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Courageous Me

Kim Payne
83 episodes   Last Updated: Dec 18, 24
Hi, I’m Kim Payne. Welcome to the Courageous Me podcast—your go-to for incredible stories and practical tips to add more courage to your life. Imagine what’s possible if courage wasn’t reserved for heroic moments but became part of your everyday life. Whether you're dreaming big, going through a rough patch, or are ready to reignite the fire in your belly, this podcast is for you. Because courage is life’s secret sauce—it turns the ordinary into pure magic. And it all starts with you.

Episodes

After a strengths profiling exercise revealed courage as a weakness, Claire Stuart's journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Relocating from the UK to Australia and transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, Claire shares how adaptability and resilience have shaped her story.  Her childhood experiences of adjusting to new environments and schools laid the foundation for making brave decisions and challenging norms in both life and business. After a coaching session helped her clarify her values, Claire discovered her true calling as the founder of Chain Reaction Recruitment, drawing on her background in psychology, retail, recruitment, and her family's history in supply chain management. Overcoming unhelpful beliefs about her creativity, Claire found new avenues to express her personality and quirky humour while honouring her grandfather's legacy through her business.  Making bold choices, such as using striking hot pink as her signature brand colour, Claire infuses her passion, problem-solving skills, and authenticity to leave her mark as a leader in her industry.   Join me for this riveting conversation, which showcases how every step of Claire's journey has been about opening doors and creating a chain reaction of growth, courage, and self-discovery.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: How a fear of public speaking prevented her from pursuing her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. Why launching her business was motivated by a desire to align her work with her core values. How she incorporated her quirky humour and authentic identity into her brand. How challenging norms, removing learned behaviours, and embracing unrealised strengths helped her grow. How she reshaped her understanding of creativity and embraced it in unexpected ways. The biggest lessons she's learned just five weeks into her entrepreneurial journey.   Get in touch with Claire: Personal LinkedIn Claire Stuart Chain Reaction LinkedIn Chain Reaction Recruitment Website  Contact Email Address : claire@chainreactionrecruitment.com.au   **WANT TO BE A MORE CONFIDENT PUBLIC SPEAKER** Courageous Speaking Masterclass WED 19 February 2025  |  Melbourne  |  9am – 2pm **If you want to be a more confident public speaker and grow your business or make an impact, join us for the Courageous Speaking Masterclass  and get ready to step up and speak out!    Let’s connect: Website: Kim Payne    LinkedIn: kimpayne9rok Instagram: kimpayne_9rok   Facebook: KimPayne9Rok
In this jaw-dropping conversation, Clare Elizabeth Dea reveals the raw and transformative journey of a woman who spent most of her life hiding behind a mask.  Concealing a medical condition that made her feel different, she lived in fear of judgment and shame—and kept it secret until the moment she decided to own it and tell the truth.  Then everything changed. Now, as a transformational performance artist, keynote speaker, and creative mentor, Clare uses her vulnerability to inspire others, turning her struggles into art, laughter, and connection. Clare's story is a roller-coaster of personal discovery.  From the shadows of lies and insecurity to stepping into the spotlight, she uses the stage to perform, entertain, inspire, and challenge others to embrace who they are and to follow the yearning in their heart.  She talks about how songwriting and performing became like therapy for healing, how it helped her find her voice, and how her fears of motherhood are shaping her creative endeavours for her upcoming shows and new projects. As a treat, Clare breaks into a classic kids' jingle that had me in tears—a moment that perfectly captures her deep connection to music and storytelling.   What you'll learn in this episode: The unexpected ways our deepest struggles can become our greatest gifts. The liberating power of sharing your truth. The incredible authenticity that comes from finding your voice. How putting everyone else's dreams ahead of your own holds you back. Why vulnerability isn't weakness—it's your ultimate superpower. Why playing it "safe" is often less fulfilling. There are limitless opportunities when you get brutally honest with yourself.   If you've ever felt stuck, scared, or like you're living someone else's life, this episode is your wake-up call. It's an invitation to see yourself, your struggles, and your potential in an entirely new light.   Get in touch with Clare: Website:  Clare Elizabeth Dea     Facebook:  Clare Elizabeth Dea    Instagram: clareelizabeth_dea       Let’s connect: Website: Kim Payne    LinkedIn: kimpayne9rok Instagram: kimpayne_9rok   Facebook: KimPayne9Rok
