Kinda Planned

In this conversation with Matthew Taylor, we unpack the differences between generations, the similarities and how people can better understand one another. Gen Z are the new punching bag, just like every generation before, we get frustrated by youth and can't understand why they don't think and act like us. We conveniently forget we were once just like them.

Matthew is the Founder of Heart HR, an HR consultancy based in Newcastle.

https://hearthr.com.au/

In this episode, Louise Azzopardi shares her inspiring journey from being a heavy vehicle mechanic to becoming a tradeswoman empowerment coach. She discusses the challenges women face in the trades, the improvements in visibility and acceptance, and the importance of building self-belief and confidence. Louise emphasises the need for supportive environments and the role of men in fostering inclusivity. She provides practical tools for women to enhance their self-confidence and navigate their careers in a male-dominated industry.

Takeaways

PROMOTION:

Email info@bulmergroup.com and mention my name to get a free video resource, normally only available to Bulmer Group clients. Offer lasts 3 months from the release date.

In this episode of Kinda Planned, Alex Cuttiford and Tony Bulmer discuss the art of speaking and presenting with influence. They explore Tony's career journey, the importance of authenticity in communication, and how to connect with audiences effectively.

The conversation emphasises the need for preparation, the role of confidence in public speaking, and the significance of being audience-centric. Tony shares insights on overcoming nerves...

In this episode, Alex Cuttiford speaks with HR consulting expert Kelly Vines about her career journey and the critical aspects of employee engagement, performance management, and workplace culture. They discuss the challenges organisations face in maintaining employee engagement, the importance of authentic leadership, and how effective onboarding and training can enhance retention. Kelly emphasises the need for open communication and feedback in fostering a supportive work environment.

Takeaways

Kelly Vines has over 23 years of experience in HR.

Employee engagement is crucial for organisational success.

Leaders should be vulnerable and authentic to...

In this engaging conversation, Alex Cuttiford and Ryan Nelson discuss their journeys from growing up in the country to navigating life in Sydney, focusing on personal growth, career challenges, and the joys of fatherhood. Ryan shares his experiences of raising three daughters, including twins, and the unique challenges that come with it. The discussion also explores the balance between career ambitions and family life, providing valuable insights and advice for new parents.

Takeaways

Ryan moved from Bathurst to Sydney, facing challenges and growth.

The transition from country to city life can be shocking.<...

In this episode of the Kinda Planned Career Podcast, host Alex Cuttiford speaks with Ali Killali, founder of Workpants, about the intersection of fatherhood and career development. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise when becoming a parent, including the importance of flexibility, financial planning, and the need for a supportive community.

Ali shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of work-life balance and the transferable skills gained through parenthood that can enhance one's career. The conversation emphasises the importance of adaptability and kindness to oneself during this transformative journey.

https://www.workpants...

In this episode, Alex Cuttiford interviews Andy Olrich, a business improvement specialist and managing director of North Street Partners. They discuss Andy's career journey, the importance of lean and agile methodologies in business, and the significance of fostering a growth mindset in leadership. The conversation also delves into the challenges of change management, building a strong organisational culture, and the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in today's fast-paced business environment.

Takeaways

In this conversation, Jacqui Butler and I explore the non-linear paths of career journeys, the importance of leadership coaching, and the need for more women in leadership roles. We discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the significance of taking control of one's career, and the role of values in decision-making. Jacqui emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence and wellness in leadership, introducing the concept of grounded confidence. The discussion culminates in the introduction of Leadwell Academy, a program designed to empower leaders with essential skills.

Takeaways

In this conversation, Shanna Fuz, a career counsellor and education consultant, shares her unique journey through various career paths, emphasising the importance of chance and happenstance in shaping one's career. She discusses the role of parents in guiding young people through career decisions, the significance of building networks, and the necessity of embracing change and lifelong learning in today's rapidly evolving job market.

Takeaways

Chance and happenstance play a significant role in career paths.

Parents often catastrophize their children's career decisions.

Reflecting on their own career journeys helps parents support their...

In this conversation, SEO strategist Shonavee shares her unexpected journey into the SEO industry, discussing the importance of identifying gaps in the market and the evolving nature of work, particularly in the context of remote versus in-office settings.

She emphasises the significance of communication styles, both explicit and implicit, and how they impact career progression and workplace dynamics. The discussion also touches on the need for businesses to adapt to the changing landscape of work and the importance of understanding individual needs for productivity and fulfilment.

Shonavee said that for people who have been misunderstood...

In this conversation, Carly Lyon, a branding expert, shares her journey from launching a PR consultancy at 21 to discovering the importance of personal branding during her maternity leave. She emphasises the need for individuals to shape their personal brands to enhance visibility and influence. Carly discusses her book, 'Courage to Be,' which focuses on the mind, body, and brand connection, and introduces the concept of future self psychology as a tool for personal branding. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships and networking in career development.

Takeaways      

In this conversation, Alex Cuttiford interviews career coach Abbie Boulter, exploring her journey and insights into career coaching and personal branding.

Abbie shares her experiences in various roles, emphasising the importance of understanding one's strengths and values in building a personal brand.

The discussion delves into the dynamics of coaching, the vulnerability involved, and how personal branding can enhance team effectiveness. Abbie provides practical advice for individuals looking to define their personal brand and navigate their career paths with intention and clarity.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbieboulter/

https://www.abbieboulter...

In this episode, Alex Cuttiford speaks with LinkedIn trainer Karen Tisdell about the transformative power of LinkedIn for career development. They discuss Karen's journey from recruiter to LinkedIn expert, the evolution of the platform, and the importance of building genuine relationships. Karen shares insights on how to effectively use LinkedIn for job seeking, the significance of a compelling profile, and the value of voice notes in communication. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive networking and the hidden job market, providing listeners with actionable strategies to enhance their LinkedIn experience.

Connect with Karen:

LinkedIn: https...

In this conversation, fertility and postnatal specialist coach Louise Siwicki discusses the complexities of fertility challenges faced by individuals and couples, particularly in the context of high-performing careers. She emphasizes the emotional toll of infertility, the importance of workplace support, and the often-overlooked role of partners in the fertility journey. Louise also highlights the rising global infertility rates and the impact of stress on reproductive health, offering insights into how individuals can find hope and navigate their challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fertility Coaching

02:56 Understanding Fertility Challenges

06:04 Navigating Career and Fertility

In this conversation, Janine Botha shares her unique career journey from aspiring teacher to executive coach and consultant. She discusses her experiences in the corporate world, recognising burnout, and the importance of aligning personal values with professional roles. Janine emphasises the significance of a strengths-based approach in career advancement, particularly for women in corporate settings. She also highlights the need for creating space to enhance productivity and the importance of leadership in shaping organisational culture.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Janine Botha

01:06 Janine's Career Journey and Early Experiences

07:56 Recognising Burnout and the Decision...

In this conversation, Tracy Ryan shares her diverse career journey, highlighting her experiences in education, cultural advocacy, and her role as a mediator. She discusses the importance of cultural identity in her work, particularly in relation to First Nations perspectives and educational design. Tracy also emphasizes the significance of understanding the impact of our actions on individuals and communities, advocating for a thoughtful approach to career development and education.

In this conversation, Tracy Ryan discusses the cultural differences in work and land management, emphasizing the importance of understanding workplace culture and the interview process.

She...

In this episode of the Kinda Planned Podcast, host Alex Cuttiford speaks with career coach Rob Slawik about his journey from HR to coaching, the importance of perseverance, and the power of holding space in coaching sessions. They discuss the common challenges and emotions faced by individuals in career transitions, the dynamic nature of career development, and the significance of taking ownership of one's career. Rob emphasises the need for support and encourages listeners to reach out for help when needed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Perseverance

02:02 Rob's Career Journey and Transition to Coaching

In this keynote session for the Careers Festival 2025, I discuss the importance of taking ownership of your career. I emphasise self-development, personal branding, and the significance of building a supportive community. I share insights on cultivating a positive self-concept, embracing a growth mindset, and the role of emotional intelligence in career advancement. I also highlights the importance of defining personal values and how they guide career decisions. The session concludes with a discussion on strategic actions and the concept of planned happenstance, encouraging attendees to remain open to unexpected opportunities.

We dive into the importance of aligning...

In this episode of the Kinda Planned podcast, I interview Robyn Wilson, CEO of Superora Strategy Studio and founder of Coolnomics. We discuss Robyn's diverse career journey, the relationship between culture and economics, and the importance of understanding the zeitgeist in business. Robyn shares insights on shifting workplace culture, the need for meaning and purpose in work, and how to balance comfort and challenge in the workplace. We also explore a framework for seeing ideas through and the importance of critical thinking in navigating complex societal issues.

Connect with Robyn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com...

In this conversation, Kate Brettell shares her diverse career journey from working in international development to becoming a leadership and wellbeing coach. She discusses the importance of personal leadership, cultural differences in coaching, and the need for systemic change in organizations. Kate emphasizes the significance of gender equality in the workplace, the responsible use of privilege, and redefines resilience as a skill rather than a trait. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of these themes and the importance of self-awareness and curiosity in leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Kate's Diverse Career Journey

06:28 Cultural Differences in Coaching

In this episode, Skye Harvey, Group Brand Manager at Mertek and President of Hyp, shares her career journey and insights on the importance of networking, volunteering, and building supportive communities for young professionals. She discusses her transition from a marketing coordinator to a leadership role in Hype, emphasizing the value of genuine connections over traditional networking. Skye also highlights the challenges young professionals face and offers advice for businesses to support their growth. The conversation concludes with ways to connect with Hype and participate in their community events.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Skye Harvey and Hype<...

Summary

In this episode of Kinda Planned, host Alex Cuttiford engages in a deep conversation with Declan Edwards, a happiness researcher, about the journey to understanding happiness and its implications in career development. Declan shares his unconventional career path, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and the skills necessary for cultivating happiness. They discuss the nuanced definitions of happiness, the role of gratitude, and the significance of aligning career choices with personal values. The conversation highlights the need for individuals to focus on building happiness skills to enhance their professional lives and overall well-being.

<...

Hear more of my journey and how I went from a tradei living in the Central West of NSW to helping people navigate their careers through podcasting.

This episode was my interview with Brad Eather on the Selling's Creative Podcast.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XXYXlbfB0RvhsTbDtDWI5?si=21675ff857464e24

A rebrand is coming...new episodes dropping in June 2025.

Follow on Linkedin for clues and updates!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-cuttiford-103a881a0/

Alana Kilmartin is the author of Unserious Careers and has decided to spend 2025 roadtriping around Australia speaking to school students about their future careers.

Alana is driven by her own life experiences of growing up in a remote town and rise through the ranks quickly early in her career and burning out. She's now helping young people take the pressure of them selves and learn to get curious and explore their options.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanakilmartin/

https://unseriouscareers.com/

Chloe Spillane is the founder of Chloe Careers and creator of Chloe AI a ChatGPT designed to be your job search assistant.

Chloe is a Sydney sider currently working in New York setting up her business.

With years of experience as a recruiter she is now leaning in to tech solutions to support people to be more efficiant in their job seeking.

We have an open discussion about the role of AI in this space, what it is good for and what it isn't designed for.

Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn...

Kim is the founder of Tangerine Tango a marketing adgency empowering brands, leaders and founders to learn the skills to build their personal brand.

She also started the career girl diaries on tiktok and instagram where she has built an engaged audience through relatable content based on all the mistakes she made through her 20's as it relates to her career.

We get talking about Employee Generated content, and how to pitch to your employer your goal to build a personal brand.

Kim is high energy and full of practical advice for taking...

Mazz is a clinical Psychologist, executive coach, consultant, and speaker who is an advocate for neurodivergent people. Her goal is to reduce unnecessary human suffering and identifies as a passionate, creative multi-hyphenate.

We go deep into the language in and around the neurodiversity space and how we can make workplaces safer for all types of brains and ideas.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianepower/

https://www.marianepower.com.au/

Alex Cuttiford details:

If you want to get in touch find me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-cuttiford-103...

Gillian is the founder of Your Brilliant Career and the Gillian Fox Group, she is focused on helping women advance their careers while supporting companies in developing and retaining exceptional female talent. Whether through one-on-one coaching, public women’s career programs, or tailored solutions for organisations, she's there to create real impact. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-fox/

https://www.yourbrilliantcareer.com.au/

Alex Cuttiford details:

If you want to get in touch find me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-cuttiford-103a881a0/

If you want to sho...

Kirstene is the Co-Founder & Managing Director of myDESIGN Education, a Career Development Practitioner, educator, and strengths-based enthusiast who is passionate about helping people live their best lives from the inside-out.

Connect with Kirstene on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstene-ciappara/

https://www.mydesigneducation.com.au/

Alex Cuttiford details:

If you want to get in touch find me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-cuttiford-103a881a0/

If you want to shout me a coffee follow this link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alexcuttiford

Or...

Jess works with executives, entrepreneurs and elite athletes to stay at the top. She is a Leading Australian Performance Dietitian & Executive Performance Coach, a Speaker, Advisor and host of the Podcast 'Stay at the Top'.

In this episode we get into all the practical ways we can be optimising our health in order to perform at our best in our career.

Jess is a wealth of knowledge with an amazing positive attitude.

Get in contact:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaspendlove/

https://jessicaspendlove.com/

Alex Cuttiford details:<...

Saurabh moved to Australia 5 years ago to study. Realising he had no friends, family or professional network he became intentional about putting himself out there.

Living in Sydney, he started a Sunday walking group that has grown to 2,500 members. He has done more than 70 1-on-1 coffee catch-ups, and is host of the Ultimate Global Podcast.

We talk about the challenges and opportunities of being a migrant in Australia. How you can build your personal brand and keep growing as an individual throughout your career journey.

https://linktr.ee/saurabhkaura

Alex Cuttiford...

Naida Allen is a Ghostwriter and personal brand consultant from London. It wasn't long ago that Naida thought the only ghost-writing career avaialable was writing someone autobiography, though she has come to learn that it is a viable online business with lucrative opportunities.

We get talking about the need to be authentic in order to connect with your audience online and build engagement. Though showing 80% of yourself is probably enough.

Naida wan't to elevate the voices of women in business and help them to see running an online business as a viable career path.

Do you dred interviews?

Do you freeze up and forget everything you wanted to say?

Do you know you could do a job really well but don't interview well?

Do you have a job interview coming up?

Then this episode is for you, Sarah and Emma Smith are sisters and co-hosts of the podcast Interview Boss. The girls have built a wildly successful podcast of the back of giving practical, actionable and relatable interview advice.

We get talking about their career backgrounds and then get into the nitty gritty...

Abbey Naylor is a personal branding coach and LinkedIn strategist who's advice I can attest will take your personal brand and LinkedIn content to the next level.

In our conversation we get to the heart of personal branding, we break down the "ick" factor of showing up online, as well as getting super practical on ways you can show up consistantly.

Make sure you follow along with Abbey to learn more.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-naylor/

https://www.boldmood.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/_boldmood/?hl=en<...

Julie is the founder of Lemon Co and a career coach for high achieving women . Supporting them to move from overwhelm to impact.

We had an amazing conversation about how workplaces can better equip themselves to support employees with a neurodiverse brain and how those people can better communicate their needs.

Julie is a weath of knowledge and I hope you get as much out of this episode as I did having the converation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliecockerill/

https://lemon-co.com.au/

Alex Cuttiford details:

...

Are your people struggling to find the motivation and energy they need to perform at their best? It’s easy to get stuck in the daily grind, where stress and overwhelm drain focus, creativity, and engagement. Without the right tools, teams lose momentum, and performance suffers.

But what if you could give your people the spark they need to not only survive but thrive?

As a global expert in energising teams with quick, dynamic strategies, Lizzie brings a unique blend of energy and insight to transform workplace performance - in just two minutes.

Dr...

Aimee Bateman turned a Youtube channel into an award winning e-learning company, called careercake

Careercake’s professional development platform supported more than 10 million professionals in over 42 countries with leading organisations including Companies House, Nationwide and Tech Nation using it’s premium video content to develop their talent and in 2019 Careercake was voted the UK’s No.1 ‘Careers Advice Website’ …. a proud moment for myself and our incredible team.

In 2022 Careercake was successfully acquired by the world leading e-learning platform, SocialTalent.

In addition, her professional development courses have been completed by over 3 million people on the Linke...

LInkedIn Strategist

Melanie Smith is a leadership coach based in Sydney, Australia. She supports people looking to make the step up from management to executive leadership. With 20 years experience in HR and change management she is a wealth of knowledge.

In this episode we discuss:

and so much more.

Melanie Smith details:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesmithcoach/

Website: https://metanoiaconsulting...

It was great to have an oportunity to share why I'm so passionate about supporting people through their career journey.

I want to inspire people to take ownership of their career.

This episode is from my interview with Joe Cuttler on the Hiring and Inspiring Podcast.

Check out the Pod Here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fuC0mK9Zdd9UDEY6DM3kB?si=275fdbff0bff4e92

Alex Cuttiford details:

If you want to get in touch find...