

The Company Road Podcast
Chris Hudson
In this podcast we’ll be exploring what it takes to change a company. Taking the big steps, or the smaller steps in between. This one’s for the intrapreneurs. You’ll be getting to know some big, brave and darn right outrageous personalities, luminaries, pioneers of business and hearing what they’ve done to fix the thorniest of problems within organisations.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 18, 2025 • 38min
E69 Rewriting the rules: What rebels can teach organisations
Send us a textShow Notes"I think one of the main skills that an intrapreneur needs is diplomacy. You need to be able to manage upwards, downwards, sideways. You need to get people's buy-in, engage them in your ideas rather than ramming them down their throats." - Kate ToonKate Toon, an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and digital marketing expert, joins us for an insightful discussion. From her humble backyard shed, Kate has built a thriving business universe, empowering thousands through her educational platforms and marketing expertise.In this episode, Kate shares the valuable lessons learned during her transition from intrapreneur to entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of adaptability, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of a vision.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The key differences between entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs.How adaptability and creativity drive success in both roles.The importance of persistence over passion in achieving goals.Why diplomacy and confidence are essential in corporate environments.Lessons from Kate’s journey balancing business and parenting.Strategies for managing multiple roles and staying focused.Creating environments that foster creativity and autonomy.Recognising and harnessing the skills of intrapreneurs.Key linksKate Toon’s WebsiteKate Toon’s LinkedInBooks by Kate Toon: Six Figures in School Hours, Six Figures While You Sleep, The Confessions of a Misfit EntrepreneurThe Clever Copywriting School’s WebsiteThe Digital Marketing Collective’s WebsiteAbout our guest From her humble backyard shed, Kate Toon has masterminded an ambitious business universe, empowering thousands through her digital marketing and business expertise.She's the author of "Six Figures in School Hours," a testament to balancing a thriving business while being a dedicated parent. And she has recently released her latest book “Six Figures While you Sleep” - which I can highly recommend to anyone that has their own business and is looking to grow it.Her accolades include being voted Australia’s Most Influential Small Businesswoman 2022 and winning Businesswoman of the Year 2020.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders inFor weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Feb 4, 2025 • 41min
E68 The Unique You: Decoding your Creative DNA with Lisa Johnson
Send us a text“The Elements Kit is about 'Who am I?' and 'What next?'. What choices can I make for a really fulfilled and aligned life? Bringing all those components into balance.” - Lisa JohnsonLisa Johnson, an experienced designer with expertise spanning interior design to service design, joins us to share her journey and her innovative creation, The Elements Kit. With a foundation in systems thinking and human-centred design, Lisa has built a toolkit that aligns personal talents, values, and ambitions, offering a unique path to creative self-actualisation.Lisa discusses the origins of The Elements Kit, which started as a thesis project and evolved into a powerful tool for individuals and teams. She explains the concept of archetypes and how they reflect human behaviour in distinct ways. She explores topics such as psychological safety, the gap in traditional psychometric tests, and how teams can use The Elements Kit to uncover untapped potential.Hear about Lisa’s offer to work with teams and organisations, providing a holistic approach to enhancing alignment, productivity, and individual fulfilment using The Elements Kit.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The origins of the Elements Kit as a thesis project.Why traditional psychometric tools miss the mark on human complexity.The six key elements: expression, connection, leadership, knowledge, navigation, and belief.Archetypes and how they provide a holistic view of human behaviour.How psychological safety enables creativity and team collaboration.Balancing light and shadow sides of archetypes for personal growth.Insights into team dynamics and the importance of valuing individuality.The role of self-reflection in navigating life and career.Applications of the Elements Kit across different age groups, from children to seniors.How the kit enables organisations to align team values with company culture.Key linksThe Elements Kit WebsiteLisa Johnson on LinkedInAccenture SongAbout our guest As an experienced design consultant and mentor, Lisa has a deep understanding of the delivery of creative projects from research and discovery through to design, production and implementation, and decades of experience mentoring others in human-centred design.With broad agency and client-side experience across UX, CX, EX and Service Design, Lisa is skilled at collaborating, co-ordinating and leading diverse stakeholder and consultant teams. Lisa has a particular strength in strategic visual thinking and narrative.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Jan 21, 2025 • 55min
E67 Authenticity in the Spotlight: Evolving Social Media for Real Connections
