Laura Furiosi’s journey to becoming a prominent advocate for individuals navigating divorce began with a struggle through her own divorce. When she faced separation, she was met with overwhelming confusion and a significant lack of clarity regarding the legal process, despite being a successful professional. Laura was fortunate to have a significant resource: her mother, a seasoned family lawyer. However, even with direct legal guidance, she identified a gaping gap in knowledge between the client and their lawyer, and within the family court system itself. The prevailing assumption was that clients knew the process, leading to confusion, unnecessary legal fees, and emotional turmoil. Laura’s deficiency was not a lack of intelligence, but a lack of accessible, plain-English guidance on navigating the complex system. This personal challenge sparked an audacious vision: to create a better way for people going through divorce. Her solution was to build a profile and platform that could deliver practical, emotional, and legal guidance, ultimately helping people through one of life's most challenging experiences. Her ultimate aspiration was to help more people by expanding awareness of her resources globally. From Personal Experience to Global Authority From this need, Laura and her mother organically grew their solution. They first created The Divorce Course podcast, which now boasts over a million downloads. This led to the development of the Divorce Course blueprint and the upcoming Court Companion Course, addressing the need for step-by-step videos and explanatory content to fill the knowledge gaps clients commonly face. The approach taken by The Divorce Course is unique, combining the legal expertise of a lawyer with the real-life perspective of a client. Laura focused on two strategic areas to build profile and reach: Cost-Effective Legal Navigation: A key insight was educating people on the three ways to use a lawyer and identifying tasks they could handle themselves, preventing them from burning cash on early-stage, non-legal tasks like disclosure and mediation. Laura noted that many people run out of money before they reach the pointy end where legal expertise is truly critical. Addressing Emotional and Personality Factors: The platform delves into the emotional turmoil and how it affects decision-making, even identifying four distinct divorce personalities (manipulative controlling, avoidant, high conflict, and amicable) to help people approach their situation strategically and reduce emotional draining. Strategic Use of Digital Channels: The podcast's growth was significantly amplified by an organic digital strategy. Laura realised that people wouldn't search for complex terms like property settlement disclosure documents. Instead, they used TikTok and Instagram - the top level of the funnel - to deliver short, relatable videos and snippets that captured attention and directed them to the more detailed podcast. This was a crucial method for reaching people who "didn’t even know what they didn’t know" and for providing help quietly, particularly to women in coercive control who may be unable to leave the house to see a lawyer. The decision to enter the Stevie Awards for Women in Business was a direct action to level up brand awareness and increase their international profile, particularly after realising their content was being consumed globally. The results of this audacious step were immediate and far-reaching. Results Double Gold Stevie Award Winner at the international Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Most Innovative Business Podcast by or for Women Most Innovative TikTok Channel by or for Women The impact of the Gold Stevie Awards was immediately noticeable: Laura was named one of the Top 60 Influencers in Brisbane by The Courier-Mail. Her mother received a formal acknowledgement from the Dean of Law at QUT University. The awards cemented their credibility, allowing them to reach more people who

Nicole Lamers, an award-winning Australian entrepreneur and educator, dedicated 22 years to the hairdressing industry, including 15 as a salon owner. Driven by a deep passion for well-being and sustainability, she worked hard to implement conscious choices within her salon. Despite her efforts, Nicole was shocked to discover that many products, even luxury and seemingly natural ranges, contained harsh chemicals that contradicted her values. She realised that the industry needed genuinely clean and safe hair care options. This realisation lit a fire in her to protect herself, her loved ones, and her clients, leading her to believe there was a solution she could create herself. The desire to offer a superior, clean, and safe alternative spurred Nicole to spend a couple of years on research and development, collaborating with local chemists and manufacturers. Her goal was to create something Australian-made, sustainable, and luxurious. The brand, AER Wellness Co., was born not just as a business, but as an extension of Nicole's core values, filling a gap she had identified for safe, clean products for professional hairdressers and the general public. As the company grew, Nicole sought to elevate her personal profile and the brand's credibility beyond local and industry recognition. She needed to validate her efforts on a bigger stage to support her dream of becoming a business educator, specifically supporting women in business, and expanding AER Wellness Co. globally. Global Recognition and Increased Self-Belief Nicole's journey into the world of international awards proved to be a pivotal and successful move. Having previously entered skills-based and business awards within the hairdressing industry, she decided to “give it a go” with global recognition programs. The most significant achievement was winning the Bronze Stevie Award for Best Female Entrepreneur in Australia, Asia, and New Zealand at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. This win provided immense validation, especially considering she was a solo female business owner from Perth competing against large, established corporations like Microsoft and IBM. Key outcomes achieved through this recognition include: Validation and Confidence: The award served as tangible evidence that her work was excellent, significantly boosting her confidence and resilience for future projects. It helped her silence self-doubt and affirmed that her message and expertise are valid. Community and Support: Attending the awards ceremony in New York allowed Nicole to connect with a community of Australian women entrepreneurs. This network of like-minded individuals provided invaluable support and connection, helping to combat the loneliness often experienced by solo business owners. Brand Amplification: The award provided a platform to promote AER Wellness Co. and Nicole's profile as an educator. A highlight was seeing her brand featured on a billboard in Times Square, a "pinch me moment" that cemented the success of her passion project. Strategic Growth: The international recognition supports her next steps: moving further into business education to support women entrepreneurs and expanding AER Wellness Co. globally, starting with distribution to the US. Result Bronze Stevie Award for Best Female Entrepreneur in Australia, Asia, and New Zealand. Nicole crafted her own entry and submission and attended the Stevie Awards in NYC on the Audacious Agency Tour in 2025. Message from the Client Nicole’s story is a testament to trusting one's instincts and the power of taking a chance. "I remember thinking we would never ingest these ingredients so why are we putting them on our body which is like the most absorbent organ we have". "It wasn't born just as a brand, it was an extension of my values". "I just feel very very grateful to have even experienced going to New York and going to the Stevie Awards and being surrounded by amazing other women in business was a real pinch me momen

Marissa Candy, the dynamic force behind The Marketing Factory, has dedicated over 20 years to the media and marketing industry, navigating its complexities and helping businesses thrive. The Marketing Factory specialises in providing key insights and strategies to drive growth and sustainability in the face of constantly evolving customer needs and an overwhelming economy. They are particularly adept at handling franchise marketing with multiple location outlets. Marissa's journey began with a curious start at Stockland Shopping Centres, where she initially didn't even know what marketing was. Under the mentorship of incredible women, she quickly embraced the field, pursuing formal education in the late 90s and 2000s, before the digital revolution. This traditional grounding gave her a deep understanding of foundational marketing principles, which she feels is often lost in today's digital-first, low-barrier-to-entry environment. The core issue The Marketing Factory aims to solve is a lack of strategic clarity. In the modern business world, it's too easy for businesses, particularly small ones, to create marketing content without first asking: "Why am I doing it? Who is it for? And what outcome do we actually want from this?". Many business owners don't fully understand marketing, often assigning marketing roles to undertrained staff, such as a graphic designer, just because they are good at social media, which results in efforts not being attached to a strategic outcome. Marissa and her team at The Marketing Factory address this by deliberately focusing on the unsexy side of marketing: strategy, and by looking at a business holistically. They assess every element, from signage and sales team operations to the front-of-house experience, knowing that every part impacts the marketing result. Marissa's goal and aspiration is to elevate the standard of marketing knowledge and awareness. She is passionate about helping people and finding solutions to problems at the core of marketing. Her forthcoming initiative, the Rebel Marketing Club, launching in 2026, is a testament to this, aiming to provide low-cost, high-value monthly lessons and Q&A sessions to uplift the entire industry.

Matthew Manahan, a talented actor and performer, found himself on an unexpected journey that led him from the stage to the inner workings of Precedent Productions, the company behind the prestigious Australian Small Business Champion Awards. He was introduced to Steve Loe, the founder of Precedent Productions, who was also a keen supporter of the arts, after a theatrical show wrapped up and with no immediate acting gigs on the horizon. Matthew joined Precedent Productions, starting in an administrative role, and his initial tasks included the meticulous and arduous process of hand-scanning over 50,000 archival images. This behind-the-scenes work, coupled with his background in the performing arts and his keen eye for storytelling, set the stage for a new and audacious project that would showcase the profound impact of the awards - the Champions book. His challenge was to find a creative way to encapsulate the rich history and human stories that defined the Australian Small Business Champion Awards. Matthew and the team at Precedent Productions have been part of a monumental project - the creation of Champions: The Legacy That Shaped Small Business for a Nation, a premium, pictorial and inspirational coffee table book that celebrates the history of the awards. The book was born from an accidental moment - Matthew, in a clumsy error, sent an email with the wrong documents, including his boss Steve Loe's personal banking details. Though he feared being fired, Steve instead noticed Matthew's creative and persuasive writing in the email and tasked him with creating a sponsorship proposal book. What was initially a six-month project evolved into a three-year endeavour, resulting in an opulent publication that showcases the triumphs, struggles, and real-world impact of small business owners. The book, which has been described as a laudable addition to any collection of Australian works, aims to inspire readers and provide an honest look at the lives of business owners. It captures the personal stories of those who have won the coveted Champion statuette, exploring their journeys and the financial, communal, and economic effects the award has had on their lives. This project has allowed Matthew to leverage his storytelling skills to honour the legacy of the awards, while also providing a valuable resource for small business owners and a testament to the life-changing power of recognition. Message from Matthew "Don't sweat the small stuff," Matthew advises, a lesson he learned from his own accidental career pivot. He believes there is always a solution, even when faced with a heart-sinking moment like sending your boss's banking details to a group of people. This experience taught him to trust the process and embrace the unpredictable journey of life and career. Matthew also encourages businesses entering the Small Business Champion Awards to share their true story, not just their financial success. "We're also looking for the heart of your community," he explains, urging people to focus on their involvement, their staff, and their value system. He cautions against using AI to write award submissions, noting that the judges "can smell it a mile away". Instead, he suggests using it as a tool for structure and then "put it in your own words" to ensure the genuine, human element shines through. "We get you guys," Matthew states, highlighting the awards' focus on the Australian small business community. He notes that the free resources and marketing materials provided to finalists and winners are a direct reflection of the team's understanding of small business needs. "We would want the same in return," he says, reinforcing the program's commitment to championing and rewarding hard-working entrepreneurs. For more information and to enter the Small Business Champion Awards, go to: https://www.championawards.com.au/ For more information about the book or to become a sponsor of the awards, go to: Precedent Productions: https://www

Michael Arnot, co-founder of Encore Speakers and Mainstage, is a prominent figure in the Australian speaking industry. His journey began not as a speaker, but as an event manager, where he co-founded an event management company. While organising events, he and his team frequently needed to book speakers and quickly realised there was a significant gap in the market. This experience, coupled with the difficulty they faced in finding the right talent for their clients, led them to pivot into a new venture: a speaker agency. Michael's goal was to create a different kind of agency - one that focused on understanding the client's needs on a deep level. He recognised that event organisers were not just looking for a person to stand on a stage; they were looking for someone who could create an electrifying impact and deliver practical, transformative value for their attendees. This understanding became the foundation of Encore Speakers' value proposition: to have in-depth conversations with clients about their event's purpose, attendees, and desired outcomes. This focus on the attendee experience, from invitation to follow-up, was what set them apart from competitors and became a crucial lesson that Michael believes is essential for any speaker to understand. Through Encore Speakers and Mainstage, Michael has achieved significant results by focusing on the business of speaking and helping others do the same. He proudly shares two key achievements that highlight the impact of his work. For Encore Speakers, a major win was helping an education industry association curate an entire three-day conference. By carefully placing speakers, they were able to create an experience where attendees felt not just professionally developed, but personally transformed. With Mainstage, Michael's focus shifted to helping speakers grow their businesses. A proud moment was witnessing a speaker completely transform their enterprise after implementing the program. This individual, who was considering returning to corporate life, instead built a globally impactful business, proving the value of being coachable and following a proven process. Recognising the need for credibility and differentiation in a crowded market, Michael also made a strategic decision to enter Mainstage into business awards. This move was not just about winning; it was about seeking independent validation from industry experts. The awards provided an external stamp of approval and helped build a credible profile, justifying the value and expertise they offer. Michael believes this independent validation is crucial for speakers and businesses alike to justify their value to potential clients and stand out from the competition. Michael also expressed immense pride in winning three Stevie Awards, and was especially proud of winning the category of for "best business process". To him, this is world-class validation from independent judges that the Mainstage Speaker Academy process is world-leading. Michael also pointed out that they won in a category that also featured IBM, well known for its innovative systems, which took out the gold award. To be ‘rubbing shoulders’ with such well-known brands and being recognised for the innovative approach they are implementing with such impressive results for speakers is a massive achievement. Message from the client Michael’s insights are direct and practical, stemming from years of experience on both sides of the speaking industry. He emphasises that speakers are "not selling to the audience, but rather to the person who signs the check". His core message to those in the industry is that success is about more than just being brilliant on stage; it requires "understanding the business of speaking". He advises speakers to make themselves easy to book by having a "laser focus" on their specific value proposition, and to ensure their messaging "does exactly what it says on the tin". Michael’s key business advice is to "partner quicker". He be

The Leap of Faith: From Engineering to Entrepreneurship Dr. Younes began his career as an aerospace engineer with the Australian Department of Defence and Boeing. However, a life change prompted an audacious decision. When he and his wife, Sarifa, an education professional, couldn't find a suitable childcare centre for their young son, he suggested they build one themselves. This was the start of a new career path. For the first five years, he worked behind the scenes while still at his engineering job, but his passion for business grew. Despite a handsome salary at Boeing, he decided to take a leap of faith. He took a few months of unpaid leave to test out full-time business management. This period allowed him to be fully present with his family, taking his kids to school and being part of their daily lives. The experience was so rewarding that he decided to resign from his engineering career and become a full-time entrepreneur. This pattern of identifying a gap in the market and filling it became the blueprint for his future ventures. When he and his wife needed a travel agency in their suburb and couldn't find one, they started their own. This travel business quickly expanded to three locations. The same philosophy led to the founding of a successful training organisation. As Lauren notes, this "fabulous grassroots approach to entrepreneurship" is a common and inspiring story in Australia. The ABLE Book Awards and Expo: A Platform for Authors The idea for the ABLE Book Awards and Expo was born from another personal experience. In 2019, after Dr Younes and his wife published their books, they realised their books were "just in a box on the shelf." They hadn't properly launched them to a wider audience. They saw a need for a professional platform where authors could launch their books on a real stage, with media coverage, photography, and video. Dr Younes explains that many authors put immense effort into writing their book but then stop, failing to promote it properly. He believes this is due to a lack of understanding about the marketing process and the belief that they need a huge online following to succeed. The ABLE Book Awards and Expo fills this gap by providing a professional, ready-made platform that gives authors the marketing support, exposure, and community they need. For an author to participate, they simply register, provide professional assets like their book's images and a bio, and the ABLE team handles the rest—marketing, promotion, event organisation, and stage management. Authors get to enjoy the "spotlight and the exposure." This includes a physical expo where authors can speak, get professional videos, and sell their books, as well as an opportunity to connect with other authors and industry leaders. The Able Book Awards is a key component of the event. It's open to authors from around the world and from any genre, whether fiction, non-fiction, children's, business book or autobiography. Authors who launch their books at the expo are automatically entered into the awards. Authors who aren't launching can also nominate their books, regardless of when they were published. Dr Younes and his team use a thorough, collaborative judging process that includes a panel of judges and author interviews to ensure every book is given a fair and comprehensive review. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Dr Younes's answer is simple and powerful: "Start everything sooner." Reflecting on his journey, acknowledging the mistakes and failures along the way but seeing them as essential learning experiences, he emphasises that life is short and that it's important to put your heart and soul into what you're passionate about, learning and growing from every experience. His journey is a testament to the idea that success is not a straight line, but a series of ups and downs from which you learn and grow. If you have a book sitting in a box in your garage, the ABLE B

In this episode of the That's Audacious podcast, host Lauren Clemett speaks with the brilliant Melissa Williams, CEO of Learning Dimensions Network. An award-winning corporate training organisation, LDN specialises in leadership, safety, and cultural change. With over 20 years of experience, Melissa shares her personal journey and professional insights on how to create truly impactful learning solutions.   Melissa Williams is the CEO of Learning Dimensions Network (LDN), an award-winning corporate training organisation specialising in leadership, safety and cultural change learning solutions. With over 20 years of experience in adult learning and instructional design, Melissa is passionate about creating engaging and impactful training programs that drive workplace transformation. To learn more about Melissa Williams and LDN’s award-winning solutions, find her contact information below:https://ldn.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissawilliamsldn/

Welcome to a powerful episode of the That's Audacious Podcast! Host Lauren Clemett sits down with the fabulous Katrina Sawa, a sought-after business coach, international speaker, and book publisher who's all about making your book a core part of your business strategy. With over 25 years of experience, Katrina has helped thousands of entrepreneurs simplify their marketing and automate their business, and she's guided over 150 authors to success. The Mindset Shift: Your Book is a Business, Not Just a Product Katrina’s journey into publishing is surprising: she never wanted to be an author and doesn't even like to read. Her interest in books came from observing others. Initially skeptical of selling a low-cost item like a book, she had a breakthrough when she realised a book is a powerful marketing tool for opening doors to speaking engagements, media appearances, and high-value clients. A critical point she and Lauren discuss is that writing the book is only half the job; the other, and arguably more important, half is marketing it. Katrina emphasises that you must view your book as a business or a funnel into your existing business. If you don't, you risk spending thousands of dollars on a book that just sits on a shelf. For those considering writing a book, Katrina's first piece of advice is to write the back cover copy first. This exercise forces you to think about the book's marketing, purpose, and audience before you've written a single word. It’s all about having a clear goal, whether that’s to launch a speaking career, gain new clients, or just share your story with family and friends. From Information to Income A book should be more than just a collection of information. Katrina suggests that authors use their books to create a sales funnel. This can be done by including: Exercises or journal prompts at the end of chapters. QR codes or links to a landing page where readers can download a free workbook or resource. Bundles that include the book and a separate, more detailed workbook or course for purchase. This strategy turns a $20 book into a lead generator for high-ticket coaching, consulting, or speaking. She shares a story of a client who initially wrote a massive 500-page book and workbook combined, only to realise that nobody would want to read something so long. By separating them, they created a powerful bundle and a clearer path for their audience. Katrina also advises authors to consider a book's physical size. A massive, expensive-to-ship book isn't ideal for a media kit. Giving away a smaller, concise book can be far more valuable, as the cost of printing is minimal compared to the revenue gained from a new client who reads it and hires you. Why Your Publisher Should Be a Marketer Katrina explains that many traditional publishers fail to offer marketing support because they aren't marketers themselves; they are simply book production specialists. She warns against paying for a book and receiving no help with promotion, as this is a recipe for a business-building failure. Her business coaching background gives her a unique perspective, allowing her to assess not just the book, but your entire brand presence—from your social media to your website—to ensure everything aligns to support your book's success. Lauren and Katrina agree that a well-marketed book, especially one that has won awards, positions you as a "go-to expert". This makes you more attractive to event organizers and media outlets, leading to more speaking gigs, more visibility, and higher pay. Actionable Steps to Promote Your Book For anyone with a book gathering dust in a garage, Katrina has a clear call to action: perform an audit of your online presence. Audit your visibility: Can people easily find you and your book? Check your contact information: Is your phone number, email, or a contact form easily accessible on your website and social media profiles? Optimise your profiles: Ensure your LinkedIn and other social media profile

On this episode of the That's Audacious Podcast, host Lauren Clemett speaks with the exceptional Sharon Jurd, a seven-figure business coach, mindset expert, author, speaker, and CEO of the Sharon Jurd Coaching Institute. A self-described country girl with nine companies to her name, Sharon shares her remarkable journey, emphasising the core values and mindset shifts that have driven her success. Values-Driven Leadership and a Journey of Helping People Sharon's journey began in a small country town, instilling in her a strong sense of community and values like respect and curiosity. She realised early on that her work had to align with a central purpose: helping people get from pain to pleasure. Whether it was helping clients buy their first home in real estate or guiding entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, her focus has always been on the person, not the product. She has coached in over 127 industries, and her success, she says, comes from the belief that if you put out good energy, you will attract good people. The Snowball Effect of Awards and Hypnotherapy as a Game-Changer In her real estate career, Sharon won an astonishing 36 awards in a very short time. She shares that this wasn't about ego but about building credibility and a profile in a new town where she knew no one. The awards created a snowball effect, legitimising her expertise and attracting clients. Later, in her coaching business, Sharon hit a roadblock: her clients had great strategies but weren't implementing them. This led her to discover hypnotherapy, timeline therapy, and NLP. She became a master trainer and now teaches these skills to other coaches. Integrating these tools into her coaching has been a game-changer, allowing her to address the "what's going on up here" (the mindset) before focusing on strategy. She believes that without the right internal beliefs, a great marketing plan will never yield consistent results. Overcoming the Fear of Success and the Tall Poppy Syndrome Lauren and Sharon delve into the critical topic of self-worth and mindset, particularly concerning awards. Sharon highlights that many people fear success as much as failure. She offers several powerful tips to combat this: Reframe Fear as Excitement: The unconscious mind can confuse the two. By consciously telling yourself, "This is not fear, this is excitement," you can recalibrate your neurology and approach challenges with a positive, energetic outlook. Release the Need for Perfection: Sharon points out that no one has it all together, no matter how successful they appear. The belief that you must be perfect to win is a self-imposed roadblock. Visualise the Win: She encourages a powerful visualisation exercise: vividly imagine the successful outcome of winning an award five minutes after it has happened. This tells your unconscious mind that it's already a reality, prompting it to work toward that result. Learn from Not Winning: When she first lost an award, Sharon initially made excuses. However, the experience provided invaluable feedback from the judges: she wasn't "bragging on" her achievements enough. This taught her the importance of self-promotion and not downplaying her successes, a lesson she applied to win the following year. The Courage to Brag and Embrace Success Sharon challenges the insidious tall poppy syndrome prevalent in Australia. She encourages people to celebrate their wins openly, citing a story about a man whose exuberant celebration at an awards night was met with quiet judgment. She suggests that if more people were confident in their success, it would become the new normal. She also addresses the fear of being disliked, reminding listeners that there will always be some people who won't like you, and that's okay. The key is to focus on the overwhelming majority of positive support and not be held back by the few who are unsupportive. Sharon's Advice to Her Younger Self At the end of the podcast, Sharon shares three pieces of advice

In this episode of the That's Audacious Podcast, host Lauren Clemett welcomes Rose Davidson, host and producer of the globally ranked and award-winning "Talking with Experts" podcast. Usually the interviewer, Rose steps into the hot seat to share her journey, insights, and unique system for helping others navigate the world of podcasting. A Whim That Grew Wings: The Birth of a Top Podcast Rose's podcasting journey began on a whim in 2020 during lockdown. Witnessing brick-and-mortar businesses struggling, she felt a strong desire to help. With no prior podcasting experience, she simply thought, "Why not start a podcast?" and invited a few Facebook friends as her first guests. This impulsive decision blossomed into something extraordinary: 633 recorded episodes over five years, earning "Talking with Experts" a spot in the top 5% of podcasts globally. Lauren notes that most new podcasters quit after just five episodes, finding it too hard. Rose's secret to longevity? A heart-centered approach and a genuine love for connecting with people who openly share their knowledge. She sees her podcast as a valuable resource, even for herself, often revisiting episodes for insights. Her personal motivation to help others, rather than chasing numbers, has kept her dedicated. The Power of Interviews: Authenticity Over Perfection Rose explains her choice of an interview-style podcast: she finds it difficult to talk to a camera on her own. The dynamic of conversation allows her to be authentic and comfortable. Her tagline, "Business owners helping business owners," perfectly aligns with the show's name, as her guests are indeed experts in their fields. She uses PodMatch to find incredible guests, a platform she highly recommends for its vetting process and ability to connect hosts and guests effectively. Rose and Lauren both emphasise that podcasting offers a unique way to build a personal brand, allowing audiences to hear your voice and passion, which is invaluable for speakers, thought leaders, and authors. The OPAL System: Your Roadmap to Podcasting Success Rose has distilled her years of experience into the Signature OPAL System (Organise, Produce, Arrange, Launch), a comprehensive program designed to guide aspiring podcasters. Organise: This initial phase covers foundational elements like legalities, program strategies, choosing your name, hosting platform, and setting up your studio. Produce: Focuses on becoming a great host and guest, building confidence on camera, and finding the perfect guests. Arrange: Deals with the technical side, teaching how to structure intros/outros, edit podcasts, and choose the best platforms. Launch: Explores getting your podcast out there, monetisation, and establishing authority in your chosen niche. Rose stresses that the biggest mistake people make is overcomplicating things and thinking they need expensive equipment. She started with just a laptop, microphone and camera. Her key advice: prioritise audio quality over visuals, as listeners will forgive poor video but not bad sound. Podcasting doesn't have to be expensive to start. Consistency, Dedication, and the Long Game While her podcast achieved a global ranking in the top 5%, Rose admits she has no idea exactly how it happened. She credits consistency and dedication as crucial mindset elements for any podcast host. She views podcasting as a craft and acknowledges that it takes time to build an audience; instant success with millions of downloads is a myth. Rose is passionate about authentic conversations. Her show is guest-centric, with minimal host interruptions and straightforward editing. She also expresses disappointment when guests don't leverage their appearance, calling it a waste of time, and shares frustration over no-shows. Rose's Advice: Get Organised and Be Kind to Yourself Looking back to 2020, Rose would advise her past self to "be more organised." Despite her significant success and awards, she believes better organisation

Welcome to a special solo episode of the That's Audacious Podcast! Lauren Clemett tackles one of the most frequently asked questions she receives as a professional award writer: "Am I ready? Have I done enough to enter awards?" Lauren debunks common myths, challenges self-limiting beliefs, and instils the confidence needed to pursue recognition for your hard work and impact. Myth #1: You Need Stellar Financials or Massive Growth Many believe that awards are only for businesses with sky-high revenue or exponential growth. Lauren clarifies that this is largely a myth. Most awards, almost 90% of them, don't even ask for your financials. Instead, they focus on: Innovation: Your fresh ideas and unique solutions. Potential: The future impact you could make. Challenges: How you've overcome obstacles. Impact: The positive difference you're making, not just your bottom line. Therefore, you don't need a massive income jump to be award-worthy. Myth #2: You're Too Small, Too New, or Too Unknown Awards are for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises. The key is finding the right categories. Lauren highlights a golden window for startups, with categories specifically designed for new ventures (often within 12-24 months of operation), even those pre-profit or without external funding. Missing this window means losing eligibility for these unique opportunities, so if you're a startup, now is the time to seize it. Myth #3: Imposter Syndrome (The "Itty Bitty Shitty Committee") is Holding You Back This is a common internal battle. Many entrepreneurs feel insecure, believing their business isn't "perfect," optimised, or free of mistakes. This mindset often focuses on external validation and the fear of judgment. However, Lauren encourages a shift in perspective: "Nothing ever really is perfect." By pausing to reflect on your journey – your challenges, your original motivations, and your achievements – you can gain a profound sense of self-recognition. Even failures are part of your success story. You're never too small, too new, or too late to enter awards. There are countless categories for various business types, products, services, and impact makers, regardless of whether you have a physical product or a well-established business model. Inspiring Case Studies: Awards at Every Stage To illustrate her points, Lauren shares three compelling examples: Angela Dion (Blissful Bond Booby Pillow): Angela, a new entrepreneur, had sold only about 50 units of her innovative breastfeeding support product when she first considered awards. Despite her early stage, they entered the Stevie Awards for Women in Business (an international program). Angela won two bronze awards, even competing against giants like Google in the product innovation category. This recognition not only boosted her confidence but directly led to a major opportunity with Westfield, proving the power of branding by association. Kimberly Sumner (She Prosperity): Kimberly won a gold Stevie Award for her concept of a program designed to close the gender pay gap in corporate settings, even before the program was launched. This demonstrates that awards can be won for vision and future potential, offering instant credibility to an untried idea. Emmelia O'Sullivan (Author to Advocate): Emmelia started by winning author awards for her book about her extensive medical journey. Building on this, she leveraged her podcast to win podcast awards. As she transitions into a coaching business and builds online products, she then won a top prize in the Beam in Business Awards for a wellness advocacy role. This highlights that awards aren't just for established businesses; they can be won for impact, social change, and advocacy roles, positioning individuals for future business success. These stories underscore that you don't need decades of history or massive revenue to be award worthy. Your impact, your innovation, and your unique story are more than enough. Are You Aw

