What does Kung Fu Panda and dumplings have to do with maintaining your staff?Well in today's Concept Sandbox; we break down how sometimes a dumpling isn't just a dumpling; it's a legacy of dumpling making.In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, host Jez, CEO Grahame, Director of Learning Danette, and Facilitator Allen explore the intersection of business challenges and creativity through a fantastical lens. They discuss the importance of curiosity, unique perspectives, and the brain's r...
Jun 30, 2025•39 min
What are "Purpose Leaders", and why are they more important now than ever? And what do they have to do with the Care-Economic Revolution?Today, the team is joined by friend of the podcast Bernie Kelly (4th time back), and his new co-author of the amazing book Kindling Purpose Leaders: How to Lead Through the Care-Economic Revolution, Veronica (Vee) Haslem.They discuss the challenges leaders face in balancing care and economics in a rapidly evolving world. The conversation transitions into the in...
Jun 23, 2025•34 min
In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, host and Director of Learning Danette interviews Tracy Sheen, author of 'AI & U'. Tracy Sheen is an AI Speaker & Consultant, Media Commentator Author, Digital Strategist amongst many things, and her new book talks about how to feel better about AITracy shares her journey from a young tech enthusiast to a thought leader in AI, discussing the overwhelming pace of technological change and the importance of a strategic approach to AI in busine...
Jun 16, 2025•22 min
How important is empathy when it comes to marketing? Why do you sometimes need to actually meet your customers to create a great campaign?In today's episode, the team is joined by Dr. Maria Camacho to discuss this and more. Dr. Maria Camacho is a globally recognised expert in design thinking and strategic innovation, with 30 years of experience in academia, industry, and consulting. A PhD in Design Thinking and a former partner of Stanford’s flagship programs, she has shaped innovation at Frog, ...
Jun 09, 2025•38 min
Did you know that 1 in 5 women likely miss out on $1,000,000 over their careers due to not asking for a raise?In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, our resident author and Director of Learning Danette interviews Roxanne Calder, a recruitment business owner and author of the book 'Earning Power'. Roxanne is the Founder & MD of EST10 Recruitment and Roxanne Calder Corporate Coaching and Consulting, as well as being the author of 'Employable' and 'Earning Power: Breaking Barriers and...
Jun 02, 2025•21 min
Well, we made it! 250 episodes and counting, and released on Host/Producer Jez's Birthday none the less.On today's milestone episode, the team celebrate 250 in the books, and hopefully here is to 250 more.Today that are chatting about what if Peter Pan's fairy dust business ran into a new cheaper competitor. What should he do, and should he match or stay at his current price? How should he do his research?Chapters00:00 Celebrating 250 Episodes07:25 Concept Sandbox Introduction08:40 Short Term vs...
May 26, 2025•32 min
What are the problems that everyday workers face from workplace bullying, and how does that play into how it affects women? What does a bully look like and how can you avoid them?In this engaging conversation, Vanessa Vershaw discusses her new book , 'The Sisterhood Paradox,' with our Resident Author Danette, which explores the complex dynamics of female relationships in the workplace. She highlights the alarming statistics of women bullying other women and the psychological impact it has on the...
May 19, 2025•45 min
How important is care as a leader? How can you show it even when there is a lot of pressure?In today's awesome Author Corner, our resident author Danette Fenton-Menzies chats to authors of the new book The Power of Care. Siew Fang Law & Hannes van Rensburg are the Co-Founders of Bento Box of Care. Bento Box of Care is a consulting company focusing on building leadership capacity and capabilities to build a Culture of Care.In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast Siew Fang and Hannes d...
May 12, 2025•37 min
AI is here, and it isn't slowing down. How do you manage being a leader in this rapidly changing world?In today's "Author Corner": our resident author Danette chats with Tony Frost to break this all down. Tony is an Author, Executive Coach & Mentor, Company Director, Facilitator, Career & Leadership Development, Speaker, Part-time Academic (UNSW and AICD). His clients include BHP Billiton, Macquarie Bank and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.In this episode, Tony shares insights from hi...
May 05, 2025•26 min
Mordor needs a new supplier. Does it go cheaper and worse, or better and more expensive?In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, host Jez and his team explore the concept of a 'sandbox' for business problems, using a fun and imaginative approach to discuss serious topics. They delve into the changes they want to see in the world, focusing on overcoming fear in decision-making, the importance of movement versus stasis in business, and the need for clear guiding principles. It also looks a...
