Shows
Not Your Token Hire2. EMMAGNESS - not your token marketing strategistIn conversation with Emmagness Ruzvidzo, this episode explores all things marketing, from cultural currency to social change. We sat down with the founder of Vaka, Queensland's 40 under 40 and the co-founder of Women of Colour Founders Network to talk about how marketing shapes our world and why companies need Diversity, Equity and Inclusion not just to thrive, but to survive out there. And why is needs to move beyond performative check boxes. Learn more about Emmagness and her incredible work:www.vaka.com.auFollow her on instagram...2025-04-0253 min
Bold Moves: How Did You Know?Bonus: Where Are They Now with Emmagness Ruzvidzo, Founder of VAKA ConsultingIn this special 'Where Are They Now' edition of the Bold Moves: How Did You Know podcast, I reunite with Emmagness Ruzvidzo, managing director of VAKA Consulting.Em shares the progress of her Bold Moves journey over the past 19 months since her last appearance on this podcast. From redefining her business strategy to fitting in large-scale brand projects and advocating for inclusive marketing, Em brings us profound insights from her look back on the past year of building a business. This check-in episode delves into unexpected challenges and successes she faced...2025-02-1819 min
Unleashing BrillianceStand Tall: How Emmagness Ruzvidzo Redefines Inclusivity and Self-WorthIn a world that often tries to put us neatly into boxes, daring to stand out and be true to ourselves can feel daunting. Many of us, at some point, have struggled with the fear of being too much or too little for this world. But what if we stopped shrinking ourselves to fit into spaces that were never designed for our brilliance? What if we dared to redefine inclusivity and self-worth on our own terms? I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Emmagness Ruzvidzo, a powerhouse in brand strategy and a beacon of inspiration. E...2025-02-1246 min
What They Didn't See ComingE30: Pushpa’s path to leadership masteryPushpa is a global authority on innovation, creativity, and leadership. With over 30 years of experience in the corporate world, Pushpa has inspired audiences worldwide to rethink their approach to success. As a coach and mentor, she transforms lives, and helps people and businesses achieve long-term sustainable growth.
Pushpa is excited to announce the upcoming release of her new book, The Ultimate Leadership Mastery. This book delves into the essence of leadership, emotional intelligence, and the human factor in achieving success.2024-10-0925 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE29: Rugare Gomo: forging a path to greater potentialRugare Gomo moved from Zimbabwe to Australia at 16 with just a suitcase, a backpack, and $300. He raised $120,000 to attend Monash University, graduating with a double degree in Law and Honours in Arts. Courageously, he came out as a gay man, despite the risks in Zimbabwe.
He founded the Gomo Foundation, providing scholarships for girls in rural Zimbabwe, and later transferred the program to Action on Poverty. His entrepreneurial journey included near-bankruptcy and homelessness, but he eventually started his own law firm. Realising that being a lawyer limited his potential, he transitioned to becoming a high-performance life and...2024-09-1728 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE28: Up close with Charis Mullen MPSkilled Migrant Professionals Magazine’s Emmagness and Sandra recently had the privilege of speaking with the Honourable Charis Mullen, State member for Jordan, Minister for Child Safety, Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
Before entering Parliament, Charis spent 20 years in the public and private sectors. She provided strategic advice and support in government affairs, public policy and advocacy, stakeholder engagement and communication strategy. She has worked across a number of industries including planning & development, transport, infrastructure, mining, tourism and telecommunications. Charis also held positions on a number of boards related to government and...2024-08-1229 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E13: Vimala
Reflecting on an enlightening conversation with Vimala Thangaveloo — her insights and wisdom are invaluable lessons for us all.
Vimala is a dedicated advocate for Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) women, emphasising the transformative power of confident voices in fostering personal empowerment and reshaping the corporate landscape.
It's inspiring to see leaders like Vimala paving the way for inclusivity and empowerment. Let's continue learning and advocating for positive change together.2024-08-0522 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE27: Kudzai Kanhutu on lessons learned and overcoming obstaclesAssociate Professor Kudzai Kanhutu is an infectious diseases specialist recognised nationally for her contributions to health equity. With a background in health innovation from Zimbabwe and extensive experience in rural and regional Australia, she has a strong interest in applying technical solutions to health problems. As Dean of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, she supports over 30,000 medical specialists in Australia and New Zealand.
An advocate for gender equity in STEM, her diverse career spans technology, media, health, education, and business. Demonstrating her commitment to community wellbeing, Kudzai provides patient care in hospitals and the refugee health...2024-07-3029 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE26: Jonasi Eangano Singehebhuye - changing lives through kindness and sportMotivated by a passion to level the playing field and provide equitable access to opportunities for all community members, Eangano took initiative as a teenager by founding a community group called Acts of Random Kindness, commonly known as ARK. Since its inception in 2012, Jonasi has worked with and mentored over 200 young women and 400 young children in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.
