Laugh, Learn, Lead - The Project Ecosystem

It was a pleasure to spend time with Alison Crabb, founder and principal of Alison Crabb Consulting. She has worked with some of Australia’s most recognised and successful retailers for more than 30 years. We talk about:The story behind "Alison Crabb Consulting" - the journey from retail to authorWhy leadership is so important in work and lifeHer new book "The Essential Guide for Area Leaders in Retail"What she enjoys most about helping your clientsHow she maintains her own energy levelsAlison’s career in the retail industry began as a travel consultant with the Flight Centre Travel Group, where her promotion first to store manager and then to an area leadership role was to eventually see her spend eight years as a global leader in a highly competitive and challenging retail environment. Through these years of learning, development and improvement, Alison continued to push the boundaries and drive improvement year on year. She achieved unprecedented results working with more than 1200 staff across more than 2

In this episode my guest is Emma Lovell is a Personal Branding Specialist who helps people to better communicate their message and their mission to have a greater impact, reach more people and really make a difference in the world.We talk about:The story behind "isn't she lovelly"What is a personal brandHow to use your personal brand for career progression or engaging your ideal clientWhat she enjoys most about helping your clientsHer "Lovelly Travels" podcast showEmma is passionate, professional and Lovelly. She believes that each of us has a unique personal brand and by understanding how to share it, you can gain greater clarity, confidence and connections in work and life.Emma also has her own podcast, Lovelly Travels and with her co-host talk about all things travel and adventure. She has a mission to visit all 195 UN recognised countries in the world while raising awareness for mental health.Learn more about Emma and her business Follow her adventures See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out informa

Inspired by this post by Lisa Messenger (Founder of the Collective Hub) and watching her grand-daughter attempt new things, JC talks through first time moments.Your first video will be awful.Your first podcast will be awful.Your first photo will be awful.Your first blog post will be awful.But you can’t make your 50th without making your 1st.So get it over with and make it.When was the last time you did something for the first time?First time moments can be exciting, yet form a sense of fear. There is anticipation about what it will be like.What is stopping you?If you and your team are stuck in a routine, it is time for a first-time moment.Growth is not in the action; it is in the unpacking of the lessons.Try this process with your team and observe their behavioursAsk the question and record when it wasCapture the ideas of a first-time experiencePlan fast paced actionsWould love to see photos or hear your stories about your “first time”. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today we explore what is business relationship management with Malini Jayaganesh who is a business engagement and innovation specialist.We talk about:Why organisations are adopting/advancing business relationship management (BRM)What Business Relationship Managers doWhy BRM is sometimes referred to as the CIO’s change agentDoes BRM capability seek to replace business analysts, architects, programme managers or other roles?What she loves most about BRMShe helps organisations improve their strategic partnering capability through executive coaching and certification courses in Business Relationship Management (BRM).Malini is the recipient of 5 Global Excellence Awards from the BRM Institute and has been featured in their global list of top Business Relationship Managers in 2020 and 2019. She has also received a highly commended Service Excellence Award from the Department of Health and Human Services (Victoria, Australia).In her spare time, Malini teaches Indian cooking classes and has written articles about Ind

In this episode JC's guest is Dr Jenny Brockis - a keynote speaker, trainer, mentor/coach and prolific writer. As a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician and best-selling author her vision is to empower everyone to be a happy, thriving human.We talk aboutHer transition from a GP to Author and Key Note Speaker.Her book "Future Brain" and model - brain savvy, brain safe, brain aware.What is one thing we can do to improve our cognitive (brain) health?Her upcoming book "Thriving Mind - how to cultivate a good life".What is one thing we can all do right now to thrive?How she maintains her own energy levels while helping so many others?As a kid, Jenny’s favourite tale was Rudyard Kipling’s Just-So story ‘How The Elephant Got His Trunk. Like the elephant she was insatiably curious about the world. She wanted to know how things worked, why things were ‘Just So’. It got her into a bit of trouble too, like the time she set fire to the kitchen and the time she caused the ceiling in the family room to collapse aft

In this episode, JC talks about business change and how individuals will respond to what is happening.“In life, change is inevitable. In business, change is vital” – Warren G Bennis, a pioneer of the contemporary field of leadership studies.Think of a situation where you have experienced a form of loss. Most people will think of death.A sense of loss happens when things change, it could be ending of a relationship or marriage, a tragic accident, compliance to new rules, or the one most familiar in business is system implementations – changing the way we work, the processes we follow and the tools we use.No matter the size or impact of loss everyone goes through these five stages (Grief by Elisabeth Kubler Ross):DenialAngerDepressionBargainingAcceptanceJeanette refers to the Prosci ADKAR® Model to guide individual and organisational change for system implementations. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We both love systems and have a science background. It is a special milestone episode 50 that I share with Hazel Smirlis, the CEO and Founder of Compliance Lab.We talk about:Her love for systems and her business - Compliance Lab;What business owners can do to tackle the health of their systems, processes, standards;The most common issues facing businesses when they attempt to systemise their operations; andHow she is visible on line to share with her clients.Hazel lives, breathes and sleeps systems.She has over 15 years’ experience working in systems compliance with SMEs helping them to develop and implement systems that reduce risk, improve their performance and drive business growth.Hazel wants her clients to feel safe, risk-free and know that their business is structured in a way that will not only give them an edge in their industry but also help them secure future tenders.She is results driven management systems consultant working with a number of clients in the construction and manufacturing industries.

