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A Podcast giving tools and inspiration for today’s leaders.
Episodes
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Our guest this episode is David Montgomery, affectionately known as 'Monty'. We dived right into thriving in life and work, with David sharing his usual morning routine of gym and meditation, being agile and maintaining a routine that can adapt to changes. Another 'ordinary guy doing extraordinary things in life and work!"
Listen in to David story, his 20-year career in the construction industry and his focus on supporting both management and front-line workers. He highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and support in the construction industry, emphasizing the value of recognizing and respecting personal growth and evolution.
David shares his belief that CEOs and leaders should lead by example and support their staff, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and building strong relationships within the workplace. He discussed the value of mentoring and learning from others, as well as the impact of positive leadership on both staff morale and business success.
We talked communication and conflict management in construction projects to improve productivity and workplace culture, and the need for tools and skills to address conflicts, especially in multicultural and multilingual settings.
David introduced his concept of "prehab" - a preventative approach to address issues before they escalate, and we both agreed on the importance of adapting workplace programs to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.
David also explained the components of his latest program - 'Watchwell' which includes Genos International assessments, mental health first aid training, and modules on emotional intelligence competencies, a pulse-check survey system to monitor employee well-being that provides data for leadership teams.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with your friends and colleagues.
To Connect with David:
LI: linkedin.com/in/davidwmontgomery
URL: watchwell.com.au (Personal)
EMAIL: monty@watchwell.com.au
To Connect with Carrie:
LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet
URL: carriebenedet.com
Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Our guest this episode is Wendy Watson who shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting with her upbringing in a family of business owners and her transition from corporate accounting to massage therapy and coaching after losing her job during the 2009 recession. She described her decision to move from Phoenix to Colorado Springs in 2021, where she built a new business and became involved in various community organizations.
Listen in as we discuss personal growth and self-discovery, with Wendy sharing her journey through significant life changes including two divorces and the loss of a child, which led her to redefine her identity and relationships. They explored how people can evolve their understanding of themselves and their beliefs, noting that emotional intelligence and self-awareness are crucial for leading both oneself and others. Wendy emphasized the importance of examining and redefining personal traits, particularly those inherited from family, and how this process can improve relationships.
We used a process for exploring relationships, by identifying the first six words that come to mind about a relationship without judgment. Wendy explained that these words reveal underlying operating patterns, and she uses a combination of intuition, energy work, and tailored coaching approaches to help clients improve their relationships.
Wendy also shared that she is an author and speaker, having written "Beyond the Blueprint" and created resources like "Taconomics" and "The 7 Essential Relationships," and she invites listeners to visit her website at TBR Spiritual Health for more information.
If you enjoyed this episode with Wendy, subscribe and share with others whom you know may benefit from the conversation. Remember... your are precious and your #thrivingmatters.
To Connect with Wendy:
LI: linkedin.com/in/wendywatson-tbr
URL: tbrspiritualhealth.com/ (Company)
EMAIL: wendy@tbrspiritualhealth.com
To Connect with Carrie:
LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet
URL: carriebenedet.com
Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
In this podcast episode of Thriving Matters, Carrie and Serena Low discuss the link between wellbeing and leadership in these uncertain times.
Listen in as Serena shares her daily wellness routine, which includes 10 push-ups and yoga, and her goal to run 5 kilometers without stopping. We talked about Serena's background as a lawyer and how she grew up following a strict academic and career path in Singapore. Serena explained that in her culture, family honor and academic success were very important, leading her to pursue a prestigious career in law.
In Serena's transition journey, her vision of being in a "golden cage" motivated her to leave her comfortable job in Singapore after 11 years of practice. She took time off to recover from a miscarriage and later moved to Melbourne, where she had to rebuild her life and career from scratch in a new cultural environment.
Serena discussed her journey from being an introvert to becoming a podcast host, highlighting how she overcame her reluctance to speak. We also discussed the challenges faced by introverts in workplace meetings dominated by extroverted voices and proposed strategies for them to be heard without acting extroverted. Serena emphasized the importance of finding allies and positioning oneself to get noticed, while also advocating for inclusive communication practices. Serena defined introversion and extroversion on a spectrum, highlighting the context-dependent nature of these traits and the need for self-awareness.
If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to subscribe and share with your people. Go gently, your thriving matters!
To Connect with Serena:
LI: linkedin.com/in/serena-low
URL: serenalow.com.au
Email: info@serenalow.com.au
To Connect with Carrie:
LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet
URL: carriebenedet.com
Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Our guest is Mary M'Mukindia, an absolutely beautiful person inside and out!
A quick heads up - Mary and I are connected through the Genos International community and were together last year in Bangkok which was such a delight. We did have a few wifi wobbles between Kenya and Sydney!