2024-07-0829 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE25: Dr. Sivateja Mukkamala - a doctor's prescription for success in AustraliaA General Practitioner with expertise in skin cancer medicine, surgery, and a passion for mental health, Dr. Siva's journey in medicine has been anything but ordinary.
Join Em and Sandra in the latest episode of Empowered Voices Amplified - a migrant story.
2024-06-2446 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E12: Alexis Matthews-FrederickDifferences make the world go around. Could you imagine if we were all the same? You can create community, through our differences of culture. But what is the same is we're all human.
Join Sandra and Em with their good friend Alexis as they explore connectivity, community and trying to fit in.
2024-06-1123 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE24: Katrina James - advocating with empathy and compassionI’m inspired by other people who are brave enough to stand up for what’s right - because it’s so easy to sit down.
Katrina James is a counsellor who helps people unlock the emotional barriers that stop them from moving forward in their careers and lives. 2024-06-0332 min
Self unLimited - Stories of the BraveEps 55: Emmagness Ruzvidzo on taking time out to realign with purposeEm Ruzvidzo shares about her experience of taking a month-long sabbatical from work. It was a time of introspection that helped her gain valuable perspective for what comes next in following her passions. It's not the first time, she's taken time out from work. She learnt in her 20s from her aunt about the value of rest to prevent burnout and maintain alignment with one's purpose.2024-05-3149 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E11: Jenae Tien JenkinsOur Conversations with Friends often bring up subjects that are uncomfortable for some people - but we can't back away from them. Like speaking with children about race. How do we make it a positive, learning experience?
Jenae Tien Jenkins shares her perspective with Em and Sandra.
2024-05-2817 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE23: From TV host to CEO - the inspirational journey of Elena Gosse OAMEmploying skills from her former entertainment career including creativity, collaboration and communication, Elena has achieved world-wide recognition as an industry influencer and innovator with a proud 30-year history of excellence in design and manufacturing.
Her mission is to disrupt the world around her to advance people, innovation and the common good.
2024-05-2134 min
What They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E10: Alicent WongHow deeply do you look at your beliefs and biases? Alicent Wong joins Em and Sandra in a candid conversation that covers gender and racial biases, and how we can learn just as much from the younger generation as we can teach them.
2024-05-1620 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE22: Vimala Thangaveloo - embracing differences & empowering womenVimala Thangaveloo is a multi-certified coach and empowers culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women experiencing mid-career challenges to confidently own their voices, so they grow their careers on their own terms.
"We’re not dealing with a limited supply. I believe that when one of us succeeds it's not at the expense of others. It raises all of us."
2024-05-1337 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E9: Ruhee MeghaniWellbeing means something different to everyone - physically, emotionally and spiritually. If we don't cover all aspects, are we truly well beings? Join Em and Sandra in a fascinating conversation with facilitator and wellbeing expert Ruhee Meghani to find out more.
2024-05-0221 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE21: Kenny Duke - advocating for equity and changeWith over 18 years of experience in Queensland's settlement and community services sector, Kenny Duke serves as the Community Connections and Wellbeing lead at SSI. Passionate about supporting young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, Kenny is actively involved in MYAN Australia through Multicultural Youth Queensland (MyQ).
2024-04-2942 min
A Journey with Bernie74. How Are You Serving Community? with Emmagness RuzvidzEmmagness Ruzvidzo was a skilled Marketing Strategist capable of building a company’s brand and positioning and her track record in Southern Africa was excellent. So when she, her husband and baby girl left Zimbabwe for Australia, their only thought was, What could go wrong?Well, nothing. And everything.On the one hand, Em’s new personal business is now smashing it as a Marketing Strategist, Coach and Trainer. On the other hand, her journey since arriving in Oz raises many questions about the Australian style of management. You see, Em was a girl born of t...2024-04-191h 08What They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E8: Anne PoulsenWe've gone international for our latest Conversation with Friends! Em and Sandra catch up with the fabulous Anne Poulsen, all the way from Denmark.
2024-04-1534 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE20: Banji Alo - actionable insights on career successBanji Alo is the Data and Information Systems Manager at Queensland Health* . He is also the Author of two bestselling books Before Graduation Day and The Migrants Career Guide.
His journey as a migrant professional has been marked by resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone and invest time and effort into getting what he wants.
*the views expressed in this podcast and on his social media are his own.
2024-04-0837 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE19: Jenae Tien Jenkins - empowerment through inclusionJenae Tien is a passionate entrepreneur and author who is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for children to explore and embrace cultural diversity.
As the founder of the social enterprise Expand Your Library, she is dedicated to normalising conversations around allyship, cultural diversity and inclusion in the education space through workshops and resources.
2024-03-2831 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE18: Blossom Anyimba-Cooley's passion for inclusion and workplace advocacyBlossom is a driven and dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging (DEIAB) initiatives across various sectors.
2024-03-2527 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E7: IWD2024Cupcakes anyone?2024-03-1421 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE17: Ruhee Meghani - championing whole of life wellbeing for corporate successRuhee is the founder of Allied Collective, Australia's premier inclusive facilitation and wellbeing agency. With a diverse background in wellbeing, retail, advertising, sports management, and hospitality spanning over 12 years, she has established herself as a thought leader, yoga teacher, and public speaker.
2024-03-1329 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE16: Christine Castley - CEO, Multicultural AustraliaChristine is a passionate advocate for equal access to justice and services for everyone regardless of their gender, beliefs or circumstances, drawing on her lived experience as a migrant.
She has a personal belief that we all have a part to play in tackling disadvantage and exclusion, and to making the world a better place for all.
2024-03-0644 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE15: Alicent Wong - Embracing challenges and building opportunitiesAlicent has over 20 years' experience as a digital marketing specialist, Ali (as she is known to her friends) is the founder behind The Women of Colour Founders Network.
Migrating from Singapore in 2004, she's worked with brands such as CBA, Tourism Queensland, Microsoft, Apple and Johnson & Johnson.
2024-02-2834 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE14: David Crisafulli - Queensland’s Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for TourismThe desire for a better Queensland motivates me to keep pushing forward. I want Queenslanders to know that our best days lie ahead of us.
We live in an amazing place. Look outside your window and be grateful for food and family and fun and freedom. You've got it here. Queensland is a great place.
2024-02-2123 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE13: Krish Ravipati - Stepping up and giving backAn extroverted accountant? Now, that's a delightfully ironic twist! Join Em and Sandra as they get to know Krish Ravipati, the treasurer of the Logan Chamber of Commerce and, through his cross-cultural podcast series, a great ambassador for diversity and understanding.
2024-02-1430 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E6: Love for LoganOften seen as the poor relation of surrounding regions, Logan is a vibrant, diverse and welcoming community.
2024-02-0808 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE12: Alexis Matthews-Frederick, Solving problems, making connectionsLeaving Vietnam in the dead of night.
Taking a life-or-death boat trip.
It sounds like fiction, but it's the lived experience of Alexis Matthews-Frederick who has made her life in Australia and is a passionate advocate for education, regional development and the Logan region.
2024-02-0734 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE11: David Nyambuya - Driven to success in a new landDavid Nyambuya is at the forefront of the electric vehicles (EV) industry, specialising in EV infrastructure and sustainable solutions that deliver enduring benefits for clients and the broader community. In this episode, David talks about entrepreneurship, networking and the electric vehicle phenomenon.
2024-01-2926 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E5: Women in the workplaceWomen in the workplace have come a long way over the last century, but this is no time to be complacent. There's always more we can do to make sure everyone gets their seat at the table.
Em and Sandra recently caught up with Liz Irvine to explore the gains and challenges we've seen in our own careers.
2024-01-2314 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE10: Wedzi Garwe - Navigating financial headwinds as a new migrantWedzi is a financial planner and mortgage broker. He has worked in financial services since 2007, with some of Australia's leading financial institutions in various roles. His goal, through A Better Way Financial Partners, is to make a difference to everyone he encounters financially.
2024-01-1531 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE9: Hello 20242023 was a blast and we're gearing up for an even bigger and better year ahead! Join Em and Sandra as we reflect on the year that was and share some of our plans, hopes and aspirations for an even bigger and brighter 2024.
2024-01-0929 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E4: Raising children in AustraliaParenting is a tough gig. Add in the difficulties of navigating a new culture and country and it can become a minefield. Tapping into experiences of others who have 'been there, done that' can help provide essential direction and (importantly) sanity.
In this episode, Emmagness, Orode, and Olivia — migrants from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Ghana, share strategies for instilling cultural pride in their children while navigating the challenges of raising them 'away from home'. A must-listen for every parent and cultural enthusiast!
2023-12-1829 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE8: Olivia A. Johnson - triumph over adversityOlivia or Liv as she's known to her friends, is the Founder of Olive Solutions Consultancy. In this episode, she shares some insights into staying resilient in the face of personal challenges. Drawing on her own experiences, she’s a major advocate for the fight against domestic violence and supporter of mental wellbeing.
