The Motivate Collective Podcast by Melanie Suzanne Wilson

Melanie Suzanne Wilson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

The Motivate Collective Podcast features conversations with Melanie Suzanne Wilson and wellness thought leaders from around the world. This show contains explicit content.

  1. 2D AGO

    Anne the flautist and CFO on human-centered business and performance for personal branding

    Listen to the entire conversation at The Motivate Collective Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or The Motivate Collective website.   Join as a member now to receive benefits and exclusive offers for upcoming events.       Listen to the entire conversation at The Motivate Collective Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or The Motivate Collective website.   Join as a member now to receive benefits and exclusive offers for upcoming events. https://www.motivatecollective.com/join       ...   Special Opportunity for the Motivate Collective community 10% off your entire order at HumanCharger Support your energy, circadian rhythm, and confidence Code to be used at checkout: THEMOTIVATECOLLECTIVE As seen on The Motivate Collective Podcast Get your HumanCharger light therapy headset now.   https://humancharger.com/?dt_id=2858979   Show Notes:    keywords   CFO, business, music, self-care, planning, public speaking, Beethoven, finance, entrepreneurship, personal growth      summary   In this episode of the Motivate Collective podcast, Melanie Wilson interviews Anne Plummer, a fractional CFO with a rich background in music. Anne shares her journey from being a classical musician to navigating the world of finance, emphasising the importance of self-care and personal goals in business. She discusses the role of a fractional CFO in helping businesses look forward, the lessons learned from Beethoven's chaotic life, and the challenges of overcoming the tall poppy syndrome. The conversation highlights the significance of planning, the impact of self-doubt, and the necessity of having a support system in business.      takeaways   Anne Plummer's journey from music to finance showcases the importance of adaptability. Self-care is crucial for business success and personal happiness. Understanding financial metrics can empower business owners. Fear of success can hinder growth more than fear of failure. Planning is essential for navigating uncertainty in business. Public speaking can be a powerful tool for marketing services. Lessons from Beethoven illustrate the chaos of creativity and business. It's important to question decisions made out of fear. Having a support system can alleviate self-doubt. Embracing imperfection can lead to growth and learning.     Titles   From Music to Money: Anne Plummer's Inspiring Journey The CFO's Guide to Personal and Business Success      sound bites   "This is my very first podcast." "Sleep isn't a really important metric." "You need someone to help you through."     Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Anne's Journey 02:54 Transitioning from Music to Business 05:53 The Role of a Fractional CFO 08:17 Public Speaking and Overcoming Nerves 11:15 The Importance of Preparation 13:52 Breathing Techniques for Performance 16:33 Navigating Chaos: Lessons from Beethoven 19:30 Linking Music and Business 22:24 Understanding Financial Metrics 25:18 Cultural Attitudes Towards Business 28:37 The Tall Poppy Syndrome in Australia 33:29 Navigating the Pecking Order in Creative Fields 36:27 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Public Perception 40:07 The Dynamics of Community and Online Interactions 41:02 The Value of Self-Presentation in Different Professions 45:52 Understanding Debt: A Tool for Business Growth 47:54 The Importance of Planning in Business 51:46 Self-Doubt and the Journey of Entrepreneurship 57:30 Finding Reassurance in Vulnerability 01:04:12 Final Thoughts: Analysing Decisions and Embracing Growth   Transcript: Melanie Wilson (00:00) And welcome to the Motivate Collective podcast. It is so good to talk with you. How are you doing?   Anne Plummer (00:07) doing great. Thanks Melanie. Thanks so much for asking me on. This is my very first podcast.   Melanie Wilson (00:14) Is it really?   Anne Plummer (00:15) Yes.   Melanie Wilson (00:17) You have been doing other speaking, so we met in a speaking group and not the one I'm known for, a different one. So let's tell everybody what you do with speaking, with other work, what exactly you do.   Anne Plummer (00:31) Yeah, well, can I go back and just give a bit of background about where I'm from and what I do? It's all related to where I am today. So I started off, I grew up a little bit in the country in a one-room school or two-room school, actually and moved to the city when I was a young teenager and got involved in music and ended up quite quickly at the Conservatorium High School. And after that, I had a career in music, classical music. I was a freelance classical flute player, and I still play with the Penrith Symphony Orchestra, which I love very much. When I got to be, after a decade or so, a couple of decades, I, because of my rural background, I knew there was more things I wanted to explore with my life. So I did an MBA because I thought at that age I could, as they say, pivot and change career easier than starting off at the beginning and then working my way up in business. So I thought that'd be a nice thing to do.   It was really tough coming from a music background. Everyone else had actually there were quite a few doctors doing the course, which was interesting, but, you know, a lot of finance people, cetera, marketing people who were very comfortable in the business realm. And so I got through that and then worked in general management in music publishing.   And after a few years of that, I found it difficult because there's no particular one skill that you need for general management. So I decided to become an accountant. So I started off as a bookkeeper, then I became a CPA accountant. And then got broad experience, but with small companies, not with large multinational companies. And again, got restless. What do I want to do? So I became attracted to this becoming a fractional CFO. I had to Google it myself to see what a fractional CFO is not a well-known term, but a CFO is a Chief Financial Officer, and a fractional CFO means that I work for several different companies for a reduced amount of time. So spread across different clients. And a CFO really helps people in business look forward rather than backwards. So I help businesses, I try to get to the root of where they want to head. And I don't mean the business, I mean them personally, what their ultimate goal is, which, when it boils down to it, as happiness and peace basically, it might be covered and masked in a different... in different words, but basically that's what people want. And then do projections, and I help people sort of cut through the chaos of their lives. And it's really translating what the goals are into the language of business and what the business can do to move them forward to their ultimate goals. You know, a business can't do everything. It can't do all the heavy lifting.   And then we do meetings once a month. And what that does is that gives us space to just focus on those goals and make sure that every decision that's made moves them closer to their goals and not further away. And to rave on a bit more, I put the person first. So a lot of people talk about business people wanting to have great profits and all this amazing stuff, but neglecting themselves. I'm doing a talk in a few weeks at a convention, and the talk is going to be the metrics.   And one of the metrics is hours of sleep. It's not profit, it's not cash flow. Although we talk about that, and we talk about the effect on people of poor cash flow. You know, what's it doing to you? What are these business decisions doing to you personally? You might be making lots of money, and everything is fine, but you're just stressed out and...   I think sleep isn't a really important metric, but I've thought further about that, actually to take it further. It's not sleep because you might be worried about a whole bunch of things, and the business might be just one of those. So I've changed my slides for my presentation to look at how many hours are you worrying about your business every day? So that...   I think is something, you know, I don't expect you to quantify it exactly, but you know, that is probably cuts to the core of it much more effectively. And the reason I'm talking, speaking after performing in front of thousands of people over the decades, you'd think I'd be good at speaking, but actually, standing on stage and opening my mouth and words coming out, that's quite a different thing. So I've joined Toastmasters, and I've actually done okay with that. I only joined just over a year ago and won a little award already. That's for the best humorous, and so to promote my business, one of the things I'm not good at is marketing. So I've been advised speaking on stage is the way to go. That's the number one way to go for promoting my particular services, and I am so relieved, Melanie because that lets me off the hook from having to do Facebook ads and all this other stuff which just takes so much of my mental time, and I'm really bad at so I'm really happy to craft public speaking instead.   Melanie Wilson (07:49) I'll tell you what, that's why I love podcasts, because I never set out to just talk to a camera. It feels like I'm talking to myself. I had talked to groups for a long time, but I know that I need to do more of the social media. I know how it works now, but it's a whole extra thing. With a podcast, we're having a conversation, and then those little clips from the conversation will go onto social media. It's a great way to do the version of communicating that feels natural and still get something out of there.   Anne Plummer (08:23) Yeah, I think it's terrific. Yeah, that's great. I've been watching, doing my research on your podcasts, and they're really terrific.   Melanie Wilson (08:32) That is so sweet. You've had such a journey. We have so much to talk about. So.   Okay, we did meet in an associa

