Work Savvy

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. 
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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!

Episode 94: Feedback for Performance

In this episode, we dive deep into transforming feedback conversations with Sue Anderson, a Speaker, Trainer, Author, Coach, and Mentor. Karen and Sue talk about overcoming the common fears associated with giving and receiving feedback and how this can change the way we communicate at work. Sue introduces her three-step "Feedback Fit" formula, designed to shift workplace cultures from feedback-fearful to feedback-friendly. Karen and Sue explore practical strategies that leaders can employ to encourage honest and constructive dialogue, sharing success stories and pitfalls from various organizations. Tune in to discover how you can foster an environment where feedback drives growth and enhances performance across your organization.
Follow Karen and Sue on LinkedIn!
 
 

Episode 93: HR Credibility Deficit: How to Bridge the Perception Gap

Ever wondered why HR sometimes gets a bad rap?  
Karen is joined by Ilona Charles, an experienced C-Suite executive who works with CEOs, founders, executives and boards, to talk about the HR Credibility Deficit: How to Bridge the Perception Gap. 
In this episode, Karen and Ilona dive deep into the common misconceptions about HR and explore strategies to help HR professionals earn respect and demonstrate their value.  
We discuss the power of data-driven insights, the importance of building strong relationships and the art of partnering with leadership to achieve shared goals.  
Tune in to discover how HR can bridge the credibility gap and become a strategic asset to any organization. 
Follow Karen and Ilona on LinkedIn!

Episode 92: The Negotiation Playbook

Karen welcomes Glin Bayley, a seasoned Negotiation Specialist, Non-Executive Director (GAICD) and author of The Negotiation Playbook: Strategies That Work and Results That Last, for a conversation on mastering negotiation in both life and business.
Together Karen and Glin explore how negotiation is an evolutionary journey, highlighting how our need to feel valued influences our approach. They discuss: 
Identifying your unique value 
Analyzing data to bolster your position 
Understanding your leverage 
The power of embracing discomfort during negotiations 
Strategically executing your negotiation plan 
Learn to harness these techniques to become a more effective negotiator in all areas of life. For more insights on Leadership and Self Mastery, or to suggest future topics, visit us at www.corporatedojo.com or connect with us on social media. Don’t forget to Work... savvy! 
Follow Karen and Glin on LinkedIn!
 

Episode 91: Winning the War for Talent

Karen is joined by Richard Triggs, author of Winning the War for Talent, to explore the strategies and insights that can help organizations attract and retain top talent in today's competitive market. They dive into the most effective ways to draw in high-caliber candidates and discuss how companies can differentiate themselves to become employers of choice. The conversation also highlights the critical role of employer branding in the talent acquisition process and the key elements that make a brand strong and appealing. 
Richard shares his expertise on why top talent often leaves organizations and offers practical solutions for improving retention. The discussion emphasizes the importance of leadership in the recruitment process, exploring the qualities that leaders need to attract and retain the best talent.
Additionally, they explore how organizations can build a sustainable talent pipeline, with a focus on the role of succession planning in securing the future of the workforce. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will help your organization stay ahead in the war for talent.
Connect with Richard Triggs on LinkedIn now!

Episode 90: Collective Decision-Making: A Key to Organizational Success

Karen is joined by Bryan Whitefield, the author of "Team Think" and an expert with 30 years of experience in engineering, insurance and management consulting.
Karen and Bryan explore:
What does collective decision-making mean, and why is it important for organizations?
Common challenges that teams face when making decisions together.
The potential benefits of involving teams in decision-making processes.
How leaders create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their opinions.
Strategies that can be used to ensure that diverse perspectivesare considered in decision-making
How teams avoid groupthink and ensure that all members contribute to the decision-making process.
Connect with Bryan Whitefield on LinkedIn now!