Process The Podcast

Επεισόδια

• Encore: Georges Antoni is a Slave to the Picture 16.06.2026 1ώ

  "I don't say to my assistants that you're working for me... you're working for the picture, so everything you do is about making the picture better. The picture is my boss." - Georges AntoniWelcome back to Process: Encore. In this archive series, we spotlight the foundational conversations that continue to guide our creative landscape, unedited, uncut, and re-centred for our community today.This week, we are throwing it back to a deeply insightful conversation with one of Australia’s most in-demand commercial fashion photographers, Georges Antoni. Georges took a beautifully unconventional route into the industry, transitioning from corporate strategy at Coca-Cola and PricewaterhouseCoopers to shooting portfolio books out of his parents' crystal-cabinet front room. Today, he architects massive productions for leading brands while fiercely maintaining a family-first philosophy. In this episode, Georges and Arielle pull apart the critical intersection of artistic integrity, active diplomacy on set, and why Australian retail is falling behind on a global scale.Inside the Episode:The Potency of Art Buying: Why conservative corporate hierarchies give local retailers a major global disadvantage.The "Picture as the Boss" Protocol: Stripping ego entirely out of production so the whole team serves the final image.The 95% Active Diplomacy Matrix: How to manage high-volume commercial mechanics while making talent feel entirely unjudged.The 1,900 Lighting Diagram Rule: Why Georges documents every single setup to avoid lazy, repetitive lighting styles.The Unified Creative Umbrella: Constructing a symbiotic stills-and-motion framework to stop fractured social media content.Selling the Sizzle Over the Brand: Shifting from flawless product form to building an identity consumers actually want to ascribe to.Connect with our Guest:Georges Antoni on Instagram: @georgesantoniWebsite: www.georgesantoni.comEnjoyed this Encore? Join our Community!Your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram, ⁠@arielle.thomas⁠Us, on Instagram, ⁠@processthepodcastWhatsapp Community @processthepodcastFollow us to get notified every time a new episode drops every Tuesday.  See you on the next one! 
• Encore: Jasmine Dowling: Balancing Art, Life, and the Creative Tightrope 09.06.2026 1ώ 40λ

  "The more I want the work to be the focus, the more I pull back sharing myself. I want the work to speak." — Jasmine DowlingWelcome to Process: Encore! In this archive series, we’re spotlighting the foundational conversations that continue to guide our creative community, completely untouched from the day they first aired! This week, we are taking you back to a hotel room in Brisbane where Arielle sat down with one of Australia’s most distinct creative eyes: multimedia artist in still and motion creation, Jasmine Dowling. Jasmine has spent over a decade navigating the fragile balance between commercial partnerships with global mainstays like Longchamp, Mecca, Chanel, and Hermès (just to name a few) and the highly intentional, low-fi personal practices that keep her creative spirit alive. In this unfiltered conversation, she opens up about the reality of executing work that is entirely yours.In this episode: The 40/30/30 Split: Balancing unpaid personal exploration, client work, and paid social partnerships.The "Slave to the Eye" Paradox: The endurance required when your hands are working overtime to match the vision in your mind.The Low-Fi Medium Strategy: Ditching the heavy gear to capture her Paris Hermès project via film, a compact Sony, and raw iPhone voice memos.The Illusion of "Dream Clients": The unfiltered reality of navigating heavy corporate bureaucracy and creative revisions.The Power of the Gifted Spark: How unexpected tactile packaging triggers immediate, experimental animation concepts.The Boundaries of Curation: Treating your digital platform strictly as a workspace while fiercely protecting your private family life.The Forever Fear of Work Disappearing: Overcoming the anxiety that everything will crumble the moment you set structural boundaries.Connect with our Guest:Jasmine Dowling on Instagram: @jasminedowlingStudio & Prints: jasminedowling.comEnjoyed this Encore? Join our Community!Your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram, ⁠@arielle.thomas⁠Us, on Instagram, ⁠@processthepodcastWhatsapp Community @processthepodcastFollow us to get notified every time a new episode drops every Tuesday.  See you on the next one! 
• Petit: How to Build an Active, Engaged Community from Scratch Ft. Brooke Moody 26.05.2026 45λ