Money should enhance your life, not add stress—right?  But whether you’re feeling strapped or sitting comfortably, how you think about money has a massive impact on your relationships, work, and overall happiness. In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful snippet from my Courageous Money Masterclass, where we get real about the challenges most have with money—spoiler: it’s not about numbers; it’s about mindset.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Busting the common excuse of not being good with money as you weren’t good at math. How emotional ties to money play out, like connecting self-worth to net worth  Uncovering how our upbringing and societal expectations shape limiting money beliefs The importance of creating a positive,  rewarding relationship with money. How your mindset is the foundation for financial success, Having a healthy relationship with money can bring freedom from worry and much more.   It’s not about how much money you have—but how you think, feel, and act around it. This snippet is packed with actionable insights to help you take control and transform your relationship with money.   **Want the Full Courageous Money Experience?** The complete Courageous Money Masterclass goes even deeper into busting myths, rewiring unhelpful beliefs, and building confidence with your finances. Grab the full recording here, complete with video, audio, and slides to help you take courageous action and make money a partner for good!    Let’s connect: Website: Kim Payne    LinkedIn: kimpayne9rok Instagram: kimpayne_9rok   Facebook: KimPayne9Rok
In this inspiring episode, Evelyn Lopez Delon takes us on her journey of what's possible when you live your life deeply aligned with your highest values. After losing her mum as a toddler and being raised by a working dad, Evelyn's early independence and rebellious spirit helped her tune into herself and what she wanted.  Throughout her life, she's challenged societal norms and expectations to create a path of happiness, choice, and freedom. Evelyn shares how getting clear on her values helped her transition from climbing the corporate ladder to becoming a full-time business and mindset coach for mamas. As co-founder of a SaaS video marketing company, host of the Legacy Building Mamas podcast, and coach dedicated to helping mums balance business success with happy families, Evelyn inspires others to dream big while staying true to their core values.   What you'll learn in this episode:  How saying "yes" to opportunities can transform your life. The power of knowing your values to guide decisions. Questioning societal expectations and choosing your own path. Challenging pressures to conform to what's "expected." Honouring boundaries and saying no unapologetically. How the corporate world became an escape before motherhood shifted her focus. Practical insights into discovering your core values and aligning them with your dreams.   Evelyn's story is a powerful reminder that when you stay true to your values, you can create a life and a legacy that lives up to your big dreams. She's living proof it’s possible.   Get in touch with Evelyn:  Website: Legacy Building Mamas      Instagram:  legacy_building_mamas      Legacy Building Mamas Podcast       Join the Legacy Building Mamas FB Group DIY Online Course:  From Purpose to Profits: Start your Business as a Mompreneur in 2025! FREE Masterclass:  Start your Business as a Mompreneur in 2025 and Build your Legacy!  ** WANT TO PLAY A BIGGER BUSINESS GAME IN 2025?**  The Courageous Business Series of Masterclasses.  If you want to take action and grow your business, check out the Courageous Business Series of Masterclasses to help you build key skills, boost your mindset, and discover practical ways to create a profitable, fulfilling business. Find out more or grab your seat here.     Let’s connect: Website: Kim Payne    LinkedIn: kimpayne9rok Instagram: kimpayne_9rok   Facebook: KimPayne9Rok
In this episode, I explore the vital difference between curiosity and commitment. By sharing real-life examples, I emphasise the importance of embracing challenges, taking decisive action, and recognising that real growth comes from facing obstacles rather than avoiding them. It’s through these experiences that valuable lessons and growth emerge. Throughout the episode, I encourage you to reflect on your life and consider where you might need to shift from mere curiosity to total commitment—going all in.   What’s covered in this episode: The limits of curiosity and what’s needed to move beyond it. The necessity of commitment, regardless of obstacles. Acknowledging that fear is a natural part of the growth process. Understanding how indecision can be tiring and paralysing. The clarity that emerges from making a commitment. How the labels we apply to ourselves shape our actions and habits. Growth comes from experiences and lessons learned, not just the result. The importance of courageous action in achieving what you value in life.   