In this episode, I sit down with Candice Boyd to talk openly about the realities of raising a child with autism, the traumatic moments most families never talk about, and what explosive meltdowns actually look like.

Candice shares how her daughter’s behaviour changed almost overnight, how food triggers played a role, and the emotional toll it took on her as a parent.

We also explore mum-guilt, burnout, and how Candice turned pain into purpose by creating SheRest, a community that offers connection, support, and respite for mothers raising autistic children. This episode is real, raw, and deeply moving.

Watch the episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/65O6MtkoKDI

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Welcome and intro
00:31 Who is Candice Boyd?
01:25 Early signs of regression
03:22 The importance of getting a diagnosis
06:01 The "Switch Flipped" moment in Queensland
10:11 Initial discovery: Food and behaviors
12:33 Dealing with "Mom Guilt"
14:59 Identifying trauma in the body
18:41 Meltdowns vs. Tantrums
21:31 Asking "How can I help?" instead of judging
26:39 Finding humor in the hardship
28:25 The breaking point: Crying under the doona
31:59 Taking action: The birth of SheRest
33:53 The first community lunch
38:14 Business lesson: You don't need ducks in a row
45:30 Dreaming big: Nationwide hubs
47:52 The hidden domestic violence of carer burnout
52:47 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
58:20 The "What's in it for me?" mindset
01:01:53 Fears for the future: Police and the law
01:07:20 The importance of true respite
01:10:46 How special needs parenting impacts marriage
01:13:30 Clashing parenting styles
01:21:04 The Tug of War: Picking your battles
01:23:37 The question of "HeRests"
01:29:29 Deep dive: Artificial colors and MSG
01:36:47 Final message: Stay curious

Do you want to be a more confident leader? Get your FREE workbook at https://thecultureofleadership.com/confident-leader-workbook/

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Resources
Culture of Leadership Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/​)
Brendan Rogers LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjrogers01/​)
Culture of Leadership Podcast Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/podcast/​)
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DISCLOSURE: We often link to products & services we regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links. This means, if you click one of the links and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation.

We're fans of Amazon, and many of our links to products are links to those products on Amazon. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites.

In today’s episode, I speak to Jodie Hill, the founder, and director of a company called Custodians of Change. They focus on educating the world on self-sustainability and self-worth. Jodie is a brilliant speaker and articulates with near perfection a model she created around the concept of UBUNTU. This concept has been around for many years in the African cultures - and it means “I am because we are” - referring to the idea that as individuals, we are better when we are contributing to the collective community.

She experienced this idea most powerfully during her time living in South Africa. Her feeling, now, is that the rest of the world could greatly benefit from embracing an “Ubuntu” point of view - both personally and in business.

Jodie shares great personal experiences and examples of people “living Ubuntu” and it’s difficult to argue with the proven success in using this outlook to help communities flourish and take care of each other. This episode is one that will hopefully help you see the ways in which you can help others win so that we as a community can win.

Discussion Points

• What is “Ubuntu”?
• Behind the philosophy fellowship
• The “Lebola” system
• The meaning of “Ubuntu”
• How Nelson Mandela lived “Ubuntu”
• Jodie’s experience in South Africa and connecting with the community
• Jodie’s Ubuntu Model
  • Understand
  • Being
  • Unite
  • New Spirit
  • Trust
  • Unconditional Love
• The thing that had the greatest impact on Jodie’s leadership journey

Do you want to be a more confident leader? Get your FREE workbook at https://thecultureofleadership.com/confident-leader-workbook/

-- LINKS --
(When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!)

*** PRODUCTS WE LOVE *** (and use!)
✅ Check them out at https://thecultureofleadership.com/products-we-use/

*** BOOKS WE LOVE *** (and read!)
✅ Check them out at https://thecultureofleadership.com/books-we-recommend/

Subscribe to Culture of Leadership podcast:
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Resources
Culture of Leadership Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/​)
Brendan Rogers LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjrogers01/​)
Culture of Leadership Podcast Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/podcast/​)
Culture of Leadership LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-culture-of-leadership/)
Culture of Leadership Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tcolpodcast​)
Culture of Leadership Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thecultureofleadership/)

DISCLOSURE: We often link to products & services we regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links. This means, if you click one of the links and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation.

We're fans of Amazon, and many of our links to products are links to those products on Amazon. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites.

Brendan sits down with Laura Prael to unpack the lessons she has learned from over a decade of running her own business. From battling imposter syndrome and redefining what confidence really means, to losing her entire team during COVID and rebuilding stronger than ever, Laura shares an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of leadership.

She challenges hustle culture, explains why adaptability matters more than any business plan, and reveals how a four-day work week has transformed her company. This is a conversation packed with honesty, resilience, and practical insights that will inspire anyone building a business or leading a team.

Don’t miss this episode if you want to rethink success, confidence, and what it truly means to lead with impact.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Welcome Back & 10-Year Milestone
01:18 – Finding the Right People
03:33 – Energy Match & Team Fit
06:11 – Attracting Talent with a 4-Day Week
09:27 – Growing Into Leadership
14:35 – Redefining Confidence
20:35 – Busting Business Myths
22:36 – Rejecting Hustle Culture
25:08 – Challenges of a 4-Day Week
29:27 – Losing the Team During COVID
32:01 – Rebuilding with Resilience
35:37 – Working with a Partner
37:20 – Feedback That Shapes Leadership
45:26 – The AI Challenge in Marketing
55:50 – Storytelling & Connection
01:00:26 – “Begin Anywhere” Philosophy
01:02:39 – Leading with Impact

Do you want to be a more confident leader? Get your FREE workbook at https://thecultureofleadership.com/confident-leader-workbook/

-- LINKS --
(When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!)

*** PRODUCTS WE LOVE *** (and use!)
✅ Check them out at https://thecultureofleadership.com/products-we-use/

*** BOOKS WE LOVE *** (and read!)
✅ Check them out at https://thecultureofleadership.com/books-we-recommend/

Subscribe to Culture of Leadership podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3oPVZhU
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2LvUjvI
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3aZlglJ
Castro: https://bit.ly/3yILSRo
Pocket Casts: https://bit.ly/34nqOSz
Podchaser: https://bit.ly/2SxL15F
iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3xVl4fw
Deezer: https://bit.ly/3w1gvib
Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/3hiY3w7

Resources
Culture of Leadership Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/​)
Brendan Rogers LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjrogers01/​)
Culture of Leadership Podcast Website (https://thecultureofleadership.com/podcast/​)
Culture of Leadership LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-culture-of-leadership/)
Culture of Leadership Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tcolpodcast​)
Culture of Leadership Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thecultureofleadership/)

DISCLOSURE: We often link to products & services we regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links. This means, if you click one of the links and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation.

We're fans of Amazon, and many of our links to products are links to those products on Amazon. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites.