1D AGO

164. Breaking the Silence – Understanding Coercive Control with CEO of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group (DART Group), Jolene Ellat and Prina Shah

Coercive control is one of the most misunderstood forms of abuse. It rarely begins with obvious violence. Instead, it often starts subtly — through behaviours that slowly isolate, manipulate, and erode a person's confidence and independence. In this powerful episode of Ways to Change Your Workplace, Prina Shah is joined by Joelene Ellat, CEO and Founder of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Institute (DART Institute). Jolene's the CEO of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group (DART Group) Jolene's LinkedIn Joelene brings deep expertise in domestic and family violence and explains how coercive control operates as a pattern of behaviours designed to gain power and control within a relationship. Together, they unpack how these behaviours show up in everyday life — and importantly, how they show up in workplaces. Because family violence does not stay behind closed doors. It affects workplaces, colleagues, leaders, and organisational culture. This episode explores the warning signs of coercive control, including love bombing, gaslighting, financial abuse, isolation, and monitoring behaviours, and provides practical guidance on how workplaces can recognise and respond to these situations safely. This conversation is confronting, complex, and deeply important. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services. Global Emergency Numbers Domestic Violence Hotlines in Australia Send Prina a text to let her know how you'd change the workplace If you are seeking professional advice or would like to change your company culture through training, consulting, speaking and coaching, get in touch, email me. Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/prinashah/Find out what I am up to on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/prina.shah/Check out my Website⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.prinashah.com/Ask a question - https://www.prinashah.com/contactSign up to my monthylish practical newsletter https://www.prinashah.com/signupGrab a copy of Make Work Meaningful and start creating your own legacy at work and leave me a review. https://www.makeworkmeaningful.shop/bookSubscribe to the Ways to Change the Workplace Podcast for more actionable insights. ...

43 min

MAR 13

162. No More Sh!t Sandwiches: Mastering Feedback at Work with Mel Loy and Prina Shah

Connect with Us: Mel Loy – Let’s Chatter Mo Matter Prina Shah – Ways to Change The Workplace Podcast Want the 1:1 Meeting Feedback Planner Pina mentioned? Reach Prina via LinkedIn or drop her a DM below - she’s sharing the love. 💌 Join Mel Loy and Prina Shah for a powerhouse crossover episode all about one of the most misunderstood (and dreaded) workplace topics: FEEDBACK. Whether you're a people-pleasing manager terrified of “upsetting the apple cart”, or someone who hears “I have some feedback” and instantly spirals - this episode is your feedback survival guide. We dive deep into: Why giving feedback is so hard (hint: empathy and ego)The 11+ types of feedback you're probably missingHow to ditch the dreaded “sh*t sandwich” and use models that actually work (hello, STAR-R and AIR 💡)How to receive feedback without melting down (spoiler: you don’t have to respond right away)Language hacks that make feedback feel safer and more effectiveNeurodiversity and RSD: Tailoring feedback for neurodivergent team membersWhy not all feedback is valid—and how to spot the differenceHow your self-talk and inner parent/child affect your feedback responsePre-mortems, performance metrics & peer roasts: Creative ways to build a culture of feedback and trust💥 Plus: Real-life stories, expert tools, running jokes (yes, we’re still roasting!), and no BS leadership insights. Tools & Models Mentioned: STAR-AR (Situation, Task, Action, Result + Alternative Result)AIR (Action, Impact, Result)SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact)Transactional Analysis (Parent/Adult/Child self-talk)Feedback Quadrant: Self-esteem vs. Self-awarenessUser Manual of MeThe “Weekly Roast” Team Trust ExerciseSend Prina a text to let her know how you'd change the workplace If you are seeking professional advice or would like to change your company culture through training, consulting, speaking and coaching, get in touch, email me. Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/prinashah/Find out what I am up to on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/prina.shah/Check out my Website⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.prinashah.com/Ask a question - https://www.prinashah.com/contactSign up to my monthylish practical newsletter https://www.prinashah.com/signupGrab a copy of Make Work Meaningful and start creating your own legacy at work and leave me a review. https://www.makeworkmeaningful.shop/bookSubscribe to the Ways to Change the Workplace Podcast for more actionable insights. ...

38 min

MAR 6

161. Is Your Development at Work Arrested?

In this solo episode of Ways to Change Your Workplace, Prina Shah explores a powerful and uncomfortable question: Is your professional development at work arrested? Using the metaphor of “Arrested Development” (inspired by the band), Prina unpacks what happens when growth stalls, motivation dips, and learning quietly stops. She challenges listeners to reflect on whether they are truly evolving — or simply repeating. This episode dives into the warning signs of stagnation, the long-term risks of staying comfortable, and the practical steps you can take to reignite your growth. Because in today’s fast-changing world, standing still is not neutral — it’s risky. In This Episode, Prina Explores: What “arrested development” really means in a workplace contextThe difference between comfort and complacencyThree common archetypes:The Static PerformerThe Overlooked TalentThe Contented SettlerWhy skill obsolescence is more dangerous than you thinkThe long-term impact of stagnation on motivation, satisfaction, and career mobilityThe organisational cost of disengaged, underdeveloped employeesHow to take ownership of your growth (even in a stale culture)Practical actions to reignite learning and momentumReflection Questions Have I stopped stretching myself professionally?Where has my growth quietly plateaued?Am I waiting to be developed — or actively developing myself?What skills might I be neglecting that future me will need?If nothing changed in my role for the next two years, how would I feel?Practical Steps to Break Free from Stagnation ✔ Seek honest feedback ✔ Set personal development goals (even if your workplace doesn’t) ✔ Pursue learning opportunities internally and externally ✔ Volunteer for stretch assignments ✔ Network intentionally ✔ Track and document your achievements ✔ Allocate protected time for growth ✔ Cultivate resilience and curiosity Growth is not accidental. It is intentional. Send Prina a text to let her know how you'd change the workplace If you are seeking professional advice or would like to change your company culture through training, consulting, speaking and coaching, get in touch, email me. Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/prinashah/Find out what I am up to on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/prina.shah/Check out my Website⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.prinashah.com/Ask a question - https://www.prinashah.com/contactSign up to my monthylish practical newsletter https://www.prinashah.com/signupGrab a copy of Make Work Meaningful and start creating your own legacy at work and leave me a review. https://www.makeworkmeaningful.shop/bookSubscribe to the Ways to Change the Workplace Podcast for more actionable insights. ...

14 min

FEB 27

160. Kick Imposter Syndrome In the Nuts with Prina Shah

In this solo episode of The Ways To Change Your Workplace Podcast, Prina Shah deep dives into imposter syndrome – what it really is, why it shows up regardless of success, and how it quietly sabotages confidence, wellbeing, and career growth. Drawing on psychology, lived experience, coaching stories, and insights from Adam Grant, Prina reframes imposter syndrome as data, not a verdict. This episode is a grounded, no-BS exploration of self-doubt, perfectionism, burnout, and the inner critic – with practical strategies to stop letting that voice run the show. If you’ve ever thought “when are they going to find me out?” despite evidence you’re capable, this episode is for you. In this episode, Prina explores What imposter syndrome actually is (and where the term came from)Why imposter syndrome affects high achievers across all industriesCommon symptoms: anxiety, self-doubt, stress, and perfectionismThe emotional and career cost of living with imposter syndromeHow imposter syndrome fuels burnout and stagnationAdam Grant’s reframe: imposter thoughts as information, not proofWhy self-doubt can be healthier than delusion (in small doses)The power of “I don’t know yet”A real coaching story about naming the imposter voice (hello, Sybil)Practical strategies to manage imposter syndrome day to dayThe role workplaces play in creating or reducing imposter syndromeReflection questions for listeners Where does imposter syndrome show up for you most strongly?What opportunities have you avoided because of self-doubt?Which voice do you trust more – your inner critic or the people who see your strengths?How might your workplace be contributing to imposter syndrome (systemically or culturally)?Resources mentioned Prina’s Free Self Coaching Guide https://www.prinashah.com/SelfCoachingGuideAdam Grant – Think AgainTED Talk: Your Insecurities Aren’t What You Think https://www.ted.com/podcasts/worklife/your-insecurities-arent-what-you-think-they-are-transcriptSend Prina a text to let her know how you'd change the workplace If you are seeking professional advice or would like to change your company culture through training, consulting, speaking and coaching, get in touch, email me. Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/prinashah/Find out what I am up to on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/prina.shah/Check out my Website⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.prinashah.com/Ask a question - https://www.prinashah.com/contactSign up to my monthylish practical newsletter https://www.prinashah.com/signupGrab a copy of Make Work Meaningful and start creating your own legacy at work and leave me a review. https://www.makeworkmeaningful.shop/bookSubscribe to the Ways to Change the Workplace Podcast for more actionable insights. ...

13 min

FEB 21

159. Why We Resist Change (and What Leaders Can Do About It) with Dr Vish Ramakonar

Dr Vish Ramakonar is a change and neuroscience practitioner, academic and corporate trainer with a background in engineering, IT and project management. He lectures at Edith Cowan University and delivers evidence-based programs grounded in neuroscience to support organisational change, resilience, wellbeing and performance. Vish is passionate about helping organisations create environments where people can adapt, innovate and thrive – not just survive. In this episode of Ways to Change Your Workplace, Prina Shah is joined by Dr Vish Ramakonar for a deep, practical conversation about why humans resist change – and what leaders can actually do about it. Vish brings together engineering, project management, change management, neuroscience and teaching to unpack what is really happening in our brains and bodies when change is introduced at work. This is not a surface-level change conversation. It goes beneath behaviours and into survival responses, habits, emotions and identity. Together, Prina and Vish explore why change often feels exhausting, why resistance is not stubbornness, and how leaders can create the psychological safety required for people to genuinely adapt and embed new ways of working. This episode is especially relevant for leaders navigating constant organisational change, technology transformations, restructures, or culture shifts. Connect with Dr Vish: https://drvishramakonar.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vish-ramakonar-853a1512/ In this episode, we discuss: • Why humans are biologically wired to resist change • How the fight-or-flight response shows up at work • The link between past experiences, emotions and resistance • Why change takes more energy than we expect • The role of habits, automatic behaviour and the subconscious mind • Why constant change without recovery leads to overwhelm • The difference between external change and internal transition • Why people move through change at different speeds • The neuroscience behind embedding new behaviours • The cost of rushing change without support • How leaders unknowingly trigger threat responses • Carl Rogers’ three core conditions for trust and safety • Integrity, authenticity Send Prina a text to let her know how you'd change the workplace If you are seeking professional advice or would like to change your company culture through training, consulting, speaking and coaching, get in touch, email me. Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/prinashah/Find out what I am up to on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/prina.shah/Check out my Website⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.prinashah.com/Ask a question - https://www.prinashah.com/contactSign up to my monthylish practical newsletter https://www.prinashah.com/signupGrab a copy of Make Work Meaningful and start creating your own legacy at work and leave me a review. https://www.makeworkmeaningful.shop/bookSubscribe to the Ways to Change the Workplace Podcast for more actionable insights. ...

39 min

FEB 13

158. Living in a Fishbowl: Being the CEO in a Small Town with Simone Pickering

What happens when leadership doesn’t end at the office door? In Living in a Fishbowl, Prina Shah is joined by regional HR expert Simone Pickering to explore what it really means to be a CEO in a small town — where anonymity doesn’t exist, visibility is constant, and leadership follows you to the supermarket, the school gate, and community events. This episode moves beyond leadership theory and into lived experience. It unpacks the emotional load of being both an organisational leader and a public figure, the isolation that often comes with senior roles in small communities, and why boundaries, wellbeing, and support systems are not optional for sustainable leadership. From local government CEOs and not-for-profit leaders to boards and councillors, this is an honest conversation about responsibility, burnout, and compassion — for leaders and for the humans behind the titles. In this episode, we discuss: Why CEOs in small towns are never “off duty”Leadership visibility and being constantly observedHow small actions are magnified and misinterpretedCEOs as public figures, not just organisational leadersDecision-making when social consequences are unavoidableThe emotional isolation of senior leadership rolesConfidentiality challenges in tight-knit communitiesWhy some CEOs need to physically leave town to recoverBurnout risks in regional and not-for-profit leadershipThe hidden cost of networking, stakeholder events, and “being on”Why purpose-driven leaders are at higher risk of burnoutThe critical role of boards and councils in shaping cultureTwo questions every board must ask: What does it feel like to work here? How does our conduct impact organisational culture?About Simone Pickering. Simone is a Kalgoorlie local and the founder of The People & Culture Office, a consultancy she launched in 2018 to make HR practical, human, and accessible for regional businesses. Simone’s career spans local government, mining, and the not-for-profit sector, giving her deep insight into the realities of leadership and culture in small towns. She works clo Send Prina a text to let her know how you'd change the workplace If you are seeking professional advice or would like to change your company culture through training, consulting, speaking and coaching, get in touch, email me. Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/prinashah/Find out what I am up to on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/prina.shah/Check out my Website⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.prinashah.com/Ask a question - https://www.prinashah.com/contactSign up to my monthylish practical newsletter https://www.prinashah.com/signupGrab a copy of Make Work Meaningful and start creating your own legacy at work and leave me a review. https://www.makeworkmeaningful.shop/bookSubscribe to the Ways to Change the Workplace Podcast for more actionable insights. ...

17 min

FEB 6

157. Adapting Your Communication Style for Your Team with Mel Loy

In this first episode of our five-part collaboration series, Prina Shah and Mel Loy dive into one of the most common leadership challenges - adapting your communication style to suit your team. Too often, leaders communicate based on their own preferences and assume the message has landed. In reality, effective leadership communication requires intentional adaptation, self-awareness, and trust-building. Contact Mel: https://au.linkedin.com/in/melanieloy Get your hands on Mel's practical books: https://cuttlefish.group/books In this episode, we explore: • Why new leaders are rarely taught how to communicate effectively • The myth of one-size-fits-all communication • How different communication styles impact trust and performance • A real-life leadership lesson on tailoring communication for decision-makers • Why leaders must step out of positional power to truly connect with their teams • The value of creating a “user manual of me” for better team collaboration • How introversion, learning styles, and thinking preferences influence communication • Why communication tools are useful - but only when used well • The danger of using communication style as an excuse for poor behaviour • Trust, the messenger effect, and why titles don’t equal credibility • Navigating peer-to-leader transitions and respectful boundaries • Leading teams where age, experience, and expectations differ Send Prina a text to let her know how you'd change the workplace If you are seeking professional advice or would like to change your company culture through training, consulting, speaking and coaching, get in touch, email me. Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/prinashah/Find out what I am up to on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/prina.shah/Check out my Website⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.prinashah.com/Ask a question - https://www.prinashah.com/contactSign up to my monthylish practical newsletter https://www.prinashah.com/signupGrab a copy of Make Work Meaningful and start creating your own legacy at work and leave me a review. https://www.makeworkmeaningful.shop/bookSubscribe to the Ways to Change the Workplace Podcast for more actionable insights. ...

29 min

JAN 30

156. Who Gets Heard at Work - And Who Doesn’t with Victoria Rennoldson

In this episode of Ways to Change Your Workplace, Prina Shah is joined by London-based communication coach and cultural intelligence trainer Victoria Rennoldson for a powerful conversation about voice, silence, and the hidden dynamics shaping who gets heard at work. In this episode, Prina and Victoria explore: • Why being quiet is often misinterpreted as disengagement or lack of confidence • How dominant voices shape meetings - especially in virtual environments • The cultural assumptions behind how meetings are run and voices are valued • Why communication is more than speaking - it requires listening and processing • How multilingual and multicultural professionals are often overlooked despite strong performance • The link between voice, belonging, and psychological safety • How miscommunication and misinterpretation erode team and organisational culture • Why people get stuck in their careers despite ticking all the boxes • The role of leaders in creating an equal share of voice within teams Victoria introduces the concept of cultural intelligence (CQ) and explains how understanding behavioural preferences, communication styles, and non-verbal cues can transform team dynamics. About the guest: Victoria Rennoldson is a communication coach and cultural intelligence trainer, and the CEO and Founder of Culture Cuppa. She works with current and future global leaders to elevate and amplify their communication, and supports multicultural teams to build connection, trust, and collaboration across borders. Victoria is also the host of the Cultural Communication Confidence podcast. Connect with Victoria: • Website: https://culturecuppa.com/about/ • Book - Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ • Podcast: Cultural Communication Confidence: https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/making-work-meaningful-with-prina-shah/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson/ Send Prina a text to let her know how you'd change the workplace If you are seeking professional advice or would like to change your company culture through training, consulting, speaking and coaching, get in touch, email me. Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/prinashah/Find out what I am up to on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/prina.shah/Check out my Website⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.prinashah.com/Ask a question - https://www.prinashah.com/contactSign up to my monthylish practical newsletter https://www.prinashah.com/signupGrab a copy of Make Work Meaningful and start creating your own legacy at work and leave me a review. https://www.makeworkmeaningful.shop/bookSubscribe to the Ways to Change the Workplace Podcast for more actionable insights. ...

30 min

Ways to Change the Workplace with Prina Shah

164. Breaking the Silence – Understanding Coercive Control with CEO of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group (DART Group), Jolene Ellat and Prina Shah

162. No More Sh!t Sandwiches: Mastering Feedback at Work with Mel Loy and Prina Shah

161. Is Your Development at Work Arrested?

160. Kick Imposter Syndrome In the Nuts with Prina Shah

159. Why We Resist Change (and What Leaders Can Do About It) with Dr Vish Ramakonar

158. Living in a Fishbowl: Being the CEO in a Small Town with Simone Pickering

157. Adapting Your Communication Style for Your Team with Mel Loy

156. Who Gets Heard at Work - And Who Doesn’t with Victoria Rennoldson

Trailer

1. What to expect!

About

Information

Ways to Change the Workplace with Prina Shah

Episodes

164. Breaking the Silence – Understanding Coercive Control with CEO of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group (DART Group), Jolene Ellat and Prina Shah

162. No More Sh!t Sandwiches: Mastering Feedback at Work with Mel Loy and Prina Shah

161. Is Your Development at Work Arrested?

160. Kick Imposter Syndrome In the Nuts with Prina Shah

159. Why We Resist Change (and What Leaders Can Do About It) with Dr Vish Ramakonar

158. Living in a Fishbowl: Being the CEO in a Small Town with Simone Pickering

157. Adapting Your Communication Style for Your Team with Mel Loy

156. Who Gets Heard at Work - And Who Doesn’t with Victoria Rennoldson

Trailer

About

Information