From Aged Care to Anywhere

Dr. Julie Bajic Smith

Dr Julie Bajic Smith (PhD) is a psychologist, transition strategist and organisational wellbeing advisor. Her doctoral research explored the emotional demands placed on frontline workers, and she continues to publish, teach and support teams across care, community and corporate sectors through evidence‑informed programs and senior advisory work. Across the care and wellbeing sectors, frontline and leadership roles are undergoing significant change. Customer expectations are shifting, complexity is increasing, and staff are carrying a growing emotional load as they support diverse communities through periods of transition. These pressures are reshaping how people work, lead and care — and they cannot be normalised. Julie has seen firsthand how vital it is to support workers and leaders with the psychological tools, clarity and emotional safety they need to thrive. Her philosophy is simple: support your people, and you strengthen your culture, your outcomes and your impact. From Aged Care to Everywhere is a podcast exploring the emotional side of work — burnout, leadership load, identity shifts, boundaries, reinvention and the quiet transitions that reshape us. Each episode offers grounded insight, real experiences and practical tools delivered in clear, accessible language without overwhelm. You’ll find conversations on emerging trends, emotional load, workplace wellbeing, and the human experience behind meaningful work — alongside resources designed to support you in your role.

  1. Episode 76: From Sector-Specific to Human-Centric

    Jun 30

    Episode 76: From Sector-Specific to Human-Centric

    Episode 76: From Sector‑Specific to Human‑Centric Emotional safety isn’t sector‑bound. It’s soul‑bound. In this episode, Julie explores emotional safety as a universal human need — not just a workplace concept. She reflects on how emotional safety shows up (or breaks down) in everyday life: on the roads, in shops, at home, in schools, and across care and corporate environments. This conversation reframes emotional safety as something essential to wellbeing, connection and decision‑making, no matter your role or sector.   What You’ll Gain From This Episode A deeper understanding of emotional safety beyond the workplace Insight into rising emotional tension and reactivity in society Practical strategies to protect your emotional boundaries A reminder to trust your gut instinct and inner voice Tools for creating emotionally safe spaces for yourself and others   Inside This Episode Emotional Safety Everywhere Julie reflects on the growing emotional tension in daily life — road rage, short tempers, reactive behaviour — and why emotional safety has become a daily necessity rather than a workplace luxury. What Emotional Safety Really Means A clear, human‑centred definition of emotional safety and how it applies across contexts: aged care, corporate teams, parenting, committee work and community settings. Julie shares examples of emotionally unsafe environments and their impact. Why We’re So Reactive Right Now Julie explores the psychological drivers behind increased aggression and disconnection, including societal fatigue, economic pressure and overstimulation. She validates listeners who feel overwhelmed or emotionally raw. The Power of Gut Instinct A reflection on intuition as an early warning system for emotional safety. Julie discusses how we’ve learned to override our inner voice — and why tuning back in is essential for boundaries, decisions and wellbeing. Creating Emotionally Safe Spaces Practical strategies for fostering emotional safety even in challenging environments: micro‑boundaries, emotional regulation tools, listening, validation and presence. Julie offers guidance for parents, leaders, carers and colleagues.   Reflection Question Where in your life do you feel emotionally unsafe — and what would it take to change that?   Listen to the Episode Website | Apple | Spotify   Supporting the People Who Support Others (Free Audio)  A 10‑minute reflection for leaders navigating complex work Learn More   Connect with Julie For more resources, visit wisecare.com.au Instagram & Facebook: @drjuliebajic

    16 min
  2. Episode 75: Why I’m Moving Forward Without Letting Go

    Jun 30

    Episode 75: Why I’m Moving Forward Without Letting Go

    Episode 75: Why I’m Moving Forward Without Letting Go Legacy isn’t what you leave behind — it’s what you carry forward. In this reflective episode, Julie shares the emotional and professional journey of expanding beyond aged care. She explores the tension between loyalty and evolution, the fear of stepping outside a familiar sector, and the courage required to honour your legacy while embracing new possibilities. This conversation offers grounded psychological insight into reinvention, boundaries, worth and the quiet transitions that reshape how we show up in our work and lives.   What You’ll Gain From This Episode A deeper understanding of professional reinvention and identity shifts Validation for feeling undervalued or stretched in care‑based roles Permission to evolve without abandoning your roots A reframe of worth, boundaries and sustainability in service professions A fresh perspective on legacy, impact and expansion   Inside This Episode Opening Reflection Julie reflects on how aged care shaped her identity and why expanding beyond it felt both necessary and emotionally complex. The Call to Expand Unexpected invitations from corporate, community and wellbeing sectors revealed that emotional safety and burnout support are needed everywhere — not just in aged care. The Pain of Being Undervalued Julie speaks candidly about the emotional and financial toll of being asked to work for free, and validates listeners who’ve felt unseen or stretched beyond sustainability. Choosing to Survive and Thrive She shares the decision to realign Wise Care’s direction and step into a broader, more sustainable professional identity. What This Series Will Offer A preview of upcoming themes: transitions, emotional safety, burnout, invisible labour, legacy and reinvention.   Reflection Question What part of your legacy are you ready to carry forward — and what are you ready to leave behind?   Listen to the Episode Website | Apple | Spotify   Connect with Julie For more resources, visit wisecare.com.au Instagram & Facebook: @drjuliebajic

