The Catherine Plano Podcast

Episode 17: Have the Courage to Switch Identities – Personally or Professionally with Kiely Flanigan

Julie-Anne Black is here today with Kiely Flanigan she is is a professional development coach and motivational speaker who knows a thing or two about reinventing your self from scratch. Over the course of her twenty-year career, Dr. Kiely Flanigan has worked in television, corporate communications, human resources, academia, and management consulting.
One of her biggest professional identity leaps was going from stay-at-home mom to PhD student at age 37 with three young kids underfoot. It hasn't been all rainbows and yellow brick roads.
Kiely pushed hard to finish her PhD in three years while going through a painful divorce and a personal reevaluation of her life and goals. Now Kiely uses her personal change and varied career experiences to help people find their own personal path of power and joy.
Her research, writing, speaking and coaching focus on life/career transitions, the power of love, and communication philosophy.
Find Out More About Kiely Flanigan
Kiely's Website
Kiely Flanigan on Twitter - @kieflanigan
Interviewed by: Julie-Anne Black
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Episode 16: The Dating Directory … In a World of Broken Relationships with Renee Slansky

Catherine Plano is here today with Renee Slansky. Australian born model and Tv presenter turned dating and relationship expert and founder of The Dating Directory is on a mission to change the dating and relationship culture world wide . She now writes for publications all around the world including The Huffington Post , as well as some of the biggest online dating sites including RSVP.co , Plenty of Fish and E Harmony.
Since being launched into the spotlight in 2007 as the international winner of Miss Inside Sport, Renee has gone on to become a familiar face in the industry. Her national and international modelling career has seen her grace many mainstream magazine front covers, billboards and popular brands.
Renee’s passion for writing and educating women on how to have healthy relationships resulted in the launch of her successful blog www.thedatingdirectory.co which has allowed her to become an international professional relationship and dating blogger.
She continues to contribute to publications and websites worldwide including The Huffington Post, RSVP.com and My Single Connections .com ,and was most recently asked to be the TV presenter for several online teaching courses for relationships internationally.
Renee continues to have an impact globally on women encouraging them to shine through any situation and build the life and relationship they deserve and will be launching an e-book this year .
Her vibrant personality and warm nature allows her energy to transcend through different media channels, whilst her quick wit and creative thinking captures audiences of all demographics.
Find Out More About Renee Slansky
The Dating Directory - Website
Renee Slansky on Facebook
The Dating Directory on Facebook
Renee Slansky on Twitter - @reneeslansky
Renee on Instagram - @reneeslansky
The Dating Directory on Instagram - @the.dating.directory
Interviewed by: Catherine Plano
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Episode 15: The Sherlock Holmes of Forensic Healing with Marisa Russo

Catherine Plano is here today with Marisa Russo. Marisa’s story is compelling. It takes extraordinary qualities to overcome childhood abuse, addictions and chronic illnesses. Now an international award winning author, speaker, healer and founder of Forensic Healing, Marisa has been changing lives over the last 25 years. With her forensic approach she is known as the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ of healing. She never gives up. She doesn’t stop until a solution is found for all life problems and conditions.
Marisa Russo, founder of Forensic Healing, is an internationally renowned, award-winning alternative therapist, professional speaker, and author for women’s health and transformation.
Marisa spent decades desperately attempting to overcome and escape the chronic pain, fatigue, addictions and illnesses that resulted from years of extreme emotional, physical and sexual abuse she suffered as a child. This lead her on a journey of healing herself and now she shares her techniques to heal and empower women.
Her newly released book, Freeing the Unloved Girl, incorporates a 25-step process for healing and empowering women. This process is now taught in her healing workshops globally.
Find Out More About Marisa Russo
Forensic Healing - Website
Website - Marisa Russo
Marisa Russo on Twitter @marisarusso
Forensic Healing on Facebook
Interviewed by: Catherine Plano
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Episode 14: Tantric Blossoming is About Integration of Heart, Body, Spirit & Sexuality with Martina Hughes