With extensive experience in management consulting across the globe, in today’s episode I explore with Mark Dougall what shapes productivity in the workplace.We talk about:What is behind his business name SPICAEWhat is his version of productivity in the workplace?How can organisations be better prepared to address the productivity challenge?What can team leaders/managers do to help their people be more effective and productive?Is there something an employee can do to make a difference?Mark has over 25 years of international consulting and management experience including general management, project management, business improvement and operations. His work has been across a range of industries including government, defence, utilities, mining, engineering, financial services and manufacturing in Australia, Africa and AsiaMark has worked with a variety of clients to identify and deliver sustainable improvements with verifiable bottom-line benefits. The gains made have included productivity improvement, increased

It’s wonderful to have with me on this episode award winning CFO and Business Futurist Paula Kensington.She was awarded CFO of the Year (2013) in the Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting Excellence Awards and has driven huge business turnaround projects in her roles as CFO and COO in ASX technology companies and large UK and Internationally complex service businesses.We talk about· Why she started her business· What "clarity is contagious - stop drifting, start strategising" means· The CFO conversations platform and what role a CFO plays· Her passion for building global communities and why we should find our tribe· How she maintains her energy levels while helpingPaula has gained considerable financial, operational and strategic management experience across many industries. She has spearheaded acquisitions, driving revenue and operational performance, inspiring teams to create shareholder value and empower leadership teams from the inside out.Her business and personal language is all about creating courageous

Maureen Kyne is a successful and popular facilitator, business motivator and crisis strategist. She is a seasoned investigator of bullying and discrimination who delivers prevention programs around the country to drive behavioural and cultural change.We talk about:Her career journey from nursing to construction to setting her own business.What are some of the behaviours we should be aware of that could impact others in the workplace?What are three challenges facing businesses in the next 10 years? andHow she maintains her own selfcare while helping othersSince 2003, Maureen transformed her extensive corporate career into the hugely successful and widely popular facilitator and business motivator that she is today. Maureen helps team leaders to have success with their teams, to surpass their goals and embrace the concept of a Trust Driven Performance Workplace.Some of the areas covered in her training include confidence, business risk mitigation, bullying and crisis intervention. Maureen has presented hundreds

Do you every feel something is easy and other times it seems hard. It’s because we are either aligned or in conflict with our strengths?For over 10 years I have invested in learning more about myself to be a better leader for others – my values, my beliefs, my strengths, my behaviours.There are many tools available. I use DISC Profiles (a behaviours framework) when working with leaders and their teams.Recently though I read an article by Emma Sharrock you may remember her from EP25 The Agile Project Manager.She shared a personal story from 20 years ago, what strengths got her through that particular crisis. She uses the Gallup Strengths tools and in 2017 I completed my own assessment.Our strengths are what we do with ease, excellence and energy.Today’s episode I share my top five strengths according to the Gallup Strengths indicators:Activator – can make things happen by turning thoughts into actionArranger – can organise and determines how all the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity

A behind the scenes share of process change lessons with JC and her team.Creating something new or different as a team is exciting, yet it can be faced with challenges.Some of the team may have experienced a similar change before, some may have the skills to understand what is expected and others maybe stepping into a whole new process so not sure if they should turn left or right.Check before you start.How will we work together to progress the process change?Do we understand what is and is not acceptable in terms of design and function?Are we all committed to the plan?No matter the size of your business process change, these three steps must be followed to get a result everyone will be satisfied with.Develop requirement scenariosTest to gain acceptanceConduct a post implementation review session See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Super delighted to have Melonie Taylor, Chief Energy Office and Author of Success on Purpose on this week’s episode.Melonie helps hundreds of professionals on the verge of burnout discover the easy ways of reclaiming balance and success in life.We talk about:Her journey from nursing to Chief Energy OfficerWhat are limiting beliefs and how to surface them?7 steps for permission to receive workshop and three things to do everydayWhat she is finding people are mostly struggling with during isolation?How she maintains her own energy levels while helping so many others.As a Palliative Care Nurse for 20 years and through her own experience of burnout, anxiety and depression, Melonie learned that it is not sustainable to keep giving without receiving. Productivity comes through alignment of strengths, values and having a clear focus and vision.Melonie is a highly sought-after speaker. Her insights are backed by science and her tips are practical. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When you look around, what do you see and hear from others as they get through their days in isolation?I’m finding the old is new again.The filters you apply to the information and things surrounding you is the key to thrive in difficult situations. So, if we can thrive with what we already have, why do we want different or more?It’s during difficult times when our values are tested.Definition of Value “principles or standards of behaviour; one's judgement of what is important in life”Businesses that have values defined, understood, agreed and demonstrated the team feels connected to the strategic goals and thrive. The three-step process to develop (and review) business values (reference Qld Government)1.Map your personal principles, beliefs and values under categories2.Reflect on the meaning of each value3.Translate your values into a set of guiding principles and standards of behaviour See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome back Greg Hill who was my guest in Season 1, Episode 18 The Human Side of Transformation.Although it may not seem the right time now to think about the systems supporting your business, it’s important you plan when you will review your landscape - costs, data and documentation.We talk aboutHow does business strategy and systems architecture fit together?How can businesses go about setting their path if they are not sure if they should keep going or change direction? andWhat is looking to shape our future system solutions?He emphasises regular planning of business and technology milestones will not only save you time and money, it should be about how you work and the investing in the right solutions.Greg has his own consulting firm, and works with SME to help them realise the benefits and challenges that lie ahead transforming to cloud based platforms. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Last episode I talked about the two stages of strategic thinking during chaos – what to do now and what to do next.No matter what we are feeling we are all searching for some sign of normality. We desire to be back in a form of business as usual.In this episode I will help you achieve your version of “business as usual” through planning your week ahead.What is Business as Usual (dictionary definition)“an ongoing and unchanging state of affairs despite difficulties and disturbancesEg much of the town lost electricity in the storm, but for people with generators it was business as usual”Create your new BAU with a weekly plan of:- Non-negotiables (family and me time)- Regular interactions with teams and clients (meetings, catch ups)- Must do list (emails and phone calls)- Thinking time and project work See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’ve hit an iceberg in this case COVID-19. We knew it was around, we knew what to look for yet, we feel like we are sinking.Our first reaction is do whatever we can to survive.During chaos though it’s the strategic thinking and planning for recovery that gets us to safe waters.In this episode Jeanette shares her two stages with you:- What to do now, and- What to do next.Simple right? Well no. It’s tough and it’s uncomfortable – it will give you a sense of control and confidence to keep going.What to do now:Chaos management is doing what has to be done today for the safety of your staff and financial stability of your business.- What must continue, what can be paused and what can be stopped- Know your numbers- Communicate- Can we do something different- Map it out, tick it off and have a sense of progressWhat to do next:Recovery planning is not a one step process, open the doors and our customers will return.It’s a methodical process of vision and practical actions- Day 1- Week 1- Month 1- Month 3- Month 6-

Mel Telecican is the Director of Loyalest.We talk about:· What excites Mel and the work she does· How she approaches her client engagements· The three things we should focus on, when going digital· Things to be aware of when looking to change the way we work· The goals she wants to achieve this year· How she gets time for herselfYou know how individuals and businesses find it difficult to publish articles and social media with consistency? That is largely what Loyalest does for their clients.They do this through their Cover-All-Bases content marketing service which, as the name suggests, takes care of all mediums - website, multiple social media platforms, email campaigns and more.Mel has clients across Australia which include leading firms in law, accounting, architecture, project management and engineering.Mel and her team are on a mission to help professional services firms boost their visibility and scale their reputation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode I share it with Jordana Patterson who has championed the adoption of Agile principles and mindsets at World Vision Australia over the last three years.We talk about:· How she found herself in the project management arena· What problem did she solve by adopting agile at World Vision Australia· The success story she is sharing with others· What she wants to achieve this year and· How she gets time for herself while juggling family and workAs Marketing Operations Manager, Jordana has a broad and challenging remit. Her role is part process design, part operations, part budget management, part portfolio management and part team coach!In addition to being ‘all things Agile’ at World Vision, she can often be found chasing two mini monsters around the house, baking up a storm or barracking for her beloved St Kilda football club. She has worked at World Vision Australia for eight years.I really enjoyed Jordana’s honesty about work-life integration and it’s the moments that matter.Connect with her on Li

After many years as a Government Director planning multi-million-dollar programs of work, I share with you in this episode the ingredients for keeping you focused on achieving your goals.What is your big picture?You may also have heard the term blueprint or strategic plan. I love the term “your elephant” and it includes-3-year view-Your goals, what you want to achieve-The pathway for the change-A list of projects-An outline of expected results including the quick winsWhy is it important?Your big picture (elephant)-Tells a story for others to understand without the detail-Keeps focus for better decisions-Sets expectations of future prioritiesHow to create your elephantI hear from people I work with this process also helps with their personal goal setting.-Think big, dream what could be possible and aim a little higher-Use pictures, words, symbols as a visual tool (vision board)-Scope projects and sequence them across the three yearsThree Tips-Involve all staff,not just the subject matter experts-Research what