The Mojo Maker Podcast with Nikki Fogden-Moore: For Leaders In Life | Healthy Wealthy and Wise

In episode 103 Leadership Mojo© – I talk with James Hunter, National Managing Partner at KPMG Australia, on the power of authentic leadership. Why it requires accountability, shared intent and transformation from the top-down. James’ extensive leadership experience spans both corporate and military. With 15 years’ experience in a diverse range of corporate leadership roles in Professional Services in Australia, regionally and globally. James joined the Navy straight out of school. After leaving the Navy, he taught at Shore Sydney Church of England Grammar School. As Assistant Housemaster, and later Housemaster, he studied for his MBA. Six years later, with his MBA behind his name, James entered the corporate world. Over the last decade his focus has been working closely with companies across a range of sectors to deliver large, complex transformation and customer/digital/cultural reform programs in Australia as well as North America, the UK and Europe, and across SE and Northern Asia. Trust is rooted in integrity and shared intent of the outcome you want to achieve. James Hunter I asked James about his style of leadership and what we truly need to pay attention to as we build companies with sustainable success and values that matter: 1. Authentic Leadership Leadership is constantly evolving, but at its heart is authenticity. Which means walking the talk and ensuring as a leader you continue to evolve and honour your values through all areas of life – this includes home as well as work. Leaders are accountable for the outcomes but can only do that if they can trust the people they work with. Authenticity ensures consistency in behaviour and in the end the valuable asset of trust. This trust is rooted in integrity and shared intent of the outcome you want to achieve.  You can’t lead through formal structures. Authentic leadership is about leading one-on-one. You lead by example, and your example is replicated.  Checking in on trust and shared intent – at all stages of growth and any size of business is crucial. 2. Leadership Mojo is Shared intent Successful businesses often fail when they get to a certain size. That’s because entrepreneurs don’t realise the importance of surrounding themselves with people that they need to empower to be successful and own the success. There is a gap where shared intent should be.   If you want employees to take ownership and accept accountability, you need a shared intent on the outcomes right from the start.  * Great leaders foster shared intent by surrounding themselves with key people who have the skills they themselves lack. * The gap is bridged when leaders are willing to learn from these key people, who, in turn, learn from the leader. This is when people change the way they operate, and true integration happens. The result? Outcomes that are not merely good, but great.   3. Leadership Mojo is Closing the loop When you can share a vision and intent, and empower the people you work with, success is measured by the feedback that the process has been transformational. But empowerment is built on trust and looping back. * If you want people to trust you, then you need to create a safe environment and be available for open discussion. * Ensure there is a loop back on what has been asked,

Valles Accountants Managing Director Greg Valles, shares why it’s crucial to keep learning, be purposeful and ALWAYS be open minded. Passion and Purpose I met Greg along with some incredible humans when I was MC at an event for Men’s Mental Health in 2018. As a father, partner, mentor, loyal mate to many and Founder of Valles Accountants, Greg talks about overcoming old constraints * the ability to learn from experience instead of letting challenges define you * and the power of being open to all walks of life and people. Actively involved in the accounting and business community, Greg is currently a member of the Australian Taxation Office High Wealth Australian Client Working Group; Institute of Public Accountants; Australian Institute of Company Directors; National Tax and Accountants’ Association and Small Business Medium Enterprise and Australian Taxation Office Professional Forum. Yup! All of that… On a personal note, Greg is an advocate of Starlight Children’s Foundation and Liberty Victoria. Greg is also a member of Australian National Academy of Music; Melbourne Cricket Club; Melbourne Theatre Company; National Gallery of Victoria and Victorian Racing Club. So what does such a high achiever have to say about overwhelm and adulting? Just like all leaders in life the road is paved with speed bumps, family matters and a need to navigate with consideration and  curiousity. It’s never easy opening  up on camera, but I know this is just the beginning of some wonderful tips Greg can share on what got him to to now with integrity and wisdom. 1. Overwhelm happens to everyone The funny idea of overwhelm is that it’s one of the worst feelings and not and it’s become a real epidemic for all ages and levels in life. Not only in a personal aspect but how we deal with challenges and feeling stuck when we go through collateral damage of relationship breakdowns, work situations or changing and big decisions in our lives. I.e what happens when you’ve been building a business and you suddenly look up and things aren’t as they seem? * Staff change, situations evolve, clients move in and out, and you realise you have to put your focus back in the business rather than working on it. 2. PERSONAL REFLECTION = EVOLUTION, IN PERSONAL LIFE AND BUSINESS The vulnerability within anyone going through extreme overwhelm is very real so be prepared to lean in and evolve. Also remember: not only should you recognise what that feeling is like or when it begins to creep in, but that there is always a solution. * Often when we are faced with overwhelm and challenges we want to bury ourselves more into work or pushing through that period of time and dig deeper. * In actual fact high performance comes from alerting yourself to the signs earlier and asking for help and pressing pause. Reach out and ask for help when you were going through a personal discord, its a myth you need to do it all on your own. 3. TALKING THROUGH YOUR SITUATION IS HEALTHY People are in denial that they need some assistance from anyone, or to talk it through. However apart from reflection and time to self – it’s also just a cathartic nature to be able to share, voice ideas, concerns and talk things through. Out of your head and into a better perspective

I’m excited to be able to share this interview with my Dad, Trevor. Born in 1929 one of 9 kids coming from not much at all, to give us so much. A heck of a work ethic = he’s a stockman, auctioneer, real estate guru, developer, jockey, farmer and alongside my mum hosted some epic rural parties and he is the biggest prankster ever. Above all else he’s a dad, grandfather, husband, great mate to his friends and an all round fabulous human. On this episode, my Dad (89yrs of awesome) shares his stories, how he offered to work for 12 months for free in his first job, that he had a police escort to the interview and why relationships are the key in life. I hope I make him proud, as I’m certainly proud to be his daughter. I hope you enjoy this episode together. It was very impromptu and that’s what I love about it. 1. Work Hard & Be Persistent Dad you were from a large family and didn’t have much but you were very determined from a young age. Yes Nik, you had to make it yourself. I went to high school for a few years, and I wasn’t doing much good there, but I enjoyed school very much. I also really enjoyed meeting people and getting out. However, when my older brother took a job I had to leave school and go and help on the farm to be there and help my father. So Dad took his my older brother’s place, probably at the age of about 16/17 and from there on worked until he was about 19, then his young brother came on to do the farm work, so my Dad had to leave. That’s when he decided he’d go get a job as a stock broker (live stock not trading shares on wall street)… It would have been in the late 40s, late 40s. He had no knowledge whatsoever of book work, but had a very good stock knowledge. In those days there weren’t GPS’s or Google Maps so Dad found out about a job with a stock firm, got in his car and went town to town getting directions. In the end this lead to a police escort to the final interview location. Haha, I didn’t know my way, I had to stop at every police station. I’ve never been there before – so the police stations were the best point of interest at that time to get directions. True story. Didn’t take no for an answer The manager said that I wouldn’t qualify for the job because I had no office experience, he turned me down and I was very disheartened. So I went down the stairs… and then I went back and asked him one more time if he would just give me a job on the road dealing with livestock. And he said, “Well yes, you sound very keen son. I can give you a job but I can’t pay you more than an office boy’s wage.” And I said, “Well, I’d be … I’ll work for nothing for 12 months, just to get started.” 2. Relationships Are Key I can remember one of my earliest memories of dad is sitting in front of him in the saddle on his horse while you’re doing the fencing. We’d bring morning tea out. Dad always said to me “you know, the most important thing in business and life is relationships”. During his first job as a stockman Dad would get up very early in the morning – before the farmers sometimes, and he would take a load of newspapers and fresh bread out to the farmers he was visiting. That paved the way for some great long term relationships.

The Attitide of Gratitude. Why it’s absolutely crucial to enjoy the journey and celebrate what you have now, have done to date and done for others. Hi, guys, welcome from the wonderful Heliport Studios, where I recorded this episode on the fly with James Russell Music. Who would have thought that 8 year old kid with a bad haircut and shorts instead of a dress, the one who was in woodwork instead of sewing – making a cheese board and wonky spoon (still in used at my folks house..see pics below..)  would be recording Fitpreneur for audible at last week.  To have reached 100 episodes on her little show on iTunes and Spotify and is relentlessly writing a third book that includes important research, interviews and insights from some incredible inspiring folks who lead by true example in our modern crazy world. One Cheese Board Still in Use

Meet Former AFL super star, now founder and CEO of Outside The Locker Room – Jake Edwards. Part of the new game changers forging a path for transparency, conversation and a sense of community that’s required around Mental Health. On this episode Jake shares his journey from Hero to Zero then back again. Battling the scars that aren’t visible to others, how to build resilience, the new bro-code and why it’s essential to take the first step in asking for help. Great Expectations When you come from a long line of professional footballers, the stakes are high for you to follow in the shoes of your father and family. Jakes story was no different. What he didn’t expect was the deep emotional impact the pressure would have on him personally and the subconscious “not good enough” negative self talk that was slowly pulling him further into a point of no return. This wasn’t the landscape to voice any of that – so keeping up appearances and pushing what was then undiagnosed depression away – out of sight was the only coping mechanism Jake knew at that point. That choice and shame around feeling unworthy and created a series of set backs and poor decisions that ultimately led Jake to a forced decision from his entire’s life goals and purpose at pro football and finally an attempt on his own life. shame  /ʃeɪm/noun2. a regrettable or unfortunate situation or action.“what a shame Ellie won’t be here”synonyms: pity, misfortune, crying shame, cause for regret, source of regret, sad thing, unfortunate thing; verb1.a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behaviour.“she was hot with shame”synonyms: humiliation, mortification, chagrin, ignominy, loss of face, shamefacedness, embarrassment, indignity, abashment, discomfort, discomfiture, discomposure2. make (someone) feel ashamed.“I tried to shame him into giving some away”synonyms:  humiliate, mortify, make someone feel ashamed, chagrin, embarrass, abash, chasten, humble, put someone in their place, take down a peg or two, cut down to size, show up;​ The Shame Game Dealing with depression, addiction and not coping created such a level of shame, guilt and fear it was only at rock bottom after rehab that there was a point he could discuss this with family. That kitchen table discussion changed the course of Jakes relationship with his parents, his father and started with the ability to change the relationship with himself. Once the conversation was out there – he surprisingly learnt it wasn’t so foreign after all. Here are Jakes steps and tools to regain a sense of perspective, personal self worth and clarity to move forward with purpose when you are rebuilding your life dealing with a darker voice, a disruptive past to build a new future. 1. Owning The Truth It’s can be confronting but at the same time totally liberating when you can stand in your truth. No one can knock you over from that. Understanding exactly where you stand and owning this with those closest is a solid foundation from which to work on yourself, your game plan and also build a dream team around you. 2. Bro Code & Asking For Help

Freshly Pressed from The Mojo Maker Show – Episode 98 – I chat with Brocode Founder Clint Vosloo on his personal journey – hero to ground zero and back. From top of his game and “happily” married – to separation, navigating the way through child custody and the chips being down. How he overcame “shame” to reach out for help, why vulnerability is an asset and how to surround yourself with the right people when you are going through challenges. In this episode I chat with Clint about the purpose behind BROCODE Life and the new rules of engagement for men to be accountable in all areas of their world Bro Code – Recognising There’s An Issue One of the hardest elements for anyone is to actually recognise that things are NOT right and to own that. Not to push it down, not to distract with other areas like work or going “under ground” into a man cave. But truly acknowledging there is a huge change occurring and things will not be the same. Bro Code – Getting the Right Support Clint shared that his parents view about not showing vulnerability was putting pressure not to get outside support. However in the end that approach wasn’t working and he had to overcome the shame of “asking for help”. Result = best thing he could have done. Our message: Counselling is cool – just make sure you find a counsellor/therapist or coach who is truly experienced, you gel with really holds you accountable, has the right tools and genuinely wants the best outcome for you. Friends? Great but ensure you gravitate towards friends who are supportive, not drama feeders or encouraging you to act out further. You need people around you in crisis that are emotionally healthy. Bro Code – Redefining Your Internal Rule Book The ideas and subconscious beliefs – your working set habits and reactions. that served you before, are probably not going to serve you now. Change is inevitable, growth is optional. Chances are you will need to really evaluate what you are measuring your happiness, success and values against. Are you being accountable for your actions or just caught up in a cycle. Bro Code – Be Willing To Hear A Difference Perspective The path you’re walking is not new – it just feels like it. When you are ready to listen ensure it’s from friends and experts that actually live what they preach, are emotionally healthy and there to provide pragmatic advice. When it comes to family, separation and custody there doesn’t need to be anger and animosity. It’s so crucial to have a sound perspective to guide you through the most challenging processes, to avoid continued blame and to actually hold you accountable to set a good example for your future and for your children. Bro Code – Get Focused Stop looking back and really look at your own self to live your best life possible. Reflection is important but defining what great looks like is vital. This is something as a coach I focus on with my clients – what got you to this point is one thing, where you go to from here is firmly in your control. * Avoid hanging out with toxic energy draining people* Choose your time wisely* Reinvest in your health and wellbeing* Surround yourself with clear,

