When you're running a business, clear and strategic legal advice isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

In this episode, Lyn Hawkins, National Director of Business Women Australia chats with Shelley Davies, a Director at Vitalis Legal, who knows how to keep growing businesses legally sharp. Shelley isn’t just about fixing problems — she’s about preventing them. Her work in contract drafting, legal risk audits, and negotiations helps clients be prepared and de-risk their business.

Think lawyers are only for when things go wrong? Think again.

Hear how to change the way you do business – for good. Before you make that next big decision or sign that contract, tune in to this powerful episode with Shelley Davies of Vitalis Legal. It could save you time, money — and major headaches.

What if your lawyer was your most valuable business partner — not just your safety net?

Shelley debunks the myths about working with lawyers and explore how legal support can be a game-changer for WA-based businesses.

Why Business Owners and Managers Should Listen to this Powerful Conversation.

1. Get proactive about legal risk (and sleep better at night)

2. Learn when and why to engage legal support (before a problem strikes)

3. Discover how a lawyer can help grow your business, not just protect it

4. Understand Vitalis Legal’s unique client-centric approach

5. Understand red flags that signal legal risk - subtle cues in agreements that could lead to disputes, liability, or operational headaches down the track.

6. Hear about the Vitalis Legal risk audits - an X-ray for your operations, providing a comprehensive view of where your contracts, compliance, and processes may be vulnerable—so you can take action before the break happens.

7. Be inspired by the right legal partnership that fuels business growth.

   A legal legal advisor like Shelley Davies does more than protect you—they offer strategic insight that aligns with your vision, helping you scale with confidence and clarity.

If you’re a business leader who values long-term relationships and a legal partner who doesn’t just show up in a crisis, don’t wait for things to go wrong. Tune in, take charge, and build a legal foundation that supports both your business goals and your wellbeing.

About Shelley Davies

With a sharp eye for practical, cost-effective legal solutions, Shelley Davies works closely with private businesses across industries — including mining services, transport, corporate, and retail — to draft clear agreements, recover debts, and resolve disputes before they escalate.

With a background in psychology, Shelley brings a unique edge to legal problem-solving. She navigates high-stakes negotiations and regulatory hurdles with empathy and strategy, helping clients overcome legal roadblocks to growth. Shelley’s approach is commercial, collaborative, and always focused on outcomes that make sense — both legally and commercially.

About Lyn Hawkins

Lyn Hawkins is the Founder and Director of Business Women Australia (BWA), which is fast becoming one of the most influential groups for Australian women in business. Lyn is also the Founding Director of Hawkins Marketing, a business strategy consultancy practice established in 2015 advising law and accounting firms, engineering, medical and SME’s. With a career spanning over 25 years in entrepreneurship, marketing and business growth, she has held senior executive roles with KPMG, Telstra, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Diverse IT in addition to her own business ventures in multi-media and education.

In today’s episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show, Connector Member of BWA, Karina Seng chats with Alicia Lansdown to unpack how finance, accounting, and professional services firms can break free from boring, jargon-heavy branding and start building real trust through authentic, human-centred marketing.

Alicia shares how even the most compliance-driven firms can develop a professional yet approachable voice, and why authenticity and consistency are the keys to earning attention and loyalty in a crowded market.

We explore real-world examples, video case study strategies, and research-backed insights on how to create engaging content that resonates — especially on platforms like LinkedIn and firm websites.

If your firm is looking to connect with modern clients, stand out from the crowd, and turn credibility into connection — this conversation is a must.

Tune in and learn how to shift from sounding like a policy document to becoming a trusted, approachable expert.

ABOUT ALICIA LANSDOWN

Alicia Lansdown is a marketing strategist, video producer, and brand storyteller with over 11 years of experience in driving impactful marketing strategies and 18+ years of expertise in video production and photography. She partners with financial services, fintech, and professional firms to create strategic visual content that builds trust, credibility, and connection in increasingly competitive markets.

At the heart of her work is one core belief: people connect with people. Through human-centred storytelling and consistent brand messaging, Alicia brings a strategic mindset and creative vision to help compliance-driven and traditionally conservative brands humanise their messaging through video, storytelling, and high-impact visual content. Her work helps businesses attract clients, increase engagement, and turn thought leadership into real-world results.

ABOUT KARINA SENG

Karina Seng is a dynamic project leader and community builder who brings big ideas to life and drives outcomes that matter. With a track record of launching impactful initiatives—including a national employee-led Community Meetups program and major digital transformations—Karina combines strategic thinking with a human-centred approach to leadership.

