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PODCAST · business

Always Be Connecting

by Storytellers Australia

Join us on Always Be Connecting, the podcast for anyone looking to grow their network and enjoy positive working relationships. Our host, Linsey Houston connects with top leaders, networkers and scholars who've mastered the art of building connections across Team, Prospects, Clients, Community, and Industry. Discover: Strategies for fostering teamwork and boosting engagement. Insights on leveraging media for prospecting and client relationships. Tips on engaging with your community and networking within your industry. Collaboration and Partnerships Healthy, lasting relationships Subscribe now and be part of the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Mar 24, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. How to Support Neurodivergent Employees with Nicole Done & Jude Pullen | The Culture Engineers

    Always Be Connecting: The Culture Engineers webinar featured experts Jude Pullen (an award-winning creative technologist) and Nicole Done (a neuro-inclusion expert). Hosted by our very own Linsey Houston! Neurodiversity is no longer just a "nice-to-have" but a fundamental driver of business...

  2. Colin Jowell on How to Deal With Difficult People: The PEACE Process

    In this episode, applied behavioural scientist Colin Jowell breaks down the hidden mechanics of human decision-making and reaction. From debunking the myth that you should "never go to bed angry" to navigating high-stress interactions using the PEACE process, Colin talked about the psychological...

  3. Dima Istambouli on Rebuilding Your Life After Rock Bottom

    Dima Istambouli, founder of Mind Architecture and author of Intentional Reset, shares her journey from a high-stress career in construction to hitting rock bottom, and how she rebuilt her life by "architecting" her mind. We explore the biology of burnout, explaining how stress physically…

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  4. Sunil Purba on Aligning Marketing and Finance for Growth

    We talk with Sunil Purba about the critical misalignment between marketing and finance in business, noting that while both departments ultimately want growth, they often fail to communicate effectively. Marketing often focuses on intangible metrics like impressions and engagement, whereas finance...

  5. Shahrazz Hayat on Global Markets and Youth-Focused Design

    We talk with Shahrazz, who shares his journey from growing up in retail, getting senior positions very early on, and working for large chains like British Home Stores and later worked in optics, leading to a head-hunted role to open Vision Express franchise stores in the Middle East. This...

  6. Martin Stark on the 80 Hospital Trips and What They Taught Him About Courage

    We talk with courage expert Martin Stark about turning fear into real strength. Martin shares the intense story of almost dying from a health emergency, which required a tracheotomy, his biggest fear, to save his life. He openly discusses managing a rare disease called Addison's disease for life...

  7. Nic Stirzaker on The Price of Change in Teams & Businesses

    Former professional rugby player Nic Stirzaker of Gain Line Analytics tackles a fundamental question: why do some teams truly succeed while others fail? The conversation challenges our obsession with constant change, arguing that the real driver of performance is the often-overlooked power of…

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  8. James Laughlin on How to be the GOAT Without the Grind: Simple Habits Beat Burnout Forever

    You're burnt out because someone lied to you: Hustle Culture is a total trap. The world's biggest GOATS aren't grinding 24/7. They're chilling out and mastering a few simple habits. James Laughlin, a high-performance coach, and #1 best-selling author of Habits of High Performers, is here to show...

  9. Cathy Burke on Mindset, Heartset, and the Power of the Unlikely Leader: A New Framework for Leadership

    In this episode of Always Be Connecting, host Linsey Houston sits down with Cathy Burke, an esteemed leadership coach, author of Lead In, and the former CEO of The Hunger Project Australia. Cathy unpacks her philosophy that true leadership is an "inside job," beginning with the stories we tell...

  10. Trang Nova on The Secret to Confident Public Speaking

    Public speaking is one of the most common fears, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. In this episode of Always Be Connecting, TEDx speaker and personal development coach Trang Nova shares her journey from being a shy, bullied child of Vietnamese immigrants to becoming a confident speaker on...

  11. Trudy MacDonald on Preparing Leaders for the Next Era of Business

    The world of work is changing faster than ever and leadership has to keep up! In this episode of Always Be Connecting, host Linsey Houston talks with leadership strategist Trudy MacDonald about the shifts transforming how we lead teams, grow businesses, and shape culture. From the rise of AI to…

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  12. Sophie Firmager on How the Pygmalion Effect Impacts Your Team’s Success

    Do your beliefs about your team help them grow or hold them back? In this episode, we explore the powerful concept of the Pygmalion Effect with Sophie Firmager from the Realised Potential Group. This psychological phenomenon reveals how a leader's expectations can directly shape team performance,...

