From ICU nurse in regional NSW to CEO leading one of Australia’s most complex healthcare infrastructure projects, Di Mantell has built a career defined by courage, clarity and reinvention.

In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Di Mantell joins host Di Gillett to explore why courage matters more than confidence and how purpose, perseverance and partnerships have shaped her leadership philosophy.

She shares the pivotal moments that taught her to say yes before she felt ready, the story behind delivering the world’s largest healthcare sustainability loan, and what visibility and ageism really mean for women in leadership today.

🎧 You’ll Hear:

è How saying yes before you feel ready can change your trajectory

è Why courage, not confidence, drives reinvention and growth

è How purpose and perseverance create lasting leadership impact

è What visibility truly means for women 50+

è How mentorship fuels legacy and influence.

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

🎧 Watch and subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/

📖 Read the full transcript of this conversation here: 👉 https://powerofwomen.com.au/di-mantell-shares-with-di-gillett-why-courage-not-confidence-is-underrated/

Who is Di Mantell

Di Mantell is the pink-haired powerhouse and CEO who defies convention. From ICU nurse in Wagga Wagga to leading Australia’s largest healthcare sustainability initiative, she’s proven that leadership has no expiry date. A Board Director at Silver Chain, Di blends governance expertise with bold ideas and straight talk, driving impact in healthcare, sustainability and women’s leadership.

Find Di Mantell at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-mantell/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women: (optional if wordcount over)

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

💫 If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this fast-paced and deeply honest conversation, Di Gillett sits down with Mandi Gunsberger, five-time founder and visionary dealmaker behind Babyology and Nourish Travel. Together they explore what it really costs to build something extraordinary: the burnout, the identity traps, the pressure of keeping it all together and the courage it takes to stop, reset, and start again.

From founding a multi-million-dollar business to selling it and rediscovering herself through a year in Tuscany, Mandi shares powerful lessons on entrepreneurship, wellbeing, and the importance of connection over hustle. A masterclass in business growth, resilience, and the power of vulnerability, when success and self collide.

In this episode, we explore:

➜ The early lessons that shaped Mandi’s entrepreneurial drive

➜ The fine line between ambition and exhaustion

➜ How genuine connection beats traditional networking

➜ The reality of burnout — and how to spot the signs early

➜ What Tuscany taught her about slowing down to speed up

➜ How Nourish Travel helps others prioritise wellbeing without guilt

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

🎧 Watch and subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/

Who is Mandi Gunsgerger?

Mandi Gunsberger is a five-time founder and visionary business strategist behind Babyology and Nourish Travel. Recognised as one of Australia’s Top 50 Female Entrepreneurs Under 40, she’s built partnerships with Apple, Amazon, and Disney. With 25+ years’ experience scaling startups, Mandi now mentors founders globally on business growth, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.

Find Mandi at:

Website https://nourishtravel.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandigunsberger/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

⭐If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen – https://vinilo.com.au/

Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the drive that makes you great becomes the force that brings you undone?

Life coach, bestselling author and keynote speaker Shannah Kennedy joins me, Di Gillett on the Power Of Women Podcast to explore the thin line between ambition and burnout, and why recovery, identity and self-awareness are now critical skills for high-performing women.

From managing elite athletes to living at full throttle, Shannah’s story is a reminder that setbacks can be the start of your greatest comeback. If you’re willing to do the inner work.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

➜ Why “Who are you without your job?” is the most confronting (and necessary) question you can ask.

➜ How to rebuild your identity beyond titles and achievements.

➜ The difference between ambition and overachievement.

➜ Why women in midlife face “the perfect storm” — and how to plan your way through it.

➜ Daily rituals for resilience: mindfulness, breathwork and boundaries.

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

🎧 Watch and subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/

📖 Read the full transcript of this conversation here: 👉 https://powerofwomen.com.au/di-gillett-talks-with-shannah-kennedy-about-the-transition-from-setback-to-comeback/

Who is Shannah Kennedy

Shannah Kennedy is one of Australia’s most respected life coaches, with over two decades of experience helping leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs achieve sustainable high performance. A Master Life Coach and Breathwork Coach, she specialises in strategy, values, vision, and overcoming burnout. Also author of global bestsellers The Life Plan and Plan B.

Find Shannah at:

Website https://shannahkennedy.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannah-kennedy-8a898b1/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

⭐If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au

Filming: Chocolate Studios: https://chocolatestudios.com.au

Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Power Of Women Podcast with George Donikian: a rare, deeply personal conversation about love, reinvention and the power of partnership. Theirs.

For the first time, Di Gillett swaps chairs with her husband, renowned broadcaster and Executive Producer George Donikian, for a candid exchange about the art of storytelling, the courage to reinvent, and what it takes to stay visible in a changing media landscape. From SBS World News to Network Ten, George has shaped Australian media for more than four decades. A multicultural pioneer, mentor and trusted voice. But this time, the spotlight turns on their shared journey: the highs, the heartbreaks and the meaning behind their symbolic spiritual number, 333.

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

🎧 Watch and subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/

📖 Read the full transcript of this conversation here: [👉 https://powerofwomen.com.au/di-gillett-george-doniakn-talk-love-reinvention-partnership/

Who is George Donikian?

A 40-year media stalwart, George began in radio before becoming the inaugural face of SBS World News, later anchoring Nine Network and Ten News. Today, he leads Donikian Media, mentoring emerging broadcasters and advising organisations on authentic communication and presence.

Find George at:

Website https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women: (optional if wordcount over)

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

⭐If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Filming: Chocolate Studios - www.chocolatestudios.com.au

Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyndall Mitchell, founder of Aurora Spa, has pioneered Australia’s wellness movement for nearly three decades. In this episode, she shares her journey from a 14-year-old at Camp Eden to building an award-winning wellness ecosystem.

We explore why small, consistent actions matter more than big gestures, how to prevent burnout, and why giving yourself “permission to pause” is essential for leadership, longevity, and balance. Lyndall opens up about challenges of being a female entrepreneur, the evolution of spa culture in Australia, + her mission to integrate wellness into everyday life + even healthcare systems.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that wellness is not a luxury, rather it’s a necessity.

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

📖 Read the full transcript of this conversation here: 👉 https://powerofwomen.com.au/di-gillett-lyndall-mitchell-talk-about-the-transformative-power-of-wellness-practices/

Who is Lyndall Mitchell?

Lyndall Mitchell is the founder of Aurora Spa + ASPAR product range, a coach, author, and speaker. She’s been at the forefront of the Australian wellness industry for more than 27 years, employing + empowering nearly 50 women, + creating a wellness ecosystem that spans spas, products, retreats,+ executive coaching.

Find Lyndall at:

Website https://auroraspa.com.au/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

⭐If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Filming: Chocolate Studios - www.chocolatestudios.com.au

Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Di Gillett is joined by Cassandra Hili, Founder & Director of Curated Agency, an award-winning PR and communications firm built on storytelling, strategy and authenticity. Cassandra shares how she turned a teenage health blog into a PR platform by harnessing the power of community and vulnerability. Together, they explore what it really means to build a personal brand that endures, the truth about earned vs paid media, and how founders can maintain visibility without selling out their story.

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/

Who is Cassandra Hili?

Cassandra Hili is a an Australian PR professional and entrepreneur, and the Founder & Director of Curated Agency (formerly Millennium Communications). Launching her first agency at 22, she’s become one of Australia’s most recognised young leaders in integrated PR and marketing—featured in the 40 Under 40 AU Business Elite Awards.

Find Cassandra at:

Website https://www.curatedagency.com.au/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

⭐If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast exclusive for Power Of Women Podcast, Jo Tarnawsky breaks her silence about the cost of speaking out against toxic workplaces. From her career as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia to rebuilding her life after a public fallout, Jo shares her extraordinary story of courage, integrity and resilience.

We explore

® How Jo’s diplomatic career and cancer battle shaped her strength

® The day her life changed with one unexpected phone call

® What really happens when the system fails to protect its own

® How to find the right people when the crowd disappears

® Why speaking out comes with a cost ~ but so does silence

New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

🎧 Watch and subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/

Who is Jo Tarnawsky?

Jo Tarnawsky is a former Australian diplomat and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister, whose two-decade career in international affairs took her from war zones to the world stage. Her decision to speak out about her experience inside a toxic workplace made national headlines and inspired others to confront workplace abuse with courage and integrity.

Find Jo at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-t-94568417a/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women: (optional if wordcount over)

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

⭐If this conversation lit a spark, please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lana Samuels represents the future of leadership: fearless, curious, + unafraid to step into spaces still dominated by men. In this conversation, we explore her journey from graduate to global thinker, the role of social media in building her influence, + how she balances authenticity with professionalism while inspiring others online.

You’ll hear:

- How Lana built her leadership career + carved out opportunities in male-dominated industries.

- The pivotal role of social media in amplifying her profile + shaping her success.

- Whether glass ceilings still exist for the next generation of women leaders.

📖 Read the full transcript of this conversation here: 👉 https://powerofwomen.com.au/di-gillett-lanna-samuels-talk-leadership-breaking-barries-brand-building-via-social-media/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, + thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

Who is Lana Samuels?

Lana Samuels, is one of the most dominant agents in luxury real estate and recently named in the top 100 agents in Australia, She is a next-generation leader making her mark in traditionally male-dominated industries. Known for her social media influence + authentic voice, she is redefining what leadership looks like for the future.

Find Lana at:

Website https://www.whitefoxrealestate.com.au/team/lana-samuels/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lana.samuels/?hl=en

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Would love your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Filming: Chocolate Studios - www.chocolatestudios.com.au

Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.