    18 min
  3. #74 – Embracing Change: Thriving in Aged Care Through 2024 and Beyond

    12/11/2024

    #74 – Embracing Change: Thriving in Aged Care Through 2024 and Beyond

    In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we delve into how embracing change can help you thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of aged care. We'll explore technological advancements, innovative care practices, resilience-building strategies, continuous learning and the importance of a supportive work environment. Listen today to learn: How embracing technological advancements can enhance care and improve efficiency in aged care settings. Which new care approaches and practices are transforming aged care, ensuring better outcomes for residents. Strategies for caregivers to build resilience in the face of change and challenges, ensuring sustained wellbeing and performance. The importance of continuous learning and skill development to stay ahead in the evolving aged care landscape. How a supportive and positive work culture helps caregivers thrive amidst changes and uncertainties. Embracing change is not just about surviving but thriving in an ever-evolving environment. By adapting to new technologies, adopting innovative practices and continuously learning, you can ensure the best outcomes for both yourself, and those you care for. Remember, a positive and supportive work environment is key to navigating changes smoothly. Embrace these changes with confidence and resilience, and you’ll find yourself thriving in your role.   Click below for Episode 74: Embracing Change Website | Apple | Spotify   We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. If anything in this episode resonates with you, or if you have personal stories, insights or questions, please share. Your work matters, and you make a positive difference in the lives of those you support. Take care of you, Julie

    20 min
  4. #73 – The Power of Empathy: How Empathy Can Transform Caregiving

    12/09/2024

    #73 – The Power of Empathy: How Empathy Can Transform Caregiving

    In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we discuss the transformative power of empathy in caregiving. Discover how empathy can build stronger connections, improve communication and provide crucial emotional support for both caregivers and residents. I will explore the double-edged nature of empathy – its ability to foster compassionate care and the risk of burnout if not managed properly. Empathy can blur professional boundaries, causing caregiver overextension. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life helps maintain balance. Constantly addressing others' emotional needs can build stronger bonds and at the same time be overwhelming and result in emotional exhaustion. Listen today to learn: How empathy allows caregivers to build more meaningful relationships, fostering trust and mutual respect. Why understanding residents' feelings, can help caregivers communicate more effectively and address their needs and concerns. How empathetic caregiving helps residents feel valued and understood, improving their overall wellbeing. Why stress and anxiety are reduced when caregivers truly understand residents. How empathy leads to more personalised and considerate care practices, respecting the dignity and individuality of each resident. Recognising emotional exhaustion and empathic distress early is crucial. Regular self-care activities like exercise, meditation and hobbies can recharge emotional reserves and prevent burnout. Seeking professional support through supervision or peer support groups provides a safe space to process emotions and receive guidance. Empathy is essential in caregiving but balancing it with self-care and professional boundaries is crucial for sustaining both the caregiver's wellbeing and the quality of care provided. Remember, your emotional health is just as important as the care you give. By nurturing your own wellbeing, you’re better equipped to offer compassionate and effective care to others.   Click below for Episode 73: The Power of Empathy Website | Apple | Spotify   As always, I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. If anything in this episode resonates with you, or if you have any personal stories, insights or questions, please feel free to share. Your feedback and perspectives are invaluable. Your work matters, and you make a positive difference in the lives of those you support. Take care of you, Julie

    22 min
  5. #72 – Turning Criticism into Growth: Embracing Negative Feedback with Confidence

    12/04/2024

    #72 – Turning Criticism into Growth: Embracing Negative Feedback with Confidence

    In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we’re diving into the world of feedback, especially the tricky territory of negative feedback. It can be tough to hear, but it's a goldmine for personal and professional growth. I’m going to share some practical tips on how to handle feedback without letting it get you down. We’ll explore how to take a deep breath, really listen and see the constructive parts of the criticism. It’s all about turning a challenging moment into an opportunity for growth. Join me as we navigate the art of taking feedback like a pro and using it to shine even brighter in your role. Listen today to learn: How to view criticism as a chance to enhance your skills and performance, rather than taking it personally. Effective response strategies for calmly and constructively responding to negative feedback, such as active listening and asking clarifying questions. Actionable steps on how to turn feedback into a concrete plan for improvement by setting specific, achievable goals. The role of resilience in handling criticism and how maintaining a positive mindset can lead to continuous personal and professional development. Remember, every piece of feedback is a stepping stone to growth. Even when it’s tough to hear, feedback offers valuable insights into areas for improvement. Embrace it with an open mind, practise self-compassion and use it to propel yourself forward. Your ability to navigate and learn from feedback is a testament to your resilience and dedication.   Click below for Episode 72: Turning Criticism into Growth Website | Apple | Spotify   As always, I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. If anything in this episode resonates with you, or if you have any personal stories, insights or questions, please feel free to share. Your feedback and perspectives are invaluable. Your work matters, and you make a positive difference in the lives of those you support. Take care, Julie