    1h 6m
  2. You Might Also Like: Science Will Win

    2D AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Science Will Win

    Introducing The Alarming Rise of Early-Onset Cancers from Science Will Win. Follow the show: Science Will Win Why are more young adults getting cancer? That's one of the most pressing questions facing the scientific community today. Traditionally thought of as a disease that affects aging populations, recent data shows that cancer diagnoses for people under the age of 50 are increasing. To tackle this problem, it’ll take a global effort. In this episode you’ll hear from patients, oncologists, researchers and health care providers who are coming together to address this issue head on.  Featured guests: – Dr. Marshall Anthony Jr., social scientist and colorectal cancer patient – Dr. Johanna Bendell, Chief Development Officer of Oncology, Pfizer – Dr. Yin Cao, molecular cancer epidemiologist; Cao Lab leader, Washington University – Dr. Beatrice Dionigi, colorectal cancer surgeon; founder & co‑director, Early Onset Colon and Rectal Cancer Project, Columbia Research Cancer Center – Dr. Susan Zhang, Global Development Lead, Pfizer Oncology Dive into the episode here: 00:00 – A patient story reveals an alarming new trend 6:30 – The data behind the rise of early-onset cancer  10:39 – The global search for a cause   14:13 – The unique challenges facing young people with cancer  20:28 – Screening guidelines and what to expect from a colonoscopy   25:17 – The importance of early detection   27:59 – The conclusion of Marshall's cancer journey  30:23 – What's next, and closing thoughts  Check out our YouTube channel (@Pfizer) to watch the full interview with Raven & Dr. Marshall Anthony Jr. on his colorectal cancer journey. Season 6 of Science Will Win is created by Pfizer and hosted by Dr. Raven Baxter. It’s produced by Acast Creative Studios. Hosts in this podcast series were compensated for their time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. FEB 13

    Victoria Duarte on Trauma Recovery, Lessons from Healing Veterans, and Emotionally Safe Spaces

    Keywords healing, mindfulness, self-compassion, holistic modalities, emotional safety, military transition, anger management, creative expression, personal growth, therapy Summary In this conversation, Melanie Wilson and Victoria Duarte explore the multifaceted approach to healing through holistic modalities, emphasising the importance of self-compassion, emotional safety, and the individuality of healing practices. Victoria shares insights from her experience as a Semantic and Mindfulness Coach, discussing the significance of creating safe spaces for emotional exploration, the impact of family dynamics, and the role of anger in personal growth. The dialogue highlights the necessity of integrating creative expression and mindfulness into therapeutic practices, offering practical steps for listeners to cultivate self-compassion and navigate their healing journeys. Takeaways Holistic healing requires a blend of modalities tailored to individual needs. Self-compassion is essential for personal growth and healing. Creating safe spaces allows for honest emotional exploration. Family dynamics can significantly impact personal development. Anger can be a constructive force when channeled appropriately. Creative expression serves as a powerful tool for healing. Mindfulness practices should be adaptable to individual experiences. It's important to recognize and address stress in the body. Healing is a continuous journey that requires self-awareness. Everyone has the capacity to learn self-compassion and healing techniques.  Titles Healing Through Holistic Modalities The Importance of Self-Compassion in Healing  sound bites "There's no one way of doing anything." "Anger and sadness go together." "We are all storytellers." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healing Arts and Holistic Modalities 02:59 The Importance of Diverse Healing Approaches 05:40 Mindfulness vs. Action: Finding Balance 08:46 Creating Safe Spaces for Emotional Exploration 11:54 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 14:47 The Role of Self-Compassion in Healing 17:30 Navigating Anger and Grief Through Creativity 20:34 Using Senses to Ground and Create Safety 23:25 The Power of Self-Talk and Inner Dialogue 26:45 Social Media and Its Effects on Mental Health 29:09 Transforming Anger into Creative Energy 32:51 Finding Stillness Through Movement 35:15 Practical Techniques for Stress Management 39:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing

    58 min

  4. FEB 7

    Dr C S Wilson: Reflecting on His Doctorate in Theology and Growing a Tech Company After Freedom From a Wrongful Conviction

