It's a Mindset

• Episode 58 - What Happens When You Care Too Much? Dr. Siew-Fang Law & Hannes van Rensburg on Care, Boundaries & Healing

  Have you ever cared so deeply for everyone else that you forgot to care for yourself? In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I sit down with Dr. Siew-Fang Law and Hannes van Rensburg, co-founders of Bento Box of Care, to explore what happens when giving and caring come at the expense of our own wellbeing. Siew-Fang brings over 25 years of experience in leadership, psychology, and coaching, helping leaders heal from burnout, trauma, and compassion fatigue. Hannes has nearly four decades of experience in safety, environment, and risk management, and together they’ve created Bento Box of Care to support people and organisations in building a true culture of care. For me, this conversation was such a reminder that women especially are often conditioned to keep pouring into others, until we’re running on empty. It also opened my eyes to how much our bodies try to tell us about stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue, if only we stop long enough to listen. Key Episode Takeaways What compassion fatigue really looks like — and why it’s more common than we think. How women are conditioned to care for others, often at the expense of themselves. The impact of unacknowledged “small traumas” and the lack of mental health support in many workplaces. Why listening to your body’s symptoms matters when it comes to stress, burnout, and care. About the Guests Dr Siew-Fang Law is the CEO and co-founder of Bento Box of Care. She builds leadership models drawing on her professional training in social psychology and peace psychology, and over 25 years of leadership and governance experience in higher education and nonprofit sectors. She provides coaching, therapy and organisational training to help leaders heal from compassion fatigue, burnout and trauma as well as build a culture of care for the organisation. Her coaching approaches include Root-Cause Therapy, Trauma-Informed Coaching-Therapy, Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Diversity and Inclusion. Hannes van Rensburg has 37 years of experience in Health, Safety, Environment, Community, Risk Management, and Charity, caring for teams in various industries. He has worked for the Dow Chemical Company and BHP. In 2021, he founded JANSZ Leadership Excellence, co-create programs to develop authentic safety leaders. In 2024 Hannes co-found Bento Box of Care Pty Ltd with Dr. Siew-Fang Law to co-create a Culture of Care in organisations through the Power of Care. Show Resources: Check out the Bento Box of Care website - HERE Connect with Dr Siew-Fang on LinkedIn - HERE Connect Hannes on LinkedIn - HERE Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE Learn more about Emma's 1:1 coaching - HERE Check out Emma's book, Worthy & Wealthy - HERE If you LOVED this episode, please share it with someone who needs the reminder to put themselves back on the list — and tag us @emmalagerlow. Yours in Compassion & Care, Emma. X.

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• Episode 57 - Why 60% of People Never Follow Their Dreams and How to Reinvent Anyway with Gary Waldon

  Have you ever held back from chasing your dream because of fear — fear of failure, fear of getting it wrong, or fear of what others might think? You’re not alone. In fact, Gary Waldon shares in this episode that 60% of people never follow their dreams because of fear. Gary knows a thing or two about reinvention. With over 46 jobs under his belt, from topless waiter to lecturer, startup founder to CEO advisor, his “give it a go” approach has shaped a life full of transformation. Now a transformational change specialist and bestselling author of Mastering the Art of Reinvention, Gary helps people and organisations reinvent themselves when they feel stuck. In this episode, we dive into Gary’s brilliant “boss of the brain” analogy, the tension between foresight and blindsides when it comes to change, and why sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to force reinvention. For me, the most powerful reminder was that reinvention is never one-size-fits-all. The art of reinventing yourself is unique to each of us, but it’s also one of the most empowering ways to move forward when life feels stuck. Key Episode Takeaways: Gary’s simple “boss of the brain” analogy to explain the difference between brain and mind. Why 60% of people never follow their dreams, and how fear of failure is at the root of it. How foresight versus blindsides impact our ability to reinvent, and why catalysts matter. Reinvention is deeply personal, but it’s always possible when you’re willing to try. About the Guest: Gary Waldon is a transformational change specialist who has helped many people and organisations reinvent themselves using his practical and engaging approach. He has had over 46 different jobs throughout his life, including being a topless waiter, lecturer, teacher, start up founder and CEO advisor, along with earning two master’s degrees in business and finance. Gary has played significant transformational roles across multiple industries including health, technology, finance, consulting, education, and aviation. His ‘give it a go’ approach to life has seen him featured in media widely. He is also the best-selling author of the 2020 book release, Sort Your Sh!t Out. Show Resources: Check out Gary's website - HERE Follow Gary on Instagram - HERE Check out Gary's page on Facebook - HERE Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE Learn more about Emma's 1:1 coaching - HERE Check out Emma's book, Worthy & Wealthy - HERE If you LOVED the episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram stories and tag us: @emmalagerlow and @garywaldon2. Yours in Reinvention, Emma. X.

