This week I spent 2 days at a Changemaker workshop facilitated by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. It was challenging but in the most wonderful way. I had a lovely realisation when my ‘list of things I need as a changemaker’ made it clear that it’s all about the journey.

I also found out a life changing secret about the humble sticky note!

This episode includes a conversation between Sophie and Mike as they review my book ‘Get Off The Bench’ and pull out the key insights. Frankly, I’d forgotten how much juicy stuff was in this book since writing it in 2019. But there’s a kicker… you’ll have to listen to find out!

Full of wonderful little gems and one great big surprise at the end!

I'm Ben, a passionate motivational speaker and entrepreneur dedicated to inspiring others to overcome adversity, especially those facing disabilities. My journey is one of resilience and triumph, and I'm committed to sharing the lessons I've learned along the way. 

As someone who understands the challenges of living with a disability firsthand, I advocate for disability employment and rights while providing practical advice and support to individuals and organisations alike.

Through my motivational speaking engagements, I aim to empower audiences with the tools and mindset needed to conquer obstacles and achieve their goals. Additionally, I am deeply involved in disability advocacy, working tirelessly to promote inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of life.

One of my missions is to provide enriching day program activities that foster personal growth and fulfilment for individuals with disabilities. By creating supportive environments and offering innovative programming, I strive to enhance the quality of life for those I serve.

Overall, my goal is to reshape perceptions, break down barriers, and uplift communities worldwide. Join me on this journey of empowerment and transformation as we strive to create a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

Socials

Website: https://corcoranenterprises.com.au/

LinkedIn: Ben Corcoran

FB: Corcoran Enterprises

Insta: Corcoran Enterprises @corcoran_enterprise

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Jordan Wylie is an international bestselling author, award winning adventurer and one of the stars of Channel 4’s BAFTA-nominated shows Hunted and Celebrity Hunted. He is also currently the United Kingdom’s national ambassador for the Army Cadet Force.

Jordan grew up on one of the largest council estates in the country in Blackpool, Lancashire. After a few brushes with the law at an early age, some harsh lessons learnt and having left school with no qualifications, Jordan talk the life-changing decision to join the British Army at 16 years old and has never looked back since.

Jordan has an exemplary military service record which saw him dedicate 10 years to Queen and country. He saw operational service in Northern Ireland and Iraq where he specialised in military intelligence, close reconnaissance and armoured warfare. Jordan spent much of his spare time as a soldier playing football and studying, he left the military proudly having represented the British Army as a player and coach and having obtained a foundation degree, Bachelors degree and Masters degree in the field of Security and Risk Management.

On leaving the Army, Jordan entered the world of Maritime Security, making headlines after armed Somali pirates boarded a ship that he was tasked with protecting. As the onboard security team leader, Jordan found himself in charge and forced to make critical decisions for the safety of his crew. It was this period of his life and unique experiences that led Jordan to write “Citadel: The True Story of One Man’s War Against the Pirates of Somalia”, which became a Sunday Times bestseller (general paperbacks) on publication.

Jordan has had a thirst for adventure and the great outdoors since he was a young boy but after having a mental breakdown in late 2015 with a diagnosis of severe depression and chronic anxiety, he has since dedicated himself to using the power of purpose and the spirit of adventure to have a positive impact in the world and the lives of others, especially the next generation.

Jordan is respected as a multi-discipline adventurer around the world and has set and broken several official world records whilst raising over one million pounds in the process for charitable and good causes including delivering a school from concept to completion and opening on the Horn of Africa.

Jordan is a proud patron, trustee, ambassador and volunteer of several charities. He is also the author of 4 books, two of which have been bestsellers in both the UK and US. Jordan is a regular commentator on Sky News and an accomplished keynote conference speaker.

Jordan lives by his own mantra of “Be The Difference That Makes A Difference”…

Socials:

Website: https://www.jordanwylie.org/

LinkedIn: Jordan Wylie

Insta: JORDAN WYLIE @mrjordanwylie

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Known across the region as a little ball of joy and energy! Arianna Fox may come in a small package, but her ideas are as revolutionary as they are wide-reaching. For several years now, Arianna has devoted her life and much of her time to reaching out to others to spread messages of hope, inspiration, and self-confidence. Making a positive impact upon others and helping them rock their lives to maximum potential is part of this upcoming Kidpreneur’s goal for her interactions with kids, her fellow tweens, teens, adults, and all.

With her kid-tastic kapow speaking style and her ability to engage audiences of all ages, it’s easy to understand how Arianna has been able to raise her platform from her humble hometown in Delaware to a wide network online.

She is a National Award winner with the acclaimed NFPW (National Federation of Press Women), and Multi Award winner with the DPA (Delaware Press Association). She’s also a professional Voice-over actress & talent, performing for online commercial ads, web series and professional commercials.

In addition to this, Arianna has been interviewed and featured by many media outlets and is a regular contributor for award winning nationally published K.I.S.H. Magazine. An avid consumer of literature, Arianna first took pen to the page around the age of six and has been unstoppable ever since. Her first publication, a novel The Princess Chronicles: Not Your Average Princesses, was released in early 2017, teaching young children how to build their own character, confidence, and to create lasting friendships. Her new book, a young adult novel titled False Awakening, has been published and a hot item, including a knock-out book signing event at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Newark, Delaware. Her latest book is ‘Sabre Black’.

A social media sensation, Arianna has consulted and taught professionals how to build their networks and platforms effectively. In her own family business, SPLASH DESIGNWORKS LLC, she proudly works as Jr. Marketing Director and has also taken on the title of ‘Social Samurai’. At her young age, she is instructing and teaching adults and professionals all about Social Media management. “I came to be taught, but didn’t expect to actually be learning so much from someone so young,” was one comment from an attendee from one of the Social Media Workshops that she and her parents conducted. Watch out world, because here she comes, spreading her wisdom of “You Rock, Dream Big & You Got This!”

She has been featured multiple times in and on News & Media outlets.

Socials:

Website: https://ariannafox.com/

LinkedIn: Arianna Fox

FB: Arianna Fox

Insta: Arianna Fox @afoxauthor

Youtube: Arianna Fox @AriannaFox

Mentions:

MX Publishing

Sherlock Holmes

The Box in the Basement (Movie)

Mia’s Bridge (Movie)

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Nikita Dhawan is a high school student at the American Embassy School in New Delhi. She has always been passionate about animal rights and environmental conservation and is the founder of an animal welfare initiative called "Youth for Animals.” 

Nikita is leading the organization’s flagship campaign #FreeShankarDelhiZoo to free Shankar, an African elephant languishing in the Delhi Zoo, from his life in solitary captivity. Nikita has filed a legal petition in the Delhi High Court for Shankar’s freedom and has received over 200,000 signatures for her online petition. The campaign has been covered extensively by Indian and International media, including BBC, ABC News, Newsweek, Financial Times, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Indian Express etc. 

Nikita is a recipient of the prestigious Diana Award and the Youth Award from the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organization (FIAPO). Nikita is also a Youth Ambassador for Born Free Foundation and Earthday org and a member of IUCN’s Commission on Education and Communication (CEC). Nikita is also a host for a UK based community radio station: All About Animals Radio.

Socials:

Website: Youth For Animals https://youthforanimals.org/

FB: Youth For Animals - YFA

Insta: Youth For Animals (YFA) @youth_for_animals

LinkedIn: Nikita Dhawan https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-dhawan/

Petition to free Shankar #FreeShankarDelhiZoo 

Mentions:

Animal Liberation - Peter Singer (Book)

Aspinall Foundation

Yellowstone eco system

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Growing up in a small rural town, Elle always had big city dreams. Her love of art, fashion and creating beautiful things lead her to a career as a makeup artist. Living in Gippsland and predominantly working in Melbourne may seem like a lot of unnecessary travel to many but to Elle it has given her the best of both worlds - fulfilled her love for all things hustle, bustle and great work opportunities in the city Vs empty beaches with her little loves and familiar happy faces around town. 

It was also the perfect place to be when covid hit and like many businesses - the makeup world came to a halt. It made Elle stop and re evaluate her career, and also lead to Elle creating Night Babe - her product based e-commerce business where she sells her mulberry silk pillowcases. 

She was able to use her beauty connections to help grow her name and get her product to the people. All Night Babe pillowcases are made from Elle’s family’s own soft furnishings studio in Seaspray, which she is extremely proud of.

Socials:

Website: https://nightbabe.com.au/

Insta: 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcases @night__babe

FB: Night Babe @the.ultimate.beauty.sleep

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

Insta: Elle James Makeup @ellejames_makeup

FB: Elle James Makeup Artist @ellejamesmakeupartist

Mentions:

Napoleon Purdis

Startup Gippsland

Jessica Mauboy

Kate Langbroek

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This episode is reflection that we need to extend much more love, and instead of focusing on how hard 2022 has been, let’s focus on the moments of joy that blessed us throughout the year. We all had those moments, but it’s so easy to override them with the things that have caused stress.

