The impact of this recognition was transformative for both the business and Karen’s own leadership mindset. Winning an award alongside major international tech companies neutralised the perceived disadvantage of being a small, Australian-based team. It shifted the internal branding of the product from being "just an app" to being recognised as a critical infrastructure layer in healthcare. This newfound confidence allowed Karen to stop apologising for her innovative solution and instead stand as an equal to large-scale health organisations. The award has since been integrated into all marketing materials, opening doors for strategic growth in markets like the United Kingdom.

Karen Perks and Mikare Health have achieved significant milestones in their pursuit of excellence and credibility, including:

• 2025 Stevie Awards For Women In Business, Bronze for Best Health Tech Product for or by Women.

The drive behind Mikare Health is rooted in the belief that patients and their families know their own health better than anyone else, yet they are often the least heard in the room. Karen reflects on the power of providing evidence rather than just anecdotes:

"I see AI as a saviour to our family. It saved my daughter's life... it provides context to the questions and the reality of health. If I'm not there, the doctor would be under the perception that she eats a normal dinner. Now, we take a photo and show them the plate."

Karen encourages other founders not to wait for "perfection" before seeking recognition. She views the awards process as a way to honour the hard work and validate the solution’s value to society:

"The award is like that silent friend who's always there supporting you from behind. It gives you the confidence to stand there and go, 'This is something that you need.' Awards neutralise businesses; it becomes irrelevant how big you are or how many staff you have."

Looking back at her career, her advice to her younger self - and to other innovators - is to lean into the technical side of things without fear:

"I would go back to 1993 and take more notice of the coding. I would not be afraid of breaking the computer or pushing the boundaries."

To learn more about Karen Perks and the healthcare infrastructure being built at Mikare Health, visit the following links:

Website: https://mikare.health/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mikare-health

Rather than just talking about fashion, Jane dives deep into the psychology of profile building, explaining why how we present ourselves is a vital business tool for anyone looking to increase their authority and credibility.

Jane explains that personal styling is about far more than just looking nice - it’s about energy. When you look in the mirror and feel polished, your internal vibration shifts. This confidence translates into your body language and how you walk into a room.

"When you feel that slight uplift, the person receiving you feels that too," Jane notes. "They suddenly want to gravitate towards you and tune into what you’re saying." Conversely, feeling "drab" or "frumpy" can create an emotional block that prevents you from communicating effectively.

1. Your Wardrobe is Your Business Card Jane has trademarked the phrase: "What you wear is your business card." In a world where first impressions are formed in under three seconds, your image is the first piece of information people process. If you want to be seen as a trusted expert or a leader, you must visually align with that role before you even speak.
2. Audit Your Confidence Jane suggests a "Marie Kondo" style approach to your closet, but with a focus on profile. If an item doesn’t make you feel elevated or confident, it shouldn’t be in your wardrobe. "Why wear things that accentuate bits you don't want to show? Those should be camouflaged so you can focus on the conversation, not your outfit."
3. Dress for the Relationship Phase One of Jane’s key insights is that your wardrobe should evolve as your professional relationships do.

• The First Meeting: Aim for an elevated look (like a blazer) to establish authority and trust.
• The Established Relationship: Once you’ve warmed up your audience and they know your value, you can transition to dressy casual or a style that shows more of your fun, outgoing personality.

4. Align with Your Industry Expectations While personal style is about what you like, profile building is about what your business requires. Jane helps clients find the sweet spot between their favourite colours and the expectations of their industry. For example, a speaker on a corporate stage may need to incorporate authority-boosting elements like blazers, even if they add their own sparkle or unique flair.

For leaders who value social impact and sustainability, Jane recommends moving away from fast fashion impulse buys. Instead:

• Utilise Dress Hire: Perfect for red-carpet events or awards nights where you want a high-impact look without the waste.
• The Rotation Strategy: Build a versatile capsule of high-quality blazers, pants, and dresses that can be mixed and matched. This ensures you look different in social media content while actually owning fewer, better-quality items.

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Jane’s message was simple: Keep pushing. "Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something. When there is a brick wall, find a way around it. There are a hundred million ways to skin a cat."

To learn more about Jane’s Unforgettable Style Workshop (conducted quarterly via Zoom) or her personal consulting services, check out the links below:

• Website: janemow.com
• Instagram: @janemowstylist
• LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/janemow

Don’t forget to subscribe to That’s Audacious on your favourite podcast channel for more insights into building a world-class profile - https://theaudaciousagency.com/thats-audacious-podcast/

Beginning with one granny flat, which he built in his yard nearly eight and a half years ago, David began to question the conventional norms of the construction industry. 

David’s goal was not necessarily to make the most money possible; he was determined to demonstrate to the tiny homes sector that he could supply quality, certified houses at a cost that others thought was impossible. 

Rather than focusing solely on what he, as a homebuilder, wished to design and construct, he concentrated on those attributes which his customers desired - value, storage space, design details and quality. The focus on the buyer instead of the seller was the basis of his business philosophy: “How can we bless the customer?”

From a single backyard build to a prominent manufacturer of 14-16 units each month in Queensland, David’s path to success has been swift. However, an important factor in this rapid development has been the intentional use of awards within the construction industry. 

David understood that when presenting a product that costs significantly less than the normal market rate - often by as much as 20% - the first response from would-be consumers is distrust. When a competitive product is cheaper the first thought is “what’s wrong with it?”

By intentionally seeking and receiving numerous prestigious awards, David was able to demonstrate to his consumers the quality and certification of his products. He described the ROI on his awards as "absurd", stating that they provided a sense of credibility that dispelled doubt and converted sceptics into customers. 

