<rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>leahbrunoli</title><description>leahbrunoli</description><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/blog</link><item><title>Leah &amp; Pearl Part 1</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/SyCJkkIQshk/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leah Brunoli</dc:creator><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2017/11/12/Leah-Pearl-Part-1</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2017/11/12/Leah-Pearl-Part-1</guid><pubDate>Sun, 12 Nov 2017 05:09:23 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SyCJkkIQshk"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Do you even sleep?</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/_IIfSU4MvkU/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2017/09/23/Do-you-even-sleep</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2017/09/23/Do-you-even-sleep</guid><pubDate>Sat, 23 Sep 2017 12:23:54 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_IIfSU4MvkU"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Questions &amp; Answers Part One.</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/IJMj8wi7lA8/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leah Brunoli</dc:creator><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2017/07/24/Questions-Answers-Part-One</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2017/07/24/Questions-Answers-Part-One</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Jul 2017 22:37:22 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IJMj8wi7lA8"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Intro to Leah Brunoli</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/2jqGup9IFHA/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leah Brunoli</dc:creator><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2017/07/19/Intro-to-Leah-Brunoli</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2017/07/19/Intro-to-Leah-Brunoli</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Jul 2017 11:52:45 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2jqGup9IFHA"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Dear Haters,</title><description><![CDATA[Dear Haters,They tell me not to retaliate. I'm never allowed ever to say how I feel. I'm supposed to ‘take it on the chin’, “laugh it off”, “not worry about it”. My family and friends say its just jealousy.Well, before you start criticising every move that I make I'm going to ask you, Can you handle a week in my shoes?.To me, it's almost all a blur. One minute I'm an innocent nineteen-year-old opening up a little salon in the northern suburbs, the next I’m the CEO of a multi-million dollar<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7d7ad5_853ec47cec6b47fdabd77c546ff80852%7Emv2_d_2048_2048_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_266%2Ch_266/7d7ad5_853ec47cec6b47fdabd77c546ff80852%7Emv2_d_2048_2048_s_2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leah Brunoli</dc:creator><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2016/12/30/Dear-Haters</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2016/12/30/Dear-Haters</guid><pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2016 08:14:35 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7d7ad5_853ec47cec6b47fdabd77c546ff80852~mv2_d_2048_2048_s_2.png"/><div>Dear Haters,</div><div>They tell me not to retaliate. I'm never allowed ever to say how I feel. I'm supposed to ‘take it on the chin’, “laugh it off”, “not worry about it”. </div><div>My family and friends say its just jealousy.</div><div>Well, before you start criticising every move that I make I'm going to ask you, Can you handle a week in my shoes?.</div><div>To me, it's almost all a blur. One minute I'm an innocent nineteen-year-old opening up a little salon in the northern suburbs, the next I’m the CEO of a multi-million dollar company. </div><div>Being the CEO is no easy job. It comes with pain, anxiety, tears and loneliness. </div><div>I am forever playing the job of Good Boss, Bad Boss, Good Mum, bad mum, Good Friend, bad friend. </div><div>You judge me from what you think you know, but let me ask you this;</div><div>Have you ever sacrificed your happiness for someone else? I have. I do this every day.</div><div>Have you ever made a mistake and from that one mistake people hate you?. I have</div><div>Have you ever put everything on the line, in the hope that your faith in yourself can pull you through?. I have.</div><div>Have you ever had to work 23 hours of the day?. I do.</div><div>Have you ever had to choose between a family event and saving your company’s reputation along with 50 peoples jobs? I have</div><div>Have you ever missed your child’s Christmas concert, sports day, kindy graduation because you were too busy helping others? I have. </div><div>Have you ever walked into a room and everyone stop talking because they were talking about you? I have.</div><div>Has your child ever cried to you and begged you to spend time with them? Mine has</div><div>Have you ever had someone call themselves your friend when in fact they are everything but? I have.</div><div>Have you ever negotiated a lease, gone to court, liaised with a board, oversee fifty staff, manage senior managers, create a budget, drive a companies culture, mediate between staff, ensure customer quality control, generate new business, create a marketing calendar, attend to customer enquiries and complaints, create 50 rosters, co-ordinate 6 brides in one day and rearrange an entire booked out day because a stylist called in sick 20 minutes before their shift? </div><div>Yeah, I didn't think so. That's my job on a daily basis, plusI still have to reply to 100 emails, take my daughter to school, and somehow I have to eat amongst that too. </div><div>Being me isn't always what you see on Instagram. </div><div>I love my job 99% of the time. </div><div>You will never fathom the level shit I have to endure on a daily basis, but I love it. I create over 50 jobs, which allows my beautiful humans to fulfil their dreams no matter that they might be, I give opportunities to those who likely never thought they would never get, I create a solid foundation for my daughter in the hope she creates herself an amazing and fulfilling life. I get to travel and meet hundreds of people. </div><div>I do make mistakes, but I learn from them. I know who I am, where I am going and where I came from. I might hold the title of CEO, but I am still Leah Brunoli, I am still a human being. </div><div>so,</div><div>to my dear haters,</div><div>I don’t hate you. I hope you to can reach your goals.</div><div>I hope this blog piece gives you an insight into my life; I hope it might help you understand the decisions I make and it might even change your opinion on me.</div><div>and if not.</div><div>Fuck you. Just Kidding (sort of) </div><div>with gratitude and love,</div><div>LB xx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Hello 🙋🏼 Twenty Sixteen.</title><description><![CDATA[Can you believe we're at that ended of 2015? Oh, my. Where did that year go? I love the start of a new year. To me, it's like the beginning of a new book. With Each new year, I leave the past in he past, whether it's positive or negative. To me a new year is about starting Fresh, recapping on the year just gone and making improvements. Bad days happen to Everyone; it doesn't mean it was a bad year, it means you learnt something. Some of us learnt who our real friends were, some welcomed new life<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d5a8583187a44688b918f91298eba80.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/12/30/Hello-%F0%9F%99%8B%F0%9F%8F%BC-Twenty-Sixteen</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/12/30/Hello-%F0%9F%99%8B%F0%9F%8F%BC-Twenty-Sixteen</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2015 04:34:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d5a8583187a44688b918f91298eba80.jpg"/><div>Can you believe we're at that ended of 2015? Oh, my. Where did that year go?</div><div>I love the start of a new year. To me, it's like the beginning of a new book. With Each new year, I leave the past in he past, whether it's positive or negative. To me a new year is about starting Fresh, recapping on the year just gone and making improvements. Bad days happen to Everyone; it doesn't mean it was a bad year, it means you learnt something. Some of us learnt who our real friends were, some welcomed new life and some said goodbye to life. Some dealt with bad news while others received the best news. From everything negative there is a positive, it's called lessons. This is life, and nobody gets out alive. </div><div>I've learnt a lot about myself this past year. I've learnt that it's ok to let your hair down once in a while, I've learnt that sometimes the closest people to you are the real enemies, I've learnt to deal with negativity, but one best thing I have learnt this year is to love myself. As corny as it sounds, as soon as I learnt the lesson to love thyself, I became a better person. </div><div> This past year I jumped the corporate ladder and I also became the student. I've challenged myself to the maximum level and I've met some amazing people doing it. </div><div>The problem with life is we caught up with time, doing the same thing, living in our comfort zones. The best thing you can do is get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to the boundaries. I'm not saying it will work out every time, but you have no idea what's beyond the horizon if you don't paddle out. </div><div>Going back to study this year was the best thing for me. Before this, I was caught up in the corporate/business world forgetting about life. I've been lucky enough to meet life changing people while doing so. I'm in a class full of diverse humans, we all are there to better ourselves and the best thing is, we are all there for one another. We have each other's back and continue to encourage one another. Some of my new friends are young, some are much older than me, we all bring different life experiences to the table. I've learnt so much from them and of course, I've learnt a whole new trade, nursing. </div><div>My advice to those needing a change for the new year is to do some study. This doesn't have to be a uni degree; it could be a three-day short course, an online course on how to develop an app, or a beauty course or a writing course. Whatever you desire, jump in and do it.</div><div>Push your boundaries.</div><div>I'm not going to lie, 2016 for me is about economic changes. I have many great business opportunities headed for me this new year. The thrill of taking new risks and pushing myself to the next level excites me. It's not going to easy, but this time, next year I'll be glad I did it. </div><div>I get a tonne of emails and Facebook messages about updating my blog, with my crazy busy lifestyle I have let it go a little, I will do my best to post as often as I can. I'm honoured to be a mentor/ motivator for some of you.</div><div>Ok! So who's ready for a new year?! Let's do this!!💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼</div><div>Happy New year friends, I can't wait to hear about those goals you have smashed. </div><div>With Love and gratitude,</div><div>L xx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Soul Days.</title><description><![CDATA[Luck is for the lottery winners, not the entrepreneurs. “Your so lucky Leah”. Gah! That one sentence makes me cringe. I am not lucky, I’ve worked very, very hard to get where I am today. I work my tooshie off every day. I love it. I love to work and I love to see our hard work turn into success, but please don’t be fooled by social media or hearsay. I still have bad days. Bad days makes me stronger. I don’t particularly like them but they are important for personal and professional growth. I’ve<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/ed158f432c5c4abc98315a396a3a9f21.