Meet the Team

Recruited from the upper echelons of their professions, SW has brought together a team of expert panelists to help give us new insights on everything from our wardrobe to our careers and relationships. All our panelists are looking forward to answering your questions via the SW online community, and are even available to contact directly.

I'm inspired by: Courage. The courage of someone picking up the phone and calling someone about a job. Or the courage people face everyday in raising children. And I think we need to take responsibility for inspiring ourselves so we can give something back to the world consistently. I get the giggles from: Children, the funny things they say and the way they see the world with such beauty. Sunday mornings are for: Going for a walk to get the papers with my husband and our two dogs, Princess La La and Henry. Then coming back and having breakfast out the back and connecting with each other.

Jackie Furey

Relationships

One of Australia's leading psychotherapists, Jackie Furey knows relationships. Not only has she spent years delivering presentations, facilitating workshops and conducting individual and group consultations, she also writes regularly for a variety of magazines and newspapers.

If you've tuned into Jackie's Sunday night radio program, Bedrooms to Boardrooms, on Mix 106.5, you'd be familiar with not only her insightful advice, but also with her down-to-earth approach and renowned ability to draw the best out of people.

With an extensive background in conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation and counseling, Jackie has inspired international audiences with her 1997 documentary Welcome to Intimacy and now brings her talents to SW as our relationships panelist.

Jackie will endeavour to help SW members understand the roles they have chosen in their lives and in doing so will challenge belief systems, share insights and support the change required to reach your potential and offer you the tools to increase the positive and decrease the negative in your life.

Continue to develop your relationships and email your questions to Jackie at jackie@spiritedwoman.com.au or visit her online at www.jackiefurey.com.

I'm inspired by: The incredible tenacity of the human spirit and the courage I see when people are at a cross-roads in their lives. I get the giggles from: My little dog Sassy. She's very smart and very funny. She opens my heart and makes me smile inside. Sunday morning's are for: Coming into the day slowly with a good coffee, having a chat with my husband and then going out into nature.

Shirley Smith

Spirit & Self

Shirley Smith wears many hats. Those of psychotherapist, coach and author are her principle roles, but her choice of career is all about helping people. As an ordained minister in the Science of Mind she's helped celebrate many people's best times, and as a human behaviour expert she's helped people through their tough times.

Now as the SW spiritual guide, Shirley draws on 20 years of experience in helping people identify and change behaviour patterns that block success and disrupt relationships.

Shirley also specialises in training professionals in advanced presentation skills, effective and empowering communication and facilitating high performance teams and groups.

Many lives have been changed by Shirley's internationally best-selling books such as Set Yourself Free and The Game of Life Playbook, and her latest offering Set Yourself Free in Relationships: Essential Skills to Teach Others How to Teach You continues her legacy as the leading specialist in her field.

Having established herself in the Australian media, including appearances on The Midday show and Good Morning Australia and as a monthly columnist for New Woman magazine, Shirley is soon to hit the digital air waves with her own advice radio show on 2GB Plus and is excited to be part of the SW team.

Email Shirley with your spiritual questions at shirley@spiritedwoman.com.au or visit her online at www.theradiantgroup.com.au or www.setyourselffree.com.au.

l'm inspired by: Really interesting people and stories, and fresh ways of looking at things. And I get a real buzz out of helping people. I get the giggles from: People who don't take themselves too seriously. It makes me laugh when people can laugh at themselves. Sunday mornings are for: Getting a bit of a sleep in and having pancakes for breakfast with my family.

Giselle Mills

Stylish Solutions

Giselle Mills has an impeccable sense of style and knows it's the details that define the whole. From throwing a memorable dinner party to showing your friends you really care, she's working hard to bring you the best time-saving tips to keep style in your life without the stress.

Out of the office, Giselle laments her non-existent green thumb but enjoys gardening all the same. She loves being outdoors whether it's in the garden, out walking or enjoying family time with her husband and two-and-a-half year old daughter. Giselle is an avid reader and film buff, and can't resist a good old-fashioned shopping spree. Her busy lifestyle means she values down time with her friends but is never far from her family.

In her monthly column, Giselle unravels all your style nightmares with practical tips from buying the perfect gift to helpful services and products that will have your day running as smooth as silk.

If you need to save yourself some time drop Giselle a line at giselle@spiritedwoman.com.au.

l'm inspired by: People who take a stand for the truth. I get the giggles from: Witty and clever commentary on personal, political and other issues that doesn't ridicule or shame people. Sunday mornings are for: Going for a long run, having a swim in the ocean and then having a wonderful breakfast.

Christine McDougall

Leading the Way

An internationally renowned corporate communications coach, Christine McDougall offers SW readers the valuable tools to allow you to get your message through at the most crucial times. Having coached some of Australia's brightest CEO's and entrepreneurs for the last eight years and worked on the Board of the International Coach Federation USA for five years, when it comes to getting the most out of tough negotiations, resolving complicated conflicts and harnessing the power of advanced communication skills, Christine has all the answers.

A passionate speaker, Christine strives to have a unique effect on every audience member in her dynamic presentations. All about taking you from where you are to where you want to be, she hopes to help SW readers build the skill and confidence to be able to tackle the most difficult and important conversations, and open the path leading to where you deserve to be.

And Christine is in for the long haul. She placed fourth in the Long Course Triathlon World Championships in 1996 and competes in one major international marathon every year.

Want to become a powerful communicator? Email your questions to Christine at christine@spiritedwoman.com.au or check out her website www.syzergy.biz.

I'm inspired by: Creative and positive people, and people who come through adversity and achieve things they never thought they could. I get the giggles from: Just about anything, I laugh my way through life. Sunday mornings are for: A newspaper, a cup of coffee and my balcony.

Lisa Montgomery

Wi$e Up

With more than 22 years experience in the financial services industry, Lisa Montgomery will keep your purse, and your shopping bags, full. And there's no doubt Lisa knows exactly which buttons to press on the money machine.

Appointed branch manager of a regional building society at just 23, after winning numerous accolades and advancing quickly, Lisa was writing up to 40 loans per month and had become the face of the society's advertising campaign.

Jumping into the worldwide web was a natural move for Lisa, who went on to become CEO of Infochoice Ltd, a leading financial services information provider that continued to expand under her careful watch.

Those with a close eye on the real estate market may also recognise Lisa as co-host of the Lifestyle Channel's popular show Real Estate TV. Away from the limelight, Lisa has been instrumental in the development of Australia's first mortgage management representative body, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), and led the council as president to its official launch in 2004.

More recently, Lisa has brought her wealth of experience to Resi Mortgage Corporation and continues to specialise in providing top-notch financial advice.

Let Lisa help you get the most out of your money and email your questionhs to lisa@swmagazine.com.au or visit www.resi.com.au.

Elena Reed

In Fashion

For Elena Reed fashion is a lifestyle. Founder and managing director of Evolutzia Stylists, Elena is originally from Russia and brings her flair for European fashion to corporate workshops and individual clients. She is passionate about helping people find greater confidence through embracing their natural assets and creating a personal image and style that expresses their inner self.

An internationally certified personal stylist, Elena also holds two university degrees in law and arts and has extensive experience in helping time conscious women look authoritative in the boardroom, sexy on evenings out and stylishly relaxed over hard earned weekends. Whether you're in need of a wardrobe clear out, some new clothes or some make-up advice Elena is on hand to assist you.

Elena hopes that SW members will embark on a journey of transformation with her and learn that with a few simple touches your style can not only change the way people see you but put you more in touch with your inner self.

Email all your fashion questions to Elena at elena@spiritedwoman.com.au or visit her at www.evolutzia.com.au

I'm inspired by: Seeing people feel good about themselves and the challenge of helping them meet their goals. I get the giggles from: How happy I am. Sometimes I'll be running through Hyde Park on a beautiful day and just laugh to myself because I get to do something I love. Sunday morning's are for: Cooking breakfast for my wife, getting the newspapers and relaxing.

Darrin Marshall

Health & Wellness

Growing up in New Zealand, it was personal tragedy that called Darrin Marshall into the health industry. When his uncle was diagnosed with bowel cancer Darrin began researching ways to ease his pain and discovered the fundamental importance of a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

But tragedy didn't stop for Darrin after the passing of his uncle. When a close childhood friend was killed in an accident, Darrin took on his dream of becoming a successful body builder as a tribute to his mate. Going on to win several body building titles, Darrin found he had the incredible focus needed for the demanding career and wanted to share his passion for fitness with others.

Now a personal trainer and director Body Sculpt Health and Fitness Services, Darrin works with clients in the luxurious surrounds of Sheraton on the Park Health Club, Wolloomooloo's exclusive W Hotel gym and Body Sculpt's own Sussex Street facility. Darrin has trained celebrities including Natalie Imbruglia, Ricky Martin, Deepak Chopra and Chris Isaac and loves using his wealth of experience to help people make a positive change in their lives. Email your fitness questions to Darrin at darrin@spiritedwoman.com.au or visit www.bodysculpt.com.au.

I'm inspired by: People who are true to themselves and to others. I get the giggles from: Seinfeld re-runs and the boisterous lorikeets which visit us at home on our balcony. Sunday mornings are for: Brunch with my husband, a long walk on the beach, and leaving the computer switched off all day!

Joanna Hall

Travel

"Which job in the world would you like to do most?" This was a question Joanna Hall asked herself five years ago after 15 years as the editorial director of a niche travel publishing company. The answer led to her decision to combine her two passions - writing and travelling - and Joanna's now in the business of finding inspirational travel destinations and experiences.

Her work has been featured in magazines such as Vacations & Travel, Virgin Blue Voyeur, Holidays for Couples, Russh, Get Up & Go, Australian Cruise Passenger and in newspapers including The Australian and the Sunday Telegraph.

But Joanna is also about to dip her toes back into publishing again with the launch her own online luxury travel magazine - Ultimate Travel - which takes readers on a journey to the very best that the world has to offer travellers. Everyone needs some down-time to escape the demands of modern life, and few people would argue that travelling is a great way to de-stress and regain some perspective on life - especially if you can do it in comfort and style.

From a weekend away locally to a luxurious break in an exotic location, Joanna will guide you to the best escapes.

If you want some travel tips, email Joanna at joanna@spiritedwoman.com.au or visit her online at www.ultimatetravelmagazine.com