The trust generated by the awards has been crucial in providing David with the necessary financial resources to maintain a high-volume production facility. In addition to sales, the awards created a positive team culture that encouraged employees to know that they are a part of a successful and progressive“machine that is creating a positive social impact. 

Teeny Tiny Homes has secured several significant accolades that validate its commitment to leadership, innovation, and social responsibility:

• Gold Globee – Company Leadership of the Year & Environmental/Social Responsibility  
• Asia Pacific Stevie Bronze 2025 - Excellence in Social Impact Companies
• Titan Silver 2025 - Teeny Tiny Homes - Building A Brighter Future Teeny Tiny Homes Business Development Construction
• Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2025 Finalist
• Nobel Awards Silver 2025 - A Beacon Of Hope In The Housing Crisis - Company & Organization - Outstanding Social Enterprise
• 2025 ROAR Awards - Bronze for Best in Community Impact
• 2025 BX Awards Finalist
• 2025 GOLD Best Of Australia Award - Manufacturing
• 2025 GOLD International Stevie Award Company of the Year - Materials & Construction
• 2025 GOLD International Stevie Award Best Entrepreneur - Materials & Construction

David’s entrepreneurial strategy is defined by the humble hustle and an enduring faith in the ability of a positive mindset. He emphasised that his success wasn’t simply based on building houses, but also on inspiring infectious energy throughout his organisation and company brand.

“Winning and showing that there is no faking it with awards, it has allowed me to take full advantage of them,” David explained. “In essence, the awards tell people to ‘trust me’. Without customers, there is no air or oxygen, and the awards give them the confidence to purchase.”

In retrospect, David advises entrepreneurs to focus on utilising leverage rather than the daily grind. "Invest in smart people to speed up progress. Trust more and utilise more leverage with your workforce so you can work ON your business versus working IN it." 

David is a shining example that if businesses can develop a growth mindset and a willingness to serve others, and continue to grow their mindset by attending seminars, reading books and self development, then any business will be capable of overcoming perceived barriers to eat the competition alive.

Contact To learn more about David Antonacci and Teeny Tiny Homes, please visit:

• Website: https://teenytinyhomes.com.au/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeenyTinyHomes
• Instagram: @teenytinyhomes_aus

Despite being a painfully shy child, Carmen discovered her voice on stage at age five, eventually earning a Bachelor of Performing Arts with Honours. However, rather than immediately pursuing the limelight, she pivoted into the corporate sector. Over an 18-year career, she climbed the ladder to become a National Manager and Brand Manager for a major retailer, managing teams and overseeing international manufacturing partnerships. It was here that she identified a critical gap: intelligent, capable leaders who were terrified of public speaking.

Carmen realised that communication is a skill, not a birthright. Seven years ago, she left the safety of her corporate career to launch Illuminated Story. Her goal was to blend her theatrical training with her business expertise to help professionals stop hiding behind lecterns and start making an impact.

Through her work with Illuminated Story, Carmen has reshaped how leaders approach the stage. She moves her clients away from the ‘standard’ corporate keynote often characterised by boring slides and low energy, toward what she calls a keynote ‘show’. This approach integrates theatrical elements to create an experience that captivates the audience rather than just informing them.

A major outcome of Carmen’s coaching is the dismantling of the ‘fear myth’. She teaches that nerves are not an enemy to be eliminated but a source of energy to be harnessed. She emphasises that being a "performer" doesn't mean being inauthentic; it means adapting your natural behaviour to the size of the room. She uses the analogy of how one behaves in a quiet church versus a rowdy football match: both are authentically you, but the energy and vocal projection differ. By helping clients unlock energy for the stage, she enables them to deliver with the necessary passion and volume to command a room.

Carmen shared several actionable insights during the podcast for those looking to elevate their profile and stage presence:

• The Camera Never Lies: You cannot improve what you cannot see. Carmen insists that speakers film their talks. She advises watching the footage twice: once to "get over your ego" and the discomfort of seeing yourself, and a second time to critically analyse what landed with the audience and what fell flat.
• Relevance is King: Stories are powerful, but only if they serve the point. Carmen advises against telling a story just for the sake of it; it must bridge the gap between concepts or illustrate a specific lesson.
• The Myth of "No Stories": Many corporate professionals believe they have no stories to tell because they are data-driven. Carmen argues that everyone has stories - even an engineer rowing a boat can derive lessons on leadership and resilience. It is about mining life experiences for moments that resonate with the human condition.
• Sensory Storytelling: To truly engage an audience, speakers must use the five senses. Good storytelling puts the audience in the scene, making them feel the experience rather than just passively observing it.

Carmen’s philosophy is based on the belief that it is never too late to reinvent yourself or master a new skill. Her advice cuts through the noise of perfectionism and encourages leaders to embrace the learning process.

"If you're thinking, 'I don't know if I can do that,' my answer is yes, you absolutely can... instead of thinking 'I can't do that,' think 'I don't know how to do that yet.' This is a skill. It's not something you're born with."

"Life doesn't stop at 30. You don't need to have a cut-off to something that's a dream of yours. And sometimes you don't know how your dreams are going to show up. Mine has now manifested into this business where I get to use both the 18 years in corporate... and bring back the performance part of myself."

To learn more about how to illuminate your own story or to access Carmen’s masterclasses:

• Website: www.illuminatedstory.com.au

Despite her success, Nikki initially kept her skills compartmentalised. She was a master practitioner in emotional intelligence and, separately, certified in the Lego Serious Play methodology - a science-backed approach using constructivist play to unlock innovation. It wasn't until a conversation with a speaker bureau leader, who suggested a merge of Nikki's EQ insight and the Lego Play(™) process. This was a moment Nikki describes as a combination of skills, becoming "the jam to my peanut butter," and the merging of these two worlds created the Unbricklable(™) approach..

