Shows
The Wisepreneurs PodcastBuilding a Sustainable Consulting Practice with Melisa LibermanMelisa Liberman accidentally started consulting 13 years ago when her CEO asked her to stay on after she resigned to move to Hawaii. That unplanned beginning revealed something most consultants learn too late: that success comes from systematic business development, not perfect pitches. Now a coach for consultants, Melisa helps experienced professionals build practices that generate $500,000+ without employees or feast-famine cycles.In this episode, you'll discover why consultants who think like CEOs rather than subject matter experts scale faster, how the Business Development Formula creates predictable pipeline through quantifiable metrics, and why diagnostic conversations eliminate adversarial s...
2026-01-0152 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastMaking Space for Deep thinkers with Meredith Fuller OAMPsychologist Meredith Fuller returns for her fourth Wisepreneurs conversation to address a challenge facing many experienced professionals: feeling invisible at work despite making substantial contributions. Drawing from over 45 years counseling individuals who "don't quite fit," Meredith explores why reflective, introverted thinkers struggle in organizations that reward rapid-fire responses over deep insight. She introduces the concept of "liminal space"—that uncomfortable transition period between who you were and who you're becoming—and reframes it as productive territory rather than professional limbo. Listeners will learn practical language for articulating pattern recognition capabilities, understand how physical sensations function as leg...
2025-12-121h 03The Wisepreneurs PodcastMark Trinham: Building Sustainable Art Practice Through Environmental Values and CollaborationMark Trinham has spent 30 years building a thriving full-time art practice without formal business training—creating large-scale public artworks, running a successful collaboration company, and maintaining creative independence. In this conversation, Mark reveals how he moved from illustration and graphic design into public art and sculpture, developed a sustainable business model that keeps him booked 18 months ahead, and learned when to say no after decades of saying yes to everything.You'll discover how Mark positions accumulated expertise in environmental connection and place-based storytelling as premium capability, why collaboration amplifies rather than dilutes artistic voice, and how...
2025-11-2854 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastJon Younger Why Keep Working at 73? On Talent, Wisdom, and Interesting QuestionsAt 73, Jon Younger has spent his career understanding how talent evolves—from HR executive at Exxon to business builder to independent advisor on the future of work and AI. In this conversation, Jon addresses the positioning challenge experienced professionals rarely voice: how do you justify premium rates when younger consultants cost less and AI handles routine knowledge work?Jon explains why accumulated professional judgment creates diagnostic capabilities that remain valuable despite automation, how the traditional four-stage career model breaks down in the AI era, and what systematic business architecture independent practitioners need beyond corporate scaffolding.
2025-11-141h 08The Wisepreneurs PodcastMayumi Kataoka: When Your Brain Needs Trees, Not More Productivity HacksIn our hyperconnected world, we respond to time scarcity by optimising, accelerating, and implementing more productivity systems. But what if the solution isn't doing more—it's doing less?Mayumi Kataoka, a certified forest therapy guide based in Sydney, takes professionals on three-hour walks that cover barely 1.2 kilometers. Participants consistently report losing track of time and finding clarity they didn't know they were missing.In this conversation, Mayumi shares her journey from IT professional and martial arts instructor to nature photographer to forest therapy guide, revealing how each phase built the observational capacity she now brings to...
2025-10-3037 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastAnna Burgess Yang on Business Resilience and Smart AutomationWhen Anna Burgess Yang was diagnosed with a brain tumor just weeks before surgery, her three years of systematic business building became the difference between collapse and continuity. In this conversation, Anna shares how strategic financial planning, smart automation systems, and operational frameworks allowed her FinTech writing business to run for two months without her active involvement. She reveals the specific tools, workflows, and thinking that transformed her solo practice from vulnerable to resilient—from Zapier automations that generated social media content to the financial buffers that eliminated money stress during recovery. This episode offers practical guidance on building su...
2025-10-1738 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastMichael Best on Career Reinvention, Cannabis Research, and Learning at 80At 74, a routine phone call during COVID changed everything for Dr. Michael Best. After 50 years practicing medicine, he discovered the endocannabinoid system—a biological network in every human body that he'd never learned about in medical school. Now 80, he's writing a scientific book on the topic while mastering AI tools, Obsidian, and Zotero, proving that intellectual challenge sustains cognitive vitality rather than diminishing it. In this conversation, Michael reveals why mainstream medicine ignores what patients experience, how accumulated expertise transforms technology from threat to strategic advantage, and why serendipity combined with professional curiosity creates meaningful work beyond tra...