Together we can make a huge difference to the world if we just invest more love, care, hope and joy, and spend time celebrating the small moments that have brought a smile, not only to our face, but to the faces of others. And celebrating the moments that have brought joy into our hearts.

Life is not all about great big achievements and conquering massive mountains. There’s huge benefit in all the little moments that join together to create this things we call life.

Let’s get better at acknowledging and cheering on the positive.

Much love to all xx

Billie Groom is the creator of UPWARD Dogology, as well as being a social entrepreneur, innovator, expert in Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CCBT), award winning author, podcast host, speaker, and animal welfare activist. Her work spans over three decades. She is featured in magazines, blogs, and on many podcasts and tv shows, including the LA Tribune, CTV, Roku TV, and Psychology Today Magazine. 

Billie has received awards and accolades for her success in rehabilitating thousands of street dogs, community dogs, and dogs with unknown, or disadvantaged pasts, from Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Panama, Thailand, Spain (Galgos), and China, as well as dogs rescued from the Yulin Festival, dog fighting rings, meat markets, backyard breeders, and death-row. She is currently working (pro-bono) with dogs rescued from the Ukraine war. She also works with dogs who have no history of abuse or neglect to keep them out of the system and in good homes, and works tirelessly to create change to help animals in need.

Billie is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America, Comparative Cognition Society, and the Animal Behavior Society, is a graduate of University of Western Ontario, and is enrolled in the Graduate School of Leadership and Change at Antioch University. She lives in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada with her rescued dogs and cat who came to live with them.

Her mission is to continue to spread awareness on CCBT to decrease surrenders and euthanasia, increase adoptions, end harmful methods, and increase our understanding of adolescent and adopted dogs.

Socials:

Website: https://www.upwarddogology.com/

LinkedIn: Billie Groom

FB: Upward Dogology - Dog Behavior, Dog Training, Animal Welfare 

Insta: UPWARD Dogology @upwarddogology

Twitter: UPWARD Dogology

Podcast: Dog Training DisrUPted

Book: The Art of Urban People With Adopted and Rescued Dogs Methodology: Rescued Dogs: The Misunderstood Breed 

YouTube: Dog Cognition and Canine Behavior 

LinkTree: Billie Groom - UPWARD Dogology

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James Clancy is the co-founder of Scarlet & Grace. Here’s the story…

The idea for Scarlet & Grace was born in 2016 on a Clancy family holiday on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Recalling our childhood home and the wonderful scents that always filled the air, we started lamenting the fact so many home fragrance products today were made overseas and often contained harmful chemicals.

Mum then posed the big question. "If you don’t think the products are safe, why don’t you do something about it?"

This ignited a conversation about creating a range of personal care products unlike anything else on the market. Products that were designed to delight the senses, that take you on a real sensory experience, and were made from 100% Australian ingredients.

The next two-years were spent developing fragrances and building an exclusive supply chain of pure, natural, and Australian produced materials.

We were relentless in our search and refused to compromise on quality. We had a clear vision. We wanted to create the safest, purest, and highest quality products available on the market.

We knew there was a lot of competitors in the market, but we believed strongly that people deserved access to products that were made using natural Australian ingredients at the core, that offered a superior fragrance throw, and greater value for money.

Refusing to compromise on the quality or source of our products we released our first products just in time for Christmas 2018.

Beginning with a modest range of candles and diffusers, the Scarlet & Grace range has rapidly grown to a diverse product offering including room sprays, hand-creams, body-lotions, washes, and accessories.

While sales weren’t huge that first Christmas, we got something a lot more valuable than sales. We got feedback. Now for the first time we had the chance to hear from the most important person. The customer. The feedback we received from our retail partners instantly told us we were on a winner.

Customers returned to the stores wanting to order more. They told the retailer they loved the scents, the fragrance throws and routinely reported it was the best product they had used.

This feedback validated everything we had been working so hard to create and soon the sales volumes would follow. 

Since launching we have opened a new manufacturing and distribution centre in Sale, grown a network of hundreds of retail partners across Australia and New Zealand and in 2022 launched Scarlet & Grace across the UK and parts of Europe.

Our brand promise remains the same today as it did the day we conceived Scarlet and Grace. Anytime you buy a Scarlet and Grace product you can be confident it’s using the most natural, 100% Australian Made ingredients available.

As one of the only brands to have every ingredient scientifically tested and certified, we can guarantee the quality of everything we produce.

Driven by passion, the Clancy family continue to explore cutting-edge technology, new ingredient blends and fragrances, with the goal to further enhance the customer experience, elevate the sensory impact, and deliver unrivalled value and quality in every product we produce.

Socials:

Website: https://scarletandgrace.com.au/

FB: Scarlet and Grace Aromas

Insta: Scarlet and Grace @scarletandgracearomas

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Erika McInerney is a highly qualified marketer with over 25 years experience in the industry - seven of those in her own business Mac&Ernie. She founded Mac&Ernie to provide qualified and locally relevant training and development to individuals and businesses looking to increase their skills and confidence in marketing and social media.

After moving to Gippsland in 2011, Erika started working with small businesses and realised quickly that people in small towns and regional areas simply did not have access to relevant marketing or social media advice. They were 'winging it' or they were spending a lot of money on general tips from overseas 'gurus' for advice that just couldn't fit with an Australian audience, let alone a hyper-local one. Knowing that small businesses contribute hugely to the local economy, to tourism and to local pride, Erika has made it her business to help others shine online through her own training, and through mentoring within a number of national and state-funded programs.

Erika is passionate about authenticity and building genuine community, in what can be an unethical space. She seeks out opportunities to foster this through what she calls 'better social'. She has won awards for her contribution to her community and to business and she regularly hands out free advice via her social media and, more recently, via her new podcast 'small town business’.

Socials:

Website: www.macandernie.com.au

LinkedIn: Erika McInerney

FB: Mac&Ernie Social Media Training

Insta: Erika McInerney @mac_ernie

Small Town Business Podcast

Website: www.smalltownbusinesspodcast.au

FB: Small Town Business Podcast @smalltownbusinesspodcast 

Insta: Small Town Business with Erika McInerney @smalltownbusiness_podcast

Podcast: Small Town Business Podcast

Mentions:

Roar Success Awards

State of Social (Digital Marketing Conference)

Australian Small Business Champion Awards

Gippsland Business Awards

Jetstreamer (podcast services)

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Kate Parker is one the founder members of Daughters of the Deep and is Head of Operations for Oceania.

Kate is a qualified Dive Master and passionate diver, having been lucky enough to have dived in many locations around the world. This experience has opened her eyes to both the beauty in the oceans but also the extent to which human life has damaged our planet and the necessity to fight for the protection of our seas. 

This inspired Kate to join Sea Shepherd and she regularly crews offshore defending marine environments. Kate also runs the Sea Shepherd Dive program in Australia/NZ with a goal to drive industry standards up to a more environmentally focused level.

Having seen first hand the under representation of women in many popular dive locations globally, Kate is honoured and excited to be part of a movement that combines both her core values regarding equal rights for women, and her passion in conservation diving.

In her spare time, Kate is also a member of the Coast Guard, as well as a full time speech pathologist.

Socials:

Daughters of the Deep

Website: https://daughtersofthedeep.org/

FB: Daughters of the Deep

Insta: Daughters of the Deep  @daughersofthedeepofficial 

Sea Shepherd

Website: https://www.seashepherd.org.au/

FB: Sea Shepherd Australia

Insta: Sea Shepherd @seahshepherd

Mentions:

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

Sea Women of Melanesia

Girls With Hammers 

Hero Round Table

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In 2012, the Coffee Rescue journey started for Jamie Brock from an old ambulance converted into a food truck in Kalamazoo (Michigan), and has since grown into a brick-and-mortar coffee shop and coffee catering business in Portage, Michigan. 

Coffee Rescue began operating as a way to provide income for a family member after going through a financial crisis, then slowly started building a stable customer base. Though the business no longer operates out of the original ambulance, it has expanded into a number of coffee food trucks, a mobile coffee catering company, a coffee shop and a drive-thru.

Alongside Jamie’s love for coffee, is her love for animals. In 2019, after attending a Get Off The Bench workshop in Michigan, Jamie realised she could combine the two.

In 2022, Coffee Rescue teamed up with Joe Gatto (known best from the hit television show "Impractical Jokers"), to create Gatto Pups Rescue Roast which is a Fair-Trade Organic, Ethically-Sourced light roast coffee blend from Ethiopia, Peru, Honduras and El Salvador. $1.00 from every bag of coffee sold is donated to The LovePup Foundation!

The LovePup Foundation is a non-profit animal rescue organization in Arizona that was founded by
104.7 Kiss FM's Johnjay Van Es in 2014. This foundation has rescued, placed, rehabilitated and reunited over 1000 dogs.

