”Playing With Perspective” - The Suspended Animation Podcast

Welcome to Episode 260 of Playing With Perspective - The Suspended Animation Podcast! 🎙️

Moein Varaei is back! And this time we’re talking about a question plenty of engineering consultancy owners will recognise. How can the team be flat out, the client be happy and the project still make a loss?

Moein is a Chartered Civil Engineer with more than 38 years of experience in engineering consulting, project management and senior leadership, including senior roles with international consultancies. Today, as Principal Consultant at Global Empowering Solutions, he helps engineering firms improve project performance, develop their people and build stronger businesses.

We catch up on what Moein’s been doing since his last visit, then get into the realities of running a growing engineering consultancy in Australia. A technically excellent project can still leave you wondering where the margin went. Sometimes it starts with a client asking for “one little change”. The team gets on with the work, the extra hours stack up and the conversation about fees happens long after anyone can remember what “little” meant. 😅

Here’s what we get into 👇

- Busy teams and thin margins. Why strong demand for engineering services can coexist with commercial pressure, and what separates a healthy consultancy from one that simply looks busy.

- Scope creep and variations. Where the handover between agreeing to a change, doing the work and charging for it can break down.

- Turning engineers into project managers. What support a brilliant technical specialist might need when they suddenly own the budget, the client relationship and a team of people.

- Growing beyond the founder. How owners and managers become the people everyone waits on for decisions, and what it takes to give the team more room to make those calls.

- Where Moein would start. We put him in the shoes of an adviser walking into a 30–50-person engineering consultancy whose MD wants a stronger, more profitable business. What would he look at first?

- We also talk about how Moein works with consultancies through Global Empowering Solutions. If you run a firm, lead a project team or have just inherited your first project budget alongside the technical work, there’s plenty here to chew on. I’m particularly interested in that moment when a small firm realises the informal habits that got it this far are starting to hold people up.

🎧 Listen to Episode 260 and subscribe to Playing With Perspective wherever you get your podcasts. Share it with a colleague who’s ever heard “while you’re in there, could you just…” and knew exactly where it was heading.

Get in touch with Moein!

https://globalempoweringsolutions.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/moein-varaei/

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🎁🎙️SALE: Beginners Podcast Course Bundle (Recorded) 👉 https://classbento.com.au/w/7w6s 

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** Always looking for fantastic guests for upcoming shows - feel free to buzz me on 0414659800 to chat or 👉 https://www.mixo.io/site/podcast-guest-booking-2fh52   

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Episode 259 lands with a story that hits hard and stays with you. One moment in a Melbourne toilet changed everything for Dinesh Desai. That raw, human experience became the spark for a life now centred on connection, healing and purpose.

Dinesh Desai shares the moment that changed everything. Sitting alone in a Melbourne toilet, overwhelmed and lost, he hit a point that forced a shift. What followed wasn’t instant clarity. It was a steady rebuild into a life now focused on helping others find calm, purpose and connection.

This chat with Dinesh moves through pain, growth and the quiet strength that builds over time. There’s no sugar-coating here. Just honest reflections, a few laughs, and plenty of wisdom gathered over decades of lived experience 🎙️

With over 40 years in meditation and breathwork, Dinesh keeps things simple and real. He shares practical tools you can actually use, along with honest thoughts on motivation, ageing, and showing up even when it’s hard.

There’s warmth in this chat too. His connection with his grandchildren and his passion for supporting seniors adds a layer that feels grounded and genuine.

🎧 Take a listen and see what lands for you.

Get in touch with Dinesh!

toastmasterdinesh@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/di.nesh9294/

https://www.youtube.com/@djdesai1

https://www.facebook.com/dinesh.desai.376

👉 Subscribe to Playing With Perspective so you don’t miss what’s next.

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🎁🎙️SALE: Podcast Mastery 3 Course Bundle (Recorded) 👉 https://classbento.com.au/w/yn8b

** Always looking for fantastic guests for upcoming shows - feel free to buzz me on 0414659800 to chat or 👉 https://www.mixo.io/site/podcast-guest-booking-2fh52

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Welcome back to Playing With Perspective - The Suspended Animation Podcast! This one packs a punch if you’ve ever wrestled with where you fit as a leader – or how to lead without losing your identity in the shuffle.

Today we welcome the inspiring Mary Wong: keynote speaker, award-winning author, and founder of Optimal Life Solutions. She’s spent over two decades helping leaders ditch the cookie-cutter approach and instead, grow from their individuality. Her toolkit is full: coaching, counselling, business smarts, and a whole lot of heart. And when she’s not lighting up stages or running transformative workshops, you’ll find her encouraging her garden to grow (even if it has other ideas) or doodling up a storm.

In this episode, we get into it:

- Why Mary chose leadership as her life’s work

- The direct link between belonging and performance (spoiler: it's real and it's powerful)

- Why embracing your quirks might just be your leadership superpower

- What Mary really thinks about personality profiling tools

- The small, quiet signs that someone in your team feels out of place

- Tools and techniques to help modern leaders claim their space and keep it

- Real-world stories of transformation that show her methods in action

Mary doesn’t pull punches. She brings honesty, warmth, and lived experience to the mic, sharing everything from deep wisdom to practical takeaways you can start applying today. Whether you're leading a team or leading yourself through a tricky chapter, this episode will meet you where you're at.

🌱 “Belonging isn’t a fluffy HR concept. It’s leadership oxygen.” - Mary Wong

Hit play and let this one sink in. Then share it with someone who’s trying to lead with more authenticity and less burnout. Because we don’t need perfect leaders. We need real ones.

📲 Connect with Mary!

https://optimalcoaching.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/Optimal.Life.Solutions

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marywong-coaching/

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast app! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tag us with your thoughts

💥 Subscribe now, share with your team, and keep playing with perspective!

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🎁🎙️SALE: Beginners Podcast Course Bundle (Recorded) 👉 https://classbento.com.au/w/7w6s

🎁🎙️SALE: Podcast Mastery 3 Course Bundle (Recorded) 👉 https://classbento.com.au/w/yn8b

** Always looking for fantastic guests for upcoming shows - feel free to buzz me on 0414659800 to chat or 👉 https://www.mixo.io/site/podcast-guest-booking-2fh52

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Welcome back to Playing With Perspective - The Suspended Animation Podcast!

This week, we’re unlocking something big: leadership that doesn’t burn you out 💥

Our guest, Grace Najean, brings a powerful mix of soul, science and strategy. She’s the creator of The Soulfluence® Method and has clocked over 5,000 hours of coaching top-tier humans — including a long stint as a Master and Platinum Coach with Tony Robbins.

She’s not here to help you hustle harder. Grace is here to show you how to lead with alignment, energy and actual presence.

We chat about:

🎤 How your voice and nervous system shape the way you lead

🧠 Breaking free from stress-fuelled success patterns

🌀 What 3D, 4D and 5D leadership looks like (and how to know where you're at)

🧘🏽‍♀️ Getting your mind on board with your soul’s direction

💬 Taming the inner critic and trusting your intuition without second-guessing

🌟 Her method, her journey, and what’s lighting her up right now

Grace doesn’t hold back. She shares stories, truths and practical tools for anyone ready to stop performing and start leading from who they truly are.

Plus, we dive into her upcoming Masterclass on July 19 and November retreat — these aren’t fluff events. They’re built for transformation, whether you're an executive, entrepreneur or creative ready to shift gears and tap into something deeper.

🔗 Find Grace at:

http://www.gracenajean.com/

https://www.facebook.com/grace.najean

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracenajean/

https://www.instagram.com/gracenajean/?hl=en

*** November retreat - https://gracenajean.com/retreat/ 

Don’t miss this one. 🎧 Tune in, subscribe and leave us a review if this episode resonates!

Let’s lead different. Let’s lead real.

💥 This episode is pure gold if you're feeling wired, tired, and a little bit lost in the fast lane. We’re joined by the one and only Sammy Barnett - nutritionist, educator, performer, and all-round nervous system whisperer.

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Sammy doesn’t just talk about food. She gets into what your body is really trying to tell you when it throws up symptoms, stalls your motivation, or zaps your energy. Her take? It’s not just about what we eat - it’s about what we absorb. And that goes way beyond kale and protein shakes.

Recently named runner-up in the Jamie Oliver Food Awards, Sammy travels the country lighting up rooms with science, sparkle, and sometimes even a costume or two. She’s teaching kids and adults alike how to reconnect with their bodies in a world that’s screaming for our attention 24/7.

In this chat, Sammy shares:

• How her own anxiety hit a breaking point and what her body did to finally grab her attention

• The sneaky ways modern life hijacks our nervous systems and what that costs us long-term

• Why she shut down a thriving business and podcast to realign with her true values (spoiler: it changed everything)

• Five simple but powerful ways you can start listening to your body better - today

• Why supplements might not be the magic fix you think they are

• How she brings fun and flair into every one of her science-backed workshops

Sammy is bold, honest, and genuinely hilarious. If you’re craving real talk about stress, health, and what it means to build a life and business that doesn’t burn you out, you’re in for a treat 🍏✨

🎧 Don’t just listen - absorb this one! Your body (and your future self) will thank you.

👇Hit play now, share it with someone who needs to hear this, and make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a beat.

📲 Learn more about Sammy and her workshops:

Site - https://www.nutritionwithsammy.com.au/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/nutritionwithsammy/

LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammy-barnett-nutritionist

Insta - https://www.instagram.com/nutritionwithsammy/ 

email - hello@nutritionwithsammy.com.au

Welcome to Episode 255 of Playing With Perspective – The Suspended Animation Podcast! 🎧

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** Always looking for fantastic guests for upcoming shows - feel free to buzz me on 0414659800 to chat or 👉 https://www.mixo.io/site/podcast-guest-booking-2fh52  

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Today’s episode is a powerful one all about visibility, impact, and becoming unmissable in a noisy world!

My guest is the one and only Aldwyn Altuney – aka The Media Queen 👑

Aldwyn is a PR powerhouse, TV host, speaker, photojournalist, best-selling author, and founder of AA Xposé Media – the only PR agency she knows that guarantees mainstream media results! 💥

With over 4 decades in the media game, Aldwyn’s mission is to inspire more good news, elevate voices that need to be heard, and teach people how to build global brands that shine.

In this episode, we chat about:

🔹 What it really takes to go from unknown to in-demand

🔹 The mindset shift required to confidently pitch your story to the media🔹 How to amplify your message and get results that matter

🔹 Why spreading positive news can change lives and even save them

🔹 Her incredible work with Animal Action Events 🐾

🔹 The secret sauce to building a media presence you’re proud of

We also dive into the fun stuff—comedy, ukuleles, body surfing, and the stories behind her vibrant energy 🌊🎭

🎯 If you’ve ever felt invisible or unsure how to get seen and heard, this episode is your sign.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode gave you something to think about!

🌐 Learn more about Aldwyn: Media Queen TV host, speaker, publicist, marketing expert !

💥 Connect at https://linktr.ee/Aldwyn 

Welcome back to another firecracker of an episode on Playing With Perspective – The Suspended Animation Podcast! 🔥

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*** Always looking for fantastic guests for upcoming shows - feel free to buzz me on 0414659800 to chat or 👉 https://www.mixo.io/site/podcast-guest-booking-2fh52  

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In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the trickiest (but most powerful) skills we can develop in business and in life — how to handle tough conversations and difficult people… and there’s no better guide than the incredible Mark McPherson! 🎯

With over 45 years of hands-on experience, Mark has seen it all. Whether it’s staff tension, frontline drama, or high-stakes workplace conversations, he’s built a proven toolkit to help professionals confidently inform, inspire, and influence — even when the heat is on. 💼💬

Mark is the genius behind the Workplace Performance Blueprint, Agent Provocateur Role-Plays, and Personal Conversation Scripts. His mission? To empower you with real-world, down-to-earth tools that actually work when it comes to navigating challenging conversations and personalities. 🙌

💡 We unpack:

- Why "difficult people" are difficult — and how to spot them early

- What makes a conversation “tough” (and how to reframe it)

- Mark’s 9 Types of Tough Conversations — and how to tackle each one

- Powerful mindset shifts and strategies to approach conflict with clarity

- The role of scripting in building confidence and staying in control

- Real-life success stories from the front lines

- And so much more!

Whether you're leading a team, dealing with a tricky client, or just want to master the art of calm under pressure — this episode is packed with practical insights you can use immediately! 🎯

👉 Tune in now, take notes, and start showing up stronger in every conversation.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode gave you something to think about!

Find out more about Mark and his brilliant work here:

Website - http://markmcpherson.com.au/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmcpherson1/ 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/BestPracticeBehaviourForBilliantCustomerService 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MarkMcPherson1 

Welcome back!! 🎉

Sales isn’t about pushing products—it’s about building relationships. In today’s world, buyers are smarter, more informed, and crave authenticity.

Today it's all about how can we shift from traditional sales tactics to a more modern, human-centred approach..with the fantastic Nicole O’Sullivan!

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*** Always looking for fantastic guests for upcoming shows - feel free to buzz me on 0414659800 to chat or 👉 https://www.mixo.io/site/podcast-guest-booking-2fh52  

*** Start your FREE 7 Day Podcast Launch Challenge Now! Over 7 days you will receive STAX of high value FREE podcast training! Videos, Webinars, Checklists, Guides, Templates, and Frameworks around podcast strategy, setup, production, promotion, guests, monetisation and more..👉 https://subscribepage.io/FREE7DayPodcastLaunchChallenge  

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This episode features Nicole O'Sullivan, a powerhouse sales coach with over 20 years of experience, who is revolutionising the way businesses approach sales. Combining psychology, leadership, and practical sales techniques, she helps teams ditch the outdated scripts and start genuine conversations that actually convert.

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why traditional sales tactics no longer work—and what does

✅ How active listening and empathy can transform your sales approach

✅ The power of questioning & storytelling to engage and inspire buyers

✅ How to leverage new tech tools without losing the human touch

✅ Real-life success stories from Nicole’s clients

✅ The key mindset shifts every sales professional must embrace

💡 Why This Episode is a Must-Listen

If you’re in sales, business development, or leadership, this episode will challenge the way you think about selling. It’s time to stop selling and start connecting—because authenticity drives results.

📢 Ready to rethink sales? Tune in now!

🔗 Find out more about Nicole and Birdseye View Consulting!

Website - https://birdseyeviewconsulting.com/ 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/nicole.osullivan.10 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-o-sullivan/ 

Insta - https://www.instagram.com/birds_eye_view_consulting1/ 

email and phone: nicole@birdseyeviewconsulting.com - +61481 930 753

🎧 Listen now & transform your sales game! #ModernSales

Welcome back to “Playing With Perspective – The Suspended Animation Podcast!” Today it's Optometry and Dental with a Heart – with Mobileyes!

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*** Always looking for fantastic guests for upcoming shows - feel free to buzz me on 0414659800 to chat or 👉 https://www.mixo.o/site/podcast-guest-booking-2fh52  

*** Start your FREE 7 Day Podcast Launch Challenge Now! Over 7 days you will receive STAX of high value FREE podcast training! Videos, Webinars, Checklists, Guides, Templates, and Frameworks around podcast strategy, setup, production, promotion, guests, monetisation and more..👉 https://subscribepage.io/FREE7DayPodcastLaunchChallenge  

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Healthcare should be accessible to everyone—but for many vulnerable communities, it's often out of reach. That’s where Mobileyes Optometry and Dental steps in! In this episode, we chat with Andrea Eliastam and Nancy Ordakji, the compassionate duo behind Mobileyes, who are on a mission to bring quality eye and dental care directly to those who need it most. 🚐💡

From schools and aged care facilities to homeless shelters and refugee programs, Andrea and Nancy are ensuring that no one goes without care, regardless of their circumstances. They provide bulk-billed services, free glasses, and essential treatments, giving hope and health back to underserved communities.

🔥 In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ The inspiration behind Mobileyes and how it’s changing lives

✅ The barriers preventing vulnerable populations from accessing regular healthcare—and how Mobileyes is breaking them down

✅ The challenges of running a mobile healthcare service and what keeps them going

✅ The impact of COVID-19 on children’s vision and dental health

✅ How the cost of living crisis is affecting essential health services

✅ Why Naplan data highlights the urgent need for better eye care in schools

✅ Heartwarming stories of transformation from the frontline

💙 Why This Matters

Eye and dental health are often overlooked but play a huge role in a person’s overall well-being, learning ability, and confidence. Mobileyes is changing lives, one patient at a time!

💡 Want to support their mission or learn more? Tune in now!

🔗 Find out more about Mobileyes and how you can help!

Website - https://www.mobileyes.com.au/ 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/mobileyesoptometry/ 

Li - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-eliastam/ 

Phone - 0468 610 123

email - info@mobileyes.com.au 

🎧 Listen now and get inspired!

Hey everyone! Welcome back to “Playing With Perspective – The Suspended Animation Podcast!” In today’s episode, we’re diving into an essential topic for entrepreneurs and business owners: The Journey from Doer to Manager to Leader.

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*** Always looking for fantastic guests for upcoming shows - feel free to buzz me on 0414659800 to chat or 👉 https://www.mixo.io/site/podcast-guest-booking-2fh52 

*** Start your FREE 7 Day Podcast Launch Challenge Now! Over 7 days you will receive STAX of high value FREE podcast training! Videos, Webinars, Checklists, Guides, Templates, and Frameworks around podcast strategy, setup, production, promotion, guests, monetisation and more..👉 https://subscribepage.io/FREE7DayPodcastLaunchChallenge 

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Meet Joanna Zhang!

Joanna Zhang, founder of The Operations Genius, is a business systems expert with a unique journey. Starting as a financial planner, Joanna spent 10 years mastering her craft before pivoting into the world of operational efficiency. Along the way, she faced the challenges of building and managing a support team while scaling a business.

Through determination and innovation, she built a world-class team and now helps entrepreneurs, especially B2B service owners, streamline their operations by delegating tasks and focusing on their strengths. Joanna’s mission? To empower businesses with the tools and systems they need to grow efficiently and productively.

What We Cover in This Episode:

- Joanna’s personal transformation from doer to manager to leader—and the lessons learned along the way.

- The critical differences between being a doer, a manager, and a leader—and why each plays a vital role in business growth.

- The challenges of leading a team and transitioning from managing tasks to inspiring people.

- Joanna’s leadership style and how it has evolved over the years.

- The importance of teamwork in scaling a business and fostering collaboration.

- Insights into Joanna’s work at The Operations Genius and how she supports her clients in their growth journeys.

Key Takeaways:

How to identify where you are in your journey—doer, manager, or leader—and what it takes to level up.

Practical strategies for building a support team and delegating effectively.

Why operational efficiency is key to unlocking your full potential as a leader.

🎯 Ready to Lead?

Joanna’s journey is an inspiring reminder that leadership is a skill anyone can develop with time, effort, and the right mindset.

👉 Tune in to discover how to navigate the stages of professional growth, from doing to managing to leading, and gain actionable tips to scale your business with confidence!

🎉 Connect with Joanna:

Find out more about Joanna Zhang and The Operations Genius by visiting her website or following her on social media.

Website - https://operationsgenius.net/ 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/theoperationsgenius  

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-zhang-8116b153/ 

Insta - https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneursoulmate/?igsh=MWFhemU0cmdlc2Rudg%3D%3D# 

email - operationsgenius@entrepreneursoulmate.com.com 

💡 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave your feedback! Let us know your biggest takeaways from today’s episode.