this is work

Shelley Johnson
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Mar 29, 2026 • 46min

812 imposter syndrome as a strength, navigating unspoken conflict & leading well when you're new

They reframe imposter syndrome as a useful signal rather than a weakness. They unpack how to surface unspoken team conflict using the ODD framework. They demonstrate silence and mediation tactics to draw out real concerns. They lay out a month-by-month 90 day plan for new leaders to listen, get quick wins, and own results.
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Mar 22, 2026 • 45min

811 weaponised incompetence: what to watch for, how to address it & when your competence gets used against you

In this week's episode of this is work, Shelley and Emily dive into weaponised incompetence in the workplace — everything from how to spot it and the exact words to use when addressing it, right through to what happens when it flips and your own competence gets used against you.In this episode we cover:What is weaponised incompetencePlaying to your strengths vs weaponising a weaknessScripts and one liners to address it with a colleagueThe flip side: when your competence gets weaponisedSigns your manager is using your competence against youCheck out Shelley's Sydney Morning Herald article on weaponised incompetence:https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/weaponised-incompetence-is-rife-at-work-here-s-how-to-shut-it-down-20260226-p5o5qf.htmlConnect with Shell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-johnson/If you lead teams, check out Shelley’s business, Boldside: https://www.boldside.com.au/Shell & Glen’s book 'Sort Your Career Out & Make More Money' is available here: https://amzn.to/4k3YSrrWe hate email spam so we don’t create it! Sign up to our newsletter to get only the valuable money, careers and property info you need.To get help, and to check out our online courses, books, resources and downloads (+ our disclaimers and warnings), click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 15, 2026 • 45min

810 burnout and mental fitness: how to stay well, when things are not well

The world feels pretty chaotic right now — and if you're someone who prides yourself on high performance, that chaos can quietly push you toward burnout before you even see it coming.In this episode, Shelley sits down with mental fitness and leadership specialist, Joel Pilgrim to talk about what it actually means to stay well when everything around you feels uncertain.In this episode we cover:Why mental fitness is just like physical fitness — and what your daily practice should look likeThe 5-step model for performing under pressure without burning outWhat recovery actually looks like for high achievers (and why it's not self-care)How to find your flow state and why it matters more than you thinkWhy vulnerability is a leadership skill, not a weaknessTW: SuicideConnect with Shell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-johnson/If you lead teams, check out Shelley’s business, Boldside: https://www.boldside.com.au/Shell & Glen’s book 'Sort Your Career Out & Make More Money' is available here: https://amzn.to/4k3YSrrWe hate email spam so we don’t create it! Sign up to our newsletter to get only the valuable money, careers and property info you need.To get help, and to check out our online courses, books, resources and downloads (+ our disclaimers and warnings), click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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9 snips
Mar 8, 2026 • 33min

809 dysfunctional workplaces, career move to a start-up & can leaders really work fewer hours?

Emily Bowen, a frequent career and leadership conversation partner who offers coaching-style guidance. They tackle supporting people stuck with toxic bosses and practical ways to influence a dysfunctional team. They discuss when culture needs serious intervention and map concrete change steps. They weigh moving from low-paid corporate roles to startups and whether leaders can realistically work fewer hours.
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11 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 31min

808 how to lead hard conversations, support your team and go from doer to leader

Tactics for giving feedback to people who take criticism personally. How and when to schedule difficult conversations so they land better. Ways to support team members with chaotic personal lives without becoming their therapist. The mindset shift from doing work to developing others and a clear delegation framework. Making time for learning and practical steps to build growth into your calendar.
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Feb 22, 2026 • 36min

807 how to find a mentor, build future-proof skills & selling your ideas at work

Want a mentor but don’t know where to start? Struggling to sell your ideas to senior leaders? Wondering what skills actually matter in a world of AI and constant change?In this episode of this is work, Shelley is joined by her guest, Adrian Smith to answer your career questions, they unpack:👉🏼 How to find a mentor (without making it awkward or overly formal)👉🏾 Why you don’t need “one” mentor — but mentoring moments👉🏽The 3 skills that will future-proof your career👉🏿 How to sell your ideas inside a business👉🏽 How to influence senior leaders (without being “that” person)👉🏿 Why curiosity might be your biggest career advantageIf you want to stay relevant, grow your confidence and have more impact at work — this episode is for you.Connect with Shell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-johnson/If you lead teams, check out Shelley’s business, Boldside: https://www.boldside.com.au/Shell & Glen’s book 'Sort Your Career Out & Make More Money' is available here: https://amzn.to/4k3YSrrWe hate email spam so we don’t create it! Sign up to our newsletter to get only the valuable money, careers and property info you need.To get help, and to check out our online courses, books, resources and downloads (+ our disclaimers and warnings), click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 15, 2026 • 32min

806 when to change jobs, taking career risks & is my new job a bad fit?

Thinking about a big career move but terrified it might blow up your life? Or wondering if you’ve stayed in your job too long? This episode is for you.Shell answers real listener questions about:👉🏼 How to manage fear when you’re considering a major career change👉🏾 The difference between reversible vs irreversible decisions👉🏽 Whether you’re stagnating or still growing👉🏿 How to tell if a new job is a bad fit… or just uncomfortable because it’s new👉🏽 How to weigh up a $10K pay rise vs long-term values👉🏿 The “future regret test” you need to tryIf you’re stuck between “what if it fails?” and the quieter question “what if it works?” — this one’s for you.Connect with Shell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-johnson/If you lead teams, check out Shelley’s business, Boldside: https://www.boldside.com.au/Shell & Glen’s book 'Sort Your Career Out & Make More Money' is available here: https://amzn.to/4k3YSrrWe hate email spam so we don’t create it! Sign up to our newsletter to get only the valuable money, careers and property info you need.To get help, and to check out our online courses, books, resources and downloads (+ our disclaimers and warnings), click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 8, 2026 • 20min

805 from the vault: 8 ways to become an opportunity magnet

Want to attract cool career opportunities? Get this episode in your ears! Here's how to level up.Learn more about the CliftonStrengths assessmentListen: Simon Sinek's podcast, A Bit of OptimismShell & Glen’s book 'Sort Your Career Out & Make More Money' is available here: https://amzn.to/4k3YSrrConnect with Shell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-johnson/If you lead teams, check out Shelley’s business, Boldside: https://www.boldside.com.au/Shell & Glen’s book 'Sort Your Career Out & Make More Money' is available here: https://amzn.to/4k3YSrrWe hate email spam so we don’t create it! Sign up to our newsletter to get only the valuable money, careers and property info you need.To get help, and to check out our online courses, books, resources and downloads (+ our disclaimers and warnings), click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 1, 2026 • 48min

804 from the vault: 4 ways to make more money in your career

Glenn James, founder of My Millennial Money and co-author of Sort Your Career Out, shares practical career and income strategies. He explains market forces and pay caps, introduces the Advanced Income Quadrant with four paths to higher earnings, and explores blending management, specialist, sales, and business ownership to diversify and grow income.
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18 snips
Jan 25, 2026 • 1h 1min

803 how to up your public speaking game

Ashley Fell, demographer, futurist and TEDx speaker who turns complex data into engaging stories. She breaks down why speaking feels so scary. Short, practical tips on opening and closing strong. How to use humour, master slides, and lead room energy when things go wrong. Prep, pacing, and rehearsing intros and closes to boost confidence.

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