Julie-Anne Black is here today with Martina Hughes. Martina’s vision is to create a world where people know how to express themselves in an embodied and authentic way. She created Tantric Blossoming, the largest Tantric Community in Australia, 11 years ago, offering workshops, private sessions, retreats and training. Since then she has supported 1000s of men and women to feel their hearts and open to sensations of aliveness throughout the body. Martina’s wish for humanity is for each man and woman to know themselves as a powerhouse of love and sexual energy.
Through tantric practices, Tantric Blossoming creates transformation of relationship dynamics, so that men and women can create the fulfilling and empowering experiences that they desire with each other. This includes integration of healthy masculine and feminine qualities, so that people can find their inner balance, with the result of greater harmony in external relationships.
Martina’s path has not been a linear one – but what feminine path ever was! She spent her 20s working as a Chartered Accountant and then gave it up to explore natural healing methods. Shiatsu, yoga, breathwork, food as medicine, energy healing were all wonderful stepping stones that supported her path to Tantra.
Find Out More About Martina Hughes
Martina Hughes - Facebook
Tantric Blossoming - Facebook
Martina on Twitter - @MartinaHughes
Tantric Blossoming on Twitter - @TantricBlossom
Listen to this spicy interview now!
Interviewed by: Julie-Anne Black
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Episode 13: You Never Know Unless You Give It a Go with Genevieve Clay-Smith

Julie-Anne Black is here today with Genevieve Clay-Smith. Genevieve is a millennial with a portfolio career that spans the film industry, not for profit space and advertising. She's an award-winning writer and director, her work has been showcased at the United Nations twice and various oscar qualifying film festivals.
Genevieve was named the 2015 NSW Young Australian of the year and winner of the 2014 100 Women of Influence, Young Leader award for her work as the the co-founder of not-for-profit organisation Bus Stop Films, which she established after winning Tropfest in 2009.
Bus Stop's mandate is to help increase the English skills, work ready skills, confidence and well being of people with an intellectual disability through giving them a 'film school experience'.
She is also co-founder and co-owner of creative agency, Taste Creative, where she recently took out B&T's 2015 Women in Media award for creative. Genevieve is passionate about making the film and creative industries more accessible for those who face barriers to inclusion.
Genevieve's 3 Golden Nuggets:
Failure will propel you forward or hold you back so let it propel you forward
You never know unless you give it a go
Don't compare yourself
Find Out More About Genevieve Clay-Smith
Genevieve's Website
Genevieve Clay-Smith - Instagram @genevieveclaysmith
Genevieve on Twitter - @genevieveclay
Interviewed by: Julie-Anne Black
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Episode 12: Food is Not Just Sustenance, It’s Pleasure with Maggie Beer

Julie-Anne Black is here today with Maggie Beer. In 1973, Maggie Beer and husband Colin settled in the Barossa Valley, with the intention of breeding game birds and growing grapes. The establishment of their farm led to the now legendary Pheasant Farm Restaurant. The restaurant became highly acclaimed and was, in 1991, awarded the Remy Martin Cognac - Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant of the Year award.
With the closure of the restaurant in 1993, Maggie was free to pursue new directions, and in 1996 the Export Kitchen in Tanunda was opened. These days, her career spans farming, food production, as well as television presenting and food writing. Maggie's appearance on the hit ABC programme The Cook & The Chef cemented her place as one of Australia's most well known food personalities, and her line of products is arguably the most highly esteemed and much loved range for Australian gourmets.
Her appearances on television have been numerous, with the most notable being her involvement with Channel 10‘s Masterchef, setting new ratings records for the episodes she featured in. The Lifestyle Channel have also shone the spotlight on Maggie with a Christmas Special devoted to seasonal menus and celebration. On that theme, Maggie also returned to the ABC in 2012 to share her family Christmas in the Barossa.
Find Out More About Maggie Beer
Maggie Beer - Website
Maggie's - Foundation
Maggie Beer - Facebook
Twitter - @maggie_beer
Instagram - @maggie_beer
Pinterest
Want to find out more about Maggie's amazing story?
Interviewed by: Julie-Anne Black
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Episode 11: Learn Small Business Start-Up In 7 Days with Heather Smith

