Thats Audacious

EP 58 | Anneli Blundell – Calibrating Credibility through Communication Dynamics

Anneli Blundell began her professional journey in the high-stakes world of banking and finance. After several years in the corporate sector, she transitioned into a corporate refugee, launching her own coaching and consulting operation over two decades ago. While she initially set out to be an executive coach, her practice naturally evolved as clients began requesting she work with their entire teams and organisations.

Anneli identified a critical gap in traditional leadership training: the tendency to rely on static scripts rather than understanding communication as a living, breathing dynamic. She observed that organisations often struggle with a lack of psychological safety or, conversely, a "nice" culture that avoids necessary performance feedback. Her goal was to move beyond simple skill-building and help organisations cultivate cultures of conversation where dialogue directly drives business results. To achieve this, she needed to bridge the gap between being an expert in her field and being recognised as a proven, safe pair of hands for senior executive management.

Leveraging Visual Artefacts to Signal Trust

By strategically integrating awards and industry recognition into her brand, Anneli has successfully built a highly credible profile that differentiates her in a crowded professional services market. She views awards not merely as trophies, but as visual artefacts that perform the heavy lifting of building trust before she even enters a room. This approach has allowed her to bypass the need for a traditional CEO background or a PhD, using gold medals to signal that she has delivered exceptional results for high-level clients.

The impact on her business has been significant, particularly regarding client tenure. Anneli notes that her ability to maintain multi-year relationships with organisations - often expanding from small pilot programs to organisation-wide rollouts - is a direct result of the relevance and proven impact her recognised status provides. Her strategic approach to awards ensures that each accolade is repurposed and leveraged for years, fitting seamlessly into her brand positioning and modalities such as keynote speaking, authorship, and leadership development.

Industry Excellence and Professional Recognition

Anneli Blundell has earned several prestigious accolades that validate her expertise across various modalities:

• L&D Professional of the Year 2021 Issued by the Australian Institute of Training and Development
• Bronze Stevie Award for Women in Business - Women helping Women 2021
• Gold Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2021

Message from the Client: A Philosophy of Care and Courage

Anneli emphasises that communication is never a vacuum; it is a balance of conversations of care and conversations of courage. She believes that the core skill for any modern leader is the ability to calibrate between these two levers based on the individual and the cultural context.

Reflecting on the power of external validation, Anneli shares: "A little shiny gold medal speaks so much louder than the past five clients that you've had that nobody really gets to talk to or hear about. Clients make this unconscious link - that gold medal means you have worked with excellent clients and delivered great results".

Her final advice for those looking to elevate their impact is simple: "Start sooner. Be braver. Think bolder. It is never too late to invest in developing your communication skills, regardless of your current role or position".

EP 57 | Mikare: Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Infrastructure

By leveraging the power of AI and mobile technology, Karen developed a solution that allows patients to record real-time data, take photos for clinical context, and generate evidence-based health reports. A turning point for Mikare Health was the strategic decision to enter industry awards early in the product's lifecycle. Despite the product not being fully live at the time, securing an international award provided immediate credibility and leverage in high-level business conversations.

The impact of this recognition was transformative for both the business and Karen’s own leadership mindset. Winning an award alongside major international tech companies neutralised the perceived disadvantage of being a small, Australian-based team. It shifted the internal branding of the product from being "just an app" to being recognised as a critical infrastructure layer in healthcare. This newfound confidence allowed Karen to stop apologising for her innovative solution and instead stand as an equal to large-scale health organisations. The award has since been integrated into all marketing materials, opening doors for strategic growth in markets like the United Kingdom.

Result: Awards and Recognition

Karen Perks and Mikare Health have achieved significant milestones in their pursuit of excellence and credibility, including:

• 2025 Stevie Awards For Women In Business, Bronze for Best Health Tech Product for or by Women.

