Biz
Mamamia Podcasts
Biz is the podcast rewriting the rules of work for a new generation. Join Em Vernem (ambitious but efficient), Michelle Battersby (launched Bumble APAC) and Soph Hirst (ex-Google) as they tackle everything from awkward pay rise conversations to dealing with colleagues who steal your ideas. No more generic advice - just real strategies from women who've been there, done that. BIZ: Because work is hard enough without having to figure it all out yourself.
- 17 minutes 19 secondsINBOX: Stop Doing This At Your Work Desk!
Today we tackle some extra juicy workplace dilemmas that are all submitted by you anonymously! If you’re saddled with a slack coworker, we’ll tell you the sentence to use with your boss to instigate change. Plus we’ll discuss how to deal with a manager’s vague instruction and the dodgy desk etiquette we hate.
Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer the burning questions you definitely can't ask your boss. Writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with super career coach Soph Hirst to tackle your trickiest workplace dilemmas.
If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here and follow the Biz Instagram here.
See Em’s list of 23 workplace rules you’re definitely breaking.
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media
Follow Michelle's startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
If you would like to participate in our brand uplift study for Hubspot for a chance t win $50, click HERE.
HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah PorgesMamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2 April 2025, 2:30 pm - 24 minutes 19 secondsTime Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)
This episode will completely transform how you'll think about managing your time, as we deep dive into the often misunderstood practice of time blocking with productivity expert Deb Ho.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list or struggled to focus on deep work; join Em Vernem, Michelle Battersby and Soph Hirst to learn practical solutions that don't require you to become a "productivity robot".
And if you’re time blocking skeptic or have tried and abandoned it before, this episode will give you the clear, precise direction you need to transform your workday. Trust us, you’ll soon understand why you need to be spending more time in your calendar than your inbox!Check out Deb Ho’s amazing Time Block Planner and other Productivity Resources.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media.
Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!
If you would like to participate in our brand uplift study for Hubspot for a chance t win $50, click HERE.
HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberly Braddish
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah PorgesMamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31 March 2025, 6:30 pm - 14 minutes 22 secondsINBOX: Help! How Do I Fire Someone?
This week we are navigating searching for a job while pregnant, firing someone and whether you invite your colleagues to your wedding.
Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer the burning questions you definitely can't ask your boss. Writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with business powerhouse Michelle Battersby to tackle your trickiest workplace dilemmas.
If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here and follow the Biz Instagram here.
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media
Follow Michelle's startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
If you would like to participate in our brand uplift study for Hubspot for a chance t win $50, click HERE
HOSTS: Michelle Battersby and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberly Braddish
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26 March 2025, 6:30 pm - 15 minutes 16 secondsYou Don’t Need A Work Mentor, You Need This Instead
This episode will demolish everything you thought you knew about mentorship. Our career coaches Michelle Battersby and Soph Hirst will let you in on a fresh approach to professional development, moving away from the traditional "one perfect mentor" model to a more flexible, inclusive strategy - think less marriage proposal, more dating.
Plus you’ll hear the five-sentence email template that's going to help you land that dream mentor conversation.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media.
Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
If you wanna see three of our favourite girl bosses in action, Mamamia Out Loud is going on tour! Jessie, Mia, Holly and BIZ’s own Em Vernem are heading to Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in May to celebrate 10 years of Australia’s #1 women’s podcast. Buy tickets to The Mamamia Out Loud LIVE ALL OR NOTHING TOUR here.
Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.
If you would like to participate in our brand uplift study for Hubspot for a chance t win $50, click HERE
HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberly Braddish
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah PorgesMamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 March 2025, 6:30 pm - 14 minutes 56 secondsINBOX: Why We All Need A Work Bestie
Ever found yourself stuck in the coffee line with your CEO and suddenly forgetting how to form sentences? Or wondering how to ask for feedback without seeming desperate?
Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer all the awkward workplace scenarios you've been dying to solve.
Writer and podcaster Em Vernem gets career coach extraordinaire Soph Hirst’s foolproof strategy for making small talk with the big boss. Plus you’ll learn why asking for feedback actually shows confidence and get simple but effective ways to make friends at work.
If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here and follow the Biz Instagram here.
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media
Follow Michelle's startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberly Braddish
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19 March 2025, 6:30 pm - 25 minutes 46 secondsMia Freedman On Why Redundancy Was One Of The Best Things To Happen To Her
Whether you're navigating a redundancy right now or just want to be prepared, we’re going to change your perspective of redundancy.
