In this episode of This Connected Life, host Mel Kettle dives into the complexities of communication and connection in a disconnected world with guest Victoria Rennoldson. Victoria is a leadership communication coach and certified cultural intelligence trainer who works with global leaders and teams to amplify their impact, speak with authority, and lead confidently across diverse cultures. Together, Mel and Victoria discuss what it truly means to connect in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, as well as practical ways to foster collaboration and inclusivity in global teams. We talk about: Defining True Connection: Why connection is more than just hopping on a Zoom call. Navigating Cultural Differences: How cultural influences affect communication styles and team dynamics. Leadership Challenges in Global Teams: Common communication pitfalls and how to overcome them. Practical Tips for Inclusive Leadership: Using tools and strategies to engage all team members, regardless of culture or communication style. Building Confidence as a Leader: How to amplify your strengths and show up authentically. Fun superpowers and coffee Victoria Rennoldson is an award-winning cultural intelligence and communication coach, and the founder of Culture Cuppa. In her view, the communication and cultural gap is a huge waste of talent and valuable ideas for your team and organisation. She is passionate about achieving an equal share of voice for everybody in multicultural and multilingual teams.  Victoria works with talented and ambitious individuals and teams all over the world, who need help with leadership communication skills, communicating confidently and with the cultural challenges of collaborating successfully and building trust with global teams, international customers and partners. You can connect with Victoria: LinkedIn The Culture Cuppa website and podcast Buy a copy of my book, Fully Connected, here: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/  and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkettle/ 

In this episode of This Connected Life, Mel Kettle welcomes back Steph Clarke, a multi-potentialite, lifelong learner, and futures thinking specialist, to discuss the evolving nature of connection, foresight, and the future of friendship. Steph shares her expertise on futures thinking, how leaders can use foresight to stay relevant, and why friendship deserves more value in today’s world. We talk about: Living a big life in a small place and insights into curating your ideal life. The importance of imagining possibilities instead of predicting outcomes. How leaders can identify signals of change and build "treasure maps" for the future. The role of courage and imagination in navigating ambiguity and uncertainty. Signals of change to watch for Why friendship is undervalued compared to romantic relationships. Resources: Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal TED Talk by Emily Wapnick on being a multi-potentialite Article: The Friendship Paradox by The Atlantic ($) Connect with Steph: LinkedIn Steph's Website Interested in her book, "The Future of Friendship"? Submit your friendship stories here before 24 December 2024 Buy a copy of my book, Fully Connected, here: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/  and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkettle/ 

In this episode of This Connected Life, Mel Kettle sits down with marketing strategist and consultant Bec Chappell to explore the true meaning of connection—both in business and in life. Bec shares her insights into building genuine relationships in an increasingly digital world, the role of social media in marketing, and how to stand out authentically in a crowded market. We talk about: The Importance of Real Connections Navigating Social Media: Learn why social media is a tool, not a complete strategy, and how focusing on relationships can bring more meaningful engagement. Personal Branding and Authenticity: Discover the importance of showing up as your true self across all platforms and why your unique essence sets you apart. Dating in the Digital Age: Bec’s humorous and honest take on the challenges of modern dating apps, and her tips for fostering real connections beyond the swipe. The Role of AI in Marketing: A candid discussion on how AI is changing the marketing landscape and the importance of maintaining originality and authenticity in a world flooded with content. Connect with Bec Chappell: LinkedIn: Bec Chappell Instagram: @bec_chappell Website: becchappell.com.au Podcast: Marketing Espresso White Paper: "Social Media Won't Save Your Marketing" Whether you're a business owner, a marketer, or just someone navigating the complexities of modern relationships, this episode is filled with actionable advice and lighthearted moments that remind us of the power of connection. Listen in and get inspired to bring more authenticity into all areas of your life. Learn more about the Confident Communicator workshops I mention here: https://courses.melkettle.com/comms2024 Buy a copy of my book, Fully Connected, here: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/  and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkettle/ 

In this episode of This Connected Life, I explore the power of introverts in the workplace, especially in leadership roles. Despite a common misconception that introverts can’t thrive in fast-paced, vocal environments, I share my personal experiences and strategies for excelling as a quieter leader, including deep thinking, problem-solving, and building meaningful relationships. I also share practical tips for introverts who want to command attention without being the loudest voice in the room. I talk about: How introverts often possess unique strengths like focus, observation, and empathy that make them strong leaders. Notable introverted leaders like Oprah, Bill Gates, and Sheryl Sandberg exemplify how quiet strength can lead to monumental success. Tips for introverts to thrive: lead with your strengths, speak when it matters, and build one-on-one connections. How to leverage non-verbal communication and make a strong impression without saying a word. Quiet leadership can be powerful due to its foundation in thoughtfulness, authenticity, and depth.   Download the free checklist 10 Steps to Communicate with Confidence: https://courses.melkettle.com/checklist    Learn more about the Confident Communicator workshops I mention here: https://courses.melkettle.com/comms2024   Buy a copy of my book, Fully Connected, here: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook   Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/  and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkettle/ 

In this episode of This Connected Life, Mel talks with Pauly Grant, Chief Talent Officer for Publicis Groupe ANZ and APAC. Pauly is a creative problem solver who identifies and embraces new approaches to solve complex problems by leveraging data and insights. She believes that fostering an inclusive, enabling culture is a driver for exceptional business performance, and we talk a lot about this in this episode. As a leader, Pauly’s focus is on making the shift from how to create a great employee experience, to a great life experience for people. We talked about: HR from the perspective of the people rather than risk and compliance, which most focus on the power of connection, in terms of people, place and purpose fostering belonging at work how Publicis Group supports women going through menopause with menopause leave, and coaching and mentoring programs Trust, flexibility and a focus on behaviour instead of strict guidelines. Connect with Pauly on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauly-grant-6066423a/   Learn more about the Confident Communicator workshops I mention here: https://courses.melkettle.com/comms2024   Buy a copy of my book, Fully Connected, here: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook   Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/  and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkettle/ 

In this episode of This Connected Life, I dive deep into the world of functional medicine and body burnout with Filipa Bellette. Filly shares her incredible journey from personal health crises to co-founding a multi-award-winning health practice, Chris & Filly Functional Medicine. Together with her husband Chris, Filly has helped over 2,500 clients overcome burnout and regain their health through a root cause approach. We talked about: Balancing life and work and working with your spouse the importance of deep trust and connection with oneself as the foundation for all other connections in life Healing body burnout and the four-step process Filly uses in her practice to help clients recover from burnout, The impact of unconscious beliefs Practical and actionable advice on improving sleep, diet, and movement to support overall well-being and prevent burnout. Resources Buy Filly’s book, Ending Body Burnout Sign up for the free 3-day live coaching experience to rewire your brain and end body burnout You can connect with Filly: via her website on the socials: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn Like this show? Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally. Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode Follow Mel on Instagram

In this episode I talk to my gorgeous friend Emma Walkinshaw. Emma is a transformational coach, accredited yoga instructor, and dynamic entrepreneur passionate about empowering women. We talk about: Embracing your body, body acceptance and the challenging toxic diet culture Starting your day with intention through simple practices like yoga, meditation Collaboration and connection and the importance of building strong relationships in business and life How collaboration has been key to Emma’s success and fulfillment The significance of self-compassion in navigating life’s challenges. Resources Buy Emma’s new book: 365 Days of Morning Magic: A Daily Guide to Set Your Intentions Emma’s transformative programs: 21 Minutes of Morning Magic and Embody Me Emma Walkinshaw is a dedicated Transformational Coach, Accredited Yoga Instructor, and a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for empowering women. As the Founder of the transformative "21 Minutes of Morning Magic" and "Embody Me Program," she creates spaces for growth and self-discovery. Emma launched her first business at 23. Today, her true passion is in guiding women to elevate their self- awareness and self-confidence, challenging toxic diet culture, and encouraging the acceptance of their authentic selves. Her work is a testament to her commitment to fostering a world where women feel empowered, confident, and aligned with their true selves. You can connect with Emma: via her website Instagram: @emma_walkinshaw Join the 21 Minutes of Morning Magic group on Facebook: 21 Minutes of Morning Magic About your host: Mel Kettle Mel Kettle is a leadership communication strategist, speaker, author, and facilitator. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate so they create real connection and sustained engagement. Mel’s work positively impacts people personally and professionally, whether she is facilitating a communication strategy workshop, running a training program on how to talk about menopause at work, or speaking about self-leadership at a conference. In 2022 and 2023 Mel was one of only seven Australians recognised by leadersHum as one of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership. She is the author of two books, the best-selling Fully Connected and The Social Association. Like this show? Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally. Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode Follow Mel on Instagram 