  13. Gloria Tabi on Racism in Australian Workplaces: A Guide for Managers Who Want to Do Better

    Racism in the workplace isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it hides in policies, hiring decisions, or everyday interactions that go unchallenged. In this frank and honest conversation with Gloria Tabi, she shares her lived experience as a Black woman in Australia and explains how structural racism...

  14. Becoming a leader with Stephanie Christopher

    What does it take to lead with authenticity and resilience? In this episode, Stephanie Christopher, CEO of Vistage Australia and New Zealand, opens up about her journey, exploring the importance of true connection, loyalty, and optimism in business. She reflects on how discerning genuine...

  15. Growing Social with Matt Diamante

    How do you turn online connections into real success? In this episode, Matt shares how he went from feeling stuck in agency life to building his own thriving digital marketing business. He talks about the ups and downs of finding his path, the power of showing up consistently, and the importance…

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  16. Bridging technology and creativity with Tristan Salter

    What happens when audio and video technology come together seamlessly? In this episode, Tristan Salter, Senior Product Manager at RØDE, introduces their latest innovation designed to simplify content creation for everyone. RØDE's new product combines audio and video into one user-friendly device,...

  17. Engineering AI with Arthur Backouche | Always Be Connecting

    In this episode, Arthur Backouche, Senior Salesforce Marketing Cloud Consultant, shares his insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work and interact. He discusses how AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for more creative and meaningful activities. From…

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  18. Unpacking digital transformation with Ross Bark

    How do businesses keep up with all the rapid tech changes? In this episode, Ross Bark shares his insights, sharing how companies can improve their customer experience with smart digital tools. He explains the importance of using technology while keeping customer needs at the forefront. Ross has...

  19. Branding places and communities with Dr. Giannina Warren

    Do you know that you can brand a place? Dr. Giannina Warren breaks down how place branding goes way beyond a catchy slogan or a shiny new logo. It’s about capturing the essence of what makes a community special, from its people to its culture and stories. Dr. Warren shares how marketers can help...

  20. Selling value with Donncha Lynch

    What does it take to succeed in sales today? Donncha Lynch shares his journey from unexpected beginnings to becoming a sales expert. He discusses the importance of trust, relationship-building, and adding value at every step. Donncha also reveals his go-to strategies for setting achievable daily...

  21. Starting again with Shivi Bhalla

    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get a redeal on life and start anew in a foreign country? Shivi Bhalla's journey to Australia offers a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of such a bold endeavor. From navigating the language barrier to building a successful business. Arriving…

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  22. Connecting our community with Robert Lopez

    Ever wondered how a local club can make a big impact on its community? In this episode, Robert Lopez, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Norths Collective shares how his team is all about creating real connections that matter. He talks about how their digital upgrades have boosted their...

  23. Gamifying everyday life with Ben Lee

    Ever dreamed of turning a childhood obsession into a career? Join us as we chat with gaming mastermind Ben Lee from Blowfish Studios. From Commodore VIC-20 to indie game developer and publisher, Ben shares everything from crafting gameplay to the art of storytelling. Discover the essential...

  24. Changing your own damn attitude with Penny Ferguson

    Join us in this episode as we sit down for a frank discussion with The Living Leader founder, Penny Ferguson. Penny shares her inspiring journey from personal crisis to becoming a renowned leadership expert. She emphasises the importance of authenticity and responsibility in both personal and...

  25. Getting bigger and butter with Pepe Saya

    In this episode, we take you into the world of Pepe Saya, the iconic producer of cultured butter. Discover how Pepe Saya turned a single product into a beloved brand found in top restaurants, airlines and homes across Australia. Pierre Issa (Pepe) shares how his close relationship with the...

  26. Building a strong team with Daniel McKenzie

    In this episode, we talk with Daniel McKenzie, Kwik Kopy Franchise of the Year Winner, as he shares inspiring stories and practical advice for small teams looking to thrive. As the owner and director of Kwik Kopy Miller Street, he shares his experiences and lessons learned from managing and…

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  27. Listening and language with Oscar Trimboli and Nick Enfield (Part 2)

    In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of how we communicate. Oscar Trimboli, the brain behind "How to Listen," shares some eye-opening stories about mastering the art of listening in business. Conversely, Professor Nick Enfield, author of "Language Versus Reality," breaks down how…

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  28. Listening and language with Oscar Trimboli and Nick Enfield (Part 1)

    In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of how we communicate. Oscar Trimboli, the brain behind "How to Listen," shares some eye-opening stories about mastering the art of listening in business. Conversely, Professor Nick Enfield, author of "Language Versus Reality," breaks down how…

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  29. Matching people with opportunities with Ollie Gordon and Marlee Bray

    In this episode, we welcome Ollie Gordon and Marlee Bray from TradeConnex to discuss their journey in the recruitment industry. Ollie shares how he transitioned from being a carpenter to founding TradeConnex, highlighting the importance of building genuine relationships in recruitment. Marlee…

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  30. Disrupting the market with Lachlan McDonald

    In this episode, we sit down with Lachlan McDonald, General Manager at Kress Australia, as he discusses the challenges and triumphs of launching a new brand in the competitive outdoor power equipment market. Kress Australia, a sustainable alternative to petrol-powered tools, has already gained...

  31. Finding support for those in need with Berta Youakim

    In this episode, we talk about fundraising with Berta Youakim, Director of Philanthropy & Engagement at The Funding Network Australia. Berta shares her journey from growing up in Beirut to becoming a dedicated fundraiser. She explains how storytelling can help engage donors and keep their…

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  32. Creating immersive worlds with Tom Ragg

    In this episode, get ready for a fantastic chat with Tom Ragg, one of the founders of Storytellers Australia. Tom's a lifelong nerd who loves dinosaurs, comic books and epic stories. From his early passion for Star Wars to his fascination with theme parks and immersive experiences, Tom's journey…

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  33. Engaging institutions with Julio Sanchez

    In this episode, we talk about the psychology of sales and trust in the loan industry and how we build relationships with institutions. Our guest, Julio Sanchez, Director of Loan Market Apex, brings over a decade of experience in banking and mortgage broking to the discussion. Learn about the...

  34. Realising everyone has a story with Graham Steele

    In this episode, we chat with acclaimed filmmaker Graham Steele about the intersections of creativity, meditation, and storytelling. Graham shares his journey from director of photography to writer and director, emphasising the importance of empathy and connection in his work. He discusses…

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  35. Reframing adversity with Amy Brown

    In this episode, we talk to Amy Brown, former Secretary of the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade and former CEO of Investment New South Wales, about overcoming adversity and finding redemption through difficult personal and professional challenges. Amy shares her story of facing a...

  36. Prioritising physical and mental well-being with Linda Wallace

    In this episode, we discuss mindfulness coaching and its impact on personal and professional growth with Linda Wallace, a Certified Holistic Somatic Life Coach. She talks about how she helps individuals and teams connect their mind and body for development. She shares insights from her marketing...

  37. Understanding and supporting neurodiverse individuals with Dianne Verstappen

    In this episode, we talk with Dianne Verstappen, CEO and Founder of Aspire Early Intervention, about neurodiversity in the workplace. We share insights into supporting both children with neurodiverse conditions like autism, as well as employees with autism and ADHD. This emphasises the importance...

  38. Mentoring startups in marketing for business success with Geoff Main

    In this episode, we explore the multifaceted world of marketing with our guest, Geoff Main, a seasoned CMO-for-hire. We discuss the importance of setting goals in marketing and the broader impact of marketing on achieving business objectives. Join us as we explore these concepts, offering both...

  39. Bridging the gap between personal and automated customer experiences with Andrew Blair

    In this episode, we explore the world of business technology and market research with Andrew Blair, Analyst at Capterra. Learn how software reviews spanning nearly a thousand categories can help businesses of all sizes make informed technology choices. Andrew shares insights on bridging the gap...

  40. Adopting a positive culture through improv with Cale Bain

    In this episode, we talk to Cale Bain, Founder and Director of Improv Theatre Sydney. Cale shares his journey from performing in Toronto to founding an improv community in Sydney, highlighting how improv fosters engagement and fun. We explore how these principles apply not just on stage but in...

  41. Finding community from a cycling club with Malin Gaertig

    In this episode, we talk to Malin Gaertig, Head of Marketing at Dog Friendly Co. and famously known for her "What my cycling club taught me" posts on LinkedIn. Malin shares the power of finding a sense of community through shared interests. She talks about the importance of communication and…

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  42. Leading a big franchise community with Sonia Shwabsky

    In this episode, we talk to Sonia Shwabsky, CEO of Kwik Kopy, one of Australia's leading franchises, to explore the nuances of managing a vast network. Sonia shares her journey from marketing expert to franchisee, and finally to a leadership role, talking about the importance of building strong,...

  43. Gathering supporters in the start-up world with Jonty White

    In this episode, we talk about the start-up journey of Jonty White, the founder of One Click Tradies. Beginning in early 2022, One Click Tradies was established as a platform aimed at simplifying the connection between tradespeople (tradies) and potential clients. Offering a comprehensive…

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  44. Shaping high performing teams with Trudy MacDonald

    In this episode, we welcome Trudy MacDonald, a standout figure in organisational psychology, who shares her interesting journey in leadership development. Trudy brings to the table her global experiences in nurturing high-performance teams through empathy, strategic structure, leadership and...

  45. Adding humour into content creation with Emma Sharp

    In this episode, we explore the role of humour in the world of content creation. Emma Sharp, General Manager of Stupid Old Studios, brings her extensive experience to the table, offering listeners strategies for incorporating humour into their content. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone...

  46. Unmasking authenticity and creative freedom with Belinda Marsh

    In this episode, we explore the story of Belinda Marsh, a former corporate professional who went on a transformative journey to become the owner of "Fancy That! Costumes and Balloons." Unmasking her true self, Belinda shares the moments that led her from feeling constrained in the corporate world...

  47. Enriching event experiences with Imogen Jones and Sanam Rodrigues

    In this episode, we talk to Imogen Jones and Sanam Rodrigues, Conference Producers at Terrapinn Australia about the art of creating impactful and meaningful connections through major events across the country. They share experiences and strategies for blending compelling content with real value,...

  48. Engaging multiple stakeholders with Colin Allen

    We speak with Colin Allen, General Manager of Philanthropy of Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation, exploring the role of building supporters in the not-for-profit sector. We talk about how listening, empathy and strategic engagement with stakeholders drive support for the foundation's mission…

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  49. Cultivating a sense of mattering with Karen Stein

    Catch the latest episode of our podcast where we talk about the inspiring journey of Karen Stein, a renowned leadership coach and award-winning writer. Karen shares her transformative path from a tax partner to a champion of women's leadership, revealing insights from her decades of experience in...

  50. Mastering the art of networking with Jane Thorpe

    In this episode, we sit down with Jane Thorpe, an expert in business development, to explore the nuances of building meaningful professional relationships. Jane shares her journey from print brokering to mastering the art of networking, emphasising the importance of authenticity, self-awareness,...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Join us on Always Be Connecting, the podcast for anyone looking to grow their network and enjoy positive working relationships.

Our host, Linsey Houston connects with top leaders, networkers and scholars who've mastered the art of building connections across Team, Prospects, Clients, Community, and Industry.

Discover:

Strategies for fostering teamwork and boosting engagement.

Insights on leveraging media for prospecting and client relationships.

Tips on engaging with your community and networking within your industry.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Healthy, lasting relationships

Subscribe now and be part of the conversation.

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

HOSTED BY

Storytellers Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Always Be Connecting have?

Always Be Connecting currently has 56 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Always Be Connecting about?

Join us on Always Be Connecting, the podcast for anyone looking to grow their network and enjoy positive working relationships. Our host, Linsey Houston connects with top leaders, networkers and scholars who've mastered the art of building connections across Team, Prospects, Clients, Community, and...

How often does Always Be Connecting release new episodes?

Always Be Connecting has 56 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Always Be Connecting?

You can listen to Always Be Connecting on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Always Be Connecting?

Always Be Connecting is created and hosted by Storytellers Australia.
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