In this episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide podcast, Lauren Eyles discusses finance fundamentals with Belinda Turner, an experienced chartered accountant. They explore the importance of understanding financial statements, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to grasp financial concepts to make informed decisions and drive organizational success. They also discuss the role of technology in finance, the significance of identifying business drivers, and the importance of soft skills in leadership. Belinda shares her career journey and offers valuable advice for women in leadership roles.

Takeaways

• Leaders must understand financial statements to make informed decisions.
• Financial statements tell a story about the organization's performance.
• Profit and loss statements show income and expenses over a specific period.
• The balance sheet provides a snapshot of assets and liabilities.
• Cash flow statements track money movement in and out of the organization.
• Identifying business drivers is crucial for strategic planning.
• Technology can enhance financial reporting and decision-making.
• Soft skills are essential for effective leadership in finance.
• Regularly assess personal values and career goals.
• Growth opportunities often arise from aligning work with personal interests.

Sound bites

• "The numbers tell us a story."
• "Cash is king."
• "Check in on what you enjoy and value in work."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Finance Fundamentals

04:38 Understanding the Importance of Financial Literacy for Leaders

11:13 Key Financial Metrics Every Leader Should Know

15:53 Decoding Financial Statements: Profit and Loss

19:32 Analyzing the Balance Sheet

22:28 Cash Flow Management: The Lifeblood of Business

27:12 Leveraging Technology for Financial Insights

32:28 Empowering Leaders: The Role of Finance in Decision Making

36:42 Soft Skills in Finance: The Human Element

38:28 Aligning Career Values with Professional Growth

Guest bio

Belinda Turner is an experienced Chartered Accountant, who has guided small and large businesses in accounting, compliance and internal processes.

Belinda is a trusted advisor for Boards, CEOs and Finance Teams across Australia and is currently a Senior Manager with RSM Australia on the NSW Central Coast.

With Belinda’s extensive experience, she is well-placed to advise small to large businesses and their accounting practices, compliance issues, special projects and internal processes.

Belinda holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle and a Post Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (now known as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand).

You can connect with Belinda at RSM or on LinkedIn.

Host bio

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, is a trusted guide to new and experienced leaders, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Coach and Mentor, Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

finance fundamentals, financial statements, profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow, business drivers, technology in finance, leadership, executive coaching, women in leadership

Are you a female leader looking to understand and leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your business? In this insightful episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles speaks with AI expert Leanne Shelton about the transformative impact of AI on leadership and business practices.

Lauren and Leanne demystify AI, discussing how you can use it to boost your team's productivity without sacrificing the vital human connection. They share practical advice on integrating AI into your team, establishing clear AI policies, and using effective prompting to train AI to align with your company's values and brand voice.

Discover why embracing AI is a competitive advantage and learn how to get started without feeling overwhelmed. This conversation is your guide to leading a tech-forward team while prioritizing ethics, privacy, and human relationships in the age of AI.

Key Discussion Points

• AI's Impact on Leadership: How AI is changing the roles and responsibilities of modern leaders.

• Getting Started with AI: Simple, actionable steps for integrating tools like ChatGPT or Copilot into your workflow.

• The Importance of Human Connection: Strategies to ensure that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, human relationships in the workplace.

• AI Policies & Best Practices: Why transparency, privacy, and clear guidelines are essential for successful AI adoption.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Leadership

01:25 Embracing AI as a Competitive Advantage

04:19 Navigating AI's Impact on Business Strategy

06:15 Creating a Healthy Work Culture with AI

09:01 Establishing AI Policies for Transparency

12:11 Leveraging AI for Business Growth

15:57 Training AI for Optimal Performance

20:09 Ensuring Privacy and Confidentiality with AI

20:34 Navigating AI and Data Privacy

22:47 Effective Onboarding with AI

25:47 Streamlining Content Creation

27:25 Choosing the Right AI Tools

30:17 Leadership Insights and AI Integration

Bio: Leanne Shelton

Leanne Shelton is a global AI coach who demystifies AI for leaders and their teams.

