Thriving Matters Podcast

thrivingmatters

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A Podcast giving tools and inspiration for today’s leaders.

FEB 25 · VIDEO

Leading with Humanity in Edtech

Brett Salakas and I have an energetic future focused conversation for you this episode as we talk about human-centred community and connection especially in learning and teaching. Brett opened our conversation by explaining the background artwork by Indigenous artist Melissa Barton, whilst sharing his experience of working on a program to adapt international standards for Australia at HP, linking the artwork that narrates HP's educational vision in Australia. Listen in as Brett shares his personal and professional journey, including his teaching experience and his role as an HP Education Ambassador. He described an artwork created by Indigenous artist Melissa Barton (that you can see is his screen background) that represents the Australian education system and HP's educational vision for Australia. We discus the different types of screen time and its impact on education that is very topical here across media and government policy makers. Brett emphasized the need to differentiate between productive and recreational screen time, highlighting the importance of using technology to enhance learning rather than simply entertain. We also touch on the evolving nature of education and the need to maintain focus on core values and purposes. Brett shared an example from Korea, known as the "wild geese," where students are sent abroad for education, highlighting the perceived quality of education in countries like Australia. We focus in on the Australian education system's values and the importance of focusing on clear educational goals rather than chasing trends or technology fads. Brett emphasized the need to understand the purpose of AI within education, framing it as a tool under the broader umbrella of cybernetics that serves human needs. We also discussed the future of learning environments, drawing parallels between ancient learning spaces and modern technology. We explored the concept of "campfire caves, mountaintops, and holodecks" as metaphors for different learning spaces, where it is essential that the importance of balancing technology with human-centered education is forefront. Brett's recent initiative, the Wattle Vision, involved gathering CIOs from 16 Australian universities to create a collective vision statement for the role of technology in higher education over the next 20 years. The vision focuses on creating relationship-rich environments and experiences for students, emphasizing a human-centered approach. Brett spent two years working with industry experts, including HP, Microsoft, Intel, and Adobe, to develop this vision and has now returned to execute the 13 action items outlined in the plan. Thriving Matters podcast has just celebrated 150 episodes with 'ordinary gals and guys who are doing extraordinary things in life and work' with more to come! If you enjoyed this episode with Brett, we would appreciate you subscribing and spreading it around your colleagues, family and friends. Brett is a champ, who deeply loves his leadership work in educational across the globe! To Connect with Brett: LI: linkedin.com/in/salakas URL: salakas.live EMAIL: brett.salakas@hp.com To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

44 min
FEB 14 · VIDEO

Invest in YOU!

Our guest is Renata Bernarde, a career coach, who works with clients seeking new jobs or career advancement through her self-agency approach, as well as teaching at Monash University, Melbourne. Listen in as we explore the importance of creativity and wellbeing in professional coaching, Renata sharing her experience of working remotely while traveling and how she creates a calming environment for clients through her art-filled background. They explored how background aesthetics can influence client perception during online interviews, with Renata emphasizing the importance of carefully choosing virtual backgrounds to reflect executive presence. Renata shared her journey into coaching, highlighting her natural coaching personality and past experiences in career counseling and corporate roles. She emphasized her expertise in job searching and career planning, explaining how her extensive client base and research inform her approach. We discuss strategies for dealing with micromanagement in the workplace, emphasizing job crafting and self-reflection as ways to improve job satisfaction and career alignment. The importance of self-awareness and professional self-expression, particularly in job searches, and noted a growing awareness of wellbeing in the corporate world post-pandemic. We also discussed the challenges and opportunities of remote and hybrid work environments, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and leadership adaptability. The need for leaders to upskill in managing remote teams, fostering a sense of belonging, and leveraging tools like LinkedIn for visibility and networking is also covered. If you have enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and share with family, friends and colleagues. To Connect with Renata: LI: linkedin.com/in/renatabernarde URL: renatabernarde.com/ EMAIL: rb@renatabernarde.com To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

54 min
JAN 23 · VIDEO

Futuristic Education - Skill and Will!

