In this episode, Felicity Haylock shares her inspiring journey from struggling with bipolar disorder to becoming a successful entrepreneur and marketing expert. She discusses the importance of authenticity in marketing, common mistakes businesses make, and the value of investing in quality content. Felicity emphasizes the need for consistency in social media presence and the role of analytics in shaping marketing strategies. She also touches on the impact of AI in marketing, the importance of collaboration, and her personal experiences with mental health, highlighting how sharing her story has empowered both herself and others.
In this episode of Dr Jenny Cook's couch conversations, Brooke sits down with her long-time fertility specialist, to unpack her personal story, share practical tips for those living with endometriosis, and dive into fertility insights with Jenny’s expert perspective.
At just 20, Brooke had an ovary removed due to a dermoid cyst, a moment that set her on a journey she never expected. Referred to Dr Jenny Cook soon after, she discovered widespread endometriosis. Over the past 4 years, Brooke and Jenny have navigated egg freezing and abnormal cervical cells, alongside Brooke's ongoing challenges of chronic urinary retention managed with a sacral neuromodulator.
This is a candid conversation about pain, resilience, and possibilities for the future.
In this podcast episode, Emily Sinderberry from EJS Business Services, discusses her journey from working in an accounting firm to establishing her own bookkeeping business. Emily shares insights on the unique challenges faced by rural businesses, the importance of effective bookkeeping, and strategies for managing cash flow. She emphasizes the need for goal-setting and regular financial reviews, as well as the significance of community support in both personal and professional life. The discussion also touches on work-life balance and future plans for EJS Business Services.
In this episode, Amy Van De Ven, owner of Quest Orange, shares her inspiring journey from working in the hospitality industry to becoming a franchisee. She discusses the importance of creating a unique guest experience, building a strong team culture, and engaging with the local community. Amy emphasizes the value of feedback, mentorship, and the role of tourism in regional growth. She also shares her leadership lessons and how she balances multiple responsibilities while maintaining consistency in her business practices.
Tune in to the end for exciting news on what's on the horizon for Amy & her team.
In this episode, Georgia Redden shares her journey from a legal career to becoming a successful photographer based in Dubbo. She discusses the challenges of starting her business, the pivotal role of Instagram in her growth, and her passion for capturing rural life. Georgia reflects on her collaborations with notable brands, the importance of building confidence, and offers valuable advice for aspiring creatives. The conversation also touches on her balancing act of managing a busy family life while pursuing her passion for photography.
Some of my favourite takeaways are:
- "Everything's hard. You just need to choose which hard you want"
- "Just keep going. If it ignites a fire inside of you, it will work. If you pour your passion into something, i guarantee it will work. And if it doesn't, at least you tried"
https://www.georgiareddenphotography.com.au/
In this engaging conversation, Katie Nash, known as the First Time Farmer, shares her journey from city life to embracing the challenges and joys of farming. She discusses the importance of social media in connecting with others in the agricultural community, the diverse career opportunities within the industry, and the essential skills needed for success. Katie emphasises the value of curiosity, resilience, and community support while advocating for better connections between urban and rural perspectives. She also highlights the significance of storytelling in agriculture and shares her upcoming projects, including a pyjama brand inspired by her farming life.
https://thefirsttimefarmer.com.au/
Join us as we delve into the intersection of governance, strategy, and legacy in regional businesses. Discover how regional enterprises can set themselves up for generational success through strategic planning and risk mitigation. With insights from CJ's diverse career, from Allied Partnerships Australia to aeromedical retrieval, this episode offers a unique perspective on thriving in the dynamic climate of regional Australia. Tune in to explore the challenges and opportunities that shape the future of regional business leadership.
CJ Baldry Adams is an award-winning strategist, governance specialist, and social enterprise leader whose career has been forged in some of the mosthigh-pressure, mission-critical environments from Australia’s most remote regions to global operational theatres. A proven operator and trusted advisor, CJ is driven by a deep commitment to building ethical, inclusive, and future-focused organisations that lead with precision, accountability, and measurable impact.
Dusty Creek was born from behind a camera, out where the red dirt settles deep and stories are lived, not staged.
What started as rural photography soon grew into something bigger. Something people could wear. Something Jess & Lacey could build. A family-owned clothing brand built for those who live life on the land and the little ones coming up behind them.
Jess is founder of Dusty Creek and mum to Lacey, who’s now just as much a part of this journey as Jess. Raised on cattle stations across the Northern Territory, Jess grew up chasing dust, light honest moments and started this brand with a camera in one hand and a story to tell, and trucker caps in the other. Together, they're building more than just a business. They're building a legacy.
In this episode, Jess Townsend, the founder of Dusty Creek shares her journey from a rural upbringing to building a successful clothing brand that embodies the spirit of country life. She discusses the evolution of her brand, the importance of community, and the challenges of running an online business. Jess emphasizes the significance of authenticity and storytelling in connecting with customers, while also reflecting on her personal growth and future aspirations. The conversation offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural areas.
You can support dusty creek here: https://www.dustycreek.com.au/
Mention BIZBROOKE10 for 10% off.
Business with Brooke is back for Season 2!
In this episode, I’m catching you up on what’s been happening since Season 1 wrapped, sharing some exciting updates, and announcing our brand new sponsor — Dusty Creek.
Season 1 was such an incredible journey thanks to the guests who shared their stories and the listeners who tuned in, supported, and spread the word. I’m so grateful for every download, message, and share. You made it happen!
Season 2 is set to be bigger and better, with even more honest conversations, practical tips, and inspiring stories from business owners, innovators, and change-makers making an impact in rural and regional communities.
Hit follow so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Let’s make this season one to remember!
Introducing, Jackie Elliott from Rural Women's Day.
Jackie grew up on the land in regional Victoria, and now lives with her farmer husband, Dan, in the Western District. Through her experience living and working in rural Australia, Jackie understands the unique challenges faced by women in these areas, with limited resources, access to healthcare, and networking opportunities. Jackie is a passionate advocate for creating opportunities that help rural women to connect in their communities.
The ‘Rural Women’s Day’ brand grew beyond expectation, following the inaugural event held in the Southern Grampians on October 15, 2019. Since, Jackie has facilitated over 20 RWD celebrations with volunteer hosts, and welcomed over 2000+ women to events across Australia. She has organically grown a social media community of 15,000+ followers, and supported the start-up collaborative podcast ‘Ducks on the Pond’, which now has over 60,000 downloads.
With collaboration at the heart of her not-for-profit, Jackie has formed collaborations and partnerships with over 200 businesses and individuals, and published two keepsake magazines celebrating the stories of rural women, with distribution of 2500 copies across Australia and New Zealand. In 2023, Jackie was awarded the ABC Rural & Kondinin Group Community Leader of the Year at Farmer of the Year Awards.
Jackie contributes her time to Rural Women’s Day in a volunteer capacity alongside Directors, Christine Elliott (Jackie’s Mum) and Emma Newton, who you may get to meet at your local event. She has been fortunate to work in various agricultural industries including livestock production, machinery sales, and more recently joined the family’s beef and sheep property alongside her Dad and spends her spare time creating floral arrangements, or on an adventure with her husband Dan and their little dog Ted.
Excited to introduce Warren Davies on this week's episode of Business with Brooke.
Lifeline - 13 11 14
TIACS - 0488 846 988
Warren Davies is not just an average farmer. There is more to him than meets the eye. His eventful life has tested his Resilience, Persistence, and Determination. Events which had a massive impact on his young family, relationships, and finances. But this has made Warren who he is today - The Unbreakable Farmer.
He empathetically engages with individuals and organisations by sharing the journey of piecing his life back together, and the vast array of life lessons he learnt along the way.
Excited to introduce Iain MacLennan on this episode of Business with Brooke.
Iain MacLennan is the Orchard and Farm Manager at his family’s 27-hectare apple orchard, ‘St Albans,’ in Orange, NSW. Passionate about quality, sustainability, and efficiency, he is leading the orchard’s redevelopment and overseeing a major expansion.
As a Nuffield Scholar, Iain is investigating how apple orchards can operate profitably within carbon capture initiatives. His research will explore global best practices in sustainability and carbon markets to drive innovation in horticulture. Previously, Iain worked as a broadacre and pasture agronomist for seven years and managed a first-cross lamb enterprise for three years. His approach integrates scientific knowledge, industry engagement, and practical solutions to advance sustainable farming.🍏🍎
Introducing Danielle Haase on this week's episode.
Danielle is a passionate entrepreneur and industry leader in the petcare industry. As the founder of Diesel & Blue, she has built a highly regarded business known for its exceptional services and innovative approach to pet care. With over five years of experience running Diesel & Blue, Danielle has earned industry recognition, including award achievements. Recognizing the need for skilled professionals in the region, Danielle pioneered the first-of-its-kind grooming traineeship program, addressing workforce shortages and shaping the future for staffing at D & B.
Her commitment to excellence and innovation has positioned Diesel & Blue as a trusted name among pet owners. Danielle continues to push boundaries with unique service offerings, such as the about-to-launch Diesel & Blue weekend dog boarding package, designed to cater to event attendees while prioritizing pet comfort and safety. She is dedicated to enhancing the pet care experience through personalized, high-quality services that reflect her expertise, passion, and deep understanding of pet welfare.