Podcast episodes referenced:  The Ed Mylett Show – The ultimate Path the create Massive Value for People with Dean Graziosi. Section I reference is at the 1.06.00 mark.     Courageous Me episode 29: How labels shape our life by Kim Payne     WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS **If you’re an ambitious go-getting businesswoman (in Melbourne) and wanting to take your business to the next level, check out becoming a member of the exclusive Courageous Go-Getters Business Club.  It’s about business growth, personal empowerment and courageous action.  !! JOIN NOW!!   Let’s connect: Website: Kim Payne    LinkedIn: kimpayne9rok Instagram: kimpayne_9rok   Facebook: KimPayne9Rok
In this heartwarming episode, we meet the remarkable Josie Sensi, a senior station officer at Fire Rescue, who opens up about her extraordinary journey as a female firefighter. From shouting out fry orders at McDonald's to becoming a leader in fire rescue, Josie's incredible journey shows us that the most unexpected paths sometimes lead to our true calling. With honesty and vulnerability, Josie shares how she navigated the challenges of being one of a few women in a male-dominated field while finding her true identity as a leader. This conversation goes deep into the real struggles and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a demanding career, dealing with post-natal depression, and the courage it takes to keep showing up, even when everything feels overwhelming.  Josie's story will touch your heart and reminds us that courage isn't just about running into burning buildings but facing our battles with fierce determination.   What you'll discover in this episode: How early setbacks became the fuel for Josie's unwavering determination. Practical strategies for commanding respect when you don't fit society's expectations. The power of embracing your differences rather than conforming. Insights into maintaining your identity when motherhood changes everything Why Female Leadership Matters and how it's shaping the future of emergency services The unexpected blessing of youthful ignorance  It's never too late to pursue further education and grow your skills   Learn more about a career as a fire fighter For information about becoming a full time firefighter in Victoria, including links to ‘women in firefighting’ information sessions to encourage and empower women to apply, click here.    Let’s connect: Website: Kim Payne    LinkedIn: kimpayne9rok Instagram: kimpayne_9rok   Facebook: KimPayne9Rok
In this episode, we meet the incredible Bronwyn Robinson, a mother of four, pastry chef, and owner of Buds n Roses, an award-winning wedding florist.   Bronwyn’s journey shows how diverse floristry and pastry skills can create a fulfilling and flexible career. She proves that you don’t have to choose just one path. By setting her schedule and integrating her family into her work routines, she shows it's possible to create a lifestyle that supports your family and career aspirations.   Bronwyn’s story is also about giving back. A passionate advocate for fundraising, she is now on a mission to raise $30,000 for scleroderma awareness, a chronic autoimmune disease she lives with every day. This conversation reminds us that courage is found not only in big decisions but also in small, daily acts of resilience and community support makes all the difference.   Bronwyn’s kindness and selflessness will inspire you to take action, embrace life’s challenges, and make a difference where you can.   What you’ll learn in this episode: The value of following your childhood passions and turning them into a career. How to balance a family of four kids, run two businesses, and juggle fundraising efforts. The importance of standing up for yourself. How a life-altering scleroderma diagnosis forced Bronwyn to rethink her future. What it takes to run a business while managing health issues. The power of community and the invaluable support from the right people. The gratitude that comes from giving back.  When you help others, you help yourself.    Buy some Tupperware  - all profits donated to scleroderma research, support and care.  Donate to scleroderma and help Bronwyn raise $30K by May 2025 Get in touch with Bronwyn Website: Budsnroses.   Instagram: budsnroses.   Facebook: Buds n Roses.     Learn more about Scleroderma Scleroderma Facebook Page Scleroderma Victoria - Medical Research and Treatment   Let’s connect: Website: Kim Payne    LinkedIn: kimpayne9rok Instagram: kimpayne_9rok   Facebook: KimPayne9Rok
This episode is about adding human flavour and making connections that stick.    I share real-life examples and stories about how you can bring more of who you are to the table—whether you're in a conversation, leaving a message, attending an event, or crafting an email.   We'll chat about how feeling good helps you perform at your best, and I'll share a simple mantra from Brené Brown to keep your communications clear and kind.    Plus, I'll show you how being professional doesn't have to be boring!    Tune in for some fun and practical tips to make your everyday interactions more memorable and refreshingly real!   What’s covered in this episode: Ways to make human connections more memorable. When you feel at your best, others get your best. Tips to make your written words more impactful. A simple mantra for kinder communication and fewer misunderstandings. Embracing 'human' is your competitive advantage. Being real is today's new 'wow'.  Professional does not have to mean boring.   Book referenced:  Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.     Let’s connect: Website: Kim Payne    LinkedIn: kimpayne9rok Instagram: kimpayne_9rok   Facebook: KimPayne9Rok
In this episode, I share personal anecdotes that illustrate how three simple words, often used by women, can be disempowering and completely unhelpful. You'll discover what you can do instead—like ditching unnecessary apologies and giving yourself permission to uphold your boundaries. Join me to explore simple ways to reframe your thoughts and actions so you can get what you want—guilt-free!   What you'll learn in this episode: Saying "I feel bad" when it's unnecessary is unhelpful. You can support others without sacrificing your well-being. Saying "no" doesn't require explanation or justification. You're allowed to set boundaries and make choices that prioritize you. Creating a fair value exchange allows you to get what you want—guilt-free. Putting yourself first enables you to show up better for others. Changing your language can positively influence your actions.    WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS **If you’re an ambitious go-getting businesswoman (in Melbourne) and wanting to take your business to the next level, check out becoming a member of the exclusive Courageous Go-Getters Club.   It’s about business growth, personal empowerment and courageous action.  Let’s connect: Website: Kim Payne    LinkedIn: kimpayne9rok Instagram: kimpayne_9rok   Facebook: KimPayne9Rok
This episode with Jocelyn Chong, an award-winning business strategist, corporate trainer, global speaker and best-selling author kicks off with a powerful message about unapologetically owning your gifts and confidently claiming to be the best at what you do. Jocelyn shares how shifting your mindset can change everything. It was pivotal in helping her build the confidence and self-belief that have driven her success as an entrepreneur.   She dives into what she calls 'integrated courage'—the inner strength that helped her shed the layers of her past and let go of limiting beliefs. This ongoing inner work has allowed her to grow and thrive in her field. With an accent, as English isn’t her first language (she speaks five) and having struggled with body image issues until the age of 38, Jocelyn has transformed these challenges into strengths, embracing them as part of what makes her uniquely powerful. Jocelyn also shares the practices she uses to push past limits and keep her mind and body performing at their peak. And now she's on a mission to empower more women in male-dominated industries to rise and succeed. It's a beautiful conversation packed with profound insights about what happens when you own and claim your place as the best in your space.    What you'll learn in this episode: When your head, heart, and gut are aligned with what you do best, there's no stopping you. How to stay true to yourself and tune out from unsolicited advice from well-meaning others. The mindset shifts required to move from a corporate career to entrepreneurship.  How to tap into and trust your 'knowing voice' when it's time for change. Why becoming an observer of your life can help you release limiting stories that no longer serve you. Whatever you can picture in your mind, you can create in your life. If you're struggling with self-belief, borrow it from someone who believes in you until you fully own it. Embracing your uniqueness and expressing your style can do wonders for your confidence.   Get in touch with Jocelyn: Website: Jocelyn Chong     Instagram:  _jocelynchong_      Facebook:  Jocelyn Chong LinkedIn:  Jocelyn Chong   Check out her podcast: Magnetic Business Accelerator Podcast.     Tune into my interview with Jocelyn on her Magnetic Business Accelerator Podcast podcast - episode #91 Human Connection with Kim Payne.    WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS **If you’re an ambitious go-getting businesswoman (in Melbourne) and wanting to take your business to the next level, check out becoming a member of the exclusive Courageous Go-Getters Club.   It’s for you if you want to build your business, grow your self and take courageous action.   !! Find out more !!    Let’s connect: Website: Kim Payne    LinkedIn: kimpayne9rok Instagram: kimpayne_9rok   Facebook: KimPayne9Rok