2025-10-0345 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastRobert Vlach Why Your Good Name Beats Personal BrandingMost career advice tells experienced professionals to modernize, rebrand, and compete with younger workers on their terms. Robert Vlach, who leads Europe's largest freelance community, says that's backwards.In this three-hour deep dive—our longest episode ever—Robert explains why your "good name" built through decades of professional relationships is more valuable than any personal brand. This conversation fundamentally changed how I think about professional positioning for experienced professionals.Key Topics CoveredThe "Good Name" vs Personal Branding: Why ancient reputation-building trumps modern marketing tacticsThe Independent Professional Identity: How to position yourself beyo...
2025-08-282h 58The Wisepreneurs PodcastAmy Alkon Reclaiming Your Vitality in MenopauseFor many accomplished women, the sudden arrival of brain fog, fatigue, or memory loss can feel like a professional crisis, sparking fears of losing one's edge. But what if these challenges aren't a sign of burnout, but a solvable physiological issue? In this vital episode, Nigel Rawlins sits down with award-winning investigative science writer Amy Alkon, author of Going Menopostal. Amy pulls back the curtain on the shocking gap between medical science and practice in menopausal care. This is an essential guide to self-advocacy and a masterclass in managing menopause for cognitive vitality, empowering you to protect your most...
2025-08-011h 22The Wisepreneurs PodcastSönke Ahrens From Highlight to Insight—Making Your Experience CountIf you’ve ever underlined a passage, bookmarked an idea, or highlighted something brilliant—only to forget it—this episode is for you.In this thought-provoking conversation, Sönke Ahrens joins host Nigel Rawlins to show how to turn a lifetime of learning into real, shareable value. Sönke, best known for his book How to Take Smart Notes, shares how digital tools like Obsidian and Readwise can help professionals externalise their thinking, clarify their voice, and build a foundation for thought leadership.This episode speaks directly to Wisepreneurs navigating career reinvention, writing, and solo work...
2025-07-1858 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastA Realistic Guide to Starting a Business After 60 with Sue EllsonThis episode is a masterclass in career reinvention after 60. For professional women considering entrepreneurship, the path can seem filled with challenges, from overcoming age discrimination to navigating financial uncertainty. Nigel talks with LinkedIn expert and veteran solopreneur Sue Ellson to create a practical roadmap for success. Sue defines her "Geekster" identity—using technology to build a flexible career and reveals why your relationships are the most powerful asset you have to combat ageism and thrive. She offers actionable strategies for a resilient transition, including her "job for now" concept for financial security and how t...
2025-07-0452 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastLaetitia Vitaud Networked EntrepreneurshipEpisode OverviewWhat if your 60s could be the launchpad for a thriving solo venture? In episode #71, feminist and work-revolution thinker Laetitia Vitaud returns for her third appearance to share how women over 60 can reinvent their careers using their relationships and wisdom. From leveraging your 150 trusted connections to embracing seasonal work rhythms, Laetitia offers practical ideas for career reinvention for women over 60. Her insights, like “The most important asset to start a business today isn’t cash—it’s the 150 relationships you’ve been nurturing your whole life,” inspire action and resilience.
2025-06-2056 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastLaurie Smale on Reinvention, Mentorship, and TechnologyIn this quietly remarkable episode, Laurie Smale—former dropout, junkyard worker, communication mentor, and now digital storyteller at 79—joins host Nigel Rawlins for a conversation that redefines what it means to start over late in life.Laurie shares how he walked away from school at 13 after brutal treatment by a maths teacher and began working in a junkyard under the guidance of Old Bill, his first mentor. Decades later, he returned to education, graduating with honours at 37, and most recently, launching his Magic Minutes YouTube series at 78 with the support of digital mentor Sue Ellson.From...
2025-06-0645 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastCurating for the Curious: How Tomáš Baránek Picks Books That MatterIn this Wisepreneurs Podcast episode, host Nigel Rawlins speaks with Czech publisher and technologist Tomáš Baránek about the enduring value of curated publishing in a world saturated by fast content and generative AI. Tomáš shares how his team at Melvil Publishing selects nonfiction titles with long-term value, from authors like Yuval Noah Harari and David Grann, and why translating a book well is just as much a craft as writing it.They unpack the risks of over-relying on AI for writing, thinking, and decision-making, and how misinformation and loss of cognitive depth are very real challenges. Tomáš...
