Blog - Power of Women

Find Rachel Stern at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-samson-335393a8/

Rachel on Instagram @australianpsychologist

💬 Have you had to walk away from a relationship that was no longer serving you? Share in the comments.

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Michelle Phillips | Talking Homelessness & Safe, Secure Housing for Women

by admin | Jul 28, 2025 | Blog

In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, host Di Gillett sits down with Michelle Phillips, CEO of YWCA Australia, to talk about one of the most urgent issues facing Australian women today: homelessness and the fight for safe, secure housing.

From launching the Women’s A-League to leading global reproductive health services, Michelle’s career has been grounded in fairness, equity, and bold leadership. Now, she’s on the frontlines of Australia’s housing crisis, reshaping how we think about women’s homelessness and why “a roof over your head” is only part of the story.

In this episode, we explore:

The early signs of housing insecurity many women miss
Why women are more vulnerable to homelessness than ever before
The powerful role of community support and policy change
What the YWCA’s Women’s Housing Framework is doing differently

Michelle outlined that:

🔑 “Housing is a basic human right.”

🔑 “If we don’t have more homes built specifically for women, we will not solve the housing crisis for women.”

🔑 “Women and children aren’t able to leave abusive situations because there’s nowhere to go.”

🔑 “Women just don’t ask for help… and that makes a lot of women’s homelessness quite hidden.”

🔑 “It’s not about choices—it’s the systemic barriers that put women at risk of homelessness.”

New episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Connect with Di:

Find Michelle Phillips & the YWCA at:

Learn more about the Women’s Housing Framework and how to support YWCA: www.ywca.org.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-phillips-au/

Instagram: @ywcaaustralia

💬 If safe housing is a basic right, what can we each do today to help make it a reality for every woman? Share your ideas in the comments.

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Jenny Valentish | How Introverts Can Thrive in an Extrovert’s World

by admin | Jul 21, 2025 | Blog

Reformed sociophobe, Jenny Valentish, reveals how introverts can thrive an extrovert’s world, when you’re wired for solitude.

Journalist and author Jenny Valentish shares how she transformed from a self-described “reformed sociophobe” into a keynote speaker, coach, and author of The Introvert’s Guide to Leaving the House. We explore how introverts can thrive in professional environments, manage social anxiety, handle conflict at work, and navigate the pressure to build a personal brand—without losing themselves in the process.

Whether you identify as introverted, socially anxious, highly sensitive, or simply burnt out from performing all the time, this conversation offers real strategies, surprising insights, and a powerful reminder:

You don’t need to change your nature—just change the game plan.

With candour, humour and real tools, this conversation explores:

Social anxiety, the spotlight effect and letting go of control
How introverts can lead without burning out
Smarter strategies for visibility, self-promotion and saying what needs to be said

Jenny said:

On managing introversion: “Introverts don’t need fixing — just smarter strategies.”

On the world we live in: “We are living in an extrovert’s world — and there’s nothing wrong with being an introvert.”

On managing as a sociophobe: “I call myself a reformed sociophobe, but there’s always work to do.”

New episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Connect with Di:

Find Jenny Valentish at:

Instagram

Jenny’s Website

💬 What changes are you going to make to your game plan? Listen to this episode for ideas as to the how.

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Dr Marina Christov | Depleted, Drained: How to Get Your Energy Back

by admin | Jun 2, 2025 | Blog, Burnout, Female Empowerment, Female Entrepreneur, Health & Wellbeing, Podcast For Women

Is your energy depleted? Do your feel drained? What if the root of your exhaustion isn’t just in your schedule—but in your organs?

Di sits down with renowned Chinese Medicine practitioner Dr. Marina Christov, founder of The House of Life on the podcast to challenge the notion of why so many women are energetically depleted —and what your liver, kidneys, and nervous system are trying to tell you. With over 25 years of experience, Marina brings a rare blend of clinical wisdom, emotional insight, and unapologetic truth-telling to this deeply personal conversation.

Marina also shares her own story of rejection and resilience—from being dismissed for being “too personable” to building a thriving wellness practice grounded in compassion, feminine energy, and fierce intention.

In his episode, we explore:

Why so many women are energetically depleted—and what your liver, kidneys, and nervous system are trying to tell you
How emotions are stored in the body, and how Chinese medicine maps this connection
Why burnout, brain fog, and tension aren’t just physical—they’re symptoms of fragmentation
How self-understanding and energetic alignment can become your greatest tools for healing

New episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Connect with Di:

Find Dr. Marina Christov at:

Website https://houseoflife.com.au/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehouseoflifeclinic/?hl=en

Where is your energy leaking—and what’s it trying to tell you?

Share in the comments.

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Judy King | Reclaiming Her Life After Childhood Trauma

by admin | May 12, 2025 | Blog, Conqueror, Female Author, Female Entrepreneur, Female Podcast, Podcast For Women

Judy King is the first octogenarian guest on the Power Of Women Podcast — and she is nothing short of extraordinary. Now living her best life in Mallorca, Judy’s story is a powerful journey of success and healing, after unearthing repressed childhood memories.

Our conversation is a true emotional rollercoaster. We celebrate Judy’s remarkable achievements, including her domination of the Paddington real estate market in the 1960s — a feat few women could dream of at the time. But behind the success, Judy battled hidden demons: repressed childhood memories that left her overwhelmed by a persistent, haunting sense of failure. In recent years, therapy helped Judy unlock deeply buried truths — a harrowing history of undiagnosed trauma, sexual abuse, abandonment, emotional deprivation, and lifelong impacts on her mental health.

Judy shares her raw and courageous story with us, offering hope and wisdom for anyone who has faced darkness and fought their way back to the light.

Her full journey is captured in her powerful new book, AGNES – A Childhood Betrayed and Reclaimed.

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to child sexual abuse, trauma, and mental health.

In this episode:

Judy King is on a mission to help adult survivors of child abuse.
Her childhood experiences shaped her problem-solving skills.
Judy’s entrepreneurial spirit was driven by a desire to survive.
Judy became a recluse to focus on her personal issues.
Buddhism provided her with kindness and a new perspective.
Confronting her childhood trauma was a pivotal moment in her healing.

New episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Connect with Di:

Judy’s book is available:

Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/Agnes-childhood-reclaimed-Judy-King/dp/1761096974 and at major bookstores.

10% of author royalties will be donated to the Blue Knot Foundation: https://blueknot.org.au/

Debbie Lee | So You Want to Write a Book? Here’s How.

by admin | May 5, 2025 | Blog, Female Author, Female Entrepreneur, Female Podcast

So, you want to write a book? Debbie Lee on how to get published.

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an author, this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast is a must-listen!

The world of publishing is evolving, and today’s authors must do more than just write—they need to promote themselves through podcasts, social media, literary festivals, and every opportunity that comes their way. As publishing veteran and owner of Ginninderra Press, Debbie Lee understands this shift firsthand. Bequeathed the company by its founder, Stephen Matthews, she carries the deep responsibility of honouring his legacy while navigating the industry’s modern challenges.

In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Debbie and Di dive into the multifaceted world of publishing. From the crucial role of professional editing to the expanding formats of books, they explore the key elements every writer must consider. They also discuss common pitfalls in manuscript submissions, the realities of book-to-screen adaptations, and the growing impact of censorship on literature.

Plus, with more women than ever finding their voices in publishing, self-promotion has never been more important. Authors can no longer hide behind their pages—it’s time to step into the spotlight.

New episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

In his episode, we explore:

How print on demand technology has revolutionized the publishing industry, allowing for more flexibility and accessibility for indie authors.
The indie publishing landscape is changing, with authors needing to adapt to new realities.
Authors must invest in the editing and design process to ensure their book is of high quality.
Engaging a qualified editor is crucial for authors.
Women authors are increasingly finding their voice in the industry.

Connect with Di: