Work Life by Design

When was the last time you really listened to your body? So often, we've been conditioned to push through — to ignore the subtle whispers of discomfort, fatigue, or restlessness. We convince ourselves we'll slow down after the next deadline, once the project's done, or when things feel less busy. But our bodies are wise. And when we ignore the whispers for too long, they eventually start to shout. That was my reality for a long time. I thought I was doing all the "right" things — balancing work, life, and everything in between — until my body started telling me otherwise. It wasn't until my body forced me to listen that I realised just how disconnected I'd become from myself. Amongst all this, Keri Krieger, a beautiful soul and gifted Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner, began weaving her way through my life. Keri teaches us to tune back in — to understand the signals our bodies are sending , and to see that they aren't breaking down, they are simply trying to communicate. In this week's podcast episode, I sit down with Keri for a heartfelt conversation about how we can learn to reconnect with our bodies, honour their innate wisdom, and navigate life's transitions with more grace and ease. Keri shares her philosophy around health and wellbeing through the lens of Chinese Medicine — offering such a refreshing and grounded approach to what it means to truly be well. She brings calm, compassion, and deep insight into how we can create balance not just in our bodies, but in our lives. And I'm beyond thrilled that Keri will also be joining us at Exhale the Retreat in just over three weeks, 23rd-26th October. During the retreat, she'll be guiding us through deep conversations and beautiful experiences that help us tune into our own inner knowing, reconnect with our energy, and move through transitions with clarity and confidence. In our chat, we also explore the belief that taking time for ourselves is indulgent — a luxury reserved for "when we have time." But as Keri so gently reminds us, it's in these moments of rest and reflection that we fill our own cup. Because if we don't, our capacity to show up for others becomes depleted, and resentment can quietly creep in. If you've been feeling stretched thin, stuck in survival mode, or simply craving more connection with yourself — this episode is your invitation to pause. To breathe. To listen. In this conversation, we explore: ✨ The importance of tuning into your body's innate wisdom ✨ What Chinese Medicine can teach us about balance and self-awareness ✨ How to move through change and transition with grace ✨ Why rest and reflection are not indulgent, but essential ✨ What to expect from Keri's sessions at Exhale the Retreat It's time to listen — because your body has been speaking all along. ✨ Learn more and secure your place to Exhale HERE. I can't wait to see you there!

10/1/25 • 23:35

So often we're chasing goals, ticking off to-do lists, and striving for that next milestone without stopping to ask—are these dreams really mine? The truth is, without a deep connection to our bodies and our hearts, it's hard to know if the life we're building is truly aligned with who we are, our own authenticity.     In my latest podcast episode, I sit down with Courtney Tyssen, one half of @heart.resonance, who will be joining us at Exhale The Retreat this October to guide a personalised sound healing journey. Courtney shares how sound isn't just music—it's a medicine for the mind, body, and soul. By quietening the mental chatter and soothing the nervous system, sound creates the spaciousness we need to reconnect with ourselves. It's in this rest-and-digest state that real healing, clarity, and alignment can begin.   In our conversation, Courtney also shares: ✨ how the various instruments invoke different responses within the body and connect us to the elements ✨ the journey that we'll be guided on at Exhale and how it will be personalised to the women in the room ✨ how the deep healing that comes from the vibration of sound moving through our bodies, impacts our nervous systems and unlocks hidden capacity ✨ the clarity that comes enabling you to connect to your own authenticity and for you to live the life, and create the business, you dream of   This isn't just theory — it's a glimpse into the powerful experience awaiting the women who'll be joining us at Exhale.   Imagine lying back, allowing the vibration of sound to move through your body, feeling tension melt away as your nervous system drops into deep rest. The result?A calm mind, a grounded body, and a renewed sense of connection with yourself. (Not to mention, the most incredible sleep afterwards 🥰).   Exhale is more than a retreat—it's an invitation to step away from the noise of everyday life and rediscover what's truly yours. Through movement, reflection, connection, and experiences like sound healing, you'll leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more aligned with the life you're here to create.   I cannot wait to share this with the beautiful women who'll be joining us. ✨ Learn more and secure your place to Exhale HERE. I can't wait to see you there!  

9/16/25 • 21:16

Creating a retreat doesn't happen without the incredible support of so many people behind the scenes. One of those people is the talented Shae Giles. If you've followed me for a while, you've no doubt seen Shae's stunning photography scattered across my socials. She's not only been my creative eye behind the lens for years, but also a loyal cheerleader and friend. But there's another side to Shae's story. Like so many women, she's walked the heavy path of burnout — a reality that too often goes unseen until it's too late. The emotional toll of pushing through, of constantly showing up without pause, is something she knows all too well. That's why Shae will be joining us at Exhale the Retreat — both as a guest experiencing the healing journey for herself, and as a sponsor capturing the powerful moments we'll create together. In this episode we talk about burnout, healing, and the transformation that retreats like Exhale can unlock. We explore: the often hidden emotional toll of burnout and why so many women are unknowingly on a path to it what you can expect from your retreat experience the impact that the holistic healing practices you'll experience will have on you, your life and your business   This is more than just a chat — it's a reminder that the way we've been taught to live, work, and push through isn't sustainable. Retreats like Exhale are designed to give you tools, practices, and awareness that we wish we had known earlier. Tools that can quite literally change the trajectory of your life and business.   I can't wait to see you there! Save you spot at Exhale the Retreat. 