2023-12-1829 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E3: EmpowermentAt SMP Magazine, we're all about empowerment. There are a lot of things that we take for granted like maternity leave and equal opportunities for women. While we've come a long way, we're still fighting for true equality in the workplace. In this conversation with friends, Liz, Em and Sandra talk about the way things were for women in the workplace not so long ago. We explore how things have improved, and how we're passing along the baton to the next generation.
2023-12-1414 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE7: Liz Irvine - A pioneering migrant family's legacy of resilienceLiz Irvine is a second generation Australian of Scottish descent. She shares some fascinating insights into the pioneering life of her grandparents who migrated to New Zealand from Glasgow to find a better life after the devastation of World War Two in Europe. Their journey was far from plain sailing and is one that many of us can relate to.
2023-12-1119 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE6: Christine Mudavanhu - A journey of empowerment and inclusionWhen you invite a podcast host to your show! 😅
In this latest episode of Empowered Voices Amplified, Christine shares her incredible journey from Zimbabwe to New Zealand, then to Australia and how her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has led her to where she is now. Listen to the transformative impact of her work as we talk about entrepreneurship, equity and Utano Global. 2023-12-0440 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE5: Kara Cook - A journey of advocacy, equity, and empowermentKara Cook is a former (or reformed!) politician who founded Australia’s first expert domestic violence law firm, and has worked as the principal lawyer at Women’s Legal Service Queensland. She is also a former Vice President of Queensland Law Society and Australian Young Lawyer of the Year!
2023-11-2830 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E2: TraditionsWe are not sure whose idea it was to talk about "Traditions," we suspect it was Em, she's the one with an unconventional approach to life!
In this episode with our friends, we dove into the things that fill us with nostalgia and our homes with joy. 🏡2023-11-2419 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE4: Desire Ude - A story of resilience, activism, and entrepreneurshipDesire is an entrepreneur, Co-founder and Managing Director of Anchored Care, an organisation that improves the lives of Queenslanders living with disabilities.
In July 2023 he was named as a finalist in the prestigious 2023 Queensland 40 Under 40 Awards in recognition for his journey of growth, transformation, resilience and courage.
2023-11-2154 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE3: Debby Lo-Dean - Pioneering a future of innovation, collaboration, and communityWhen it comes to emerging technologies, Debby Lo-Dean is a force to be reckoned with. A fervent advocate for innovation for positive change, Debby's journey has been defined by a commitment to connectivity, community-building, and empowering others.
2023-11-1351 minWhat They Didn't See ComingConversations with friends E1: Lost in translationHave you ever been in a situation where someone has said something and you just don't get what they mean? We all have our different ways of understanding and our group of friends unpacks some of the funny and interesting ways things can get lost in translation!
2023-11-0819 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE2: Victor Asoyo - Insights on success in AustraliaVictor Asoyo, is a Partner at Solomons Legal & Solomons Capital.
With dual degrees in law and science from the University of Adelaide, he is the founding partner at Solomons Group.
In this episode, he shares his insights on the legal world and his experience in migration to Australia from Kenya.2023-11-0545 minWhat They Didn't See ComingE1: Meet your hosts - Em & SandraHello world, 'Empowered Voices Amplified' is live! Your hosts, Em and Sandra bring you the first in a long line of stories they'll share over the next few weeks. In this episode they explore their own impressions of Australia when they first stepped off the plane into a new lilfe Down Under 🦘😏.
2023-11-0123 min
Sisters In ColourEmmagness RuzvidzoEmmagness is a marketer with over 10 years' experience and a budding entrepreneur. She currently wears alot of hats which she absolutely loves: She is the Founder and head of Marketing as a Service for VAKA - a Brand and Marketing Consultancy. VAKA means build, everything that Emmagness does in her work she makes the conscious choice to work on setting a foundation and building - brands, voices, empowered communities.2023-04-2642 min
Bold Moves: How Did You Know?Bravely Confronting A Career Setback with Emmagness Ruzvidzo of VAKA Brand & Marketing ConsultingJoin a supportive community dedicated to making bold moves inside the Bold Moves Podcast Club: www.kristenrocco.com/bold-moves-podcast-clubFacing a career setback? My guest Emmagness Ruzvidzo can relate.After almost a decade of building a career and nearly reaching the C-Suite, her career was “dragged through the mud” when she moved to Australia. In the face of adversity, her message is clear: you have a choice when setbacks occur. Get back up and keep going to get what you want or let adversity get the best of you.Her grit, resiliency and brav...2023-04-0438 min