Made For More

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke welcomes the incredibly insightful and engaging Dr. Kristy Goodwin.

Dr. Kristy shares her fascinating journey from being a teacher to becoming a neuro performance scientist, keynote speaker, researcher, and author. Her work focuses on the impact of technology on the brain and body, particularly in today’s digitally demanding world.

During the conversation, Dr. Kristy opens up about her personal experience with burnout during the pandemic, which led to a severe health crisis. This pivotal moment deepened her understanding of how technology and stress affect not only children but also adults.

She introduces the concept of the “success tax,” highlighting how individuals often sacrifice their physical health, mental well-being, and relationships in the pursuit of success.

The discussion explores the signs of burnout, which include prolonged physical and psychological exhaustion, reduced feelings of efficacy, and increased negativity or cynicism towards work. Dr. Kristy also sheds light on the gender well-being gap, explaining how women frequently experience higher levels of stress due to the digital double burden and societal expectations.

She introduces her Flourishing Formula, which consists of three key pillars:

1. Building Stress Adaptability – Developing stress resilience and reducing micro-stresses.
2. Optimising Focus – Cultivating the ability to control and direct attention in a distracting world.
3. Reframing Recovery – Prioritising rest and recovery to enhance productivity and overall well-being.

Dr. Kristy shares practical strategies such as managing notifications, taking piccolo breaks, and working in alignment with one's chrono type to optimise performance and health. She also emphasises the importance of leaders role-modeling recovery and well-being practices in the workplace.

For those interested in exploring her insights further, Dr. Kristy’s book Digital: We Need to Talk offers valuable strategies for optimising the relationship with technology. She is also active on Instagram and LinkedIn, where she shares the latest research and brain-based protocols.

This episode is packed with actionable insights, offering listeners a deeper understanding of how to navigate technology, stress, and performance in today’s world.

Links and Resources

Dr Kristy Resources HERE

Download the Reflect & Celebrate Workbook here. 

Download the Goal Setting workbook here. 

Connect with Dr Kristy Goodwin

https://drkristygoodwin.com/

Connect with Dr Kristy on LinkedIN

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

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In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke is joined by the first guest of 2025, Michelle Ray, an Australian living in Canada with a rich background in the media industry. Michelle has transitioned into leadership and mentorship roles, focusing on empowering young people through her work with a non-profit organisation.

The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of leadership and how the expectations of the workforce have shifted dramatically in recent years. Michelle emphasises the critical role leaders play in shaping the careers of their team members and highlights the importance of being aware of their influence. Together, Ally and Michelle explore the concept of "Real-Time Leadership," which is about being present and responsive to the immediate needs of both the organisation and its people.

Michelle also shares her insights on managing change, emphasising the importance of understanding the emotional impact of change to gain employee buy-in. The discussion touches on the necessity for leaders to embrace continuous learning and the value of authenticity in leadership.

Looking ahead to 2025, Michelle provides valuable predictions for the workplace, including the growing importance of purpose-driven work, the coexistence of AI and human-centered leadership, and the rising demand for mental health and well-being initiatives. She concludes the conversation by sharing her top five tips for new leaders, emphasising the power of influence, prioritising people, and maintaining an open mindset.

This enlightening episode serves as both an insightful discussion and a call to action for leaders to step up and adapt to the rapidly changing world of work.

Listeners are encouraged to connect with Michelle through her website and LinkedIn and to download her PDF on leadership and workplace predictions for 2025 for additional insights.

Thank you for tuning in to this inspiring episode of Made For More!Timestamps

[00:02:45] Toxic leadership experiences impact careers.

[00:07:05] Real-time leadership understanding.

[00:10:21] Continuous professional development importance.

[00:12:27] Embracing change for success.

[00:18:06] Bold decision-making in leadership.

[00:23:06] Meaning as the new motivation.

[00:27:01] AI and human-centered leadership.

[00:28:44] Leadership starts with you.

[00:32:47] Prioritising your people.

Links and Resources

Michelle's LinkedIN

Michelle's Website

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke speaks with the remarkable Nicole Hatherly, a brand and leadership specialist. The discussion explores the evolution of personal branding, particularly how it has transformed in the digital age. Nicole shares her journey, from her early days in advertising to her current role as a certified professional speaker and brand strategist.

A key highlight of the conversation is Nicole’s assertion that “personal brand is dead” and has been replaced by the concept of a “human brand.” This shift underscores the importance of authenticity and the seamless integration of personal and professional identities. She and Ally discuss how leaders can bring their true selves to work without feeling as though they are boasting or being inauthentic.

Nicole also addresses the common struggle with imposter syndrome, encouraging professionals to recognize their unique value and articulate it effectively. She introduces her 3P Visibility Report—Progress, Planning, and Problems—as a practical tool for tracking achievements and enhancing workplace visibility without the discomfort of self-promotion.

The conversation also delves into the significance of vulnerability in leadership and how it differs from emotional dumping. Nicole provides valuable insights on refining one’s human brand and highlights the role of strategic influence in career progression.

As the episode concludes, she shares her top five tips for emerging leaders, emphasizing the need for visibility, an understanding of perception, and continuous brand evolution. She also offers a free Personal Rebrand Checklist to help listeners reshape their human brand.

Packed with actionable advice and powerful insights, this episode provides invaluable guidance for anyone looking to enhance their leadership presence and embrace authenticity in the professional world.

TimeStamps

[00:02:57] Personal branding evolution.

[00:07:12] Personal branding in leadership.

[00:09:05] Personal brand and professional persona.

[00:13:50] Human brand versus personal brand.

[00:18:32] Authenticity vs. Humility in Leadership.

[00:20:05] Vulnerability vs. emotional dumping.

[00:23:46] Visibility isn't vanity, it's value.

[00:29:30] Casual acquaintances and career progression.

[00:32:36] Articulating your leadership value.

[00:35:21] Visibility is your currency.

[00:00:00] Nick's delightful insights.

Links and Resources

Nicole's LinkedIN

Nicole's Website

Nicole's free Personal Rebrand Checklist: Checklist

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Shownotes

In this episode of the Made for More podcast, Ally Nitschke delves into the critical topic of transformational leadership and strategy activation. Designed for leaders, executives, and anyone responsible for driving significant change within their organisation, this episode offers valuable insights and practical guidance.

Ally explores the concept of strategy activation teams—pivotal groups that breathe life into strategic plans. Too often, strategic initiatives become mere artefacts, filed away and forgotten. Ally discusses how strategy activation teams can prevent this by transforming dusty documents into tangible, actionable results.

The episode introduces the BLAZE Framework (B-L-A-Z-E), a powerful tool designed to turn strategic artefacts into actualised actions. The framework includes:

• Breakthrough Vision: Setting ambitious goals and a compelling vision that energises the team.
• Leadership Leverage: Enhancing delegation and empowerment within the leadership team.
• Action Alignment: Ensuring all efforts and resources are strategically aligned with key objectives.
• Zone of Genius: Focusing on team members' strengths to boost productivity and efficiency.
• Execution Excellence: Maintaining high levels of accountability for consistent progress.

Ally emphasises the importance of alignment at the top, which influences execution at every level. Cohesive, clear, and courageous strategy activation teams have the power to drive significant results, while misaligned teams can stall progress.

Drawing on extensive experience working with a range of clients, Ally highlights the essential roles of communication, leadership development, and maintaining a regular cadence. She also stresses the need for a holistic approach to leadership transformation—one that considers mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

To conclude, Ally encourages listeners to evaluate their strategy activation teams, ensuring they are aligned, empowered, and supported with the right tools and resources. For those seeking further support, she offers services in leadership development, communication mastery, and strategy activation.

Thank you for tuning in. Remember, you were made for more, and sometimes the right partner is all you need to unlock your full potential. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your network and stay tuned for more insights on transformational leadership.

Timestamps

[00:01:13] Strategy activation teams.

[00:04:18] Blaze Framework for Strategy Activation.

[00:09:18] Holistic leadership transformation.

[00:13:58] Whack-A-Mole in business strategy.

[00:15:55] Leadership confidence and accountability.

[00:18:36] Leadership development and communication mastery.

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Work with Ally - https://www.madeformore.com.au/courageous-strategy

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Book a time to meet with Ally -

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke welcomes the incredible Maz Farrelly, a seasoned TV producer turned keynote speaker and trainer. Maz shares her fascinating journey from a unique educational background to a successful career in television across Australia, London, and LA.

The conversation explores Maz’s transition from television to public speaking, where she discovered her passion for helping professionals become more interesting and engaging. She emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace and shares her unique approach to capturing attention with memorable one-liners, such as the unforgettable "I fix dicks" from a mental health professional.

Throughout the discussion, Maz highlights the significance of authenticity, kindness, and humor in leadership. She encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and control their narratives, reinforcing the idea that being interesting isn’t about being the loudest in the room but rather about being genuine and impactful.

Maz also provides valuable insights for new leaders, including the importance of having a personal code of conduct, the power of laughter, and the necessity of kindness in the workplace. Her passion for helping others shine is evident, leaving listeners inspired by her commitment to making the world a more connected and engaging place.

For those interested in learning more about Maz and her work, she will soon be launching her new website, Maz Speaks Global, and remains active on LinkedIn. This episode offers practical insights and inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their presence and influence.

Timestamps

[00:02:51] Transition from TV to speaking.

[00:06:15] Finding your true talent.

[00:09:31] How to be more interesting.

[00:12:50] Importance of being interesting.

[00:15:34] Controlling the narrative as a leader.

[00:19:14] Memorable versus interesting communication.

[00:26:23] Being interesting without being loud.

[00:29:35] The importance of human connection.

[00:32:07] Leadership and kindness in action.

[00:35:39] Kindness as a competitive advantage.

[00:39:01] The effort of podcasting.

Links and Resources

Download the Reflect & Celebrate Workbook here. 

Download the Goal Setting workbook here. 

Connect with Maz Farrelly

https://www.mazspeaks.com

Connect with Maz on LinkedIn

Connect with Maz on Instagram

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook

Subscribe to my YouTube channel