Rare Conversations

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Join us every Tuesday and Thursday where Leoni Milano talks to different business owners about what it takes to start, sustain, scale and sell businesses.

Rare Conversations


    • Apr 19, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 38 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Rare Conversations

    Ep 37 - Leading With Empathy and Grit - a Chat With Sustainable Homewares Entrepreneur, Wiebke Katsoudas

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 77:41


    In this episode, I speak with Wiebke Katsoudas, founder of By Native - a collective of explorers, artisans and creatives who produce high quality home textiles and accessories. In Wiebke's words: "I think an object is only as beautiful as the environment in which it's made. That's why By Native guarantees quality - not only in the products we make, but also in the lives of the artisans we work with.” Wiebke works closely with small social enterprises to ensure that every individual involved in the manufacturing process of her goods is treated with respect, works in a safe environment and receives a fair wage." Instagram: bynative_home

    Ep 36 - The Inspiration Behind the Book that Sold over 15 Million Copies. Meet the Legendary Horse Whisperer Buck Brannaman.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2022 56:12


    In this episode I speak with the legendary Buck Brannaman. The inspiration behind the No. 1 New York Times best selling novel The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans (which sold over 15 million copies). Buck was also the equine technical advisor &  body double for Robert Redford in the subsequent & much-loved Hollywood adaptation of the same name. For over 30 years, Buck has been working with horses and their owners and today he is one of the world's leading practitioners of handling horses based on classical concepts from the California vaquero tradition; working with the horse's nature, using an understanding of how horses think and communicate, to train the horse to accept humans, and work confidently & responsively with them. He works to make the animal feel safe & secure around humans so that the horse and rider can achieve a true union.  Buck travels most of the year doing horsemanship clinics in the United States, Europe, Australia & New Zealand. When not on the road, he lives with his wife Mary and their horses in Sheridan, Wyoming. To experience one of Buck's legendary training clinics, check the dates here: www.brannaman.com Extensive online horse training videos with Buck here at his new channel: www.thebuckchannel.com

    Ep 35. An Insight into the Heart of the French Perfume Industry with Alain Ferro, Director of the Grasse Institute of Perfumery

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2022 32:56


    Mr Alain Ferro, is the director of the Grasse Institute of Perfumery (GIP), located just north of the French Riviera. Mr Ferro has been director of this training school for the past 35 years. The art and science of perfume creation is a fascinating and complex world that is very much protected.  Since 2018, the skills related to the perfume in Grasse - that being, the cultivation of perfume plants, the knowledge and processing of natural raw materials, and the art of perfume composition became inscribed by UNESCO on their Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Scent has the power to evoke feelings of love, happiness, lust, sensuality, peace, energy. The list can go on. It can create strong positive stimuli for your moods and the emotions you feel.  Our previous experiences also have a very strong impact on how we experience scent. www.grasse-perfumery.com - Grasse Institute of Perfumery Instagram: @gipgrasse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrasseInstituteofPerfumery/

    Ep 34 - Behind The Scenes with Show Caller & Technical Director Hayden Russ

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2022 51:12


    In this episode I speak with Hayden Russ - a "Swiss army knife" of the event industry.  Originally from New Zealand, Hayden grew up with a love of musical theatre, and from a young age worked behind the scenes on various productions. Hayden then went on to spend time working in the UK before landing in the United Arab Emirates.  He now co-owns a tech rental company, show calls and covers technical production on events across the country .  Despite a hectic schedule during the peak event season, Hayden retains an optimistic attitude and is always pitching in to help his colleagues deliver outstanding events with a high level of productivity. Connect with Hayden here:  www.ihire.ae - IT & AV equipment rental covering the United Arab Emirates Follow Leoni Milano at IG: @leonimilano

    Ep 33 - Why You Are Late! Author, Grace Pacie Unpacks This Uncomfortable Habit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 50:28