Jamie is now also partnering with a number of other charities, creating their own unique blend, and helping create a better world at the same time.

Socials:

Website: coffeerescue.net

FB: Coffee Rescue

Insta: Coffee Rescue @coffee_rescue1

Mentions:

Gatto Pups

Hero Round Table

Captain Encouragement

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Hello! I am Gavin McCormack, a co-founder of Upschool.co, a platform that empowers students to learn real entrepreneurship skills that have real impact. With over 20 years of experience as a Montessori-trained teacher, I have taught in multiple countries and developed a passion for innovative educational practices that foster essential skills in students from an early age.

I am also the Montessori Australia Ambassador and a TEDx speaker on how education can change the world. I have built nine schools and several libraries and run three teacher training centres in Nepal. I am a best-selling author of children's books and a book on Montessori education for parents. I have been recognized as one of the top ten most influential global educators in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 and a nominee for Australian of the Year in 2018. You can learn more about my personal pedagogy and educational philosophy at www.gavinmccormack.com.au.

I am always open to collaborating with schools and educators worldwide to share my expertise on programming, classroom management, and pedagogy. Feel free to connect with me to learn more about how we can work together to bring about positive change in the education sector.

'In the ideal classroom, love is the silent lesson always being taught. It is not spoken of as much as it is shown, felt, and understood. It is the light that guides children on their path to finding their voice, and once found, to using it with the surety that comes from knowing they are loved, without conditions, without pause.'

Socials

Website: upschool.co

Website: www.gavinmccormack.com.au

LinkedIn: Gavin McCormack

FB: Education by Gavin McCormack

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Doug Moczynski started Gippsland Adventure Therapy because he has a burning passion for helping people access the outdoors and nature for increased mental health and wellbeing. He loves sharing experiences with others, and is at his personal best when he's engaged in something outdoors and can see the joy in peoples faces when they feel safe to try something new and challenging.

Doug has been working in the outdoor industry since 2003 where he’s had many roles spanning everything from camp counsellor in the USA to English teaching in China to snow skiing instructor and commercial outdoor adventure guide.

Over the past decade Doug has committed himself to working with youth in the out of home care sector where he has and continues to, work with children dealing with the challenges of developmental trauma.

Having completed a Graduate Certificate in developmental trauma, as well as a Diploma in Community Service work and outdoor recreation, Doug plans to round things off with a Diploma of Counselling. 

No adventure is too small, and Doug’s priority is making it accessible to the participant’s level of comfort, but is very happy to make things more challenging for those who wish to push things further.

When Doug’s not running his business, he's out with his family connecting with the beauty of the outdoors in and around Gippsland.

Socials:

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

LinkedIn: Doug Moczynski

FB: Gippsland Adventure Therapy

Insta: Doug Moczynski @gippslandadventuretherapy 

Mentions:

Dr Scott Miller PhD

Dr Will Dobud PhD

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After a successful career in helping to bring to market billions of dollars of disruptive technology, Mark S A Smith now works with Visionmakers to turn market challengers into market leaders. He works with C-Suite leaders determined to transform their business from a market challenger into the market leader in 3 years or less.

This is exemplified in his two new books, The Nimble C-Suite: How to Align the Diverse Strengths of Your Executive Team to Predictably Deliver Extraordinary Results in a Transformational Economy, and The Nimble Company: A Proactive, Socially Responsible Framework for Driving Sustained Profits and Growth in a Chronically Chaotic World.

Co-founder of NimbilityWorks, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders embrace Nimbility, he brings his broad leadership perspective, extensive business models, professional speaking capacity, and tightly-honed coaching skills to leaders who desire to lead transformational businesses and teams that make a difference.

Socials:

Website: https://nimbilityworks.com/

Web link to LinkedIn: marksonlinkedin.com

LinkedIn: Mark S A Smith

Books: ‘The Nimble C-Suite’ and ‘The Nimble Company’

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Tracie Lund is the Manager of the Morwell Neighbourhood House and has worked tirelessly in the community since starting there in 2012. She has introduced and championed much-needed initiatives, resulting in the Morwell Neighbourhood House becoming a renowned hub where vital support is available for everyone, no matter their circumstances.

Tracie is currently running for the seat of Morwell, after running as an independent candidate in the 2014 State Election, securing 11% of the vote and transforming the once safe seat of Morwell into one of the most marginal electorates in Victoria.

Tracie has earned a reputation as a highly-respected community leader in the Latrobe Valley and is a sitting Councillor of Latrobe City Council after being elected in 2020.

In 2014 when the Hazelwood Mine Fire broke out just 400 metres from the heart of Morwell, Tracie was compelled to act as an advocate for the residents of Morwell and found herself thrust into the communications vacuum. She was a conduit between services and community, providing affected residents with up-to-date information and support that was lacking.

She is passionate about grassroots democracy and strongly believes that investment in and support of the community improves health and wellbeing, resilience, and employment opportunities. Her experience in supporting the local community every day on the ground has given her insight into what is required as the community navigates the future.

Socials:

Website: tracielund.com.au

LinkedIn: Tracie Lund

FB: Tracie Lund

Insta: Tracie Lund @tracielund4morwell

Morwell Neighbourhood House 

Mentions:

Latrobe Valley Authority

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George Siegal began his career in front of the camera as a newscaster, sportscaster, and weathercaster. His work took him from San Antonio Texas, to Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. In addition to work in front of the camera, George was a feature reporter and producer.

In 2001 he formed J.E.L. Productions, a video production company that produces commercials, infomercials, television programs and documentary films. The company also created their own original programming, which included a Texas Travel Program and a building and remodelling show.

George is most proud of his latest venture, forming the documentary film company Move the World Films, Inc. He wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary films ‘The Last House Standing’ which explores the fact that most people think catastrophic destruction will never happen to them, and ‘License to Parent’, which looks at how parenting is the most important job in the world, and how anybody can do it regardless of how qualified they are.

Socials:

Website: thelasthousestanding.org

Website: tellushowhowtomakeitbetter.com

FB: Tell Us How To Make It Better

Insta: Tell Us How To make It Better @tellushowtomakeitbetter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/movetwfilms

Podcast: Tell Us How To make It Better 

LinkedIn: George Siegal

Mentions:

Brock Long (podcast interview)

John Scardena and Aris Papadopoulos (podcast interview)

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

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Daniel Fitzgerald cycled 3169 kilometres from Esperance, Western Australia to Omeo, Victoria to raise funds and suicide awareness for the Black Dog Institute.

He completed the ride in 22 days, which included 4 rest days.

In 2019 Daniel attended the funeral of ‘Whelan’ who lost his battle with depression, where the impact and ripple effect of suicide really hit hard. 

A car accident back in 2004 claimed the life of another mate ‘Tim’, and Daniel didn’t deal with the emotions at the time. The emotions eventually resurfaced as depression, and after a period of hospitalisation, Daniel reached out for help. Eventually the therapy of EMDR changed Daniel’s life.

To show the positive change in his life, and in memory of Whelan, Daniel started making plans for his ride.

Daniel hopes the ride will also inspire people who have challenging situations going on in their lives to reach out and seek help.

Socials:

FB: Wheelin to the mountains @wheelintothemountains 

Mentions:

Black Dog Institute https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Donate: https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/Wheelintothemountains

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Heather Baird is the founder of A Better Life For Foster Kids. She is passionate about raising awareness about the experiences of children in the out of home care system and how it takes all of us working collectively together to make sure children and young people in out of home care get better life outcomes. 

Her inspirational drive to create change for children in out of home care and for carers is informed by her own experiences growing up in orphanages and foster homes from the age of 2 and a half, as well as her time on placement with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (then DHHS) in child protection, while she undertook a Diploma of Social Services.

Heather has been featured in numerous radio programs, podcasts, and news articles, and frequently gives talks on the issues faced by children in out of home care to groups around Victoria. People are often surprised by what they learn about the out of home care system when they hear Heather speak for the first time.

Socials:

Website: http://abetterlifeforfosterkids.org.au/

LinkedIn: Heather Baird

FB: A Better Life For Foster Kids Inc @abetterlifeforfosterkids

Insta: Heather Baird @a_better_life_for_foster_kids_

Mentions:

Westfield Local Hero 

Gippsland Community Leadership Program

Girls With Hammers

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Kerryn Vaughan is an author, speaker, facilitator and the creator and host of Get Off The Bench.

This week I’ve been thinking a lot about the fine line between showing up and self care.

I think there’s too much noise about hustle and grind, and it’s way too easy to drive ourselves into the ground and not take care of ourselves.

I do believe it’s important to show up, especially if that means changing people’s lives and making a difference. But we need to fine the balance so we can keep our own cup full first.

What do we hang on to and what do we give up. Today I share a few of my own thoughts which are true to me.