Recognised as a Women in Finance Innovator of the Year finalist, she’s passionate about creating spaces where people thrive and collaboration fuels results. As the founder of Work Besties, Karina helps professionals grow through genuine connection, career insights, and leadership conversations.

Karina believes leadership is about action, impact, and empowering others to rise.

ABOUT BUSINESS WOMEN AUSTRALIA:

BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;

1. Business owners and entrepreneurs

2. Executives and managers

3. Professionals

4. Women on boards

5. Emerging leaders

6. Women who desire growth and high level connections

Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;

1. Leadership

2. Business Improvement

3. Personal & Professional Growth

4. Connections & Friendship

Join Today as a Member.

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, change is inevitable—but how leaders manage that change makes all the difference. In this episode, Lyn Hawkins, Founder of Business Women Australia is joined by Tracy Cooper, an experienced Change Specialist. They will explore the strategies, challenges, and opportunities that come with leading transformation in purpose-driven organisations.

From understanding self-awareness and the people side of change to applying the Prosci Change Management methodology, Tracy shares practical insights for CEOs, Managing Directors, and Business Managers navigating transitions.

We’ll dive into the best practices, methods and metrics that enable success in change initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

1. What effective change management looks like in mission-driven organisations

2. Strategies for leaders to engage employees and foster a change-ready culture

3. Common challenges and how to overcome them

4. Future trends in change management and how leaders can prepare

Whether you’re leading a large-scale transformation or keen to strengthen your leadership skills in this time of rapid change, this episode is packed with real-world insights and actionable advice.

Tune in and discover how to lead change with confidence and purpose!

ABOUT TRACY COOPER

Tracy Cooper is a Leader in Business Women Australia, a Managing Director, Leadership Coach and Change Specialist. As a coach, facilitator and change management consultant, Tracy combines theory and a proven practical approach to support leaders and teams to enhance their performance and lead transformation in their organisations. Tracy has been helping navigate change successfully for over 25 years drawing on her leadership and change management frameworks, and expertise in the Prosci Change Management methodology. She is sought by private enterprise, early learning, aged care, agribusiness, and the broader not- for -profit sectors. Tracy firmly believes change happens best and lasts longest when it’s a choice and not forced. It’s all about helping people to genuinely choose change and in doing so, unlock their full potential, individually and collectively.

About LYN HAWKINS

Lyn Hawkins is the Founder and Director of Business Women Australia (BWA), which is fast becoming one of the most influential groups for Australian women in business. Lyn is also the Founding Director of Hawkins Marketing, a business strategy consultancy practice established in 2015 advising law and accounting firms, engineering, medical and SME’s. With a career spanning over 25 years in entrepreneurship, marketing and business growth, she has held senior executive roles with KPMG, Telstra, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Diverse IT in addition to her own business ventures in multi-media and education. Lyn is also a Director of Private Wealth Network in Western Australia and South Australia, a membership-based organisation with UHNW individuals, family groups and Family Offices. Lyn has a Bachelor of Commerce (UWA) with honours in strategic management and marketing, has taught at University level, and numerous Non-Executive board roles in the Private and NFP sectors. She is an experienced Leadership Coach, has a Diploma (and Cert IV) in Coaching and Mentoring, and has mentored students at UWA for over a decade.

About Business Women Australia

BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;

1. business owners and entrepreneurs

2. executives and managers

3. professionals

4. women on boards

5. emerging leaders

6. women who desire growth and high level connections

Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;

1. Leadership

2. Business Improvement

3. Personal and Professional Growth

4. Connections and Friendship

Join as a member today via https://businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership/

In an ever-changing world, resilience and forward-thinking are key to long-term business success. In this episode, we explore the intersection of business endurance, future planning, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) with the innovative mind behind Value Creators - Maree Gooch.

Based in Western Australia, Value Creators is a dynamic development organisation helping entrepreneurs, founders, and industry leaders think beyond the present and prepare for the future through strategic planning. Whether it’s an early-stage idea, a start-up, or an established enterprise, their expertise in business growth, research, and consultation helps drive commercial success with sound decision-making.

Tune into this episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show and be inspired.

1. Hear why business resilience requires a balance between acting now and planning ahead.

2. We lift the lid on ESG as the catalyst for long-term strategic thinking.

3. Understand the power of scenario planning in adapting to future challenges.

4. Explore the role of mentorship, innovation, and industry collaboration in sustainable growth.

With deep experience across a wide variety of business sectors, including supporting organisations involved in finance, hospitality and tourism, indigenous business planning, agri-business, transport and aviation, these industry experts share insights into how businesses can confidently launch into new horizons with governance, strategy, compliance, and commercial resilience in mind.