  The boardrooms are obsessed with a community, but most are just building an audience. This week in the Clubhouse, Arielle sits down with retail and AI strategist at Amazon Web Services, corporate influencer, and community builder, Brooke Moody. If you’ve been trying to unlock the framework of how to turn passive metrics into a hyper-engaged collective, consider this your ultimate guide.Brooke has been the hidden engine behind massive community moments; from engineering events for Hot Smart Rich that packed out rooms across New York and LA to launching her own independent collective, Aussie Angels. In this Petit, we’re sharing the reality of what it actually takes to build infrastructure for ambitious women, without the vanity metrics or the corporate fluff.In This Episode:The Butler vs. The Leader: Why sideline "management" will never replace an embedded strategist leading from the front.The 50% Engagement Matrix: Why true community spaces pull a massive 50% engagement rate compared to traditional media's 5%.The Low-Fi Longevity Secret: How stripping away the corporate frills and over-engineered events keeps your collective sustainable.The First 20 Rule: Why you need to ditch the 650-person waitlist obsession and focus on the first 20 people in the room.The "What are you working on?" Pivot: The exact entry question that skips the surface small talk to drive immediate collaborative depth.Finding Your Platform: Figuring out what platform works for you and why you should never automate community chats. Connect with our Guest:Brooke Moody on Instagram: @brookekmoodyAussie Angels on Instagram: @aussie__angelsAussie Angels Whatsapp: @aussieangels  Substack @moodboardEnjoyed this Petit?Join our community! Your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram, ⁠@arielle.thomas⁠Us, on Instagram, ⁠@processthepodcastWhatsapp Community @processthepodcast  (75% of people show up to these rooms completely alone. So don't be shy to join in! The community is built for you)Follow us to get notified every time a new episode drops every Tuesday.  See you at the next one!
• Shared Stages: Reverse Engineering Your Creative Career 19.05.2026 35λ

  We’re taking you out of the Clubhouse and onto the Masterclass Stage. 🎙️This week, we’re sharing a special live recording from The Social Summit 2026 in Melbourne, presented by Riser Collective. Arielle joined three powerhouse women on April 23rd to pull off a topic that every creative professional needs to master: Reverse Engineering Your Creative Career.This session explores how to intentionally design your path, make strategic pivots, and the raw reality of building a career that actually works for you, rather than waiting for a seat at the table.The Panellists:(From Right to Left) Anna Mackenzie: A startup advisor, portfolio career mentor, and a leading global voice on building financially lucrative and fulfilling creative portfolio careers.Lizzie Mulherin: Brand strategist, journalist, and founder of The Solo Co, a community platform helping women build businesses without burning out. And your very own, Arielle Thomas: Director, Content Strategist, and Founder of Cinema Thom and Process the Podcast.Moderated by: Rosie Boccamazzo, Social Content Manager at Melbourne Social Co.In This Bonus Content: The "Intentional" Approach: Arielle breaks down how she uses spec work and strategic positioning to land dream clients like Mecca & VogueThe Portfolio Career: Anna explains the beauty of experimentation and how to build a lucrative career from multiple creative income streamsBuilding Without Burning Out: Lizzie shares the smartest way to transition from your corporate life to a creative businessPersonal Brand as an Anchor: How to build a personal brand that does the heavy lifting for you in opening doorsSpecial Thanks: A huge thank you to Amy Dickinson and Riser Collective for bringing this summit to life and allowing us to share this conversation with the listeners of Process.All Photography by Claudia Tivendale: Instagram @claudia.tivendaleConnect with our Guests on Screen:Anna MackenzieInstagram: @annaclmackSubstack:@annamackstackWebsite: annamackenzie.com.auLizzie MulherinInstagram:@lizziemulherinThe Solo Co IG:  @joinsoloco The Solo Co Website: www.joinsoloco.com  Arielle ThomasInstagram: @arielle.thomas⁠Cinema Thom Website: cinemathom.comRosie Boccamazzo: Instagram: @rosieboccamazzoMelbourne Social Co Website: melbournesocialco.com.auConnect with the Makers of The Social Summit: Amy Dickinson on IG: @amzdickoThe Social Summit IG: @thesocialsummitRisercollective on IG: @risercollective_Claudia Tivendale IG: @claudia.tivendaleEnjoyed the live session? Join our community! Us, on Instagram, ⁠@processthepodcastWhatsapp Community @processthepodcastFollow us to get notified every time a new episode drops every Tuesday.  See you on the next one! 
• From 600 Followers to Netflix: The Jemma Sbeg Podcast Story 12.05.2026 58λ

