Thriving Matters Podcast

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

  1. 5D AGO ·  VIDEO

    Breathe and Being - It's the Gold!

    Soo Woods, our guest, is the owner of a healing center in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, where she cares for 15 therapy horses on her 106-acre regenerated property and offers accommodations and wellness programs. Set on 106 picturesque acres in NSW Southern Highlands, the primary intention of The Highlands Centre, is to help people return to nature, to spend time with animals, plants, insects ... just as our ancestors did. Why? Our modern world with its fast pace and high use of technology has caused us to disconnect from our origins. This disconnection results in anxiety, depression, mental health concerns, failing physical health and more. We discuss the therapeutic benefits of working with horses for personal growth and healing, highlighting the importance of breathwork, self-regulation, and creating safe spaces for individuals to process trauma. Soo shares her experience of running the Centre, retreats, workshops, and individual sessions using her herd of 15 therapy horses. We explored how working with horses can help individuals become more self-aware, manage emotions, and improve leadership skills. Soo shared her deep connection with and responsibility for the land, which she has been regenerating after previous use as a dairy run. She described the land's energy and the presence of indigenous activity, as well as her role as both a matriarch and a stallion figure in the herd of horses she cares for. Our conversation discussed the importance of self-regulation and emotional awareness in leadership and decision-making. Soo explained how deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calmness and better decision-making. They also explored the potential for workshops and retreats, including offerings for school leadership teams, using the accommodation on site to create a conducive environment for reflection and strategic thinking. Listen in as we go further into the healing experiences in a safe environment for processing and clearing stuck emotional energy. Soo explained her horse-assisted therapy practice, describing how her 15 horses, many with over a decade of experience, interact with clients and demonstrate unique behaviors. She emphasized that while she facilitates and observes, the therapy ultimately focuses on the clients' experiences and emotional processing. Soo also discussed the importance of proper horse care and workload management, noting that her horses work at liberty with choice and have each other for co-regulation in a natural environment. Self-care and personal development, particularly for women over 30 who are willingly seeking change, is offered through the holistic wellbeing retreats that incorporate various modalities including yoga, breathwork, tapping, and sound baths where the emphasis on the importance of balancing mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is upfront and unique for each person. If you have enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends, family and colleagues! You are precious and your 'thriving matters.'   To Connect with Soo: LI: linkedin.com/in/soo-woods-7092095b URL: https://highlandscentreforhealing.com.au/ Email: info@highlandscentreforhealing.com.au   To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com  Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

    41 min

  2. APR 5 ·  VIDEO

    The Heart of Learning - where is AI ?

    Welcome to this episode of Thriving Matters. Our guest is Ryan Noonan, Leader of Digital Technologies and Innovation at Chevalier College, a day school with approximately 1,000 secondary students in the Southern Highlands, NSW, Australia. Listen in as we discuss a number of topics that impact how digital technologies and AI in education are ethically and inclusively drive classroom teaching and prepare students for future workplaces by emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and communication. Ryan highlighted the College's unique approach, centered on the "heart" of education, which includes academic skills, self-understanding, and capabilities, with a focus on wellbeing and personalized learning. He noted that while all students can benefit from these approaches with support, the pace of achievement varies. Ryan discussed the whole of community approach to their innovative teaching and learning framework centered around empathy and purpose, starting with self and community to build ethical skills. He emphasized the importance of assessing capabilities, particularly in younger students, and balancing academic rigor with practical workplace skills. Ryan highlighted the challenge of implementing frameworks across 100 teachers and stressed the need for dedicated support to facilitate change. You will hear actual teaching examples of using digital technologies and AI tools, specifically with Year 7 students. Ryan explained how students are encouraged to use tools like Google, Microsoft, and Canva to create personalized products, emphasizing the importance of effective prompting and understanding AI biases. Ryan also shared an example of redesigning assessments in Physical Education to incorporate AI-driven debates, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge quickly and under time pressure. He stressed that AI use in the classroom always begins with student thinking, often through activities like quick writes, to ensure that AI responses are tailored to the student's prior understanding. He also highlighted a remarkable student achievement, where a Year 11 student developed a translation glove for the deaf, which was recognized by NASA for its innovative design. Ryan discussed Chev's strategy for integrating AI into education, focusing on three key areas: clarity, consistency, and capacity. He explained that they provide clear guidelines for AI use, ensure equal access to AI tools for all students, and build capacity among students, teachers, and parents. Ryan noted that while some students and parents are hesitant about AI, overall there hasn't been significant backlash. Ryan shared the ethical considerations of using AI tools in education, including student privacy, environmental impact, and bias. He emphasized the importance of teaching students to critically evaluate AI responses and avoid cognitive offloading. Ryan also predicted that within 5 years, AI agents will become more prevalent in the workplace, potentially impacting entry-level jobs and the way students are prepared for the future workforce. A very interesting and timely opportunity to amp up our response to using AI as tools for learning and teaching. If you have enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to share with your network of work colleagues, family and friends so you don't miss more exceptional educators and thinkers!   To Connect with Ryan: LI: linkedin.com/in/ryannoonan5 URL: https://www.chevalier.nsw.edu.au/ Email: ryan0257@gmail.com   To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com  Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

    48 min

  3. MAR 21 ·  VIDEO

    The Links - AI, Human Behaviour, Relationships, and Education.