Tune in to learn how you can build a resilient business, embrace ESG as a strategic tool, and stay ahead in a world of constant change.

About Maree Gooch:

Maree creates value wherever she goes. She is a pragmatic and practical business advisor who can analyse and explain complicated business concepts, yet she possesses a special gift of developing practical and implementable programs to achieve results and desired outcomes – to make things happen.

Maree is highly regarded for her practical yet innovative approach. Maree has expert knowledge of what is needed to drive businesses development combined with the ability to connect BD with Marketing. She has the skills necessary to help both teams and individuals to develop clear goals and to develop action plans to meet those goals and at the same time manages to establish a strong rapport across every level of an organisation.

Maree’s experience and knowledge comes from holding numerous key managerial portfolios including Company Director, Project Manager, Strategy and Marketing Manager and various expert consultancy roles across a range of projects including business, tourism, finance, agriculture, telecommunications, government and exporting.

About Lyn Hawkins:

Lyn is the Founding Director of Business Women Australia and a management consultant with a focus on business growth, marketing and cultural transformation. She has held senior roles with KPMG, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Telstra, in addition to General Management roles with technology-based businesses. As a Principal of a successful consulting practice Lyn works predominantly with professional services firms and executive teams developing and implementing business development strategies. Lyn is also the WA Director of Private Wealth Network and has mentored undergrad students at UWA for 10 years. Lyn has experience with both NFP and private boards.

About Business Women Australia

BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;

· business owners and entrepreneurs

· executives and managers

· professionals

· women on boards

· emerging leaders

· women who desire growth and high level connections

Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;

· Leadership

· Business Improvement

· Personal and Professional Growth

· Connections and Friendship

Join as a member today via https://businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership/

In this thought-provoking episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show, Lyn Hawkins chats with Jessica Schubert, leadership expert and global executive coach, to unpack a controversial question—Is the idea of "high-performing teams" setting us up for unrealistic expectations?

We’ve all heard the term, but what does it actually mean in today’s workplace? Is it a genuine benchmark for success, or is it a buzzword that merely describes teams that hit KPI’s and achieve targets? Do High-Performing Teams actually exist or is it ‘fake news’?

Jessica believes that there has to be more to High-Performing Teams. When all KPI’s are met, what’s the team potential that’s left on the table?

Lyn and Jessica explore:

1. What is a High-Performing Team and how do you measure it?

2. How important is TEAM DESIGN? How do you create the Who, What, Why?

3. Realising a team’s true potential. How can a team work on the HOW?

If you want to really build a high-performing team and go beyond the known norms, this podcast is for you.

🔊 Tune in to challenge the status quo and rethink what success in teams truly looks like!

About Jessica Schubert

Jessica is Head of Leadership Development for Business Women Australia and Founder of Intact Teams, a leadership practice focused on organisational cultural transformation. Jessica has a corporate background, predominantly in the commercial real estate and education industries and has led cross-cultural teams in Europe and Asia for the last 25 years before becoming a professional coach in 2013. She helps organisations create workplace cultures where people are happy AND productive and focuses on human behaviour and leadership to transform cultures. She is also the Authorised Partner for DISC Flow Australia.

About Lyn Hawkins:

Lyn is the Founder and National Director of Business Women Australia and a management consultant and leadership coach. She is known for her practical focus on achieving growth and transformation. Lyn advises some of Australia’s most successful professional firms and business leadership teams. She is also the WA Director of the Private Wealth Network and mentors Commerce students at UWA. Lyn has held senior roles with KPMG, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Telstra, in addition to General Management roles with technology-based businesses.

About Business Women Australia

BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;

• business owners and entrepreneurs

• executives and managers

• professionals

• women on boards

• emerging leaders

• women who desire growth and high level connections

Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;

• Leadership

• Business Improvement

• Personal and Professional Growth

• Connections and Friendship

Join as a member today via https://businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership/

Join Lyn Hawkins and Jo Robyn for a powerful conversation on this remarkable episode of The Business Women Australia Podcast Show.

Tune in as be inspired as Lyn and Jo dive into the intersection of leadership, strategy, and growth in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Hear Jo’s proven approach to grow innovative ideas into scalable success, and hear the essential elements of building resilient strategies and teams.

From navigating change in fast-paced tech ventures to finding balance while managing high-demand careers, Jo shares her expert insights drawn from experiences with tech giants like Atlassian, Afterpay, and Brighte. Hear how Jo is shaping an exciting career as an outsourced Operating Partner supporting businesses through transformation.