    22 min
  6. #71 – Mantras for Aged Care Workers: Enhancing Wellbeing on the Job

    12/03/2024

    #71 – Mantras for Aged Care Workers: Enhancing Wellbeing on the Job

    Whether you work in residential or community settings, boosting your own wellbeing on the job is essential. If we rely on others for our wellbeing, we end up with mixed messages. It's vital to listen to our self-talk and reflect on whether it's sending positive or negative energy. What messages are you feeding yourself? Is it ‘I am capable and can handle this’ or ‘I am not good enough and will always fail’? I've had to change my own mantras as my roles evolved, especially when I became a mother. Today, we're talking about the power of daily mantras to change your life and work. If you feel like you're drifting without direction, you're not alone – this episode is for you. I'll share why boosting your confidence is crucial, even when you're unsure of your goals. Discover how powerful statements can highlight areas needing attention and guide you toward positive change. I'll also share my transformative approach to self-care and rest. Listen today to learn: How mantras can build your confidence in the workplace. How they can reinforce your abilities and skills, ensuring you provide the best care possible. The importance of rest and how mantras can remind you to take breaks and recharge. The role of self-care in aged care work and how mantras can help you prioritise your health.   Click below for Episode 71: Mantras for Aged Care Workers Website | Apple | Spotify   Remember that you have the power to shape your wellbeing and professional growth. Embracing mantras isn't just about words – it's about nurturing your inner strength and confidence. Every positive affirmation reinforces your abilities, reminds you to take care of yourself and enhances the quality of care you provide. Your dedication and resilience make a real difference in the lives of those you support. Keep believing in yourself and prioritising your wellbeing. You’ve got this! Julie

    26 min
  7. #70 Building Bridges- Trust, Communication, and Boundaries for Better Client Relationships

    11/25/2024

    #70 Building Bridges- Trust, Communication, and Boundaries for Better Client Relationships

    OVERVIEW   In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast we’re discussing how we can achieve better client connection, with a focus on how to build trust, effective communication, setting boundaries and feedback mechanisms.   Client connection is something many of us naturally strive to achieve, however, there are times when it can go wrong. For example, sometimes the client is not happy, or sometimes we might not be happy. Sometimes we might feel like we are struggling to form a connection with them, especially if they are trying to cope with changes and feel overwhelmed. Finding ways to offer help and support, without being intrusive is key.   KEY TOPICS   Building trust [3:56] Building trust in client relationships is not always straightforward. It needs to be built in a way that is comfortable for clients, as a lot of clients in home settings might have anxiety about the changes they are experiencing. Often when changes happen, our client might withdraw, or be in denial. Proposing services and support mechanisms might not be well-received, as it may not be something that they want, as they feel this is visual evidence that they need more support.   Building trust during those initial stages is critical, and can help to enhance service delivery. When a client trusts you, it is a privilege, not an entitlement, and once you have trust, everything else works much better.   Effective communication [10:51] Clear and concise communication when you interact with clients will help you avoid misunderstandings. Paraphrasing what a client has said can be really powerful. Also be mindful to communicate one idea at a time, breaking down what you are saying into manageable chunks. Writing it down, especially if steps need to be taken based on what you have discussed, is another strategy to avoid misunderstanding.   Setting boundaries [13:19] While it is really important that we build trust with our clients, we must also have professional boundaries. Being consistent, and setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with clients ensures a professional relationship. If you are asked a personal question, a good tactic is to always put the focus back on the client and their needs. When asked a question, you should always answer, but use your judgement on how much personal information you disclose. Keep the client and their wellbeing as the number one focus and reflect questions back.   Feedback mechanisms [17:19] Feedback can be a sensitive topic, but encouraging and utilising client feedback can help to significantly improve services and client satisfaction. All feedback is important, and it is not always negative. It can help us improve, identify changes we might need to make, let us know about client preferences, improve service delivery and increase overall client satisfaction. Feedback doesn’t need to be formal. Regular check-ins to ask if things are alright are valuable and can avoid things accumulating and becoming a problem.     What is trending [20:09] In what’s trending this week, I thought I’d mention the most downloaded resource from my website, ‘5 facts about me’. It is a free resource to help you get to know your client and better understand what is important to them. It can be completed by you (or their family) and the information helps to put into context what you as the service provider needs to know about, focus on and put energy into. This is important, because if our clients feel that we know them it can really alleviate anxiety.     CONNECT   Email Instagram Facebook   LinkedIn   COMING SOON   Resilient Worker – new workshop coming soon Our new workshop will cover the burning issues affecting aged care workers today. Head to our website to find out more – Resilient Worker