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leah Brunoli</dc:creator><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/10/20/Soul-Days</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/10/20/Soul-Days</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2015 02:48:12 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/ed158f432c5c4abc98315a396a3a9f21.jpg"/><div>Luck is for the lottery winners, not the entrepreneurs. </div><div>“Your so lucky Leah”. Gah! That one sentence makes me cringe. </div><div>I am not lucky, I’ve worked very, very hard to get where I am today. I work my tooshie off every day. I love it. I love to work and I love to see our hard work turn into success, but please don’t be fooled by social media or hearsay. I still have bad days. </div><div>Bad days makes me stronger. I don’t particularly like them but they are important for personal and professional growth. I’ve made lots of mistakes, some of them I could have gone without, others I know without them I wouldn't have learnt what I did from making them. </div><div>I often receive emails asking how to overcome a slump, when a bad day turns into a bad month and a bad month into a bad year. My answer is simple: Stop what you are doing and regain your focus. </div><div>It’s very easy to work yourself into a mess when you feel like you have had a steady stream of bad events happen; I know this because it sometimes happens to me. Sometimes when nothing seems to be going right, you need to stop and go back to basics. </div><div>First thing first is you need to work on your mind frame. If you mind is all over the place and you are constantly thinking of all the bad things you are going to get nowhere. That's enough of the bad thoughts, Tell yourself to focus. Focus on what you are trying to achieve. Whether it be a holiday, new car, house, boat, promotion, whatever it is, think back to where your focus should be. Take a day off to help clean the soul. Soul days are important. Soul days are days where you do what you want, go to the beach, have a glass of wine, go to the movies, whatever makes you feel calm and happy. You’ll feel instantly better by having a soul day.</div><div>Surround yourself with the best of people. People that love you and have your back. Not the friend that tells you “I told you so”. She/he can take a hike. </div><div>Sometimes one of the best forms of getting over a slump is to talk about it. Tell your mum or your grandma or your best friend, but don’t keep talking about it. Once you have gotten it off your chest, that it. If you keep bringing it up, your mind frame will not change and you will be back at step one. </div><div>Lastly, vision your goals. How bad do you want it? Are you going to let a bad day affect your end goal? What will you sacrifice to achieve your goals? </div><div>Bad days are important. Everyone has them. </div><div>Stop. Take a breath. Start again. </div><div>You’ve got this! </div><div>With Love and gratitude,</div><div>L </div><div>xoxo</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Let's be Frank!.</title><description><![CDATA[Lets be Frank! We sometimes need an extra pair of eyes and ears in business and with that in mind, I’d like to introduce you all to the other man in my life. Yes! Apart from my amazing husband Dan, I have another man in my life (both of these men don't do my dishes FYI). I’d like to introduce my amazing business mentor; Frank Falco (aka Frankie) I promised him I wouldn't call him that in this post, sorry Frankie! I remember the first day I met Frank; I was attending a large charity event and out<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7d7ad5_8b541f5bde974923b26da66c1ce5f297.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leah Brunoli</dc:creator><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/3/25/Lets-be-Frank</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/3/25/Lets-be-Frank</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2015 03:05:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7d7ad5_8b541f5bde974923b26da66c1ce5f297.png"/><div>Lets be Frank! We sometimes need an extra pair of eyes and ears in business and with that in mind, I’d like to introduce you all to the other man in my life. Yes! Apart from my amazing husband Dan, I have another man in my life (both of these men don't do my dishes FYI). </div><div>I’d like to introduce my amazing business mentor; Frank Falco (aka Frankie) I promised him I wouldn't call him that in this post, sorry Frankie! </div><div>I remember the first day I met Frank; I was attending a large charity event and out of hundreds of people at this event (most of which were politicians and high profile business people) I was introduced to Frank and his lovely wife Andrea. We just clicked the moment we met. I remember standing there in my ball gown explaining my business; Fresh Hair &amp; Body to him. At that stage there was only two salon locations, Mawson Lakes and North Adelaide.</div><div>Both Frank and Andrea stood there and listened attentively, not once did they sneer or giggle at my business or my business model. There we stood, in a room full of drunk people and spoke about business and our professional backgrounds. The last thing they said to me before the conversation ended was “If you ever want to get together and have a chat about how we can help you, give me a call”. Later that night after leaving the event I told my husband I am going to talk to Frank, I think I would love to have his professional opinion on Fresh Hair &amp; Body. </div><div>Long story short, I am now lucky to call Frank my business mentor. He has and continues to help me grow in so many areas and I am so grateful for that. </div><div>I have done a little Q&amp;A with Frank that I know you will all enjoy, because let’s be Frank (Pun intended hahahahaha) we all need a rock in our business. </div><div>1. What is your professional background? </div><div>I started my career as a software