In this special Global Women Voices edition of the Humanising Business Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Deidre Payne, founder and CEO of Fabulous Coaching, Training, and Productions.

This isn't just about motivation or mindset. It's about what happens when life takes everything and you choose to build something from what's left.

Dr. Payne brought her full story to this conversation. Losing her father, experiencing memory loss in 2022, and finding her way back through gratitude and positivity as daily, non-negotiable practices. Not as buzzwords. As survival tools that became a philosophy.

We went into what resilience actually looks like when it is lived, not just spoken about on a stage, and why women in business are often the last ones to give themselves the care they so freely give to everyone else.

This conversation stayed with me. It is for the woman who keeps going. The one who needs a reminder that growth and hope are not accidental. They are practiced.

We explored what it means to choose positivity when life gives you every reason not to, why gratitude is the practice that actually moves the needle, and how Dr. Payne is taking this message to women's conferences around the world.

You'll learn:

• How Dr. Payne rebuilt her life after losing her father and experiencing memory loss in 2022
• Why positivity brings hope while gratitude creates growth
• The daily gratitude journaling practice that changed everything
• Why women in business struggle to prioritise themselves and what to do about it
• What it looks like to practice gratitude consistently for a full year
• How Dr. Payne is sharing her message of resilience through global speaking and women's conferences
• How to connect with Dr. Payne if you want her to speak at your next event

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michele LaFemina has 26 years of personal recovery and is now the Clinical Director of Pathways Treatment Center, a private insurance facility she helped open in April 2024 that is doing what the industry keeps saying can't be done. In this episode, I sat with Michele, and we talked about the thread between spiritual gifts and addiction, her work as a psychic healer sitting right alongside peer-reviewed research, and what it actually means to lead a treatment model when you have lived the thing you are treating. She is building a second facility called Pegasus for 100 clients, and she is just getting started. This conversation stayed with me.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this insightful episode of Humanising Business, Kiani Mills is joined by Jarred, founder of Dot & Crossed Conveyancing, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, technology, and the future of professional services.

After beginning his career in large corporate law firms in London, Jarred shares how a desire for greater impact, autonomy, and connection led him to build a conveyancing business focused on delivering a genuinely human experience during one of life's most significant milestones: buying a home.

Together, they explore the realities of growing a service-based business, the opportunities and challenges of acquisitions, and how technology is reshaping industries that have traditionally relied on manual processes. While artificial intelligence continues to transform the way businesses operate, Jarred explains why trust, relationships, and human connection remain irreplaceable.

From scaling teams and building culture to navigating industry change and maintaining customer focus, this episode offers valuable insights for business owners, leaders, and anyone seeking to create a company that grows without losing its humanity.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that while systems and technology can create efficiency, sustainable success is ultimately built on people, trust, and meaningful relationships.

You'll learn:

• How customer experience can become a competitive advantage in traditional industries
• The opportunities and limitations of AI within professional services
• Why human connection remains critical in an increasingly automated world
• How culture influences team performance and client outcomes
• The role of leadership during periods of rapid growth and change
• Why trust is one of the most valuable assets a business can build
• How to create a brand that people remember and recommend

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special first episode of Humanising Business & Life, Kiani Mills is joined by Becc Hannan to introduce a new chapter of the podcast, one that goes beyond business and into the realities of life behind it.

This isn’t just about strategy, success, or growth. It’s about the human experience that sits underneath it all.

Together, Kiani and Becc open up a space for honest, unfiltered conversations around what it really looks like to build a business while navigating relationships, identity, pressure, emotions, and personal growth in real time.

This episode sets the foundation for the series, a place where nothing is off limits. Where conversations aren’t polished or perfect, but real, reflective, and deeply human.

They explore the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to be seen, heard, and understood, and why so many of us feel disconnected despite appearing successful on the outside.

From self-awareness and emotional honesty to the realities of balancing ambition with life, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what actually matters.

This series is for anyone building something a business, a life, and wanting to do it in a way that feels aligned, honest, and human.

You’ll learn:

• Why business and life cannot be separated, no matter how hard we try

• The importance of creating space for honest, unfiltered conversations

• How pressure, expectations, and identity shape our decisions

• Why so many people feel disconnected despite external success

• The role of self-awareness in navigating both business and life

• How vulnerability builds stronger relationships and deeper connection

• Why slowing down can create more clarity than constantly pushing forward

• The importance of feeling seen, heard, and understood

• How to navigate growth while staying aligned to who you are

• Why real conversations matter more than perfect ones

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply reflective episode of Humanising Business, Kiani reconnects with Mirza Mahic, a childhood friend whose life journey has spanned war, migration, hardship, brotherhood, entrepreneurship, and profound spiritual growth.

From leaving war-torn Bosnia as a child to rebuilding life in Germany and eventually Australia, Mirza shares how navigating different cultures, languages, and identities shaped his emotional intelligence and adaptability. What could have immobilised him became the foundation of his strength.

Together, they explore the power of embracing both darkness and light within ourselves, the illusion of “saving” others, and the wisdom that comes from allowing each person to walk their own path.

Mirza also shares the evolution of his business, Aluminium Revival, and how passion, mastery of craft, and identifying a gap in the market allowed him and his brother to build a scalable, purpose-driven company rooted in excellence.

