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    A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist

    Entertaining, educational and informative interview program hosted by public speaker and communication expert, Con Koutsikas. Con chats with a broad array of guests with unique perspectives and experiences in all areas of life.

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    Episodes (53)

    A Cuppa with Rebekah King, 'The Brain Changer', NLP Master, Speaker and Coach

    A Cuppa with Rebekah King, 'The Brain Changer', NLP Master, Speaker and Coach

    A recent study by the mental Health Foundation in the UK found that in the past year, a staggering  74% of people have been so stressed that they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope.

    My guest on this episode is Rebekah King, The Brain Changer.    Rebekah is a 

    ·         Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)Master Practitioner

    ·         Hypnotherapist

    ·         Speaker and life coach.

     As a  former corporate professional who, for years, navigated  depression and anxiety.

    Rebekah reached what seemed like an insurmountable low. A pivotal encounter with a renowned Australian Coach, led Rebekah to delve deep in to understanding her mind's mechanisms, where she embarked on a transformative journey to rewire her thinking. 

    Her own remarkable journey inspired Rebekah to effect radical shifts in her life, becoming a source of strength and inspiration to others seeking liberation from anxiety and self-limiting beliefs. 

    Drawing from her experiences and coupled with her impressive qualifications, she now guides  people in retraining their brains, facilitating  immediate and profound transformations, earning her the moniker, ‘The Brain Changer’. Her clients have seen incredible shifts that have completely transformed the trajectory of their lives for the better, moving from feeling stuck, anxious and unhappy to motivated, calm and confident.

    Unlocking your beliefs: the key to personal and professional transformation

    Manage stress amid anxiety and sort out your life.

    The essential ABC to retrain your brain

    The power of language:  eliminate anxiety and transform your life through words

    Unlock the secrets of behaviour change with neuroscience. 

     

    We discussed:

    • Her story, dealing with depression and anxiety.  In her words, "I didn't want to live, but I knew I didn't want to die".
    • What did the LOW look like for her.
    • People with depression.    That’s sounds easy BUT, you don’t understand…… Job, kids, demands of family etc.
    • Our constant stress, and how our body normalises it.
    • First step to change.
    • Hypnotherapy.   Peoples perception vs what it really is
    • The power of language…I am, self deprecating humor
    •  Instant gratification.   People looking for a pill rather than doing the work
    • Great question “for what purpose”
    • In order to move forward we have to be open to the idea that there is a solution

    Rebekah's ABC ,


    • A             Awareness         Stillness, meditation, journaling
    • B             Brain ,      Understanding how it works
    • C             Choice, we have a choice in everything we do.

    To learn more about Rebekah's work or to reach out, here are her links
    Email         rebekah@moonbeammonday.com.au
    Website  https://www.moonbeammonday.com.au/

    A Cuppa with Nick Lee, Founder and Chairman of The Jodi Lee foundation, Corporate health expert, co-director and partner of Healthy Minds.

    A Cuppa with Nick Lee, Founder and Chairman of The Jodi Lee foundation, Corporate health expert, co-director and partner of Healthy Minds.

    THIS EPISODE MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE………BOWEL CANCER…..

    Now that I have your attention, once considered an old persons disease, there is an alarming increase in both diagnosis and death in younger people.  Here are some frightening  statistics:

    1.        Bowel Cancer is now the #1 death by cancer of 25-30 year olds

    2.       This is up from #9, 40 years ago.

    3.       Now the 4th most common cancer, there has been an 11% increase in under 50’s 

    My guest on this episode of ‘A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist’ is Nick Lee, Chairman of The Jodi Lee foundation,  corporate health expert and co-director and partner of Healthy Minds.            

     

    With a beautiful family and working as a director of multi-national consumer goods company, Nick Lee had good reason to be happy and optimistic about his future. That changed in an instant when his wife Jodi was diagnosed with stage IV bowel cancer at the age of 39. After battling with the disease for 2 years, Jodi passed away in 2010. 

     

    We all face critical hurdles in our lives, but when we do it is how we react that determines our future health and happiness. After Jodi’s death Nick made the brave decision to leave his job and use his experience to do all he could to stop others suffering a similar experience. He established The Jodi Lee Foundation to inspire others to protect themselves against bowel cancer and make positive choices to improve their health. The work of the Foundation has saved many Australian lives. 

     

    Nick was a 2015 SA Australian of the Year finalist, and was awarded the 2013 Social Entrepreneur of the Year (Central Region) by Ernst and Young. In 2022 Nick was awarded The Medal of the Order of Australia. Nick receives this recognition for his service to the community through the not-for-profit sector (Jodi Lee Foundation) and commitment to raising awareness for the early detection and prevention of bowel cancer. 

    During this eye opening and captivating interview, 

    ·         Nick shared his story.

    ·         What were the symptoms and what you should be looking out for.

    ·         Was there a delay in diagnosis and is there an ‘age barrier’ to diagnosis?

    ·         The dramatic increase in cases and deaths in under 50’s  and even more alarmingly, under 30’s

    ·         The valuable work of the foundation through research, education and support.

    ·         There is a 99% survival rate if there is early detection.

    ·         The importance of screening and questioning your doctor.

     

    For more information about the life saving work the Jodie Lee Foundation do, head to their website at https://jodileefoundation.org.au/

    A Cuppa with Dr Tim Mahlberg Sie, Innovator, Entrepreneur, Director Stone and Chalk SA

    A Cuppa with Dr Tim Mahlberg Sie, Innovator, Entrepreneur, Director Stone and Chalk SA

    Innovation is the future.  Innovations in Green Technologies, Space and Artificial Intelligence are impacting our world.

     

    Stone and Chalk at Lot 14 in Adelaide South Australia is at the forefront of innovation and it’s having impact on a global scale.

     

    My guest on this episode of ‘A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist’ is Innovator, entrepreneur and impact -driven Director of Ecosystems at Stone and Chalk, Dr Tim Mahlberg Sie

     

    With a curiosity for people and culture, a passion for community, and a dedication to creating impact, Tim has had a diverse career spanning corporate, non-profit, higher education, startups, and service industries. 

     

    Qualified as an organisational psychologist, he’s been developing individuals and organisations for nearly 20 years. He has a doctorate from The University of Sydney which explored new ways of working with purpose to drive innovation in large institutions. At Stone & Chalk, Tim is the General Manager for South Australia, where he is working to grow our innovation ecosystem and inspire the next generation of innovators.

     

    The Adelaide Hub of Stone and Chalk has a population of 200 residents, has supported over 100 startups who have created over 1000 jobs in emerging tech, and are now valued at over $250 million

     

    We chatted about:

     

    ·         Tim’s work in such diverse sectors, and what lead him into those industries.

    ·         What makes Stone and Chalk so successful and unique.

    ·         The great work by April Hobbs to highlight innovations in South Australia through her book, ‘Innovate Adelaide’  You can view on line here https://bit.ly/3OLrh8q or to get your copy,  reach out to April at  Innovations of the World at april@innovationsoftheworld.com

    ·         Tall Poppy syndrome.

    ·         The amazing technologies in South Australia.  There are over 100 space companies here!

    ·         Key Innovation into the future.

     

    To see some of Tim’s thesis, follow the links below.

     

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOeS-5U7d7E

    https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/handle/2123/24269/mahlberg_tj_thesis%20%281%29.pdf

    To see more about Stone Chalk follow the link below.

     https://www.stoneandchalk.com.au/

    A Cuppa with Dr Tom Nehmy PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Author, Global Speaker

    A Cuppa with Dr Tom Nehmy PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Author, Global Speaker

    DR TOM NEHMY IS A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST WITH MORE THAN 20 YEARS’EXPERIENCE. 

     His passion is preventing psychological problems in people of all ages while also enhancing resilience and wellbeing. 

     His doctoral research in developing the Healthy Minds Program produced the world’s first prevention program to prevent the onset of symptoms of depression, and anxiety while also reducing risk for eating disorders. 

    He was subsequently awarded the 2015 Flinders University Vice-Chancellor’s Prize for Doctoral Thesis Excellence. 

    Tom is a prolific public speaker and corporate Trainer across Australia and overseas and has coauthored ten scholarly articles in peer-reviewed scientific publications.

     

    He is the author of the book 'Apples for the Mind: Creating emotional balance, peak performance and lifelong wellbeing', and his work has been featured on Triple J, ABC Radio, 7 News, Power FM, Radio Adelaide, in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Advertiser, and beyond. 

    See below all the links to reach out to Tom and purchase his book. 

    We discussed: 

    ·         Where his interest in psychology began.

    ·         There is an increasing higher level of community awareness of mental health.  Is it becoming a bigger problem or are we just talking about it more?

    ·         Are we more stressed or do we have more to be stressed about?

    ·         The impact Covid had on our mental health was well documented.  What good, if any , came out of Covid?

    ·         Developing the Healthy Minds Program which produced the world’s first prevention program to prevent the onset of symptoms of depression and anxiety while also reducing risk for eating disorders.

    ·         Self Esteem vs Self Compassion.

    ·         The bullying in schools as a result of social media and how parents and teachers can help the children and also themselves.

    ·         We have choice.

    ·         Steps we can all take to help with out mental well being. 

    To learn more about his work or to reach out to Dr Tom Nehmy follow the links below:

    www.healthymindsprogram.com

    www.tomnehmy.com

    Get a copy of his book, ‘Apples For The Mind, Creating emotional balance, peak performance and lifelong wellbeing.’ With this link: https://books2read.com/u/3Jye0J

    A Cuppa with Maggie Yarak, Patent and Trademark Expert, Commercial Lawyer

    A Cuppa with Maggie Yarak, Patent and Trademark Expert, Commercial Lawyer

    ARE YOUR TRADEMARKS, PATENTS AND IP (Intellectual Property) PROTECTED?

    HOW VULNERABLE ARE YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS FROM ILLEGAL USE OF YOUR IP?

    WHAT WOULD THE COST BE IF YOUR IP WAS COMPROMISED?

    On this episode I chatted with experienced commercial lawyer, trademark and  patent expert,  Maggie Yarak.

    Maggie has over 20 years experience in both the private and corporate sectors including banking, outdoor media, franchising, consumer and aviation and having negotiated international contracts to the value of $400 million.

    We discussed:

    ·         What lead her into law.

    ·         The challenges she faces running a business with 2 boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

    ·         What is the difference between copyright, trademark and patent?

    ·         When should a business consider protecting their IP.

    ·         We discussed a recent case of an Australian woman whose website, product and all images including those of her children was completely copied.

    ·         How can business best protect themselves.

    ·         The most common, ongoing issues she sees and how they can be avoided.

    ·         How you can check if your ideas are new and can be protected.

     

    For more information, to follow her on social and to get in touch with Maggie, follow the links below.

    https://yourlegalpartner.com.au/

    https://yourlegalpartner.com.au/free-resources/

    https://www.facebook.com/ylplegal

    https://www.instagram.com/ylplegal/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/ylplegal/

    A Cuppa with Darren Fleming, Global Speaker, Trainer and Author

    A Cuppa with Darren Fleming, Global Speaker, Trainer and Author

    HAVE YOU EVER HAD TROUBLE CONCENTRATING?  

    Perhaps your focus isn't as good as you'd like it to be. Or do you have one of those inner voices that constantly berates you and holds you back? 

    The good news is you're not alone. Everyone has these issues. It's how they deal with them that determines their level of success. 

    My guest on this episode of ‘A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist’  is Darren Fleming. Darren is a speaker, author and trainer to some of the largest companies in Australia and around the world including CISCO, Caterpillar and Komatsu. 

    His latest book Mindset Mastery was published earlier this year and is currently being translated into Japanese. In it he shows you how to deactivate distracting thoughts, quieten that inner voice so you can have the concentration and focus you need to get through the day. 

    Darren has studied psychology at UniSA and philosophy at Oxford. And each year he puts himself through a 10-day silent meditation retreat which he says teaches him more than any university course ever could. 

    In this jam-packed episode, Darren shared his insights on: 

    ·         The conflicting information is popular self-help books and the one common aspect of them all.

    ·         We spend 20 minutes convincing ourselves we want chocolate then when we finally give in, we spend the next 20 minutes berating ourselves.   Sound familiar?

    ·         Some people are open to sharing success such as new cars holidays on social media, yet some don’t.  Darren shared his thought process around eventually sharing his childhood dream which he recently achieved.

    ·         Imposter syndrome, fear of failure and procrastination. 

    To learn more about Darren and his work, head to his website at https://www.darrenfleming.com.au/mindset-mastery.

    A Cuppa with Jodie Atkinson, Grief Recovery Specialist, Speaker, Author and Entertainer

    A Cuppa with Jodie Atkinson, Grief Recovery Specialist, Speaker, Author and Entertainer

    HER HUSBAND PASSED AWAY 37 DAYS AFTER DIAGNOSIS.
    On this episode, Jodie Atkinson shared her journey which rose from the ashes of devastation after losing her husband to Pancreatic Cancer only 37 days after diagnosis.

    Being acutely aware of her own lack of preparedness to face her grief, she not only sought help for herself but a deep desire to help others.

    From becoming a' Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist' to her work with community organisations to writing her book, 'Have You Met My Grief' to amazingly having her book transformed into an Award Winning Cabaret Show which premiered at the 2023 Adelaide Cabaret Fringe  Festival, her journey has been nothing short of inspirational.

    I last spoke to Jodie over 2 and half years ago and lots has happened!

    We talked about:

    • Her profound loss and how she became aware of her lack of preparedness.
    • What does 'preparedness' look like.
    • Grief manifests in many different ways.
    • Loss takes many forms.   It is not just death, it can be the loss of a relationship, job or a loved pet.
    • How her book is helping people and how it evolved into a cabaret show.

    If you are looking for a speaker for your community, have been touched by loss or would like  to know more about Jodie's work, reach out to her at info@jodie-atkinson.com.au

    A Cuppa with Derrick McManus, Former Star Force, Speaker, Trainer, Founder Centre for Human Durability

    A Cuppa with Derrick McManus, Former Star Force, Speaker, Trainer, Founder Centre for Human Durability

    Doctors told him that he shouldn't have lived!  Shot 14 times in less than 5 seconds from a semi-automatic weapon, he lay bleeding for 3 hours before he could be rescued.   As if this is not unbelievable enough, he  returned back to FULL duties within 2 1/2  years.
    On this episode, I chat with former Elite Star Force officer, Derrick McManus.  He shared his harrowing story and how it lead him to a career as a renowned keynote speaker, trainer and founding 'The Centre for Human Durability' where his programs provide tools to go beyond resilience, to sustainable Optimal Performance.

    We don't all face the prospect of being shot multiple  times in our working days but the lessons Derrick shared benefit managers, leaders and business owners to be prepared and perform at an optimal level.

    Derrick spoke about:

    • Proactively preparing yourself.  Having honest and open conversations with your family and your team.
    • Analysing the event.  What could or should have been done differently.
    • Resilience vs Durability
    • Strategies.  The importance of preparation physically, mentally and emotionally.
    • The 2 key principles that underpin Human Durability.  
      •  Open, Honest and confronting conversations with yourself and those affected by your actions.
      • Take responsibility for our decisions, actions and outcomes.  Good or bad.

    Oh and don't miss his story at 10:30.........putting his thumb between a trigger on a pistol whilst wrestling with an offender!

    To learn more about Derrick's story and his work, head to his website at https://humandurability.com.au/

    A Cuppa with Sava Politis, Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Empowerment Coach

    A Cuppa with Sava Politis, Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Empowerment Coach

    Years of people pleasing, not living authentically and finally finding out, via an anonymous letter, his wife was having an affair, took him to the depths of despair and led him on a journey of self discovery where he is now dedicated to inspiring hope and a love of life.

    On episode 45 of 'A Cuppa with The Con versationalist'  I chatted with Inspirational Keynote Speaker and Empowerment Coach, Sava Politis.

    Sava educates, guides, and helps people live in self-love, focusing on "Agape," the highest form of love. Living true to yourself with integrity, positivity, and self-awareness. 

    His inspirational keynotes and personal coaching help people reconnect with themselves, empowerment of courage, confidence, and resilience. 

    In corporate environments, he is transforming and building powerful engaging teams and positive culture that promotes growth and success and via personal 1-on-1 coaching, he helps you become the best version of yourself.  

    Sava's personal journey fuels his belief that you have the power to be an outstanding human being, which he shares with the world.

    2:00  The beginning of his journey, the people pleaser.
    5:30  Losing contact with the most important person, you.
    6:15  The moment that changed his life, the letter divulging the affair and his biggest lesson.
    9:55  The 4 key components we all have within our hearts, faith, Love, Hope and Forgiveness.  Forgiveness is not about forgetting, it's about releasing.  It's a daily process.
    15:00  The current relationship with his ex wife and the roles and responsibilities we have as parents.  How do your children view you?
    17:40  The role of spirituality in life and work and the power of faith.
    20:00  Integrity and positivity, what are they?
    22:40  Can you relate to these challenges?  Losing your job you see as your identity and broken trust.  Sava shares one of the biggest fears beyond 50......I don't want to die alone.
    28:40  Creating peace in your day/life.  It's not about making time but understanding the value of your time.
    31:30  Boom, Crash Opera....what happens when you get home?
    34:10  Culture in the workplace.  The 2 biggest challenges and the importance of vision.
    39:20  Leadership is about actions with integrity.  Sava discusses mental well being and emotional resilience.
    42:20  Sava shares his top 3 tips live a life true to yourself with integrity, positivity and self awareness,

    To learn more about Sava's work, head to his website at https://savapolitis.com.au/    or reach out to him by email at sava@savapolitis.com.au

    A Cuppa with Victor Perton, Chief Optimism Officer at The Centre for Optimism

    A Cuppa with Victor Perton, Chief Optimism Officer at The Centre for Optimism

    On this episode we shower you with a big dose of optimism and get you to look at your cup, not as half full or half empty, but overflowing!

    Victor Perton is the Chief Optimism Officer at The Centre for Optimism. 

    The Centre for Optimism is 8000 people in 82 countries and asks people “What makes YOU optimistic?” and “What makes YOU feel Optimistic?” 

    Prior to taking on the optimism mission, Victor was a barrister, 18 years a member of the Victorian State Parliament, Trade Commissioner in North and South America; and senior adviser to the Australian G20 Presidency. 

    Victor is a Board Member of Yarra Valley Water and Vicwater.  

    The foundation for the formation of The Centre for Optimism was a two year “Australian Leadership Project” which concluded Australian leadership was pretty good so why the negativity in Australia? 

    Victor’s Eureka moment came in 2017 – the problem was not the problem of leadership but the fog of pessimism.   His book, “Optimism: The How and Why”, sums up that journey. 

    As a speaker, Victor promises his audience they will leave laughing or singing or both.  All the links to the exercises and resources are at the bottom of the show notes.

    2:00  Victor turned the tables on me and asked me "what makes me optimistic"

    2:43  Why and where does all the optimism originate?  Hear is fascinating history which goes back to pre Russian revolutionary Czarist Russia

    4:17  His grandmother always said she always wanted to outlive communism.  Hear her amazing tales of hardship and persecution whilst never losing hope.

    7:22  Optimism is a state of mind, not the state of the world.

    10:43  The boarding house with rats in Richmond, the stench of burning rubber and the peering possum.  The migrant life.

    13:40  Why Victor entered politics

    20:00 The Tax Commissioner and Victor's mum.

    23:30  Victor was the first politician in Australia to have a website and his foresight into the future of communication

    29:00  The power of laughter. 

    30:00  The changing face of politics and the 24 x 7 news

    35:00  Changing 1 life at a time, a powerful chance encounter in jail and  a perspective changing question we can all ask.

    42:00  The power of gratitude and a very simple exercise which for many, is better than anti-depressants.

    46:00  The catalyst for The Centre of Optimism.

    52:00  Enjoy some 'Optimistic Exercises'

    55:30  Ultimately, Optimism is a choice

    59:50  You make your own memories.  Very few of us have an accurate memory.  Our memories are re cast in the stories we re tell.  The memories adapt to the stories dependant on how we recite the memory, be it in a positive or negative light.

    1:01:00  Victor's interesting perspective regards the media and the news.

    5 Minute Survey – What makes you Optimistic?  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Optimism2023 

    What is Optimism?  https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism 

    My Best Self https://www.centreforoptimism.com/your-best-possible-self 

    My Optimism Superpower - https://www.centreforoptimism.com/superpowers

    A Cuppa with Daniel Marshall, Financial Coach, Speaker and Online Entrepreneur

    A Cuppa with Daniel Marshall, Financial Coach, Speaker and Online Entrepreneur

    MONEY, MONEY MONEY.  On this episode I chatted with Daniel Marshall, Financial Coach, Speaker and Entrepreneur.
    After working in the Steel & Mining industry as a Mechanical Engineer for 10+ years, Daniel decided to take a leap of faith and follow his passion. 

    Daniel combined his love for personal development and personal finances and created his dream career. 

    Daniel is now a Financial Coach, Speaker and Online Entrepreneur who works with millennials to help them build habits that will set them up for long-term financial success.  Daniels contact details are at the bottom of the notes.

    5:25  The connection between finances and personal development.  The gift from his mum which started his journey.
    8:35  Our financial habits, it comes down to what our parents taught us.
    10:00  Buy Now, Pay Later.....a recipe for disaster.
    11:00  The book which should be taught in school.  'The Richest Man In Babylon'
    11:35  The danger of the 'Microwave Mindset'
    14:25  How to build good financial habits
    16:35  The importance of goal setting.
    18:10  The Passive Income fairy and the ugly truth.
    22:00  Creating a side hustle is not an option, its a must.
    26:30  Mindset controls everything.  Money is 80% psychology and 20% mechanics
    29:00  The 2 most powerful words in the english language and how they effect your wealth.

    Email          daniel@danielmarshallcoaching.com
    Website     https://danielmarshall.com.au/

    A Cuppa with Cindi Cohn, The Queen of Joy, Author and Motivational Speaker

    A Cuppa with Cindi Cohn, The Queen of Joy, Author and Motivational Speaker

    My guest on this episode is known as the Queen of Joy.

    Cindi Cohn is the author of the bestseller More Joy and a motivational speaker.

    After facing her own struggles with her mental health, Cindi climbed her way out and found joy along the way. She now helps other women who feel stuck in their circumstances transform their mindset so that they can live a life of freedom and joy.

    Cindi holds a Master’s degree in counseling and education and as a counselor of addiction, she has helped thousands of families overcome and transform their life situations.

    Cindi can be heard as a regularly featured guest on numerous television stations, podcasts and radio shows spreading messages of joyful living. She can also be seen spreading joy on numerous stages, from churches, corporations and schools. Cindi leads workshops and trainings which have included large companies and nonprofits from Michaels to Wounded Warriors, and Fortune 100 companies such as Amazon and TikTok. 

    3:00  From depression to the road of joy.   One toe at a time.
    4:30  The importance of journaling and how it led to the book.
    6:30  Joy, becoming a global movement.
    7:30  The more joy you give out, the more comes back.  It works the same with negativity.
    8:34  The morning ritual sets your day.  Your productivity and your mood.   Cindi shared her morning routine.
    9:30  Cindi shared THE most powerful story of forgiveness.   Definitely provides perspective!
    11:43  Avoid your phone as long as you can in the morning and regular tech detox.
    14:30  The power of reframing your circumstances.
    16:20  Organisational Cultural toxicity and burnout.  People want more than a job, they want purpose.
    21:00  Children, bullying and social media.  If you are not giving your kids attention, they are going to get it elsewhere.
    25:00   Bring more joy to your family.  'Protect your peace'  You must make it a priority.
    29:50  Mental health suggestions for business owners.  The importance of a support network.
    33:50  Cindi's top 5 tips to create more joy in your life today.

