Off Script, On Brand

Welcome to episode 21 of Off Script, On Brand. Today we're chatting about all things brand building and marketing with Britt Austin. Britt is a brand marketing leader, strategist and founder of STATE OF BRAND. She has over a decade of experience building and growing brands including Apple, PUMA, EA Sports, and WHO IS ELIJIAH. Today, Britt works with founders as a strategic marketing partner and fractional CMO, helping them sharpen their brand positioning, build smarter marketing strategies and connect with the right people. She believes strong brands aren’t built by trying to be everything to everyone, but by being unmistakably for their people. In this episode, we chat about: What working with iconic brands taught her about building a memorable brand The morning she quit her job and how she was booked out just days later Learning to say no, set boundaries and protect her time Why she struggles to take her own advice and be her own client How silence and switching to DND help spark her best creative ideas What most brands are missing and how to fix it Why founder-led content matters for brand growth AI, marketing and copywriting: the tools worth knowing about Why relying on ChatGPT for your marketing strategy is a huge mistake How founders can create new revenue streams beyond their existing services What if the answer to growing your brand isn’t more content, more marketing tactics or another AI tool? Britt challenges some of the common approaches to marketing and explores what really makes a brand stand out. Follow Britt: Website: https://www.statesofbrand.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/stateofbrand.co/ & https://www.instagram.com/brittaustin/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brittanymayaustin

Kimmy Hogan is an Australian artist whose work is inspired by a lifelong love of nature, colour and the beautiful unpredictability of the creative process. Working from her studio in Geelong, Victoria, Kimmy creates expressive botanical artworks filled with loose forms, layered textures and warm, dreamy colour. Her practice is intuitive and playful, often beginning with little more than a sketch, a flower or an idea and evolving through experimentation with different mediums and applications. In this episode, we chat about: Growing up in a small rural town, where everyone knows your business, and how that shaped Kimmy’s relationship with people-pleasing and worrying about what others think Moving from Townsville to Melbourne and how stepping outside her familiar environment opened up her world and expanded what felt possible Spending 10 years in the corporate world before giving digital art a go Deciding to pour more energy into her art after having her second child, and backing herself creatively Balancing her systems-loving, perfectionist brain with the freedom to experiment, play, and figure things out as she goes The spiritual journey that’s helped her unpack people-pleasing, release perfectionist tendencies, and get more comfortable with who she really is The ongoing process of discovering what she loves, what matters to her, and what feels authentic Receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, finding self-compassion through understanding her patterns, and learning to accept them while leaning into her strengths If you’ve ever held yourself back because you were worried about what other people would say, struggled to give yourself permission to try something new, or found yourself questioning who you are beneath everyone else’s expectations, this episode is for you. www.kimmyhogan.com.au https://www.instagram.com/kimmyhogan/ Big thanks to Elise from Evolving Wellness for sponsoring today’s episode! Elise is a Kinesiologist who blends Eastern and Western practices to support your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. I know so many women in my community, especially those building businesses, are navigating stress, burnout and big life changes. Elise offers a supportive, non-judgemental space where you can slow down, feel heard and work through what’s coming up for you. You can visit evolvingwellness.com.au or find her on Instagram at @e.volvingwellness to book a 10-minute discovery call or Kinesiology session. And as a listener of Off Script, On Brand , you’ll receive $30 off your first booking . Just mention you heard about Elise through the podcast when booking.

Abbey Naylor is the founder of Bold Mood, where she helps founders and creators build personal brands on LinkedIn. She’s grown a company page from 6,000 to 23,000 followers, built a six-figure business through content and community, and coached more than 100 founders and creators to do the same. Her philosophy? Depth over going viral. Point of view over performance. And using LinkedIn to build a personal brand that opens doors and brings opportunities your way. In this episode, we chat about: How Abbey’s career path took a few unexpected turns Her twenties as a character-building decade, the lessons she learned, and everything she had to unlearn along the way Her love story with LinkedIn and why she chose it as the place to build her personal brand How she helped a leadership team grow their LinkedIn page from 6K to 23K followers through personal branding and employee advocacy Starting Bold Mood as a side gig, backing herself, and turning it into a six-figure business in just a year The unexpected opportunities LinkedIn has brought her, and her advice for anyone looking to build their presence on the platform today Why she prioritises depth over going viral and point of view over performance, especially in a world where everyone is chasing trends If you’ve been LinkedIn-curious, wondering how to show up on the platform, or ready to start building a presence that actually opens doors for your business, this episode is for you. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-naylor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_boldmood/ Email list: https://lnkd.in/gNN6fW-K

