In this episode of Defining Boundaries, Peta Cox sits down with Rebecca Formanek, a Category A Hydrographic Surveyor and offshore professional, to talk honestly about building a career guided by curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to the ocean.

From growing up on the NSW South Coast to mapping the seafloor on research vessels across Australia, the United States, Europe, and the Pacific, Rebecca shares her unconventional journey into hydrographic surveying. The conversation explores life offshore, the realities of working in high-pressure and remote environments, and the challenges of navigating a non-linear career path in a highly specialised field.

Together, Peta and Rebecca unpack what hydrographic surveyors really do, from multibeam and seafloor mapping to deep-sea and riverine work, while also diving into the human side of the profession. They discuss mental resilience, self-doubt, learning on the job, and the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and staying curious in an industry shaped by rapid technological change.

This episode is an honest and grounded conversation about following what pulls you, backing yourself into unfamiliar spaces, and building a career that doesn’t always follow a straight line.

You can find Rebecca on LinkedIn⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-formanek/⁠

In this episode of Work Worth Doing, Peta Cox sits down with Tam Relia, CPA, financial coach, and founder of Cents & Solutions, to unpack what financial wellbeing really means for business owners, and why understanding your money is about far more than profit.

Tam works with women and small business owners who are passionate about their work but were never taught how to truly understand, manage, or feel confident with their finances. Drawing on over 15 years’ experience across construction, defence, energy, and retail, Tam shares what she sees behind the numbers: stress, burnout, survival mode, and business decisions driven by fear rather than clarity.

Together, Peta and Tam explore financial literacy, mindset, and emotional relationships with money, from cash flow and pricing to paying yourself, building buffers, and creating calm, confidence, and control in business. They discuss why so many capable professionals struggle financially, how poor financial understanding fuels anxiety, and what leaders can do differently to build sustainable, people-centred businesses.

This is an honest, practical conversation for anyone who loves their work but wants their business to feel less stressful, more intentional, and aligned with the life they actually want to live.

You can find Tam on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tam-relia/

In this conversation, Peta Cox interviews Brett Grocock, a Mine Surveyor leader with over 24 years of experience. They discuss Brett's unconventional journey into surveying, the importance of mental health in high-pressure environments, and the significant technological advancements in the industry. Brett shares his experiences working in various locations, including Kalgoorlie and internationally, and emphasizes the value of mentorship and building a strong company culture as he transitioned into entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Brett Grocock shares his journey of building a successful business while prioritizing employee wellbeing and fostering a family-first culture. He discusses the importance of having business acumen, the challenges of mental health in the industry, and the need for resilience. Brett emphasizes the significance of empowering the next generation of surveyors and planning for the future of the business, all while maintaining a sense of humor and camaraderie within the team.