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What happens when your entire identity is built on being the best in the world? For Jana Pittman, one of Australia's most famous athletes, the singular goal of Olympic gold was repeatedly torn away by devastating injuries and gut-wrenching losses. You might think her biggest pivot was swapping the running track for the bobsled, becoming one of the very few athletes in history to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. But that wasn't it. Her real pivot was walking away entirely from being an elite athlete to become a doctor - all while raising six children. In this episode of Pivot Club, Sarah Davidson speaks with Jana about this massive career change. They unpack how you cope with failure when your mindset is "silver is the first loser", and how you go from being one of the best in the world to a complete beginner back at the bottom of the ladder, surrounded by people half your age. Jana shares the unfiltered story about how this profound pivot emerged from a period of intense personal and professional struggle - through divorce, miscarriages, failed exams and the financial lows of moving back into her own garage to make ends meet. Join us for a raw lesson in resilience, a look into the unseen "messy middle," and a powerful reminder that your lowest moments can be the fuel for your greatest chapter yet.   THE END BITS: Want more from Sarah Davidson? Check out her podcast Seize The Yay. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au  Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Guest: Jana Pittman Host: Sarah Davidson Executive Producer: Courtney Ammenhauser Senior Producer: Sally Best This show was brought to you in partnership with Charles Sturt University. Australia's largest and most experienced online uni. Take the next step. Search Charles Sturt University online. Complete our short survey about education for for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw! https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8467038/Ch Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

INTRODUCING Pivot Club: What happens when you achieve the biggest dream of your life at 16? After national treasure Jessica Watson sailed around the world solo at 16, she had to figure out what to do next. The world expected more adventure, more record-breaking, something bigger and more dramatic. But, her first pivot was one no one saw coming: she went back to school, went to uni, got an MBA and built a career as a management consultant. After being homeschooled, study was a daunting prospect, but Jess didn’t let fear get in the way of making change. But that’s not the only pivot this conversation is about. Years after her voyage, Jess faced a challenge far greater than any storm at sea: the sudden, catastrophic loss of her long-term partner, Cam. That, she says, was her real pivot. In this episode of Pivot Club, Sarah Davidson speaks with Jess to find out how she navigated both of these life-altering changes. They discuss handling the crushing weight of expectation, building an identity separate from the one thing everyone knows you for, and the "messy, human kind" of resilience required to rebuild your entire "compass" after it’s been shattered by grief. Join us for this story of strength that is a profound reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to find joy in a quiet life, right where you are.   THE END BITS: Want more from Sarah Davidson? Check out her podcast Seize The Yay. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au  Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Guest: Jessica Watson  Host: Sarah Davidson Executive Producer: Courtney Ammenhauser Senior Producer: Sally Best Audio Producer: Jacob RoundThis show was brought to you in partnership with Charles Sturt University. Australia's largest and most experienced online uni. Take the next step. Search Charles Sturt University online. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's one moment that can completely transform your career trajectory, the job interview. Yet most of us approach it with outdated advice, generic answers, and crossed fingers. We rock up thinking we can wing it, hoping they won't ask about our biggest weakness and secretly panicking about whether we've done enough research. Meanwhile, there's always that one candidate who seems to have it all figured out, asking thoughtful questions and making genuine connections. What's their secret? The truth is, interviewing is a skill that can be mastered. And when you get it right, it opens doors you never thought possible. This week on BIZ, we're breaking down how to turn interview anxiety into interview advantage. Whether you're re-entering the workforce, changing careers, or climbing the ladder, this is your roadmap to interview success. Here's what we're covering: • The strategic research that sets you apart before you even walk through the door • Four powerful questions that demonstrate you're serious about the role • The simple preparation technique that calms your nerves and keeps you focused • How to transform rejection into your next opportunity • Eli Gunduz's proven "Pitch–Proof–Ping–Personalise" method that recruiters can't ignore  Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here