Mind Matters With Rex Urwin And Catherine Connolly Podcast

This episode of the Mind Matters Podcast is something a little different. We’re looking at the courage it takes to realise and follow your purpose in life. Rex is chatting to Emmanuela Shinta, a 26-year-old Dayak woman from Kalimantan, Borneo, about her role in this world and the power of taking action, even when you don’t know what you’re doing.  Emmanuela is an activist, film producer and director, founder of the Ranu Welum Foundation and a leader for young people.  She’s gained notice over the years, speaking before the United Nations and a number of other international platforms about the deforestation of the Bornean rainforest and the overall destruction of her beloved country and her Dayak culture. She has trained more than 100 young indigenous people to use a camera to share their cause, and continues to raise awareness of the Dayak people and Kalimantan through the use of short videos and documentaries.  Episode highlights:  Who Emmanuela Shinta is and what her vision is - being born in Kalimant

In a beautifully honest interview, Donna Thistlethwaite talks to Catherine about managing stress and mental health in the workplace.  After working as an HR professional for a corporate organisation for around 15 years, and with a small child, Donna found herself leading a small team for a new controversial project.  After a series of challenges, Donna’s mental health suffered to the point where she tried to take her own life.  Now, she’s an international mental health and resilience speaker and has presented for QSuper, Connexus Financial, Aurecon, Seqwater, Queensland University of Technology, Powerlink Queensland, and Western Downs Regional Council, among others.  She’s also a Career Coach and co-founder of Career Vitality, which provided career services to individuals, parents and organisations.   Episode highlights:  Who Donna is and a little about her background - started a new role whilst working as an HR professional for a corporate organisation The pivotal moment for Donna was when she had an ar

In this episode, Rex chats to long-time friend and fellow Kiwi, David Metcalf, about the courage it takes to change your life - to move from the familiar into the unknown and into your dream life. David is a corporate manager-turned photographer and activist, who moved to Bali in 2012 after falling in love with Indonesia. His passion for activism means he’s heavily involved in working with indigenous people including the Dayak people, using the power of photographs to tell their story and encourage positive social change.  He also embarks on photography and activist tours to other lesser known areas including Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi Nagaland (NE India), Odisha Tribal area in India and Vietnam.  Episode highlights:  Kiwi, grew up in Wellington till he was 19 then he went travelling Went to Indonesia in 2001 and fell in love with the country Based in Bali for 7 years now - living his dream Does photography tours and works with indigenous people and on projects that make an impact Actively involved with t

This episode comes to you from just outside Ubud in Bali, where I (Rex) am soaking up the Balinese culture.  I’m blessed to be able to spend time in Bali, as I have done for many years now. From my journey that I’ve travelled so far, I’ve also come to know the native Dayak people of Kalimantan, Borneo, and the people devoting their lives to supporting others and things they believe in.  One thing I’ve come to realise is that all these people have complete ownership and absolute commitment to the cause they believe in.  We’ll be exploring this in more detail with a series of interviews. But for now, we want to take a look at selflessness and the human spirit and the correlation with your business, career and families.  Episode highlights: You are a culture which needs preserving just like any other culture Your life is a culture based on principles and wisdoms  There will always be ups and downs that will test you and put your ‘culture’ under threat Recognising the parallels between the Dayak people and ou

If you’re a leader or a business owner, chances are you spend your time running around trying to get everything done. Being busy is good, but it’s important to take time out for yourself. We often find that people don't give themselves enough time to stop. Being constantly busy can lead to stress and an inability to take the time your body and mind needs and your emotions need to take time out too. Fail to do that, and you won’t be thinking effectively and your business could suffer.  When you first get into business, or even just start a new career path, it’s easy to join the rat race. There will always be common stopping points along the way - like weekends or at the end of each day - but what about stopping altogether? We’re taking a look at what it really means to stop and just be still and the effects it can have on your role as a leader.  Episode highlights:  Is there such a thing as being too busy as a business owner?  Common ground - joining the rat race in business Reflecting on your career from

As we prepare for our upcoming September retreat, Staying On Top Of The Mountain, we’re taking a look at what it means in relation to business.  The concept of ‘staying on top of the mountain’ is poignant in all areas of life, but especially when it comes to starting, maintaining and leading a small business.  Once you have your business up and running, you build on that and grow and establish a solid share in your chosen market. As with anything though, it needs to be maintained if you want to remain stable and successful. But what is actually at the top of the mountain? And how do we get there? Is it based on one achievement in life or in business? Or is it a series of continuous, never-ending achievements? Let’s take a look... Episode highlights: What does it mean to ‘stay on top of the mountain’ in business? How do you actually know when you’re at the top? How do you get there? The Japanese concept of ‘kaizen’ - activities that continuously improve everything that all employees undertake Maintaining