Why Accountability Is The New Black and Crucial For Sustainable Success. Monday Mojo’s are usually about topics that are right on point with a group I’m working with, client discussions or even my own life as we navigate through challenges blending personalities, purpose and profit into the mix. There are many opinions and often old sets of belief systems that will not apply in today’s modern, open and well connected landscape. What’s going to be different about your approach in life and work this year? Making this year remarkable and a little more seamless means taking out unnecessary bumps and self imposed road blocks. So this weeks Mojo is in trendy terms all about “Throwing less shade”. Which is adult terms means STOP BLAMING OTHERS. The No Blame Policy In the companies I work with on culture and my private clients, we have a strict NO BLAME policy. There’s lots of cool fancy diagrams about this but in simple terms it means be direct, go direct and stop talking about others indirectly unless you are legitimately getting some experienced advice on what to do in a tricky situation. If you’re busy pointing the finger at someone or something else, chances are you’re not taking care of your side of the street.  This is applicable to anyone. No matter what your title, age or role in life we can always evolve. It’s the cool part. It’s also called neuroplasticity** – so when people tell me “this is just the way I am” I ask them – is that how you want to remain? * Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment. (The Dictionary) I’d also like to add : it allows for the brain to compensate for outdated belief systems and create new improved outlooks and approaches to situations in life (*The Niktionary) Same Actions = Same Results If you keep doing the same things you’ll get the same results. Keep going and keep growing folks! So here’s this weeks leadership challenge. BLAME LESS. No more blame, no more shaming. Unless you’re truly a victim in life (reading this I think not) then you’re probably the sort of person who likes to get up, dust off, learn and move forward without staying on the blame train. Blame – who me? We’ve all done it – the defining factor is when you realise that it’s not the way to roll and you evolve into being one of those awesome human begins who says “darn it – I almost fell for that old trick” and redirect the focus back to yourself and what you can do differently. * No one can make you unhappy, unsuccessful or unproductive. Take care of your side of the street.  * Commit to learning, growing and ditching the old habits that no longer serve you. Here’s how to start: 3 top tips to re-wire that BLAME GAME hard drive and fast track the Accountability Angel (TM)**….   Anyhoo – here you go – this weeks gold nuggets for you leaders in life: 3 Tips to stop the Blame Game and reap the Rewards of Personal Accountability (at home an...

How to master the art of focus, to fear LESS and DO MORE. Welcome – The Weekly Mojo is back – after weeks offline (liberating and highly recommended) this week kicks off with the art of being Fearless and doing more  – why making conscious choices on what you really want is not renegade at all. There is no greater gift in life and business to realise that the intent and journey is so crucial if not richer than the outcome. If you’re leading in life you have probably forgotten some of the major things you worked so hard for in the past – as you’re busy focusing on what’s next. Or perhaps you’re stuck in a certain place due to fear of the unknown. Unfortunately, so often at work and personally our head strong ego can create chaos and clutter where there could be calm. This weeks blog – is my first in many weeks of some liberating time offline – I’m back with vengeance to talk about being Fear LESS and how to do more. Let me be clear – WE ALL HAVE FEAR. It’s nature. It’s what you do next that counts. Need a nudge? What if you keep feeling triggered by things and procrastinating. Fear of failure, being judged by others, not being supported, losing something or someone you love – what’s stopping you? * So what things didn’t work out in the past ? Chances are you’re a more evolved version of yourself and needed a few lessons to get things refined. Keep moving forward. Stop getting stuck. * Not sure where the road goes? Isn’t that part of the charm? Chances are you should go into the unchartered territory if it has you all fired up and nervous. Why not put one foot in front of the other and go after what you really want. Sitting in the “fear” and not moving through it can cloud judgement, make conversations confusing and prevents clarity and calm. It can make your mind feel muddy and your body start to feel slow, tired and exhausted from all the thinking around in circles. It can make you physically sick. Stop compartmentalising and giving one thing up for another. Define your BLEND. Stop over-thinking and start DOING: So here’s what to do: FEAR LESS #1 Own it! Recognise that first thought when it happens – THEN choose your second thought wisely. * Own your own stuff – are you clear on what you really WANT and able to articulate that.* Be clear with facts and stats.* Stop ‘Hoping’ things will work out + bury your head in the sand. NO HOPE PROJECTS this year Mojo Makers. You’ve heard this from me before and I’ll be repeating this over and over. We all have moments where we ‘hope” something will change or someone will change. No hope or blame. What can you do from your part? How can others step in and support you if you’re not being open about your own goals and needs?    #2 Be Clear and Conscious Of What You Say and Do – Fearless living in life and business requires Conscious Decision Making. It’s it’s not about being reckless or acting without regard. – Fear can be important to give you the extra kick and adrenaline – but at a certain point you need to recognise that’s there and forge ahead with conviction. Stop living in a story and just keep it simple. # 3 Take Action

TMM095 Matt Mackelden in the Drivers Seat Meet Professional driver trainer Matt Mackelden, a high performance drive instructor who’s raced in a wide variety of events over the last decade,  and currently racing the 2018  SuperUtes season aboard the Kubota Racing Toyota Hilux team. This year Matt turned his attention from super car drive instructor to Real Estate Agent,  as of last week. Giving up the glitz and glam of the track, for a life at home with family and a new career he’s learning the ropes on from the ground up.  To the outside world and most of his mates, Matt was throwing away the ‘dream life’ – racing cars, driving days all over the country with amazing brands – Mercedes, Porsche, Jaguar, Holden and more – jet setting around high octane living. To Matt it was a different story.   Mackelden has raced everything from Formula Vees and Hyundai Excels to Production Sports Cars, and is a two-time class winner at the Bathurst 12 Hour. He has competed in the Mini Challenge and Australian Production Car Series and is a familiar voice at Supercars events, filling the role of on-track commentator for categories including Australian GT Championship and V8 Utes.    Find out why he’s more in the drivers seat than ever before, as at 45 we reflect on what he would like to have told his younger self, how true courage means taking action and the agility required to really design and life a life you love. In The Drivers Seat  – Taking Control Of Life Close to 30 years of age,  Matt pretty well changed everything. Reflecting on being locked into a fairly unhappy marriage at that stage, hadn’t done anything that he really wanted to do. 125 kilos, smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, drinking a litre of coke a day, and “just existing”. I’m 45 years of age now and the  last 15 years has been really where I started to live my life. I reckon prior to that, I was doing everything that everyone thought that I should do. Doing everything the social norms thought that I should do. * I felt relatively trapped and so I made a very brave decision, a decision I think a lot of people find very difficult and sometimes its viewed as quite selfish. But I decided that this was my life and I needed to try, and live it the best way possible. So I ended up buying a race car- my first race car when I was 30 years of age.  Having looked at racing my whole life thinking “I reckon I could do that” – Matt ended taking some equity out of the house and bought his first little race car. Matt said he couldn’t even fit into the car, so  had to go and then lose  weight. Gave up smoking instantly, from a pack a day to absolutely nothing.  He lost 35 kilos, jumped into the race car for my first race, ended up qualifying fourth, coming second in the race. All of a sudden the new life of Matt MacKelden was underway. Who’s Expectations? Prior to last week Matt was flying around the country side, being in fabulous cars, meeting incredible people, and leaving his family at home. After a while that gets very old. There’s only 52 weeks a year and I did 64 flights last year.  I thought that I would love them. And that’s a heck of a lot of travel, at the end of the day, yes you earned good money and, yes you had fabulous experiences. But the reality is, I’m not. I’m happily married, to a wonderful woman with two beautiful little girls, who you know I wanna be apart of their life. I wanna be apart of my step daughters’ lives. So again while its all shiny and lovely on the outside, it is extremely hard work.

TMM 094 Founder Fitness Jamie Pride Speaker, author of Unicorn Tears, serial entrepreneur & venture capitalist Jamie Pride talks the nitty gritty on why start ups fail and how to prevent it. Entrepreneurs need to failure-proof themselves by being Founder Fit. Approximately three start-ups are founded every minute. Of those start-ups, 92 per cent will fail within three years. Just think about that for a second. That is a lot of failure. And while a lot of work is being done to improve the success of start-ups, the reality is that entrepreneurs need to brace themselves for more failure than success.  At the NSW Start Up Hub in Sydney Jamie and I discuss the importance of looking at the blend of personal and commercial traits for sustainable success. Here’s a detailed blog from our chat you can listen to the podcast or watch the video. Hope you enjoy. As always reach out with comments and questions as awareness is not enough – we need to take the next step of action to get real support.  Why Do Founders Fail Why do many founders fail, what to do to prevent burn out and why we need to look at both our personal as well as our commercial goals side by side for health, wealth and wisdom when building businesses and lives we love. Over the past 20 years, Jamie has founded and funded numerous technology start-ups. During that time, he’s seen a clear pattern emerging: start-up failure has become an accepted industry norm, and it has an impact that reaches far beyond financial loss to investors. Having experienced my own journey of failure as a founder more than once, I have felt the very real, deep, personal impact of that failure on me, my family and my colleagues. Founder Capacity vs Capability You can always continue to improve your capability (skills). That’s going to evolve over time, but capacity for on three dimensions, physical capacity, mental capacity and emotional capacity is the fuel tank. Your reservoir that you can draw upon that smoothes out that journey. It’s something that you can essentially have to help buffer you from the stresses of the world. When I had my own challenges, I had plenty of capability but no capacity. So when the challenges come and you don’t have that capacity, then you’re more at risk of a breakdown. You’re more at risk of potentially committing suicide. You’re more at risk of abusing drugs or alcohol because you just don’t have anything to dip into. Building capacity as you grow is crucial and ultimately reflects in the 3 foundations/traits of great founders. The 3 Foundations Of Great Founders My view is you can actually learn and entrepreneurialism can be taught, but I think we’re teaching the wrong things. I think we need to be preparing people for those personal impacts that entrepreneurialism takes. ONE: PURPOSE The first one is that the core or the foundational element that I think a good founding is based on is motive. What is your why? Connecting with purpose is crucial. The reason why it’s crucial is that when the chips are down and you are facing adversity, you are more inclined to go the distance on projects that you’re highly connected to. Purpose is  far more sustainable than just passion. It’s far more closer to what your values are. Founders who are authentically connected with the problem they’re trying to solve … they might be trying to solve literacy, or clean water, or they might be trying to solve a particular technology problem that somebody in their

