Level Up Leadership Kate Peardon

Join Claire O'Shea on her journey from young dancer to Dance Energy Studios founder, podcast producer, and business mentor. At just 19 she started her first dance studio and in this interview she shares insights on scaling her studio, building the right team, and navigating leadership in the arts. Learn about her transition from dance teacher (the person with the technical skill) to the CEO, leading a number of businesses, being the strategic manager, mastering delegation and balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship.

We loved learning about how Claire's leadership style shapes her studio's culture, even when she's not in the spotlight. Tune in to hear her story.

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Guest Bio - Claire O'Shea
Claire O'Shea is a dynamic entrepreneur and educator in the dance industry, serving as the Founder, Director, and Class Teacher of Dance Energy Studios. With a Bachelor of Education, Claire has developed innovative programs like Petite Performers Preschool Dance, designed for children aged 0-5. She spearheads digital initiatives such as 'Dance on Demand' and mentors aspiring dance educators through the 'Power Up Teacher Training Program.' As host of the "Assemble Dance Studio Coaching Podcast," Claire shares valuable insights with dance studio owners worldwide, while her speaking engagements and coaching sessions inspire growth and success in the industry.


Instagram: @assembledancestudiocoaching @danceenergystudioshttps://assembledancestudiocoaching.com/ www.danceenergystudios.net.au https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/assemble-dance-studio-coaching/id1276431018Find out your personal Leadership Style with the free quiz
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If you've got a problem at work, is it:
a) you
b) other people
c) the environment
d) all of the above.
Have you ever changed jobs, only to find the issue still exists in your new job? This is a definite sign that you thought it was (C - the environment) but it was actually (A - you). 
So how do you figure out the cause of the issue before making big changes? In this episode I use a metaphor from Positive Psychology called the Sailboat (I also referenced this tool in podcast episode #60 with Liz Bradford). 
I talk through the sailboat, a story about my own 'sailboat', what happened when I moved to Paris, and how you can answer the multi-choice question above by listening to the episode.
Here are three key takeaways:
Know Your Sailboat: Just as a captain must understand every aspect of their vessel, effective leadership begins with self-awareness. Identifying your strengths (sails) and weaknesses (leaks), clarifying your values (steering wheel), and setting clear goals (destination) are crucial steps toward navigating your leadership journey successfully.Navigate the Waters: Understanding the dynamics of the environment you operate in (life's domains) is essential. Whether it's adapting to change (weather events) or managing relationships (other boats), recognizing the external factors at play allows for more informed decision-making and effective leadership.Chart Your Course: Leadership is not a solo journey; it's about leading teams toward a common goal. By fostering open dialogue and aligning individual and team objectives, you can create a shared vision and set actionable steps (SMART goals) to propel your organisation forward.If you find yourself seeking a tailored approach to leadership development or team building, reach out to discuss our workshop options. Whether it's a one-off session or a comprehensive leadership program, I'd love to help you unlock your team's full potential and achieve your desired outcomes.
Remember, small changes can lead to significant growth over time. What 1% will you apply from this week's podcast?
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Have you experienced burnout, or know some who has? Today's guest is the remarkable Liz Bradford, a seasoned leader with 20 years of diverse experience, currently serving as the Managing Director of Wholesale Banking at HSBC Asia in Hong Kong and the CEO of Transform Perform. Liz shares candidly about her defining moment in leadership, experiencing burnout not once, but 1.5 times, and the crucial lessons learned from those experiences.
Liz emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort, holding tough conversations, and building resilience, both as an individual leader and within the organizational culture. Our conversation delves into the complexities of driving large-scale transformations, where Liz highlights that 80 percent of successful change is rooted in cultural shifts rather than just technological advancements. 

Our discussion covers the significance of emotional intelligence, transparency, and setting a north star for organizational success. Join us as we explore the human side of leadership, learning from Liz's journey and uncovering actionable strategies for creating resilient and inclusive organizational cultures. It was an honour to hear Liz's valuable perspectives and lessons in this engaging episode.


Guest Bio - Liz Bradford
Transform.Perform  https://www.transformperform.org/Book: Life is shortLiz Bradford LinkedinLiz Bradford has 20 years of diverse leadership experience having worked across three continents and at firms spanning HSBC, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and SWIFT. She is currently the Managing Director of Wholesale Banking at HSBC, Asia (based in Hong Kong) and the CEO of Transform Perform, a platform of coaches and workplace wellbeing and development providers to advise and support businesses building more sustainable employee propositions. Her career has ranged from product management to C-Suite roles driving operational excellence, people engagement and technology transformation across teams of 7,500+ in 14 countries, with oversight of U$bn+ P&Ls. Her passion is employee engagement wellbeing and culture, specifically nurturing healthy, inclusive cultures and tackling toxic ones. 

Examples include: 
- Leadership of employee resource groups representing 48,000 diverse employees across 60 markets globally 
- Design and delivery of female talent development programmes across 14 markets, and 
- Implementation of wellbeing challenges and programmes impacting 5,000+ a year globally. 