Creating a business is basically like an endurance test. A lot of things need to be considered before you get going in order to make it work. It also takes a huge amount of effort, attention and energy to get something underway and your mindset plays a key part in its success or otherwise.  Sometimes we stay in the same mindset and activity that started the business when its way into a growth stage or even into longevity. No matter what stage you are at in your business, whether it's a startup or you've been in business for many years, it can be very useful to take note of your mindset and think about whether you’ve upgraded it or not over time.  In this episode, Catherine Connolly explores weathering the seasons of building a business.  Episode highlights:  The energy and effort needed to create a business - it’s like an endurance test Being stressed and frustrated is normal at the start of any business, but it shouldn’t last too long if you want to grow Are you suffocating your business?  Starting a busi

In this episode, Catherine chats to Juliette Wright, a long-term Mind Matters client and the founder and director of GIVIT, a not-for-profit with the aim of helping alleviate the effects of poverty across Australia. She shares her secrets to success and the challenges she’s had to overcome in order to get there. An experienced director and CEO, Juliette started the free online donation platform in 2009 with the hope of connecting those who have with those who need. The website has grown from just 15 charities onboard to more than 2,600 charities, government agencies and schools in just under 10 years. The website has seen more than 1.2 million items donated to people in need. GIVIT also provides an award-winning Disaster Recovery Service to help manage donation flow after disasters like the Brisbane and Bundaberg Floods, Tropical Cyclones Marcia, Ita and Debbie, and the Gladstone and Tasmanian fires. GIVIT is the only non-profit funded by the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industry for drought rec

This is the third instalment of a three-part series based on the stories we tell ourselves and how they affect the results we achieve in life. In the first of the series, we looked at recognising your own story, and in the second part we explored the process of dismantling it. Now, we’re looking at how to rewrite your story. Episode highlights: Your story can be written in any genre - comedy, thriller, drama Your first story in life is one that was written for you based on your childhood and background Learning to reframe your story from negative to positive - creating your own success story How Rex reframed his own story and what it has taught him Going through the motions of business - every hero has challenges to overcome ‘You can't teach a good sailor in a calm sea’ - a truly good sailor has been through all of the ocean’s moods and survived them Begin to mind map your future and what you want it to look like Think about the daily decisions and thoughts you need to get to where you want to be You are th

In this episode, Rex chats to friend and client Neil Macdonald owner of Fairway Financial, who has been running his own financial planning business for the past 23 years, specialising in people insurance.   He entered the industry somewhat by default, following in his father’s footsteps. His first role was with National Mutual (AXA) on a graduate program in 1990, which led him through a number of roles to become an adviser in 1997. Now, he spends his days helping veterinarians and SME business owners improve their financial wellbeing and explore their financial options. In the discussion Neil shares how important mindset has been in his work and the role Mind Matters has had in his development. Episode Highlights: Who Neil is and what he does - father, runs a financial planning business ‘Do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do’ - Neil’s mantra What makes Neil’s work right for him is that it’s right for his clients Key things Neil has learned over the years Owning his journey - comfortable in

This is the second instalment of a three-part series based on the stories we tell ourselves and how they affect the results we achieve in life. As we explored in the first of the series, the human brain becomes habituated. It learns by engaging the nervous system, the memory system and the sensory system  and repetition of patterns over time makes something seem ‘normal’. So, to rewrite a story that's habituated, you need to first undo it in those places in a particular way. Essentially this means releasing it before replacing the old story with a new one. Episode Highlights: What is the story you’ve been telling yourself? Reflect on your current/old story to begin to release it to make way for a new one ‘Listen’ to your posture - are you slumped over (sad) or tense and rigid (anxious)? It’s common for business owners to find themselves in a state of anxiety on a regular basis Recognise whether you’re reactive at work and in your personal life Moving towards being proactive rather than reactive Are you try

In this episode, Catherine chats with Steve Mendl, a Mind Matters client for several years now. Steve has participated in a number of our NeuroCoding programs over the years. Apart from achieving great success in business and life, Steve has also reached a long-term goal to publish a book, which has since received Amazon Best Seller status. He is an executive mentor and active retirement coach, founder of Next-Aging and Senior Consultant at Lee Hecht Harrison Australia/New Zealand. He has over 25 years’ experience in training, educating, career transition, workforce transformation, and business improvement through effective leadership. Steve’s work life journey began in public relations, marketing and then one day he found his role was made redundant. He used the opportunity to really think about what he wanted to do and went on to start a fashion label, become a teacher and a radio and music DJ. He’s also the author of ‘Beyond The Money’, which looks at the mindset needed to transition from full-time wo

This is the first in a series of three about the stories that frame our sense of self and how we live our life. In this episode, we’re asking, is everything we say in the moment original? Or do we have a set of patterns that are established over time that form our way of operating, our way of speaking, and our way of believing? Do those potential patterns create the idea of us, the world that we step into every day and the results we get? Episode highlights: Telling your story - do you have a set of patterns that make you who you are? Realising the limitations you put on yourself The uniqueness of the brain and our ability to practice method acting What's the story you're telling yourself, and how does it support your success and enjoyment of life, or limit you? Common excuses from business owners - “The markets aren't right so that's why I'm not getting ahead.” Being open to new opportunities and possibilities Rewriting your story - take notice of what your story currently says about you Your story is made

A hot topic with our clients right now is the concept of sabotaging your own goal. While ‘sabotage’ means to deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct something, it’s not something we business owners do on purpose. But many of us do have self-sabotaging behaviours that, if not controlled, can prevent us from achieving our goals.   As well as stopping us from reaching our goals, self-sabotaging behaviour can make us less committed altogether. In this episode, Catherine is looking at common behaviours among business owners and how, with the right mindset and strategy in place, you can reach your goals.   Episode highlights: Self-sabotaging behaviours - a common example Money as a source of frustration for many business owners A look at the reasons for frustration in business when it comes to money - not having enough despite business being good Finding your financial identity - how expanding your belief of the possibilities can help you achieve your financial goals Each level of profitability begins with an

Being a successful business owner and leader doesn’t come easily - it takes hard work, dedication and the right mindset. In this episode, Rex takes a look at how you can create a mindset that will not only enable you to develop more skills but also to improve as a leader, enjoy business success, and create a balanced lifestyle. Episode Highlights: Misconceptions of the mind - we are not our thoughts and ideas The brain is not governed by the universe Many people tend to think negatively and give up when they don’t see the success they hoped for coming to fruition The brain can be trained - it is flexible and adaptable How can we train our brains? By choosing to practise new beliefs When we’re good at something we practise it, but it all starts with good, solid foundations Even when we become experts or masters at something, we still practise the basics If you have a solid foundation, you can begin to change your behaviour How to identify the behaviours needed to get the results you want Undoing bad behaviou

A common problem for small to medium business owners - ourselves included - is feeling frustrated. It’s far too easy to give in to negativity when things go wrong, leaving you feeling sad and hopeless. What’s worse is, because of the way our brain is wired, we create further frustration and daily problems. So how can we overcome it? By simulating experiences and learning to adapt. In this episode, we take a look at how the brain works when dealing with stress and what you can do to change your circumstances. Episode Highlights: Understanding how the brain works Being stuck in a business rut - feeling frustrated because you’re not getting where you want to go business-wise Change your thinking by listening, and change your thinking to listen Small to medium business owners typically use an old blueprint of their brain Using past habits, thoughts, feelings and experiences to train ourselves to think differently Reacting differently to obstacles in your business and daily frustrations Learning to see obstacle

How can we change our way of thinking in order to change our world? Many people practise an affirmation - a statement or a declaration asserting that something is true. They use it as a way of trying to change their circumstances in life because it offers emotional support and encouragement, but for many, it doesn’t work. At least not by itself. In this episode, we take a deeper look at how an affirmation is received by the brain and whether it can actually help you shape your life for the better. Episode highlights: What is an affirmation? Why do affirmations not work by themselves? Aligning your conscious and unconscious mind Tidying up your history - forgetting the negative connotations around certain things based on past experiences Practising affirmative language Understanding the way you think Your personal history doesn’t need to be a part of your current world Writing a new history for yourself Alice in Wonderland quote Face the world with an ‘adult mind’ What skills Mind Matters can teach you Formi

For entrepreneurs, executives and small to medium business owners, business and day-to-day life can often be a bit of an endurance race. It’s key to be able to reset and refocus quickly, however it’s not always easy for some. In this episode, Rex chats to British extreme sports lover Pete. His love of alpine skiing and climbing, and a background in the military, means he has learned some valuable life lessons that can serve you well in the unpredictable world of business. This interview was made possible through our connections with high level elite military operations personnel. Pete's last name has been withheld as he is still an active operative. Episode highlights: A bit on Pete’s background - joined the Royal Marines in 1994 and served 10 years in various countries including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Northern Ireland and Sierra Leone Pete’s work as a military contractor for the past 15 years - Private Security Detail How Pete manages emotion and pressure Failure is a challenge in life - be happy bein

“We are our own worst enemies.” But what does that mean for a business owner? Doubting your abilities will never be conducive to success. As a small to medium business owner, a lot can come from learning to be still in the storm, as our guest in this episode found out. Tony Robertson is the founder of Brisbane Tank Manufacturing (BTM), a producer of stainless steel products for the dairy, brewery, pharmaceutical and food processing industries across Australia. His business story began when he started work as an apprentice technician and, after meeting the love of his life, strived for more. After completing an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, he went into the administration side of things and learned more about drafting, engineering and procurement. In this episode, Tony shares his secrets for everyday business success, including learning to be mindful, listening to his emotions and learning from past mistakes to reach his goals. Episode highlights: What Tony’s company does - specialises in th

While holidaying in Europe we had the opportunity to visit Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th century Gothic church in Paris near Notre Dame, one of many hundreds of stunning churches throughout Europe. Apart from its beauty, it also inspired me to think about ‘the work’ that went into it, and how the results and impact of that work still live on today. Many of us stop to marvel at the incredible architecture and artisanship of this era, and the time and effort that went in to design and create exquisite works like these. Works that leave people awestruck at the vision and the execution, even centuries after the last stone was laid. Imagine what your business could become if you ‘designed’ and built it with the same precision as these architects did centuries ago. Imagine if you took the time to create something of beauty, to create a business and a lifestyle of beauty. What if you took the time to slowly and elegantly create something with a beautiful structure and abundance that lasts forever, that lasts as a legac