  Jemma Sbeg is the voice behind the global #1 psychology podcast, The Psychology of Your 20s. From a management consultant with a private Instagram account with only 600 followers to signing a historic global deal as one of only 15 podcasters on Netflix, Jemma has redefined what creative at scale looks like in 2026.In this episode, she joins Arielle in the Clubhouse to pull back the curtain on the "messy middle" of her meteoric rise. They dive deep into the raw reality of moving to London with zero local production support while being tasked to deliver 96 episodes a year .The Netflix Call: The "pinch-me" moment Jemma’s agent delivered and the immediate, grounded reaction that followed.Network vs. Sponsors: A breakdown of how Jemma actually gets paid, including "minimum guarantees" and the "magazine ad" analogy for filling audio real estate .Scaling the Support: Transitioning from doing her own research and editing to hiring PhD researchers and production teams. Creative Evolution: The decision to move away from the "20-something living room" aesthetic and evolve her brand as she enters a new chapter of womanhood .The "Dilly Dally" Routine: Jemma’s non-negotiable Sydney ritual for mental health and staying connected to her roots.Creativity in Crisis: How Jemma stays reactive to the world climate while protecting her audience's space .Resources: Book: Person in Progress by Jemma SbegThe Ultimate Guide to your 20s. A roadmap to navigating the personal and professional transitions of your twenties, with practical insights and reassurance that you’re not alone, from the host of the top podcast The Psychology of Your 20sJemma Sbeg on Instagram @jemmasbegThe Psychology of your 20s: Streaming on Netflix The Psychology of Your 20sInstagram @thatpsychologypodcast Substack @thepsychologyofyour20s Loving the show?Join our community! Your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram, ⁠@arielle.thomas⁠Us, on Instagram, ⁠@processthepodcastWhatsapp Community @processthepodcastFollow us to get notified every time a new episode drops every Tuesday.  See you on the next one! Inside the Episode:Connect with Jemma:
• Petit: My ‘Creativity at Scale’ playbook 05.05.2026 23λ

  In an era where every app demands a different ratio and every campaign must stretch across dozens of platforms, the old school brief of 10 hero images and some video is officially delusional.In this episode, Arielle Thomas, Motion Director, Founder of Cinema Thom, introduces a game-changing framework called Shoot Architecture. Learn how to move away from chaotic, frantic shoot days and toward a "Pulled Pork" method that ensures every piece of content has a home before the camera even clicks.Inside the Episode:The Death of the Traditional Brief: Why asking for "40 images w 10 heros" no longer works in 2026.The Pulled Pork Method: How to slow-cook your creative to get every last "shred" of value out of a single shoot.The Shoot Backbone: Why great shoots start with spreadsheets, not just mood boards.The Fatigue Formula: The literal math behind how many setups you actually need for a 12-week campaign.The 3 Tiers of Shoot Architecture: Arielle breaks down the "Three Columns" every campaign creative and brand owner needs to master:Tier 1: Paid Placements: Fixed, commercial destinations like store windows, LEDs, e-comm headers, and paid social ads.Tier 2: Organic Cadence: The calculated social output (usually 3–4 posts a week) is built on understanding your category’s fatigue rate.Tier 3: Opportunistic Catches (The Reserve): The essential "safety net" assets for last-minute billboards, gift cards, or holiday pivots.Resources Mentioned:The Shoot Architecture Workbook: Grab your free copy of the spreadsheet Arielle uses to plan 95+ assets per day. Includes the fatigue math calculator and asset matrix. 📌Link to Shoot Architecture Worksheet Key Takeaways for Brand Owners:If you commission creative work, stop asking "how much?" and start asking:What are all the placements for this campaign?What is our fatigue window for this category?What does the reserve layer look like?Are you ready to prioritise a spreadsheet before you make a moodboard?This episode is powered by Remy, the energy gummy designed to kill the 3 pm slump.Next Week on Process: We’re heading to Australian Fashion Week to talk brand architecture with the designers on the ground. Don’t miss it!.Join our community! Your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram, ⁠@arielle.thomas⁠Us, on Instagram, ⁠@processthepodcastFollow us to get notified every time a new episode drops every Tuesday.  See you on the next one! 
• Rebuilding Australian Fashion Week, Kellie Hush spills the tea on their Trade Over Trends approach 28.04.2026 52λ