    See more about The Motivate Collective podcast, events, and memberships: http://motivatecollective.com   Keywords injustice, resilience, entrepreneurship, technology, personal growth, belief, optimal decisions, lifelong learning, transformation, hope Summary In this conversation, Dr C.S. Wilson shares his incredible journey from being wrongfully imprisoned for nearly 18 years to becoming a successful entrepreneur and minister. He discusses the importance of resilience, belief, and hope in overcoming adversity, as well as the role of technology in modern entrepreneurship. Dr Wilson emphasises the need for optimal decision-making and lifelong learning as essential components for personal growth and societal improvement. Takeaways Dr Wilson was wrongfully imprisoned for nearly 18 years. He emphasises the importance of resilience and belief in oneself. Technology has transformed the landscape of entrepreneurship. Optimal decision-making can lead to better outcomes for society. Lifelong learning is essential in today's fast-paced world. Hope is a crucial element in overcoming adversity. Dr Wilson's faith played a significant role in his journey. He believes in the power of personal transformation. The inevitability of change is like the butterfly effect. Everyone has a unique purpose that can be discovered through introspection. Titles From Injustice to Empowerment: Dr C.S. Wilson's Journey The Butterfly Effect: Transforming Adversity into Opportunity Sound bites "You don't judge a book by its cover." "Life is tough; it comes with it." "You have to learn new stuff." Chapters 00:00 From Darkness to Light: A Life Transformed 05:52 The Power of Hope and Resilience 12:01 Embracing Technology: A New Beginning 17:16 Finding Purpose: The Intersection of Faith and Action 22:20 The Importance of Quiet Reflection 28:00 Making Optimal Decisions for a Better World     Transcript Dr C S Wilson (00:00) Thank Melanie Wilson (00:01) Dr C S Wilson Not related, clearly. Dr C S Wilson (00:07) Yeah, I'm doing just fine. How about yourself, man? I'm so happy. I'm excited enthusiastic, I'm elated to be here with you on the podcast Melanie Wilson (00:09) How are you doing? Awesome. Look, you have had quite an experience, and one that a lot of people would not believe is even possible. So I'm really keen for you to share what happened in your life to let people know what goes on in the world. Dr C S Wilson (00:41) Sure, yeah. I'm right here in North Carolina. I was born in Virginia in the United States of America. And at 17 years old, I was at the scene of a crime where a guy's life was taken. So a guy was shot, single wound to the chest. And I didn't do it, didn't see the guy. I can't say I'm 100 % sure who done it. But I was 17 years old. I was going to be sentenced to 88 years with 58 suspended. That's an active sentence of 30 years plus life on parole. So I was sentenced to more time in prison than I would be on Earth. That I had been on Earth at the time, me. And yeah, it just kind of shaped my life. So was actually three weeks before my 18th birthday and approximately three weeks before my high school graduation. Melanie Wilson (01:32) This is astonishing. This is just shocking. I mean, realising you were a teenager, you were a kid, and you just happened to be in that space when it happened. Let's talk about that. Dr C S Wilson (01:36) Yeah Yeah. Yeah, so it's kind of like I have an honest we get a few schools and churches and stuff like that and that's kind of what I tell people you kind of got a light Know your environment know who you with know who you're around on Because at the end of the day humans are responsible for carrying out justice So the system sometimes works is just people are flawed and people are flawed all around the world so it's like you got people with important jobs and a lazy day on the job, you misinterpret information, or someone looks like someone else to you, and then a kid loses his life. So it's a sad story in that regard, but it didn't end there. So I would go on to be in prison, and then I did approximately 17 years, 11 months, three weeks and two days. I filed every petition for clemency, rid of mandamus, rid of actual innocence. Virginia Supreme Court, the United States of America Supreme Court, and I found no relief, but I actually had an affidavit saying I didn't do it, so was going to Ralph Northam in Virginia, who was the highest seat in the land at the time. He signed an executive order to release me from prison. So I was executively pardoned in light of an affidavit stating my innocence after doing almost 18 years. Melanie Wilson (03:20) nearly 18 years. So that's a lot of your adulthood that you spent in that place. Dr C S Wilson (03:23) Yeah. Man. Yeah, absolutely. So I'm only 41 now, so I've actually spent more time in prison as a man than I have as a man in society. Yeah, so it's like, you know, people get it wrong, and then I happen to be the face of one that, you know, when justice goes wrong. But I'm not bitter, you know, I travel a little bit and tell that it's kind of like beneath me to be. That's the power of human potential that you know what's inside you won't let what's around you stay the same so I just kind of I didn't think that something like that could happen to me so I just always kind of believe you know that I would be getting out that's that's why I'm doing a TED talk we're recording it later this year but it's on the butterfly effect so the title of it is does the caterpillar exist you know the inevitability of the butterfly because the caterpillar is just a stage in the life of the butterfly. If you believe things will change, know, you just focus on that and believe that it'll happen for you. And that's kind of what happened to me. So I had different lawyers to file petitions, and the petition for clemency that the governor actually signed. I actually filed that myself. In prisons here in Virginia, they got what's called law libraries. I went in there and filed it myself because it was inevitable, you know, you don't judge a book by its cover, and then you don't know how a story is going to end, so it looked like I was a caterpillar. It looked like nothing beautiful would come out of my life. That's a message for a lot of people that don't judge and don't close the book too soon. You keep going. You're building resilience. You're building what you need for the next season of your life. So, it's kind of that perspective that I had. That's what kept me sane in there in a place that prisons are built for a reason. So, like I was raised around these people, know, murderers and thieves and rapists. So, they should be in this place. And I just wasn't supposed to be, but the guards don't know you're not supposed to be. So, you get treated as them, you eat the same food as them. You get the same verbal treatment as them. So, you just gotta believe that your life is gonna turn out, and then decisions follow from that place. So if you refuse to let bitterness take root, you just continue to believe, then life changes for you. It's like how the world is designed. It works that way. Justice will prevail in some way or another. Yeah, you just gotta refuse to think anything otherwise. So it's like in that place, you need hope, and it's hope that continues to shape and bring your future closer so that the time there will be up, yeah. Melanie Wilson (06:20) The thing that stands out to me is that you were surrounded by people who perceived you in a particular way, and you didn't let it shape your perspective of yourself. You still knew who you were. How did you maintain that perspective? How did you keep that belief? Dr C S Wilson (06:44) Yeah, so I'm a licensed minister. I actually attribute it to God. It's like you got to believe in something that you can't see because in the natural I had done all I could do. The help of man was useless for me. So, in that place, I actually earned my doctorate. So, I earned my doctorate in theology. So, it was kind of like I kind of got it that I was going to need help outside of myself, that people didn't believe me. So in there, you're a number. You're not even a human. I was 10 39 28 1 and in maximum security prisons. had actually given that production was going in for the movie of my life. The years they couldn't take. because it's almost kind of like hard to believe, you you don't I remember I was we's in North Carolina. I was speaking. They brought some kids in. I like to tell my story in the third person for those who hadn't heard me before. Don't know the story. And I remember then I said, hey, that young man is me and a little kid in the back said, no, damn, he's lying. You know, it's hard to believe, because the smell of smoke isn't on me. I have the honour of having my own little tech company and just kind of work from home. Life is good now, so it's like the narrative has been turned. The inevitability of the butterfly is real. Melanie Wilson (08:02) That's amazing. You mentioned a tech company. Let's flick to that before flicking back to your story because there's so much to unpack here. How did you leap from being in prison to being a minister to having a tech company? Dr C S Wilson (08:08) Chill out. Yeah, so I was just kind of like, a couple nights ago, I was up reading the script of the movie that's going to be produced in my life. And when I was in 10th grade, I actually got the highest on my geometry SOL. And it's kind of like, I recognise shapes and patterns. So the world makes sense to me in that regard. I never did homework in school. I was just competent, you know, and I was a natural leader. So, going to prison was like, the purpose would be, you know, delayed, but purpose knows no postponement. So when I actually got out of prison, I learned business inside that place. And then when I got here, the numbers was like, wait, if you're do busi

    38 min

  5. JAN 31

    Podcast Episode: Dr Dan Young - Entrepreneur, Author, TEDx Speaker, and College Professor - Guiding Speakers in an Era of Authenticity