TMM 093 HANGRY with Nikki and Sam Do you get HANGRY? Why it’s crucial to prevent the last minute hunger strikes, and fuel our bodies for optimal performance. Nikki and Sam are back in the studio with #COACH. Being prepared isn’t by chance it’s a choice + what to do if you’re really stuck and the only thing near you is McDonalds. Seriously we know you think about it so what do you order if it’s the only option in a 100km radius?   Hangry is a clever portmanteau of hungry and angry, and an adjective that describes being irritable due to hunger.Or according to the urban dictionary: Hangry When you are so hungry that your lack of food causes you to become angry, frustrated or both.  Regardless of diet choice  – Sam and I both agree things can hit world war 3 if you don’t plan your meals better and ensure you feed your body before you hit shutdown and it puts you into a state of low blood sugar anxiety, nervous tension and irritability.   So why do we get HANGRY?  Low blood sugar can occur for a number of reasons. It’s commonly known as a side effect of diabetes treatment. However you don’t have to have diabetes to experience low blood sugar, in fact many people I know skip meals, get busy and wonder why they are about to throw their phone against the wall if it beeps at them.  You just need to make sure you listen to your body and stop putting it into this state of duress regularly as you could potentially create long term harm.  Some causes of low blood sugar include: * Skipping meals, eating less than normal, or eating later than normal but taking your medication at your normal time can also lead to low blood sugar levels. * Unplanned excess physical activity without eating enough, (or if you plan to exercise without the right fuel..shame on you),  can also cause a drop in blood sugar levels. * Drinking alcohol when you’re on medications can also lead to low blood sugar, especially if it replaces food. When the body is trying to get rid of alcohol it becomes worse at managing blood sugar levels. HANGRY 101: The effects of not taking care of your blood sugar levels Symptoms of low blood sugar can occur suddenly. They include: * blurry vision * rapid heartbeat * sudden mood changes * sudden nervousness * unexplained fatigue * pale skin * headache * hunger * shaking * dizziness * sweating * difficulty sleeping * skin tingling * trouble thinking clearly or concentrating * loss of consciousness, seizure, coma #yup #truth People with hypoglycemic unawareness do not know their blood sugar is dropping. If you have this condition, your blood sugar can drop without you noticing it. Without immediate treatment, you can faint, experience a seizure, or even go into a coma.  Please note, whilst Sam and I talk about this top line in terms of people performance during busy days – it is crucial to recognise the signs of very low blood sugar as this is a medical emergency. So, if someone you know has diabetes and they’re experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, have them eat or drink 15 grams of easily digestible carbohydrates, such as outlined in 3.0 below: ** You should never give an unconscious person anything by mouth,

