Success x Happiness

Andrea Levinson spent 25 years helping businesses and leaders perform at the highest level, before realising the version of success she had chased no longer aligned with who she truly was. From climbing the corporate ladder as an organisational psychologist to redefining her relationship with ambition, burnout, identity, and fulfillment, Andrea’s story is a powerful reminder that achievement without alignment eventually catches up with us. - Get in touch with Andrea Levinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealevinson/ - Andrea’s Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “Joyful bigness. Getting to experience lots of joy and positive emotion while doing things I feel called to do.” What does happiness mean to you? “Beautiful coffee, sitting outside staring at the sky, snuggling my daughter, and listening to the ocean.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “Walking along the beach, coffee, school drop-off, then mindfulness and breathing exercises before work.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “If you don’t love your work, find a way to enjoy something about it and move toward a better version of work for you.” Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show? “Julie Fedeli and Sandra.” - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:41) – Chapter 1 | Redefining Success & Identity (00:20:26) – Chapter 2 | Burnout, Hustle Culture & The Cost of Achievement (00:45:22) - Quick Fire Questions (00:49:12) - Outro - #podcast #leadership #burnout

Chris Harris is back to break down the 2026 federal budget and what it actually means for everyday Australians. From property investing and negative gearing to CGT, inflation, interest rates and discretionary trusts, Chris unpacks the real-world impact behind the headlines. - Get in touch with Chris Harris https://www.ords.com.au/adviser/chris-harris - Chris’ Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “To be able to make decisions and do things that I really want to do.” What does happiness mean to you? “Sitting on the bar and riding around the property, seeing the birds fly through the valley, catching up with friends and enjoying simple things.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “I try to get up, go to the gym, do a quick workout, then get home or prepare for the radio for ABC, whether that’s at home or at the office.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “Keep your hands in your pockets for five minutes. Watch this carefully, because there are lots of moving parts.” Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show? “Matt Shrewd, the former CEO of Youi, or one of the guys I play golf with on a Saturday morning.” - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction (00:00:48) – Chapter 1 | The Budget, Inflation & Australia’s Economic Position (00:17:55) – Chapter 2 | Property, Negative Gearing & Capital Gains Tax (00:34:15) – Chapter 3 | Discretionary Trusts, Tax Changes & Investor Uncertainty (00:44:01) - Quick Fire Questions (00:47:36) - Outro - #Podcast #FederalBudget #Economy #PropertyInvesting #NegativeGearing #CapitalGainsTax #Inflation #InterestRates

Sam Coward’s life was shaped by chasing attention—until a single moment with his daughter completely changed his purpose. From theatre stages to becoming one of the Sunshine Coast’s most recognisable radio voices, Sam’s journey is filled with raw lessons on identity, authenticity, and redefining success. - Get in touch with Sam Coward https://www.instagram.com/samcowardxs/ - Sam’s Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “Finding your niche and excelling in it.” What does happiness mean to you? “Having fun in every opportunity and making someone smile.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “Up at 3:15am, straight into prep for radio, reading multiple news sources and building the show.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “Be true.” Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show? “Ash, or Min Swan.” - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction (00:00:43) – Chapter 1 | Childhood, Theatre & Chasing Attention (00:33:53) – Chapter 2 | The Moment That Changed Everything (00:42:24) – Chapter 3 | Radio, Authenticity & Real Connection (00:53:12) - Quick Fire Questions (01:02:50) - Outro - #podcast #storytelling #radio #purpose

From building a dessert empire to losing it all, Adriano Zumbo’s story is a masterclass in resilience. Adriano shares the highs of rapid success and the brutal lessons of losing everything. In this episode, we revisit one of our most powerful early conversations with Adriano Zumbo, exploring his journey from humble beginnings to national fame, the collapse of his business empire, and how he’s rebuilding his life and craft today. - Get in touch with Adriano Zumbo https://adrianozumbo.com - Adriano’s Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “I’ve achieved a lot, but I haven’t yet succeeded in what I truly want to achieve.” What does happiness mean to you? “Doing what you love and finding small things—like a bubble tea—that genuinely make you happy.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “Early starts, getting into the kitchen, and focusing on creating again.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “Set small goals and don’t chase someone else’s version of success.” Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show? “Kit Harington (Jon Snow) from Game of Thrones.” - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction (00:03:41) – Chapter 1 | From small-town NSW to finding creativity in baking (00:16:32) – Chapter 2 | Building a dessert empire and MasterChef fame (00:31:15) – Chapter 3 | Losing it all, burnout, and rebuilding life (01:22:50) - Quick Fire Questions (01:27:36) - Outro #podcast #entrepreneurship #resilience

She went from growing up in a blended family of 19 to leading a family law division - Alicia Lucas brings both lived experience and legal expertise to some of life’s hardest conversations. Her journey into law and family law reveals a deep understanding of relationships, conflict, and what truly helps people move forward. This episode is a masterclass in communication, separation, and building stronger relationships. - Get in touch with Alicia Lucas - www.thompsonlegal.com.au - Alicia Lucas’s Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “Constantly being a better version of who I was yesterday and improving on myself.” What does happiness mean to you? “Family.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “Normally horrific—up early, getting the kids ready, making lunches, and getting everyone out the door.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “We have to do the hard stuff—have the hard conversations.” Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show? “Leah—her story is phenomenal.” - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction (00:00:41) – Chapter 1 | Alicia’s upbringing & journey into law (00:13:43) – Chapter 2 | Relationships, communication & separation insights (00:40:10) - Quick Fire Questions (00:42:46) - Outro - #podcast #familylaw #relationships

Rich Burrows is redefining how we understand performance under pressure. From coaching elite athletes to building Resistance Lab, Rich’s journey is all about mastering your internal state to perform when it matters most. You’ll learn how to regulate your nervous system, build resilience through daily practice, and develop the ability to perform on command. - Get in touch with Rich Burrows - https://resistancelab.com - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction (00:00:47) – Chapter 1 | Mastering Your Internal State Under Pressure (00:11:45) – Chapter 2 | Measuring Performance: HRV, Energy & Data (00:28:32) – Chapter 3 | Breathwork & Real-Time Nervous System Control (00:39:31) - Outro - #podcast #resilience #breathwork

Ava Black is one of the most exciting young athletes in Australian netball, but her journey to the Suncorp Super Netball league came with years of sacrifice, relentless grind, and a devastating ACL injury just as momentum was building. From growing up on a farm near Toowoomba to chasing a professional dream, Ava’s story is a powerful lesson in resilience, identity beyond sport, and the unseen work behind elite performance. In this episode, Ava shares the reality of chasing professional sport at a young age. The sacrifices, the pressure, the grind of being a training partner, and the emotional rollercoaster of suffering a season-ending ACL injury. She opens up about rebuilding her mindset, finding purpose beyond the court, and how adversity helped her grow both as an athlete and a person. You’ll learn how to build resilience through setbacks, why identity outside your career matters, and what it really takes to succeed in elite sport. - Ava’s Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “Success is reflection on the balance in my life. It’s not just netball or achievements — it’s who I am outside of sport and having multiple passions.” What does happiness mean to you? “Having a really strong group of people around you who support you and celebrate your success as if it’s their own.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “Usually a 6am wake up, coffee first, then something active — training, gym, or coaching before heading into the day.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “Think about where you want to be in five years and hold yourself accountable to that vision.” Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show? “Ash Ervin — she has an incredible story and passion outside of netball as well.” - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction (00:00:48) – Chapter 1 | Growing Up on a Farm & Chasing the Netball Dream (00:18:52) – Chapter 2 | Breaking Into Professional Netball (00:39:20) – Chapter 3 | ACL Injury, Identity & Building Resilience (00:50:26) - Quick Fire Questions (00:54:29) - Outro - #podcast #netball #womenssport

The future of work is neurodiverse, and most leaders aren’t ready for it. Vicky Little’s story is one of lived experience, late diagnosis, and a career dedicated to transforming workplaces from the inside out. As a nationally recognised neuroinclusion specialist who has partnered with over 500 organisations, Vicky combines personal insight with two decades of frontline expertise to challenge outdated systems and build psychologically safe, inclusive environments. In this episode, we unpack neurodivergence, late ADHD diagnosis, masking, burnout, workplace barriers, and how leaders can shift from assumption to empathy. We explore the rise in diagnosis, the Gen Z conversation, the realities of autism and ADHD in professional environments, and why universal design is the future of work. You’ll learn how to create psychologically safe teams, support neurodivergent employees without labels or assumptions, rethink recruitment and performance processes, and lead in a way that benefits everyone — not just a few. Get in touch with Vicky Little – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-little-1856278/?originalSubdomain=au Vicky’s Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “Being authentic, doing meaningful work, and creating positive change — while celebrating the micro moments and small wins along the way.” What does happiness mean to you? “Finding joy in the micro moments — family, connection, sunshine, the ocean, music, and gratitude for the everyday.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “It varies. With young kids it can be chaotic. Coffee is essential. I don’t follow the stereotypical ‘perfect morning’ routine — I’ve learned to work with my natural rhythm.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “Be a good human. Be kind, authentic, empathetic — and don’t make assumptions.” Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show? “Suzanne Colbert — founder of the Australian Disability Network and a pioneer in driving disability inclusion within organisations. Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod Chapters (00:00:00) – Introduction (00:00:44) – Chapter 1 | What Is Neurodivergence & Why Diagnosis Is Rising (00:16:58) – Chapter 2 | Workplace Barriers, Masking & The Social Load of Work (00:39:24) – Chapter 3 | Gen Z, Labels & The Rise of Neurodiversity (00:51:16) – Chapter 4 | Medication, Toolkits & Shared Responsibility (00:57:51) – Chapter 5 | The Future of Work & Universal Design (01:04:02) – Quick Fire Questions (01:11:27) – Outro #podcast #neurodiversity #leadership

From surviving the GFC to rebuilding from the brink, Michael Kain’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and long-term thinking. Growing up on the Sunshine Coast in an Italian family that valued hard work and community, Michael went on to build Devcon into one of the region’s most respected development and construction businesses. In this episode, Michael shares the realities of navigating economic collapse, buying out business partners at rock bottom, and rebuilding culture-first leadership through compounding effort. You’ll learn how resilience can be both a strength and a curse, why culture is the ultimate competitive advantage, and how long-term thinking shapes businesses that actually last. Get in touch with Michael Kain - https://devconpropertygroup.com.au - Michael’s Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “Fun.” What does happiness mean to you? “Family.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “Gym at 5:30 or 6:30, breakfast, then into meetings.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “Make a decision, commit to it 100%, and don’t second guess yourself.” Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show? “Graham Hobbs or Kathleen Hope.” - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) – Intro (00:00:48) – Chapter 1 | Growing Up on the Coast (00:16:12) – Chapter 2 | Compounding Effort & Resilience (00:22:56) – Chapter 3 | Entering Property & Early Failure (00:33:17) – Chapter 4 | Surviving the GFC & Mining Collapse (00:36:55) – Chapter 5 | Buying Out Partners & Rebuilding (00:48:53) – Chapter 6 | Culture as the Competitive Advantage (01:05:45) – Quick Fire Questions (01:10:42) – Outro #podcast #development #culture

From the outside, mastery looks effortless, but the real story is written in sacrifice. Sam Lucas is a world-class cellist whose life has been shaped by obsession, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. From growing up in a deeply musical household to performing and studying across Europe, Sam’s journey reveals what it truly costs to chase greatness, and why fulfilment isn’t found at the finish line. In this episode, Sam shares his path from prodigious talent to international performer, the mental and physical toll of elite musicianship, and how endurance sport transformed his performance on stage. Together, we explore high performance, identity, sacrifice, and the delicate balance between success and happiness. You’ll learn what elite mastery really demands, why marginal gains matter, how physical fitness supports creative excellence, and how to sustain a long career without losing yourself along the way. - Sam’s Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “The pursuit of happiness in what you do, and being able to live from it while having a positive effect on the world.” What does happiness mean to you? “Appreciation for the world you live in, doing well for your family, being ethical, and keeping a sound mind.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “In winter, I sleep in as late as possible, have cereal or a bagel, shower, and head to rehearsals. In summer, I usually start the day with a run or mobility work.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “Start physical sport early. Take care of your body — it takes care of your mind.” Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show? “My professor — one of the most philosophical and switched-on people I know.” - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod ⸻ Chapters (00:00:00) – Intro (00:00:47) – Chapter 1 | Growing Up Inside Music (00:06:01) – Chapter 2 | The Path to Elite Performance (00:16:52) – Chapter 3 | The Cost of Mastery (00:29:24) – Chapter 4 | Running, Recovery & Resilience (00:54:06) – Quick Fire Questions (00:58:41) – Outro - #podcast #classicalmusic #highperformance