Send us a text"We know that authentic content is what comes through. We know storytelling is so important. So I actually help businesses bring it back in-house if they felt like they were very over-reliant on external factors. No one knows us, our customer, and our business better than we do." – Kim JamesIn this episode, you’ll hear about:How platforms like Facebook and TikTok have changed over the years and the strategies that work today.Why authenticity and understanding customer behaviour are central to impactful marketing.The shift towards businesses managing their own social media and the benefits of in-house teams.Kim’s personal journey, including the risks she took and the lessons she learned about growth and purpose.The importance of building a personal brand for future-proofing your career and opening new opportunities.How to use AI tools to create content more efficiently without losing authenticity.Key linksKim James on LinkedInCareer Girl Diaries on TikTokCareer Girl Diaries on InstagramHootsuiteAbout our guest Kim's candid stories and down-to-earth advice will make you laugh, think, and maybe even dream bigger.With a decade of experience in content and digital marketing, Kim helps organisations launch and scale their marketing strategies, campaigns, and products.Her approach integrates insights and a passion for consumer behaviour with human psychology to create industry-leading content strategies and funnels that can be applied to all industries.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Jan 7, 2025 • 47min
E66 Neurodivergence Unplugged: Transforming Work for Neurodivergent Professionals
Ani Møller, a Business Transformation Consultant and Neurodivergent Coach from Melbourne, shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD at 41. She discusses the challenges neurodivergent professionals face, including burnout and stigma. Ani emphasizes coaching's role in helping individuals leverage their strengths and navigate workplace complexities. She provides practical strategies for leaders to create inclusive environments and counters misconceptions about neurodiversity, promoting a future where authenticity is valued in the workplace.

Dec 10, 2024 • 51min
E65 Silo Breakers & Synergy Makers: Unleash Change within your Organisation
Send us a text“Listening upfront is the most critical thing. You need to listen to the people that you're engaging with to be able to understand where they're coming from, what's the emotion behind the question or the challenge that they have in front of them and then ultimately thinking about it too and asking those questions around, what is the outcome that they're after? Because often when the challenge is in front of you, the outcome that they're trying to achieve, the two don't align.” - Heath GledhillSue Stewart and Heath Gledhill are leaders with over two decades of experience in organisational transformation. They bring a unique approach that integrates communication, design, and trust-building to drive impactful changes.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The importance of building trust and open communication for changeUsing design thinking to address complex organisational challengesHow to foster a culture of listening and empathy in project settingsThe role of strategic questioning in achieving impactful outcomesHow to overcome constraints and adapt to evolving client needsKey linksHeath Gledhill LinkedInSue Stewart LinkedInAurecon Design Academy at RMIT UniversityMyers Briggs Personality Profiling E50 – Rachel Zhang and David BradfordAbout our guest Sue Stewart is a seasoned strategist and change management expert with extensive global experience in design, professional services and government sectors. Over her career, she has successfully led transformative projects across America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, specialising in strategy development, business growth, cultural transformation and market expansion.Sue is known as an out-of-the-box thinker with the ability to see and leverage connections across an ecosystem. With advanced expertise in communication, design thinking and leadership, she has presented and lectured on a range of topics including strategy, design, strategic communications, change management and organisational culture. Sue holds a Master of Arts in Communications, Honours in research and is accredited in Prosci and MBTI, positioning her as a trusted coach and leader in guiding organisations through sustained continuous improvement and innovation.Heath Gledhill, is a passionate integrated strategist committed to unlocking hidden value, overcoming financial and operational challenges, and driving evocative yet practical solutions, Heath draws on his qualifications in both design, management and business, to drive successful teams, businesses and project solutions.With over 20 years of professional experience, his transformational leadership to complex urban infrastructure projects and programs makes him widely sort after globally. A Committed advocate to cross industry borders, he is an active voice, driving a greater awareness of the need for better planning and integration of disciplines from the outset. A Fellow, Board Director and past Chapter President + Executive member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, he brings experience from both the public and privateFor weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Nov 26, 2024 • 47min
E64 Raw Courage and Reinvention: From Stripper to Global Executive
Send us a text"Imposter syndrome is not conquered by achievements. The more achievements that you have, sometimes it can disconnect you more from your sense of worth. That is why I believe in being so raw and open about my stuff now. Now that I have the privilege to do it." - DeAnna AvisThis week’s themeDeAnna Avis’ story is not your typical corporate success tale—it’s raw, real, and powerfully inspirational. From the glittering stages of strip clubs to the boardrooms of global corporations, DeAnna's transformation is nothing short of jaw-dropping.In this episode, DeAnna takes us through her difficult upbringing, battling mental health struggles, addiction, and homelessness, all while navigating the highs and lows of working as a stripper. But that's only the beginning. Today, she's a global executive, therapist, and coach who helps others thrive through adversity. DeAnna candidly discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing authenticity, and the challenges of staying true to yourself in a world that often judges from the outside. Her insights into personal growth, leadership, and breaking free from self-limiting beliefs are inspiring and deeply relevant for intrapreneurs aiming to create their own success stories.Don’t miss this episode—DeAnna’s story will shake up everything you think you know about success, resilience, and the power of transformation.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The impact of authenticityImposter SyndromeThe significance of seeking supportConcept of schemas—mental patterns that influence behaviour and perceptionsManaging digital distractionPractice of writing "morning pages" for mental clarityNavigating triggers and traumaProactive career developmentThe power of positive foundationsComplexity of identity and diversityKey linksDeAnna Avis LinkedInJulia Cameron’s "Morning Pages"Company Road Podcast E40 – Lael StoneAbout our guest DeAnna Avis is a speaker, consultant and coach on thriving through adversity. A former stripper, she climbed the ranks of corporate, taking on global leadership roles and winning multiple awards for her work in customer experience and culture change. She since went on to re-train as a therapist and coach, and uses her experience of adversity to uplift other leaders and entrepreneurs. Her mission is to conquer imposter syndrome through helping other ambitious misfits to embrace their unique brilliance.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Organisational, Service & Product Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road. Chris helps organisations become more customer-centric, and sets up systems within businesses to motivate teams to deliver against higher value outcomes. Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Nov 12, 2024 • 46min
E63 Beyond the simple "Thank You": The New Era of Customer Loyalty
Send us a text"The consumer, quite honestly, especially the younger generation, is looking for something more than just love me because I'm spending my money, they want to be connected to a brand." - Chris Gillen This week’s themeAs the CEO and co-owner of A Closer Look, Chris brings nearly three decades of expertise from the frontlines of retail and customer service, guiding brands through the labyrinth of CX transformation.Curious about how to leverage these insights to transform your own approach to customer experience? Tune in to hear Chris Gillen share practical strategies and visionary ideas that can help you stay ahead in this dynamic landscape. Don’t miss out—listen to the full episode now!In this episode, you’ll hear about:Emotive loyalty vs. Transactional loyalty.Impact of COVID-19 and inflation on CXThe role of AI in customer experience.Generational shifts in consumer behaviour.Proactive vs. Reactive customer service.The value of human connection.Proactive leadership in customer experience.Consumer empowerment and expectations.Innovation amid economic challenges.Key linksChris Gillen LinkedInA Closer Look Website A Closer Look Facebook PageA Closer Look X (Twitter ) PageToys R Us WebsiteTarget Website Burning Mountain Adventures LinkedIn About our guest As CEO and co-owner of A Closer Look, Chris leads the team towards achieving their vision of being the ultimate partner for brands fanatical about the customer experience. He is dedicated to building brand loyalty for clients of all industries by providing robust data about the first-hand experiences of all customers who interact with their brand.Chris’s experience in helping businesses iterate and improve their customer experience spans nearly three decades, including various leadership positions in retail companies known for phenomenal brand loyalty. His extensive expertise in leading and managing customer service programs has been instrumental in helping businesses improve their service offerings through the use of technology.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Oct 29, 2024 • 42min
E62 Your Workplace, you’re Centre-Stage: Improvisation Skills to Elevate your Connection and Impact at Work
Send us a text"Improvisers don’t have time to hypothesise about the future of an idea. If you bring me an idea or a brick, I can't consider if it’s viable for the rest of the show; I just have to trust that it is and know the process will land us somewhere interesting. In businesses, leaders often assess the future of an idea instantly and may deny it, rather than just saying, 'Yes, and let’s build on this idea.' The improviser remembers the past, honours the present, and cares not for the future." - Broni Lisle This week’s themeBroni Lisle, a seasoned improv performer with decades of experience, shares how the art of improvisation can radically reshape the way teams communicate, collaborate, and innovate. Drawing from his work both on stage and in business settings, Broni Lisle reveals how improv helps individuals embrace spontaneity, listen deeply, and create a culture of trust and openness. Tune in to discover how you can apply these game-changing improvisational techniques to your business. Broni’s insights are sure to spark creativity and open new doors for your team’s success. Listen now!In this episode you’ll hear aboutBuilding stronger communication in your teamFostering trust through vulnerability The importance of spontaneity and playfulnessOvercoming your inner critic