    In this episode, I speak with Grace Pacie - author of the best-selling book, Late! A Timebender's Guide to Why We Are Late and How We Can Change. Grace offers a lifeline to the twenty percent of the population who struggle with lateness, and the people who live and work with them. A self-confessed “timebender” Grace tackles a subject sadly neglected by psychologists, and reveals the surprising truth about why we are late, what's going on in our brains, and how we can get ourselves to be on time. In addition to her BA, MBA and Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Grace has qualifications in Myers Briggs, Emotional Freedom Technique (otherwise known as EFT or tapping) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

    Ep. 32 - So Help Me Dog's Sophie Allan on Teaching Dogs New Behaviours

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2022 50:37


    In this episode, I speak with Sophie Allan, owner of So Help Me Dog, a training and behavioural business for reactive and rehabilitating dogs. Sophie's passionate about educating pet parents to help them understand their dog's behaviour. Sophie and her team are professional handlers and qualified dog trainers. They use positive reinforcement methods during training and they assess and provide you with multiple options to help make it easier for you to better understand your dog's needs.  Every dog is unique, which makes every training session different. Sophie is a big advocate for mental health issues - having suffered from anxiety and depression herself, she wants others to see they are not alone and that there is support available.   www.sohelpmedog.net

    Ep. 31 - The Ultimate Work-Life-Travel Experience You Never Knew You Needed -With Michael Youngblood From Unsettled

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 59:07


    In this episode I speak with Michael Youngblood - an entrepreneur with a global reach and perspective.  He's the co-founder of Unsettled, a groundbreaking travel startup that operates in 20 countries, has attracted customers from nearly 100 countries, and is changing the way people live, work, and travel in the 21st century.  Unsettled won the 2018 United Nations World Tourism Startup Competition. He's led research on global entrepreneurship at MIT, taught entrepreneurship on behalf of the U.S. State Department, and his work has been featured in dozens of media publications including the NYT's, Forbes, Outside Magazine, and many more. Michael is an avid mountaineer, snowboarder, naturalist, sailor, and all-around backcountry explorer. He is a member of the inaugural TED Residency, a member of Sandbox, and of course, a regular participant in Unsettled's retreats everywhere. Some of the incredible Unsettled destinations include Bali, Cape Town, Tuscany and Patagonia. www.beunsettled.co Instagram: @beunsettled

    Ep 30 - Kayleigh Franks and Her New Aussie Swimwear Label With a Conscience That's Helping Women Feel Good About Themselves

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2022 36:40


    In this episode, I speak with Kayleigh Franks from Australian start-up swimwear label, Kayles Renee. Like all businesses, it started as a thought. Kayleigh worked on her ideas and when all the pieces started coming together she was able to launch her unique brand. Kayleigh wanted to not only create a brand of her own that aligned with her passions, she wanted to take it a step further and make it environmentally-friendly. After many drafts of swimsuit designs and going back-and-forth with her designer, Kayleigh settled on a fabric called ‘Econyl'  for its minimal environmental impact.  Kayleigh wants women of all shapes and sizes to feel confident in her swimwear. Her all-inclusive sizing across her range, is helping to change the way society looks at women and more importantly, how women feel about themselves. Kayleigh is on a mission to normalise all bodies by using models of all sizes.  www.kaylesrenee.com Instagram: @kaylesrenee Instagram @leonimilano

    Ep. 29 - Antoine Abi Aad on Running a Top 50 World Class-Rated Delicatessen When The Odds Are Stacked Against You.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 28:56


    A “different” kind of business checklist:   - Business burned down? - Survived ongoing wars? - Survived a deadly explosion?   This is what life is like for people living in Lebanon. The daily stress of what they are enduring is beyond measure - and what most of us could not cope with. And through this, they are still kind, compassionate and hopeful for the future.   In this podcast episode I speak with Antoine Abi Aad from Aziz Delicatesse - a third generation family-owned business that was started in 1955 by his father Aziz in Beirut, Lebanon.   Named one of "50 Greatest Food Stores in the World" by the Financial Times in 2021, this is a true testament to the standards they hold and their strength of character to withstand setback after setback. They strive to proudly serve their customers a “top-quality French experience outside of France”.    Antoine imports the finest produce from many countries including France, Spain and Italy to name a few, however his true passion lies with the wine cellar he grew to become one of the largest in the country before the more recent economic demise.    Antoine continues on with his father's legacy, running the family business with the same amount of optimism and grit that Aziz had. They keep showing up each day with hope for a better future.    www.azizdelicatesse.com Instagram: @azizdelicatesse, @leonimilano

    Ep. 28 - Biplab Paul on His Globally-Awarded Groundbreaking Innovation That Has Helped Over 150,000 Women Out of Poverty So Far.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2022 62:03


    In this episode I speak with Biplab Paul from Naireeta Services - a social enterprise based in India.  Biplab is the innovator of BHUNGROO®, a proprietary World Bank-awarded rain harvesting technology and product. Through BHUNGROO and its unique Women Climate Leadership model, Naireeta Services has helped free over 150,000 poor farming families across India, South East Asia and Africa from food insecurity and abject poverty. Biplab is a globally-acclaimed development professional with 30 years of multi-disciplinary experience across irrigation agri-innovation and government policies.  His work is the recipient of an incredible 30 global laurels and to name just a few, UNFCCC's Climate Action, US State Departments IVLP-Gold Star and USAID's Securing Water for Food.  www.naireetaservices.com Twitter: Bhungroo

    Ep. 27 - Clementine Bastos is Helping Women With Alopecia Get Their Confidence Back Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 50:28


    In this episode I speak with Clementine Bastos, owner of Goldylost Hair. Clementine creates and sells hair replacement options for women who have experienced hair loss. Originally from New Zealand, Clementine now lives in Sydney and is mum to a little girl. She actually started Goldylost Hair whilst on maternity leave.  Clementine started losing hair at aged 16 and couldn't find any wigs that didn't look “wiggy”.  Hair loss took a big toll on Clementine's self-confidence and self-esteem and she wanted to create celebrity-worthy hair for everyday women, so they don't have to go through what she did.  She has the highest quality, most natural-looking human hair wigs and toppers. Goldylost Hair helps give women back their confidence and learn to love their hair again.

    Ep. 26 - Meet Carolina Montanez - 1 of 4 All-Female Founders Killing It In The Freight Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2022 42:39


    In this episode I speak with Caroleena Montanez - one of four powerhouse women running international freight company in Australia, Plane 2 Sea. Caroleena was born in Colombia and moved to Australia 17 years ago. She met her co-founders Ana and Jodie in a previous job and they had an instant connection. When that business closed down, they got together, along with Nikki, and started their own business.  Eleven years later, they have developed a strong bond built from respect, true friendship and an impeccable work ethic. They've been through marriages, breakups, babies and everything else in between. It's their transparency and genuine desire to help others succeed that continues to grow their business at a healthy rate and have customers reaching out to them. Their business plays a crucial part in the global supply chain in moving goods around the world to different markets.  www.plane2sea.com.au  

    Ep. 25 - Sleep Expert Lauri Goodhardt on Why Sleep is a Critical Foundation for Children

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 50:13


    In this episode I speak with expert infant and child sleep consultant Lauri Goodhardt. Lauri has worked with hundreds of families to help bring sanity back to parents and give children restorative sleep that they desperately need. Lauri is passionate about her approach where she respects that all children are different, have different needs and abilities and should be treated as such. She believes in a holistic approach to sleep, tailoring plans to meet the needs of parents and their own parenting style as well as looking at the temperament of the individual child.  We talk about the importance of early childhood development and how what happens then, plays out later,  in adult life. Lauri explains how multiple factors are impacting your child's sleep, including their environment, sleeping patterns and family routines.  She  helps you feel empowered by creating a positive and successful experience. 

    Ep 24 - Ondina Montgomery's Inspiration in Finding Your Creativity to Create Magic

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2022 54:15


    In this episode I speak with Ondina Montgomery, co-founder of OMCre8tiv. A multi-disciplinary creative agency that was formed along with her husband Mark during the pandemic.  At OMCre8tiv, they are big picture thinkers and obsessed with turning ideas and visions into reality. With Ondina's experience from being a surface designer, to fashion brand maker, along with Mark's film making experience, they're now able to thoughtfully guide others who are on their own creative journey. They love working with both start-ups and established businesses.  Ondina is a former fashion designer with a background in interiors and architecture. Being introduced to the arts at a very early age gave Ondina a creative awareness and curiosity to experiment and develop her own talent and eventually go on to launch her own brand.  Their creative agency provides services such as design, business strategy, branding, creative direction, graphic design, communication and immersive visual storytelling. 

    Ep 23 - A Discussion with Shae Zand on the Transformational Results of Organising Your Space

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 63:16


    In this episode, I speak with Shae Zand from Leave It To Shae, her professional home organisation business. Coming from a mixed Persian/Filipina background and having grown up between 3 countries: Iran, the Philippines and Australia, Shae considers cultural traditions to be of great importance when it comes to our very own spaces.  After graduating from journalism studies, Shae travelled extensively, living in various countries, and that lifestyle taught her a lot about minimalism. She became an expert at packing and fitting everything into one suitcase.  Her friends and relatives would ask for help with packing as she had her own way of folding and she taught them what to take and what to leave behind.  At one point, Shae decided to move to South Korea for work. Whilst she was there, she became fascinated with their knack for being able to fit everything so neatly into very small apartments and how organized they were overall.  Shae took on some professional training around home organisation where she honed her skills and learned how to create long-lasting habits to keep environments tidy and this dramatically improved her very own personal and working life.  Shae's been practicing home organisation now for 3 years and has clients in different parts of the world. She helps anyone from busy working mums, to bachelors - helping them to transform not only cluttered and difficult spaces, but to innovate with amazing results - where she teaches people to adopt and maintain their new daily lifestyle.  There's nothing that beats an organised home to welcome new beginnings. 

    Ep 22 - Erin Williams on Building Her Fast-Growing LA-Melb PR Agency & Magazine Publishing Business & Why You Should Embrace PR.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 44:27


    In this episode I speak with Erin Williams, CEO of Melbourne-Los Angeles based PR agency, Modern Day Communications. Erin is also the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of two magazines - Modern Day Living (IG @moderndaylivingmagazine) that provides inspiring and relatable content for mothers & Influenced (@influenced_magazine), the world's first influencer magazine.  Erin's earliest career started when she convinced her father to open a family daycare business from their home for 6 ½ years where it grew to be the most booked out daycare in their area. During that time Erin began her Modern Day Living magazine. She wanted to provide something cool for all the amazing mothers she'd met that wasn't baby-focused or filled with high-end fashion. She has a strong focus on working mums, lifestyle, wellness, inspiration and balance.  From there Erin started her PR agency. After her magazine's 3rd issue (where she landed @officialmelb on the cover) she took a leap of faith and went over to LA to expand it and create more growth. It paid off.  They're heading into their 9th issue. In 2020 when COVID hit, Erin decided to create a second publication - “Influenced” magazine, which focuses on digital creators, influencers, beauty, lifestyle and all things social media.  When the world moved into the second year of COVID, and with some media having died down a bit, Erin decided to create a monthly beauty and wellness subscription box called Bloom Beauty Box (IG @bloombeautybox__). That way they could still manage to get her clients brands out there into people's hands and still gain exposure whilst also making sure they had backup, in case business had to change.  Both of Erin's magazines are now sold in 12 countries and her PR agency is growing daily with a recent slew of newly-signed LA clients.  Erin talks about the immense opportunities that are out there for brands and small businesses - including growing your own business with her.  www.moderndaycommunications.com Instagram accounts: @moderndaycommunications, @themoderndaylivingmagazine @erin_kwilliams @influenced_magazine @mdccreative__