Mia Freedman takes us behind the headlines of her very public redundancy that led her to founding Mamamia (you won’t believe the job they offered her instead…).
You'll hear Mia in conversation with Michelle Battersby and then insight from our career coach Soph Hirst, and you'll get practical advice on how to create a narrative that positions you perfectly for your next role and how to rebuild your confidence and reputation after a career setback.
If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here and follow the Biz Instagram here.
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media
Follow Michelle's startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberly Braddish
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah PorgesMamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17 March 2025, 6:30 pm - 17 minutes 56 secondsINBOX: Upgrading Work Travel To Boss-Level & Can I WFH From A Cafe?
Can I line up a personal holiday off the back of a work-funded trip? How do I make sure I'm on my game after a long-haul flight? Should I tell a future employer I have a planned trip? And can I just work from a cafe if I work remotely?
Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer the burning questions you definitely can't ask your boss.
Writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with entrepreneur Michelle Battersby to tackle your trickiest workplace dilemmas.
If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media
Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
HOSTS: Michelle Battersby and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberley Braddish
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12 March 2025, 6:30 pm - 18 minutes 44 secondsHow To Know If You Should Start Your Own Business
Dreaming of quitting your 9-5 to launch that business idea? Before you hand in your resignation, our BIZ career coaches Michelle Battersby and Soph Hirst reveal what it really takes to succeed on your own.
Join Em Vernem to discover if entrepreneurship is truly for you, or if you're better suited to thrive elsewhere. Plus Michelle will share her crucial practical 3-step framework to validate your business idea before risking your savings
Whether you're contemplating your first side hustle or seriously considering going all-in on your startup dream, this episode delivers the unfiltered advice you need to make smarter career decisions—minus the entrepreneurial fairy tales.
Resources:
- Here is the site that Michelle used to make her questionnaire
- Here is Sunroom’s early ideation survey from 2020 and Sunroom’s creator research and feedback form, plus here is the Tiktok content she posted.
- Here is the link to Tech Ready Women that Soph was discussing.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media.
Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
If you wanna see three of our favourite girl bosses in action, Mamamia Out Loud is going on tour! Jessie, Mia, Holly and BIZ’s own Em Vernem are heading to Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in May to celebrate 10 years of Australia’s #1 women’s podcast. Buy tickets to The Mamamia Out Loud LIVE ALL OR NOTHING TOUR here.
Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.
HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberly Braddish
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10 March 2025, 6:30 pm - 14 minutes 44 secondsINBOX: Should I CC Someone's Boss To Escalate An Issue?
How do I be taken more seriously? Is it ok to cc someone's boss into a thread if you're trying to escalate an issue? And should you wear Crocs in the office?
Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer the burning questions you definitely can't ask your boss.
Writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with career coach Soph Hirst to tackle your trickiest workplace dilemmas.
If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media
Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberley Braddish
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5 March 2025, 6:30 pm - 30 minutes 27 seconds'Personality Hire' Is Not A Dirty Word
Do you know we ALL should strive to be part personality hire?! Join Em Vernem as we learn about building rapport and ‘vibes’ at work from Biz career coaches Michelle Battersby and Soph Hirst.
You’ll learn the surprising science behind why workplace energy matters (yep there's actual research on this!); how to ‘learn’ one character trait that will make you more likeable; and how to bring your full self to work without crossing professional boundaries.
Plus we meet Sana from Canva whose job title literally includes the word "vibes" and learn how her department is revolutionising workplace culture.
This ep is perfect for anyone questioning their workplace identity, managers trying to build better teams, or anyone who just wants work to be that bit more fun!
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media.
Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
If you wanna see three of our favourite girl bosses in action, Mamamia Out Loud is going on tour! Jessie, Mia, Holly and BIZ’s own Em Vernem are heading to Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in May to celebrate 10 years of Australia’s #1 women’s podcast. Buy tickets to The Mamamia Out Loud LIVE ALL OR NOTHING TOUR here.
Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.
HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberly Braddish
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah PorgesMamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3 March 2025, 6:30 pm - 11 minutes 5 secondsINBOX: How Do I Handle A Patronising Colleague?!
Do I need to keep my resume up to date? When is the worst time to schedule a work meeting? And how do I handle a coworker who is just plain rude?!
Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your new workplace group chat where we answer the burning questions you definitely can't ask your boss.
Writer and podcaster Em Vernem teams up with career coach Soph Hirst to tackle your trickiest workplace dilemmas.
If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here
THE END BITS
Support independent women's media
Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.
HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Kimberly Braddish
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26 February 2025, 6:30 pm - More Episodes? Get the App