Leading You

In this episode of the Leading You Podcast, I’m joined by Vanessa Belll, eco-entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and former fashion model. Vanessa shares her inspiring journey from the world of high fashion to the heart of the Australian bush, where she now leads a purpose-driven business combining regenerative farming, ethical production, and sustainable fashion. Vanessa opens up about her love affair with Merino wool, the power of reinvention, and the mindset it takes to lead with purpose. We dive into her transition from modelling to farming, her commitment to creating luxury knitwear that respects people and the planet, and the legacy she’s building through courageous choices. If you’re curious about sustainable entrepreneurship, looking for motivation to pursue your passion, or simply love a story of bold transformation, this conversation will leave you inspired. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and Monthly Reflection 00:49 – Meet Vanessa Bell: Eco Entrepreneur 01:25 – Vanessa's Journey from Fashion to Farming 03:01 – Falling in Love with Wool 07:23 – Building a Sustainable Business 14:43 – Navigating Change and Reinvention 20:39 – Resilience and Mindset in the Bush 27:15 – Vanessa's Legacy and Final Thoughts 32:41 – Conclusion and Call to Action Key Takeaways: * What it takes to pivot your life and career with courage * How Vanessa built a luxury sustainable brand from the ground up * The leadership lessons behind living off the land * Why Merino wool is a game-changer in ethical fashion * The role of resilience and values in navigating change * How to take bold action before you feel ready   Resources Mentioned: You Always Have a Choice [https://youalwayshaveachoice.com.au/] Download the free Break Free from the Juggle [https://juliehyde.com.au/] workbook  Connect with Vanessa: Instagram: @fashiontofarmer [https://www.instagram.com/fashiontofarmer/] / @VanessaBellOfficial [https://www.instagram.com/vanessabellofficial/] Website: www.vanessa-bell.com [https://www.vanessa-bell.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/] Podcast: Fashion To Farmer [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fashion-to-farmer/id1728963095?i=1000654732284] Connect with Julie: LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/@juliehydeleads [https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/] Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au [https://juliehyde.com.au] 🙌 Loved this episode? Please rate, review, and share it with someone who’s ready to lead with passion and purpose. Your choices shape your impact—and your legacy. Let’s lead lives we love, one courageous decision at a time. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

As we enter April, a month packed with school holidays, Easter and Anzac Day, this episode invites you to hit pause, reflect, and reset. Julie asks three brutally honest questions every leader should be reflecting on right now: * How are you really feeling? * Are your habits still supporting you? * Who are you becoming through your daily choices? This episode is your quarterly check-in, a moment to stop running on autopilot and realign with what matters most. Julie shares mindset strategies, practical tools, and powerful questions to help you protect your wellbeing, live in alignment with your values, and lead with intention. If you’ve been feeling off track, tired, or stretched too thin, this is your sign to pause and recalibrate. 🔗 Download the free “Manage Your Juggle” workbook to help you prioritise what matters. [https://juliehyde.com.au/] 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Leading You 00:26 – Why April is the perfect time to pause and reflect 01:30 – Brutal Question 1: How are you really feeling? 04:48 – Brutal Question 2: Are your habits still supporting you? 07:54 – The juggle: Understanding rubber vs concrete balls 10:49 – Brutal Question 3: Who are you becoming? 13:51 – Final reflections and taking a short break 💬 Key Takeaways: * Why mindset check-ins are essential for leaders * The impact of habits on your performance and clarity * How to stop juggling what doesn’t matter and prioritise what does * Why alignment with your values is the most powerful way to lead * A reminder that you always have a choice—even when it doesn’t feel like it 💡 Resources Mentioned: 🎧 You Always Have a Choice program [https://programs.juliehyde.com.au/programs/you-always-have-a-choice-program/] ✅ Download the free 5-Step “Break Free from the Juggle” Workbook [https://juliehyde.com.au/] 🙌 Loved this episode? Please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs a reset right now. Every choice you make shapes the leader you’re becoming. Let’s lead lives we love, one intentional choice at a time. LINKS Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here [https://youalwayshaveachoice.com.au/]  Connect with Julie: LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/] Instagram: @juliehydeleads [https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/] Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au [https://juliehyde.com.au/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In this solo episode of Leading You, Julie flips the script on leadership and challenges the idea that leadership is about position or status. Instead, she unpacks what it really means to show up as a leader—in your life, your work, and your relationships. Through personal insights and practical takeaways, Julie explores the three foundational traits that make a lasting impact: Clarity, Consistency, and Courage. You'll hear why self-leadership is the key to inspiring trust, creating influence, and stepping into your full potential—without waiting for permission or a job title. Whether you’ve ever felt overlooked or are ready to lead in a new way, this episode will help you stop playing small and lead with intention, from wherever you are. What You’ll Learn * Why self-leadership is the foundation of all effective leadership * The three traits that make leaders stand out (and it’s not being the loudest) * How clarity grounds you, even when things are uncertain * The real power of consistency in building trust and credibility * Why courage matters more than confidence * What it costs when you play small and wait for permission to lead * How your presence can be your greatest leadership asset Episode Breakdown * 00:00 – Welcome to Leading You * 00:29 – Redefining leadership beyond job titles * 02:09 – Why self-leadership is non-negotiable * 06:47 – The 3 ways leaders stand out: Clarity, Consistency & Courage * 14:52 – The cost of playing small * 17:33 – Final thoughts and leadership as a daily choice 🎧 Tune in now to discover how leadership isn't about being in charge. It’s about how you show up—every single day. LINKS Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here [https://youalwayshaveachoice.com.au/]  Connect with Julie: LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/] Instagram: @juliehydeleads [https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/] Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au [https://juliehyde.com.au/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In today’s fast-paced and high-pressure work environment, connection and courage are no longer optional. They are essential for leadership that inspires, supports, and drives real performance. In this episode of Leading You, I’m joined by leadership strategist and author Stephanie Bown to explore how curiosity, calm, and connection are powerful foundations for leaders navigating change. We dive into how curiosity can reduce stress, boost creativity, and help teams stay adaptable. Stephanie shares how staying calm during uncertainty builds trust, and how real connection can strengthen team performance. She even shares the story behind the camel on her book cover, and why it represents resilience in the face of adversity. We also discuss the impact of AI on leadership and why human qualities like empathy and independent thinking still matter most. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or yourself, this episode will give you practical ways to lead with intention, build trust, and stay focused on what matters. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction to self-leadership and mindset mastery 00:38 – Meet Stephanie Bown and her approach to leadership 01:18 – The importance of curiosity, connectedness and calm 03:58 – The story behind the camel and what it represents 05:15 – Why curiosity is underrated in leadership 09:27 – Creating space for courageous conversations 16:06 – Leading in the age of AI and what leaders must hold on to 21:50 – Practical ways to improve collaboration and reduce dysfunction 27:23 – Final thoughts and where to focus next What You’ll Learn * Why curiosity helps leaders reduce stress and inspire growth * How calmness creates psychological safety and trust * How to create deeper connection with your team, even in remote settings * What human qualities will matter most as AI becomes more common * How to foster courageous conversations that strengthen your culture 🎧 Listen now and learn how to lead in a way that builds confidence, connection and a culture where people want to stay.   LINKS: Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here [https://youalwayshaveachoice.com.au/]    Connect with Stephanie: Website: https://stephaniebown.com/ [https://stephaniebown.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebown1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebown1/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephiefromthebay/ [https://www.instagram.com/stephiefromthebay/]   Connect with Julie: LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/] Instagram: @juliehydeleads [https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/] Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au [https://juliehyde.com.au/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You, I dive into the one mindset shift that can transform your career, leadership, and personal growth. Inspired by a recent conversation with a client who questioned her leadership potential, I unpack how language, behaviour, and choice shape the way we lead—regardless of title or position. So often, we wait for permission. We let past experiences or external opinions dictate our potential. But true leadership begins when we choose to see ourselves as leaders and start acting accordingly. What we cover in this episode: * The power of language—how your words shape your leadership identity * Why behaviour speaks louder than titles—leading through action * How taking control of your responses puts you in the driver’s seat * The impact of limiting beliefs—and how to rewrite your own leadership story * Real-life examples of leaders who stepped up before they had the title If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re a leader or hesitated to step into your full potential, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and start making that critical mindset shift today. 00:00 Introduction and Key Question 00:28 The Importance of Mindset Shifts 01:12 Client's Leadership Journey 01:49 Three Key Takeaways 02:55 Client's Struggles and Realizations 06:07 The Power of Self-Advocacy 09:11 Mindset Shift and Taking Action 12:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Julie: Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here [https://youalwayshaveachoice.com.au/]  LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/] Instagram: @juliehydeleads [https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/] Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au [https://juliehyde.com.au/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.