Optimal Conversations
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an exceptional leader? Join us as we dive into the many layers of leadership with inspiring voices from all walks of life sharing personal stories behind their journey to the top. I'm Mary Wong, founder of Optimal Life Solutions, and over the past 20 years, I've been helping people become better leaders and communicators. Join our podcast for some solo insights and incredible guest conversations. Optimal Conversations - Real People, Real Conversations.
Episodes
When burnout is affecting 49% of leaders globally, something is going terribly wrong, and it is worse in Australia...
Find out how to be energised and enthused, maintain calm in a chaotic world, and prevent yourself from becoming a statistic as Mary shares with us her secrets to successful self-care.
Download the free 'Serenity Strategies - Stress Relievers for Self-Care' booklet at this link: https://hub.opti...
After navigating the transition from corporate life in Europe to family life in Australia, then successfully raising her children to young adulthood, Birgitta found herself at a crossroads. Realising she needed to reinvent herself, she emerged re-energised and re-connected, putting her coaching experience from high-level sporting and corporate team backgrounds to work in helping women thrive in leadership.
Join us as ...
In this episode, I explore the role of self-awareness in leadership - the ability to recognise your emotions, patterns, and impact on others. We’ll look at why leaders who understand themselves lead with greater clarity, empathy, and resilience, and how small shifts in self-awareness can transform relationships and decision-making. e.
Tune in to discover how cultivating self-awareness helps you lead and grow, not just ...
Join us as we talk all things awards - why they are a strategy for success and how you grow through participating in them. Which awards should you enter? Have you done enough to enter an award? How do you deal with that inner voice that says you aren't enough?
Annette Densham, a former journalist, is the leader in award services. She answers all these questions and more... you can't miss this one!
Find out mo...
If the word 'feedback' gives you the heebies, you really cannot miss this episode. Whether it is giving feedback, receiving feedback, or both that sets your teeth on edge, this episode will help you make feedback your friend.
Feedback is the ultimate growth tool and imperative for progress in your career and all aspects of life. Being open to it helps us grow and progress in our awareness, creating a life of ...
When a customer is told to 'Talk to Jack, ' they're often surprised to find themselves chatting with Jaclyn. As someone who learned through the school of hard knocks, she has forged new frontiers in her business, specialising in Trailers and Caravan repairs in Sydney and is recognised for her strong leadership, hands-on industry knowledge, and dedication to delivering high-quality service and workmanshi...
After many years working internationally for major corporations, Angella returned to Australia and now works for herself. She shares her journey of repatriation, the excitement and the challenges of moving to a new continent with her family and furry friend.
We talk about growing resilience, finding your place, recognising the right path to take, and so much more. It's a warm and friendly chat that holds a pot or ...
In this not-to-be-missed episode, we discuss all things creativity, writing, and self-discovery as we explore the skill and craft of writing as a must-use leadership tool.
Rochelle is enthusiastic about using story, journaling, and coaching as a pathway for personal development.
The current President of the Gold Coast Writers Association (a vibrant group of brilliantly creative leaders in their own right), Rochelle, sha...
If you've wondered how to level up through doing a TED talk, then this is a not-to-be-missed episode. Joyce shares her experience of being accepted to present a TED Talk and offers us insider tips on getting on the TED stage, along with lots of amazing advice about life.
It's a fabulous, high-energy episode that will leave you buzzing!
Watch the TED talk here https://youtu.be/f_0ioqN1cEE?si=eXezBVKbWzlnktjE
F...
We all know networking events are your chance to get to know people in your community, whether that's local or globally, but what is a 'good' networking event?
Take a listen and learn how to make networking your superpower, as we discuss all things networking with Kacie Brignell - what to do, and what not to do!
riven by a passion for connecting people and fostering business growth, Kacie Brignell, a seas...
We've changed our podcast! Find out more as you listen to this episode.
Navigating change can be a leader's greatest struggle, and one of their most outstanding achievements. In this episode, Mary discusses the neuroscience of change and ways to become comfortable with adapting to varying circumstances, enabling you to stand out as an innovative and resilient leader.
Find out more about Mary at www.optimalcoac...
Serial podcaster and strategist, Darren Saul, shares the importance of podcasting for building authority through marketing, brand building, and credibility. We discuss common mistakes and the reasons many people give up early on their podcast aspirations.
Darren shares his own journey, noting that his podcast, "Playing with Perspective," has grown to 250 episodes. He encourages aspiring leaders to embrace cu...
Following a career transition, Aurora's work now focuses on sustainability. We discuss the effect of empowering employees at all levels to take ownership of sustainability initiatives as she shares examples of successful food waste reduction programs. Leaders, listen to find out how creating a culture of conversation and boundary-setting achieve desired outcomes with full team engagement.
Find our more a...
Megan shares her amazing journey to living her yes, and evolving personal leadership. She talks about rediscovering herself amidst the turmoil of a relationship breakup, then shares how she has channelled her learnings into her debut novel, "It's Always Been Me".
It's an inspiring listen... and one that may well change your life!
Here's the quote she mentions: And the day came when the risk to r...
Mel works with Women Leaders who are navigating their forties and fifties and has many enlightening strategies, tools, and resources that business leaders can use to support their female employees through menopause and peri-menopause.
We also discuss how boundaries are important in self-care and how self-awareness underpins successful navigation through difficulties.
More about Mel:
Mel's book, &apos...
The most powerful tool we have is a question! Listen and learn how questions help us connect, grow, and learn more about ourselves and others.
Emily Jane is a multi-talented, multi-skilled, young leader who walks her talk. In this podcast, she discusses how a powerful question helped her make a huge decision that has impacted her life in a very positive way.
Find out more about Emily by checking out her l...
After 15 years in corporate leadership roles, Renee's life changes saw her leading as an entrepreneur. We follow her journey of change, as she relates how personal challenges guided her transition into her current business. We also discuss health, nutrition, and the role of non-judgement in a safe space for growth.
Find out more about Renee here: www.defininghealth.com.au
Facebook: https://www.f...
Author of "The Coffee Table book for Mature Dating", Rylll shares her first-hand experience of where her dates went wrong in her search (and discovery) of the greatest love of her life.
Join us as we discuss many subjects, including the differences between growing up last century and this one! It's a lot of fun and very informative.
Find Ryll at:
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/r...
In this second part of two podcasts, Shevonne discusses the myth of perfection and the art of apology and shares her very personal journey through complete incapacitation and her ongoing recovery.
This is an inspiring and uplifting listen filled with wisdom and grace. Don't miss it.
To find out more about Shevonne, connect with her on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/shevonne-joyce/
Gre...
She is passionate, a driver, creative but also analytical, and an astute problem solver. Meet Shevonne Joyce, a dynamic and neurodivergent leader featured in Harvard Business Review who is still happy to admit to stunning vocal faux pas!
Part one of two - this episode is packed with fascinating conversation.
Find out why we are sometimes unlikeable, grow your understanding of autism and ADHD, and learn about ...
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