The Debra Shepherd Podcast

Welcome to The Debra Shepherd Podcast. If you're a business owner or entrepreneur wanting to experience more ease, joy and meaning in your life and business, you're in the right place. On The Debra Shepherd Podcast you'll discover communication, mindset, business and leadership tips, insights, practical steps and strategies to help you communicate meaningfully, lead well, create success and experience more ease, joy and meaning in your life and business. Join Debra for short solo episodes and conversations with extraordinary women in business who go behind the scenes of their businesses and share their stories filled with purpose, courage, inspiration, resilience, impact and success. Together, we'll explore what it means to create a meaningful life and a meaningful business. “If you are looking for inspiration along with great advice, this is your podcast. Debra is a phenomenal host and is great at guiding the audience through captivating stories. I highly recommend this podcast!” Instagram @_DebraShepherd www.debrashepherd.com.au

182: How To Find Balance and Flow 01/22/2025

181: Did You Create Space for Your New Year Goals or Did You Jump In? 01/15/2025

180: Mindset, Leadership and Performance with Marg Booth 12/05/2024

180: Mindset, Leadership and Performance with Marg Booth I'm honoured to welcome Marg Booth to The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week. Marg is the owner of Great Expectation Speakers and Trainers. As a successful business owner for over 20 years, Marg is deeply passionate about people’s mindset and well-being. Marg connects audiences with specialists in their field of expertise. She works with thought leaders offering educational sessions in wellness, mindset, resilience, and leadership. And, some of these are shared in her book, The Time Poor Series: Mindset. In this episode, Marg shares her business story. We talk about about mindset, success, happiness, leadership, performance and her book, The Time Poor Series: Mindset. HIGHLIGHTS A powerful question Marg asked herself before moving into a new career and her business, Great Expectation Speakers and Trainers. How the small things and embracing small wins can lead to success. How the events industry stopped in 2020 and why this prompted Marg to develop an app and write her book, The Time Poor Series: Mindset. Marg talks about The Time Poor Series: Mindset and shares some of the topics and insights from the 30 co-authors of the book that will support your mindset, leadership, performance, mental health and wellbeing. The importance of working on your mindset in a fast paced world that is only moving faster. Marg’s piece of advice for the busy entrepreneur, business owner or leader. Plus, more! LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH MARG Instagram CONNECT WITH DEBRA Get my FREE audio: The Power of Simplicity. 9 powerful reasons why simplicity will transform your life and business. /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/34298425

179: Creativity, Innovation and Play with Founder and Chief Play Officer at Culture Hero, Dara Simkin 11/21/2024

179: Creativity, Innovation and Play with Founder and Chief Play Officer at Culture Hero, Dara Simkin I'm honoured to welcome Dara Simkin to The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week. Dara is Australia’s leading Playful Work Design specialist, and is the founder and Chief Play Officer of learning experience design consultancy, Culture Hero. She has worked with organisations like The LEGO Foundation, McKinsey & Co, Silicon Valley's IDEO Play Lab and world-renowned play researcher Dr Stuart Brown and has presented to brands like IKEA, AGL, Royal Canin, MYOB and Google. As an expert facilitator and passionate advocate for the potential of play in the workplace, Dara believes play has the power to transform the way we live, work and lead. In 2024 Dara is undertaking a major research project exploring the impact of play in business in partnership with RMIT University. In this episode, Dara shares her story. We talk about connection, engagement, culture, creativity, innovation and incorporating play into business and the way we work. HIGHLIGHTS How play changes the way we live, work and lead. The impact of new technology on business and why businesses must be adaptable and flexible to survive. Dara explains why play is important in business and shares examples of what play is and isn’t. How Dara and her team at Culture Hero incorporate play into the way they work. Giving your people an opportunity to play in business. Dara shares the benefits of integrating play into business as well as tips and advice to businesses that may be hesitant about incorporating play into the workplace. Why we can’t be at our best creatively or effectively drive innovation without play. The importance of imagination breaks during the day. Why a psychologically safe and trusting workplace is essential for integrating play into business. Dara shares tips for business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders wanting to incorporate play into business. Plus, more! LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH DARA CONNECT WITH DEBRA Get my FREE audio: The Power of Simplicity. 9 powerful reasons why simplicity will transform your life and business. /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/34097666

