Welcome to Season 4, Episode 6 of the CGA Podcast – Heart Stories
Welcome to Season 4 of the CGA Podcast, where online visibility expert Doreen Brown engages with remarkable Caulfield Grammarian alumni and community members as they reflect on their experiences with Caulfield Grammar School, careers, and so much more!
In this episode of Heart Stories, Emma Vanzyl shares her inspiring journey from a student at Caulfield Grammar School to a peer mentoring coordinator at Monash University.
Show Notes
She reflects on the impact of her mentors, her leadership experiences, and the importance of community and support in education.
The conversation included some of the following discussion highlights:
>Emma’s journey reflects the importance of mentorship in education.
>Leadership can often be quiet and behind the scenes.
>Finding balance is crucial in managing multiple responsibilities.
>Time blocking can enhance productivity and focus.
>Personal growth often comes from stepping out of comfort zones.
>Community support plays a vital role in academic success.
>Returning to a familiar environment can provide new perspectives.
>Meaningful connections with students can lead to impactful moments.
>Trusting the process is essential for personal development.
>Exploring various interests can lead to fulfilling career paths.
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About Emma Vanzyl
Alumni of Caulfield Grammar School, Emma Vanzyl excelled academically and as a dedicated leader during her time there.
She carried this passion for learning and leadership into her university years, earning a Bachelor of Science – Advanced Research (Honours) in Genetics and Genomics from Monash University.
Emma’s commitment to fostering community and belonging has been a defining part of her story. In 2023, Emma returned to Caulfield Grammar School as a Numeracy Teaching Aide. Seeing the school through a new lens and contributing to the very program that shaped her own academic foundation was a deeply rewarding experience.
Most recently, she served as the Peer Mentoring Coordinator for the Faculty of Science at Monash University. She led initiatives, guided mentors, and created a supportive, inclusive environment for first-year students throughout her tenure. Emma’s vision for the future is to drive research that not only advances science but also does so with empathy and purpose, contributing to meaningful change beyond the lab.
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About The Host
Doreen Brown is the 2025 host of Heart Stories for the Caulfield Grammarians’ Association and a seasoned digital strategist with over a decade of experience. Since entering the digital space in 2012, she has worked with businesses and organisations to strengthen their online visibility and brand presence.
In 2020, Doreen launched her own podcast, Let’s Get Visible with Doreen Brown, where she shares practical insights into digital marketing. Through this platform, she discovered the powerful role podcasting can play in expanding brand reach and building authentic engagement with audiences. Whether leading storytelling initiatives or guiding digital strategy, Doreen is passionate about helping brands connect meaningfully and grow with purpose.
Connect with Doreen on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Let’s Get Visible.
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