Socials:

Website: https://www.kerrynvaughan.com/

LinkedIn: Kerryn Vaughan

FB: Get Off The Bench - Kerryn Vaughan

Insta: Kerryn Vaughan @getoffthebench

Julie Philip believes in following your dream, and she doesn’t do it half-heartedly.

Following her passion for Africa, Julie decided to learn African drumming and after just one lesson found herself in a band. Not long after, she realised the deep connection she felt with art, so pursued that. Very soon she was holding exhibitions and selling her pieces.

Alongside the passions Julie follows, is her full time job as a public servant. In 2019, while having a review with her manager, and being asked what she really wanted to do, Julie said “I’ve always wanted to be a barber”. Fully supported by her manager, Julie began the year long journey to becoming a qualified barber.

But what has really impacted Julie, is how the simple act of cutting hair has led to an increase in confidence and self-worth for the people she lovingly styles.

Julie volunteers 1 day per month at the Morwell Neighbourhood House, and truly knows how she is changing lives. Not only do the recipients appreciate her work and care, Julie goes home feeling incredibly blessed to be in a position to share so much joy.

Her next venture? To build a Barber Army. 

Socials:

LinkedIn: Julie Philip

Mentions:

Morwell Neighbourhood House

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Most people fly, some board a ship, but Tammy van Wisse has done it the hard way by swimming 1.5 times round the world. At 32, Tammy has swum 60,000 kilometres – a testament to her amazing stamina and strength. 

Tammy is a master at conquering extreme challenges, including swimming some of the coldest, deepest and longest waterways on the planet including Loch Ness, Bass Strait, the English Channel and the Murray River, amassing an astonishing 65,000kms, which is equivalent to one and half times around the globe!

Victorian born Tammy started her formal swimming training at age 11. She progressed through her teens winning Victorian State Swimming and Victorian Royal Life Saving Titles. 

Lifesaving became an integral part of Tammy’s career, and she entered events such as the Lorne Pier to Pub swim, which she won in 1986, 1987 and 1989. 

Her first marathon swim was in 1986 from Beaumaris to Frankston, a distance of 20 kilometres. 

A decade later, Tammy entered the Guinness Book of Records as the first person to swim Bass Strait. 

Tammy went on to establish other record times and wins for swimming Loch Ness, New Zealand’s Cook Strait, the English Channel, the Olympic Games Centenary Marathon swim in Greece and the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim in New York. 

In 2001, Tammy completed her greatest challenge to date by swimming the entire length of the Murray River from the Alps to the ocean – a feat no one else has achieved, taking 106 days and covering a distance of 2438 kilometres. 

As a human water quality tester, Tammy has long been a campaigner for cleaner waterways. Through her amazing swims, Tammy raises awareness about environmental issues confronting Australia’s river systems, such as poor environmental flows, salinity and toxic algal bloom. 

Career Highlights

Swum more than 65,000kms, equivalent to one-and-half times around the planet

Fastest woman to swim the Cook Strait, New Zealand

First and only person in world to swim Bass Strait (97.4km) – Tasmania to Victoria, Australia.

Fastest person to swim Loch Ness, Scotland

Fastest person to swim 2438km length of the Murray River, Australia.

Champion for change highlighting the Murray River’s environmental plight from her own perspective as a “human water quality tester”.

Broke world record for New York to New Jersey, USA as tribute to Gertrude Ederle, first woman across the English Channel and her contribution to Women in Sport.

Has a day named after her in New Jersey, USA.

Winner of round Manhattan Island Marathon Race, USA (48kms)

Two solo swims of the English Channel with honour of fastest person across in 1993 and first brother & sister to cross together in 1994.

Lifesaver of the Year & winner of more than 150 Victorian State Lifesaving Titles.

Australian Geographic “Adventurer of the Year”

Ambassador for National Drowning Prevention Day & Play it Safe by the Water

Ambassador for The Male Hug – raising awareness of Men’s Mental Health

Socials:

LinkedIn: Tammy van Wisse

Insta: Tammy van Wisse @tammyvanwisse

Mentions:

Dawn Fraser

Royal Lifesaving Society

Ernie Sigley

Herald Sun

Duncan MacGillivray (Piper)

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Flight Lieutenant Ben Price, 34, grew up on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. From a young age, Ben had dreamed of being a pilot. However in the years following Year 12, he started and completed an apprenticeship as an electrician. After seven years in the electrical industry, Ben decided to chase his long-term dream of becoming a pilot in the Air Force. With no aviation experience, Ben was accepted into the Air Force and began his new career as a Pilot in 2015.

Ben graduated on 246 Pilots Course in 2017 on the Pilatus PC-9/A and was posted to No. 33 Squadron to fly the KC-30A out of RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. During his time on the tanker aircraft, Ben was involved in two Middle East region deployments, VIP tasking and various operations and exercises both domestically and internationally.

This is Ben’s first season with the Roulettes and first posting to Central Flying School. Away from work Ben enjoys time with his fiancé, young son, family and friends. Ben enjoys everything AFL, the beach, the snow and a good laugh with friends.

Air Force Roulettes

The Roulettes are the Royal Australian Air Force's aerobatic display team. They were established in 1970 following the success of earlier teams, the Red Sales and Telstars.

The Roulettes had their first public display at RAAF Base Point Cook in 1970. The team flew a Macchi MB-326 aircraft, which was replaced by the Pilatus PC-9/A (the Air Force's new pilot training aircraft) in 1989. Since then, the Roulettes have become a six aircraft, seven member team which completes two display seasons each year (a season runs for six months).

The Pilatus PC-9/A retired from Roulettes operations in March 2019 and was replaced by Pilatus PC-21 – one of the most advanced training aircraft in the world.

Roulette displays are flown all around Australia and consist of a number of manoeuvres flown in various formations at low level. They are an extension of formation, aerobatics, low level flying, and airmanship skills, taught to Air Force pilots and developed throughout their career.

The Roulettes fly as low as 250 feet (80 m) at speeds of up to 370 knots  to 685km/h and pilots can experience up to 6 ‘G', or 6 times, the force of gravity during a display. Flying as close as three metres apart, the team showcases the level of visual judgement and hand-eye coordination that pilots in the Air Force are able to achieve.

Roulette pilots are Qualified Flying Instructors who work at the Central Flying School, based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria. Between displays, they teach other Air Force pilots to become instructors.

Socials:

About Ben Price: https://www.airforce.gov.au/displays/roulette-seven

Roulettes: https://www.airforce.gov.au/roulettes

FB: Airforce Roulettes https://www.facebook.com/AirForceRoulettes

Insta: Airforce Roulettes @airforceroulettes https://www.instagram.com/airforceroulettes/

Mentions:

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au

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Since Cherie Smirl’s first volunteering experience in Tanzania in 2013, the failure of the Government’s education system to deliver has been a driving factor in her work to break the cycle of inter-generational poverty in the country. One Love Tanzania is dedicated to encouraging personal development goals, fostering self belief and promoting better classroom practice, all integral to bringing hope through Education…..better Education.

Today, One Love Tanzania is financially responsible for the educational welfare of 8 individual children in a range of Government and Non Government schools and Technical vocations, Cherie’s long term students for 11 years now. Supporting a young Muslim boy from a desperately poor background to fulfil his dream to become a doctor, is a proud and immensely fulfilling current undertaking.

Teaming with in country NGO’s opens doors to creative opportunities to impact young lives through a raft of vocational and recreational workshops…ranging from health and wellbeing to expressing themselves through art mediums.

Through mentoring qualified young, but yet to be employed, local teachers and financially supporting them to volunteer in poorly staffed schools creates opportunities to improve classroom practices in an education system hamstrung by over sized classes, poor resources and outdated curriculum. Positive changes are seen daily in both teacher and student attitudes.

One Love Tanzania is a huge advocate for self-growth through entrepreneurialism and especially liaises with skilled women artisans in the country to develop jewellery, small homewares and artworks to appeal on the Australian market. Providing both an ethical fund base for the NFP, and encouraging a sustainable income for women incredibly skilled at their craft, but with little knowledge of converting that craft to a worthwhile livelihood.

One Love Tanzania has been collaborating with the children from Tumaini for Africa Children’s Centre for 11 years to improve living conditions at the centre through the sale of their handicrafts. Guided by the Mamas at the centre and influenced by their tribal background, the children create sophisticated beaded jewellery pieces in the knowledge they are actively enhancing their own futures.

Socials

Website: www.OneLoveTanzania.com

FB: One Love Tanzania

Insta: One Love Tanzania @one_love_tanzania_

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What would you do if you discovered that most of what you believe about yourself is a lie? What if we could identify and release your lies and uncover your undisputed truth?

Most of us have lived lives programmed by parents, teachers, friends, socioeconomic status, news, culture, religion, and even genetics. In this book, you will discover the different ways you have been lied to, lied to yourself, and lied to others unconsciously. Living a lie often causes fear, regret, stress, unhappiness, and an inability to reach your full potential.

International Best Selling author, Lisa Schermerhorn, has twenty years of experience as a transformational leader and is an expert in human behavior, personal development, and the subconscious mind. 

In her latest book, ‘In Every Belief There is a Lie’, you’ll learn how to understand your Lies, where they come from, and techniques to help you discover your Truth.

Examples of the Lies we believe:

That you are not smart

That money is the root of all evil

That when you forgive, your actions are absolved

The Lie that you can solve your problems using the same thinking you had when you created them

And more…

Within the pages of ‘In Every Belief There is a Lie’, read stories of self-discovery and learn strategies for living your truth today.

Socials:

Website: https://lisaschermerhorncoaching.com/

Website: https://peakperformancemindsetcoaching.com/

LinkedIn: Lisa Schermerhorn

FB: Lisa Schermerhorn Coaching

Insta: LisaSchermerhorn @lisafriedmanschermerhorn

Book: In Every Belief There Is A Lie

Mentions:

The Four Agreements (Book)

The Fifth Agreement (Book)

Ho’oponopono

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Liv White is a digital content creator, entrepreneur, mother and speaker. Almost a decade ago, Liv set out to sharing her journey to the world in the hopes to inspire others to live confidently and courageously.

Her inquisitive, honest and daring nature has led her to experience and achieve incredible things, from being naked on the cover of a magazine to speaking at Business Chicks, appearing in many media forums, through to interacting with inspiring leaders and brands globally. 

Amongst all of her achievements, Olivia remains authentic to sharing the real, the raw and the sometimes unglamorous. By sharing her knowledge, beliefs and experiences, Olivia is able to encourage, inspire and motivate others to create more freedom, opportunity and acceptance into their lives.

Socials:

Website: https://houseofwhite.com.au/

Insta: Olivia White @houseofwhite_ 

LinkedIn: Olivia White

Youtube: Olivia White

Mentions:

Disney

Qantas https://www.qantas.com/au/en.html

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Herbert Lang came from humble beginnings in Brinkley, Arkansas graduating from Centenary College of Louisiana in 1998. While there, he led the Trans-America Athletic Conference in scoring and won the National Association of Basketball Coaches Slam Dunk Contest. The Globetrotters invited him to their training camp in 1999, and he spent 18 years as a player and coach with the team.

He traveled to nearly 100 countries and interacted with various influential dignitaries during that time. He also participated in numerous TV shows and contests, including three seasons of The Amazing Race and Are you Smarter Than A 5th Grader? He wrote about his unique journey in a recently-published memoir, Projects, Popes and Presidents.

Lang, a lifelong Razorback fan who still cheers on U of A sports teams, now lives in Ruskin, Florida with his wife Elena. Herb is also a TEDx SPEAKER. He speaks about concepts from his books (Projects, Popes, and Presidents) as an on-air correspondent and inspirational speaker. 

He also facilitates sports clinics for young people. Herb just finished filming “Sweetwater.” Herb plays the role of “Babe” Pressley former Harlem Globetrotter!

He’s currently working with a Hollywood production company to develop one of his many television show concepts, as well as improving his skills as an Actor, Producer, and being a good human.

The father of three (Antonio, Nicholas, and Reya) said he was taught to treat people with kindness, and that principle still guides his life today. His mantra is summed up in the hashtag #kindnessisfree, which Herb often uses online and in correspondence.

“I am just a small-town Arkansas kid who has been blessed to have so many amazing life-changing opportunities,” he said. “I truly believe that it’s important to treat others even better than you expect to be treated by people. Every major accomplishment in my life has been the direct result of others speaking up for me, trusting, and believing I would not fail them in doing so.”

Lang finds beauty in life’s struggles. He believes that success is not determined by how much money a person makes but by how many lives they touch along the way.

Socials:

Website: http://www.herblang.com/

LinkedIn: Herbert “Flight Time” Lang

Insta: Herbert “Flight Time” Land @datrotter4

FB: Herbert S Lang

Twitter: @datrotter4

Tik Toc: @datrotter4

Projects, Popes and Presidents (Book) http://www.herblang.com/projects-popes-presidents/

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Jessie Ballantyne is passionate about entrepreneurship, business and giving. Her motto for life is ‘Be Real, Take Risks, Dream Big, Give Generously’.

Jessie’s entrepreneurial spark first came to life when she fell in love with France in Year 9. She had an inspirational French teacher who inspired her to become an exchange student and pursue her love of French. But her parents didn’t have the $8,000+ needed for the exchange back in 1997, so her launch into business began. 

At 14, Jessie would come home from school every day to bake and sell thousands of biscuits, sold books through party plan, sold chocolate-coated snakes from her high-school locker (the school canteen shut the operation down as they started losing money!), babysat and catered for parties on the weekends. Her parents paid half, she paid half, and Jessie spent a life-changing 12 months in French-speaking Belgium.

Years down the track, after working in grants and seeing just how difficult it was for organisations to find and keep track of grants, Jessie saw the need for an easy-to-use online grants directory. Jessie founded The Grants Hub in 2013, when she was 39 weeks pregnant with her second child. The Grants Hub is now Australia's award-winning grants directory, with a network of 28,000+ grant seekers and helping over 2,000 organisations across Australia find grants every day.

But it hasn’t all been smooth-sailing. When The Grants Hub was only a couple of weeks old, Jessie’s 11-day-old son was diagnosed with congenital heart disease and needed open-heart surgery. She found herself with a two-year-old daughter, a baby in emergency open heart surgery, and a startup.

Sitting in the ICU ward at the Royal Children’s Hospital, she answered emails, updated grant listings and kept The Grants Hub afloat. Miraculously, both her son and The Grants Hub survived that time with the support of many, many people.

The following years were marked by business growth, PTSD, another child (three in total), business awards and lots, and lots of coffee!

Jessie is also the founder of ‘Hey Good Thing’ - For-Purpose Gift Boxes for good. 

Socials:

Website: https://jessieballantyne.com/

LinkedIn: Jessie Ballantyne

FB: Jessie Ballantyne

Insta: Jessie Ballantyne @jessie.ballantine

The Grants Hub

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

FB: The Grants Hub @thegrantshub 

Insta: The Grants Hub @thegrantshub

Podcast: Grants Uncovered

Hey Good Thing

Website: https://heygoodthing.com.au/

FB: Hey Good Thing

Insta: Hey Good Thing / Gift Boxes @heygoodthing

Mentions:

City of Casey

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In 2008, Simon Harvey saw the world was slowly darkening, like a piece of fruit rotting slowly from the inside out. He resolved to become CAPTAIN AUSTRALIA, and stop this slow, insidious decline. His mission was three-fold and simple:

Do Good Deeds: find positive and meaningful ways demonstrate kindness

Fight Evil: stand up against cruelty and wrong-doing

Inspire Others: be funny, joyful, righteous, inspiring others to find their way to do the same

Simon states that he failed in his Quest. He retired when his middle son was diagnosed with a serious health problem, and committed all his resources to helping him (he is thriving today).

He started a travel insurance company, which was also thriving, until the COVID border closures caused it’s collapse.

In 2016, Simon was diagnosed with a Stage 4, invasive head and neck cancer. The doctors gave him 6 months to live, with a 40-60% chance chemoradiation would save his life.

He got lucky. But there is no lucky with cancer, not really. He was in his prime, and it destroyed him. “It doesn’t only try to kill you, it tries to rob you of your dignity, hope, sense of place in the world.”

Over the next several years, Simon slipped into quiet existential crisis. Daily pain, gut-wrenching side effects, and underneath it, the thing that bothered him most, that hurt him the deepest: children have to go through this.

He realised he needed to bring Captain Australia back. He decided to do a BIG WALK for The Kids Cancer Project, and on 26.12.21 he set out to walk from Brisbane to Melbourne, by himself, no help, sleeping rough, dressed as the boofhead superhero Captain Australia.

Simon’s goal was to raise support and funds for this incredibly worthy cause, and also to heal himself, to walk away from the cancer that tried to take away his life and his hope.

Socials:

Website: https://captainaustralia.online/

FB: Captain Australia’s BIG WALK @capsBIGWALK

Insta: Captain Australia’s BIG WALK  @captainaustraliasbigwalk  

Mentions:

The Kids Cancer Project

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Kerrie Atherton Founder of Stories of HOPE Australia/Worldwide and EMPOWER Life Solutions is a Keynote Speaker, Author, Mental Health First Aid Training Presenter, Event Host, Trauma and Addictions Recovery Counsellor.

After planning suicide at 18, Kerrie walked through the doors of a 12 step program and since that day 40 years ago, has remained clean and sober.

Over the past 30 years, Kerrie has worked in the business and community sector helping those who are struggling with the issues of life find Hope. Since moving to the Sunshine Coast 17 years ago she has worked in a voluntary capacity in the community as well as private practice as a trauma and addictions coach/counsellor and mentor building connections and supporting people from all walks of life. In addition, she has worked with many young people in crisis at different schools on the Sunshine Coast.

Along with her husband she founded a charity called “Streetlight” which ran for six years supporting the homeless and disadvantaged.

Four years ago Kerrie founded “Stories of HOPE Australia” a platform which runs monthly events bringing HOPE to the community and is now a published author having just released the second book in her, “Stories of HOPE Australia” series ‘Resilient People, Remarkable Stories’. When the world went into lockdown, Kerrie commenced “Stories of HOPE Worldwide” an online platform sharing stories of HOPE around the world.

Kerrie's desire as a “Mental Health First Aid” trainer, is to help people recognise the signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis and to give them vital tools and knowledge to empower and assist them in their time of need.

In everything she does, her passion is to help prevent suicide and hopelessness and to bring connection and HOPE to people in times of uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.

Socials:

Website: https://storiesofhope.com.au/

Website: https://empowerlifesolutions.com.au/

LinkedIn: Kerrie Atherton

FB: Stories of HOPE Australia

FB: EMPOWER Life Solutions @empowerlifesolutions 

Insta: Stories of HOPE Australia  @stories_of_hope_aus 

Mentions:

Kevin McMullin

Beyond Blue

Lifeline

headspace

Head to Health

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Jessica Evans is the owner of The Makeup Hub in Gippsland, works full time at a radio station, and is the mother of twins, Karter and Chase.

When Jessica was 27 she fell pregnant with the twins, but all didn’t go to plan. 

Her water broke at 28 weeks and she had the twins naturally at 30 weeks. Chase was born feet first with no issues, but Karter was born with the forceps which crushed his head and left him with a bleed on the brain.  

Karter was left with cerebral palsy, which was something Jessica spent many long nights googling trying to understand the condition as well as trying to come to terms with what had happened. At that point she realised this was a life long condition with no cure.

Despite the fact that cerebral palsy isn’t technically diagnosed until the child is 2 years old, Jessica knew at 4 months that this would be the family’s future. She was told that as the bleed was significant, Karter would never be able to walk or communicate.

Since 4 months old, Karter has had weekly physiotherapy, chiropractor and occupational therapy.

When Karter was 1 year old, a fundraiser enabled Jessica to take him to Bangkok for 1 month of intense therapy and stem cell injections. 

Karter is now 8 and can talk and has some movement in his legs.

Jessica has become a passionate disability advocate, and shares stories of abuse, lack of access, constant concerns about inclusive facilities and events.

Socials:

Insta: Gippsland Makeup Artist @themakeuphubofgippsland

FB: The Makeup Hub @themakeuphubofgippsland 

Insta: Karter’s Crew @karters.crew 

Mentions:

Ronald McDonal House

Welcome to Holland

Wonder (movie)

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David C. Lee is a coach, author, entrepreneur and speaker who has honed his skills as an operator, motivator, mentor and coach in a thirty year career in business, police, military and paramilitary organisations. He has built & managed million dollar businesses, has had his feet on the ground in many many high risk situations and has helped countless people move through their own fears and doubts.

David has worked with numerous organisations and individuals and drills down to the core issues of what holds an organisation or individual back. He has been to some of the darkest and scariest places both physically and emotionally and uses those experiences to help his many clients.   

David is no stranger to adversity and his comeback story is one of true inspiration. David lost one of his closest friends & work colleagues in a firefight during his service & also lost two other friends in a similar way.

David was decorated on several occasions during his service, but in 2010 was diagnosed with Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to the cumulative trauma from his service.

In 2012 he was disengaged from the services due to Chronic PTSD and it was determined and documented that “the likelihood of him returning to any form of meaningful employment unlikely and sadly, his prognosis is very guarded in that he is likely to remain a man continually troubled by the aftermath of his trauma exposure for many years to come”.  

David then set about rebuilding his life using many of the strategies he now teaches.  David’s physical and mental suffering were a journey of self discovery and he has come though a much stronger and better man.

David is the author of ‘Capture Your Dreams & Smash Your Fears’, ‘Positive Thinking’, and ‘Attitude of Success’. He is also the host of the podcast Dreamers, Believers, & High Achievers

Experience counts & with David you get the real deal, a leader, speaker and a coach, someone who has been at the coalface, someone who won’t let you down.

Socials:

Website: https://davidclee.com/

LinkedIn: David C. Lee

FB: David C. Lee @davidcleeofficial 

Insta: David C. Lee  @david_c_lee_official

Books: https://www.amazon.com/David-C.-Lee/e/B09SP7Y4Q3

Podcast: Dreamers, Believers, & High Achievers

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Tanya Heaney-Voogt is a mentally healthy workplaces expert, workplace change facilitator and certified leadership coach, helping leaders, teams and organisations to thrive in this rapidly changing and high demand world of work.

With a 25-year career leading people, projects and change across the health sector Tanya now works primarily with public sector entities to develop mentally healthy work practices, strengthen workplace cultures; and develop safe, effective and high performing leaders and teams. 

She draws on her own experiences as a senior leader dealing with work overload and change saturation to support leaders to develop more sustainable individual strategies and to assist workplaces to manage the environmental factors that contribute to unsafe levels of work-related stress. 

Tanya has worked extensively with health, education, local government and environmental agencies in consulting, coaching and training activities.  Her popular Cracking the Change CodeTM program has supported a myriad of public entities to implement enterprise-wide change initiatives. 

Tanya is also the author of ‘Transforming Norm – Leading the change to a mentally healthy workplace’.

Socials:

Website: https://tanyaheaneyvoogt.com/

LinkedIn: Tanya Heaney-Voogt - Transforming Workplaces

FB: Tanya Heaney-Voogt 

Insta: Tanya Heaney-Voogt @tanyaheaneyvoogt

Transforming Norm (book)

Youtube: Tanya Heaney-Voogt

Mentions:

Project Aristotle

Diversity Council Australia

Australian Productivity Commission

SuperFriend

WorkSafe

Dr. Adam Fraser - Strive (book)

Timothy R. Clarke

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Donna McGeorge is passionate about enhancing the large amount of time we spend in our workplace (too much, for many) to ensure it is effective and productive, as well as enjoyable. 

Donna believes that workplaces are complex, but not hard. More often than not it’s getting the simple things right, consistently, that has the greatest impact. 

She also knows that when we decide to be intentional, we can surprise ourselves with what we can achieve. 

Known as THE productivity coach, she has a range of sessions, books, products and services to help you improve your productivity. 

Donna earned her Bachelor of Education (Human Resource Development at The University of Technology, Sydney). She is a Certified Speaking Professional and was on the faculty of Though Leaders Global from 2014 to 2018. 

As a speaker, facilitator, and consultant, Donna’s animated delivery and ‘front of room’ energy enables people to engage enthusiastically with her and her material. 

She brings her creative and practical approach together with a significant corporate organisation development background to help people where they are at. 

For over 20 years Donna has worked as a trainer, facilitator and speaker in leading corporate environments, including Ford Motor Company, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, L’Oreal, Jetstar, Pacific Hydro, Nissan Motor Company, Flight Centre, and ANZ Bank. 

In 2014, Donna returned from 2 years abroad, where she worked closely with the senior leadership team at Ford Asia Pacific in China to help transform organisational design, development, and strategic planning. 

Donna believes that workplaces are complex, but not hard. More often than not it’s getting the simple 

things right, consistently, that has the greatest impact. 

She also knows that when we decide to be intentional, we can surprise ourselves with what we can achieve. 

Socials:

Website: https://donnamcgeorge.com/

LinkedIn: Donna McGeorge CSP

FB: Donna McGeorge 

Insta: Donna McGeorge @dmcgeorge

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Nicky and Ness are seasoned business leaders and coaches, dedicated to transforming the way business owners approach growth and success. With over fifty years of combined experience in leadership, sales, and coaching, they bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the table. Both have successfully run coaching businesses since 2015, and together they co-founded Business Together, a business that helps business owners break free from the relentless cycle of busy and build businesses by design.

In 2024, Nicky and Ness co-authored Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business and Life, a game-changing guide for business owners looking to achieve success without sacrificing their well-being. The book challenges the outdated notion that success requires relentless hustle, offering practical strategies for smart business growth, peak performance, and creating time freedom. With real-life stories and actionable tools, Healthy Hustle helps business leaders step away from the chaotic grind and embrace a more sustainable, balanced approach to thriving in both business and life .

Together, Nicky and Ness offer their clients the unique advantage of tapping into not just one, but two seasoned business minds. They specialise in helping established, service-based businesses move from chaos to clarity, giving business owners and leaders the time freedom they crave. Their approach is grounded in practical wisdom and real-world experience, ensuring that their clients not only succeed but thrive.

Nicky and Ness are also the hosts of the podcast ‘Smart Business Growth’

If you’re into the formal stuff, you might like to know that both Nicky and Ness are accredited in eDISC Behavioral Profiling, are Meta Dynamics Level 3 Practitioners of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and are qualified Professional Coaches and Facilitators. 

Socials

Website (consulting business): https://businesstogether.com.au/

Website (Book): https://healthyhustle.com.au

Podcast Smart Business Growth

LinkedIn: Nicky Miklos-Woodley

LinkedIn: Vanessa Medling

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Zac Jones was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1996 and is co-author of Why The Fallen?

Having been expelled from most schools he attended, he completed Year 10 before refusing to continue his studies. He worked several jobs and manage a small family business while battling alcohol and substance abuse.

In 2017, he crashed his car while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, seriously injuring himself and his four passengers. As a result, he wound up in jail, where he managed to turn his life around and overcome the underlying issues surrounding his drug and alcohol abuse.

Zac is an engaging and inspiring speaker who is now committed to preventing young men and women from making the same mistakes as him and helping them work through issues with substance addiction and crime.

Zac is passionate about music and plays the guitar. He sings, writes and composes songs and uses this creativity as a positive focus on the difficult days. He is living proof that making mistakes builds character and resilience.

Why The Fallen? is not the finished story of Zac’s life but is the first chapter in what is sure to be an exciting saga.

Socials:

Website: https://www.whythefallen.com/

LinkedIn: Zac Jones

FB: Why The Fallen?

Insta: Zac Jones @zacjonesphnz

Mentions:

You Choose Youth Road Safety (Melissa McGuiness) https://www.youchooseyrs.org.au/

Melissa’s child was driving a car that crashed killing her child as well as 3-4 others in the other car

Veteran Mentors  https://www.veteranmentors.com.au/

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Elaina Domagala is a 15 year old who is super passionate about football. She started playing football after 8 years of training and competing in Kyokushin Karate.

Her karate journey led her to become 4 time Australian full contact champion, 5 time Victorian state champion, as well as other regional wins for her dojo.

In 2019, a school round robin competition was the turning point, and after one game of football she was hooked, and joined local club, West End - where she played for 3 years with a mixed sexes team.

Elaina was successful amongst 250 Victorian school girls to make the girls team through School Sports Victoria, and played in the 2021 Gippsland Youth girls premiership team and was awarded Most Determined.

In December 2021, Elaina tried out for the Gippsland Power Under 19’s Nab league team but was unsuccessful at this first attempt. However through hard work and determination during training and reserve games, she made her debut in Round 2, 2022 in the Gippsland Power Under 19’s senior Nab league team at the young age of 15.

Elaina has appeared in television and radio marketing campaigns for local youth girls football, as well as an appearance on Melbourne’s Smash FM podcast as an advocate for women’s football.

Addicted to the passion of the game, Elaina immerses in the challenge of constant improvement, and relishes in the sisterhood and support network, particularly the support she can offer others.

Socials:

Insta: Elaina Domagala @elaina_doma

Mentions:

Gippsland Power

Penny Cula-Reid

Play Like a Girl Australia

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Riley is the Founder & CEO of The Sleep Consultant - an organization that helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and high performers transform their sleep to significantly boost their productivity and energy levels. 

Riley started through his own health journey many years ago and discovered that sleep was the missing link that brought everything together. 

Since then, he's been helping others unlock their "biology code" and achieve "Sleep Nirvana" by getting to the root cause of the issue rather than putting a Band-Aid on symptoms.

Riley is the author of ‘The Sleep Solution’, and the host of ‘The Sleep For Side Hustlers’ podcast.

Socials:

Website: www.thesleepconsultant.com

LinkedIn: Riley Jarvis

FB: Riley Jarvis

Insta: The Sleep Consultant @officialthesleepconsultant

Podcast: The Sleep for Side Hustlers Podcast

E-Book:The Sleep Solution

Mentions:

Psycho-Cybernetics (book) by Maxwell Maltz

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Susan Dean is the founder and owner of Dean Publishing. She was always destined to help others flourish. Beginning her career as a youth worker, Susan became a qualified business and life coach in 2003 – an early adopter of the industry. 

Making a difference has always been her passion. Susan has always listened to peoples’ stories, using her tremendous empathy to empower others toward success. This has become her signature trait. 

In 2014, Susan’s expertise in hearing and delivering heartfelt stories extended to publishing. Since then, Susan has produced and published hundreds of stories of inspiration, ranging from business success, to personal triumph and charity development.

Susan loves to wake up every morning and work in her purpose built publishing house, bringing stories to life alongside her two adult daughters who form an integral part of her business. A dedicated Australian publisher, Susan lives her dream every day and now teaches others how they can do the same.

Socials:

Website: https://www.deanpublishing.com/

LinkedIn: Susan Dean Book Publisher 

FB: Susan Dean Publisher

Insta: @deanpublishing

High-end individual books https://www.deanpublishing.com/callsusan

Yshift compilation series https://www.deanpublishing.com/yshift/

B1G1 https://account.b1g1.com/connect/GIVING067

Mentions:

Hands Across the Water https://www.handsacrossthewater.org.au/

Matt Runnalls - Nobody Can Save Me

Trav Bell - My Bucketlist Blueprint

Angie Clucas - Standing Tall From The inside

Dr Natasha Davidson - Real Talk, Real Change

Erika Cramer - Confidence Feels Like Shit

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Dan Frkic is a regular Dad with 3 young kids who had an early mid life crisis. After working for major global corporates over the past 12 years, Dan decided to quit his job late last year, and has taken a punt to follow a new path and has launched an exciting initiative called PrezentBox.

PrezentBox is for parents who are sick & tired of receiving gifts their kids don't need. PrezentBox is an online gifting platform that enables family & friends to contribute funds that go toward a child's sport, creative or educational activity fees.

Dan and his team are hell bent on making a positive impact for parents, kids, gift givers and the business community (and really sticking it to big retail and consumerism while they’re at it).

Socials:

Website: https://prezentbox.com.au/

LinkedIn: Dan Frkic

FB: PrezentBox 

Insta: PrezentBox @prezentboxau

Mentions:

Active Kids Program NSW https://www.nsw.gov.au/projects/active-kids-program

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Jocelyn Chong is a Certified online Business and Life Coach,  and CEO & Founder of Seed to Sequoia, who’s calling is to help people tap into their soul, and create a life that is uniquely tailored to you and your purpose. That is, a life built on deep alignment with who you are at your core, where your talents are not only recognized but optimized to attract abundance.

Breaking free from the shackles of the corporate world, being free to go wherever we want, whenever we want—these are things most of us crave, but so few know how to do in a financially secure way. 

Through her own experience and 20 years in the banking and finance world, Jocelyn knows that having a financial game plan turns wishes into realities.

Jocelyn is also the host and founder of the Podcast: Magnetic Abundance.

She is also the author of 3 books:

Success Codes

Uncensored, Untamed, Unleashed

Prosperity Codes

Jocelyn works with individuals to transform and to grow, and also works with larger organizations developing strategies to increase revenue substantially, ad consistently receives feedback that her work was critical in identifying where change has been necessary and then empowering them to make that change happen.

Socials:

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

LinededIn: Jocelyn Chong

Instagram: _jocelynchong_

Facebook: Jocelyn Chong

Free Ebook:

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Liz Fleming The Efficiency Coach is a business mentor and accountant, based in Gippsland, who knows a thing or two about creating efficiencies in your business, that is making it work better, do better and produce better. She has an eye for optimising businesses to operate and grow from her many years in the corporate space and she's not your typical accountant.  

Harnessed with a Masters in Forensic Accounting and Chartered Accountant qualifications, her ability to review business operations and discover new ways to create efficiencies helps create more time for family and other pursuits.

You know how there are never enough hours in a day and you don't know where to start? Well, Liz will show you how to maximise your time, energy, skills and resources and discover who is best to do what and when in your business.

Her promise is more profit, more time and more fulfilment.

Socials:

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

LinkedIn: Liz Fleming

FB: Liz Fleming - The Efficiency Coach @theefficiencycoach

Insta: lizfleming_theefficiencycoach

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The Restoration Project is a Mental Health awareness and Drug and Alcohol Education and Prevention Service specialising in lived experience, keynote speaking, family support, rehabilitation referral, and intervention guidance.

Mark Macmanus (founder) share’s his personal harrowing story and path to recovery. Some of the topics covered include anxiety, self-esteem, depression, alcohol, narcotics, gambling, resilience, determination, and rehabilitation. Mark launched The Restoration Project to help educate people about mental health and the challenges of substance abuse and finding hope through adversity.

“I suffered from poor mental health from an early age. I suffered anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. At the time I did not understand what I was even struggling with. In my early 20s, I was binge drinking every weekend and started to experiment with illicit drugs. I become addicted and suffered for eight years. My life spiralled out of control and reached depths where I thought I would never return. However, I sought rehabilitation and set about on my recovery. My story is raw and powerful and breaks all the stigmas associated with mental health and addiction.

I wish to deliver hope to families and people who are suffering. I wish to educate the youth of the dangers of alcohol and narcotics and the effect they can have on your life.”

Mark is an established presenter and is sought after in the addiction and mental health space and has played a role in many people turning their lives around and living proof that nothing is impossible if you don’t give up.

Mark works with multiple organisations including, ACSO, Latrobe Drug Action Team. (LDAT) Latrobe Youth Space, Coability, Maxima, Bakers Delight, and Wellington Local Drug Action Team. 

Mark is now 7 years clean and is the Interim General Manager of Operations of a local disability employment provider in Gippsland and runs his own successful business. Mark is living proof that rock bottom can become the solid foundation on which you can rebuild your life.

Socials:

LinkedIn: Mark Macmanus

FB: The Restoration Project @restorationgippsland

Insta: TheRestorationProject @therestorationproject1

Mentions:

Latrobe Community Health Service

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Gina Balarin is a communicator at heart. While contemplating how to make a living from writing, marketing found her, and she never looked back.

It hasn’t always been an easy ride, though. Relatively early in her career she discovered that she doesn’t see things the way most people do. She gets frustrated when the rules are illogical and when things don't make sense. So she started her own company instead.

Now she’s an entrepreneur, helping marketers around the world do marketing they're proud of. Oh, and she sits on a couple of boards, has a Masters degree in Management Communication, is a Fellow of the CIM and the AMI, and a member of the PSA. She has written a couple of books including The Secret Army: Leadership, Marketing and the Power of People, 150 poems or so, and done a TEDx talk.

Mostly, though, she’s just interested in helping people find ways to be prouder of who they are, what they do, and how they make a difference in the world.

Socials:

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

LinkedIn: Gina Balarin

FB: Gina Balarin

Mentions:

Project Displaced

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Raheen Fatima is a 14 year old girl from Pakistan, who is also a Peace & Climate Change Activist, Standup comedian, Theatre Actor, Aspiring Entrepreneur, SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Ambassador and Interviewer. Over the course of the pandemic, she has conducted over 500 interviews and sessions to foster global peace and achievements of the SDGs. 

When her younger brother was diagnosed with cancer, she realized one is never too young or old to die. She embarked on her journey with a passion to empower people around her and bring peace to this world. 

With a passion to work for people and planet, Raheen is ambitious to take her work global by creating teams and collaborations for making global peace dreams a reality. 

She is currently working on multiple projects, and her immediate aim is to synergise all peace efforts in one place, involving all stakeholders across the globe. She believes nothing else but interfaith, intercultural, international dialogue can pave the way for global peace.

Socials:

FB: Raheen Fatima 

Insta: Raheen Fatima @fatima_raheen

YouTube: Raheen Fatima  

LinkedIn: Raheen Fatima

Mentions:

POP Movement

One Better World Collective

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When she was growing up, Ros wanted to be a vet or a scientist, but her fascination with human behaviour and neuroscience led her to a career in organisational development, specialising in improving business outcomes by developing individuals, teams, and organisations.

After more than 20 years in corporate human resources and organisational development roles, a successful battle with cancer gave Ros the nudge to take her passion for transforming leaders and improving how individuals and organisations cope with change in a new direction. 

Leaving her senior corporate role in 2012, Ros established her consulting business, Shaping Change, to achieve her goals. 

Ros is a solution and results-oriented facilitator, with expertise spanning strategic planning, leadership development, organisational culture, change management, emotional intelligence and employee engagement.

She is also a talented and multi-award-winning executive and leadership coach, with coaching clients at executive and senior levels in Government agencies, private enterprise, and the community sector. 

In 2016, Ros felt compelled to look deeply at the differences in the leadership styles of men and women. The result was the Women’s Leadership Archetypes model, now being used worldwide by women to discover how they can better leverage their natural strengths to lead with purpose, authenticity, and integrity. In 2022 Ros was recognised with a World of Difference Award by the International Alliance for Women (TIAW) for this work. Ros now licences other women coaches, facilitators, mentors, and trainers to use the WLA in their work, creating a ripple effect across the globe. 

Ros is a blogger and the author of The Resilient Employee. In addition, she contributes regular articles to Leaders in Heels, The Huffington Post, and People Development magazine. 

Socials

Website (consulting business): https://www.shapingchange.com.au/

Website (Women’s Leader Archetypes): https://www.womensleaderarchetypes.com.au/

LinkedIn: Rosalind Cardinal

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Matt Runnalls works tirelessly as a mental health advocate to create awareness, acceptance, education and connection within communities to overcome the stigma and effects of suicide on a global scale. Utilizing his own lived-experience of mental illness, surviving suicide attempts, and losing far too many friends to suicide, Matt is continuously creating more platforms of communication to encourage everyone to feel comfortable to talk about and manage their well-being just as he continues to do.

Through his rediscovery of hope visible in the kindness of others, Matt found his passion and purpose when he wholeheartedly pursued the creation of Mindfull Aus a not-profit mental health foundation at the age of 24.

Since devoting himself to advocacy full-time, Matt has delivered over 600 speeches and keynotes, workshops, and events across Australia, Canada, and America. Matt has facilitated right across the world for some of the world’s largest Mind and Behavioral organizations, conferences and bodies.

Matt has been a student of programs and workshops from leading experts in the field of mind and behavioral health including: Wim Hof, Tony Robbins, Dr Jordan Peterson, Dr Brené Brown, Tom Bilyeau, Deepak Chopra, Heather Yelland and Kevin Hines. Matt is trained in NLP, a certified Breathwork & Meditation Practitioner, Sciences of Wellbeing, Intro to Psychology & Counselling, EQ and Quantum Learning as Alumni at California State University.

Matt now spends his life in dedication to the loss of his mates to suicide, combined with the thought that saved his life in 2012—that of having kids one day. This understanding and passion led Matt to become a trained facilitator at the world’s #1 camp for young kids (greensupercamp.com.au) where he works with young champions to improve self-esteem, equip them with accelerated development techniques and a greater understanding of emotional intelligence and relationships.

Matt’s story and message have been featured in books, documentaries, songs, podcasts and films throughout many major media outlets. His dedication to change has been recognized in: The Huffington Post, Global Award-winning Documentary of the Year, Suicide: the Ripple Effect, Guts, Grit & The Grind: a men’s health manual, and also in numerous Parliamentary sittings.

Matt has also been the recipient of an Australia Day Medallion in January 2018, a finalist in the 2019 Victorian Leadership & Innovation Award, 2020 ABC Heywire Trailblazer, 2020 AMHF Best Men’s Speaker Finalist, 2020 AMHF Men’s Health Award Top 3 placement, 2021 Australian of the Year Nominee and 2021 Westfield Community Hero.

Matt’s opportunity to ensure that the next generation doesn’t walk into the unknown like he did, drives him every day as he continues to make a positive impact on as many people as humanly possible.

Matt is committed to using his voice and experiences as a platform to encourage acceptance, purpose and hope.

Socials:

Website: Matt Runnalls  https://mattrunnalls.com.au/

Website: Mindfull Aus https://www.mindfullaus.org/

LinkedIn: Matt Runnalls

FB: Mindfull Aus @mindfullaus

Insta: Matt Runnals @matt.runnalls

Mentions:

The Resilience Project

Green Supercamp

Kevin Hines

Paul Dalia

Johann Hari

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Michael Whitehouse is The Guy Who Knows a Guy. In 2014, he came to Groton, Connecticut knowing no one at all. A year later, after diving into networking with both feet, he was a major connector in the local community. In 2020, he went global and began connecting entrepreneurs, investors, speakers and others around the world to people they need to know. 

He offers his services as a networking concierge, making connections and building strategic alliances around the world. He is the host of the daily Morning Motivation Podcast and the Guy Who Knows a Guy interview podcast.

Michael Whitehouse says he is not a networking wizard. He has simply employed certain techniques to connect with people and build win-win relationships, and he is working hard to share what he has learned with as many people as he can.

Socials:

Website: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/

FB: The Guy Who Knows A Guy  @guywhoknowsaguy 

LinkedIn: Michael Whitehouse

Morning Motivation website: https://www.morningmotivation.fun

Morning Motivation FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/morningmotivationpodcast

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Dr Demartini is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on human behavior and personal development. He is the founder of the Demartini Institute, a private research and education organization with a curriculum of over 72 courses covering multiple aspects of human development.

His trademarked methodologies in human development, the Demartini Method and the Demartini Value Determination are culminations of over 47 years of cross-disciplinary research and study and utilized in all human development industries across the world.

Dr Demartini travels 360 days a year to countries all over the globe where he shares his research and findings in all markets and sectors. He is the author of 40 books published in 29 different languages. He has produced over 60 CDs and DVDs covering subjects such as development in relationships, wealth, education and business.

Socials:

Website: https://drdemartini.com/

LinkedIn: Dr John Demartini

FB: Dr John Demartini

Insta: Dr John Demartini @drjohndemartini

Youtube: The Demartini Institute

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