Apr 28, 2025•31 min
Today, we are chatting to the amazing Melli O'Brien about Deep Resilience, and what better way to show off her training, than by recording this podcast the day after she got out of a cyclone.Melli O’Brien is an internationally renowned mental health educator and coach with a passion for helping people unlock their inner strength in the face of adversity. She is a best selling author and the creator of the deep resilience method, a groundbreaking wisdom-based approach to mental resilience. Her wo...
Apr 21, 2025•24 min
The USS Enterprise is in dire need of a culture shake-up. How do they go about it, who should they model it off, and what does all of this have to do with Ted Lasso?In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast Concept Sandbox, the team explore the theme of cultural change within organizations, using the context of the Starship Enterprise from Star Trek. They discuss the importance of leadership in shaping culture, the role of language and inclusivity, and how innovative thinking can lead to c...
Apr 14, 2025•33 min
In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, Danette, our resident author and Director of Learning, interviews Emma Lagerlo, author of 'Worthy and Wealthy'. Emma is a holistic wealth and mindset coach, who is not only an author, but a mother of four, and a podcast host.In this conversation, Danette and Emma discuss the importance of discovering personal values, the journey of writing and self-discovery, and the character of Jules who represents transformation. Emma shares her five pillars of...
Apr 08, 2025•28 min
Technology is changing at a rapid rate. AI is changing at a rapid rate. How do you keep up with not only the technology, but use it to thrive? How can all of this change feel optimistic?Well, today the team is joined by the perfect person to help us see this vision. Known globally as the "Tech Humanist," Kate O'Neill is a leading voice on AI ethics, responsible tech, and human-centric digital transformation. As a sought-after expert, she advises Fortune 500 leaders and speaks at high-profile eve...
Mar 31, 2025•42 min
In this today's author corner, our resident author and Director of Learning Danette interviews Lawrence Lam about his book 'The Founder Effect', exploring the unique traits of founder-led companies, the importance of bold decision-making, and how to design scalable company structures. As the Founder and Managing Director of Lumenary Investment Management, Lawrence specialises in global equities with a focus on founder-led opportunities. His expertise spans transaction advisory, risk management, ...
Mar 17, 2025•18 min
Why do we have negative connotations to the words "accountability" and "consequences"? Why can they actually be forces for encouragement?In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, the regular team and guest Claire Gray delve into the concept of accountability in leadership and team dynamics. Claire is the founder of Thriving Culture, where she brings her expertise as a Facilitator, Trainer, Speaker, and Coach to help individuals and organisations unlock their full potential. Claire’s exten...
Mar 10, 2025•32 min
How can Clark from the Vacation movies compete with a newer competitor to his Wally World Tourism company? What ways can unexpected detours help your company?Today the crew is doing another of our favourite types of episodes, a concept sandbox, where they share ideas and stories about a topic, while helping fix a business problem in a fantastical setting.In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, host Jez and guests Grahame and Allen explore the theme of unexpected detours in business and ...
Mar 03, 2025•28 min
How were Indigenous and First Nation's people able to survive on earth for so long in a sustainable way? How can we all learn to think 7 generations ahead, and learn other ways to view the world through a new lens?In today's riveting conversation, Jez is joined by Vanessa Roanhorse. Vanessa Roanhorse (Navajo) is founder and CEO of Roanhorse Consulting & Co-Founder at Native Women Lead, based in Tiwa Territory/Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as being the author of the article: Radical Econom...
Feb 24, 2025•25 min
What new business venture would you think about if you were Robin Hood? What are some different ideas you could try with the resources you already have? In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, host Jez and guests Danette, Grahame, and John explore the concept of 'fresh set of eyes' in business, using the fictional context of Robin Hood and his merry men. They discuss the importance of diverse perspectives, innovative ideas for product development, and the value of curiosity in maintaini...
Feb 17, 2025•35 min
How can you focus your boredom, and how can that help you create great works of art? How can an office team in Narnia gel better together using boredom?In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, the team reflects on their holiday experiences and transitions into a concept sandbox discussion centered around Narnia. They explore the theme of boredom, its implications for creativity, and how it can be harnessed in team dynamics. The conversation delves into the importance of psychological saf...
