Listen now
Latest Episode
Why Nelson Mandela’s election was a turning point for this CEO
A contract to provide the computers for South Africa’s first all-race democratic elections in 1994 was a pivotal moment in the career of BioPak CEO Gary Smith.
- Euan Black, Sally Patten and Lap Phan
This CEO gave up drinking 10 years ago, and never looked back
Why Australian Chamber Orchestra boss Richard Evans swapped alcohol for walking and a cup of tea.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
This Month
Why we should all learn to be OK with embarrassment
If we let fear of failing and ego get in the way, we will stop trying and stop moving forward, says this high-profile education leader.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
September
Former David Jones boss on the ideal time to quit as CEO
Paul Zahra, the former chief executive of David Jones, says, as a general rule, there is a minimum and maximum amount of time the leader should be in the role.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
What this CEO learnt from Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar
Culture Amp chief Didier Elzinga met the Atlassian duo at an awards function years ago, and got an insight into scalable business models.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
How this former accountant became a top music exec
Sean Warner, the CEO of Universal Music in Australia, thought he wanted to be an accountant, until he realised he didn’t.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
How a tragic car accident upended this CEO’s life
Rest Superannuation’s Vicki Doyle worked at insurer Suncorp for more than nine years. Three weeks into her first general manager role, she got a phone call.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
August
How this former McKinsey consultant finds jobs she loves
Allegra Spender’s route to becoming an independent MP was a roundabout one and taught her about the power of putting yourself forward and following your passions.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
How this CEO wins back clients his business has lost
Advertising boss Michael Rebelo is a big believer in being magnanimous when he loses a deal or a client.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
MH17 taught this leader how to manage through a crisis
The Malaysia Airlines plane was shot out of the sky two days before a large health conference being organised by Doherty Institute director Sharon Lewin was due to begin. Several delegates were on board.
- Sally Patten
Why most executives don’t reach their full potential
Early in his career, a senior colleague suggested Mick O’Brien, now a $900 million company CEO, take on a management role. Luckily his colleague could see his potential.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
July
This top fundie used to peel four sacks of potatoes every Friday
Ausbil Investment Management’s Paul Xiradis says it’s at the fish market that he probably got involved in markets, understanding how they’re priced and cleared.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
Why this top lawyer has a nanny
For KWM chief executive partner Renae Lattey, having home help means that she gets time to herself, as well as time to devote to her family and job.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
Why you shouldn’t set a deadline if you want to be more resilient
The strongest leaders believe in themselves and don’t try to set timelines for when a difficult period will pass, says Macquarie Technology Group CEO David Tudehope.
- Updated
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
BCG’s local boss Grant McCabe on why he has taken up pilates
Boston Consulting Group’s Australian chief, Grant McCabe, says rookie executives should “remove that baggage” about whether they are going to succeed.
- Lap Phan and Ciara Seccombe
June
Why this CEO doesn’t like flying business class
For Who Gives a Crap co-founder and CEO Simon Griffiths, sitting at the front of the plane doesn’t resonate with the company’s brand.
- Lap Phan and Ciara Seccombe
Why this CEO loves celebrity news
UBank chief Philippa Watson keeps a keen eye on her Gen Z employees, the technology they use and the news they consume.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
Top CEO reveals the biggest mistakes he ever made
Koda Capital CEO Paul Heath says among the worst errors he has made is failing to realise how difficult change can be for staff.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
How this CEO survived two dud product launches
oOh!media chief Cathy O’Connor’s former boss told her the mistakes she made were the best thing that ever happened to her. He was right.
- Lap Phan and Ciara Seccombe
May
What this CEO has learnt about spouting off ideas in meetings
Netwealth CEO Matt Heine is a self-proclaimed “ideas fountain,” but has learnt the trait doesn’t always work in the top job.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
Why you don’t have to be ruthless to be successful
Founder of Matchbox Pictures Tony Ayres talks about how to succeed without being ruthless, the value of unsent emails and, for telling stories, the rule of three.
- Lap Phan and Ciara Seccombe
Adam Powick failed to make partner twice. Now he runs Deloitte
The chief executive says when people fail to get a promotion, they are often told they are doing a good job and should continue along the same path. He reckons that advice is “BS”.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
HOW TO LISTEN (APPLE DEVICE)
- Open the ‘Podcasts’ app on your iOS device. If you don’t have it on your device you will need to download it from the App Store.
- Open the search page by tapping on the magnifying glass button in the bottom right corner. This will open up the search box.
- Search the name of the podcast you want to find (e.g. The Sure Thing) and tap the search button on the keyboard. You will then be shown a grid of search results.
- Tap on the podcast you want from the search results and this will take you to the homepage with a list of available episodes.
- Choose an episode to play by tapping on it or subscribe to the podcast to have it appear in your library and automatically download the latest episodes.
For more information refer to Apple support.
HOW TO LISTEN (ANDROID DEVICE)
- Download and install the Google Podcasts app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the ‘Google Podcasts’ app and use the search box to search the name of the podcast you want to find (e.g. The Sure Thing).
- Tap on the podcast you want from the search results and this will take you to the homepage with a list of available episodes.
- Choose an episode to play by tapping on it or subscribe to the podcast to have it appear at the top of the app. A new section of the app will then notify you of new podcast episodes when you are subscribed.
For more information refer to Google support.