Like many people in the creative industries, Leanne’s business was impacted by the arrival of Chat GPT.

Rather than lean into the fear of being replaced, she decided to embrace AI as a competitive advantage.

Leanne recently published a book, ‘AI Human Fusion’, to help leaders master AI for business growth, without losing their human connection.

You can connect with Leanne via her website, LinkedIn or Instagram. Her book, AI Human Fusion, is available online from leading retailers.

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

• AI for Business

• AI in Leadership

• Artificial Intelligence

• Female Leaders

• AI Strategy

• Productivity Tools

• Leanne Shelton

• Lauren Eyles

• Future of Work

• Workplace Technology

Considering a career in politics but don't know where to start? In this insightful episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles speaks with Licia Heath, CEO of Women for Election, about the essential steps and mindset for aspiring female politicians. They dive deep into the journey of running for office, revealing what's involved, dispelling myths and highlighting transferrable skills.

Licia, a former candidate herself, shares invaluable advice on how to get started in politics and why "running is winning." They discuss the increasing trend of female candidates attracting more votes, the importance of recognizing your transferable skills, and why your lived experience is your greatest asset. If you've ever wondered how to transition from community involvement to public office, or whether you have what it takes to change the world, this episode is your roadmap.

Key Discussion Points

• The Path to Politics: Licia demystifies the process of running for office and how to get started, from local to federal government.

• Transferable Skills for a Political Career: Learn to recognize and leverage the skills you already have, from your career to your community involvement, to build a powerful political profile.

• The Reality of Political Life: A candid conversation about the personal costs and benefits of a life in public service.

• Overcoming Systemic Barriers: Insights into the trends in women's political representation and the systemic challenges that still exist.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Politics and Women in Leadership

02:55 The Journey of Running for Office

05:44 Trends in Women's Political Representation

08:21 Cultural Diversity and Systemic Barriers

11:28 Visibility and Personal Costs in Politics

14:13 Getting Started in Politics

16:54 Recognizing Transferable Skills

19:41 Encouragement for Aspiring Politicians

Bio: Licia Heath

Licia Heath is the CEO of the non-profit organisation, Women for Election, a non-partisan group committed to getting more women in public office at all levels of Australian government.

A self-professed “Queen Maker”, Licia and her team mentored 46 candidates in the recent Federal Election, across 11 parties, and 8 were elected or re-elected.

Licia has a unique perspective, having run as an independent candidate in the 2018 Wentworth by-election and she currently leads a community campaign for a new public high school in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

For two decades she has worked in finance and asset management in the UK and Australia, and helped establish a $5 billion asset management business, Ironbark Asset Management.

You can connect with Licia via the Women for Election website or LinkedIn.

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

• Women in Politics

• Female Political Candidates

• Run for Office

• Licia Heath

• Women for Election

• Political Career

• Leadership Skills

• Transferable Skills

• Gender Equality in Politics

• Public Service

• Lauren Eyles

In this empowering episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles and emotional intelligence expert Amy Jacobson discuss why emotional intelligence is a non-negotiable skill for women in leadership. They explore how mastering your emotions can help you confidently navigate the unique challenges you face in the workplace, from cultivating stronger team relationships to owning your voice in difficult conversations.

Discover why adaptability is a superpower for today's female leaders and how embracing self-awareness can lead to both personal and professional growth. Amy shares practical, actionable strategies for preparing for challenging discussions and managing change with grace. This episode is a roadmap for any woman executive ready to level up her leadership skills and build a powerful, supportive workplace culture.