In this episode I talk to Leanne Hughes. Leanne Hughes’ mission is to help you realise what’s possible, is possible for you and your business. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator helping you maximise your team’s potential by creating influential, contagious work experiences. Clients work with Leanne for her energy and unique approaches that provide cut-through strategies for embarking on a change initiative, or to shift performance or culture to achieve next-level success.  She was inducted into The Million Dollar Consulting® Hall of Fame in 2022, recognised by peers as being among the world leaders in consulting, as evidenced by empirical accomplishments in client results, professional contributions, and intellectual property. In 2021, Leanne was the winner of the Asia Pacific Learning Impact awards for Learning Professional of the Year. She’s a proud mentor as part of the Minerva network: Women supporting Australian women in the business of sport. Leanne hosts both the First Time Facilitator and Leanne Hughes’ Work and Live Large podcasts and is the author of The Two Hour Workshop Blueprint. You can connect with Leanne: via her website LinkedIn Instagram Join Leanne’s Facebook group, The Flipchart Episode highlights Leanne was a guest on episode 47, recorded waaaay back in August 2020. We have had so many amazing conversations since then, that I thought we should record another one for you! We talked about: the fabulous Nick Gray and his blind date in Tokyo that has taken Twitter / X by storm (you can follow him here), and how being brave and putting yourself out there can reap so many rewards adapting to change during COVID connecting across borders the power of vibe - and yes, we were influenced by the fabulous Australian movie The Castle 😂 the underestimated power of interpersonal connection in business Leanne’s book "The Two-Hour Workshop Blueprint” setting boundaries AND SO MUCH MORE! Resources Listen to episode 47, my first chat with Leanne Buy Leanne’s book "The Two-Hour Workshop Blueprint" Buy Nick Gray's book "The Two-Hour Cocktail Party" Michael Bungay Stanier Buy a ticket to Leanne’s workshop with Michael Bungay Stanier About your host: Mel Kettle Mel Kettle is a leadership communication strategist, speaker, author, and facilitator. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate so they create real connection and sustained engagement. Mel’s work positively impacts people personally and professionally, whether she is facilitating a communication strategy workshop, running a training program on how to talk about menopause at work, or speaking about self-leadership at a conference. In 2022 and 2023 Mel was one of only seven Australians recognised by leadersHum as one of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership. She is the author of two books, the best-selling Fully Connected and The Social Association. Like this show? Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally. Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode Follow Mel on Instagram and Twitter (now X)

Join leadership communication strategist Mel Kettle as she explores how you can become more successful in business and in life by becoming more connectable. Mel has almost 30 years of experience working with leaders and teams that want to build connected and trusted organisations. When we connect first with ourselves, we are better equipped to communicate and connect with others, leading to stronger and healthier relationships. In this episode I talk about: the importance of social media for connection the early days of Twitter and how it led to friendships, community and trust using LinkedIn for business building a strong online presence. Resources Connect with Mary Butler on LinkedIn and read her West Wing and leadership series Need help with raising your social media profile? Get in touch! Dello Mano brownies - they really are the best! Buy a copy of The Social Association Download LinkedIn in 10 Minutes a Day - for free About your host: Mel Kettle Mel Kettle is a leadership communication strategist, speaker, author, and facilitator. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate so they create real connection and sustained engagement. Mel’s work positively impacts people personally and professionally, whether she is facilitating a communication strategy workshop, running a training program on how to talk about menopause at work, or speaking about self-leadership at a conference. In 2022 and 2023 Mel was one of only seven Australians recognised by leadersHum as one of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership. She is the author of two books, the best-selling Fully Connected and The Social Association. Like this show? Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally. Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode Follow Mel on Instagram and Twitter (now X)

Join leadership communication strategist Mel Kettle as she explores how you can become more successful in business and in life by becoming more connectable. In this episode, I talk to productivity expert Donna McGeorge. Donna McGeorge is all about doing things your future self will thank you for. Donna challenges existing concepts of time management and productivity, championing a new, more personalised approach. She knows the best way to combat the myth of "wasted time" is to live deliberately, and she is passionate about empowering individuals, teams, and organisations to be more purposeful.  She is the author of 11 books and publications, including the best-selling productivity series, It’s About Time, and her latest book, The ChatGPT Revolution. Episode highlights Donna and I talk about: the levels and types of friendship how small changes can leave a big impact using AI and ChatGPT to meal plan creating capacity in our days and weeks productivity is about more than hacks and tips making decisions to make life easier rest, fuel, movement. Resources Donna’s books ChatGPT Oura Ring (save $US40 with this affiliate link) Spooks (on Amazon Prime) Bones (on Disney+)   You can connect with Donna: via her website LinkedIn Instagram Like this show? Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally. Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode Follow Mel on Instagram  

Episode highlights This episode is based on my book, Fully Connected Leadership is hard and has many challenges - loneliness, priorities, pressure The first step to regaining control is deciding that something needs to change Know what gives / saps your energy Different ways you can take back ownership of your life Resources Buy a signed copy of Fully Connected   Download Ch 1 of Fully Connected for FREE Download the 90-day plan workbook for FREE Other podcast episodes mentioned: Sleep (e22) Rest (e24) Know your purpose (e26) Ask, listen and observe (e39) About your host: Mel Kettle Mel Kettle is a leadership communication strategist, speaker, author, and facilitator. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate so they create real connection and sustained engagement. Mel’s work positively impacts people personally and professionally, whether she is facilitating a communication strategy workshop, running a training program on how to talk about menopause at work, or speaking about self-leadership at a conference. In 2022 and 2023 Mel was one of only seven Australians recognised by leadersHum as one of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership. She is the author of two books, the best-selling Fully Connected and The Social Association. Like this show? Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally. Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode Follow Mel on Instagram  

Episode 49 Leadership Lessons from Hillary Rodham Clinton and the Women in Leadership Summit   Episode highlights Speaking at a conference with Hillary Clinton!! Making your leadership style your own Why we need to talk about menopause, endometriosis and women’s health at work The importance of being persistent   Resources The Hatchery Why we need to talk about menopause at work – free resources   About your host: Mel Kettle Mel Kettle is a leadership communication strategist, speaker, author and facilitator. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate so they create real connection and sustained engagement. Mel’s work positively impacts people personally and professionally, whether she is facilitating a communication strategy workshop, running a training program on how we can talk about menopause at work or speaking about self-leadership at a conference. In 2022 and 2023 Mel was one of only seven Australians recognised by leadersHum as one of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership. She is the author of two books, the best-selling Fully Connected and The Social Association. Like this show? Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally. Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode  

I’m back! And yes, I had a very long podcast break. Find out what I was up to. This episode is super short, and I’m excited to bring you some great guests and stories over coming episodes. About your host: Mel Kettle Mel Kettle is a leadership communication strategist, speaker, author, and facilitator. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate so they create real connection and sustained engagement. Mel’s work positively impacts people personally and professionally, whether she is facilitating a communication strategy workshop, running a training program on how to talk about menopause at work, or speaking about self-leadership at a conference. In 2022 and 2023 Mel was one of only seven Australians recognised by leadersHum as one of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership. She is the author of two books, the best-selling Fully Connected and The Social Association. Like this show? Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally. Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode  

Leanne Hughes is an international facilitator, speaker and coach who loves creating unpredictable workshop experiences, that predictably work.  She combines her experience in marketing with her education in human resources and psychology, to help leaders create engaging everyday experiences – that are so contagious they scale across teams, functions and regions. Leanne has facilitated leadership, onboarding and team-development workshops across Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore and believes in a strengths-centred approach to learning and development. She has over 13 years’ experience across a range of industries including mining, government and tourism sectors. She’s the host of the First Time Facilitator podcast and popular Facebook group The Flipchart. You can connect with Leanne via her website and on LinkedIn. Listen to this episode via the link above, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or via the podcast app on your smartphone.   What Leanne Hughes and I talked about Bias and judgement when you meet someone Brené Brown True connection – how you turn up Having a QLC – Quarter Life Crisis Working for Wicked Campers Pat Flynn and his DeLorean Creating engagement over Zoom Books It’s the Manager by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter Pivot by Jenny Blake Million Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss.  

