Public speaking is one of the most common fears, but it doesn’t have to hold you back.

In this episode of Always Be Connecting, TEDx speaker and personal development coach Trang Nova shares her journey from being a shy, bullied child of Vietnamese immigrants to becoming a confident speaker on global stages. She reveals the “secret” behind her confidence: hundreds of hours of practice, mindset shifts, and embracing authenticity.

We dive into why our brains trigger fear when we step on stage, and how to reframe those nerves into fuel for impact. Trang also explains practical tools like power poses, body language, and storytelling as “pattern interrupters” that help you stand out. You’ll hear honest stories of failures, lessons learned, and the breakthrough moments that changed everything.

This is a powerful conversation about finding your voice, overcoming fear, and using your story to inspire others. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone who dreads presentations, you’ll walk away with practical steps to speak with confidence and authenticity.

Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:

https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/

Connect with Storytellers Australia:

🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/

📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767

📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au

👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/

Connect with Linsey Houston:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/

Connect with Trang Nova:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trang-nova/

🔗 Website: https://trangnova.com/

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trang_nova/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world of work is changing faster than ever and leadership has to keep up!

In this episode of Always Be Connecting, host Linsey Houston talks with leadership strategist Trudy MacDonald about the shifts transforming how we lead teams, grow businesses, and shape culture. From the rise of AI to the demand for flexibility and the challenge of burnout, Trudy shares why the old models of HR and leadership no longer work.

She unpacks the skills every leader needs right now including emotional intelligence, resilience, and agility, and how to use them to build high-performing, future-ready teams. You’ll hear why psychological safety is no longer optional, how generational change is redefining the workplace, and what business owners can do today to prepare for tomorrow.

Packed with practical insights and forward-looking strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to thrive as a leader in 2025 and beyond.

Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:

https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/

Connect with Storytellers Australia:

🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/

📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767

📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au

👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/

Connect with Linsey Houston:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/

Connect with Trudy MacDonald:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudy-macdonald-tchr/

🔗 Website: https://www.talentcodehr.com.au/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do your beliefs about your team help them grow or hold them back?

In this episode, we explore the powerful concept of the Pygmalion Effect with Sophie Firmager from the Realised Potential Group. This psychological phenomenon reveals how a leader's expectations can directly shape team performance, influence morale, and impact workplace culture. Sophie unpacks how belief, whether positive or negative, can become a self-fulfilling prophecy in the workplace, and what leaders can do to create an environment where people truly thrive.

We cover:

✅ The psychology behind the Pygmalion Effect

✅ Common leadership traps and how to avoid them

✅ How belief shapes behaviour in teams

✅ Practical ways to build a belief-driven culture

Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:

https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/

Connect with Storytellers Australia:

🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/

📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767

📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au

👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/

Connect with Linsey Houston:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/

Connect with Guest Name:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-firmager-0b95813/

🔗 Website: https://www.realisedpotentialgroup.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Racism in the workplace isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it hides in policies, hiring decisions, or everyday interactions that go unchallenged.

In this frank and honest conversation with Gloria Tabi, she shares her lived experience as a Black woman in Australia and explains how structural racism shows up at work.

From being overlooked for roles she was qualified for to feeling pressure to hide her natural hair, Gloria highlights the hidden barriers that many still face. This conversation offers a reality check for managers who genuinely want to do better but may not know where to start.

We explore practical steps leaders can take to create more inclusive and equitable environments. If you're building a team or leading a business in Australia, this is essential listening.

Could your decisions be limiting someone's opportunity without you realising it?

Subscribe to Always Be Connecting:

https://storytellersaustralia.au/always-be-connecting/

Connect with Storytellers Australia:

🌐 Website: https://storytellersaustralia.au/

📞 Phone: 02 8096 5767

📧 Email: hello@storytellersaustralia.au

👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytellersau/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers.au/

Connect with Linsey Houston:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linseyhouston/

Connect with Gloria Tabi:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriatabi/

🔗 Website: https://everydayinclusion.com.au/

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriabinks/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to lead with authenticity and resilience?

In this episode, Stephanie Christopher, CEO of Vistage Australia and New Zealand, opens up about her journey, exploring the importance of true connection, loyalty, and optimism in business. She reflects on how discerning genuine connections and staying grounded in her values have shaped her leadership style.

Stephanie also dives into the role of “grit,” revealing how resilience helped her stay calm and find solutions in tough times. Through candid insights, she shares her approach to learning from failure and balancing the demands of work with a fulfilling personal life. As she looks ahead to 2025, Stephanie is energized by plans for growth and purpose, offering inspiration for those ready to lead with impact.

Connect with Stephanie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniechristopherceo/

Website: https://www.vistage.com.au/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you turn online connections into real success?

In this episode, Matt shares how he went from feeling stuck in agency life to building his own thriving digital marketing business. He talks about the ups and downs of finding his path, the power of showing up consistently, and the importance of keeping it real.

Matt believes that helping small businesses grow has a huge impact on communities, and he’s all about making those connections. He’s not into quick wins but putting in the daily work to make things happen.

Connect with Matt:

Website: https://heytony.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heytony.agency/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when audio and video technology come together seamlessly? In this episode, Tristan Salter, Senior Product Manager at RØDE, introduces their latest innovation designed to simplify content creation for everyone.

RØDE's new product combines audio and video into one user-friendly device, making it easier for creators of all levels to produce professional-quality content. Tristan shares how the company has evolved from making microphones for musicians to becoming a leader in the podcasting space. He also highlights the impact of COVID-19 on content creation trends and discusses the growing accessibility of production tools. From wireless microphones to all-in-one consoles, RØDE continues to innovate! Join us as we explore how RØDE is shaping the next wave of technology with Tristan Salter!

Connect with Tristan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristansalter/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Arthur Backouche, Senior Salesforce Marketing Cloud Consultant, shares his insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work and interact.

He discusses how AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for more creative and meaningful activities. From predictive analytics to AI-powered chatbots, Arthur explains the practical uses of AI in both business and everyday life. He also touches on the potential challenges, such as job displacement and ethical dilemmas, and offers a balanced view on how we can navigate these issues.

The conversation is engaging and thought-provoking, providing a clear look at what AI can—and cannot—do. Arthur’s perspective on the future of technology is both informative and relatable, making complex concepts easy to understand. Whether you’re curious about the latest tech trends or just want to know how AI might change your daily life, this episode has something for everyone.

Tune in and get inspired by the possibilities of artificial intelligence!

Key Topics:

➡️ Practical applications of AI in business and daily life

➡️ Automating repetitive tasks to improve productivity

➡️ Ethical considerations and societal impact of AI

➡️ Potential future of AI and its integration into human life

➡️ Concerns about AI replacing jobs and redefining workforce roles

Connect with Arthur:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurbackouche/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.