After listening to these amazing and inspiring guests you’ll:Hear what we and others think is most important, really Be inspired by the simple steps you can take to build a better world; andFeel equipped and ready to constructively farewell 2021 and welcome 2022 with the right mindset and the right priorities for you going forward. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we’ve enjoyed revisiting our time with the amazing people who joined us this year. Finally from both of us, we wish you and yours all the very best for

Our mini episode this week is a cracker… we revisit the advice of high achieving changemaker, speaker and author, Holly Ransom, who’s thoughts on managing her energy not her time really struck a chord with us and many of you.Not only that, in this episode we’re sharing some valuable advice from Holly that you haven’t heard before.So if you’ve been thinking you want next year to be different to this year, then get ready to be inspired and provoked by hearing how Holly’s approach to managing her energy has been an absolute game changer for her in terms of her schedule, her mindset and her productivity. It all began when she made some big changes as part of her recovery from depression. Enjoy this mini Future Proof Me episode with the inspiring Holly Ransom.Useful LinksHolly’s websiteHolly’s new book – The Leading EdgeHolly’s podcast – Coffee PodsHolly on LinkedInHolly on InstagramHolly on Twitter See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Happy December everyone! The end of the year can mean travel planning for a lot of people, and business trips and holidays are the bread and butter for the fashion entrepreneur and founder on the show this week, Stefanie Nissen.California-based Stefanie founded her business ‘Trvl Porter’ with the idea that you would arrive at your destination to find a hand-picked travel wardrobe waiting for you at your hotel. When you’re heading home, you can buy the pieces you love, or return them all simply by leaving them with your hotel. The business was starting to take off when Covid effectively put Stefanie’s business into hibernation. All the more frustrating as not only had the business been really starting to get traction, it had also enjoyed some great coverage in the NY Times as well. In this episode you’ll hear where Stefanie is at today in figuring out the future for Trvl Porter as well as: How she started her career in fashion design The advice her designer employer gave her that made

This week’s mini episode is all about crowdfunding and in particular equity crowdfunding. Equity crowdfunding is where retail investors can buy a share in a young company which is seeking funding without having to list on the stock exchange or take on formal VC capital. Capital raising can be such a time consuming occupation for a Founder yet if you have the right offer for equity crowdfunding, then this can be a great way to proceed. One of our guests has proven to be a master at successfully completing two extremely impressive equity crowdfunding campaigns. We’re talking about Brianne West, the New Zealander serial entrepreneur and founder of global sustainable cosmetics company, Ethique. Brianne has a bold and pioneering mission, to rid the world of single-use plastics. She started Ethique to replace all those plastic-bottled products we use in our bathrooms, from shampoos to moisturisers, with solid bars of concentrated product. Brianne crowdfunded twice to grow her business: once

With so much talk about the ‘Great Resignation’ and all the job changes that are occurring as a result, what better time to make sure your LinkedIn profile is working for you? In this episode we share some valuable ‘insider’ tips and gain an insight into how recruiters use LinkedIn to find the right people. We’ll also hear from US based Executive Resume writer and expert Donna Svei who will share insights you may be surprised to learn. And you’ll glean some valuable tips to ensure that you are doing yourself justice on this all important platform. You’ll learn: How you can optimise your LinkedIn profileWhat parts of your profile get shared by recruiters with their clients, the hiring managers  And, a simple step you can take that could make a surprising difference.Here’s to you having an ‘All Star’ profile and shining bright! Enjoy.Useful LinksExecutive Resume Writer, Donna Svei’s website See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’re in the ‘home straight’ heading towards the end of the year and following the crazy year so many of us have had (thanks COVID!) we thought what better time to remind ourselves of tools to help prevent burnout? We were lucky enough a few weeks back to run an online seminar on burnout with the best selling author, psychologist and leadership expert, Dr Jacinta Jiménez, and, as so many people signed up, we decided we should revisit Dr Jacinta’s amazing advice from our conversation on the podcast with her some months back. Following the release of her science-backed, best selling book, The Burnout Fix, Dr Jacinta is definitely the one to turn to for advice dealing with burnout. She has deconstructed what burnout is, how it can be caused, and of course how to recover from burnout. In this info-packed mini episode, you’ll hear that burnout for all of us is caused by one of six mismatches between who we are and our work or roles. Then you’ll hear how using Dr Jacinta’s PULSE model can help you ke