    Simplicity, Emotion, Visuals: The Modern Speaker's Toolkit    Summary In this conversation, Dr Dan Young discusses his role as a force multiplier, emphasising the importance of authenticity and personal branding in public speaking. He explores the evolution of speaking styles, the decline of PowerPoint presentations, and the significance of emotional connectivity with audiences. Dr. Young shares insights on finding common ground, the journey of transformation, and the value of humility in effective speaking. He concludes with key takeaways for aspiring speakers, highlighting the need for authenticity, simplicity, and effective visuals.   See More:  The Motivate Collective Podcast & Events:   https://www.motivatecollective.com   Special Opportunity for the Motivate Collective community 10% off your entire order at HumanCharger Support your energy, circadian rhythm, and confidence Code to be used at checkout: THEMOTIVATECOLLECTIVE As seen on The Motivate Collective Podcast Get your HumanCharger light therapy headset now. Click here   Join as a member: https://www.motivatecollective.com/join   Get the newsletter: https://www.motivatecollective.com/subscribe    Keywords public speaking, personal branding, authenticity, emotional connection, TEDx, audience engagement, transformation, visuals, storytelling, speaker tips Takeaways Dr Dan Young describes himself as a force multiplier. He emphasises the importance of building a personal brand. The shift to public presence was driven by financial necessity and personal growth. Authenticity is crucial for effective speaking. Speaking styles have evolved from formal to more authentic and relatable. The death of PowerPoint is a trend in modern speaking. Using visuals effectively can enhance a presentation. Emotional connectivity is key to influencing an audience. Finding common ground with the audience enhances relatability. Transformation is simple but not easy; it requires effort and time. Reassurance is important in a fast-paced world where instant results are expected. The journey of growth is essential for lasting change. Experience and failure stories are valuable for speakers. Humility leads to authenticity in speaking. Overcoming insecurities is a common challenge for aspiring speakers. Titles Amplifying Talent: The Role of a Force Multiplier Building Your Brand: The Shift to Public Presence Sound bites "I'm a force multiplier." "Humanity and society evolves." "Humility equals authenticity." Chapters 00:00 Amplifying Talent: The Role of a Force Multiplier 02:54 Building a Personal Brand: The Shift to Public Presence 05:32 Self-Care and Authenticity in Speaking 06:36 Evolving Trends in Public Speaking 09:15 The Shift from Information to Emotion 12:16 The Death of PowerPoint: Engaging Audiences 15:06 Creating Memorable Presentations: The Power of Visuals 18:18 The Three Pillars of Influential Speaking 21:02 Crafting Impactful Stories for Your Audience 22:52 The Essence of Transformation 27:04 Finding Common Ground in Storytelling 31:49 The Journey Over the Destination 37:04 Authenticity and Humility in Speaking 41:49 Crafting a Unique Personal Brand

    47 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    James L Jeffley, speaker, on corporate training and overcoming burnout