Resources Mentioned:  • Eli Gunduz's  "Pitch–Proof–Ping–Personalise" method THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest...waiting until you feel "ready" to make a career move is like waiting for the perfect weather to start exercising. It's never going to happen, and meanwhile, everyone else is getting ahead. This week, we're diving deep into why learning isn't just nice-to-have anymore - it's career insurance. Our guest Andrea Clark has spent her career helping people adapt fast, and she doesn't believe in waiting until you're ready to grow. From recognizing when that "mutual value exchange" with your employer has run its course, to spotting signals of change before they become obvious to everyone else. We explore why Andrea invested $3,000 in an AI course back in 2017 (spoiler: it paid off massively) and tackle the biggest blocker to career growth - thinking you need to feel 100% confident before taking action. What you'll learn: • The "mutual value exchange" test to know when it's time to move on • How to spot signals of change 5 years before your industry • Micro-learning strategies for busy people who think they don't have time • Why courage brings clarity and how to turn experiments into evidence • How to align your learning goals with where your business is heading in 2030 Resources: Future Fit: How To Stay Relevant And Competitive In The Future Of Work by Andrea Clarke Adapt: Mastering change in four steps by Andrea Clarke Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem GUEST: Andrea Clarke SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel guilty for taking breaks? Put work ahead of your relationships? Ignore your health in the name of productivity? You might be stuck in workaholic mode without even realising it!  Meet your new BIZ hosts: Lisa Lie (former Head of People & Culture who worked herself into burnout twice in one year) and Em Vernem (Associate Editor at Mamamia who discovered that giving 80% at work prevents the burnout that comes from constantly operating at 100%). They've been trapped in the cycle, escaped it, and now they're exposing the workaholic trap that's keeping high-achievers burning out—even when they love what they do. You'll learn:  The signs you're already caught in the cycle Where workaholic tendencies actually come from (hint: it's not what you think) How the workaholic trap sabotages your daily life without you noticing Why that promotion might be making everything worse PLUS we take the University of Bergen’s 7-point Workaholism Test (finally, a way to tell the difference between working hard and working too hard), and chat the exact steps Lisa took to escape the workaholic cycle for good! Resources That Actually Work: Jane Martino, Co-Founder of Smiling Mind and Coach at Kintsugi Way  Mamamia's Well Burnout Episode: Is It Burnout Or Am I Just Really Tired? 7 Signs You May Be A Workaholic The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide To Personal Freedom'by Don Miguel Ruiz Less Hustle, More Happy by Claire Seeber Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon! HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going from mate to manager can get weird, fast. One day you're in the group chat laughing with your colleagues, the next day they might be laughing at you behind your back. This week, we're tackling one of the trickiest workplace transitions: becoming the boss of your former teammates. We dig into why this shift feels so bloody awkward (spoiler: it's not just you), how to navigate the immediate identity crisis when suddenly nobody wants to gossip with you anymore, and the art of setting expectations without turning into a micromanager overnight. Plus, we reveal the coaching trick that gets people to solve their own problems, why letting your team do "B plus work" is actually good leadership, and when to recognise that management might not be for you - and that's completely okay. What you'll learn: The Reset Conversation: How to acknowledge the shift without making it weird The B Plus Work Philosophy: Why perfectionist managers fail their teams The Question Technique: The coaching trick that creates ownership instead of dependency The Identity Shift Reality: Why your value isn't in doing the job anymore, it's in helping others do it well Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon! HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Tina Matolov Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever suggest something new at work only to hear "that's just how we do things here" and watch the energy completely deflate? Yeah, we've all been there. This week, we're chatting with Wade Kingsley about breaking free from status quo thinking and actually getting your ideas heard without being shut down or laughed at (been there too). Wade breaks down why most workplaces are set up to reward playing it safe, how to identify whether you're a Dreamer, Doer, or Doubter on your team, and the genius strategy of testing ideas in kitchen conversations before you pitch them to the boss. Plus, we dive into why creativity isn't about having the most artistic job - it's about getting curious and asking "but what if we tried this instead?" when everyone else just accepts the way things