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
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    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
  • 198: Community, Wellness and Plant-Based Living with Gabby Tyler, Founder of Juice Institute

    198: Community, Wellness and Plant-Based Living with Gabby Tyler, Founder of Juice Institute
    Nov 19 2025

    I'm excited to welcome Gabby Tyler to The Debra Shepherd Podcast.

    Gabby is the Founder of Juice Institute - Adelaide's leading cold-pressed juice company and Australia's first freeze and ship juice business. What started in her home kitchen in 2018 has grown into a national wellness brand helping thousands of Australians nourish their bodies with pure, plant-powered nutrition. Gabby's model makes raw, cold-pressed juice accessible anywhere, crafted from South Australian produce and flash-frozen to lock in nutrients.

    A passionate advocate for sustainability and community, Gabby uses juicing-grade produce that would otherwise go to waste and has proudly donated over 150,000 meals through Foodbank SA. Guided by her brand's ethos, Nourish, Grow, Thrive, she's on a mission to make feeling good simple, natural and accessible to everyone.

    In this episode, Gabby takes us behind the scenes of her business. We talk about the importance of community, business growth, wellness, plant-based living, and more.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • In 2010, Gabby discovered the plant-based lifestyle and wanted to share what she was learning and implementing in her life with her community.
    • Juice Institute began in Gabby's kitchen in 2018 with a bench top juicer. The business has experienced rapid growth moving into a 300 square metre manufacturing facility in Adelaide, South Australia in 2025. Gabby discusses how she has managed the growth, the evolution of the business, and its focus on juice cleanses, daily juices, and smoothies.
    • Gabby shares three powerful business lessons.
    • Making community a priority and Gabby's partnership with Foodbank SA.
    • How Gabby uses social media to market Juice Institute along with her top social media tips.
    • Meaningful living, self-care, and the importance of creating space.

    SHOW NOTES

    Get all episode show notes here:

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

    CONNECT WITH GABBY

    www.juiceinstitute.com.au

    Instagram @JuiceInstitute

    CONNECT WITH DEBRA

    www.debrashepherd.com.au

    Instagram @_DebraShepherd

    Work With Debra

    SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

    If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review will help other entrepreneurs and business owners discover the show. Thank you!
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    35 mins
  • 197: Menopause, Cancer, Midlife and Women's Health with Sonya Lovell

    197: Menopause, Cancer, Midlife and Women's Health with Sonya Lovell
    Nov 12 2025

    I'm honoured to welcome Sonya Lovell to The Debra Shepherd Podcast.

    Sonya is a menopause advocate, podcast host and speaker dedicated to reshaping the conversation around women's health. As host of Dear Menopause, Sonya shares honest, informative discussions that empower women to better understand and navigate menopause. Drawing on her own lived experience with menopause and cancer, Sonya speaks passionately about the importance of self-advocacy, bridging the gap between personal experience and professional expertise to inspire women to take charge of their health and voice.

    In this episode, Sonya shares her story. We talk about perimenopause, menopause, cancer, midlife and women's health.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Sonya shares her personal story, what got her through the most challenging time in her life, and how it led to the work she is doing today.
    • Why Sonya started the Dear Menopause Podcast.
    • The most common misconceptions about perimenopause and menopause.
    • Advocating for your health in midlife.
    • Education is for everyone. The vital role of perimenopause, menopause and women's health education.
    • 81% of people going through menopause are currently in the workforce and what businesses can do to create supportive and inclusive workplaces for women to thrive.
    • Sonya shares her experience speaking to Parliament and her thoughts on the Senate Enquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause.
    • Why it's crucial to include lived experience stories in the decision-making process.
    • Self-care mantras and creating space for yourself.

    SHOW NOTES

    Get all episode show notes here:

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

    CONNECT WITH SONYA

    www.sonyalovell.com

    Instagram @SonyaLovell

    Dear Menopause Podcast

    CONNECT WITH DEBRA

    www.debrashepherd.com.au

    Instagram @_DebraShepherd

    Join the FREE Aligned Visibility Masterclass

    Work With Debra

    SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

    If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review will help other entrepreneurs and business owners discover the show. Thank you!
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    37 mins
  • 196: Increase Your Visibility With Podcasting

    196: Increase Your Visibility With Podcasting
    Nov 5 2025

    In this quick conversation on The Debra Shepherd Podcast, we're talking about podcasting and how podcasting is a powerful way to increase your visibility and build your profile and presence as a business owner, entrepreneur or leader.

    SHOW NOTES

    Get all episode show notes here:

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

    CONNECT WITH DEBRA

    www.debrashepherd.com.au

    Instagram @_DebraShepherd

    Join the FREE Aligned Visibility Masterclass

    Work With Debra
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    11 mins
  • 195: The Relationship Between Purpose and Visibility

    195: The Relationship Between Purpose and Visibility
    Oct 29 2025

    In this episode of The Debra Shepherd Podcast, we're discussing the relationship between purpose and visibility and how losing connection to your purpose directly affects how you show up for your business and how you build your profile and presence.

    SHOW NOTES

    Get all episode show notes here:

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

    CONNECT WITH DEBRA

    www.debrashepherd.com.au

    Instagram @_DebraShepherd

    Join the FREE Aligned Visibility Masterclass

    Work With Debra
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • 194: The Visibility Shift: Turning Fear into Fuel for Growth and Impact

    194: The Visibility Shift: Turning Fear into Fuel for Growth and Impact
    Oct 15 2025

    Many talented and driven business owners and entrepreneurs hesitate to show up for their business. Some hide behind perfectionism or fear of judgement. Others feel overwhelmed and exhausted simply by the thought of putting themselves out there. Some hold themselves back and never get started. Today, we're making a shift.

    In this episode of The Debra Shepherd Podcast, I share three visibility secrets to help you show up authentically, connect deeply with your audience, and build a magnetic personal brand.

    Get the PDF download for this episode 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

    Join the FREE Aligned Visibility Masterclass

    Work With Debra
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    11 mins