2025-05-2359 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastRedesigning Retirement: Kim Watty on Purpose and CommunityWhat happens when a distinguished accounting professor decides there's more to life than academia? In this captivating conversation, 66-year-old Kim Watty reveals her remarkable journey from emeritus professor to entrepreneur, co-founding The Main Act with her daughter Prue.After three decades teaching accounting at prestigious Australian universities, Kim felt pulled toward a different purpose. That calling materialized as a business helping women design purposeful retirements that transcend the typical financial focus. "Pop 'retirement for women' in your browser," Kim explains, "and nine out of ten references will be about finances." The Main Act fills this gap by...
2025-05-0943 min
Behind the Mic With Kirkus ReviewsTHE LIFE OF CHARLOTTE BRONTË by Elizabeth Gaskell, read by Lucy Scott, Penelope Rawlins, Georgina Sutton, Sarah Lambie, David Timson, Nigel PilkingtonraftLiterary skill ensured Charlotte Brontë's place in the "classics" category, and this audiobook delves deeply into her life and times. AudioFile’s Leslie Fine and host Jo Reed discuss how Lucy Scott is the consummate British narrator, with a brisk pace and animated tone that remain consistent through an extensive audio performance. Supporting cast members are used well to voice various primary sources; these moments highlight the quotations and break up considerable blocks of research and explanation. The transitions among the supporting voices are seamless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
2025-02-1807 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastThriving in the Age of AI with Filip DrimalkaEpisode SummaryIn this episode of Wisepreneurs, host Nigel Rawlins sits down with Filip Drimalka, an AI strategist, digital transformation expert, and author of The Future of No Work. Filip shares game-changing insights on AI-driven productivity, automation, and the evolving workplace.Is AI replacing jobs—or redefining them? Filip challenges traditional ideas of expertise, explaining how entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent professionals can leverage AI to stay competitive and unlock new opportunities.They also explore the AI mindset, the rise of AI-powered generalists, and how automation is transforming industries. Plus, Filip introduces wo...
2025-02-1456 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastThe Power of Prevention: Michal Novotný on Movement and LongevityIn this episode, we sit down with Michal Novotný, a distinguished physiotherapist and fitness coach who has worked with elite athletes such as Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, and Hollywood stars including Orlando Bloom and Chris Hemsworth. Michal shares his journey from his early career in ATP tennis to developing groundbreaking approaches, and authoring Czech Republic bestsellers Sport is Pain and The Secret of Healthy Movement. Listeners will learn about the transformative power of prevention, the role of personalized wellness strategies, and how holistic approaches to health can extend professional and personal longevity. Michal provides actionable i...
2024-12-1349 min
WeirdiesThe Woman in Black (1989)on this Ghost Weirdies for Christmas episode I am looking at The Woman in Black from 1989, starring Adrian Rawlins, Bernard Hepton, David Daker and Pauline Moran. It was written by Nigel Kneale, based upon Susan Hill's 1983 novella. It was directed by Herbert Wise.
Blue Sky weirdies.bsky.social
email weirdiespod@gmail.com
begging bowl ko-fi.com/weirdies
2024-12-1135 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastMastering Tools and Processes with Anna Burgess YangIn this episode of The Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins speaks with Anna Burgess Yang, a former FinTech executive turned freelance content writer and solopreneur. Anna shares her journey from corporate to self-employment, balancing her career with raising three children. She highlights how she uses automation, lean thinking, and generative AI to stay organized, streamline workflows, and maintain a successful business.Listeners will learn how Anna leverages tools like Airtable and Zapier to simplify repetitive tasks, builds a personal brand through authentic LinkedIn updates, and integrates work and family life with disciplined habits like starting her day...
2024-11-2950 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastWhy Sitting Too Long Negates Good Health Habits with Krisna HanksIn this episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins sits down with Krisna Hanks, a metabolic health expert, to discuss how prolonged sitting can undermine even the healthiest habits. With decades of experience and her role as Director of Employee Wellness Programs at Ovadia Heart Health, Krisna highlights the importance of small, frequent “metabolic sparks” to boost resilience and mental clarity. She introduces the concept of the “active couch potato”—people who work out yet still sit for long hours—and offers actionable tips to help professionals over 50 maintain physical and cognitive vitality.Key ThemesThe...
