If there is one message that comes through loud and clear in Episode 5 of the JRNY Podcast, it is this: Back yourself.
In this episode, Paul Cohalan sits down with Tegan Larkins from Talent Mining for a conversation about resilience, career reinvention, business ownership, and the decisions that shape a life.
Tegan’s story is full of moments where she could have chosen comfort, but instead chose growth.
She moved from New Zealand to Western Australia with no plan to stay long-term. She built a mining career from the ground up. She adapted to motherhood while managing the realities of shift work and operational leadership. Then, after more than a decade in mining, she took a bet on herself and launched a business.
Choosing Growth Over Comfort
That theme of backing yourself runs through the entire episode.
It shows up when she talks about pushing for new opportunities after becoming a mum. It shows up when she reflects on stepping into leadership roles before feeling fully ready. It shows up again in the move from secure employment into entrepreneurship, where every decision suddenly carries more weight.
The Power of Resourcefulness
There is also a strong message here around resourcefulness.
Tegan speaks about finding a way forward, even when the path is not obvious. Whether it was creating a new role for herself, navigating the demands of parenting and work, or figuring out how to build momentum in business, the mindset stayed the same: keep moving, keep learning, and do not wait for perfect conditions.
"Another standout part of the conversation is her view on people. Tegan clearly understands that success in business is not just about process or performance — it is about relationships, communication, energy, trust, and placing the right people where they can thrive."
A People-First Approach
That people-first approach is a big reason this episode resonates beyond mining. Yes, the industry context matters. But the lessons are bigger than that. They apply to leadership, growth, self-belief, and the uncomfortable seasons where you are building something new.
This is a conversation for anyone who has ever wondered whether they are ready, whether they should take the risk, or whether they can actually pull it off.
Tegan’s answer, in her own way, is simple: start, learn, and back yourself.