Classroom 5.0

Just 11 days before her life-altering stroke, Gillian Coutts and I had shared the stage at The Thriving Workplace event in Sydney. I was captivated by her charisma, profound insights into applied positive psychology, and unwavering dedication to help others unlock their full potential back then, and remain as inspired by her positive force in the world today.

Over the past two years, Gillian has embarked o...

In episode 47 of Classroom 5.0, I sat down with A/Professor Dr. Shohreh Majd, an expert in neuroscience, to explore what’s happening “under the hood” of our neurodivergent brains and bodies. Shohreh shared her insights around the biological basis of our strengths and struggles, and we riffed together on practical strategies that help apply this understanding to help us thrive.

For links to resources discussed on today's episode, se...

In Episode 46 of Classroom 5.0, I'm joined by Jade Warne, founder of the Small Business Growth Club, who shares her journey as an entrepreneur shaped by her Samoan roots and a creative family. We dive into the unique strengths neurodiversity brings to business, the importance of flexibility, a service-driven mindset, and the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT for small business productivity. Highligh...

Ever wondered what separates those with great creative ideas from those who turn them into reality? In this episode of Classroom 5.0, I sit down with Joel Connolly, Creative Director at Blackbird Venture Capital, to explore how creativity shows up in everyday life—and how to move from inspiration to execution. Joel shares insights on the role of personal taste, the discipline required to bring ideas to life, and the biological bene...

Series 5 of Classroom 5.0, NeuroPEAK, is unpacking the stories of the unique strengths and struggles of navigating Neurodiversity in leadership.

My guest today is Mike Knapp, an ex-Google innovator and founder of Shoes of Prey who takes us through his journey of discovering his neurodivergent identity after facing burnout. After years of pushing through periods of ill-health in high-demand environments, Mike discovered...

In this episode of Classroom 5.0, Mariane sits down with Martin Sully, founder of Snapper Studios, to explore how branding can foster inclusivity and connection. We discuss the role of neurodiversity in the marketing industry, with insights into how individuals with ADHD thrive in fast-paced creative environments. Martin also shares practical tips on aligning values with brand strategy and the importance of attention to detail. Joi...

Camille Davey, the founder of Grow Together Now and a lived experience mental health speaker  joins Mariane Power to discuss mental health in the workplace. We explore how leaders can transform their workplaces into safe, inclusive environments, where every voice is valued, and share practical, science backed tips to help you hold hard, but necessary conversations that support mental health, and foster inclusive workplaces. 

In thi...

Diagnosed at birth with Cystic Fibrosis, Bella’s parents were told their daughter would spend a significant portion of her life in hospitals. However, thanks to the fierce dedication she and her family have invested in her health, Bella has managed to change her destiny, and now shares her considered, holistic approach to health and well-being with others.

In this episode, Bella, founder of the Halo Effect...

In Episode 40 of Classroom 5.0, we delve into the impact of human-centered leadership and purpose-driven business with Seth Pathiyil, Head of Hunter Energy Hubs at AGL Energy Ltd. With over three decades of experience across five industries and four countries, Seth shares how his values-aligned approach is transforming AGL’s clean energy initiatives and fostering inclusive impact.

Seth's upbringing in Kerala, India, profoundly infl...

Ever struggled with tough conversations, unsure how to approach them without causing harm? You're not alone. In this week's episode, Mariane Power sits down with Dr. Cree Scott, founder and CEO of Serenity Psy Consulting, to explore the art of navigating hard conversations. With over 20 years in psychology and leadership development, Dr. Scott shares insights on science-backed communication strategies and soul-filled connections th...

Em Gulliver, founder of smart tag solution 'Meggi', takes us behind the scenes of what it's really like to navigate the triple minority threat of being young, female and neurodivergent in today's tech industry. From her early days at IBM to thriving as a sought after software developer and founder, Em has learned first hand how to play to her unique strengths for success.  

In this conversation, we explore: 

• The initiatives a...

Last year, over 1.5 million Australian children  experienced difficulties attending school. That number reflects 39% of families with school aged children. Their lack of attendance is not because they're 'naughty'. Not because they're 'defiant'. And not because of poor parenting. But because they can't.

If we're to design a future of learning that's inclusive of all, this nation wide challenge requires nation wide participation, an...

In this unique, unfiltered episode of Classroom 5.0, podcast host Mariane Power and Will Wheeler, Neurodiversity Consultant at Untapped and co-founder of the Neurodiversity Academy, dive into the challenges and advantages of living and leading with ADHD. 

This episode deviates from our usual podcast format with no edits or post-production—just real, raw dialogue between two neurodivergent minds, offering y...

Where corporate boardrooms were once considered the place for Executives to buckle down and armour up, my guest today, Karen Oldaker, shares what's driving the shifting desire and demand for authentic, vulnerable leadership. 

Karen is a Senior Executive, specialising in driving Societal Change and Social Impact both from an employee health and community lens. With over 2 decades o...

'I think I might be ADHD. What do you suggest I do first?’ This is by far the most common question I'm asked.

And with increased awareness and story sharing by those, like me, receiving a late diagnosis, I'm not surprised.

In fact - I'm thrilled!

This is a topic close to my heart. In sharing both my clinical insights and lived experience, I hope this solo episode helps to bust some myths and misconceptions circulati...

With a balanced look at both mitigating psychological hazards and cultivating peak performance, this episode revisits highlights from guests in this series, and takes a look at research that builds both the wellbeing and business case for investing in identity development and boosting belonging in our communities and workplace cultures. 

Key Takeaways

• 08:17 Safeguarding our psyche at work -  the essentials of psychosocial safe...

Today's shopping malls work hard to grab our attention. But in their attempts to 'delight' our senses with all their bells and whistles, new findings uncovered in research conducted by today's guest, Natalie Phillips-Mason, reveals today's retail giants might be missing the mark. 

It's by no mistake this conversation is timed to reach your ears for Neurodiversity Celebration Week. And if you think inclusive language, customer exper...

Imagine if the key to a sustainable future was already within our grasp, guided by the wisdom of traditional knowledge and the innovative potential of technology. 

Meet Charlotte Connell: surfer, mom, and green warrior. She's optimistic we can turn our eco-dreams into reality and shares inspiring insights on how to make it happen. 

Charlotte's journey includes kickstarting The Sustainability Collective and leading role...

In today's rapidly evolving world, our agility and capacity to change contributes to a multitide of success outcomes, including our ability to deliver impact. Enter Sharon Connolly, a change management expert loved by leaders around the globe for her innovative approach to communications and change training that looks as beautiful as it is effective.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, teacher, head of communications and marketing or a...