In a rapidly changing world of work, organisations are increasingly relying on self-employed contractors, freelancers, and micro-business owners to deliver specialised skills, drive innovation, and support project-based work.
Yet while many leaders understand how to engage and support employees, far fewer understand what it takes to build strong, productive relationships with independent contractors.
In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur, researcher, and former Billie Goat Soap founder to explore the unique realities facing Australia’s growing self-employed workforce. Drawing on more than 20 years of business experience and five years of PhD research into the mental health hazards faced by sole traders and micro-business owners, Leanne shares valuable insights into how organisations can better connect with, support, and retain contractor talent.
In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur, researcher, and former Billie Goat Soap founder to explore the unique realities facing Australia’s growing self-employed workforce. Drawing on more than 20 years of business experience and five years of PhD research into the mental health hazards faced by sole traders and micro-business owners, Leanne shares valuable insights into how organisations can better connect with, support, and retain contractor talent.
When: July 15, 2026 10:00 AM
Together, we discuss the changing nature of work, the differences between employment and self-employment, and why understanding these distinctions can unlock stronger engagement, greater innovation, and better outcomes for everyone involved.
Leanne offers practical strategies for building trust-based relationships with contractors, creating healthier project environments, and developing long-term talent networks that benefit both organisations and the people they engage.
Whether you're a CEO, HR leader, procurement professional, or business owner, this conversation will challenge you to rethink traditional approaches to workforce engagement and consider how more human-centred partnerships can create lasting impact.
Because when organisations understand the people behind the contracts, they create the conditions for stronger relationships, better performance, and more meaningful work for all.
ABOUT LEANNE
Dr Leanne Faulkner (PhD) knows how to help business owners sleep well at night, and it's got nothing to do with lavender under the pillow. Leanne works at the intersection of entrepreneurship and mental health. As the original founder of beloved skincare brand, Billie Goat Soap, Leanne understands the stress that comes with business ownership. Her challenging entrepreneurial journey left her wondering why the experience felt so hard and lonely?
Fast forward to today, and Leanne has completed a PhD on the mental health of small business owners, and now knows the answers. When you're a business owner, reducing your stress at work has less to do with meditation or gym memberships, and more to do with your sense of agency and control at work.
Leanne challenges audiences to think differently about mental health at work, and leaves everyone with a new approach to ensuring every day is enjoyable, even the tough ones.
Dr Leanne Faulkner (PhD) knows how to help business owners sleep well at night, and it's got nothing to do with lavender under the pillow. Leanne works at the intersection of entrepreneurship and mental health. As the original founder of beloved skincare brand, Billie Goat Soap, Leanne understands the stress that comes with business ownership. Her challenging entrepreneurial journey left her wondering why the experience felt so hard and lonely?
Fast forward to today, and Leanne has completed a PhD on the mental health of small business owners, and now knows the answers. When you're a business owner, reducing your stress at work has less to do with meditation or gym memberships, and more to do with your sense of agency and control at work.
Leanne challenges audiences to think differently about mental health at work, and leaves everyone with a new approach to ensuring every day is enjoyable, even the tough ones.