The Find Your Influence Podcast with Anton Guinea

Surviving Toxic Trades Culture and Building a Support System for Women in Blue Collar Work

From a bullied apprentice on the workshop floor to an international WorldSkills competitor and a coach for tradeswomen, this episode dives into what it really takes to survive and thrive in blue-collar industries. Louise shares how being the only woman in the workshop, battling mental health and bystander bullying, pushed her to build the support she wished she had. You’ll hear how a single offhand comment from a friend cracked open a whole new career path and reminded her that she loved the work, just not the workplace. We unpack the emotional whiplash of winning national competitions while simultaneously being dragged through HR investigations. Louise reveals how she transformed that chaos into a purpose-driven coaching business dedicated to helping tradeswomen lead, recover from burnout, and stand tall in tough environments. If you’re in the trades or lead people in high-pressure, male-dominated workplaces, this conversation is a masterclass in self-leadership, resilience, and real influence.
Summary:
In this episode, Louise shares her journey from growing up on a farm to becoming a heavy vehicle and plant mechanic in a male-dominated industry. She opens up about years of bullying at work, the silence of bystanders and how those experiences deeply affected her mental health and confidence. Louise explains how competing in the World Skills Competition, often called the Olympics for tradies, brought both pride and intense pressure that eventually contributed to burnout. She then talks about moving into a training role where she discovered informal leadership, mutual respect with much older colleagues, and a love for mentoring apprentices. Today, Louise blends her lived experience with formal life coaching and NLP training to support tradeswomen and blue-collar workers, helping them navigate bullying, rebuild confidence, and step into leadership while creating an ecosystem of women supporting women in the trades.
Takeaways:
Bullying, plus poor mental health, and a silent bystander culture can turn a normal apprenticeship into years of feeling trapped and isolated.
A single conversation or perspective shift can reveal that you don’t have to leave your trade to leave a toxic workplace.
Competing in World Skills gave Louise massive confidence and skill, but also fed perfectionism and pressure that later contributed to burnout.
Stepping into a training role showed her the power of mutual respect, self-awareness, and informal leadership in male-dominated teams.
Her long-term vision is an ecosystem of women supporting women in the trades, so the “first girl” in every workshop is no longer standing alone.
Best Quotes:
Influence is often just loving your work openly enough that someone else can see themselves in your story.
Sometimes the hardest part of bullying is not what’s said to you, but what your own mind keeps replaying when you’re alone.
The difference between staying stuck and breaking through is often one outside voice reminding you that you still love the work, just not the environment.
Real leadership in the trades starts with admitting what you don’t know and being hungry enough to learn it.
The first woman in the workshop needs just as much support as the women she is trying to mentor behind her.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and Louise’s background
03:00 – Bullying, mental health and the bystander culture
10:00 – Apprenticeship journey and meeting a role model at the expo
20:00 – World Skills competitions and the double life of success and HR stress
24:00 – Becoming a trainer and earning respect in an older team
30:00 – Discovering coaching and launching a business for tradeswomen
37:00 – Building an ecosystem of women supporting women in the trades
43:00 – Podcast plans, tools, and final wrap-up
38:45 – Final question and closing the conversation
Conclusion:
This episode proves that the trades don’t just build machines and infrastructure; they also forge character, courage, and leaders. Louise shows how the same grit that gets you through a brutal workday can also power a complete life and career transformation. Her story is a roadmap for any tradie who feels like they’re “the problem” when the real issue is a broken culture and lack of support. By turning her pain into a coaching mission, she’s quietly building the kind of mentoring ecosystem many women in the trades have never seen before. Listen to the end, then decide what kind of influence you’re willing to have in your own workshop, crew or company.

How to Style for Influence: Level Up Your Presence from the Inside Out with Yulia Seijkens

Have you ever wondered how much your clothes really influence the way people see you? In this episode, UK-based luxury fashion and image consultant Yulia Seijkens shares how style can be used as a strategic tool to shape your presence and authority. Drawing on a lifetime in show business, modeling, and performance from the age of six, she explains why what you wear is an unspoken language that speaks before you ever say a word. Yulia reveals why “luxury” isn’t about money or labels, but about intentionally leveling up your presence to match the goals and impact you want in life. If you’re a leader, executive, or high-impact professional who wants to be more influential in every room you enter, this conversation will change how you think about style forever.
Summary:
In this episode, Yulia Seijkens breaks down the difference between simply buying expensive clothes and strategically styling yourself to influence how others perceive you. She shares stories from working with high-net-worth individuals—including a Saudi prince—to show that money alone does not create presence or style. Instead, Yulia focuses on “styling from within,” aligning inner values, confidence, and identity with the outer image you present to the world. She explains how presence, energy, posture, grooming, and clothing all work together as a silent language that communicates authority, trustworthiness, and credibility. By the end of the conversation, listeners understand that true style is not superficial; it’s a powerful lever for business success, relationships, and personal influence.
Takeaways:
Style is not just about looking good; it is a strategic tool that shapes how others perceive your authority and credibility.
Luxury is less about how much money you spend and more about intentionally leveling up your presence to match your goals.
“Styling from within” means your clothes and appearance should reflect a deeper inner transformation, not try to compensate for its absence.
Presence is a combination of clothing, grooming, posture, movement, and energy—the “vibe” you bring when you walk into a room.
Real beauty and powerful presence are rooted in inner values like kindness, courage, honesty, and compassion, which style can then amplify.
Best Quotes:
I style them from within, and that inner version slowly starts to expand outside themselves.
Style is an unspoken, silent language that tells people who you are before you say a single word.
You can have all the money in the world and still not have style if your presence is not leveled up.
People are always communicating a message with how they show up; the real question is whether they know what that message is.
Real beauty comes from deep inside—from your smile, kindness, courage, honesty, and compassion.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Warm welcome, Christmas setting, and re-introducing Yulia
1:27 – Who is Yulia Seijkens and what is “Style to Influence”?
2:38 – Winning Best Luxury Consultant: what the award really means
4:07 – What makes luxury styling different in Yulia’s work?
4:47 – Leveling up presence vs chasing luxury labels
7:25 – Defining presence as a bridge from where you are to where you want to go
8:05 – Style as a strategic, silent language of influence
11:33 – Presence, “vibe,” and the difference between men’s and women’s energy
14:05 – Being the person who lights up the room when you walk in
15:00 – The message your style sends before you say your name
16:41 – Dressing to communicate confidence, knowledge, and authority
18:51 – Styling from within vs just buying a great suit or dress
20:27 – How costumes and clothing change behavior and identity
22:29 – When clients aren’t ready: openness, trust, and commitment to change
23:23 – Real beauty, core values, and the personal nature of styling
26:48 – Curious vs serious: why not everyone is ready to level up
31:21 – How style builds authority, believability, and trust
32:24 – A CEO client case study: a hair change that shifted her whole energy
35:41 – Yulia’s artistic vision: seeing the “after” version of her clients
37:01 – Can this skill be taught and scaled to a team?
38:45 – Final question and closing the conversation
Conclusion:
Style is not just what you wear; it is the story you silently tell every room you walk into. When your inner values and outer image finally match, your presence stops asking for permission and starts commanding attention. Yulia’s approach proves that influence is not reserved for celebrities and CEOs—it is available to anyone willing to level up from the inside out. The next time you choose an outfit, you’re not just picking clothes; you’re choosing the message you want the world to read about you. If you’re ready to be the person who lights up the room instead of the one people forget, this episode gives you the blueprint to dress for the life and impact you actually want.

From Adversity to Breakthroughs: Entrepreneurial Lessons on Leadership and Innovation

What does it take to turn personal adversity into a business triumph? In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, guest Rich Galgano shares his remarkable journey from battling a gambling addiction to founding Windy City Wire and selling it for half a billion dollars. Host Antwon Guinea digs into Rich’s unconventional business strategies and his commitment to giving back. We also hear about Rich’s approach to leadership and his deep family ties. Tune in for inspiration and actionable insights from a true industry leader.
Summary:
Rich Galgano, founder and CEO of Windy City Wire, discussed his journey from overcoming a gambling addiction to building a successful low-voltage wiring company. The company, established in 1994 and sold for $500 million in 2020, introduced color-coded low-voltage wire, revolutionizing the industry. Galgano emphasized the importance of transparency, integrity, and delivering on promises in leadership. He also shared his personal health challenges, including atrial fibrillation, and his commitment to family, crediting his wife and five children for his success. Galgano highlighted the need for leaders to inspire and lead their teams effectively.
5 Takeaways:
Overcoming personal adversity can fuel entrepreneurial success.
Visionary leadership and unconventional strategies drive industry disruption.
Giving back through philanthropy is a key part of lasting success.
Strong family support plays a crucial role in enduring challenging journeys.
Strategic investments can foster continuous growth beyond one business.
5 Best Quotes:
Sometimes the greatest success comes from knowing when to quit and start something new.
True leaders bring others with them and never expect the team to pull the wagon alone.
Innovation means redefining what’s possible, turning small ideas into industry standards.
Overcoming personal challenges can shape your business vision and fuel growth.
Building a company is about more than money—it’s about creating real value and leaving a legacy.
Timestamps:
0:00:00 Greetings and Book Appreciation
0:01:10 Technical Setup and Microphone Adjustment
0:02:11 Guest Introduction and Host Welcome
0:03:45 Rich’s Background and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
0:07:46 Overcoming Addiction and Personal Lessons
0:11:13 Courage to Quit and Business Transitions
0:12:26 Founding Windy City Wire
0:15:16 Leadership, Influence, and Credibility
0:18:51 Innovation in Manufacturing and Color-Coding
0:20:21 Unique Product Development and Industry Impact
0:24:20 Health Challenges and Mindset Changes
0:32:22 Family, Support Systems, and Personal Values
0:40:40 Leadership Philosophy and Team Building
0:43:22 Future Plans, Legacy, and Closing Remarks
0:44:58 Episode Wrap-Up and Farewell
Conclusion:
Rich Galgano’s story on the Find Your Influence podcast serves as a testament to resilience and vision in business. His transformative journey inspires both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike. The discussion offers practical insights on overcoming obstacles, building thriving companies, and making meaningful contributions to the community. This episode is a reminder that success is not just about profits but also about the legacy you create. Don’t miss the wisdom and encouragement shared in this insightful conversation.

Building Influence and Impact: Claire Baines on Leadership, Charity, and Purpose with Claire Baines

What does it truly take to lead with purpose and influence positive change in the world? In this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, Claire Baines, CEO of Hands Across the Water, shares her journey from corporate events to running a groundbreaking social enterprise supporting children in Thailand. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Claire reveals how purpose, belief, and accountability shape effective leadership. Listeners will discover the unique challenges and triumphs encountered as tragedy is turned into hope. Join us as we unpack the lessons learned and the power of building strong relationships to drive sustainable social impact. 
Summary: 
Claire Baines discusses her path to becoming the CEO of Hands Across the Water, an Australian charity supporting Thai children. The conversation explores her leadership philosophy, deeply influenced by her partner, Peter, and other mentors, and highlights the origins and growth of their charity work following the 2004 tsunami. Through anecdotes about major fundraising events, such as long-distance runs and bicycle rides, Claire illustrates the importance of experiential giving and bringing donors directly into the mission. The episode also covers key aspects of influence, including communication, compassion, and belief in both purpose and people. Claire’s story is a testament to the impact of authentic leadership and the transformative power of supporting others. 
5 Takeaways: 
Purpose-driven leadership can turn tragedy into hope for entire communities. 
Genuine belief and support among team members build the foundation for long-lasting influence. 
Creating immersive experiences for donors fosters lasting commitment to a charitable cause. 
Accountability and integrity are vital values in both nonprofit management and personal growth. 
Effective leaders guide and coach, empowering others rather than controlling every outcome. 
5 Best Quotes:  
Put on your own oxygen mask first and focus on your own routine. 
The ability to influence comes from taking people on the journey and getting them to believe. 
Guide and coach without doing the job for them. 
Having someone who believes in you and supports you in a powerful way always has such an influence on your life. 
Doing the right thing, even when it’s not popular, is integrity. 
Timestamps: 
0:00:00 Introduction and Biggest Learning 
0:01:13 Who Is Claire Baines and Hands Across the Water 
0:04:08 Origin Story: Tsunami and Building a Charity 
0:07:11 Experiential Fundraising and Challenges 
0:09:24 The Thailand Run: Purpose and Event Planning 
0:13:20 Influences and Support Systems 
0:15:31 What Is Influence and How to Build It 
0:18:47 Role Models, Accountability, and Integrity 
0:20:12 A Story of Personal Impact: Am’s Journey 
0:23:19 Leadership Styles and Final Thoughts 
 
Conclusion: 
Claire Baines’ inspiring leadership journey reveals that true impact comes from leading with purpose, compassion, and unwavering belief in others. By transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, she demonstrates the powerful ripple effect one person can have on an organization and community. Her commitment to accountability and integrity drives sustainable change, motivating both her team and the people they serve. For anyone seeking to understand the real meaning of influence, Claire’s story highlights the importance of authentic connections and purposeful action. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that influence starts with belief in oneself and in the mission at hand. 

Confronting Racism in Australia: Data, Dialogue, and Hope for Change

How can data and personal stories spark a national conversation about racism in Australia? In this episode, two leading advocates discuss the genesis and goals of the Racism Register, an online platform documenting experiences of racism. Through sharing lived experiences and research, Elizabeth Lang and Liz Tekanyo shine a light on both overt and covert forms of racism. Listeners learn how collecting data acts as a catalyst for awareness, empathy, and systemic change. The conversation also delves into Australian cultural identity and the hope for a more inclusive future. 
Summary: 
The episode explores Australia’s journey to recognize and address racism, with guests Elizabeth Lang and Liz Tekanyo sharing research and personal accounts. They explain the purpose of the Racism Register as a tool to document and make visible acts of racism across the country. Through discussing both everyday microaggressions and systemic biases, the guests emphasize the importance of empathy and education. The conversation also covers how a deeper understanding of personal and collective identity can foster greater inclusion. The episode concludes with ambitions for generational change and a vision of Australia where everyone feels accepted. 
5 Takeaways: 
Data collection is essential for making invisible experiences of racism visible and actionable. 
Both overt and casual forms of racism significantly impact individuals and communities. 
Personal and collective identity awareness can reduce exclusion and cultural defensiveness. 
Empathy and open conversations are vital to dismantle unconscious biases and foster inclusion. 
The ultimate goal is to create a future Australia where all people can be themselves without prejudice. 
5 Best Quotes:  
Racism isn’t just overt abuse; it often hides in everyday jokes and assumptions. 
 Data gives us a chance to measure what has long been ignored or denied.  
Asking where someone is from can carry the message that they don’t belong.  
Everyone benefits when we broaden our circles and truly get to know people unlike ourselves.  
Our vision is a country where no one needs to change who they are to fit in. 
Timestamps: 
0:00 - Introduction and Podcast Background 
2:33 - Guest Introductions and Backgrounds 
2:52 - Origins and Purpose of the Racism Register 
4:49 - Lived Experiences with Racism 
12:10 - Data Collection and Societal Influence 
14:05 - The Meaning of Identity and Belonging 
16:25 - Defining Racism and Unconscious Bias 
21:10 - Conversations on White Australian Identity 
24:53 - Cultural Heritage and Ancestry Discussions 
30:17 - Using Data for Systemic Change 
33:33 - Vision for an Ideal Australia 
 
Conclusion: 
This episode highlights the transformative power of sharing experiences and collecting data to address racism in Australia. By blending personal stories with research, the guests illustrate the urgency of combating both visible and hidden biases. Their insights encourage listeners to question assumptions, embrace diversity, and work toward true inclusion. The Racism Register stands as a critical tool for awareness and advocacy, while hopes for generational change remain strong. Ultimately, the call is for an Australia where everyone belongs and can live authentically. 

Resilience, Safety, and Leadership: Turning Setbacks Into Success with Robert Roberts

This episode delves into a journey of perseverance and adaptability, taking listeners from unexpected challenges to career triumphs.
Hear firsthand how setbacks can spark innovation and drive personal growth, even in tough industries. The story features lessons in risk management, workplace safety, and the transformative power of mentorship.
Alongside tales of survival and resilience, practical strategies for leading and inspiring teams are shared. Prepare for a reflection on embracing adversity and turning obstacles into stepping stones for future success.

Opening Minds, Not Just Markets: Lauren Clemett on Influence & Thought Leadership

What if real influence isn’t about visibility, but about expanding someone’s belief in what’s possible?
In this powerful episode of Find Your Influence, Lauren Clemett, one of Australia’s most respected personal branding strategists and the Founder & CEO of The Audacious Agency, to explore what influence really means in leadership, business, and life.
Lauren shares deeply personal stories, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom on thought leadership, confidence, awards, and why true leadership is about giving people wings, not holding them back.
If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “ready,” “good enough,” or “visible enough” to step up, this episode is for you!

Andrew Ford on Personal Brand, Influence, and the Power of Connection

In this conversation, Andrew Ford, founder & CEO of Social Star shares what it really takes to build a personal brand that creates influence, trust, and long-term success.
From escaping the “grey cubicle” of corporate life to building values-aligned businesses, Andrew unpacks why connection beats selling, why human brands win in the age of AI, and how your network can change the trajectory of your career and life.
 
Tune in! This episode is packed with real-world insights for leaders, consultants, founders, and professionals who want to grow their influence without losing themselves in the process.

Monika Herman: How a Great Mother Builds Better Businesses by Connecting Minds

What if leadership was simpler than we make it?
Monika Herman, Founder of Head Recruitment, to explore what great leadership looks like when you strip away ego, KPIs, and titles and focus on what actually matters: people.
Monika shares her journey as a founder, recruiter, and mother, and how those experiences shaped her belief in human-centred leadership and the power of connecting minds and businesses.
This is a conversation about influence without manipulation, performance without fear, and leadership built on empathy, honesty, and trust.
If you care about people, culture, and influence, this episode is for you.

From Data to Decisions: Building Intelligent Products with Frank Losinno

What actually makes technology valuable in business?
Is it the latest AI tool… or the people behind it?
In this episode, Frank Losinno, executive at DS and expert in digital transformation, IoT and AI strategy, for a practical and refreshingly human conversation about technology, leadership, and problem-solving.
Frank shares why intelligent products only exist when intelligent people ask better questions, how to avoid building technology no one uses, and why “stickiness” matters more than shiny features. From AI and data quality to leadership, communication, and upskilling teams, this episode cuts through the hype and gets to what really drives sustainable success.
Tune in! You don't want to miss this coversation.