In this episode of the Mentor Collective podcast, host Christopher Matthews sits down with Heather Black, a pioneer in leveraging technology to amplify social enterprises.

Heather shares her journey to running a successful social enterprise, Supermums, that aids women in accelerating their careers within the Salesforce ecosystem. The conversation touches on her early realisation of the power of blending business acumen with social missions, her experience navigating the complexities of social enterprise structures, and her achievements in scaling social impacts through technological integration.

The conversation emphasises the significant role social enterprises play in marrying profit-driven models with social impact, using Heather Black's career journey and the formation of Supermums as a case study. It highlights the crucial role of technology, specifically the adoption of Salesforce, in amplifying the reach and efficiency of social enterprises.

By illustrating both the benefits and challenges of leveraging technology for community betterment, Heather shows us a balanced view. Furthermore, it offers practical advice to aspiring social entrepreneurs on the importance of technology, investment, clear social objectives, and open communication for fostering sustainable growth and achieving long-lasting social impact.

On this episode I was joined by Trevor Alexander, Product Manager in the Field Service and Tech space. Navigating significant shifts in his life and career, Trev brings to the table an unguarded look into the reality of embracing change, pursuing passions, and the art of balancing work, life, and mental health.

Our discussion meanders through Trev's personal and professional experiences. From his decision to leave an employer he'd been with for years to his thoughts on parenting in the age of digital technology, Trev's story is a compelling narrative of growth, self-discovery, and resilience.

Hear Trev's honest reflection on the impact of mental health on career paths, the importance of professional support, and how personal challenges can deeply influence professional journeys. His take on parenting amidst technology's rise, advocating for active engagement over passive consumption, adds a thought-provoking dimension to the conversation.

Moreover, Trev's passion for music and its role as a catalyst for emotion and memory will strike a chord with many. His personal insights into mentorship and leadership reveal a leadership style rooted in trust, empowerment, and understanding, offering a fresh perspective on guiding others.

As the episode unfolds, Trev's reflections are an open invitation for listeners to contemplate their priorities, the essence of self-care, and the pursuit of happiness. His journey, marked by thoughtful introspection and a relentless pursuit of fulfilment, serves as a beacon for anyone navigating the complexities of life’s unpredictable paths.

In a compelling and wide-ranging conversation on The Mentor Collective podcast, host Chris Matthews speaks with seasoned technology expert and leader Bill Butler, exploring an array of topics that span the evolution of his career, his leadership principles, and valuable life insights.

Bill's unexpected entry into the world of technology began by helping organise a high school computer fair—an event that laid the foundation for a lifelong journey through various tech landscapes, from hardware sales during the early PC era to navigating the complexities of enterprise software at SAP. His candid reflection on career choices, early influences, and learning experiences offer a rich tale of personal growth, adaptability, and finding one's place in a rapidly evolving industry.

The podcast delved into Bill's leadership and sales strategies, emphasising the importance of integrity and empathy, the concept of a 'righteous deal,' where Bill’s guiding principle is to genuinely improve his client’s business rather than just closing a sale.

In this podcast, Chris is joined by Lee Mills - CEO of Guiding Edge Group. From beer salesman to Ski Instructor to corporate leader.

Our conversation touched on personal evolution, embracing change, and the essence of authentic leadership. We delved into Lees diverse journey, underscoring moments of adversity and pivotal changes that forged his approach to life and leadership. From overcoming personal and professional challenges to innovating in customer success roles, Lee articulates the importance of self-awareness, transparency, and creating an environment where every voice matters, regardless of one’s title or position.

Lee discusses how leadership is not static but dynamic, requiring a flexible approach that adapts to various scenarios. He advocates for cultivating consistent and repetitive leadership behaviours, aligning with core values to foster trust within teams. How persistence in the face of adversity can lead to personal growth and improved leadership capabilities - ultimately contributing to one's leadership philosophy and success.

In this episode, Chris is joined by Leigh-Anne Nugent for an engaging conversation that spans across themes of career progression, leadership, personal development, and mentorship. Leanne emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, particularly for consultants who must navigate client emotions and deliver results while ensuring their own peace of mind and heart. She also touches upon the freedom and challenges that come with running a consulting business, highlighting the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in one's professional life.

You'll hear about Leanne's transformation in leadership approaches, from her beginnings in a family of self-starters and how it influenced her own style, to her embrace of autonomy while ensuring a shared understanding with teammates. The conversation showcases Leanne's philosophical growth, underscoring that leadership is not confined to job titles but manifests in the capacity to support others in achieving goals.

The podcast encapsulates her belief in nurturing a positive atmosphere through openness, mutual respect, and acknowledging the dynamics of control and influence within team interactions.

In a candid and insightful podcast, Transformation and Project expert Nick Quaife shares his journey from a trainee at Ernst & Young to seasoned leadership roles, underlining the importance of adaptability, decision-making, and empowerment. Drawing from his experiences, Nick emphasises the significance of self-confidence and assertiveness in one's career. He encourages listeners to take control of their career trajectory, as life and success in the field await no one's convenience. Throughout the podcast, Nick reminisces about the mentorship he received, gracefully acknowledging how it shaped his approach to leadership – from managing stakeholder relationships to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for his teams.

In this episode of The Mentor Collective podcast, we dive into a deep and meaningful conversation with guest Penny Townsend. Penny, with her extensive background in leadership functions within the Salesforce ecosystem and a career marked by diverse roles in the tech industry, shares her unconventional career journey. She eloquently discusses the challenges and victories she has encountered, highlighting the fluidity and unpredictability of professional paths. Her narrative, which includes transitioning from the financial services industry to technology and entrepreneurship, sheds light on the importance of adaptability and resilience in one’s career.

The conversation also ventures into the realm of work-life balance and the dynamics of the modern workplace. Penny offers her perspective on the often misconstrued concept of busyness as a measure of worth and success. She critiques the culture of performative busyness that pervades some organisations, suggesting that it often masks a lack of real purpose and fulfilment. The dialogue further explores the nuances of feminist perspectives in the workplace, touching upon the complexities of women supporting each other in professional environments. This podcast episode stands out for its honest and reflective examination of the challenges faced in balancing personal aspirations with professional demands.