Michelle Redfern sits down with Lizzy Goldfinch to explore the crucial intersection of money, leadership, and women’s potential. Lizzy shares her professional expertise and personal experiences to illuminate how financial literacy and independence are foundational for closing the leadership gender gap. The conversation focuses on breaking down harmful money myths, embracing financial empowerment, and taking actionable steps to build wealth and create choices.

Whether you’re navigating your career, seeking financial freedom, or dreaming of a larger impact in your community, this episode will inspire you to take control of your financial future.

Episode Highlights

The “3 Ds” of Financial Vulnerability:

• Death, Divorce, and Domestic Violence often leave women in precarious financial positions.

• Women aged 55+ are the fastest-growing demographic of homeless people in Australia, emphasizing the need for financial independence.

Why Money Matters:

• Financial resources give women the power of choice and freedom, enabling them to escape abusive situations or transition careers without fear.

• By 2034, women are projected to control 65% of Australia’s wealth, making financial literacy more crucial than ever.

Reframing Harmful Money Mindsets:

• Common limiting beliefs:

• “I’m not good with money.”

• “Money is vulgar or shameful to talk about.”

• Empowering reframes:

• “I’m learning to get better with money.”

• “I love money and the choices it brings.”

Investing in Yourself:

• Warren Buffett’s advice: The best investment you can make is in yourself.

• Tips for self-investment: podcasts, networking, online courses, and continuous learning.

The Power of Choice Through Money:

• Financial independence allows women to:

• Volunteer and engage in meaningful causes.

• Leave unsupportive workplaces or unhealthy relationships.

Practical Tips to Build Wealth:

• Create a “Runaway Fund” for emergencies or unexpected life transitions.

• Start small with consistent saving and investing—compounding interest is a game changer.

• Keep a record of your accomplishments to ensure fair remuneration at work.

Leadership Call to Action

1. Examine Your Money Mindset:

Identify any limiting beliefs you have about money. Write them down and consciously work to reframe them into empowering affirmations.

2. Start Building Wealth Today:

Open a savings account and set up an automated transfer—even $5 per paycheck can snowball over time.

3. Prepare for Your Next Salary Negotiation:

Document your accomplishments and contributions to the business. Set a target remuneration goal and plan your negotiation strategy now.

4. Get Educated:

Listen to podcasts like She’s on the Money, read books like The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape, or follow Lizzie Goldfinch for actionable financial insights.

5. Support Your Community:

Use your financial resources or time to give back in meaningful ways—whether by mentoring, volunteering, or donating to causes you care about.

Connect with Lizzy Goldfinch:

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape

• The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

• PepTalkHer App by Meggie Palmer

• The Snowball - Warren Buffet

Make sure to subscribe to Lead to Soar on your favourite podcast platform and share this episode with women in your network who are ready to take control of their financial futures.

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In this follow-up episode, Michelle and Renata Bernade, host of The Job Hunting Podcast, tackle the other side of the equation—job hunting. For job seekers, the holiday season can be a nerve-wracking time, but Renata offers insights and strategies to stay proactive, avoid burnout, and prepare for success when the market picks up.

Topics include:

• Navigating the anxiety of job hunting during the quieter holiday season.

• Crafting your personal narrative for holiday gatherings and professional networking.

• Why LinkedIn optimization is critical for being found by recruiters.

• Using downtime to reflect, strategize, and strengthen your career assets.

• The importance of taking a break to recharge and avoid burnout.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prepare your narrative: Be ready to confidently answer, “What are you up to?” at holiday gatherings.

2. Leverage LinkedIn: Optimize your profile to ensure recruiters find you for the roles you want.

3. Reflect and strategize: Use the slower holiday season to assess your strengths and career goals.

4. Take a break: Job hunting is emotionally taxing—allow yourself time to recharge.

Links & Resources:

• Renata's LinkedIn Audit Services: https://www.renatabernarde.com/linkedin/

• The Job Hunting Podcast: https://www.thejobhuntingpodcast.com/podcast

• Lead to Soar Network: https://leadtosoar.network/landing

Final Thought:

Renata reminds listeners, “You will find a job. Take this time to focus on yourself, recharge, and set yourself up for success in the new year.”

Lead to Soar is a multi-platform resource for ambitious women on a leadership journey and for organisations serious about closing the leadership gender gap.

We support women and organisations in 5 ways;

The Lead to Network: https://leadtosoar.network/landing

The Lead to Soar Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/lead-to-soar

The Lead to Soar Summit: https://www.leadtosoar.com/summit

Women’s Leadership Programs: https://www.michelleredfern.com/advancing-women-in-business-sport

DEI Consulting & Advisory: https://www.michelleredfern.com/consulting

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

In this episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle welcomes back friend of the pod, Renata Bernarde to discuss hiring from the manager’s perspective.

Does the thought of hiring fill you with joy or dread? They explore this question because managers tell us that hiring often feels like a burden.

Topics include:

• Why hiring feels like a chore for many leaders.

• Common pitfalls in hiring practices, including rushing decisions or hiring for “ghost jobs.”

• Strategies to make hiring purposeful and aligned with organizational goals.

• The importance of skills matrices, workforce planning, and building intentional hiring processes.

• How job descriptions can attract a diverse pool of candidates by moving away from unrealistic “unicorn” expectations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Plan ahead: Workforce planning and clear job descriptions are essential to hiring effectively.

2. Train hiring managers: Equip them with tools and strategies to align hiring with strategic goals.

3. Focus on strengths: Hire for skills and cultural fit, rather than ticking off an unrealistic checklist.

Links & Resources:

• Contact Renata: https://www.thejobhuntingpodcast.com/contact

• The Job Hunting Podcast: https://www.thejobhuntingpodcast.com/podcast

Lead to Soar is a multi-platform resource for ambitious women on a leadership journey and for organisations serious about closing the leadership gender gap.

We support women and organisations in 5 ways;

The Lead to Network: https://leadtosoar.network/landing

The Lead to Soar Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/lead-to-soar

The Lead to Soar Summit: https://www.leadtosoar.com/summit

Women’s Leadership Programs: https://www.michelleredfern.com/advancing-women-in-business-sport

DEI Consulting & Advisory: https://www.michelleredfern.com/consulting

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