Nikki has identified a gap in the mental health and well-being space, particularly within universities. Traditional talk therapy often struggles to engage young adults or those dealing with trauma, as they may lack the vocabulary to articulate their pain. Nikki’s goal was to launch Unbreakable(™) as a proprietary framework combining EQ competencies with the metaphorical language of Lego Play (™), to help people build their way out of survival mode and into a life of purpose. However, to penetrate the academic and corporate markets at scale, she needed to establish immediate credibility and prove that her method was far more than playing with children's toys.

Nikki’s audacious move to validate her concept began at the highest level: the Yale School of Medicine, the ‘Mecca’ of emotional intelligence. Launching her proof of concept there, she received a standing ovation, confirming that Unbreakable(™) was a viable and necessary tool for modern mental health.

To further cement this credibility and scale her business, Nikki strategically entered the Stevie Awards. She viewed this not as an exercise in ego, but as a critical business decision to speak the language that decision-makers understand. The application process itself proved to be an unexpected asset; it forced her to organise her intellectual property, media kit, and business plan into a cohesive narrative, something that had previously been scattered.

The results of becoming a multi-award winner have been transformative. Nikki reports that she now walks taller, and the wins have opened doors to new networks, including influential connections made during the awards ceremony in New York. The recognition has provided the leverage needed to approach universities and large organisations with confidence. Currently, she has interest from 87 schools in the United States alone and is moving toward a "train the trainer" model to scale her impact globally. By validating her innovative approach through awards, she has shifted the perception of her work from a novelty to a serious, award-winning mental health intervention.

Nikki Langman’s innovative work was recognised with prestigious Silver Stevie Awards in the following categories:

• Maverick of the Year (Silver) – Recognising her ability to turn the status quo on its head.
• Most Resilient Female Leader (Silver) – Awarded in the category of Advertising, Business Services, Marketing, or PR.
• Startup of the Year (Silver) – Competing against major global entities like IBM.

Nikki’s philosophy leads with action and resilience. She emphasises that waiting for perfection is a trap that holds leaders back.

"Stop waiting to feel ready because you never will. Courage is not a feeling. Don't wait for courage before you act. It's built from surviving your own failures."

Regarding her unique methodology, she explains how externalising trauma through Lego bricks facilitates healing:

"The bricks have the problem. The bricks are concerned about something... when you externalise it, you no longer hold the pain or the shame."

Her advice to aspiring award-winners and entrepreneurs is clear:

"Just say the thing, take the seat, build the thing anyway... Stop asking for permission from people who have never built anything worth talking about."

To learn more about Nikki Langman and the Unbreakable(™) program, or to inquire about her workshops and speaking engagements:

• Website: https://unbrickable.co/ 

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilangman1/

Nimarta noticed a critical gap between the corporate focus on "personal brand", which often encourages a polished, impressive, but ultimately inauthentic presentation, and the genuine human need for connection. Her initial business successfully created and articulated stories for major brands, but she realised that this framework didn't translate authentically for individuals.

The motivation to pivot and develop her own methodology, 'Story Sharing,' emerged organically after a stranger, inspired by her personal podcast interview, asked for help sharing stories in the same way. The realisation that applying a brand framework to a human story results in a "cringe" and inauthentic experience was the catalyst for change.

This need for genuine sharing was amplified by Nimarta's own challenging personal experience. While running her business and raising a young child, she endured a period of profound grief, losing six family members in a short time. Instead of maintaining a façade of success, she chose to share her truth, which, contrary to her fears of losing clients, led to more profound trust and even new business.

Nimarta’s clients typically fall into two categories: corporate leaders who need to build trust and connection within their teams and for career progression, and entrepreneurs, particularly women, who know they need to share their story but often believe their lives are too "normal" or "boring" to have any stories worth telling. Her goal is to move them beyond the superficiality of traditional 'storytelling', which often focuses on sounding impressive or a 'happily ever after' narrative, to 'story sharing,' which views story as a service, a mirror for others to relate to, and a genuine contribution.

Nimarta’s work addresses the growing paradox of today's digital world: the saturation of AI-generated content is leading people to crave and seek out authentic, human connection, making authentic storytelling the "new coding".

The decision to enter the Stevie Awards was a major personal and professional breakthrough for Nimarta. She experienced the common internal struggle, questioning her worth and the validity of her recently pivoted business. Overcoming this "impostor syndrome" was the first victory, forcing her to stand by her own advice to her clients and demonstrate the courage of sharing her story.

Winning the awards was a significant validation that her work is needed in the world. It also helped to silence discouragement from people who believed it would take a very, very long time to establish her new methodology. The wins affirmed that her idea, though recently birthed, had merit and was significant in its own right.

Attending the Stevie Awards ceremony in New York, described as the "Oscars of the business award," provided a powerful experience, connecting her with magnificent people and remarkable international women. Winning alongside major international brands like TripAdvisor and IBM in her category cemented her confidence and provided tangible evidence that her business had a global impact.

Professionally, the win reinforced her absolute alignment with her purpose, a sense of conviction she had never felt before in her career. For clients, applying her StorySharing framework has led to dramatic increases in engagement, with one client doubling their best-ever impressions on a LinkedIn post. The engagement goes beyond mere numbers; comments show deep resonance, connection, and a feeling among readers that they are not going through this alone.

• Mentor or Coach of the Year – Business - BRONZE
• Female Thought Leader of The Year - Business Services - BRONZE

"I think a lot of people talk about authenticity. First of all, we've got to acknowledge that the way we've been taught to tell stories doesn't lend itself for that authenticity when it comes to our story."

"The breakthrough comes before that. The breakthrough is like me lying in bed at 2am thinking, 'Can I submit this award? Should I? Can I?' And everything in me going, 'No, who are you to be doing this?'"

"It pushed me to go, yep, I'm doing it. And then the courage it takes to message 30 past clients... and trusting that they're not going to come back and say, no, you were pretty horrible. Which didn't happen BTW."

"I have never felt more aligned with who I am and what I'm doing, and I would tell my old self, younger self to trust her intuition because that's what led me here."

To find out more about Nimarta Verma and the Story Sharing methodology, please visit:

• https://nimartaverma.com.au/storysharing-workshop/
• https://disruptor-brand.kit.com/leadwithtrust

Her initial business venture centred on management and sales training, a natural fit given her background. However, over four years, Angie observed that her most significant and consistent impact was not on the business structure itself, but on the performance mindset of the individuals she coached - be they salespeople, business owners, or managers. She recognised that regardless of how talented a team was, a business would always hit a ceiling if the leader lacked the ability to build and sustain a high-performance culture and engage their people. This insight led to the evolution of her company from Agile Sales and Management to the newly focused Agile Performance.

Angie's focus is specifically on developing high-performing female emerging leaders, driven by the belief that there are not enough of them and that high-achieving women are pretty hard on themselves. Her overarching goal is to equip these leaders with the essential skills to manage themselves and their teams, creating highly engaged, high-performing environments.

Seeking external recognition to validate the vital work she was doing, Angie made the bold decision to enter the Stevie Awards. While the decision initially brought a mix of self-doubt and fear - a mental experience she notes is common when stepping into a new stage of a personal journey - the outcome was profoundly validating.

Winning a Stevie Award created a crucial proof point that the work Agile Performance is doing to support female leaders is both recognised and important. This external validation helped to quiet the imposter syndrome that even high-level executives experience, a phenomenon she addresses within her program.

The judges' comments were also invaluable, highlighting the importance placed on women helping women grow. This feedback affirmed that her focus aligns with globally recognised values in leadership development.

The experience of applying for the award and the subsequent win reinforced one of her key business philosophies: "You can't sell a secret". After attending a leveraging workshop held by The Audacious Agency, Angie realised she needed to share her achievement more broadly, understanding that she must be her own best supporter to grow her profile. The award win became a powerful tool to amplify her voice, build credibility, and inspire action in others, aligning perfectly with her mission to empower leaders.

• Bronze 2025 Stevie Award For Women In Business - Achievement in Developing and Promoting Women - Advertising, Business Services, Marketing & PR - for the Agile Performance Leadership Blueprint Program.

Angie's insights, honed by years in high-stakes roles and now applied to coaching, offer powerful lessons for leaders:

"If you engage a great team, you keep them engaged. You'll tap into that top piece of high performance."

"Help them doesn't mean do it for them. Help them means show them and then create the space for them to."

"The act of applying for the award was something I had to push myself to do. And the validation of it coming back has... it has it's silenced them now."

"Continue believing that anything is possible and really let go of the limiting beliefs of what success has to look like... I actually haven't had to sacrifice anything to be successful. It's 100% possible, which is very, very liberating."

Angie encourages leaders to get crystal clear on what success looks like for their team, writing it down for both themselves and their people, as a lack of clarity is one of the most common problems in business. She also advises that aiming for "80% as well as you would do is actually enough" to maintain momentum, provided there is a constant feedback loop.

To find out more about Angie Dunn and Agile Performance:

• Website: https://agileperformance.ltd/
• Program: https://join.agileperformance.au/

Tammie's expertise is crucial because many clients often overlook the complexities of finance, sometimes going directly to their bank only to be rejected due to strict policy, missing out on opportunities. She and her team take a holistic approach, looking beyond just the lowest rate to ensure the client's structure and product align with their short, medium, and long-term objectives. The wrong structure can significantly hinder a client’s ability to move forward with future projects, like retiring or buying another investment property.

Tammie’s initial situation revealed a passion to bridge the financial literacy gap, especially for two key demographics: the younger generation and women who find themselves on their own. She recognised that many individuals, particularly women facing separation or retirement without equal financial resources, feel disheartened and believe they may never enter the market. Her desire was to educate and empower these groups to start planning earlier, understand how to position themselves financially, and realise that property ownership remains achievable, even if it is an investment property rather than a primary residence.

Leveraging Awards to Build Profile and Impact

The journey of building a profile through awards has been a significant positive for Tammie Rimon and 2020 Finance. The process provided much-needed acknowledgement for the team's efforts. Crucially, preparing the award submissions forced Tammie to dig deep into tracking both leading and lagging indicators, providing real data on the business's activities and revealing a weakness she didn't automatically track.

The accolades and industry recognition have had a really positive impact on the business and Tammie personally. The wins have generated positive attention, with clients and contacts in her LinkedIn network commenting and even leading to networking opportunities with other winners. The awards are now aiding the business's scaling and expansion, including a move into new commercial premises. Tammie also believes the recognition will help attract a higher calibre of team members, as her last new hire had heard about the business and its accolades came up in her research.

In addition to the awards, Tammie has addressed the financial literacy gap by founding the 2020 Wealth Club. She started this as a passion project because she realised not everyone shares her natural interest in property ownership, and many don't know where to start. The club is a free initiative where experts share easy-to-understand information to help people become first-time investors, first-time buyers, or upgraders, focusing on things like avoiding common pitfalls.

Through her business growth, Tammie is also driven to bring more women into the finance industry, specifically into broker or broker support roles, as it is a field that supports a positive work-life balance with massive flexibility.

List of Achievements

2025 Asia Pacific Stevie Awards: Most Innovative Finance Executive of the Year - SILVER

2025 ROAR Awards: Silver Hustle & Heart

2025 Inside Small Business Top 50 listing

2025 International Stevie Awards: Company of The Year - Financial Services - BRONZE

2025 BX Awards Finance - Coaching finalist

2025 BIA (Broker Innovation Awards) Investor lending strategist finalist

2025 Australian Women's Small Business Champion: Financial Services finalist

Featured contributor to Dynamic Business, Money & Finance, Authority Magazine and Learn Magazine.

Message from the Client

Tammie's advice, gained through experience, is a key lesson on building a successful team: "I have been most successful when I have recruited someone who's new to the industry but has got the right personality fit, the right culture fit, right attitude, work ethic, and we've taught them the industry... I just have really found that's going to be the only way I recruit moving forward, is going to be new to the industry, but with the right attitude and personality fit."

On profile building, Tammie suggests that "The accolades and the recognition from the industry and your peers and the acknowledgement for the efforts that you know you’ve been making can really have a really positive impact on your business and for you as a business leader or owner. Awards also help attract A-grade-quality team members."

To find out more, follow the links below.

• 2020 Finance Brokers: https://www.2020finance.com.au/
• 2020 Wealth Club: https://2020wealth.club/
• Tammie Rimon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mortgagebrokerbrisbane/

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 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

• 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 are stuck in coercive control relationships and empowering individuals globally, even where the law is different.

A positive outcome of the work is the shift in perspective from the legal community. Initially, some lawyers hated the service, but now, many legal professionals and services refer their clients to the podcast to bridge the knowledge gap. The podcast has become a respected, one-stop shop for divorce-related information.

Laura’s story is a compelling call to action for anyone with a valuable idea to help others, regardless of opposition. Her key takeaways highlight the power of conviction and resilience:

• “The more people who know about it, the more help there will be in the world.”
• “Once you understand why something is happening, it makes it less scary. It makes you able to deal with it better.”
• “Our family motto when we were younger and through our whole life is if you're skating on thin ice, you might as well tap dance.”
• “Don't listen to the people telling you not to do it. Listen to the people who would be begging for you to do it.”

Laura’s willingness to ignore the naysayers, especially those in the legal industry who initially opposed her work, proved to be an audacious and successful strategy that has since been validated by multiple awards and the gratitude of a global audience.

• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nkZUryzIeOI229h3wwvl1
• Website: https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedivorcecoursepodcast

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.

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.

• 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.

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 moment".

"It is that conversation you have with yourself... I guess the award gives you more confidence. It gives you a little bit more resilience to go into the next project".

"What I what I'm saying and what I'm sharing is actually valid and I know I've got evidence and I've got backing".

"I would definitely tell my younger self to trust my intuition. I've always led with my gut and when I question that is when it doesn't feel right. So I guess trusting in myself, backing myself... If it feels uncomfortable, that's generally where you get the most growth. So I always sort of say, you know, there's no comfort in growth".

To learn more about Nicole Lamers and AER Wellness Co., please visit the links below:

• Website: https://AER Wellness.co/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-lamers-9100a716a/

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 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.

"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 about the book or to become a sponsor of the awards, go to: Precedent Productions: https://www.precedent.net/

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.

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 believes that entrepreneurs should avoid trying to hold everything precious and instead collaborate with others to scale their businesses.

For more information about Michael Arnot, The Mainstage Speaker Academy and Encore Speakers, please visit:

• Encore Speakers: http://encorespeakers.com.au
• Mainstage: http://mainstage.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelarnot

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 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.

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 Book Awards and Expo offers an incredible opportunity to share your message with the world. Your book deserves to be well-known, well-paid, and wanted.

Links:

• EXPO: https://www.authorexpo.com.au

ABLE Book Awards: https://www.authorexpo.com.au/gba-nominate

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/

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.

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.

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.

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 profiles accurately reflect your brand and expertise.

Katrina's final advice to her younger self is to stop settling. She believes that settling in personal or professional relationships closes the door on great opportunities. She encourages listeners to stop putting up with things that are not serving them and to reach out for support if needed.

Katrina Sawa is a sought-after business coach, international speaker, and book publisher. Known for her direct, humorous and inspiring style, Katrina delivers actionable insights that leave audiences equipped and motivated to take their businesses to the next level. With 25 years of experience, she has helped thousands of business owners level up their confidence and pricing, simplify their marketing, automate operations, and build sustainable revenue streams. As the founder of Jumpstart Publishing, Katrina has also guided over 150 entrepreneurs through the process of becoming a published author, using books as powerful tools to boost their visibility, credibility, and their business

To learn more about Katrina Sawa's business coaching and publishing services, and how she can help you turn your book into a business, find her contact information below. If you're a published author, consider entering your book in awards to further boost your credibility and visibility. You deserve to be well-known, well-paid, and wanted!

Contact Info Business Coaching website: https://www.JumpstartYourBizNow.com   

Book Publishing website: https://JumpstartPublishing.net    

Events Webpage: http://www.JumpstartEvents.net

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.

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.

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.

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.

At the end of the podcast, Sharon shares three pieces of advice she would give her younger self:

1. Enter awards sooner. The credibility and profile they build are invaluable.
2. Build better relationships. As a younger, ambitious entrepreneur, she was too focused on immediate outcomes and didn't understand the long-term value of nurturing strategic alliances.
3. Start sooner, because you're never ready. You will make mistakes, but that's where the learning happens. Waiting for the perfect moment will only hold you back.

Sharon's insights offer a powerful lesson in combining a strong ethical foundation with a fearless mindset to achieve audacious success.

