Welcome to Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta. 

In this episode, we have our first returning guest in Sharon, from Team Cohesion to discuss some of the differences in communication styles between neurotypical and neurodivergent communication styles. 

Sharon outlines that in order to create effective communication channels it is the responsibility of both parties to be aware and understanding of the differences in communication styles. 

For a person who is neurodivergent, effective communication can help remove barriers and give them a fair opportunity in the workplace. 

As Sharon breaks down the differences in communication styles, it can be argued that a person who is neurodivergent has a much more effective communication style for the workplace, as it is direct, based on facts and honesty. 

Happy listening!

LINKS

Team Cohesion - https://www.teamcohesion.com.au/

Candid Conversations

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

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

atWork Australia

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta. 

How much do you know about Tourette's Syndrome?

In this episode, host Shaun meets atWork Australia client, Georgia, who speaks openly about her experience living with tourettes. 

Georgia talks us through the difficult time of receiving her diagnosis, the challenges she has faced due to other people's limited knowledge of her condition and the assumptions she receives based on what people have seen in movies and online. 

This is an informative episode that provides some insights into what life is actually like living with Tourette's, while also debunking some of the common myths. 

Georgia's story is one of resilience and determination. While also highlighting the importance of a supportive and inclusive workplace.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Lifeline Australia - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta. 

In this episode, we shine the light on one of atWork Australia's employer partners, ahs hospitality, in recognition of their commitment to creating a truly inclusive workplace that is supportive of people from all backgrounds. 

ahs hospitality are one of Australia's largest providers of outsourced housekeeping services. Ben, ahs hospitality General Manager for People and Culture, joined the podcast to discuss their partnership with atWork Australia and how they create an inclusive work environment that provides people of all abilities a fair opportunity to achieve their employment goals.

It is clear that ahs hospitality are an organisation that values inclusion and are benefiting from having access to the full talent pool for their recruitment needs.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

ahs hospitality - https://www.ahshospitality.com.au/

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Lifeline Australia - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversation with Shaun Pianta. 

In this episode, host Shaun chats with atWork Australia's Principal Advisor - Health and Wellness Services, Galit Bailey.

Galit has spent multiple decades working in employment services, supporting people with mental health concerns to work through their challenges to find life changing employment. Throughout Galit's career, she has worked in multiple countries and believes the major barriers to employment in Australia, are universal. She states the biggest barriers to employment are attitude and motivation. 

Throughout this episode, Galit breaks down the additional challenges a person experiencing mental health concerns might face at each stage of the employment journey and how we can best support a person through these difficult times.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Lifeline Australia - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode, host Shaun chats with Job Coach, Suzan about her journey with atWork Australia.

Suzan came to atWork Australia at a challenging time in her life. Due to her health concerns, she was forced to re-evaluate her working career.

Suzan came to atWork Australia as a client, but soon realised she would be well suited as a Job Coach for atWork Australia. You can hear in her voice how genuinely passionate she is about her job and wanting to support people to overcome their health barriers to find employment.

The support from atWork Australia has been life changing for Suzan, and she is now giving the same positive experience to others. We have no doubt Suzan will continue to change the lives of atWork Australia clients.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode, host Shaun meets Kerryn, the founder and director of Ktalk.

At the age of 30, Kerryn was diagnosed with Autism. Kerryn openly talks about the challenges she has face in her life, through her school years and the barriers she's faced trying to find employment.

Due to the challenges she faced trying to find and sustain employment, Kerryn took matters into her own hands and launched Ktalk. Ktalk is an innovative Autism training and education agency, with a focus on building awareness and educating on Autism, from the perspective of a person with lived experience.

If your interested in connecting with Kerryn to participate in her training, please see her details below.

LINKS

Ktalk

Email:  info@ktalk.au

Website: https://ktalk.au/ 

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

Every client who comes to atWork Australia has had a unique journey. The support and guidance they receive must be tailored to their individual experience and career goals.

In this episode, host Shaun is joined by atWork Australia client, Guy.

Guy has had a long and successful working career and has held senior positions in the health and safety space. After experiencing some health concerns, Guy was forced out of the workplace.

Having worked his whole life, this was a strange feeling for Guy. His health challenges were impacting his confidence and motivation to return to work.

With the support of atWork Australia, Guy is once again thriving in his workplace, you can hear the genuine passion in his voice. He loves his job and helping others to better themselves.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode, host Shaun is joined by atWork Australia client, Ryan.

Employment plays a significant role in our lives. It can provide structure, routine and creates a foundation which allows us live our life on our own terms.

For a person who has spent time in incarceration, employment can play a large role in a persons rehabilitation and re-integration into the community. However, it is no secret that a criminal record creates additional challenges for a person trying to secure employment.

Guest Ryan, has years in prison and with the help of atWork Australia, he has returned to work and happily contributing to society.

This episode highlights that regardless of the extent of a persons criminal record, if they are willing to make changes in their life, show up, put in the effort, then finding employment is possible.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode, host Shaun is joined by atWork Australia's Registered Psychologist and Wellness Advisor, Sarah, to discuss anxiety.

We can all experience anxiety in different aspects of our lives and healthy anxiety can have a positive influence on performance. However, when anxiety reaches unhealthy levels, it can quickly become a serious mental heath concern.

Throughout this episode, Sarah breaks down the differences between health and unhealthy anxiety, identifies some of the warning signs and how we can best support a friend, family member, colleague or employee who might be experiencing anxiety.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to a special episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

This episode is to recognise International Women's Day, 8th March.

International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions that women make in our workplace, communities and to making the world a better place. By engaging in these celebrations, it contributes towards creating a more gender equal world, where everyone has an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams.

In this episode, I am joined by atWork Australia client and inspirational woman, Jasmine. She has reached incredible heights in her working career, she has then lost it all. With strength and determination, she has landed back on her feet. 

Jasmine's story is a great display of resilience, determination, and the importance of staying true to your goals.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

atWork Australia

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode, Shaun speaks with atWork Australia client, Josh, and WOW, this man has a story to tell.

From the very beginning of Josh's life, he was forced to be resilient and faced challenges that no child should ever have too.

Not long after birth, Josh was sent to live with his grandparents in New Zealand. He was then reunited with his father as a young child, which was only meant to be a short visit. However, his father refused to return him to his grandparents.

Years later, Josh is still impacted by the traumatic experiences he had as a child. Despite his traumatic past, Josh tries to approach everyday with a positive attitude and determination to be the best version of himself.

Josh's story is truly inspiring and a credit to his hard work, determination to create a better life for his children. atWork Australia are proud to be able to support Josh on his employment journey.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

atWork Australia

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta, the first of 2025!

Shaun chatted with Job Coach Katy about her new role with atWork Australia. Katy has an extensive employment history across a number of industries from landscaping, mechanic, supermarkets, cheese factory and even working at the zoo!

Katy opens up about her choice to share information about the disabilities she lives with and how she finds it beneficial as it means her employers can provide her with the workplace adjustments she needs to do her job well. Being someone who lives with disability, Katy can connect and understand her atWork Australia clients better and come from a place of understanding when placing them in employment.

We look forward to hearing great success stories for the clients Katy places into meaningful employment.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

atWork Australia

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Thank you for listening!

As we prepare to wrap up the first year of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta, the atWork Australia podcast team would like to thank everyone for listening, sharing our episodes on social media and continuing to support us while we launch this podcast.

We have had a lot of fun sharing the inspiring stories of our clients and employer partners throughout the year. Thank you to all of our guests for speaking so openly and honestly about their experience with atWork Australia and sharing their personal life experiences.

Our guests have shown vulnerability when speaking about some of the significant challenges they have overcome in their lives. By sharing their story they will help motivate and inspire others to pursue their goals and find life changing employment.

We are going to be taking a short break over the holiday period. We want wish everyone a happy holidays and wonderful new year.

We look forward to sharing more inspiring stories with you all in February 2025.

LINKS

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

atWork Australia

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/


This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

For the last episode of 2025, Shaun sat down with Belinda from OzHarvest to learn more about the organisation.

OzHarvest is one of Australia's leading food rescue organisations, providing relief to some of the most vulnerable members of the community. Belinda shares her journey with OzHarvest, how the organisation has grown to be bigger than ever imagined.

One of OzHarvest's initiatives is the Nourish program, providing participants with a qualification in hospitality and a pathway into employment. Belinda speaks so passionately about the program and shares some of their amazing success stories.

LINKS

OzHarvest website -  https://www.ozharvest.org/

OzHarvest Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ozharvest/

Candid Conversations

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

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/

atWork Australia

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode, host Shaun is joined by Dress for Success Western Australia CEO, Natalie.

Dress for Success Western Australia is a registered charity that is part of a global movement of change, empowering women to obtain economic independence by providing them with work-appropriate attire, job support mentoring, access to career development workshops. They also provide access to a supportive network to enabling their clients to move forward and achieve independence.

If you require support from Dress for Success or want to connect with their organisation, see the links below.

LINKS

Dress for Success WA - https://westernaustralia.dressforsuccess.org/about-us/

Dress for Success Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DFSWesternAustralia

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

Candid Conversations

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

atWork Australia

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

Welcome to Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode, atWork Australia client, Natalie, speaks openly about her challenges with diabetes.

From being diagnosed as a young adult, her fears of the unknown and how this diagnosis was going to impact her future. Natalie shares some terrifying situations that led her to being hospitalised learning how to manage her health condition.

Natalie speaks about the additional challenges she faced when it came to securing employment. She was often disadvantaged due to other peoples limited understanding of her condition. With atWork Australia's support, she has been able to gain new qualifications, secure employment she is passionate about and continuously working to progress in her working career.

LINKS

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

Candid Conversations

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

atWork Australia

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

Diabetes Australia - https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

Today, November 19 marks International Men's Day.

November is widely known as men's health awareness month with multiple initiatives such as Movember and International Men's Day being special dates in the calendar. Both initiatives have a similar vision - promoting the health challenges that men face, encouraging all men that its okay to speak up and seek support for the challenges they are facing.

Our guest in this episode, Jackson, is an atWork Australia client who is passionate about advocating for men's health. He speaks openly about his mental health challenges and how seeking support has helped him to progress on his journey.

For Jackson, securing employment has been significant in managing his mental health, and it has supported him to live a happier and healthier life.

LINKS

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

Candid Conversations

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

atWork Australia

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode, host Shaun sits down with neurodiversity expert, Sharon, from Team Cohesion to discuss neurodiversity in the workplace.

After spending many years working across a variety of projects related to supporting people living with neurological developmental disorders in the workplace and from her personal experience as a mother to an autistic child, this drove Sharon to start Team Cohesion - Neurodiversity Employment Coaching, Consulting and Training.

Sharon covers a broad range of topics, all related to making a more supportive and inclusive workplace for people with neurological developmental disorders.

This is an informative episode that hopes to boost your knowledge and confidence to create an inclusive workplace.

LINKS

Team Cohesion - https://www.teamcohesion.com.au/

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

Candid Conversations

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

atWork Australia

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode, host Shaun sits down with Stacey from Compass Group, who are one of Australia's largest food and support service companies. From this discussion it was clear that both atWork Australia and Compass Group have a shared goal - to support people from all backgrounds into meaningful and sustainable employment.

Compass Group are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and believe if a candidate has the right attitude, they can teach them the rest of the skills they require to succeed with Compass Group.

This wonderful partnership has has provide opportunities for atWork Australia clients to enter the workforce and achieve their employment goals.

LINKS

Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

Candid Conversations

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

atWork Australia

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Compass Group - https://www.compass-group.com/en/index.html

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

Todays guest is atWork Australia client, Raymond, is a proud Indigenous man who is very passionate about his work in the Aged Care industry.

Raymond has worked a variety of jobs through out his life, but his true passion lies with supporting others.

In 2021 he was diagnosed with a rare eye disease and within months he was forced to resign from his job, handed in his driver’s licence and had to re-evaluate his employment future. As Raymond adjusted to life with his health barrier and with the support of atWork Australia and a supportive employer he has returned to the job he loves.

Today, October 10th marks World Sight Day. A day bringing attention to blindness and vision impairment. Raymond and host, Shaun, both live with vision impairments and were able to relate to each other as they share experiences of how they adjusted to life with their disability. They share insight into their lives and their vision impairments. 

