PODCAST · education
Courageous Me
by Kim Payne
Hi, I’m Kim Payne. Welcome to the Courageous Me podcast—your go-to for incredible stories and practical tips to add more courage to your life.Imagine what’s possible if courage wasn’t reserved for heroic moments but became part of your everyday life.Whether you're dreaming big, going through a rough patch, or are ready to reignite the fire in your belly, this podcast is for you.Because courage is life’s secret source—it turns the ordinary into magic. And it all starts with you.
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173. What if the thing that makes you different is your greatest strength? With Helen Pollard
What if the parts of yourself you’ve spent years trying to hide are the very things that make you who you are?In this episode, I chat with Helen Pollard, creative director of the ARTea Group, about what happens when we stop hiding those parts of ourselves and start seeing them as superpowers.Growing up with dyslexia, navigating a turbulent home life, and financial hardship, Helen learned early what it felt like to be considered “different” and to mask the things she found difficult.We explore how experiences like these can shape the way we think, adapt, and find another way when the obvious path doesn’t work.But we also go behind what success looks like from the outside. Helen shares openly about financial pressure, businesses that don’t always go to plan, and what happens when you’ve become so good at pushing forward that you haven’t stopped to deal with where you are now.We talk about the courage it takes to be more honest about who you are, the freedom that can come when you stop trying to appear as though you have it all together, and one of the hardest questions for any high-achieving woman: when do you keep pushing for something you believe in, and when is the courageous decision to let it go?And as Helen looks towards an even bigger dream inspired by her own son’s neurodiversity, we explore what becomes possible when the things that make you different become part of the impact you’re here to make. Key takeaways:o How something you’ve spent years hiding can become one of your greatest strengths.o What survival mode can teach you about resourcefulness and finding another way.o Why success can look very different from what’s really happening behind the scenes.o What becomes possible when you stop hiding the messy parts of who you are.o Why courage isn’t always about pushing through…sometimes it’s knowing when to let go.o How the things that make you different can be the work you’re uniquely equipped to do.o Why there may never be a perfect time to begin the thing you keep thinking about. Follow along or find about more about Helen:Websites: ARTea Art School Roxys Venue Melbourne Event Florals Party Corp Instagram Pages:@helenpollard_ @roxysparty @melbourneeventflorals @artea.art.school Facebook Pages:Melbourne Event Florals Roxys Unique Functions & Events ARTea Art School LinkedIn: Helen Pollard SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026Find out more and grab your spot here. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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172. What if you don’t need to know how things will work out? With Venessa Astbury
What if the choice that feels safest is actually the one keeping you stuck? In this episode, I speak with Venessa Astbury, Success Mindset Coach and former corporate sales professional, about what happens when you know something in your life needs to change… but you have no idea what’s waiting on the other side.From moving from South Africa to Australia with a four-month-old baby, to leaving her marriage and, most recently, walking away from the security of her corporate career to build her own business, Venessa has repeatedly found herself at the edge of the unknown.We talk about why living in limbo can sometimes feel safer than moving forward, the patterns that can tell us when something is no longer right, and what it takes to trust yourself when there are no guarantees.We also dig into the patterns that can tell us when something in our lives is no longer working, including Venessa's fascinating discovery about the connection between fulfillment, performance, and eating, and why changing the job, relationship, or circumstances doesn't necessarily change the pattern underneath it.Venessa also shares what she’s discovering about identity, intuition and doing things your own way…and why fun might be a far more powerful strategy than we give it credit for.Because sometimes courage isn’t knowing exactly where you’re going.It’s trusting yourself enough to take the next step anyway. Key takeaways:o Why the safest choice isn’t always the one that moves you forward.o Why living in limbo can feel safer than choosing what you already know you want.o The surprising patterns that can reveal when something in your life is no longer right for you.o Why following the experts isn't always the same as trusting what works for you.o How the person you're becoming can help you make decisions before you feel like her yet.o What changes when fun, intuition and self-trust become part of how you work and live.o What it really takes to back yourself when there’s no guarantee you’ll succeed. Get in touch with Venessa:Website: Venessa Astbury Instagram: @venessa_astbury_ Facebook: Venessa Astbury LinkedIn: Venessa Astbury Your Vibe is your Strategy Training Rise the F*ck Up! Podcast SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026Find out more and grab your spot here. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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171. Have you become too grown up to dream? With Kim Payne
When did we become so good at doing reality…that we forgot how to dream?Somewhere between being an imaginative kid and the realities of adult life, many of us stopped dreaming. And even when a dream does appear, we're often incredibly quick to tell ourselves why it’s unrealistic, impractical, or just plain ridiculous.In this episode, I explore what happens when we give ourselves permission to dream again, without needing to know how it will happen, whether it makes sense, or even if we’ll ever act on it. Inspired by a conversation with a friend who spent one fabulous night imagining a different life, I started thinking about the dreams we allow ourselves to explore... and the ones we shut down before they’ve had a chance to breathe.I share some of my own seemingly far-fetched dreams, including those that disappeared, those that resurfaced years later, and those that became part of the life and work I’m living today. Not every dream needs to become a goal. And some of the things that feel impossible today might not be as far-fetched as we think.This episode invites you to spend a little less time asking, "How would that ever work?" and a little more time asking, "Imagine if…" Key takeaways:o Why so many of us stop dreaming as we get older.o What happens when reality and responsibility take over.o Why a dream doesn’t need to be realistic to have value.o What can happen when you let yourself stay in “imagine if…” mode.o Why the dreams you once squashed might be worth revisiting.o How something that once felt far-fetched can take on a life of its own.o What you might discover when you allow yourself to dream again. 💖 SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026. Find out more and grab your spot here. A huge shout out to our main event partner, Michelle Roberts, Financial Adviser from BCV Financial Solutions. You’ve got one life...make the most of it. Awesome product partner mentioned: Salty Vibes - Self care without the wellness BS. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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170. What if moving forward means not going back? With Melissa Gough
In this episode, I talk to Melissa Gough, a storyteller, educator, and stroke survivor whose life changed unexpectedly at 48 when she suffered a brain haemorrhage.Melissa takes us inside what happens when you believe you may be taking your last breath and find yourself reflecting on the life you've already lived.We explore what happens when the crisis is over, but life doesn't simply return to the way it was before. How do you move forward when everything—even your sense of identity—has shifted?And do you really need to become the person you were before... or can you learn to value who you are now?Melissa shares what it has taken to live with cognitive challenges others can't see, advocate for herself when she feels misunderstood, and stop allowing other people's opinions to overshadow her own. We also talk about her powerful shift from focusing on her limitations to recognising her strengths and learning to work with her brain, rather than against it.And we uncover how curiosity and small acts of courage can take your life somewhere completely unexpected.It's a beautiful conversation about accepting what has changed without letting it define you, owning your value even when life looks different from what you imagined, and recognising that your next chapter doesn't have to look anything like your last one. Key takeaways:o What goes through your mind when you think you may be taking your last breath.o What it means to own your strengths without being defined by your limitations.o What happens when surviving the crisis is only the beginning.o How one email can lead you in a whole new direction.o Why moving forward isn't always about becoming who you were before.o What it means to work with your brain, not against it.o How you can shine in life while living with hidden challenges. Find out more about Melissa:Website: The Brain Game Changer Instagram: @thebraingamechanger LinkedIn: Melissa Gough Substack: The Brain Game Changer SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026Find out more and grab your spot here. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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169. What happens when the path you’re expected to follow doesn’t feel right? With Chiza Westcarr
What happens when the life that’s expected of you isn’t the life you want for yourself?In this episode, we hear from clinical nutritionist, dermal clinician, menopause coach, and researcher Chiza Westcarr, whose life has been shaped by a series of courageous decisions to choose the path less travelled.Growing up in a high-achieving family, the expectations were clear: law or medicine. Her siblings followed those paths. Chiza didn’t. Instead, she forged her own path, taking her across countries and careers, and eventually into the work she does today, supporting women through menopause.Chiza shares the self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and uncertainty behind some of her biggest decisions, what it takes to back yourself when there’s no roadmap, and how choosing differently can impact the relationships that matter most.We also explore what can happen when you question the way things have always been done, why Chiza challenged the aesthetics industry’s approach to menopausal skin, and how that led her to create her own menopause conference and now undertake a PhD in menopause research.And we look at why midlife can be an extraordinary opportunity rather than something to endure, especially when we could have another 40 or 50 years ahead of us.If you’ve ever felt pulled towards a path others don’t quite understand, this conversation is a powerful reminder of what can be possible when you back yourself and take it anyway. Key takeaways:o What it takes to choose your own path when others expect something different.o Why fear and imposter syndrome don’t disappear with courage.o How taking the path less travelled can change your relationships.o How questioning the status quo can lead to something bigger.o Why midlife could be the beginning of your next chapter.o What women need to understand about their health through menopause.o Why the path others don’t understand may be the right one for you. Find out more about Chiza: :Website: Chiza Westcarr Website: FloraBiome Instagram: @chizawestcarr_Instagram: @flora_biome Instagram: @thrivingthroughmenopausebycw Facebook: Chiza Westcarr LinkedIn: Chiza Westcarr *Thriving Through Menopause Symposium 2026 COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026Find out more and grab your spot here. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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168. When you see yourself differently, everything changes. With Kim Payne
We spend so much time focusing on where we haven't arrived yet that we rarely stop to recognise just how far we've come.In this episode, I share a powerful exercise I’ve been using in recent workshops with people of all ages, industries, and backgrounds. The results were extraordinary. As people reflected on the past five years of their lives, many reflected on their achievements, challenges they'd overcome, relationships they'd built, and personal growth they'd completely forgotten.But this isn't just about looking backward.It's about seeing the evidence of your progress and how it changes how you see yourself... and why that shift might be the very thing that unlocks your next chapter.I talk about why we often minimise our own progress, how our past can become proof of what's possible, and ask one simple question that could completely change the way you think about your future.If you've been feeling stuck, questioning yourself, or wondering whether you're capable of something bigger, this episode offers a fresh perspective that may change far more than you expect. Key takeaways:o Why looking back may be the fastest way to move forward.o The surprising reason we forget just how much we've already overcome.o How one simple exercise can completely change the way you see yourself.o What your past reveals about what you're capable of next.o The question that helps you create your next five years with intention.o Why your future isn't built by achievements alone... but by who you become along the way.o How seeing yourself differently can change everything that comes next. SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026.Find out more and grab your spot here. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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167. Is your conditioned mind stopping you from growing with Linda Stocco
