In a world that often tries to put us neatly into boxes, daring to stand out and be true to ourselves can feel daunting. Many of us, at some point, have struggled with the fear of being too much or too little for this world. But what if we stopped shrinking ourselves to fit into spaces that were never designed for our brilliance? What if we dared to redefine inclusivity and self-worth on our own terms?

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Emmagness Ruzvidzo, a powerhouse in brand strategy and a beacon of inspiration. Emmagness, the CEO of VAKA Consulting, has spent over fifteen years perfecting the art of strategic brand management, and she's made waves in the world of inclusive branding.

When you hear her name, you might also think of accolades like Queensland's 40 Under 40 or the Wonderful Women of Waterford award. But what stands out most to me is Emmagness’s steadfast dedication to promoting authentic leadership and impactful inclusion. She firmly believes that to achieve personal and professional growth, we must stop shrinking ourselves to make others comfortable. Her journey from Zimbabwe to Australia encapsulates stories of resilience and triumph, making her insights truly invaluable.

The conversation with Emmagness opened up a realm of reflection about how we define inclusivity and self-worth. She emphasised that embracing our identity and maintaining curiosity about real inclusivity are vital, not just for personal success, but also for brands keen on making a lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of self-worth and embracing your identity
• Challenging societal norms and why we should stop shrinking to fit
• The impact of inclusive brand strategies
• The value in personal branding for migrants
• Navigating cultural transitions and the psychological impacts of moving countries
• Embracing change through coaching
• Roles of brands in shaping diverse perspectives
• The best approach for having conversations around inclusivity
• How to foster curiosity and challenge unconscious bias

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au

Connect with Emmagness:

Website: https://vaka.com.au/meet-emmagness/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmagness

Connect with Janine:

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The Focus Finder Assessment

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In this episode, we explore the proven framework for transforming your business into a referral-generating machine. This episode highlights eight strategic steps that successful businesses use to create a sustainable flow of quality leads and valuable referrals. From crafting exceptional customer experiences to implementing effective follow-up systems, we break down exactly what you need to do to build a thriving referral network.

Learn how to create memorable customer experiences that naturally lead to referrals, build authentic relationships that stand the test of time, and implement a referral program that turns satisfied clients into passionate advocates.

We explore practical strategies for leveraging testimonials, maintaining top-of-mind awareness, and mastering the art of follow-up. Plus, discover why gratitude isn't just good manners – it's a powerful business strategy that can transform one-time referrals into a consistent stream of opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• How to map and optimise every touchpoint in your customer journey

• The art of asking for referrals without feeling awkward

• Creating a referral program that incentivises and rewards loyalty

• The importance of prompt follow-up and maintaining communication

• Practical ways to show gratitude and maintain long-term referral relationships

• Tips for leveraging social proof through testimonials and case studies

• Strategies for staying top-of-mind with your network

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au

Connect with Janine:

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The Focus Finder Assessment

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Elevate Mastermind

Struggling to turn promising leads into solid sales? You’re not alone.

I recently sat down with my inner circle community to discuss this problem and our conclusion was clear. Whether you’re running a million dollar business, or pitching your very first offer, we’re all struggling with the same roadblocks.

Clients ghost you, decision times get dragged out, budgets are ever changing  and despite your best efforts, you're left wondering “ what am I doing wrong?”

Today I’m going to answer that question and share three key steps you can take to get the results you’re after.

Delivering Value

Too often, we make assumptions about our client's challenges. What if instead, you walked into that meeting with a crystal-clear understanding of their immediate struggles?

Prepare by considering what keeps them up at night. Reflect on conversations you've had, and come into the meeting ready to engage with their concerns.

Delivering Results

This is where your mastery — your "magic pills" — comes into play. These aren't elaborate schemes, but rather the small, effective tools you wield instinctively. Whatever they looks like for you, these quick wins not only showcase your value but also instil confidence in your potential partners.

Delivering Confidence

Finally, we must empower our clients. Many clients are hesitant, questioning their decision-making capabilities or their ability to implement solutions. Your job is to replace doubt with confidence, showing them the path forward. Share relevant success stories, but make it personal. Show them, "Here’s what we can achieve for you."

Remember, these aren’t just “sales tactics”. By delivering value, results, and confidence, you transform from being just another salesperson to a trusted partner in your client's success.

Submit your Question: Spotify - click the button below. All other platforms - send me a DM on Instagram or email: support@janinegarner.com.au

Connect with Janine:

Elevate with Janine

The Focus Finder Assessment

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to our Elevate Mastermind

Elevate Mastermind