    This Thriving Matters episode features two global experts, Alan Stevens and Joseph McGuire in an conversation with me about facial recognition and communication that benefits us all! Both Alan and Joseph have rich expertise are in their fields. They both also have a fabulous sense of humour! And I have known both these gentlemen for many years.   What you will hear and what I hope you enjoy, is their expertise and practical applications that we all can learn about to help us understand each other more clearly.   Listen in as the conversation explores how interpreting physical signals, such as facial features and body language, can foster genuine human connections in an increasingly digital world.   Both Alan and Joseph, whom I've had the good fortune to learn with and from, share how their backgrounds in traditional medicine and behavioural profiling help individuals improve relationships within educational, parental, and corporate settings.   We also covered the impact of technology on children, emphasizing that empathy and active listening are essential skills for parents, teachers and carers, business and industry leaders for mental wellbeing and effective leadership.   Ultimately, Joseph and Alan advocated strongly for curiosity and presence as tools to navigate the complexities of modern communication and artificial intelligence.   If you enjoyed this conversation, share with your network, colleagues and family.   To Connect with Alan: LI: linkedin.com/in/readingfaces URL: alanstevens.com.au Email: alan@alanstevens.com.au   To Connect with Joseph: LI: linkedin.com/in/joseph-mcguire-face-facts URL: clearsightcommunications.com Email: info@clearsightcommunications.com   To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com  Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

    45 min

  4. MAR 13 ·  VIDEO

    The Science of Thriving - A Whole School Approach

    Hello listeners! Welcome to another episode of the Thriving Matters Podcast. It is such a privilege to share this conversation with you because we are joined by one of Australia's most thriving educators, Andrea, who is currently doing absolutely amazing work as the Head of Well-being at the British School Jakarta (BSJ) in Indonesia. Andrea is truly an ordinary girl doing extraordinary things in life and work, and today we’re diving deep into what it really means to build a whole culture of well-being—not just for students, but for the entire village.   The Science of Thriving We often hear the words "wellness" and "well-being" used interchangeably, but Andrea brings us back to well-being science. This isn't just about transient happiness; it’s a scientifically informed, robust approach to how people feel good and function well. It’s about building a psychological toolkit that sets students up for success long after they leave the school gates.   The BSJ Blueprint: A 10-Year Vision What’s happening at British School Jakarta is nothing short of incredible. Andrea has curated a 10-year strategic direction called the BSJ Blueprint for Well-being. It’s Co-designed: This wasn’t a top-down approach. Over 70 staff volunteered their time to join students and parents in "appreciative inquiries" and design days to define what well-being means in their specific Indonesian context. Starting Early: They aren't waiting until the teenage years to start this work; they begin with two-year-olds in kindergarten, building personal and social capabilities from the very start. Systems Change, Not a Program: This isn’t a "tick-box" initiative; it’s a systems change piece that infiltrates every area of school life, from maths and science to the very buildings themselves. Education, AI, and the Human Connection We had a fascinating chat about the future. While AI is set to automate many processes and help with "lower-order" thinking, it can never replace Emotional Intelligence (EQ) or the need for human connection. Andrea argues that as technology advances, learner agency—giving students voice, choice, and the ability to find meaning and purpose—becomes even more fundamental.   Practical Strategies for Your Toolkit Andrea shared two beautiful strategies that we can all use in our daily lives: Protecting Strategic Space: When you feel bogged down by "email fatigue" or the busyness of life, take a walk and intentionally notice. Ask yourself: "What am I accepting now that I wouldn't have accepted before?". Adaptability Over Resilience: While resilience is an outcome of having resources, adaptability is a skill we can teach. It involves challenging and adjusting your emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses in stressful moments. Next time your heart rate rises, try reframing the situation—turn that anxiety into an acknowledgement of how much you care.   Final Thoughts from the Village Whether it’s the 44 green acres of the BSJ campus or the eco-village and tree-planting ceremonies led by passionate students like Nara, well-being at BSJ is a lived experience. Andrea reminds us that this work isn't an overnight quick fix; it’s an investment. It requires listening to the community and stripping back the "extra" initiatives to focus on what is most important. If you want to learn more, you can find Andrea on LinkedIn or visit the British School Jakarta website to see their well-being model in action. Remember, listeners, you are precious, and your thriving matters.   Go gently. See you next episode!.   To Connect with Andrea: LI: linkedin.com/in/andrea-downie-b4244746 URL: https://www.bsj.sch.id/ EMAIL: andrea@projectthrive.com.au     To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com  Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

    51 min

  5. FEB 25 ·  VIDEO

    Leading with Humanity in Edtech

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

    44 min

  6. FEB 14 ·  VIDEO

    Invest in YOU!

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

    54 min

  7. JAN 23 ·  VIDEO

    Futuristic Education - Skill and Will!

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

    31 min

  8. 10/28/2025 ·  VIDEO

    'Prehab' your Construction Workforce!

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

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

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  • Creator
    thrivingmatters
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Thriving Matters Podcast