Key Takeaways for Women in Leadership

• Emotional intelligence is your secret weapon for effective and authentic leadership.
• The best leaders are adaptable and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
• Effective communication is a two-way street that starts with understanding others' emotions.
• Embracing self-management and taking ownership of your emotions is crucial for your growth.
• Preparation for difficult conversations should focus on understanding others' perspectives, not just your own.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

02:56 Understanding Emotional Intelligence

05:39 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

08:22 Changing Expectations of Leadership

11:27 Navigating Difficult Conversations

14:04 Preparing for Difficult Conversations

17:09 The Role of Emotions in Change

19:43 The Impact of Change on Individuals

22:52 Building a Supportive Environment for Change

25:38 The Journey of Leadership

28:47 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

Bio: Amy Jacobson

Amy Jacobson is an emotional intelligence specialist who challenges people to own their S.H.I.T., take control and be unstoppable!

Amy is the author of The Emotional Intelligence Advantage, which explores how to master difficult conversations and deal with change.

She held leadership roles in insurance before training as a coach, and now works with companies across Australia.

You can connect with Amy via her website, LinkedIn or Instagram. Her book, The Emotional Intelligence Advantage, is available on Amazon and in bookstores.

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

• Women in Leadership
• Female Leadership
• Emotional Intelligence
• Executive Coaching
• Leadership Skills
• Difficult Conversations
• Communication Strategies
• Workplace Culture
• Change Management
• Self-Management
• Lauren Eyles
• Amy Jacobson

In this essential episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles is joined by recruitment expert and author Roxanne Calder to tackle a topic that impacts every woman's career: earning power and salary negotiation. They dive into the reality of the gender pay gap and empower women to take full ownership of their careers and financial futures.

Roxanne, author of 'Earning Power,' shares invaluable insights on why self-advocacy is a non-negotiable skill for career advancement. Learn practical strategies for confidently negotiating your salary, documenting your achievements, and understanding your true value in the workplace. This conversation will challenge you to see negotiation not as a one-time event, but as a habit that will propel your career forward.

Key Takeaways for Female Leaders

• Salary negotiation should be a habit, not an exception, especially for promotions.

• Taking ownership of your career starts with recognizing and quantifying your value.

• Learn to advocate for yourself and confidently ask for what you deserve.

• Overcome the fear of rejection by viewing it as a natural part of the career journey.

• Document your achievements and understand the market rate before any salary discussion.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Earning Power

01:49 Taking Ownership of Your Career

04:22 Negotiating Salary and Offers

05:51 Overcoming Job Application Barriers

07:26 Dealing with Rejection and Mindset

10:13 Addressing Salary Disparities

12:37 The Importance of Experience Over Salary

14:14 The Million Dollar Question

16:08 Learning from Leadership Experiences

17:29 Survival Tips for New Executives

Bio: Roxanne Calder

Roxanne Calder is a recruiter, career advisor and employment expert. After a global recruitment career, Roxanne established her own recruitment business, EST10, which gives her a unique perspective on talent and opportunity.

Roxanne recently published her second book, called Earning Power: Breaking Barriers and Building Wealth for Women, to help women take control of their financial future and close the gender pay gap.

She shares small, incremental and brave decisions that we can all take to help close that gap, which can be as high as 1 million dollars over a lifetime.

You can connect with Roxanne via her website, LinkedIn or Instagram. Her book, Earning Power, is available on Amazon and in bookstores.

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

• Women in Leadership

• Salary Negotiation

• Gender Pay Gap

• Career Advancement

• Self-Advocacy

• Earning Power

• Executive Coaching

• Female Leaders

• Career Ownership

• Roxanne Calder

• Lauren Eyles

In this powerful episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide podcast, host Lauren Eyles is joined by courage and leadership expert Dr. Margie Warrell, author of The Courage Gap. This conversation is a must-listen for any female leader looking to navigate her career with greater confidence and conviction.

Lauren and Margie explore the critical role of courage in leadership, diving deep into how fear can impact our decisions and hold us back. Margie shares transformative insights from her book, teaching us how our brains respond to fear and, more importantly, how to break free from its grip. They discuss the hidden costs of avoiding courage and provide practical, actionable steps to cultivate bravery in every aspect of your life.