  From the editor’s desk at Harper’s Bazaar to the front lines of fashion tech and circularity, Kellie Hush has seen every evolution of the Australian style landscape. Now, as she leads the charge for a revitalised, newly not-for-profit Australian Fashion Week, Kellie is on a mission to bring the industry back to its roots: trade, community, and global recognition.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the fashion festival to discuss the high-stakes business of the runway. Kellie gets candid about the lessons she learned from professional failure, the necessity of fantasy pieces, and why she’s trading the industrial walls of Carriageworks for the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Harbour.Inside the Episode:The Career Sprint: Kellie reflects on her journey from writing about "babies and dummies" at Practical Parenting to the helm of the country's most prestigious fashion titles.The Pivot to Not-For-Profit: Why the Australian Fashion Council took the reins from IMG to focus on supporting designers rather than corporate bottom lines.Trade Over Trends: A deep dive into the strategy of getting international buyers back to Australia and why our "lifestyle clothing" is our greatest global export.The Business of the Runway: The reality of show costs, infrastructure, and why some of those "money shots" on the runway never actually make it to the retail floor.Failure as a Credential: Kellie shares why her failed retail venture made her a better leader and more relatable to the designers she now champions.The New AFW DNA: Moving the "fashion walk" to the heart of the city and balancing avant-garde discovery with commercial viability.Join the Conversation:What part of Kellie’s Failure-to-Success story resonated most with your own creative journey? And are you excited about the move to the MCA and the harbour? Is Australian fashion finally getting the global credit it deserves?Let us know in the comments! Fashion Week Dates: May 11-15. See you in the front row (or behind the scenes)! Connect with Kellie: Follow Kellie Hush: @kelliehushAustralian Fashion Week: australianfashionweek.orgThe Volte : thevolte.com The Seamlist: seamlist.com.auJoin our community! Your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram, ⁠@arielle.thomas⁠Us, on Instagram, ⁠@processthepodcastFollow us to get notified every time a new episode drops every Tuesday.  See you on the next one! 
• Coco Mocoe: Trend Forecasting, Going Viral, and Building Before You're Ready 21.04.2026 1ώ 20λ

  The opposite of trendy is timeless. 🎙️✨In this episode of Process, Arielle sits down with the internet’s favourite trend forecaster and cultural strategist, Coco Mocoe. From her early days at Famous Birthdays, where she famously spotted Charli D’Amelio at just 10,000 followers, to building a short-form empire at BuzzFeed, Coco has mastered the art of seeing what’s next before the rest of the world.Crucially, Coco also breaks down why "just being yourself" isn't enough; she explains the vital importance of crafting a repeatable, unique format that allows a creator to sustain a long-term career and monetize their intellectual property.We dive deep into her transition from corporate girlie to full-time creator, the launch of her hit show Middle Row, and why she believes the future of content isn't about chasing the algorithm, it’s about human imperfection.In this episode, we discuss:Spotting Talent Early: How Coco discovered Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae by looking for "social proof".The BuzzFeed Era: Why she kept "church and state" separate while building TikTok teams for one of the world's biggest media companies.The "Cocoisms": Why you can't "read the label from inside the jar" and how to build a brand that stays timeless.Predicting 2026: Why long-form content, "pre-AI" aesthetics, and human mistakes are the next major viral triggers.The Business of Middle Row: The financial and strategic decisions behind her movie-theater-based interview show at Spotify.Tangible Advice for Creators: Why you need a repeatable format (not just a personality) to sustain a career in the creator economy.Key Quotes:"The shorter the video, the shorter the object permanence. Smart creators are leaning on long form to create lasting impressions." — Coco Mocoe"You can be the best hairstylist in the world, but you can't cut your own hair... That's where the outside perspective comes in." — Coco MocoeConnect with Coco:TikTok: @cocomocoeSubstack: Coco MocoeShow: Middle Row Say Hello! Your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram, @arielle.thomasUs, on Instagram, @processthepodcast Enjoyed this episode? Follow us to get notified every time a new episode drops every Tuesday.  See you on the next one!
• Petit: How I’m getting ahead with AI (literally all the use cases) 14.04.2026 31λ