TMM 092 5 Steps To De-stress Right Now A mini mojo podcast episode on the 5 things to stop stress when you’re running on overdrive. The steps to press pause, get perspective, feel more calm and in control. From my next book The Mojo Maker, I wanted to share the pillars I use to get myself out of crazy-ville and into consciousness when life feels like it’s flying by. Understanding and recognising the signs that we go through when we are running on adrenaline is crucial to manage good health and great decision making. So here’s the important elements we need to actually deploy (not just think about) when the tank is running on empty and emotions are high…. Step 1: Awareness: Recognise the signs. Operating at your ‘max capacity’ is not ideal for long periods of time and the key is to be aware of the triggers. You know you’re heading for a burn out or you’re not in your flow when: * You get irritated by small things * People and comments, interruptions and questions annoy you * Vision is blurry, heart rate is elevated and you feel anxious and flighty * Lack of good sleep  * Restlessness * Craving sugar, caffeine or alcohol * Sensitive to light, sound and outside noise.. * + many more Step 2: Accountability: Stress has signs, so don’t ignore them Stop, pause and breathe. Remove yourself from the moment and if you can’t physically walk away then close your eyes for a nano second and regroup internally. Count 5 breaths in and 5 breaths out.  If you can remove yourself then: * Put the phone down for a moment and walk away, get some fresh air or go sit somewhere quiet * Step away from the laptop or computer, go grab a glass of water or a cup of tea * If you work at home, get up away from your desk and grab some fresh air.  * Tell the person you’re in a conversation with, very politely that you just need a moment. I know this sounds strange but it really works and I often do this when I am being bombarded with information and starting to feel claustrophobic from all the conversations going round in circles. Own your space Step 3: Action – Own your actions and create space not further stressful pressure Once you’ve regrouped don’t ‘put your hand back in the fire”. For goodness sake if you don’t change what you do the outcome will be the same. So it’s time to look at what you MUST be doing versus all the panic you are putting yourself mentally and physically under pressure for. Next step is to prevent this happening again or at least make a new game plan rather than just going straight back into high octane “anaerobic” pace again. Step 4: Create the VITAL, THEN, NEXT & IF box.  Download the PDF for that here. I use this every week during particularly hectic times as I know that my subconscious can be a cheeky devil and want me to get all crazy trying to do everything. The art of focus is fabulous. Just make sure you actually do it.   Step 5: Stick to the plan, be open and clear with others – don’t stress.  Running around like a headless chicken telling everyone you’ve reached your limit is not going to help you or those in your surroundings. Neither is bottling up the stress and ignoring it. Instead take responsibility to be clear,

TMM 091 Disruption with Mark Truelson and Stephen Scott Johnson It’s not what happens to you it’s how you deal with you that counts. Back with The Panel, this topic choice was from Mark. Self disruption is one that is not only personally but how that effects you commercially.  Filmed in the NAB Innovation centre when the 3 of us could all get together we talk about dealing with change, replacing fear with curiosity & embracing disruption at work and at home as a chance to grow.   As a society we often succumb to fear and this discussion touches on turning that into courage as a community and as individuals to thrive and respond. Major disruption is not doom and gloom. It’s a chance to view things differently.  Whether it’s loss of jobs in the shift to automation, feeling redundant in a digital society, relationships not lasting, increased isolation and less engagement – there are plenty of areas that are causing anxiety and fear.  1: Disruption starts with solving problems Instead of the pain points what is the opportunity and what is your role. Can you contribute, be more visi0nary, get on board with ideas rather than shy away from change 2. Shifting traditional titles in life to purpose and open mindedness Looking up from autopilot and pressing pause – assess the road blocks and identify the new opportunity. Design your next steps and be congruent.  Be authentic with your self first and find self acceptance in your journey no matter what life is bringing you. 3. Be willing to evolve. Nothing is set in stone, too important or too hectic to get in the way of change.  4. Stop/Be Still When you’re faced with overwhelm it’s simple as stopping completely. Avoid responding or reacting straight away – stop first. Allow reconnection with yourself and your environment.  It’s in the most challenging moments when we do stop, that we can really see our underlying strengths. Then you can align your sense of self with sense of purpose and accountability.   We are all agents of change, accept growth, ask for new perspectives and replace your fear with curiosity. Embrace disruption.  Marks top 2 takeaways * Establish the smaller simple things each day – what can you solve for yourself and for your team daily rather than larger than life thinking. Winning Weeks the crap list * Note the stuff that wakes you up with enerfgy Stephens top 2 takeaways * Stop and be present * 2. Give yourself permission to be more. Ask “what if” to get into possibility and potential.  How you can contribute and have a fuller life Nikki’s top 2 takeaways * Write these things down – out of your head and into practical tasks * Search out info – if you don’t know anything about a subject that is a grey area go on an info hunt. Think like a CEO, Plan like a Visionary, Act like a Buddha.   For more on the panel and other episodes head to the podcasts and VitalityCoachTV Special thanks again to Stephen Scott Johnson and Mark Truelson.

TMM090 Social Media Madness #COACH with Sam Coward  A new mini series on The Mojo Maker Show -#COACH Nikki talks hard hitting things about social media with Hot91 radio presenter Sam Coward.  As we find their feet in the studio this episode talks about the expectations and societies addiction to social media – how it’s effecting those we love and how to detach from digital to be healthy and wise.        Bear with us as Sam and I curtail our need to get squirrelled on subjects  – rest assured after a couple of times in the studio we tighten up the COACH series and get serious about some core topics such as Man Caves, why people think they can’t get fit in winter, mens mental health, stress, sex, anxiety, summer bodies and how to be a good human. But first, let’s chat Royal Weddings, RUOK?, what to do when you’re not and how to find your glide online to avoid comparing yourself to others (most of whom you probably do not even know).  With social media being the most frequented form of communication and connection for so many people these days – is this having an adverse effect on mental health, confidence, personal self worth and a sense of feeling at place in society.    3 Express Points from this rather chatty podcast with Sam. 1. Is Social Media A Deflection from Real Life Do we think there is escapism, are we really putting a genuine selfs forward for all to see on the wide web? Whether you love it or hate it, it’s going on and we’re bombarded everywhere. How do you find some calm in all this chaos? For many people being online is a complete distraction from their day to day grind. So much so that it’s not just teenagers who are addicted to being online. The issue is not in the action but the results of lost time, comparison, feeling judged, unrealistic expectations, assuming what people post is real and the ‘never enough’ syndrome.  In just 24 hours of being off social media  – looking up – you can regain a whole sense of perspective, connection and gratitude for who and what you already have in your life.   2. Why Does Social Media Effect Our Mental State Researchers have found that using social media obsessively causes more than just anxiety. In fact, testing has found that using too much internet can cause depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), impulsive disorder, problems with mental functioning, paranoia, and loneliness. Yep! We also know there are some wonderful benefits of our digital world, creating connections with friends and family, reducing isolation and loneliness for elders in the communities, sharing of vital information in real time formats for medical, business and economic decisions. Ultimately it’s out there. It all comes down to how you personally want to engage, who to follow, what post and your rules of engagement to interact.    3. How To Manage Social Media With A Positive Result If you start to feel anxious, isolated and not enough when you’re scrolling down your social pages then chances are this platform of watching everyone else’s lives unfold (authentically or not)  is having a negative effect on your self confidence and worth. The challenge today is it’s very hard to turn away. With more reality shows than ever before on TV, youtube accessible to all, anyone can upload what they want and the rise and rise of Instagram as a window to peoples world – Facebook is just one aspect of a growing set of platforms that play dangerously close to comparison and judgement.

TVC 089 DYI Life Alys Ffion Talking design a life you love, courage to follow your dreams and the dedication required to make it happen with Australian Country Music/Pop singer, songwriter Alys Ffion.  We are all leaders in life and age doesn’t define that. Attitude does. In this episode I talk to softly spoken, yet very determined 22 year old singer/songwriter Alys Ffion –  on starting her dream career at 14, choosing to be authentic in a cluttered industry and signing her first deal. From being told by her careers advisor that being a musician is not a real job,  finding her voice and the importance of having a sense of self belief above all else.  Alys describes herself as “a kid of divorce”, born in New South Wales and raised in tropical Australia. She dropped out of high school and ran away at sixteen. “At age five, the discovery of MTV inspired relentless begging for a guitar of my own. After the first night of singing at the top of my lungs and strumming my crappy nylon string.. I was hooked!  I started traveling the world with her songs, my Martin guitar and a dream in my heart. DYI Life After many journeys back and forth across the Pacific and she’s found her home in Nashville Tennessee. Now 22, living alone in a big city and trying to navigate ‘adulting’.   “having the time of her life” We sat together just before she headed off to Nashville early this year to record for a new album. Quietly spoken she gives her younger self and others starting out the advice to be daring, have faith and above all else –  be yourself.  Alys reflects on her journey to play music with a deep conviction for her own sound, wellness for her work and why never to give up. I’ll be posting the video snapshots from this interview as well as a little piece to camera Alys made with one of her new songs.  Follow Alys on Twitter  and her journey on Instagram .  Hope you enjoy! Yours in Mojo  Nikki    Note this is one of those podcast episodes that was done on the fly so stay tuned as we work our audio levels to the best possible in our new episodes, with thanks to some awesome listeners for always tuning in and giving great feedback on that.  _____________ More on The Mojo Maker Podcast and VitalityCoachTV Dedicated to leaders in life this podcast with global go-to coach is designed to put you firmly back in the drivers seat to be the CEO of your business and your life. Author of Fitpreneur, Vitality and The Mojo Maker – the show is designed to inform and inspire – with practical tips and tools on how you can create the life you want, bringing both business and personal success together for seamless success. Learn about winning weeks, masterful months and remarkable years, listen to smart savvy advice and inspiring interviews leading experts and influencers. Author, Speaker, Thought Leader – Nikki’s podcast is designed for established leaders who do things with life. Featuring top tips on goal setting, finding your focus and elevating all you do for the trifecta of healthy, wealthy, wise and mastering work/life blend. No-nonsense, no frills and straight to the point. Engaging and full of decades of experience coaching top performers. *Previously known as The Vitality Coach podcast