    A Cuppa with Simone Douglas, Business Powerhouse, Author, Keynote Speaker

    A Cuppa with Simone Douglas, Business Powerhouse, Author, Keynote Speaker

    On this episode, I chatted with business powerhouse, Simone Douglas who shared her many years of business wisdom and dropped a ton of golden nuggets!

    Simone is the Publican & Licensee of the Duke of Brunswick Hotel & The Port Admiral, Executive Director for BNI Adelaide North, CEO of Digital Marketing AOK, Owner of the cafe -  dob on King William and a best-selling author with her books "Seriously Social" and “The Confident Networker”.
     
     She also sits on the branch council for the Australian Hotels Association SA Branch and is co-founder of the Hospo Owners Collective. Her businesses have garnered more awards than can be comfortably included in a bio, and her passion for supporting business, community, and industry is well known. Simone's down-to-earth attitude makes her someone that people feel comfortable around and she loves supporting others to be successful. 

    1:37  Where did her entrepreneurial streak come from.  At a very early age she learnt she could do whatever she wanted.
    3:10  When is enough?  She is fitting as much as possible into this short life.
    4:50  Simone's recipe for self care.  Work/life balance is rubbish, its work/life harmony
    6:52  Reward psychology.  the importance of small and regular rewards.
    9:00  Recruitment and retention of staff in bare talent pool.   Do you position yourself as an employer of choice?
    14:20  Keeping and attracting customers in the current challenging environment.   They key is building community and going beyond the transaction.
    18:11  Businesses 2 biggest challenges beyond 2023.  The importance of community.
    23:35  The key attributes to her success.  her responses will surprise you.
    26:50  What Simone looks for when acquiring businesses.   "I was looking for office space and I bought a pub!"
    33:00  Simone's 'why?'  What's yours?  Her strategy for for when she has had enough and wants to go home.
    35:30  You can't change the circumstance but you can change your response.
    37:15  What advice would Simone give her 20 year old self?  "Your worthy...do you and don't worry about others" 

    A Cuppa with Dave Demczuk, Founder Atria Systems, IT Solutions

    A Cuppa with Dave Demczuk, Founder Atria Systems, IT Solutions

    AI, Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm!  Whether we like it or not, it is here to stay and grow.   It's evolving at a  geometric rate.   So how is it affecting business and how can we use it to our advantage. 

    On this episode, I chatted with IT expert,  Dave Demczuk, founder of Atria Systems.  Dave is a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. His interest in AI systems began in the early 2000's with some of the first publicly available generative learning algorithms.  His expertise lies in demystifying complex technological concepts, particularly in the realm of small business. Dave has a unique ability to translate the intricacies of AI into layman's terms, making it accessible and understandable for all. 

    Dave shared his knowledge and experiences, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the practical applications of AI in the business world with a focus on ChatGPT and upcoming Microsoft features for business professionals.

    All the sites mentioned and more are at the bottom of these notes.

    2:25    You'll be surprised to know, AI has been a part of our daily lives for many years already.
    4:00   AI has exploded, particularly Chat GPT
    4:26  What is Chat GPT?
    5:35  How is Chat GPT impacting our business?  It reached over 100M users in January.
    7:30  What AI wont do (at the moment!)  Wont replace physical activities
    8:22  AI and creative tasks.  What tools are available for creating images and PowerPoint.  This is massive for anyone who produces content.
    12:30  AI's impact on the 4 day week.  Amazing for productivity.
    15:00  What businesses are currently best served by AI.  Who are the early adopters?
    20:36  AI, The Terminator and Skynet.....how far can this be from reality?  This is a scary story.

        | AI Platform           |          Type of AI                 | Address
    | OpenAI's ChatGPT  | Natural Language Processing (NLP), Conversational AI  |                                                                                                                     OpenAI
    | Microsoft's Copilot  | Code Completion AI  | Microsoft Copilot

    | IBM's Watson  | NLP, Machine Learning, Conversational AI  | IBM Watson

    | Midjourney  | Text to Image Generation  | https://www.midjourney.com/

    | Runway Gen2  | Text to Video  | https://runwayml.com

    | Text-to-Video-Synthesis-Colab  | Text to Video Synthesis  | GitHub Repository 

    US air force denies running simulation in which AI drone ‘killed’ operator | US military | The Guardian 

    Youtubers that give good AI information: 

    AI Revolution - YouTube 

    Matt Wolfe - YouTube

     

    A Cuppa with Eli Scheier, Founder of 'I Am Love' Meditation and Workshop Retreats

    A Cuppa with Eli Scheier, Founder of 'I Am Love' Meditation and Workshop Retreats

    In this powerful and entertaining episode, Eli Scheier shared his fascinating journey of self discovery from being an institutional day trader on Wall St to a jail cell to being a shepherd in the Middle East to studying Yoga and Meditation in India to eventually finding his way to Tulum, Mexico where he established 'I Am Love' Meditation and Workshop Retreats.

