Unleashing Brilliance

Hosted by Janine Garner

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242

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Aug 2026

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About the show

If you've been following this podcast from the beginning, we will have explored together the stories and insights of incredible individuals who have reached that magical tipping point of moving from striving to being in flow. Over a hundred episodes have featured interviews with inspiring business owners, philanthropists, thought leaders and game changers. The wisdom shared by these amazing guests became the foundation for my third bestselling book, Be Brilliant. However, along this journey, something interesting happened. Many of you have reached out and asked for more. More of my story, more of my business journey and more of what I have learnt. Surprisingly, there has also been a demand for more solo episodes. Although it’s much easier to put the spotlight on someone else, I’ve decided to take the advice of a wise individual who once told me to "do it scared." So here I am, doing it scared, with a simple intention to serve you by sharing what I have learnt. Buckle up, my friends. It’s going to be a wild ride as I share the messy, beautiful journey of how I got where I am. Here's to doing it scared. Here’s to the unexpected. And here's to unleashing the brilliance within each and every single one of us.

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August 10, 202643 min

Why You Filter Yourself Before You Speak - and Why It's Not a Confidence Problem

This conversation explores why so many capable people stay quiet in meetings, over-edit emails, or perform confidence they do not feel. Janine speaks with Michelle Fragias, keynote speaker, conscious communication coach, founder of The Conscious Voice, and creator of the Brave Method, about the real roots of voice suppression and how to move from survival mode into clear, grounded expression. We discuss the four layers of fear that shape how people communicate, why transactional speaker training often falls short, and how Michelle’s inside-out approach helps people build a voice that is both authentic and influential. Connect with Michelle: https://www.michellefragias.com/ Notable quotes "You can't think your way through fear. The only way through it is to move your body and move your voice through it." "Technical skills fall empty unless we deal with the root cause." "Your outer voice is a direct reflection of what's going on in your inner conversation." The Brave Method is explained as: Barriers Radical self-responsibility Radical self-acceptance Vocal presence Embodiment Timestamps 00:00 - The moment you realize you are editing yourself before you even speak 02:02 - Michelle Fragias and the shift from corporate leadership to conscious communication 03:57 - Why voice shutdown is not a confidence problem 06:06 - Fear in modern workplaces and why brilliant people stay silent 08:52 - Why technical communication training fails without root-cause work 10:12 - The first two layers of fear: judgment and getting it wrong 13:21 - The third and fourth layers: being too much and not belonging 19:24 - The Brave Method as the bridge from inner voice to outer expression 20:41 - Where radical self-responsibility ends and compassion begins 23:01 - Vocal presence as the skill layer, after inner safety is built 24:27 - Why performance-based speaker training can miss the point 27:42 - Transactional training versus compassionate leadership 28:49 - The full Brave Method framework 30:45 - Why Michelle’s work matters at the root of human communication 32:53 - How the Public Speaking Gym builds voice through repetition and community 34:59 - What to do if you are playing safe but know you want more 35:48 - Small, sustainable steps that build evidence and confidence through action