LINKS

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

Guide Dogs Australia - https://guidedogs.com.au/

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome back to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

Today's guest, Shane, has made remarkable changes in his life.

After experiencing some challenging times throughout his life, as a coping strategy Shane resorted to substance abuse, only making his situation worse.

As Shane's life spiraled out of control, he wound up in prison, he was involved in a serious car accident which he fortunately walked away from. After these incidents, Shane isolated himself in his bedroom for 14 months, and his only human interaction was when he visited atWork Australia.

Shane speaks openly and honestly about his journey and the hard lessons he has learnt throughout his life. With atWork Australia's support he is now living a much happier and healthier life.

LINKS

atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Narcotics Anonymous Australia ⁠https://www.na.org.au/multi/⁠

Lifeline: National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline ⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠

Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode, Shaun speaks with one of atWork Australia's incredible Job Coaches, Rozy.

Throughout the episode you can hear the passion, and genuine excitement that Rozy has for her job. She loves being able to support others to find employment they love.

Her dedication to her job does not go unnoticed by her clients, she regularly receives outstanding reviews stating that they are blown away by the support and care they receive from Rozy. To get a better understanding of the life-changing support that Rozy provides, check out episodes 8 and 15 to hear from some clients of Rozy's.

Rozy continues to be a very valuable member of the atWork Australia team.


LINKS

atWork Australia website -⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/

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

Facebook - ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠⁠

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversation with Shaun Pianta.

In this episode we are joined with atWork Australia client, Bassam. Throughout the episode, he shares his life journey, shedding light into what it is like to be a part of the Iraqi military and fleeing his home country in search of a safer life.

Bassam and his family were living in the war torn city of Bagdad and he was desperate to find a safer home for his family. In the darkness of the night, Bassam and his family fled Iraq and made their way to Turkey. Eventually, Bassam and his family migrated to Australia where they could start fresh in a new environment.

Throughout Bassam's life he has suffered multiple injuries which are now impacting his ability to secure meaningful employment. With the support of atWork Australia, Bassam has now secured employment he is passionate about.

LINKS

atWork Australia website -⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/⁠

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

Facebook - ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠⁠

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversation with Shaun Pianta.

I think we should give this episodes guest, Vanessa, a massive round of applause for her courage and vulnerability. She openly speaks about her trauma, in the hope it can help others to navigate the journey through their own challenges.

Vanessa had traumatic past which led her life to spiral out of control. Throughout the toughest days of her journey and while trying to process why her life went down the path it did, she discovered it all stemmed from trauma she experienced as a child.

Vanessa admitted she found school and University very difficult. She was filled with immense pride when she later graduated as a Social Worker, despite it all. In 2020, after two years of being unemployed, Vanessa connected with atWork Australia on a quest to return to work.

Vanessa was successful in securing an internal position as a Job Coach with atWork Australia. She later moved onto an In-Work Support Coach position. With the support of her leaders, she decided to take a leap of faith and return to her profession, and accepted a position within our Wellness Services team.

LINKS

atWork Australia website -⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/⁠

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

Facebook - ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠⁠

Heal for Life Foundation - ⁠https://healforlife.com.au/⁠

Lifeline - ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au/⁠

Dyslexia SPELD Foundation - ⁠https://dsf.net.au/⁠

Kids Helpline - ⁠https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/teens-using-drugs-and-alcohol⁠

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.

This week we are joined with atWork Australia and NDIS client, Nick and his Dad, Peter. Our very first father and son duo!

After reflecting on the episode, the standout message for me is the power of tailored support and a strong support system. The combination of the both leads to ongoing success for not only our clients, but their employers too.

Throughout the episode, Shaun gets to know Nick and Peter, and how his unfavourable previous work positions, and experiences lead him to a position that he loves in parks and gardens. He truly loves his new job, with Peter explaining that “Nick has never been happier.”


LINKS

atWork Australia website -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work

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

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠⁠⁠

Additional Resources & Support

Ask Izzy - ⁠⁠⁠https://askizzy.org.au

Job Access - ⁠⁠https://www.jobaccess.gov.au

This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.