What if the voice you've been trusting is your conditioned mind... repeating everything it's ever known? This conversation with holistic coach and leadership mentor Linda Stocco explores the kind of courage needed to trust yourself when the answers don't come from your head, but from somewhere much deeper.Linda shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped the way she now works with people, from losing her father at just 23 and making a life-changing decision about how she wanted to approach relationships, to recovering from a serious spinal injury that challenged everything she thought she knew about healing. Along the way, she unpacks the powerful connection between our body, mind, emotions, and intuition, and why true transformation rarely happens through logic alone.Together, we uncover why your conditioned mind may be keeping you stuck in old patterns, what becomes possible when you learn to trust the wisdom of your body instead, and how slowing down can become the catalyst for your greatest growth. We also explore why perimenopause can be an unexpected invitation into a new chapter, and how seeing another person's perspective can completely change the conversations that matter most.If you've ever felt torn between what your head is telling you and what your heart or gut already knows, this conversation will help you decide what’s right. Key takeaways:o Why your body may already know the answer before your mind does.o What losing someone can teach you about how you choose to live.o How healing begins long before the physical symptoms disappear.o How your conditioned mind may be holding you back without you even realising it.o The shifts that happen when you truly see another person's perspective.o How trusting your intuition can transform the way you lead, work, and live.o The hidden cost of ignoring your inner voice... and what changes when you finally listen.o Why perimenopause can become the beginning of your next chapter.Find out more about Linda:Instagram: @linda_stocco Facebook: Linda Stocco LinkedIn: Linda Stocco SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026Find out more and grab your spot here. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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166. How a curious mind helps you make life's decisions with Jane Lim
What happens when your gut knows the answer... but your head hasn't caught up yet? In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with financial planner, university lecturer, podcaster, and ultramarathon runner Jane Lim to explore what courage really looks like when life asks you to make some of its biggest decisions.Jane shares her journey of rebuilding her life after leaving her marriage, and how important decisions can feel right even if they don’t make sense on paper. We also talk about how watching her family lose everything shaped her relationship with money, why a curious mind has become one of her greatest strengths, and how a simple daily walk after separation eventually led her to running ultramarathons.This isn't just a conversation about making decisionsIt's about learning to trust yourself when certainty isn't available, backing yourself one small step at a time, and discovering that action is often the catalyst that changes everything.If you've been sitting on a decision, wondering whether to stay where you are or step into the unknown, this episode is a beautiful reminder that you don't need all the answers before you take the next step. Key takeaways:o Why some of life's biggest decisions never make sense on paper.o How to trust your gut when your mind hasn't caught up.o How daily walks led to ultramarathons... and changed Jane's life.o Why a curious mind can be your greatest superpower.o Why the hardest things shouldn't be done alone.o What it really means to back yourself when everything feels uncertain. Find out more about Jane:Website: Prosper Financial Planning LinkedIn: Jane Lim Janes teaching and MBA journey – YouTube Breadwinning Mums PodcastBreadwinning Mums Breadwinning Mums (and Dads) Instagram: @breadwinningmums SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026Find out more and grab your spot here. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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165. Faith, trust & intuition to follow what you can’t explain with Michelle Gardiner
Have you ever had a feeling you couldn't explain... but knew you needed to follow it? In this conversation, I talk with Michelle Gardner, founder of The Aspire Series, about finding the courage to follow your calling, even when the next step makes no logical sense.What began as a short trip to Bali unexpectedly became a life-changing journey that took Michelle around the world, challenged everything she thought she knew about success, and ultimately reshaped the work she's now doing with women across the globe.Together, we unpack the relationship between courage, faith, trust, and intuition, and why some of the most significant moments in our lives begin long before we have all the answers. We also explore the power of listening to yourself, embracing uncertainty, and allowing life to flow in ways you never could have planned.If you've ever felt pulled towards something you can't put your finger on, questioned whether to follow your instincts, or sensed there's another chapter waiting for you, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that courage doesn't need certainty... it simply needs you to trust yourself enough to take the next step. Key takeawayso Why faith, trust, and intuition often lead us where certainty never can.o How one idea became a global movement connecting women from 52 countries.o What 225 women's stories revealed about what we all have in common.o The unexpected lesson Bali taught Michelle about surrender and success.o Why your purpose is often hidden inside your own story.o The difference between building a successful life... and an aligned one.o How trusting what you can't explain can change everything. Find out more or follow Michelle:Website: The Aspire Series Instagram: @michelle_gardiner_au Facebook: The Aspire Series LinkedIn: Michelle Gardiner The Aspire Summit - BALI 15-19 August 2026. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026Find out more and grab your spot here. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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164. Do you really need to do the hard thing first? With Kim Payne
We've heard the advice: Do the hard thing first.But what if that isn't always the best approach?In this episode, I question the popular mantra that urges us to tackle the hardest task first and explain how, for many, this can hinder momentum, self-trust, and our ability to take action.Through personal examples, I share how small acts of follow-through can create the self-trust you need to take on the bigger things you've been putting off.And I unpack the difference between avoidance and intentionally building evidence that free you to follow through on your commitments. If you've ever procrastinated on an important conversation, delayed putting yourself out there, or wondered why you know what to do but still struggle to do it, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on building courage in a way that works for you.Whether you're someone who lives by eating the frog first, or someone who needs momentum before taking the leap, this episode will help you rethink how you approach the hard things that matter most. Key takeaways:o Why "do the hard thing first" isn't always the best advice, and when it could actually work against you.o The subtle difference between helpful procrastination and plain old avoidance.o How small wins create the self-trust needed to tackle the bigger, scarier things.o What your approach to deadlines and accountability reveals about how you're wired.o The simple mindset shift that could finally help you turn your "someday" into today. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026Find out more and grab your spot here. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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163. How do you know you're at a turning point? With Kim Payne
Have you ever looked back at your life and realised there were a handful of moments that changed everything?Not because your circumstances changed, but because you made a different decision.In this episode, I explore turning points… those moments where something shifts inside us, long before the outside world begins to change.Through recent conversations, a beautiful message from a reader of Courageous Me, and some of my own biggest turning points, I unpack how one courageous decision can create momentum and lead to opportunities you never saw coming.I share the moments that shaped my own life, including saying no to my dream job in America, leaving corporate to start my own business, learning to dance on stage, finally playing baseball after waiting 33 years, reinventing my business at 50, starting this podcast, writing my first book, and now creating my first women's summit.If you've been waiting until you feel ready, telling yourself "someday", or wondering when the right time will come… perhaps this conversation is the turning point you've been waiting for. Key takeaways:o How one decision can change everything.o Why waiting might be costing you more than you realise.o How to recognise a turning point when it arrives.o Why one small action can create unexpected momentum.o What finally moves 'someday' into today. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026Find out more and grab your seat here. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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162. What fear is trying to teach you with Cat Dunn
What if fear isn't the thing holding you back?What if it's actually guiding you towards the next step you're meant to take?In this conversation, I chat with Cat Dunn, who shares her extraordinary story of leaving an unhealthy relationship, rebuilding her life from scratch, and discovering that the courage required to leave was only the beginning.We talk about the ripple effect of courage, why self-trust is often at the heart of the decisions we avoid, and how the promises we make to ourselves can become the foundation for bigger, life-changing choices.Cat also shares the surprising lessons she's learned from a lifelong fascination with fear, including her work as a professional scare actor and how it completely transformed her understanding of the role fear plays in our lives.This is a conversation about what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start paying attention to the things that scare you for all the right reasons.If you've been feeling called towards something bigger, but fear keeps showing up, this episode may completely change the way you see it. Key takeaways:o Why fear might be pointing you towards your next chaptero The hidden link between self-trust and the promises you make to yourselfo What comes after the hardest decision of your lifeo A surprising lesson about fear from a professional scare actoro Why staying behind the curtain can cost you more than failing Get in touch with Cat:Website: Cat Dunn Instagram: @catlouisedunn Facebook: Cat Dunn - Life After I Left LinkedIn: Cat Dunn COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026Find out more and grab your spot here. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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161. Is reinvention the answer when you know there's more in you? with Kim Payne
What if reinvention isn't about blowing up your life and starting over?What if it's simply about becoming more of who you already know you're capable of being?In this personal episode, I explore why so many women find themselves at a crossroads where life looks good on paper, yet something feels missing underneath.Inspired by a series of conversations with women navigating career changes, new opportunities, identity shifts, and personal growth, I unpack the real meaning of reinvention and why it may not be as dramatic as we often imagine.I challenge some of the biggest myths that keep people stuck and offer a refreshing perspective on what it really takes to move forward when you know there's more in you.If you've been feeling restless, questioning what's next, sensing you've outgrown an old version of yourself, or wondering whether you've left it too late to pursue something meaningful, this episode will encourage you to look at that feeling differently.Because perhaps the next chapter of your life doesn't begin with a dramatic reinvention.Perhaps it begins with one small step you can make today. Key takeaways:o Why the word "reinvention" might be the very thing keeping you stuck.o The simple shift that makes change feel possible.o What's really behind our hesitation.o How to know when you've outgrown your current chapter.o The myths that convince you to stay as you are. o How you can turn a ‘someday’ into today. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. SOMEDAY to TODAY – event A one-day transformational experience for women who are done waiting for 'someday'.Friday 9 October 2026 - South MelbourneFind out more and grab your spot here. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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160. Choosing to be seen and heard in a world that judges with Anna Osherov
