Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta

atWork Australia
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Join atWork Australia Brand Ambassador and Paralympian, Shaun Pianta, as he speaks with a range of guests with lived experience, as well as industry experts who can provide insight into services available to those who require additional support. These candid conversations will highlight a range of different life stories, experiences and how despite it all, work truly is for everyone. 

  1. "A Women's Life is Taken Every Four Days" | Yvette from Mary's House Services - Ep 040

    08/13/2025

    "A Women's Life is Taken Every Four Days" | Yvette from Mary's House Services - Ep 040

    Welcome to Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.  In this episode, host Shaun sits down with the CEO of Mary's House Services, Yvette.  This episode might be confronting for some people. However, its a conversation that needs to be heard by all to build awareness around domestic and family violence and the significant impact it is having on our communities.  Yvette talks about the incredible work being done by Mary's House Services, while shining a light on this devastating crisis, as there is an urgent need for more support for women and children who are impacted by domestic and family violence.  A major influence on a women being able to escape a unhealthy relationship is the financial barrier. However, a women who has experienced an abusive and controlling relationship will often have additional barriers to employment due to being a victim of domestic and family violence. LINKS Mary's House Services -https://www.maryshouse.org.au/ Mary's House Services - intake line 1800 002 111. This is not an emergency line, if your in danger call 000 Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/ atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/ Candid Conversations Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/candidconversations_podcast/ Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/ atWork Australia Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/atwork_australia/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠ Additional Resources & Support Full Stop Australia - https://fullstop.org.au/ Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠ Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

    54 min
  2. "Everyone has Their own Strengths and Weaknesses " | Lisa Cox OAM - Ep 039

    07/30/2025

    "Everyone has Their own Strengths and Weaknesses " | Lisa Cox OAM - Ep 039

    Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.  Prepare to be inspired, motivated and simply amazed by Lisa Cox and her display of courage and resilience.  At 24 years old, Lisa was in the prime of her life, thriving in her career and completely unaware of how her life was about to change in an instance.  Lisa now lives with multiple health conditions, both visible and invisible. Going from thriving in her professional career, to having to relearn how to do basic daily tasks. Lisa speaks openly about the challenges she has faced through out her life, including the new barriers she's had to overcome trying to find employment while living with a disability.  Lisa is a passionate advocate, she is currently completing research on disability employment and is striving to create a world that is more inclusive and accepting of people living with disability.  LINKS Lisa Cox - https://lisacox.co/ Candid Conversations Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/candidconversations_podcast/ Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/ atWork Australia atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/atwork_australia/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠ Additional Resources & Support Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠ Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/ Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ Lifeline Australia - https://www.lifeline.org.au/ This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

    38 min
  3. "We're not Limiting Ourselves With the Talent That's Available"| Michelle from Amazon - Ep 038

    07/16/2025

    "We're not Limiting Ourselves With the Talent That's Available"| Michelle from Amazon - Ep 038

    Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta. It's not everyday you get to sit down with one of the worlds most recogniseable brands to learn about their passion and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.  In this episode, host Shaun meets Michelle from Amazon Australia to discuss the wonderful collaboration between atWork Australia and Amazon Australia.  Michelle speaks openly about her personal commitment to creating inclusive workplaces and the value inclusion brings to a business. Michelle speaks about the important relationship they have built with atWork Australia, which has helped Amazon Australia to take an alternative and more inclusive approach to recruitment, providing people with disability a fair opportunity in their workplace.  Michelle outlined the top three initiatives that contributed to the success of this partnership: On the job support from atWork Australia Job CoachesCreating multiple channels for open and clear communicationProviding training and education to Amazon Australia leaders  LINKS Candid Conversations Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/candidconversations_podcast/ Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/ atWork Australia atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/atwork_australia/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠ Additional Resources & Support Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠ Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/ Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ Lifeline Australia - https://www.lifeline.org.au/ This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

    22 min
  4. "Neurotypical People lack Insight into Autistic Communication" | Sharon Whip, Neurodiversity Consultant - Ep 036

    06/18/2025

    "Neurotypical People lack Insight into Autistic Communication" | Sharon Whip, Neurodiversity Consultant - Ep 036

    Welcome to Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.  In this episode, we have our first returning guest in Sharon, from Team Cohesion to discuss some of the differences in communication styles between neurotypical and neurodivergent communication styles.  Sharon outlines that in order to create effective communication channels it is the responsibility of both parties to be aware and understanding of the differences in communication styles.  For a person who is neurodivergent, effective communication can help remove barriers and give them a fair opportunity in the workplace.  As Sharon breaks down the differences in communication styles, it can be argued that a person who is neurodivergent has a much more effective communication style for the workplace, as it is direct, based on facts and honesty.  Happy listening! LINKS Team Cohesion - https://www.teamcohesion.com.au/ Candid Conversations Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/candidconversations_podcast/ atWork Australia atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/atwork_australia/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠ Additional Resources & Support Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠ Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

    32 min
  5. "Life Doesn’t Stop Just Because it’s Hard" | atWork Australia Client Georgia - Ep 035

    06/04/2025

    "Life Doesn’t Stop Just Because it’s Hard" | atWork Australia Client Georgia - Ep 035

    Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.  How much do you know about Tourette's Syndrome? In this episode, host Shaun meets atWork Australia client, Georgia, who speaks openly about her experience living with tourettes.  Georgia talks us through the difficult time of receiving her diagnosis, the challenges she has faced due to other people's limited knowledge of her condition and the assumptions she receives based on what people have seen in movies and online.  This is an informative episode that provides some insights into what life is actually like living with Tourette's, while also debunking some of the common myths.  Georgia's story is one of resilience and determination. While also highlighting the importance of a supportive and inclusive workplace. LINKS Candid Conversations Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/candidconversations_podcast/ Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/ atWork Australia atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/atwork_australia/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠ Additional Resources & Support Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠ Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/ Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ Lifeline Australia - https://www.lifeline.org.au/ This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

    19 min
  6. "We Focus on Attitude and Willingness to Learn" | Ben from ahs hospitality - Ep 034

    05/28/2025

    "We Focus on Attitude and Willingness to Learn" | Ben from ahs hospitality - Ep 034

    Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta.  In this episode, we shine the light on one of atWork Australia's employer partners, ahs hospitality, in recognition of their commitment to creating a truly inclusive workplace that is supportive of people from all backgrounds.  ahs hospitality are one of Australia's largest providers of outsourced housekeeping services. Ben, ahs hospitality General Manager for People and Culture, joined the podcast to discuss their partnership with atWork Australia and how they create an inclusive work environment that provides people of all abilities a fair opportunity to achieve their employment goals. It is clear that ahs hospitality are an organisation that values inclusion and are benefiting from having access to the full talent pool for their recruitment needs. LINKS Candid Conversations Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/candidconversations_podcast/ Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/ atWork Australia atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/atwork_australia/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠ ahs hospitality - https://www.ahshospitality.com.au/ Additional Resources & Support Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠ Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/ Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ Lifeline Australia - https://www.lifeline.org.au/ This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

    17 min
  7. "Employment is Important in Improving Mental Health" | Galit B, Wellness Advisor - Ep 033

    05/21/2025

    "Employment is Important in Improving Mental Health" | Galit B, Wellness Advisor - Ep 033

    Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversation with Shaun Pianta.  In this episode, host Shaun chats with atWork Australia's Principal Advisor - Health and Wellness Services, Galit Bailey. Galit has spent multiple decades working in employment services, supporting people with mental health concerns to work through their challenges to find life changing employment. Throughout Galit's career, she has worked in multiple countries and believes the major barriers to employment in Australia, are universal. She states the biggest barriers to employment are attitude and motivation.  Throughout this episode, Galit breaks down the additional challenges a person experiencing mental health concerns might face at each stage of the employment journey and how we can best support a person through these difficult times. LINKS Candid Conversations Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/candidconversations_podcast/ Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/ atWork Australia atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/atwork_australia/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠ Additional Resources & Support Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠ Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/ Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ Lifeline Australia - https://www.lifeline.org.au/ This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

    50 min
  8. "I Want to do Something Rewarding, Where I can Help People" | Suzan A - Ep 032

    05/07/2025

    "I Want to do Something Rewarding, Where I can Help People" | Suzan A - Ep 032

    Welcome to another episode of Candid Conversations with Shaun Pianta. In this episode, host Shaun chats with Job Coach, Suzan about her journey with atWork Australia. Suzan came to atWork Australia at a challenging time in her life. Due to her health concerns, she was forced to re-evaluate her working career. Suzan came to atWork Australia as a client, but soon realised she would be well suited as a Job Coach for atWork Australia. You can hear in her voice how genuinely passionate she is about her job and wanting to support people to overcome their health barriers to find employment. The support from atWork Australia has been life changing for Suzan, and she is now giving the same positive experience to others. We have no doubt Suzan will continue to change the lives of atWork Australia clients. LINKS Candid Conversations Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/candidconversations_podcast/ Candid Conversations website - https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/candid-conversations-podcast/ atWork Australia atWork Australia website -⁠ https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/work/ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/atwork_australia/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/atWorkAustralia⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwork-australia⁠ Additional Resources & Support Ask Izzy - ⁠https://askizzy.org.au/⁠ Job Access - https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/ This podcast is hosted, edited and coordinated by Shaun Pianta, Lina Martini and Sam Macfarlane.

    15 min
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About

Join atWork Australia Brand Ambassador and Paralympian, Shaun Pianta, as he speaks with a range of guests with lived experience, as well as industry experts who can provide insight into services available to those who require additional support. These candid conversations will highlight a range of different life stories, experiences and how despite it all, work truly is for everyone. 

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