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• Episode 56 - The Real Cost of Care: Love, Loss, and Letting Go with Casey Beros

  Have you ever found yourself suddenly in the role of caring for someone you love, without a roadmap for what that really means? In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I sit down with Casey Beros, award-winning health journalist, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and one of Australia’s leading medical MCs. For two decades, Casey has been translating complex science into practical strategies that empower everyday people to live healthier, happier lives. But it was becoming the primary carer for her beloved dad that changed everything. That experience inspired her heartfelt new book, Next of Kin, a compassionate and practical “what to expect when you’re expecting to care for someone you love.” Part memoir, part guide, it’s a much-needed companion for navigating the emotional and often overwhelming toll of care. As a mum of two herself, Casey understands firsthand the unique strain of the sandwich generation, caring for ageing parents while raising children and trying to maintain a sense of self. She brings honesty, humour, and deep compassion to this conversation. For me, this episode was a reminder of how important it is to prepare for the inevitable, the loss of our parents, and how caring can challenge everything from our routines to our sense of self. My biggest takeaway? The most meaningful thing we can do is spend time with the people we love, and when we align to one clear purpose, it sustains us even when times are tough. Key Episode Takeaways The toll of care not only on the carer, but on those around them as well. Why it can feel impossible to maintain wellbeing routines while caring for someone with acute needs. The most meaningful time is always the time spent with those you love. How having one thing that is uniquely yours, your purpose, can create greater alignment and sustain you through difficult seasons. About the Guest Casey Beros is an award-winning health journalist, bestselling author, keynote speaker and one of Australia's leading medical MC's. She has spent the last 20 years asking our brightest minds how we can all live happier, healthier lives. Along the way she found some answers, and she shares them with the Australian public in a way that's both steeped in science and delightfully entertaining. She has hosted TV programs for the ABC and Channel 10, and written for many of our leading digital publications. She has a superhuman ability to translate complex science into practical and actionable strategies that empower the most important person in the health journey - you. Being the primary carer for her beloved Dad was the catalyst for Casey to write her new book Next Of Kin - a 'what to expect when you're expecting' to become a carer for someone you love. A heartfelt companion, it's a practical and compassionate guide to navigating the complex, emotional and challenging world of care. Mum to two little girls, Casey is Australia's self-proclaimed parallel parking champion and knows the words to more pop songs than is probably normal. Show Resources Learn more about Casey's new book, Next of Kin - HERE Check out Casey's website - HERE Follow Casey on Instagram - HERE Follow the Podcast Host, Emma Lagerlow on Instagram - HERE Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Emma - HERE If you LOVED the episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @caseyberos. Yours in Care and Compassion, Emma, X.

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• Episode 55 - How to Lead with Strength and Kindness in Work and Life with Shelley Flett

  Have you ever thought about how often you’re leading in your everyday life, not just at work, but as a parent, a partner, or even in your friendships? In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I sit down with Shelley Flett, a transformational leadership trainer, executive coach, and author who knows firsthand that leadership goes far beyond the boardroom. After stumbling in her early leadership years, Shelley has devoted her career to empowering people to transform, not just transact, inspiring us all to lead with strength and kindness in the many roles we play. Shelley shares her holistic approach to leadership, from drawing on intuition and emotional intelligence, to cultivating self-awareness and curiosity about our own triggers. We explore how the same principles that make great leaders at work can also strengthen our relationships at home and in life. For me, this conversation was a reminder that true leadership begins with self-awareness and knowing what you need. Whether you’re leading a team, guiding a family, or supporting a friend, the courage to be both strong and kind can transform not just your own experience, but everyone around you. Key Episode Takeaways: The importance of trusting your intuition in leadership, at work and in life. Why being a great leader means being both strong and kind. How a morning routine can set your state of mind before the “doing” begins. The role of self-awareness, noticing your triggers and getting curious instead of reactive. About the Guest: As a leader who got it terribly wrong in her early years, Shelley appreciates the challenges that come with managing performance, policies and processes alongside people, culture and wellbeing. Since leaving her corporate role 2015, she has devoted her time to empowering leaders to drive their development journey and create strong team cohesion. Her focus revolves around the need to transform over transact and build capability over dependency. Shelley is a Master Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Spiral Practitioner which allows her to take a holistic approach when working with leaders to connect head, heart and gut. She holds a Diploma in Leadership Coaching and Mentoring and is certified in LSI, DiSC, Roche Martin Emotional Intelligence, Values Pendulum and Green Belt Six Sigma. She is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and has clocked over 1300 hours of one on one leadership coaching. Shelley doesn’t consider herself a writer but has authored three books: The Direction Dilemma, why knowing what you want makes you a better leader; The Dynamic Leader, become the leader others are inspired to follow; and, Feedback, seek it, give it, connect with it. She uses her writing as a disciplined way of growing herself and deepening her knowledge. She is forced into the detail, even though her preference is big picture and feels the discomfort she encourages her clients to sit with. Shelley believes the journey to dynamic leadership is lifelong, it's exciting and challenging - and the most fulfilling adventure one can embark on in their career. Show Resources: Connect with Shelley on LinkedIn - HERE Follow Shelley on Instagram - HERE Check out Shelley's website - HERE Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE Learn More About Coaching with Emma - HERE Check Out Emma's Book, Worthy & Wealthy - HERE If you LOVED the episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @shelleyflett_leadership_coach. Yours in Leadership and Life, Emma. X.

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• Episode 54 - It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Beat: Nikki Carvell’s DJ Story

  Have you ever thought it was too late to chase your dream? Well, think again. In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I sit down with Nikki Carvell, a UK-born, Sydney-based DJ, producer, and educator who proves that passion knows no age limit. After a career in the police force and CIO roles, Nikki picked up DJing at 43 and has since become a force in Australia’s house music scene. From sharing the stage with legends like Purple Disco Machine and Basement Jaxx to founding her own label Dare To Records, Nikki’s story is proof that aligned action can rewrite your life at any stage. For me, this conversation was a powerful reminder that you’re never too old to find your passion. Nikki’s courage, resilience, and love for music are contagious — and it made me reflect on the moments I’ve stepped into something new later in life. My biggest takeaway? Once you find the thing that lights you up, everything changes. Key Episode Takeaways Nikki started DJing at 43, after careers in the police force and IT. Overcoming imposter syndrome often means throwing yourself in the deep end and remembering everyone is just a person. Don’t fear rejection, keep your ultimate goal in sight and take aligned action. Finding your passion can be life-changing, no matter when it happens. About the Guest Nikki Carvell is a UK-born, Sydney-based DJ, producer, and educator who has rapidly ascended Australia's house music scene since 2018. Originally from Leeds—a city renowned for its vibrant club culture—she brings a deep-rooted passion for classic, disco, and jackin' house to her performances. Her dynamic sets have earned her spots supporting international acts like Purple Disco Machine, Basement Jaxx, Mel C, John Digweed, Jamie Jones, and Fat Tony, as well as annual appearances at Ibiza's iconic Soul Heaven parties. Beyond the decks, Nikki is the owner of Sydney DJ School, where she has mentored over 400 aspiring DJs. She also hosts a weekly show on Mambo Radio, sharing her musical insights with a broader audience. In addition to released on UK label In It Together, in 2024 she launched her own label, Dare To Records, debuting with the single “Ain’t Paradise” featuring remixes by Angelo Ferreri and Birdiee followed by "Life Is a Groove," featuring remixes by Angelo Ferreri and Mark Picchiotti.​ With a focus on creating 100% original vocal driven disco/house there is more to come in 2025. Nikki's journey is a testament to passion and perseverance—having learned to DJ at 43, she has become a respected figure in the electronic music community, inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of age or background. Show Resources: Follow Nikki on Instagram - HERE Check out Nikki on YouTube - HERE Listen to Nikki's music on Spotify - HERE Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE Learn More about Coaching with Emma - HERE Check out Emma's book, Worthy & Wealthy - HERE If you LOVED the episode, share it on your Instagram stories and tag us: @emmalagerlow and @nikki.carvell.music. And if you’re ready to explore your own passion, whether it’s uncovering your purpose, starting a new chapter, or carving out a completely new path, you can dive deeper through my book Worthy & Wealthy, explore my free resources, or reach out for 1:1 coaching at emmalagerlow.com. Yours, in Dancing to Your Own Beat, Emma. X.

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