In this engaging episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett speaks with Francesca Moi, a dynamic speaker and the founder of Empowering Virtual Solution. Known for her no-fluff approach, Francesca’s agency is Australia's most human-focused VA agency, designed to help 7-figure CEOs with overwhelmed teams reclaim their time, build high-performing offshore teams, and master the art of smart delegation. Francesca candidly shares her journey, which wasn't initially aimed at entrepreneurship. A pivotal moment came while working in a corporate role where her efficiency was discouraged. This, coupled with personal challenges, ignited a profound personal development journey. This transformation, inspired in part by attending a Tony Robbins event (which she resourcefully earned a free ticket to by selling 100 tickets for him!), revealed her innate talent for sales and community building. She realised that if she could sell for others, she could sell for herself, setting audacious goals that she ultimately achieved. The Power of Authenticity and Pivoting Through Adversity Francesca's path led her to become an event specialist, filling rooms and generating commissions, eventually being encouraged to speak herself. Despite initial self-doubt and a “crap” first presentation (as a friend honestly put it!), she embraced her authentic, upfront style, which became her unique signature and resonated deeply with audiences. She champions the idea that the less polished the videos, the better it is for genuine connection, contrasting it with overly professional content that can create distance. The COVID-19 pandemic forced an unexpected pivot. Faced with the stark reality of her events business collapsing, Francesca confronted the worst-case scenario head-on. By accepting the possibility of failure, she liberated herself to see new opportunities. She realised that a core part of her academy, virtual assistant services, was gaining traction. This insight led her to focus solely on the VA agency, which miraculously grew to $1 million in just 14 months, providing a powerful lesson in resilience and adaptation. Overcoming Delegation Hurdles: Mindset and Growth A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the common challenges business owners face with delegation. Francesca highlights two key hurdles: Fear of Imperfection: The worry that a VA won't do the job as good as they want it to be. Cash Flow Concerns: The apprehension that hiring a VA will shrink the bank account. Francesca counters these fears with a powerful mindset shift: "Done is better than perfect." She emphasises that if tasks aren't delegated, they might never get done, leading to overwhelm and stagnation. She provocatively asks, "Would you hire a CEO for $200,000 to do your Canva, emails, and bookkeeping?" Her point is clear: CEOs delegate to focus on growth, and business owners should too. If you're in growth mode, every profit should be reinvested into the business, including hiring support, to unlock your time for strategic activities. For Francesca, delegation became almost an "addiction" once she saw the benefits of freeing up her time. She outsourced everything from cleaning to cooking, allowing her to focus on high-value activities like learning, networking, and maintaining her health, all crucial for running a thriving business without exhaustion. Cultivating an Authentic Personal Brand When asked about building her profile and reputation, Francesca stresses authenticity. She receives consistent feedback that she is exactly the same whether online or in person, a quality she believes people crave. She encourages others to embrace their true selves, even if it means not always looking perfect, as this genuine approach fosters stronger connections. Francesca's final, powerful advice to her past self is to never, ever, ever stop working on your mindset. She attributes every business roadblock to neglecting her personal development practices – meditation,

In this compelling episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett sits down with Saurabh Arora (Sab), the dynamic founder of Eminence Finance Group.  Sab, a former top-performing mobile lender with ANZ and a multi-award-winning mortgage broker, is revolutionising the mortgage experience with his commitment to lightning-fast customer service and unparalleled client care. Beyond his remarkable business growth, Lauren dives into how Sab has swiftly built an incredible profile and a stellar reputation in the competitive sector of mortgage broking. Sab's journey to Australia in 2016 marked a fresh start, propelling him back to basics despite a solid eight years of banking experience in India. This initial step backwards paradoxically accelerated his progress in the Australian banking industry due to his prior knowledge and adaptability.  Within three years of his initial broking phase, a purely random call from ANZ changed everything. Despite initial hesitation, he took the leap and in just two and a half years, rose to become the number one mobile lender in the country.  This monumental achievement wasn't just a dream come true; it was the ultimate confidence booster that spurred him to launch his own venture, Eminence Finance Group (EFG). The Power of Proactiveness and Customer-Centricity Sab's ethos is rooted in proactiveness. He thrives on clearing his desk and ensuring clients are never left waiting, a stark contrast to the industry's common pain points of poor communication and long wait times. He believes in treating people the way he would like to be treated, a seemingly basic principle that has become a significant point of difference for EFG. He shares a powerful anecdote about clients straying from their previous mortgage brokers due to a lack of ongoing contact. Sab emphasises that maintaining relationships with existing clients is the most organic and effective way to generate business through word-of-mouth referrals, a marketing strategy often preached but rarely practised consistently. Awards are More Than Just an Ego Boost Sab enthusiastically discusses how awards have played a pivotal role in boosting his profile. He notes that receiving awards not only provides an ego boost but, more importantly, validates his legitimacy and reassures existing clients that they are in capable hands. He recounts how winning the Stevie Awards led to calls from clients, both current and past, reaffirming their trust and even prompting former clients to return for his services. A highlight of his recent achievements is winning the national title for Customer Service in Finance at the Australian Achiever Awards. This particular award is significant because it involves direct interviews with clients to gauge their satisfaction, providing an undeniable third-party endorsement of EFG's commitment to delivering on its promises. Sab was genuinely stunned to win this prestigious national award, a testament to his consistent delivery of exceptional service. Niche Down, Think Big Initially, Sab found it challenging to niche down, especially when clients' primary focus was solely on interest rates. He consciously shifted his conversations to clients' long-term objectives and goals, demonstrating that he prioritises their financial well-being over just securing the lowest rate. He candidly admits to turning away rate-sensitive clients, recognising that long-term client relationships, built on trust and alignment, are far more valuable for sustainable growth and referrals. Looking ahead, Sab is focused on building a corporate environment within EFG, aiming to mentor and grow a team of mortgage professionals. His vision is to pay it forward, empowering others to achieve wonders in their careers, all while scaling EFG into a prominent brand. Sab's Advice for Success Reflecting on his journey, Sab's advice to his past self is profound: "Don't be scared, don't be afraid of taking action." He stresses that results only come from action,

In this inspiring episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett sits down with Kylie King, the visionary founder of the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative and the driving force behind the Alibi Awards. Kylie shares her deeply personal journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving, supportive community for women entrepreneurs across Australia, a testament to the power of authentic connection and self-belief. Kylie's path began after a significant period of corporate senior management, which, combined with the demands of new motherhood, led to burnout. This pivotal experience ignited her realisation of a profound need for genuine support and community among women in business. What started as a coaching business quickly evolved into a mindset-focused endeavour, ultimately blossoming into the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative. This community grew organically, filling a crucial void felt by many women navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. The Power of Community and Battling the "Perfect" Barrier The Australian Ladies in Business Initiative welcomes all women in Australia, from seasoned business owners to aspiring entrepreneurs. Kylie highlights that this community thrives on celebrating both successes and the challenges of business ownership, fostering a supportive environment where women can openly share their experiences. She underscores the unique pressures women often face, influenced by societal expectations and a tendency to prioritise others, which can inadvertently sideline their own business growth. A significant barrier Kylie identifies is the pervasive pressure women feel to be "perfect" before taking action. This notion, often amplified by social media's curated realities, feeds into imposter syndrome and a fear of judgment, preventing many from confidently putting themselves and their businesses forward. The Alibi Awards: A Community-Led Celebration of Authenticity Inspired by her own experiences with awards and a desire to address community concerns about integrity, Kylie took on the audacious challenge of creating her own awards program. The Alibi Awards were born as a truly community-led initiative, with categories and even their names chosen by the members of the Australian Ladies in Business community. Kylie advises anyone considering entering awards to exercise discernment and thoroughly review terms and conditions to ensure genuine recognition. The Alibi Awards are designed for members of the free Australian Ladies in Business Initiative community who hold an ABN. The submission process is crafted for authenticity, featuring a written application (around 10 questions) and a unique five-minute video submission. Kylie emphasises that the video component is crucial for allowing entrants to share their story and passion authentically, effectively combating the rise of AI-generated entries. Transparency and support are central to the Alibi Awards' judging process. Finalists receive personal notification, and all participants receive written feedback from three judges. This invaluable feedback, developed by a committee of entrepreneurs and business academics, aims to help businesses refine their strategies and improve future award entries. Tips for Audacious Award Entries Kylie offers practical advice for potential Alibi Awards entrants: Thoroughly review category descriptions to ensure alignment. If a category resonates, don't hold back. Seek advice from fellow members in the free community on category selection. Authenticity is a core value of the Alibi Awards. Show up as your true self in your submissions. View the entry process as a celebration of your business achievements, journey and personal growth, not just the opportunity to win a (fabulous purple) trophy    With 24 categories and an entry cost of $99 (including GST), the Alibi Awards offer a diverse range of opportunities. Nominations close on August 4th, with written submissions accepted until August 11th, culminat

In this vibrant edition of the That's Audacious podcast, host Lauren Clemett welcomes the remarkable Rowena Preddy, founder of Preddy Creative. Rowena's bold branding studio is on a mission to liberate small business owners from "cookie-cutter" approaches, helping them confidently express their real, raw, and totally aligned brand identity. Rowena's journey into the world of design began young, captivated by the magic of art and the unexpected creations that stemmed from deep thinking. Despite early career experiences that felt stifling and conforming - a far cry from her "colourful rainbow of unicorn expression",  a redundancy became the unexpected catalyst for her audacious leap into entrepreneurship.  This pivotal moment, fueled by a desire to prove herself and support her two children, initially led to burnout. Yet, it was through this challenge that Rowena found her true purpose: rebuilding her business to be a place she loved, working with clients who aligned with her values, and empowering women to shed their "shoulds" and embrace their glowing uniqueness. She passionately believes that branding should be fun and impactful, a stark contrast to the common perception of it being a tedious, expensive, or disappointing process. For Rowena, helping clients unearth their authentic brand is a reciprocal joy, reigniting her own creative spark. Key Insights from Rowena Preddy: Embrace Your Authentic Self: Rowena's personal transformation from "beige and conformative" to boldly expressive underscores the power of aligning your brand with your true self. Creativity is Innate: Even when you might not think you are creative, you can discover and express your unique vision through an engaging mood-boarding process. Originality Over Imitation: In a world saturated with AI-generated and repurposed content, finding your distinct voice is paramount. Don't fall prey to "comparison-it is." Brand Values as a Litmus Test: Distill your core brand values and use them as an internal compass. If something feels "ick," it's likely misaligned with your authentic brand. The Right Amount of Sass: Personal expression in branding should be genuine and build over time. Know your professional boundaries – "two mojitos deep sassy" might not be right for your brand! The "Quickie" Solution: Rowena's signature Quickee design day addresses the common business trifecta of needing things fast, good, and affordable, proving that quality and personality don't have to be sacrificed for efficiency. Consistency Drives Impact: Consistency in branding builds recognition and engagement. Every design choice should serve a clear purpose and drive specific results, not just look "nice." Rowena champions the idea that a personal brand is inextricably linked to a company's brand, especially as consumers increasingly seek to do business with people, not just faceless entities. She advocates for businesses of all sizes to infuse their personal beliefs and values into their overarching brand identity. As the interview wraps up, Rowena offers a profound piece of advice drawn from her own journey: "Figure out who you are... and then just go all in on it. Back yourself like a thousand percent." She firmly believes that "personal growth equals business growth," with every embrace of her true self leading to greater business thriving. Connect with Rowena Preddy and Preddy Creative: Ready to ditch the cookie-cutter and unleash your brand's true potential? Discover Rowena's bold approach at Preddy Creative.  Don't settle for beige. Be the rainbow, be audacious, and let your brand truly shine! https://preddycreative.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowena-preddy-304830160/

