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Welcome to the Conversations with Julie podcast. I am your host, Julie Gillespie,

 

This podcast sits at the heart of who I am – it’s a safe place to come to, to understand how conversations are what connects us… they enable us to be functional, compassionate humans.

 

As a Principal Master Instructor for Mental Health First Aid I find myself in the middle of awkward and brave conversations every day. I am often asked “what is the right thing to say to someone who may be having a mental health problem? And what if I say the wrong thing?”

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I know it’s just about having a conversation with someone, about being curious. So, what gets in the way of us being able to do just that?

 

I will be joined by specialists, MHFAiders, and Business Leaders, where we will explore, uncover, and dig deep into what makes a conversation.

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Hello! I am your podcast host, Julie Gillespie. I am a Principal Master Instructor for Mental Health First Aid, an Executive Master of Business Administration, and have lived experience with mental illness. 

This podcast is a safe place to come - to understand how conversations are what connects us. They enable us to be functional, compassionate humans. But, we put up a number of barriers that stop us from getting one started.
Julie will be joined by specialists, mental health first aiders, and business leaders where we will explore, uncover and dig deep into what is a conversation and what makes a conversation so valuable.

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EPISODE #14

Join us as we sit down and revisit all answers to A Conversation Can? What a journey we have been on with this video podcast so far. We are looking forward to continuing the story in some way next year.

Check out our Linkedin Post about it here.

EPISODE #13

Join us as we sit down with Kate Baxter from Little Real Estate  to discuss a topic close to our hearts: How to ask the question, "R U OK?" We believe that meaningful conversations can change lives, and in this episode, we delve into a framework that will help you approach these conversations with empathy, free from judgement or biases. 
Whether you're a friend, family member, colleague, or just someone who cares, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how to connect and support others. 

Check out the LinkedIn post about it here.

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EPISODE #12

So we ticked off a bucket-list item: have a conversation that makes a difference with the lads from TradeMutt - Daniel Allen and Edward Ross.

Being part of this conversation was not just an honour, but a total game-changer. Seriously, the work these guys are doing is LIFE-CHANGING for so many people.  

​We got to dive into some behind-the-scenes action and learn how they set personal boundaries when it comes to tough conversations, as well as the ups and downs of starting a successful social enterprise. And let's not forget the best part - their inspiring journey to where they are now! ​

EPISODE #11

When you have your own lived experience with mental ill health, it doesn’t always mean you have the confidence or skills to support others. 
We wanted to share with you our conversation with Tofe Evans, where we spoke about the positive impacts that being an accredited Mental Health First Aider has had on his life and relationships.
NOTE: There is a discussion around spotting the signs of someone who may be suicidal. This was a positive experience where this question lead to a supportive conversation.

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EPISODE #10

Why do you need to continue telling your story around mental health and wellbeing? What purpose does it serve?
We’ve come to know that it helps build not only our own capacity, but it opens the door for others to feel the opportunity of belonging.
In this episode Julie unpacks her story, the frameworks she loves, and conversations that have shaped who she is today.
This isn’t a story full of detail. It is a story about how to have HOPE when things are tough; how frameworks can give permission for us to be OK and let us know we can THRIVE despite the challenges. 

EPISODE #9

In this episode, Julie has a conversation with Kathryn McEwen about the importance of, and much needed, Team Resilience. It’s an area that is just starting to become more and more of a focus, especially since Covid-19 has changed the way we work. 

Julie is really clear on the research that shows us that as individuals, we are having very valid responses to our environment, so if we are all going to be ok, we need to have an environment that in itself is resilient to hold us steady and safe.

Individual Resilience doesn't necessarily mean that the team is resilient and it can even lead to team conflict if there isn’t collective alignment. A Resilient Team needs collective understanding, expectations, alignment, purpose, and values to ensure a robust, sustainable, and steady environment.

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EPISODE #8

Our purpose of this conversation was to unpack the definitions of Motivation, Competency and Proficiency, what motivates someone to move from competency to proficiency, what de-motivates someone, and what type of conversations need to be had to resolve the gap for the Resource Industry.
How can leaders encourage proficiency in the workplace? Who is responsible for motivating the workers?
In this episode, Julie has a conversation with the CEO of the Resource Training Council Rodo De Boer to really dig deep to understand how training can support people to strive for proficiency.

EPISODE #7

In this episode, Julie has a conversation with activist and whistleblower Tracy Tully, to really dig deep to understand the HEART of activism.

Our purpose of this conversation was to show that being an activist has nothing to do with anger, it's not about blaming or arguing. In fact, activists are a HUGE part of how things change for the better.

Julie wants viewers to understand that activists are needed within organisations, cultures, and communities. They provide necessary disruptions to get people to stop and see the hurt that is happening.

So, how is activism appropriate in the workplace? Activists use facts to start the journey of change. They are supported by advocates who provide knowledge and education. 

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EPISODE #6

In this episode, we have a conversation with Sharon Davies from Sales 2 Success.

Our purpose of this conversation was to show that being ‘salesy’ has got nothing to do with a sales conversation. In fact, building a relationship and connecting within your values is the very foundation of being both human and a sales person.

How is this episode got anything to do with you? Well, at some point you are going to need to ask to be heard, go for a promotion, apply for a new job, or ask someone out on a date… the techniques that we unpack in this conversation will support you during these times.

EPISODE #5

In this episode, we have a conversation with Faith Timbs from Timbs and Co - Change Design.

Julie and Faith talk about change design and HOW we lead affects how our people react to change - and as leaders, we can change how people feel about change.

We unpack the idea that when we 'direct' change we get resistance as we are taking the 'agency' of our people away. Being given the opportunity for a choice is a powerful way to harness the energy and engagement of your people when an oganisation is facing change.

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EPISODE #4

In this episode, we continue our conversations with Helen Palmer, the Founder, Author and Creator of Self unLimited.

Julie and Helen talk about some of the responsibilities of the Self unLimited Framework and how they directly relate to feeling safe and setting up a safe space for a conversation.

This episode concentrates on how we set our 'Rules' and have quality 'Relationships', can define our boundaries and empower us to be safe.

EPISODE #3

In this episode, we talk to Helen Palmer, the Founder and Author from Self unLimited.

Julie and Helen talk about some of the responsibilities of the Self unLimited Framework and how they directly relate to feeling safe and setting up a safe space for a conversation.

This episode concentrates on understanding that our 'Reign', our empowered belief of who we are, sets the scene for us feeling safe and being able to hold a safe space for someone else.

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EPISODE #2

What actually happens in a conversation that can make us feel uncomfortable and feel unsafe?

In this episode, Julie is talking with her friend and PA, Emma Schneider - they deep dive into what goes into a conversation, what creates discomfort, and the importance of common language.

What’s in a conversation? We delve into the meaning of a number of words such as: permission,  clarity, safety, trust, and being a fixer. We find these intertwine and build a feeling of belonging and comfort that allows us the ability to step in a support someone else.

EPISODE #1

Welcome to the very first episode of the Conversations with Julie Podcast! This is the introductory episode that gets into why Julie Gillespie has created this podcast about conversations.

Julie wanted to create a safe place for you to come to, to understand how  conversations are what connect us… they enable us to be functional, compassionate humans.

Helen Palmer talks Julie through this introduction, so you can see how this podcast has become a project of hope for her.

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Julie Gillespie eMBA MHFA