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/

What actually makes a founder investable - and why hustle culture may be working against women.In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Di Gillett sits down with Dan Copsey - entrepreneur, investor, and Group CEO, to unpack what investors really assess when backing founders, particularly women.This is not a surface-level conversation about confidence or pitching harder.Dan reveals why honesty beats hype, why performative hustle culture is a red flag, and why many of the most investable female founders are undervaluing what they already bring to the table.From founder-investor dynamics to gender bias in startup rooms, this episode delivers an unfiltered investor lens every ambitious woman in business needs to hear. You’ll hear:Why honesty is the #1 trait investors look forThe biggest red flags investors see in pitchesWhy hustle culture is failing founders - especially womenWhat female founders are doing right but not articulatingHow motherhood, life load and leadership are undervalued assetsWhat makes an investor–founder relationship succeed long-termHow to know when your business is truly ready to scale. 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 Dan Copsey?Dan Copsey is an Australian businessman, entrepreneur and active investor. He advises and consults for numerous founders and executives as well several charity organisations. He is currently Chief Executive Officer for TMSPC Pty Ltd which boasts a portfolio of leading advertising agencies, premium hospitality ventures, and impactful not-for-profit investmentsFind Dan at:Website https://dancopsey.com/media/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancopsey/ 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/

In this powerful and deeply relevant conversation, Di Gillett is joined by Maddy Dychtwald, globally recognised futurist, author, and co-founder of Age Wave - to challenge outdated narratives around aging, retirement, women’s health and relevance.Women are living longer than ever before - yet spending more years in declining health. Maddy unpacks why lifespan is the least useful measure of aging, why healthspan and brainspan matter far more, and how up to 90% of our long-term health outcomes are within our control.This conversation goes well beyond theory. From inflammation, menopause, and Alzheimer’s risk, to workforce ageism, outdated retirement models, and the power of lifestyle choice, this episode is a call to reclaim agency - personally, professionally, and biologically.This is not about anti-aging. It’s about aging with authority, vitality, and intention. We explore:   Why women are winning the longevity lottery, but paying a hidden price   The critical difference between lifespan, healthspan and brainspan   How inflammation accelerates aging - and what actually reduces it   Why women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s   The outdated retirement model that no longer serves women or economies   Ageism as the last socially acceptable bias   Why older women are an untapped workforce advantage   How purpose, attitude, and social connection directly impact longevity   The lifestyle levers that matter most - beyond diet and exercise. 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 Maddy DychtwaldMaddy co-founded Age Wave, a world leader in understanding and addressing the far-reaching impacts of longevity and our aging population. Recognized by Forbes as one of the top fifty female futurists globally, for nearly 40 years, she has been deeply involved in exploring all aspects of the age wave and how it’s fundamentally transforming the marketplace, the workplace/retirement, and our lives. She is the author of four books, including the national bestseller Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan, published in 12 languages, and the award-winning Influence: How Women’s Soaring Economic Power Will Transform Our World for the Better.Find Maddy at:Website https://maddydychtwald.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddydychtwald/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maddydychtwald/ 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 shifted your thinking, share it with a woman you respect. 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/

Own your voice. Build networks that empower. Create a legacy that lasts.The Power Of Women Podcast opens the 2026 season with a defining conversation on influence, voice and legacy.In this season-opening episode, Di Gillett is joined by global brand strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of Powerful Steps, Tory Archbold, a woman who has spent decades shaping brands, influencing culture, and helping women step into their authority with clarity and conviction.This conversation explores the new rules of influence when building your personal brand. What Tory attributes her impact in business to and why elevating your voice and building empowering networks are non-negotiables for women who want to lead with truth.From Tory’s journey building one of Australia’s most influential brand agencies, TORSTAR, to her global work across Australia, the Middle East, and the U.S., this episode is a masterclass in aligned leadership, self-belief, and purposeful visibility.  You’ll hear:The defining moments that shaped Tory Archbold’s leadership journey.What truly drives long-term success in business and brand building.How women can elevate their voice without compromising authenticity.Why visibility, alignment, and self-belief are strategic assets.How to build networks that empower women.The difference between transactional connections and legacy networks.Why women must start owning their influence.What it means to lead with truth, integrity, and intention in 2026. Key learnings:Your voice isn’t optional. It’s your responsibility.Self-belief is not a mindset cliché, it’s a leadership strategy.The right network doesn’t make you smaller, rather it expands you.Legacy leadership is built through alignment, not approval.Women rise faster and stronger when they rise together.  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 Tory Archbold?Tory Archbold is a global brand strategist, women’s leadership expert, and founder of Powerful Steps®, a platform that activates the power, purpose, and voice of high-performing women across Australia, the Middle East, and the U.S. She is the former CEO and founder of TORSTAR, one of Australia’s most influential brand communications agencies, author of Self-Belief is Your Superpower and hosts the top 1.5% ranked podcast Powerful Stories. Find Tory at:Website https://powerful-steps.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tory-archbold-b8542715/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/toryarchboldofficial 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/Filming: Chocolate Studios: https://chocolatestudios.com.auExecutive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/ Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/