Is your open plan office driving you to distraction with endless chatter and non-stop interruptions? This week on BIZ Inbox, Em Vernem and Sarah Davidson dive deep into the chaotic world of trying to get actual work done when you're surrounded by Sally's weekend dating disasters and the marketing team's passionate font feuds (we're secretly here for both, tbh). Then we tackle that colleague who somehow thinks their name is written in flashing neon lights at the top of your to-do list – spoiler a...
Jul 02, 2025•15 min
Do you feel guilty for taking breaks? Put work ahead of your relationships? Ignore your health in the name of productivity? You might be stuck in workaholic mode without even realising it! Meet your new BIZ hosts: Lisa Lie (former Head of People & Culture who worked herself into burnout twice in one year) and Em Vernem (Associate Editor at Mamamia who discovered that giving 80% at work prevents the burnout that comes from constantly operating at 100%). They've been trapped in the cycle, esca...
Jun 30, 2025•29 min
Are you silently spiralling over a big presentation coming up? Or working from home and crushing projects but feeling totally invisible come performance review time? Or here's the uncomfortable truth bomb – are you actually the colleague who turns every team catch-up into your personal TED talk? This week on BIZ Inbox, Em Vernem and Sarah Davidson are serving up hard truths about meeting monopolisers who suck all the oxygen out of the room, plus sharing subtle tactics to give your quieter teamma...
Jun 25, 2025•16 min
Tax time is looming, performance reviews are on the horizon, and your motivation has completely ghosted you.The second half of 2025 is when the real work begins, and we're showing you how to thrive while everyone else just survives! Expect to learn the exact strategies you need to stay sharp when everyone else is burning out, how to sound more confident by saying less, the precise words to shut down condescending colleagues without getting fired, master networking when you'd rather hide under yo...
Jun 23, 2025•18 min
Are you the queen of procrastination who'd rather deep clean your entire house than finish that urgent report? This week on BIZ Inbox, Em Vernem and Sarah Davidson tackle the art of actually getting work done with practical strategies – including the game-changing "eat the frog" method that might just save your productivity. Plus, we wade into the murky waters of workplace social media boundaries (spoiler: someone might get offended, and that's okay), and we share how to stand out as the new per...
Jun 18, 2025•20 min
Feeling overwhelmed at work, or maybe your to-do list actually sabotaging your productivity? It’s time to hit the mid-year reset button, so we’ve packaged up the most powerful workplace hacks that actually work in real life – no fluff, just actionable strategies. Discover the surprisingly simple question that instantly reveals your most important task (hint: it's probably the thing making you uncomfortable), plus the exact wording for asking for more money that focuses on evidence, not emotions....
Jun 16, 2025•18 min
Is your boss treating your annual leave requests like personal betrayals? This week on BIZ Inbox, Em Vernem and Sarah Davidson dive into the art of taking time off without the side order of workplace guilt. Then we solve the surprisingly tricky etiquette of professional voicemail greetings (yes, they still matter!), and reveal the one word that's undermining women's authority in meetings everywhere – you probably said it thirteen times today without even noticing. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-t...
Jun 11, 2025•15 min
Michelle Battersby and Soph Hirst reveal their all-time favourite work hacks that have made the biggest difference in their careers. We've gathered game-changing shortcuts from global experts including professors from Yale and NYU, tech founders, and productivity gurus. You will learn: - how to make networking genuinely enjoyable (even if you're an introvert) - why goal-setting might actually be holding you back - how to redesign your physical environment for maximum productivity - the keyboard ...
Jun 09, 2025•27 min
Sarah Davidson (Seize the Yay) joins Em Vernem on BIZ Inbox to shatter workplace myths, including why "being busy" shouldn't be worn as a badge of honour on your shoulder. After ditching her corporate lawyer path, Sarah shares takes on workplace loyalty, revealing why you probably shouldn't tell your boss you're job hunting, pre-interview rituals that actually work, and her refreshingly simple approach to office morale that won't trigger eye rolls (hint: skip escape rooms). Welcome to BIZ Inbox,...
Jun 04, 2025•14 min
'Lucky Girl Energy' isn't just a TikTok trend - it's backed by actual science and quantum physics! We explore why your thoughts have far more power than you realize, and how to harness this energy to transform your career trajectory. Plus, learn why being stuck in a work rut might be more fixable than you think, with practical tools you can implement today. Plus the fabulous Victoria Song , author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller ‘ Bending Reality ’, teaches us her technique for shifting fr...