Our guest this conversation is none other than Summer Howarth, highly experienced and recognised educator and thriving leader here in Australia being recently acknowledged locally and globally for her skilled contribution. We hope you share this with other family, friends and colleagues as education is everyone's business particularly as global societies need to prepare their students for balancing life, work, and personal goals in the future. Listen in as we explore the importance of building expertise over time and the value of diverse experiences in education and current challenges especially in a time when AI and social media is very topical. Summer discussed the evolution of mapping technology from traditional methods to modern GPS systems, drawing parallels to the current rise of AI and expressed concerns about the potential over-reliance on technology and the need for critical thinking skills, particularly in the context of AI. We agreed on the importance of engaging young people and educators in conversations about AI, emphasizing the need for guardrails and considerations in its use. Summer also highlighted the necessity of a rights-based participation approach when addressing new technologies and challenges. We also covered the importance of considering children's views in decision-making processes, emphasizing partnership and collaboration with young people, expressed support for social media bans if implemented in a consultative manner, noting that young people often view them positively. We explored how technology and access to devices can enhance autonomous learning, while acknowledging equity issues and the importance of place-based, generational, and narrative learning methods. Summer emphasized the role of young people in education and the need to develop technologies that support collaborative learning environments. You may also be interested in our thoughts on the evolving role of schools and classrooms, the importance of intergenerational learning and creating meaningful, joyful experiences for students. We explored how AI could potentially streamline tasks like scheduling and record-keeping, while also raising concerns about misinformation and the need for human oversight. Leadership is dear to us both, particularly Middle Leaders and the role of schools in fostering civic participation and digital literacy. If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you subscribe for our ongoing Education and Wellness focus. To Connect with Summer: LI: linkedin.com/in/summerhowarth URL: eventfullearning.co/ EMAIL: summer.edusum@gmail.com To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

31 min
10/28/2025 · VIDEO

'Prehab' your Construction Workforce!

Our guest this episode is David Montgomery, affectionately known as 'Monty'. We dived right into thriving in life and work, with David sharing his usual morning routine of gym and meditation, being agile and maintaining a routine that can adapt to changes. Another 'ordinary guy doing extraordinary things in life and work!" Listen in to David story, his 20-year career in the construction industry and his focus on supporting both management and front-line workers. He highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and support in the construction industry, emphasizing the value of recognizing and respecting personal growth and evolution. David shares his belief that CEOs and leaders should lead by example and support their staff, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and building strong relationships within the workplace. He discussed the value of mentoring and learning from others, as well as the impact of positive leadership on both staff morale and business success. We talked communication and conflict management in construction projects to improve productivity and workplace culture, and the need for tools and skills to address conflicts, especially in multicultural and multilingual settings. David introduced his concept of "prehab" - a preventative approach to address issues before they escalate, and we both agreed on the importance of adapting workplace programs to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. David also explained the components of his latest program - 'Watchwell' which includes Genos International assessments, mental health first aid training, and modules on emotional intelligence competencies, a pulse-check survey system to monitor employee well-being that provides data for leadership teams. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with your friends and colleagues. To Connect with David: LI: linkedin.com/in/davidwmontgomery URL: watchwell.com.au (Personal) EMAIL: monty@watchwell.com.au To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

43 min
10/28/2025 · VIDEO

Love Self First!

Our guest this episode is Wendy Watson who shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting with her upbringing in a family of business owners and her transition from corporate accounting to massage therapy and coaching after losing her job during the 2009 recession. She described her decision to move from Phoenix to Colorado Springs in 2021, where she built a new business and became involved in various community organizations. Listen in as we discuss personal growth and self-discovery, with Wendy sharing her journey through significant life changes including two divorces and the loss of a child, which led her to redefine her identity and relationships. They explored how people can evolve their understanding of themselves and their beliefs, noting that emotional intelligence and self-awareness are crucial for leading both oneself and others. Wendy emphasized the importance of examining and redefining personal traits, particularly those inherited from family, and how this process can improve relationships. We used a process for exploring relationships, by identifying the first six words that come to mind about a relationship without judgment. Wendy explained that these words reveal underlying operating patterns, and she uses a combination of intuition, energy work, and tailored coaching approaches to help clients improve their relationships. Wendy also shared that she is an author and speaker, having written "Beyond the Blueprint" and created resources like "Taconomics" and "The 7 Essential Relationships," and she invites listeners to visit her website at TBR Spiritual Health for more information. If you enjoyed this episode with Wendy, subscribe and share with others whom you know may benefit from the conversation. Remember... your are precious and your #thrivingmatters. To Connect with Wendy: LI: linkedin.com/in/wendywatson-tbr URL: tbrspiritualhealth.com/ (Company) EMAIL: wendy@tbrspiritualhealth.com To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

33 min
08/08/2025 · VIDEO

"Emotional Detective Work" - Reconnect with your body and intuition

In this podcast episode of Thriving Matters, Carrie and Serena Low discuss the link between wellbeing and leadership in these uncertain times. Listen in as Serena shares her daily wellness routine, which includes 10 push-ups and yoga, and her goal to run 5 kilometers without stopping. We talked about Serena's background as a lawyer and how she grew up following a strict academic and career path in Singapore. Serena explained that in her culture, family honor and academic success were very important, leading her to pursue a prestigious career in law. In Serena's transition journey, her vision of being in a "golden cage" motivated her to leave her comfortable job in Singapore after 11 years of practice. She took time off to recover from a miscarriage and later moved to Melbourne, where she had to rebuild her life and career from scratch in a new cultural environment. Serena discussed her journey from being an introvert to becoming a podcast host, highlighting how she overcame her reluctance to speak. We also discussed the challenges faced by introverts in workplace meetings dominated by extroverted voices and proposed strategies for them to be heard without acting extroverted. Serena emphasized the importance of finding allies and positioning oneself to get noticed, while also advocating for inclusive communication practices. Serena defined introversion and extroversion on a spectrum, highlighting the context-dependent nature of these traits and the need for self-awareness. If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to subscribe and share with your people. Go gently, your thriving matters! To Connect with Serena: LI: linkedin.com/in/serena-low URL: serenalow.com.au Email: info@serenalow.com.au To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

43 min
07/21/2025 · VIDEO

Little Pearls of Wisdom

Our guest is Mary M'Mukindia, an absolutely beautiful person inside and out! A quick heads up - Mary and I are connected through the Genos International community and were together last year in Bangkok which was such a delight. We did have a few wifi wobbles between Kenya and Sydney! Listen in as Mary opens up about her own journey of self-discovery, shedding her professional mask and embracing vulnerability. We discuss the importance of sharing personal stories to build connection and understanding. Thriving does matter! Mary explains how her training in emotional intelligence has transformed her approach to leadership, where the importance of our self-awareness, empathy, and people-centric skills is essential for wellbeing and leadership. We also explore how emotional intelligence can help leaders navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Of course we discuss the evolving global landscape of wellbeing and leadership where self-care, grace and a focus on vision and people can be complimented by embracing new technologies while maintaining a human-centric approach where AI can enhance productivity and free up time for more meaningful work. We conclude our conversation by celebrating the power of community, curiosity, and creativity to drive positive change. If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to subscribe and share with your people. Go gently, your thriving matters! To Connect with Mary: LI: linkedin.com/in/marymmukindia-leadership-coach Email: marymukindia@gmail.com To Connect with Carrie LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

37 min
06/28/2025 · VIDEO

People First at the Heart of Educational Leadership

Listen in as Daniel and I discuss 'thriving matters' in an education context. It was so good to have this conversation about the direct link between wellbeing and leadership - I do hope you enjoy this. Daniel shared his journey from being an educator to working in corporate communications and returning back to teaching, highlighting his experiences in diverse communities and the challenges of burnout. He emphasized the importance of exceptional leadership in his career and reflected on personal growth through various roles. Daniel's story underscores the rewards and challenges of teaching, as well as the value of pursuing one's passion despite setbacks. Daniel shared his personal insights gained from six months of corporate work to finding fulfillment in his education career that allows him to make a positive impact on young people and the community. He emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with the right people and supporting them to collaborate towards a common direction. Daniel also discussed how he learned to focus on the big picture rather than sweating the small stuff, and the need for self-care and a personal plan to maintain well-being in the demanding role of an educator. We focused in on Daniel's thriving strategies at MLC School, including the display of student artwork and team-building activities like morning tea with gratitude shout-outs. His approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of having a good team, building trust, and maintaining a balance between operational and strategic focus through structured meetings like the Square Table and Round Table meetings are simple and consistently effective. In 2024 Daniel attended Oxford University's high performance leadership program, which was a pivotal moment in his personal and professional life. He was selected for this week-long residential course after his principal encouraged him to pursue something outside his usual sector. Daniel gained valuable insights into global leadership and visited schools in London during his time in the UK. The program brought together leaders from 23 different countries, providing Daniel with unique opportunities for learning and connection. We also discussed the relationship between leadership and employee well-being, citing research from Oxford that showed a 60% improvement in employee health when they feel valued by leaders. We explored how feedback is crucial for leaders to provide, both to their teams and to seek themselves for improvement. The conversation concluded with Daniel emphasizing that future leadership must remain person-centered, even as AI and remote work change the learning environment, and Carrie noting the importance of educating young people about AI while developing their critical thinking skills. If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to subscribe and share with your people. Go gently, your thriving matters! To Connect with Daniel: LI: linkedin.com/in/daniel-sandral-947b5131 EMAIL: daniel.sandral@gmail.com To Connect with Carrie LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

27 min

Really Insightful

01/15/2020

Jim @ DadsCount

Carrie this was a terrific episode. Great point about having Genuine Conversations. Your comment about “treating your people well with respect, compassion and empathy, whilst a change is happening” is perfectly on point.

A Podcast giving tools and inspiration for today’s leaders.

Creator

thrivingmatters
Years Active

2019 - 2026
Episodes

100
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
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Thriving Matters Podcast