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The Debra Shepherd Podcast

The Debra Shepherd Podcast

Written by: Debra Shepherd
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About this listen

 Welcome. The Debra Shepherd Podcast is for women who want to lead well, create success on their terms and experience more ease, joy and meaning in life and business. The show is a mix of personal development, mindset, and business for entrepreneurs and business owners. You'll discover tips, tools, strategies, and stories that will inspire and empower you to create a meaningful life and a meaningful business. Listen to solo episodes and conversations with extraordinary women in business who take us behind the scenes and share their stories filled with passion, purpose, courage, resilience, fulfilment, impact and success. 'Debra's conversations are so genuine and inspiring. Real conversations and practical insights, and a softer, kinder outlook on business and life. Highly recommended. Five Stars'. Instagram @_DebraShepherd www.debrashepherd.com.auLiquid Mango Consulting Pty Ltd 2025 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • 201: Heart-Centred Leadership with Jane Phipps

    201: Heart-Centred Leadership with Jane Phipps
    Dec 11 2025

    I'm excited to welcome Jane Phipps to The Debra Shepherd Podcast this week.

    Jane is a transformational leader, consultant, and former COO with over 20 years' experience across education, government, and the not-for-profit sector.

    A finalist for the 2024 Outstanding Leadership Award and a certified Mental Health First Aider, Jane's known for building inclusive, values-driven teams and leading change with heart. Drawing on her lived experience as a single mum and survivor of workplace bullying, Jane's heart-centred approach blends courage, empathy, and integrity.

    Based in Melbourne, Jane mentors emerging leaders and helps organisations align strategy with humanity—always supported by her loyal (and demanding) cat, Duchess.

    In this episode, Jane shares her story. We talk about the importance of heart-centred leadership and her Jane's book, The Heart-Centered Leader: Transformation and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse to Self-Empowerment.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Jane shares her personal story and talks about why she wrote the book twice before it was published.
    • The importance of psychological safety in the workplace and how it's about bringing your whole self to work.
    • Policies are critical, but it's equally important to focus on how people feel.
    • People want to be part of an inclusive workplace where they feel valued and work for a purpose.
    • Psychological safety and why it's the foundation of a high performing culture.
    • The relationship between psychological safety and emotional intelligence.
    • The importance of communication in creating psychological safety and fear-free workplaces.
    • Jane shares how her experiences have shaped her leadership style.

    Plus, more!

    SHOW NOTES

    Get all episode show notes here:

    www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast

    CONNECT WITH JANE PHIPPS

    www.janephippsauthor.com

    Instagram @JanePhippsAuthor

    CONNECT WITH DEBRA

    www.debrashepherd.com.au

    Instagram @_DebraShepherd

    Work With Debra
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    28 mins
  • 200: Celebrating 200 Episodes of The Debra Shepherd Podcast

    200: Celebrating 200 Episodes of The Debra Shepherd Podcast
    Dec 3 2025

    Welcome to episode 200 of The Debra Shepherd Podcast. This episode is a big milestone. I started the show in February 2020, and even though this is episode 200, it feels like the beginning. My vision for the podcast over the last five years hasn't changed. The show is here to help you lead well, create success and experience more ease, joy and meaning in your life and business.

    Join me for this special celebration. Together, we'll celebrate 200 episodes of The Debra Shepherd Podcast and look back at the top 10 episodes at the time of this recording.

    TOP 10 EPISODES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

    Get the list of the top 10 episodes and tune in here.

    SHOW NOTES

    Get all episode show notes here:

    www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast

    CONNECT WITH DEBRA

    www.debrashepherd.com.au

    Instagram @_DebraShepherd

    Work With Debra
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • 199: Ethical AI for Purpose-Driven Growth with Dr Nici Sweaney, Founder of Ai Her Way

    199: Ethical AI for Purpose-Driven Growth with Dr Nici Sweaney, Founder of Ai Her Way
    Nov 26 2025
    There are so many conversations about AI at the moment, but this one is very different and it's a must listen because this conversation goes way beyond AI tools and prompts. I'm still buzzing from this conversation on The Debra Shepherd Podcast with Dr Nici Sweaney. This conversation is packed with experience, wisdom, insights and takeaways about AI that you need to hear. Dr Nici Sweaney is an internationally recognised leader in ethical AI, known for blending deep technical expertise with a strong commitment to equity, governance, and real-world impact. With nearly two decades of experience as a scientist, educator, and data strategist, she is the founder and CEO of Ai Her Way, a consultancy helping organisations adopt AI ethically, effectively, and sustainably. Dr Sweaney has designed and implemented AI and data-driven solutions across sectors - from government policy to conservation, education, and business. She is a Senior Fellow at the AI for Developing Countries Forum, where she contributes to global conversations on sustainable, inclusive innovation. Dr Sweaney has been featured in Forbes, ABC, MammaMia, HerCanberra, Little National Post, and is slated for the 2025 Forbes Women issue. Her insights have shaped Australia's national Responsible AI Use Guidelines and generative AI strategies in education. She has delivered over 85 keynotes and training sessions - including TEDx and presentations at the United Nations - and has been trusted by leading organisations including the World Wildlife Fund, ARIA's, Paramount+, Canon, Melbourne Cricket Ground, ANU, University of Newcastle, Hoyts, Women in Media, Learning Environments Australia, and Australian Retirement Trust. Dr Sweaney has helped more than 60 organisations streamline workflows, build internal capability, and adopt AI in ways that are not only efficient but also ethical and inclusive. Named one of Microsoft News' Top 10 Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in AI to Follow in 2024, Dr Sweaney's work is grounded in a clear belief: AI, when governed ethically, can be a tool for empowerment - not exclusion. In this episode, Dr Sweaney talks about ethical AI for purpose-driven growth. HIGHLIGHTS Dr Sweaney shares her business story and how she founded Ai Her Way. We have a small amount of time left to be involved in how AI is shaped. Women and underrepresented groups have been left out of the AI conversation and what we can do now to turn this around.How large language models work and why it's important to insert friction. What it means to use AI ethically, responsibly and meaningfully. Using a large language model well is not dependent on the particular tool you choose. Taking a strategic and systematic approach to AI. Integrating AI staff members into your business and the importance of human oversight. Dr Sweaney shares her predictions for the next 12 months. Top three tips for leaders, entrepreneurs and businesses on how to use AI ethically and meaningfully. Dr Sweaney talks about meaningful living and what it means to her. Plus, more! SHOW NOTES Get all episode show notes here: www.debrashepherd.com.au/debra-shepherd-podcast CONNECT WITH DR NICI SWEANEY www.aiherway.com.au Instagram @AI_Herway Join Dr Nici Sweaney's Intro to Using GenAI Course (complimentary access for listeners of The Debra Shepherd Podcast). CONNECT WITH DEBRA www.debrashepherd.com.au Instagram @_DebraShepherd Work With Debra
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    45 mins
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