    Eli has a master's Degree in Clinical Psychology of the Spiritual MInd Body from Columbia University and having studied the practice of Yoga, Meditation  and Stillness in India at Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Trimbal; Anand Prakash Ashram, Rishikesh and  Tushita Meditiation Centre, Dharamsala, Eli offers an abundance of knowledge from many teachers and cultures.

    Highlights include:

    1:20 Wall St to Mexico.  "There was a fork in the road, and I took the wrong fork"  Eli Scheier.  Was Wall St really as bad as depicted in 'The Wolf of Wall St'?
    14:00  Spiritual path.
    17:00  Spirituality meets Psychology.
    22:00  Having presence and 'that' little voice.  It's either a track of love or fear.
    25:40  The purpose of meditation
    28:10  With our thoughts we create our world. The 4 keys, Intention, Certainty, Self Love and Super Power
    30:20  Self Love.  If we can't love ourselves, how can we expect others to love us?
    33:30  Where and how to start changing your life.
    37:10  Within every culture and every religion, the #1 rule is Love Thy Neighbour as You Would Love Thyself.
    38:50  Everybody you meet, you meet for a reason.  The universe is trying to send you a message. 
    43:00  The importance of affirmations

    For more information on Eli's work head to his website at https://iamloveretreats.com/



     

    A Cuppa with Conny Cruz and Heather Sasaki, Certified Hypnotherapists, Rapid Transformational Therapists and Podcast Hosts

    A Cuppa with Conny Cruz and Heather Sasaki, Certified Hypnotherapists, Rapid Transformational Therapists and Podcast Hosts

    WHEN YOU USE THE POWER OF THE MIND, YOU CONTROL THE EXPERIENCE. 

    Heather Sasaki experienced intense personal growth through surviving torture, child abuse and school bullying and Conny Cruz was on her own healing journey after many years in the jungle which is the New York Corporate Real Estate and Construction market.  Through their own personal journeys, both found Hypnotherapy and a deep desire to help others. 

    Heather is the founder of ‘Heather and Hearts Healing’,  Certified Trauma Release Hypnotherapist, Past Life Regression Therapist, Rapid Transformational Therapist and has over 11,000 hours of Meditation Coaching.

    Conny is the founder of ‘Deep Dive and Thrive’, Certified Hypnotherapist,  Rapid Transformational Therapist, Certified Time Line Therapy and NLP Practitioner and together they are the hosts of the popular podcast, 2 Naked Hypnotherapists 

    On this episode of ‘A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist’, Heather and Conny shared their journey and we stripped bare to the naked facts and fictions of Hypnotherapy.

    2:55  Heather's story of childhood abuse and torture

    5:40  Chronic back and hip pain can be related to emotion pain and or trauma

    11:24  What is Hypnotherapy and how it works

    12:30  You are in multiple hypnotic states every day

    17:00   Our subconscious mind is the root cause of all our limiting beliefs

    18:50   What Hypnotherapy IS NOT and how our subconscious is running 95% of our behaviours

    25:00   Why you cant be manipulated during hypnotherapy

    32:30   The distinction between acute pain and chronic pain and how hypnotherapy can help

    37:13  What is procrastination, why we procrastinate and strategies that help you now

    40:40  The importance of our words and the impact in physical manifestations

    44:00  The best times of the day to meditate, read your affirmations and the science behind it.

    47:00  Why your subconscious is sabotaging your success

     

    A Cuppa with Dr Gail Crossley-Craven, Author, Speaker, Leadership and Human Performance Expert

    A Cuppa with Dr Gail Crossley-Craven, Author, Speaker, Leadership and Human Performance Expert

    "WE ARE A COLLECTION OF PATTERNS AND HABITS"

    Dr Gail Crossley-Craven, known as Dr CC, has an established and successful career. Gail is expert in leadership, human performance and professional development; the pillars on which she has built her career and by which she lives her life. 

    Gail is founder of Crossley-Craven Consulting and has instructed and inspired people through writing, teaching, college and university lectures, training, business seminars, conference speaker, consulting to small business, personal counselling and educating clients all over the world 

    She has a strong belief in life-long education and she truly ‘walks her talk’…hence her long list of academic and professional qualifications in education, psychology and business. She works to bring out the full potential of people and makes time for you when you need it most. .
    The highlights of the program:
    5:00  What is 'The Great Resignation' and the idea of 'group think'   The 2 areas we must all work on.
    9:15  Professional Development vs Personal Development and the interconnection between the 2.
    12:40  The million dollar question, what and how do I find my purpose and Gail's advice on maybe why you haven't found or cant find yours. 
    18:53  Gail explored 'Victim Mentality' and why many people choose that.  Are we unconsciously supporting this in others?
    21:00  Leadership, what it is and what it isn't.  It's lonely and isolated at the top.  Real qualities,  training, support, mentorship and the importance if communication.
    32:00  Vicarious Trauma, what it is?
    38:48  Validation vs Justification   

    Gail is living proof of the benefits that ongoing personal and professional development, and determination has on people.  As one of her clients said many years ago, “Everyone needs a Dr CC!”


    A Cuppa with Leslie Urbas, Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness Expert

    A Cuppa with Leslie Urbas, Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness Expert

    ARE YOU STRUGGLING  TO LOSE WEIGHT AND KEEP IT OFF?

    WHAT ARE SOME OF THE GREAT LIES WE ARE SOLD AROUND DIETING AND NUTRITION?

    On this episode of 'A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist', Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Fitness and Wellness expert Leslie Urbas shared the truth, lies and other fun facts about nutrition, fitness  and wellness in a world that seems to worship 'bad apples' and fad frenzies in the market place.

    Leslie has  been featured in globally recognized brands such as:

    • Under Armour
    • fitbit
    • Authority magazine
    • myfitnesspal

    In an industry worth over $80 Billion, you can expect there is a fair amount of confusion over what is fact and what is fiction.
    Leslie shared:

    • What are the 2 biggest lies we are told.
    • The myths we have been told to believe around weight loss.
    • The secret to real weight loss and diet control.
    • Her 5 step program to losing the weight and importantly, keeping it off.
    • the REAL fact behind meal replacement and protien shakes.
    • Vegan is not always healthy.  What processed products are you actually eating?
    • Middle age weight gain.  Fact or myth?
    • Does intermittent fasting really work?
    • Tips to quick and easy, healthy meal prep.

    For more information about Leslie and her work, head to her website at
    www.LeslieUrbas.com and follow her on social media.

    A Cuppa with Diane Konkin, Founder and Director Advanced Mind Health

    A Cuppa with Diane Konkin, Founder and Director Advanced Mind Health

    THE WAY WE FEEL COMES DOWN TO 2 THINGS.

    1. The words we say to ourselves 
    2. The pictures we make in our head.

    After the death of her alcoholic and abusive husband, Diane Konkin went on to establish her business, Advanced Mind Health, a Rapid Transformational Therapy TM,   specializing in intrusive emotions and addictions

    On this episode of ‘A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist’,  Diane shared her story of healing and the amazing work she currently does helping people.

    2:35        Her alcoholic, abusive husband and her unexpected emotions after his death.

    5:39        What is RTT and the research done by Stamford University.

    12:52     95% of our actions are driven by the subconscious mind. 

    17:30     Diane took us through her process

    21:56     Our beliefs our formed in our subconscious up to the age of 7.

    27:30     A really great lesson for everyone in the coaching space around client selection.  How                    committed are they?

    31:00     Diane cleared up for me how a super successful business person can suffer from low                       self-esteem.

    36:00     You can never truly understand unless you have been through it.

    38:00     The 3 steps to getting over any addiction.  #1 Rule of the mind is will always do                                     exactly what it thinks you want to do.

     

    A Cuppa with Sarah Reimann, Certified Business Advisor, Financial Expert, Professional Speaker

    A Cuppa with Sarah Reimann, Certified Business Advisor, Financial Expert, Professional Speaker

    Sarah Reimann was a high school dropout at 15, overcame domestic violence, depression, divorce and drug abuse all by the time she was 20. and has gone  on to forge a professional career and is now a sought after business advisor, financial expert and speaker.

    On this episode of A Cuppa with The Con Versationalist, Sarah shares her inspiring story.

    After 15 years as a qualified tax accountant and business owner, she knows and understands the challenges business owners face with managing staff, juggling all the balls and keeping up a healthy lifestyle.

    Now, as a Certified Business Advisor, Financial Expert and Motivational Speaker, Sarah provides consulting and training to business owners and teaches them how to understand the story behind their numbers, so they have the strategies and control they need to reduce stress and make smart business decisions.

    3:25   Sarah shared her story domestic violence

    7:21   The important life lessons she learnt.  How her experience, whilst not pleasant, gave her resilience and the power of perspective.

    11:39  Sarah shared her 'mid life' crisis and what lead her to follow her true passion and calling.

    14:05  The regular, common problems she sees and the importance of systematizing.

    15:45 Understanding your numbers, particularly cash flow and profit to help business owners with decision making

    18:50   The importance of defining your market.

    20:00  Strategic planning, goal setting and budgets.  Do your team know and understand your business  mission and vision?  Having your team on board lead to better overall outcomes.  Sarah shared the staggering number of businesses that don't have clearly defined goals!

    25:00   The importance of self care and making sure you schedule time away to work on the the  business and recharge your batteries.  The dangers of micro management.

    29:00   Is your business saleable?  Are personal brands saleable.  Sarah shared her thoughts.

    36:00   Financial literacy in our youth.  The dangers of easy credit, Afterpay, Zip Pay.  Where financial literacy should start.

    For more information about Sarah and her work, head to her website at  https://www.sarahreimann.com.au/ .  You can also follow her on her social media channels.