Jun 02, 2025•33 min
Ever been asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and wanted to reply, “Surviving”? Same! That’s why this week we’ve called in reinforcements: the brilliant Sarah Davidson —entrepreneur, author and podcasting queen—joins Em Vernen to untangle your trickiest career questions. We dive into how to not just survive but thrive during a major career pivot, what to do when your career path feels more like a scribble than a straight line, and whether your work ‘fun fact’ should be heartfelt or...
May 28, 2025•15 min
In this episode of BIZ, we completely flip the script on workplace gossip, revealing why it might actually be essential for your career – and when it could destroy it. Discover the surprising truth about which gender gossips more and just how gossip is hardwired into our DNA. Get the exact strategies for "safe gossiping" that won't damage your reputation, discover what a "reputation ripple" is and how to use it to your advantage, and learn the perfect phrases to gracefully exit a toxic gossip se...
May 26, 2025•28 min
Tackle the awkward situation of what to do when you've accepted a new job, quit your current one, and then discover your new manager has resigned (yikes!). And we debate the ultimate modern workplace dilemma - is it acceptable to answer work calls with foils in your hair at the salon? Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where Em Vernem and Michelle Battersby answer all those awkward career questions keeping you up at night. Send us your anonymous workplace dilemmas and we'l...
May 21, 2025•15 min
Jefferson Fisher (whose revolutionary communication strategies have generated over 1 billion impressions worldwide) returns to reveal his most powerful techniques for the scenarios that make even the most confident professionals stumble. No vague advice—just specific phrases you can use immediately that transform how colleagues perceive your competence and authority. Learn his brilliantly simple "conversational breath" technique that helps you appear more thoughtful and authoritative in any meet...
May 19, 2025•28 min
In this episode we solve the puzzle of networking with colleagues in different time zones (hello, 3am meetings!). Then we dive into the delicate dance of returning to your old workplace as the new boss - is it a career power move or a recipe for disaster? Plus, we share strategic tactics for dealing with that manager who's constantly 'checking in' on your progress. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where Em Vernem and Michelle Battersby answer all those awkward career que...
May 14, 2025•19 min
Communication powerhouse Jefferson Fisher (whose strategies have revolutionised how millions communicate) shares his innovative approach to workplace conversations that gets results without the drama. Discover why trying to "win" arguments is actually sabotaging your professional relationships, and learn his game-changing "conversational framing" technique that career coaches are calling the fastest route to a promotion this year. Listening to this ep will teach you: - The exact phrases that mak...
May 12, 2025•33 min
Today’s episode will teach you how to have scary conversations at work - seriously, you’ll be learning into those tough chats when you’re done listening! Plus Em Vernem and Soph Hirst tackle the question of people at the same level earning different salaries, and we’ll show you how to advocate for more cash (let’s face it, we all deserve it). Also - so, you’ve lied to your boss. Frightening! But we’ll tell you how to fix it. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, where we turn your anonymous workplace questions ...
May 07, 2025•16 min
Stop wasting time with disappointing AI results! This episode of Biz gives you the insider knowledge to transform AI from an occasional helper to your most valuable workplace asset. Our incredible guest Amantha Imber brings her expertise that will completely transform how you interact with artificial intelligence tools. You'll discover why using AI as just a delegatee for monotonous tasks means you're missing out on its most powerful applications as your "buddy" and "expert" companion, plus she ...
May 05, 2025•32 min
How important is it to ‘ drink the koolaid ’ at work? Today Em Vernem and Soph Hirst explain why this argument is flawed, and what you do need to do to get ahead. Plus we deep dive into career development plans and will teach you how to be the architect, not the passenger, of your own career. And finally we asked you on our Biz instagram about the most unhinged thing a boss has said to you and we are APPALLED. You won’t believe some of the answers we share. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, where we turn yo...
Apr 30, 2025•16 min
Whether you're looking to earn extra cash or dream of quitting your day job, this conversation delivers the practical blueprint you've been searching for. We meet creative entrepreneur Georgia Norton Lodge who offers brutally honest advice about what it actually takes to build a sustainable side hustle. She shares the exact steps that helped her transform a $35 product into a $500 one, and how a single email to her database once made her $16,000. Plus you’ll learn: - the Venn diagram approach to...
