Today I’m joined by the wonderful and inspiring Jo Gaines, a seasoned professional who has worked in the technology and media sector for over two decades. Jo's career journey has seen her work for high-profile companies including CBS, Krux, Yahoo and more recently, as Area Vice President of Salesforce. Jo is also a dedicated mother-of-two and a fierce advocate for equality, lending her support as an ambassador for women's shelters. She shares with us her journey through hardship to finding resilience and how changing her mindset helped reshape her story.

Through facing a challenging turning point in her career due to redundancy, Jo embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery that saw her turn to practices such as weight training, breathwork and meditation. She shares the new mindset she adopted through these practices, and how her determination to thrive in the face of uncertainty led to a completely new outlook on life.

In our conversation, Jo shares the grief she experienced when her role at Salesforce came to an end, and how lost she felt when it came to her future. However, she notes there are two choices we can make when it comes to facing adversity. Either we can see it as a downfall, or treat it as an opportunity to expand. Jo chose the latter, and decided to view this new path as one she was destined to be on.

Resilience can often be misunderstood as a suppression of emotions or ignoring our problems. However, we define what resilience really is and discuss its ability to help effectively manage our thoughts and feelings. Jo believes that releasing control and trusting everything will eventually work out can free us from fear and the temptation to give up.

We talk about how navigating through our own life challenges produces empathy, and when we view others through this lens, we become more effective leaders. Recognising that everyone experiences change, particularly in a post-pandemic world, we’re able to rally with our team and prioritise their wellbeing. How can we communicate in a way that resonates for each individual? How do we lead in a way that not only gets them through, but also builds resilience?

Jo also shares her shift in perspective that inspired her to live more fully in the present and pursue the passions that had been sitting on the backburner for too long. She talks about the bucket list she created and the importance of making time and space in life to achieve each goal.

Jo's story is a powerful testament to the transformation resilience can create, and the potential for growth when we embrace change with gratitude. I just know you’ll be as inspired as I was by Jo’s incredible wisdom, and hope you find confidence to implement strategies for a full and rewarding life in leadership and beyond.

LINKS

Connect with Jo Gaines

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jogaines

Instagram: @gogaino

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining me on the podcast today is the incredible Lissy Abrahams, a relationship therapist with a treasure trove of experience. Lissy's work has touched numerous lives, and in our conversation, we delved into the core of relationship dynamics, how they change over time, and the resources available for couples seeking assistance.

The beginning of our conversation focused on how couples view each other. People often look at their partner as someone they're assessing for compatibility, pondering future life together, including potential children. The irony is, as Lissy points out, we often can't predict who our partners will become or who we will become in the relationship. The true essence of a relationship goes beyond the wedding day and the initial impressions.

For couples feeling lost in their relationship, Lissy offers a range of resources, from her book Relationship Reset to more detailed courses designed to dive deeper into understanding one's own mind. She emphasised the shortage of couples therapists available and the importance of resources like these to alleviate the increasing demand.

We also touch on what it is like to experience these stories from the perspective of the therapist. Lissy candidly shares how she manages the influx of dramatic stories, pain, and conflict she encounters. Her grounding techniques, like spending time in the park and abstaining from news that can "jangle" our nerves, play a crucial role in her self-preservation.

One of the highlights of the conversation was Lissy's emphasis on understanding our mammalian system. We often live lives disconnected from our natural selves, filled with distress and : detatchment. She urges people to do the work needed to enjoy and be in harmony with our inherent nature, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone around us.

This episode serves as a testament to the profound impact of understanding relationship dynamics and ensuring we align with our true selves. If you've ever felt adrift in your relationship or need strategies to ground yourself amidst life's chaos, Lissy Abrahams is a voice worth listening to.

LINKS

Connect with Lissy Abrahams

Website: https://www.lissyabrahams.com/

Instagram: @lissy.abrahams

Her Book: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781760989781/relationship-reset/

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Birthdays have taken on a whole new meaning for me in recent years. I used to dread the numbers creeping up, but then cancer came along and changed everything. Now, I'm all about gratitude and cherishing each birthday that comes my way. Facing life-threatening challenges has a way of reshaping your outlook, trust me. It's not just about surviving; it's about living with intention and appreciating every moment.

To celebrate life on my birthday this year, I’m sharing this solo episode as an update on how things have been going and a reminder that you can’t always choose what life throws at you but you can choose how you respond.

I share some good news on the health front and how I’ve been tracking throughout my melanoma journey. It has certainly been a time of learning and growth for me and I’m excited to share that I'm working on my second book! It’s been both a challenging and thrilling experience and one that I’m very grateful for.

Learning is a lifelong journey, and I'm soaking up knowledge from my work, my life challenges, and the incredible people I meet. I also share how this journey has brought me closer to my loved ones and taught me to truly appreciate each day.

I’m a huge believer in the fact that we have the power to choose how we respond to challenges. Life's obstacles don't define us; our response does. I'm on my 54th birthday now, and I can tell you, I've faced my fair share of challenges but each time, I've emerged stronger and wiser.

I hope this episode gives you a fresh dose of inspiration, perspective, and a reminder to cherish every moment. Life is fleeting, and changes can happen in an instant. So, let's celebrate life together and make the most of each day.

LINKS

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.