Peta Serras is the founder of Professional Babe, the creator of Give Good Email® and the host of the business podcast, The Business Fondle. With almost two decades of entrepreneurial experience in the bag and all her Virgo wisdom, she’s been described as a business oracle and the go-to for practical and bold business advisory. In this episode, we chat about: Her love of glamour from an early age and how her dad’s advertising agency influenced it Growing up in rural NSW and sometimes feeling like she was “too much” The business switch: how she showed up in her first business as a Pilates teacher, and how much she was performing. Starting Professional Babe as a blog and creative outlet, where she had the freedom to do and say whatever she wanted The job that ended before it even started, after something she wore was seen as “not family-friendly” What she delegates now — and what she’d love to hand over in the future Why identity purchases are so important to her, and the purchases that have helped affirm who she’s becoming Her take on imposter syndrome — and why she thinks we’re often mistaking it for something else entirely (like nerves) How she handles feedback, criticism and other people’s opinions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalbabe/ Website: https://www.professionalbabe.com/

Kim James pitched her way into her first content marketing role at 24 for one of Australia’s biggest brands. Over the next decade, she worked across corporate brands, government and startups. She’s also an international industry speaker, working with Startmate, RMIT University and the Singapore Government. We talk about her journey from the corporate world to building her own tech company, the ego and identity death that had to happen along the way, and what those first few years of building a business have actually looked like. In this episode: Why walking away from a career with massive potential became the right decision for her. The reality behind the beautiful facade of entrepreneurship, and how the online version of business can make building something of your own look easier than it actually is. Why she works in 90-day sprints, how the 12 Week Year helps her focus, and why thinking in shorter timeframes has changed the way she builds and scales. The sacrifices creating her own business has required of her over the last 2 years Her thoughts on why women don't have a capability ceiling, but a visibility ceiling. Getting more comfortable with visibility, selling and rejection. The people Kim chooses to surround herself with, and why having ambitious, driven people around you matters when you have big goals. Follow Kim: Website: https://buildwedge.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-elizabeth-james Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildwedge/

Suz Chadwick has spent more than 20 years in sales, marketing and branding, and in this episode, she’s sharing the knowledge and big lessons she's learned along the way. We talk about how personal brands are changing, what actually moves the needle when you’re already an expert, and the mindset shifts you need to grow. In this chat: How Suz was subconsciously building her personal brand from 19, long before she had a name for it. Building a personal brand from scratch — including the power of a borrowed audience and the conference that helped establish Suz in the industry. How personal branding has evolved — and why Suz believes we’re entering an era of the anti-expert personal brand . The gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it — especially when you’re already an expert in your field. What happened when Suz went from $100K months to stepping away from the systems that had helped create that success. The story she was telling herself in 2023 — and how that narrative pulled her away from the momentum she’d built. Relevance, visibility, ageing, and the fear of becoming invisible — plus why Suz is leaning further into the woo, not just the do . With 20+ years in sales, marketing, and branding, she's the founder of Personal Brand Agency, Bold Vibes Consulting, author of Play Big, Brand Bold, and host of the Brand Builders Lab podcast. Suz specialises in helping ambitious women build magnetic brands that attract dream clients and create profitable businesses. https://suzchadwick.com/ https://www.instagram.com/suzchadwick/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannechadwick/

Today’s interview is with Clare Reilly - she’s an adventurer, podcast host, disability advocate, and likes doing things that people say she shouldn't be able to do. Clare lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), but she refuses to let that define the limits of her life. Instead, she’s encouraging others to embrace micro adventures and sharing the realities of living with MS with honesty, humour, and hope. In this conversation, we explore Clare's journey from receiving her MS diagnosis to becoming the first person to traverse the Munda Biddi Trail, the world's longest off-road cycling route in Western Australia, using a wheelchair. We also chat about: Clare's life before multiple sclerosis and how big adventures were a core part of her identity Why she kept her diagnosis private early on Why she started her podcast, MS Understood, and how listening to others expanded her understanding of how differently MS affects each person. What gradual acceptance looked like as her mobility declined Why she's passionate about encouraging people to embrace micro-adventures The inspiration behind tackling the 1,000km Munda Biddi Trail What 18 months of preparation looked like for such an enormous challenge The conversations she hopes her journey sparks around accessibility, inclusion, and reimagining what's possible About Clare Clare is an adventurer, storyteller, and passionate advocate for people living with multiple sclerosis. Originally from Portarlington, Victoria, she loves proving that the things people say are impossible are often worth attempting anyway. Whether she's hunting for roadside honey stalls, hiding away in native cottage gardens, recording her podcast, writing her memoir, or tackling ambitious outdoor adventures, Clare brings humour, curiosity, and determination to everything she does. Through her advocacy, podcast MS Understood , and her incredible Munda Biddi Trail expedition, which is also raising funds for medical research, Clare hopes to inspire people to think differently about adventure, disability, and what's possible. You can learn more about Clare and support her fundraising journey at wheelchairmeetswilderness.org . Follow Clare on IG: https://www.instagram.com/clare.reilly/

Today I'm chatting with Jacqui Maloney — a public speaking and presence coach who works with CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs who are done playing small. Jacqui’s 20-year career as a professional actor and voice-over artist forms the foundation of everything she teaches, giving her clients access to performance-based techniques used by working actors to command attention, hold a room, and land every word. In this conversation, we explore what visibility really means, why so many women struggle to be seen even when they have powerful things to say, and how presence, voice, and authenticity shape the way we are perceived in business and in life. We go behind the scenes of Jacqui’s own recent experience with stepping back from visibility — what was happening for her personally, what it cost her to hide, and how she reconciles being an expert in presence while navigating her own seasons of withdrawal. We also chat about: Jacqui’s journey and how she came to specialise in visibility work Common patterns she sees in women who have something powerful to say but still hold back What was happening behind the scenes when she stopped showing up publicly Why hiding can feel safe — and what it actually costs us the unexpected benefits to going quiet for a period of time The role of body language and self-presentation in how we are perceived How to balance vulnerability with professionalism in business and life Practical strategies to overcome fear of being seen and show up with more confidence About Jacqui Jacqui is a visibility expert who has spent over two decades studying and teaching the art of presence — helping women and professionals understand how to communicate with confidence, command attention, and show up more authentically in both life and business. Her work explores the intersection of mindset, identity, and expression, supporting women to move through fear, self-doubt, and visibility blocks so they can step into their next level with clarity and confidence. She is passionate about helping women stop shrinking, start showing up fully, and own the space they’re meant to take up. Follow Jacqui: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-maloney/ https://www.instagram.com/jacquimaloneycoaching/ This episode is proudly sponsored by Bec Thompson. If you've ever had to leave town and found yourself worrying more about your pets than your actual trip, Bec is the person you need to know. Through her house and pet sitting service, she provides a calm, reliable presence for your home and the animals you love most, so you can head away knowing everything is being looked after. You can find Bec on Instagram at @btnohome to learn more about her house and pet sitting services and see if she's the right fit for you and your furry family.

