In this episode of This Connected Life, host Mel Kettle dives into the complexities of communication and connection in a disconnected world with guest Victoria Rennoldson. Victoria is a leadership communication coach and certified cultural intelligence trainer who works with global leaders and teams to amplify their impact, speak with authority, and lead confidently across diverse cultures. Together, Mel and Victoria discuss what it truly means to connect in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, as well as practical ways to foster collaboration and inclusivity in global teams.

We talk about:

• Defining True Connection: Why connection is more than just hopping on a Zoom call.

• Navigating Cultural Differences: How cultural influences affect communication styles and team dynamics.

• Leadership Challenges in Global Teams: Common communication pitfalls and how to overcome them.

• Practical Tips for Inclusive Leadership: Using tools and strategies to engage all team members, regardless of culture or communication style.

• Building Confidence as a Leader: How to amplify your strengths and show up authentically.

• Fun superpowers and coffee

Victoria Rennoldson is an award-winning cultural intelligence and communication coach, and the founder of Culture Cuppa.

In her view, the communication and cultural gap is a huge waste of talent and valuable ideas for your team and organisation. She is passionate about achieving an equal share of voice for everybody in multicultural and multilingual teams.

Victoria works with talented and ambitious individuals and teams all over the world, who need help with leadership communication skills, communicating confidently and with the cultural challenges of collaborating successfully and building trust with global teams, international customers and partners.

You can connect with Victoria:

• LinkedIn

• The Culture Cuppa website and podcast

Buy a copy of my book, Fully Connected, here: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/

and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkettle/

In this episode of This Connected Life, Mel Kettle welcomes back Steph Clarke, a multi-potentialite, lifelong learner, and futures thinking specialist, to discuss the evolving nature of connection, foresight, and the future of friendship.

Steph shares her expertise on futures thinking, how leaders can use foresight to stay relevant, and why friendship deserves more value in today’s world.

We talk about:

• Living a big life in a small place and insights into curating your ideal life.
• The importance of imagining possibilities instead of predicting outcomes.
• How leaders can identify signals of change and build "treasure maps" for the future.
• The role of courage and imagination in navigating ambiguity and uncertainty.
• Signals of change to watch for
• Why friendship is undervalued compared to romantic relationships.

Resources:

• Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal
• TED Talk by Emily Wapnick on being a multi-potentialite
• Article: The Friendship Paradox by The Atlantic ($)

Connect with Steph:

• LinkedIn
• Steph's Website
• Interested in her book, "The Future of Friendship"? Submit your friendship stories here before 24 December 2024

Buy a copy of my book, Fully Connected, here: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/

and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkettle/

In this episode of This Connected Life, Mel Kettle sits down with marketing strategist and consultant Bec Chappell to explore the true meaning of connection—both in business and in life. Bec shares her insights into building genuine relationships in an increasingly digital world, the role of social media in marketing, and how to stand out authentically in a crowded market.

We talk about:

• The Importance of Real Connections
• Navigating Social Media: Learn why social media is a tool, not a complete strategy, and how focusing on relationships can bring more meaningful engagement.
• Personal Branding and Authenticity: Discover the importance of showing up as your true self across all platforms and why your unique essence sets you apart.
• Dating in the Digital Age: Bec’s humorous and honest take on the challenges of modern dating apps, and her tips for fostering real connections beyond the swipe.
• The Role of AI in Marketing: A candid discussion on how AI is changing the marketing landscape and the importance of maintaining originality and authenticity in a world flooded with content.

Connect with Bec Chappell:

• LinkedIn: Bec Chappell
• Instagram: @bec_chappell
• Website: becchappell.com.au
• Podcast: Marketing Espresso
• White Paper: "Social Media Won't Save Your Marketing"

Whether you're a business owner, a marketer, or just someone navigating the complexities of modern relationships, this episode is filled with actionable advice and lighthearted moments that remind us of the power of connection. Listen in and get inspired to bring more authenticity into all areas of your life.

