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Support and inspiration to help you thrive as a senior leader. Lauren Eyles, Executive Coach & Mentor, chats with fabulous female leaders from across the world, sharing stories and tips. It’s like a coffee with friends and a free coaching session! For more information, visit https://femaleexecutivesurvivalguide.com/
Episodes
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
In this episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide podcast, Lauren Eyles speaks with Vanessa Vershaw, a high-performance coach and workplace psychologist, about navigating tricky dynamics at work, particularly among women. They discuss the prevalence of female workplace aggression, the importance of psychological safety, and the need for mentorship and support networks. Vanessa emphasizes that the real issue for women in leadership is not a lack of pipeline but rather resistance within workplace cultures. The conversation also covers strategies for identifying and addressing workplace aggression, the role of leadership in shaping culture, and the importance of leading authentically.
Sound Bites
"We need to build brave workplaces."
"Not every incivility is bullying."
"Document what's happening."
"Don't leave this stuff to fester."
"Your health and wellbeing has got to come first."
"Life's too short to stay in a toxic environment."
"Lead with who you are, not what you know."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Workplace Dynamics
03:13 The Sisterhood Paradox: Understanding Female Workplace Aggression
05:57 Pipeline vs. Resistance: The Real Issues for Women in Leadership
09:04 Identifying Workplace Aggression: Bullying vs. Microaggressions
11:56 Navigating Tricky Dynamics: Strategies for Women
14:57 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Workplace Culture
17:49 Building Brave Workplaces: The Importance of Psychological Safety
20:46 Taking Action Against Bullying: Strategies and Support
23:46 The Importance of Mentorship and Support Networks
26:49 Final Thoughts: Leading Authentically and Courageously
Bio: Vanessa Vershaw
Vanessa Vershaw is a high performance coach and workplace psychologist who helps leaders from around the world think boldly and solve big challenges.
Alongside her talent development work, Vanessa has a passion for improving workplace dynamics.
She is the author of The Sisterhood Paradox: the psychology of female workplace aggression.
You can connect with Vanessa via her Website, LinkedIn or Instagram. Her books are available here.
Bio: Lauren Eyles
Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.
As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.
She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.
Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.
Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.
Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.
Keywords
workplace dynamics, female aggression, leadership, mentorship, psychological safety, bullying, microaggressions, women in leadership, workplace culture, resistance
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
In this episode, Lauren Eyles speaks to Paula Davies, a senior legal executive and Non-Executive Director, to discuss the importance of governance, risk management, and safeguarding children, people with disability and older people. They explore what good governance and risk management means and how leaders can gain an understanding of the Board’s risk appetite and the key tools and frameworks needed to manage risk effectively.
This episode also explores Paula's journey into corporate governance, the significance of ethical decision-making, and the role of leaders in creating a safe environment. The conversation also touches on personal experiences that shape one's passion for safeguarding, the dynamics between management and boards, and practical advice for new executives navigating their careers.
Sound Bites
"Leadership can be lonely."
"Surround yourself with passionate people."
"Risk happens in the ordinary course of business."
"Safeguarding is about creating a safe space."
"You become the person you wish was there for you."
"Take the long view in your career."
"It's okay to say enough."
"Don't get too caught up in the moment."
"Change is constant."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Governance and Leadership
03:01 The Journey into Corporate Governance
05:56 Advice for New Executives
09:13 Understanding Risk Management
11:56 The Role of Safeguarding in Governance
14:48 Personal Experiences and Passion for Safeguarding
18:05 Navigating Board Dynamics
20:51 The Importance of Communication
24:07 Reflections on Leadership and Boundaries
26:54 Final Thoughts and Survival Tips
Bio: Paula Davies
Paula Davies is a Senior Legal Executive and a Non Executive Director who specialises in corporate governance and risk management.
She has led multidisciplinary teams that developed and managed effective compliance and ethics programs within large and complex organisations.
Paula believes that good decision making starts with a strong and ethical corporate culture.
In addition to her General Counsel and Company Secretary role with the Adelaide Primary Health Network, Paula is a Non Executive Director across many sectors, with a passion for safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of children and adults.
- Influence Global
- The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse
- Blue Knot Foundation
- Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) - free or low cost governance training
- Women on Boards (WOB)
- Governance Institute of Australia (GIA)
- Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
Bio: Lauren Eyles
Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.
As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.
She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.
Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.
Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.
Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.
Keywords
governance, leadership, risk management, safeguarding, corporate governance, executive coaching, ethical decision making, women in leadership, board dynamics, personal development
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
In this episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide podcast, Lauren Eyles speaks with Cherie Johnson, Founder and Managing Director of an arts and education consultancy, Speaking in Colour, about creating a legacy and engaging with Aboriginal communities and culture.
They discuss Cherie's life and business journey as a Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman, the legacy that she is creating and what she is most proud of.
Lauren asks Cherie for her advice to leaders who are wanting to commence a journey towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on behalf of their organisation. The conversation explores how to proceed, things to consider and impactful ways that organisations can partner with Aboriginal-owned businesses to support self determination within communities.
They discuss what a Welcome to Country means, its significance to Cherie and how to deliver a personalized Acknowledgement of Country with heart and cultural sensitivity rather than reading a script.
The conversation also explores how perspectives and priorities can change when you enter your 40s, seeing your life as an emerging story that you are author of and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your growth.
Sound Bites
"We need to have brave conversations."
"It's all about perspective."
"Success looks different for everyone."
"I feel like I belong."
"We need to teach people about culture."
"It's important to acknowledge Country."
"Cultural sensitivity is key in business."
"We need to create quick wins."
"It's about reciprocal relationships."
"Be brave to back yourself."
"We can rewrite our own story."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Legacy
01:08 Cherie Johnson: Connecting Culture and Community
02:23 The Genesis of Speaking in Colour
06:11 Transformations in Business and Life
12:45 Understanding Welcome to Country
24:33 Guidelines for Acknowledgment of Country
32:19 Creating Quick Wins in Relationships
34:03 Building Sustainable Relationships with Aboriginal Businesses
36:47 The Importance of Self-Determination in Business
38:54 Strategic Approaches to Reconciliation
40:30 Mapping Opportunities and Risks
42:57 Understanding Organizational Culture and Timing
46:01 Pride in Personal and Community Achievements
51:12 Leadership and Growing Other Leaders
56:00 Survival Tips for Women in Leadership
01:00:10 Embracing Change and Redefining Success
Bio: Cherie Johnson
Cherie Johnson is the Founder and Managing Director of Speaking in Colour, an arts and education consultancy, connecting people, educators and businesses with Aboriginal culture.
Cherie is a Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman, and is an active member of the Awabakal Community in Newcastle.
A highly regarded lecturer in Aboriginal culture and education at the University of Newcastle, Cherie is also completing a PhD, researching “the effects of urban Aboriginal Women coming to culture and its importance” today.
Cherie is a woman of many talents, including business, dance, art, speaking, and she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Teaching.
You can connected with Cherie via:
Bio: Lauren Eyles
Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.
As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.
She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.
Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.
Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.
Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.
Keywords
leadership, legacy, Aboriginal culture, business transformation, welcome to country, acknowledgement of country, cultural sensitivity, education, community engagement, Speaking in Colour, Cherie Johnson, minimal viable products, reconciliation, community engagement, self-determination, leadership, strategic planning, Aboriginal businesses, stakeholder relationships, personal growth, women in leadership
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
In this episode, Lauren Eyles discusses how to encourage your team members to speak up in meetings. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different personality styles within a team, creating a safe environment for contributions, and the value of silence. Additionally, she touches on the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care as a leader. Lauren also invites listeners to join her for free mentoring sessions to further support their leadership journeys.
Takeaways
- Leadership can be a lonely journey, and support is essential.
- Understanding personality styles using DiSC helps improve team communication.
- Creating a safe space encourages team members to contribute.
- Silence can be a powerful tool in meetings.
- Leaders should prioritize self-care and set boundaries.
- Feedback is crucial for personal and team growth.
- Encouraging team members to take on leadership roles fosters confidence.
- Nonverbal communication significantly impacts team dynamics.
- It's important to be open to change and feedback as a leader.
- Mentoring can provide valuable support for aspiring leaders.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges
02:21 Understanding Team Dynamics and Personality Styles
07:32 Creating a Safe Space for Team Contributions
11:54 The Importance of Silence in Communication
15:29 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care
17:52 Invitation to Free Mentoring and Closing Thoughts
Sound Bites
- “DiSC is a great way of understanding how people like to communicate so we can speak each other’s language”.
- "Don't fill the silence."
- "You matter."
Host bio
Lauren Eyles is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change as an Executive Coach and Mentor.
She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.
She started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.
Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.
Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.
Free mentoring sessions
Lauren is writing a book to help women thrive in their first senior leadership role and would love to ask you a few questions to ensure it’s relevant and helpful.
To say thanks, Lauren will provide some free mentoring. A monthly group session will be held on the last Wednesday of the month at 7pm Sydney AEST time.
Keywords
leadership, team dynamics, communication, personality styles, self-care, mentoring, executive coaching, team meetings, confidence, feedback
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
In this episode, Lauren Eyles and Erin Huckle (Owner of Chuckle Communications and Host of the PR with Purpose Podcast) discuss the significance of personal branding and profile in leadership. The conversation explores the top 3 actions that women can take in 2025 to grow their personal brand and become known, liked and trusted in their industry.
They also explore the challenges women face in promoting themselves, the importance of leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, and the value of speaking opportunities. Erin and Lauren emphasize that personal branding is an asset and encourage listeners to embrace their unique voices and experiences to help others.
Takeaways
- Being known, liked, and trusted is essential for career growth.
- It's important to serve others through your personal brand.
- Overcoming the fear of visibility is a common challenge.
- LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building your professional profile.
- Introverts can excel in personal branding and visibility.
- Embracing your uniqueness can set you apart in your field.
- Your personal brand is an asset that needs nurturing.
- Speaking opportunities can significantly enhance your visibility.
- We need more diverse voices in leadership and media.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Visibility
02:52 The Importance of Personal Branding
06:08 Overcoming Fear of Visibility
08:51 Leveraging LinkedIn for Professional Growth
12:08 Embracing Different Personalities in Leadership
14:55 Building Your Personal Brand as an Asset
18:03 Top Strategies for 2025: LinkedIn, Podcasts, and Speaking Opportunities
20:49 The Power of Speaking and Sharing Your Voice
24:07 Conclusion and Call to Action
Sound Bites
- Being known, liked and trusted unlocks opportunities
- "It's about serving other people."
- "Practice makes perfect."
- "There's a place for every voice."
- "Embrace your inner weirdness."
- "Your personal brand is an asset."
Guest Bio
Erin Huckle is the owner of Chuckle Communications and host of the PR with Purpose podcast.
She works with innovators, authors and entrepreneurs with big ideas, from promoting a book or product, to helping someone build their professional profile through media and speaking opportunities.
Erin believes in telling your story “loud and proud”!
Connect with Erin at:
Host bio
Lauren Eyles is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change as an Executive Coach and Mentor.
She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.
She started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.
Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.
Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.
Follow us on social
Insta https://www.instagram.com/femaleexecutivesurvivalguide
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564348226928
Or listen to the Female Executive Survival Guide playlist on itunes!
If you love the pod, please add a rating and review to Apple or Spotify.
Keywords
leadership, personal branding, visibility, public relations, LinkedIn, podcasts, speaking opportunities, blogging, personal reputation, women in leadership, career growth, overcoming fear, executive presence
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this episode, Lauren Eyles speaks with Kathy Slack about reinventing your life and career. They explore what it’s like when you’ve climbed the career ladder but realize that it’s against the wrong wall.
The conversation explores Kathy’s new book Rough Patch: How a year in the garden brought me back to life which explores her journey through burnout, depression and finding rejuvenation and healing in nature.
Topics discussed include how the pressure to be always on can contribute to burnout, and the solace and creativity that nature offers. Lauren and Kathy also talk about the transferable skills that we develop in our careers which can help us change direction, and advice for emerging executives navigating their careers.
Takeaways
- Reinvention is a universal experience that many can relate to.
- Nature played a significant role in Kathy's recovery from depression.
- It's important to give yourself space to reflect and discover your true self.
- Burnout often creeps up gradually and can be hard to recognize.
- Rest is essential for creativity and overall well-being.
- People are often more focused on their own lives than you think.
- Most people are also figuring things out as they go along.
- Your past experiences and skills are valuable in new career paths.
- It's okay to prioritize your health and happiness over societal expectations.
Sound Bites
- "Leadership can be lonely."
- "It's so rare for us to be faced with ourselves."
- "You're meant for other things."
- "Rest is good for your creativity."
- "Burnout is…was so predictable."
- "I wish I hadn't got myself into such a pickle."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Reinvention
02:02 Kathy's Journey Through Depression
04:20 The Healing Power of Nature
07:32 Career Crossroads and Self-Discovery
10:50 The Impact of Corporate Culture
15:41 The Importance of Rest and Creativity
18:02 Recognizing Burnout and Its Signs
21:16 Connection to Nature and Self-Identity
24:08 Feminism and Personal Choices
27:29 Transferable Skills and New Beginnings
29:49 Advice for Emerging Executives
Keywords
reinvention, burnout, nature, corporate culture, creativity, self-discovery, feminism, transferable skills, mental health, leadership
Guest bio
Kathy Slack is the author of Rough Patch: How a year in the garden brought me back to life.
It’s a fabulous memoir with a lot of delicious recipes. It explores Kathy’s journey, from the dizzying heights of being a Global Strategy Director in a London advertising agency, through the bumpiness of burnout and depression, and finding rejuvenation in nature and coming home to herself.
Reinvention is something that all of us can relate to and this could be the Eat, Pray, Love of our time.
Connect with Kathy on Instagram at @gluts_gluttony or visit kathyslack.com where you can sign up to her weekly newsletter of seasonal recipes & veg patch tales.
Buy Kathy’s books here or on Amazon:
Host bio
Lauren Eyles is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change as an Executive Coach and Mentor.
She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.
She started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.
Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.
Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.
Follow us on social
Insta https://www.instagram.com/femaleexecutivesurvivalguide
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564348226928
Or listen to the Female Executive Survival Guide playlist on itunes!
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Summary
In this episode, Lauren Eyles speaks with Viv Allanson OAM, a trailblazing CEO in the Australian aged care and health sector, about how to lead with courage and love.
Viv emphasizes the importance of knowing one's true north and the courage to speak up for what is right, especially in challenging situations. She talks about what it was like to speak up for aged care residents during the pandemic, making national headlines when she challenged the approach of the then Prime Minister.
They discuss the importance of influence in leadership, how to build your team and bring them on the journey, and the need to be courageous and challenge the status quo.
In this conversation, Viv shares her journey of commitment to sustainability in building a new nursing home, and how she plans to continue contributing to the aged care sector after retirement including supporting those who care for older Australians.
Takeaways
- Leadership is fundamentally about influence.
- Influence is built on credibility and authenticity.
- Storytelling is a powerful tool in leadership.
- Leaders must have a personal vision to inspire others.
- Servant leadership involves supporting others' visions.
- Trusting your team is essential for growth.
- Avoid micromanagement to foster creativity and enthusiasm.
- Challenging the status quo can lead to innovation.
- Advocacy for aged care is crucial during crises.
- Women in leadership should back themselves.
- Knowing your true north is essential for integrity.
- Recognition of staff is important for morale.
- Being a good human is good business.
Chapters
Sound Bites
- "Influence starts from the floor up."
- "I don't abide micromanagement."
- "Ask yourself what's good for your people."
- "Challenge the status quo."
- "You must keep speaking up."
- "Know your true north."
- "If you lose everything, what do you do?"
- "I was carpeted for that action."
- "It's good business to be a good human."
Keywords
leadership, influence, servant leadership, team building, sustainability, empowerment, vision, clinical oversight, excellence, mentoring, sustainability, aged care, leadership, advocacy, personal growth, innovation, crisis management, retirement, women in leadership, healthcare
Guest bio
Viv Allanson OAM is the CEO of Maroba, a large aged care organisation in Newcastle, Australia.
She is a passionate advocate for the rights and dignity of older people… You may remember seeing Viv on the news during the pandemic where she spoke up to protect age care residents. At the time, the then-Prime Minister wanted nursing homes to allow more visitors.
Described as “a CEO who never accepts the status quo”, Viv has been recognised as the Australian Game Changer of the Year three times, as well as Visionary CEO of the Year.
Her leadership skills were forged in acute and aged care nursing and leadership roles over several decades, and she has been a CEO for 24 years.
Now Viv leads a team of 220, with a focus on teaching, strong clinical oversight and a commitment to excellence.
Host Bio
An Executive Coach and Mentor, Lauren Eyles is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She also helps leaders find calm amid chaos, bringing extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader, having worked across the ports and logistics, utilities, health and medical research, NFP and tourism sectors.
Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has Masters degrees in business and sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.
Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.
Follow us on social
Insta https://www.instagram.com/femaleexecutivesurvivalguide
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564348226928
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
- Seeing yourself as a leader is essential for growth.
- Authenticity is key in leadership roles.
- Valuing your unique qualities enhances your leadership.
- Challenges are opportunities for learning and growth.
- Your impact on others defines your leadership.
- Listening to others' perspectives can boost your confidence.
- Coaching can help leaders navigate their paths effectively.
- "Look for the leaders in your community"
- "Study how leaders behave when they're off duty"
- "Leaders are human too"
Host Bio
An Executive Coach and Mentor, Lauren Eyles is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She also helps leaders find calm amid chaos, bringing extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader, having worked across the ports and logistics, utilities, health and medical research, NFP and tourism sectors.
Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has Masters degrees in business and sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.
Hire Lauren as your coach
Lauren Eyles (Podcast host) is a trusted coach and mentor for emerging and experienced leaders, with a tonne of Board and Executive experience and qualifications*.
What she does:
- Helps leaders grow from technical expert to effective team leader
- Guides new executives in their first couple of years in the C-Suite
- Co-creates effective strategies with CEOs and executives for an ever-changing world.
1:1 sessions are held globally online or in person in Newcastle/Sydney.
Visit www.laureneyles.com.au or email info@laureneyles.com.au to find out more.
*Board Chair, Executive experience across many industries, MBA (Distinction), Master of Sustainability, Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, BA Communication.
Listeners: How can we help you thrive?
Do you need some career advice? What questions do you have for Lauren or our guests?
We want this podcast to be a relevant and helpful tool for you. Please share send your questions or feedback at https://laureneyles.com.au/contact
Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
Leaders: Do you have a story to share?
Are you a female Board member or Executive with a story and advice to share?
Please email info@laureneyles.com.au with:
1. A few lines about you and your professional experience.
2. A link to your LinkedIn page.
3. What advice do you have for female executives (1 or 2 sentences).