2024-11-0847 min
Grab: This Critically-Acclaimed Full Audiobook For Thriller Fans.The Life of Charlotte Brontë by Elizabeth GaskellPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/2449to listen full audiobooks.
Title: The Life of Charlotte Brontë
Author: Elizabeth Gaskell
Narrator: Penelope Rawlins, Lucy Scott, Sarah Lambie, Nigel Pilkington, Georgina Sutton, David Timson
Format: mp3
Length: 19 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 10-08-24
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 7 ratings
Genres: Art & Literature
Publisher's Summary:
Elizabeth Gaskell’s biography of her friend Charlotte Brontë—the first full-length biography of a woman novelist by a woman novelist—is a true classic. It transports us with a deft hand straight into 19th-century Haworth, Yorkshire and crafts an extensive account of Brontë’s life, quoting throughout...
2024-10-087h 31Embark On Into A Ground-Breaking Full Audiobook During Your Workout.The Life of Charlotte Brontë by Elizabeth GaskellPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/2449to listen full audiobooks.
Title: The Life of Charlotte Brontë
Author: Elizabeth Gaskell
Narrator: Penelope Rawlins, Lucy Scott, Sarah Lambie, Nigel Pilkington, Georgina Sutton, David Timson
Format: mp3
Length: 19 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 10-08-24
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 7 ratings
Genres: Art & Literature
Publisher's Summary:
Elizabeth Gaskell’s biography of her friend Charlotte Brontë—the first full-length biography of a woman novelist by a woman novelist—is a true classic. It transports us with a deft hand straight into 19th-century Haworth, Yorkshire and crafts an extensive account of Brontë’s life, quoting throughout...
2024-10-087h 31The Wisepreneurs PodcastPersonal Kanban: Mapping Success for Independent Professionals with Tonianne DeMariaIn this episode of The Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins speaks with Tonianne DeMaria, co-author of Personal Kanban, about her inspiring journey from fashion to becoming a productivity expert. Tonianne highlights how visual systems like Personal Kanban empower independent professionals and business owners to streamline their workflow, manage energy, and create sustainable habits for long-term success. The discussion also dives into the neuroscience of productivity, addressing cognitive biases and how to balance personal well-being while achieving business growth.Tonianne introduces Dr. David Rock’s SCARF Model, a framework that helps professionals understand human needs in the workplace. It...
2024-09-271h 05The Wisepreneurs PodcastPeter Compo’s Approach to Navigating Business ComplexityIn this episode of The Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins interviews Peter Compo, author of The Emergent Approach to Strategy. Drawing on 25 years of experience at DuPont, Peter illustrates how businesses can adapt and thrive in unpredictable environments by employing an emergent thinking framework. He emphasises that identifying key obstacles, eliminating bottlenecks, and guiding decision-making are crucial steps in maintaining progress, especially when a shift in direction becomes necessary.Peter’s methodology offers a structured design framework to manage uncertainty, which is very relevant for independent professionals and consultants, especially those in their sixties. He und...
2024-09-2051 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastSolo, Skilled, and Essential: Gail Greatorex’s Influence on Product SafetyIn this episode, my guest, Gail Greatorex, is a leading expert in product safety with over 25 years of experience. Gail shares her journey from working with the Australian government to becoming a self-employed consultant, where she helps businesses navigate consumer protection laws, compliance, and product recalls. She reflects on the freedom and flexibility of working for herself, allowing her to choose projects that align with her values and passions.We explore the rising challenges of e-commerce safety, particularly with third-party sellers, and the risks posed by everyday items like button batteries and toppling furniture.
2024-09-1348 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastFrom Chaos to Clarity: Eliška Šestáková on Building Smarter Note SystemsIn this episode, I talk with Eliška Šestáková, an academic and productivity expert from the Czech Republic, to explore the world of effective note-taking. Eliška shares her unique approach to organizing information and shows how note-taking can transform the work of professionals. Drawing from her background in computer science and personal knowledge management, Eliška discusses powerful systems like Zettelkasten and tools like Roam Research. These methods help independent professionals enhance their learning, creativity, and project management. Please listen to discover how you might improve your note-taking habits and boost your writing and research productivity.