SHARON JURD is a 7-figure business coach, mindset and success coach, speaker, author, and CEO of SMJ Coaching Institute. She owns nine companies and enjoys margaritas and hiking. Sharon is a #1 Best Selling International Author of two books entitled ‘How to Grow Your Business Faster Than Your Competitor’ and ‘Extraordinary Women in Franchising’.

To learn more about Sharon Jurd and her coaching, mindset programs, and hypnotherapy, visit her website at https://www.smjcoachinginstitute.com.au/.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Looking back to 2020, Rose would advise her past self to "be more organised." Despite her significant success and awards, she believes better organisation from the start would have propelled her even further.

Her final tips for aspiring podcasters:

• Decide on your podcast type (solo, interview, etc.) and your core message.
• Handle all legal and copyright considerations first.
• Just start! Don't wait for perfection or expensive equipment.
• Be authentic, consistent, and dedicated to your craft.
• "Be kind to yourself and just do what your heart and follow your heart."

Want to start your own podcast, become a better guest, or revive an old show? Rose Davidson's expertise, born from real-world success, can guide you. Click here to find her contact details and information about her OPAL system: https://rosedavidson.com.au

Embrace the journey, be bold, and get your voice out there!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ultimately, being awards ready comes down to:

1. Having a clear purpose: What do you want to win awards for? What's your unique solution or approach?
2. Having the courage to articulate your value: Even if your idea is new or your business has faced challenges and pivoted.
3. Passion, dedication, and the problem you solve: These are what truly matter, not just financial metrics.
4. Commitment to leveraging the award: Turning recognition into tangible growth.

Don't let self-doubt or outdated myths hold back your brilliance. Lauren encourages listeners to find out just how awards ready they are right now by taking the free Are You Awards Ready? Quiz. This quick quiz culminates in a personalised guide that identifies your current readiness level (gold, silver, or bronze) and offers tailored advice for your next steps, whether you're a first-time entrant or looking to elevate previous wins.

Take the quiz, embrace your journey, and be bold, brave, and audacious!

https://theaudaciousagency.com/quiz-are-you-award-ready/

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.

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.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the common challenges business owners face with delegation. Francesca highlights two key hurdles:

1. Fear of Imperfection: The worry that a VA won't do the job as good as they want it to be.
2. 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.

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, coaching, networking, and staying updated. She passionately encourages listeners to actively seek knowledge, surround themselves with ambitious individuals, and continuously invest in their personal and professional growth.

If you're an overwhelmed CEO ready to delegate, reclaim your time, and step into your true role as a business leader, Francesca Moi offers the no-fluff, human-focused solutions you need. Find links to her book and VA business below. https://empoweringvirtualsolution.com/

Don't wait for perfect; just get out there and be audacious!

 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).

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.

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.

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.

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, and even if an action doesn't lead to an immediate win, it provides invaluable experience and learning. He also encourages people, especially immigrants, to think big and not limit their aspirations.

Finally, Sab highlights the importance of delegation when building a brand. Knowing that one person can't do everything, he advises business owners to trust and delegate to other experts in the market, allowing them to focus on their core strengths.

Ready to experience lightning-fast customer service and work with an award-winning mortgage expert? 

Learn more about Saurabh Arora and Eminence Finance Group and get in touch with Sab here: 

https://www.eminencefg.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabarora/

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 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.

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.

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, culminating in an awards night on October 17th in Penrith. Kylie reinforces the importance of aligning with the Australian Ladies in Business community's values, noting that the very act of entering awards can help overcome imposter syndrome.

Reflecting on her own path, Kylie's advice to her past self during a difficult time is simple yet profound: "just take one step forward." 

For those seeking to elevate their business success, she encourages actively choosing change and confidently standing up for their business to gain recognition and support within their community.

Ready to step forward and celebrate your business journey? 

Discover the supportive community and empowering opportunities offered by the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative and the Alibi Awards.

The Alibi Awards: https://alibiawards.com.au/

Facebook Community: ​​https://www.facebook.com/AustralianLadiesinBusinessInitiative/

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/

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/

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 the world stage!

https://stevieawards.com/

Check Out The Audacious Agency Stevie Awards For Women In Business Package: https://theaudaciousagency.com/stevie-women-in-business-awards/

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 extension of his long-standing passion for helping individuals share their stories and expertise.

Ready to channel your passion into a powerful profile? Check out Featured here: https://featured.com/

Subscribe to HARO here: https://www.helpareporter.com/ Don't let your passion remain a personal pursuit. Share your expertise, build your profile, and make an audacious impact!

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/

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/

Angela's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. Frustrated with the inadequate solutions offered to her, she took matters into her own hands and created a product that addresses the real needs of breastfeeding mothers. Her dedication to quality and her willingness to seek out unconventional solutions have led to the creation of a product that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those who have identified a problem and are passionate about creating a solution. Angela's journey is a reminder that with tenacity and a willingness to think outside the box, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.

Key Takeaways:

• Solving a Personal Problem: Angela's story highlights the power of turning personal frustrations into innovative solutions.
• Perseverance and Tenacity: The journey to create the Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow was filled with challenges, but Angela's determination to find the right solution ultimately led to her success.
• Quality and Attention to Detail: Angela's commitment to quality and her refusal to compromise on the design of her product have been key to its success.
• The Power of Awards: Winning prestigious awards like the Stevie Awards has provided Angela with credibility and opened doors to new opportunities.
• Outsourcing and Leveraging Expertise: Angela emphasizes the importance of outsourcing tasks and leveraging the expertise of others to accelerate business growth.

About Angela Dion:

Angela Dion is the founder of Simple Breastfeeding and the creator of the Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow. Her innovative product is designed to provide comfort and support to breastfeeding mothers. Angela's dedication to improving the breastfeeding experience has made her a respected figure in the parenting community.

Don't let your frustrations hold you back. Turn them into innovations!

Find out more about Anglea Dion of Simple Breastfeeding and the Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow here: https://simplebreastfeeding.com/

In this episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett is joined by Kylie Chown, Director of My Digital Brand and a LinkedIn strategist with over 15 years of experience. Kylie shares her expertise on how to leverage LinkedIn for personal and professional branding, lead generation, and business growth.

Kylie discusses the common mistakes people make on LinkedIn, highlighting the importance of creating a profile that reflects your current value proposition and actively engaging with your network. She also delves into the evolving role of AI in content creation and offers practical tips on how to stay ahead of the curve.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals looking to build a profile, utilise a strong LinkedIn presence and unlock its full potential. Kylie's insights into LinkedIn strategy and her passion for helping people build their online presence make this an informative and inspiring conversation.

Key Takeaways:

• Beyond Job Searching: Kylie shared that LinkedIn is much more than a job-searching platform; it's a powerful tool for building your personal brand, generating leads, and growing your business.
• Common Mistakes: She highlights the common mistakes people make on LinkedIn, such as neglecting their profile, not understanding the importance of SEO, and failing to connect with their ideal audience.
• AI and LinkedIn: Kylie discusses the evolving role of AI in content creation, encouraging listeners to use AI strategically while maintaining authenticity and personality in their posts.
• Staying Ahead of the Curve: She offers practical tips on how to stay ahead of the curve on LinkedIn, such as using LinkedIn newsletters, leveraging company pages, and participating in expert commentary.

About Kylie Chown:

Kylie Chown is a LinkedIn strategist, speaker, and trainer with over 15 years of experience. She helps businesses and individuals build their online presence and achieve their goals through LinkedIn. Her expertise in LinkedIn strategy and her passion for helping people succeed make her a valuable resource for anyone looking to maximise their LinkedIn presence.

Connect with Kylie Chown:

To learn more about Kylie Chown and her work, connect with her on LinkedIn or visit her website:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyliechown/
• Website: https://www.mydigitalbrand.com.au/

Don't miss out on the opportunities LinkedIn offers. Take action today and build a powerful online presence!

Christine discusses the importance of recognizing and celebrating individuals who are making a difference in the world, regardless of their financial success or status. She also delves into the common fears and self-doubts that hold people back from pursuing their dreams and offers valuable advice on how to overcome them.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, changemakers, and anyone seeking inspiration to create a positive impact. Christine's insights into the power of storytelling and her dedication to celebrating those who are making a difference make this an empowering and motivating conversation.

Key Takeaways:

• Celebrating Changemakers: Christine shares the importance of acknowledging and celebrating individuals making a difference and having an impact, regardless of their financial success or status.
• Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt: She addresses the common fears and self-doubts that prevent people from pursuing their dreams, such as fear of failure and the "what ifs."
• The Inspire Awards: Christine discusses the unique aspects of the Inspire Awards, highlighting their focus on inclusivity, impact, and affordability, plus how her platform helps entrants leverage the awards around the globe.
• The Power of Storytelling: She shares her belief in the power of storytelling to inspire and motivate others, encouraging listeners to embrace their authentic selves and share their stories with the world.

About Christine Innes:

Christine Innes is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and founder of the Corporate Escapist and the Inspire Awards. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and changemakers share their stories and create a positive impact in the world. Through her media company and awards program, she provides a platform for individuals to shine and inspire others.

Connect with Christine Innes:

To learn more about Christine Innes and her work, check out the links below:

• The Corporate Escapist: https://thecorporateescapist.com/

The Inspire Awards: https://theinspireawards.com/

Sandra discusses the importance of niching down and how it has helped her establish herself as a thought leader in the vegan space. She also shares valuable insights on writing and marketing a book, including the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the content creation landscape.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors and entrepreneurs looking to leverage their unique expertise and make an impact through their work. Sandra's story is a testament to the power of authenticity and niching down to build a successful and fulfilling career.

Key Takeaways:

• Niching Down: Sandra emphasises the importance of finding your lane and how it can help you stand out in a crowded market and attract your ideal clients. How she started with her passion of veganism and now attracts likeminded authors who align with her brand.
• Writing and Marketing a Book: She shares valuable insights on the process of writing and promoting a book, including the importance of identifying your target audience and developing a strong marketing strategy.
• AI in Content Creation: Sandra discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI for book and book marketing content creation, encouraging authors to use AI as a tool but not to rely on it entirely.
• Embracing Your Superpowers: She inspires listeners to tap into their unique qualities and experiences, knowing that they can be powerful assets in becoming a successful authors..

About Sandra Nomoto:

Sandra Nomoto is a Book Whisperer, author, and vegan advocate. She helps authors with impact to write, publish, and market their books. With her expertise in veganism and marketing, she has carved a unique niche for herself in the publishing industry. Sandra is also the co-host of VEG Networking Canada, Canada's only vegan networking group.

Connect with Sandra Nomoto:

To learn more about Sandra Nomoto and her work, check out the links below:

• Website: sandranomoto.com
• Books: sandranomoto.com/products

Stacey discusses the unique aspects of the ROAR Awards, highlighting their focus on celebration, community, and providing valuable feedback to entrants. She also delves into the common barriers that hold people back from participating in awards and offers practical advice on how to overcome them.

This episode is a must-listen for any business owner seeking recognition, growth, and connection. Stacey's insights into the power of awards and her dedication to supporting entrepreneurs make this an inspiring and informative conversation.

To learn more about Stacey Morgan and the ROAR Awards, check out the links below:

• Website: https://www.roarawards.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roarsuccess
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roar-success/id1725610532

What began as a personal quest to create a networking environment she loved, blossomed into a thriving community offering networking events, training, and a renowned awards program. Angela discusses the unexpected power of awards in boosting confidence and recognizing the achievements of women, often overlooked in traditional business settings.

This episode is a must-listen for any woman seeking to elevate her business profile and connect with a supportive community. Angela's insights into the transformative power of awards and the unique challenges faced by women in business offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at all stages.

Connect with Angela De Souza:

To learn more from Angela and the Women's Business Club, check out the links below:

• Women's Business Club: https://www.womensbusiness.club/
• Women's Biz Awards: https://www.womensbusiness.club/awards
• Show Up and Shine Challenge: https://bit.ly/showupandshinechallenge
• Top 10 Voices Competition: https://www.womensbusiness.club/top10-voices
• Amplify Your Authorship Competition: https://bit.ly/amplifyyourauthorship

Katie Joy is the Creative Director of The Global Butterfly which is a source of inspiration for those who refuse to settle for anything less than an extraordinary life, instead transform it to one aligned with soul-purpose, and experiencing an expansion of peace, love, joy, prosperity and abundance.

She is the Spiritual Mentor & Money, Marketing & Mindset Coach for Heart-centred and Soul-Driven Empaths, Entrepreneurs, and Go-Getters, specialising in Emotional Intelligence, healing past trauma, and soul-alignment so you can upgrade your reality to live with purpose and experience more joy, love, prosperity and abundance. 

She helps people who are soulseekers and/or soulpreneurs know their value, stand in their power, release the fear of money and success, clear energy blocks and create their Authentic Soul-Aligned Lives. 

Tune in to That's Audacious to hear the full conversation and discover how you can align your soul purpose.

• Katie Joy emphasises the importance of being present and soul-aligned in order to achieve success and cut through the noise in their heads to be confident leaders.  
• She discusses the impact of stress and pressure on leaders and business owners in today's overwhelming world, and how many of us are living in denial and survival mode, and how to get out of it by being present.
• Katie Joy shares her own experiences of overcoming challenges and achieving success, outlining how she has combined the spiritual and strategic worlds to improve lives.
• She highlights the importance of trusting your intuition and celebrating small wins along the way.

To learn more from Katie Joy, find her contact details, website, and social media links below.

• 21-Day Alignment Adventure with free-Tracker: https://www.theglobalbutterfly.com/free-tracker  
• 5-Day Soul Goal Mapping Challenge: https://www.theglobalbutterfly.com/soul-goal-mapping-challenge  
• Website: www.TheGlobalButterfly.com

Key takeaways:

• Emmilia's story: Emmilia shares her incredible journey through multiple health challenges, including kidney disease, cancer, tumors, and sepsis. Her positive mindset and resilience have helped her overcome these obstacles and live a fulfilling life.
• The power of mindset: Emmilia emphasises the importance of controlling your mindset and finding the good in every situation. She believes that this is crucial for overcoming challenges and living a positive life.
• Taking control: Emmilia encourages listeners to take control of their lives by focusing on what they can control, even when faced with difficult situations.
• Celebrating small wins: Emmilia highlights the importance of celebrating small victories and appreciating the little things in life.
• Emmilia's book: Emmilia discusses her book, "I Should Be Effing Dead," which chronicles her health journey and offers inspiration to others.
• Building a platform and making an impact: Emmilia's journey shows that anyone can build a profile, win awards, and create a bigger impact. By sharing her story, she inspires others to overcome their own challenges and achieve their goals.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Mindset is EVERYTHING: Christine emphasises the importance of mindset in sales success. You can have the best strategies, but without self-belief, you'll hold yourself back.
• Women face unique challenges: Societal conditioning and ingrained beliefs often prevent women from charging what they deserve. It's time to break free from those limitations!
• Shift from "affordable" to "valuable": Stop undervaluing your services! Focus on the value you provide to clients and price accordingly.
• Build your bank of evidence: Write down all the reasons why you are the BEST person to serve your ideal client. This exercise helps solidify your value in your own mind.
• Don't compare yourself to others: Your unique journey and experiences are what make you valuable. Belong to yourself first!
• Take courageous action: You'll never feel 100% ready. Back yourself and take the leap, even when imposter syndrome creeps in.

Christine's advice for her younger self? "Put yourself out there, seek opportunities, and back yourself every step of the way."

Ready to dive deeper?

Connect with Christine on Instagram (@christinecorkran_coach) and let her know your biggest takeaway!

Anton's story is one of transformation. After a near-fatal workplace accident and exposure to both poor and exceptional leadership, he dedicated himself to helping leaders become better humans and cultivate psychologically safe, high-performing teams.

Connect with Anton Guinea:

• https://antonguinea.com.au/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadership-speaker-trainer-coach
• https://theguineagroup.com.au/

To learn more from Stacey, find her contact details, books, and social media links below. https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyashley

Business Page https://www.facebook.com/thestaceyashley

https://www.instagram.com/staceyashleycoaching

https://www.youtube.com/ashleycoaching

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.

Reach out to her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharondaviessales2success

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.

Connect with Sonia here: https://www.accountingheart.com.au/about

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.

Connect with Tammy here: https://empoweredmums.com.au/directory/1079/tammy-richie/

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.

Connect with Anita here: https://anitasonya.com/

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.

Connect with Liliana here: https://www.babysleepsupport.com.au/directory/business-listing/find-a-baby-sleep-consultant/childs-age/0-3-months/liliana-amaro-zzleep-baby/ 

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.

Connect with Lora here: https://lorastarling.com/

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.

For more brand building tips, tools and inspiration, you can join the Rocket launch Your Business Facebook Group HERE. A video of the Hot Seat is on the Audacious YouTube Channel. And you can connect with the Audacious Agency HERE.