    Keywords public speaking, spirituality, self-care, burnout, community, AI, change management, personal development, hope, resilience Summary In this engaging conversation, Melanie Suzanne Wilson and James Jeffley explore a wide range of topics, from the importance of spirituality and self-care to the challenges of burnout and the impact of AI on our lives. They discuss the need for community and connection in an increasingly isolated world, the journey into public speaking, and the significance of adapting to change in both personal and professional contexts. Jeffley shares valuable insights on building confidence and navigating the complexities of modern life, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and resilience. Takeaways James Jeffley is known as Reverend Up, promoting positivity. Hope is essential in difficult times, akin to a 'Star Wars' narrative. Everyone has the potential to be a hero in everyday situations. Social media can complicate our sense of privacy and self-worth. Spirituality is a personal journey, not confined to dogma. Public speaking can start from a young age and evolve into a career. Corporate training needs to address systemic issues, not just individual performance. Burnout is a serious issue that requires proactive self-care. The 'hamster wheel' mentality leads to neglect of personal health. The cost of living crisis affects mental and physical well-being. Self-sufficiency and community gardening can enhance resilience. Healthy living requires intentionality in a busy world. Community is vital for emotional support and connection. Adapting to change is crucial in the workplace, especially with AI. AI is transforming job landscapes, requiring new skills and adaptability. Human storytelling and connection remain irreplaceable by AI. Titles Elevating Lives with Reverend Up Finding Hope in a Chaotic World Sound bites "We can all be heroes." "We are living in some weird times." "Pick a thing and get good at it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Reverend Up and His Mission 02:54 Finding Hope in Troubling Times 05:45 The Power of Choiceless Moments 08:43 The Role of Heroes in Everyday Life 11:38 Spirituality and Agnosticism 14:47 The Journey into Public Speaking 17:27 Corporate Training and Professional Development 20:15 The Challenges of Organizational Change 23:15 Burnout and the Hamster Wheel of Life 25:56 The Impact of Financial Stress on Well-being 32:13 The Need for Self-Sufficiency 34:02 The Impact of Modern Convenience on Health 36:36 The Grind Mentality and Its Consequences 38:20 Generational Support and Community 41:27 Finding Community in the Workplace 43:45 Navigating Change in Organizations 46:53 Adapting to Technological Change 52:46 Building Confidence in a Changing World       Transcript   Melanie Suzanne Wilson (00:01) James, thank you for being on the show. James Jeffley (00:04) Melanie, thank you for having me. I'm excited to be here, and I hope I say something useful. Melanie Suzanne Wilson (00:10) You will, you will. You seem to come from the public speaking world like I do. How do you explain to people what you do? James Jeffley (00:20) Sometimes I start by asking how much detail do you want? Melanie Suzanne Wilson (00:24) Well, let's see, we have an hour, or maybe a little bit more. James Jeffley (00:27) Okay, do you want the TLDR? Do you want the short answer? The short answer is I try to make the world a better place, and I do that through a lot of different ways. I'm known in spiritual circles as Reverend Up, and my catchphrase is up yours, which is not an insult. It's an invitation to raise every part of your life up to a higher level of peace, joy, happiness, and results. So, I try to help people up their lives through a lot of different ways, hopefully through speeches or sermons or through coaching work that I do or training work that I do or books that I write or music that I play. So I'm here to try and bring things up. Melanie Suzanne Wilson (01:13) That's amazing. I didn't know that you are known as Reverend Arp. That's a great phrase. James Jeffley (01:18) Another hat, thank you. Melanie Suzanne Wilson (01:25) I think that everybody needs to have faith in something or some form of hope in these weird times we are living in. Have you sensed that as well? James Jeffley (01:38) Yeah, I've sometimes thought of, are you a Star Wars fan? Melanie Suzanne Wilson (01:44) Yes. James Jeffley (01:45) Sometimes feel like we're living in the revenge of the Sith, right? Or one of the Sith focus movies where it's like the Empire is like coming and there's all the evil and terrible things. But there's also hope too, right? If we only focus on one part of the equation, then it's easy to get down. And there are a lot of people who are down and disenchanted, and I'm not quite sure how things are in your home country, but over here in the States, whoo, there's a lot going on. Melanie Suzanne Wilson (02:20) Did you hear about what happened at Bondi Beach? James Jeffley (02:25) Did, and that was tragic, and I am so sorry. My heart goes out to people worldwide but also Australians that were directly or indirectly affected by that. It seems like we've exported some of our violence down under. So that was a shame. Go ahead. Melanie Suzanne Wilson (02:47) It was... Yeah, well, I was going to say that that was even more of a shock and surprise because we have more gun laws than America has. James Jeffley (03:00) Right. Right. Absolutely. And what was heartening to see was what the people who jumped in to try to apprehend or arrest the shooters, right, to prevent more damage, death and destruction. So it's good to know there are still some heroes out there who trying to just step in. That's not an act of, well, should I do this or not? It's like that was what Osho once called a choiceless moment. Right. Osho was a great spiritual teacher. And one of the things he said that really struck me was that he said, " Choice only exists in a confused mind. I could do this, or I could do that. If I'm vacillating between two or more choices, I'm confused. But if I have a choiceless moment in that moment, I'm absolutely clear here's the right thing to do, and I'd do it. So for that person, here's the right thing to do: jump in and try to stop this guy, choicelessness. Melanie Suzanne Wilson (04:10) Do you think that sometimes we have a clearer moment of knowing this is what we have to do? James Jeffley (04:17) I think most of us do, and we stop and think about it for a moment, there was probably a time in your life, Melanie, where you were absolutely clear in a moment and maybe you hadn't mapped out a plan for it, or you didn't debate it, or there was no spreadsheet involved. You just knew in that moment, I need to go here or I need to stop that, right? Have you had a time like that where you just have perfect clarity? Melanie Suzanne Wilson (04:40) Yes. I did have a time like that. Actually, I can't say a lot about this to just be careful, but there were moments weeks ago when I just knew go and be somewhere else and reconnect with people who are somewhere else. And I felt so grateful that some people caught up with me for the first time in years. James Jeffley (04:55) Yeah, yeah. Hmm. Melanie Suzanne Wilson (05:14) So it was like this gut instinct, and maybe it comes from something beyond ourselves that's telling us this is where you need to be. James Jeffley (05:24) Yeah, yeah, there's a knowingness. I don't know if science has figured this out, probably not, but I think we all have this, this knowingness, this felt sense, this gut that's like, I need to go over here and do this thing or reconnect with these people or walk away from this situation. And we don't know what it means that our rational mind can't make sense of it in the moment. We just have this compulsion. I need to be over here, and you go over there. And later, you might get some hindsight that says, I'm so glad I did that because had I stayed, right, I might have been in that horrible mess, or I might have missed this wonderful opportunity, right? Melanie Suzanne Wilson (06:09) Yes, and do you think that other people can have their own small versions of the hero at Bondi Beach? Perhaps we have a chance to rescue the people around us, even if it's not in a life-or-death situation. James Jeffley (06:27) Yeah, absolutely. think we all have that capability, and I think many of us, all of us, have different levels of access, right? Some of us, know, I'm the hero, and we're looking for opportunities to jump in and save or help, and others are like, no, you know, if it directly affects me, then I'll jump in and there are some who are like, no, I'm not trying to get involved in anything, keep that away. I want a quiet life. But yeah, I think we all can be heroes, and it's probably a lizard brain function that fight or flight, you know. Are you a parent? Okay. So, if somebody were trying to, you know, harm your kids, there's no thought about that, right? You're jumping in and do whatever you can to protect your kids, your family, right? So, we don't need a Melanie Suzanne Wilson (07:11) Yes. James Jeffley (07:26) Your decision tree on it. Well, if this then that, and if not, should I? It's like, no, you jump in, and you take care of your family. So, but for some people, if it isn't a life or death situation, then the mind takes over, and we start to parse out, well, what's the risk to me and can I help it but not be involved too much and like what's the minimal amount of help I could give? Melanie Suzanne Wilson (07:37) Yes. James Jeffley (07:55) That's still helpful, but doesn't obligate me. I don't have to fill out reports or be on the news or, you know, can I just help anonymously, and sometimes the situation doesn't let you. Melanie Suzanne Wilson (08:08) Interesting. I normally find a way to quietly g