Excited to introduce Patrice Douglas on this week's episode of Business with Brooke, celebrating International Women's Day.
Patrice is a motivational speaker, online coach and podcast host. Patrice supports people all over the world in feeling centered, calm, confident, capable and clear.
She's a country girl who has had her corporate career and today is an entrepreneur. Through her own life experience, she knows what it feels like to be overwhelmed, have doubts and to allow insecurities to block potential. But Patrice also knows how to help people overcome all of these barriers to live purposefully, passionately and make themselves proud.
Introducing Claudia Mitchell, today on National Employee Appreciation Day.
Claudia Mitchell is a People and Culture Specialist who helps agricultural businesses build strong teams and workplaces where people want to stay. Growing up on a farm on the Southern Monaro, she learned that hard work, resilience, and persistence are key to getting results—an approach she carries into her work today.
With a background in Psychology and Human Resources, Claudia takes a people-first approach to workplace culture, leadership, and retention. She listens, learns, and delivers practical solutions that fit each business—not one-size-fits-all strategies. She’s currently completing her Master of Business Psychology and holds a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources Management), a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science, and a Graduate Certificate in Career, Education, and Development. She’s also an accredited Everything DiSC facilitator and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Outside of work, you’ll find Claudia volunteering as a board member for the Future Farmers Network, helping on the farm, enjoying the outdoors, or training with her gym community.
Introducing Ashley Hollis on this week's episode of Business with Brooke.
Ashley is the Brand Relationships Manager at Cotton Australia, with 20 years’ experience in retail, fashion, education, and stakeholder engagement. She drives brand and industry partnerships, fostering supply chain interactions to increase demand for Australian cotton.
With deep expertise in sustainability and supply chain development, Ashley has led successful collaborations across the cotton and wool industries, from farm to fashion. Known for her strong industry relationships, diligence, and enthusiasm, she takes pride in mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.
Introducing Jorgia Scott, on this week's episode.
With extensive experience in Stud Stock marketing and administration, Jorgia excels in managing strategic sales initiatives, client relations, and operational efficiency within the livestock industry. A results-driven professional, Jorgia combines deep industry knowledge with strong organizational and leadership skills to optimize business performance. Passionate about market trends and data-driven decision-making, Jorgia plays a pivotal role in enhancing brand visibility and ensuring seamless administrative operations for Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited
PO Box 735 / 21 Purvis Lane
Dubbo, NSW, 2830
T: (02) 6841 1000 M: 0447 157 017
Introducing Brooklyn Coverdale.
Brooklyn Coverdale is a self taught photographer servicing the rural and western industries. She balances working full time in her business alongside being a mum. We discuss the rebrand of her business, how it is evolving with her move to a new area and more!
https://www.coverdalemedia.com.au/
Introducing Katja Williams, in a chat surrounding community and prioritising yourself in amongst farm life.
Katja Williams, the voice behind The Ultimate Farm Wife podcast and co-host of Agsolutley Fabulous, is a dynamic advocate for rural living and agriculture. With years of experience building and supporting an online community of female farmers and farm wives, Katja empowers women navigating their integration into, or return to, family farming operations. With over 90 podcast episodes, she’s a master storyteller, weaving relatable and inspiring narratives about farm life’s joys and challenges. Her down-to-earth style resonates with audiences, offering authentic insights on everything from family farming to community connections. As a keynote speaker at forums like NSW Farmers and Australian Women in Agriculture, Katja inspires audiences with her passion and expertise. Featured in newspapers such as The Land and named among the 40 Under 40 by the Central Western Daily, Liberal, and Western Advocate as an up-and-coming personality to watch, she has cemented her status as a rising star in Australian agriculture. Her thriving online community highlights her ability to connect and influence. Working alongside her husband, Ned, on his family’s 11,000-acre farming enterprise, Katja brings hands-on experience in managing diverse agricultural operations. From breeding stud and commercial Shorthorns to raising trade steers, growing pivot-irrigated lucerne, and overseeing various cropping activities, Katja has an intimate understanding of the hard work and dedication that farming demands.
Introducing Paris Capell, soils queen; who shares her passion on the latest business with Brooke episode on Spotify.
Paris grew up with a love for community and agricultural landscapes. At university she studied both environment and agriculture, and now works as the Natural Capital Advisor for Western Local Land Services.
Through her community involvement she hopes to increase awareness about soils in our farming systems and make a direct impact on the ground. Paris believes in building networks for young people in regional areas and hopes to provide young people in agriculture with development and leadership opportunities.
This episode is a bonus this week, with some info on the Central West Young Aggies field day coming up.
Thanks for your insights Paris, they are brilliant!