Great leaders don’t fail under pressure, their brains do. Today David Watson returns to unpack what actually happens in your mind when stress hits, and how the best leaders learn to regulate themselves before leading others. In this episode, David shares hard-earned insights from working across eight countries in some of the world’s highest-pressure environments. We dive deep into emotional intelligence under stress, amygdala hijacks, peak performance curves, and why understanding yourself is the foundation to leading high-performing teams. You’ll learn how to lead calmly in chaos, avoid emotional contagion, manage pressure without burnout, and create psychological safety that lifts performance rather than shuts it down. Get in touch with David Watson – https://neurolead.net.au - David Watson’s Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “Being able to do what gives you joy, consistently.” What does happiness mean to you? “Happiness isn’t constant — it’s a feeling of clarity, openness, and willingness to engage.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “Early wake-up, phone out of the bedroom, water with creatine and salt, affirmations, speech practice, and grounding before the day starts.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “Understand and lead yourself first — or your brain will make decisions for you.” - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) – Intro (00:00:44) – Chapter 1 | Leading Under Pressure & Emotional Intelligence (00:32:33) – Chapter 2 | Peak Performance, Pressure & Burnout (00:58:14) – Quick Fire Questions (01:04:28) – Outro - #podcast #leadership #highperformance #neuroscience

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Success x Happiness crew. As tradition dictates, Rich is joined by his two eldest kids, Teddy and Franks, for a Christmas Eve yarn about life, school, fears, goals, siblings, and what it’s really like being a kid right now. From surprisingly deep life lessons to absolute chaos, this conversation is equal parts heartfelt and hilarious. Headphone listeners… you’ve been warned. - Listen To The Podcast https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) – Introduction (00:00:33) – Chapter 1 | Chaos (00:10:14) – Outro - #podcast #family #christmas

From surviving family bankruptcy at age 11 to becoming one of Australia’s most innovative orthodontists, Dr Vas Srinivasan’s story is a masterclass in resilience, courage, and possibility. Raised in a traditional Indian household, shaped by hardship and responsibility, and driven by the opportunities of the Western world, Vas carved an extraordinary path across India, the US, the UK, and ultimately the Sunshine Coast. His journey blends academia, entrepreneurship, aviation, and building one of the region’s most recognisable specialist practices. In this episode, we unpack Vas’s childhood lessons, his global pursuit of knowledge, his courageous all-in business decisions, his philosophy on victimhood and ownership, and the legacy he hopes to leave for his family and community. You’ll learn how to turn adversity into drive, how to think bigger in business, how to build and lead high-performing teams, and how to raise grounded kids in a privileged world. Get in touch with Dr Vas Srinivasan – https://www.invisibleorthodontics.com.au - Dr Vas Srinivasan’s Quick Fire Answers What does success mean to you? “To be able to provide to others who may not have the same option all the time.” What does happiness mean to you? “What I’m doing right now.” What’s your normal morning routine these days? “Normally between 4:30 and 5am, simple workout, prepare for the day, then quality time with family and a peaceful night’s sleep.” What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see? “Live for today. Build for tomorrow.” Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show? “Mark Barclay or Min Swan.” - Listen To The Podcast Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1CCrfi7eB3zlANJ81D1C72?si=4221bec96c244a0c Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/success-x-happiness/id1683066164 - Find Us On Social Media https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod - Chapters (00:00:00) – Introduction (00:00:47) – Chapter 1 | Childhood Lessons, Resilience & Early Ambition (00:23:04) – Chapter 2 | From Global Study to Building a World-Class Practice (00:42:36) – Chapter 3 | Risk, Courage, Leadership & Building Teams (00:51:32) – Quick Fire Questions (00:53:58) – Outro - #podcast #success #orthodontics