The Wisepreneurs Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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If you’ve ever underlined a passage, bookmarked an idea, or highlighted something brilliant—only to forget it—this episode is for you.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Sönke Ahrens joins host Nigel Rawlins to show how to turn a lifetime of learning into real, shareable value. 

Sönke, best known for his book How to Take Smart Notes, shares how digital tools like Obsidian and Readwise can help professionals externalise their thinking, clarify their voice, and build a foundation for thought leadership.

This episode speaks directly to Wisepreneurs navigating career reinvention, writing, and solo work later in life—without getting overwhelmed by technology.

Resources Mentioned
How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens
Obsidian – Free note-taking tool used by Sönke
Readwise – Imports highlights from Kindle, web, and more
Zotero – Citation tool for researchers and writers

Connnect With Sönke Ahrens
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/soenkeahrens/
Website https://www.soenkeahrens.de/
How to Take Smart Notes with Obsidian
20% discount for Wisepreneurs listeners, which you can redeem with WISEPRENEURS (valid from now until the end of August, 2025)  https://smartnotes.teachable.com/p/how-to-take-smart-notes-in-obsidian

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This episode is a masterclass in career reinvention after 60. For professional women considering entrepreneurship, the path can seem filled with challenges, from overcoming age discrimination to navigating financial uncertainty. 

Nigel talks with LinkedIn expert and veteran solopreneur Sue Ellson to create a practical roadmap for success. 

Sue defines her "Geekster" identity—using technology to build a flexible career and reveals why your relationships are the most powerful asset you have to combat ageism and thrive. 

She offers actionable strategies for a resilient transition, including her "job for now" concept for financial security and how to launch your business with minimal cost using LinkedIn.

About Sue Ellson

Sue Ellson is a highly regarded Australian LinkedIn specialist, author, and career development practitioner known for her expertise in helping individuals and businesses leverage digital tools for growth. 

An independent consultant since 1994, she joined LinkedIn in 2003 and is recognised internationally as a leading expert on the platform. Sue is the author of five non-fiction books, including "Gigsters" and "LinkedIn for me and my career or business", and is passionate about empowering people of any age to build meaningful, independent careers.

Resources Mentioned

• Sue Ellson's Website: sueellson.com
• Sue Ellson's LinkedIn Profile:
   linkedin.com/in/sueellson 
• For Sue's books, see her website or researchgate.net

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Connect with Nigel Rawlins

website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
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Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs

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In this episode of The Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins speaks with Tonianne DeMaria, co-author of Personal Kanban, about her inspiring journey from fashion to becoming a productivity expert. Tonianne highlights how visual systems like Personal Kanban empower independent professionals and business owners to streamline their workflow, manage energy, and create sustainable habits for long-term success. The discussion also dives into the neuroscience of productivity, addressing cognitive biases and how to balance personal well-being while achieving business growth.

Tonianne introduces Dr. David Rock’s SCARF Model, a framework that helps professionals understand human needs in the workplace. It complements traditional models like Maslow’s hierarchy.

Key Themes:
• Using Personal Kanban to visualize work and achieve effectiveness
• The SCARF Model by Dr. David Rock: Understanding Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness
• Managing energy and overcoming cognitive biases for better productivity
• Building resilience and creating humane systems for knowledge workers
• Importance of mentorship and creating trust in teams and collaborations

Mentions:
 • Personal Kanban: Mapping Work and Navigating Life (Book by Tonianne DeMaria and Jim Benson)
• Dr. David Rock and the SCARF Model: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness, a cognitive framework similar to Maslow’s hierarchy
• Tools like Trello, Miro, and Kanban Zone for visualizing and managing work
• Francesco Cirillo and the Pomodoro Technique for time management
• Modus Institute – Training on productivity and visual management

Listener Offer
Save 30% off Modus Institute's Personal Kanban class, Value Stream Mapping class, and Lean-Agile Visual Management (LAVM) program with the coupon code WISEPRENEURS. See https://modusinstitute.com/courses
Or, you can join the modusinstitute.com community for free.

Connect with Tonianne DeMaria

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website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
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In this episode of The Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins interviews Peter Compo, author of The Emergent Approach to Strategy. Drawing on 25 years of experience at DuPont, Peter illustrates how businesses can adapt and thrive in unpredictable environments by employing an emergent thinking framework. 

He emphasises that identifying key obstacles, eliminating bottlenecks, and guiding decision-making are crucial steps in maintaining progress, especially when a shift in direction becomes necessary.