    23 min
  8. #69 The Power of Pausing - Embracing Unproductivity for Health, Creativity, and Balance

    11/18/2024

    #69 The Power of Pausing - Embracing Unproductivity for Health, Creativity, and Balance

    OVERVIEW   In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast we’re talking about the importance of embracing unproductivity. With so much focus these days on getting more done, not just at work but in our personal lives too, it can feel like we don’t have time to stop. But being ‘on’ all the time is not sustainable. Sometimes we just need to slow down and take some time to smell the roses.   Being unproductive offers many benefits – to our mental and physical health, our creativity and growth, and our balance and wellbeing. In this episode we’ll look at the reasons behind this and offer some strategies on how we can take time to rest and recharge without the guilt.   KEY TOPICS   Mental and physical health [4:36] Constant productivity affects our mental and physical health, and can lead to burnout, stress and physical exhaustion. Taking breaks and allowing yourself to be unproductive gives your mind and body a chance to rest and recover. We need to give our minds a break from the routine of work and other responsibilities. Planning a week off every three months, taking a long weekend or a day off here and there helps. It feels good to have a break on the horizon, as it gives you something to look forward to.   Creativity and growth [7:43] It’s interesting that it is often the unproductive moments that foster creativity and personal growth. When you’re resting and not focused on tasks, your mind has the freedom to wander, leading to new ideas and perspectives. People often have good ideas in the shower, rather than while they are focused, for example, in a meeting or sitting in front of the computer. When you allow your mind to rest, you can come up with unexpected solutions. Being on the go non-stop can actually eat away at your productivity and creativity.   Balance and wellbeing [11:13] Striving for constant productivity can create a toxic cycle where you feel guilty for taking breaks. It’s important to find a balance between work and relaxation to maintain overall wellbeing. It is not sustainable to be constantly productivity and it can lead to burnout. Slowing down allows us time to be. Boundaries and a healthy sense of rest can help us strike the right balance. If you find it hard to stop, try looking for other ways to cultivate and embrace unproductivity – this could be pottering in the garden, starting a new hobby, volunteering or even going away.    Quality over quantity [14:38] Being busy doesn’t always equate to being productive – it’s more important to focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity. In fact, taking time to rest can actually make you more efficient and effective when you return to your tasks. Getting enough quality sleep is also important to be sure you can do your best work.   What is trending [18:34] In our what’s trending section this week, I wanted to share an article from Fortune called The case for unproductivity: Why you aren’t meant to be ‘on’ all the time.   The article speaks about the immense pressure in our culture to perform and produce, all hours of the day – both at work and in our personal lives. It includes some good strategies and tips for embracing unproductivity.   Slowing down can take time to master, but it’s definitely worth giving it a try. Small shifts like unplugging on your lunch break and not trying to cram every task into your weekend is a good place to start. There’s something beautiful about not having a busy calendar. Our productivity does not define who we are. Allow yourself time to rest and recharge.   CONNECT   Email Instagram Facebook   LinkedIn   COMING SOON   Resilient Worker – new workshop coming soon Our new workshop will cover the burning issues affecting aged care workers today. Head to our website to find out more – Resilient Worker

    22 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

Dr Julie Bajic Smith (PhD) is a psychologist, transition strategist and organisational wellbeing advisor. Her doctoral research explored the emotional demands placed on frontline workers, and she continues to publish, teach and support teams across care, community and corporate sectors through evidence‑informed programs and senior advisory work. Across the care and wellbeing sectors, frontline and leadership roles are undergoing significant change. Customer expectations are shifting, complexity is increasing, and staff are carrying a growing emotional load as they support diverse communities through periods of transition. These pressures are reshaping how people work, lead and care — and they cannot be normalised. Julie has seen firsthand how vital it is to support workers and leaders with the psychological tools, clarity and emotional safety they need to thrive. Her philosophy is simple: support your people, and you strengthen your culture, your outcomes and your impact. From Aged Care to Everywhere is a podcast exploring the emotional side of work — burnout, leadership load, identity shifts, boundaries, reinvention and the quiet transitions that reshape us. Each episode offers grounded insight, real experiences and practical tools delivered in clear, accessible language without overwhelm. You’ll find conversations on emerging trends, emotional load, workplace wellbeing, and the human experience behind meaningful work — alongside resources designed to support you in your role.

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