  In this episode of Process the Podcast, your host, motion director, and social strategist Arielle Thomas, records for the first time in the new Clubhouse. Arielle pulls back the curtain on how Cinema Thom is moving beyond the "cheerleader" energy of standard chat models to use Claude AI as a high-level critical thinking partner. This episode is a deep dive into the specific workflows, prompts, and uncomfortable feedback driving the business forward.In This Episode: No More "Cheerleaders": Why Arielle swapped ChatGPT’s niceness for a partner that plays devil’s advocate.The Skill-Upload Era: Moving beyond basic searches by using files to give AI professional context and specialised expertise.Defining the Role: Shifting from a standard chatbot to a granular thought partner that identifies strategy gaps.Creative Deciphering: How one prompt turned a vague vision into a hard-hitting, six-page growth strategy.The Money: Building complex three-tab financial models and tiered client margins in under three minutes.Case Study: Image Retouching: Using AI to fix lighting and swap products, saving thousands in potential reshoots.Maintaining Momentum: How AI bridges the gap between a creative idea and a team brief so projects don’t "die in the gaps."The Toolkit: Why platforms like Claude and Nano Banana are now essential for high-level creative output.The Devil's Advocate Prompt: " Work with me as a thought partner, get granular on positioning and strategy, push back where you see the gaps, and encourage me to go deeper where there’s something worth exploring, and give me both a quantitative and qualitative rate. "Mentioned in This Episode: Bella Cipolla, co-founder of Ponnd, who shared the specific prompt that unlocked Claude’s critical thinking.Bella on Instagram: @bella.cipSpecial thanks to: Alice McMullin of McMullin FurnitureAlice McMullin on Instagram: ⁠@alice_mcmullinMcMullin on Instagram: @mcmullinandcoJoin the Conversation: Share your own AI use cases with the creative community in the Project Girly group chat via the link in our Instagram bio. (Link to post) Say Hello! Your host, Arielle on Instagram @arielle.thomasUs, Process the Podcast on Instagram @processthepodcastNew episodes drop every Tuesday.Don’t miss next week's episode with Coco MocoeAn LA-based trend predictor, as she breaks down the game of short-form content.See you then! 
• Soundtracking the Met Gala: How Winslow Bright Architects Iconic Sound for Premiere Music Group 30.03.2026 1ώ 2λ

  Most people think music supervision is just "picking cool songs." Winslow Bright is here to prove it’s actually a high-stakes chess match involving seven-figure budgets, complex copyright laws, music language translations, and ego-management of the world’s top directors, to the creatives and individuals who own the projects. From her origins of running iPods for Wes Anderson, burning CDs, to her current role as Co-President of Premiere Music Group, Winslow has navigated the most complex licensing deals in the business. In this episode, we deconstruct the invisible labor behind the world’s most iconic sonic moments, from advertisements for Tiffany & Co to the races of pushing out content for the Met Gala. In this Episode: A long-standing creative friendship.The Wes Anderson era: Running iPods and early lessons.Defining the Role: What does a Music Supervisor actually do?Creative Deciphering: Turning a director’s vague reference into a perfect track.The Money: Budgeting and licensing costs for "Big Music."Case Study: The Tiffany Campaign and reimagining "Happy Together."The Met Gala: The race to create viral fashion reels.The Toolkit: Why platforms like Disco and FrameSet are essential.Featured in this Episode:The Making of Tiffany and Co. Happy Together Agency: Premiere Music GroupPlatforms we’re loving:  Disco Platform | FrameSetSay hello! Our Guest: @winslowbrightYour host: @arielle.thomas Us: @processthepodcast
• Why Who is Elijah? is Stripping Back to Scale for 2026, in partnership with Thoughtful 24.03.2026 21λ

  What happens when you decide to dismantle an 8-year-old global success story to build something leaner, smarter, and more equipped for 2026?Recorded live at Google Headquarters in Sydney, this special episode of Process takes you inside Thoughtful Minds Connect. In celebration of their 10th anniversary, the elite data and performance minds at Thoughtful invited Arielle to host an intimate, unfiltered conversation with Raquel and Adam, the visionary founders behind cult fragrance house Who is Elijah.This is not a retrospective look at success; it’s a conversation recorded in the eye of the storm. While the moving trucks were quite literally at their warehouse, Adam and Raquel revealed the real-time reality of a massive business restructure, the $1.7M mistake that nearly cost them their brand prestige, and their new Top-Down strategy for global retail rollout. This is definitely a masterclass in founder transparency.So whether you’re navigating a complex supply chain, pivoting your brand positioning, or looking to the best data minds in the country to optimise your performance, Raquel and Adam’s strip-it-back-to-grow approach offers a roadmap for any creative founder feeling the heaviness of a scaling business.In this episode: The $1.7M Lesson: Raquel opens up about a massive retail deal that taught them the danger of a Bottom-Up strategy.The Great Restructure: Why they are shutting down their own manufacturing to focus 100% on brand and lightweight operations.Top-Down Authority: Why starting with Harrods and Selfridges is the only way to protect prestige in a crowded market.AI as an Emotional Agent: Adam’s fascinating off-mic theory on how product data must evolve to serve the emotional human through unemotional AI agents.The Thoughtful Edge: How shifting from Meta to Google (with a 40% higher AOV) transformed their performance marketing.The Future of Founders: Why the next generation of brands will thrive with teams of just two people and simplified supply chains.Featured in this Episode:Shop Who is Elijah at whoiselijah.com.auBrought to you by Thoughtful: Elevate your brand performance at thethoughtfulagency.com or DM Arielle for a direct intro to the team.Say Hello! Our Guests: Adam Bouris on Instagram @adambourisRaquel Bouris on Instagram @raaaquelbourisOur Episode Partner: The Thoughtful Agency on Instagram @thethoughtfulagencyYour host: Arielle Thomas on Instagram @arielle.thomas Us: on Instagram @processthepodcast ⁠New Episode Drops Every Tuesday.  Catch you on the next one!
• What To Do If You Get Cancelled: Sally Branson on Due Diligence & Protecting Your Hard Work 09.03.2026 1ώ 22λ

  How do you protect your brand when the unthinkable happens? In this episode of Process, host Arielle Thomas is joined by Sally Branson, a leading Crisis Management and Reputation Management Director. Together, they pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of protecting a creative legacy.Sally reveals why a crisis is process-driven rather than just a disaster to be feared. From the volatile nature of influencer marketing to the legalities of product safety, this conversation is an essential masterclass for any founder. They dive deep into the necessity of due diligence, the power of transparency against misinformation, and the heavy emotional impact a public crisis has on a founder's mental health.Whether you're navigating stakeholder management, rebuilding your SEO reputation, or establishing consumer trust, Sally’s "control the controllables" approach offers a roadmap for maintaining brand integrity in an unpredictable digital age.In This Episode:How to treat your reputation as a tangible asset rather than an abstract concept.Navigating the "new rules" of influencer marketing to avoid liability and hidden risks.The secret to building unshakable consumer trust through radical transparency and product safety.Why due diligence is your brand's best insurance policy against future scandals.Managing the emotional toll on founders when facing public scrutiny and high-pressure stakes.Mastering stakeholder management to keep partners and investors aligned during a storm.Tactical SEO strategies to reclaim your digital narrative and rebuild after a reputation hit.The future of brand integrity and how to stay resilient in an evolving creative landscape.Say hello to us! You can find us through the links below: Our Guest, Sally Branson, on Linkedin HereYour host, Arielle Thomas, on Instagram HereProcess the Podcast on Instagram HereSee you next Tuesday!
• Can You Be an Ambitious CEO and a Present Mother? Michelle Battersby Thinks So 03.03.2026 1ώ 19λ

  Michelle Battersby is one of Australia’s most influential female founders.From launching and scaling Bumble Australia to co-founding Sunroom, and now leading Peanut, the global social network connecting women through fertility, pregnancy and motherhood, Michelle has built her career at the intersection of tech, community and female empowerment.In this episode of Process, Michelle opens up about her transition into matrescence, the psychological shift into motherhood that mirrors adolescence, and what it really looks like to lead a high-growth global company while pregnant and postpartum.We discuss:What matrescence actually means, and why no one talks about itWhy pregnant women in leadership roles matter more than everThe realities of startup life behind the glossy headlinesBuilding Bumble in Australia and what that taught her about brand and communityCo-founding Sunroom and taking the leap into entrepreneurshipScaling Peanut as a global platform for women navigating fertility, pregnancy and motherhoodThe decision-making frameworks she uses as a CEORisk tolerance, ambition and redefining success as a modern womanMichelle shares candid insights into balancing motherhood with executive leadership, how identity evolves through different seasons of life, and why representation of ambitious, pregnant women in business is critical.This conversation is for founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, women navigating career pivots, and anyone curious about the psychological and strategic layers of building community-driven tech companies.If you're interested in female leadership, startup growth, motherhood and modern ambition, this episode is essential listening.Find Michelle on Instagram here. Find your host, Arielle on Instagram here. Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here. See you next Tuesday x
• Backbone: How to take calculated risk to grow your business 25.02.2026 46λ

