The Glass Ceiling

In this episode of The Glass Ceiling, Marissa Hankinson speaks with Matthew Dew, State Manager of SMAART Recruitment in South Australia.Matt brings a refreshing lens to recruitment. His background spans tech, retail and financial services, but it’s his people-first mindset that stands out. He believes hiring should be about alignment, values and long-term fit, not just checking boxes on a CV.We explore what businesses often get wrong about recruitment, why culture fit really matters, and how leadership needs to evolve if teams are going to thrive. From high-performing contact centres to industry advisory boards, Matt shares real stories and sharp insight from the hiring front line.This is a conversation for anyone who manages people, wants to hire better, or is rethinking how we build stronger teams.Produced by Wavebreaker Productions#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #MatthewDew #SMAARTRecruitment #PeopleFirstLeadership #CultureFitMatters #HiringWithHeart #ModernRecruitment #LeadershipStrategy #BusinessCulture #WavebreakerProductions #ValuesBasedHiring #TeamPerformance

What do fruit blocks, ad agencies and strategy rooms have in common? Rod Buchecker.In this episode, Marissa Hankinson speaks with Rod about his journey from growing up in the Riverland to shaping leadership across Australia. With a career that began on a weighbridge at 17 and moved through the fast-paced world of Clemenger and BBDO, Rod shares how asking the right questions became his sharpest leadership tool.Now a brand strategist, mentor and the chair of CE30 for The Executive Connection, Rod is known for helping people cut through complexity, reconnect with purpose and lead with more clarity. He reflects on his early years in business, the impact of his father’s death, and why leadership without reflection is just noise.It’s a thoughtful, energising conversation from someone who knows how to hold space for real insight.Produced by Wavebreaker Productions.#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #RodBuchecker #LeadershipClarity #AustralianLeaders #StrategyCoach #BrandStrategist #ExecutiveMentor #WavebreakerProductions #CareerJourney #LeadWithPurpose

Bram Lagrou didn’t move to Australia for business. He moved for love and found himself rebuilding his career from scratch. What followed was a bold leap into entrepreneurship, drawing on decades of international sales and coaching experience to help leaders connect, grow and lead from within.In this episode, Marissa Hankinson chats to the Belgian-born psychologist, strategist and founder of Lagrou Partners about making brave decisions, building a values-led business, and why personal development should never be optional. From mentoring under global names like Brian Tracy and Dr John Demartini to his no-plan entry into Australian entrepreneurship, Bram shares what it really takes to grow in life and leadership.Produced by Wavebreaker Productions.#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #BramLagrou #LeadershipPsychology #EntrepreneurshipStory #ImmigrantFounder #HighPerformanceMindset #PersonalDevelopment #WavebreakerProductions #ReinventYourself #AustralianPodcasts

Danielle Colley didn’t follow a traditional path. She left high school, went to drama school, and built a life from a series of reinventions — actor, audio producer, TV producer, journalist, and now confidence coach. But what stayed constant? Her ability to back herself, even when it felt terrifying. In this episode, Danielle shares her raw and relatable story of rebuilding from scratch — raising two young kids alone, navigating burnout, and using a personal blog to kickstart her career in wellbeing journalism. Now a sought-after coach and author, she’s helping people and organisations redefine success, confidence and the culture we build around achievement. A funny, thoughtful and deeply human conversation about backing yourself, letting go of hustle culture, and making choices that actually feel good. Produced by Wavebreaker Productions. #TheGlassCeilingPodcast #DanielleColley #ConfidenceCoach #BurnoutRecovery #RedefiningSuccess #WomenInLeadership #AuthenticLiving #WavebreakerProductions #LifeAfterBurnout #SelfWorthMatters

What do hairdressing, fast food and corporate boardrooms have in common? For Roland Roccioletti — everything.In this episode, Roland speaks with Marissa Hankinson about the unconventional path that led him to become a trusted advisor and boardroom leader across industries as diverse as defence, dairy, digital, and racing. From his early trade apprenticeship to international roles in packaging and economic development, Roland’s journey is one of reinvention, curiosity and continuous learning.Now the founder of Future Proof Advisory and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Roland shares lessons on risk, legacy and why future-proofing isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a mindset.Produced by Wavebreaker Productions.#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #RolandRocculetti #FutureProofAdvisory #LeadershipJourney #BusinessReinvention #BoardroomStrategy #GovernanceMatters #WavebreakerProductions #FromTradesToTransformation #AustralianLeadership