    Ep 21 - Alessandra Mignardi and Her Journey to Becoming a Food Photographer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 54:13


    Alessandra had the good fortune of being born and gastronomically-raised in the heart of Italy by three great cooks - her mother and her two grandmothers. They had their own food religion. Alessandra earned a Masters in Political Science and Development Studies in Rome, then worked as a project manager and humanitarian aid manager in Iraq, India, Afghanistan and Indonesia. She has travelled extensively around the Middle East and South Asia.  In 2006 Alessandra moved with her husband to his homeland, The Netherlands, where they now have three food-spoiled teens and conversations in three languages at any one time.. After graduating from a digital arts degree in 2007, Alessandra moved into photography as a career, after dabbling in it since her teenage years.  Her food photography is exquisite and each photograph is carefully brought to life via an idea, seasonal produce, curated props and is captured during a small window of time with natural light on her mildly-sunny European days.  Additionally, Alessandra is a huge fan of sourdough and is a fellow fan of organisation expert Marie Kondo and her konmarimethod.  See her incredible photography at @itsalessandramignardi

    Ep 20 - Therese Tarlinton & the Power of Partnerships in Business - Even When You're Small or Just Starting Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2022 46:23


    In this episode, I speak with Therese Tarlinton - brand new author of Swap - Marketing Without Money, where she takes small businesses through a step-by-step process on how to reach out to the right brands, collaborate with them and build long-lasting partnerships. Therese has over 20 years experience in corporate marketing, branding, manufacturing and distribution. Having worked with top brands such as Jeep, United Colors of Benetton and Sesame Street, Therese learned from her experience that the most effective marketing strategies involved securing the right partnerships and collaborations. Leveraging other businesses can provide rapid growth for your own brand.  Therese built a start-up that made $1 million in its first year and expanded to 5 countries using this strategy.   After selling her company, she now works with big brands to create collaborative campaigns with other businesses.  Now, small businesses think that unless they have a huge social following they aren't exactly partnership potential, but as you will hear, that's just not true.  

    Ep 19 - Using the Power of NLP to Unlock Your Life with Sandra Moscardo

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2022 38:38


    In this episode, I speak with Sandra Moscardo.   Sandra is an NLP practitioner and clinical hypnotherapist. Through the use of hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy, Sandra teaches people the tools to switch out negative thoughts, beliefs and behaviours to create new patterns. She focuses on helping people find a solution to what's holding them back in health, work and relationships.  Sandra has worked with hundreds of people to help them overcome challenges with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, procrastination, phobias, addictions and weight management.  This was quite an eye-opener of an episode. I hope you will join us. You can reach out to Sandra here: newpath-hypnotherapy.com

    Ep 18 - Sasha Eburne on Building Two Successful VA Businesses From Scratch

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2022 34:34


    In this episode I speak with Sasha Eburne, CEO of Virtually Assisted and The VA Way. With over 20 years of business management experience and working in the corporate world, Sasha decided to branch out on her own as a professional virtual assistant.  She's based on the Gold Coast in Australia and works with clients all over the world.  Sasha became successful in a very short time - which allowed her to give up her daily 9.5 within 2 weeks of launching her business, and she exceeded her previous income within 6 weeks.  Now she specialises in helping women identify and achieve their goals in becoming a successful virtual assistant to live a rewarding and flexible life. www.virtuallyassisted.com.au Instagram: @thevawayau / @virtuallyassistedau

    Ep. 17 - Lorna Hollinger on How Tapping Can Relieve Stress, Anxiety & Pain

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 43:22


    In this episode, I speak with Lorna Hollinger who is an International EFT Trainer, Master EFT Practitioner, multi award-winning business owner and founder of the Australian Tapping Institute. She trains and supports people from across the globe to connect to their passion and create an abundant lifestyle and business. She has appeared in magazines and websites such as Good Health Magazine, SBS Online, The Sydney Morning Herald and the Sunday Life lifestyle magazine. She's a regular guest on several Australian and International podcasts. Lorna is a featured EFT practitioner in The Science Behind Tapping book and former host of The Tapping Circle, a Live online event to a community of 80,000+ followers. Lorna's numerous awards include the Women with Altitudes' Climb Every Mountain Award (which she now sponsors annually) and the Linking Ladies' prestigious Woman of Inspiration Award. Lorna holds Master Practitioner certification in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/Tapping), diplomas in Life Coaching, Business and Business Management,  and practitioner certification of Neuro-linguistic Programming. Interested in learning more about tapping yourself? Get Lorna's free EFT course on her website: www.australiantappinginstitute.com.au IG: @australiantappinginstitute Facebook: AustralianTappingInstitute  

    Ep. 16 - Jen Ziegner from Mountains and Marathons Discusses What Leadership Looks Like in 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 49:52


    In this episode I speak with Jen Ziegner. Co-creator and leadership coach from Mountains and Marathons. Jen believes that the world needs leaders who have inner peace and their own birthright as creators.  Leaders who live and lead in alignment with their own values.   Their Align Leadership Program is a 6 month program that culminates in an epic physical challenge of either running a marathon or climbing a mountain in an extraordinary location. You'll find them anywhere from Patagonia to Mount Kilimanjaro.  Their clients range from Fortune 500 companies to national non-profit organisations across the US, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. 

    Ep. 15 - Beverley McNaughton and the Fascinating Life of Bees

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2022 50:43


    In this episode, I speak with Beverley McNaughton, an artisan honey producer from Australia. Bev was raised on a small farm outside Brisbane, Australia and has always had an affinity with nature and animals.  Bee fever hit later in life and her expanding apiary led Bev and her family to relocate from a seaside suburb in Brisbane, to acreage on the glorious sunshine coast hinterland where Bev's beekeeping journey continues to grow. She chats with me about the extreme importance bees play in our entire ecosystem and why we can't do without them.

    Ep. 14 - Ash Hedstrom from Goddess Homestead on ancestral wisdom and urban homesteading.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 68:07


    Ashley Hedstrom from Goddess Homestead turned to ancestral wisdom to heal from auto-immune conditions, chronic inflammation and dis-ease after being ill for several years with doctors unable to give answers. She transformed through nutrition, movement and alternative medical paradigms.  This is when Goddess Homestead was created. Ash now uses ancestral wisdom to help others work through emotional blocks and become self-sufficient. She provides experiences on urban homesteading where you can learn to grow, preserve and store your own food through canning and zero waste initiatives. She's determined to help others create a new reality and be sovereign no matter where you start from.

    Ep. 13 - Tiphanie Yan And Her Journey From High Fashion To Holistic Health After A Scare.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2022 47:57


    In this episode I speak with Tiphanie Yan - a mother of three whose journey into holistic therapies and naturopathic nutrition, came about after her body started to shut down one day.    An experience of fainting in a hot yoga class at first didn't seem like anything until she found herself in hospital.    Tiphanie went from working with luxury fashion brands and living the fast-paced lifestyle that came with it, to creating her own lifestyle brand of natural therapies, yoga, fashion styling and female empowerment coaching so she could work with all her gifts in the one place without having to compromise on what she truly loves. 

    Ep. 12 - Living Intentionally with Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Havva Mahler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2022 40:08


    In this episode, I speak with Chinese medicine practitioner and holistic health consultant, Havva Mahler. Havva grew up in a small town in Western Massachusetts and when she turned 18, she moved to Israel. She spent 2 years of national service as a librarian in the Israeli army then decided to study Chinese medicine.  Havva went on to open two clinics and over the 13 years of working with patients so far, she realised just treating people's physical pain wasn't enough and wanted to motivate patients to be more proactive about their health.  Havva says, “Most of the pain people suffer in the modern world is the result of lifestyle and habits. Too many of us don't know how to take care of ourselves.

    Ep. 11 - Kara Bertram on the Importance of Community & Operating Within Your Values

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2022 45:36


    In this episode I speak with Kara Bertram, who is the owner of Hunni's Clothing Boutique in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. She is a first-time entrepreneur but a long time dreamer. She drastically shifted her path in life in 2021 from a successful professional career in post-secondary education to the limitless freedom that comes with taking risks, being her own boss, and seeing what this life has to offer. She is raising two incredible daughters and a dog named Blue with her husband Chris. Kara loves nothing more than a good adventure and meeting people from all walks of life, all the while creating her life story - not as it happens to her, but as she grows, learns, and writes it.

    Ep. 10 - Confronting and Celebrating End of Life, with Death Doula, Patsy Bingham.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2022 55:30


    After talking to friends about her experience with the death of her father, Patsy Bingham soon realised that she had experienced something rare - but truly wonderful - the death of a loved one which brought joy, rather than pain and emotional anxiety.   Soon after, Patsy went about getting training to begin her new business, End of Life Angels.  Patsy's approach is compassionate and thoughtful, whilst her business background allows her to get straight to the heart of what it is her clients need and what still needs to be planned.   Patsy believes that everyone, especially the dying, should have their opportunity to be heard and have their wishes followed during the final chapter of their life.   Patsy is determined that you and those you love should cherish the experience they have at this incredibly important time. @endoflifeangel @leonimilano

    Ep 9 - How Trailblazer Kelly Cyndrowski Co-Built & Retains one of Dubai's Leading Salons

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 40:25


    In this episode I speak with Kelly Cyndrowski. Co-founder of Salon Ink, one of Dubai's most-loved and innovative salons.  Salon Ink was established in 2007 by Kelly and fellow Australian, Sharon Anderson. Their aim was to create a salon with a strong personal approach to client relationships. Their stylists endeavor to understand not only their client's needs but also their lifestyle. Fifteen years and multiple awards later, Salon Ink is still true to the values that have made it a Dubai institution: personalized customer service, craftsmanship and attention to detail. And the innovation continues: behind the relaxing salon ambience, the Salon Ink team is constantly re-educating themselves and sourcing top products and talent to stay at the cutting edge of hair design.

    Ep 8 - Orly Altaras from Lara and Lou on creating her first eComm business

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2021 41:39


    In this episode I speak with Orly Altaras, mom of two and owner of Lara and Lou, an online home decor business. Two years ago with no previous experience in e-Commerce, Orly jumped in head first to create her vision of starting something where she could work from home after having her second child, Lara. Growing up, she moved around a lot - living in two different countries and multiple homes. With each new house, she realized that it's possible to make a home wherever you are - all it takes is a little bit of intention and a whole lot of love.  When Orly and her family moved to LA, she started looking for beautiful, one-of-a-kind handmade items from countries around the globe, each a reflection of the culture and traditional craftsmanship.  Affordable and timeless, Orly believes that what you bring into your home matters. Intentional and thoughtful, her vision for Lara & Lou is to help bring your home to life through a curated collection of unique global products.

    Ep 7 - Photographic artist Bianca Morra explores presence via memory-keeping and mindset shifts

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2021 44:30


    Bianca Morra is a photographic artist, educator and host of the Help Me See podcast. She recently opened her own photographic studio and workshop in Cleveland, Ohio, and focuses on evocative and intimate portraiture. Obsessed with the question, "When does your NOW become your nostalgia?", through awareness, she helps you truly see your moments before they become memories. Bianca is currently developing an online course launching in 2022 that explores presence through photography, which combines memory-keeping, mindset shifts, and creating meaningful keepsakes. Instagram: @biancaleamorra Podcast: Help Me See

    Ep 6 - Rachael Turner on Living Within Your Values, Working With Kris Jenner & Her Experience With Me As Her Coach.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 37:37


    In this episode of Rare Conversations, I chat with Rachael Turner, the person behind two successful, Chicago businesses – Rosemint Media, a branding company, and Radiant Thorns, where she showcases her creativity through art and luxury stationery products.  Throughout Rachael's journey, we can learn how to take control of our business and life in general by having systems in place and clear communication. Her story shows how success is not just about having a plan, it's also about identifying opportunities, taking risks, and having courage in making uncomfortable decisions like quitting your job, calling out a client, or firing people. Each year, Rachael's light shines brighter. She keeps a focused, determined attitude as she continues to scale her businesses and provides exemplary customer service to her clients - who she cites as the most important part of her business. For each new level Rachael reaches, she adjusts accordingly to meet each new set of challenges and takes it in as part of her overall growth strategy.

    Ep. 5 - Jason Stahl walks us through his early stages of bringing his New Jersey dream deli to life.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 45:43


    Emmy Award-winning writer and editor, Jason Stahl takes us on his current journey of leaving the publishing world to create his own deli business in New Jersey. According to his wife Theresa, Jason embodies three things: a Jewish birthright, an English sensibility, and an Italian soul. At the end of his contract at Google, he spawned an idea to open a Jewish deli, only to have COVID create other plans. Hear how Jason navigated his way to keep his dream alive throughout the pandemic and beyond. 

    Ep. 4 - Find Your Limitless Potential with Leeanne Brennan from Epic Bones

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2021 44:37


    In this  episode I'm speak with Leeanne Brennan from Epic Bones.  Leeanne is a gifted illustrator and mindset leader living in North Carolina with her husband and two children.  She creates sensitive, whimsical art to help unblock limiting beliefs so we can reach our true potential.  Through the practice of, "gentle achievement" Epic Bones celebrates the nonlinear, slow, unknown path of following the heart.  She focuses on compassion for the imperfect, and rallying around showing-up versus "end results."  Epic Bones encourages us all to let go of the outcome, and embody the person that lives in the future vision we hold. And to invite unexpected, magical things into our lives.   @epic_bones or www.epicbones.com Leoni Milano: @leonimilano

    Ep. 3 - Finding Purpose Through Art and Travel with UK Interior Designer Jane Badu

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 37:31


    Jane Badu is a UK-based interior designer who takes inspiration from traveling. In 2016, she went to Morocco and instantly fell in love with the country's local craftsmanship. She then met with different artisans to discover more about what they do, and as she immersed herself into this rich culture of art and design, she thought of a way to showcase these amazing works of art to the world, and so her online homewares store, We Are Nomads was created. In this new episode of Rare Conversations, Jane takes us back to the start of her entrepreneurial journey and how her innate creativity and love for art allowed her to discover her purpose. Through We Are Nomads, Jane was able to tell the stories of African artisans and helped them thrive through sustainable sourcing. Join us and listen to Jane's inspiring stories of travel and art. @wearenomads.co.uk @leonimilano

    Ep. 2 - An Idyllic Life Awaits You in Italy with Lisa Chiodo from Renovating Italy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2021 42:59


    Nine years ago, Lisa Chiodo moved from Australia to live in Piedmont, Italy, together with her Italian husband, Sam, & children Luca & Carina. Lisa takes us back to that journey & how her life was significantly changed by this decision.  Lisa shares joyful stories of community, family, travel, food, and everything about living in this ‘Bel Paese'.  

    Ep. 1 - Art Therapy Can have a Powerful Influence on your Mental Health with Heather Zuchowski

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 39:57


    In this episode I speak with Heather Zuckowski to learn about art therapy and how it can improve your mental wellness.   Find out what inspired Heather to help hundreds of women and children who suffered from domestic abuse.  Follow us on social media: @leonimilano / @artforlifecoaching

    Welcome to Rare Conversations

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 1:20


    My name is Leo and I chat with business owners with the most unique ideas, and the most creative products and services. Coming from different parts of the world, we will learn a lot from these entrepreneurs as we delve into their creative processes, and how they deal with challenges that make them successful. We hope to inspire you by giving you an honest look at behind-the-scenes and all the stuff no-one really hears about.   

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