and embracing innovationThe importance of listening to connect, not to respondRedefining the standard 'Yes, and' to a 'Hell Yeah'Key linksBroni Lisle LinkedInImprov Conspiracy podcastGrowth Factory websiteSpontoon TV on YouTubeAbout our guest Broni has been a professional performing artist and creative for 23 years. A theatre practitioner, writer, actor, songwriter, musician and all the et ceteras in between. Over a career of thousands of stage shows, international and national tours, radio play and countless hours in rehearsal rooms, Broni has distilled his values and passion in the performing arts down to a few things; authenticity, trust, and whimsy. These values dictate the projects and the people worth collaborating on and with.In addition, Broni holds degrees in Theatre and Education and is an expert teacher, director and facilitator of improvisation, theatre and music.Broni works with corporate individuals and teams on becoming better communicators, collaborators and improving their creativity, ultimately creating a happier workplace. About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Oct 15, 2024 • 58min
E61 Stress to Success: Practical Nutrition and Stress Management advice for Busy Professionals
Send us a text“Your health is the only thing that's keeping you there, doing your job. ... Your body might not give you that choice. ... You keep running at such a pace and we keep expecting our body to just sustain us, which it does, to a point, but at some point it might decide that's enough and it forces you to stop." - Cailie Ford This week’s themeCailie Ford, a clinical nutritionist with a background in change management, has channelled her passion for food and health into a thriving practice.Don’t let the demands of work jeopardise your health. Tune in to this episode and discover how to nourish your body and mind, so you can thrive both at work and in life.In this episode you’ll hear aboutCailie’s journey from change management to nutrition.Key areas Cailie targets in her wellness programmes.Bad habits in corporate environments and how to address them.Strategies for managing stress through nutrition and lifestyle changes.Easy adjustments for improving nutrition, including managing stress.Balanced breakfasts and intermittent fasting for women.Hydration Tips.Balancing weight loss goals with a busy work life.Physical activity in sedentary jobs.Mindful eating and simplifying nutrition.Key linksCailie Ford's Website Cailie Ford LinkedInCailie Ford Instagram About our guest Cailie is a motivational speaker, clinical nutritionist and accredited change manager. Cailie works with businesses and across the globe, providing customised workshops and programs to support employees to feel better and achieve more. Workshops and programs focus on the relationship between physical and mental wellbeing and their impact on business performance, working towards a healthier, happier and more engaged workforce. Cailie also runs a busy private practice, specialising in gut health, hormones, sustainable fat loss and women's health across the lifespan.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationallyFor weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Oct 1, 2024 • 52min
E60 Beyond Yoga and Fruit: Revolutionising Mental Health in Creative Workspaces
Send us a text“You just got to put the supports in place and show them why they're doing something and give them a reason for being, rather than just, you know, hey, here's a task. Get that done, and then I'll give your next one. We want stuff at work that feels rewarding and that shows that we are progressing in our work. And that, to be honest, is just being a good manager, being a professional business, showing people their pathways through your company. If you can do that, you'll improve mental health much better than yoga on a Thursday, meditation Monday morning, and some healthy fruit and snacks in the fridge.” Andy WrightThis week’s themeAndy Wright, the visionary CEO of Streamtime and founder of Never Not Creative, who is on a mission to revolutionise the way we think about mental well-being in our work environments.Andy Wright brings a wealth of experience and an innovative mindset to the table, revealing how he’s tackled pressing issues like anxiety and depression within the creative sector.Tune in to this episode for actionable insights and inspiring strategies to transform mental health practices in your creative workspace.In this episode you’ll hear about:Deciding focus and project attractionEnsuring action and impact in initiativesMental health experiences influencing methodViews on supporting graduates and internshipsDesign of work and its effects on mental healthStrategies for workplace mental health improvementEffective business approaches to mental healthManaging constant change and uncertaintyMethods for creating lasting changeKey linksAndy Wright LinkedIn Never Not Creative Website Creative Mornings where Andy gave a talk on mental healthEverymindAnxious Achiever PodcastStreamtimeInterbrand LandorR/GANever Not Finishing School Allies and Never Not CreativeHBR Article - the concept of the "ideal worker" and its impact on personal identity About our guest Andy is an experienced leader in the creative industry with a successful track record of business growth, and creating award winning innovative brands and products. Andy is the creator of Never Not Creative.Currently, CEO of Streamtime, project management software for the creative industry, Andy previously co-founded creative agency For The People, and worked in leadership positions at Interbrand, Landor and R/GA. Passionate about improving outcomes for emerging talent, mental health and recognising the value of creativity he founded Never Not Creative in 2018.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/