178: Goodbye Hustle, Hello Happiness and Fulfillment with Claire Seeber 11/07/2024

178: Goodbye Hustle, Hello Happiness and Fulfillment with Claire Seeber I'm honoured to welcome Claire Seeber to The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week. Claire is a Career and Leadership Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Podcast Host and Author of the book 'Less Hustle, More Happy'. Claire is an expert in career development and leadership and blends her experience in business, HR and communications to ensure that people are better able to show up and have the most impact on themselves, their teams and their organisations that they can feel proud of. Claire has worked with or for some of the world's most well-known brands including NBC Universal, Fortescue Metals Group, Chevron, Superdry, Mineral Resources and Colgate-Palmolive. Claire has also been featured in Huffington Post, Business News, The West Australian and Take 5. Claire believes that we can do serious work, but not take ourselves too seriously, and she aims to bring that attitude into everything she does. In this episode, Claire shares her incredible business story and we talk about her book, ‘Less Hustle, More Happy’. HIGHTLIGHTS The heart of Claire’s book, Less Hustle More Happy. Redefining your definition of success. Contributors factors and layers that lead to disengagement at work and business. The importance of integrating more human being and less human doing in the way we work. The future of work and the importance of flexibility and adaptability. Claire discusses the shift in conversations around how we work resulting from a multi-generational workforce and the pandemic. How relationships accelerate growth. Why having a career strategy is essential. How to create a happiness culture where people come first. Plus, more! LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH CLAIRE CONNECT WITH DEBRA Get my FREE audio: The Power of Simplicity. 9 powerful reasons why simplicity will transform your life and business. /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/33824257

177: What Is Your One Percent? 10/30/2024

176: Eliminating Single-Use Plastic From Event Waste Streams With Co-Founders of Bettercup, Christie Kamphuis and Sam Stone 10/09/2024

175: The Art of Bleisure With Emma Lovell 09/25/2024

174: Purpose, Leadership and Working in 3D With Cherie Mylordis 09/18/2024

174: Purpose, Leadership and Working in 3D With Cherie Mylordis I am honoured to welcome Cherie Mylordis to the The Debra Shepherd Podcast. Cherie is a leadership, transformation and innovation coach, work futurist and speaker who is on a mission to help organisations reimagine the world of work for a better future. Cherie’s ambitious approach is founded on her belief that now is the time for bold leadership and transformation, because traditional methods no longer serve us. Through decades of experience, Cherie has gained deep insights into the challenges organisations face and has published a white paper about her research with leaders around the world. As the founder of nextgenify, Cherie equips current and emerging leaders to amplify their impact through contemporary coaching, workshops and signature talks. Cherie’s vision is to create a world where work is a platform for people to make a difference, drive meaningful change and contribute to a better world. In this episode of The Debra Shepherd Podcast, Cherie shares her business story. We discuss purpose, leadership, stepping out of your comfort zone, doing meaningful work and what leaders can learn from the Olympic Games and integrate into business. Plus, so much more! HIGHLIGHTS Cherie shares her story from being on the Sydney 2000 Olympics Organising Committee to founding nextgenify. What leaders can take away from the Olympic Games and integrate into business. How to get your team aligned to your business vision and purpose. The traits of contemporary leaders. How the key to future fit leadership is about working in 3D (Dare. Ditch. Dial). The importance of pausing and reflecting on what matters most to you What would you love to influence if you could do the best work of your life? LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH CHERIE CONNECT WITH DEBRA /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/33085087

173: Making Holistic Care Simple and Accessible with Co-Founder of Bodhi Holistic Hub, Pauline Romao 09/11/2024

173: Making Holistic Care Simple and Accessible with Co-Founder of Bodhi Holistic Hub, Pauline Romao Pauline Romao, Co-Founder of Bodhi Holisitic Hub is joining me on The Debra Shepherd Podcast. Pauline Romao is an accomplished tech operations manager and a passionate believer in holistic health. With a Master’s degree in Business & Economics and over ten years of experience in the tech industry, including roles at Airbnb and Agoda, Pauline has a wealth of knowledge in building and scaling successful marketplaces. In addition to her corporate career, Pauline is also the Co-Founder of Bodhi Holistic Hub, a comprehensive platform that connects individuals with trusted holistic health practitioners in their local area. She firmly believes in the power of holistic health and is passionate about making it accessible to everyone. Motivated by the challenge of finding trustworthy holistic practitioners and frustrated by the lack of clear standards, Pauline and her Co-Founder Helen Mulan, founded Bodhi Holistic Hub. This platform brings together over 70 modalities, including Ayurveda, Reiki, and Kinesiology and verifies each practitioner through a rigorous screening process. Pauline is passionate about helping more people discover the benefits of holistic health and believes that Bodhi can play a key role in bringing about positive change. In this episode, Pauline shares her business story. We discussed how Bodhi Holistic Hub is making holistic care simple, trustworthy and accessible. HIGHLIGHTS Living a life with purpose. How Pauline and Helen’s shared passion for holistic care led them to start Bodhi Holistic Hub. The power of technology to facilitate connection and trust. Bodhi Holistic Hub features over 70 different modalities and a learning hub which empowers people to control their health. Pauline talks about their business journey, their focus on creating a network of vetted practitioners and the power of community. Prioritising preventative care and how holistic health looks at the whole body. Making holistic care accessible and removing the fear and woo that often surrounds some holistic care practices. Plus, so much more! LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH PAULINE CONNECT WITH DEBRA /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/32987587

172: The Truth About Making Money While You Sleep With Kate Toon 08/28/2024

172: The Truth About Making Money While You Sleep With Kate Toon I am thrilled to welcome back Kate Toon to The Debra Shepherd Podcast. Kate Toon is an award-winning entrepreneur and the bestselling author of Six Figures in School Hours. From her humble backyard shed on the Central Coast of NSW she masterminds an ambitious business universe, helping thousands of other humans to build their own version of success through digital marketing and business know-how. Kate is a renowned speaker, mentor, educator and podcaster. She’s been named Australia’s Most Influential Small Business Woman, one of Australia’s Top 50 Small Business Leaders and Businesswoman of the Year, and was a finalist in the Australian Business Book Awards. In her spare time Kate can be found taking gym selfies, trying to master rollerskating, or curled up with a good book in her very own bookshop - the Umina Beach Book Nook. In this episode, Kate discusses the truth about making money while you sleep. HIGHLIGHTS Using the skills you already have to create passive income in a meaningful way. Kate discusses why she wrote Six Figures While You Sleep. Kate explains what passive income actually is and why ADPIPs are the way forward. How to decide if ADPIPs are for you. Why the gem of the idea often lies in what you are already doing in your business. Coming up with your big little idea. The benefits of creating ADPIPs for your business and four examples of ADPIPs to consider creating for your business. Getting to the heart and soul of your ideal audience for deeper connection. Common problems business owners experience when creating an ADPIP. Plus, more! LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH KATE Connect with Kate on or CONNECT WITH DEBRA /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/32781447

171: Did You Start Your Business For Flexibility Or Chaos? 08/16/2024

170: A Practical Step For Leaders to Drive Employee Engagement 07/31/2024

169: SoulPops Cacao with Co-Founders Natalie Winter and Lauren Jordan 07/24/2024

169: SoulPops Cacao with Co-Founders Natalie Winter and Lauren Jordan I am thrilled to welcome Lauren Jordan and Natalie Winter the Co-Founders of SoulPops Cacao to The Debra Shepherd Podcast. The SoulPops story began on two different paths, and everything came together when Lauren and Natalie sparked a life-long friendship. Lauren’s purpose has always involved people and connection. With a background in fitness and cafes, Lauren is driven to help people feel good about themselves, whether it’s through movement, food, laughter or conversation. Natalie has a natural ability to create effortless beauty. From fashion design all the way through to products and packaging, Natalie believes in the power of intentional design in every detail, with customer experience being her ultimate goal. Over the years, Lauren and Natalie frequently enjoyed the experience of cacao. It quickly became a regular part of their daily lives, providing more than nutritional benefits. An integral part of their self-development and wellness journeys, Lauren and Natalie knew this wonderful plant needed to be made available and accessible for everyone to enjoy. Together, they have created a beautiful and very unique Australian made cacao product and, in this conversation, they share their business story. HIGHLIGHTS The importance of playfulness, curiosity and zooming back in life and business. Friendship and business, how SoulPops Cacao was born and how Lauren and Natalie began working together. A vision of bringing the power of cacao to as many people as possible and making it accessible to everyone. The mind, body and spiritual benefits of cacao. Why SoulPops Cacao is unique and stands out from other cacao brands. The importance of people, connection and community. How SoulPops Cacao has grown since it began and what lies ahead for the business. Finding gratitude within before you look outside of yourself. LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH SOULPOPS CACAO Connect on CONNECT WITH DEBRA /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/32255147

168: What Are You Creating? 07/17/2024

167: How To Harness Your Strength, Regain Your Power and Build Resilience with Teisha Rose, Founder of Hurdle2Hope® 07/03/2024

167: How To Harness Your Strength, Regain Your Power and Build Resilience with Teisha Rose, Founder of Hurdle2Hope® I am honoured to welcome Teisha Rose, Founder of Hurdle2Hope® to The Debra Shepherd Podcast. Teisha is a pioneer in health and wellness mindset, turning her experiences with multiple sclerosis and stage four breast cancer into a source of inspiration and empowerment. As the founder of Hurdle2Hope®, author of 'Life Interrupted', and host of the 'Wellbeing Interrupted' podcast, she has created the transformative Hurdle2Hope® Roadmap. This roadmap provides mindset insights and strategies for individuals living with chronic illness, as well as health professionals and caregivers. An Executive Contributor at Brainz Magazine, Teisha shares her inspiring story and insights as a keynote speaker, aiming to make a significant impact on the health and wellness community. In this episode, Teisha shares her extraordinary story of courage, bravery, resilience, hope and inspiration. HIGHLIGHTS The two significant moments that defined Teisha’s life. How multiple sclerosis helped Teisha deal with her cancer diagnosis. Teisha talks about the power of mindset on her healing journey and the difference between an authentic mindset and a positive mindset. How learning, evolution and growth is our resilience. Creating an environment that enables you to tap into your strength. The importance of connection, community and having the right support network around you. The evolution of Hurdle2Hope® and how the business is not only helping people living with a chronic or life changing illness, but it’s also supporting the healthcare industry. How unexpected hurdles will interrupt our lives but it’s our response that will define our experience. Teisha shares her definition of success. LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH TEISHA Connect with Teisha CONNECT WITH DEBRA /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/31975977

166: The Power of Content Design with Liz Leigh, Co-Founder of Content Design Hub 06/19/2024

165: Empowering Your Health, Movement and Mindset with Kate Boyle, Founder of Mind and Movement Pilates and Mind Movement Health 06/05/2024

165: Empowering Your Health, Movement and Mindset with Kate Boyle, Founder of Mind and Movement Pilates and Mind Movement Health I am excited to welcome Kate Boyle, Founder of Mind and Movement Pilates in Melbourne and Mind Movement Health, an online movement and health platform for women. Kate is passionate about holistic health and great movement. Having been an elite-level dancer, Kate gravitated to a career in health due to her love of movement and wanting to get a better understanding of nutrition to improve overall health and performance. Kate has extensive training and qualifications in Pilates and various other movement modalities including the Gyrotonic Expansion System© and Classical Ballet. A qualified Nutritionist and Food Scientist (BHSc.), Kate has worked within the health and nutrition field for more than 20 years and is passionate about helping everyone move well, eliminate pain, live a balanced life and make being healthy easy. In this episode, Kate shares her story and takes us behind the scenes of her business. HIGHLIGHTS Kate shares her definition of what a meaningful life means to her. Kate talks about why she started her online membership platform, Mind Movement Health and how it’s supporting women to transform their health and wellbeing. Kate shares simple, actionable tips you can integrate into your day to boost your health. The importance of self-care, creating boundaries and creating space for your body and mind to unwind. The importance of mindset. Kate shares her definition of success and some exciting projects she has in store over the coming months. LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH KATE CONNECT WITH DEBRA /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/31572112

164: Mindfulness and Meditation 05/22/2024

163: Keeping Your Team Aligned and Informed During Fast Growth 05/15/2024

162: Elevating Your Personal Brand 04/17/2024

161: Why Creating Space Is Essential For Great Leadership 04/10/2024

160: Simplicity In Your Business 03/27/2024

159: Thought Leadership For Business Growth and Success 03/20/2024

158: Communication and Empowering People To Reach Their Full Potential with Gabriella Ptasznik, Founder of GRP Speech Pathology 02/19/2024

158: Communication and Empowering People To Reach Their Full Potential with Gabriella Ptasznik, Founder of GRP Speech Pathology I am excited to welcome Gabriella Ptasznik to The Debra Shepherd Podcast. Gabriella is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Speech Pathologist at GRP Speech Pathology in Melbourne. Since starting her journey in 2017, Gabriella and her team have been dedicated to finding unique solutions that empower people to reach their full potential. Gabriella started GRP Speech Pathology with a mission to shake up the speech pathology industry for the better - to think bigger and more creatively about client outcomes and to ensure that every speech pathologist at GRP is feeling fulfilled, taken care of and most importantly loving their day at work. Gabriella and her team are dedicated to helping individuals of all ages overcome communication and eating and drinking challenges. With a deep passion for their work, they have made a significant impact on countless lives, fostering confidence, independence and an increased quality of life. In this episode, Gabriella shares her business story. We discuss connection, communication, leadership, business growth and creating a people-first culture. HIGHLIGHTS Gabriella shares the inspiring moment that led her to a career in speech pathology and why she decided to start her business. What it’s like leading a fast growth business. Why business is nothing without people. How technological advances have opened up opportunities within the speech pathology industry over the last five to ten years. Investing in your team as a business leader. The importance of listening and asking questions when you are creating a people-first culture. Leading with vulnerability and empathy, listening and genuinely caring about people. Gabriella talks about great leadership. The power of clear and consistent messaging and building relationships for business growth. Why it's important to feel comfortable in the uncomfortable as a business owner. Gabriella shares how she finds peace and balance in her day. Plus, more! LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Don't miss the latest episodes. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH GABRIELLA CONNECT WITH DEBRA /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/30011078

157: Evidence Backed Ways To Scale Your Impact Without Burning Out With Happiness Hacker, Penny Locaso 02/12/2024

157: Evidence Backed Ways To Scale Your Impact Without Burning Out With Happiness Hacker, Penny Locaso I am honoured to welcome Penny Locaso to The Debra Shepherd Podcast. Penny is the world’s first Happiness Hacker on a quest to teach 10 million humans, by 2025 how to flourish in life. Voted one of the most influential female entrepreneurs in Australia, Penny is her own ongoing experiment. With over 20 years’ experience in enabling adaptability Penny's calling is to empower people to release their fear of uncertainty, find their flow, and flourish. Penny works with governments, corporations, and educators to build a more intentionally adaptable society. She has partnered with the likes of Google, Microsoft, Booking.com, SalesForce, Deloitte, and LuluLemon, to name a few. Penny’s work creating the world-first Intentional Adaptability Quotient® (IAQ®) psychometric tool and education program was recently published in the American Consulting Journal of Psychology. IAQ® decodes the skills required to not only navigate but flourish in complex and uncertain change. Alongside Penny's entrepreneurial endeavours, she is the published author of Hacking Happiness, a Harvard Business Review contributor, a passionate yoga teacher, a faculty member at the esteemed Singularity University, and a student of Psychology and Trauma informed therapy with world renowned teacher Gabor Mate. HIGHLIGHTS How Penny turned her life upside down in the pursuit of happiness. How to discover what brings you happiness and joy. Being Wonder Woman versus being the Present Woman. Why presence is a practice and how to uncover what presence means to you. What a fulfilled and meaningful life means to Penny. Why Penny doesn’t use the word success and chooses to focus on flourishing instead. Harmony and how the stage of life you are in determines where to prioritise your energy. Penny's approach to time blocking your daily self-care practice. One of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself every day. LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS If you enjoy the podcast, leave a . Let me know your favourite episode, interview, biggest takeaway or most inspiring moment. Don't miss the latest episodes. Follow or subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are released. SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: CONNECT WITH PENNY CONNECT WITH DEBRA Get your /episode/index/show/debrashepherd/id/29901058

156: My Number One Reminder For Connecting With Your Audience 02/05/2024

155: 3 Signs It's Time To Elevate Your Communications Strategy 02/01/2024

154: Entrepreneur Mindset and Meaningful Communication - 5 Things You Need To Know 01/29/2024

153: How To Make Your Business More Efficient 01/24/2024

The Debra Shepherd Podcast

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