Tune in for practical advice on everything from adapting business plans to building sustainable growth strategies, all while maintaining personal pursuits of passion and balance.

This is one conversation you won’t want to miss!

ABOUT JO ROBYN

Jo Robyn is an Operator in Residence partnering with high growth companies. She guides the development of innovative business strategy, effective operations, team growth and management, funding, investor relations, and community engagement. With over 10 years of experience in scaling tech organizations like Atlassian, Afterpay, and Brighte, Jo has a proven track record in PMO, strategy & operations, and change management. Her deep insights into the world of venture capital was developed in her role as Chief of Staff and Operations Partner at Black Nova. Jo is also a startup coach and mentor for organizations such as Blackbird Giants and Techstars. Passionate about building businesses from the ground up, Jo is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential. When she’s not working, you can find her teaching pilates, exploring Australia’s landscapes, or diving into productivity hacks.

ABOUT OUR FOUNDING DIRECTOR LYN HAWKINS:

Lyn is the Founder and National Director of Business Women Australia and a management consultant and leadership coach. She is known for her practical focus on achieving growth and transformation. Lyn advises some of Australia’s most successful professional firms and business leadership teams. She is also the WA Director of the Private Wealth Network and mentors Commerce students at UWA. Lyn has held senior roles with KPMG, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Telstra, in addition to General Management roles with technology-based businesses.

About Business Women Australia

BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;

• business owners and entrepreneurs

• executives and managers

• professionals

• women on boards

• emerging leaders

• women who desire growth and high level connections

Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;

• Leadership

• Business Improvement

• Personal and Professional Growth

• Connections and Friendship

Join as a member today via https://businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership/

BWA Podcast Show: Purpose Driven Leadership

In this episode, we explore the BWA Leadership Retreat, happening August 7-10, 2025, in Ubud, Bali at the beautiful Blue Karma Retreat.

This unique Retreat has been co-designed by two experienced professionals, National Director of BWA Lyn Hawkins together with Vida Carlino a leader in leadership and personal development. The innovative program has a focus on building self-awareness, work-life wellness and the deep understanding of others, as the basic foundations for transformative leadership.

Unlike typical retreats, this immersive experience combines deep personal growth with actionable leadership strategies, all set in a rejuvenating environment.

Designed for women leaders, entrepreneurs and executives, this retreat is perfect for those seeking clarity, connection, leadership development and energetic renewal.

Listen to this exciting episode and discover how this unique opportunity can spark new levels of self-awareness, meaningful engagement with some of Australia’s most influential women, and practical professional skills you can apply in every sphere of your life.

Interested in the Retreat? You will find more details and the Registration forms at BWA Leadership Retreat or book a meeting with Lyn or Vida. Spaces are limited so be quick to secure your place.

About VIDA CARLINO

Vida is a Published Author, Speaker and Leader in conscious evolution, inspirational mindfulness and authentic accountability. She is a social entrepreneur, founder of Inspiration Source, owner of the Inspiration Space and author of MY POWER STATEMENT. Vida strives to inspire everyone to live a more enriched, fulfilling and conscious life. Since the age of 24, Vida has been in business for herself, and successfully owned and operated multiple businesses. As an experienced and wise facilitator Vida deliberately creates micro moments of impact to inspire a willingness to express the trust that allows real conversation to unfold regardless of discomfort, challenge or viewpoint.

ABOUT LYN HAWKINS

Lyn Hawkins is the Founder and Director of Business Women Australia (BWA), which is fast becoming one of the most influential groups for Australian women in business. Lyn is also the Founding Director of Hawkins Marketing, a business strategy consultancy practice established in 2015 advising law and accounting firms, engineering, medical and SME’s. With a career spanning over 25 years in entrepreneurship, marketing and business growth, she has held senior executive roles with KPMG, Telstra, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Diverse IT in addition to her own business ventures in multi-media and education. Lyn is also a Director of Private Wealth Network in Western Australia and South Australia, a membership-based organisation with UHNW individuals, family groups and Family Offices. Lyn has a Bachelor of Commerce (UWA) with honours in strategic management and marketing, has taught at University level, and numerous Non-Executive board roles in the Private and NFP sectors. She is an experienced Leadership Coach, has a Diploma (and Cert IV) in Coaching and Mentoring, and has mentored students at UWA for over a decade.

About Business Women Australia

BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;

• business owners and entrepreneurs

• executives and managers

• professionals

• women on boards

• emerging leaders

• women who desire growth and high level connections

Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;

• Leadership

• Business Improvement

• Personal and Professional Growth

• Connections and Friendship

Join as a member today via https://businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership/