Magical Learning Podcast

Hosted by Magical Learning

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333

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Danette and Grahame have over 30 years experience in business, and have over 20 years experience as facilitators and consultants. With a holistic view, this podcast covers not only how to improve your business, but how to help your employees enjoy their work, and how to improve yourself. Join us, and if you have any questions you want covered, leave them in the comments, and we may do a full episode on them. Follow us on social media for regular motivation and information

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August 31, 202641 min

How to Have Hard Conversations Without the Blow-Up with Leah Mether - Ep. 309

How do you go with having hard conversations? What makes some people so good at them?In today's amazing conversation with returning guest Leah Mether, we not only break down why hard conversation can actually be great for relationships, but also why so many people struggle with hard chats. If you wanted a guide to why emotional intelligence is so important in the age of AI, this is is.Leah is a communication specialist and author, discusses the importance of soft skills in leadership and work life. She provides practical tips on how to disagree with respect without attacking others and emphasizes the need for emotional regulation and curiosity. Leah also highlights the significance of setting clear expectations as a leader and holding people accountable. She encourages leaders to be self-aware and open-minded, and employees to be receptive to feedback. Finally, Leah emphasizes the importance of knowing what kind of leader you want to be and aligning your behavior with that vision.To find out more about Leah:https://www.leahmether.com.au/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeOj0H_bslyvsMTsYU389vQhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leahmetherspeaker/https://www.instagram.com/leahmetherspeaker/You can also pickup Leah's Book's here:https://www.leahmether.com.au/books/Chapters:00:09 Introduction to Magical Learning Podcast03:09 The Importance of Communication Skills05:58 Framework for Clear Communication Under Pressure08:59 Understanding Confusion and Conflict in the Workplace11:46 The Role of Soft Skills in Leadership15:02 AI and the Human Connection17:50 Curiosity as a Tool for Difficult Conversations24:18 The Dichotomy of Good and Evil in Communication36:44 Final Thoughts and ResourcesWhat's your biggest challenge with communication? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership and communication skills!#CommunicationSkills #Leadership #humanskills All Magical Learning Podcasts are recorded on the beautiful lands of the Kulin, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri nations, and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.As always, if you are having trouble, you can always send us a message.Listen to/watch this podcast here: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/128QgGO....To find out more about our free content, sign-up for future webinars as well as our other services, go to ⁠⁠https://magicallearning.com/⁠⁠ and sign up!You can also find us on our socials:Instagram: / magical_learningFacebook: / magicallearningteamLinkedin: / magicallearningYoutube: / @magicallearningHave a Magical week!

August 24, 202642 min

Why Women Leave Leadership When Companies Stop Investing in Them with Megan Dalla-Camina - Ep. 308

What seemingly hidden structures in business may be restricting women (and men) in the workplace?In this episode, Megan Dalla-Camina discusses systemic barriers to women's leadership, the importance of male allies, and practical steps for fostering inclusive workplaces. She shares insights from her book Women Rising and offers actionable advice for individuals and organisations committed to gender equality.Megan Dalla-Camina is the Founder and CEO of Women Rising, an award-winning leadership company that has supported thousands of women and male allies across 76 countries to build meaningful careers, grow their leadership and create lasting impact. Following an 18-year executive career with IBM, GE and PwC, Megan founded Women Rising to help organisations develop exceptional women leaders, engage male allies and build more inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures.A sought-after keynote speaker, leadership expert and PhD researcher, Megan is the author of Women Rising, a practical guide to navigating leadership and career success with confidence, courage and authenticity. Her latest book, She Who Remembers, reflects the evolution of her work, exploring identity, purpose and what it means to lead without losing yourself. Megan's work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets globally, including Forbes, Fast Company, CNN and Psychology Today.To grab a copy of her books:https://megandallacamina.com/books/And to reach out to Megan:https://megandallacamina.com/https://www.instagram.com/megandallacamina/?hl=enhttps://womenrisingco.com/our-founder-1/Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Magical Learning Podcast01:36 Meet Megan Dalla-Camina: A Leader in Women's Empowerment03:19 The Writing Journey of 'Women Rising'06:49 Understanding Patriarchy and Its Impact08:19 What Organizations Need to Know for Women's Leadership10:37 Challenges in Supporting Women Leaders14:15 The Role of Male Allies in Women's Empowerment18:07 Building Inner Authority and Overcoming Fear20:23 Understanding Lived Experiences and Allyship22:35 Cultivating Inner Authority25:29 The Power of Reflection and Resilience29:57 Overcoming Barriers: Stories of Resilience32:59 Empowering the Next Generation37:26 Identifying Cultural Red and Green Flags39:02 Final ThoughtsJoin us for an enlightening conversation that encourages both men and women to be part of the solution! What's your biggest challenge with leadership? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership and empowerment!#WomenRising #Leadership #empowerment All Magical Learning Podcasts are recorded on the beautiful lands of the Kulin, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri nations, and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.As always, if you are having trouble, you can always send us a message.Listen to/watch this podcast here: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/128QgGO....To find out more about our free content, sign-up for future webinars as well as our other services, go to ⁠⁠https://magicallearning.com/⁠⁠ and sign up!You can also find us on our socials:Instagram: / magical_learningFacebook: / magicallearningteamLinkedin: / magicallearningYoutube: / @magicallearningHave a Magical week!

August 17, 202643 min

How to Sell More by Being More Human with Kate Toon - Ep. 307

Today, we are lucky to be joined by the awesome author of the new book Six Figures in Sales; Kate Toon!Kate is an absolute powerhouse - she's a digital marketing expert, business mentor and the owner of the bookstore in her small coastal town (Umina Beach). She's just published the third book in her 'six figures' trilogy: Six Figures in Sales, which follows on from Six Figures While You Sleep and Six Figures in School Hours. In our chat we talk about a lot of things; from selling what you don't like, to owning a bookshop and how that affects writing, to the way marketing can feel so inauthentic, and much more; so sit back and enjoy.To get your copy of Six Figures in Sales: https://www.katetoon.com/writing/books/six-figures-in-sales/And to reach out to Kate: https://www.katetoon.comau.linkedin.com/in/katetoonhttps://www.instagram.com/kateToon/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kate Toon and her books01:56 The trilogy: Six Figures in School Hours, Sleep, and Sales03:52 Kate's background in advertising and small business05:13 Common misconceptions about sales and selling07:05 The importance of enthusiasm and passion in sales08:58 Niching: how broad or narrow should your focus be?11:03 Being authentic and comfortable with your brand voice12:54 Embracing flaws and building trust through honesty14:55 Customer loyalty: focusing on existing customers17:03 The value of long-term relationships over lead generation20:03 Managing creative energy and productivity23:00 Persistence and resilience in creative pursuits27:02 Lessons from being an author and a book retailer28:58 Sales trends in the 2020s and the role of AI32:03 The importance of human connection in marketing34:05 The decline of social media use and the return to authenticity38:04 Listening beyond words: understanding customer needs40:58 Final thoughts: love, respect, and safety in businessWhat's your biggest challenge with Sales? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership and personal development.#sales #Resilience #communication All Magical Learning Podcasts are recorded on the beautiful lands of the Kulin, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri nations, and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.As always, if you are having trouble, you can always send us a message.Listen to/watch this podcast here: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/128QgGO....To find out more about our free content, sign-up for future webinars as well as our other services, go to ⁠⁠https://magicallearning.com/⁠⁠ and sign up!You can also find us on our socials:Instagram: / magical_learningFacebook: / magicallearningteamLinkedin: / magicallearningYoutube: / @magicallearningHave a Magical week!

August 10, 202644 min

Why New Managers Fail When Their Old Strengths Stop Working with Tess Fyalka - Ep. 306

Why do new managers sometimes struggle, while others thrive?In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, we chat tot he amazing Tess Fyalka, author of Walking the Leadership Ledge! We dive deep into the seven derailing communication styles that can hinder your leadership journey. Learn how to recognise and overcome these challenges to foster a more effective team environment.Tess Fyalka, founder of Angle Coaching and Communication, has worked with leaders in multiple industries. Her passion is helping leaders at all levels develop the essential core competencies to lead successfully and equipping organizational teams with the tools they need to cut through challenging team dynamics and achieve their full potential. That’s also why she is a sought-after speaker.Unlock your leadership potential with insights from Tess Fyalka's book, Walking the Leadership Ledge! Discover how to build resilience and confidence as a new leader.To reach out to Tess Fyalka:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-fyalka-cpcc-pcc/https://www.anglecoaching.com/And to get your copy of Walking the Leadeship Ledge: https://www.walkingtheleadershipledge.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Tess Fyalka and her background04:15 Overview of the book 'Walking the Leadership Ledge'07:03 The seven derailing communication styles12:40 Preparing for leadership transitions and self-awareness17:13 The importance of feedback and development tools24:12 Leadership as listening and collaboration26:51 Addressing friction and building trust in teams30:17 The power of clarity and shared understanding37:00 Instilling leadership concepts in children39:51 Final thoughts and key takeaways from TessWhat's your biggest challenge with leadership? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership and personal development.#Leadership #Resilience #communication All Magical Learning Podcasts are recorded on the beautiful lands of the Kulin, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri nations, and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.As always, if you are having trouble, you can always send us a message.Listen to/watch this podcast here: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/128QgGO....To find out more about our free content, sign-up for future webinars as well as our other services, go to ⁠⁠https://magicallearning.com/⁠⁠ and sign up!You can also find us on our socials:Instagram: / magical_learningFacebook: / magicallearningteamLinkedin: / magicallearningYoutube: / @magicallearningHave a Magical week!

August 3, 202653 min

Greatness Doesn't Care: The Power of Small Decisions with Jason Dunn - Ep. 305

What small decisions could trun you fron inactive to ultra-marathon runner?In this episode, Jason Dunn shares his inspiring journey from aspiring footballer to ultra-endurance athlete and successful author. He discusses the importance of purpose, discipline, belief, and vulnerability in achieving greatness and overcoming life's challenges.In his new book, Greatness Doesn't Care (Major Street, Aug 2026), he challenges one of the most common assumption in leadership: that exceptional performance is driven by talent. Instead, he argues that long-term success is built through discipline, resilience and the decisions leaders make every day, particularly when circumstances are difficult.At 62, Jason is still competing in some of the world's toughest endurance events, having completed more than 14 IRONMAN competitions and multiple ultramarathons while building several successful businesses. Drawing on lessons from both elite endurance sport and entrepreneurship, he explores what separates high performers from everyone else, why many leaders unknowingly limit themselves through fear and self-doubt, and how to build the mindset required to perform under pressure.To get your copy of Greatness Doesn't Care: https://www.amazon.com.au/exec/obidos/ASIN/1923186515?tag=simonsayscomAnd to reach out to Jason:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-dunn-72650227/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Jason Dunn's Background02:00 Jason's Early Dreams and Career in Football03:59 Transition to Finance and Personal Growth06:53 The Inspiration Behind 'Greatness Doesn't Care'09:56 Defining Greatness and Its Misconceptions15:05 The Role of Purpose and Overcoming Fear19:55 Discipline as Self-Mastery and Its Foundations24:52 Building Belief Through Small Wins and Planning30:02 The Power of Courage and Making Small Decisions35:13 Training, Injury, and Mental Resilience in Endurance Sports39:56 Handling Struggle and Failure as Growth Opportunities44:59 The Importance of Words, Mindset, and Perspective50:00 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Personal Development51:49 How to Connect with Jason Dunn and Get the BookWhat's your biggest challenge with navigating discomfrot? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership and personal development.#Leadership #InflectionPoints #changemanagementAll Magical Learning Podcasts are recorded on the beautiful lands of the Kulin, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri nations, and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.As always, if you are having trouble, you can always send us a message.Listen to/watch this podcast here: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/128QgGO....To find out more about our free content, sign-up for future webinars as well as our other services, go to ⁠⁠https://magicallearning.com/⁠⁠ and sign up!You can also find us on our socials:Instagram: / magical_learningFacebook: / magicallearningteamLinkedin: / magicallearningYoutube: / @magicallearningHave a Magical week!

