In this episode of Secrets in the City I interview the marvellous Michelle Maynard, a small business cheerleader, a 40 under 40 award winner, a partner in her accounting firm and just an overall amazing and highly intelligent woman (as you'll soon find out!)

We discuss the importance of language in all aspects of our lives, from accounting and finance to self-care.

Michelle also shares her experience with Imposter Syndrome,  feeling uneasy with the label "finance expert" because there were others more "worthy" of being in that position. But if you've ever seen her on Channel 9, you'll know she has a natural talent for simplifying complex financial matters and presenting them in an entertaining and engaging manner. It's no wonder why she is so popular with audiences!

But her real challenge came when she found herself with absolutely nothing left in the tank - collapsing in front of her children.

I'm confident that it's an episode that anyone would relate to. Grab a cuppa and enjoy.

To find out more about Michelle:

Her Linkedin profile HERE

For more information on Carbon Group - see HERE

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

When I first saw Carmen on stage, I thought to myself: “I'd like to be her when I grow up.” 

Funny and self-depreciating, Carmen is a television and radio presenter with 20 years’ experience in commercial media – and a wicked stage presence. 

Life, as it does, knocked her on her feet and following a health scare, she was forced to slow down, take a beat and rethink what she wanted. 

She learned to accept the things she couldn’t change and practiced self-compassion – as you’ll hear in this episode, she grew stronger and happier – and more successful – as a result.

Today Carmen splits her time between her family, TV, radio, and her modern media training brand: Confidence on Camera, bringing people safely out of their comfort zone and into their authority zone.
 

 Why should you listen to this episode?

 1.     Ever say something and cringe? Carmen shares 3 words that will uncringify any facepalm slip of the tongue.

2.     You’ll tap into a beautiful new way to consider how to practice self-compassion without feeling like you need to give up being a high performer.

3.     If you tend to fixate and strive for perfection, you’ll learn a valuable lesson in how to let go and accept.

Prepare for confidence tips – and valuable life lessons – on and off camera. 

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• Carmen Braidwood: https://www.carmenbraidwood.com.au/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncamerawithcarmen/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenbraidwood/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/oncamera_carmen 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oncamerawithcarmen 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9XdRDYZUC8FfYiQnw_3Cw 

🎧 Thanks for listening! 🎧

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

It’s funny when two women admire each other from a distance, thinking “wow”, she’s amazing.

Next minute, they meet and tell each other “wow, I admire you” - and both of them say the same thing:

“Me? Oh my goodness, why would you admire me? I admire YOU!”

It’s like a stalemate, but … a loving one.

As you’ll soon find out - Jennifer McMahon is the Co-Founder & Chief Purpose Officer of Modern People, and one hell of a woman to admire.

From her early career start in retail, where she had a deep and caring interest for every customer that walked through the store’s doors, to a life-changing change of direction after a suffocating ride up an elevator, she found her purpose.

Her co-creation, Modern People, exists to humanise the new world of work: showing you how to be a leading business (or business leader) that just happens to make an extraordinary impact on the world.

And while yes, we do touch on the importance of purpose in the corporate world, what we really dive into is the importance of listening to our bodies, minds and souls.

Get your notepad ready - for the wisdom that is Jennifer McMahon.
 
 

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Modern People’s website: https://www.modernpeople.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifermcmahon_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermcmahonperth/ 

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

Have you ever had an instant girl crush? Well Claire is that for me.

We had our first 'date' about a month ago and we ended up speaking for hours. This woman is a wonder: bottomless wisdom and motivating as heck.

But the thing that really lights my soul about Claire is: she's real. What you see is what you get. She struggles too, and doesn't hide it.

In this episode you will hear her dive deep with a secret that affects so many of us:

"I am a people pleaser who has many moments of feeling not good enough."

Yep, my hand went up too.

Dive deep, take notes and most important - get ready to shine with Claire Seeber.

About Claire:

Claire is an internationally recognised and accredited Career and Leadership Coach, Change Driver and People and Culture Consultant who believes that the world needs more heart, more humour and a greater ability to have real and honest conversations.

She's supported hundreds of driven, ambitious and laser focussed women (and men!) become better leaders, more courageous individuals, and more in control of their own career success.

Her bottom line: When we can understand ourselves better, we are more able to drive sustainable change in our teams, our businesses and ourselves.

To follow, contact or work with Claire:

Website - https://eatingyourcaketoo.com.au/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eatingyourcaketoo/ 

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

TL/DR: Tune in to listen and learn from Formula one high performance coach, Michael Italiano.

This episode is for you if you want to learn:

• A simply way to switch yourself into a ‘flow state’
• A new view on the deeper meaning of motivation
• A reason why you can never meet your health goals

I’d also encourage you to head to his website and do his FREE 2 minute quiz here:

MICHAEL’S FREE 2 MINUTE QUIZ

About Michael Italiano

There is no other way to say it - my guest today is incredibly impressive.

Starting his coaching career in Perth, Western Australia, Michael Italiano now resides in London, UK as a Formula 1 Performance Coach. Specialising in Strength and Conditioning, Michael’s elite level coaching has risen him to the fitness industry’s forefront. His work ethic and high standards have proven to deliver successful results time and time again. His results have provided him with the opportunity to work with many industry-leading brands and professional athletes worldwide.

Breaking the mould of traditional coaching, Michael focuses on the individual’s overall performance, delivering premium tailored nutrition plans, training programs, and mental coaching. His energetic approach allows individuals to thrive by providing every tool they need to accomplish their goals and improve their performance.

With Michael’s wealth of experience and knowledge, he understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

To follow Michael head to:

• Website - https://www.michaelitaliano.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michaelitaliano/

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

TW: please be aware that today’s episode includes stories of domestic abuse.

I met Sheree Schonian about 3 years ago, right here in my office. 

Considering what she had gone through, I found it incredible that her energy was exactly the opposite of what one could expect - positive, giggly and even a bit cheeky at times. 

And that’s why I wanted to shine a light on her story.

Yes, she is a domestic violence survivor, but that’s only part of it.

It’s her mindset that is her true superpower. She had to make her brain stronger than her body to survive.

To me, Sheree's story is about a woman who had to learn to regrow her self worth. 

She has overcome the unimaginable and is now using her experiences to help others find strength and freedom.

Sheree is now a domestic violence advocate, speaker and the author of Love, Bruises & Bullsh!t - a compilation of the life stories of over 20 women’s survival. You can buy your copy here. 

Sheree's story is a reminder that no one should have to suffer in silence, and that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

The less we speak about domestic violence, the more we have to lose.

- Sheree Schonian

I think I speak for all of us when I say we are truly honoured to have her with us today.

Dr Kat xoxo

_____

To get a hold of Sheree, head to her website which offers resources and support for those affected by domestic abuse. 

Website: www.iamsheree.com.au

Book: Love, Bruises & Bullsh!t

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_sheree_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2072064742852777 

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

If you’ve ever wondered what TV stars are like in real life, you’ll want to listen in to my next episode of the Secrets in the City podcast!

My next guest is most often referred to as a former Bachelor, but after listening to this podcast, you’ll get to know someone who is first and foremost, a loving dad and husband.

I first met Sam Wood back in around 2018, and I can still remember the energy he brought into the room. Towering high above me at 6 foot 2, his bright smile and huge hug made me feel immediately at ease.

You’ll hear about Sam’s journey of fatherhood, as both a biological dad and bonus-dad, his deep care for people around him, and the love that still burns for his late mother.

Folks, grab a shiraz and a box of tissues, and get ready to feel every single cell of your heart. Thank you Sam for being so vulnerable in sharing your story with us.

To find out more about Sam and join Australia's #1 fitness program, head over to his website at https://28bysamwood.com/ .

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

Amy Jacobson is an Emotional Intelligence expert from Perth, Western Australia.

Emotional Intelligence, put most simply, is helping people to have a healthier, more useful relationship with their emotions.

Amy explains why  we should dedicate more time to understand our emotions, especially in the workplace.

So, this episode is really about getting people to learn the foundations of humanity...

To realise how to bring that humility into the workplace and what they do...

But also how to be a great leader...

And how to be a great human being.


Important Links
Amy's Website
Amy's Instagram

TW: death

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

A story of how external validation and metaphorical permission slips created barriers to Shandra’s true success. Shandra, a recovering workaholic, shares how her marriage, health and social life were neglected in pursuit of an unfulfilling career. 

Feelings of guilt, shame, and never being enough once crowded Shandra’s head. After a shock diagnosis, Shandra created space to reconnect with her passion and now lives beyond burnout. Through Shandra’s own business ‘The Transit Lounge’, she has been able to help others get back to doing what they love, whilst making great money and not burning out in the process. 

Keep on listening to this episode to hear Shandra’s tried and tested tips on navigating, or should I say, transiting the work life integration. 

https://www.thetransitlounge.com/

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

Folks, I have been itching to share this episode with you. 

If you're unfamiliar with the premise behind Secrets in the City, I ask my guests to pick an anonymous secret from my collection of thousands. As part of my work over the last decade, I have asked people to share a secret on a piece of paper as part of a mindset tool.

These secrets are unidentifiable and serve as centrepieces to kick off a rapid deep dive into some life changing conversations. Normally, I ask my guest to then share their own secret (something they've never shared publicly before), but for today's episode we're changing it up! 

Welcome to the first edition of Speed Secrets where we discuss ten anonymous secrets and share quick mindset tools and tips to help move forward with remarkable confidence.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode. From self-doubt, to telling the truth, love, cheating, and how we can live more in the present moment, this special edition packs a lot of punch.

I'm really excited for you to listen to this episode.

Happy listening!

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

This podcast is juicy, honest and full of inspirational tools on how to treat ourselves with kindness and care. So if you’re feeling burnout, low on energy and are treating your body like a garbage bin rather than a place of respect, you’re in the right place.

In this episode, I interview a dear friend who was over from Sydney, Australia on holidays, and was ever-so kind enough to stop by my office to record this episode. Today you’ll be listening to the wise, the wonderful, the Nude Nutritionist, Lyndi Cohen! 

Her story is one I wholeheartedly relate to - which is why I think this discussion is so passionate, authentic and real.

We talk about our shared experiences living through decades of disordered eating and hatred of our appearance, how to slow down the devil in the dopamine - a chemical known to prompt unhealthy urges - so you can ultimately create a happy mind and a happy body. 

I would implore you to follow Lyndi on every digital platform available. Best way to find her is via her website at https://www.lyndicohen.com/ - where you'll also find access to her new book, Your Weight is Not the Problem.

Happy listening.!

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

You may have seen her on the TV recently - as a new addition to the Celebrity Apprentice Australia line-up, or perhaps you’ve seen her on Channel 9 as their weather presenter!

From young model, to gaining international fame after winning Miss Universe Australia in 2011, Scherri-Lee Biggs has what seems to be the insta-perfect life.

Today, on the Secrets in the City Podcast, this blonde bombshell joins me to unpack the highlights reel of social media and how things aren’t always what they seem.

In this episode, Scherri-Lee shares how things are rarely what they seem. She dives deep into what was really going on behind the scenes while placing in the Top 10 for Miss Universe Worlds: from disordered eating to social anxiety, to the crippling judgement and harassment she faced in the spotlight. 

Together we discuss the tools Scherri uses to bounce back from these challenges, and her new found approach to authentic social connection. I hope you gain as much wisdom in this episode from Scherri as I did, and that you stick around to the end where I challenge you to a 24-hr task for personal growth. 

This episode is full of the warm-fuzzies.

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

My next podcast guest, Mason Roberts, is a Perth-based artist, a former international model for the likes of Dolce & Gabanna and Armani, and as you’ll soon find out, a constant source of radioactive energy and confidence.

But like everyone I meet, there is always more than meets the eye.

In this podcast, Mason opens up about being bullied as a child for being ‘different’, to living in constant fear of death, riddled with anxiety. We’ll talk about the pressures high achievers put on themselves and debate the pros and cons of living in the present moment.

But most importantly, and this is where I know you’ll want to listen in, you’re going to be inspired to push through discomfort, how to intentionally put yourself in uncomfortable situations, and why sometimes, its just not possible to push aside your pain and that’s ok.