  In episode four of Backbone, we delve into something every founder discusses, but few assess properly: risk.Growth requires risk. But not all risks are created equal. Some move your business forward. Others quietly drain your time and confidence.This week, we unpack how we think about risk in our own businesses, what we’re actively betting on, what we won’t compromise on, and how we decide what’s worth it.So this week, we cover: • The real risks we’re currently taking in business and why • Our non-negotiables before saying yes to a big decision • How to assess upside vs downside in a practical way • How to “price” the cost of failure (financially and emotionally)If you’ve been sitting on a decision and wondering whether to leap or not, this episode is for you.If you have any questions about risk, feel free to slide into our DMs. We want to keep this conversation going! Find us on the ⁠⁠⁠So Invested Instagram⁠⁠⁠ & Process Instagram, and if you haven’t already, hit follow in your podcast app (it really helps our small businesses grow).See you next week!
• “The U.S. Market Is a Beast”: Sophie Hood on Scaling Seoul Tonic, Her Growth Tactics & her NEXT business! 17.02.2026 1ώ 17λ

  🎙️ Sophie Hood on Building Seoul Tonic: From Australia to New York, Amazon, Retail Strategy & Scaling a Wellness BrandWhat does it really take to build a modern wellness brand and have the ambition to take it global?In this episode of Process, Arielle Thomas sits down with Sophie Hood, founder of cult-favourite tonic brand Seoul Tonic, to unpack the creative and commercial decisions behind moving to New York, scaling through retail, navigating Amazon, and positioning a product for international success.Sophie is one of Australia’s most exciting women-led founders to watch, and in this conversation, she shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: from winning Food Stars and landing major retail opportunities, to managing inventory pressure, pitching airlines like Qantas, and building a brand that resonates in the hyper-competitive U.S. market.This episode is a masterclass in creativity meeting commerce. Perfect for founders, brand builders, marketers and anyone curious about what it actually takes to turn an idea into a global consumer brand.✨ In this episode, Sophie and Arielle cover:Moving from Australia to New York and why global ambition changes everythingThe early creative vision behind Seoul Tonic and finding product-market fitWhat winning Food Stars taught Sophie about pressure and opportunityHow to position a wellness product for premium retailScaling from independent stores to national distributionInventory, supply chains and the realities of cash flowWhy community and in-store experience matter more than everThe brutal truth about launching in the U.S. marketHow Amazon really works. Seller Central, fulfilment and margin gamesDifferences between U.S. and Australian e-commercePitching to major partners like QantasLaunching new product lines and beauty brandsWhy financial modelling is a non-negotiable skill for foundersHer up-and-coming 2nd business, this time in the beauty space! Find Sophie on Instagram here. Find Seoul Tonic on Instagram here. Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here.Find your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here. See you next Tuesday!
• Backbone: Cash is QUEEN! How to manage your cashflow 13.02.2026 52λ

  In episode three of Backbone, we get into the numbers that actually keep your business alive: cash.Profit might look good on paper, but cash is what pays your bills, your team, and you. And yet, cash flow is one of the most misunderstood (and least confidently managed) parts of running a business.So this week, we cover: • Why profit ≠ cash, and how profitable businesses still run out of money • Why cash flow is the most important metric to understand as a founder • How to think about managing cash flow day-to-day (not just at tax time) • Practical measures to safeguard your cash flow as your business grows • A simple walk-through of the key line items in a cash flow statement — and what they actually tell you.If you have any questions, about cash slide into our DMs. We want to keep this conversation going! Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here.Find So Invested on Instagram here. And if you haven’t already, hit Follow in your podcast app (it really helps our small businesses grow)! See you next Thursday for our last episode of Backbone! x
• The Future of Process: Building Australia's First Creative Space Surrounding a Podcast 09.02.2026 27λ

  In this special petit episode of Process, Arielle Thomas shares what’s next for the podcast and why it’s evolving into something much bigger than conversations behind a microphone.From building a recognisable visual identity to creating a physical creative space in Sydney, Arielle reflects on the realities of podcasting, the importance of consistency, and her long-term vision for cultivating a thriving creative community.She opens up about the challenges and rewards of running a creative podcast, how collaboration has shaped the journey so far, and why hosting events and bringing listeners together in real life is the natural next step for Process.This episode is an invitation into the future of Process: a place where ideas are exchanged, careers are sparked, and creativity is treated as a shared practice, not a solo pursuit.✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode🎧 About Process• Why podcasting is both an art and a long game• The vision for Process as a leading creative podcast• Plans to build a physical creative hub in Sydney• How community and collaboration drive growth• The role of visual identity in building a recognisable brand• Creating spaces that feel welcoming and creatively charged• Why consistency matters more than perfection• How listener engagement shapes the future of the show• Hosting events and real-world creative gatherings• Where Process is heading next🎧 About ProcessProcess explores the journeys behind creative careers — from fashion and media to design, publishing, film and entrepreneurship. Each episode unpacks how ideas are built, how brands evolve, and what it really takes to create meaningful work in today’s cultural landscape.To learn more about the clubhouse, head to cinemathom.com/clubhouse Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here.Find Process the Podcast on Tik Tok here. Find your host, Arielle Thomas, on Instagram here. See you next Tuesday!
• Backbone: "Business Structures and Tax" - All the things they never taught you in school 29.01.2026 53λ