Dr Jenine Beekhuyzen OAM, is the Founder and CEO of the Tech Girls Movement Foundation and the CEO of Adroit Research. She is a futurist with international recognition for her advocacy and leadership, her research, and her university teaching through which she has impacted tens of thousands of students over the past 18 years.  Jenine’s vision is to empower others to embrace technology, and to use it to their advantage. She is committed to creating a workforce capable of building the technology of the future and she doing this by mobilising a tribe of next generation leaders who are committed to solving real world problems with technology. In the past six years at the helm of the Tech Girls Movement Foundation, she has engaged over 8,000 schoolgirls in STEM entrepreneurship across more than 1,000 schools, matched with 1,000+ mentors who have volunteered 7,500+ hours of their time. She has also distributed 80,000+ free Tech Girls Are Superhero books to Australian schools. You can connect with Jenine on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and through her websites Tech Girls Movement Foundation and Adroit Research. Listen to this episode via the link above, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or via the podcast app on your smartphone. What Dr Jenine Beekhuyzen and I talked about: STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Community – helping each other  working to our strengths  being one of few women studying IT  Giving girls choices in life  Tech Girls Movement Foundation  Encouraging all girls to find their superpower / strengths –  Being awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM)  Jenine’s latest book – 5 Things you can do to engage girls in STEM  (A) Autonomy (E) Ethos (I) Involvement (O) Otherness (U) Usness  Experiment vs Pilot Program  digital literacy  homeless women over 55 years of age Books – The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle. You can connect with me on  LinkedIn  or  Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #thisconnectedlife and tagging me @melkettle. I’m always happy to hear from listeners, and if you have a guest you would like to nominate or would like to nominate yourself, you can apply here.  Also, if you enjoyed this podcast, I would love you to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or via the podcast app on your smartphone. If you REALLY loved it, please leave me a rating and review on iTunes. 

John Cahill is a barrister from Brisbane. He works primarily in the areas of criminal law, family law and regulatory law.    Prior to going to the Bar, he worked as a solicitor for the Aboriginal Legal Service in Sydney, for the state government in child protection and in corporate regulation at the federal government level.    In his spare time, he’s a writer, primarily of poorly thought out Facebook updates and Instagram posts but every so often the odd column and web series. He lives in Brisbane and has one child, a 50 kg Labrador called Fred.   You can connect with John on LinkedIn.    Listen to this episode via the link above, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or via the podcast app on your smartphone.   What John Cahill and I talked about: Criminal, Family and Administrative / Regulatory Law  Meeting on ABC Brisbane with Kelly Higgins-Devine  lawyers are trained to doubt everything  lawyers are paid to worry and to think the worst  looking for inconsistencies in your opponent’s case  a jury is like a small theatre – people can smell blood when things are not going right  An interesting start to law – via the Conservatorium of Music How journalism and law are similar  adrenalin keeps you going when you’re terrified anxiety means you have a greater level of care  Mentors and imposter syndrome  Tik Tok videos during Covid. You can connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #thisconnectedlife and tagging me @melkettle. I’m always happy to hear from listeners, and if you have a guest you would like to nominate or would like to nominate yourself, you can apply here.   Also, if you enjoyed this podcast, I would love you to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or via the podcast app on your smartphone. If you REALLY loved it, please leave me a rating and review on iTunes.   