9/8/25 • 23:28

Have you ever had that gut feeling about a decision in your business… but second-guessed yourself, over-analysed it, or went searching for someone else's advice? I know I have. For me, the turning point wasn't about strategy or experience—it was about reconnecting with myself and learning to trust my own intuition. In this episode, I'm joined by Filly Bellette—functional medicine practitioner, trauma therapist, and co-creator of the Ending Body Burnout Method. Filly was a huge part of my own healing journey, helping me uncover what was truly keeping me stuck: nervous system dysregulation, unhelpful belief systems, and the constant pressure to do more, be more, hold more. We dive deep into: ✨ What body burnout really looks like (and why it's more than just feeling tired) ✨ How your wellbeing directly impacts your ability to lead a business that fuels you ✨ The paradox of holding more without doing more through nervous system regulation ✨ The transformative experiences you can expect at the Exhale Retreat ✨ Why retreats are powerful for reconnecting and resetting—without guilt I'm deeply grateful to Filly—not just for her role in my personal journey, but also for joining me at Exhale. It's an honour to share this space with her, and I can't wait for you to experience the retreat too. Exhale isn't a holiday—it's a strategic reset for your business and life. A chance to exhale, realign, and step back into your business with clarity, energy, and conviction.

9/3/25 • 42:31

Burnout can creep up on even the most high-performing women — sometimes we don't even realise we're on the edge until our bodies start screaming at us. In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Heidi Lampard — Yoga Practitioner, Holistic Wellness Mentor, Tea Ceremony Facilitator, Retreat Leader, and mother of two. Heidi will also be joining us as a facilitator at the upcoming Exhale Retreat in October, sharing her wisdom, practices, and tools with attendees. We dive deep into the challenges of burnout, particularly for high-performing female leaders and entrepreneurs who are conditioned to "push through" — often at the cost of their health, energy, and creativity. I share my own journey through burnout and adrenal fatigue, and Heidi opens up about her personal experience with anxiety, panic attacks, and adrenal fatigue while balancing corporate work, family life, and daily responsibilities. She shares how discovering yoga, meditation, breathwork, and holistic wellness practices helped her heal, regulate her nervous system, and create a sustainable, balanced life — both professionally and personally. In this episode, we explore: How to expand your capacity and resilience through simple, daily practices The importance of slowing down and creating space to hear your inner wisdom How mindful practices ripple into your relationships, decision-making, and overall well-being Practical tools you can start using immediately: Short, adaptable pranayama (breathwork) exercises to reset your nervous system Techniques to expand resilience and capacity, helping you manage life's demands without spiralling Ways to cultivate presence, clarity, and calm in your work, relationships, and home How consistent mindfulness practices can create a ripple effect of calm with your loved ones We also give an inside look at what attendees can expect from Heidi's sessions at the Exhale Retreat: Daily morning yoga and meditation practices Pranayama (breathwork) sessions Sound journeys and yoga asana   This episode is a heartfelt reminder that retreats are not a luxury — they're a necessity for high-performing women to reconnect with themselves, restore balance, and gain clarity in their lives and careers. Slowing down, pausing, and incorporating mindful practices can empower you to thrive without burning out.   For more information and to secure your spot, visit Exhale | The Retreat. This is one weekend you don't want to miss!  

9/1/25 • 25:43

This retreat has been born out of my own experience and journey from body burnout to thriving. For years, I thought the only way I could find the peace I craved was to burn it all down, close my business, walk away from everything, and start fresh. I know I'm not alone in this. So many ambitious women I work with are exhausted from constantly being on. Leading a business, showing up for clients, being there for family... and silently wondering: is this just what success is meant to feel like? What I've learned... you don't have to choose between leading a thriving business and having the space, stillness, and energy you crave.   That's why I created Exhale.   A 3 day retreat for women who are ready to step out of survival mode, reconnect with themselves, and reignite the creativity and clarity that fuels not just their life, but their business too.   In this episode, I'm sharing: 💫 The story of how Exhale was born (and the moment I realised I couldn't keep living in fight-or-flight). 💫 Why rest and nervous system regulation aren't just nice-to-haves, but the secret weapon for sustainable success. 💫 What you'll experience on retreat — yoga, meditation, sound healing, breathwork, conversations about women's health, cycles, and seasons, plus plenty of time in nature. 💫 The tangible outcomes you can expect — more energy, clarity on your next steps, presence as a leader, and inspiration that ripples through every area of your life and business.   This retreat is about more than taking a weekend off. It's about remembering who you are underneath the noise, and learning how to lead and live from that place of grounded power.   If your body is whispering (or shouting) that it's time to pause, to breathe, to reclaim your spark — this is your invitation to join me.   🎧 Tune in now, and make sure you follow along over the next few weeks as I go live on Instagram diving deeper into these themes.   Save your space HERE. https://www.melissamarsden.com.au/exhale-2025

8/29/25 • 27:13

Season 7 has been one of the most personal yet—an honest reflection of a year filled with growth, insight, and powerful conversations. In this wrap-up episode, I'm sharing the key themes and lessons that emerged across the season: How personal transformation fuels professional fulfilment Why mastery isn't perfection, but a commitment to growth The connection between workspaces, well-being, and culture The impact of neurodiversity and designing for inclusion The wisdom of nature, rest, and healing From solo reflections to rich guest conversations, this season was about designing a work life that actually works for you. 💫 Whether you're craving inspiration or seeking real change, this episode offers a powerful close to a transformational season—and a beautiful springboard for what's next. 🎧 Tune in now and let's keep evolving, together.     Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience  Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel     EXHALE | THE RETREAT Come join me for 4 days immersed in nature as we reconnect to our body, heart and soul, reigniting your fire within! TELL ME MORE!   NEW WHITEPAPER DOWNLOAD | Leveraging Place - The importance of building community - not just culture - at work. Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"  

5/5/25 • 35:42

When was the last time you let yourself be swept away by the sheer beauty of the world around you? Maybe it's the sun sinking into a golden horizon or the way light dances through trees. These moments remind us of the profound joy that's available — if we pause long enough to notice. In this special conversation, Dr. Meg Hooper and I explore the concept of awe, inspired by Julia Baird's remarkable book Phosphorescence — a guide to finding light and wonder even in life's darkest times. In this episode, we explore: 🌿 How reconnecting with nature can heal and ground us 🌿 The powerful impact of designing greener cities and communities 🌿 How to nurture your own internal light through small, meaningful practices 🌿 Why wonder and awe are essential acts of self-care This conversation is an invitation to seek out the extraordinary hiding in the everyday — and to rediscover the vibrant, luminous energy within yourself.     BOOK MENTIONED: Phosphorescence     Connect with Meg Website |
 LinkedIn   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience  Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel   DATE ANNOUNCED - BUSINESS PLANNING DAY Step out of the day to day, create goals with soul and design a business that lights you up! Gain clarity on how you, as the leader of your business and life, want to FEEL this new financial year. Create your own sustainability plan to enable you to FEEL this way the whole year through. Tuesday 17th June, 9am - The Calile Hotel, Fortitude Valley SAVE YOUR SEAT!   EXHALE | THE RETREAT Come join me for 4 days immersed in nature as we reconnect to our body, heart and soul, reigniting your fire within! TELL ME MORE!   NEW WHITEPAPER DOWNLOAD | Leveraging Place - The importance of building community - not just culture - at work. Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"  

4/28/25 • 43:47

In a world where distractions rule and our attention is constantly hijacked—how do we reclaim our focus and find clarity? In this powerful and practical episode, I sit down with Angela Lockwood, occupational therapist, author, speaker, and the brilliant mind behind The Focus Formula. With a career dedicated to helping people tune out the noise and tune into what truly matters, Angela shares the tools, mindset shifts, and daily habits that can help you own your attention and thrive—especially in leadership and business. From a life-altering accident that changed the course of her teenage years to becoming a sought-after voice in attention mastery, Angela's story is both inspiring and relatable. Whether you're drowning in to-do lists or feel like your mind never stops racing, this conversation will give you the clarity and calm you've been searching for. 🎧 What We Cover: ✨The real reason we feel so mentally drained (hint: it's not just your phone) ✨Angela's personal story of resilience and how it led to her life's work ✨The Focus Formula (AIM: Awareness, Intention, Mastery) and how to apply it today ✨Why energy management matters more than time management ✨Simple ways to soften the noise and find stillness in your day ✨The underrated power of intuition in business and life If you're ready to reclaim your attention and reconnect with what matters—this episode is for you.         Connect with Angela; Website | Insta |
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 LinkedIn | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience  Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel   BUSINESS REFLECTION & PLANNING If you'd like to do your own reflection and intentionally design your next moves, grab a copy of my reflection workbook.  This is the workbook I shared with the attendees at my Business Planning Day earlier this year, to support them in learning from the year that's been so they can create a joyful & soul aligned year ahead!   And when you download your copy you'll be added to the waitlist for the next Planning Day in June 2025.  DOWNLOAD HERE   EXHALE | THE RETREAT Come join me for 4 days immersed in nature as we reconnect to our body, heart and soul, reigniting your fire within! TELL ME MORE!   NEW WHITEPAPER DOWNLOAD | Leveraging Place - The importance of building community - not just culture - at work. Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"  

4/21/25 • 51:55

What if your next office move wasn't just about real estate, but a radical reset for your entire business culture? In this episode, I sit down with my client Stephen Fryer, Greater Sydney Leader at Northrop Consulting Engineers, to explore how a lease expiry sparked a workplace transformation that redefined leadership, engagement, and innovation. From flexible work models to culture-led design, discover how Northrop turned relocation into reinvention, and how the team at COMUNiTI supported him to make it happen. 🎧 We talk: Turning a lease expiry into a growth opportunity Building a workplace people want to come to – no mandates necessary! Engaging teams through clever mascots The power of inclusive leadership, at every level, during change Lessons for any business navigating transformation This episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to think bigger about space, culture, and the future of work. You'll learn how you can truly maximise your next workplace to transform your culture and optimise your employee experience.   Read more about our work with Northrop by accessing the Case Study HERE  📩 Want to go deeper? Join me at the Exhale Retreat Learn More HERE —a space to pause, reset, and realign with what matters most.   Want to join us at the next Planning Day? Jump on the Waitlist HERE   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience  Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel     #WorkLifeByDesign #Podcast #BurnoutRecovery #IntentionalLiving #Neurodiversity #Rituals #Mastery #SustainableSuccess

4/14/25 • 51:05

In today's episode, we explore something deeply human yet often overlooked in business: community. When we shift focus from the bottom line to the broader picture—our people, our values, and our environment—we open the door to more meaningful success. I've welcomed Amber Hawken, a thought leader in this space, to explore how leadership, mindfulness, and nature can help reshape workplace culture. What You'll Learn: ✔ The first steps businesses can take to foster a deeper connection with their communities. ✔ Why leadership must drive the change from the top down. ✔ How small rituals, like mindful breathing, can shift workplace energy. ✔ The powerful role nature plays in building sustainable and harmonious work environments. ✔ Practical ways to integrate these principles into daily operations. Amber shares her expertise on how businesses can go beyond profits and create a meaningful impact—one that enriches both their teams and the communities they serve.     Learn more and join Amber? iSoma Meditation Practitioner Training 📩 Want to go deeper? Join me at the Exhale Retreat Learn More HERE —a space to pause, reset, and realign with what matters most.   Want to join us at the next Planning Day? Jump on the Waitlist HERE   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience  Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel     #WorkLifeByDesign #Podcast #BurnoutRecovery #IntentionalLiving #Neurodiversity #Rituals #Mastery #SustainableSuccess    