How much of your life has been shaped by trying to fit in?In this thought-provoking conversation, I chat with Anna Osherov—marketer, educator, and communication expert about the courage it takes to be seen, heard, and chosen in a world where so many of us fear being judged.From arriving in Australia as a young girl unable to speak English, to building a successful marketing agency, finding her voice on stage, and now stepping into sharing more of her personal story, Anna reflects on the experiences that shaped her identity and challenged her to keep growing.We get into why so many of us fear being seen and heard, how judgment shapes the choices we make, and what happens when we stop making the focus all about ourselves. Anna shares the value of learning how to learn, how she found her way into public speaking, and the role communication has played throughout her life—from translating for her family as a child to teaching communication at university today.This conversation is a reminder that the things that make you different may be the very things the world needs to hear. Key takeaways:o Why judgment keeps so many brilliant women playing small.o The mindset shift that makes speaking up feel less scary.o How learning to learn can be an invaluable life skill.o What happens when fitting in becomes a lifelong habit.o Why the path of least resistance isn't always the easiest path.o Why being seen, heard, and chosen starts from within.o Why your story may be more powerful than you realise. More about Anna:Anna Osherov is the CEO of launcha, a launch marketing agency and the Founder of Flintt – a tech-powered marketing platform helping small businesses get seen, heard, and chosen.She was nominated for the Telstra Business Award and has spent the last 5 years teaching marketing and communication at RMIT University.Known as The Eventologist, Anna has worked with business owners across all industries – helping them build their brand, grow their client base, and get real results through events and marketing that actually works.She’s high-energy, straight-talking, and all about helping people get things done.Get in touch with Anna:Website: Anna Osherov Instagram: @annaosherov Instagram: @launcha.marketing Facebook: Anna Osherov LinkedIn: Anna Osherov Launcha Marketing Agency Website Tiktok: Anna Osherov COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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159. If you're not seen and heard, you're not hired with Christine Blosdale
What if the thing holding you back isn't a lack of talent, experience, or expertise... but your willingness to let people see and hear you?In this episode, I sit down with Christine Blosdale, The Expert Authority Coach®, bestselling author, and podcasting pioneer to explore the courage it takes to step out from behind the scenes and share your gifts with the world.From an unexpected moment that launched her broadcasting career to building a business helping others become recognised authorities in their field, Christine shares the lessons she's learned about visibility, confidence, and trusting yourself when self-doubt creeps in.Together, we explore why so many capable women hesitate to put themselves out there, what imposter syndrome may actually be trying to teach us, and why authenticity is becoming one of the most valuable assets we can bring to both business and life.Christine also shares the role intuition has played in her journey, the courage required to start over, and why being seen often feels far more vulnerable than simply doing the work.This conversation is a powerful reminder that expertise alone isn't enough.At some point, we must be willing to stop hiding, stop shrinking, and allow others to see who we are, what we know, and the value we bring.If you've ever questioned whether you're ready, worried about what others might think, or felt called to step into a bigger version of yourself, this episode will encourage you to take the next courageous step. Key takeaways:o Why so many capable women still hesitate to put themselves out there.o What imposter syndrome is really trying to tell you.o Why being seen can feel harder than building a business itself.o The subtle mistakes that can stop people from trusting your expertise.o Why authenticity is becoming your greatest competitive advantage.o How to stop shrinking your brilliance and start owning your expertise.o Why the next level of success often begins when you let people see the real you. More about Christine BlosdaleChristine Blosdale is The Expert Authority Coach® - a visibility strategist and personal branding expert who helps entrepreneurs, coaches, authors, and thought leaders get seen, trusted, and paid for what they already know. An award-winning media personality and five-time #1 bestselling author, Christine brings more than 25 years of experience in branding, marketing, and business growth. Christine has worked with global brands including America Online and Microsoft and has guided hundreds of business owners to elevate their visibility, attract media attention and become the go-to voice in their space. She’s also the host of The Expert Authority Coach® Podcast - ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally - and has been featured in Woman’s Day, Take 5, Ticker News, Authority Magazine, and over 100 podcasts, media outlets, and stages around the world. Christine inspires audiences to think bigger, show up boldly, and recognize the true value of their voice, story, and expertise. Book a free discovery call with Christine. Get in touch with Christine:Website: Expert Authority Coach Instagram: @christineblosdale YouTube: Christine Blosdale Facebook: Christine Blosdale LinkedIn: Christine (The Expert Authority Coach®) Blosdale Tiktok: The Expert Authority Coach COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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Ep 158. The courage to be seen: Why your personal brand is more personal than you think with Kim Payne
What if the way you’re showing up in the world no longer reflects who you really are?In this episode, I explore the surprising connection between identity, visibility, self-expression, and personal branding—and why so many women, particularly in midlife, begin to feel disconnected from the version of themselves they’ve been presenting to the world.From the meaning behind my love of pink, to the hidden ways women dilute themselves to avoid standing out, this conversation unpacks how personal branding is often far less about strategy… and far more about having the courage to fully express yourself.I share stories of reinvention, confidence, visibility, and the subtle moments when women begin to realise they’ve outgrown old versions of themselves.Through conversations about colour, clothing, photography, energy, and identity, I explore what happens when how you show up reflects who you are on the inside.I also share powerful examples of women blending the personal parts of themselves into their work and discovering deeper alignment, confidence, and authenticity as a result.This is an episode about courage, reinvention, self-trust, and the power of allowing yourself to be more fully seen. Key takeaways:o Why the things you’re naturally drawn to could hold clues about your identity.o The surprising connection between confidence, visibility, colours, clothes, and energy.o The power you take back when you stop trying to look “appropriate” and instead express who you are.o How blending the personal parts of yourself into your work persona can shape your personal brand.o Why so many women feel disconnected from their personal brand in midlife.o What becomes possible when how you show up reflects who you are on the inside. Bring your personal brand to life:Ksenia Belova - Australia’s best personal branding photographer. Website: Ksenia Belova Instagram: @ksenia_belova_photography COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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157. What if the ‘right way’ to do something isn’t right for you? with Kim Payne
What if the reason you’ve been feeling stuck isn’t that you’re doing too little… but because you’ve been trying to do things someone else’s way?In this episode, I explore a liberating truth that has transformed both my business and my life: there is rarely only one “right” way to achieve the result you want.For years, I invested heavily in courses, coaches, and programs that promised success if I followed a specific formula. And while much of that advice worked brilliantly for the people teaching it, I discovered something important: what works for someone else may be completely out of alignment with who you are.And I unpack the courage it takes to stop blindly following the “guru model” and start listening to your own inner wisdom.This episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t require you to become someone else. It requires you to understand yourself deeply enough to create a path that feels authentic, energising and true for you.If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing because a proven formula isn’t working for you, this conversation may be exactly what you need to hear. Key takeaways:o Why the advice that works brilliantly for someone else may be the very thing keeping you stuck.o How to tell the difference between healthy discomfort and a strategy that is out of alignment.o The surprising moments when trusting your gut can lead to life-changing breakthroughs.o What happens when you stop forcing yourself into someone else’s formula and start working with your natural design.o How uncovering how you’re uniquely wired can transform your business, your energy, and your results. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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156. Do you trust yourself enough to stop hesitating?
What if the real barrier to the life you want isn’t clarity, timing, or qualifications—but trusting yourself?In this episode, I unpack a pattern I see repeatedly in conversations with women from all walks of life: the hesitation that keeps us stuck. We know what we want, and what actions to take. Yet something inside us says, “Not yet,” “I’m not ready,” or “Who am I to do that?”I explore what I call the “hesitation gap”—that uncomfortable space between knowing and doing and reveal why it often has less to do with external circumstances and more to do with self-trust. Through experiences from women in my community, examples from my own life, and reflections on writing my book and hosting this podcast, I share how courage is often quieter than we think.Self-trust is not something you magically wake up with. It is built one small promise, one courageous step, and one first-time experience at a time.If something is tugging at your heart, a conversation you need to have, a dream you keep postponing, or a next step you know you need to take, let this episode be the prompt to act now.To trust yourself and take that next step today. Key takeaways:o Why so many women get stuck in hesitation, and how it holds us back. o How self-doubt disguises itself as a need for more time, more clarity, or more qualifications.o The surprising way your beliefs shape what you think is possible for your life.o Why every meaningful leap begins with a first time you feel completely unprepared for.o How small promises you keep to yourself become the foundation of self-trust.o The simple question that can cut through hesitation and reveal your next step.o Why the quiet voice inside you may already know what to do…you just need to trust it. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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155. The courage to find your voice after life knocks you down with Roula Krikellis
What happens when the very thing that once lit you up… is also the thing that leaves you questioning yourself?In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with media personality, radio host and community connector Roula Krikellis (also known as RoulaKK or KK Rock Chic) to unpack what it really takes to rebuild yourself after rejection, criticism, health scares, and losing confidence in who you are.From being pushed out of spaces she once thrived in, to navigating the emotional toll of public perception, illness, and self-doubt, Roula shares the raw behind-the-scenes reality of what it took to find her way back to herself…and back to the microphone.This is a conversation about identity. Reinvention. Boundaries. Confidence. The quiet courage required to keep showing up when your spirit has taken a hit. And the power of deciding you’re not done yet… even when other people have written you off.Along the way, we explore the hidden emotional weight many women carry behind their smiles, why courage often looks nothing like confidence from the outside, and the surprising role persistence, purpose, and human connection can play in helping you rebuild.There are hilarious moments, vulnerable moments, and some seriously powerful insights around resilience, visibility, self-worth, and finding your voice again.If you’ve ever questioned yourself after criticism, felt misunderstood, lost confidence, or wondered whether you still have what it takes to begin again… this episode will speak straight to your heart. Key takeaways:o What really happens when your confidence takes a hit behind the scenes.o The persistence it took to rebuild a life and identity after being pushed out.o Why one conversation became the turning point that changed everything.o The hidden toll of criticism, rejection, and feeling shut down by others.o How confidence is rebuilt long before anyone sees the comeback.o Why courage sometimes looks like boundaries, persistence, and refusing to disappear.o The surprising lesson about visibility, success, and standing out as a woman with a strong voice. Find out more about Roula:Instagram: @kkrockchic Facebook: The KK Factor LinkedIn: Roula Krikellis Tiktok: ROULA KK Follow RPP FM Youtube: @RPPFMMornington @RPPFMLIVE Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move.
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154. It’s never too late to crack the confidence code with Lena Coates
Confidence has no expiry date. What if confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have… but something you build, one courageous step at a time?In this deeply affirming conversation, I sit down with executive coach and author Lena Coates to explore the kind of confidence that is learned through experience, setbacks, self-belief, and bold new beginnings.From walking away from a 28-year career and navigating what Lena describes as falling off a “cliff,” to starting her own business in her 60s, publishing her first book at 69, and even contemplating studying law in her seventies, this conversation is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t have an age limit.We unpack how confidence is formed through the very moments that shake us: The career stumbles that become turning points. The identities we outgrow. The unhelpful “good girl” conditioning many women carry without realising. And the courage it takes to back yourself when there’s no clear map.This isn’t just a conversation about confidence. It’s about reinvention, self-trust, speaking up, beginning again, and what is possible when you stop letting age, fear, or old stories define what comes next.If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late, you’ve missed your window, or if there’s still another chapter in you waiting to be written, this beautiful conversation may be your answer. Key takeaways:o Why some of the biggest confidence breakthroughs can come after you’ve fallen off a metaphorical “cliff.”o How one person saying “I need you” can redirect the course of your life.o The hidden and unhelpful conditioning many women carry from being the “good girl”.o How reinvention challenges your past beliefs about timing and aging.o How the obstacles and mistakes we’d rather forget build our self-trust.o Why confidence is less about certainty… and more about starting before you feel ready. This episode invites you to question what dream you had declared as being ‘too late’, may still be calling you? Get Lena’s book: Cracking the Confidence Code. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Follow Lena on socials:Website: Lena Coates LinkedIn: Lena Coates Instagram: @lenacoates.associates Facebook: Lena Coates Connect with me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move.
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153. The courage it takes to feel something rather than rush to fix it with Kim Payne
What do you do when life throws something at you that completely disrupts your sense of normal?In this honest and in-the-moment episode, I share what it looks like when your emotions don’t follow logic… when your body reacts before your mind can catch up… and when the instinct to “just get on with it” no longer works.This isn’t a conversation about having the answers. It’s about what happens when you don’t. When you’re sitting in the discomfort, questioning your reactions, and feeling the tension between what you think you should feel… and what’s moving through you.We explore the quiet but powerful shift that happens when you stop trying to override your emotions and instead listen to them. From the physical cues your body gives you, to the stories your mind creates, to the unexpected clarity that can come when you allow yourself to pause… there’s something in this for anyone who has ever felt thrown off course.This episode is a reminder that not all courage looks like action. Sometimes, it looks like staying with what’s uncomfortable… long enough to understand it.And in that space, something deeper begins to unfold—the kind of self-trust you needed all along. Key takeaways:o What it really looks like to feel your feelings… without rushing to fix or override them.o The subtle (and often ignored) signals your body gives you in moments of shock, stress or emotional overwhelm.o Why the instinct to “push through” can disconnect you from exactly what you need most.o How attachment quietly shows up in your life… until something forces you to see it.o How giving yourself grace in the moment can completely shift how you move through something hard.o The powerful shift that happens when you step back and see what’s actually real vs what just feels real.o The kind of courage it takes to tune into your heart… and not override it.o Why some of the most powerful silver linings only reveal themselves when you slow down enough to notice them. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move.
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152. From Shame to Shine: The courage to face what you’ve hidden most with Clare Elizabeth Dea
What happens when the very thing you’ve spent your life hiding… becomes the thing you’re here to share?In this deeply raw and powerful conversation, I sit down with author, performer, and speaker Clare Elizabeth Dea as she prepares to release her new memoir: Shame to Shine-Dancing with My Shadows. But this isn’t just a conversation about writing a book, it’s about what it takes to revisit your past, own your truth, and put your story into the world… again.Clare opens up about the courageous decision to pull her first book off the shelves and the eight-year journey that followed to rewrite it from a place of deeper truth, alignment, and self-responsibility.We explore the layers of shame that shaped her identity, from body image and belonging to relationships, money, and the lies we sometimes tell to protect ourselves, and how facing those shadows became the very pathway to her purpose.This conversation is honest, emotional, and at times confronting… but also incredibly empowering. Because beneath it all is a powerful message: your story, especially the parts you want to hide, might be the very thing that sets you (and others) free.If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough, like you don’t quite fit, or like there are parts of your story you’d rather keep hidden… this episode will have you questioning what’s possible if you chose to bring them into the light.Key takeaways:o The untold story behind Shame to Shine… and why it’s being released now.o The hidden cost of carrying shame and how it quietly shapes your life.o Why we hide parts of ourselves… even from those closest to us.o What happens when you finally tell the truth about something you’ve carried for years.o The behind-the-scenes reality of writing a memoir that goes far beyond what people see.o Why the stories we’re most afraid to share are often the ones that matter most.o The shift that happens when you fully own your story—all of it. About Clare Elizabeth Dea:Once a perfectionist hiding in the wings, Clare Elizabeth Dea has claimed the stage as a performance artist, keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and author, inspiring women to transform shame into power and shine on stage with unstoppable flair.Think Liza Minnelli meets Brené Brown. Blending comedy, song, and electric storytelling, she crafts an experience that is part TED Talk, part Broadway spectacular, giving everyone permission to take up space and be truly seen in their authentic expression.🌟 Her memoir: Shame To Shine launches on 29th April, 2026. Featured on mainstream media, various publications, and social media platforms, Clare is celebrated for creating spaces where women truly connect, collaborate, and shine their brightest together. Follow Clare or get in touch with her: Website: Clare Elizabeth Dea Instagram: @clareelizabeth_dea Facebook: Clare Elizabeth Dea Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today.
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151. The power of being financially ready for whatever comes next with Megan Christie
What shapes the way you think about money…before you even earn your first dollar?In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Certified Money Coach, Megan Christie, to unpack the stories, experiences, and defining moments that have shaped her mission to help women feel confident, capable, and prepared for life, using money as the catalyst.From growing up surrounded by generational money struggles to witnessing firsthand the impact financial dependence can have on a woman’s ability to make choices, Megan shares the moments that lit a fire in her, fuelling a lifelong commitment to ensuring women are never left feeling stuck, powerless, or without options.But this conversation goes far beyond budgets and bank accounts.We explore the quiet courage it takes to trust yourself, the resilience built through life’s unexpected changes, and the powerful connection between self-belief and financial independence. Megan shares how her early experiences, from constantly starting over in new environments to navigating deeply ingrained family money patterns, have shaped the way she shows up today.This episode is a powerful reminder that money isn’t just practical, it’s emotional, generational, and deeply tied to our sense of safety, choice, and identity.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re truly ready for whatever life might throw your way, or what it would take to feel that way, this conversation will shift how you think about money, and your role in it. Key takeaways:o The hidden money patterns you may have inherited…and how they could still be impacting your decisions today.o Why financial independence isn’t just about having more money.o The moment that shaped Megan’s mission, and why it might hit closer to home than you expecto What being “financially ready” really means… and the uncomfortable truth too many women avoid.o How life experiences that seem unrelated to money are shaping your financial confidence every day.o The subtle link between self-trust and money, and how one directly impacts the other.o Why simplifying money might be the smartest move you make… and what becomes possible when you do. Find out more about Megan:As a Certified Money Coach (CMC)®, financial educator, advocate and founder, Megans favourite thing is to help people "do money better". To feel confident and capable to make, manage, and grow money for better outcomes for all. LinkedIn: Megan Christie Instagram: @meganchristie_moneycoaching COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. CALL TO ACTIONBook a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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150. Are you really as open minded as you think? with Kim Payne
In this episode, I unpack a moment that completely shifted how I think about the limits of our perspectives, and where we’re willing (or unwilling), to stretch it.What started as a simple plane ride home turned into a deeply unexpected conversation with someone I would never have normally engaged with. And it got me thinking… how often do we unconsciously stay inside our own “lane” of thinking, beliefs, and assumptions, without ever questioning them?I explore what happens when you step beyond your default way of seeing the world. Not to agree. Not to convince. But simply to understand.And I dive into the subtle ways we judge, the invisible boundaries we create around our thinking, and the quiet opportunities we miss when we choose comfort over curiosity.Because the real question isn’t whether we’re open-minded.It’s how far we’re actually willing to go when our perspective is challenged.If you’ve ever found yourself certain you’re right, resistant to another view, or curious about what might exist beyond your current way of thinking, this conversation will stretch you. Key takeaways:o What happens when you lean into a conversation you would normally avoid.o The subtle ways we judge others and what those snap decisions could cost us.o How expanding your perspective can open up unexpected opportunities.o Why staying in your “known way” of thinking can feel safe… but might be keeping you smaller than you realise.o The unexpected growth that sits just beyond your edge of perspective…if you’re willing to go there. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move.
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149. Courage, midlife, and writing your own next chapter with Kim Payne and Sue West
Most of us have a 'someday' list. A version of ourselves we keep putting off until we feel more ready, more confident, or just a little less afraid. I’ve spent years listening to women’s stories of change and learning what happens when women stop waiting for someday—and choose to act with courage instead.In this special episode, the incredible Sue West, founder of Flourish after Fifty, turns the mic on me, and instead of being the interviewer, I step into the guest chair to share my own story with raw honesty and vulnerability.This is a conversation that sits right at the very intersection of courage, midlife, and what it means to write your next chapter on your terms. Grab your metaphorical pink ‘pom pom’ as you hear why courage is always worth celebrating. Key takeaways:o Why courage in midlife looks so different from the courage of our 20s and 30s—and why that's a good thing.o The five-part framework behind my book Courageous Me - from the silent whisper to the permission you grant yourself.o How I overcame chronic perfectionism to finally publish my debut book at 54.o What it really means to "begin with the start in mind." o Why courage is always with you, whether it rides in the front seat or the back, is your choice. Note: This episode is published on both the Flourish After Fifty and Courageous ME podcasts. Check out Sue’s story when she was my guest on Courageous Me.Episode 54: The power of reinvention to flourish in mid-life with Sue West. AppleSpotify COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Find out more about Sue:Website: Flourish after Fifty Website: Sue West Coaching LinkedIn: Sue West Facebook: Flourish After Fifty Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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148. The courage to lead by following your North Star with Anjuum Singh
Some of the most powerful forms of courage aren’t loud or dramatic…they’re the quiet decisions we make every day to stay aligned with our values.In this episode, I sit down with Anjuum Singh, head of the largest Advice Women’s Network in Australia (AAWN)—and what begins as a simple conversation quickly unfolds into a powerful exploration of values, leadership, resilience, and the kind of courage that quietly shapes a life. From growing up in India as an only child with strong values instilled by her father, to building a career in leadership roles across global organisations, Anjum shares the deeply personal philosophy that has guided her decisions: finding your North Star and living in alignment with it.Along the way, she opens up about defining moments that required courage, from coaching senior executives at just 28 years old, to navigating a deeply personal period that forced her to ask for help for the first time.This conversation goes far beyond career success. We unpack what it really means to lead with humility, how courage often shows up in the most unexpected ways, and why the legacy we leave is rarely shaped by the big moments—but by the small everyday actions that reflect who we truly are.You’ll hear powerful reflections on trust, vulnerability, and leadership, and how courage shows up everywhere from the boardroom to our closest relationships.And it raises an important question for all of us:What kind of legacy are your everyday choices really creating? Key takeaways:o How a clear sense of purpose can guide your decisions long before you realise its full impact.o The single conversation that reshaped how she thinks about confidence, influence, and imposter syndrome.o Why learning to trust your gut can completely redefine how you make decisions.o The hidden power behind asking for help, and why it can become a turning point in your life.o A perspective on leadership that flips the traditional idea of power on its head.o Why the experiences that shake us most often reveal who we truly are.o A simple but profound philosophy about legacy — and how you want to be remembered. Find out more about Anjuum:LinkedIn: Anjuum Siingh Register here to be a part of the Advice Women Network 'AAWN'COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move.
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Ep 147. What happens when someone finally turns their someday into today with Kim Payne
In this deeply reflective episode, I share a series of powerful stories that have emerged in the weeks following the launch of my book Courageous Me. From a conversation on a boat in Vietnam to unexpected moments on stage at my book launch, I unpack something that has completely blown my mind…the ripple effect that one courageous decision can create.What started as messages from listeners and readers quickly revealed a bigger pattern—small moments of courage are quietly changing people’s lives in ways no one could have predicted.Along the way, I share the surprising connections that formed because someone years ago had the courage to bring an idea to life, the unexpected influence our actions can have on people watching from the sidelines, and a deeply moving moment when my 16-year-old son stepped onto the stage at my book launch and revealed just how much he had been paying attention all along.This episode is a powerful reminder that when one person chooses courage, it gives others permission to do the same… and sometimes the biggest impact of what we do is unfolding long before we ever realise it.If you’ve ever wondered whether your actions truly matter, this conversation might just change the way you see courage forever. Key Takeawayso How one courageous decision can quietly set off a ripple effect far beyond your own life.o Why revisiting the things that once lit you up as a child can unlock unexpected new chapters.o The powerful reminder that your courage may be shaping someone else’s choices from the sidelines.o Why courage gets easier once you take the very first step.o How courage doesn’t just inspire strangers…it shapes the people closest to you. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Podcast episodes mentioned: Ruth Fae:Episode 13: Rediscovering your identity through hope, healing, and storytelling ANDEpisode 120 Unlocking The Author in YouTennille Chambers: Episode 10 Turning a passion for dance into a thriving business Shantelle Lay: Episode 31 Determination can get you what you want Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move.
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146. The quiet reinvention from World Champion to starting again with Lourene Bevaart
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the medals are won, the spotlight fades… and life knocks you flat on the kitchen floor, this is for you.In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, I sit down with five-time world karate champion, former Gladiators winner, and entrepreneur Lourene Bevaart to explore the kind of courage that isn’t loud but absolutely packs a punch.You’ll hear how one spontaneous “yes” opened doors she never could have predicted…eventually leading to international travel and becoming Shane Warne and Russell Crowe’s personal trainer.But the real story isn’t about trophies or titles. It’s about the moments when your identity is tested and what it takes to rebuild a life when the only person coming to save you is you.From rebuilding financially while raising two young daughters, to retraining her mindset after knockdowns, to redefining what winning looks like at any age—Lourene is a walking billboard for what it means to live a truly world-class life.This episode is about grit, growth, health, boundaries, and the discipline of choosing who you want to be.If you’ve ever wondered whether you can rebuild after a setback, questioned if it’s too late to start again, or felt there might be something more waiting for you, this conversation could be the inspiration you need. Key takeaways:o Why saying “yes” before you feel ready can open doors you could never have predicted.o What it really feels like when your identity collapses overnight, and how you begin to rebuild.o The mindset shifts that carry you through life’s unexpected blows.o Why surrounding yourself with people ahead of you is the fastest way to rise.o How she stayed true to a declaration she made as a teenager, and how she made it real.o The non-negotiable life principles every woman needs to hear to get the most out of her body (especially after 40).o Why reinvention is about consistently choosing and showing up for who you want to become. Find out more about Lourene:Instagram: @lourenebevaart Facebook: Lourene Bevaart LinkedIn: Lourene Bevaart Website: Lourene Bevaart COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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145. When your intuition screams “Don’t” and you do it anyway with Lisa Pagotto
What happens when your intuition screams “don’t do it”… and you do it anyway?In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with travel entrepreneur and keynote speaker Lisa Pagotto, founder of Crooked Compass, to unpack the kind of courage that isn’t glamorous, polished, or predictable.From pitching on Shark Tank at 29, to discovering via an accidental email that a life-changing deal had fallen through…Lisa shares one of the most defining lessons of her career—the exact moment her business nearly collapsed, just weeks before she was due to become a mother.We explore what intuition really feels like in your body, how ego can quietly disguise itself as ambition, and what alignment looks like after you’ve learned the hard way.This episode is about backing yourself even after you’ve made a costly mistake. It’s about the price of ignoring your gut, no matter how loudly it screams. And it’s about the extraordinary power of one small, courageous action that can change everything.If you’ve ever overridden your instincts or needed to rebuild your confidence after getting it wrong…this conversation is for you. Key takeaways:o How your intuition tries to warn you, and what happens when you override it.o The hard-earned lesson from one decision that nearly destroyed a thriving business.o How a single, simple act of courage created an extraordinary ripple effect.o The surprising link between ego, ambition, and the need to prove yourself.o What alignment truly feels like, and how it reshapes all you do.o How to transform fear into performance fuel instead of letting it shut you down.And stick around as Lisa reveals her favourite adventure destination and the remote location at the top of her list that she’s not quite ready to face… yet. Find out more about Lisa: or her Crooked Compass:PersonalLinkedIn: Lisa Pagotto Instagram: @lisapagotto_ Website: Lisa Pagotto Facebook: Lisa Pagotto Company - Crooked CompassLinkedIn: Crooked CompassInstagram: @crooked_compass Website: Crooked Compass Facebook: Crooked CompassYoutube: Crooked Compass Company - Crooked Compass By AirLinkedIn: Crooked Compass by Air Instagram: @crookedcompassbyairWebsite: Crooked Compass by Air Facebook: Crooked Compass by Air Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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144. How writing a book became the antidote to my perfectionism with Kim Payne
Today is the day.After 15 years of saying “someday,” my book Courageous Me officially went live on Amazon…and wow, what a mixed bag of emotions.In this deeply personal episode, recorded on the day my book was released into the world, I pull back the curtain on something I’ve wrestled with for most of my life: perfectionism.Not the cute, colour-coded, high-achieving version.The exhausting, identity-wrapping, action-blocking version.I read a powerful section from Part Four of the book, Your Permission Slip, where I unpack what it was like growing up believing I had to be perfect, how that belief shaped my decisions, and the surprising childhood nickname that cracked the illusion wide open.This is a story about masks, overachievement, control… and the moment I realised perfection wasn’t protecting me—it was quietly holding me back.It’s about what happens when you can’t edit anymore.When the stage isn’t scripted.When the armour has to come off.If you’ve ever waited for the perfect time, the perfect conditions, or the “perfect” version of you… this conversation might be the whispering you didn’t know you needed. Key takeaways:o What if perfection isn’t your strength… and what it might be quietly costing you.o How a childhood label can shape a lifetime, and not in a good way.o Why perfection feels safe — until it becomes your biggest liability.o What happens when you can’t revise, rehearse, or control the outcome.o The hidden reason “someday” keeps getting postponed, and what it takes to turn it into today. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz
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143. How money, identity, and values shape true wealth with Natallia Smith
If you want to understand what courage really looks like when it comes to money, identity, and life transitions, this episode is for you.In this conversation, we meet financial adviser and business owner Natallia Smith, founder of TruWealth Advice, for a deeply human exploration of the quiet, often invisible courage women draw on every day.From migrating to Australia at 22 with no English and no safety net, to building a business that supports single women over 50 through divorce, loss, retirement, and reinvention—Natallia shares how values, identity, and lived experience shape the decisions we make… especially the hard ones.This episode goes far beyond money. It explores why women delay seeking financial advice, how fear and bias quietly influence choices, and what happens when courage isn’t loud or dramatic, but steady, values-led, and deeply personal.You’ll hear about ethical courage in business, the emotional weight of financial truth-telling, the link between identity shifts and money decisions, and why confidence doesn’t come before action—it’s built through it.If you’ve ever avoided a financial conversation because it felt uncomfortable, questioned whether you “should know more by now,” or felt the ground shift beneath you during a major life change… this episode might be exactly what the doctor ordered. Key takeaways:o Why women delay financial decisions even when they know something needs to change.o What it takes to tell the truth when the answer isn’t what someone wants to hear.o How migrating, starting over, and rebuilding identity shape our relationship with money.o The hidden link between values, courage, and the decisions we avoid the longest.o What makes a woman feel safe when talking about money.o Why confidence with money is built after action, not before it.o What shifts when women stop judging themselves for what they “should” know. Find out more or get in touch with Natallia:Website: TruWealth Advice Instagram: @truwealthadvice Facebook: TruWealth Advice LinkedIn: Natallia Smith COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line. More about Natallia:Natallia Smith is all about empowering women and redefining wealth. As a financial adviser, mentor, and advocate for women rewriting their next chapter, she specialises in helping single women over 50 feel safe and confident with their money through tailored, empathetic advice.With over 20 years of experience, a background in psychology, and a deep understanding of life’s transitions, she guides clients through the complex and emotional side of finance—from separation and retirement to inheritance and reinvention. Whether it’s in a client meeting, a community centre, or a national conference, she brings strategy, integrity, and heart to every conversation. Because she knows financial security is more than numbers—it’s peace of mind, freedom, and the confidence to say, “I’m going to be okay.” Natallia works with women who:✔ Are navigating separation, divorce, or widowhood and need financial clarity✔ Are preparing for retirement and want financial security✔ Have received an inheritance or financial settlement and need guidance✔ Want to work with a trusted adviser who understands their unique needs
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142. Why learning to receive makes you a more generous giver with Kim Payne
Receiving sounds simple, and yet for many capable, generous, high-achieving women, it can feel deeply uncomfortable.In this episode, I explore why receiving can trigger guilt, resistance, and that unexplained urge to “even the score.”We unpack the unspoken rules many of us live by when it comes to asking for, accepting, receiving, and allowing ourselves to be supported — and how our giving behaviours and discomfort with receiving are often tangled up with self-worth, identity, and the need to prove our value.I talk about why receiving is not a passive skill but an active one and why it takes courage. And I share how learning to receive gracefully can change the way you give, lead, relate, and sustain yourself—personally and professionally.If you’ve ever brushed off a compliment, felt uneasy accepting help, kept mental tabs, or struggled to ask for what you really want… this episode is for you. Key takeaways:o Why asking for what you want can feel more challenging than doing everything yourself.o What your reaction to compliments, help, or generosity can quietly reveal about your self-worth.o How generosity can become depleting when it isn’t balanced with receiving. o What makes receiving a skill that takes practice.o What happens to leadership, energy, and sustainability when receiving is resisted.o How allowing yourself to receive can actually make you a more generous giver. Book referenced:Give and Take by Adam Grant COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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141. Calling the shots for a magnetic life with Helen Oswald
In this episode, I chat to event photographer and self-confessed “professional people-watcher” Helen Oswald to explore how small, instinctive choices can lead to deeply fulfilling work, creative expansion, and a life that feels rich and full. We talk about how one simple idea became the doorway into her business, why she’s not chasing growth for growth’s sake, and what travelling solo in her 40s revealed that never showed up when she was younger. We also explore why creativity matters more as we age—from revisiting old passions to learning something completely new—and how the things you do for yourself shape how you show up everywhere… and honesty, make you a lot more interesting to talk to. Insightful, fun, and full of those “oh… that’s cool” moments, this episode will get your mind ticking and wondering what might be possible for you next.If you’ve been feeling drawn to do something that doesn’t neatly fit your current life, this conversation is for you. Key takeaways:o How being a lifelong “people watcher” can be a professional superpower .o How one small idea can become the doorway into a new venture.o What travelling solo in your 40s can stir up. o Why building the “biggest” business is not as important as building the right one. o Why doing something creative for yourself can impact your whole life.o How courage compounds when you learn something new or revisit a past interest.o Why the things you do outside your work may be the very things that deepen your impact within it. Find out more about Helen and her business Magnetic Shots:Website: Magnetic ShotsInstagram: @magneticshotsInstagram: @magneticportraitsFacebook: Magnetic Shots LinkedIn: Helen Oswald Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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140. Why her money matters more than ever with Naomi Holmes
What happens when life hands you a sliding-doors moment and you choose courage instead of certainty?In this deeply relatable and energising conversation, I sit down with Naomi Holmes, founder of Her Money Matters, to explore what it really looks like to start over in your 50s.After a 30-year corporate career and an unexpected redundancy, Naomi found herself at a crossroads many women quietly face: return to what’s familiar or listen to the pull towards a burning desire. What followed was a deep reckoning and the decision to build a business on her own terms.This episode goes far beyond money. It’s about the stories we inherit, the beliefs that keep us playing safe, what happens when your “who-ness” gets rattled, and why Gen X women are uniquely positioned to create powerful second acts…if they’re willing to take the courage pill and step into the unknown.We also unpack why women are so often sidelined in money conversations, how “not deciding” shapes our future, and what becomes possible when money feels lighter and less intimidating.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late, too risky, or too uncomfortable to choose something new… this conversation might help you see what’s possible. Key takeaways:o How everything shifts when a long-held corporate identity suddenly disappears.o Why women over 50 are starting businesses faster than ever and why this stage is so powerful.o How your early money story shapes your confidence, decisions, and sense of control.o Why imposter syndrome often appears right before real growth.o How women can stop being sidelined in money conversations.o Why choosing not to learn about money is a decision which has real consequences.o How making money lighter and more human can change your entire relationship with it. Get in touch with Naomi:Website: Her Money MattersLinkedIn: Naomi HolmesInstagram: @her_moneymatters Facebook: Her Money Matters Podcast: Her Money Matters Find out more about Her Money Matters courses. COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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139. When someday becomes the ticket to what’s calling with Theresa Callahan
In this unexpectedly magical episode, we meet Theresa Callahan, an executive leadership coach, retreat leader, and woman whose life transformed the moment she stopped saying 'someday'.What begins as a conversation about courage unfolds into a rich, cinematic story of a single decision that changed everything: a one-way ticket to Tuscany booked from the back of a conference room, fuelled by a whisper Theresa could no longer ignore.From there, the episode weaves through themes of timing, self-trust, guilt, vulnerability, identity, love, leadership, motherhood…and what becomes possible when you finally listen to what’s been quietly calling for years.This is a feel-it episode.One that explores what happens just before we act, why so many of us delay what matters most, and how courage often shows up not as bravado, but as a quiet, trembling yes. If you’ve ever felt something tugging at you—a place, an idea, a version of yourself—and you talked yourself out of it because of age, responsibility, fear, or timing… this conversation is for you.Think of it as an invitation to notice the quiet ‘someday’ that you keep shelving.To question what it might cost to keep waiting.And to honestly wonder…What if someday is today? Key takeaways:o What happens when “someday” becomes impossible to ignore.o How a single, seemingly small decision can rewrite the next decades of your life.o Why guilt so often appears right before growth, especially if you’re used to putting everyone else first.o What solo time can reveal about who you are.o Why vulnerability is the true gateway to courage.o How being ready for love, purpose, or expansion starts with being open to receive it.o What shifts when you stop waiting to feel ready and start trusting what’s already stirring. Get in touch with Theresa:Website: Retreat to TuscanyInstagram: @retreat.to.tuscany Facebook: Retreat to Tuscany YouTube Channel: Retreat to Tuscany LinkedIn: Theresa Callahan Email inquiries for the Retreat Programs: [email protected] COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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138. Big Magic and the creative pull you can’t ignore with Kim Payne
It’s the first week of January 2026, and on a scorching hot day, a quiet poolside moment and the unexpected reread of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert lead me into a deeper conversation about ideas, creativity, timing—and what it really means when something is calling for your attention.This episode is about tuning into the why behind your restlessness and wondering whether resistance is really a cue to slow down… or a signal that something new is stirring.If your mind keeps drifting toward what’s next, even when you “should” be resting, this offers a different way to listen. Key takeawayso The subtle difference between needing rest… and feeling creatively pulledo Why following a feeling can sometimes matter more than following a plan.o What creativity may be asking of you when it won’t leave you aloneo How to recognise where excitement is trying to lead youo What can shift when curiosity turns into action. Book I referenced: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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137. What comes before the momentum begins with Kim Payne
Recorded on New Year’s Eve, this episode is a powerful reflection on endings, beginnings, and the often-overlooked space in between.As the calendar turns to a new year, where many focus on goals, resolutions, and fresh starts—I offer a different lens: one based on reflection and intentional shedding in preparation for what’s next.Using the Chinese zodiac as a backdrop, I explore what it really means to prepare for momentum, and why the most meaningful changes often happen long before anything looks different on the outside.I share some of the practical steps I’ve been taking—from reviewing long-forgotten subscriptions to clearing physical and emotional clutter, revealing how unnoticed habits, outdated commitments, and silent “auto-pilots” can quietly cost us more than we realise.This isn’t about hustling harder or reinventing yourself. It’s about the unseen work of letting go. Because when you release what no longer serves you, you give yourself room to move into what’s next. Key takeaways:o How internal shifts often come before anything visibly changes.o Why a “set-and-forget” approach can quietly cost you more than you realise.o How letting go creates the space needed for movement and growth.o Why clearing physical and emotional clutter invites what’s next to emerge.o How the most powerful transitions begin with awareness. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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136. When the year felt small, but everything shifted with Kim Payne
As 2025 draws to a close, this episode reframes what real success looks like—especially for those feeling their year fell short.Recorded on Christmas Eve, this honest, reflective conversation explores the kind of growth you can’t always see on the outside but deeply feel on the inside.I unpack the difference between external achievements and internal growth, sharing what really shaped my year—from invisible identity shifts and courageous decisions, to redefining worth, boundaries, alignment, and self-trust. Not all progress is visible, and some of the most meaningful years don’t shout, they whisper.This episode isn’t about checking off goals; it’s about recognising the inner growth that often becomes the foundation for what comes next It’s ideal for anyone approaching a new year, questioning what really mattered and wondering what’s ahead.If you’ve found yourself thinking, “This year wasn’t big enough,” this episode offers a fresh perspective you didn’t know you needed. Key takeaways:o What really counts as a “successful year”? o Why the most important progress often leaves no visible evidence.o How inner alignment can reshape everything before results appear.o Why feeling flat or deflated might actually signal growth.o The unseen courage behind saying no, standing in your worth, and choosing yourself.o What changes when you stop chasing what looks impressive and start trusting what feels true.o How reflection connects dots you didn’t even know were forming.o Why the year that felt smaller may be the one that set everything up. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on your own year and notice the ways you've grown, even if no one else can see it. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS ME – THE BOOK - COMING 18 FEB 2026Grab your copy of Courageous Me – The courage to turn someday into today. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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135. Why the right people in your life matter more than you think with Kim Payne
This episode was sparked while writing the acknowledgements for my book and realising just how many different people have shaped my life, my courage, and who I’ve become.Through a series of simple but powerful “who” questions, I invite you to reflect on the people in your life and the roles they play.This isn’t about judging relationships or finding the “right” answers. It’s about awareness and recognising that we’re not meant to get everything we need from one person. Different people support us in different ways, at different stages of life.And that’s a beautiful thing.At its heart, this episode is a reminder of how much the right people add to our lives and how lucky we are to have them. Key takeaways:o What a simple “who” question can reveal about your inner circleo Why it’s unrealistic to expect one person to meet all your relationship needso What it means when your answers shift over time and why it’s okayo How to recognise the different roles people play in your life o A powerful reflection on where you might show up in other people’s lives Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFT:Want to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. CALL TO ACTION:Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career? Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you work it out.
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134. The endurance to rise beyond hidden scars and fall forward with Amanda Thompson
In this deeply moving episode, Amanda Thompson, financial adviser, single mum, Ironman athlete, and survivor, reveals how pivotal moments broke her down, challenged her endurance, and ultimately rebuilt her.From big bank boardrooms to gruelling Ironman finish lines, from the quiet guilt of single motherhood to the hidden scars of domestic violence, Amanda shares the truth behind resilience that is real, raw, and earned.Her story moves between triumph and trauma, discipline and depletion, purpose and pain—and shows how endurance isn’t limited to sport, but a way of living, healing, and choosing yourself again and again.You’ll hear how a spontaneous high school elective rerouted her life, why she quit a “safe” job, the surprising way sport helped her rebuild her identity, and the moment she decided to reclaim her story after the kind of rock bottom most never speak aloud.This episode is equal parts courage, heartbreak, and hope. It’s impossible to leave unchanged.Amanda really is the Slay Queen of Endurance. Tune in to hear why. Key takeaways:o What endurance looks like when life brings you to your knees.o How Ironman training built the resilience needed for life’s curve balls.o The link between high-performance sport and running a values-led business.o What can be more satisfying than winning when everything’s on the line?o How hidden scars shape our behaviour long after the bruises fade.o What it takes to rebuild yourself after trauma steals what once felt unbreakable.o Why legacy isn’t something you leave for later, it’s something you live now.o How courage shifts from “push through” to “falling forward.”o The defining moment she reclaimed her story - and everything that followed. Get in touch with Amanda:Email: [email protected]: Endurance Financial Instagram: @amandathompsonofficial LinkedIn: Amanda ThompsonFacebook: Endurance Financial Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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133. Building and designing your life at every age and stage with Kerri-Ann Hooper
In this warm and heartfelt conversation, we meet business owner and orange-obsessed powerhouse Kerri-Ann Hooper, founder of Carnelian Projects - a woman who has carried courage with her through joy, loss, rebuilding, and reinvention.From getting braces at 51 and continuing to show up online despite the self-consciousness, to returning to the stage to dance after decades away, to leaving toxic workplaces, launching her own business, navigating miscarriages, watching her family lose everything in the GFC, surviving a contractor collapse, enduring public backlash and more - Kerri-Ann’s story is one of grit wrapped in heart, and hard-earned wisdom.You’ll hear how her childhood passions quietly shaped her destiny, how she moved through the heartbreak of watching her parents’ world fall apart, and how she keeps building through the setbacks, detours, and unexpected turns.This episode is a celebration of courage in all its colours and a reminder that courage doesn’t fade with age; it only gets stronger. Key takeaways:o Why courage sometimes looks like survival.o The surprising places courage hides when you think you’ve outgrown it.o How one simple decision can change your confidence at any age.o What building (and rebuilding) through crisis teaches you. o The unexpected link between childhood passions and adult purpose. o How to keep showing up when the universe tries to stop you. o Why your fifties are not the time to hold back, but to keep going. Get in touch with Kerri-Ann:Instagram: @carnelianprojects LinkedIn: Kerri-Ann Hooper Facebook: Carnelian Projects Website: Carnelian Projects Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz Want to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Tune into The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move.Get access now.Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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132. What no one tells you about what happens before a dream becomes real with Kim Payne
In this episode, I open the door to the emotional rollercoaster of coming close to something you’ve wanted for years, and the surprising mix of excitement, doubt, resistance, and raw courage that shows up right alongside it.From writing 80,000 words of the “wrong” book to the turning points, the wobbles, the whispers, and the exact moment I realised why my manuscript sat unfinished for so long… I share the inner journey that unfolds when a long-held dream suddenly becomes inevitable.I unpack how the fear of success quietly sneaks in, why we suddenly start procrastinating at the finish line, and what it really means to take your own medicine when every insecurity decides to show up.I get honest about my editing ‘meltdown’ in a car dealership, the emotional “oh my goodness” moment of seeing my publishing page for the first time and why getting close to something that matters deeply can feel both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.This is a conversation for anyone who has ever stood on the edge of their next chapter and thought, “Who am I to do this?”If you’re getting close to launching something, creating something, or sharing something that truly matters to you… this episode will feel like a deep exhale and a hand on your back reminding you to keep going. Key takeaways:o Why the closer you get to a dream, the louder the doubts become.o What makes us consider abandoning something we’ve wanted for years.o How to recognise when the fear of success quietly slips in.o Why the “wrong” version of your dream may lead you to the right one.o The surprising shift when you move from your head to your heart.o How to tell if you’re procrastinating… or protecting yourself from being seen in a new way.o The lesson in asking about the alternative to keep pursuing an important milestone. COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz Want to get clear on your courageous next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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131. How to weave happiness through grief and learn to love again with Stephanie Duran
What happens when the life you’ve built suddenly falls apart… and then, against all odds, you rebuild it again?In this breathtaking, emotional, and deeply vulnerable conversation, I chat with author, former attorney, and certified grief coach Stephanie Duran - a woman whose life reads like a novel filled with courage, devastation, reinvention, and the rare kind of love that changes you forever.Together, we trace some of Stephanie’s journey from an idyllic marriage that slowly eroded, to the courage it took to walk away when the world didn’t understand, to rediscovering her confidence after 15 years out of the courtroom.Then comes the love story that stops you in your tracks, the magnetic poolside meeting in Las Vegas, the whirlwind connection, the interstate move, the business, the dreams, and the unimaginable twist that followed.Stephanie opens up about fighting for more time, what it means to love someone through terminal illness, the devastating courage of saying goodbye, and how she found her way back to herself, and eventually, to love again. This episode asks big questions:What do we do when life breaks our heart?How do we rebuild when the story changes?And what does courage really look like when everything is on the line?If you need a reminder that life can take everything from you and still offer new beginnings - this conversation will stay with you long after you listen. Key takeaways:o How childhood moments can unknowingly plant seeds of courage.o Why “good enough” can be the most dangerous place to settle.o How to know when it’s time to leave something the world thinks you should stay in.o What happens when you start over from scratch - career, identity, confidence etc.o How an extraordinary love story can begin with one bold statement. o The unimaginable courage it takes to let go when your heart wants to hold on.o How opening your heart again can start a whole new chapter in your life. Get in touch with Stephanie Duran:Website: Stephanie Duran Instagram: @stephanieduranofficial LinkedIn: Stephanie Duran Facebook: Stephanie Duran Podcast: Weaving Happiness through Grief with Stephanie Duran Get her book: Because I Loved You: Surviving the Unthinkable by Stephanie Duran – updated version released 20 Jan 2026. See all places books are sold. Audio version available now on all platforms. ie. Audible Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne www.linkedin.com/in/kimpayne9rok/Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz Want to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Tune into The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move.Get access now.
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130. Why we keep hiding what makes us most beautiful with Kim Payne
What happens when you stop hiding the parts of yourself you’ve been taught to dislike?In this deeply personal episode, I share an unexpected conversation that began with a woman’s new hairstyle and turned into a raw exploration of self-perception, courage, and the unhelpful nuances we often carry over from childhood.From teasing in the schoolyard to throwaway comments that stick like glue, I unpack how seemingly small moments can shape the way we see ourselves and how, over time, they can quietly limit how we show up in the world.With honesty, humour, and a few confessions of my own, I invite you to consider your quirks - the imperfections, oddities, and habits you may have tried to hide, and see them for what they truly are - the most human, relatable, and beautiful parts of you.If you’ve ever felt “not enough” because of how you look, speak, or show up, this episode will help you uncover how to turn those so-called flaws into your most endearing superpowers. Key takeaways:o How vulnerability can open a deeper sense of connection and courage.o The limitations of holding onto comments made to us as kids.o How past insecurities can shape subtle choices we make today.o The surprising way our perceived flaws can become our most endearing features.o The freedom that comes from owning your unique qualities and quirks.o A behavioural science concept that shows how your bloopers can make you more appealing.o The value of normalising our imperfections as part of being human. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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129. Beyond the facade so you’re truly seen with Adriana Brusi
In this episode, we meet Adriana Brusi, Managing Director at Crowds Now, in a follow-up conversation that delves far deeper than the first one we recorded (and never released). This time, Adriana takes off the mask and gets real and raw. What unfolds is an unfiltered exploration of what it really means to drop the façade of perfection, confront people-pleasing patterns, and reclaim your voice after years of living to meet others’ expectations. From growing up in Hong Kong chasing achievement as love, to breaking free from a toxic marriage, rebuilding her life as a single mother, and launching a new business born from purpose…Adriana’s story is a masterclass in courage, authenticity, and resilience.She reveals the paradox of being perceived as confident yet feeling unseen, the pain and power of learning through failure, and the surprisingly pragmatic tool she uses to move through heartbreak and hardship — one that’s as empowering as it is unconventional.This conversation is for every woman who has ever held herself back, doubted her worth, or wondered what might happen if she finally let the world see the real her. Key takeaways:o What happens when you realise your “authentic” self has been performing. o Why vulnerability and showing the cracks can make you even more endearing.o The hidden ways high-achieving women trade boundaries for belonging.o The red flags we don’t see, and how we can end up in places we never intended.o An unconventional way to move through any emotional storm and why it works.o The importance of learning to regulate emotions and give yourself space to reset.o Reclaiming your power so you can turn any past pain into your superpower to serve. Get in touch with Adriana or learn more about her business, Crowds Now:Website: Crowds Now Instagram:@adrianabrusiofficial @crowds_now LinkedIn: Adriana Brusi Crowds Now **COURAGEOUS SHIFT**Want to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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128. Empowering women to rise through stories of money, scams and grief with Wadzi Nenzou
In this powerful conversation, we hear from the remarkable Wadzanai (Wadzi) Nenzou, founder of Our Scam Stories, a Global Platform where scam survivors share their stories of survival, and Herconomics, dedicated to women’s financial empowerment and money stories.Originally from Zimbabwe, Wadzi came to Australia at 18 with nothing but courage, curiosity, and a fierce desire to explore the world. From studying finance and economics to becoming a trailblazer in women’s money education and scam prevention, her story is one where courage has been the defining thread through every chapter.Wadzi shares how witnessing women’s financial dependence as a young girl inspired her lifelong mission to empower others through storytelling, and how she founded Herconomics by following a burning desire and a willingness to begin long before she had it all figured out.She also opens up about how she found the strength to keep living after unimaginable loss, and the healing that comes from bringing grief into the light.Through her open-hearted storytelling, Wadzi explores the power of personal responsibility, curiosity, and grace. She challenges the narrative of victimhood, inviting women to reclaim their power, take action, and rewrite their money and life stories no matter the circumstances.If you’ve ever needed a reminder that courage can coexist with pain, that your story matters, and that you can use even the hardest chapters of your life to help others, this conversation will move you deeply. Key takeaways:o How the experiences of your childhood can quietly shape your life’s mission.o Why the clarity you’re waiting for only comes after you begin.o The surprising mindset shift that helps you see nuance where others see sides.o How adopting a “scout mindset” can change how you see people, power, and progress.o Why sharing your grief can become a gateway to healing.o The ripple effect when women courageously share their money and scam stories.o Why true empowerment isn’t about waiting for systems to change - it’s about reclaiming your power right now. Get in touch with Wadzi: LinkedIn: Wadzanai (Wadzi) Nenzou Our Scam Stories HerconomicsInstagram: @ourscamstories@theinvestmentscamseducator @wadzinenzou @herconomicsFacebook:Our Scam Stories Herconomics Websites: Our Scam Stories Herconomics The Investment Scams Educator **COURAGEOUS SHIFT**Want to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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127. The greatest contributions you bring to life with Kim Payne
In this episode, I flip the script on how we think about value as it’s not about titles, tasks, or trophies, but about your true contribution: the qualities and energy you bring to any situation simply by being you.Through a fun and heartfelt story about joining a women’s baseball team at age 48, I share how I had to discover what I really brought to the team, and spoiler alert, it wasn’t about I played the game.I unpack how getting clear on your natural contributions can completely change the way you see yourself, your work, and your worth. You’ll hear why we so often downplay what comes easily, how to spot your “value signature” that shows up everywhere you go, and why owning it is one of the most powerful confidence boosters you’ll ever experience.If you’ve ever wondered, “What do I really bring to the table?” - this episode will help you find the answer, own it, and celebrate it. Key takeaways:o Why your value has nothing to do with your job title, and everything to do with who you are.o The surprising life lesson’s learned playing team sport at age 48.o How to uncover your “value signature” - the qualities that make you unmistakably you.o Why we so often dismiss our real gifts (and how to stop).o A simple way to reconnect with your worth when self-doubt creeps in. o How your unique contributions create a ripple effect that impacts everyone around you.o The secret to being your most authentic, and worthy self. **COURAGEOUS SHIFT**Want to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz Want to get clear on your next steps in your business or career?Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you get to the starting line.
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126. From Oy to Joy and finding your champion within with Dorice Horenstein
In this uplifting and deeply human conversation, we meet international speaker, author, and “Champion Catalyst” Dorice Horenstein to explore what it truly means to choose the champion in yourself and turn life’s “oy” moments into joy.Born in Israel and now based in Portland, Oregon, Dorice shares her remarkable journey - from a 14-year-old cleaning houses to buy Levi jeans and Nike runners to the woman who crossed oceans to build her dream life after arriving in the U.S. at 21 with just $600 and a suitcase.She opens up about how one book and a moment of divine timing set her on a whole new path at 52, finding the courage to leave a 30-year career in education, follow her intuition, and trust that “the universe has your back.”Through heartfelt stories, Dorice reflects on the moments where she had to find her champion within to turn challenges into celebrations of joy. From immigrating alone and rebuilding from uncertainty, to healing her body by honouring her truth, transforming an uncomfortable relationship into one that feels like family, supporting her son to follow his heart, and forgiving herself after an accident…Dorice is living proof that you can turn anything around if you choose.This episode is pure light. It’s for anyone standing on the edge of change, ready to trust themselves, take that leap, and ignite the champion within. Key takeaways: o How the energy you bring changes everything. o What to do when physical symptoms reveal misalignment in your heart.o The mindset shift that becomes the catalyst to turn anything into gold. o Why your light is the gift the world needs you to share.o What it really takes to trust the unknown and let faith guide you. o The magic of leading with empathy and humanity rather than ego.o Why it’s never too late to start again and how reinvention can be your greatest champion Get in touch with Dorice:Website: Dorice Horenstein Facebook: Dorice Horenstein LinkedIn: Dorice HorensteinInstagram: Dorice Horenstein Gifts from Dorice: Champion your joy song.The self-saboteur assessment - to see how we sabotage our own joy and courage.Proven scientific way to move your neural pathways and create a life of possibilities: PQ (positive intelligence quotient). COURAGEOUS SHIFTWant to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayneBiz Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help work out your next courageous step.More about Dorice:Dorice Horenstein is an international resilience speaker, author, and Positive Intelligence® expert. She works with leaders and organizations to reignite engagement, strengthen mental fitness, and use winning mindset tools to overcome disconnection and lead with clarity, resilience, and joy.She is the award-winning author of Moments of the Heart and Choose to Be Your Own Champion: The Six-Step Playbook to Become Your Best Self, releasing October 14, 2025. Before launching her speaking career, Dorice spent 30 years in education, including 16 years in educational leadership, writing K–12 curriculum, teaching, and managing a staff and volunteer team of more than 40. Dorice is also the President-Elect of the National Speakers Association (NSA) Oregon chapter.Born and raised in Israel and fluent in Hebrew, Dorice now lives in Portland, Oregon. Outside of work, she enjoys going for walks, doing Peloton workouts, and dancing.
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125. Building the evidence for a life of love and enoughness with Dani Zetzer
In this raw and deeply honest conversation, we meet Dani Zetzer, a family lawyer, founder of Respect Legal, and host of "Diary of a Divorce Lawyer," to explore what courage looks like when life falls apart and you rebuild from the ground up.From watching her childhood home repossessed to building her own law firm during lockdown, losing millions in crypto trading, and navigating single motherhood with three kids, Dani's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and radical self-honesty.She shares how going on "57 first dates" became the unexpected path back to herself, helping her rediscover what she loves, what she wants, and why rebuilding your life starts with rebuilding your sense of enoughness.You'll hear how Dani turned pain into purpose, used rock-bottom moments as her greatest teachers, and how she now helps other women access their courage, whether they're leaving a marriage, starting a business, or rediscovering themselves after years of losing their identity in others.This episode is a masterclass in emotional strength, financial independence, self-trust, and the kind of courage it takes to bet on yourself… again and again. Key takeaways:o Why doing scary things builds evidence that you'll be ok. o The surprising lessons from hitting rock bottom and reframing them for good.o What losing millions taught her about self-worth, shame, and scarcity.o Why bubble baths aren't the answer to real self-care, and what is. o The power of curiosity and trying new things at any age. o How trusting your gut feeling can save you from years of heartache.o Why the most courageous choices are the ones made from love. Get in touch with Dani Zetzer:Website: Respect Legal Instagram: @respect_legal_ LinkedIn: Respect Legal LinkedIn: Danielle (Dani) Zetzer Facebook: Respect Legal *COURAGEOUS SHIFT*Want to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Get access now to The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayne9Biz Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help work out your next courageous move.
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124. Letting go to make space for what’s next with Kim Payne
In this solo episode, I open up about one of the hardest (and most freeing) lessons we all face, knowing when to let go. From scrapping my first book manuscript to deciding to close a business partnership after six years, I share raw stories of choosing release over attachment, even when it feels uncomfortable.Letting go isn't about giving up. It's about creating the space for something better, more aligned, and more life-giving to arrive. Whether it's a business, a project, a friendship, or simply an old identity that no longer fits, the moment you release what's weighing you down, you invite in opportunities that energize and excite you.This conversation is a heartfelt invitation to ask yourself what you've been holding onto simply because you've already invested so much. And what might be possible if you permitted yourself to let it go? Key takeaways:o Why clinging to something you've outgrown could be blocking opportunities.o How to tell the difference between "not ready" and "not right."o The surprising gift hidden in abandoned projects.o A simple question that reveals whether it's time to walk away.o What two women discovered when they faced the truth. o Why letting go doesn't always have to be dramatic.o The powerful shift when you release what no longer serves you. Want to make the impact you know is possible without having everything figured out? Tune into The Courageous Shift – a FREE 90 min audio mini-series to work out your next move. Get access now.Where to find me: Website: Kim Payne LinkedIn: Kim Payne Instagram: @iamkimpayne Facebook: KimPayne Biz Book a FREE 45 min Call to Action to help you decide what needs to be let go.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hi, I’m Kim Payne. Welcome to the Courageous Me podcast—your go-to for incredible stories and practical tips to add more courage to your life.Imagine what’s possible if courage wasn’t reserved for heroic moments but became part of your everyday life.Whether you're dreaming big, going through a rough patch, or are ready to reignite the fire in your belly, this podcast is for you.Because courage is life’s secret source—it turns the ordinary into magic. And it all starts with you.
HOSTED BY
Kim Payne
CATEGORIES
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