This conversation moves beyond business into the heart of what it means to be human, to accept our parents, release blame, guide our children without control, and understand that every challenge carries a gift.

This episode is a reminder that hardship can either harden you or awaken you, and the choice is always yours.

You’ll learn:

• How growing up through war and migration shaped emotional intelligence and adaptability

• The difference between being immobilised by hardship and allowing it to transform you

• Why you cannot “save” anyone, you can only hold their hand in the dark

• The importance of allowing people to walk their own journey

• How embracing both your light and shadow creates true self-acceptance

• Why contrast and polarity are essential for growth

• The power of compassion in parenting, leadership, and relationships

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply honest and empowering episode of She Can Humanise Business, Kiani Mills is joined by LinkedIn expert, former advertising executive, and coach Rachel Lounds for a powerful conversation about identity, burnout, reinvention, and the courage to step fully into yourself.

Rachel shares her journey from a 20-year corporate career in the advertising industry, where she struggled with confidence, imposter syndrome, and toxic workplace environments, to rebuilding her life and business from rock bottom. After experiencing redundancy, burnout, IVF loss, and the breakdown of a relationship all at once, she was forced to confront her identity, worthiness, and the path she truly wanted to take.

Through personal development, coaching, faith, and deep inner work, Rachel rebuilt her confidence and found the courage to show up authentically in the world. She now helps professionals and founders use LinkedIn as a platform to express their voice, build meaningful relationships, and create opportunities aligned with who they truly are.

Together, Kiani and Rachel explore the power of self-belief, authenticity, and connection, and how the relationships we build, both online and offline, can fundamentally change the trajectory of our lives.

This episode is a reminder that your lowest moments can become the foundation for your greatest transformation, and that when you stop trying to fit in and start trusting yourself, entirely new opportunities begin to emerge.

You’ll learn:

• How burnout, redundancy, and personal loss can become catalysts for reinvention

• Why imposter syndrome prevents so many people from stepping into their potential

• How corporate environments can disconnect people from their authentic identity

• The role of self-belief and worthiness in rebuilding confidence and direction

• How LinkedIn can create life-changing relationships and career opportunities

• Why authenticity is the most powerful personal branding strategy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of Humanising Business, Kiani Mills is joined by Jonno McCarthy, founder of Pro-Link Trade Group, community leader, musician, and advocate for service-driven leadership and personal growth.

What begins as a conversation about business quickly unfolds into a deeper exploration of community, identity, purpose, and the responsibility we carry to impact the lives of others. Jonno shares how his journey from apprentice electrician to business owner and charity leader was shaped not just by technical skill, but by culture, connection, and the courage to grow beyond inherited limitations.

Together, they explore the power of networking and community, the importance of treating people as humans rather than transactions, and how meaningful change often begins with simple conversations. Jonno also shares the story behind his involvement in the Rising Sun Charity, supporting veterans living with PTSD, and how music, leadership, and service became vehicles for creating real impact.

From breaking free of self-imposed limitations to redefining masculinity, leadership, and success, this episode is a reminder that true fulfilment comes not from achievement alone, but from contribution, awareness, and choosing growth again and again.

You’ll learn:

• How culture and community shape the success of a business

• Why human connection is the most valuable skill in leadership and entrepreneurship

• How networking expands opportunity, confidence, and personal growth

• The impact of service-driven business on clients, teams, and communities

• Why many people unknowingly live within self-imposed limitations

• How purpose and contribution create deeper fulfilment than success alone

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of Humanising Business with Kiani Mills, Kiani Mills is joined by Wade, founder of the Not Today Derek movement, for a raw and deeply human conversation about mindset, identity, behaviour change, and what really drives lasting transformation in life and business.

Together, they explore the concept of “Derek” – the inner voice of self-doubt, procrastination, fear, and ego – and how naming that voice creates space for awareness, choice, and change. Wade shares how externalising this inner critic helped him interrupt destructive patterns, stack small wins, and rebuild his life after significant personal loss, trauma, and adversity.

From mental health and masculinity to parenting, leadership, business integrity, and nervous system regulation, this episode unpacks how unconscious habits quietly shape our days, our relationships, and our futures. It’s a reminder that success, whether in business or life, is less about motivation and more about awareness, consistency, and choosing differently in small moments.

You’ll learn:

Why naming your inner critic creates power and choice
How “Derek” represents ego, fear, and autopilot behaviour
Why small daily decisions compound into radically different outcomes
How self-awareness interrupts destructive habit loops
The link between identity, behaviour, and long-term change
Why momentum can work for or against you
How unprocessed stress and avoidance impact health, relationships, and leadership
Why simplicity is essential for consistency
The difference between happiness and pride
How values, purpose, and integrity shape sustainable success
Why video must match audio in business and leadership
How controlling your controllables shifts mindset and nervous system state

This episode is for anyone who feels stuck in Groundhog Day, overwhelmed by inner noise, or disconnected from their purpose. Kiani and Wade reveal a simple but powerful truth: that voice in your head isn’t you. And when you learn to recognise it, challenge it, and choose differently, everything can change.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.