July 27, 202644 min

Unlocking the Power of Sleep: Secrets from a Sleep Researcher (with Dr. Jemma King) - Ep. 304

Are you getting good sleep? Would you know how to get better sleep if you weren't? And could a lot of global problems be made a lot better just by everyone getting one more hour of rest?In this episode, Dr. Jemma King shares groundbreaking insights on sleep, its impact on mental and physical health, and practical tips to improve sleep quality. Discover how sleep influences everything from stress to longevity and learn actionable strategies to transform your sleep habits.She also has written the amazing new book Sleep First, which translates the science of sleep into practical strategies readers can actually use. Combining research with real-world application, the book reveals how chronic sleep deprivation impacts productivity, health and relationships and how to reverse the damage Dr King is a behavioural scientist, sleep researcher and performance expert who has spent years helping elite performers optimise recovery, resilience and decision-making under pressure. A Research Fellow at The University of Queensland and specialist external advisor to McKinsey & Company, she has worked with organisations including Google, the Australian Defence Force, Special Operations Command, the Australian Olympic Swim Team and the Australian Institute of Sport.To grab a copy of "Sleep First": https://www.amazon.com.au/Sleep-First-Jemma-King/dp/139437044XTo reach out to Dr Jemma King:https://jemmakingbio-pa.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/dr.jemma.king/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jemma-king-phd-76013328/What's your biggest challenge with navigating sleep? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership and personal development.#Leadership #InflectionPoints #changemanagementAll Magical Learning Podcasts are recorded on the beautiful lands of the Kulin, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri nations, and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.As always, if you are having trouble, you can always send us a message.Listen to/watch this podcast here: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/128QgGO....To find out more about our free content, sign-up for future webinars as well as our other services, go to ⁠⁠https://magicallearning.com/⁠⁠ and sign up!You can also find us on our socials:Instagram: / magical_learningFacebook: / magicallearningteamLinkedin: / magicallearningYoutube: / @magicallearningHave a Magical week!

July 20, 202644 min

How to Be Happy (with Declan Edwards) - Ep. 303

Are you happy? What does that even mean?In this episode, Declan Edwards, a happiness researcher and author of 'How to Be Happy,' shares insights on the true nature of happiness, common misconceptions, and practical skills to cultivate a fulfilling life. Discover how perspective, identity, and intentional practice can lead to greater well-being.To grab your copy of How to Be Happy: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1394421117?asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.media.14HOJ52JU70P1&linkCode=sl2&tag=buhappinessco-22&linkId=0e77a14a04b47417b99ef787187d3edb&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnkki_mBAe1DJf5Hb30tPzBaLQxk-SKtKjcU-OufUhAIfNs929yNUdz1vCjF4_aem_VahoqFIf1Pe0raUx9DAPHg And to reach out to Declan:https://declanedwards.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu/?hl=enhttps://www.buhappinesscollege.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-to-be-happy/id1361238593 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Declan Edwards and the topic of happiness10:31 Declan's definition of happiness and its historical context15:23 Common misconceptions about happiness as an outcome19:17 The importance of practicing happiness skills25:55 The role of perspective and mindset in happiness32:57 Navigating identity and change for lasting well-being39:55 The power of intentionality and being in the driver's seat42:21 Where to find Declan's resources and next stepsWhat's your biggest challenge with navigating change? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership and personal development.#Leadership #InflectionPoints #changemanagement All Magical Learning Podcasts are recorded on the beautiful lands of the Kulin, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri nations, and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.As always, if you are having trouble, you can always send us a message.Listen to/watch this podcast here: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/128QgGO....To find out more about our free content, sign-up for future webinars as well as our other services, go to ⁠⁠https://magicallearning.com/⁠⁠ and sign up!You can also find us on our socials:Instagram: / magical_learningFacebook: / magicallearningteamLinkedin: / magicallearningYoutube: / @magicallearningHave a Magical week!

July 13, 202638 min

Why “Inflection Leadership” is Becoming Essential (with Chris Power) - Ep. 302

Unlock the power of inflection leadership in today's rapidly changing world!In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, we dive deep with Chris Power, an expert in organisational consulting and leadership coaching. Discover how to navigate uncertainty and thrive during inflection points in your career and organisation.To reach out to Chris:https://www.powerprojects.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-power-pp/And for the whitepaper:https://www.powerprojects.com.au/white-paper/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest00:25 Chris Power's background and current work02:09 What is an inflection point?03:00 External and internal inflection points in business04:24 Past inflection points: COVID as a major example08:27 The role of AI and the importance of adaptation09:53 The concept of choice in inflection points11:13 Autopilot versus intentional response to change12:20 Preparing kids for a world of inflections13:35 Embracing discomfort and uncertainty14:36 The changing role of leaders in times of inflection17:32 Thriving versus surviving in inflection points20:28 The difference between resilience and inflection leadership23:15 Handling uncertainty and control27:44 Examples of inflection leadership in action31:04 Using AI as an enabler, not just a cost-cutting tool34:09 The importance of developing talent and mentorship35:22 Final thoughts: Opportunity in inflection pointsWhat's your biggest challenge with navigating change? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership and personal development.#Leadership #InflectionPoints #changemanagement All Magical Learning Podcasts are recorded on the beautiful lands of the Kulin, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri nations, and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.As always, if you are having trouble, you can always send us a message.Listen to/watch this podcast here: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/128QgGO....To find out more about our free content, sign-up for future webinars as well as our other services, go to ⁠⁠https://magicallearning.com/⁠⁠ and sign up!You can also find us on our socials: Instagram: / magical_learning Facebook: / magicallearningteam Linkedin: / magicallearning Youtube: / @magicallearning Have a Magical week!

July 6, 202638 min

Why Kindness is Key to Sustainable Performance with Sophie Bretag - Ep. 301

We’re living in the age of exhaustion, with global research showing nearly half of us feel stressed or overwhelmed. High performance is costing us more than ever, but what if the future of work depends on something we’ve long underestimated: kindness? A culture where conscious leadership enables people to thrive without sacrificing their wellbeing.In this great chat, we are joined by the awesome Sophie Bretag; author of the awesome new book; The Kind Way.In the new book, leadership expert Sophie Bretag delivers a bold rethink of what it takes to succeed now. It’s not about being “nice,” but about a new kind of leadership advantage, one that replaces burnout with sustainable performance and redefines kindness as a measurable, strategic capability. Drawing on nearly two decades advising leaders across government, business and complex organisations, Bretag introduces a practical, science-backed framework to build the one thing modern workplaces are missing: human capacity.To grab your copy: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/The-Kind-Way/Sophie-Bretag/9781764207492And to reach out to Sophie:https://www.mettaleaders.com/https://www.instagram.com/mettaleaders/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiebretag/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Self-Kindness and Leadership03:10 Defining Kindness: Beyond Niceness06:11 The Importance of Self-Kindness09:14 Managing Energy and Self-Reflection12:11 The Impact of Technology on Connection15:13 Understanding Kindness: Nature vs. Nurture20:02 The Complexity of Kindness22:21 Teaching Kindness to Children25:26 Emotional Literacy in the Workplace28:43 Creating Kindness in a Non-Supportive Environment31:48 The Impact of Kindness in Professional Settings34:26 Final Thoughts on Kindness and Clarity#GoodWork #leadership All Magical Learning Podcasts are recorded on the beautiful lands of the Kulin, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri nations, and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.As always, if you are having trouble, you can always send us a message.Listen to/watch this podcast here: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/128QgGO....To find out more about our free content, sign-up for future webinars as well as our other services, go to ⁠⁠https://magicallearning.com/⁠⁠ and sign up!You can also find us on our socials: Instagram: / magical_learning Facebook: / magicallearningteam Linkedin: / magicallearning Youtube: / @magicallearning Have a Magical week!

June 29, 202632 min

Episode 300! Best Memories from the Podcast So Far

Today, we hit a big milestone; 300 Episodes!The team catches up to chat about the first 300 episodes, and to chat about the next 300! Thank you to all the listeners, viewers and guests that have all made this amazing show what it is.Here is to 300 more!Chapters00:00 Celebrating Milestones: 300 Episodes and 20,000 Subscribers05:05 Reflecting on Early Days: The Birth of the Podcast09:59 Growth and Evolution: From Low-Tech to High-Tech14:53 The Power of Teamwork: Contributions and Collaborations19:42 Mobile Recording Studios: Adapting to Change24:42 Looking Ahead: The Next 300 EpisodesSubscribe for more insights on the latest learnings from around the globe!#GoodWork #leadership All Magical Learning Podcasts are recorded on the beautiful lands of the Kulin, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri nations, and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.As always, if you are having trouble, you can always send us a message.Listen to/watch this podcast here: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/128QgGO....To find out more about our free content, sign-up for future webinars as well as our other services, go to ⁠⁠https://magicallearning.com/⁠⁠ and sign up!You can also find us on our socials: Instagram: / magical_learning Facebook: / magicallearningteam Linkedin: / magicallearning Youtube: / @magicallearning Have a Magical week!