Beyond The Back Paddock

This episode guest of Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is Dannielle Ford.
The podcast delves into one of those silent conversations, Succession Planning.
Dannielle is the Co-Owner and Chief Operations Officer of Cheney Suthers Lawyers, as well as a collaboratively trained lawyer specialising in succession, wills and estate planning and litigation, as well as commercial litigation and family law, but also wears many hats within family and community.With expertise in collaborative law, Dannielle specialises in resolving complex disputes efficiently while minimising unnecessary conflict. Recognising that not all matters can be resolved outside of Court, she is equally adept at advocating for her clients through litigation when required. Her commitment to empowering clients includes demystifying estate planning, offering practical legal solutions, and championing access to justice.
We explore the emotional and practical challenges that families face when discussing succession, the importance of community involvement, and the mental health implications of avoiding these conversations.
Dannielle shares insights on navigating family dynamics, the role of daughters in succession planning, and the impact of climate change on farming viability.
The conversation emphasises the need for collaboration among family members and external advisors to ensure a sustainable future for farming enterprises.
Takeaways:
Succession planning is often avoided due to fear and discomfort.
99% of agricultural operations in Australia are family-owned, yet only 18% have a succession plan.
Mental health is significantly impacted by uncertainty in succession planning.
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the success of succession planning.
Daughters and daughters-in-law should be included in succession discussions.
Climate change is reshaping the future of farming and succession planning.
Collaboration among family members and advisors is essential for effective succession planning.
Starting the conversation about succession planning can be a gradual process.
Communities rely on the viability of family farms for economic stability.
Surrounding oneself with knowledgeable individuals can enhance decision-making.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannielle-ford-b278a1ba/
www.cheneysuthers.com.au
https://cheneysuthers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CHENEY-SUTHERS-CRISIS-TO-CLARITY-REPORT-FINAL-APRIL-2025.pdf
 
Subscribe to the podcast at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au
 

Brooke Watts is a dynamic young agribusiness professional with a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, having grown up on her family farm in Molong, NSW. Specializing in ag tech adoption strategies, youth engagement, and marketing, she is dedicated to driving innovation in the farming industry and paving the way for the future of agriculture.
Alongside her professional achievements, Brooke has faced significant health challenges, including losing an ovary at 20, dealing with a permanently impaired bladder, infertility, multiple back surgeries, and endometriosis. At just 25, she now navigates infertility while advocating for women's health, particularly in regional areas where these issues are often overlooked. Brooke has become a prominent voice for women’s health, sharing her personal journey online to create a safe space for others to connect, share, and break the stigma surrounding women’s health issues. She is a sought-after speaker, regularly contributing to panel discussions, event MCing, and delivering keynote addresses. One of her recent highlights was facilitating the first LetsChatEndo event in Orange, a crucial space for endometriosis warriors to come together and support one another through their health journeys. Through her professional career and advocacy work, Brooke continues to champion collaboration, innovation, and opportunities for young professionals in both agriculture and women’s health.
Sign up for my upcoming Free Mental Health Webinar
 
Links to Brooke and her work.
https://www.bralca.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookewatts2493/
https://www.instagram.com/brooke__watts99/
https://www.instagram.com/business.withbrooke/
https://www.theland.com.au/story/8921941/brooke-watts-on-her-endometriosis-battle-in-regional-nsw/
 
To connect with my work and content.
www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au
www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theunbreakablefarmer/
https://www.instagram.com/theunbreakablefarmer/
https://www.facebook.com/TheUnbreakableFarmer
 
 
 

The guest on this episode of the Beyond the Back Paddock Podcast is Becky Miller. Becky hail from over the ditch in New Zealand, only my second international guest, where along with her husband runs a dairy business.
Her passion is to empower leaders and teams to aspire, thrive and connect by creating environments of trust and support at all levels of business and life.
Becky is an idea creator who shares and explores strategic concepts in business. Collaborating with companies to support team leaders at all stages of their careers and established FARMILY to embody living philosophy and values where her people thrive on the farm and in business.
In this engaging podcast episode, Warren Davies interviews Becky Miller, a dairy farmer and community leader, who shares her journey from a childhood of constant relocation to establishing a successful dairy farming business. The conversation delves into themes of resilience, leadership, and the importance of building connections within the farming community. Becky emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on workforce dynamics, and the need for a character-first approach in hiring. The episode concludes with insights on creating a supportive work environment that fosters growth and collaboration.
takeaways
Farming is a style of life, not just a lifestyle.
Building connections is essential for personal and professional growth.
Leadership should focus on empowering team members.
Emotional intelligence is crucial in managing diverse teams.
COVID-19 has changed workforce dynamics and expectations.
Character should be prioritized over qualifications in hiring.
Creating a supportive work environment leads to better retention.
Understanding cultural differences enhances team cohesion.
Resilience is built through challenges and experiences.
A living business requires empathy and understanding from leadership.

In this heartfelt conversation, Katrina Umback shares her profound journey following the sudden loss of her husband, Scott, to a heart attack. She reflects on how this life-altering moment reshaped her identity and purpose, leading her to advocate for heart health awareness in rural communities by sharing her story of love, loss, grief and leadership.
Katrina discusses the importance of community support, the non-linear nature of grief, and her commitment to educating others about heart disease prevention.
Through her leadership efforts, she aims to create systemic change in healthcare access and empower individuals to take charge of their health.
The conversation emphasises the significance of storytelling, connection, and resilience in the face of adversity.

