Her Time, Her Place

In this episode of Her Time, Her Place, I sat down with Kathy Rhodes, founder of Held and Free, for a powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and the path that led her from corporate marketing to social entrepreneurship. Kathy shares how an early academic opportunity shaped her curious, non-linear career, and how roles in PR, the Cancer Council, luxury brands in London, financial services, and business strategy all helped build the skills she uses today. Kathy opens up about the defining life moments that changed everything: the loss of close family members in the Laos plane crash, her own cervical cancer diagnosis during the pandemic, and the experience of watching a friend fall through the cracks during a crisis.That experience became the spark for Held and Free, a social enterprise and not-for-profit designed to support women in business through personal crisis so their livelihoods can continue. Kathy explains how the model works, why it matters, and how support, advice, and practical intervention can help women stay afloat when life gets hard.Along the way, she reflects on ADHD, late diagnosis, grief, strength, kindness, and why women need more than applause - the ones who “get the wipes” in the hard moments. Her closing insight, “K stands for Kaleidoscope,” is a beautiful reminder that every woman’s lived experience creates a unique and valuable contribution.This is an honest, moving, and huge hearted episode about building something bigger than yourself and standing in the gap for women who need it most.WebsitesHeld and Free - https://www.heldfree.com/Kathy Rhodes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-rhodes/

Lou Wardlaw, Chair of charity One in Five and Founder of Grounded Together, is one of the optomistic, hopeful and joyous humans I know!In this episode Lou takes us through her journey from curious student to corporate executive, now executive coach and a committed mental health advocate and leader.Lou opens up about the opportunities that came her way and the personal challenges that shaped her path, and why hope, self-care, and leading with heart have become the foundation of her work. It's a conversation about what happens when lived experience becomes purpose. So many gems of wisdom:-"Use your influence""Don't disqualify yourself""Choose hope""Look for the lovely""Lead with your heart""Self care is not a reward, its a responsibility to ourselves"KeywordsLeadership, Mental Health, Self-Care, Resilience, Career Path, Personal Growth, Advocacy, Women in LeadershipKey TopicsCareer journey and diverse experiencesHeart-lead leadershipThe importance of self-care and resilience• Supporting mental health and carersWebsitesOne in FiveGrounded Together

What do you do when someone else closes the door on your ambitions? For Andrea Hardy, it wasn't the end of the story, it was the beginning of a new one. In this inspiring conversation, Andrea reflects on the moments that shaped her, her lifelong love of learning, and the choices that led to a rewarding portfolio career across leadership, governance and community impact. A thoughtful reminder that your career is rarely a straight line, and that the doors you open yourself are often the ones that matter most.If you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or ready for your next chapter, Andrea's story will leave you feeling both challenged and encouraged.

Episode 6 is a little different ... I've recorded it solo, from Koh Samui, Thailand, during my annual Purpose and Passion Cultural Trip to capture why I created these women-only trips and share what we get up to while I'm actually living it!  You'll get an insight into my passion for helping women make time for themselves and, most importantly, the 'purpose' part - seeing first-hand the impact of our chosen charity partner, Sisters on Samui.This episode is about what it looks like to choose yourself - to step away from routine, embrace adventure, make new connections and to travel with purpose instead of just an itinerary.Her Time indeed!Topics covered:·       Why I created the Xplore Purpose and Passion Cultural Trips, and what they're really designed to create·       The reality of taking leave and the importance of self-care for women in leadership and caregiving roles, and why rest rarely happens on its own·       Sisters on Samui, our chosen charity partner, and their community work·       What shifts in women when they get space to reconnect with themselves and expand their connectionsSound bites:·       "Women often put their own health and wellbeing last on the list."·       "This isn't a holiday from your life, it's a chance to come back to yourself."·       "When you support a local charity directly, you see exactly where the impact lands."Websites:·       Xplore the Purpose and Passion Cultural Trips·       Sisters on Samui

I've known Alison Hernandez for decades, and always thing of her adventurous spirit. She's full of energy and has always been ahead of the curve. In this episode, I got to uncover more about Ali's back story and found out just where that drive and future-state thinking came from!Alison Hernandez has had the unplanned joy of experiencing diverse roles across four countries, transitioning from corporate to entrepreneur, all while embracing the unexpected. Her early days in hospitality taught her the importance of customer and employee experience. This obsession has been a guiding force throughout her career. When she took a gap year in 1997, she never imagined it would lead to amazing opportunities like managing careers for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. A game-changer for her future career! Ali also shares the deep importance of taking care of our own health and wellbeing, and how she's doing just that.Listen in for Ali's full story of seizing the moment, being client and human-centred and never staying still!#CareerJourney #DiversityAndInclusion #Entrepreneurship #Sydney2000 #LongevityExpert

"I was always wired this way!" And so it seems from my wide-reaching interview with Lisa Annese, CEO of Chief Executive Women.Lisa candidly shares her journey from migrant roots to corporate australia and leading Australia's top organisations advocating for diversity and gender equality. She also has a great a take on what it means and takes to be a CEO.Discover her insights on leadership, resilience, the value of advocates and the power of showing up - day after day after day - to consistently create impact.So much realness and great observations shared. Enjoy!

Ever felt like you were too much?Licia Heath, CEO at Women for Election Australia, has finally - at the age of 51! - embraced her unique and many talents and candidly shares what it has taken to get here! 💪"Growing up, I was always told to tone it down. Boys won't like you if you shine too bright." Sound familiar?It took her years to realise that the world needs more people who dare to be bold, unconventional, and brilliant - and to embrace the crisituniity!Instead of fitting into a box, Licia has boldly stepped in to her power - her time and place - owning this moment, creating impact and improving democracy each and every day.A whip-smart, warm and generous leader, Licia shares how being unconventional and brave became her super powers, and we love that for her!Celebrate your talents and uniqueness - no more minimising. Maybe that’s the real lesson.Enjoy!#WomenForElection #Empowerment #BeYourself #BoldMoves #UnconventionalJourney

Have you ever faced a life transition that felt daunting? You're not alone. Most women encounter twists and turns in their lives and careers. In this episode, we explore valuable insights shared by Sonia Casanova, CEO of Dress for Success New South Wales and ACT, about her experiences and what she learned along the way.From navigating different industries, working it regional Australia, embracing redundancy, starting her own business, juggling work and family, an adult 'gap year' living abroad, and arriving in the purpose-driven role she has today. Sonia's journey is filled with lessons encouraging us to embrace change and thrive.## About Sonia CasanovaSonia Casanova is an accomplished leader with extensive experience across various sectors, including tourism, financial services, and aviation. As the CEO of Dress for Success NSW&ACT, she champions women's empowerment and professional development. Her years of experience have equipped her with unique insights into career transitions and the importance of resilience in the workplace.

Join Amanda Webb in her inaugural episode of 'Her Time, Her Place' as she interviews Diana Ryall AM, a trailblazing leader in education, technology and gender equality. Discover Diana’s inspiring journey from aspiring school teacher to CEO of Apple Australia and entrepreneur.  Staying curious, overcoming barriers, taking risks and empowering women through her company ‘Xplore for Success’ and the women’s charity ‘Dress for Success’ for over 20 years. This is a rich conversation exploring life and career crossroads, the people, the times and the places. Enjoy.

Welcome to NOT Episode #1 of 'Her Time, Her Place'. Amanda Webb shares her personal journey of launching her podcast 'Her Time, Her Place' amidst challenges like illness, emphasising authenticity, imperfection, and seizing the right moments for women to pursue their goals.Join her on this journey ...