developer, back in the 80s when that was not as ‘cool’ as it is today. Most people did not understand what it was. I started with a company doing music publishing software, which I eventually became part owner of following an acquisition by a small group of employees. Then started my own software company in 1991 and grew it to almost 30 employees; it was partially acquired by MYOB in 2004. Through my software company we worked for many clients across a multitude of industries so this gave me a good general knowledge about a lot of businesses. I went on to work for and with various organisations, mostly at senior management, executive and board level. My last full-time role was the CIO of Internode. </div><div>If you are interested in the chronology but not much detail, check me out on<a href="http://au.linkedin.com/in/fafalco">Linkedin http://au.linkedin.com/in/fafalco</a></div><div>2. What are you currently professionally working on? </div><div>Following by tenure at Internode, I took some time off to travel with my wife and then have been working with the startup community and on various startups, often as an advisor. I also do some mentoring and consulting, mostly on how to run businesses better and utilising technology. </div><div>I am currently working on;</div><div>1) peepable, which does video search </div><div>2) another is a secure platform for the crypto currency and digital contract space; and </div><div>3) an investor in and advisor to Thereitis, a 3D online shopping interface </div><div>3. What made you go into Business? </div><div>I have always been interested in business, probably because my father, an Auto Electrician, went into business when I was very young. I watched him build a successful business and was inspired by him, his work ethic and the way he dealt with his customers. I worked part-time in the family business as a teenager, as you do. My father wanted me to come into the business, but I was really into technology. So I went my own way, he was supportive of that. I am passionate about what technology can do both for business and social good. Technology is changing and disrupting the way we do business. We can always do better. </div><div>4. Do you have a business mentor?</div><div>I have had several, over the years; some formal, some not. I have been fortunate to have access to some really wonderful people, many of whom I have sought out. It is so important to surround yourself and engage with successful people and network constantly. You never know whom you will meet and where it will lead. Remember how we met Leah? There is always something to learn, especially with the fast pace of change we live in now. Meet as many people as you can and ask lots of questions. </div><div>5. Can you please explain your views on the importance of business mentors? </div><div>Mentors bring lessons that only time and experience can bring. They should encourage and challenge you whilst holding you accountable to what you say and what you do. Mentors become the voice in you head that guide you to be the best business person and person that you can be. I think they are invaluable, assuming you find a good one and listen to them, even though they may not always be right. They are a sounding board; you are ultimately responsible for the decisions you make. </div><div>It is important to get really good advisors (including accountants and lawyers) and pay them accordingly. Solid advice is a valuable asset to you and your business. Mistakes can be costly. Invest in good advice and build a team of advisors. </div><div>6. What crucial advice can you give to those wanting to start a new business? </div><div>Being in business is not something that should be undertaken lightly. There is a lot more to it than just doing whatever product or service you are engaging in. It can be incredibly rewarding if done right, not just financially. </div><div>• Do what you are passionate about and work on it, not just in it </div><div>• Clear objectives; why are you going into business and to what end? Is it a lifestyle or an exit you are looking for? </div><div>• Communicate clearly and consistently to your people and your customers; then they will all come on the journey with you </div><div>• Be realistic about your weaknesses; understand what you should do and attract great people to do the rest. No one is successful on their own. Invest and work on yourself </div><div>• Understand your value proposition and customer profiles; understanding what type of customer you are good for and which is good for you is critical, not all customers are good or worthwhile. Consider opportunity cost </div><div>• Make sure you a building a great business not a bad job; just because you are good at what you do, does not mean you are a good businessperson or leader. If you run a business poorly, all you really have is a low paying stressful job </div><div>• Culture, structure and planning; these allow your business to be scalable and your people clarity of what is expected of them and the freedom to do what they are great at with accountability </div><div>• Make yourself redundant; then you have a business that will survive you and be something worth buying if that is what you want. That does not mean you cannot work in your business, but you have that choice. </div><div>7. In your experience what are the most common reasons why a large number of small businesses fail? </div><div>That is a whole blog in itself: </div><div>• the reverse of the previous points </div><div>• lack of focus, planning and oversight </div><div>• poor staff management</div><div>• owners treating business as their personal piggy bank/sand pit </div><div>• cash flow management </div><div>8. How important is it to maintain a work/life balance and what is your advice on achieving a healthy work/life balance. </div><div>This is one of the most crucial and difficult things to do, and I learnt the hard way what can happen when you burn the candle at both ends. You are no good to