We’re excited to be bringing you an inspiring and very relevant guest this week given world leaders have been meeting at COP 26 in Glasgow for vital climate talks as this episode goes to air. Tessa Clarke is Co-founder and CEO of the international food sharing and household goods app called OLIO. Her passion for sustainability and for creating simple ways to help all of us to take simple but powerful steps to help the environment is just what we need right now! Tessa and her Co-founder (whom she met at Stanford doing her MBA) launched OLIO in 2015 and originally focused on food waste in the home, although now you can find new homes for all kinds of other items as well. OLIO has just successfully closed a Series B fundraising round raising $43 million dollars from top tier VC firms who have described OLIO’s 5-fold growth in the past year as phenomenal. More than 5 million OLIO users in 53 countries are now reducing not only food waste but also preventing more than 3 million household goods going

Welcome to this week’s mini episode all about how you should think about career opportunities. Making career decisions can be really stressful can’t it? One guest who made a big impression on us with her career advice is the well known Australasian leader, Michelle Guthrie. Michelle has had an international career including being CEO of Star TV in Asia, a senior executive at Google in Asia, and she was Managing Director of Australia’s national broadcaster the ABC - a term which ended in great controversy and was a challenging time for all involved.Michelle really believes all of us need to take a few more risks and think about our careers with the long term in mind. She also has great advice on how we need to back ourselves more and trust we’ll figure it out even if it seems really daunting. So if you’re in need of some reassurance and perspective on a career decision, then this is ten minutes you need to spend right now! Useful LinksOur Full Interview with Michelle Guthrie Michelle o

It doesn’t take much imagination to work out how many challenges tourism businesses have been facing during the pandemic. Typically, those who’ve been challenged the most can offer us the most interesting and helpful stories and advice. So our latest episode features the first of several amazing female travel entrepreneurs we’ll be featuring in the coming weeks. Lena Andersson is the Founder and CEO of ‘Go Running Tours’, a global platform where you can book guided sightseeing runs in more than 70 cities and towns around the world. Pre Covid last February, Lena’s business was really hitting its strides (excuse the pun!) and receiving record bookings. . . and then Covid happened. Prior to founding her global running tours business, Lena had a successful career in marketing for large corporates in the UK and Denmark. She was traveling more than 200 days a year and that’s when she came upon the idea that literally inspired her to quit the very next day. A friend in a foreign city took her for

Welcome to this week’s Future Proof Me mini episode. For many of us the past few months have shrunk our world to the confines of our homes and our local suburb. What we’ve noticed can sometimes come with that, is a tendency to lose sight of the bigger picture and of others who may be doing it tougher than we are.It’s why we thought it was really timely for this beautiful reminder from social entrepreneur Ronni Kahn of the value we personally derive from helping others, even now when uncertainty and disruption is still so prevalent in our own lives. We were really moved by her first hand testimony of how her experience has been that you get so much more than you give, and that time is so precious we all need to think about what we’re doing now, not putting things off for “one day” in future. This point was brought vividly home to us as we just heard the news that one of our recent guests, artist and muralist Taylor White has been injured in a serious road accident in Iceland. Fortunately she’s c

We have a treat in store for you today with a guest whom we reckon is one of the best storytellers we’ve had on the show. Australian entrepreneur, Mikaela Jade, otherwise known as Mik, is the Founder and CEO of Indigital, a company developing innovative new ways to digitise and translate knowledge, culture and stories from remote and ancient First Nations communities.Mik, a proud Cabrogal woman, is a UN Permanent Forum Indigenous Issues delegate; she’s a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Augmented and Virtual Reality; and she’s also been recognised as a Top 100 Innovator in Australia. In this episode you’ll learn: How Mik reacted when, as a young adult, she learnt she had indigenous ancestorsHow she came up with the idea of using augmented reality to share cultural stories in the national parks where she workedHow hard it was to get people to help her progress her augmented reality ideasWhat happened when Mik reached rock bottom, andThe one technology Mik thinks we a