2024-09-0654 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastHuman Edge in AI: Leanne Shelton on Balancing Tech with HeartIn this episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins chats with Leanne Shelton, a ten-year veteran copywriter and content marketer who has transitioned into AI training. Based in Sydney, Australia, Leanne shares her shift from traditional copywriting to founding Human Edge AI Training, a company that helps businesses integrate AI while preserving the crucial human touch. The discussion explores AI’s growing impact on the creative industry, the significance of prompt engineering, and the challenge of balancing technology with human-centric values. Leanne offers invaluable advice for professionals adapting to the evolving AI landscape, highlighting the importance of continuous le...
2024-08-3047 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastThe Reality Check: Testing Business Ideas Against the Real World with Cedric ChinIn this episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, I spoke with Cedric Chin, the founder of Commoncog, to explore his unique approach to accelerating business expertise. Cedric shares his journey from leading a startup in Vietnam to establishing Commoncog, a platform that rigorously tests business ideas against real-world scenarios. The discussion delves into key concepts like cognitive agility, Lia DiBello's triad model of business expertise, and the challenges of mastering business skills quickly. Cedric also draws parallels between his experiences in Judo and business, offering valuable lessons on mental strength and strategic thinking.
2024-08-231h 11The Wisepreneurs PodcastConnected and Confident: Karen Wickre’s Networking Guide for Independent ProfessionalsIn this episode of The Wisepreneurs Podcast, Karen Wickre returns after 50 episodes. Karen is a skilled communicator, freelance editor, and networking expert. She shares her insights on building meaningful professional relationships, the benefits of freelance editing, and how to empower yourself through continuous growth. Drawing from her extensive experience in Silicon Valley, Karen provides practical advice for professionals, entrepreneurs, and independent consultants looking to enhance their careers and confidently navigate the freelance landscape.Key Themes:Authentic Networking: Building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships.Freelance Editing: Embracing the freedom and flexibility of...
2024-08-1655 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastBreaking the Invisibility Barrier: Danielle Joworski’s Tips for Women in BusinessIn this episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins interviews Danielle Joworski, a visibility expert and entrepreneur, about the challenges and strategies for breaking the invisibility barrier in business. Danielle shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, addressing women's fears and obstacles in becoming more visible and successful in their businesses. She offers practical tips and insights on building confidence, leveraging community support, and strategically managing business activities to enhance visibility and achieve success.Key ThemesOvercoming visibility fears and boosting confidenceThe impact of ageism and sexism on wo...
2024-08-0951 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastNavigating Self-Employment in L&D: Jane Hudson’s Success StoryIn this special episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, I'm catching up with Jane Hudson, a Learning and Development (L&D) consultant specializing in regulatory training. Jane was guest number five on the podcast, and now, 50 episodes later, she returns to share her journey from corporate employment to running her own successful L&D consultancy. Jane discusses the intricacies of managing remote teams, effective pricing strategies, and the evolution of L&D post-COVID. The episode is packed with practical advice and insights for independent professionals, especially those in the L&D field.Themes Covered:Transitioning...
2024-08-0245 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastPeter Hatherley on Helping Independent Professionals Thrive with AI ToolsIn this episode, Nigel Rawlins speaks with Peter Hatherley about the transformative power of AI in digital marketing and business optimization. Important points include the difference between generative and interactive AI, advanced SEO techniques using semantic entities, and the practical applications of AI tools for independent professionals.Key Topics Discussed:Peter Hatherley’s journey from digital marketing to AIThe development and impact of semantic entities in SEOGenerative AI vs. interactive AI: Definitions and applicationsOverview of Authored Intelligence products like Semantic Author and ConceptualityPractical uses of AI tools for content creation and business strategyOvercoming fears an...
2024-07-2645 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastHabits for Life: Dr Holly Whelan on Health, Longevity, and SuccessEpisode Summary:In this episode, Dr. Holly Whelan shares her fascinating journey from academia to the corporate world and eventually to entrepreneurship. She discusses her transition from working in the laboratory to managing global brands at Unilever and how her passion for behaviour change and health led her to co-found Habit Partners® and Younger Lives. Holly emphasises the importance of sustainable habits, starting a business, and maintaining physical and mental well-being. She also touches on her collaboration with major organizations like Movember and Weight Watchers and offers practical advice for older pro...
2024-07-1949 min