Welcome back to another episode of Off Script, On Brand. Today I have the pleasure of chatting with Dante Amato - a mentor, speaker, facilitator, and the founder of The Community: a global community for women who are ready to create lives that feel aligned, meaningful, and fully their own. In this convo, we chat about identity shifts, nervous system safety, and what it really takes to evolve into the next version of yourself, especially when life looks “good on paper” but feels completely misaligned. Dante shares her journey of stepping out of the traditional business coaching space when she realised her work wasn’t just about strategy, it was about deeper inner transformation. What her clients actually needed wasn’t more tactics, but the courage, safety, and self-awareness to change. This episode is a grounded, honest look at what it means to outgrow versions of yourself, your work, and even the people around you, and how to navigate that without losing yourself in the process. In this episode, we discuss: The defining moment in her life when she had “everything” on paper but felt deep guilt and shame for not feeling happy Why she made the intentional decision to step away from traditional business coaching to fully honour her deeper transformation work How her own identity shifts and personal evolution that led her to support other women through theirs Why identity shifts can destabilise certainty, and how women often respond by either freezing or becoming impulsively reactive The importance of making grounded decisions instead of reactive ones during times of change Why nervous system safety is essential when moving through big life transitions How she creates spaces where women feel safe enough to unravel, be seen, and reconnect with their truth The belief that not everyone is meant to come with you into your next chapter—and why outgrowing people is a natural part of evolution Why she created a community specifically for women in their 40s navigating major identity and life transitions Dante Amato is a mentor, speaker, facilitator, and the founder of The Community: a global space for women ready to create lives that feel aligned, meaningful, and fully their own. Her work blends neuroscience, belief work, emotional intelligence, identity transformation, and grounded real-life strategy to help women reconnect with themselves and step into their next chapter with clarity, confidence, and self-trust. Through events, retreats, online programs, private mentoring, and her global community, Dante creates spaces where women feel seen, supported, challenged, and deeply connected—to themselves and each other. Her mission is simple: to help women stop abandoning themselves and create lives they are genuinely obsessed with—from the inside out. Connect with Dante Instagram: Instagram Website: The Community Inquiries: hello@danteamato.com

Welcome back to another episode of Off Script, On Brand . I’m your host, Leslie Carvitto, and today I’m sitting down with Chela Edmunds, the creative force behind Takeawei. Chances are you’ve heard of Takeawei — you may even have one of their beautiful mugs or bowls in your kitchen — but you probably don’t know the story of the woman who created it. Based on Victoria’s Surf Coast, Chela is a ceramic artist and designer whose work spans functional ceramics, glaze development, and small-batch collections. In this conversation, we explore Chela’s creative evolution — from working in New York’s fashion industry to building one of Australia’s most recognisable ceramics brands, as well as her IVF journey, becoming a mother, and how that’s shifted her creative practice. In this episode, we explore: • Chela's life and career in New York's fashion industry • The transition from textile design to ceramics after discovering pottery in Brooklyn • Returning to Australia and building a creative business from the ground up • Opening her own retail store in Melbourne • How the business evolved during COVID • Her IVF journey and becoming a mother at 40 • The decision to grow her family from one to two • The realities of balancing motherhood and a creative business • Finding flow and protecting time for creativity • How her confidence as an artist and business owner developed over time • What life and business look like in this current season Chela Edmunds is a ceramic artist and designer based on Victoria's Surf Coast and the founder of Takeawei, a practice specialising in functional ceramics, glaze development, and small-batch design collections. Her work is defined by a thoughtful approach to form, colour, and materiality, from the humble mug to expansive tableware collections and a growing focus on lighting for residential and commercial spaces. To follow along with Chela's work head to: www.takeawei.com and https://www.instagram.com/takeawei/ Chela also hosts an AirBnB: airbnb.com/h/sunsetjanjuc

Welcome to Season 2 of Off Script, On Brand . We're doing things a little differently for this first episode. Instead of me asking the questions, my friend Julia (from Season 1, Episode 1) is turning the mic around and putting me in the hot seat. We talk about the winding path that led me here—from falling in love with photography as a kid, to leaving corporate life, building a business from scratch, navigating visibility, and sharing more of the personal experiences that have shaped who I am today. We also dive into entrepreneurship, vulnerability, growth, and one of the most personal chapters of my life: infertility. This one’s close to my heart. I’m glad you’re here. In this episode, we cover: Following curiosity, adventure, and my hunger for life Building a business through scrappiness, resourcefulness, and saying yes to opportunities The corporate career I left behind and what came next How photography became my creative outlet and eventually my business Creating safe, empowering experiences for women in front of the camera The off-script moments that have shaped my business journey Navigating a season of growth, expansion, and reinvention What authentic visibility actually looks like Why business owners need to think beyond social media My evolving relationship with vulnerability My experience with infertility and the perspective I'm carrying today Follow Leslie: www.lesliecarvitto.com @ lesliecarvitto.photography PS - I’m running a 5-Day Visibility Sprint! This is for founders, creatives, and business owners who want to get seen, take action, and build momentum - without burning out on social media. Over the week you’ll get daily visibility challenges to do in real time, and accountability and support inside a private group. This is all about expanding your ideas around visibility and what it can do to grow your brand. We kick off June 15th. Join here: https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/visibility-era

