Power Of Women podcast

What if financial abuse isn’t a hidden issue, but a structural one?This episode includes discussion of domestic and family violence. On the Power Of Women Podcast, Di Gillett sits down with Catherine Fitzpatrick - former bank executive turned social entrepreneur and Founder of Flequity Ventures, to understand how financial systems can be weaponised and what it truly means to design safety into products, services and policy.With more than two decades across banking, government, ASX-listed companies and regulation, Catherine has led national reforms that are reshaping how institutions respond to - and prevent - financial abuse.This is not theory.This is reform grounded in evidence and lived experience and we all need to hear it.In this conversation, we explore:Why financial abuse is often the central mechanism of coercive controlHow everyday products: bank accounts, insurance, utilities, can be misusedThe chilling rise of abusive micro-transactions and digital monitoringWhat “safety by design” looks like inside major institutionsWhy over 60 organisations have now adopted financial abuse terms into their fine printThe role men can and must play in disrupting abuseThe financial questions every woman should be able to answer without hesitationCatherine also shares practical steps individuals can take immediately to safeguard themselves: from checking your credit file to understanding joint liability and insurance clauses. New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week. Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations. 🎧 Watch and subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/  Who is Catherine Fitzpatrick?:Catherine Fitzpatrick is an Australian social entrepreneur and former bank executive focused on preventing financial abuse. As Founder and CEO of Flequity Ventures, she works with banks, insurers and regulators to design safer financial systems and close the loopholes that enable coercive control. Catherine is an Adjunct Associate Professor at UNSW and a leading advocate for safety by design in financial services. Find Catherine at:Websites https://flequity.au/ https://catherinefitzpatrick.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-fitzpatrick-designedtodisrupt/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/catherinefitzpatrick.official/ Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/ Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/ Support [Australia]:• If you or someone you know is affected by domestic and family violence, contact 1800RESPECT, the national service for free and confidential counselling, information and support. Call 1800 737 732 or chat online 24/7 at www.1800respect.org.au• If you or someone you know is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person in need of a culturally safe support line, you can call 13YARN (13 92 76)• In an emergency, or if you are not feeling safe, always call the police on 000 💫 If this conversation resonated please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated. Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive. Credits:Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen – https://vinilo.com.au/Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/ Disclaimer:  https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

In this episode of the Power of Women podcast, Di Gillett interviews Kellie Sloane, the leader of the Liberal Party of New South Wales. The conversation is centred around the evolving role of women in politics. Kellie with her optimistic outlook, embodies the spirit of resilience and strength that many women bring to the political arena. Their conversation delves into the reasons behind this shift, emphasising the growing expectation for accountability and higher standards from leaders. With a significant representation of women and younger voices in her team, Kellie believes that the political landscape is shifting towards a more inclusive and balanced environment. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact women are having in politics today. We explore:Why community must come first.Leadership lessons from crisis.Why voters value empathetic leadership.Why Kellie believes that kindness is a strength in leadership.The importance of bipartisan cooperation.How diversity in politics brings different perspectives to public policy.Why integrity is non-negotiable. New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week. Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.🎧 Watch and subscribe to: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/ Who is Kellie Sloane MP?Kellie Sloane is the Leader of the NSW Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition in New South Wales. Elected as the Member for Vaucluse in 2023, she brings more than two decades of experience in journalism and public leadership to politics.Before entering Parliament, Kellie served as CEO of Life Education Australia and built a distinguished media career, including senior roles at the Nine Network and other major Australian broadcasters. Find Kellie Sloane MP at:Website https://kelliesloane.com.au/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-sloane/Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/kelliesloanemp/?hl=en Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/ 💫 If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive. Credits:Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen – https://vinilo.com.au/Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/ Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/ 

What if shame was never yours to carry?In this deeply confronting and profoundly important conversation, Di Gillett sits down with Dr Martina Zangger - survivor, psychotherapist, academic and author of Not My Shame - to examine the mechanics of abuse, the burden of misplaced shame and the long road to healing.Growing up in Basel, Switzerland, Martina’s childhood appeared privileged and safe. Behind closed doors, it was neither. Abuse by powerful, respected men in her family shaped decades of silence, self-blame and trauma, before she eventually disclosed at 27.We also hear about Martina’s extraordinary experience having spent a decade in the infamous Rajneesh cult in the United States.Martina’s belief is simple and radical:“Shame must change sides.”This episode includes discussion of domestic and family violence.  We explore:Why shame attaches to survivors, not perpetrators.The psychology of power, control and narcissistic abuse.Why disclosure takes an average of 25 years.The healing journey and why we cannot heal in isolation.Martina’s extraordinary time inside the Rajneesh cult in the United States.The moment that finally woke her up. New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week. Subscribe for more conversations that reframe power, voice and lived experience.🎧 Watch and subscribe to: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/ Who is Dr Martina Zangger?Dr Martina Zangger is a psychotherapist, academic and author specialising in trauma and sexual abuse recovery. Originally from Switzerland and now based in Australia, she has worked for nearly three decades supporting victim-survivors through healing and disclosure. Her PhD focused on sexual assault and the legal system, and her memoir Not My Shame explores her lived experience of childhood abuse and her journey to reclaim power by shifting shame back to where it belongs. Find Martina at:Website https://martinazangger.com.au/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-martina-zangger-9b29874a/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/martinazangger/ Resources [Australia] : Free Services for victim-survivors:https://victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au (22 free counselling sessions for victims of crime NSW)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (free DV and SA counselling 24 hours)https://www.thesurvivorhub.org.au (free monthly peer support group)https://bravehearts.org.au (Bravehearts: Free counselling for victims of CSA) Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/ 💫 If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive. Credits:Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen – https://vinilo.com.au/Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/ Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

