It's been a wild ride!

See you soon, you'll never know where!

SWBYe!

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Justine Waddington is the director of Encounter Travel, a company she founded around her passion for solo travel. With a background in marketing, Justine has led Encounter Travel for nearly 20 years, organizing group tours specifically for solo travelers who prefer not to travel alone. Her extensive travel experiences and knowledge of various worldwide destinations serve as the backbone of her company, making it a leading business in the niche market of solo travel.

Key Takeaways:

• The Evolution of Solo Travel: Justine started as a solo traveler without modern conveniences like the internet and has turned her passion into a thriving business.
• Group Travel for Solo Adventurers: Encounter Travel offers group tours that connect solo travelers, minimizing the intimidation of traveling alone.
• Fostering Connections: WhatsApp groups allow travelers to connect before the trip, easing the transition into group dynamics.
• Women in Solo Travel: The episode notes that solo travel is a rapidly growing trend, particularly among women, providing both empowerment and community.
• Avoiding the Single Supplement: Justine explains the rationale behind single supplement pricing and ways to approach it as a solo traveler.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you're sitting at home thinking, I can't do this… well, it can just stop you in your tracks." - Justine Waddington
• "They’re doing trips the way I like them and what I feel is important." - Justine Waddington
• "You have to leave home alone, but very quickly, you’re going to find your people." - Justine Waddington
• "Our travelers are in their 40s, 50s, 60s, maybe their 70s or even 80s, but they have that youthful mind." - Justine Waddington
• "Share and save. But most people don't want to share." - Justine Waddington on addressing single supplements.

Resources:

• Encounter Travel's Website

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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Click link to contact Eastside Speech Solutions to book in an appointment, as mentioned in the episode! Don't forget to mention our pod, She Wasn't Born Yesterday! Ring them on (02) 9398 3020

Ainsley Poulos is a seasoned speech therapist and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the field of speech pathology. She established Eastside Speech Solutions, a thriving business that has been helping children and adults overcome communication challenges. Ainsley's journey began with personal motivation when her son was born with a rare genetic condition affecting his speech. She dedicated herself to learning specialised techniques to aid his development, ultimately expanding her expertise to benefit others. Ainsley's commitment to providing top-notch service and fostering a positive work environment has been pivotal to the continued success of her practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Family Motivation: Ainsley's son's speech condition motivated her to start her practice and specialise in the Prompt therapy technique.
• Entrepreneurial Growth: Transitioning from solo to a thriving practice required careful planning, flexibility, and a strong vision for quality service.
• Business Strategy: Early adoption of electronic management systems and strategic use of Google Ads were pivotal in scaling her business.
• Team Development: Prioritising team growth and cultural fit over profit ensured a lasting and supportive practice environment.
• Selling the Practice: Ainsley's choice to sell her business was guided by personal priorities, ensuring continuity for her team and clients.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I had the vision to maybe grow it into a bigger practice, not just with me."
2. "You need to become that person who specialises in him and in speech movement."
3. "Once you realise that you've made a mistake, it's good to kind of not let that continue."
4. "Finding the right people is…you know, decide what is the culture that you want to have."
5. "If you look after the team, everything else looks after itself, you know."

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About the Guests:

Imelda Brewster is a seasoned apartment owner with extensive experience in navigating the complexities of Strata Committees in Australia. Residing in the "Paris end" of Potts Point, Sydney, Imelda has grown familiar with the dynamics of shared living spaces. Over her 27 years of ownership, she has actively participated in her apartment block’s strata committee, often taking on leadership roles. Her proactive approach in managing building-related challenges highlights her commitment to improving the living standards in her community.

Peter Ross is a professional Strata Manager and the principal of CEOstrata. With over 55 buildings under management, Peter brings a wealth of expertise in dealing with the diverse challenges that arise in residential strata schemes. Known for his pragmatic solutions and dedication to client satisfaction, Peter is a respected figure in strata management who emphasises the importance of competent and localised management in improving community living issues.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Strata Management: The complexities of managing shared spaces illustrate the importance of having a knowledgeable and experienced strata manager.
• Community Engagement: Active participation in Strata Committees can help address and resolve common property-related issues.
• Navigating Legalities: An understanding of strata laws and rights can protect owners from unjust decisions and enhance living standards.
• Conducting Due Diligence: Thoroughly reviewing strata records before purchasing an apartment can prevent future unforeseen liabilities.
• Local and Committed Management: Hiring a strata management team familiar with the building and its demographic can lead to reduced costs and increased efficiency.

Notable Quotes:

1. “If I'm. If I go off it, it'll either be through age, ill health or assassination.” – Imelda Brewster
2. “Get a good strata manager. It really makes a difference.” – Peter Ross
3. “The biggest little thing in Strata is people who don’t manage the recycling properly. That gets people.” – Peter Ross
4. “It's partly about their size, it's also about whether three bedrooms or two, and it's about whether they get a better view than someone else or a garage.” – Peter Ross
5. “I've gone off the committee and I wasn't allowed to go back on because they thought I was a troublemaker.” – Imelda Brewster

Resources:

• CEOstrata Website: ceostrata.com.au – For information on professional strata management services by Peter Ross.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest

Emma Young is the Chief Corporate Services Officer at Orange Sky, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community connections and supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship. With a background in accounting, Emma transitioned from a corporate career to full-time involvement in Orange Sky after initially volunteering. She now leads HR, safety, finance, data, insights, and tech operations. Emma's passion for community service and her commitment to fostering positive connections have been integral to Orange Sky's mission and growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Orange Sky was founded by two young 20-year-olds, Nick and Lucas, aiming to positively connect communities through unique laundry and shower services for the homeless.
• The organization thrives on innovation, with solar-powered vans and a model emphasizing consistent, reliable service delivery in partnership with local resources.
• Homelessness is multifaceted, depicted not only by street living but also by couch surfing and temporary accommodations. The rising demographic of concern is women over 55.
• Volunteers at Orange Sky are not just service providers but are seen as conversationalists who build trust and connections amidst the homelessness community, providing much-needed human interaction.
• The organization's impact goes beyond providing clean clothes, as embodied by Ros's story, illustrating the deep relationships and connections forged through their services.

Notable Quotes:

1. "One friend told me the other day that if he hadn't come down to our shift, he wouldn't have spoken to someone all week." - Emma Young
2. "What we soon realized was that it was actually the connection that people were coming to shift for." - Emma Young
3. "There's a song by Alexi Murdoch, a beautiful song that talks about helping our brothers and sisters under an orange sky." - Emma Young
4. "Homelessness is complex and there's a lot of reasons why someone might be experiencing homelessness or hardship." - Emma Young
5. "Everyone has a story to tell… you just never know what someone's going through in that moment of kindness and connection." - Emma Young

Resources:

• Orange Sky Website: orangesky.org.au

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest

Colleen Hirst is an accomplished psychologist and family therapist affiliated with Merrylands Counselling. With a rich professional history in psychology and therapy, Colleen specialises in helping individuals understand and break negative relationship patterns. She is proficient in applying various therapeutic models and theories, such as attachment theory and John Gottman's methods, to enhance relationship dynamics and promote personal growth. Her insights are particularly valuable for developing secure attachments and improving interpersonal connections.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Patterns: Each individual has emotional blueprints shaped by upbringing and life experiences that govern relationship behaviors and attachment styles.
• Importance of Self-awareness: Identifying negative patterns is crucial; individuals must recognise their contributions to relationship dynamics to effect change.
• John Gottman's Principles: The Four Horsemen model provides insights into destructive relationship behaviors, underscoring the need to replace criticism with soft startups and stonewalling with self-soothing techniques.
• Connection Over Communication: True relationship resilience is built on connection and shared meaning, not just communication skills or conflict resolution.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Even entrenched patterns can be altered with intentional actions, as therapy can provide a framework for developing more positive interaction cycles.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We are all patterns, all of us. We've all got these internal working models for how we emotionally connect." — Colleen Hirst
2. "Good communication is a fantastic and vital skill, but when we lose connection, that's when the conflict comes." — Colleen Hirst
3. "Every time we say no to our automatic pilot, we're starting to change the internal script." — Colleen Hirst
4. "My top tip is connection… How can we build this relationship because I want a future with you?" — Colleen Hirst
5. "The main thing is not about active listening; it's about being there for your partner." — Colleen Hirst

Resources:

• Maryland's Counselling: Merrylands Counselling Psychology Practice (Gaining additional insights and support)
• John Gottman: Various models discussed, including the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Sound Relationship House Model.
• Attachment Theory: Explored in relation to early life experiences affecting adult relationships.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest:

Tori Sanderson is the Managing Director of Avian, an Canberra based, consultancy focused on human-centred design, digital strategy, accessibility, and digital service delivery. She has more than 15 years’ experience in digital strategy and product consulting, and holds an Arts (Honours) degree in Chinese Studies as well as a Masters of Development Studies. Her work sits at the intersection of design, technology, and strategy, helping organisations improve and transform their digital services.

Key Takeaways:

• AI's Gender Impact: AI threatens roles largely held by women, particularly in entry-level and procedural jobs.
• Government's Role: Government intervention is essential to regulate AI's integration into the workforce and protect entry-level opportunities.
• Engagement Gap: Women are less engaged with AI technologies compared to men, risking further exclusion from tech advancements.
• Career Shifts: More flexible career pathways are emerging, though existing disparities in senior roles remain a challenge.
• Value of Human Connection: Fields dependent on human-to-human interaction, like counseling, hold a unique resilience against AI takeover.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I think if we don't start engaging, particularly as women, we run a real risk of entrenching some of these disparities."
2. "We’re still exploring whether the technology lives up to the hype, and it’s anyone’s game still a little bit."
3. "AI always wants you to feel like you're right and wants you to feel like it's right."
4. "We need to support those who are coming up…so that we're not just the isolated exception."
5. "I think that is a space that government can do a great job on, is actually kind of tempering some of those impacts."

Resources:

• Avian: Avian helps teams design, deliver, and sustain better digital services. For people, systems, and public good.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.