are. What you'll learn: The Three Creative Types and why your team needs all of them (spoiler: it's not just about the big idea people) Why you should never pitch your brilliant idea to the boss first - and who to talk to instead The 'Five Whys' technique for getting to the real problem (not just what's on the surface) How to frame risky ideas as "experiments" so people actually want to try them The art of separating brainstorming from reality-checking so ideas don't get killed instantly How to build creative confidence even when you've been shot down before Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem GUEST: Wade Kingsley SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forget everything you think you know about career success, this is the secret playbook of one of Hollywood's most influential female executives. In this special episode, Em sits down with Sarah Harden, the Australian powerhouse who co-founded and was the ex-CEO of Reese Witherspoon's $100 million media empire, Hello Sunshine. Sarah reveals the exact strategic moves that transformed her from a politics grad into a leader who built a company responsible for hits like Big Little Lies and The Morning Show. Her philosophy? You have to "stretch and take yourself out of your comfort zone—there is incredible learning and growth in that." This is your practical blueprint for accelerated career growth. What you'll learn:  The Accelerator Move: The specific career decision that turbocharges growth (and why most women skip it). Doubt vs. Curiosity: How to strategically swap out self-doubt for a curious mindset when evaluating opportunities. The Fastest Path: Why stepping into discomfort is the non-negotiable step for exponential career success. The Money Framework: The powerful process for turning consumer insights into multi-million dollar business decisions. Authentic Culture: Sarah's keys to building a strong, inclusive company culture that lasts. Connect with Sarah and Hello Sunshine: Follow Hello Sunshine on Instagram Learn more about Drop of Sunshine wines Visit their website: Hello Sunshine Must Watch Shows:  Morning Wars Big Little Lies  Little Fires Everywhere Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  GUEST: Sarah Harden HOSTS: Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever found yourself scrolling LinkedIn at 2 am wondering if you should completely change careers?The average Australian will have 5-6 career changes in their lifetime - so if you're considering it, you're not alone! Career pivots can feel equal parts exciting and terrifying. In this episode, we get into the real stuff: how to know if it's time to make a move, what to do when you're not sure where to start, and why "transferable skills" are more than just a LinkedIn buzzword. From personal stories to practical advice, we cover the trade-offs and key questions to ask yourself before making the leap. Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here That's a wrap on the BIZ season - thanks for listening along! Stay tuned on our socials @bizbymamamia on Instagram and LinkedIn for what's next. Resources Mentioned: You can find more from Lauren here with some guides on some of the toughest feedback conversations to have: BIZ Ep: How To Get Along With Anyone BIZ Ep: How To Nail The Job Interview Ideal Career Coach: Kate Richardson  'Play to your strengths' in Learna. The clever reason why adult women are giving themselves homework General Assembly - Professional Development Courses THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feedback the word that makes most of us want to hide under our desks. Whether you're asking for it or giving it, feedback conversations can feel bloody awkward. But here's the thing: we all know we need it to grow. This week on BIZ, leadership coach Lauren Humphrey, co-founder of The Mentable chats how to tackle the feedback minefield. We're exploring why feedback feels so intense (even when we ask for it), the difference between feedback and feelings, and how to build feedback into your work relationships without making it weird. From the psychology behind why we resist feedback to practical scripts for giving it to your boss or peers, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you master one of the most important workplace skills. What you'll learn:  The SARA model - why we all go through shock, anxiety, resistance, and acceptance when receiving feedback How to tell the difference between feedback and conflict Real scripts for giving feedback to peers, bosses, and team members How to build feedback into your regular work rhythm so it stops feeling like a big deal Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here Resources Mentioned: You can find more from Lauren here with some guides on some of the toughest feedback conversations to have: 'What to do when your boss needs feedback' - in Learna 'Giving your peers feedback' - in Learna Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well (Even When It Is Off Base, Unfair, Poorly Delivered, and, Frankly, You're Not In the Mood) Hardcover by Douglas Stone (Author), Sheila Heen (Author)THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem GUEST: Lauren Humphrey (Co-founder The Mintable) SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.