Shows
The Wisepreneurs PodcastSönke Ahrens From Highlight to Insight—Making Your Experience CountAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.If 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 thoug...2025-07-1857 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastA Realistic Guide to Starting a Business After 60 with Sue EllsonAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.This 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 actio...2025-07-0452 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastLaetitia Vitaud Networked EntrepreneurshipAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.Episode 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...2025-06-2055 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastLaurie Smale on Reinvention, Mentorship, and TechnologyAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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...2025-06-0644 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastCurating for the Curious: How Tomáš Baránek Picks Books That MatterAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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 writi...2025-05-2358 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastRedesigning Retirement: Kim Watty on Purpose and CommunityAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.What 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...2025-05-0943 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastThriving in the Age of AI with Filip DrimalkaAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.Episode 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...2025-02-1456 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastThe Power of Prevention: Michal Novotný on Movement and LongevityAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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 s...2024-12-1348 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastMastering Tools and Processes with Anna Burgess YangAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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...2024-11-2949 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastWhy Sitting Too Long Negates Good Health Habits with Krisna HanksAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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 t...2024-11-0847 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastPersonal Kanban: Mapping Success for Independent Professionals with Tonianne DeMariaAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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...2024-09-271h 05The Wisepreneurs PodcastPeter Compo’s Approach to Navigating Business ComplexityAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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 unc...2024-09-2051 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastSolo, Skilled, and Essential: Gail Greatorex’s Influence on Product SafetyAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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 t...2024-09-1347 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastFrom Chaos to Clarity: Eliška Šestáková on Building Smarter Note SystemsAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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 discov...2024-09-0654 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastHuman Edge in AI: Leanne Shelton on Balancing Tech with HeartAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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 of...2024-08-3047 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastThe Reality Check: Testing Business Ideas Against the Real World with Cedric ChinAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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...2024-08-231h 10The Wisepreneurs PodcastConnected and Confident: Karen Wickre’s Networking Guide for Independent ProfessionalsAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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:2024-08-1655 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastBreaking the Invisibility Barrier: Danielle Joworski’s Tips for Women in BusinessAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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.Ke...2024-08-0951 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastNavigating Self-Employment in L&D: Jane Hudson’s Success StoryAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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...2024-08-0244 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastPeter Hatherley on Helping Independent Professionals Thrive with AI ToolsAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In 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 li...2024-07-2645 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastHabits for Life: Dr Holly Whelan on Health, Longevity, and SuccessAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.Episode 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...2024-07-1949 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastDebbie Jenkins Enhancing Professional Credibility with Short, Valuable BooksAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In this episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, my special guest is Debbie Jenkins, an accomplished author and publisher with a rich background in engineering. Debbie shares her thoughts on making a significant impact by writing short, valuable books to build credibility. Our discussion revolves around the themes presented in her books, "Stop the Credibility Crisis" and "Stop Writing Books Nobody Reads," and how embracing authenticity and using technology can drive business growth. Debbie’s unique approach emphasises the importance of...2024-07-1249 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastNatasha Ginnivan: Reshaping Perceptions of Aging and LongevityAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.Discover how Natasha Ginnivan, a researcher from the Blue Mountains and Sydney, reshapes perceptions of ageing and longevity. In this episode, Natasha reveals the cultural attitudes towards aging, the impact of stereotypes, and the importance of lifelong learning. She shares her journey from fashion design to psychology, emphasizing the need for societal shifts in how we view aging. Listen as she discusses the intersection of health, social connections, and cognitive wellness, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in...2024-07-0542 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastEmma Williams Helping PhDs to Thrive Beyond AcademiaAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.Join host Nigel Rawlins on the Wisepreneurs podcast as he chats with Emma Williams, a former academic turned business owner. Emma shares her journey from a career in physics and Magnetic Resonance Imaging research to starting her own coaching business. She discusses the challenges academics face when transitioning to industry, the importance of understanding personal values, and her approach to coaching highly skilled STEM professionals. Emma also touches on the impact of student debt, the evolving job market, and...2024-06-2750 minThe Wisepreneurs PodcastMichael Greenberg: Boosting Productivity with AI and AutomationAsk Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.Join host Nigel Rawlins as he interviews Michael Greenberg, a leading expert in digital operations. In this episode, they dive into the transformative power of AI and automation in business, discussing practical strategies for optimizing workflows, the best note-taking tools, and the benefits of outsourcing. Tune in to understand how AI, automation, and useful apps enhance productivity to survive, grow, and thrive.How to connect with Michael GreenbergBusiness Website https://www.3rdbrain.co2024-06-191h 02