• Learn more about the Confident Communicator workshops I mention here: https://courses.melkettle.com/comms2024
• Buy a copy of my book, Fully Connected, here: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook
• Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/
• and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkettle/

In this episode of This Connected Life, I explore the power of introverts in the workplace, especially in leadership roles. Despite a common misconception that introverts can’t thrive in fast-paced, vocal environments, I share my personal experiences and strategies for excelling as a quieter leader, including deep thinking, problem-solving, and building meaningful relationships.

I also share practical tips for introverts who want to command attention without being the loudest voice in the room.

I talk about:

• How introverts often possess unique strengths like focus, observation, and empathy that make them strong leaders.

• Notable introverted leaders like Oprah, Bill Gates, and Sheryl Sandberg exemplify how quiet strength can lead to monumental success.

• Tips for introverts to thrive: lead with your strengths, speak when it matters, and build one-on-one connections.

• How to leverage non-verbal communication and make a strong impression without saying a word.

• Quiet leadership can be powerful due to its foundation in thoughtfulness, authenticity, and depth.

Download the free checklist 10 Steps to Communicate with Confidence: https://courses.melkettle.com/checklist

Learn more about the Confident Communicator workshops I mention here: https://courses.melkettle.com/comms2024

Buy a copy of my book, Fully Connected, here: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/

and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkettle/

In this episode of This Connected Life, Mel talks with Pauly Grant, Chief Talent Officer for Publicis Groupe ANZ and APAC.

Pauly is a creative problem solver who identifies and embraces new approaches to solve complex problems by leveraging data and insights. She believes that fostering an inclusive, enabling culture is a driver for exceptional business performance, and we talk a lot about this in this episode. As a leader, Pauly’s focus is on making the shift from how to create a great employee experience, to a great life experience for people.

We talked about:

• HR from the perspective of the people rather than risk and compliance, which most focus on

• the power of connection, in terms of people, place and purpose

• fostering belonging at work

• how Publicis Group supports women going through menopause with menopause leave, and coaching and mentoring programs

• Trust, flexibility and a focus on behaviour instead of strict guidelines.

Connect with Pauly on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauly-grant-6066423a/

Learn more about the Confident Communicator workshops I mention here: https://courses.melkettle.com/comms2024

Buy a copy of my book, Fully Connected, here: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/

and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melkettle/

In this episode of This Connected Life, I dive deep into the world of functional medicine and body burnout with Filipa Bellette. Filly shares her incredible journey from personal health crises to co-founding a multi-award-winning health practice, Chris & Filly Functional Medicine. Together with her husband Chris, Filly has helped over 2,500 clients overcome burnout and regain their health through a root cause approach.

We talked about:

• Balancing life and work and working with your spouse

• the importance of deep trust and connection with oneself as the foundation for all other connections in life

• Healing body burnout and the four-step process Filly uses in her practice to help clients recover from burnout,

• The impact of unconscious beliefs

• Practical and actionable advice on improving sleep, diet, and movement to support overall well-being and prevent burnout.

• Buy Filly’s book, Ending Body Burnout

• Sign up for the free 3-day live coaching experience to rewire your brain and end body burnout

You can connect with Filly:

• via her website

• on the socials: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Like this show?

• Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally.

• Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode

• Follow Mel on Instagram

In this episode I talk to my gorgeous friend Emma Walkinshaw. Emma is a transformational coach, accredited yoga instructor, and dynamic entrepreneur passionate about empowering women. We talk about:

• Embracing your body, body acceptance and the challenging toxic diet culture

• Starting your day with intention through simple practices like yoga, meditation

• Collaboration and connection and the importance of building strong relationships in business and life

• How collaboration has been key to Emma’s success and fulfillment

• The significance of self-compassion in navigating life’s challenges.

Resources

• Buy Emma’s new book: 365 Days of Morning Magic: A Daily Guide to Set Your Intentions

• Emma’s transformative programs: 21 Minutes of Morning Magic and Embody Me

Emma Walkinshaw is a dedicated Transformational Coach, Accredited Yoga Instructor, and a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for empowering women. As the Founder of the transformative "21 Minutes of Morning Magic" and "Embody Me Program," she creates spaces for growth and self-discovery.

Emma launched her first business at 23. Today, her true passion is in guiding women to elevate their self- awareness and self-confidence, challenging toxic diet culture, and encouraging the acceptance of their authentic selves.

Her work is a testament to her commitment to fostering a world where women feel empowered, confident, and aligned with their true selves.

You can connect with Emma:

• via her website

• Instagram: @emma_walkinshaw

• Join the 21 Minutes of Morning Magic group on Facebook: 21 Minutes of Morning Magic

Mel Kettle is a leadership communication strategist, speaker, author, and facilitator. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate so they create real connection and sustained engagement.

Mel’s work positively impacts people personally and professionally, whether she is facilitating a communication strategy workshop, running a training program on how to talk about menopause at work, or speaking about self-leadership at a conference.

In 2022 and 2023 Mel was one of only seven Australians recognised by leadersHum as one of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership.

She is the author of two books, the best-selling Fully Connected and The Social Association.

Like this show?

• Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally.

• Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode

• Follow Mel on Instagram

Leanne Hughes’ mission is to help you realise what’s possible, is possible for you and your business.

She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator helping you maximise your team’s potential by creating influential, contagious work experiences.

Clients work with Leanne for her energy and unique approaches that provide cut-through strategies for embarking on a change initiative, or to shift performance or culture to achieve next-level success.

She was inducted into The Million Dollar Consulting® Hall of Fame in 2022, recognised by peers as being among the world leaders in consulting, as evidenced by empirical accomplishments in client results, professional contributions, and intellectual property. In 2021, Leanne was the winner of the Asia Pacific Learning Impact awards for Learning Professional of the Year. She’s a proud mentor as part of the Minerva network: Women supporting Australian women in the business of sport.

Leanne hosts both the First Time Facilitator and Leanne Hughes’ Work and Live Large podcasts and is the author of The Two Hour Workshop Blueprint.

You can connect with Leanne:

• via her website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Join Leanne’s Facebook group, The Flipchart

Leanne was a guest on episode 47, recorded waaaay back in August 2020. We have had so many amazing conversations since then, that I thought we should record another one for you! We talked about:

• the fabulous Nick Gray and his blind date in Tokyo that has taken Twitter / X by storm (you can follow him here), and how being brave and putting yourself out there can reap so many rewards

• adapting to change during COVID

• connecting across borders

• the power of vibe - and yes, we were influenced by the fabulous Australian movie The Castle 😂

• the underestimated power of interpersonal connection in business

• Leanne’s book "The Two-Hour Workshop Blueprint”

• setting boundaries

• AND SO MUCH MORE!

• Listen to episode 47, my first chat with Leanne

• Buy Leanne’s book "The Two-Hour Workshop Blueprint"

• Buy Nick Gray's book "The Two-Hour Cocktail Party"

• Michael Bungay Stanier

• Buy a ticket to Leanne’s workshop with Michael Bungay Stanier

Mel Kettle is a leadership communication strategist, speaker, author, and facilitator. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate so they create real connection and sustained engagement.

Mel’s work positively impacts people personally and professionally, whether she is facilitating a communication strategy workshop, running a training program on how to talk about menopause at work, or speaking about self-leadership at a conference.

In 2022 and 2023 Mel was one of only seven Australians recognised by leadersHum as one of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership.

She is the author of two books, the best-selling Fully Connected and The Social Association.

Like this show?

• Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Instagram handle so I can thank you personally.

• Connect with Mel on LinkedIn and let her know your top takeaway from this episode

• Follow Mel on Instagram and Twitter (now X)