Explore every episode of the podcast Let's Just Start Podcast with Laura Racky and Christian Cunningham

Dive into the complete episode list for Let's Just Start Podcast with Laura Racky and Christian Cunningham. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	How To Speak With Confidence, The Invisible Influence Of Fathers & The Values Our Kids Inherit #76	19 Sep 2026	00:36:20
Say less. That might be one of the simplest ways to immediately sound more confident. This week we start with speaking confidently, and why trying to remove every “um”, pause or filler word probably misses the point. Confidence is a collection of cues. We talk about slowing down enough to let your brain catch up with your mouth, getting to the point earlier, preparing properly, using the conversation before the conversation to settle your nerves, and why sometimes the most confident answer you can give is simply: “I don't know.” We also get into some of the habits that quietly undermine otherwise capable people: pre-rejecting your own ideas, continuing to talk after you've already made the point, over-explaining, pretending to know things you don't and using 300 words where 30 would do. Then we move into something much bigger: fatherhood. What effect do good fathers really have? Not just memories, money or advice, but an invisible infrastructure that children carry into rooms you'll never be in. We talk about the values children absorb from watching their parents, the standards fathers model for sons and daughters, why telling children how to behave matters far less if you're modelling something completely different, and why good parenting isn't about appearing perfect. Your children are watching how you work, how you treat people, how you treat their mother or father, how you deal with pressure — and even what you do after you get it wrong. Some of those lessons might not show themselves for 25 years. But they'll be there. In Short: Speaking confidently. Saying less. Learning to say “I don't know.” Fatherhood. Modelling behaviour. Raising children without pretending to be perfect. The invisible infrastructure we leave behind. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Nobody Cares How Stressed You Are, Read Maxxing, Seven Powers, Joan Didion, And Who Has Your Heart? #75	11 Sep 2026	00:35:44
Nobody cares how stressed you are. Harsh, but true. This week we answer a listener asking how to detach from a stressful job. We talk about the difference between being a serious professional and carrying responsibility for everything that happens around you. How to push back on impossible targets without sounding like you’re making excuses. How to make trade-offs visible. And why accepting an unrealistic expectation without challenging it can leave you carrying stress that was never yours to begin with. But we also turn the question back on ourselves. Sometimes the company isn’t creating all the stress. We are. We wear exhaustion like proof that we matter. We replay conversations at home, worry about problems we can’t currently solve and sacrifice time with people we love for an imaginary audience that isn’t watching. If the job is broken, or the career is wrong, you can change it. If you’re the one creating the problem, get your act together. Then we lighten things up with books, discover just how high our screen time actually is, argue about whether every book needs to make you smarter or more successful, and talk Seven Powers, Joan Didion, Frank Body, branding, entrepreneurship and reading simply because something is worth reading. Professional at work. Present at home. And occasionally, put the damn phone down. In Short: Work stress. Unrealistic expectations. Taking responsibility without carrying the whole world. Knowing when to put the problem down. Seven-hour screen times. Books for work. Books for pleasure. And remembering who actually deserves the best parts of you. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Your Questions! Getting Iced Out At Work, Career Drift & Are You Even On The Right Ladder? #74	03 Sep 2026	00:28:14
We’re back after a mini hiatus, answering your questions. First up, is there a growing trend of senior people being iced out at work until they eventually resign rather than being made redundant? We look at why companies might do it, the complexity of Australia’s industrial relations system, why good employee protections can still become overly complicated, and why some senior leaders would rather slowly exclude someone than have an honest and difficult conversation. More importantly, how do you know when it’s happening to you? We break down three places to look for the warning signs: below you, beside you and above you. Are your team hiding information? Have your peers stopped asking for your opinion? Are senior leaders making important decisions without you? Because sometimes you don’t need to be told you’re being iced out. The behaviour around you is already telling you. Then we tackle a brilliant question, what do you do when your career has no direction because you haven’t taken responsibility for it? Our answer is somewhere different. Before asking how to take control of your career, work out what you actually want from it. What does work mean to you? How important is ambition? What are you good at? What kind of life are you trying to build? And perhaps most importantly, are you even on the right ladder? There’s nothing wrong with wanting to reach the top. There’s also nothing wrong with deciding work simply funds the life you actually care about. The problem is never making the decision at all. In Short: Getting iced out at work Australian IR Difficult conversations Career drift Ambition Finding direction Figuring out whether you’re climbing the right ladder in the first place. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Marriage Maxxing: 6 Conversations Every Couple Needs To Have #73	01 Aug 2026	00:36:33
Marriage is not just about finding the right person. It is also about having the conversations that most couples assume they will 'work out later'. In this episode, we talk through six areas that couples should discuss before marriage, before children, and then revisit as life changes: • Money • Kids and parenting • Day-to-day life • Ambitions and dreams • Values • Extended family How much do you want to save? What kind of life are you actually trying to build? Do you want children? What does parenting look like when both people work? Whose career takes priority when opportunities collide? How involved will extended family be? What are the values you simply will not compromise on? The point is not that couples need identical answers. The point is that resentment grows when expectations remain unspoken. We talk about the assumptions people carry into relationships from childhood, traditional roles, money fears, family dynamics and previous experiences, and why some of the most important conversations in a marriage are MISALIGNMENTS in expectations. Because it is much better to have the difficult conversation six years before the problem arrives than six weeks after. In Short: Marriage maxxing. Money, parenting, careers, ambition, lifestyle, values, extended family, resentment, expectations and the conversations that make a relationship stronger before life puts it under pressure. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Career Maxxing, Gaslighting Managers & Taking Control Of Your Own Success #72	25 Jul 2026	00:30:22
Nobody cares about your career as much as you do. That might sound harsh, but it's one of the most empowering lessons you can learn. In this episode we discuss why so many people spend years working hard without ever clearly defining what success in their role actually looks like. If your company hasn't set meaningful KPIs, how do you know whether you're succeeding? How do you demonstrate your value? How do you build a case for a pay rise or promotion? Waiting for someone else to create the framework is often a mistake, and taking ownership of your own performance can completely change the trajectory of your career. We then tackle one of the trickiest workplace situations of all: reporting to a weak leader. Not every poor manager is the same, some are simply inexperienced or overwhelmed. Others are political, self-serving or willing to protect themselves at your expense. Understanding the difference dictates how you will approach. We discuss how to build influence, protect your reputation, navigate organisational politics and make decisions that keep your career moving forward, even when your manager isn't. Career maxxing, building your own KPIs, negotiating promotions, identifying weak leadership and taking responsibility for your own career progression. In short: Career maxxing Why most companies don't define success well Building your own KPIs Creating meaningful performance measures Demonstrating your value Preparing for pay rise conversations Promotions and career progression Weak managers versus dangerous managers Building influence outside your reporting line Organisational politics Protecting your reputation Paper trails and accountability Long-term career strategy Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	The Five Traits Every Great Leader Needs, How To Make Decisions In A Marriage, & The Magic Book #71	17 Jul 2026	00:27:10