What does it take to remain fully employed in one of the most judgment-driven industries in the world - four decades in?In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Di Gillett sits down with Kate Bell, a 40-year full-time professional model who is still working, still evolving, and still landing fashion, beauty and lifestyle campaigns at 57.Kate speaks candidly about ageism in the modelling industry, why rejection stopped being personal early in her career, and how self-kindness, creativity and discipline became essential tools for longevity. From walking away from a fast life in New York to walking the international runway in her mid-50s, Kate reframes reinvention as an ongoing practice - not a reinvention “moment.”This is a grounded conversation about identity, resilience, women’s self-perception, and what becomes possible when we have the self-belief to back ourselves. We explore:Why modelling is a career of constant rejection and how not to personalise itHow Kate stayed mentally and physically resilient across decadesThe truth about ageing in fashion and visibilityWhy professionalism and confidence matter New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week. Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.🎧 Watch and subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/ Who is Kate BellKate Bell is a 40-year full-time professional model who continues to work, evolve, and lead in the fashion industry at 57. Alongside modelling, Kate is a long-time yoga practitioner and writer, using creativity and embodiment as anchors through change. She says, ‘Yoga is now so embedded in my life, it’s second nature - my life is yoga.” Kate actively shapes her own narrative through social media, demonstrating that relevance is not granted by age or industry norms - it is authored. Find Kate Bell at:Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/i_am_katebell/Substack https://katebell.substack.com/?r=vl8lb&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn64pbkZE-s9uwUSetIa6JvlFQgH1zXycTZNUvbFT0wq_Y8VirwV4vpmKIZAU_aem_vjgIJmSrXCBU5tGgeYRE_g Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/ 💫 If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive. Credits:Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen – https://vinilo.com.au/Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/ Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

What happens when women stop backing their doubts - and start backing themselves?In this powerful, deeply personal episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Di Gillett sits down with global leadership advisor, bestselling author, and courage expert Margie Warrell for one of the most candid conversations of the season.From growing up on a remote dairy farm in rural Victoria to building a global career, Margie shares the lived experiences that shaped her understanding of courage, self-doubt, and resilience. Together, Di and Margie reveal why confidence is not a prerequisite for action, how adversity can become a source of strength, and why the bravest decision women can make is choosing how they respond to life’s hardest moments.This is a conversation about agency, self-belief and resilience. Key takeaways::➺ It's the chances we don't take that we regret the most.➺ Backing ourselves is crucial to overcoming self-doubt.➺ Financial independence is foundational to female agency.➺ Adversity doesn’t define you - how you respond does.➺ We are not our struggles or doubts; we are more than that. New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week. Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations. 🎧 Watch and subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/  Who is Margie Warrell?Dr. Margie Warrell is a globally recognised expert in leadership and human behaviour, renowned for her ability to help leaders and organizations unlock untapped potential by countering the underlying dynamics that inhibit bold thinking, decisive action, and transformative growth.Growing up in rural Australia instilled in Margie a deep understanding of resilience and the courage required to navigate uncertainty. Over the past three decades, she has lived and worked across five continents, gaining a globally grounded perspective on overcoming the forces that stifle innovation and limit performance in individuals and organisations alike. Find Margie at:Website https://margiewarrell.comLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/margiewarrell/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/margiewarrell Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/ Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/ 💫 If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive. Credits:Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen – https://vinilo.com.au/Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/ Disclaimer:  https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical - it is actively reshaping careers, leadership, and relevance.In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Di Gillett is joined by Kelly Slessor, one of Australia’s most respected AI strategists, digital innovators, and retail technology leaders, for a deeply human conversation about what AI really means for women, work and leadership.Kelly was building AI personalisation platforms years before ChatGPT entered the mainstream. Today, she works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, emotional intelligence, and human systems, advising businesses, educating leaders, and advocating for responsible, human-centred technology.This episode moves beyond surface-level AI commentary to ask harder, more consequential questions:Who becomes more powerful in an AI-enabled world?Why fear is the wrong response - and education is the only viable oneWhy women are underrepresented in AI leadership, yet uniquely positioned to shape its futureHow fostering children has profoundly shaped Kelly’s leadership philosophy, empathy and perspectiveWhy “balance” is a myth - and what actually sustains women operating at paceThis is not a conversation about keeping up.It’s a conversation about agency, authorship and relevance, in a world that is moving faster than most organisations are willing to admit. You’ll hear:Why AI will augment people, not replace themThe real risk for leaders who delay AI educationHow repetitive work will disappear and what replaces itWhy emotional intelligence is the missing ingredient in AI developmentHow women can leapfrog professionally by engaging with AI nowThe leadership lessons Kelly learned through foster careWhy safety, belonging, and trust matter in teams and in technology New podcast episodes drop every Monday to power your week. Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.🎧 Watch and subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts.✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590✔ Follow on the website: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast/ Who is Kelly SlessorKelly Slessor is an Australian AI strategist and founder of TribeGen AI, advising leaders on human-centred AI adoption. With 20+ years in digital and ecommerce, she translates complex technology into decisive, practical action. Find Kelly at:Websites:https://theecommercetribe.com/https://tribegenai.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyslessor/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theecommercetribe/ Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/ 💫 If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive. Credits:Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen – https://vinilo.com.au/Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/ Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/