4/7/25 • 58:21

Burnout isn't just feeling tired—it's your body waving a red flag. I know because I've been there, pushing through exhaustion until my body forced me to stop. That's when I found Filipa Bellette, and everything changed. As co-founder of Chris and Filipa Functional Medicine, she's helped thousands heal beyond just "managing" burnout. In this episode, we uncover: 💡 What body burnout really is—and why it's often overlooked  💡 Why traditional medicine misses the root cause  💡 How deep-seated beliefs and stress patterns keep us stuck  💡 What real healing looks like If you're constantly drained or struggling with stress-related health issues, this episode is for you. Your body isn't broken—it's speaking to you. It's time to listen. Let's stop surviving and start thriving.      Want to learn more and/or work with Filly?  Head to this link: Ending Body Burnout   📩 Want to go deeper? Join me at the Exhale Retreat Learn More HERE —a space to pause, reset, and realign with what matters most.   Want to join us at the next Planning Day? Jump on the Waitlist HERE   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience  Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel     #WorkLifeByDesign #Podcast #BurnoutRecovery #IntentionalLiving #Neurodiversity #Rituals #Mastery #SustainableSuccess

3/30/25 • 53:42

The past year could be described as the ultimate paradox.  A year that was both deeply challenging and incredibly transformative. It reminded me that there cannot be light without darkness. In this episode, I'm sharing 7 key lessons I've learned in business and leadership—insights that have shaped not only my work but also how I show up in life. From redefining success and trusting my own intuition to embracing rhythm over hustle, these lessons have shifted everything. 🎯 Bigger Isn't Always Better – A lean, high-performing team can drive more impact than a large, complex one. 🎯 Define Success on Your Terms – Stop chasing someone else's vision and build a business that fits your life. 🎯 Work to Your Own Rhythm – Productivity isn't about clocking hours—it's about finding your flow. 🎯 If It's Not a Hell Yes, It's a No – Learn to say no to what drains you and yes to what truly matters. 🎯 Trust Yourself – You already have the answers—tap into your intuition and lead with confidence. 🎯 Work Is What You Do, Not Who You Are – Detach your identity from your business for a healthier mindset. 🎯 Blaze Your Own Trail – There's no single formula for success—create a path that works for you.   I also reflect on three highlights that truly lit up my year—the experiences that brought the most joy, and fulfillment—and how I'm intentionally creating more of that energy into 2025. Reflection in your business and life is a powerful tool that ensures that no matter where you are at in your journey, looking back will always impart you with knowledge on how best to move forward.        📩 Want to go deeper? Join me at the Exhale Retreat Learn More HERE —a space to pause, reset, and realign with what matters most.   Want to join us at the next Planning Day? Jump on the Waitlist HERE   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience  Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel     #WorkLifeByDesign #Podcast #BurnoutRecovery #IntentionalLiving #Neurodiversity #Rituals #Mastery #SustainableSuccess  

3/24/25 • 35:39

Creating a workplace that celebrates neurodiversity isn't just the right thing to do – it's the smartest business move you can make. In my latest episode, I sit down with Mariane Power, a clinical psychologist and neurodiversity specialist, to discuss how businesses can better support neurodivergent employees, and why fostering an inclusive environment benefits the entire organisation. We explore: What is Neurodiversity? Understanding the natural diversity in human brains and why it's so important for businesses to embrace it. Universal Design Principles: How simple, inclusive design choices can cater to the diverse needs of employees and make workplaces more accessible without being resource-heavy. The Power of Flexibility: Moving beyond assigned desks to flexible workspaces that allow employees to choose environments that support their needs—whether it's a quiet space for deep focus or a collaborative area for brainstorming. Open Communication: The importance of listening to employees and fostering an open dialogue to ensure that their needs are met, and how that leads to smoother transitions and happier teams. Designing for the Future: Why making neurodivergent-friendly changes not only supports your current employees, but also boosts creativity, engagement, and innovation for the long-term success of your business. As more companies recognise the potential of neurodiverse teams, the steps they take to be inclusive can help propel their success. Whether through creating flexible workspaces, enhancing leadership training, or tapping into government resources, it's time to make these changes happen. Every step toward inclusion makes a real difference in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, and able to contribute their best. If you're ready to make your organization more neurodiverse-friendly, let's explore how we can help!   Connect with Mariane; Email | Blog | Website | LinkedIn Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience  Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel   📩 Want to go deeper? Join me at the Exhale Retreat Learn More HERE —a space to pause, reset, and realign with what matters most.   Want to join us at the next Planning Day? Jump on the Waitlist HERE   #WorkLifeByDesign #Podcast #BurnoutRecovery #IntentionalLiving #Neurodiversity #Rituals #Mastery #SustainableSuccess     The content within this podcast interview with Mariane is provided for general information and educational purposes only, and is not suitable for clinical care needs. The material is not intended to replace professional help and should not be relied upon as a substitute for formal advice from a medical practitioner or mental health professional. Resources are provided for convenience only and do not constitute an endorsement of information on related websites or references. If you or anyone you know requires specific mental health support, please contact your local GP or registered mental health provider for advice and assistance. The following services also provide resources and support: Mental Health Access Line - 1800 011 511, Beyond Blue - beyondblue.org.au, LifeLine -  lifeline.org.au 11 13 14, Headspace - headspace.com.au, Reach Out -  reachout.org.au  

3/17/25 • 61:00

I'm pulling back the curtain on something deeply personal in this week's podcast episode - my journey through burnout, adrenal fatigue, and the hard-won lessons that led me back to myself. For too long, I ignored the exhaustion, the brain fog, the emotional overwhelm, until my body finally said, ENOUGH! What followed was a wake-up call that changed everything: a deep dive into my health, my beliefs, and the way I was living my life. In this episode, I share: 🔥 The warning signs of burnout (that I continued to ignore!) 🧠 How my body was screaming for change (even when doctors said I was "fine") 🌿 The radical shifts that helped me heal—physically, emotionally, and mentally 💡 The surprising connection between people-pleasing, boundaries, and burnout And most importantly, how this journey led me to create Exhale Retreat—a space for women like you (and me) to pause, reset, and reconnect. If you've ever felt like you're running on empty, this episode is for you.     📩 Want to go deeper? Join me at the Exhale Retreat Learn More HERE —a space to pause, reset, and realign with what matters most.   Want to join us at the next Planning Day? Jump on the Waitlist HERE   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience  Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel     #WorkLifeByDesign #Podcast #BurnoutRecovery #IntentionalLiving #Neurodiversity #Rituals #Mastery #SustainableSuccess

3/9/25 • 35:47

This season of Work Life by Design is deeply personal. Inspired by Brené Brown's reflections on "what's on my heart and mind," I'm bringing you honest, unfiltered conversations about the challenges, insights, and lessons that have shaped both me and the work we're doing at COMUNiTI over the past year. Over the last 12 months, I've faced my own health challenges—burnout, adrenal fatigue, and gut issues that left me completely exhausted. This experience has reshaped how I approach 2025, and this season is all about sharing that journey with you. It's real, it's raw, and it's exactly what's on my heart and mind. In this seventh season of the podcast you can expect thought-provoking discussions on: ✨ Body burnout—what causes it and how to truly heal ✨ Neurodiversity in the workplace—creating inclusive spaces that embrace our brain-based differences ✨ The power of community—what we can learn by looking back, embracing rituals, and reclaiming rites of passage ✨ Lesson in business—what I've learned about building a successful business ✨ …and so much more! I can't wait to dive into these conversations with you. I hope they inspire, challenge, and support you as much as they have for me. But in today's episode we're going to dive into how I came to my word for the year – MASTERY. For the past 10 years, I've started each year with an intentional planning session—a ritual that's helped me realign, refine, and design a life I love. What once felt like a complete reset is now about softening into more of what I love and making small, meaningful tweaks. This January, I also guided a group of ambitious businesswomen through this process at my Business Planning Day, helping them get clear on what they want from life so they can build a business that truly supports it. I focus on intentions over goals—because intentions shape who you want to become, not just another task on your to-do list. From this, my word for 2025 emerged: MASTERY—not about perfection, but about continuous growth, refinement, and deepening my craft in both life and business. So I invite you to reflect on your intention for the year?   📩 Want to go deeper? Join me at the Exhale Retreat Learn More HERE —a space to pause, reset, and realign with what matters most.   Want to join us at the next Planning Day? Jump on the Waitlist HERE   #WorkLifeByDesign #Podcast #BurnoutRecovery #IntentionalLiving #Neurodiversity #Rituals #Mastery #SustainableSuccess

3/2/25 • 37:10

When I kicked off this season it was with the intent to reconnect to the roots of our namesake COMUNiTI, and it has not disappointed!   This season was to encourage us to take a broader look at what we should be focusing on to encourage people back to our workplaces.  After first answering the pre-vailing question "Why?" we need to then consider that creating a workplace worth going to, requires more than a fantastic fitout!    Across this season I have shared a framework for building Community within your workplace, the role of place, and in turn its own detailed framework.   I have deepened my own understanding of what it means to design for community.  And what I have learned from my guests is that when we lean into creating places that support people in this way, we are far more likely to build communities than we are to just building businesses.    This episode is a recap of the thoughts I've been left to ponder from each guest and how I can play with these ideas in my own work and life.   Whilst we are living in a highly complex and challenging time, it is also one of the most exciting!  Togeher, we are reshaping the world of work.  Reimagining what work looks like. What our workplaces will look like. And the role that both need to play in enhancing our experience of work and building communities. I'm going to be taking a few months break from the podcast now, but I'll be back later this year with a fresh new season!

7/1/24 • 28:53

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6/24/24 • 33:31

The role that our workplaces play in encouraging and enabling our relationships at work, was largely taken for granted, until they were taken away from us.  A silver lining of the pandemic, we realised the impact of our workplaces and the role they play in our establishing and supporting the social & support networks in our lives.  And social connection is a foundation for building any community. Today's guest ARC Laureate Fellow Sharon K. Parker.  I was first introduced to Sharon and her work through my friend and Colleague Dr Meg Hooper of Carousel Consulting, and her S.M.A.R.T Work Design Model, to develop meaningful and motivating work.  This piece of work has been instrumental in underpinning our approach to work design and workplace design, a difference that Sharon will elaborate on in today's podcast.  Meg has been following Sharon's work for a very long time, and such I've invited her along to co-host today's episode!  ARC Laureate Fellow Sharon K. Parker is a John Curtin Distinguished Professor, Director of the Centre for Transformative Work Design at Curtain University, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences and Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology. Sharon has published more than 250 internationally refereed articles on topics such as work design, proactive behaviour, mental health, and job performance, has over 46,500 citations, and is ranked in the top .15% of global scholars in her field.   She is the founder of the S.M.A.R.T model, cofounder of the Thrive at Work Initiative, and has contributed to policy on work design in Australia and internationally.     With the breadth of research that Sharon has done, this podcast could go in any direction, but as we are focused on the role of community in the workplace this season, we've narrowed in on this topic and explored how the work she does overlaps with this ability to build community. So today, we are exploring; Her view on the relationship that exists between our workplaces and the role they play in building community Her S.M.A.R.T work design model and what the important factors are to consider in building community and where organisations could be letting themselves down The role of autonomy in buffering the effects of poor workplace design The definition of work design and the overlap to workplace design Some of the key consideration that designer, Culture Leaders and property managers/specialists should be looking at when it comes to workplace design   Sharon's perspective on this is fascinating and Meg & I were loving this conversation - we honestly could have chatted for hours.  So, I hope you love listening to this episode as much as we loved recording it!  

6/17/24 • 54:19

Using Place to connect to the Hearts, Bodies and Minds of your People   Often when we look at our workplaces, we think of them as property. As real estate.  And sadly, often as a balance sheet liability.  But they have the potential to be so much more than that!⁠   Your work place is an underutilised asset in attracting and connecting to your people.   Often spoken about in the terms of "People, Place & Technology" our workplaces should not be devoid of our humanity.   They are created for our people.  That means that they need to Personal. Human.  And when you take a human centred approach to creating a workplace, what you are really doing is connecting to the hearts, bodies & minds of your people. ⁠ ❤️ When I say heart, I'm talking about the collective emotion of a space. Otherwise known as the culture of an organisation. The brand and story of a company and the emotional connection it creates and ripples outwards. ⁠ ⁠ 🧘🏽 When I say body, I'm talking about the physical environment and like a body, is it put together for agility and performance or is it slow rigid and fixed?⁠ ⁠ 🧠 And when I say mind, I'm talking about the technology that makes it all possible. The ability to plug our culture into our place and connectivity to one another. ⁠ ⁠   LINKS Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"     Connect with Mel; Email    Melissa@melissamarsden.com.au Website           melissamarsden.com.au Website           comuniti.com.au Instagram         @melmar   Whitepaper – The Road Map to Employee Experience Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel https://calendly.com/melissa-marsden/30min  

6/10/24 • 19:33

  How can we create workplaces where our people are empowered? Where they are given autonomy and choice?   It all starts with culture.    Now that might sound overly simply, but at the grassroots of this, it's the everyday actions that leaders take that shift and create culture in their teams and organisations. And it really is the simple things that make the difference.    And today's guest, Meredith Wilson has written the book, on how you too can you use GRASS in your workplace to shift your culture.    Meredith makes culture simple and actionable. Working with executives, CEOs and leadership teams to shape, shift, strengthen and lead cultures. Having led culture at the Executive and Board level for more than 15 years, with ASX10 and global teams, Meredith is a published Author and recognised Culture Expert. Meredith works as a Culture Strategist, Speaker, and Mentor, building cultures that work.   In today's episode Meredith shares with us; 1.    Her G.R.A.S.S model and the simple ways that we can start to rethink culture and how we can then take action everyday 2.    The impact of Hope & Safety and how this is foundational in building any culture 3.    The 4 things that you need to build a culture worth belonging too 4.    The importance of symbols and rituals and how these show up in your workplace   Meredith and I have a shared passion for building communities and thriving cultures, with much of our work and language overlapping in various area's of workplace design and organisational leadership and culture, so it was an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to explore our ideas of what works more deeply in this episode.   LINKS Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"   Connect with Meredith; Email | Insta |
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6/3/24 • 35:34

Over centuries work has evolved from a labour some, back breaking manual task to what today some of us refer to as a "cushy office job"! And we have the invention of machines and technology, a few key players and a pandemic to thank, as the catalysts for this change. However, some things have very much stayed the same, even though the world we are living and working in today, is very different to the world in which these things were created for. In today's episode I'm winding back the clock just over 100 years as we start to look at; The impact of machines and technology on how we work How and why, we work 8hrs and 5 days a week How technology drove our need for workplaces and their design The research on what our workplaces really need to do now and into the future.   This is one of my favourite conversations and I'm so excited to be sharing it with you here today!       LINKS JOIN NOW!  Workplace Dynamics Blueprint Program Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"    Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience  Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel  

5/27/24 • 26:47

  Curating a community is not a passive activity.  It takes conscious effort, care, and a respect for the people that you are embracing in this community.  But when you bringing together a community with no traditional "place" how can you engage with a place temporarily and make it your own? This is exactly the work that today's guest, Imelda Miller, does in her role as the Curator of First Nations Cultures at Queensland Museum Kurilpa.  A third generation Vanuatu woman, Imelda is a proud South Sea Islander and responsible for bringing together communities of origin through her work with the museum.  Working with material culture an archival collections, Imelda's collaboration, and curatorial approach, combines cultural practice, community engagement and community lead research and development into her projects. Hosting exhibitions, running workshops and leading teams in these activities, Imelda is consciously curating places for communities to come together to share their stories and create new ones. Today's conversation is one of possibility and Imelda shares so many of her secrets in how she fosters this sense of community, to establish belonging, a sense of connection and storytelling that can be directly applied back to our building our own communities in our workplaces. In today's conversation Imelda shares with us; How she uses place to create community, even when there is no ownership or relationship to place How objects enable people to connect, share stories and develop memory in place The fundamentals of curating a community atmosphere are The healing power that connection and community can create Throughout this conversation I hear direct correlations to how I think about fostering community in our workplaces and the role that place plays.  Establishing connection, creating belonging, and sharing stories, by communicating social contracts and norms and engaging in routine and ritual. Imelda is a warm-hearted woman with much wisdom to share on how we can take even a little bit of this approach back to our workplaces. Mel       LINKS Join the Waitlist for the Workplace Dynamics Blueprint Program  Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"   Connect with the Imelda; You can engage with Imelda's work here; https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/discover/exhibitions/plantation-voices https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/collections-and-research/projects/australian-south-sea-islander-lived-identities     Connect with Mel; Email Melissa@melissamarsden.com.au Website       melissamarsden.com.au Website       comuniti.com.au Instagram     @melmar Linkedin       Melissa Marsden Whitepaper – The Road Map to Employee Experience     To listen to more of my episodes, head to my website !!!  

5/20/24 • 36:28

  Hey! Have you read Priya Parkers book, The Art of Gathering? If you haven't yet, I highly recommend you do, it's a good read!  In her book Priya shares: "gatherings in our lives are often vague & unproductive" And I would argue that our workplaces are in fact a place where we gather, rather than places we "go to" to "work", and if we want people to come to the workplace, we need to be offering them an experience. It needs to be a purposeful, and productive contribution to their lives.   In today's episode I'm expanding on the framework that I share with you in Eps. 139, It's not about mandates, it's about Fostering Community, to dive deeper into the final layer of the framework, Placemaking.    Because the art of placemaking is a complex task, that requires its own framework to fully optimise the creation of a plan that builds community. Plus, I share with you some tangible examples of how place has been used for centuries as a central hub, an anchos, a container for holding and creating community. If you're ready to learn more about creating your community in your workplace, you can either; Grab a copy of my book "The Next Workplace" Join me in the "Workplace Dynamics Blueprint | The Program" Waitlist now OPEN! Or book a complimentary discovery call with me to chat more!   Until next time, Mel x   USEFUL LINKS: Workplace Dynamics Blueprint | The Program - DOORS OPEN! Are your ready to learn the Art & Science of creating your next Workplace?!?! Creating your next workplace is a complex task! It requires the input of multiple players within your organisation and the expert guidance of specialist consultants. BUT it also presents an incredible opportunity for your organisation! Typically, businesses only refresh their space every 10 years. That's a long time in today's fast paced world. So many changes, from technology, to operational delivery, organisational structures, ways of working and more. Optimising this unique opportunity requires a plan. In this self-paced program, you will learn about the five pillars that underpin the dynamics in your organisation, how to leverage them against your organisations strategic objectives and gain the confidence you need to embark on this journey armed with the knowledge and know how to optimise your next workplace. Enabling you to inspire the human potential in your organisation. Join the waitlist and be the first to know when doors open! Join the waitlist here - https://www.melissamarsden.com.au/blueprint Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"   Connect with Mel; Email Melissa@melissamarsden.com.au Website       melissamarsden.com.au Website       comuniti.com.au Instagram     @melmar Whitepaper – The Road Map to Employee Experience Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel https://calendly.com/melissa-marsden/30min

5/13/24 • 21:03

"When work starts to work again, it becomes a place where people want to be" Creating a thriving workplace where people want to be, voluntarily, requires us to take a different perspective to the "productivity" approach that our workplaces once swore by. Today's guest is Sharon Darmody. With a background in Occupational Therapy, Sharon is an Organisational Consultant, Mediator and the Founding Director of Strive Occupational Rehabilitation. With over 25 years consulting to organisations, she identified a recurring theme, leading her to develop her M.A.G.I.C model to help businesses, teams and individuals rediscover what makes work, work for them. In today's conversation Sharon and I delve into; The foundations of what she's observed to foster community within organisations We explore her M.A.G.I.C model and how you can explore aspects of this within your business The challenges and opportunities that organisations have to fostering community How simple Ground Rules, can support individuals, teams and organisations to thrive Plus, Sharon shares a personal story of how humanising a workplace and building an authentic community puts people first and the ripple effect of this on individuals, families and their surrounding communities, changing lives. If you're looking for ways to re-engage and ignite your teams, you're going to enjoy this episode!

5/6/24 • 28:26

If we're still talking about getting people back to the office, we're having the wrong conversation".   I don't know about you but I'm getting frustrated with all this RTO talk!  I think those that are stuck in this vortex, are completely missing the point!  What we should be talking about, is what makes a workplace a COMMUNITY. In the work that I do, creating a workplace where people WANT to be is key, BUT while the physical environment plays a large part, it's not the whole story.   "For centuries our communities have centred around sharing an imagined reality crafted out of words, which has enabled large numbers of strangers to come together to coordinate effectively" Yuval Harari, Author of Sapiens.   At COMUNiTI, we use our Workplace Dynamics Blueprintä to dive deep with our clients to understand the purpose of place and the fundamentals that needs of a place.  By using our five pillars we can identify the opportunities and the gaps across the organisation to co-create a space that lays the foundations to building a community. In today's episode, I'm sharing with you the framework that I've developed to building community in organisations, from the foundations up!       LINKS Doors to our Workplae Dynamics Blueprint program opening soon - join the watilist here! Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel https://calendly.com/melissa-marsden/30min

5/1/24 • 17:55

🎉🎉🎉 Welcome back for SEASON 6!!! 🎉🎉🎉   As I hit record for this episode, #138, I had a nostalgic moment as I reflected on how much the world has changed since I first started the podcast back in July 2020. We were all living in limbo, as we were very much still in the midst of adjusting to the impacts of the pandemic, in and out of lockdowns. Four years on and SOOOOO much has changed; ·      The way we THINK about work has changed ·      HOW we work has changed ·      WHERE we work has changed ·      And as such WORKPLACES have changed! And one of the greatest revelations that I believe that come for us all from the pandemic, was the way our mindsets shifted to thinking about our workplaces as COMMUNITIES. This is a way of thinking that we here at COMUNiTI have acknowledged for some time.  It's our namesake! As a team of workplace dynamic strategists, design advisors and change leaders, we support organisations to get clear on the strategic goals, understand their people and align their workplace to enable them to achieve and thrive. At the heart of this sits our purpose; to foster the creation of communities where people feel connected.  So in this season of the Work Life by Design podcast, you can expect to hear more about how you can celebrate community within your organisation.  What it takes to create community, with guests from Thought leaders, Academics and Curators of community to share their experiences.  I'm excited to share this season with you, it's going to be a good one!       LINKS Doors to our Workplae Dynamics Blueprint program opening soon - join the watilist here! Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel https://calendly.com/melissa-marsden/30min

4/29/24 • 07:45

Well, that's it for another season!   After kicking off season 5 back in November last year, I think it's well and truly time to switch off the mic for a while!   This season has definitely taken on a life of its own and it really snuck up on me that we've been going straight for 48 episodes, almost a whole year! I've had the pleasure of engaging some incredibly intelligent, wise, and generous guests in conversation over this time which has what has kept me wanting to do "just one more!" episode.   But here at COMUNiTI we are heading into our busiest season of the year in the final sprint to Christmas so it's time to take a breath and make the space needed to ensure we finish the year strong.   So, in this episode I'm sharing with you the highlights of 48 episodes, marking some incredible milestones including; 📕🥂 The release of my book "The Next Workplace" and the conversations from the book launch 🎉 Hitting a 100 episodes of the podcast 🥳 Celebrating COMUNiTI's 10th Birthday Plus a recap on some of the impactful conversations that I've had over the course of the season that have influenced my own thinking on work and the workplace   So, while I take a break there are 136 other episodes for you to dive back into. Thank you for joining me here each and every week and I look forward to being back in your ears with some fresh content very soon!   LINKS Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel

10/2/23 • 19:33

The art of focus in our modern worlds has become just that. An art.   With books like Johan Hari's Stolen Focus and past guest Dr Kristy Goodwin's, Dear Digital we need to talk, the constant disruption, distraction mulit-tasking and task switching that we are all succumbing to is impacting our ability to truly focus.   Add to this all the pressures and competing demands of daily life and we are quickly looking at fatigue, exhaustion and burnout.   And whilst the rise of flexible working has given us more freedom to design our days and work lives, it's a bit of a double edged sword. As many of us have relied on the routine, ritual and structure that our daily to commute has given to us to support our cognitive function and the daily need to "do our job".   We now need to develop a new skill. The ability to distinguish what is worth our attention, to do this intentionally and then to be able to focus.   And that's what today's guest is here to share with us.   Angela Lockwood is on a mission. To empower individuals to thrive amidst the distraction of modern life.   As an Occupational Therapist with a wealth of real-world experience working alongside both children and adults, she has developed a unique approach to unlocking the power of our thinking and actions in ever-changing environments.   After sustaining a life-changing head injury she became obsessed with learning how we can use our time and energy to thrive and has focused her career on helping others do the same.   She is the author of two business self-help books, "The Power of Conscious Choice" and "Switch Off and Find Calm" and the engaging host of "A Kid's Life" Podcast.   She's been featured on Channel 9 Today EXTRA, The Australian Financial Review, Good Health magazine, Huffington Post, Mamamia, Radio 2UE and numerous parenting and lifestyle publications. She also has a regular segment on The Luke and Susie Show which is syndicated across Australia.   Angela has an infectious energy and she's highly relatable.   So in today's episode Ange and I are going to look at; Why the conversation about focus has become such a prevalent one Intentional Focus – what it means and how to manage it The importance of switching off The difference between time management and energy management Plus she's also sharing with us some tools to get us started   A great conversation on how to focus your attention on the things that really matter so that you have more energy for life!   LINKS Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"   Connect with Angela; LinkedIn | Insta | Website   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience Book a 30min Complimentary Discovery Call with Mel

9/25/23 • 36:00

One of the biggest misconceptions about "a new office" is that it is simply that.  A new place for us to conduct our business from.  A design and construction project. This could not be further from the truth.  "A new office" is a whole of business opportunity and at its core it is actually a "cultural transformation project". Everything about the way the new office looks, feels, operates is all new.  It's in a new location, with a new commute and with that comes a whole new set of routines and rituals. Now while some of your team might be excited by the change, there are going to be a lot of your team who will not be.  And regardless of where they sit on the continuum of change experience, they are going to bring their own perceptions to the process, until they are guided, communicated to, informed, and educated about what the new workplace will entail.   Because, in the absence of information it is human nature to Make. It. Up! So, in today's episode I'm sharing with you why it's important to support your people through change, and what you can do to prepare you and your business to make the most of this unique opportunity.   Remember, creating a new workplace for your business is typically a once in 10 year event, and just think about the ripple effect that doing an outstanding job of supporting your people through this change will have on the next 10 years of your business.      LINKS Get your copy of Mel's new Book "The Next Workplace; Designing Dynamic Environments that Inspire Human Potential"   Connect with Mel; Email | Insta |
 LinkedIn | Website | Website | Whitepaper - The Road Map to Employee Experience

9/18/23 • 20:32