Sonia Hickey is here today with Heather Smith, she is a Brisbane Xero Advisor and the author of the Xero for Dummies series of books, as well as other small business books and articles.
She works with Xero users, across many industries supporting their businesses to implement cloud based business management solutions; with XERO at the core. She provides XERO Training, Xero Set-Up, Xero Migration, and Xero Support. Heather is a Chartered Certified Accountant, Certified Practising Accountant, Commerce Graduate, Registered BAS Agent, and Accredited Trainer.
She produces a popular podcast called Cloud Stories. She manages the Xero Mastermind group which can be found on Facebook, LinkedIn, and currently meets once a month in Brisbane.
Want to Find Out More About Heather Smith
Cloud Stories Podcast
Heather's Website
Heather on Facebook
Heather on LinkedIn
Heather Smith on Twitter
Let's listen to this fantastic conversation!
Interviewed by: Sonia Hickey
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Episode 10: She Will Shine! With Danielle Price

Sonia Hickey is here today with Danielle Price she is the fearless leader of the She Will Shine women in business community and is loving every minute. She actively supports women in business and believes that by coming together we will all shine far brighter than on our own.
Through her business journey she discovered how important it is to come together with like-minded women who completely understand the feelings of isolation, frustration and exhaustion associated with being a woman, and a business owner.
At She Will Shine she focuses on the practical ways to help in day-to-day business life and has created a community of like-minded women who truly understand what it's like to run and grow a business. From workshops, accountability, online support and resources, to networking with a difference, her members have said goodbye to isolation, and have the motivation and support they need to go further and shine brighter.
Find Out More About Danielle Price
@SheWillShineBiz
She Will Shine - Facebook
She Will Shine - Instagram - @shewillshinebiz
She Will Shine - Website
Listen to Danielle and her awesome journey NOW!
Interviewed by: Sonia Hickey
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Episode 9: Rules of Engagement … Making Connections Last with Froswa’ Booker-Drew

Catherine Plano is here today with Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew she has an extensive background in nonprofit management, partnership development, training and education.
She is currently serving as a catalyst, partnership broker, and capacity builder of an international NGO partners' around the U.S.  This entails facilitating the emergence and strengthening of community-led initiatives to improve and sustain the well-being of children and their families. 
She also assists a number of organizations as a consultant, board member, trainer or adviser.  She is the co-host of the web talk show, Social Issues Time.  Froswa’ earned her PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University with a focus on relational leadership and social capital.  She participated in the documentary, “Friendly Captivity,” a film that followed a cast of seven women from Dallas to India in 2008. She is the author of Rules of Engagement: Making Connections Last, a workbook designed to help women build identity and psychological capital that can result in stronger social capital.
Find Out More About Dr. Froswa' Booker Drew
Dr. Froswa' Website
Twitter - @Froswa
Froswa' on Facebook
Dr. Froswa' on LinkedIn
Listen to this amazing conversation now!
Interviewed by: Catherine Plano
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Episode 8: Make It Happen … Live Your Best Life! With Michelle Bridges

Catherine Plano is here today with Michelle Bridges she brings a message of positive change and compassion with unique style and infectious enthusiasm to propel people - no matter what their age, gender or income - towards healthier and more active lifestyles.
The girl from Newcastle who is now one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs shares what she's learnt on her own journey, providing real solutions to everyday challenges with her toolkits of insightful advice and practical life lessons.
Whether you want to get a new job, find a partner, lose weight or buy a house, she'll help you break down the barriers that block the path to reaching your goals. Michelle is a champion of change, encouraging small positive actions every day that empower you to be the best version of yourself.
Her new book – Make it happen (rather than focusing on fitness, it has a more personal tone)
Her Quote:  The difference between the life you want and the life you have is YOU!
Michelle Bridges knows what it feels like to face your fears, chase your dreams and handle setbacks – she's been there too and has come out stronger through self-belief, hard work and having a plan.
Find Out More About Michelle Bridges
Michelle's Website
Michelle Bridges - Facebook
Twitter - @MishBridges
Michelle Bridges on Instagram - @mishbridges
Michelle on YouTube
We also had the privilege to have Michelle Bridges as the front cover for the Second Issue of I AM WOMAN Magazine Wellness for Women
Listen to this amazing conversation now!
Interviewed by: Catherine Plano
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Episode 7: Mastering Your Mean Girl with Melissa Ambrosini

Catherine Plano is here today with Melissa Ambrosini bestselling author of Mastering Your Mean Girl, an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and self-love teacher. In her signature straight-talking style, Melissa teaches women how to master their inner Mean Girl, smash through limiting beliefs, and ditch the self-doubt so that they can start truly living the life of their dreams.
Named a 'self-help guru' by Elle Magazine, she is known for her inspirational live events, books, booming online community, her weekly Goddess Groups, game-changing online programs such as the MA Academy Business Bootcamp, her soulful guided meditations and empowering keynote talks.
Her mission is to inspire women across the globe to create a heart-centred life one that’s wildly wealthy, fabulously healthy and bursting with love.
Find Out More About Melissa Ambrosini
Melissa Ambrosini - Website
Follow Melissa on Google+
Facebook - Melissa Ambrosini
Twitter - @mel_ambrosini
Instagram - @melissaambrosini
Melissa on YouTube
Want to find out more about the key to her success?
Interviewed by: Catherine Plano
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Episode 6: The Money Queen for Women Who Want to Build Wealth with Cary Carbonaro

Catherine Plano is here today with Cary Carbonaro aka “The Money Queen”TM she is a Certified Financial Planner with an MBA in finance, and has over 25 years of experience in financial services. In 2014, she was named an Ambassador for the CFP® Board, one of only 50 in the United States. Cary’s latest book “The Money Queen’s Guide: For Women Who Want Build Wealth and Banish Fear” (Morgan James, October 2015) is an Amazon #1 Best Seller in several countries.
She is Vice President of the Long Island chapter of Ellevate (formerly 85 Broads) a women’s professional networking organization, and President of the South Lake (Florida) Community Foundation, Women’s Giving Circle, which provides community based philanthropic support. Cary has also been a CFP® instructor at Fordham University in New York.
Cary is currently a Managing Director with United Capital and divides her time between New York and Florida where she is a yoga instructor in her free time.
Cary loves helping people! Especially during difficult parts of their lives, divorce, widowed etc.
In this conversation we talk about:
What's the best part of her job?
Her greatest lesson in life.
She also shares the best piece of advice she has ever been given.
Cary shares her own personal advice to her younger self.
And so much more!
Find Out More About Cary
@carycarbonaro
The Money Queen - Facebook
The Money Queen - Instagram
The Money Queen
Listen to the conversation now...
Interviewed by: Catherine Plano
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Episode 5: Entrepreneurship Can Lead to Happiness with Chiquita Searle

Catherine Plano is here today with Chiquita Searle, Swapping a lucrative corporate job in the coalfields of Queensland’s mining industry for a fashion designer’s studio, Chiquita Searle, or Chi for short, has certainly experienced life on both sides of the career spectrum.
Taking the path-less-trodden, in 2011, after a successful eight-year long stint in HR and Recruitment for the construction and mining industries, Chi felt a strong pull in another direction and so followed her heart to France where she studied at the Paris Fashion Institute before launching her own fashion label “Chi the Label” (rebranded “Chiquita”) the following year.
Hand-picked from dozens of wishful candidates to launch the League’s first Queensland branch as their QLD Crusader in August 2012, within twelve months Chi was offered the opportunity to relocate to Melbourne and take on the role as the League’s General Manager to oversee the group’s national growth.
Now in 9 locations within Australia, the League of Extraordinary Women is Australia’s largest and fastest growing movement of driven and dynamic female entrepreneurs.
Find Out More About Chiquita Searle
@chiquitasearle
Chiquita Searle - Facebook
League of Extraordinary Women
Chiquita Searle - Website
Tune in and listen to this energy filled conversation!
Interviewed by: Catherine Plano
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Episode 4: Know ThySelf! It’s the Best Foundation You Will Ever Have with Elizabeth Celi