In this episode of The Glass Ceiling, Marissa Hankinson speaks with Rebekah Tucker — a globally experienced business leader with a sharp strategic mind and a grounded leadership style.Rebekah shares insights from her international career, including the importance of cultural intelligence, purpose-driven decision-making, and how to stay connected to what really matters as a leader. From corporate growth to personal evolution, this conversation offers practical takeaways and authentic stories for anyone navigating leadership and business at scale.#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #RebekahTucker #LeadershipWithPurpose #GlobalBusiness #BusinessLeadership #CulturalIntelligence #WomenInBusiness #StrategicLeadership #CareerGrowth #WavebreakerProductionsProduced by Wavebreaker Productions

In this episode of The Glass Ceiling, Marissa Hankinson speaks with George Belperio, the founder of Fasta Pasta one of South Australia’s most recognisable hospitality success stories.George shares how he turned one humble pasta restaurant into a multi-location operation across the state. From the early days of hands-on hustle to navigating the challenges of growth in a dynamic industry, this episode explores what it takes to build a business with staying power.A must-listen for founders, food entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by the journey from local beginnings to household name.Produced by Wavebreaker Productions#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #GeorgeBelpario #FastaPasta #SouthAustralianBusiness #HospitalityLeadership #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurJourney #AdelaideBusiness #LocalSuccessStory #WavebreakerProductions #ItalianFood

Join Marissa and Drew Knowles as they explore the intersection of human behavior, AI, and personal growth. From understanding the impact of technology on human behavior to leveraging AI for augmentation, not replacement, this conversation delves into the future of work and life.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Ben Howard, founder of Monopoly Property Group. Ben shares his personal story of overcoming adversity, including the impact of family suicide and the loss of loved ones. Despite these challenges, Ben has cultivated a mindset of success and a drive to live life to the fullest. In this episode, Ben opens up about: The emotional journey of coping with family suicide and lossHow he's harnessed his grief into a hidden drive for successHis mindset and strategies for achieving goals and proving others wrongThe importance of living life to the max and making the most of every momentHow he's built a successful business and created a legacy Don't miss this inspiring episode with Ben Howard, a true champion of resilience, determination, and the human spirit! Content Warning: This episode discusses themes of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a trusted support service or call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.

Join us for a insightful conversation with Samantha Boardman, a renowned spending expert who's helped countless individuals and families manage their finances effectively. Samantha shares her unique approach to money management, emphasizing that it's not about how much you earn, but how you manage it. In this episode, Samantha dives into: Her personal journey and how she became a spending expert The common mistakes people make with their finances, regardless of income Her proven process for taking control of your spending and staying on track How she's helped people from all walks of life, from those on Centrelink benefits to six-figure earners Her top tips for maximizing your money and achieving financial freedom Don't miss this informative episode with Samantha Boardman, a true champion of financial literacy and empowerment!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Marina Walkley, a resilient entrepreneur who's approaching a decade of running her own business. Born in Russia, Marina moved to New Zealand at 12 and later settled in Australia. She shares her remarkable journey of navigating a new language, school, and culture, all while building a successful business. In this episode, Marina opens up about: Her childhood in Russia and the challenges of relocating to a new country How she adapted to a new language, school, and culture in New Zealand and Australia The lessons she's learned from her entrepreneurial journey so far Her experiences as a woman in business and how she's overcome obstacles Her plans for the future and what's next for her business Don't miss this heartwarming episode with Marina Walkley, a true champion of determination, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit!

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Sarah Reimann, a keynote speaker, virtual CFO, and strategic business advisor. Sarah shares her expertise on the importance of understanding your financial landscape as a business owner and how a virtual CFO can help you drive growth and success. In this episode, Sarah dives into: The critical role of financial literacy in business decision-makingHow to unlock the full potential of your financial dataThe benefits of partnering with a virtual CFO for strategic guidancePractical tips for managing cash flow, debtors, and business relationshipsAnd many more valuable insights to empower your business journey! Don't miss this informative episode with Sarah Reimann, a true champion of financial empowerment for business owners!

Join us for an exhilarating conversation with Jo Thomas, a seasoned corporate leader who's taken the leap into the startup world! Jo shares her insights on navigating the fast-paced and often unpredictable realm of venture capital, multitasking, and innovation.With her extensive background in corporate leadership, Jo dives into the challenges and triumphs of adapting to a startup environment, where creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking are essential. Get ready for a thrilling discussion on: Embracing uncertainty and ambiguity in a rapidly changing landscapeLeveraging transferable skills to drive success in new contextsBuilding and maintaining key relationships with investors, teams, and customersFostering a culture of innovation and experimentationAnd much more! Don't miss this electrifying episode as Jo Thomas shares her inspiring story of growth, exploration, and leadership in the startup world!