If someone handed you a blank notebook and asked you the 5 traits you need to be crystal clear about as a successful leader, what would you say? In this episode, Christian opens the "magic book" to share the five leadership principles he believes separate good managers and leaders from the average, and it can change your trajectory. We discuss perception, understanding your vulnerabilities, knowing your values, developing commercial awareness and deliberately building relationships over the course of your career. None of these happen by accident, and all of them are within your control. We then discuss the very tricky world of how we make difficult decisions together, particularly in a marriage. Should you take the promotion? Move cities? Prioritise career progression? Spend more time with your children? How do you weigh money family, ambition, presence, or opportunity? When you know who you are and what matters most to you, what you actually VALUE, many of life's hardest decisions become much clearer. In Short: The five traits of respected leaders Why perception matters Identifying and managing your vulnerabilities Building values that people can trust Commercial awareness and business thinking Relationships that shape your career The "magic book" framework How to make difficult life decisions Career versus family Money versus integrity Parenting and long-term priorities Building a decision-making filter Why values come before choices Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Albanese’s Poor Behaviour, Kylie Minogue For PM, What To Do After An Interview & Positivity Maxxing #70	09 Jul 2026	00:29:23
We start with Anthony Albanese’s comments about Kylie Minogue, his wife, and the Japanese Prime Minister, and why it raises a bigger conversation about judgement, leadership, respect and the way people in positions of influence choose to present themselves. Was it just a joke? Was everyone overreacting? Or do small moments sometimes tell us something bigger? We also get into something almost everyone has experienced: Walking out of an interview and immediately replaying everything you said. Did I answer that correctly? Did they like me? Should I follow up? Why haven’t they called? We talk through what to do after an interview, including reviewing yourself honestly, learning from what you could improve, positivity maxxing the things you did well, and then moving forward instead of sitting around waiting. Fun episode. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Top 5 Life (And Work) Shocks After Motherhood, Top 5 Ways To Know People Don't Respect You, Racky Rant, Disgusting Politics, Budget Madness, Stark Reality & The Stories We Tell Ourselves #69	20 Jun 2026	00:54:39
Competing Top 5 Lists (List Maxxing)!! Who wins, Christian or Laura? What happens when reality doesn't match the story we've been telling ourselves? We with a discussion about respect. The signs that someone may not value you as much as you value them, the people who only call when they need something, the colleagues who undermine you in front of others. The friendships that quietly drift out of balance. From there, Laura shares her Top Five Things That Shock You After You Have A Baby (Career Edition). Not the LinkedIn version, the real version. How your priorities can change overnight. Why your tolerance for workplace nonsense suddenly evaporates. Why people view mothers differently, whether they admit it or not. And why the person who returns from maternity leave is often not the same person who left. The conversation then politics, public debate and modern Australia. Why has public discourse become so angry? Why do so many conversations revolve around what should be taken away from somebody else? Why are we so focused on dividing the pie rather than growing it? We cover empathy, accountability, opportunity, growth, national confidence and whether we've forgotten that the people on the other side of these debates are still our neighbours, colleagues and fellow Australians. In short: The subtle signs someone doesn't respect you Workplace respect and personal relationships Five things that shock you after having a baby Why your tolerance for workplace nonsense collapses Identity, confidence and adjustment Political discourse in Australia Empathy, accountability and resentment Growth versus division National confidence and leadership Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Christian's 3 MOST Important Messages, How To Prepare For INTERVIEWS, Supermarket Fights, Reputation And How People Perceive You (Why It Matters But You Also Shouldn't Care) #68	13 Jun 2026	00:59:16
How do other people experience you? It's a simple question, but one most of us rarely stop to consider. In this episode we discuss the gap between intention and perception, why people can have a completely different experience of us than the one we think we're creating, and why understanding that difference can change careers, relationships and leadership outcomes. We talk about confidence, reputation, first impressions and the reality that perception often shapes opportunity whether we think it's fair or not. We also explores interviews, workplace dynamics, body language, reception areas, leadership blind spots, social awareness and the importance of understanding how your behaviour lands with other people. We also cover unusual feedback from an aura reader, real-world examples of perception shaping outcomes, and why some people unknowingly make themselves harder to approach than they realise. The episode finishes with a broader discussion about risk, opportunity, backing yourself and a simple idea that sits underneath many of life's biggest decisions: Don't die wondering. In Short: Confidence versus intimidation Leadership blind spots First impressions Interview preparation Reception staff and hidden assessments AI taskforces and workplace change Self-awareness and social awareness Risk, opportunity and backing yourself Why most people wait too long Don't die wondering Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Court of UNPOPULAR Opinion Is Back, 5 Secrets To TRUE Life Success, Business Maxxing For Scaredy Cats, And Science Corner #67	05 Jun 2026	00:52:28
What does it actually take to build a successful life? Not just financially or professionally. A genuinely successful life. In this episode we discuss the five foundations that we believe sit underneath long-term success: Commitment Health Family Faith Purpose The conversation explores why talent eventually runs out, why commitment matters more than motivation, how health underpins everything else, and why people need a tribe around them if they want to thrive over the long term. We also spend time on one of the more difficult topics, faith. Not necessarily faith in religion, but faith in something. Faith in yourself, your family, your future, your community, or the belief that tomorrow can be better than today. We discuss starting a business, overcoming fear, volunteering, building purpose when you feel lost, a new study into anxiety, Court of Unpopular Opinion, open-plan offices, government spending, boredom, social media and why modern life seems increasingly designed to keep us distracted. We are always surprised how much ground we cover. In Short: Entrepreneurship and risk Commitment and resilience Health and performance Family and community Faith and belief Purpose and meaning Volunteering and contribution Anxiety research Open-plan offices Economic challenges Technology and attention Modern life and fulfilment Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Impulse Control, The 4 Fastest Ways To Ruin Your Reputation, AI Maxxing, Starting A New Job, & Genghis Khan - Ep 66	31 May 2026	00:54:19
We start with Birkenstocks end with leadership, impulsivity, artificial intelligence, Genghis Khan, reputation, career advice and simple rules for avoiding unnecessary problems. We talk about impulsive decisions, why some people repeatedly find themselves dealing with the consequences of avoidable mistakes, and how to deal with it. We cover emotional reactions, delayed decision-making and why a small pause can change the trajectory of a conversation, a relationship or even a career. The conversation then moves into artificial intelligence, the future of work and whether people are focusing on the wrong part of the AI revolution. Technology may continue to accelerate, but human beings still need meaning, purpose and connection. We also discuss leadership, first impressions, starting a new job, building credibility, asking better questions, and the behaviours that damage trust before people even realise they are doing it. Somewhere in the middle we end up talking about Genghis Khan. Pretty standard episode, really. In short: Why impulsivity is rarely the real problem The gap between reaction and action The seven-day email rule Delayed decisions and better outcomes AI, work and the search for meaning Why human beings need purpose Leadership mistakes people make early First impressions in a new role The fastest ways to damage credibility Questions that build trust across teams Genghis Khan, Temujin and long-term thinking Birkenstocks and unnecessary purchases Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Deep Reflections, Irrational Fears, Competitiveness, Getting Older, and What We Wish We'd Done - A Love Story #65	27 May 2026	00:16:04
Another Fast Five. Five questions, no preparation, and wherever the conversation goes is where it goes. This episode goes from secret competitiveness and teenage expectations into free will, parenting, ageing, irrational fears, spiders, boxing, skydiving, piano lessons, filing cabinets, and whether “Lawyers Ding Dong” should become a legitimate sporting event. The five questions were: What are you secretly competitive about? What would 16-year-old you think of you now? What’s the best part about getting older? What’s your most irrational fear? What’s one thing you wish you’d done, but probably never will? Along the way we talk about: Secret competitiveness and internal pressure What 16-year-old you would think today The calmness and self-knowledge that comes with age Free will, parenting and modern uncertainty Why younger generations face more paths but less certainty Irrational fears and imagined problems Stoicism and managing anxiety Spiders, Mike Tyson and fear responses Piano lessons and unfinished ambitions Professional fighting and “Lawyers Ding Dong” Filing cabinets, libraries and workplace nostalgia A thoughtful episode hidden inside complete nonsense. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Public Speaking Tips, Chip Creep, Laffer Curves, Court of UNPOPULAR Opinion, and Brian Eno, #64	22 May 2026	00:48:55
This episode starts with Brian Eno, creativity, obsession, and what it actually takes to produce world-class work over decades. We discuss the trade-offs behind highly successful creative lives, whether elite performers need complete immersion to operate at the highest level, and why many of the world’s best artists, athletes and founders often require someone else managing the practical realities of life around them. From there, the conversation shifts into public speaking: nervousness, preparation, storytelling, confidence, pacing, silence, mistakes, audience psychology and why your personal style matters more than copying somebody else’s. We also discuss: Top public speaking tips! The trade-offs behind ultra-success The Laffer Curve and Australia’s tobacco excise disaster Whether social media has tipped into a net negative Annual performance reviews LinkedIn Leadership Accountability And finally… “chip creep.” Somewhere between serious and ridiculous, which is usually where these episodes end up. In Short: Creativity, obsession, public speaking, social media, leadership, Court of Unpopular Opinion, and chip creep. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Life Changing Moments, Job Swaps, Ugly Dogs, Near Death Experiences & Joy Maxxing - Fast Five Questions #63	20 May 2026	00:19:52
Another Fast Five. Five quick questions, no preparation, and wherever the conversation goes is where it goes. This episode moves from memorable meals and funny stories into family, near-death experiences, parenting, ugly dogs, work, relationships, and what it actually means to feel present in your own life. The five questions: What is your most memorable meal? What is the best moment of your life (outside the kids)? What is something you would steal from each other’s wardrobe? What was the last thing that made you properly laugh? If you had to swap jobs, what part of the other person’s work would you enjoy most? In short: The meals and moments we’ll never forget Becoming a lawyer and making your parents proud Pre-GFC corporate chaos and made-up songs Near-death experiences and their effect Parenting, memory and self-perception Why ugly dogs are objectively funny The difference between freedom and structure at work Swapping careers and hidden workplace envy Truth-telling, leadership and discretion Joy maxing and cry maxing A bit more emotional than we expected. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Aspiration Maxxing, The Australian Budget, Steven Spielberg, And Building Leadership Profile QUICKLY #62	16 May 2026	00:52:34
We start with the federal budget it leads us to aspiration, ambition, confidence, workplace tactics, Steven Spielberg sneaking onto movie sets, and why Australians need to stop apologising for wanting more out of life. We break down the major themes of the budget, including tax cuts, negative gearing, capital gains tax changes, deficits, infrastructure spending, small business pressure, and the cynical spinning of 'helping' young people, while really pulling up the drawbridge. The conversation looks at whether current policy settings are encouraging growth, risk-taking and business creation, or slowly discouraging people from trying to build anything at all. We also get into practical workplace tactics, how to QUICKLY change the way people perceive you inside an organisation, building authority without formal power, and why timing, initiative and proactive behaviour matter far more than most people realise. Then somehow we end up talking about Steven Spielberg sneaking onto the Universal lot as a teenager, James Cameron going from truck driver to Terminator, fake it till you make it, confidence, leadership, and “love maxxing.” Probably favourite so far. xx In Short: The federal budget and why reactions have become so tribal Tax cuts, deficits, negative gearing and CGT changes Whether Australia is discouraging aspiration and risk-taking Why fanning resentment toward ambition is a mistake The psychology of aspiration vs cynicism Why it’s okay to openly want success again Workplace tactics that quietly change how people see you Building authority without formal power Fake it till you make it… properly Steven Spielberg, James Cameron and acting before you feel ready “Aspiration maxxing” and “love maxxing” Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Five Fast Questions (On Favourite Books, No Consequence Eating, Surprises, and Best Relationship Advice) #61	14 May 2026	00:09:00
Five fast questions, no preparation, and whatever answer came out first was the answer. We ended up talking about the small things we genuinely look forward to every day, the books that have stayed with us, what we would eat forever if calories didn’t exist, and the things people misunderstand about us. Then the conversation shifted into relationships, what actually makes them work over time, and why becoming the best version of yourself matters more than trying to get something from another person. Some of it is serious, some of it is ridiculous, and some of it probably says more about us than intended. The Five This Week What is one thing you look forward to every day? What is your favourite book? What would you eat every day if there were no calories or health consequences? What is something about you that would surprise people? What is your best relationship advice in one sentence? Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Confidence Before Evidence, UFO Files & Australia’s Economic Squeeze (In Plain English) #60	10 May 2026	00:52:45
In this episode, we go everywhere. We start with the looming release of new UFO and UAP files from the United States, why public attitudes toward “conspiracy theories” have changed dramatically over the last 20 years, and whether people would even care if governments confirmed extraordinary truths. From there, we dive deep into the Australian economy: inflation, interest rates, government spending, housing, debt, population growth and why the Reserve Bank may have no choice but to keep tightening. We discuss the mechanics of inflation, the pressure facing households and businesses, and why downturns often create enormous opportunities for serious operators. We also answer a listener question about job interviews, research, and whether you need to genuinely care about the organisation you work for. That gets into a much bigger conversation about pride in work is ultimately be for yourself, not your employer. Finally, we finish with one of our favourite discussions in a long time: confidence. Where does it come from? Can you build it without evidence? Is there a difference between competence-based confidence and the confidence required to jump before you’re ready? This one moves from aliens to economics to philosophy pretty quickly… but somehow it all connects. In short: The psychology of confidence Fake it till you make it Why pride in your work matters The disconnect people feel from modern jobs Inflation, debt and the RBA Why downturns create opportunity The difference between fear and belief Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Corporate Jargon, Staying Too Long In Bad Situations, And Being Wrong #59	03 May 2026	00:58:30
We started with corporate jargon and ended up talking about how people hide from decisions, avoid discomfort, and delay change. We break down (and somehow argue over) what common workplace phrases actually mean, when they’re useful, and when they’re just a way of avoiding decisions. From there, the conversation shifts into why people stay in jobs, relationships, or situations longer than they should. Comfort, fear, uncertainty, and the reality of making a move when you don’t know what’s on the other side. We also get into being wrong. Why people struggle with it, how it shapes behaviour, and how it shows up in parenting and everyday decisions. In short: What corporate jargon actually means in practice When it’s useful vs when it’s just avoidance Why people stay in situations longer than they should Fear of change vs fear of regret The role of comfort and familiarity Why rejection and uncertainty stop people moving How being wrong affects behaviour and decision making Parenting, mistakes, and course correcting What people model without realising it Themes include: Avoidance dressed up as process Corporate language, over-explaining, delaying decisions — these are often not neutral tools. They are ways of managing discomfort and risk. Short-term safety vs long-term cost Whether it’s staying in a job or avoiding a decision, people prioritise immediate stability over long-term improvement, often without realising the trade-off. Narratives as protection People construct explanations that allow them to stay where they are without feeling like they’re making a poor decision. Ego and identity Admitting you’re wrong is not just about the situation, it’s about what that says about you. That’s why it’s so difficult. Modelling behaviour Especially in parenting, but also in leadership, people copy what you do, not what you say. Your behaviour under pressure becomes the lesson. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Five Fast Questions Ep 1 (No Prep, No Filter) #58	01 May 2026	00:10:36
We tried something new with this one. Five fast questions, no prep, no structure, just straight answers and seeing where it goes. The Five This Week The decision that almost sent our careers in a completely different direction What people get wrong about being a good leader The best advice we’ve been given (and whether we followed it) What we’d tell our 25-year-old selves now A belief we used to hold strongly that we’ve completely changed our minds on Decisions that completely changed direction, advice that stuck (and advice that didn’t), what we'd tell our younger self, and a couple of beliefs we’ve had to completely rethink over time. There’s a mix of serious and not serious at all. We’ll see if this format works. If it does, we’ll do it again. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Bias, Blind Spots, 5 Communication Skills That Will Carry Your Career (We Argue!), And The Stories We Tell Ourselves (Plus Court Of UNPOPULAR Opinion) #57	25 Apr 2026	00:52:01
Some tricky topics in this episode. The Bias You're Proudest Of Is the One Holding You Back We all walk around with filters we've built over a lifetime and most of us would fight to keep them. Christian and Laura unpack why the biases that feel like wisdom are often the ones doing the most damage, and how becoming conscious of them (not eliminating them) is what actually changes everything. Why Smart People Can't See Their Own Blind Spots The more analytical you are, the better you are at defending your bias, and why the sharpest people in the room are often the most blind. Everything Is Possible (When You Stop Looking Through the Keyhole) If you can only view the world through one small opening, you're missing everything around it. Awareness, not perfection, is the whole game. The Uncomfortable Truth About Micromanagement Nobody Wants to Hear Nobody wants to be told that the micromanagement they're complaining about might be their fault. But that's exactly what gets said in this episode. You Set the Standard by What You Tolerate — Including in Your Own Head The patterns you keep repeating, the judgments you keep making, the conversations you keep having, they're all data. This episode digs into what those patterns are actually telling you, and why the one thing most worth fixing is the thing most people spend a lifetime avoiding. Court of UNPOPULAR Opinion Micromanagement may not be what you think, insecurity is the one thing to fix, and partisan politics is boring. In short: Why objectivity is not as common as people think How bias shapes your decisions Real examples of blind spots in everyday situations Why people defend their own thinking When your patterns start working against you A different way to approach conversations Court Of UNPOPULAR Opinion Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Court Of UNPOPULAR Opinion, And Questions From The Racky Collective on Bad Reputation Bosses, Tackling Overwhelm, Work, Kids, And Ageing Parents #56	17 Apr 2026	00:53:55
This episode looks at real world situations that many people face at the same time, even if they rarely talk about them openly. How do you deal with a boss or company with a bad reputation (while protecting your own)? How do you tackle overwhelm when the to do list gets so big that it crushes you under it? How do we deal with career, parenting, and ageing parents - often all in the same season? Very tricky questions and we dealt with them as honestly as we could. We also launched a new segment, the Court of UNPOPULAR opinion. 1. Spouses should or shouldn't track each other's locations? 2. The workplace is no place for birthday cakes? 3. Holidays are overrated? Stick around for the verdict. In Short: What do you do when the environment around you is not ideal, your workload builds beyond what feels manageable, and life outside of work is demanding more of your time and energy? The conversation focuses on how to think clearly in these moments. From managing your own position in a complex workplace, to regaining control when everything feels urgent, to making deliberate choices when life becomes full, this episode is about responding with intention rather than reacting to pressure. Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	5 Ways We Accidently Damage Our Reputations, Why Everything Feels Harder At The Moment, Magical Mindset Changes, What Women 'Should' Do When Treated Poorly, And Tom Cruise	11 Apr 2026	01:04:26
This episode moves through the tension many people are feeling right now. Costs are rising, confidence is falling, and the economic environment has shifted. We discuss the end of cheap money and how that has changed behaviour across individuals, businesses, and governments. From there, the conversation turns to why everyday life feels more expensive, and what is actually happening beneath the surface. We then shift to the role of mindset, personal responsibility, and how we can change everything. This is how we acknowledge reality without being defined by it, and finding a way to move with purpose even when conditions are not ideal. We finish with 5 Ways We Accidently Damage Our Reputations, lessons from the great Tom Cruise, and Laura's pettiness. In short: What the end of cheap money means for behaviour and decision making Survey results from NAB and ANZ on consumer sentiment, lowest in history of recording Why prices feel (and likely are) permanently higher How expectations built in the past no longer match current conditions The role of mindset in changing our entire lives How Women 'should' respond to being treated badly Practical ways to focus on what can still be controlled, with gratitude 5 ways we accidently damage our reputations Lessons from Tom Cruise Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	EASTER EDITION: Laura's Negotiation Tactics, Crystal Balls, Buffets, Mapping, And The Dance, Family, First Quarter Scorecard, And Christian On Fatherhood	05 Apr 2026	01:01:06
Ep 54 - A LOT in here on family, negotiation, deal making, first quarter scorecard, and Christian CORNERED on fatherhood. We start with an honest discussion about fatherhood, what it means, how it changes priorities, and the realities that often go unspoken. We also go deep on Laura working through her negotiation structure and how negotiation actually works in the real world. We are basing this on real-world experience and try to make it as useful as possible. We also lament the choices for many young families in Australia. In short: How we think about family, time, and priorities more clearly The difference between responsibility and presence Why modern life is changing decisions around having children How to predict where a negotiation will land Why understanding people matters more than strategy The importance of mapping stakeholders and incentives How to expand deals beyond price Why patience and timing are critical in negotiation How to navigate ego, pressure, and hidden agendas Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Weak Leaders, Status Anxiety, And 5 Subtle Confidence Signals That Actually Matter #53	31 Mar 2026	00:57:56
In this episode, we explore the hidden dynamics that shape how people are perceived at work, from confidence and influence to status anxiety, as well as strong and weak leadership. We cover ways to handle difficult colleagues, build trust quickly, and tactically position yourself for success. The conversation also touches on decision making, long-term thinking, and why many people misread what success actually looks like. In short: How to reframe difficult people at work Why most “confidence” advice is wrong How to think clearly when others are reacting emotionally The real meaning of status anxiety (and how to avoid it) Practical ways to signal authority without saying a word Why high performers often clash with weak leadership Tactical ways to navigate that situation without losing momentum How to separate what you want from what others project onto you Find us here: Digital Resources: Therackycunninghamcollective.com Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Authenticity, Identity, And The Masks We Wear - What Is The Real Us? Weekend Edition #52	28 Mar 2026	00:34:13
What does it actually mean to “be yourself”? In this Weekend Edition, we explore the idea that much of modern life requires us to perform, at work, in relationships, and even with ourselves. From workplace behaviour to parenting to relationships, we explore the tension between authenticity and performance, and whether “being yourself” is actually useful advice at all. This episode examines: The concept of authenticity and whether it’s achievable The role of “masks” in professional and personal life How self-awareness changes the way we show up Why pretending isn’t always dishonest — and can sometimes be necessary A deep discussion on identity, behaviour, and the choices we make about how we present ourselves to the world. In Short: 00:00 Weekend Edition — no structure, real conversation 02:30 The problem with “being yourself” 07:10 Why everyone is pretending (all the time) 12:40 The idea of “masks” in work and life 18:20 Knowing yourself vs performing 25:00 Parenting, roles, and authenticity 32:10 Can you be fully authentic anywhere? 38:00 Conscious behaviour vs fake behaviour 45:00 The risk of becoming only a role 50:00 Meaning of life — do you choose it? Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Australia Is Rich… So Why Does It Feel Broke, And Why Working Hard Isn’t Enough Anymore: Loyalty, Promotion & The Modern Workplace #51	23 Mar 2026	00:55:44
In this episode we discuss Australia’s economic reality, rich country, but in managed decline. Also traditional career advice tells us to work hard, stay loyal, and success will follow, but in today’s environment, that model is increasingly outdated. We discuss what actually drives career progression, from the limits of competence alone to the importance of communication, positioning, and strategic growth. We also examine whether loyalty still holds value in modern work, and how broader economic pressures are shaping the experience of individuals in high income countries like Australia. In Short: Why being “good at your job” isn’t enough anymore The real reason promotions go to other people How to communicate your value (without sounding fake) Why loyalty in the workplace has fundamentally changed The hidden risks of staying too long in one companyAustralia’s economic reality, rich country, declining feeling The mindset shift from negativity → control Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcastLaura Insta: @laura.rackyLaura Tiktok: @laurarackyChristian Insta: @leaderbiltacademyChristian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Australian Fuel Shortages, Reaction To Melbourne Bathrooom Crime Court Decision, AI Layoffs, Personal Style and Deep Conversations - Weekend Edition #50	15 Mar 2026	00:47:09
This HEAVY Weekend Edition moves from energy security to tech layoffs to the justice system, and what all three reveal about how modern institutions actually behave. We start with Australia’s fuel situation and the strategic risk of relying on imported fuel while holding limited domestic reserves. Then we look at the growing wave of tech layoffs and ask whether AI is genuinely transforming productivity or simply providing cover for companies to reduce headcount after years of over-hiring. The conversation then turns to a controversial court decision involving a man who secretly photographed women in bathrooms but avoided a conviction. The case sparks a broader discussion about justice, accountability and whether the system is sending the right signals. We finish with a lighter discussion on personal style, confidence, and why some of the most interesting conversations in life begin when you stop asking small talk questions and start asking real ones. In short: Australia’s reliance on imported refined fuel and the risks of limited domestic reserves Why fuel storage and supply chains matter for national resilience The growing wave of tech layoffs across companies like Atlassian, Block, WiseTech and Amazon Whether AI productivity gains are real or simply being used to justify workforce reductions The tension between corporate profit obligations and social responsibility A controversial court decision involving secret photos taken in women’s bathrooms The broader debate about justice, deterrence, and public confidence in the legal system Why people are increasingly frustrated with institutions that appear disconnected from everyday reality Personal style and the importance of letting go of the fear of looking different Why the most interesting conversations start when you move beyond small talk Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	#49 Projection, Gaslighting and White-Anting: The Workplace Traps That Wreck Careers	13 Mar 2026	00:57:07
In this episode, we break down some of the most dangerous behaviours to spot in the workplace and why they matter more than most people realise. We talk about projection, gaslighting, white-anting, and the subtle ways people shape perception, undermine others, and shift accountability. There is also the bigger point that none of this matters if you are not willing to look hard at your own behaviour first, which leads to self-awareness, reaction patterns, bias, insecurity, and why learning to understand your own thought process may be one of the most valuable skills you can build. In short: How projection shows up in the workplace and what it reveals about insecurity Why people often attack, criticise, or overcompensate when they feel vulnerable A practical discussion on gaslighting, distorted narratives, and how to protect yourself with facts Why keeping receipts matters when someone is trying to rewrite events or undermine you What white-anting looks like and how subtle reputation attacks happen behind the scenes How to spot changes in behaviour around you that may signal someone is quietly damaging your credibility Why excellent work and strong self-discipline make it harder for these tactics to stick The danger of blaming everything external without examining your own role first How bias, insecurity, and old patterns shape reactions more than most people realise Why learning to watch your own thought process can change your work and your life Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Iran, Energy Security, And The Best Leadership Lessons We’ve Learned	08 Mar 2026	00:32:25
In this Weekend Edition, we start with the rapidly unfolding situation in Iran and what it could mean for global stability, oil prices, and Australia’s energy security. We talk through the strategic risks, why prolonged conflict would hurt everyone, and why Australia may be far less prepared than people realise. Then we shift gears into a much more positive conversation about leadership. We reflect on the smartest people and the lessons that stayed with us. From relationship-building and strategic patience to detaching ego from business success and never losing your sense of curiosity, this is a practical conversation about what real leadership looks like when you see it up close. In short What’s happening in Iran and why control of the airspace changes the strategic picture quickly Why a prolonged conflict could trigger major oil price shocks and global economic consequences Australia’s energy security problem and why relying on imported fuel and supply chains creates risk Why governments often focus on visible political wins rather than difficult long-term infrastructure and security planning Leadership lessons from exceptional operators we’ve worked with across different industries Why strong client relationships and genuine personal connection matter just as much as technical skill The importance of clearly demonstrating value in professional services, especially when billing significant amounts How the best leaders separate ego from business success and focus on performance rather than personal profile The power of strategic thinking and why some of the best decisions are made with a 10 or 20 year horizon Small comments from smart people that can permanently change how you think about work, balance, and priorities A final reminder from Morgan Freeman’s advice: stay curious, keep moving, and never “let the old man in” Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	#47 Kyle And Jackie O Reactions, Bullying, Work Performance Reviews Advice, Australia's Lost Economic Decade	06 Mar 2026	00:56:27
Ep 47! This starts with the Kyle and Jackie O media controversy and turns into something much bigger. We tackle the grey zone between bullying and adult behaviour, why identity makes people cling to roles, and why modern culture has become allergic to nuance. Then we get practical on performance reviews, promotion strategy, and how to build leverage long before the meeting starts. We close with a direct look at Australia’s economy and a lost economic decade, extractive behaviour by rent seekers, and increasingly disconnected from real growth. Some tricky stuff. In short: A conversation about Kyle and Jackie O becomes a deeper discussion on bullying, adult responsibility, and public expectations We ask whether the same standards should apply to a teenager in a café and a multimillion-dollar media figure at the top of their game We work through power dynamics, resilience, misogyny, disappointment, and why these questions are harder than they first appear We also talk about the loss of nuance in modern discussion and why so many people now treat disagreement as danger Then we move into performance reviews and explain why high performers need to prepare months in advance, not days We break down how to track your value, tie your work to outcomes, define what you want next, and negotiate from evidence instead of emotion We also cover what good leaders should do differently when managing reviews, expectations, and development pathways To finish, we take on Australia’s economic drift, stagnant productivity, rising cost pressures, and why the country increasingly feels built around rent-seeking instead of energy, growth, and ambition Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Iran Analysis, AI Layoffs, and the Mental Load Nobody Sees - LJS Weekend Edition	02 Mar 2026	00:32:21
A new format - Let's Just Start Weekend Edition. Shorter episode on the biggest stories and what they mean for real life. In this episode we cover: Iran and analysis on why intervention, strategy, and regime change are never clean What the real drivers might be, beyond the public narrative Block cutting 4,000 jobs and why “AI” is a powerful headline The reality of visibility at work and the risk of being outside the decision circle Blue Jobs Pink Jobs and the system we use to split household admin fairly The mental load, invisible work, and how resentment builds when roles are unclear What’s next, performance reviews, pay rises, and setting your team up to win If you want the Blue Jobs Pink Jobs pamphlet, it’s on the Racky Cunningham Collective website. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	#45 How To Leave A Job Without Burning A Bridge, 3 Marriage Agreements (Before It's Too Late), Mass Sackings in SaaS, Guilt, Loyalty, And Reputation.	28 Feb 2026	00:55:08
Some challenging stuff in Ep 45. Leaving a job without burning a bridge, one of the most confronting and important skills in professional life. We also talk about mass SaaS layoffs (WiseTech), tariffs, our 3 marriage agreements, guilt, loyalty, reputation, it's all there... In short: How to resign and move on without torching relationships. Laura explains why leaving can feel personal, especially when you feel loyalty to leaders who invested in you, and why employment is still a transaction at the core. We cover how to protect your reputation, work your notice properly, and leave with goodwill and clean handover notes, even if you are frustrated. Values, parenting standards, partnership alignment, and conscious trade-offs come before any “should I take the promotion?” moment. We close with the three agreements that changed our trajectory, truth pact, kids first, and yes to everything always. Also included, a short discussion on tariffs and a layoff story being linked to AI. Packed. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	#44 NEW STUDIO, Leadership Tips For Great Doers, Fasting And Autophagy, Making Big Career Leaps, Psychological Biases, Balancing Ambition And Gratitude	20 Feb 2026	00:46:58
NEW STUDIO! Fun. We jump straight into three big buckets: health, developing people for 'great doers', and the psychological biases that quietly steer decisions at work. In no particular order: Fasting explained properly, not as a fad, but as a tool that needs context, timing, and discipline Autophagy in plain English, why the body starts recycling damaged cells, and why inflammation can drop when you tighten the edges The performance downside of fasting if you train hard, work hard, and run on empty without planning Low calorie dieting and online aesthetics, why ultra thin bodies often come with a huge cognitive and lifestyle cost New leader development, why being a great doer is not the same as being a great manager A simple training method for small teams, pick three or four themes, do short daily reps, real scenarios Delegation, training for the work you want to hand over, not just throwing people in• How juniors can learn faster, reduce friction and speed run development Biases that drive workplaces, highest paid opinion wins, action versus inaction cultures, social proof, sunk cost traps, halo effect The ambition and contentment tension, how to enjoy the now while still chasing the next prize without guilt or manipulation Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	5 Phrases That INSTANTLY Increase Your Authority at Work + Dealing with Bully Bosses	15 Feb 2026	00:25:38
In the final (probably) of the summer series, this is an excerpt from episode 27 focusing on two serious situations - increasing your authority at work, and dealing with bully bosses in the workplace. The phrases that build (or weaken) authority Confidence vs arrogance in leadership communication Handling “what about” people in meetings Creating ownership instead of issuing commands Protecting yourself from toxic behaviour at work Setting boundaries without escalating conflict Planning your exit from unhealthy environments These 5 MAGICAL statements will instantly lift your authority in the room: “Here’s what I recommend.” “I’ll take responsibility for that — leave it with me.” “That’s a fair point — what do you recommend?” “Let’s focus on what we can control.” “Do you believe you can deliver X by Y date?” We then tackle a tougher reality: how to deal with an aggressive or bullying manager when you can’t just walk away. This is a grounded conversation about reality, protecting your confidence, setting boundaries, detaching from toxic behaviour, and building an exit strategy without pretending the situation is simple. If you’ve ever struggled to be heard, felt your authority slipping, or needed practical ways to navigate difficult workplace relationships, this episode gives you tools you can use immediately. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Radical Self-Accountability - How To Get Out Of The Matrix	08 Feb 2026	00:36:19
In this episode, we tackle radical self-accountability, not as self-blame, but as an approach that can totally change your life. Even when something isn’t your fault, your reaction is still your responsibility. And when something is partly your fault (choices, omissions, patterns), refusing to face it stops you from learning the lessons it offers. This is an entirely new way to view the world, and it's not for everyone. The key question when something goes wrong: “What did I contribute… and should I have seen this coming?” Why accountability isn’t self-flagellation (and why “I’m the worst” is just another escape) How “you teach people how to treat you” plays out at work, at home, and in relationships Why victimhood is seductive and how social media can reward grievance until it becomes an identity The difference between truth and toxic perfectionism: owning reality while keeping compassion Why the worst lie is the one you tell yourself and how inner/outer “misalignment” fuels anxiety The “Matrix choice”: short-term comfort vs long-term freedom Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	The 4 Hard Parts of Senior Leadership No One Tells You About - But We Will	01 Feb 2026	00:06:59
This segment from Ep 17 runs through the 4 Hard Parts Of Senior Leadership No One Tells You About. But we will. There are parts of senior leadership that almost no one prepares you for, especially once real P&L responsibility lands on your desk. In this episode, we break down four hard truths about very senior leadership that most people only learn the painful way. First: you will always regret not acting on poor performance sooner. Leaders don’t fail by being too decisive, they fail by letting underperformance drift, damaging morale and driving away their best people. Second: the higher you go, the worse the information gets. Senior leaders are forced to make consequential decisions with incomplete, imperfect, and often late data. At the top, waiting for certainty is usually more dangerous than making a call. Third: you must model the standards you expect of others. Culture is set by behaviour, not policy. If you tolerate things in yourself that you wouldn’t accept in your team, the organisation will follow your lead, whether you like it or not. Finally: if you want to keep moving up, you must aggressively succession plan. The paradox of senior leadership is that the more replaceable you are, the more valuable you become. This is a grounded, honest conversation about what leadership actually demands when the stakes are real. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	How to Climb the Corporate Ladder (Without Selling Your Soul) - Guaranteed Success In The Corporate Game*	25 Jan 2026	00:23:03
This segment from Ep 19 lays out a 12-step, values-intact roadmap to corporate success, not the Machiavellian version, but the version that actually works long-term. The framework starts with radical humility. Early in your career you know nothing, so your job is to learn, observe, volunteer, and absorb everything. From there, it moves into building relationships, finding mentors and sponsors, and setting crystal clear expectations every time you step into a new role. As your career progresses, the focus shifts to obsession with clients and customers, delegating early, developing your team so you can be replaced, and deliberately taking on hard, unwanted problems, but only with the right mandate and expectations. At senior levels, the game becomes more explicit, advocating for yourself professionally, putting pressure on for advancement, documenting everything, telling the truth, keeping promises, and learning to communicate differently with teams, peers, executives, and clients. The final anchor is values. Once you know what you stand for, you never bend them. If a role or organisation forces you to compromise them, you leave, because the cost of staying is always higher. Follow these 12 steps at any stage of your career and you dramatically increase your odds of corporate success, while also building skills that protect you if you ever choose to leave and build something of your own. The 12 Steps to Climbing the Corporate Ladder Start by shutting up and learning how to show up You don’t know anything yet. Work hard, listen, follow people around, ask questions, volunteer, and absorb everything. Do extra. Volunteer. Build relationships. Chase learning Do the jobs no one wants. Ask for help. Learn two or three things from everyone around you. Identify a mentor Learn from someone ahead of you. Earn respect first. Advocacy comes later, quietly and powerfully. When promoted, define what success actually looks like Ask: “Twelve months from now, what does success look like? ”Get the measures. Get alignment. Don’t meander. Obsess over customers and clients Learn why they buy, why they leave, what they value, and why competitors win. Become irreplaceable. Delegate early and build people who can replace you Train your team. Grow their careers. If no one can replace you, you won’t move. Find a problem no one wants to touch — and take it on with a mandate Big, ugly, career-defining problems. Set expectations properly. Fix it or move it forward. Apply professional pressure for advancement Don’t wait to be noticed. Signal your ambition early. Put timelines around progress — calmly and tactically. Document everything — keep the receipts Agreements, timelines, expectations. The truth in writing protects you from politics. Tell the truth and keep your promises Don’t overpromise. Be clear about limits. Say what you can and can’t do — and mean it. Learn to communicate properly Up, down, and sideways, customer, client, all different communication styles. Never bend your values Once you know them, don’t compromise. If the role eats your soul, leave. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co *Success not actually guaranteed
	What Happens When You Set High Personal Standards In A World That Increasingly Rewards Mediocrity?	21 Jan 2026	00:20:46
This segment from Ep 18 was very popular. What happens when you set high personal standards in a world that increasingly rewards mediocrity. The discussion moves from “high performers at work” into something deeper. What message do you send yourself when you lower your standards to match those around you, at work, in relationships, or in everyday life? Using real examples, we tackle how constant exposure to low effort, poor incentives, and equal treatment regardless of output can slowly erode character. Not through one big decision, but through quiet, unconscious compromises over time. Also: Why high performers often feel punished, ignored, or drained Why most organisations are not actually designed for elite performers The danger of letting the bottom 10% dictate culture How leaders lose their best people by tolerating low standards The personal cost of “doing less” just to survive an environment Why values are something you hold for yourself, not impose on others The central question is simple but uncomfortable: Would you rather take hits while living in alignment with your values, or lower yourself to avoid friction—and slowly lose respect for who you are? We'll be back in 2026, for now we're releasing the best of. :) Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	The Work Life Myth + Nice Girls Don't Get The Corner Office (Rule 44)	10 Jan 2026	00:15:51
This segment from episode 10 was a popular one. Laura reviewed the book Nice Girls Don't Get The Corner Office by Dr. Lois Frankel about unconscious mistakes women make that sabotage their careers. The lived experience is that women can have it all, just not at all at once, and Laura reflected in this episode on how her perception of parenting and growing career had been jolted by reality. We'll be back in 2026, for now we're releasing the best of. :) Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	#37 4 NON-MEASURABLE Focuses For 2026, Following Your Instincts, Social Media Ban, Manifesting And Making Promises To Yourself And Others	04 Jan 2026	00:49:44
In this episode, Christian and Laura deal with one of the most controversial Australian policy debates: the under-16 social media ban. We agree that social platforms can be addictive and damaging for teenagers but argue the proposed ban is a blunt instrument that creates bigger downstream risks: privacy trade-offs, government overreach into parenting decisions, and the predictable “workaround economy” that pushes behaviour underground rather than improving outcomes. We also delve into FOLLOWING YOUR INSTINCTS and not not letting yourself be talked into / out of something because of fear or stress (Including by ourselves). We then lay out 4 THINGS YOU CAN NOT MEASURE in 2026, mindset framework built around non-measurable focus areas: separating busyness from progress, making fewer promises, filtering opinions through evidence and incentives, and a grounded approach to manifesting that’s really about clarity + daily action. We also covered Elvira, privacy, bad policy, incentives, and all the usual fun stuff. Key topics: The harm is real; the policy design is the problem. Blanket bans often shift behaviour underground Privacy costs matter: age verification can create new risks. "Ick” feelings should be listened to. Big life choices need time to separate instinct from fear. The busyness cycle is a trap. Touch some grass. Evidence beats vibes, especially when opinions provoke emotion. Manifesting works best as intention + action Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Dopamine Hack For 2026 - Laura Racky's Dopamine Playbook	30 Dec 2025	00:27:25
This segment from Episode 5 on Laura Racky's Dopamine Playbook was EXTREMELY popular. Laura took the risk of being very open about her challenges with dopamine, executive dysfunction, and how she has built the structure to mitigate these challenges - albeit it is a battle that is never truly won. Christian and Laura get into this very challenging subject matter, and for many, this could be the magical unlock for 2026 happiness. It's not easy... but it's worth it. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	3 Interview Questions That Will Change Your Team Or Business - Let's Just Start Moments That Matter	28 Dec 2025	00:13:04
3 Interview Questions that will change your team or business. The interview process - when you think about it - is a joke. 30 mins to 2 hours to understand someone enough to have them add to your culture? And for them to know enough about you to commit to yours? Here are three interview questions that can take some of the luck out of the process, and really get to the heart of what people are about, and whether you are for each other. Not just to work together, but to THRIVE. This was from episode 7 and generated a lot of buzz. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	4 Signs You Should QUIT your job immediately - Let's Just Start Moments that Matter	26 Dec 2025	00:07:31
4 Signs you should quit your job was a VERY popular segment from Episode 9 where Christian and Laura went through the key signs it's time to leave your job. On Tiktok this clip had a couple of million views, perhaps at the time a lot of people were unhappy in their jobs. :) Less than 8 minutes, if you see these signs, it's time to find somewhere else. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	#33 Bondi Reactions, Loving Australia Again, Women's Shopping, Intimacy And Truth In Marriage, Christmas And January Slowdowns	21 Dec 2025	00:42:38
This episode of Let's Just Start had a tough segment with Laura and Christian delving into reactions after Bondi. This topic is not for everyone, so please act accordingly. Our love to all effected by this horrendous situation. We discussed having pride in Australia again, after letting ourselves be worn down by naysayers. We also covered the jolt this event has caused, where empty rhetoric and pointless bureaucracy in leadership will soon not be tolerated, and action will fill the space. Truth-telling in relationships, when withholding protects you, when it becomes avoidance, and how it can effect intimacy in these spousal and other relationships. We also covered an IN DEPTH segment on the psychology of women's shopping, where Laura **re-educated Christian in some home truths. Finally, a practical discussion about running a business through the Christmas to January slowdown, recognising seasonal patterns, managing anxiety when things go quiet, and learning when to stop fighting reality. Tricky subject matter, thanks for sticking with us. Find us here:** Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	#32 Dopamine, 5 Things To DOMINATE Your Career In 2026, Negotiation, Telling The Truth, And Protecting Yourself At Work	17 Dec 2025	00:47:19
End of year conversations don't have to be boring, and this one CERTAINLY isn't. In this episode of Let’s Just Start, Laura and Christian talk about what matters heading ending 2025, not resolutions, but compound behaviours. We talk negotiation beyond tactics (what to concede, when leverage matters), reading without pressure, and a bit on dopamine, momentum, and motivation. Christian leads a segment on 5 WAYS TO DOMINATE YOUR CAREER OR BUSINESS IN 2026 and we also cover bias to action, telling the truth, the professional avatar we project, and a bunch of other stuff. Packed. Summary: Negotiation doesn't have to be what you think it does. Reading without guilt, performance, or fake intellectualism. Dopamine, anxiety, momentum, and why you need to think about this. Five ways to DOMINATE in 2026. Setting the industry benchmark instead of chasing approval, you don't actually know what's possible. Why telling the hard truth (to yourself first) changes everything. Managing your professional avatar and why perception still matters. And more. :) Thank you for listening and watching, we love you all. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	#31 6 Uncomfortable Topics People Avoid Saying Out Loud (Or don't like thinking about)	08 Dec 2025	00:57:10
In this episode of Let’s Just Start, Laura and Christian cover a series of uncomfortable topics most people avoid saying out loud. We explore whether kids are born as they are, or shaped by parenting. How much influence do we really have on our kids? Why everyone is secretly making life up as they go, and knowing this is a kind of freedom. (or at least relief) The confronting idea that people are exactly where they choose to be — even when they hate it. Why the word “should” is one of the most dangerous words in modern thinking. And how motherhood fundamentally reshapes identity, ambition, and priorities. A VERY tricky subject. We finish with a deep philosophical turn into uncertainty, science, truth, and why human beings dramatically overestimate how much they actually know about the world. This is a very honest episode about control, responsibility, identity, and the humility required to live well. Thank you for listening and watching, we love you all. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	How To increase Your Salary (LJS Moments That Matter )	03 Dec 2025	00:14:07
Segment from Episode 6: how to negotiate your salary in this LJS Moment That Matters. Getting a really good deal on salary is tricky business, and while some might say 'just leave' to make a big jump, we argue that you can plan ahead at your current employer and make yourself a great deal. Laura and Christian both agree that the negotiation begins WAY before the conversation, and here are some ideas to go about it. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	#29 Bikinis, Invisible Strings, Laura's Systems To Survive, 30 Minute Meetings, Burnout, And How We Actually Met	30 Nov 2025	00:54:07
In today’s episode, we go from bikinis and burnout to organisation, timing, and trust. We break down the “invisible string” that connected our lives for years before we ever met — same streets, same orbits, same people — and some of the freakish signs the Universe sent us that we simply couldn't deny. Laura walks through the exact systems she uses to stay on top of hundreds of inputs a day: • Outlook calendar as the single source of truth • Inbox Zero • Microsoft To Do and her “My Day” list • Rolling WIP tracking • Why every system has a shelf life • How to replace a system when it stops working Christian breaks down the widening gap between private and public wages in Australia — and why this is a sign of economic strain, not strength. Also how to structure 30 MINUTE MEETINGS PEOPLE WILL RAVE ABOUT and actually want to attend. We also cover • How to prep properly for job interviews in a tighter market • Why charisma isn’t enough (especially for women) This one’s emotional, practical, grounded, and surprisingly romantic. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	Is Staff Equity A Good Idea? (LJS Moments That Matter )	25 Nov 2025	00:13:31
In this LJS Moment That Matters, we pull a high-impact conversation from Episode 4: the truth about staff equity. Christian argues for equity as a retention tool and an insurance policy for the founder, Laura breaks down the legal risks, shareholder oppression, and why even tiny shareholders can cause big problems. A sharp, honest look at the decision every growing business eventually faces. Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co
	#27 The 5 Phrases That Make You Instantly More Authoritative, Bully Bosses, Public Speaking & How To Run Meetings People RAVE About	22 Nov 2025	00:56:43
Episode 27 of Let's Just Start Podcast! This episode is about building POWERFUL AUTHORITY through language choices, setting boundaries, and magical meeting structure. We cover: • 5 phrases that instantly lift your authority • Tactics to survive a bully manager when you can’t just quit • Public speaking without the panic spiral • The 30-minute meeting framework that will have people RAVING about attending • And a quick one on 50-year mortgages and why “easy” solutions are rarely free. Thanks all for listening. If you want to work with us or collab you can contact at: letsjustmgmt@gmail.com Find us here: Instagram: @letsjuststartpodcast Tiktok: @letsjuststartpodcast Youtube: @LetsJustStartPodcast Laura Insta: @laura.racky Laura Tiktok: @lauraracky Christian Insta: @leaderbiltacademy Christian Tiktok: @leaderbilt Leadership training and coaching: Leaderbilt.co

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