Feb 11, 2025•33 min
This podcast is part of the Moira Shire Council's "Building Business Resilience Program", designed to help Moira Shire business owners build greater personal and business resilience. These podcasts are to promote events that Moira Shire business owners and employees can attend. February 18: Breakfast event at the Shamrock Hotel, Numurkah with guest speaker Dr Kate Burke. *To register for this free event, contact: https://www.moiramatters.com.au/Building-Business-Resilience-Program * Summary: In ...
Feb 04, 2025•45 min
This podcast is part of the Moira Shire Council's "Building Business Resilience Program", designed to help Moira Shire business owners build greater personal and business resilience. These podcasts are to promote events that Moira Shire business owners and employees can attend. February 18: Breakfast event at the Shamrock Hotel, Numurkah with guest speaker Dr Kate Burke. To register for this free event, click here: https://www.moiramatters.com.au/Building-Business-Resilience-Program Summary: In ...
Feb 04, 2025•32 min
How can you get more time back? Why is it a compliment NOT to get invted to a meeting? To discuss, the team is joined by Lisa Bodell. Lisa is an award-winning author, Top 40 Global speaker, futurist and CEO of futurethink. As a futurist and expert on the topic of change, she serves as a global council member of the World Economic Forum; and has helped thousands of senior leaders ignite innovation at Bloomberg, Pfizer, Lockheed Martin, and many others. In the conversation, Lisa shares her insight...
Jan 27, 2025•35 min
Have you been able to keep your New Year's Resolution up, or has it already fallen off? Why are habits so hard to keep? And why is it sometimes better to hit snooze on the alarm than go to the gym? In today's awesome conversation, Jez, Danette (Dir. of Learning) and Grahame (CEO) chat to the fantastic Darren Fleming about all these questions and more. Darren is the founder of Mindset Mastery, speaker, executive mentor and author of 'Mindset Mastery: Do less. Achieve more.' In this chat, the team...
Jan 20, 2025•40 min
How would you go about franchising the mythical school of Harry Potter; Hogwarts? And what does innovation look like at a mythical school? Well, it is the sequel to the popular Concept Sandbox we did earlier in the year, and that is where we take business problems, and make them a bit more fun. In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, the team discusses the concept of innovation through a fun and mythical lens, using Hogwarts as a case study. They explore the differences between creativi...
Jan 13, 2025•41 min
Do you feel like toxic workplaces are inevitable? What are some signs you should be changing the culture at your workplace? In today's chat with friend of the podcast Colin D. Elis, we break down all that and more to celebrate the launch of his new book "Detox Your Culture". Colin is a Culture Consultant, Award-Winning Author and Keynote Speaker, but most of all a great conversationalist and a Magical Learning Podcast favourite. The conversation delves into the nature of toxic work cultures, the...
Jan 06, 2025•37 min
What would you do if your child was denied the chance to go overseas and help build up a school in Cambodia? And how would that decision affect your life up until today? Well, that is the exact scenario today's guest found themselves in, and they ended up taking their daughter over to Cambodia, only to fall in love with the people, and start an NGO. In today's team chat, the team has a great conversation with Aviv Palti. Aviv is the author of Empowered: A New Generation of Leaders, as well as be...
Dec 30, 2024•34 min
How important is it for us to get out into nature? What are some of the lesser-known negatives about city living?In today's Author Corner, or resident author and Director of Learning Danette chats with author of the new book "The Natural Advantage": Dr. Jenny Brockis. Dr. Jenny has a health professional for over four decades, as well as being a Speaker, Author and Lifestyle Medicine Physician. In this chat, Dr. Jenny Brockis shares her journey from a medical career to becoming a corporate health...
Dec 23, 2024•38 min
When negotiating, what is the most important thing to know about the other party? How can you be better at negotiating? In today's chat, our resident author and Director of Learning Danette Fenton-Menzies chats with author Glin Bayley about her new book "The Negotiation Playbook". Glin Bayley is an Author, Speaker, Personal Transformation Strategist, Negotiation Specialist and Non Exec Director at GAICD. Danette and Glin chat about about her journey from finance to becoming a negotiation expert....
Dec 16, 2024•24 min
How can you grow a business in an industry that isn't known for scaling? What can you gain, but also lose, by selling a company? In this episode of the Magical Learning Podcast, our resident author and Director of Learning Danette Fenton-Menzies speaks with author, Jason T. Smith about his unexpected journey as an entrepreneur, the challenges he faced while building a successful physiotherapy network, and the lessons learned along the way. Jason was listed No.2 Top Franchise Executive in 2019 an...
Dec 09, 2024•46 min
