Episodes

6 days ago
6 days ago
In this compelling episode, I reflect on what six remarkable CEOs taught me about real leadership — beyond the job titles and polished bios.
From leading Myer, Suncorp, Carman’s Kitchen and more, these leaders share the truth about delegation, energy management, honest feedback, people over technical skills, and the courage to change direction.
Their stories are practical, generous, and refreshingly real. If you’ve ever questioned what it really takes to lead — especially while juggling the rest of life — this one’s for you.
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Craving inspiration?
I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration
Loving the podcast?
Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!
Access Your Free Clarity Tool
Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.
In just 15 minutes, you will:
✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.
✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.
✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.
⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.
https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave
Are we friends? Connect with Us.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravefeminineleadership

Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
In this captivating conversation, Kit Rich shares her extraordinary journey from celebrity fitness trainer to award-winning filmmaker. After building a successful fitness empire empowering thousands to embrace their bodies, Kit faced a crossroads at 38 when she realized she'd abandoned her passion for writing. Despite never having directed before, she created "Isabel's Garden," winning Best Director at numerous festivals.
Kit's refreshing honesty about insecurity, body image struggles, and finding her voice will inspire anyone questioning their path. As she puts it: "I wanted to know what it looked like when I didn't say no to myself."
Discover how one woman found the courage to reinvent herself and define success on her own terms. I am now a huge fan!
Connect with Kit Rich
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlykitrich/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kit-rich-b9199b139
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kitrichfitness
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Craving inspiration?
I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration
Loving the podcast?
Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!
Access Your Free Clarity Tool
Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.
In just 15 minutes, you will:
✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.
✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.
✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.
⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.
https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave
Are we friends? Connect with Us.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravefeminineleadership

Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Property expert Greville Pabst opens up about transforming from a shy, introverted person to a confident public figure. Discover visualization techniques, strategies for conquering networking fears, and insights on building a personal brand that stands out. Greville shares candid stories about cold-calling with Yellow Pages, taking media training to overcome public speaking anxiety, and why sometimes "you have to go out on a limb, because that's where the fruit is." A must-listen for anyone wanting to boost their professional presence and visibility in today's competitive world. ✨
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Craving inspiration?
I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration
Loving the podcast?
Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!
Access Your Free Clarity Tool
Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.
In just 15 minutes, you will:
✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.
✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.
✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.
⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.
https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave
Are we friends? Connect with Us.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravefeminineleadership

Friday Mar 07, 2025
#196 Louise Adams - Energised by Possibility. IWD Special Interview
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
In this special International Women's Day episode, we sit down with Louise Adams, Aurecon's incoming Group Chief Executive Officer, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, engineering, and creating pathways for women in STEM.
Louise shares her remarkable journey from a little girl fascinated by bridges to becoming the leader of a global organization with 7,500 people across 31 locations. She opens up about redefining success beyond personal achievement, the critical importance of engineers in solving our most pressing global challenges, and how she navigates leadership transitions while preserving company culture.
With candid reflections on past leadership lessons and a passionate vision for more inclusive industries, Louise embodies this year's International Women's Day theme, #marchforward. Join us for this thoughtful discussion about creating a future where everyone can make choices based on their potential rather than societal expectations – a conversation brimming with hope, possibility, and the transformative power of determined leadership.
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Craving inspiration?
I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration
Loving the podcast?
Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!
Access Your Free Clarity Tool
Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.
In just 15 minutes, you will:
✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.
✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.
✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.
⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.
https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave
Are we friends? Connect with Us.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravefeminineleadership

Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Meet Dr. Jesseca Tighe - a dynamic career, life, and leadership coach with a PhD in psychology. In this episode, Dr Jesseca shares her journey with Melissa, and her insights on overcoming burnout and finding one's true calling. From sharing her own experience with burnout, anxiety and depression and how she navigated through these challenges, to rediscovering her own passion, Dr Tighe provides today's leaders with practical advice and strategies to help us find fulfilment in what we do. You will feel Dr Jesseca’s kindness radiate as you listen to her speak. Enjoy and learn..
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Craving inspiration?
I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration
Loving the podcast?
Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!
Access Your Free Clarity Tool
Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.
In just 15 minutes, you will:
✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.
✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.
✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.
⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.
https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave
Are we friends? Connect with Us.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravefeminineleadership

Friday Feb 21, 2025
#194 Shirley Chowdhary - Say Yes Until There’s a Reason to Say No
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
What does it mean to lead with authenticity, courage, and a commitment to inclusion? Shirley Chowdhary, former CEO of the Go Foundation and one of AFR’s 100 Women of Influence, joins the Brave Feminine Leadership Podcast to share her incredible journey. From navigating career breaks and redefining leadership, to her powerful mantra of "say yes until there's a reason to say no," Shirley's story is a masterclass in resilience, impact, and staying true to your values. Whether you're juggling life’s priorities or seeking to redefine your leadership path, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger and lead bolder. Don’t miss it!
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Craving inspiration?
I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration
Loving the podcast?
Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!
Access Your Free Clarity Tool
Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.
In just 15 minutes, you will:
✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.
✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.
✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.
⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.
https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave
Are we friends? Connect with Us.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravefeminineleadership

Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Whether you're eyeing a CEO role (33%), planning your next strategic move (50%), or positioning for board opportunities (16%), this episode is for ambitious leaders ready to stop waiting and start acting. Fresh from The Great Career Leap masterclass, Melissa breaks down why successful women get stuck in the busy trap - and shares the strategic shifts that create extraordinary careers without sacrificing what matters most. 🎧
Book your free strategy session with me here: https://calendly.com/brave-feminine-leadership/elevate-your-energy-performance-1-1-strategy-session
Read the blog post mentioned: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/blog/the-hardest-part-of-any-transition-the-waiting-game
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Craving inspiration?
I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration
Loving the podcast?
Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!
Access Your Free Clarity Tool
Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.
In just 15 minutes, you will:
✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.
✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.
✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.
⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.
https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave
Are we friends? Connect with Us.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravefeminineleadership

Friday Feb 07, 2025
#192 Matt Tice - Get Out into the Jungle and Understand What’s Changing
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
In this episode of the Brave Feminine Leadership Podcast, Melissa Hamilton sits down with Matt Tice, CEO of Insurgence Group, to uncover the secrets behind navigating disruptive change with an insurgent mindset. From his beginnings as a nuclear engineer with the U.S. Navy to senior roles at Coca-Cola, and now the advisor to many Boards, Matt’s career is rich in energy, agility and awesome experiences.
There is so much ground on strategy being covered in this exchange you will have to listen twice. Tune into to hear Matts views on the 4 principal challenges for CEO’s today; and be uncomfortable if you are the Chief Bottleneck Officer!
Whether you're curious about leadership, strategy, or the human side of innovation, this episode is packed with wisdom and action.
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Craving inspiration?
I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration
Loving the podcast?
Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!
Access Your Free Clarity Tool
Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.
In just 15 minutes, you will:
✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.
✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.
✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.
⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.
https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave
Are we friends? Connect with Us.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravefeminineleadership

Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
From teaching dance in parks to building an award-winning arts empire, Miss Tee Tamaira Sandifer is rewriting the rules of leadership, resilience, and impact. Hear how this powerhouse leader turned her passion into programs that have transformed over 800,000 lives globally.
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Craving inspiration?
I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration
Loving the podcast?
Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!
Access Your Free Clarity Tool
Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.
In just 15 minutes, you will:
✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.
✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.
✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.
⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.
https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave
Are we friends? Connect with Us.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravefeminineleadership

Friday Jan 24, 2025
#190 Penny Locaso - Owning Your Expertise: A Conversation with Penny Locaso
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Why do so many women shy away from calling themselves experts? Behavioral scientist and international speaker Penny Locaso shares her groundbreaking research into why women hesitate to own their expertise—and how it’s holding them back. Get inspired, gain practical tools, and learn how to live your impact in this empowering episode.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Hidden Figures Whitepaper: https://hackinghappy.kartra.com/page/hiddenfigures
Expert Checklist: https://app.hackinghappy.co/howtobecomeanexpertchecklist
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Craving inspiration?
I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration
Loving the podcast?
Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!
Access Your Free Clarity Tool
Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.
In just 15 minutes, you will:
✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.
✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.
✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.
⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.
https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave
Are we friends? Connect with Us.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravefeminineleadership