Savvy Style & Training

Who helped you when you were starting out?
Last night I had one of those full circle moments which reminded me of how privileged I am to do what I do.

This week, Savvy Style & Training turned 13. Our first ever program was a pilot, offered for free, to Debbie Hill of Lighthouse Care. Debbie sat in on that program, and believed in it enough to recommend it to Marie Barber of Beenleigh PCYC.

Marie was coordinating a pilot program called “Its All About Me”, for survivors of FDV and invited me to incorporate my Styling from the Inside Out program into it. Within six weeks of launching with Debbie, I found myself not only with my first paid gig, but in a pilot program working with QPS, PCYC, Centrelink and referring Community Organisations such as Wesley Mission right off the bat (my first pinch me moment). Not long after this, we were featured on the ABC News highlighting the positive impact that was being made for the participants (second pinch me moment).

This connection and collaboration with PCYC lasted for years, with Marie becoming my mentor, until she sadly passed away (breaking the hearts of all those she supported and who loved her - never forgotten). My connection to the Logan Community has continued and grown to include other community organisations and (for the past 9 years) Logan City Council.

The very generous community of Logan gave me and (my business) Savvy Style & Training, our first hand up.

Last night, I was honoured to be included in the list of invitees of Logan City Council to attend the 2026 City of Logan People’s Excellence Awards. Here we were not only inspired by the selfless work of many in the room, we celebrated the 17 much deserving recipients who received Awards for the work they do.

To my delight, also in the room was Debbie Hill. Whilst we’ve remained connected on social media, our paths had not crossed for some 10+ years. What a poignant and serendipitous moment to happen in our 13th birthday week.

Whilst Savvy Style and Training has grown from one program focused on empowering victims of crime in FDV, it now includes programs focused on prevention education for workplace wellbeing, mental fitness as well as youth and employability programs. Our clients have grown to include Corporate, Government, Young People in Care, RTO’s, high schools, the health and hair industries as well as community organisations. From those humble beginnings, launched with a free program, and a recommendation, that went on to open the door to working with thousands of people across Queensland, NSW and Victoria.

So, who opened the door for you, or more importantly, who can you open the door for? You never know, you may just be that one missing introduction away from changing someone’s life. Thank you Debbie, Marie and the whole Logan Community for changing mine.

Last week I had the pleasure of running the first of four training days with the Trainees and Apprentices at .council. We had a great day addressing communication, what to do when things go wrong, discovering their biggest fears moving forward and what they’d like to learn across our sessions.

Interestingly enough, I recently listen to an interview that outlined the shift in recruitment from an EQ focus, to a Relational Skills focus. Once upon a time, the number one requirement was all about qualifications (hello Certificate III Guarantee), later EQ became the buzz, and now we’re seeing the shift to not only qualifications and EQ, but specifically, relational skills to improve connection, interdependence and efficiency within teams.

It was exciting to then discover these motivated young people predominantly want to learn skills in the relational space. Under the ongoing watchful eye and guidance of Gemma, Rebecca and Jacinta, I have no doubt they’ll excel in this space too.

So, how do your team stack up in the relational skills space? Could they do with a refresher or upskilling?

If so, we’d love to chat with you about how we can support building these skills in your team, reduce absenteeism and improve efficiency through this, and the workplace wellbeing lens.

Thanks again Trainee and Apprenticeship team, I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon for Session Two.

Last month I had the pleasure of working with these legends as they work their way towards forging their new careers in the Health Industry. There’s nothing more inspiring than surrounding yourself with those who are passionate about supporting the community.

Well done ETC LTD you’ve nailed the selection process, this crew will certainly make a positive impact.

Good luck to all the participants as they embark on their placement at the hospitals. You’ve got this!

After two consecutive events this week with the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce l can safely report Integrity is the clear winner and takeaway. Integrity in our values, in how we lead our teams and in our actions.

Yesterday Mark Evans of the Gold Coast Suns shared how he builds culture that holds under pressure. Between himself and Brooke Hanson the little takeaway gems were in the plenty for business and life.

I recently completed a coaching course and love the way the facilitator set the tone of the program: Listen, not with the intent to validate what you already know. Resist the urge to speak to prove your knowledge. We know you’re smart, you’re here, wanting to grow and be better. Instead, listen with the intent to learn what you don’t know.

I loved that. It has set the intention for every event I’ve attended since. Always say yes to learning opportunities.

Congrats to all involved in organising yesterdays lunch, it was outstanding and of course, it’s always great to connect with new, and our current, colleagues too.

Happy Friday!

PS The Currumbin RSL is definitely worth a visit.

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a Masterclass on Building and Retaining a High Performing Team at Southern Cross University through Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Here we were reminded of the staggering $14.8 Billion dollars it costs businesses per annum in staff turnover, absenteeism and lack of engagement/productivity as a direct result of poor leadership, poor workplace culture and staff burn out.

Shockingly we learned the following staff engagement stats:
Engaged Employees = 23%
Not Engaged Employees = 65%
Actively Disengaged = 12%

Often I speak to employers and senior staff and they’ll share their staff are tired, absenteeism is rising due to stress/sickness but also comment, “we’re too busy right now for any training or team building”. Next thing you know, a years gone by, good staff have gone and high performers are becoming increasingly quiet. I can’t help but think of the time I was too busy to put petrol in my car…

Here is what I do know, sometimes we’re so busy working IN our business/jobs we forget to work ON them and the big picture - our workshops create space for this, whilst improving team culture, communication and productivity.

So, if you’re ready to improve your workplace stats, improve staff wellbeing, staff Mental Fitness and engagement, reach out today to access one of our workshops, or suite of workshops, to make that happen.

Oh, and if you’re looking for a fab community to support you in business and learning, I cannot recommend the Southern GC Chamber of Commerce enough.

Thanks to everyone involved in last nights training, it was awesome!

Ben Crowe, number one mindset mentor in Australia. He’s earned the title for a reason.

Last night I had the privilege of seeing him speak in person for a second time, it was thought provoking, funny and inspiring. So many takeaways.

I’ll leave you with this one, whats your human being (vs human doing) word for today? Is it playful? Kind? Courageous?

Happy hump day peeps.

The best gift you can give to yourself, your soul and your Mental Health, is travel. Go where you can’t speak the language and everything is foreign. Go where you have to step 100% out of your normal life and learn the gifts of another culture.

And what a gift France was. 🇫🇷

What an inspiration the French are with their strong sense of style, appreciation of beauty, history and of committing 100% to whatever it is they’re doing. This passion and pride for all they do is truly inspiring.

As we wandered the streets of Nice we were delighted by the passion and welcome we received from a local fruit and vegetable store owner. He and one of his suppliers (a farmer delivering goods) proudly explained the different fruits and vegetables to ours, generously offering us many to try. They were delighted to discover my husbands family has a mango farm, instantly asking many questions in broken English and via Google translate. There was no hint of dismissal or hurried service, simply souls connecting, rejoicing and savouring what Mother Nature has to offer.

A little further down the road we were drawn in by the fragrance of coffee from a small hole in the wall coffee shop, elegantly styled, but where there’s no chairs, only standing room and bar height tables (similar to Japan but the opposite vibe). Here you’d be forgiven for thinking this was merely a take away coffee shop, but no, they serve you coffee in beautiful cups and sauces where the whole point is to savour and enjoy the coffee, even if it’s for a brief 5-10 minutes out of your day.

This is my reminder to you all, take time to savour, rejoice, celebrate and fully experience what you’re doing and acknowledge the joyful moments in your day. Know that when you do anything with passion, the world sees you. The pay off for you is an increase in happiness, improved Mental Fitness and your cup will be full - the payoff for others is inspiration.

Happy Friday everyone, I hope it’s a day full of moments of joy. Please feel free to share, I’d love to hear about them.
joy

That’s a wrap for Trainee & Apprentice of the Year Awards for Logan City Council 2025. Always a highlight in the judging panels calendar, and a great source of inspiration to witness the growth of young people who are surrounded by positive role models and leadership.

Well done to all who encourage, develop and train the Trainees and Apprentices of the City of Logan, you’re doing an amazing job, the proof of which is evident in the quality of the nominees we had the privelige to interview.

Congrats to all the nominees and award recipients - you’re all winning in our eyes.

Well done to the entire team who worked on tonight’s event, it was awesome! 🙌

Love this. ❤️
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRrs2Omjc35/?igsh=am1iOHAyYmoxb3Mz

Before you jump into 2026, ask yourself these five questions. Not about what you’re going to add. About what you’re ready to let go of. Because sometimes growth isn’t about doing more. It’s about releasing what’s been holding you back. Swipe through. Be honest with yourself. Which question hit you the hardest? Comment below. 💾 Save this for later. 👍 Share this with one person you care about.

We had a great day yesterday working with the Trainees from Logan City Council as we focused on Career Hacks and Mental Fitness for post traineeship.

Thanks again Gemma and Jacinta for inviting me to work with your team. Your commitment to developing the young people of Logan into future leaders is outstanding.

Class of 2025 is out! 📣🎓

Tonight we celebrated the graduation of 54 year 12 students from The BUSY School Southport Girls+ Campus. After many years of perseverance, courage and determination, those who couldn’t find their place in mainstream schooling, found it at the BUSY School. In turn, they found their power, their voice and their potential.

Paul Miles delivered some inspiring and wise words to the cohort, sharing the story of the BUSY school’s origin, and his key takeaways from that, which included;
“In your life there will be sliding door moments, when those happen, whatever you do, ASK. Speak up, ask for the job, ask for mentoring, ask for the opportunity.” And “As you make your way in the world, remember, sources of inspiration can be found in places you least expect.”

One delightful young lady (who I was lucky enough to have in one of my THRIVE programs) walked away with many awards tonight and was nominated to speak on behalf of her cohort.

She shared BUSY was a place that celebrates students uniqueness and differences, which “makes all the difference”. Likewise she acknowledged all the support the students had received from within the school, as well as from those at home. Her parting words were “The world should be scared, because a BUSY girl with a voice, and a vision, is a force to be reconned with.”

I feel very proud, and privileged, to align with an organisation who is passionate about supporting young people as they strive to reach their potential. Well done team, it takes a village and by gosh, you all made it happen. 🙌

Its funny how the mind can play tricks on us, isn’t it? Often we get so entrenched in the routine of life, we forget to ask ourselves if what we’re doing still serves us. Does this make me happy (whatever that may be)?

Research shows when our values do not align with our careers (or workplace), burnout is inevitable. Research also shows that when we align our values with what we’re doing and dedicate our work to a higher purpose, not only is happiness improved, it allows us to step into a better version of ourselves; thereby allowing ego take a back seat in service to that dedication.

Last week I had the pleasure of working with a group from ETC LTD who are about to undertake working in the health industry. Pictured is the results of our cross checking which of their values align with the industry they’re about to enter.

Shout out to Raelee for inviting me to work with your pathway group once again. It’s always inspiring to learn the stories of the group and coaching them to unveil their higher purpose.

Like to know more about our programs, and how we can create this type of safe space for your team to self reflect and realign to their values? Reach out, we’d love to chat.