What happens when a career built on success no longer feels like enough? In this episode Amy chats to her old colleague and friend Serena Dodd. After a high-energy career in TV and events, Serena Dodd hit a wall - literally on the way to London Waterloo - when a panic attack forced a rethink. Serena shares her journey from realising “something needs to change” to finally stepping away from the industry, then the pivotal year that followed: retraining as a coach, rebuilding confidence, and rewriting her identity. Serena explains why she calls herself an “Aliveness Coach” , what feeling alive actually means and living beyond apathy. We also talk about Fly, the global community she’s building for coaches to counter isolation, learn together and deliver richer services. Serena’s story is a reminder that success isn’t static: she was a success before, she’s a success now, and the courage to pivot made all the difference. Key Topics Discussed: A London Waterloo wake-up Taking the steps to change Moving beyond apathy: why recognising and addressing “living on autopilot” is the first step to feeling truly alive. “Aliveness” = intention + purpose, not perfection Replace “cul-de-sac thoughts” with “motorway thinking.” Community (Fly) reduces isolation and elevates practice Serena Dodd is co-author of My Dad Thinks I’m a Fairy, host of the Made to Fly podcast, and founder of Fly. www.serenadodd.com Made To Fly Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/made-to-fly/id1827931677 Book: My Dad Thinks I'm A Fairy - Book Link Fly: The Coaches Network - www.wearefly.com
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What Hostage Negotiations Teach Us About Human Behaviour
"Words can change lives" In this episode of the Really Good Conversations podcast, Amy speaks with Steve York; a former police negotiator, tactical commander, and now corporate risk advisor and negotiation coach. Steve’s career has taken him from life-or-death hostage situations to high-stakes corporate boardrooms. In this conversation he shares what these intense moments have taught him about how people behave under pressure, how power works in a room, and how to influence outcomes through calm, presence and insight - not force. They explore the role of ego, emotion, and self-interest in negotiation, and why understanding what drives people is key to finding resolution. Steve also shares how body language, silence, and listening can all shift the dynamic in your favour. Key Topics Discussed: What prompted Steve to train in hostage negotiations Why self-interest sits at the heart of all negotiation How ego and emotion can derail conversations The power of silence and body language Why “win-win” outcomes are often a myth What hostage situations reveal about everyday human behaviour Practical tactics for handling high-stakes or high-pressure conversations Whether you're negotiating at work, managing conflict at home, or just trying to communicate more effectively, the principles Steve outlines are widely applicable - and surprisingly simple. Find out more about Stev York Website: https://www.steveyork.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-york-64785a237/?originalSubdomain=au
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37:42
Risk & Reinvention: From Online Success To Bookshop Owner
Kate Toon is an award-winning entrepreneur, author and digital marketing expert. But in 2024, after building a thriving online business, she did something unexpected; she bought a struggling bookshop in her beachside town of Umina Beach. In this honest and entertaining conversation, Kate shares how burnout, curiosity, and a craving for real-world connection led her to make a bold pivot from online courses and passive income to running a bricks-and-mortar bookshop. We talk about the risks, the realities, and the rewards of stepping into something completely different. Kate also opens up about the early days of motherhood and business, how much pressure we put on ourselves to "do it all", and why her book Six Figures in School Hours is really about letting go of guilt and embracing what’s realistic. Kate's journey from the UK to Australia as a backpacker Starting her first business when she was 5 months pregnant Why her book ‘Six Figures in School Hours’ is really a book about working parents having forgiveness, not hustle The bold (and slightly mad) decision to buy a struggling bookshop The real numbers behind digital business vs bricks-and-mortar retail How motherhood reshaped Kate’s relationship with work, identity, and ambition The importance of doing things that bring joy, even if they don’t “scale” Why reinvention doesn’t need a 5-year plan; just a willingness to take the next step Whether you’re a business owner craving a change, a parent trying to balance it all, or just someone who loves a good reinvention story; this episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and plenty of laughs along the way. For more information on Kate Toon: https://www.katetoon.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katetoon/ The Umina Beach Book Nook: https://uminabeachbooknook.com.au/
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34:32
How to Bring WOW to Your Brand & Network
How do you build a brand people remember and a network that actually leads to something meaningful? Originally from Russia, Oksana Koriakova moved to Australia with a suitcase and a six-month visa, knowing no one and speaking no English. 20 years later, she’s built a thriving brand merchandise business, launched a successful speaking career, and become known in Sydney as the “networking queen.” Oksana shares her story of reinvention, the key conversations that shaped her journey, and how she turned discomfort into confidence. She shares her views on branding and what it really means beyond logos, and why consistency, emotion, and trust matter most. We discuss her keynote “How to Bring WOW to Your Marketing” and why thinking like a wedding planner could completely shift the way you approach your campaigns. She also shares her top networking tips, including how to follow up well, how to spot when a connection could become a real relationship, and why quality always beats quantity. Key Outtakes: How one coffee in Moscow and a last-minute conversation at a farewell party changed Oksana’s life Why branding is less about logos and more about how you make people feel The secret to WOW marketing; and why she wears a wedding dress during her keynote Oksana’s golden rule for networking: victory loves preparation Why your customers will become your friends faster than your friends will become your customers The mantra that guides her: if everyone’s doing it, that’s your sign to do the opposite Whether you're looking to grow your business, find your voice, or rethink how you connect with people this is an insightful episode. For more info on Oksana Connect with Oksana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksanakoriakova Impero https://impero.com.au/
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From Military to Corporate: Make Better Business Decisions Faster
What happens when you bring military discipline, strategic thinking and straight-talking honesty into the boardroom? In this episode, Amy chats with Marcus Dimbleby, a former Royal Air Force officer who now helps businesses make smarter decisions, faster. After 24 years in the military, Marcus transitioned into corporate coaching and consultancy, bringing with him a no-nonsense approach shaped by combat zones, critical thinking, and high-stakes leadership. We talk about Applied Critical Thinking, Red Team Thinking, and why most business strategies fail before they begin. Marcus shares what surprised him most when he left the military, how he helps leaders slow down to speed up, and why ineffective meetings are costing companies more than they realise. He also reflects on his recent move to Cyprus, how Mediterranean life reinforces his principles, and why mindset, clarity and adaptability matter more than ever. Key Topics Discussed: Marcus' journey from military to corporate life Slow down to speed up: How clear thinking upfront leads to faster, better decisions later Why most business strategies fail before they begin Discipline starts with self: Military leadership is built on responsibility and looking after your team Mindset drives results: Prioritise ruthlessly and lead with adaptability to thrive in change. It’s a wide-ranging, insight-packed episode from someone who’s seen leadership from every angle. For more information on Marcus: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusdimbleby/ Effecitve Direction https://www.effectivedirection.com/
In our hyperconnected world, it feels like we are becoming more disconnected than ever, so we are on a mission to bring people together through conversation.
Welcome to 'The Really Good Conversations Podcast', where we delve into the minds of the wonderful people and businesses we have met in the processes of launching our card game. We will be uncovering their secrets, learning about their biggest mistakes, and sharing the key lessons they have taken from it all.
So, if you're looking for an engaging chinwag mixed with business insights and a good pinch of fun, you're in the right place.
Let's have a really good conversation...
Ireland