Message from the Client: Innovation and Advocacy

The drive behind Mikare Health is rooted in the belief that patients and their families know their own health better than anyone else, yet they are often the least heard in the room. Karen reflects on the power of providing evidence rather than just anecdotes:

"I see AI as a saviour to our family. It saved my daughter's life... it provides context to the questions and the reality of health. If I'm not there, the doctor would be under the perception that she eats a normal dinner. Now, we take a photo and show them the plate."

Karen encourages other founders not to wait for "perfection" before seeking recognition. She views the awards process as a way to honour the hard work and validate the solution’s value to society:

"The award is like that silent friend who's always there supporting you from behind. It gives you the confidence to stand there and go, 'This is something that you need.' Awards neutralise businesses; it becomes irrelevant how big you are or how many staff you have."

Looking back at her career, her advice to her younger self - and to other innovators - is to lean into the technical side of things without fear:

"I would go back to 1993 and take more notice of the coding. I would not be afraid of breaking the computer or pushing the boundaries."

Contact

To learn more about Karen Perks and the healthcare infrastructure being built at Mikare Health, visit the following links:

Website: https://mikare.health/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mikare-health

EP 56 | Translating Identity into Influence with Jane Mow

In this episode of That’s Audacious, Lauren Clemett sits down with Jane Mow, a Sydney-based personal brand stylist and image consultant. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jane helps ambitious women translate their identity into a wardrobe that commands attention.

Rather than just talking about fashion, Jane dives deep into the psychology of profile building, explaining why how we present ourselves is a vital business tool for anyone looking to increase their authority and credibility.

The Psychology of Presence

Jane explains that personal styling is about far more than just looking nice - it’s about energy. When you look in the mirror and feel polished, your internal vibration shifts. This confidence translates into your body language and how you walk into a room.

"When you feel that slight uplift, the person receiving you feels that too," Jane notes. "They suddenly want to gravitate towards you and tune into what you’re saying." Conversely, feeling "drab" or "frumpy" can create an emotional block that prevents you from communicating effectively.

Profile Building: Inside Tips from Jane Mow

1. Your Wardrobe is Your Business Card Jane has trademarked the phrase: "What you wear is your business card." In a world where first impressions are formed in under three seconds, your image is the first piece of information people process. If you want to be seen as a trusted expert or a leader, you must visually align with that role before you even speak.
2. Audit Your Confidence Jane suggests a "Marie Kondo" style approach to your closet, but with a focus on profile. If an item doesn’t make you feel elevated or confident, it shouldn’t be in your wardrobe. "Why wear things that accentuate bits you don't want to show? Those should be camouflaged so you can focus on the conversation, not your outfit."
3. Dress for the Relationship Phase One of Jane’s key insights is that your wardrobe should evolve as your professional relationships do.

• The First Meeting: Aim for an elevated look (like a blazer) to establish authority and trust.
• The Established Relationship: Once you’ve warmed up your audience and they know your value, you can transition to dressy casual or a style that shows more of your fun, outgoing personality.

4. Align with Your Industry Expectations While personal style is about what you like, profile building is about what your business requires. Jane helps clients find the sweet spot between their favourite colours and the expectations of their industry. For example, a speaker on a corporate stage may need to incorporate authority-boosting elements like blazers, even if they add their own sparkle or unique flair.

Sustainability and the High-Profile Wardrobe

For leaders who value social impact and sustainability, Jane recommends moving away from fast fashion impulse buys. Instead:

• Utilise Dress Hire: Perfect for red-carpet events or awards nights where you want a high-impact look without the waste.
• The Rotation Strategy: Build a versatile capsule of high-quality blazers, pants, and dresses that can be mixed and matched. This ensures you look different in social media content while actually owning fewer, better-quality items.

Jane’s Final Word on Audacious Growth

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Jane’s message was simple: Keep pushing. "Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something. When there is a brick wall, find a way around it. There are a hundred million ways to skin a cat."