July 14, 202638 min

The Power of Story Sharing: Authentic Connection in a Digital Age

Discover how authentic storytelling can transform connections, build trust, and foster leadership, especially in today's complex and AI-driven world. Join us for insights on differentiating storytelling from story sharing, practical frameworks for sharing your stories effectively, and the impact of vulnerability in professional spaces. Main Topics: The distinction between storytelling and story sharing, and why it matters now The four-step process to craft compelling and authentic stories Common barriers to sharing stories: fear of judgment, perceived lack of stories, over-sharing concerns Practical prompts and exercises to uncover and mine your personal stories Tips for maintaining authenticity — avoiding script-like storytelling in professional contexts The deep personal shift that led the guest, Nimarta, to focus on human story sharing Neuroscience behind story sharing and its role in building trust and empathy Nimarta Verma is an award-winning leadership facilitator and creator of the StorySharing™ methodology - a practical approach to building trust through authentic stories. With two decades of experience shaping brand narratives for companies like Unilever and Woolworths, she now helps leaders craft compelling stories from their own experiences. Nimarta's work is built on a simple truth: people connect with leaders who are willing to be real. After years of watching brilliant leaders struggle to be seen as human (not just competent), she created StorySharing™ to close the gap between authority and authenticity. Connect with Nimata: nimartaverma.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimarta-verma/ Harness the power of authentic story sharing—your unique stories are your greatest asset in building trust, leadership, and meaningful connections. Don’t hold back—start uncovering and sharing your stories today! Elevate Applications: https://janinegarner.com.au/elevate/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the importance of storytelling and story sharing 00:45 - Exploring the difference between storytelling and story sharing 01:55 - How media has commercialised storytelling and the rise of authentic story sharing 03:04 - The significance of authentic storytelling for trust and connection today 04:50 - Sharing impactful stories: a client’s journey in Paris 07:08 - The misconception that storytelling requires grand or polished narratives 08:28 - Barriers to sharing stories: unawareness, fear of oversharing, connecting personal stories in professional settings 09:44 - The importance of overcoming judgment and vulnerability 11:48 - The process of 'story mining' to uncover authentic moments 12:19 - Prompt examples for uncovering stories: failure, turning points, impactful conversations 14:44 - Crafting your story: starting with a key moment and ensuring engagement 17:56 - Using emotion and authenticity to deepen connection in storytelling 19:00 - Structuring your story: context, emotional peaks, and the "so what" 20:47 - The importance of showing emotion and physical grounding while sharing 26:07 - Nimarta’s personal story shift: loss, grief, and turning vulnerability into purpose 29:10 - Why story sharing is crucial for building trust and empathy in workplaces 31:19 - The role of stories in bridging divides and fostering understanding 34:15 - Practical advice: preparing stories without scripts, staying authentic 36:10 - Nimarta’s parting story and call to action for sharing more openly 37:07 - Final thoughts: unleash your stories for personal and professional growth Mentioned in this episode: Apply to our Elevate Mastermind Elevate Mastermind

May 12, 202641 min

Leading Through Inflection Points: A Conversation with Chris Power

In this episode, we explore the critical leadership shifts needed during times of rapid change and uncertainty. Chris Power, a seasoned leadership coach and author of "Inflection Leadership," shares practical insights on how leaders can navigate inflection points with resilience, purpose, and strategic clarity. Key Topics: The concept of inflection leadership and its significance in today’s business landscape How COVID-19 and geopolitical shifts serve as inflection points for leaders The importance of pausing to refocus, realign, and readiness in leadership Strategies for leaders to manage uncertainty, build trust, and foster hope Practical steps for embracing change and turning inflection points into opportunities The three-part model: Refocus, Realign, and Ready—what it entails and how to implement The value of taking time out for leadership reflection and strategic planning How to nurture curiosity, diversity of thought, and support networks in decision-making Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to inflection leadership and its relevance today 02:25 - The impact of global shifts on leadership mindsets 04:42 - Leaders' response to evolving change and pressure 05:50 - The significance of hope as a leadership trait according to Gallup data 08:11 - Connecting purpose and strategy amidst uncertainty 10:21 - Opportunities in inflection points: innovation, adaptation, growth 13:10 - Examples of leaders turning worry into hope through strategic navigation 15:13 - The refocus phase: assessing leadership effectiveness and clarity 16:50 - The importance of honest feedback and pausing to reflect 18:22 - How asking the right questions can shift leadership mindset 20:04 - Transition to the realign phase: building cohesive teams 25:39 - Aligning team purpose, culture, and working modalities 27:44 - The critical role of preparation and reflection in readiness 28:48 - The benefits and challenges of off-site leadership retreats 32:06 - Introducing the 'Ready' phase: operational adaptation and systems support 33:34 - The importance of flexibility and incremental steps in the readiness process 35:38 - Recognizing if you are already in an inflection point 37:40 - Practical advice for leaders to carve out strategic reflection time 38:33 - Accessing resources: white paper download and connection 40:21 - Final thoughts and encouragement for courageous leadership Resources & Links: Inflection Leadership White Paper (Download available on website) Connect with Chris Power: LinkedIn Website This episode serves as a compelling call for leaders to embrace change proactively, leverage inflection points for growth, and lead with clarity and confidence in uncertain times.

May 12, 202633 min

The Art of Influence – Unlocking Your Voice for Impact

The Art of Influence – Unlocking Your Voice for Impact Discover how high achievers can craft their messages with authenticity, precision, and influence. Remona Moodley shares her journey from engineer to world-class speaker, emphasising that influence is rooted in authentic packaging and confident delivery. In this episode: Remona's non-linear journey from engineering to Miss World to executive coaching The common challenge high achievers face: translating expertise into influence The importance of packaging insights compellingly for maximum impact Lessons learned from pageants about confidence, presence, and storytelling The significance of authentic self-expression in influencing others The pitfalls of overreliance on AI and superficial self-presentation Practical strategies for preparing speeches and delivering with confidence The "valley of doom" phenomenon in speech prep and how to overcome it The analogy of the artist vs. handyman in high achievers' approach to problem-solving Ramona’s passion for empowering smart, insightful individuals to amplify their voices Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Unlocking influence through voice and impact 00:12 - Remona's inspiring journey across diverse fields 01:22 - The common thread: belief in possibility and love for learning 02:43 - The importance of continuous learning and curiosity 03:33 - Creating opportunities by taking initiative 04:14 - Why high achievers struggle with influence 04:50 - Remona’s childhood influence and the desire for influence 06:25 - The role of packaging insights effectively 07:40 - Lessons from pageants: presence, conviction, delivery 09:48 - The passion behind Remona’s work and why influence matters 10:30 - The challenge of smart people undervaluing their message 11:56 - Understanding "package" vs. "packaging" 13:16 - The importance of concise, structured communication in today's world 14:50 - Mistakes in packaging and standing out in a noisy environment 16:00 - The overreliance on AI and maintaining human connection 17:06 - The concept of executive presence beyond superficial traits 19:10 - The importance of authentic, confident delivery and preparation 20:18 - The "valley of doom" in speech prep and overcoming overthinking 21:15 - Anchoring messages in the body for authentic delivery 22:27 - Remona’s experience in a global speaking competition 23:08 - Practicing beyond comfort zones to build confidence 24:52 - Shifting focus from self to service, letting go of ego 25:25 - Building influence begins with self-relationship 27:11 - From artist to handyman: a reframe for high achievers’ approach to problem-solving 29:22 - Remona’s driving motivation: empowering problem solvers to unlock solutions 30:47 - Final thoughts: Why not you? The power of possibility Resources & Links: Remona Moodley’s Website Connect with Remona: LinkedIn

March 17, 202639 min

From Invisible to Unstoppable: Menopause, Midlife & the Leadership Edge with Karen Stein

What if the stage of life most women are quietly suffering through is actually their leadership superpower? In this episode, Janine sits down with Karen Stein — executive coach, keynote speaker, author of Be Your Own Leadership Coach , and certified Menopause Champion — for an honest, commercial, and deeply needed conversation about menopause in the workplace. With over 500 million women of menopausal age currently in the workforce, and 80% experiencing symptoms that affect how they think, feel, and function, Karen argues this is not a personal issue to leave at the office door. It's a leadership issue — and a business one. In this episode, you'll discover: Why the most urgent thing leaders need to bring right now is calmness, hope, and possibility — especially in a world of complexity and uncertainty The philosophy behind Karen's book Be Your Own Leadership Coach — and why she wrote it so that anyone (regardless of access or budget) can carry coaching strategies in their "virtual backpack" every day What it really means to lead with kindness — and why mattering is more powerful than belonging The truth about midlife cognition — why your fifties are actually your cognitive peak (despite what advertising tells you) Karen's " Mad About Menopause " framework — covering mindset, community, and education — and how she's bringing men into this conversation too Her group coaching program Peri Pathways and the remarkable confidence shifts she's witnessed in participants The powerful reframe: your lived experience is not a liability — it's your positioning, your wisdom, and your competitive edge Practical advice for any woman quietly navigating this stage of life: how to move from feeling invisible and fearful to feeling connected, clear, and confident Resources mentioned: 📖 Be Your Own Leadership Coach by Karen Stein Karen's group coaching program: Peri Pathways Karen is a Menopause Champion, and Certified Menopause and Executive Coach, focused on normalising menopause at work. She is passionate about being "M.A.D" about menopause to make a difference in the workplace. Karen supports organisations to address a critical, often overlooked life stage impacting wellbeing, leadership, engagement and retention. She draws on her depth of leadership experience formerly as a partner of 24 years at Deloitte, and her Masters in Coaching Psychology to help leaders and teams build menopause-aware, inclusive and sustainable workplaces. Most importantly, she supports those working through perimenopause and menopause to thrive through their careers as their best or better selves. Karen does so through her MenoMindset Executive Coaching program, her PeriPathways Group Coaching Program and her MAD about Menopause keynotes and workshops. Links : https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-stein-coaching/ www.karensteincoaching.com karensteincoaching@gmail.com Special offer $100 discount on all of my menopause related programs (coaching, keynotes and workshops) until 30 June 2026 by mentioning "Janine Garner" when making a booking. Mentioned in this episode: Apply to our Elevate Mastermind Elevate Mastermind

November 12, 202541 min

Intuition as Your Edge: Smarter Leadership with Chandu Bickford

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au Spreadsheets tell you what is, but intuition whispers what's next. And that whisper is worth more than any data point you'll ever analyse. Most leaders ignore their built-in strategy engine because we've been taught to trust everything except ourselves. We outsource our knowing to consultants, frameworks and endless analysis when the answer is often sitting right there in that gut feeling we keep dismissing. The real rebel move? Stop outsourcing your knowing and turn that gut flicker, that shower thought, that 3 AM wake-up moment into one precise step you can defend in the boardroom. My guest today is the incredible Chandu Bickford, who helps leaders, individuals and organisations navigate pressure with clarity. We're diving into how to make intuition practical, why it matters now more than ever and how using intuition instead of anxiety leads to better decisions and transformational outcomes. Chandu shares her own journey with intuition that began 30 years ago with a life-altering nudge to go to Africa, completely impractical at the time, but a move that became a transformative adventure in teaching her to trust that quiet inner voice. We explore how the noise of the modern world drowns out intuitive whispers, leaving us reactive instead of intentional and why creating moments of quiet is essential for clarity. Chandu talks about her time living in a remote Tanzanian village, where she learnt invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience and adaptability that she now shares with leaders tired of running on empty and ready to lead from a place of clarity. Chandu encourages a simple practice: pause, breathe deeply and ask yourself "What would I love?" This question, posed in tranquillity, can unlock incredible insights you didn't even know were there. We invite you to explore this intuitive path and let your intuition be the hidden advantage in your leadership toolkit, because life's best decisions are often the ones whispered by that inner compass we've been trained to ignore. LINKS : Connect with Chandu: Website: https://chandubickford.com/ Instagram: @chandubickford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandu-bickford-9b85a6141/ Connect with Janine: Elevate with Janine The Focus Finder Assessment Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Mentioned in this episode: Apply to our Elevate Mastermind Elevate Mastermind

November 5, 202524 min

Being Ghosted? How To Turn Silence into Momentum

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au Let’s talk about that all-too-familiar business gut punch: you send a killer proposal, wait for the “yes” and get nothing but radio silence. Ghosting. It’s frustrating, it’s awkward and it can leave you questioning your value. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to slash your prices or chase after people who aren’t ready. You just need a smarter way to turn that silence into your next opportunity. The GHOST Framework: Your Comeback Plan In this episode, I share how to respond when you get ghosted without losing your cool or your confidence. Meet the GHOST framework: G: Give the Magic Pill H: Humanise the Follow Up O: Offer a Quick Win S: Set Decision Gates T: Take Back Your Power Silence Isn’t Rejection—It’s Data Ghosting isn’t a verdict on your worth. It’s just information. By showing up with clarity, boundaries and a focus on real outcomes, you can turn that silence into stronger client relationships. Remember, you are not here to chase and convince people to work with you. You are in the business of partnership. Here’s your challenge for this week: reach out to someone who’s gone quiet with a “Yes, No, or Not Now” message. Celebrate any response because clarity is always a win. And if this episode hits home, share it with someone who needs a boost. You’ve got the skills to turn silence into your next big success. LINKS : Connect with Janine: Elevate with Janine The Focus Finder Assessment Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Mentioned in this episode: Apply to our Elevate Mastermind Elevate Mastermind

October 29, 202537 min

How to Tell Brilliant Stories in a World Obsessed with AI with Gabrielle Dolan

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au Every conversation these days seems to revolve around Artificial Intelligence: chatbots, deep fakes and whether robots will take over our jobs (or even our souls!). Yet amidst the technical cacophony, there's a crucial narrative that's often missed: the timeless art of storytelling. How do we cut through the chaos to make meaningful connections when the personal is getting overshadowed by the automated? I sit down with Gabrielle Dolan, storytelling expert, bestselling author, and dear friend, to explore her newest book Story Intelligence and discuss mastering the craft of authentic storytelling amidst the buzz of AI. Gabrielle passionately argues that while AI can mimic and generate content, it cannot replace the uniqueness of our lived experiences, personal voices and those charming quirks that define us. We explore how AI should be viewed as a creative ally rather than a replacement, helping us find and refine stories without overshadowing our authentic voice. The aim isn't bland uniformity but leveraging AI to amplify our personal truths, especially for entrepreneurs, CEOs and anyone looking to foster deeper connections. The world is rife with distrust across government, organisations, and media, which means authentic storytelling is more crucial than ever. Gabrielle's work reaffirms that our stories are our most powerful assets for building trust and influence, offering realness in a world of manufactured content. LINKS : Connect with Gabrielle Book: Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling, Made Smarter with AI Website: https://gabrielledolan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/ Connect with Janine: Elevate with Janine The Focus Finder Assessment Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Mentioned in this episode: Apply to our Elevate Mastermind Elevate Mastermind

October 15, 202536 min

Red Brick Thinking: How to make space, find focus & move forward

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au Drowning in obligations, tasks and responsibilities that multiply faster than you can clear them? We've been taught to solve problems by adding more - more effort, more resources, more systems. But what if the answer is actually subtraction? I recently sat down with Donna McGeorge, keynote speaker and bestselling author obsessed with helping people reclaim time and space for what really matters. She's written 15 books (five of them bestsellers), her ideas have appeared in Harvard Business Review, Forbes and Fast Company, and she's known for cutting through corporate waffle with sharp truths and practical frameworks. We discussed her latest book Red Brick Thinking and what she shared completely shifted how I think about problem-solving. Donna shares her famous Lego bridge exercise that reveals why we're approaching problems all wrong, and introduces the concept of "addition bias", the tendency that's keeping us overwhelmed despite our best efforts. She explains why creating space doesn't mean doing more, and what we need to let go of instead. We explore the three types of red bricks weighing us down in business and life, and how identifying them creates room for what actually matters. Donna walks through the shift from asking "What can we add?" to a question that changes everything about how you prioritise and make decisions. If you're consumed by busyness, this conversation is your permission slip to stop adding and start subtracting. The space you create might just reveal the opportunities you've been missing. LINKS : Connect with Donna: Website: https://donnamcgeorge.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnamcgeorge/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmcgeorge/ Connect with Janine: Elevate with Janine The Focus Finder Assessment Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Mentioned in this episode: Apply to our Elevate Mastermind Elevate Mastermind

October 8, 202518 min

What HYROX Taught Me About Business: The 5-Minute Shift That Changed Everything

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au Picture this: 8:00 AM on a Saturday, I'm standing in eye-popping hot pink gear about to tackle the HYROX fitness challenge for the second time with my daughter Taya. But this isn't a fitness story. It's about what happened when we finished five minutes faster than our first attempt, and what that taught me about business. The lesson hit me somewhere between the rowing station and the sled push: we didn't get faster by completely changing our approach. We got faster by refining what already worked. Today we’re exploring why brilliant business owners keep questioning their direction despite smashing results, and why we're obsessed with reinventing the wheel instead of doubling down on what's working. I see this constantly with the women I coach: clients are thrilled, revenue is growing, yet they're still questioning whether they should pivot. Not because something's broken, but because consistency feels too simple. Your business breakthrough isn't hiding in some brand-new strategy you haven't discovered yet. The question is: are you ready to commit to what's already working, or are you going to keep chasing the next shiny object? Your five-minute shift is waiting. LINKS : Connect with Janine: Elevate with Janine The Focus Finder Assessment Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Mentioned in this episode: Apply to our Elevate Mastermind Elevate Mastermind