In the lead up to Christmas on the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast I am having a very special conversation with Shanna Whan..
 
Shanna is the rural woman, founder, CEO, and face behind Sober in the Country Ltd. She's an Australian of the Year recipient who decided to “do what she could to be part of the change” after almost losing her own life to alcohol addiction in 2015. Today, through her tireless advocacy, Sober in the Country has grown from an online blog into a nationally respected charity, shifting the entire conversation around booze in the bush and saving and changing lives.
She lives in rural northwest New South Wales with her husband, 'Timbo' and her beloved dogs.
 
Sober in the Country is a national grassroots charity changing an ancient narrative across rural Australia by ensuring our mates know it's always #OK2SAYNO (to booze) in the bush.
They're creating social impact and change by encouraging social inclusion, connecting peers to each other and to further support, and through their trademark story-telling and lived-experience advocacy.
 
Far from being anti-alcohol or prohibitionist in their approach, Sober in the Country openly discusses the link between rural mental health and alcohol harm using straight talk, humour, and the simple truth.
 
#OK2SAYNO
 
https://www.soberinthecountry.org/

Summary
 
In this episode of Beyond the Backpaddock, Kevin Sullivan shares his remarkable journey from a nearly 30-year career in the police force to becoming a full-time musician. He discusses life-changing moments, including a serious injury that altered his path, his experiences in crime scene investigation, and the impact of trauma and PTSD on his life. Kevin also reflects on his transition to music, the importance of family, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams.
 
Takeaways
Kevin Sullivan served nearly 30 years in the police force.
A life-changing injury led him to reevaluate his career.
He transitioned from banking to policing, seeking excitement.
His experiences in crime scene investigation were intense and traumatic.
PTSD developed from his years in the police force.
He became a bomb technician for the 2000 Olympics.
Music became his outlet and eventually his full-time career.
Family plays a crucial role in his life and music.
He emphasizes the importance of mental health support.
It's never too late to chase your dreams.
find out more about Kevin at www.kevinsullivanmusic.com.au

G'day, welcome to the Beyond the Back Paddock Podcast. 
This is series three of the podcast and today's guest is an exceptional guest. I've  been really looking forward to interviewing Sally Jones.
Sally is the co-founder of Gippsland Jersey and she joins me today and shares a lot of her story and the inspiration for her to start her own milk brand and to be a mental health advocate and community leader that she is today. 
In this conversation, Sallie Jones shares a poignant story about a life-changing moment that led to reflections on loss and grief. The discussion delves into the emotional impact of such experiences and the importance of understanding and processing grief.
 
Takeaways
Life-changing moments can redefine our perspectives.
Grief is a complex and personal journey.
Understanding loss requires empathy and patience.
Sharing personal stories can help in healing.
It's important to check in on loved ones.
Conversations about mental health are crucial.
Support systems play a vital role in coping with grief.
Processing emotions takes time and self-compassion.
Every individual's experience with loss is unique.
Finding meaning in loss can lead to personal growth.
This episode is dedicated to my cousin Wayne Thomas, who always listened, gave me encouragement to pursuit the creation of The Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast. 

After a few weeks off the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is back with an amazing guest. Paul Taylor.
Paul and I have bumped into each other on a number of occasions at Cottage by the Sea Queenscliff events where he has been presenting. Every time I have heard Paul's presentation it has challenged my thinking.
A former British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer and former Research Professor at the University of San Francisco,Paul is an Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist and Neuroscientist who is currently completing a PhD in Applied Psychology, where he is developing and testing resilience strategies with the Australian Defence Science Technology Group.
A Podcast host, published Author and TV presenter through his program Body and Brain Overhaul, he was twice voted Australian Fitness Industry presenter of the year.
Paul has a proven track record in leadership, management and dealing in high-pressure situations, through his former roles as an Airborne Anti-submarine Warfare Officer and a Helicopter Search-And-Rescue Crew Member with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and has undergone rigorous Combat Survival and Resistance-to-Interrogation Training.
Paul doesn’t just talk about resilience - he lives it.
Enjoy listening to Episode 23 of the podcast by subscribing and downloading it at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au
 
Takeaways:
Paul Taylor's decision to join the armed forces was influenced by a moment in India and a desire for discipline in his life.
The military provided Paul with a sense of camaraderie and purpose, but transitioning to civilian life can be challenging, especially in terms of finding a new identity.
Paul's experience in the military and his passion for helping others led him to become an educator and speaker, focusing on behavior change and helping people become better versions of themselves.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in psychology and working with the Australian military on resilience and peak performance. Building stress fitness and resilience requires implementing strategies and tools.
Hormesis is the concept that sublethal exposure to stressors can induce stress resistance.
Recovery and balance are crucial in managing stress.
Focusing on what is within our control and finding the silver lining in difficult situations can help build resilience.
Character development is important for personal growth and well-being.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Shared Wisdom
02:28 The Impact of a Moment in India
05:06 Joining the Armed Forces and Challenges of Transitioning to Civilian Life
09:16 Helicopter Search and Rescue
12:24 Camaraderie and Loss of Identity
21:18 Pursuing a PhD in Psychology and Working with the Australian Military
22:11 Moving Beyond Resilience: Stress Fitness
24:02 Building Stress Fitness and Resilience
26:17 The Power of Sublethal Stressors
29:09 Hormesis: Building Strength through Stress
32:31 Focusing on What is Within Our Control
35:16 Finding the Silver Lining in Difficult Situations
45:28 Character Development: A Path to Personal Growth