Work Savvy

Episode 104: Leading Through Shifts and Shocks with Steve Vamos

Renowned technology leader and author Steve Vamos — former CEO of Xero and Microsoft Australia & New Zealand — breaks down the leadership skills essential for navigating rapid change. Drawing from his new book, Through Shifts and Shocks, this conversation explores how today’s leaders can stay grounded, adaptable, and effective in uncertain times. 
Drawing on his vast experience across companies like Apple, IBM, and Xero, Steve shares practical strategies for creating psychological safety, aligning teams, having difficult conversations, and building resilience in uncertain times. He also unpacks how to foster a mindset that embraces creativity, innovation, and performance — even when the future is unclear. 
This conversation is packed with leadership insights you can act on today. If you're serious about leading your team through disruption and toward sustainable success, this one’s for you. 
Tune in now, and don’t forget to Work... savvy! 
Want Ready to equip your leaders for change? Discover how our Leadership Development Programs at Corporate Dojo help leaders build resilience, lead with clarity, and thrive in times of uncertainty. 
🔗 Explore our programs 
For more on courageous leadership, culture transformation and building high-performing teams, follow Karen Gately on LinkedIn. Get practical advice and thought leadership to help you lead with impact and integrity. 
For deeper insights on leading through change and uncertainty, connect with Steve Vamos on LinkedIn and explore his new book, Through Shifts and Shocks. It’s a must-read for leaders navigating today’s dynamic business landscape. 
🔗 Steve Vamos on LinkedIn 🔗 Get the book – Through Shifts and Shocks 

Episode 103: The CEO’s Body: What High-Performing Executives Know About Their Health

Executive health is a game-changer — yet often overlooked in leadership. Guy Leggett, a leader in performance nutrition and executive wellbeing, joins Work Savvy to unpack how high-performing leaders manage their bodies and minds to lead with clarity, presence and energy — and why burnout, brain fog, and poor habits are silent saboteurs in the C-suite. 
From practical nutrition strategies to early warning signs of depletion, this conversation offers powerful insights for leaders who want to sustain performance and influence through wellbeing or are looking to get their act together. You’ll hear what successful CEOs do differently — and how your habits, physiology and mindset can drive better outcomes for you and your team. 
If you’re sick and tired of feeling sick and tired this is a conversation for you.   
Tune in now and don’t forget to Work... savvy! 
Want Ready to equip your leaders for change? Discover how our Leadership Development Programs at Corporate Dojo help leaders build resilience, lead with clarity, and thrive in times of uncertainty. 🔗 Explore our programs 
For more on courageous leadership, culture transformation and building high-performing teams, follow Karen Gately on LinkedIn. Get practical advice and thought leadership to help you lead with impact and integrity. 
For more insights on executive wellbeing and performance nutrition, follow Guy Leggett on LinkedIn. 
 

Episode 102: Worthy & Wealthy: A New Definition of Success

In this episode of Work Savvy, Karen Gately is joined by wealth and mindset coach Emma Lagerlow to explore what it truly means to live a “worthy and wealthy” life. Drawing from her new book, Worthy & Wealthy, Emma shares a fresh perspective on abundance—one that goes far beyond financial success. 
Together, Karen and Emma dive into the five pillars of a worthy and wealthy life: self-worth, purpose, wellbeing, financial empowerment, and time freedom. They unpack how letting go of outdated beliefs and realigning with your core values can transform the way you work, lead, and live. 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break free from burnout and reconnect with what really matters. 
Ready to empower your team to thrive? Discover how Corporate Dojo can help leaders cultivate focus, wellbeing, and performance from the inside out. 
Connect with Karen Gately on LinkedIn now! 
Connect with Emma Lagerlow on LinkedIn now! 

Episode 101: Detox Your Culture

Karen Gately joins forces with workplace culture expert and best-selling author Colin Ellis to explore what it really takes to detox your culture. Drawing from his latest book, Detox Your Culture, Colin shares real-world examples of toxic behaviours—and how leaders can turn things around.
Together, they unpack practical strategies to build trust, boost inclusion, and drive high performance. You'll gain tools to spot early warning signs, shift harmful behaviours, and shape a culture people want to be part of.
If you're serious about lifting performance, retaining talent, and protecting your reputation, this is a must-listen.
Ready to build a thriving culture? Learn how Corporate Dojo can help with tailored diagnostics and development programs:corporatedojo.com/what-we-offer
Tune in now—and don’t forget to Work... savvy!
Connect with Karen Gately on LinkedIn now! 
Connect with Colin D. Ellis  on LinkedIn now! 

Episode 100: What It Takes to Build a Thriving Business Against All Odds

In this special 100th episode of Work Savvy, Karen sits down with entrepreneur and author Jason T. Smith to explore what it really takes to build and lead a successful business. Jason’s journey—from a failed medical missionary to the founder of Australia’s largest physiotherapy network, which he sold for over $100 million—is filled with hard-earned lessons in resilience, leadership and strategic thinking. 
Together, they unpack the challenges of scaling a business, navigating betrayal and corporate sabotage and staying true to your vision when others say it can’t be done. Jason shares his insights on overcoming adversity, leading with conviction and the mindset shifts that helped him succeed. 
If you’re a leader, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways to help you build a thriving team and culture. 
Looking to sharpen your leadership skills? Explore our latest resources at Corporate Dojo. 
Tune in now, and don’t forget to Work... savvy! 
Connect with Karen and Jason on LinkedIn now!

Episode 99: Make Work Work For You

Karen chats with leadership expert and author Louise Gilbert about how leaders can cultivate high performance and wellbeing simultaneously, without sacrificing one for the other.
Louise’s book, Make Work Work For You, lays out 27 essential leadership practices that help individuals, teams and organisations achieve excellence in a sustainable way. Drawing on over 15 years of experience working with Australia’s leading organisations, Louise shares practical strategies to improve performance, retain top talent and prevent burnout in today’s demanding work environment. 
If you’re a leader looking to create a workplace where people thrive—not just survive—this episode is packed with actionable insights. 
Looking to take your leadership to the next level? Explore our Coaching and Leadership Development Programs. 
Tune in now and don’t forget to Work... savvy! 
Connect with Karen and Louise on LinkedIn now!

Episode 98: Nature Breaks: The Surprising Key to Unlocking Your Best Thinking

Karen welcomes Dr. Jenny Brockis—bestselling author and board-certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner—for an eye-opening conversation about the powerful impact of nature breaks. Together, they uncover how spending more time outdoors can enhance mental clarity, lower stress levels and support overall well-being. Jenny’s new book, The Natural Advantage: How More Time Outside Reduces Stress, Improves Health & Boosts Social Connection, offers a deep dive into the science behind nature’s benefits for both mind and body.
Karen and Jenny discuss why stepping outside enhances cognitive function, creativity and problem-solving. They delve into how even short moments in nature lower cortisol levels, boost mood and help reset an overworked mind. Jenny shares practical strategies for integrating nature into a busy workday—whether through walking meetings, outdoor breaks, or simple changes like adding greenery to workspaces. 
This conversation highlights why taking breaks outside isn’t just a luxury but a proven strategy for better performance, well-being and workplace productivity. Listeners will walk away with actionable tips to harness the power of nature and create a healthier, more balanced approach to work. 
Follow Karen Gately on LinkedIn now!
Connect with Dr. Jenny Brockis on LinkedIn now!

Episode 97: Addressing the Elephants in the Room

Karen is joined by Genevieve Hawkins, seasoned business leader and author of Mentally at Work and Shrinking Elephants, to tackle the unspoken tensions that can undermine team cohesion and productivity. Together, they explore how leaders can recognize, address, and resolve workplace conflicts before they escalate. 
Karen and Genevieve discuss why team members often avoid difficult conversations, the impact of unresolved conflict on workplace culture, and how leaders can foster an environment where open dialogue is encouraged. Genevieve shares practical strategies for identifying passive-aggressive behaviors, facilitating constructive conversations, and coaching employees to navigate disputes effectively. 
The conversation also covers when leaders should intervene directly versus when to empower their team members to resolve conflicts themselves. Listeners will gain valuable insights into following up on conflict resolution, ensuring accountability, and embedding long-term solutions to build a more cohesive and high-performing team. 
This episode provides leaders with the tools they need to confidently address workplace tensions and create a culture of transparency and collaboration. 
Connect with Karen Gately on LinkedIn
To build on what you’ve learned in this episode, explore the Powerful Conversations eLearning series—designed to help leaders navigate tough discussions with clarity, empathynand confidence. Discover how to manage your own thoughts and emotions, communicate expectations effectively and influence underperformance through firm, fair and impactful dialogue.
👉 Explore Powerful Conversations series here: https://www.corporatedojo.com/communicate-with-impact
Connect with Genevieve Hawkins on LinkedIn now! 

Episode 96: Realities of the Gender Pay Gap

Karen and Roxanne Calder, Founder and Managing Director of EST10 and author of Earning Power: Breaking Barriers and Building Wealth for Women, to explore the realities of the gender pay gap and the barriers that continue to hold women back financially. Together, they unpack the systemic issues contributing to the million-dollar earnings discrepancy many women face over their careers. 
Karen and Roxanne discuss how gender bias—both historical and ongoing—continues to shape workplace dynamics and financial outcomes. Roxanne shares compelling real-life stories of women who have navigated these challenges, highlighting the strategies they use to overcome obstacles and build successful, financially secure careers. 
They also explore practical steps women can take to increase their earning potential, from negotiating salaries to developing financial literacy and leveraging mentorship for career advancement. Roxanne provides invaluable advice on how women can break through systemic limitations and take control of their financial futures. 
This episode offers an insightful and empowering discussion, equipping listeners with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate workplace challenges and maximize their earning power. 
Follow Karen Gately on LinkedIn now!
Connect with Roxanne Calder on LinkedIn now!

Episode 95: Supercharging Productivity

In this episode, we explore supercharging your productivity. Karen and award-winning psychologist Simi Rayat, author of "Productivity Joy," dive into Simi's 5Qs formula—five essential questions that enhance productivity.  
They start with discussing how emotions impact productivity and methods for emotional regulation. Next, they explore how gratitude enhances brain function and productivity.  
The conversation shifts to revealing the benefits of a positive mindset and discussing cognitive distortions from Simi's book. They also cover tackling thinking patterns like action bias and procrastination.  
The episode wraps with "Setting Your Compass," to reclaim agency over your actions and consequences.  They explore the power of setting clear intentions about how you’ll act and behave.   
Tune in to gain valuable strategies to not only enhance your productivity but also to enrich your daily life with greater joy and fulfillment. 
 
Follow Karen and Simi on LinkedIn!