    1h 4m

  7. 12/22/2025

    Menaka Iyengar Cooke OAM, Psychotherapist and Human Resources Leader, Supporting Accessible Inclusion and Recovery

    Keywords HR, psychotherapy, feminism, cultural bias, trauma, disabilities, multiculturalism, kindness, social justice, mental health Summary Menaka Iyengar Cooke shares her transformative journey from HR to psychotherapy, emphasizing the importance of kindness, cultural understanding, and the impact of feminism. She discusses the challenges faced by multicultural communities in Australia, the significance of addressing trauma, and the need for inclusive practices in bureaucratic systems. Menaka highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of self-awareness in overcoming biases. Takeaways Menaka's journey from HR to psychotherapy was influenced by her values of justice and fairness. Feminism has evolved through various waves, impacting policies and societal norms. Cultural biases exist in bureaucratic systems, often unconsciously affecting marginalized communities. Building bridges and understanding between cultures is essential for a harmonious society. Trauma can stem from various life experiences, and understanding it is crucial for healing. Kindness is a powerful tool, but it must be balanced with personal boundaries. Everyone has the potential for goodness; we just need to look for it. Education and guidance can help individuals navigate complex systems and overcome challenges. Storytelling can foster connection and understanding among diverse communities. Self-awareness is key to recognizing and addressing personal biases. Sound bites "I did good things." "We are all human." "We can guide them." Chapters 00:00 Journey from HR to Psychotherapy 09:03 The Impact of Feminism 16:21 Cultural Bias in Bureaucratic Systems 19:05 Building Bridges in Multicultural Australia 24:12 Philosophy and Spirituality 25:42 Understanding Trauma and Disabilities 30:06 Unfinished Business in Therapy 33:26 Fostering Inclusion in Communities 36:34 Experiencing Cultures Directly 39:18 The Power of Storytelling 42:40 Three Universal Lessons for Humanity   Transcript   Here are the words.   Melanie Suzanne Wilson (00:01) I saw online that you have done very diverse work going from HR to psychotherapy and then helping crisis support. How did you, what made you decide to switch from focusing on HR to helping people in other ways?   Menaka Iyengar Cooke (00:22) Okay?   Is aligned, if not aligned, but related to my life story. Okay, so are you okay if I give you a thumbnail sketch of what happened and how? I came to Australia about 53, almost 53 years ago and I...   Melanie Suzanne Wilson (00:39) Yes, yes.   Menaka Iyengar Cooke (00:50) I had a lot of domestic violence happen, which made me leave my home with my four-year-old daughter. And in those days, there weren't any refuges or no one helped you. And there was really no help. So with the help of friends and my own brain power, I managed to get a home with a woman and went into an admin job, even though my first degree had been in political science and sociology. But in those days, this was just at the end of the white Australia policy. No one was willing to a punt on you. You had to prove yourself. So I did this admin work and while I was doing admin work, I thought, this is boring. I did it very well. So I started studying at night. And one of the key motivators, two key motivators were the influence of my grandfather in India who had been an HR manager for a group of companies. And the really beneficial things he did for the workers over there, including crèches, educating the people, teaching them different sorts of, if not arts and crafts, giving them out of, you know, work hours, sort of social opportunities.   And I worked in a company where the personnel manager or HR manager was one of the worst people I could ever think of who terrorized union workers and kept the women down. So I thought this doesn't align. So, and I'm talking about 50 odd years ago. So that's why I went back to uni at night and I needed special permission from the lecturers at the uni whether I'd be able to fit in, which I did. And that's what started my journey. I know you're looking at me with big eyes, but, and I was the only woman in a class of 21 white men who then, I think, ripped me and carried on at me. I was also learning feminism at that time. So I was reading Betty Friedan and Germaine Greer and Simone de Beauvoir and using their words to fight back with these men until one of the lectures pointed out that they were actually ribbing me and they would be good, you know, compadres. But that started my journey. What is real HR? What should people be doing? What is the true role? And this started in 1982 or something or the other, and I finished about 1985. But my role was for organisational development and change. Then the MD of the organisation, a lovely, sorry to say, white man, gave me an opportunity. He said, " We're having an organisation development review, the first of its kind in Australia. We belonged to Rio Tinto Zinc at that time. Do you want to go on the team? And I said, yes. I almost fell on his feet. I hey, let me go. And that was the start of my journey.   I'm now going back to what I first started with. It's to do with my values of justice, okay? And equality and kindness and fairness. And I had a lot of that inbuilt into me by my parents and grandparents who really believed in fairness and social justice, even though themselves were fairly well-to-do people. And that created my journey. So when I got into HR and then after organization development, I went into real HR roles like recruitment and training and you know, workers comp and safety. I began to understand how we needed to put that into the policies and processes. And I'm talking about the late 80s, early 90s, you know, that was still, I'm the managing director and I'm quoting you words from a managing director. I'm the managing director and I can do what I like.   No, the law now says the Racial Discrimination Act in 1975 and then the Sex Discrimination Act in the early 80s. This is what the law says. So we really have to follow it. That then I began with the help of, and I worked out, I'm also a gluey creature.   Which of the managers were champions of change? So, getting them on board, we began to change policies and procedures and how to get this happening. Now, I'm going to say to you, Melanie, it was not easy peasy. It was a real uphill battle, but we actually won awards from the Business Review Weekly at that time for employing people with disabilities. This is the early nineties at the prime minister's award for, you know,   Employing people with disabilities when there wasn't, you know, we could have just carried on like other companies by involving people in our strategy and decision-making. So that gave me a lot of hope. But I go back to my values of fairness and decency. I began to get people from the organisation into my office who started talking to me, and it was almost like counselling sessions. And then I thought, one day, one of the managers teased me, ⁓ this is your surgery. You should, you know, go to your next client. And that made me start thinking. That's how, while I was an HR manager, I began to study psychotherapy and counselling. So that's the long story of the link between HR and therapy and counselling, because they are based on my personal values of compassion, kindness, justice, fairness, and it became actually a great help because I continued till 2010 when I retired and I was HR director for a multinational at that time. But I brought those same values into each organisation. I'm very, at least I can look back on my life and say, I did good things. I wasn't just your HR manager who sat and cycled on the spot on a particular, you know, just keep peddling, get people to fill in forms and do this and do that, but actually do something to enhance the way women and men are treated in this organisation. Be fair, be just, give them a proper process on how to handle a grievance. Or if we are breaking rules, let's do something to mend these rules. Okay? There's no point waiting, I am going to do what I like. Because what's the point? We are dealing with human lives. And so that brought me to start pulling in various bits of what I call psychotherapy and counselling, even when we were letting people go. We had to do it. But do it with kindness. Get people in to support them. Get people in to help them put new CVs together, send them to places where they might get a new job. And so that was the big link, the road to psychotherapy and counselling. And when I retired, I finished a master's in psychotherapy and counselling, actually taught for a while business studies, psychology and counselling. And now I have discovered my niche in life because I am a South Asian woman that   There is a lot of need for mental health support in the South Asian community. So that's the brief story of the last 50 years of my life.   Melanie Suzanne Wilson (09:16) That's amazing. And you've done so much. There are so many questions emerging from this. Firstly, you mentioned feminism, and everybody has an opinion on feminism. So you have seen a long history in Australia, more than I have. I'm wondering where would we be without feminism?   Menaka Iyengar Cooke (09:23) Okay, go for it.   I think it's a wonderful opportunity, and I have belonged to the Women's Electoral Lobby, where they were the first ones to bring it to the attention of Bob Whitlam and the government at that time. And over the years, Women's Electoral Lobby and others like them have plugged away so that feminist principles are now almost becoming part of the way we look at policies and strategies going forward. And there has been a big shift, and I'm going to say that to you. Feminism has had not many faces, but tranches, people, it's, if you want to call it, not escalating, but moving forward. So we've had the first, second, third, fourth w