Apr 28, 2025•30 min
Ever shared something awkward with the big boss and immediately regretted it? This week we're solving the ultimate workplace etiquette dilemma – whether it's appropriate to mention your CEO's personal LinkedIn posts in real life. And if you're eyeing the exit door, stick around for our top three tips on how to resign without burning bridges or making things painfully awkward. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your workplace advice hotline where writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with entrepreneur Miche...
Apr 23, 2025•17 min
Ever felt that full-body cringe when someone suggests "let's network"? You're not alone. In this episode of BIZ, career powerhouses Michelle Battersby and Soph Hirst completely redefine networking for people who hate networking. Michelle reveals how she flipped the script with her genius "Anti-Network" events, while Soph shares how she built one of tech's most valuable professional networks... from a gutter (yes, really). Get their exact scripts for cold LinkedIn outreach that won't make you die...
Apr 21, 2025•32 min
This week we're advocating for the unsung heroes of the corporate world – EAs, PAs, and Assistants, you know the people who do it all – with practical tips on how to showcase your true value beyond "just" scheduling. Plus, the definitive guide to work trip etiquette (can your partner tag along in the company-paid hotel?), and Michelle reveals exactly when new business owners should make their big announcement. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, where Em Vernem and Michelle Battersby turn your anonymous workp...
Apr 16, 2025•21 min
Are your emails undermining your authority without you even realising it? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating psychology behind how we communicate at work and how gendered email habits might be holding you back at work. Learn the simple word swaps that instantly make you sound more confident, the shocking truth about exclamation marks (hint: they might be sabotaging you), and the military communication technique that gets faster responses every time. Whether you're managing up, collabo...
Apr 14, 2025•27 min
Today we teach you how to stay motivated when you don’t love your job, plus we have a controversial take on work calendar etiquette. Plus career coach Soph Hirst lets us in on one of the questions she’s most often asked about micro-mangers (we’ve all had one). Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer all the awkward workplace scenarios you've been dying to solve, hosted by Em Vernem and Soph Hirst . Em is loving Michelle and Sophie’s Task Pebbles strategy, hear how do ...
Apr 09, 2025•16 min
Ever wondered what building a business is REALLY like behind those glossy Instagram posts? In this must-listen episode, Michelle Battersby (Sunroom founder) pulls back the curtain on entrepreneurship's harsh realities with the 8 business mantras she learned the hard way that apply whether you're a founder or climbing the corporate ladder. Learn why perfectionism kills products, how to approach competitors, the surprising way to attract investors, and what to do when employees literally steal fro...
Apr 07, 2025•30 min
Today we tackle some extra juicy workplace dilemmas that are all submitted by you anonymously! If you’re saddled with a slack coworker, we’ll tell you the sentence to use with your boss to instigate change. Plus we’ll discuss how to deal with a manager’s vague instruction and the dodgy desk etiquette we hate. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer the burning questions you definitely can't ask your boss. Writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with super career coach...
Apr 02, 2025•17 min
This episode will completely transform how you'll think about managing your time, as we deep dive into the often misunderstood practice of time blocking with productivity expert Deb Ho . If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list or struggled to focus on deep work; join Em Vernem , Michelle Battersby and Soph Hirst to learn practical solutions that don't require you to become a "productivity robot". And if you’re time blocking skeptic or have tried and abandoned it before, this episode w...
Mar 31, 2025•24 min
This week we are navigating searching for a job while pregnant, firing someone and whether you invite your colleagues to your wedding. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer the burning questions you definitely can't ask your boss. Writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with business powerhouse Michelle Battersby to tackle your trickiest workplace dilemmas. If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au . Sign up ...
Mar 26, 2025•14 min
This episode will demolish everything you thought you knew about mentorship. Our career coaches Michelle Battersby and Soph Hirst will let you in on a fresh approach to professional development, moving away from the traditional "one perfect mentor" model to a more flexible, inclusive strategy - think less marriage proposal, more dating. Plus you’ll hear the five-sentence email template that's going to help you land that dream mentor conversation. Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITS S...
Mar 24, 2025•15 min