Peter’s methodology offers a structured design framework to manage uncertainty, which is very relevant for independent professionals and consultants, especially those in their sixties. He underscores the value of remaining creative, continuously adapting, and tackling challenges with both discipline and flexibility. Peter’s insights deliver practical advice to help you survive, grow, and thrive in your business.

Key Themes:

• Emergent Strategy: How businesses can adapt to change and grow through emergent thinking.
• Overcoming Bottlenecks: Identifying and tackling the biggest obstacles to success.
• Adaptive Design: How strategic rules help guide decision-making in uncertain times.
• Creative Innovation: Applying concepts from music and science to business strategy.
• Navigating Uncertainty: Embracing agility and adaptability in a fast-changing market.
  
  

Connect with Peter Compo

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

Website https://emergentapproach.com/

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Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60
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Connect with Nigel Rawlins

website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
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In this episode, my guest, Gail Greatorex, is a leading expert in product safety with over 25 years of experience. Gail shares her journey from working with the Australian government to becoming a self-employed consultant, where she helps businesses navigate consumer protection laws, compliance, and product recalls. 

She reflects on the freedom and flexibility of working for herself, allowing her to choose projects that align with her values and passions.

We explore the rising challenges of e-commerce safety, particularly with third-party sellers, and the risks posed by everyday items like button batteries and toppling furniture.

Gail also discusses her role in shaping regulatory standards and her passion for advocacy, establishing herself as a key voice in ensuring safer products for consumers worldwide.

Additionally, she highlights her work as co-founder of ClimateWise Associations, which promotes addressing climate risks alongside product safety.

Key Themes:

• The importance of product safety and consumer protection
• Navigating the risks of e-commerce platforms and third-party sellers
• The complexities of product recall and business compliance
• Gail’s advocacy work and influence on government regulations
• Insights into emerging product risks like button batteries and unsafe toys
• Gail’s thoughts on the freedom of self-employment and choosing value-driven projects
• ClimateWise Associations and its connection between climate risks and product safety

Mentions:

• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
• Button battery safety regulations
• ClimateWise Associations https://climatewise.org.au/
• Product recalls in e-commerce
• Cherry Blossom Footsteps https://gailholloway.com/
• Manager’s Checklist https://productsafetysolutions.com.au/downloadable-resources/

Contact Details:

Website: https://productsafetysolutions.com.au/

Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy
Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60
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Connect with Nigel Rawlins

website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
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In this episode, I talk with Eliška Šestáková, an academic and productivity expert from the Czech Republic, to explore the world of effective note-taking. Eliška shares her unique approach to organizing information and shows how note-taking can transform the work of professionals. Drawing from her background in computer science and personal knowledge management, Eliška discusses powerful systems like Zettelkasten and tools like Roam Research. These methods help independent professionals enhance their learning, creativity, and project management. Please listen to discover how you might improve your note-taking habits and boost your writing and research productivity.

Key Themes

• The importance of note-taking for independent professionals
• Overview of the Zettelkasten method for organizing knowledge
• Balancing digital and paper note-taking systems
• How Roam Research supports better learning and information retrieval
• Tips for professionals embracing new technology after 60

Mentions

• Zettelkasten method
• Roam Research https://roamresearch.com/
• How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens
• Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
• How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler 

Connect with Eliška Šestáková

• Website: https://eliskasestakova.cz/
• Newsletter: Strange New Notes
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sestaeli/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/sestaeli

Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy
Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60
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Connect with Nigel Rawlins

website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/
Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs

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In this episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins chats with Leanne Shelton, a ten-year veteran copywriter and content marketer who has transitioned into AI training. Based in Sydney, Australia, Leanne shares her shift from traditional copywriting to founding Human Edge AI Training, a company that helps businesses integrate AI while preserving the crucial human touch. The discussion explores AI’s growing impact on the creative industry, the significance of prompt engineering, and the challenge of balancing technology with human-centric values. Leanne offers invaluable advice for professionals adapting to the evolving AI landscape, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and strategic thinking.

Key Themes:

• The transition from copywriting to AI training
• The importance of balancing AI with human elements
• Overcoming the fear of AI in the workplace
• The role of prompt engineering in content creation
• The future of copywriting in the age of AI

Mentions:

• Human Edge AI Training
• ChatGPT and other generative AI tools
• Prompt engineering techniques
• AI DIY Club for practical, hands-on AI learning
• Microsoft Copilot for secure AI integration

Contact Details:

• LinkedIn: Leanne Shelton on LinkedIn
• Website: Human Edge AI

Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy
Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60
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Connect with Nigel Rawlins

website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
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In this episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, I spoke with Cedric Chin, the founder of Commoncog, to explore his unique approach to accelerating business expertise. 

Cedric shares his journey from leading a startup in Vietnam to establishing Commoncog, a platform that rigorously tests business ideas against real-world scenarios. 

The discussion delves into key concepts like cognitive agility, Lia DiBello's triad model of business expertise, and the challenges of mastering business skills quickly. 

Cedric also draws parallels between his experiences in Judo and business, offering valuable lessons on mental strength and strategic thinking.

Key Themes:

• Testing Business Ideas Against Reality: Cedric’s approach to validating business concepts through real-world application.
• Cognitive Agility: The importance of adapting to new information and changing market conditions.
• The Triad Model: Understanding the three essential legs of business—Operations, Market, and Capital.
• Lessons from Judo: How Cedric’s intense training regimen influenced his business approach.
• Expertise Acceleration: Strategies for speeding up the acquisition of business skills.

Mentions:

• Commoncog: Cedric's platform focused on practical business education.
• Leo DiBello’s Triad Model: A framework for evaluating business expertise.
• Naturalistic Decision Making: A method Cedric discusses for extracting tacit knowledge from experts.
• Deliberate Practice: The limitations of this method in business contexts.

Guest Offers:
Cedric invites listeners to explore the resources available on Commoncog, where they can find in-depth articles, case studies, and a wealth of knowledge on business expertise. Sign up for his newsletter for regular updates and access to free content, including articles on expertise acceleration and case studies that ground theory in real-world examples.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://commoncog.com/
• Newsletter Sign-Up:

Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy
Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60
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Connect with Nigel Rawlins

website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
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In this episode of The Wisepreneurs Podcast, Karen Wickre returns after 50 episodes. Karen is a skilled communicator, freelance editor, and networking expert. She shares her insights on building meaningful professional relationships, the benefits of freelance editing, and how to empower yourself through continuous growth. Drawing from her extensive experience in Silicon Valley, Karen provides practical advice for professionals, entrepreneurs, and independent consultants looking to enhance their careers and confidently navigate the freelance landscape.

Key Themes:

• Authentic Networking: Building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships.
• Freelance Editing: Embracing the freedom and flexibility of freelance work.
• Continuous Professional Growth: The importance of lifelong learning and adaptability.
• Empowerment: Leveraging experience and confidence in your professional journey.

Mentions:

• LinkedIn: Strategies for effective networking and personal branding.
• Continuous Learning: Embracing new tools and staying updated with industry trends.

Guest Offers:

• Book: “Taking the Work Out of Networking: An Introvert’s Guide to Making Connections That Count” by Karen Wickre.
• LinkedIn: Connect with Karen on LinkedIn for ongoing networking and professional development insights, especially Wickre Wednesdays.

Contact Details:

• Website https://karenwickre.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwickre/

Previous Episode #7 featuring Karen Wickre
https://www.wisepreneurs.au/karen-wickre-on-taking-the-work-out-of-networking/

Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy
Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60
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Connect with Nigel Rawlins

website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
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Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs

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In this episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins interviews Danielle Joworski, a visibility expert and entrepreneur, about the challenges and strategies for breaking the invisibility barrier in business. 

Danielle shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, addressing women's fears and obstacles in becoming more visible and successful in their businesses. 

She offers practical tips and insights on building confidence, leveraging community support, and strategically managing business activities to enhance visibility and achieve success.

Key Themes

• Overcoming visibility fears and boosting confidence
• The impact of ageism and sexism on women entrepreneurs
• The importance of community support and asking for help
• Strategic delegation and operational management in business
• Tailoring visibility strategies to align with personal values and goals

Mentions

Rocket Fuel, The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business, by Gino Wickman

Hopscotch - Metaphor used by Danielle for breaking down goals

TV Show - Danielle’s experience in hosting a local TV show

Danielle Joworski’s Offer

Visibility Audit—Sign up for Danielle’s newsletter on her website to receive a free visibility audit. This will help you gain clarity on your visibility and practical steps to improve your business visibility.

How to Contact Danielle Joworski

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/daniellejoworski/  
Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@daniellejoworski
Website: https://daniellejoworski.com

Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy
Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60
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Connect with Nigel Rawlins

website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/
Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs

Please support the podcast
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• And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox!
• Don't miss out on these invaluable resources
• Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur

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