In this insightful episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett welcomes Matt Alderton, a leading entrepreneur, business expert, and the visionary founder of BX Networking, one of the world's fastest-growing business networking and education organisations.  With a track record of running over a dozen six, seven, and eight-figure businesses and accumulating more than 40 industry awards, Matt brings a wealth of experience from every side of the business landscape. As the founder of the BX Awards and an awards judge himself (for prestigious programs like the Telstra Awards), Matt offers a unique 360-degree perspective on the invaluable role awards play in business growth. Matt's passion for small business stems from over two decades as an owner. He champions the profound impact small businesses have on the economy and individuals, from providing first jobs and training to fostering personal growth. His journey, which includes early ventures in retail and hospitality (and even a surprising family history in video stores!), evolved into a dedication to business education and growth through BX Networking. For Matt, awards are not just about winning; they are a strategic marketing tool. He recounts how being a finalist or a winner in awards programs instilled instant credibility and trust with potential clients, leading to rapid client acquisition. This external validation, he explains, functions much like an ‘as seen on’ badge from a major TV network, immediately building confidence and trust. Key Insights: View entering awards as a powerful marketing strategy for your business, regardless of the outcome. Awards provide immediate trust and credibility with potential clients, often accelerating the sales cycle. It’s not just about winning. Even being a finalist allows you to leverage the award program's logo for powerful positioning and marketing. The Tall Poppy Syndrome (and its upside) - While Australia's cultural tendency to downplay success exists, being recognised for your achievements here can make you stand out even more. BX Awards: A Coaching Session in Disguise! The structured multiple-choice and short-answer questions of the BX Awards provide a valuable benchmarking and strategy session for your business, helping you identify areas for improvement. While AI can be a useful tool for refining award answers (e.g., for conciseness or grammar), always review and "rehumanise" the content. Avoid simply copying and pasting AI-generated text, as judges can spot it. Matt's candidness about the "trophy" from a Subway conference - and how he got a photo of him holding the table centrepiece that, when shared on socials instantly elicited congratulatory messages from his network - humorously underscores his point: perception is powerful, and leveraging the association with an awards program is key. He also touches on the elephant in the room - AI and its role in award submissions. While he advocates for using AI to refine answers, he cautions against lazy reliance, urging entrants to read and personalise and edit any AI-generated content. Looking ahead, Matt envisions BX continuing its mission to empower business owners through education and networking, particularly through its comprehensive Diamond membership. His ultimate passion is to significantly reduce the high failure rate in small businesses by providing the tools and knowledge for sustained success, whether a business aims for solid six-figures or ambitious seven and eight-figure growth. Connect with Matt Alderton and BX Networking: Ready to gain instant credibility and accelerate your business growth? Don't shy away from recognition. Embrace the audacious act of celebrating your success and watch your business thrive! Explore the opportunities offered by BX Networking and the BX Awards. https://bxnetworking.com/au/international-business-xcellence-awards https://bxnetworking.com/ https://mattalderton.com.au/

In this insightful episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett welcomes Maggie Miller, the dynamic President of the World's Premier Business Awards - The Stevie Awards. Maggie shares her unique journey, from a 10-year-old momentarily concerned about a new sibling to leading a global organisation that celebrates business excellence across nine distinct award programs. The Stevie Awards, founded by Maggie's father, Michael Gallagher, emerged from a simple yet powerful question: "Why aren't there more awards for people like me?" This question, born from his own experiences in the marketing world, ignited a vision to recognise the hard work, creativity, and impact of professionals worldwide. The name "Stevie," a nod to Maggie's grandfather Stephen and the Greek word for "crowned," encapsulates the awards' mission to honour and elevate outstanding achievements. Lauren and Maggie delve into the core values that have propelled the Stevie Awards to global prominence. Integrity, transparency, and a commitment to providing valuable feedback to entrants are hallmarks of the program. Unlike many awards, the Stevies offer judges' comments to all participants, enabling improvement and encouraging future success. This supportive approach extends to offering entrants who didn't win a chance to enter another Stevie program at no additional cost. Key Insights from Maggie Miller: A Personal Origin: The Stevie Awards' inception story, embedded in a desire to recognise everyday excellence, adds a human touch to a global brand. Feedback as a Gift: The Stevies' commitment to providing judges' comments and free leveraging resources sets them apart, offering valuable insights for growth and improvement. Celebrating Impact: The awards prioritise real-world impact, recognising achievements that benefit employees, customers, and stakeholders. Global Reach, Personal Touch: Despite their international scale, the Stevies maintain a personal touch, ensuring a fair and supportive experience for all entrants no matter how big or small the company is. Leveraging Recognition: Winners receive comprehensive resources, including press releases and opportunities to be featured in Stevie Awards marketing materials. The Power of Connection: The Stevie Awards for Women in Business ceremony promotes invaluable networking and connections, leading to friendships and even new business ventures. Overcoming Barriers: Maggie encourages women to recognise the value of their accomplishments and to overcome the common hesitation to seek recognition. Maggie also shares her experience working in a family business, highlighting the rewarding journey of witnessing the Stevie Awards' growth from a small operation to a global force. She emphasises the importance of remaining unbiased as president, focusing on ensuring a fair and transparent process for all participants. The conversation touches on the challenges and adaptations of the awards industry, including navigating the impact of COVID-19 and the rise of AI. Maggie highlights the Stevies' commitment to human judgment, banning AI in the judging process to ensure authentic evaluation. For those considering entering the Stevie Awards, Maggie advises reflecting on the specific achievements they wish to highlight and exploring the diverse categories available. She encourages potential entrants to view winning nominations from previous years for inspiration and to see the value of their own contributions. As the episode concludes, Maggie alerts us about a brand-new Stevie Awards website, promising an even more user-friendly experience for participants worldwide. Connect with the Stevie Awards: Ready to celebrate your achievements and gain global recognition?  Explore the Stevie Awards and discover the perfect platform to showcase your success. You'll find all the necessary links below this episode. Don't let your hard work go unnoticed. Embrace the opportunity to be crowned a Stevie winner and amplify your impact on

In this inspiring episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett interviews the driven Brett Farmiloe, Founder & CEO of Featured and the visionary behind the revival of HARO (Help A Reporter Out). Brett's story is a powerful example of the impact of pursuing your passions, from his early days interviewing people about their career journeys across America to his current mission of empowering experts to share their knowledge with the world's leading publications. Brett's initial quest to understand how individuals find passion in their work, documented during his cross-country "Pursue the Passion" road trips, revealed a fundamental human need: a meaningful outlet to share accumulated expertise. This insight became the driving force behind Featured, a platform that now connects over 50,000 subject-matter experts with top publishers like Fast Company and Entrepreneur.com, fuelling the creation of impactful Q&A content. Lauren and Brett explore how Featured provides a streamlined and effective way for leaders – from entrepreneurs and marketers to credentialed professionals – to amplify their voices and build their profiles. The platform's accessible model and intelligent AI-powered matching system democratise access to media opportunities, ensuring that valuable knowledge reaches a wider audience. The coolest part is the AI-driven questions that overcome the ‘blank page’ barrier, so contributors know what topics to submit content on, making the connection with publications real and engaging. Adding another layer to his passionate pursuit, Brett shares his excitement about acquiring and revitalising HARO, a beloved platform for connecting journalists with expert sources. HARO is a legacy brand and one of the first platforms to link experts with journalists. His commitment to breathing new life into this iconic brand underscores his dedication to facilitating the exchange of knowledge and empowering experts to become go-to resources. Key Insights on Pursuing Passion and Profile Building from Brett Farmiloe: Follow Your Curiosity: Brett's initial "Pursue the Passion" journey highlights the power of following your curiosity to uncover fundamental human needs. Passion as a Foundation: The desire to help others share their expertise is the core passion driving Brett's work with Featured and HARO. Featured: Your Outlet for Expertise: Embrace Featured as a platform to channel your passion and knowledge into impactful contributions to top publications. HARO: Rekindling Connections: Discover how the revived HARO offers another powerful avenue to connect your expertise with journalists seeking insights. Turn Passion into Purpose: Brett's journey demonstrates how a personal passion can evolve into a purposeful mission to empower others. Your Unique Story Matters: Just as Brett's cross-country interviews revealed, everyone has valuable expertise born from their unique experiences. Consistency Fuels Recognition: Like any passion project, building a strong profile requires consistent effort and a dedicated focus on sharing your knowledge. Brett's own audacious career, from helping Hugh Jackman launch a charitable coffee company to his adventures in the early days of digital marketing and even a memorable (and never-to-be-repeated) Hot Pocket-fueled startup phase, showcases the diverse paths passion can lead to. His current focus on Featured and HARO is a clear continuation of his initial drive to provide meaningful outlets for expertise. Brett's advice for those looking to build their profile while staying true to their passions is to be strategic, focus on the areas where your passion and expertise intersect, and consistently share your unique insights. Platforms like Featured and HARO are invaluable tools in this journey, providing the connections and opportunities to turn your passion into recognized authority. Brett's enthusiasm for profile building is palpable. His work is more than just business; it's a direct exten

This episode of That's Audacious is a captivating conversation with George Hedon, the visionary founder and CEO of Pause Fest and the esteemed Pause Awards.  Dubbed Australia's flagship innovation festival and a recognised innovation capital, Pause Fest, under George's guidance, has drawn over 80,000 attendees and established itself as a significant benchmark for business excellence. We eagerly delve into the origins and inner workings of Pause Fest and the Pause Awards, uncovering the passion and perseverance behind this remarkable platform.   George recounts his journey, sparked by a post-university sojourn in Europe that ignited a creative fire within him. Upon returning to Melbourne, he identified a crucial gap in the landscape: a space where individuals with side hustles, nascent ideas, and unconventional projects could connect and share. In a pre-startup boom era, Pause Fest emerged as a "moment in time" for these audacious thinkers to converge. The conversation beautifully illustrates the evolution of Pause Fest from its initial focus on animation, screen film, and digital culture to the dynamic hub it is today, championing creativity, technology, and business. George candidly shares the challenging early years, navigating the complexities of building something entirely new and finding its commercial footing. Key Insights from George Hedon: Identifying the Gap: Pause Fest's inception highlights the power of meeting unmet needs and creating solutions where none exist. The Importance of Community: The festival's foundation was built on the desire to connect like-minded individuals, creating collaboration and shared growth around the many breakthrough moments in a successful journey. Embracing Evolution: Pause Fest's journey demonstrates the necessity of adapting and expanding a vision to achieve broader impact and sustainability. Celebrating Incremental Breakthroughs: The Pause Awards uniquely focus on the significant, small steps of innovation within businesses, rather than solely celebrating major events and achievements.   Transparency in Judging: George shares the clear criteria and rigorous two-round judging process of the Pause Awards, encouraging entrants to articulate their breakthrough moment, implementation tactics, results, and market impact.   Focus on Relevance and Impact: The Pause Awards are for recent achievements (within the last year) and tangible results, moving beyond mere concepts.  An Infinite Number of Winners: Unlike traditional awards, Pause Awards celebrates all entries that meet their criteria, with unlimited finalists and winners - a spirit of recognition for genuine innovation. The Power of Curiosity: George's personal journey and advice underscore the vital role of curiosity in driving innovation and personal growth. For those contemplating entering the Pause Awards, George offers a clear directive: articulate your breakthrough in under 1000 words, focusing on the situation before, the tactics employed, the results achieved, and the broader impact. Honesty and a clear articulation of your "interesting" and impactful work are key to standing out.   As the episode concludes, George leaves listeners with a simple yet profound call to action: "Just be curious. Look up things, engage, go to meetups, find out stuff slowly, meet people. It starts with small steps, and there's this saying, small steps lead to big things." His words resonate with the core ethos of the podcast – to embrace the audacious journey of innovation, one step at a time. Step into your creativity, be curious, and dare to be audacious! Ready to explore the world of innovation and perhaps even be seen and noticed for your own breakthroughs?  Discover more about Pause Fest and the Pause Awards here:https://www.pausefest.com.au/https://pauseawards.com/

In this engaging episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett welcomes the insightful Nic Hayes, a media professional with an impressive three decades of experience spanning broadcasting, podcasting, storytelling, writing, and communication. Nic takes us on a fascinating journey, recounting his unexpected pivot from the discipline of the army and the Victorian Police Force to the vibrant realm of media. Nic's story underscores the often unpredictable paths that lead to fulfilling careers. His initial foray into media intelligence, monitoring the pulse of the news provided him with a unique perspective on the media landscape. He talks about the increasing pressure on media outlets to find credible experts and commentators and his pivotal observation that sparked the audacious idea for Media Stable, now a thriving business in its fourteenth year, connecting media professionals with trusted experts across various fields. Lauren and Nic delve into the significant transformations within the media industry over the years. From the era of faxes and the nascent stages of email to the seismic shift brought about by social media and the 24/7 digital world, Nic shares his firsthand experience of these changes, highlighting the paradox of our time – that we’re more connected globally yet increasingly disconnected on a personal level. The conversation navigates the challenges of the overwhelming volume of content and the constant emergence of self-proclaimed experts, requiring established relationships and trust. Key Insights from Nic Hayes: Authenticity Over Vanity: Forget flashy logos and focus on substance, journos can quickly identify genuine expertise versus superficial claims (Australian experts, leave the Fox News badges off your profile!) Relationships are Key: Building direct relationships with journalists is far more effective than relying solely on press releases if you want to become a known and trusted entity. Be Ready and Available: Media opportunities often arise with little notice, so being prepared and responsive is crucial. Provide Value: Offer journalists well-researched information, compelling case studies, and insightful opinions to make their job easier. A "ready-made package" increases your chances of being featured. Leverage Everything: Don't let your media moments go to waste! Share your interviews and features with your audience to build credibility. Understand Paid vs. Earned Media: Be transparent about any paid media opportunities and avoid misrepresenting them as organic features. Your integrity is paramount if you want to build a credible profile. Nic also sheds light on Media Stable and the Expert Registry platform that serves as an accessible entry point for those beginning their media journey, offering training and a profile visible to the media. Media Stable connects vetted experts with media professionals actively seeking credible sources and runs “Meet The Media’ events around the country. As the conversation draws to a close, Nic offers a powerful piece of advice: "Put your hand up. Say that you're ready. You are an expert. You are an award winner. Get out there and do it. Don't regret anything." His words serve as an empowering call to action for anyone ready to share their knowledge and make their mark in the world of media. Don't just be knowledgeable, be audacious! Get your voice heard. Find out more here:www.mediastable.com.au https://expertregistry.com.au/