🎙️ What does it take to break through barriers and redefine what’s possible in your career and life?In this empowering episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast, we sit down with Donny Walford, Founder of Behind Closed Doors, a trailblazer in business and a fierce advocate for women in leadership.𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝: ▶︎ 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 - Twice denied a promotion, Donny turned the tables—and won. Her story will leave you asking: What’s stopping me from taking my shot? ▶︎ 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 - How Donny’s upbringing shaped her fearless leadership style. ▶︎ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 - “It’s not just what you know; it’s who knows you.” Learn how to stand out. ▶︎ 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧, 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 - How Donny is mentoring the next generation of leaders. "𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺." – Donny WalfordThis episode will make you question your limits and inspire you to step into your full potential.Are you ready to break your own barriers and redefine success?Tune in now!TIMESTAMPS:00:50 - Leadership and Emotional Regulation08:18 - Breaking Gender Norms in Childhood18:43 - Overcoming Workplace Challenges and Winning Promotions28:36 - The Power of Resilience: "Don’t Let the Bastards Beat You"29:58 - Tackling Imposter Syndrome and Backing Yourself46:45 - Networking as a Career Game-Changer47:31 - The Impact of Visibility in Hybrid Work Environments52:06 - Setting KPIs for Networking and Professional Growth59:52 - How Women Can Build Confidence and Seize Opportunities1:09:16 - Raising the Next Generation of LeadersWhere to find DONNY WALFORDLinkedinWEBSITEJoin the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. #CreatingSynergyPodcast #Leadership #Resilience #BreakingBarriers #ListenNow

What does it really mean to connect with yourself and others on a deeper level? How can understanding your emotions unlock new possibilities in life, leadership, and relationships?In this episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast, we sit down with Nathan Jones, Co-Founder of Mood.ai, TEDx speaker, and pioneering emotional researcher. Nathan shares his remarkable journey of self-discovery and how his experiences shaped his mission to revolutionise emotional intelligence.Here’s why you need to tune in:Hear Nathan’s raw and honest story of growing up chasing approval and finding the courage to embrace his authentic self.Discover how journaling can be a transformative practice for self-awareness and mental clarity.Explore the groundbreaking work of Mood.ai and how it’s redefining how we measure and use emotional data.Gain insights into the emotional spectrum and why understanding your emotions is the key to resilience and meaningful connections.Learn how emotional intelligence can go beyond the workplace and impact every aspect of your life.This episode is packed with science, storytelling, and actionable insights that will challenge you to rethink how you show up in your own life.Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in emotional research.👉 Listen now and unlock your potential with Nathan Jones!TIMESTAMP:00:00 - Introduction and Nathan’s journey to finding his purpose04:47 - Defining purpose and the importance of emotional connection08:57 - Growing up chasing approval and discovering self-acceptance21:57 - The transformative power of journaling for self-awareness44:45 - Understanding the emotional spectrum and its role in personal growth45:21 - Measuring and using emotions as data: The Mood.ai story48:02 - What emotional intelligence really means and why it matters57:46 - The link between emotional intelligence and intrinsic motivation1:02:10 - Communication as a key pillar of emotional intelligenceWhere to find NATHAN JONES:LinkedinWEBSITEJoin the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. #CreatingSynergyPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #Authenticity #NathanJones #MoodAI

Change is hard. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and downright complicated. But what if you could turn all that chaos into clarity? In this final part of our Change Series, Kylie Butler is back with something truly special: the Game Changers Program.This isn’t just another take on change management. Kylie reveals a fresh, human-centered approach that digs deep into why people resist change, how to truly engage your team (even the quiet ones), and why disengagement might actually be your biggest untapped resource. 💡 What You’ll Learn (and Love):How to flip resistance into your team’s biggest strength.The simple yet powerful mental model framework that brings clarity to even the messiest changes.Why psychological safety is the secret sauce to real, lasting engagement.How to spot the quiet disengagement that could be holding your team back—and turn it around.Real, practical tips to lead with confidence and empathy, even in chaos.Hit play now and let Kylie inspire you to take a fresh, human approach to change.And if you love what you hear, share this episode with your team, friends, and network.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction to the Change Series and Part 3 with Kylie Butler01:36 - Shifting from the ‘What’ to the ‘How’ of Change03:28 - The Magic of Game Changers08:13 - Why Change is Difficult for Organizations17:38 - The Mental Models Behind Change Resistance29:50 - Visualizing Engagement with the Game Changers Mat41:10 - Transforming Resistance into Opportunity46:20 - Leveraging Game Changers to Empower Teams52:18 - Applying Game Changers to Stakeholder Management56:02 - Final Thoughts and How to Get Started with Game ChangersWhere to find KYLIE BUTLERLinkedinWEBSITEJoin the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. #Leadership #ChangeManagement #SystemsThinking #Neuroscience #Transformation #OrganisationalChange #MentalModels #ChangeLeadership #BusinessStrategy #CreatingSynergyPodcast #KylieButler #ChangeSeries 

We’re excited to release #134 of the Creating Synergy Podcast, featuring Linda Feldt, CEO of ACH Group!In this episode, Linda takes us on a journey through her remarkable career — from her regional roots in Mount Gambier to leading innovation in the aged care industry.  🔑 Key takeaways from this episode include: ✔️ The transformative potential of the Greenhouse home model for aged care. ✔️ How digital innovation is reshaping workforce efficiency and customer care. ✔️ The value of community connection in leadership. ✔️ Navigating challenges like change management and tackling ageism. ✔️ Practical advice for emerging leaders on embracing innovation and creating space for fresh ideas. 💡 Whether you're a leader, innovator, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights on leading with purpose, empowering teams, and driving meaningful change. Tune in now on your favourite podcast platform Don't forget to like, share, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!TIMESTAMP:00:00 - Introduction to Linda Feldt, CEO of ACH Group04:47 - The Values That Shaped Linda’s Leadership12:12 - The Challenge of Mergers: Culture Is Key18:58 - Transitioning from Corporate to Purpose-Driven Leadership21:16 - Why Leadership Is About Letting Go26:16 - The Balcony View: Seeing the Bigger Picture32:01 - Parenting and Leadership: What Becoming a Mother Taught Me41:24 - Shifting Leadership Styles at ACH Group53:57 - ACH Group’s Small-Home Model: Revolutionizing Aged Care1:09:12 - The Future of Aged Care: Innovation and TechnologyWhere to find LINDA FELDTLinkedinWEBSITEJoin the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.  #CreatingSynergyPodcast #Leadership #Innovation #AgedCare #ACHGroup #ChangeManagement #DigitalTransformation #CommunityConnection

🚀 Just Dropped!In Part 2 of our Change Series, Kylie Butler shares a fresh approach that’s changing how leaders tackle complexity in their organisations – and it’s a formula you might not have tried yet!Here’s a sneak peek of what we cover:▶️ Why Systems Thinking Works: Forget the usual “change” tactics. Discover what actually makes change stick.▶️ The BCIP Framework: Simple, effective, and built for real results. Boundaries, Context, Interactions, Perspectives – Kylie breaks down how this approach transforms the change process.▶️ Real Stories, Real Impact: Hear how this formula has helped organisations turn complexity into clarity and get lasting results.If you missed Part 1, catch up on our website! 🌐 This is the kind of series every change leader (or anyone dealing with change) should tune into.👉 Listen now on your favorite platform and share this episode with anyone who’s ready for a fresh approach to change!Don’t forget to share this episode and spread the insight!TIMESTAMPS:06:00 - Our Framework and Tools09:50 - Client Testimonial on Effectiveness10:00 - Change Process Misconceptions15:00 - Importance of Sense-Making in Change39:38 - Systems Thinking as a Way of Thinking41:00 - Better Decisions with Systems Thinking45:20 - BCIP Framework Introduction1:00:00 - The “Beekeeper” Metaphor1:19:20 - Feedback on the Framework’s Impact1:22:00 - Embracing Complexity for Effective ChangeWhere to find KYLIE BUTLERLinkedinWEBSITEJoin the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. #Leadership #ChangeManagement #SystemsThinking #Neuroscience #Transformation #OrganisationalChange #MentalModels #ChangeLeadership #BusinessStrategy #CreatingSynergyPodcast #KylieButler #ChangeSeries 