anyone if you are stressed out and/or burnt out. You make bad decisions, behave erratically and ultimately will crash. Taking everyone and everything with you. </div><div>Money is important in that it gives you options. However, there is no point to having money if you do not have your health, good relationships and other interests. One dimensional, solitary people are boring. Rich dead people are still dead. Death does not care how wealthy you are. I’m sure you would want for your family and friends to want you around for as long as possible. You have lived a rich life if you have contributed, engaged and give, and then you will have lived a good life and be truly missed. I learnt that last year when my brother died from cancer. He lived an average but rich life and was truly missed. That does not depend on your bank balance. </div><div>Make time for your interests and people outside of work, no one should ever be that busy. If you are, you are a poor time manager. What is the point of working all the time if you never get to enjoy the fruits of your labour? </div><div>Being balanced will make you a better more rounded businessperson, leader and partner. Don’t be a martyr and boast that you work stupidly long hours, that is not something to be proud of and really, no one is impressed. </div><div>It is the quality of what you do that matters. It is not impressive to do a lot, badly. </div><div>Be efficient with your time and learn the most important word; “No”. Concentrate on the things that will get you where you want to go. It is the things that you don’t waste your time on, that give you the time to do the things you do need to do. Sometimes you have to put in some long hours, but don’t make a habit of it. </div><div>9. Which of my business skills have improved since you have become my mentor? </div><div>I think the thing we have worked on the most and you have shown good progress in is delegating. You are building a team and structure that is consistent and a reflection of your values and what you want your people to be and customers to experience.</div><div>I’ve learnt so much from Frank and I am so grateful for his guidance, but please don’t think its all roses and tea. Frank definitely puts me in my place, he calls me out on things and if I don’t have a good explanation for things…. look out, be prepared for the death stare and to be spoken to until he's finished with you (not joking). </div><div>So for those of you whom are business owners or those whom are aspiring to be business owners, do yourself and the business a favour and get yourself a business mentor. As you can tell, Frank is clearly far from a hairdresser but thats what I love about it. He has a different view on things. So go and attend those networking get togethers or look for someone to help you see things in a different light. It has done wonders for me.</div><div>Thank you so much for reading. </div><div>With Love and Gratitude,</div><div>Leah xx</div><div>If you wish to contact Frank, you are welcome to at frankfalco@me.com</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Thanks for the memories.</title><description><![CDATA[There comes a time in your life when the person you once were no longer exists. Sad, but true. You change, they change, boy changes, girl changes. Life changes. So many of us try and hold onto ‘the good old days’ because it’s what feels better than letting go of those memories. Like, when a song playing on the radio reminds you of when you were 17, hanging outside of McDonald’s pretending to roll with the cool kids; or the smell of freshly cut grass taking you back to your days running around<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7d7ad5_a4f614aff1214ed580a46e1d1b005615.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leah Brunoli</dc:creator><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/08/15/Thanks-for-the-memories</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/08/15/Thanks-for-the-memories</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2015 13:47:02 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7d7ad5_a4f614aff1214ed580a46e1d1b005615.jpg"/><div>There comes a time in your life when the person you once were no longer exists. Sad, but true. You change, they change, boy changes, girl changes. Life changes. </div><div>So many of us try and hold onto ‘the good old days’ because it’s what feels better than letting go of those memories. Like, when a song playing on the radio reminds you of when you were 17, hanging outside of McDonald’s pretending to roll with the cool kids; or the smell of freshly cut grass taking you back to your days running around the school oval.</div><div>I’m a sucker for memories, which often causes me to be lenient with people I have shared great memories with. I find myself telling my brain not to cut a person out of my life, because ‘one time’ years ago we had a great night out clubbing, or that ‘one time’ we drove to the beach and listened to SCLUB 7, or that ‘one time’ we played Spyro on Playstation One until three in the morning. I’m sure we all love to reminisce sometimes, and share stories with our friends.</div><div>For the past few years, I’ve been convinced that the people around me are changing, and some with whom I was once close with have become different people. I’ve had countless conversations with my husband, begging him to answer my question: why have they changed? But one night, I was sitting on the couch with my cup of tea, thinking, and I came to the realisation that it’s not them who’ve changed. It’s me.</div><div>I have changed; I’m not the same person I once was. I’m changing everyday. I’ve been telling myself that the ‘old Leah’ will be back soon, but the truth is that the person that I am at this moment is the real Leah. I’m wiser. I’m stronger. I’m smarter. I’m in control. I’m on a journey, and I’m selecting the right people to come along for the ride with me. I’m a businesswoman. I’m a wife. I’m a mother. I’ve changed and grown into me.