Julie-Anne Black is here today with Dr. Elizabeth Celi a psychologist, author and media commentator, she is personally and professionally bringing her 22 years of experience in clinical and social psychology into new fields. She followed an intuitive call to move to Rome, the motherland of her Sicilian family heritage, and apply her passion for screenwriting and film making.
With her overseas relocation, Elizabeth has shifted her private practice to an online practice as a coaching psychologist, assisting business leaders to break their blocks and advance in their personal leadership.
Stepping further into her own personal leadership, Elizabeth is currently writing two screenplays:
Inspired by her mother’s hardship immigrating to Australia
Unravelling a chain of events forcing a groom-to-be to organize his own wedding!
Elizabeth is also producing a docu-drama of her parent’s story, the first of many films with a social message and the human care factor.
Find Out More About Elizabeth Celi
@DrCeli
Dr. Elizabeth Celi - LinkedIn
Dr. Elizabeth Celi - Website
@ExploringRome
Roam in Rome - Facebook
Roam in Rome - Website
We are sure you are ready to listen to this conversation!
Interviewed by: Julie-Anne Black
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Episode 3: Live an Extraordinary Life with Jules Allen

Sonia Hickey is here today with Jules Allen she is an award-winning Australian youth advocate, motivational speaker and spirited earth mother whose life is guided by the philosophy: 'The more you give, the more you get back!'.
AKA 'The Youth Whisperer', Jules has an uncanny ability to connect with even the most stranded teens in crisis, inspiring them to turn their lives around. “I speak their language”, she says. “And I listen.”
Jules has professional experience in child protection, youth support, school counselling and private practice. But by far, her most valuable tools have come from her own troubled beginnings.
As a youth, she was at-risk. So when she speaks to the next generation on how to survive trauma and adversity, and then go on to make a positive difference in their lives – they listen.
During the past 20 years, Jules' quest to empower youths to understand themselves, and equally importantly empower adults to understand youths, has taken some memorable turns.
She's the proud single mum of four grown children, a blend of her own, adopted and fostered. In the past 12 years, she's also cared for 31 foster kids. Jules describes her parenting experience as “massive” and the most wonderful source of lifelong learning.
Professionally, Jules has an impressive list of charitable 'babies' to her name.
Find out More About Jules Allen
Jules on Twitter @julesallen7
Jules Allen Foundation on Facebook
Jules on Instagram
Jules Allen Foundation
Listen to this amazing conversation now!
Interviewed by: Sonia Hickey
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Episode 2: The Accidental Entrepreneur … The Juicy Bits! With Janine Allis

Catherine Plano is here today with Janine Allis she is the founder of Boost Juice Bars, which has more outlets in more countries than any other juice bar in the world. Janine is amongst Australia’s most respected business women, having been presented numerous retail, franchise and business awards. In 2015, business magazine BRW named her one of fifteen people that changed the way Australia does business in the last 35 years.In 1999 during a trip to the US, Janine witnessed the juice and smoothie category growing steadily. Upon her return to Australia, Janine studied the local retail sector where she noticed a distinct lack of healthy fast food choices.
After extensive research, she began to develop a business concept that was different to anything else in the world. Her vision was to “do retailing differently”, delivering a unique customer experience based on the “love life” philosophy. In 2000, Boost was born.
Find Out More About Janine Allis
@JanineBoost
Janine Allis - LinkedIn
Janine Allis - Website
Want to find out more about the key to her success?
Interviewed by: Catherine Plano
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Episode 1: Courage and Persistence (175 Rejection Letters) with Fiona Robertson

Julie-Anne Black is here today with Fiona Robertson, Senior Associate at Al Tamimi & Co with particular expertise in the legal side of media, creative, sports and entertainment industries and the general commercialisation of IP.
Fiona has extensive experience for clients across numerous industries --- broadcasters, producers, animators, musicians, web designers, franchises, brand agencies, sponsors, sports administration, film funds, advertising agencies, event organisers, financiers, studios, record companies and publishing companies, galleries, booking agencies, managers, TVC creators, publishers, writers, designers and artists of all kinds.
Fiona thrives on Intellectual stimulation, solving problems, working with people, being part of the creative process.
In this conversation we talk about:
Fiona's greatest lesson
Her advise to her younger self
What keeps her up at night?
What drives her and who inspires her?
Who has been Fiona's greatest influence
Plus, Fiona shares with us her 3 Golden Nuggets
Interviewed by: Julie-Anne Black
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