    50 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    From Heart Attack to Healing: Michael Sawan, Marketing Pro, Bounced Back from a Stroke

    Keywords heart attack, stroke, recovery, podcasting, personal growth, marketing, resilience, health challenges, storytelling, life lessons Summary In this conversation, the guest shares their profound journey of overcoming a heart attack and stroke at a young age, detailing the challenges faced during recovery and the impact on their career in marketing. They discuss the importance of storytelling, the role of support systems, and the lessons learned from adversity. The conversation emphasizes resilience, personal growth, and the desire to help others through shared experiences. Takeaways The journey of recovery can redefine one's purpose. Health challenges can significantly impact career trajectories. Support systems play a crucial role in recovery. Sharing personal stories can inspire and help others. Resilience is built through overcoming adversity. It's never too late to pursue new passions. Life doesn't follow a linear path; timelines can vary. Embracing change can lead to personal growth. Finding humor in difficult situations can aid recovery. The importance of evolving and adapting throughout life. Titles From Heart Attack to Healing: A Journey of Resilience Rebuilding Life After a Stroke: Lessons Learned Sound bites "This is my first time as a guest." "I was on the verge of collapsing." "I could have been dead." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:54 The Heart Attack and Stroke Experience 05:41 The Impact of Health on Career 08:36 The Road to Recovery 11:42 Life After Surgery: Challenges and Triumphs 14:49 Navigating the New Normal 17:29 The Role of Support Systems 20:24 Lessons Learned from Adversity 23:28 The Importance of Sharing Stories 26:22 Looking Forward: Future Aspirations

    54 min
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The Motivate Collective Podcast features conversations with Melanie Suzanne Wilson and wellness thought leaders from around the world. This show contains explicit content.

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