Taking Ctrl with Chloe and Gemma

In this episode, we chat with Cisco Sara about what really drives success in Product Marketing – relationships.From building trust across product and design teams to influencing without formal authority, Cisco shares real-world experiences and hard-won lessons on how strong internal relationships can make or break your go-to-market strategy. It’s an honest, insightful conversation about working in the messy middle, finding your voice, and partnering with empathy.Whether you’re a PMM, PM, or just navigating cross-functional chaos, this episode will help you reframe collaboration as your biggest advantage.Connect with Cisco🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/ciscosara⁠📱 TikTok: @c15coConnect with Us!🎙️ Chloe’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chloeleatherdale🎙️ Gemma’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gemma-a-jackson📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast📱 TikTok: @takingctrlpodcastEpisode BreakdownMeet Cisco SaraHis path into product marketingThe creative skills he brought with him — and what he had to learn on the flyThe Relationship AdvantageWhy internal relationships are the foundation of great product marketingHow to build trust and influence in fast-paced product teamsInfluence Without AuthorityTactics for aligning with product, design, and engineeringNavigating tricky feedback loops and staying collaborative under pressureShowing Up With EmpathyThe soft skills that help you thrive in cross-functional rolesWhy relationship-building is a long game and totally worth it

Portfolios aren’t what they used to be. In this episode, we (Gemma & Chloe) dive into the evolving role of portfolios across creative, tech, and product careers. From physical lookbooks to PDF dumps and personal blogs, we unpack how our own portfolios have changed—and what we now look for when hiring.Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or product manager, your portfolio can either open doors or get lost in the noise. We talk about storytelling, structure, tailoring for roles, and the biggest red flags we see when reviewing portfolios. Plus, how personal branding, case study libraries, and even this podcast count as part of your digital footprint.Connect with Us!🎙️ Chloe’s LinkedIn: Chloe Leatherdale🎙️ Gemma’s LinkedIn: Gemma Jackson📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast📱 TikTok: @takingctrlpodcastOur Portfolio JourneysChloe’s evolution from textile zines to digital showcases.Gemma’s pivot from design school to SaaS and freelancing.What we used, what worked, and what flopped.From Print to ProcessWhy finished outputs used to matter most—and why that’s changed.Case studies, storytelling, and showing your thinking.Tailoring Your PortfolioHow Chloe keeps 15+ case studies in a “swap in/out” library.Why Gemma built a no-visual PDF portfolio to land a UX role.The power of picking 2–3 stories that match the job, not just your past.The Rise of Personal BrandingHow blogs, podcasts, and LinkedIn are replacing old-school portfolios.Why sharing your voice now matters as much as sharing your work.Being Googleable is part of the game.Hiring Real TalkWhat we notice reviewing 100s of portfolios.What instantly gets a “no”—and what stands out.Why bad UX in your portfolio can cost you a UX job.Common Mistakes We SeeUnclear storytelling and no visible process.Wedding photos as headshots (yes, really).Too many projects, not enough clarity.Final ThoughtsYou don’t need a perfect portfolio, you need a relevant one.Your story matters—make it easy for someone to understand it.Personalisation beats perfection, every time.

Speaking with confidence can change everything — from career growth to personal influence. In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Surplice, a passionate public speaker and Toastmasters enthusiast, to break down the secrets of effective communication. We explore real-world strategies for overcoming nerves, structuring impactful speeches, and handling unexpected challenges. Whether you're prepping for a big presentation, leading meetings, or just want to feel more at ease speaking up, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you own the stage.Connect with Us!🎙️ Chloe's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloeleatherdale/ 🎙️ Gemma's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-a-jackson/📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast📱 TikTok: @takingctrlpodcastEpisode BreakdownMeet Melanie SurpliceHer journey from nervous speaker to confident communicatorHow Toastmasters helped transform her skillsSpeaking with ConfidenceHow to structure a talk for impact & engagementManaging nerves & handling unexpected situationsPractical Tips for Real-Life SpeakingHow to prepare effectively for speeches & presentationsThe power of feedback & practice in building confidenceGrowing Your Communication SkillsHow to keep improving beyond Toastmasters & formal trainingThe best resources for mastering public speakingConnect with Mel:Linked In: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesurplice/The Talkative Toastmaster: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2272273/episodes

AI is moving fast—are you keeping up? In this episode, we sit down with Fiona Wilhelm to unpack the rapid rise of AI agents, the explosion of AI startups, and what it all means for businesses, careers, and the future of work. From the big shifts happening since last year to the growing role of small startups in shaping AI, we cut through the noise and get real about what’s next. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or just trying to future-proof your career, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Connect with Us!🎙️ Chloe's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloeleatherdale/ 🎙️ Gemma's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-a-jackson/📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast📱 TikTok: @takingctrlpodcast---Episode Breakdown- Fiona’s Back! - Catching up on our last AI chat & what’s changed since. - Why AI is moving faster than ever & what that means for us. - AI’s Big Shift Since Christmas - AI has taken a major leap in just a few months. - Comparing this moment to the early days of the internet. - Why businesses & individuals need to keep up. - The Rise of AI Agents & Startups - 2025 is being called "The Year of Small" for AI startups. - AI agents are revolutionizing industries—how they work & why they matter. - 25% of AI agents are being built by startups—what this means for innovation. - Human vs. AI – Where Do We Fit? - What jobs are at risk & which will thrive? - AI as a tool to enhance human work, not replace it. - Why emotional intelligence & human oversight are more valuable than ever. - Creativity & AI – Finding the Balance - AI-generated content is everywhere—but is it losing its spark? - The risk of AI making everything sound the same. - How to use AI as a creative assistant without losing originality. - The Future of Work – Skills You Need - Emotional intelligence, ethics, & strategic thinking are key. - How AI is shifting workplace roles & expectations. - The most in-demand skills for an AI-driven world. - AI in Schools – A Real-World Story - A school introduced AI—what happened & what they learned. - Why students initially resisted & how trust played a huge role. - Lessons businesses can take from this experiment. - AI at Work – Embracing Change - Small AI experiments can create major efficiency boosts. - Why companies shouldn’t wait to start integrating AI. - Practical ways to introduce AI into teams today. - Reimagining Careers with AI - What tasks can be automated & what still needs a human touch? - How to shift your role & make AI work for you. - Thinking of AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. - AI Compliance & Ethics - AI adoption is growing, but compliance & regulation are lagging. - Why responsible AI development is a must for businesses. - Inside Fiona’s work with Natural Velocity & their mission. - Cybersecurity & AI Risks - AI is also being used by cybercriminals—how do we protect ourselves? - The rising cost of ignoring AI-driven threats. - What businesses & individuals can do to stay secure. - Staying Ahead in AI - AI is evolving rapidly—how do we keep up without burnout? - Fiona’s strategy for intentional AI learning & avoiding hype. - Why networking & staying connected are more important than ever. - Final Thoughts - AI isn’t slowing down—how do we stay ahead of the curve? - Key takeaways on adapting, learning, & leveraging AI. - Why staying curious & open-minded is the best strategy.

🎙️Episode Summary Lauren Dolman shares her inspiring journey of resilience, authenticity, and empowerment. From her transition between industries to publishing her book, Lauren provides thoughtful insights on overcoming challenges, supporting others, and fostering meaningful career growth. This episode is a must-listen for professionals at any stage of their journey who want to lead with confidence and purpose. 📖 'Your CEO's Full of Sh!t' by Lauren Dolman is available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Connect with Taking Ctrl: 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📱 TikTok: @takingctrlpodcast

🔍 In this episode, we explore: Why "good vibes" matter when building high-performing teams The power of personal branding (without the cringe factor) How to maintain team culture across global time zones Creative ways to use voice notes and video for better team communication The importance of defining your values early in your career Breaking free from traditional leadership stereotypes Tips for creating psychological safety in distributed teams 💡 Key Takeaways: Whether you're an aspiring leader or looking to build stronger teams, this episode offers fresh perspectives on authentic leadership. Vanessa shares practical insights on everything from conducting meaningful icebreakers to helping team members discover their values, all while maintaining that personal touch across different time zones. ✨ Standout Moments: Why confidence doesn't always look like "a guy in a suit at the front of the room" The importance of letting team members bring their whole selves to work Creative communication strategies for global teams How to align your career choices with your personal values 🎯 Perfect for: Leaders managing remote or distributed teams Anyone looking to develop their authentic leadership style Professionals wanting to build their personal brand authentically Team members seeking to contribute to a positive work culture Connect with Taking Ctrl: 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📱 TikTok: @takingctrlpodcast

In this Episode: What is Human Centred Design? How can we align our values to our Career What Career Paths get us into AI AI Adversion and managing Risks Practical use cases beyond Marketing How to know if AI is a right solution fit Democrisiting Knowledge and AI Opportunities Connect with Fiona: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-wilhelm-22500522/ Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast

Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast In this Episode: - What is Tall Poppy Syndrome? - How can this impact our careers and attitude to success? - How can we support those around us? - How can we support ourselves? Acknowledgment of Country: Taking Ctrl Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

We're super excited to have guest Peace Mitchell join us on Taking Ctrl! Peace Mitchell is a Publisher ,TEDx speaker, entrepreneur and Author. She is also the co-founder of The Women Changing the World Awards, The Women's Business School, AusMumpreneur & WCW Press. Peace believes that investing in women is the most powerful way to change the world and is passionate about connection. By bringing women together through the Women's Business School she has helped thousands of women to achieve their dream of running successful and profitable businesses. Links mentioned in this episode: www.linkedin.com/in/peacemitchell www.linkedin.com/company/women-changing-the-world-press www.ausmumpreneur.com www.thewomensbusinessschool.com www.ted.com/talks/peace_mitchell_the_connection_economy?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Books mentioned in this episode: Playing Big - Tara Mohr Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert The Big Leap - Gay Hendricks The Awakened Woman - By Tererai Trent, Oprah Winfrey Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgment of Country: Taking Ctrl Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Chloe and Gemma discussed the importance of understanding the reasons behind a 'no' in professional settings. They also explored the benefits of collaboration in generating and refining ideas in a business setting, highlighting the importance of involving multiple perspectives and working together to create a more robust and impactful solution. Finishing with a discussion around the importance of identifying and mitigating risks when presenting ideas to stakeholders, emphasising the value of considering potential drawbacks and framing the message in a way that resonates with the audience. Acknowledgment of Country: Taking Ctrl Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

Talking all things Story-telling and how to sell technology to non-technical people. Robin Foster joins us as an experienced Solutions Engineer with advice on "how not to tell a boring story" and how to get people excited about complex technology. In the tech industry it isn't just about building the solutions but being able to position them with real-world users that solve a problem and help them understand why they need that technology. Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgment of Country: Taking Ctrl Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

We're super excited to have guest Ashleigh Paholek join us on Taking Ctrl! Ash is the founder of Tier Society, an organisation that aims to empower women+ by cultivating internal and external confidence to help transform your life. Confidence in the way we show up, speak, connect and dress. We asked Ash a number of questions about how our confidence can help us in our careers, how we develop self-identity as professionals and how we prepare to achieve our goals confidently. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tier-society/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-paholek-12760920b/ Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgment of Country: Taking Ctrl Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

Hello Listeners! Today's topic talks about how to make the most out of what resources are available to help better your career. Whether that be applying for grants, scholarships or asking for a learning and development budget from your manager - there are a variety of resources that might help you accelerate your career ambitious if you take advantage of them! Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgment of Country: Taking Ctrl Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

Today with chat with Ermi Mendoza-Isais, a Design Mentor, Leader and Product Designer. Ermi has had a significant impact in the Design Community in Australia as one of the trailblazers of the networking platform, ADPList. She is a regular speaker at design community events and regularly mentors new designers who are trying to break into the field. We find out Ermi's top tips for staying relevant as a new designer or as an experienced designer managing change and how to "find your people" and find a professional community that's right for you. RESOURCES: Connect with Ermi on any platform below: (she recommended LinkedIn!) ADPLIST: https://adplist.org/mentors/ermi-isais LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ermiisias Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgment of Country: Taking Ctrl Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

Today we chat with Michelle Ou and her inspiring journey from optometry to technology consulting. We explore her career pivot, the transformative power of inclusive design, and its impact on society. ABOUT MICHELLE: Michelle helps organisations better serve their people and communities through inclusive design. This looks like bringing underrepresented voices into strategy, research, design and decision-making. It also involves advocating for inclusive design practices, equity and belonging. RESOURCES: Inclusive Design Resources https://michoudesign.notion.site/michoudesign/Inclusive-Design-Resources-b82aa22948ad46c7b4346e324f3f864a Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/oumichelle/ ADPList https://adplist.org/mentors/michelle-ou Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgment of Country: Taking Ctrl Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

Today we chat with Justin Hennessy, talking all things Leadership, Growth and what advice we'd tell our younger selves about our careers with what we know today. ABOUT JUSTIN: Justin is a Chief Technology Officer, Leader, Mentor, Coach and Musician who we were incredibly lucky to get on the show. Justin is someone that we have both have had the privilege of working with and have both personally received leadership advice him from that was too good not to share with you all. RESOURCES: There are a lot of resources mentioned in today's episode, so strap in - heres the list: Miracle morning https://www.amazon.com.au/NEW-Miracle-Morning-Hal-Elrod/dp/B09VCQH3ZN/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3TQUPZW3UPKC2&keywords=the+miracle+morning&qid=1700940976&sprefix=The+miracle%2Caps%2C324&sr=8-3 Grit https://www.amazon.com.au/Grit-passion-resilience-secrets-success/dp/1785040200/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1T866DQ807SPJ&keywords=Grit&qid=1700941055&sprefix=gr%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-5 Imposter Syndrome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNBmHXS3A6I The Obstacle is the way https://www.amazon.com.au/Obstacle-Way-Ancient-Adversity-Advantage/dp/1781251495/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26B68ZDM6PVFF&keywords=the+obstacle+is+the+way&qid=1700941190&sprefix=the+obsticle+is+the+%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-1   The 7 habits of highly effective people https://www.amazon.com.au/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Anniversary/dp/1760856827/ref=sr_1_5?crid=233PHQ8KRJWG1&keywords=7+habits&qid=1700941604&sprefix=7+habi%2Caps%2C283&sr=8-5 Quiet Leadership https://www.amazon.com.au/Quiet-Leadership-Steps-Transforming-Performance/dp/0060835915/ref=sr_1_3?crid=DPVERKGG3H5M&keywords=quiet+leadership&qid=1700942094&sprefix=quite+leadersh%2Caps%2C324&sr=8-3 Compound Effect https://www.amazon.com.au/Compound-Effect-Darren-Hardy-LLC/dp/1399805789/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1700942540&sr=8-1 Blog / Books https://justinhennessy.com/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinhennessy/ Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgement of Country: Taking Ctrl Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

In this episode we discuss all things brand identities and explore some of the differences between brand guidelines and design systems. Digging deeper into what each other studied and sharing career experiences. Resources from this episode: 💛 @chametals- Jewellery designer Tiktoker  💛 @calebwsimpson - Let’s do a house tour Tiktoker  Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgement of Country: Product Pathfinders Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

In this episode, we continue our conversation on some of the nuances and acronyms you might find while working in a Technology or Product Business. Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgement of Country: Product Pathfinders Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

In this episode, we discuss leadership and growth. We chat and reflect on personal stories and share opinions which have helped evolve our own perspectives. Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgement of Country: Product Pathfinders Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

Have you ever had to explain why you went a particular way with your designs, to people who have absolutely no clue? That sounds like a typical day for almost any creative. Often as a designer, you'll be responsible for not only creating an idea, but selling it to others. That's where Articulating Design Decisions comes into it. Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgement of Country: Taking Ctrl Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

Feedback is only useful if it's actionable, and can help you get to a better result. In today's episode, we dive into 👉 How to receive and how to give better feedback 👉 How to control the narrative when asking for input from others 👉 How to filter what you should and shouldn't action Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgement of Country: Product Pathfinders Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

In this episode, we discuss some of the nuance terms that come up while working in tech and what better place to start than Product. We discuss the difference between Product and Projects, our experiences working in both and some advice to help you get started. Resources: 💛 @sixthreezerobicycles - Fun Bike Riding Karaoke TikToker 💛 @themissingself - Social Issues TikToker Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgement of Country: Product Pathfinders Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

In this episode we dive a little into who we are, and what it means to be a beginner. In particular, how adopting a beginners mindset can be leveraged to your advantage in any aspect of your life. We also dive into content recommendations both professionally and personally and walk through actionable tips to be a better learner and a better beginner. Resources from this Episode: 💛 https://adplist.org/ - ADPList lets you list yourself as a talent in the community and get vouched by mentors - boosting your credentials to get hired fast 💛@bowserbee - The Wholesome Bee Tiktoker Follow us on Socials! 📸 Instagram: @takingctrlpodcast 📸 Tiktok: @takingctrlpodcast Acknowledgement of Country: Product Pathfinders Podcast acknowledges the Turrabul people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. we extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.