How I Made It

Flavia Tata Nardini, the visionary founder and CEO of Fleet Space Technologies, discusses her journey from a childhood obsession with space in Rome to launching an $800 million aerospace company in Australia. She reveals how a lack of local opportunities sparked her entrepreneurial spirit and led to innovative projects in satellite technology and subsurface mapping for mining. Flavia also shares insights on overcoming launch setbacks, her ambitious plans for lunar expeditions, and her belief in human settlements on the Moon and Mars within our lifetimes.

Vikas Rambal, a chemical engineer and founder of the Perdaman Group, shares his incredible journey from a seemingly doomed business trip to establishing a thriving fertiliser empire in Australia. He recounts how a scam set him on a path to discover ammonia opportunities and led to pivotal meetings that launched significant projects. Vikas discusses diversifying into new sectors like pharma and renewable energy, and his commitment to reducing emissions while engaging with Indigenous communities. He attributes his success to a blend of luck, timing, and relentless hard work.

Chris Lucas, a renowned Australian restaurateur and former IBM executive, shares his fascinating journey from corporate life to transforming the restaurant scene. He reveals how growing up in his father's pub and the loss of his dad shaped his culinary passion. Lucas discusses leveraging corporate marketing to revolutionize hospitality, notably with the iconic Chin Chin, which broke norms with its no-reservations model. He reflects on the importance of hard work and timing in his success while expressing a desire to expand his culinary vision beyond Melbourne.

Bruce Buchanan, former Jetstar executive and CEO of tech firm Rokt, shares his inspiring journey from the aviation world to building a $7.2 billion e-commerce powerhouse. He discusses his early love for computers, the challenges of his upbringing, and the pivotal choices leading him away from a Qantas CEO role. Bruce reveals how Jetstar's experiences shaped his understanding of e-commerce problems, driving him to innovate. He also offers insights on navigating crises, maintaining an intense company culture, and the lessons learned in grit and resilience.

Trinny Woodall first became a household name as one half of the dynamic duo, Trinny and Susannah. Together the pair built a career issuing fashion advice to women on their long-running BBC series, What Not to Wear. But at the age of 53 Woodall decided it was time to step out on her own, launching eponymous beauty brand Trinny London. On this week’s episode of How I Made It, fashion editor Lauren Sams finds out how the former television host became a beauty disruptor standing at the helm of a multimillion-dollar company. This podcast was sponsored by Telstra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Jensen, founder and CEO of MJ Bale, shares his fascinating journey from a Merino sheep farm to becoming a leading name in menswear. He discusses spotting a gap in the market during his banking days in London, which inspired his transition into fashion. Matt reflects on his early struggles with Herringbone, detailing critical lessons learned during its administration. He emphasizes MJ Bale's commitment to natural fibres and sustainability, revealing how partnerships with local growers and sports teams shape their innovative approach.

When the co-founder and former chief executive of The Big Group was 21, he had just $500 in his pocket. Not afraid of risk, Bruce Keebaugh and his wife, Chyka Keebaugh, used it to champion the competitive world of catering and events. This week on How I Made it, The Australian Financial Review’s Lauren Sams finds out how this hospitality guru came to dominate an industry. This podcast was sponsored by Telstra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rod Drury, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Xero, shares his inspiring journey from a high school computing enthusiast to leading a $28 billion tech company. He discusses the pivotal moment when a napkin deal sparked the creation of Xero, his early entrepreneurial ventures, and why he planned for Xero to be public from day one. Rod reflects on the challenges of entering new markets, why he stepped down as CEO, and his focus on impactful projects in his post-CEO life. His story is a blend of passion, strategy, and a bit of luck.

Jose Bryce Smith, the founder of Original & Mineral (O&M), chats about her whirlwind journey from a holiday in Australia to creating a global haircare empire. She shares how personal tragedy fueled her work ethic, her innovative shift to low-chemical products, and the challenges of launching O&M. Jose dives into overcoming manufacturing crises, battling gender bias, and the strategic decisions that propelled her brand forward. With 320 products in 21 countries, her story is a testament to resilience, vision, and community.

How I Made It is back with new hosts Lauren Sams & Yolanda Redrup. Join us to learn how Australia’s top entrepreneurs built their fortunes and what they learnt along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.