Decoding Purpose

Welcome to another episode of the Decoding Purpose Podcast.Today we have prepared a one-off mash up episode as a part of the recent nominations for The Australian Podcast Awards. I guess you could call this episode PURPOSE DECODED.Firstly, a BIG congratulations goes out to all of the nominees. This is such an exciting time for the podcasting industry, especially in 2020. Despite the chaos, I think we can celebrate podcasts as being such a great way, and an easy way to inspire, educate and to engage humanity in conversations of all types that change the world.As we say at Future Crunch If we want to change the story of the human race in the 21st century, we have to change the stories we tell ourselves - and it is through meaningful conversations that we can create cognitive dissonance and flip the narratives that need to change in order to create a more purpose-driven world.Now, On this occasion Decoding Purpose did not make it through to the nomination stage, but we still won because we created some great con

In 2020, the world has stopped and with that experienced a collective pattern interrupt (no surprises there). In many ways, this has acted as a catalyst for a one way trip into the tunnels of introspection. We ask ourselves: Is my world on track for what I want it to look like tomorrow? Is the world at large on track for how we, as a collective, want it tomorrow? These are big questions to ask ourselves as adults let alone as kids and teenagers, and that is why it is so vital that we empower these young people with the inspiration to DREAM BIG and give them the tools to make those dreams happen. Our future depends on it.So today, I am excited, because whilst I pride myself on finding all sorts of inspiring people to interview for this podcast, it's nice to be able to bring you a special guest from my inner circle. Someone who happens to also be one of Australia's most respected entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs. Her name is Liz Volpe, and I can attest to the fact that her definition of being the best, is

Welcome To Another Episode of The Decoding Purpose Podcast.We are living in a world where the social problems we face are impossible to ignore. After all, we are navigating a collective ‘dark night of the soul’. A night being defined by a global pandemic, the implications of climate change, the impact of digitisation on our well being and many other issues relating to social justice and equality all over the world.In 2020 it is crystal clear that there is no shortage of problems to solve, but what we also know is fear-mongering or focussing only on the issues rarely ever provides the solutions that we need. On the flip side, optimism, hopeful thinking and creativity is where we find the power to pioneer a new future. And sometimes it takes darkness for us to look within and more clearly see the potential of our light.The big question I hope to answer in today's interview is this: How can we harness the infinite power of creative thinking to inspire and influence behaviour change? How can we use our purpose as

Welcome To Another Episode of The Decoding Purpose Podcast.Now today's guest is a face and a voice whose ‘sparkle’ many of our local listeners would feel right at home with - and that guest is the incredible Shelly Horton. The reason she might be familiar to you is because she is a regular on Channel Nine’s Today Show, Today Extra, Weekend Today and the 3pm News; her lifestyle segments on 9Honey or hosting Talking Married on 9Now.For more than 25 years Shel has honed her craft as one of Australia’s most loved journalists both in news and entertainment, and today she is also a wild and free woman and entrepreneur. Shelly and her husband Darren co-founded Shell Shocked Media around five years ago. Like so many of us she has found freedom in the purpose and creativity found in running her own business.It's fair to say that of all of the guests I have interviewed for the Decoding Purpose Podcast that Shelly’s charisma and bubbly nature creates a feel good factor which I have no doubt is one of the reason she has

Welcome To Another Episode Of The Decoding Purpose Podcast.Now, when it comes to purpose I have never been sold on the idea that purpose is all about knowing your why, or having a statement of why. A statement of why is simply words coming out of our mouth or onto a page. These words can help us to access purpose, but I think there is a much deeper truth. Purpose is not WHY we exist. Purpose is WHO we are.With that in mind, what if searching for the truth of WHO we are was a much better starting place than starting WHY? What if we were brave enough to peel back the layers of socially constructed identity and of ego in order to discover a truer version of ourselves. If we did that could it also be possible that we would discover purpose there? And if all of that is true then where do we begin?Today's guest will answer all of those questions and more. Hugh Mackay AO is a social researcher, psychologist and bestselling author of 19 books, including The Good Life, The Art of Belonging and his latest book which we

As our regular listeners know well by now, season two of the Decoding Purpose Podcast has had one intention, and that is to decode the turning points that catalyse purpose. We've had bushfires, global pandemics, protests and all of that overlapped by the urgency of climate change. It's been huge for everyone, but the impact of 2020 will undeniably influence the next generation the most.After all, It is their dharma to pioneer a brand new world, through solving old world problems. It will be their dharma to heal the planet, to invent, innovate or recreate the solutions we need in order to ignite sustainable living.The real question that needs to be addressed as we traverse beyond the 2020 turning point is how we can empower teenagers, children, or our children's children with the tools they will need to fulfil this epic purpose. A purpose that in some part previous generations have left them to deal with. As it turns out, what they need is a miracle and today on Decoding Purpose that is exactly what we shall d

Welcome To Another Episode Of The Decoding Purpose Podcast.Over the last few weeks, I have spoken to quite a few of my friends in Melbourne where Covid has very much hit Australia the hardest. I am lucky to say that my friends and colleagues are incredibly smart humans with all of the skills available to self care and manage their energy state, yet even for them, the last few weeks have been so much harder than anyone could have anticipated. There is frustration, anger and exhaustion. I have no doubt that this same emotion is being experienced in many places all over the world as we speak. Some refer to this as the ‘silent pandemic’.That is why in today's episode I wanted to bring my focus towards our wellbeing, especially the preventive management of our mental health, because even if we are not living in Melbourne, we are all living in a world where the pressures of uncertainty in our personal and professional lives are playing out every touch point.And this is the exact reason I wanted to invite onto the p

Welcome to another episode of the Decoding Purpose Podcast.Now, when I was preparing for today's podcast I realised something interesting, and that was that I had never interviewed anyone about the connection between purpose and how we manage our finances.I found this interesting because it also got me thinking the paradox between what it means to be a heat centred, purpose driven human living a life of deep service, while at the same time being 100% comfortable with asking for the money we need a) in order to survive and secondly to amplify our purpose. In chatting with some of my friends in this space it seems that sometimes there is an uncomfortable pull between the need to create purpose in our lives and the essential need for profits while doing it. I'm excited to say that amongst things today's guest and I dove straight into that chasm - because let's face it being worthy of purpose, means we are also worthy of wealth to make it happen.But that is not all we covered. Today's guest is the incredible Jani

Welcome to another episode of the Decoding Purpose Podcast.One thing I have noticed in my own world, and in talking to others in my network is that more than 6 months into this global pandemic, it's fair to say that we are all starting to feel a little weary. For some of us that might be translating as stress or worry. For others, it might be irritation, anger or even rage. I know there are many people out there feeling the full weight of depression and anxiety - because let's face it. Regardless of the silver lining moments of which I might say there are many, this is still an incredibly difficult time.So I ask you, just as I ask myself, how is that manifesting in my life. How is that manifesting in your relationships with yourself and others close to you. What is it that you need to feel seen or feel heard? What is it that you need to give those around you, so that they can feel your love and support.Because at the end of day, we have all been pulled apart. For some of us friends, families and lovers are si

Welcome to another episode of the Decoding Purpose Podcast.Tonight the September moon is in full bloom. With a full moon high in the sky, it is a fitting day to celebrate the power of women changing the world. After all the moon is considered to be a feminine symbol. When the moon is full, women are at their highest point energetically - so for ladies out there looking for some inspiration to celebrate tonight's full moon get ready to bask in the light of today's guest.And for those who couldn't care less about the full moon - don't worry this is not all woo woo. You're about to hear from one the fiercest female entrepreneurs In my network so strap yourself in.Jennifer McMahon is the serial founder of two purpose-driven organisations. In 2017 She founded The Modern Day Woman Movement which is a group of female leaders across Australia with one thing in common, breaking stereotypes and living outside their comfort zones. In 2019 she also founded Modern People who are Australia’s first Purpose-for-Profit People