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐏𝐎𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖!   🎙️ 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞—and we’re kicking it off with a game-changing conversation! 💡   Ever wondered why some changes feel overwhelming while others inspire action? It’s not just about resistance – it’s about whether the change makes sense to us.   🧠 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞? 𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐭: It's a bit of a rollercoaster, and the key to navigating it lies in something much deeper than communication or training...  In this episode, we sit down with Kylie Butler, SynergyIQ’s General Manager and Change Expert, who’s here to reveal the neuroscience behind change challenges and how Sensemaking approach can revolutionise the way you and your team experience change.   𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞:  ▶︎ Busting the myth of “change resistance” ▶︎ Sensemaking for Change ▶︎ Systems Thinking 101 ▶︎ Mental Models ▶︎ The Messy Middle ▶︎ The Neuroscience of Change   🔊 This episode is a must-listen for leaders, managers, and change-makers who want to better understand the human side of change and drive lasting transformations in their organisations.   🎧 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐎𝐖 for Part 1 of our Change Series and get ready to challenge the way you think about change!  📲 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms.  👇 Click the link to listen and share with your network—let’s spread the word on how to make change work! https://blog.synergyiq.com.au/creating-synergy-podcast/episode-132   TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction03:33 - Systems Thinking and Sense-Making07:09 - Addressing Complexity in Change08:37 - Keeping Engagement High During Change11:54 - The Difference Between Personal and Organizational Change12:42 - The Role of Leadership in Navigating Change16:09 - The Messy Middle of Change19:35 - Overcoming Past Negative Change Experiences23:09 - Busting the Myth of Resistance to Change29:55 - Making Sense of Change for Sustainable Transformation47:16 - The Neuroscience Behind ChangeWhere to find KYLIE BUTLERLinkedinWEBSITEJoin the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. #Leadership #ChangeManagement #SystemsThinking #Neuroscience #Transformation #OrganizationalChange #MentalModels #ChangeLeadership #BusinessStrategy #CreatingSynergyPodcast #KylieButler #ChangeSeries 

Ready to hear a story of true resilience, leadership, and unstoppable drive?In this week’s Creating Synergy Podcast, we sit down with the extraordinary Al Jawhari, Co-Founder and CEO of Starke-AMG. Al’s story is nothing short of inspiring—he’s faced it all, from fleeing a civil war to building global businesses that break barriers.In this episode, you’ll hear Al’s firsthand insights on:How escaping a war zone shaped his relentless mindsetLeadership lessons from military training that help him lead unstoppable teamsTurning failures into opportunities and building multiple successful venturesWhat it takes to push through fear and thrive under pressureThis episode is packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and innovation that you won’t hear anywhere else!🎧 👉 Tune in now  or catch us on your favorite podcast platform!Trust us—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. If you’ve ever doubted what you’re capable of, Al’s story will remind you that you can create your own success, no matter the odds.And as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of the Creating Synergy Podcast.TIMESTAMPS:00:04:38 - Al’s background and the origin of Starke-AMG00:07:13 - Growing up in Liberia and lessons from Al’s father00:15:11 - Fleeing the civil war and its impact on Al’s mindset00:19:00 - Military background and leadership lessons from the Egyptian Air Force00:25:32 - How military precision shaped Al’s business leadership style00:40:33 - Building a successful team: Empowering others to greatness00:57:18 - The secret to creating 'unbeatable' technology01:00:01 - Vulnerability and personal growth as a leader01:23:53 - Business fundamentals: Trust, clarity, and responsibility01:39:24 - The power of resilience: Turning failure into successWhere to find Al JawhariLinkedinJoin the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. 

Ready to learn how to take your business from local to global? In this powerhouse episode, Tim Stollznow, CEO and founder of MyVenue, shares his insider secrets on building a scalable business, growing a winning team, and overcoming challenges to achieve international success.🔑 Key Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss:The Secret Formula for Scaling a Business: Tim breaks down the strategies that helped him grow MyVenue into a global brand.How to Build a World-Class Team: Discover how Tim finds and empowers the right people to fuel growth.Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities: Hear Tim’s personal story of resilience and how he overcame obstacles to achieve success.Leadership Lessons from a Global CEO: Insights on leading with purpose, making critical decisions, and staying adaptable in a fast-changing world.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply curious about what it takes to scale a business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.🎧 Tune in now to learn the proven strategies that can help you grow your business, overcome challenges, and lead with confidence.TIMESTAMPS:00:26:00 - Scaling a Business Globally00:28:00 - Tim’s Journey to Becoming CEO of Quest00:34:00 - From Bottle Shops to Stadiums: The Evolution of MyVenue00:37:00 - The Importance of Face-to-Face Networking00:45:00 - The Secret Formula for Scaling a Business00:45:00 - Why Process and Agility Are Key to Growth00:46:00 - Leadership Lessons From Tim’s Football Club Days00:48:00 - Empowering Your Team for Success00:49:00 - Building a World-Class Team00:53:00 - Turning Setbacks Into OpportunitiesWhere to find TIM STOLLZNOWLinkedinBooks mentioned in this episode:Sapiens by Yuval Noah HarariJoin the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. 

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast!This week, we’re thrilled to have Martin Westwell, the Chief Executive of the Department for Education, join us for a deep dive into the future of education, leadership, and the powerful intersection of neuroscience and technology.In this episode, Martin shares his wealth of knowledge and insights on topics that are not only relevant but crucial for anyone looking to make a difference in the world of education, business, or leadership. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this episode offers something valuable for everyone.Key HighlightsThe role of education in shaping society and individual lives.How neuroscience and technology are influencing modern learning practices.The evolving nature of leadership in a rapidly changing world.The importance of human connections and relationships in business and education.Practical strategies for leaders and educators to make a meaningful impact.Don’t miss out on this thought-provoking conversation with one of the leading minds in education today. Click below to listen to the full episode and discover how you can apply these insights to your own journey. And as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of the Creating Synergy Podcast.TIMESTAMPS:00:03:14 - The Power of Education to Change Lives00:04:18 - Changing the World One Kid at a Time00:08:07 - The Importance of Hard Work and Dedication00:15:08 - Innovations in Antibiotics and Their Impact00:17:45 - The Science of Learning and Cognitive Development00:21:16 - The Influence of Technology on Learning and Behavior00:35:10 - The Role of Leadership in Modern Organizations00:40:12 - The Human Element in Leadership and Business00:45:54 - The Challenges of Remote Work and Maintaining Relationships00:53:36 - The Need for Adaptability in Leadership During Times of ChangeWhere to find Martin WestwellLinkedinBooks mentioned in this episode:Thinking, Fast and Slow By: Daniel KahnemanJoin the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

What does it take to lead in a world that’s constantly evolving?In this new episode, we dive deep into the mind of Dean Rosenfield, CEO of Nova Systems, a leader who’s not just keeping up with change—he’s driving it. Whether you’re a leader in business, a curious thinker, or someone passionate about Australia’s future, this conversation is one you can’t afford to miss.Why Listen?Leadership with Purpose: Dean shares his approach to leadership that goes beyond the usual playbook. He emphasizes the power of clear communication and the importance of bringing your team along on the journey. If you’re looking for actionable insights on how to lead with impact, this segment will resonate with you.Innovation as a Necessity: In a world where staying ahead is the only option, Dean discusses how Nova Systems is pioneering innovation in defence. His perspective will challenge how you think about change and why it’s crucial to not just keep up, but to stay ahead.Australia’s Sovereignty and Strategic Vision: Dean’s vision for an Australian-owned defence industry is not just bold—it’s essential. He delves into why sovereignty matters and how Nova Systems is positioning itself as a leader in this space. This part of the conversation will leave you thinking about the future of our nation in a whole new light.You’ll walk away with powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of defence. It’s a conversation that’s as thought-provoking as it is inspiring.So, are you ready to rethink what it means to lead and innovate in today’s world? Hit play and join us for this compelling discussion.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction to Dean Rosenfield and Nova Systems01:15 - Dean’s Journey: From Military to CEO of Nova Systems05:46 - The Importance of Communication in Leadership14:06 - Adapting to New Cultures and Environments22:17 - Strategic Decision-Making in High-Stakes Situations27:21 - Balancing Logic and Gut Instinct in Leadership33:03 - The Role of Trust and Expertise in Special Forces46:18 - Innovation and Risk in the Defence Industry57:08 - The Vision for Australian Sovereignty in Defence59:22 - Leading Through Change: Strategies and ChallengesWhere to find Dean RosenfieldX (Twitter)Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.