Listen in as Mary opens up about her own journey of self-discovery, shedding her professional mask and embracing vulnerability. We discuss the importance of sharing personal stories to build connection and understanding. Thriving does matter!
Mary explains how her training in emotional intelligence has transformed her approach to leadership, where the importance of our self-awareness, empathy, and people-centric skills is essential for wellbeing and leadership. We also explore how emotional intelligence can help leaders navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
Of course we discuss the evolving global landscape of wellbeing and leadership where self-care, grace and a focus on vision and people can be complimented by embracing new technologies while maintaining a human-centric approach where AI can enhance productivity and free up time for more meaningful work.
We conclude our conversation by celebrating the power of community, curiosity, and creativity to drive positive change.
If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to subscribe and share with your people. Go gently, your thriving matters!
To Connect with Mary:
LI: linkedin.com/in/marymmukindia-leadership-coach
Email: marymukindia@gmail.com
To Connect with Carrie
LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet
URL: carriebenedet.com
Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com
Sunday Jun 29, 2025
Sunday Jun 29, 2025
Listen in as Daniel and I discuss 'thriving matters' in an education context. It was so good to have this conversation about the direct link between wellbeing and leadership - I do hope you enjoy this.
Daniel shared his journey from being an educator to working in corporate communications and returning back to teaching, highlighting his experiences in diverse communities and the challenges of burnout. He emphasized the importance of exceptional leadership in his career and reflected on personal growth through various roles. Daniel's story underscores the rewards and challenges of teaching, as well as the value of pursuing one's passion despite setbacks.
Daniel shared his personal insights gained from six months of corporate work to finding fulfillment in his education career that allows him to make a positive impact on young people and the community. He emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with the right people and supporting them to collaborate towards a common direction. Daniel also discussed how he learned to focus on the big picture rather than sweating the small stuff, and the need for self-care and a personal plan to maintain well-being in the demanding role of an educator.
We focused in on Daniel's thriving strategies at MLC School, including the display of student artwork and team-building activities like morning tea with gratitude shout-outs. His approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of having a good team, building trust, and maintaining a balance between operational and strategic focus through structured meetings like the Square Table and Round Table meetings are simple and consistently effective.
In 2024 Daniel attended Oxford University's high performance leadership program, which was a pivotal moment in his personal and professional life. He was selected for this week-long residential course after his principal encouraged him to pursue something outside his usual sector. Daniel gained valuable insights into global leadership and visited schools in London during his time in the UK. The program brought together leaders from 23 different countries, providing Daniel with unique opportunities for learning and connection.
We also discussed the relationship between leadership and employee well-being, citing research from Oxford that showed a 60% improvement in employee health when they feel valued by leaders. We explored how feedback is crucial for leaders to provide, both to their teams and to seek themselves for improvement. The conversation concluded with Daniel emphasizing that future leadership must remain person-centered, even as AI and remote work change the learning environment, and Carrie noting the importance of educating young people about AI while developing their critical thinking skills.
If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to subscribe and share with your people. Go gently, your thriving matters!
To Connect with Daniel:
LI: linkedin.com/in/daniel-sandral-947b5131
EMAIL: daniel.sandral@gmail.com
To Connect with Carrie
LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet
URL: carriebenedet.com
Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com
Sunday Jun 15, 2025
Sunday Jun 15, 2025
In this episode of Thriving Matters, our guest Eva Vennari discussed her journey of self-discovery and healing from chronic illnesses, including chronic fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, depression, fibromyalgia, and infertility.
She shared how she initially sought medical help but was unsatisfied with the results and decided to take matters into her own hands. Eva discovered a method called mineral balancing, which provided her with a blueprint for supplementation and dietary care. She experienced significant improvements in her physical health, including the reversal of perimenopause symptoms.
Carrie and Eva discussed the impact of various factors on their emotional and cognitive well-being. They acknowledged the influence of toxic metals, nutrient balances, and economic pressures on their lives. They also touched upon the growing trend of seeking a spiritual side of life and the flexibility in work-life balance. Eva emphasized the importance of discerning one's values and identity, using her own experiences as examples. They concluded by acknowledging the need for self-exploration and the role of significant life events in shaping their identities.
We also discussed the impact of Covid on work and personal lives. Eva shared her experience of adapting to the new normal, emphasizing the importance of self-care and listening to one's body. She described her daily routine, which includes various modalities, regular eating and hydration, and scheduling downtime. Carrie agreed with Eva's approach, drawing parallels with surfing and the need for mindfulness in daily activities.
I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation as I hope you do too. Don't forget to share the love with your friends, colleagues and family and subscribe so you don't miss our thriving 'ordinary gals and guys who are doing extraordinary things in life and work!'
Go gently, you are precious!
To Connect with Eva:
LI: linkedin.com/in/reducemystresseva
URL: TheElevateInstitute.com (Company)
Email: eva@selfnc.com
To connect with Carrie:
LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet
URL: carriebenedet.com (Company)
Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com
Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
This episode my guest Breanna May discusses her love of how emotional intelligence has become the superpower in her personal and professional journey to date.
A law degree didn't fulfil Breanna's inner quest and she moved into education. Working as a teenage mindset coach Breanna helped teenage girls navigate high school socially, emotionally, and academically. She noticed that the girls' emotional state and mindset had a significant impact on their academic performance. Breanna then expanded her work to include mother-daughter retreats and coaching women, as she believed that many people were not taught emotional intelligence and were instead taught to suppress their emotions.
Listen in as we discuss the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in personal and professional development; the need for our youth adolescents to be courageous and confident in their actions, and the importance of balancing mental and emotional well-being.
Breanna shared her experiences with her Mind School certification program and her Level Up Your Life online course, which focus on emotional intelligence and personal growth. They also touched on the impact of social media and technology on modern society and the need for individuals to be more mindful and present in their daily lives.
We also covered the need for updated leadership styles that prioritize integrity, emotional regulation, and collaboration, leaders walking with their people and leading by example, being adaptable and open to change, as well as the importance of considering the well-being of both the leader and their team.
Breanna plans to open a business mastermind for coaches and leaders, and her podcast, which has reached 200,000 downloads. They also discussed the need for self-directed and self-motivated individuals in the current business landscape.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share with your family, friends and colleagues. We all like a little bit of LOVE!
To Connect with Breanna:
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanna-may-086765330/
URL: https://www.breannamay.com/the-mind-school-method/
Email: breanna@www.breannamay.com
To connect with Carrie:
LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet
URL: carriebenedet.com (Company)
Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Listeners, our guest this episode is Elizabeth Williamson, well known for her conflict resolution, improved relationships and resilience expertise and practice. This isn't the first time Liz and I have had a 'thriving matters' conversation and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
There are many gems in our latest chat including the latest in the Gottman Institute's research; her new chapter just about to be released; gems from her Conflict Confidence TM Method-6 key steps program and much more.
As all rich conversations go we weave in and out of practices, challenges, home and the workplace and laugh as well as listen to each other.
Liz is tenacious, her grit and grace legendary, she is real and has scars, bumps and bruises daily and freely shares that 'turning poison into medicine' is the value creating opportunity we all have to live purposefully.
If you really resonated with our conversation, we would love a referral onwards to your friends and colleagues, its so easy to subscribe!
Go gently now, you are precious and your #thrivingmatters.
To connect with Elizabeth:
linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-williamson-solutions
URL: elizabethwilliamsonsolutions.com
Email: info@elizabethwilliamsonsolutions.com
To connect with Carrie:
LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet
URL: carriebenedet.com (Company)
Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Listeners, what you are going to be totally amazed at is Justine's moxie!
Now some of you will know that "Moxie" means courage, determination, nerve, or energy. and our guest this episode have just this!
Listen in as we talk about wellbeing and self leadership - how Justine has managed her health diagnoses and the impact they have had on her life and work.
Justine talks openly about a life she didn't choose, the shock she experienced and how she is determined to 'bounce forward' - with many examples that will inspire you. Fleetward Mac's song " Don't Stop" just kept playing in my head as we talked and shared how she 'dreams big!'
Check out Justine's links, you will find so much here to inspire and motivate you! I'm leaving the rest to you and your colleagues, family and friend to tune in to this incredible story of life!
To connect with Justine:
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinemartinresilience-consultant/
URL: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: justine@justinemartin.com.au
To connect with Carrie:
LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet
URL: carriebenedet.com (Company)
Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Our guest, Sheela Edwards has had a rich career experience that now shows up clearly in the passion and purpose she has for early learning of our young generation.
In this episode Sheela shares what she has learnt over her life and career that fuels her creativity and love for Early Childhood Education where 'love and play the Aurora way' is fundamental to her business and sense of service.
We talk 'thriving' from a personal viewpoint as well as what underpins the way she supports her staff, children and families she cares for. Listen in and you will hear her personal philosophy that translates clearly into the foundational pillars of Aurora Education - Connect- Care- Create.
If you enjoyed this episode, lets share the love around with your family, workmates and friends and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any of our future 'ordinary gals and guys who are doing extraordinary things in life and work'!
Over to you.
To connect with Sheela:
LI: linkedin.com/in/sheela-edwards-64b4313
URL: https://auroraearlyeducation.com.au/
Email: sheela.edwards@auroraearlyeducation.com.au
To connect with Carrie:
LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet
URL: carriebenedet.com (Company)
Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com