What happens when you’ve poured 6 years of your life into a business… and then have to let it go? Not pivot or scale back, but actually close the doors. In this episode of Off Script, On Brand, I sit down with Sian Murray, founder of Pleasant State, for an honest conversation about what that looked like. We talk about the reality of shutting down a business after years of building it from the ground up — the grief, the identity shift, the pressure to stay optimistic while things weren’t going well behind the scenes, and the moment she and her business partner admitted it was time to close. But this episode is also about redefining failure, untangling your worth from what you’ve built, and what happens when you stop gripping onto something because you’re scared to let it go. In this episode, we explore: • The emotional and practical reality of closing a business • The pressure of continuing to “show up” while struggling behind the scenes • Why optimism kept her going through the hardest seasons • The decision to be transparent with her community — and the response that followed • Motherhood, identity, and how her perspective has shifted • What “failure” means to her now • Moving into the next chapter with far less fear This one is raw, reflective, vulnerable, and incredibly important for anyone who’s ever tied their identity to what they create. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. PS — this is the final episode of Season 1 If you’ve been here since the beginning, thank you. You're a legend! And if you’re new here, welcome — there's another 9 episodes waiting for you to binge. To follow along on Sian's journey head to: https://www.instagram.com/sianleee/ To work with Sian, email: sianmurray3@gmail.com

Welcome back to another episode (the second to last of season 1!) of Off Script, On Brand! Today's episode is with Retreat Yourself Founder and Director Kate Williams. In this episode, Kate and I talk about the journey behind building a purpose-led, multi-million dollar wellness brand, and the life experiences that shaped it. From spending seven years travelling the world after high school, to navigating a quarter-life crisis that led to a one-way ticket to Melbourne and a jump into corporate life, Kate shares how each chapter played a role in defining what she truly wanted, which is helping people actually enjoy their lives. This conversation dives into her core belief that tomorrow isn’t promised, and how that philosophy became the foundation of her brand. We also get into the realities of leadership and what it looks like to run a growing team as a deeply empathetic person. Kate shares openly about the challenge of separating emotion from decision-making, learning to compartmentalise stress, and leading a business without letting it consume her. In this episode, we explore: How forgoing university and seven years of travel shaped her The quarter-life crisis that led to a one-way ticket to Melbourne and a move into corporate Building a team with flexibility and hiring from diverse walks of life The challenge of leading as an empathetic person and making decisions without emotion Learning to compartmentalise stress while running a multi-million dollar business Balancing business growth with being a present mother to her two young kids Her intense season of burnout and how it reshaped the way she approaches life, work, and success Nervous system regulation habits that helped her manage pressure and responsibility Why she's choosing to show more than just the highlights on social media Follow Kate & Retreat Yoursel f Retreat Yourself: retreatyourself.com Retreat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retreatyourself_box/ Kate's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katebuchannn/ Use "OFFSCRIPTONBRAND" to get 20% off Retreat Yourself gift boxes!!

Welcome back to Off Script, On Brand. We took a short break, and I’m SO excited to be back in your ears. In this episode, I sit down with Australian contemporary artist Erin Reinboth to talk about building a creative life, navigating life-altering moments, and what it really looks like to turn your creative art practice into a business. From growing up surrounded by entrepreneurial parents who championed creativity from day one, to making intentional decisions about her career path early on, Erin shares how she’s always approached her work with both vision and strategy. But this convo also moves into a deeply personal chapter, the birth of her second son and his undetected heart condition, which changed everything for her and her family. During her time in the NICU, she found herself returning to sketching and drawing as a form of processing. That experience became a turning point, eventually leading her to painting and into her first solo exhibition. We talk about the misconceptions of being a full-time artist and building a multifaceted, sustainable business with multiple income streams and creative outlets. We also chat about identity, growth, and the power of environment, from surrounding yourself with people who expand what you believe is possible, to stepping into a more honest, and authentic version of who you are. In this episode, we explore: How growing up in an entrepreneurial, creative household shaped her path Choosing textile design with a clear vision, and how being outcome-focused supported her early career The life-changing experience of her son’s heart condition at birth and how it shifted everything Returning to art and having a solo exhibition after her time in the NICU The realities of doing art full-time and building a sustainable, diversified creative business Turning 40, letting go of people-pleasing and feeling more herself than ever Realigning representation and partnerships to reflect her values Building More House (a creative space for the community) and Create Club in Ashmore Arts Follow Erin: Website: www.erinreinbothart.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinreinbothart/ More House: https://www.morehousetorquay.com.au More House Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/more_house_torquay/ This episode is supported by Amanda Jane Copy. For business owners who are done overthinking every caption, email, and website tweak — if your brain’s full but your content isn’t converting, you need this. Clarity, structure, and someone in your corner → amandajanecopy.com . @amandajanecopy

Welcome back to Off Script, On Brand . In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Rebel, an artist, storyteller, and advocate, to talk about creativity as a pathway to healing, identity, and self-discovery. Jessi is a proud Wiradjuri person, living and creating on Wadawurrung Country. Their life has been shaped by a connection to Country and Sea Country, and both are strong influences on the works they create. Jessi has a background as a youth/social worker and also draws a lot of inspiration from interpersonal relationships and the intersection of all things. Jessi works collaboratively in community, engaging in murals and workshops with youth and students and loves bringing other’s stories to life through art. Jessi has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Therapy and believes creativity and art has the power to heal the world, both within us and around us. In this episode, we chat about: Jessie’s personal and creative journey growing up Biripai Country How painting became a tool for processing their experiences working with at-risk youth The influence of their Aunty Lisa Evans and the lesson behind not being given a piece of their art The moments she realised their work was growing into something bigger than they expected Their recent season shedding shame and confusion, and feeling more expansive and aligned in their art practice The impact of embracing their non-binary identity on their creative expression Their artist residency in Tasmania Reflections on why they stays in a full-time job and allows their creativity to exist without pressure This episode is for you if: You’re exploring your identity and want to express it more fully You’re using (or want to use) creativity as a tool for healing or processing You’re wondering if your “side creative passion” could become something bigger You’re learning to trust your intuition and stop forcing your creativity Links & Resources: Jessi's website Jessi's instagram Yarrangany Exhibition: FRI 08 MAY—SAT 11 JUL Curated by Jessi Rebel, this exhibition brings together First Nations artists from diverse countries, cultures, and nations, exploring identity as something relational and evolving. REGISTER Work With Leslie The Visibility Shift waitlist is open! The Visibility Shift is a live 6 week course where we’ll tackle mindset, strategy, and practical steps to make sure your work and story get seen by the right people. Spots are limited—join the waitlist to be the first to be the first to get all the juicy details and jump in. https://lesliecarvittophotography.myflodesk.com/visibility-shift-waitlist

Welcome back to Off Script, On Brand . In this episode, I sit down with Harriet Birrell - author, creative, and the founder of Natural Harry - to talk about releasing expectations, reconnecting with creativity, and redefining what’s actually sustainable in a season when life is very full. From building a brand rooted in sustainability, whole foods, and conscious living, to stepping away from social media entirely, Harriet shares the evolution of her work and herself. We dive into the internal pressure of figuring out your “next thing,” and how her decision to take a full step back from social media became a turning point. Without the noise, the expectations, or the need to post and perform, Harriet found herself returning to her first love — creating with her hands, working with textiles, and reconnecting with what lights her up. This conversation also explores the tension between creative ambition and surrender in motherhood. With two young children, Harriet shares how she’s shifted away from bigger projects and instead embraces smaller creative moments whenever she can. In this episode, we explore: The story behind Natural Harry and how Harriet’s values around sustainability and conscious living were shaped The journey of creating her cookbooks, including the self-publishing process and navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome The pressure of constantly creating and consuming online, and what led her to take a full break from social media What that “big pause” revealed when she stepped away from the noise Letting go of the need to define your “next thing” and releasing attachment to outcomes Motherhood, creativity, and the tension between ambition and surrender Embracing smaller, intentional projects in seasons where time and capacity are limited This episode is for you if: You’re a mother learning to balance creative ambition with surrender You’re feeling pressure to create your next creative project (but coming up blank) You’re craving space, slowness, or a reset from being constantly online You want to create in a way that feels sustainable, grounded, and true to you Resources & Links Website: https://naturalharry.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural_harry/ Work With Leslie Feeling invisible while everyone else seems to be getting noticed? Time to change that. The Visibility Shift waitlist is open! The Visibility Shift is a live 6 week course where we’ll tackle mindset, strategy, and practical steps to make sure your work and story get seen by the right people. Spots are limited—join the waitlist to be the first to be the first to get all the juicy details and jump in. https://lesliecarvittophotography.myflodesk.com/visibility-shift-waitlist

