
Jess Taylor | Breaking Down Barriers in Women's Health | Lead with Courage
11/11/24 • 57 min
In this episode of Lead with Courage, Cherie Canning has an eye-opening conversation with Jess Taylor, CEO of Qendo, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with endometriosis. Jess shares her personal journey with the chronic condition, reflecting on years of silent suffering, stigmatisation, and misdiagnoses before discovering her own voice and purpose through Qendo. Her story unveils the challenges faced by countless women living with endometriosis and details her inspiring transformation from patient to passionate advocate.
Throughout the episode, Cherie and Jess discuss the significance of bringing endometriosis—and women’s health more broadly—into the workplace. Jess describes how a lack of awareness and support in professional settings often leaves women struggling to balance careers with the demands of managing a chronic condition. She shares the steps Quendo has taken to educate workplaces, normalize discussions around endometriosis, and empower women to advocate for their health without fear or shame.
Listeners will gain insight into Jess’s work advocating for policy change, her mission to increase education and resources, and the tools Qendo offers to help workplaces better support employees affected by endometriosis. Jess also shares practical tips on how leaders can foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges health as a critical factor in workplace wellbeing.
This episode offers lessons on resilience, courage, and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding women’s health. It’s a powerful call to action for leaders, employees, and allies to create supportive spaces that honour the complex health journeys of women everywhere.
Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!
______________
Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.
If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.
To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning
Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie and Andy x
______________
Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.
In this episode of Lead with Courage, Cherie Canning has an eye-opening conversation with Jess Taylor, CEO of Qendo, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with endometriosis. Jess shares her personal journey with the chronic condition, reflecting on years of silent suffering, stigmatisation, and misdiagnoses before discovering her own voice and purpose through Qendo. Her story unveils the challenges faced by countless women living with endometriosis and details her inspiring transformation from patient to passionate advocate.
Throughout the episode, Cherie and Jess discuss the significance of bringing endometriosis—and women’s health more broadly—into the workplace. Jess describes how a lack of awareness and support in professional settings often leaves women struggling to balance careers with the demands of managing a chronic condition. She shares the steps Quendo has taken to educate workplaces, normalize discussions around endometriosis, and empower women to advocate for their health without fear or shame.
Listeners will gain insight into Jess’s work advocating for policy change, her mission to increase education and resources, and the tools Qendo offers to help workplaces better support employees affected by endometriosis. Jess also shares practical tips on how leaders can foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges health as a critical factor in workplace wellbeing.
This episode offers lessons on resilience, courage, and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding women’s health. It’s a powerful call to action for leaders, employees, and allies to create supportive spaces that honour the complex health journeys of women everywhere.
Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!
______________
Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.
If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.
To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning
Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie and Andy x
______________
Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.
Previous Episode

Macca Ryan | Running Through Life. Mental Health, Marathon Mindsets, and No Bad Days | Lead with Courage
In this insightful and heartwarming episode of the Lead with Courage podcast, host Cherie Canning and guest host Andy Canning sit down with Macca (Macaulay Ryan) from LSKD, a passionate runner and Movember ambassador. They dive into Macca's incredible journey of personal growth, mental health awareness, and the power of running.
Macca shares how his love for running transformed his life, from pushing through the tough moments to becoming an advocate for mental wellness. He discusses the symbolism behind his "Just Keep Running" tattoo and how it applies to both running and life’s challenges. Macca also opens up about his own struggles with mental health after a difficult breakup and how his dog, Kendrick, became his emotional support and life-changer.
The conversation explores Macca's journey to becoming a Movember ambassador, his commitment to raising mental health awareness, and the inspiring events he's spearheaded, including running 100km around a 1.8km loop as part of Movember’s fundraising efforts. The team also touches on Macca's unique approach to ultra-marathon running, where discipline and mental strength take centre stage.
This episode covers the intersection of running, mental health, and resilience, and hear how Macca embodies the LSKD values of moving fast, learning from mistakes, and always striving for one percent better.
Links & Resources:
- Follow Macca on Instagram: @macauleyryan_ and Linkedin
- Learn more about LSKD and their Run Club: LSKD
- Support Movember: Movember Australia
- Furball 2024 Event: Furball Tickets
Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!
______________
Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.
If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.
To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning
Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie and Andy x
______________
Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.
Next Episode

Dr Dinesh Palipana | Perspective, Purpose and Empathy | Lead with Courage
In this inspiring episode, hosts Cherie and Andy Canning welcome Dr. Dinesh Palipana, a trailblazing leader and changemaker, to the Lead with Courage podcast. As the second person with quadriplegia to graduate as a doctor in Australia and an advocate for inclusivity, Dinesh shares his unique perspective on life, leadership, and the importance of courage.
This conversation delves into Dinesh’s remarkable journey, from a life-changing car accident to becoming a doctor, lawyer, and author. Through personal anecdotes and thought-provoking reflections, Dinesh explores how perspective and empathy shape effective leadership and how purpose can bring meaning to our lives. Whether it’s his experiences in Sri Lanka, the values he lives by, or the impact of gratitude, Dinesh’s insights offer powerful lessons for leaders at all stages.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- What “leading with courage” means and why courage is integral to leadership.
- How Dinesh’s accident transformed his life and taught him to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
- The role of empathy and perspective in creating impactful leadership.
- Why purpose and values are essential in navigating life’s complexities.
- Practical advice on embracing gratitude and staying present in the moment.
Notable Quotes:
- “Courage is part of what makes up leadership—you can’t separate the two.”
- “The world is a reflection of ourselves. Perspective and gratitude can transform even the hardest days.”
- “Empathy isn’t just understanding those who are similar to us; it’s about bridging divides and creating unity.”
Resources Mentioned:
- Dinesh Palipana’s book: Stronger
- The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Connect with Dr. Dinesh Palipana:
- Instagram: @dinesh.palipana
Did you enjoy the episode? Send us a text!
______________
Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.
If you enjoyed it, we'd be grateful if you like, share and subscribe to hear our future conversations.
To find out more about the work we do Luminate Leadership connect with us:
Luminate's Website and LinkedIn and on
Instagram : Luminate_Leadership and Cherie Canning
Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie and Andy x
______________
Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.
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