Through Transform Perform she delivers coaching programmes and facilitation for the empowerment of employees, to develop high performing teams, and to inspire people managers to step into enterprise leadership. An ICF accredited organisational and executive coach, a qualified personal trainer and a certified wellbeing coach, Liz regularly speaks on the topics of inclusion, female leadership, wellbeing, busting burnout, stress managem
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When challenges arise, the wise prioritise over powering through. Lauren Fraser, founder of Thea Media, challenges the conventional wisdom that toughness is the only answer. Join us as we delve into her entrepreneurial journey—from navigating chronic  fatigue to building a thriving digital marketing agency that values balance and well-being. Lauren's honest account is not just a success story; it's a blueprint for sustainable growth that doesn't sacrifice personal health for professional gain.

Have you ever wondered what the aftermath of a business acquisition looks like from the inside? Lauren Fraser offers a rare glimpse into the delicate dance of team management during these transitions. Her experiences reveal the profound effect leadership can have on a company's culture, as well as the importance of trust and communication within remote and inexperienced teams. As we explore the nuances of her approach to leadership, we also touch on the vital role of solid systems and effective processes in steering a business towards success, especially after ambitious expansions.

The path to prosperity is often lined with setbacks and redirections, as Lauren's story testifies. This episode is an invitation to redefine success beyond the hustle, to embrace balance and build a business that nourishes both the team behind it and the leader at its helm. Lauren's insights into attracting the right clients and team members demonstrate the power of incremental improvements. For anyone striving for a more holistic approach to business, this conversation is a beacon of inspiration and practical advice.

Guest Bio - Lauren Fraser
Website: theamedia.com.auInstagram: theamedia_Lauren is the owner of Thea Media, a digital marketing agency on the Sunshine Coast focussed on supporting health, wellness and beauty businesses with search, social and email marketing. Having started her business nearly 6 years ago, Lauren has taken it around the world, grown it to nearly 7 figures, scaled up and down her team, and even acquired another business. 
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Ever dreamt of ditching your corporate gig to start your own creative agency? Emma, the brains behind Sparo Studios, did just that. Join us as we unravel Emma's journey from her childhood in prairies in Canada, to the bustling corporate world of Sydney, Australia to founding a thriving design agency. This isn't just a story of entrepreneurial courage—it's a playbook for leaders who want to steer their teams with authenticity and shared values.

The highlights of our conversation include Emma's honesty about three of her key leadership lessons:
1. What made her grow from a "terrible boss who churned through staff"
2. How leading with values helped her fire someone on her wedding day
3. When systems streamlined her ability to scale

We all know that values are the backbone of any successful organisation, but how do you embed them? Emma and I dig deep into how honesty, community, growth, and creativity aren't just lofty ideals at Sparo Studios; they're actionable standards that are used daily to create a culture of trust and psychological safety with the team and clients.

By the end of this chat, you'll walk away with strategies and insights to not just boost your leadership by 1%, but to create an environment where your team and business can thrive. Don't miss out on Emma's incredible journey and the valuable wisdom gained from steering a small studio to great successes.

Book your free strategy call with the Director of Sparo Studios Emma here
or get in contact with her on
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Guest Bio - Emma Sparrow, Sparo Studios
Emma (Em) is the founder and creative director of Sparo Studios - a strategic design agency with an all-women team of innovative, results-driven designers, developers, and strategists.

A Canadian prairie girl who tore up her acceptance letter to business school and moved across the world to find something more. After spending 3 years working in a creativity-killing corporate role, she knew there was no opportunity for her to truly push herself and live the life she wanted to live.

So in 2019, the business came to life. After years of epic growth, the agency evolved from 1 to a team with a combined 20+ years of experience in the industry.

Outspoken leaders in strategic branding and design for established businesses — Em and her team are well known for thinking (and creating) outside the box and doing things differently.
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Ever thought about how a wardrobe refresh could actually kickstart a positive shift in your life? Today I'm sharing my recent experiences with virtual stylist Anna from Anna Mabin Styling.  Life threw me a series of curveballs, from health scares to the joys of new motherhood, and my closet was in desperate need of a revamp.
In this chat, Anna breaks down why people turn to stylists during big life moments like post-maternity or career transitions. We dive into the overwhelming world of fashion choices and how a stylist can simplify it and help give you an amazing confidence boost with rocking an outfit that feel great in.

We also explore the thrill of Thrift Shopping in the era of fast fashion – it's like finding hidden treasures. We discuss the evolution of style, especially in the corporate realm, where the right outfit can reshape perceptions and propel you up the career ladder, be it a manager or CEO. But it doesn't end there – we get into how clothing affects our self-esteem and share practical tips to ensure your style aligns with your professional image.

And for those who think injecting some lively colors into your wardrobe might compromise professionalism, fear not! We've got advice on finding the perfect fit across different brands, embracing your size with confidence, and even tackling style challenges during weight changes. Anna and I champion the idea that everyone deserves to feel fabulous in their fashion, no matter the size.

If you're itching to elevate your personal style, tune in for a dose of inspiration. And hey, if you're looking for professional styling services, Anna Mabin is just a click away, no matter where you are in the world.

Contact Anna and see her services and prices: www.annamabinstyling.com.au
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Find out your personal Leadership Style with the free quiz
Join the Mailing List - hear first when new episodes are live
Zenith Journey website - leaders aren't born, they're trained
Buy the Delegation Playbook - delegate seamlessly, for better results, without the stress
Zenith Journey Instagram
Kate Peardon Linkedin