In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue Kennedy is joined by Kirilea Kelly, Marketing and Corporate Liaison Manager at the Red Tree Foundation, to explore the many dimensions of grief and how words play a central role in the healing process.

Kirilea shares how Red Tree provides free counselling to families who have lost a child, affordable grief and loss support more broadly, and specialised training for businesses seeking to better equip managers and employees to support one another. Their conversation highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for expression, the impact of compassionate workplace policies, and the need for recognising that grief extends far beyond bereavement.

Also, hear about Red Tree’s upcoming “Wave of Light” event for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Listen now!

Listeners of the Full of Words podcast can access an exclusive 20% discount on Red Tree Foundation’s Grief and Loss Manager Training—click the link to claim it!

Highlights:

• (01:21) Understanding the many forms of grief — from bereavement to redundancy.
• (05:00) Why one in four employees experience grief each year and the role of managers in providing support.
• (07:05) The healing power of words in counselling, journaling, and creative expression.
• (09:14) Why the loss of a pet can be just as significant as other forms of grief.
• (13:36) “Disenfranchised grief” and its long-term impact when left unprocessed.
• (17:06) Training managers in grief and loss support: best practices for organisations.
• (20:10) The value of group counselling in workplaces and its lasting effect on teams.
• (27:48) Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month and the “Wave of Light” at Adelaide Oval.

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

Guest Link:
Website: https://www.redtreefoundation.org.au/

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue Kennedy and CJ address a challenge that every entrepreneur and small business owner encounters: overwhelm. Drawing from their own recent experiences — from the pressures of being the sole income earner, to moving house while managing client commitments, to balancing caregiving responsibilities — they share candid insights into recognizing, managing, and recovering from periods of intense stress.

The discussion covers practical strategies such as identifying and focusing on high-priority tasks, creating an effective “quick look” list to avoid decision fatigue, and building restorative breaks into the day without guilt. Sue and CJ also explore why stepping away from work, even briefly, can improve productivity and prevent burnout.

Whether you are navigating a busy season or seeking sustainable ways to manage your workload, these insights will help you protect your energy and maintain focus.

Listen now!

Highlights:

• (02:01) Why overwhelm can be more acute when you are the business.
• (07:04) Why “working harder” is counterproductive in times of stress.
• (11:26) The lasting impact of burnout and post-viral fatigue.
• (13:20) Techniques for prioritizing tasks effectively.
• (17:00) The value of intentional breaks to reset and refocus.
• (26:05) How planning your to-do list on Friday can reduce Monday stress.
• (28:08) Applying the “oxygen mask” principle in business.

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue and CJ explore the history, cultural significance, and evolving perceptions of the word BOSSY. From its Dutch origins to modern interpretations, they examine how context, tone, and audience shape its meaning — and why it is more often directed at women than men.

The discussion covers linguistic evolution, gendered language, and the power of words to influence identity and behavior from an early age. CJ and Sue also address how “bossy” intersects with leadership, confidence, and societal expectations, offering insights on reclaiming or reframing the term in professional and personal contexts.

Whether you work in leadership, communications, education, or are simply curious about the cultural weight words can carry, this episode provides a thoughtful look at how language shapes our perceptions.

Listen now!

Highlights:

• (01:32) Historical origins of “BOSS” and its colonial context
• (02:29) Positive, neutral, and negative uses of “bossy” in different settings
• (04:46) The gender bias in how “bossy” is applied
• (07:43) How dictionary history reflects social bias in word selection
• (10:01) Impact of labels like “bossy” on children’s confidence and behavior
• (12:12) Gendered modifiers in professional titles (“girl boss” vs. “boss”)
• (17:29) Examples of reclaimed language and shifting meaning over time
• (20:59) How current events can reshape the meaning and perception of words
• (22:13) Evaluating whether “bossy” can ever be truly empowering

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact