Connect With Confidence - with Kerrie Phipps

Meet Carol Cooke AM PLY 

From police officer to international Para Cyclist, Carol's journey is one of relentless courage. Diagnosed with a chronic illness 24 years ago, she shattered barriers and raced onto the Para Cycling stage. At 62, a 3-time Paralympian, Carol proves age is just a number. Having served 14 years as a police officer before moving to Australia, her life took an unexpected turn with diagnosis. With unyielding spirit, she challenges all to conquer adversity, unearth hidden courage, and embrace change. Carol's story inspires us to chase dreams, face fears, and uncover our inner strength. Let her help you harness the FORCE within yourself, ignite resilience, and claim your own gold medal moments. 🥇✨

Find Carol here -

Sharing the joy of art, creativity and community - Jack Randell is a Dubbo-based artist with stories from around the world. Joined by his partner Kerry Palmer, this conversation goes behind the scenes, from a surprising childhood drawing to the garden at home and the streets of France and Spain. And after all their time overseas - what do they love about Dubbo?

Enjoy this reflective and fun conversation and discover a little more creativity and connection within yourself!

Find Jack and Kerry here -

Many thanks to Kerrie's effervescent, visionary friend Paula Mills, who introduced us to the Ambassador of Guatemala, His Excellency, Ronald Recinos. A wonderful conversation ensued - about connecting cultures, learning from each other, enjoying coffee, travel and curiosity.  Enjoy this behind-the-scenes chat at the Embassy's coffee table in Canberra, Australia, and consider how YOU might be an ambassador, connector and encourager in everyday life. You make a bigger difference than you know!

Find the Ambassador's links here -

A valuable and timely conversation to kick off the year! Bernie and I discussed starting the year well, being curious, connecting well - especially in professional settings including job interviews! At any stage of your career!

Hope this cheers you on! Reach out to Bernie or Kerrie with your questions, comments and ideas!

Bernie walks with people on their career journey, helping them gain the skills and confidence for their next move.

Find Bernie here -

OH my word. I LOVE this conversation - and it’s such a personal one to share with you all. Hope you love it and let us know your thoughts, ideas or reflections.

Janet Beckers is an extraordinary, award-winning business leader and author, with an amazing history of accomplishments from surf life-saving to speaking on big stages and helping online business owners thrive - but we didn’t cover those things. 

I asked Janet to share with us what she and her family do at the end of every year - to celebrate the year and step into the next, with creativity and intention.  We unpacked some of the really important lessons that we can learn from taking a little time for a process like this. It’s so valuable. It's fun, it's creative, but also really important.

We explored a few of our favourite questions - for self and others - such as “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

We discussed the value of asking “What are you proud of?” and “What are you looking forward to?” 

And some challenging questions for self, such as, “have you ever used gratitude to prevent you from being truly honest with yourself? What else do you need to acknowledge?” 

Taking some time at the end of a year, a season of growth or challenge, a birthday - any potential turning point - to purposefully reflect and pull out the learning and acknowledgements, sets you up for a more purposeful, intentional and successful ‘next season’ or next year.

Enjoy - and take some time out for you and your future.  

Cheering you on,
Kerrie

We start our conversation with a pretty sombre, profound story of tragedy, empathy, and human connection. We also have a few laughs and insights from the world of Mass Participation Events - Parkrun, Marathons, Triathlons etc… This industry was significantly disrupted and stopped over the past 2 years and the impact has been far reaching. Chris shares research, observations and experiences from around the world, including some of the lesser known benefits of this industry and the ripple effects of people connecting in this way.

An amazing conversation with Masami Sato ranging from her shy young global backpacker days, cooking with strangers, connecting with generous entrepreneurs around the world and her beautiful contributions in our latest book, How to Talk to Strangers: to Decrease Anxiety, Build Confidence and Make a Bigger Difference in the World 🌏😀❤

Portia Louder spent four and a half years in federal prison and her life was transformed. In this podcast she shares accounts of kindness, faith and enduring friendships discovered while serving her time. Her story is told with the passion and insight of one who lived it. Portia opens our eyes and hearts to the real challenges and struggles that people in prison face and invites us into deeper compassion and connection with all who we meet in our everyday lives. 

Global Nomad Coach and Author Kevin Cottam shares thoughts on digital transformation, human connection, travel, learning and the importance of pausing. Such a valuable conversation with some beautiful surprises.

Sha Nacino firmly believes that when you feel seen and appreciated, amazing possibilities are unleashed.

Sha shared her journey of overcoming her tearful shyness, to become a confident and gracious global keynote speaker, an author of 15 books, and the founder of the World Gratitude Summit. She is on a mission to help leaders and organizations unlock their organizations’ hidden potential by building a culture where everyone is seen and appreciated.

This conversation includes a celebration of travel, a love of the Philippines, the practice of gratitude, and the awkwardness of having a burning message to share that those closest aren’t ready to hear.

Sha has written and published numerous books and helps writers around the world get their stories out and creating extraordinary ripple effects.

Sha hosts the World Gratitude Summit, and the Global Authors Summit. Find Sha’s links below and connect! Tell her I sent you :)

Find Sha here -

Turning strangers into friends is an everyday thing for our guest, Patrick Skene as he's enthusiastically involved in sports, sharing stories and building community.

We connected on LinkedIn and recorded our first conversation, knowing it would be full of stories worth sharing! With his big heart for connection, gratitude, diversity and inclusion, Patrick's insights are extremely valuable and I'm grateful for our conversation. And I'm really enjoying his book right now! Check it out, along with more of Patrick's work in the links below...

If you enjoy this episode, please share and review!

Find Patrick here -

A joyful conversation with the delightful Anneli Blundell about reading and learning, connecting in real life and online, and sharing the joy of continuing improvement.

What’s working for you as you connect and build your team in an online, hybrid, restructuring environment?
How we can connect more effectively, more authentically, build teams people want to be part of?

Find Anneli Here - 

A conversation with Leigh Wilson is always encouraging and inspiring - this one includes some amazing stories of being in a war zone, having 3 of his kids in a war zone, recent hospitalisation and the lessons he took from it… 

Leigh is a Master Executive Mindset Coach, Author of Overcoming Financial Stress, former Director of Guardian Medevac in Afghanistan, and Structural Engineer

Find Leigh here -

Meet Dr. Ellen Joan Nelson!

It was an absolute joy to connect with Ellen and hear her passion for making workplaces and communities better in ways that are both possible AND profitable. Ellen has significant leadership experience in both the private sector and in the NZ Army and ignites new thinking and collaboration.

Ellen brings her comprehensive research background, practical leadership experience, speaking skills, and trusted advisory expertise to help organisations realise the significant benefits of transforming their workforce structure to align with school. Things that benefit Mums, actually benefit all. #workschoolhours.

If you’d prefer to think of me as a good girl who has never broken the law – keep your illusions and scroll by. Please don’t listen to this podcast. If you don’t want to hear of my hurt, please, please don’t listen. This one is for those who are up for the honest vulnerable conversations that can move us all forward. We do ourselves a disservice to assume that life is somehow easier for others, and we can disqualify ourselves. My life is one of overcoming. Thanks to all who journey with me.  Daniel Sullivan might be unlike any police officer you've ever met. Or maybe you know other empathetic, passionate difference-makers in your community, open to difficult conversations to enable positive change. This episode is best listened to with an open heart and mind, and maybe pen and paper for your insights or questions you might share with us later.  Daniel is the Commander of the Orana-Mid Western Police District in NSW. An innovative leader committed to engaging the community to enhance social cohesion. An empathetic community influencer, passionate about the wellbeing of people. 

Just a little conversation about big things. Social justice, changing the world, self care and managing overwhelm when our hearts hurt.
Shamsa Lea shares insights and questions as a daughter, mother, veteran, coach, multi-disciplinary change-maker, serving communities from Afghanistan to Australia’s outback, collaborating to support homeless veterans, indigenous leaders and young veterans.
And she wants to hear from you! How do you take care of you as you care for others? 

As a communication psychologist, Frank has conducted many seminars for executives as well as conflict resolutions and accompanied numerous top managers in his coaching sessions. He also looks back on his own many years of experience as a psychological expert and manager.

He has an additional training "Consulting and Training" with Prof. Friedemann Schulz von Thun and has been awarded his doctorate for a successful training concept for professional conversation.

Our guest, Lara Cullen is an Executive and Leadership Coach, Trainer, Speaker and recently published Author of - How to be a People Person: Be Kind. Be Brave. Be Brilliant.
We're thrilled to share this conversation with you, discussing the key points from Lara's book, some stories along the way, and encouragement for writers, and fabulous people who just want to have a positive impact on the world in the best ways you can. 

We also discussed the writers group that brought us together - if you're a writer - connect here and be inspired - https://www.facebook.com/LondonWritersSalon

Find Lara here -

This episode of the connect with confidence podcast brings to you a funny and insightful conversation with Simon Jacobs, who calls his business Professional Weirdos. Simon is one of the contributors in our newly launched book: How to Talk to Strangers. He has shared some amazing stories of his connection with strangers, including some of his awkward growing moments.

Simon shares stories of connection and his central theme, ‘embrace the awkward’.  Through his business, Professional Weirdos, he helps employees break the pattern of being in their shell, and embracing their awkwardness and weirdness in their work spaces, to be more creative, enjoy more of their work, and achieve great team work. He shares his amusement park story that he has written in the How to Talk to Strangers, which is a stunning story of breaking your shell and talking to a stranger.

Enjoy this beautiful conversation of weirdness, awkwardness and meaningful connection!!

TIME STAMP

1. Receiving your first copy of the book – 1:36
2. Confidence story – 3:33
3. Amusement Park story from the book – 7:20
4. Funny moments you get up to these days – 8:59
5. Hesitations that you get from people – 12:16
6. What are the outcomes? – 15:48
7. Is it a challenge to sell this idea? – 18:38
8. It’s time for the professional weirdo – 21:13
9. Embrace the awkward – 23:17
10. A stranger that made a difference – 29:04

Find How to Talk To Strangers at your local bookstore, Kerrie's site (below) or your preferred online store.

Imtiaz Anees shares his journey as an Olympian in this highly energetic conversation, and his gratitude for the supporters in his life, especially his mother - and strangers he met along the way, from all over the world.

Author of Riding Free - My Olympic Journey, Imtiaz connects genuinely with people, and brings a special kind of zest to the Connect With Confidence podcast.

Starting with his early childhood days in India, Imtiaz recalls himself as being a meek kid who always dreamt of representing India at the Olympic games. He cherishes memories where he would do victory speeches in front of guests who visited his house. As Imtiaz considered various sports, his life pulled him towards choosing horse riding as his sport. He shares his beautiful journey of ups and downs, with stories of three key women who shaped his life and created a positive impact.

And we especially loved the stories of his years in Australia, with Marcus Oldham College and NEGS stories! These are famous Australian educators with significant national and global influence.  

His conversation will light you up, as he talks about many people who went out of their way to help him reach his goals. This is one of those conversations that can restore your faith in humanity. If you love it too, please share!

TIME STAMP

1. Childhood in India – 1:17
2. Responding to your confidence – 3:14
3. Positive impact of strangers – 6:38
4. Olympic games – 9:13
5. Telling people about your lifelong dream – 11:42
6. Pressure to get a gold – 13:03
7. People that showed up when you least expected it – 15:04
8. Words of encouragement – 18:52
9. Working at NEGS – 20:38
10. The book: Riding free – 23:05
11. Was it a challenge to write a book? – 26:29
12. People who were part of the book process – 28:47
13. Riding the horses – 31:24
14. Story with a stranger – 34:06

Join us for a fresh perspective on confidence in this episode of the Connect With Confidence podcast.
Conor O'Malley, known as the CEO’s caddy, and author of the book ‘Trust - begins and ends with self’ joins Kerrie in an absolutely stunning conversation, on life leadership and lessons from the golf course.

TIME STAMPS

1. Growing with Confidence and derailing – 3:18
2. Meeting Paula – 6:09
3. Book: Trust - begins and ends with self – 9:32
4. Having a conversation of possibilities – 14:24
5. Playing golf! – 18:47
6. Noticing the story – 24:20
7. Contributing stories: How to Talk to Strangers – 34:58

Find How to Talk To Strangers at your local bookstore, Kerrie's site (below) or your preferred online store.

In this conversation Kerrie unpacks the launch of her new book, How to Talk to Strangers with her assistant Meenakshi. Kerrie shares the journey of writing along, with a hint of stories that touched her heart, but also the hilarious and fun to read ones. Meenakshi, having worked with Kerrie through the process of writing and releasing the book, talks about her behind the scenes experience of social media and learning from the incredible stories in the book.

This episode brings to light a beautiful book of genuine connection and stories from different connectors that will encourage you to see real connections with people around you. You can also catch little snippets of stories from the book, as Kerrie reads out her favourite parts!!

TIME STAMP

1. What’s happening after the book launch? -  0:37
2. Working behind the scenes – 1:00
3. Stories in the book – 3:52
4. How did How to Talk to Strangers happen? – 6:57
5. What should the readers reflect on? – 14:05
6. Where can we buy the book? – 16:58
7. Pieces from How To Talk to Strangers – 24:51

Find How to Talk To Strangers at your local bookstore, Kerrie's site (below) or your preferred online store.

From memories of living in migrant huts, lying on the ground looking up at the stars, to directing Les Misérables and Phantom of The Opera, Simone de Haas takes us on a reflective journey, celebrating and sharing turning point moments and those she learned from - herself included!

We tend to forget our accomplishments, and neglect valuable learning that can propel us forward in the most energising ways. Do you need to change the conversation in your head about your giftedness, your strengths, your brilliance?

TIME STAMP

Meeting Simone – 1:43

Being Online – 5:26

Young Simone – 13:12

Nissen hut – 21:44

Living in Holland – 23:04

Unfolding Simone’s career – 26:26

Confidence journey – 32:47

That conversation in your head – 39:45

What is the uniqueness you can find? – 51:09

Appreciating yourself – 54:40

What is the theme of this episode? – 59:54

Tips!! – 1:03:57

Find Simone here -

Wow!!! What an inspiring conversation. There were goosebumps, tears and laughter. Beth Rondeau's story of teaching in a maximum security prison is an eye opener - and not in the ways you'd imagine. Beth's energy bounces through the airwaves and we know you'll love this episode too.

Remember her name - she's only just getting started on an extraordinary journey of inspiring millions and continuing to create more positive change. 

A 5 minute introductory candle gazing meditation to improve mindfulness.

Emilia Dauway is an extraordinary, beautiful human being, a leader in oncological surgery and yoga - a fascinating mix, born of her desire to help people, especially those affected by cancer. 

Our conversation covered many topics including the Human Library experience with Living Books, and how everyone has a story worthy of listening to without judgement, appreciating your body, and taking time to really connect; with yourself and others. 

And it's amazing to hear of long days of surgery with a team that feels like family, with energy, enthusiasm and passion for the work Emilia does.

Kerrie asked Emilia to share a mindfulness exercise from her book, Live Fearlessly, so we took a few moments to meditate with the help of a candle. This is also shared as a short bonus episode. Get your nearest candle out and join us to find a more restful, calm place within. This is where can step away from the noise and make clear, intuitive decisions, hearing the still small voice within. 

An Indian Mother’s wisdom seeps through this episode with Sagar’s stories and advice for connecting with people. He shares his early days in a Bombay (Mumbai) slum, to a sought-after education in London; not only the formal education that transformed his family, but the hilarious moment that turned the offensive into humour, connection and learning.

TIME STAMP

1. Childhood in the slums of Mumbai – 3:11
2. Being tirelessly optimistic – 4:54
3. My mum – 6:53
4. Education beyond school – 9:29
5. Connection with new people in London – 13:27
6. Why productivity explorer? – 15:22
7. Coming back home to Mumbai – 18:38
8. What do your days look like? – 19:54
9. Being productive in social media – 23:03
10. Shifting from the hustle mode – 25:09
11. How is your business growing – 29:58
12. Starting Zapro Consultants – 33:00 
13. Getting married – 35:29

Such a valuable conversation with storytelling expert Lisa Evans. So many insights!!

Stories have always been key to connecting with others. Effective storytelling can bring you much closer, more quickly. On this week’s Connect with Confidence we introduce to you inspirational story teller, Lisa Evans, based in Perth, Western Australia. 

Lisa realised that she was always a storyteller and she believes that stories not only entertain, inspire and connect, but also help us heal and feel comforted. She gives away tips on effective story telling and the feedback systems a story teller can use to create effective content.

Lisa works with big and small companies, leaders, and entrepreneurs, including professional speakers. 

This is a podcast that makes you rewind and take notes. So, get ready with a pen and paper!!

The Social Media Professor, Niklas Myhr shares some of his very interesting journey and his approach to human connection. He also mentions some questions he asks his students at Chapman University to consider their online presence, so grab a pen and paper!

Discover how Niklas interned for Gary Vaynerchuck to increase his insights to take back to his digital marketing students - and how he was sought after to join the Prince of Monaco's Digital Advisory Commission! I love his curiosity - and his thoughtful, authentic approach to connecting online, and offline. We could talk for hours. And sometimes do!

Find Niklas here - 

A really important, energising honest conversation with the lovely Dr. Jenny Brockis - about pushing ourselves, increasing demands, crashing, burning, and finding ways to thrive instead. While we covered some challenging times and heartaches, there’s still plenty of love, laughs and joy in this episode. Be inspired and equipped to connect with confidence, with yourself and others - in your neighbourhood and across the world 😀 Dr. Jenny Brockis is a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, global speaker and best-selling author specialising in brain health, mental wellbeing and social connection. Her new book Thriving Mind: How to cultivate a good life (Wiley) is now available online and at all good bookstores.   

It's an incredible journey of adventure and life-changing discoveries that Emily Dobberstein shares with Kerrie following the recent launch of her first book, The Courage to Go. Emily expresses herself so honestly and creatively, as you'll also discover on her inspiring Instagram page. Enjoy! 

Kerrie chats with Amanda Heal across many topics,  from her premature birth and loss of sight, her global travels and guide dogs, to her new book Seeing By Vision, Not By Sight.

Lindsay Adams apparently “knows everyone in Brisbane”! Lindsay is known around the world for his networking, and his incredible service to others, especially the professional speaking industry. In recognition of this, Lindsay was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia by the Governor of Queensland in 2020. 

Lindsay shares his business networking tips, how he looks for ways to help those around him, and how strategic mentoring accelerated his success in growing his business. 

What happens to your confidence when you break free of all the clutter of modern life? It skyrockets! Anything is possible! Saahil shares a significant turning point conversation that changed everything for him - and now impacts countless readers and followers of his work around the world.