Welcome to another episode of the Decoding Purpose Podcast.Many of you would know Cam Merchant as the charismatic Aussie cricketer who found love on the Australian version of Married At First Sight when he met and married the stunning Jules Robinson in January 2019. Since then the pair got married for real, and in only a few weeks their beautiful baby is due.With all of that in mind it would be so easy to think that Cam's arrival at “happily ever after” was simply his fate. That maybe he just got lucky. As it turns out his journey into purpose involved facing some of life's toughest ‘growth waves’ starting off with surviving the 2004 Thailand Tsunami.As a result of this event Cam suffered from Post-traumatic stress disorder that led to the onset of depression and anxiety, and eventually, a rock bottom moment that changed everything in his life. Like so many great stories of purpose they so often begin with pain, that turns to hope and hope that eventually becomes Joy. The Joy for Cam is undeniably his beautif

Welcome to Another Episode of The Decoding Purpose Podcast.I had the pleasure of meeting today's guest in Singapore at the end of last year, where we were both working. At the time we met, I was sitting in the hotel lobby with a mutual colleague when Catherine Molloy came bounding into the room with a beaming smile and excitedly waving a book around in the air. After shaking my hand with the certainty of a woman empowered, she proceeded to tell me that the book she was holding in her hand was the “The Million Dollar Handshake: The ultimate guide to revolutionise how you connect and communicate in business and life” - And that it was printed in Chinese.This book became Cath's chart-topper putting her on the map as a global thought leader and speaker, and like so many of us right up until February this year she was booked on flight after flight attending conferences all over the world - And then the world stopped. All travel stopped. Conferences stopped. And you guessed it...Handshakes also stopped, but given h

Welcome to another episode of the Decoding Purpose Podcast.When it comes to bright minds in business, today's guest, in my opinion, ticks all of the boxes. He also happens to be one of the nicest human beings I know, which let’s face it, is fairly important when your focus is on business growth. And business growth is actually what matters the most especially in times of adversity when that growth may actually be what you need just to survive.Jordan Fogarty believes that growth IQ is found in the sweet spot between unlocking potential, designing intelligent growth strategies, and then leveraging the opportunities that are presented. as it turns out his growth formula is pretty damn bulletproof.As a prominent award-winning entrepreneur, Jordan is the CEO of Be Media, President of the Entrepreneur’s organisation (under 35) and is recognised as a top 40 under 40 business person in Australia. All of that said, underneath Jordan’s sleek business-minded modus operandi - there is a heart centred leader who believes

Welcome to another episode of the Decoding Purpose Podcast.When we reflect on our success in business either as an executive or an entrepreneur we often turn our gaze towards what's around us. Have we got enough sales? Is our marketing strategy working? What does the packaging look like? There is a tendency to focus on the transactions over the transformation - but it is the transformations we ultimately find success. Human transformation that is...because the art of business growth more often than not starts with personal growth.Today's guest is Pauline Nguyen and she is a best-selling author and award-winning businesswoman – and her achievements are all the more impressive for her having escaped Vietnam on a boat and survived a Thai refugee camp. As the owner of Red Lantern, the most awarded Vietnamese restaurant in the world, in 2012 Pauline won the Australian Telstra Business Award for Medium Business.Before diving into today's interview, what I want to say is this. I have been blessed over my career to h

Hello and welcome to today’s episode of Decoding Purpose. An episode that I have to say I am personally so excited to launch.For the regular listeners of the Decoding Purpose podcast you may remember that last year I interviewed the co- author of the International bestselling book on purpose - Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long and Happy Life. The name of that author - The one and only Hector Garcia.For those of you who don't know the book - Ikigai is a book like no other, providing a deep & thoughtful exploration of the ancient Japanese concept of the Ikigai. The book was literally translated into 26 languages all over the world - so I think it’s fair to say that the book itself was a roaring success and truly decoded purpose the Japanese way for so many readers around the globe.Since our first interview Hector and I have connected a few times, and I have to say he is a man of deep humility, introspection and someone I deeply admire and respect as both an author but also as a truly kind and generous h