Connect with Jane Mow

To learn more about Jane’s Unforgettable Style Workshop (conducted quarterly via Zoom) or her personal consulting services, check out the links below:

• Website: janemow.com
• Instagram: @janemowstylist
• LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/janemow

Don’t forget to subscribe to That’s Audacious on your favourite podcast channel for more insights into building a world-class profile - https://theaudaciousagency.com/thats-audacious-podcast/

EP 55 | Disrupting the Great Australian Dream with Award Winning Affordable Living

David Antonacci, Teeny Tiny Homes’ co-founder, identified an immense void in the severely unaffordable Australian housing sector. As a result of his desire to provide legitimate low-cost housing options, he realised that standard homes were becoming unobtainable for many people - even to himself when he was attempting to reduce his mortgage burden.

Beginning with one granny flat, which he built in his yard nearly eight and a half years ago, David began to question the conventional norms of the construction industry. 

David’s goal was not necessarily to make the most money possible; he was determined to demonstrate to the tiny homes sector that he could supply quality, certified houses at a cost that others thought was impossible. 

Rather than focusing solely on what he, as a homebuilder, wished to design and construct, he concentrated on those attributes which his customers desired - value, storage space, design details and quality. The focus on the buyer instead of the seller was the basis of his business philosophy: “How can we bless the customer?”

Leveraging Awards to Build Unshakeable Trust

From a single backyard build to a prominent manufacturer of 14-16 units each month in Queensland, David’s path to success has been swift. However, an important factor in this rapid development has been the intentional use of awards within the construction industry. 

David understood that when presenting a product that costs significantly less than the normal market rate - often by as much as 20% - the first response from would-be consumers is distrust. When a competitive product is cheaper the first thought is “what’s wrong with it?”

By intentionally seeking and receiving numerous prestigious awards, David was able to demonstrate to his consumers the quality and certification of his products. He described the ROI on his awards as "absurd", stating that they provided a sense of credibility that dispelled doubt and converted sceptics into customers. 

The trust generated by the awards has been crucial in providing David with the necessary financial resources to maintain a high-volume production facility. In addition to sales, the awards created a positive team culture that encouraged employees to know that they are a part of a successful and progressive“machine that is creating a positive social impact. 

A Portfolio of Excellence

Teeny Tiny Homes has secured several significant accolades that validate its commitment to leadership, innovation, and social responsibility:

• Gold Globee – Company Leadership of the Year & Environmental/Social Responsibility  
• Asia Pacific Stevie Bronze 2025 - Excellence in Social Impact Companies
• Titan Silver 2025 - Teeny Tiny Homes - Building A Brighter Future Teeny Tiny Homes Business Development Construction
• Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2025 Finalist
• Nobel Awards Silver 2025 - A Beacon Of Hope In The Housing Crisis - Company & Organization - Outstanding Social Enterprise
• 2025 ROAR Awards - Bronze for Best in Community Impact
• 2025 BX Awards Finalist
• 2025 GOLD Best Of Australia Award - Manufacturing
• 2025 GOLD International Stevie Award Company of the Year - Materials & Construction
• 2025 GOLD International Stevie Award Best Entrepreneur - Materials & Construction

Lessons in Leverage and Mindset

David’s entrepreneurial strategy is defined by the humble hustle and an enduring faith in the ability of a positive mindset. He emphasised that his success wasn’t simply based on building houses, but also on inspiring infectious energy throughout his organisation and company brand.

“Winning and showing that there is no faking it with awards, it has allowed me to take full advantage of them,” David explained. “In essence, the awards tell people to ‘trust me’. Without customers, there is no air or oxygen, and the awards give them the confidence to purchase.”

In retrospect, David advises entrepreneurs to focus on utilising leverage rather than the daily grind. "Invest in smart people to speed up progress. Trust more and utilise more leverage with your workforce so you can work ON your business versus working IN it." 

David is a shining example that if businesses can develop a growth mindset and a willingness to serve others, and continue to grow their mindset by attending seminars, reading books and self development, then any business will be capable of overcoming perceived barriers to eat the competition alive.

 

Contact To learn more about David Antonacci and Teeny Tiny Homes, please visit:

• Website: https://teenytinyhomes.com.au/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeenyTinyHomes
• Instagram: @teenytinyhomes_aus

EP 54 | The Fusion of Corporate Acumen and Theatrical Artistry

Carmen Sederino is the visionary founder behind Illuminated Story, a specialist consultancy that helps founders and global leaders transform high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. Carmen’s journey is a unique tapestry woven from two distinct worlds: the disciplined, high-pressure environment of corporate leadership and the expressive, creative realm of the performing arts.

Despite being a painfully shy child, Carmen discovered her voice on stage at age five, eventually earning a Bachelor of Performing Arts with Honours. However, rather than immediately pursuing the limelight, she pivoted into the corporate sector. Over an 18-year career, she climbed the ladder to become a National Manager and Brand Manager for a major retailer, managing teams and overseeing international manufacturing partnerships. It was here that she identified a critical gap: intelligent, capable leaders who were terrified of public speaking.

Carmen realised that communication is a skill, not a birthright. Seven years ago, she left the safety of her corporate career to launch Illuminated Story. Her goal was to blend her theatrical training with her business expertise to help professionals stop hiding behind lecterns and start making an impact.

From Standard Keynote to Keynote Show

Through her work with Illuminated Story, Carmen has reshaped how leaders approach the stage. She moves her clients away from the ‘standard’ corporate keynote often characterised by boring slides and low energy, toward what she calls a keynote ‘show’. This approach integrates theatrical elements to create an experience that captivates the audience rather than just informing them.

A major outcome of Carmen’s coaching is the dismantling of the ‘fear myth’. She teaches that nerves are not an enemy to be eliminated but a source of energy to be harnessed. She emphasises that being a "performer" doesn't mean being inauthentic; it means adapting your natural behaviour to the size of the room. She uses the analogy of how one behaves in a quiet church versus a rowdy football match: both are authentically you, but the energy and vocal projection differ. By helping clients unlock energy for the stage, she enables them to deliver with the necessary passion and volume to command a room.

Key Insights for Aspiring Speakers

Carmen shared several actionable insights during the podcast for those looking to elevate their profile and stage presence:

• The Camera Never Lies: You cannot improve what you cannot see. Carmen insists that speakers film their talks. She advises watching the footage twice: once to "get over your ego" and the discomfort of seeing yourself, and a second time to critically analyse what landed with the audience and what fell flat.
• Relevance is King: Stories are powerful, but only if they serve the point. Carmen advises against telling a story just for the sake of it; it must bridge the gap between concepts or illustrate a specific lesson.
• The Myth of "No Stories": Many corporate professionals believe they have no stories to tell because they are data-driven. Carmen argues that everyone has stories - even an engineer rowing a boat can derive lessons on leadership and resilience. It is about mining life experiences for moments that resonate with the human condition.
• Sensory Storytelling: To truly engage an audience, speakers must use the five senses. Good storytelling puts the audience in the scene, making them feel the experience rather than just passively observing it.

Carmen’s philosophy is based on the belief that it is never too late to reinvent yourself or master a new skill. Her advice cuts through the noise of perfectionism and encourages leaders to embrace the learning process.

"If you're thinking, 'I don't know if I can do that,' my answer is yes, you absolutely can... instead of thinking 'I can't do that,' think 'I don't know how to do that yet.' This is a skill. It's not something you're born with."

"Life doesn't stop at 30. You don't need to have a cut-off to something that's a dream of yours. And sometimes you don't know how your dreams are going to show up. Mine has now manifested into this business where I get to use both the 18 years in corporate... and bring back the performance part of myself."

Contact

To learn more about how to illuminate your own story or to access Carmen’s masterclasses:

• Website: www.illuminatedstory.com.au