In this episode of the Made For More podcast, host Ally Nitschke, is joined by burnout expert and author Sally Clarke. Sally shares her remarkable journey, from her upbringing in South Australia to working as a corporate finance lawyer in Europe, and ultimately transitioning to a more meaningful life in Morocco.

The conversation dives deep into the topic of burnout, which Sally experienced firsthand during her time in a high-pressure law firm. She reflects on the pivotal moment she recognised the signs of burnout and the transformative steps she took to recover, including a life-changing move to Morocco and a reconnection with nature.

Sally offers a powerful reframe of burnout, describing it not as a personal weakness but as a natural response to chronic stress influenced by societal, organisational, and internalised cultural pressures. She highlights the importance of self-knowledge, self-awareness, and self-compassion in both preventing and recovering from burnout.

Throughout the episode, Sally and Ally explore generational shifts in attitudes towards work and wellbeing. Sally provides valuable insights for leaders seeking to build supportive and engaging workplace cultures, along with practical strategies to recognise and address burnout, both personally and within teams.

Listeners can connect with Sally via LinkedIn or through her website at www.salcla.com. For those who may be experiencing burnout, she encourages reaching out for support and taking proactive steps towards healing and balance.

This episode offers an inspiring and thought-provoking look at how individuals and organisations can better understand, prevent, and respond to burnout in today’s world of work.

00:03:26 - Corporate law career shift.

00:05:36 - Workplace burnout awareness and stigma.

00:09:21 - Burnout causes and prevention.

00:10:23 - Organizational culture and burnout.

00:14:01 - Work contributing to society.

00:19:09 - Burnout among high performers.

00:20:45 - The three selves framework.

00:25:06 - Symptoms of burnout.

00:28:00 - Burnout and self-awareness strategies.

00:30:56 - Leadership and wellbeing strategies.

Connect With Ally Nitschke

Madeformore.com.au

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Connect with Sally Clarke

www.salcla.com

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In this insightful episode of the Made For More podcast, Ally Nitschke is joined by the dynamic and creative Joel McKerrow, a renowned Australian poet, speaker, and creative facilitator. Known fondly as the “red-headed poet guy,” Joel brings a unique blend of creativity, depth, and storytelling expertise to the conversation.

Joel shares his remarkable journey from working in youth and social work to becoming a celebrated spoken word poet and keynote speaker. He opens the episode with a compelling poetic introduction that immediately sets the tone for a rich, thought-provoking dialogue.

Throughout the conversation, Joel explores the transformative power of storytelling in leadership, asserting that all human behaviour is shaped by the stories we tell ourselves and those around us. He underscores the critical importance of listening as a foundational skill for effective leadership.

Joel and Ally also delve into the role of creativity in leadership, with Joel cautioning against an over-dependence on artificial intelligence for creative tasks. He champions the value of facing the blank page, embracing the discomfort of self-confrontation, and finding authentic expression through creativity.

Offering practical takeaways, Joel encourages leaders to engage in inner work, excavate their personal stories, and empower others to reframe and articulate their own. His passion for storytelling as a tool for connection, engagement, and transformation is evident throughout the discussion.

Listeners interested in Joel’s work can connect with him via LinkedIn, Instagram, or explore further resources on joelmckerrow.com.

A heartfelt thank you to Joel McKerrow for sharing his wisdom, poetic brilliance, and deep insight into how creativity and storytelling can elevate leadership and drive meaningful change.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Joel McKerrow

00:00:40 - Joel's Unique Approach to Poetry

00:01:01 - The Invitation of the Present Moment

00:02:31 - Host's Reaction to Joel's Poetry

00:03:01 - Joel's Background and Journey

00:04:04 - Transition from Social Work to Poetry

00:05:09 - Impact of Poetry on Transformation

00:06:03 - Combining Poetry with Leadership

00:07:03 - The Power of Story in Leadership

00:08:07 - Stories Shaping Human Behavior

00:09:10 - Organizational Stories and Culture

00:10:03 - Applied Narrative Intelligence

00:11:05 - Internal Stories and Self-Growth

00:12:03 - Importance of Listening

00:13:07 - Listening to Deeper Stories

00:14:10 - Plot vs. Story in Human Experience

00:15:02 - Internal Listening and Self-Reflection

00:16:05 - Quality of Presence in Relationships

00:17:12 - Practical Tips for Better Listening

00:18:15 - Intentional Presence and Deep Listening

00:19:09 - Joel's Practice of Writing Weekly Poems

00:20:25 - The Impact of Personalized Poems

00:21:07 - Listening for Meta and Metaphor

00:22:00 - Using Metaphor to Convey Depth

00:23:06 - Metaphor in Organizational Vision

00:24:04 - Shared Experience through Metaphor

00:25:06 - Storytelling for Team Engagement

00:26:00 - Visionary Leadership and Storytelling

00:27:00 - Real-Life Stories in Vision Casting

00:28:03 - Example of Sean Askinosie's Story

00:29:01 - Transformational Power of Dark Stories

00:30:03 - Joseph Campbell's Cave Metaphor

00:31:07 - Authenticity in Leadership Stories

00:32:04 - AI and Creativity in Leadership

00:33:04 - The Risk of Over-Reliance on AI

00:34:07 - Facing the Blank Page and Fear

00:35:01 - The Importance of Creative Muscles

00:36:04 - Authentic Human Stories for Impact

00:37:09 - Unique...

Show Notes

Welcome to the Made For More podcast. In this episode, Ally Nitschke shares a recap of her action-packed May, which included extensive travel and client engagements. She also announces some exciting news: her team has been named finalists in five categories for the prestigious ROAR Awards, celebrating excellence in small business across Australia. This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of both her team and her incredible clients.

The core theme of this episode is “the art of being uncomfortable” and why discomfort is essential for leadership growth. Drawing on her unique background, including her early years as a professional ballet dancer, Ally explores how embracing discomfort can fuel both personal and professional development. She reframes discomfort not as a red flag, but as evidence of trying something new, courageous, and transformative.

Listeners will walk away with practical tools for reframing discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Ally offers advice on starting small, consistently stretching beyond what feels familiar, and building a network of support to help navigate uncomfortable moments.

She also shares a personal story from her ballet career, one that required deep courage and mental fortitude to perform a physically demanding jump... Highlighting the power of mindset in overcoming challenges.

To close, Ally invites listeners to reflect on one area in their life where they can lean into discomfort and take a bold step forward. Because, as she reminds us, real growth happens at the edge of our comfort zone.

Tune in and be inspired to take your next bold leap.

Timestamps

[00:01:05] Five categories finalist excitement.

[00:04:28] The art of being uncomfortable.

[00:09:37] Failure as feedback.

[00:12:40] Growth through discomfort.

[00:15:34] Embracing discomfort in leadership.

[00:19:40] Leaning into discomfort for growth.

Links

Breakfast Roadshow - www.madeformore.com.au/events

Connect

Connect with Ally on LinkedIN, YouTube,

Subscribe to Weekly tips and Practical Advice.

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

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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