This episode will inspire you to embrace discomfort, focus on what you truly want, and step into the leader you are meant to be. It’s an empowering roadmap for turning fear into a vehicle for growth and achieving your goals.

Key Takeaways for Female Leaders

• Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it.

• Understand your brain's response to fear to make more confident decisions.

• The cost of avoiding courage is often greater than the risk of stepping up.

• Embrace discomfort as a sign of growth and a path to new opportunities.

• Shift your focus from your fears to your desired outcomes to expand your possibilities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Courage in Leadership

02:06 The Role of Fear in Leadership

04:56 Understanding the Cost of Avoiding Courage

08:00 Navigating Conversations and Contexts

10:54 The Five Steps to Courage

13:35 Embodying Courage in Leadership

16:31 Learning from Past Experiences

19:42 The Importance of Vulnerability

22:32 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Bio: Dr Margie Warrell

Margie Warrell is an international best-selling author and leadership expert.

Courage is her specialty, from climbing mountains, to raising four children while moving around the world, to helping Fortune 500 leaders manage fear and navigate risk.

She is committed to “braver leadership for a better world” and recently published her sixth book, The Courage Gap.

You can connect with Margie via her website, LinkedIn, or Instagram. The Courage Gap is available in bookstores and on Amazon.

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

• Women in Leadership

• Courage

• Leadership Skills

• Female Leadership

• Empowerment

• The Courage Gap

• Dr. Margie Warrell

• Lauren Eyles

• Personal Growth

• Resilience

In this essential episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, we tackle a difficult but critical topic: navigating tricky workplace dynamics, particularly among women. Host Lauren Eyles sits down with high-performance coach and workplace psychologist Vanessa Vershaw to discuss the prevalence of female workplace aggression, the vital role of psychological safety, and the need for strong support networks.

Vanessa shares eye-opening insights, challenging the idea that a lack of women in senior roles is a pipeline issue. Instead, she argues that toxic workplace cultures and subtle resistance are often the real barriers. This conversation provides practical strategies for identifying and addressing incivility, fostering healthier environments, and learning to lead with authenticity. Discover how to build a "brave workplace" and why your well-being should always be your top priority.

Key Discussion Points

• Understanding Female Workplace Aggression: Learn to recognize the subtle forms of incivility and aggression that can undermine women in the workplace.

• Building Psychological Safety: Discover how leaders can create an environment where women feel safe to speak up and thrive.

• The Power of Authenticity: Why leading as your true self is the most effective strategy for building a loyal and high-performing team.

• Prioritizing Your Well-being: Practical advice for recognizing when a workplace is no longer serving you and why it's okay to leave a toxic environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Workplace Dynamics

03:13 The Sisterhood Paradox: Understanding Female Workplace Aggression

05:57 Pipeline vs. Resistance: The Real Issues for Women in Leadership

09:04 Identifying Workplace Aggression: Bullying vs. Microaggressions

11:56 Navigating Tricky Dynamics: Strategies for Women

14:57 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Workplace Culture

17:49 Building Brave Workplaces: The Importance of Psychological Safety

20:46 Taking Action Against Bullying: Strategies and Support

23:46 The Importance of Mentorship and Support Networks

26:49 Final Thoughts: Leading Authentically and Courageously

Bio: Vanessa Vershaw

Vanessa Vershaw is a high performance coach and workplace psychologist who helps leaders from around the world think boldly and solve big challenges.

Alongside her talent development work, Vanessa has a passion for improving workplace dynamics.

She is the author of The Sisterhood Paradox: the psychology of female workplace aggression.

You can connect with Vanessa via her Website, LinkedIn or Instagram. Her books are available here.

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

• Female Leadership

• Women in Leadership

• Workplace Dynamics

• Workplace Aggression

• Psychological Safety

• Workplace Culture

• Authentic Leadership

• Leadership Coach

• Vanessa Vershaw

• Lauren Eyles

• Career Growth