
Biz
BIZ is a podcast about work and how to make it work for you.
This season, we're promising new wisdom, fresh energy, and zero fluff. Co-hosts Em Vernem (ambitious but efficient) and Lisa Lie (founder of Learna) bring real talk, real hacks, and real experience. No vague inspo, no recycled advice—just smart, straight-up strategies that actually work. Because work is hard enough without having to figure it all out yourself.
Because work is hard enough without having to figure it all out yourself.
Latest episodes

May 7, 2025 • 16min
INBOX: How To Have Scary Conversations At Work
Today’s episode will teach you how to have scary conversations at work - seriously, you’ll be learning into those tough chats when you’re done listening! Plus Em Vernem and Soph Hirst tackle the question of people at the same level earning different salaries, and we’ll show you how to advocate for more cash (let’s face it, we all deserve it).Also - so, you’ve lied to your boss. Frightening! But we’ll tell you how to fix it. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, where we turn your anonymous workplace questions into actionable advice. Think of us as your career group chat. Consider this your chance to get free career advice from people who've been there.This is Lisa Lie’s excellent career development post. Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks.If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can be anon!THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em VernemEXEC PRODUCER: Georgie PageAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah PorgesMamamia 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.

May 5, 2025 • 32min
How to Make AI Your Most Powerful Workplace Ally
Stop wasting time with disappointing AI results! This episode of Biz gives you the insider knowledge to transform AI from an occasional helper to your most valuable workplace asset.Our incredible guest Amantha Imber brings her expertise that will completely transform how you interact with artificial intelligence tools. You'll discover why using AI as just a delegatee for monotonous tasks means you're missing out on its most powerful applications as your "buddy" and "expert" companion, plus she breaks down her game-changing "architecting" method for prompts that delivers consistently excellent results—a technique that 95% of AI users don't know about.What you'll learn:- a simple three-question framework to determine if AI is right for your task- the best way to craft prompts that actually deliver what you want the first time- how to use AI to test ideas and build confidence before sharing them with others- the critical mistakes that cause AI to produce worse results over timeWhether you're drafting emails, preparing presentations, or developing strategy, this episode provides the practical blueprint to make AI work for you—not the other way around.Learn more about Amantha’s company Inventium, listen to her brilliant How I Work podcast or follow Amantha on LinkedIn.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter hereYou might be interested in our episodes on:How To Talk So People Listen To YouHow To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.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: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em VernemEXEC PRODUCER: Georgie PageAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah PorgesMamamia 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.

Apr 30, 2025 • 16min
INBOX: The Most Unhinged Things Your Boss Can Say To You
How important is it to ‘drink the koolaid’ at work? Today Em Vernem and Soph Hirst explain why this argument is flawed, and what you do need to do to get ahead.Plus we deep dive into career development plans and will teach you how to be the architect, not the passenger, of your own career. And finally we asked you on our Biz instagram about the most unhinged thing a boss has said to you and we are APPALLED. You won’t believe some of the answers we share.Welcome to BIZ Inbox, where we turn your anonymous workplace questions into actionable advice. Think of us as your career group chat. Consider this your chance to get free career advice from people who've been there.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get Soph’s framework for reaching your career development goals. If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can be anon!THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em VernemEXEC PRODUCER: Georgie PageAUDIO 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.

Apr 28, 2025 • 30min
How To Build A Profitable Side Hustle (From Someone Who Actually Did It)
Whether you're looking to earn extra cash or dream of quitting your day job, this conversation delivers the practical blueprint you've been searching for.We meet creative entrepreneur Georgia Norton Lodge who offers brutally honest advice about what it actually takes to build a sustainable side hustle. She shares the exact steps that helped her transform a $35 product into a $500 one, and how a single email to her database once made her $16,000.Plus you’ll learn:- the Venn diagram approach to identifying your perfect side hustle- six practical steps to get started (even with no time or budget)- realistic timelines and expectations- when to know if your side hustle is working (or when to let it go)Check out Georgia’s courses and workshops, and you can follow her on LinkedIn and Insta.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter hereYou might be interested in our episodes on:How To Talk So People Listen To YouHow To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.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: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em VernemEXEC PRODUCER: Georgie PageAUDIO 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.

Apr 23, 2025 • 17min
INBOX: The First Day Outfit Strategy That Works For Every New Job
Ever shared something awkward with the big boss and immediately regretted it? This week we're solving the ultimate workplace etiquette dilemma – whether it's appropriate to mention your CEO's personal LinkedIn posts in real life. And if you're eyeing the exit door, stick around for our top three tips on how to resign without burning bridges or making things painfully awkward. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your workplace advice hotline where writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with entrepreneur Michelle Battersby tackle the workplace questions you've secretly googled in incognito mode! If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter hereTHE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.HOSTS: Michelle Battersby and Em VernemEXEC PRODUCER: Georgie PageAUDIO 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.

Apr 21, 2025 • 32min
How To Nail Networking, Even When it Feels Super Awkward
Ever felt that full-body cringe when someone suggests "let's network"? You're not alone. In this episode of BIZ, career powerhouses Michelle Battersby and Soph Hirst completely redefine networking for people who hate networking. Michelle reveals how she flipped the script with her genius "Anti-Network" events, while Soph shares how she built one of tech's most valuable professional networks... from a gutter (yes, really).Get their exact scripts for cold LinkedIn outreach that won't make you die inside, learn exactly where to stand at a networking event so you don’t waste your time, and discover which networking style actually works for your personality.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter hereYou might be interested in our episodes on:How To Talk So People Listen To YouHow To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.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: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em VernemEXEC PRODUCER: Georgie PageAUDIO 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.

Apr 16, 2025 • 21min
INBOX: How Do I Get Recognition For My Hard Work?
This week we're advocating for the unsung heroes of the corporate world – EAs, PAs, and Assistants, you know the people who do it all – with practical tips on how to showcase your true value beyond "just" scheduling. Plus, the definitive guide to work trip etiquette (can your partner tag along in the company-paid hotel?), and Michelle reveals exactly when new business owners should make their big announcement.Welcome to BIZ Inbox, where Em Vernem and Michelle Battersby turn your anonymous workplace questions into actionable advice. Think of us as your career group chat. Consider this your chance to get free career advice from people who've been there.Writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with entrepreneur Michelle Battersby to tackle your trickiest workplace dilemmas.If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter hereTHE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.HOSTS: Michelle Battersby and Em VernemEXEC PRODUCER: Georgie PageAUDIO 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.

Apr 14, 2025 • 27min
How To Email and Slack Like A Man
Are your emails undermining your authority without you even realising it? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating psychology behind how we communicate at work and how gendered email habits might be holding you back at work. Learn the simple word swaps that instantly make you sound more confident, the shocking truth about exclamation marks (hint: they might be sabotaging you), and the military communication technique that gets faster responses every time. Whether you're managing up, collaborating with colleagues, or building client relationships, these practical communication hacks will save you time and boost your professional reputation. Let's make 2025 the year we all communicate better.You might be interested in our episodes on:How To Talk So People Listen To YouHow To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness) Sign up to the BIZ newsletter hereTHE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.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: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em VernemEXEC PRODUCER: Georgie PageAUDIO 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.

Apr 9, 2025 • 16min
INBOX: Our Controversial Take On Work Calendar Etiquette
Today we teach you how to stay motivated when you don’t love your job, plus we have a controversial take on work calendar etiquette. Plus career coach Soph Hirst lets us in on one of the questions she’s most often asked about micro-mangers (we’ve all had one). Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer all the awkward workplace scenarios you've been dying to solve, hosted by Em Vernem and Soph Hirst.Em is loving Michelle and Sophie’s Task Pebbles strategy, hear how do to it and how to effectively time block - which she is doing too here.If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au (you can be anon!) Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here and follow the Biz Instagram here. THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow Michelle's startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em VernemEXEC PRODUCER: Kimberly BraddishAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah PorgesMamamia 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.

Apr 7, 2025 • 30min
8 Lessons Michelle Battersby Learnt While Building Her Business
In a candid chat, Michelle Battersby, founder of Sunroom and former Bumble APAC Director, shares her hard-earned wisdom from building a business. She reveals why waiting for perfection can hinder success, emphasizing the need for timely product launches. Michelle discusses the importance of embracing failure as a learning experience, trusting instincts while hiring, and engaging customers personally. She also highlights creative fundraising strategies that attract investors and the value of fostering a positive company culture amidst challenges.