Today I’m joined by the wonderful and inspiring Jo Gaines, a seasoned professional who has worked in the technology and media sector for over two decades. Jo's career journey has seen her work for high-profile companies including CBS, Krux, Yahoo and more recently, as Area Vice President of Salesforce. Jo is also a dedicated mother-of-two and a fierce advocate for equality, lending her support as an ambassador for women's shelters. She shares with us her journey through hardship to finding resilience and how changing her mindset helped reshape her story.

Through facing a challenging turning point in her career due to redundancy, Jo embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery that saw her turn to practices such as weight training, breathwork and meditation. She shares the new mindset she adopted through these practices, and how her determination to thrive in the face of uncertainty led to a completely new outlook on life.

In our conversation, Jo shares the grief she experienced when her role at Salesforce came to an end, and how lost she felt when it came to her future. However, she notes there are two choices we can make when it comes to facing adversity. Either we can see it as a downfall, or treat it as an opportunity to expand. Jo chose the latter, and decided to view this new path as one she was destined to be on.

Resilience can often be misunderstood as a suppression of emotions or ignoring our problems. However, we define what resilience really is and discuss its ability to help effectively manage our thoughts and feelings. Jo believes that releasing control and trusting everything will eventually work out can free us from fear and the temptation to give up.

We talk about how navigating through our own life challenges produces empathy, and when we view others through this lens, we become more effective leaders. Recognising that everyone experiences change, particularly in a post-pandemic world, we’re able to rally with our team and prioritise their wellbeing. How can we communicate in a way that resonates for each individual? How do we lead in a way that not only gets them through, but also builds resilience?

Jo also shares her shift in perspective that inspired her to live more fully in the present and pursue the passions that had been sitting on the backburner for too long. She talks about the bucket list she created and the importance of making time and space in life to achieve each goal.

Jo's story is a powerful testament to the transformation resilience can create, and the potential for growth when we embrace change with gratitude. I just know you’ll be as inspired as I was by Jo’s incredible wisdom, and hope you find confidence to implement strategies for a full and rewarding life in leadership and beyond.

LINKS

Connect with Jo Gaines

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jogaines

Instagram: @gogaino

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m a big believer in the power of reflection and with today marking the final episode for 2023, I’m sharing 10 questions to ask yourself to reflect on the year that’s been. Taking the time to do this is such a profound exercise that will help set the stage for a wonderful year ahead.

One of the most powerful things you can do is tune into how you are feeling. Have you taken good care of your physical and mental well-being this year? Did you engage in activities that rejuvenate your soul or did you get overrun with busyness?

The questions I share today will help you reflect on the things that you were proud of, the things that brought you joy, and perhaps some of the moments you didn’t celebrate enough. I talk about the power of choosing relationships that build you up, the importance of living in alignment with your values and gaining clarity on the things that no longer serve you.

Did you end this year the way you wanted to? Or are there things you would do differently if you had your time again? As you take the time to pause and reflect, be intentional about what you want 2024 to look like.

Asking yourself these questions isn’t about being self-critical or holding yourself to an unrealistic standard. It’s about understanding the power you have to create the life that you want.

After listening to this episode, I encourage you to really take some time to reflect on your year and answer the questions honestly. Doing this will provide valuable insights into shaping your canvas for 2024. You have the power to design your year and live in alignment with your true desires and values. Remember, life is too short to merely tolerate it; aim to live the life you love.

I wish you all the very best festive season and look forward to being in your ears with more exciting guests and powerful content in the new year.

Pre-order You Always Have A Choice here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.