  Welcome to episode two of Backbone! The four-part mini series where we discuss the financial side of building a business. Today, we get into the structures that sit underneath your business and the tax impacts of each!Whether you’re just starting out, running a side hustle, or transitioning into something more complex, the way your business is set up has real implications for tax, cash flow, and risk. And yet, this is one of the least openly discussed parts of being a founder.So, this week, we have the candid tax conversation that no one seems to be having.In this episode, we cover: • The common business structures available to new and growing business owners • How and when structures tend to change as your business becomes more complex • The tax realities founders often avoid (and why that’s risky) • Our perspective on when to bring in an accountant, bookkeeper, or advisor and what to look for.This episode is brought to you by Notion - and by far one of our favourite tools, Notion Agent. Notion Agent is fundamentally different from typical AI tools. Instead of just suggesting or chatting, it completes tasks end-to-end, turning days of manual work into minutes.It acts like a Notion super user that understands your workspace, your working style, and how you like things done - helping you stay organised, clear, and accountable as you build.Let Notion Agent do the heavy lifting for you at ⁠Notion.⁠
• Ben Watts: How to Build a World-Class Creative Career 28.01.2026 42λ

  Legendary fashion and celebrity photographer Ben Watts joins Process for a conversation about longevity, instinct, and building a career in one of the most competitive creative industries in the world.From photographing icons like Heath Ledger to navigating the shift from film to digital, Ben opens up about the mindset that has sustained his decades-long career. Why being a great photographer starts with being a good people person, how to develop a recognisable style, and what it really takes to earn trust with world-famous talent.Host Arielle Thomas and Ben dive into the realities of hustling early on, the impact of social media on modern creatives, and why dignity, curiosity, and enjoyment remain at the core of meaningful work.It’s an honest, insightful look at how to stay creatively fulfilled while operating at the highest level.Why being a people person is as important as technical skillHow Ben built trust with A-list talentThe difference between chasing trends and developing a signature styleWhat the transition from film to digital changed foreverHow social media reshaped the photography industryThe role of hustle and adaptability in long creative careersWhy dignity and professionalism still set people apartStaying authentic in a competitive fieldFinding joy in the process—not just the outcomesBecoming the person people want to hire again and againFind Ben on Instagram here. Find Ben's extensive portfolio of work on Art Dept. Find Process the Podcast for the visuals of Ben's work and this episode here. Find your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram here.
• Backbone: "The Accountability Mindset" - Removing avoidance and owning your financials 21.01.2026 50λ

  Welcome to Backbone: a four-part mini series all about the financial backbone of building a business, side hustle, or freelance career.We talk endlessly about the exciting parts of building something - the idea, the creativity, the passion, the momentum. But behind the scenes, it’s often the money side that feels confusing, intimidating, or easy to avoid. And more often than not, businesses fail because the financials were ignored.There’s a huge gap in how openly we talk about money as founders. The messy bits. The avoidance. The “I’ll deal with it later” moments. This series is about closing that gap and helping you build confidence with your numbers.Episode one starts with the foundation: accountability. Not outsourcing responsibility, but learning to work alongside experts and developing the mindset that you need to understand what’s happening with the money in your business.In this episode, we cover:What an accountability mindset really meansThe common barriers that stop founders from taking control of their financesHow to shift from pure creativity into commercialPractical, realistic ways to build money check-ins into your routineIf you hear us mention the Money Type Quiz, you can find it here: Money Type QuizAnd if you hear us yapping about finding new communities that support you, we recommend Butter AppThis episode is brought to you by Notion - and by far one of our favourite tools, Notion Agent. Notion Agent is fundamentally different from typical AI tools. Instead of just suggesting or chatting, it completes tasks end-to-end, turning days of manual work into minutes.It acts like a Notion super user that understands your workspace, your working style, and how you like things done - helping you stay organised, clear, and accountable as you build.Let Notion Agent do the heavy lifting for you at ⁠Notion.⁠Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here.Find So Invested on Instagram here. See you next Thursday!