Associate Professor Catherine Ball is a scientific futurist, speaker, advisor, author, founder, executive producer, executive director, company director and charity patron working across global projects where emerging technologies meet humanitarian, education and environmental needs.  Catherine also likes to create businesses and champion movements, collaborate with peers, and advise game-changers. A sought-after voice across the start-up, futurist and tech world, Catherine works globally across a wide range of projects from creating documentaries and world leading conferences and events, to advising on the use of novel approaches (e.g. drones) across environmental and humanitarian projects.  Catherine is a proponent of community engagement with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), likes to demystify emerging tech and has recently been named as the official 2020 Patron of the Tech Girls Movement Foundation.  Catherine lives in Queensland with her husband and two sons. You can connect with Catherine through her website, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.  Listen to this episode via the link above, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or via the podcast app on your smartphone.    What Dr Catherine Ball and I talked about: Zoom throat – too many zoom calls and meetings  Self-care  Our mutual love of and obsession with Suncoast Fresh fruit and vegetable boxes  Australian Survivor’s Tarzan and his lime farm on the Sunshine Coast  Your network is your net worth Connection is everything  Dr Genevieve Bell at the Australian National University  2020 for World of Drones and Robotics Conference in Brisbane  Science communication, science engagement and science empowerment  TED Talk – Talk Nerdy to Me by Melissa Marshall Feeding our bodies and our brains Currently writing 5 books  We choose how we consume  Girl Geek Academy and Sarah Moran  2020 Patron for Tech Girls Movement Foundation, founded by Dr Jenine Beekhuyzen.   You can connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #thisconnectedlife and tagging me @melkettle. I’m always happy to hear from listeners, and if you have a guest you would like to nominate or would like to nominate yourself, you can apply here.  Also, if you enjoyed this podcast, I would love you to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or via the podcast app on your smartphone. If you REALLY loved it, please leave me a rating and review on iTunes. 

One of the biggest challenges we face in society today is loneliness.  Even before we were locked down due to coronavirus, loneliness was at epidemic levels, with 1 in 2 Australians saying they are lonely at least once a week. Feeling disconnected and lonely has the same health risks as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, obesity and high blood pressure. Loneliness also leads to depression and anxiety, which are now the leading cause of long-term sickness absence at work as well as a major cause of presenteeism in the workplace.  Dr Vivek Murthy, (19th Surgeon General of the United States, from 2014-2017) in his new book Together, describes loneliness as “running like a dark thread through many of the more obvious health issues such as anxiety, depression, violence and addiction”.  Loneliness isn’t only a problem in our community. It’s also a growing issue in the workplace, at all levels.  Loneliness at work is something I’ve previously experienced, and I know it’s not only me who has – or is – going through this.    In this episode I talk about: New research from Cigna that shows a clear connection between work and loneliness How many CEOs feel lonely in their job and how it hinders their performance The correlation between work exhaustion and feeling lonely  The impact of loneliness on our cognitive performance, executive function, health and general wellbeing  Why leaders need to pay attention to loneliness in the workplace  Suggestions to reduce loneliness at work.   Loneliness is one of the most horrible feelings we can have. What can you do today to reach out to someone who might be feeling lonely? Or, if you’re lonely, what can you do to connect with someone in your world?  Finally, if you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue’s website. For crisis assistance, call 000.

Sharon believes that by eating together, organisations can prepare for the shift to a more human-centred future by aligning values, people and culture in a way that brings joy and connection while increasing retention, engagement and stimulating revenue growth. 

Rose Herceg is the Chief Strategy Officer at WPP Australia & New Zealand and one of Australia’s most respected social forecasters. Rose’s first business, Pophouse launched in 1998, became known as Australia’s best-regarded company for innovation, social trends and business strategy. BRW Magazine named Rose the number one innovative thinker in the country and Pophouse the country’s best place to go for new business models and emerging trends data. In 2002 Rose was recognised with the Small Businesswoman of the Year Award. Rose is also the author of three books – her latest ‘The Power Book’ has been translated into several languages. You can connect with Rose at WPPaunz.com and on LinkedIn.   What Rose Herceg and I talked about: Finding balance during COVID-19 Working from home Finding little moments of joy and pleasure Finding solutions for clients Taking mental breaks through the day and sleep at night Crazy TV shows, movies and books we love Telling the truth Feeling real connections with social media How our current hyper-reality is forcing a level of clarity in our lives Monumental change and being awakened to the possibility of who you want to be WPP Report busting some myths about ageing Turning 50 and figuring out who you want to be Ageist stereotypes Marketing is for youth but people over 50 have 46% of the disposable income in Australia Unconscious bias to ageing – death awaits us all! We fear what we do not know Do you feel like you have had a day well lived?   You can connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #thisconnectedlife and tagging me @melkettle. I’m always happy to hear from listeners, and if you have a guest you would like to nominate or would like to nominate yourself, you can apply here. Also, if you enjoyed this podcast, I would love you to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or via the podcast app on your smartphone. If you REALLY loved it, please leave me a rating and review on iTunes.