</div><div>I have finally come to terms with letting go of people, and allowing our memories to be just that, memories. I’m not going to try and hold onto them, when in order to move on, you need to leave relationships that no longer serve and inspire you in the past. And to those people: I’m done with making excuses for you, your lack of friendship, and your inability to see who I really am and where I’m headed. It’s time for me to let you go and live my life. It’s time for you to live your lives.</div><div>Change is all a part of this amazing adventure called life, and I’m looking forward to seeing how my story plays out, and what the universe has in store for me.</div><div>Thanks for the memories.</div><div>L</div><div>xxx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Mediocrity VS Excellence</title><description><![CDATA[We live in a world where our popularity depends on how many Facebook friends we have, our number of Insta followers, and how many ‘likes’ we get on our selfies. I bet if we jumped back in time to the 50’s and told them of the future, they would actually roll on the floor laughing. With social media allowing our personal lives to be in public view, it’s no surprise that humans have completely lost their values, and generation Y is totally different to the generations before; it seems only “God”<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/e2f69251cb244a16a0c1f7d6f87aba1e.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leah Brunoli</dc:creator><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/08/10/Mediocrity-VS-Excellence</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/08/10/Mediocrity-VS-Excellence</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2015 08:31:13 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/e2f69251cb244a16a0c1f7d6f87aba1e.jpg"/><div>We live in a world where our popularity depends on how many Facebook friends we have, our number of Insta followers, and how many ‘likes’ we get on our selfies. I bet if we jumped back in time to the 50’s and told them of the future, they would actually roll on the floor laughing.</div><div>With social media allowing our personal lives to be in public view, it’s no surprise that humans have completely lost their values, and generation Y is totally different to the generations before; it seems only “God” can help them now. </div><div>Everybody wants to be like the next person, and it’s as though no one wants to be different. This is where mediocrity is born. There are two types of people in this world: mediocre people, and people who strive for excellence. </div><div>Mediocre people only do what they are required to do. For example, if they needed to get a 15 out of 20 to pass a test, they would just aim for the 15 instead of trying to reach for the 20. Similarly, they’re the ones who leave work right on 5pm, instead of staying behind an extra 30 minutes to get in front, ready for the next day of work. I’m sorry to say it bluntly, but mediocre people shit me to tears. See the thing is, they know they’re mediocre, but they want everything that a person who strives for excellence has — except they don't want to do the work needed to get there. </div><div>I’d like to say that I'm the kind of person who strives for excellence; that’s not to say I am excellent, nor perfect, but I do strive to be better everyday. Why be ordinary, when you can be extraordinary? </div><div>Sometimes we fall into a trap of just ‘doing what’s required’, but I'm here to tell you that you can achieve anything you want in life; you just have to be prepared to go that extra mile. I’m not saying you should quit your job and move to Africa, but if Africa is where you wish to reside, then start preparing for it. </div><div>Here are some tips on how to get yourself out of that slump:</div><div>Raise your standards.Eliminate as much drama as possible.Stop posting sad, attention seeking Facebook statuses. Do things that make you feel good, like eating chocolate or listening to music.Reflect; sometimes you have to look back in order to see how far you’ve come.Challenge yourself; write a list of goals and aim for them. Whether it’s finishing that book you started, or keeping a herb pot alive (I’m still struggling on that one!)Accept what you can’t change. Believe in yourself. Trust me, you are more powerful than you think. Motivate yourself; I read books to motivate me. Donald Trump and Richard Branson are my favourites for this. </div><div>So I leave you with a thought; what kind of person do you want to be?</div><div>See you on the flip side,</div><div>L</div><div>xxx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Changes.</title><description><![CDATA[Today I want to talk about change. Most people are scared of change. Change is a part of life, its a natural progression. I myself used to be scared of change. I stayed within my comfort zone and the thought of even changing any simple things in my life gave me anxiety. Sometimes change happens and you don’t even realise its happened, and then there’s change that just jumps out of no where and scares the hell out of you. Over the past few years I’ve become to love change. Sometime’s I make<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/c04b3810f91d4a6bba6c350c3c44393b.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leah Brunoli</dc:creator><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/04/28/Changes</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/04/28/Changes</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2015 01:12:49 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Today I want to talk about change. </div><div>Most people are scared of change. Change is a part of life, its a natural progression. I myself used to be scared of change. I stayed within my comfort zone and the thought of even changing any simple things in my life gave me anxiety. </div><div>Sometimes change happens and you don’t even realise its happened, and then there’s change that just jumps out of no where and scares the hell out of you. </div><div>Over the past few years I’ve become to love change. Sometime’s I make changes just to challenge myself and i truly believe thats the reason I am the person I am today.