Built In The Bush
Built in the Bush is a heartfelt and inspiring podcast that celebrates resilience, adaptability, and success stories shaped by life in rural Australia. Hosted by Tanya Atkinson, the podcast explores the unique journeys of individuals who have built the careers and businesses of their dreams and how their experiences growing up in the bush prepared them for it.
Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with guests from diverse industries, uncovering their most successful failures and other challenges that were pivotal in redefining their paths. From tales of perseverance and career breakthroughs to reflections on family, mental health, and the importance of community, Built in the Bush offers listeners valuable insights and uplifting stories about finding purpose and thriving against the odds.
You don't have to have grown up in the bush, to be inspired by the authentic and personal stories from those that are living their dreams.
Built In The Bush
Episode 4 - From the Bush to the Boardroom – Julia Spicer’s Journey
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🎙️ Podcast: Built in the Bush
🕒 Duration: 71 minutes
👤 Host: Tanya Atkinson, Executive Coach & Growth Facilitator
🎤 Guest: Julia Spicer, Regional Business Leader & Advocate
🎧 Episode Summary:
What does it take to build a thriving career in regional Australia? In this inspiring episode, Julia Spicer shares her unexpected journey from growing up on a sheep and cattle farm near Roma to becoming a leading voice in regional economic development and business strategy.
Julia opens up about:
✅ The pivotal moments that shaped her career – including a year in Switzerland and her unexpected leap into business
✅ The reality of rural business life – from big wins to hard lessons learned
✅ The power of saying ‘yes’ – and how taking on new challenges led to surprising opportunities
✅ Burnout, balance & contentment – why redefining success is crucial for long-term fulfillment
✅ Why regional voices matter – and the importance of having local leaders at decision-making tables
Packed with personal insights, leadership wisdom, and practical advice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about regional business, leadership, and making an impact in their community.
📌 Episode Breakdown:
🔹 [00:00] Welcome & Introduction
Tanya introduces Built in the Bush & guest Julia Spicer
🔹 [02:10] Julia’s Rural Roots & Early Career
- Growing up on a sheep & cattle property near Roma
- Moving to boarding school in Toowoomba
- The transformative year spent in Switzerland at 17
🔹 [15:40] Finding Her Path – From Science to Business
- Studying Natural Resource Management
- Early jobs in sustainable agriculture & extension work
- First experiences in leadership & project management
🔹 [30:25] The Unexpected Leap into Business
- Why Julia started her own consulting business
- Saying "yes" to anything & learning through experience
- Building a thriving regional business network
🔹 [45:10] Burnout, Balance & Business Growth
- The wake-up call from a breast cancer diagnosis
- Realizing she had built a job, not a business
- How she restructured work & life for sustainability
- The shift from "enough" to "contentment" in defining success
🔹 [58:00] Leadership & The Power of Regional Voices
- Why rural communities need more leaders at decision-making tables
- The importance of mentors, networks, and advocating for others
- Why regional Australia is full of innovation & opportunity
🔹 [1:05:00] Final Thoughts & Takeaways
- Tanya & Julia reflect on growth, resilience & the power of storytelling
- Encouragement for regional Australians to step up & chase their dreams
🎧 This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and making a real impact in regional Australia. Don’t miss it!
💡 Loved this episode?
🔗 Connect with Tanya Atkinson | Built in the Bush
🔗 Follow Julia Spicer for more insights on regional business & leadership
👉 Listen now & be inspired to build your own path – wherever you are! 🎧✨