So for anyone struggling to get out of their own head, stick to the end where we’re going to deep dive on how to switch on the hidden potential of the mind. 

Stay tuned for an authentic conversation on mental health, nuggets of wisdom, and some tools grounded in physiology and psychology.

I am certain that Mason’s luminous, unmatched and contagious personality will keep a smile radiating on your face for days to come. 

Happy listening! 

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

As you hear today’s episode and inevitably search Dr Clara's Instagram, you will find out that she’s yet another guest that I’d describe as a walking paradox.

To look at, Dr Clara Hurst is the perfect ‘it’ girl. She’s tall, blonde and beautiful. She’s European, has an accent to die for, legs to kill for, and a perfectly curated Instagram grid. All this and she’s got some seriously smart brains too.

She founded one of Perth’s top aesthetic clinics, BLANC, where she is renowned for her signature ‘untouched’ non-surgical injectable treatments.

Dr Clara also co-founded The Secret - a skincare line where each and every jar is hand made to suit the client’s specific requirements, using the highest quality active ingredients for clinically proven and visible results.

But beyond all that fabulousness, there is significant pain, hurt … and even anger.

It’s the kind of story that will remind you of something seemingly so obvious: everyone has a heart, and all hearts can be broken.

Clara is walking around with an incredibly eye-opening, heart-wrenching but life-changing story.

Seriously folks, I’m letting you know now that you will need a tissue box for this episode. 

So without further ado, here's the highly anticipated fourth episode of Secrets in the City.

Links:

Dr Clara Hurst - instagram.com/drclarahurst
BLANC - blancskin.com.au
The Secret - thesecretskincare.com.au

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

TW: Domestic violence, abuse

Picture this: your life, and your children’s lives, are in danger.

You only have 2 choices: stay and continue to live a life of fear, or escape, knowing that the risk of violence, if not worse, is probable, not just possible.

Making matters worse, you need to make a decision within 30 seconds, because that’s the only window of time you have.

What do you do?

Listen to Dr Katherine interview Perth’s invisible hero Bronwyn Bate, CEO & Co-Founder of Mettle Inc, an NFP organisation that continues to break the typical ‘handout mentality’ mould of non-for profits.

While Bronwyn’s business accolades are endless, including increasing the organisation's revenue by 516% in its second year, it’s her stories about how the organisation has not only saved women from a life of homelessness due to domestic and family violence, but supported them towards a fulfilled life of empowerment, education and employment.

But then, we get personal by unpacking Bronwyn’s own secret “I didn’t realise that keeping secrets was negatively impacting the ones I love the most.”

Be prepared for full-body goosebumps!

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

In this podcast, my best friend Nadine and I unpack the anonymous secret: I can’t seem to let go of my ex. We reflect on how we’re shaped or influenced by our past relationships, and we ask pretty deep questions that lead us to unpack some bombshell raw truths. Nadine reveals her secret of being consumed by a past relationship to the point where her self-identity and values changed.

I don’t know about you - but this is a topic that really hits home for me in so many ways. And not only how past romantic relationships can continue to impact your life, but also how past and even present relationships in your career can impact your working life. Because if you think about it, after our loving relationships - the people we spend the most time with are the people we work with.

So to my beautiful listeners, if you’ve ever been in a relationship that continues to haunt you - I implore you to listen to this episode, not only to hear more about Nadine’s story, but more importantly, so you can learn how to be grateful for failed relationships, enabling you move past them, freeing you to live in and enjoy the present.

Listen to this episode if you:

- have ever been consumed by a past relationship
- want to learn how to become grateful for failed relationships
- need a good laugh

Originally published January 2021.

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.

In my first ever episode of Secrets in the City, I talk with my life partner, Vlado Bosanac.

I'm biased, but he is truly one of a kind.

Very few people actually know the stories that make him who he is today, the kind of business man he is, but more importantly, the kind of father and partner he is, because of a quite complicated childhood.

Tune in to hear us unpack our tale of unexpected love.

Originally published Dec 24, 2020.

Listen to this episode if you:

- Are struggling to build a loving relationship
- Wondering what kind of parter is 'for you'
- Could use a fairy tale story to light up your heart

My brand new website is now live!! Take a peek here.