</div><div>Let me tell you a little story.</div><div>A couple of weeks ago i met with a gorgeous young girl. She wanted to talk to me about the possibility of working for Fresh. The first thing that came out of her mouth was “Im thinking I need a change but i’m scared”. Fair call. She's currently in a stable job, she doesn't mind the work, she doesn't mind the people, but there’s something missing. There’s something missing or why the hell is she wasting my time and hers to come and meet with me.</div><div>As we got half way through our coffee’s she’d already talked herself out of it. I could see her brain going a hundred miles per hour thinking about leaving. For most people it would have been off putting, having someone who wasn't entirely motivated sit there and talk about wanting a change but not enough to go for it. </div><div>For me, I looked at it as a challenge. </div><div>you see,I was once just like her. </div><div>I left my job of four years for a management position. I was poached my another salon and they offered me the world. My Nanna was the one who pushed me to go for it. I did and it and it didn't turn out how we all expected. I left the management position after just two weeks. I wanted to run back to my old job so fast, but i didn’t. I left that job because it wasn't where i saw myself in 5+ years time. I wasn't treated like I should have been, I wasn't appreciated like i should have been. </div><div>From leaving that job it challenged me to find a new job out of my comfort zone, Not only did I find a position , it ended with me creating Fresh Hair &amp; Body. </div><div>As we finished our coffees, it ended with “I’ll be in contact with you Leah”. I giggled as I walked away because I knew she was never going to contact me. </div><div>I know what benefits she would have by leaving her job, but that’s not up to me that’s up to her. </div><div>You can't make changes for anyone but yourself, thats lesson number 1. </div><div>Sometime life throws us all sorts of unexpected changes, some good, some not so good. I don’t like the saying “Everything happens for a reason”, however there is some truth in it. </div><div>If we don’t allow change in your life you will get bored. If the world never changed we wouldn’t have the internet and what the hell would we do without that!. </div><div>My question to you is; What changes can you make?. What challenges are you going to set for yourself? </div><div>Challenge yourself. Come out of your comfort zone. There is wonderful things out here all you have to do is start small. Make small changes. They might seem scary but do it for you. </div><div>And.....</div><div>To the girl I had an interview with, sorry I used your story. It will inspire others so think of it as a good deed. </div><div>Oh!, and please leave your job, belive in yourself. I know you have it in you. Good luck!</div><div>With love and gratitude,</div><div>Leah xx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>You're just somebody that I used to know.</title><description><![CDATA[I’ve lost so many friendships in the past year. Some of these friendships were supposed to last a life time. I’ve never written about this. I've always kept quiet, pretending like it doesn't bother me. I often lay awake at night and think about these lost friendships. I ponder over them, wondering why they have cut me out, why they deleted me or unfollowed me from social media. What was it that I did to make the call they didn't want to be my “friend” anymore?. At first, I thought it was me.<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/59b675b3f18f47c987630c958da74b7e.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leah Brunoli</dc:creator><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/04/21/Youre-just-somebody-that-I-used-to-know</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/04/21/Youre-just-somebody-that-I-used-to-know</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2015 03:17:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/59b675b3f18f47c987630c958da74b7e.jpg"/><div>I’ve lost so many friendships in the past year. Some of these friendships were supposed to last a life time.</div><div>I’ve never written about this. I've always kept quiet, pretending like it doesn't bother me. I often lay awake at night and think about these lost friendships. I ponder over them, wondering why they have cut me out, why they deleted me or unfollowed me from social media. What was it that I did to make the call they didn't want to be my “friend” anymore?.</div><div>At first, I thought it was me. Something I have said. Something I have done. Something that someone else has said that I've said. I tried to think of every scenario. I admittingly sometimes tell the truth when the truth shouldn't be told.</div><div>My family tells me they’re jealous. My best friends tell me they’re jealous. Jealous?, jealous of what?. My businesses?, My marriage?, my home?, My daughter?. Surely not. I started to look at myself. Look at my current friendships. What kind of friend was I?.I’ll Tell you the truth.I'm the friend you call when you get bad news. I’ll hold your hand and tell you everything will be ok.I'm the friend who will look after your newborn, for you to get some sleep.I'm the friend who attends your child’s birthday parties, well before I’ve had a chid of my own.I'm the friend who will not judge you. Not ever.I'm the friend that will spoil you when you need it most. I'm the friend that will be there and support your journey every step of the way. I'm the kind of friend that will travel across the globe to see you because you need me. I'm the friend who will stand by your side on your wedding day.</div><div>I know I am that kind of friend. How?. Because I can name multiple occasions when the above has been applied. I’ve grown up in a family that has always pushed me to be the best of what we can be. My friends of choice have always been over achievers. Why wouldn't you want to have a friend that is driven? That is happy?, That will be there when you need it most?. I know what kind of friend I want and that's the kind of friend I am to others. I've fed mouths of people that have talked shit about me. I’ve wiped tears off faces that have caused mine. I've done favours to some who don’t do anything for me. I’ve answered calls of help from people that never helped me.I'm happy. I'm healthy. I have some true friends, not a lot but some. I’m yet to meet more lifetime friendships. I look forward to it. I have nothing to say to my old “friends.” Nothing that's nice enough to put on the internet that is.</div><div>Today I ask you a question. What kind of friend are you?.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The NN.</title><description><![CDATA[I have had lots of emails from all over asking for a post or some guidance on how and what to do with that one friend who is always negative, so I put together a little post in hope that it will help you. Often people say to me “ I just had to cut him/her out of my life, i don’t have time for negative people”. That line got me thinking one day. I pictured all of these “ NN’s” (negative Nancy/ Nigel’s) all just cut off from the people that they need the most. What happens to these people?. They<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1993931ea24845179c0df812cf13cf68.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/03/03/The-NN</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post/2015/03/03/The-NN</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 00:30:06 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>I have had lots of emails from all over asking for a post or some guidance on how and what to do with that one friend who is always negative, so I put together a little post in hope that it will help you.</div><div>Often people say to me “ I just had to cut him/her out of my life, i don’t have time for negative people”. That line got me thinking one day. I pictured all of these “ NN’s” (negative Nancy/ Nigel’s) all just cut off from the people that they need the most. What happens to these people?. They are just going to stay negative as they now have another negative situation to focus on.</div><div>I myself can completely relate to how exhausting a NN is. There’s nothing more frustrating than announcing good news for your NN to say “Yeah but, you’re married so its easier for you to buy a house”, Or “ You’re parents paid for private education so thats why you got a job promotion”. The NN always find the negative in any situation. It most defiantly is very exhausting. </div><div>So I thought about the NN and came to the conclusion that maybe they don’t even know how to see the positive, maybe they are just in such a rut they don’t know how to climb back up. The NN usually have reasons why they are so negative, sometimes its because they were made redundant and still haven’t found work or they had a relationship fail, generally its these unfortunate life throws that have thrown them into the NN world. But what if we could show them the light rather than just cut them off. All they might need is a little guidance from you to show them the positive way.</div><div>The first step to dealing with a NN its to tell them they are being negative. Yep! Sometimes they have no idea that everything that comes out of their mouth sounds like the grinch, be honest and speak up. </div><div>Second step, tell them that you are not going to put up with everything always being a negative, try and encourage them to see a positive in their situation(s). Give them some examples.</div><div>Step three, give them a list of gratitude. Write down all of the things you love and admire them for, this will not only make them feel good about themselves but gives them encouragement. Just by doing these three simple steps, you just might find your NN won’t be a NN anymore and start attracting great things to them. </div><div>Cutting people out of your life because they seem to be a negative impact isn't always the answer. Every week I get emails from people, people i don’t even know asking for guidance, generally they come to me when its rock bottom and they have no one else. If I just had a “positive vibes only” motto 24/7 I wouldn't be able to help them.</div><div>Maybe it’s you thats the NN, Maybe this post might empower better, more positive thoughts. Or you might just be saying to yourself “Stupid positive bitch, that ain’t going to work for me”. Maybe it was you whom once came to me and I was there for you?. </div><div>Pay if forward. Put your positive vibes to good use and show those NN how we do it!</div><div>Good Luck!</div><div>With love and gratitude,</div><div>Leah xx </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A Time in Your Life</title><description><![CDATA[There comes a time in your life when you realise you're only here for a short while, so you have to live your life to the fullest everyday and let go of negative situations. Accept your mistakes and move forward. We weren't born to struggle, we were born to be whatever we want to be and be free. Leah Brunoli.<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d5a8583187a44688b918f91298eba80.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post</link><guid>https://www.leahbrunoli.com.au/single-post</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>There comes a time in your life when you realise you're only here for a short while, so you have to live your life to the fullest everyday and let go of negative situations. Accept your mistakes and move forward. We weren't born to struggle, we were born to be whatever we want to be and be free.</div><div>Leah Brunoli.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>