Welcome To Another Episode of The Decoding Purpose Podcast.Today's guest is an author whose book I came across while scrolling through a LinkedIn page titled the Business Of Purpose. The title of that book - The Gift Of Crises. The book cover features a glittering jewel that caught my eye, and when I zoned in on the content, I just knew I needed to track down the author. Today's guest is the incredible Christos Tsolkas.The book was only released in February of this year, and I stumbled upon it only a few weeks later. As the saying goes - timing is everything. See when the bushfires hit I thought that was the turning point of 2020. How wrong was I! And then there was COVID, and that wasn't a turning point - that was a tornado. Today, ( a Thursday afternoon in early June) we are now faced with a human tsunami where the injustice of centuries of racism has surfaced with one angry roar that the world cannot ignore. That cry - Black Lives Matter. If Crises is a gift this year will be like all our Christmases comin

Welcome to another episode of The Decoding Purpose Podcast.We are living in a VUCA world - short for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. A world defined by social change, economic change, or climate change. An age where emerging technologies meet global pandemics, where our social values converge with our political ones, and where old paradigms of thought and behaviour are being replaced by the new, the unknown and the uncertain. In a conversation about turning points, we are in a tornado of change, and the only thing that seems crystal clear to me is the need for courage.So where do we begin in translating this complexity, in order to firstly gain clarity, and from there to lean into the courage required to navigate an unwritten economy and future? I know this has been a burning question for me...and one that led me to today's incredible guest - Kaila Colbin.Kaila Colbin is a co-founder of Boma Global and the CEO of Boma New Zealand. She spearheaded the hugely successful SingularityU New Zeal

Welcome to Another Episode Of The Decoding Purpose Podcast.Over the last century, the rules of ‘old power’ in leadership were crystal clear. To get things done, or to succeed in business the general consensus was to remain closed, authoritative and inaccessible - In short, the ego is the leading principle. It's amazing how quickly the world and our ideals can change. Today - globally we continue to be in the grips of a global crisis, and the shadow of power-hungry leadership strategies are being frightfully exposed - and the best part - it's being called out - and at the same time a new type of heart centred leadership is being celebrated.Why? Because right now people need great leadership. We are experiencing a kind of collective grief all over the world, and as we rebuild we are needing a space for our stories to be told, and hearts to be seen. We need healing and of all of the capital in the world...human capital matters the most. After all, it is in these times we realise the value of human life.So, when

Welcome to Another Episode Of Decoding Purpose.For regular listeners - In series one of the Decoding Purpose podcast, you may remember that I interviewed an incredible thought leader by the name of Richie Harkham. For those who missed it - it's an episode worth digging up as Richie shares his incredible journey as a serial entrepreneur, a charity founder, a winemaker, and as one of the most resilient human beings I know. In fact - Richie's message is all about how we can leverage A Return On Resilience to thrive in crises, rapid change or uncertainty. Since appearing on Decoding Purpose last year Richie has made the leap into podcast land launching his own series earlier this year titled Return On Resilience. The name of the podcast speaks for itself.A few weeks ago I was honoured when Richie asked me to come on his show as a guest. I loved every second of decoding the space in between resilience and the discovery of our life purpose, so today I wanted to share our conversation with you all. So, without furth

Welcome to Another Episode of The Decoding Purpose Podcast.Throughout the ages, people have searched for the precise alchemy of ingredients that constitute great leadership. Leadership of governments, communities and of course leadership in organisations, but most importantly personal leadership. Especially within an environment of global pandemics, political uprisings, emerging technologies and climate change. So what is that one ingredient so crucial to great leadership - which one floats to the top. The answer is undeniably courage.It makes sense when we consider that we are living in an unwritten future - and it takes courage to be a pioneer of a story unwritten. And at this exact moment in time there are so many leaders, entrepreneurs, economists, scientists, innovators or inventors out there bravely redesigning, rewriting, and forming thoughts around the possibilities for an unknown future. They are the courageous people who are truly leading the way for all of us. None more so than those working on the