What if the community you’ve been looking for doesn’t exist, so you build it yourself? Welcome to another episode of Off Script, On Brand , where I sit down with Temwani Mazaba, the founder of Melbourne’s Literary Lounge — a vibrant social space for readers, thinkers, and creatives. Temwani shares the story of building a community she couldn’t find herself, and how she’s crafting a space where curiosity, vulnerability, and meaningful conversation thrive. From poetry nights and social events to a bimonthly book club, she’s creating experiences that resist superficial small talk, and build deeper, emotional connections. We dive into how she balances leadership and hosting these events with self-care and nervous system regulation, filling her cup so she can show up fully without burning out. And her game-changing mindset around rest as fuel. This conversation is full of insights for ambitious creatives, community builders, or anyone craving deeper, authentic connections in a world that can feel noisy, disconnected, and surface-level. In this episode, we explore: How the Literary Lounge came to be, born from recognising the gaps in Melbourne’s creative community The power of authenticity, storytelling, and intentionality in cultivating safe, inclusive spaces Balancing service to others with healthy boundaries and self-care practices Mindset shifts about rest: why “rest is resistance” and how downtime fuels creativity Strategies for hosting events that foster curiosity, deep conversations, and authentic connection Redefining belonging, embracing diversity, and encouraging others to step into leadership and vulnerability This episode is for you if: You’re a creative who wants to build connection-driven experiences You’re navigating leadership and community-building without burning out You’re rethinking rest, productivity, and how to fuel your own creative fire You’re looking to create spaces that encourage curiosity, vulnerability, and deeper human interaction Resources & Links Instagram Tik Tok Substack: Temwani Writes Work With Leslie I offer personal brand photography for creatives and founders who want images that actually reflect who they are and the energy behind their work. Learn more about personal brand photography and my packages here: https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/personal-brand-photography Instagram

What happens when you ditch the rulebook, back yourself, and create a creative career entirely on your own terms? Welcome to another episode of Off Script, On Brand, where I sit down with Cait Meyers — surf and fashion photographer, entrepreneur, and the visionary behind the Laugh Lines project. Cait wears a lot of creative hats, and we dive into the many projects she’s juggling and what it actually looks like to build a career that doesn’t fit into one neat box. Cait shares her journey from studying photography at Uni, to working with brands like Roxy and Billabong, and eventually getting a job photographing surf contests and athletes with the WSL. We talk about the pressure and adrenaline of photographing surf competitions, and her focus on capturing imperfect, authentic moments that make elite athletes feel relatable and human. We dive into career milestones, but more than that, we explore mindset, thinking outside the box, and trusting yourself when your path isn’t linear. Cait shares her desire to make a meaningful impact, especially for women and girls, and her determination and passion serve as a powerful reminder that living your wildest dreams and purpose is possible when you move from alignment and self-belief. In this episode, we explore: How her career in surf and fashion photography unfolded right after she graduated Uni Why thinking outside the box has been one of the biggest drivers behind her successful career The role self-belief and mindset played in helping her back herself throughout her career Her philosophy of imperfect action — creating in real time rather than waiting for everything to be perfect The moment she realised she wanted to make a bigger impact and be known for more than just photography Her advice for photographers who want to stand out and get noticed in a crowded industry Why building community, sharing knowledge, and growing the “girl gang” is so important to her The story behind her new project Laugh Lines and how it came to life This episode is for you if: You’re a creative who refuses to stay in just one lane You want to build a career that’s outside the box You’re learning to trust your ideas and take imperfect action You want to stand out in a crowded industry instead of blending in Follow Cait: www.caitmiers.com www.laughlines.com.au @caitmiersphotography @laughlinesproject Follow Leslie: www.lesliecarvitto.com @lesliecarvitto.photography If you're building a brand and want magnetic photos actually reflect who you are and the energy behind what you do, I shoot personal brand photography for founders, creatives, and women doing things their own way! Learn more here: https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/personal-brand-photography

In this episode of Off Script, On Brand, I chat with Tracey Spencer: mother, author, and fiery business activator and mentor. Tracey and I dive into what it really means to trust your creative process, especially when it’s messy, inconvenient, and doesn’t come with a guaranteed outcome. We talk about following the froth, starting before you feel ready, and having the courage to be seen in the messy middle of your creations. We also unpack authenticity beyond aesthetics — what it really means to let people into your process — and why passion will trump perfectionism every single time. In this episode, we explore: • Trusting the creative niggles that keep tapping you on the shoulder • How AI is affecting our ability to connect to spirit and our higher self • The tension between the fully manifested vision and just getting started • Her new creative venture - Trace TV This episode is for you if: • You feel called toward something new but are afraid to start • You’re letting perfectionism run the show • You want permission to start before you feel ready • You’re learning to trust your own creative rhythm About Tracey: Tracey Spencer is an award-winning life + business coach, Aries firecracker, creative loose cannon and keynote speaker. Known and loved for her fiery one-liners, spiritual straight-talk and hilarious business analogies, Trace writes, talks and teaches about owning your authentic power, unleashing your unique creative voice and going big with your soul work. Since 2015 she has led and coached hundreds of women out of fear and into their creative and authentic power through one-to-one mentoring, mastermind group coaching, online programs, her book Rock Your Light and live speaking events across Australia. She is currently turning the dial UP on her own creative magic with the production of her upcoming show, Trace TV. Website: https://www.traceyspencer.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracey__spencer/ Follow Leslie: www.lesliecarvitto.com @ lesliecarvitto.photography If you're building a brand and want magnetic photos actually reflect who you are and the energy behind what you do, I shoot personal brand photography for founders, creatives, and women doing things their own way! Learn more here: https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/personal-brand-photography

What happens when you build the dream life, and you’re too exhausted to enjoy any of it? Welcome to the second episode of Off Script, On Brand, where I interview Imo Roberts, co-founder of custom timber furniture business Al & Imo. Imo shares the story of starting a business with her husband, Al, in their mid-20s — what sparked the idea, how their move to the Surf Coast expanded what was possible, and what it really looked like to pour everything they had into building it. But this episode isn’t just about entrepreneurship. It’s about what happens when life happens at all once, and grows bigger than your capacity to hold it all. Covid. A booming business. Motherhood. Two children under two. A dream home build. And in the midst of all of it. Exhaustion and burnout. In this honest chat, we talk about the quiet pressures that build when you’re stretched beyond your limits, and what it takes to find your way back to yourself and your joy. In this episode, we explore: • Starting a business young and building it alongside your partner • The identity shifts that come with becoming a mother • Burnout and the stories we tell ourselves when we’re in it • Reconnecting to yourself after a season of depletion • The creative projects that are lighting her up This episode is for you if: • You’re balancing motherhood and ambition and feeling stretched thin • You’re building something beautiful but secretly exhausted • You’ve hit burnout and don’t know your next step • You’re craving permission to slow down and rebuild sustainably About Imo: Imogen Roberts is a designer, maker and creator based in Australia. Alongside her husband Al, she co-founded AL + IMO, a custom timber furniture studio recognised for its thoughtful, sustainable design and ethos of good design for good people. With a background in fashion and a lifelong love of making, Imogen brings a creative, detail-driven approach to everything she does, from designing furniture and renovating homes to styling spaces and telling stories online. She is passionate about considered design, injecting creativity into everyday life and encouraging others to create with their hands. As a mum of two, Imogen naturally weaves family life into her work, sharing practical DIY projects, home inspiration and everyday moments that feel both aspirational and achievable. Website: www.alandimo.com.au Instagram: @al_and_imo Follow Leslie on Instagram: @ lesliecarvitto.photography If you're building a brand and want magnetic photos actually reflect who you are and the energy behind what you do, I shoot personal brand photography for founders, creatives, and women doing things their own way! Learn more here: https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/personal-brand-photography If this episode resonated, I'd be stoked if you shared it with someone who needs it, or leave a review to support the show. 🤍