The Company Road Podcast

Send us a text“So it's about being able to marry the two, so quant and qual, and to be able to use either one to more deeply explore whatever pattern of behaviour you're trying to unpack...so I think bringing the two together is super powerful.” - Angela BlissThis weekAngela Bliss, a seasoned behavioural scientist and designer, shares her unique insights into how decisions are often made subconsciously, long before we’re aware of them. Angela has worked with top-tier companies and government bodies, seamlessly blending behavioural insights with creative execution.In this episode, Angela dives deep into the fascinating world where behavioural science meets data science, exploring how this powerful combination can transform the way organisations approach user experience (UX) research. She reveals how understanding subconscious decision-making can be the key to designing truly impactful products and services. Angela shares insights from her experience working with a major bank, where AI and behavioural science are reshaping internal and external campaigns. Angela discusses how organisations are shifting their risk appetite, driven by the need to innovate with AI.Tune in to this episode and discover how to harness the subconscious mind's power to drive better decisions.In this episode you’ll hear aboutWhat is the importance of quantitative data in design?How can designers overcome biases and improve their work?How can one check their own biases?What are the implications of making decisions before being consciously aware of them?What is the best way to understand a person’s point of view or decision-making?How can we design for cognitive ability, including cognitive decline?Key linksAngela Bliss LinkedInLondon School of Economics (LSE)National Australia BankTelstraNissanDepartment of Health (Victoria)Department of Transport (Victoria)"Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness" by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein"Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions" by Dan Ariely"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel KahnemanAbout our guest Angela Bliss is a behavioural scientist and designer with over 20 years of experience working with Australia’s largest businesses and government departments including NAB, The Reece Group, Wesfarmers Health, Department of Health, Victoria, Department of Transport, Victoria, Telstra, MYOB, Bunnings, Coles and Nissan. Angela works in the field of applied behavioural science, combining behavioural insights with creative execution across service, product and communication design. Angela is a member of the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists (GAABS) and holds degrees in economics and marketing, andFor weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text“I would put tech language and technologies in simple terms. So I pull it apart, put it, and put it back into simple terms that other people would understand. Because with my many years experience of working with tech people, sometimes it's quite difficult for non tech people understand what they talk about. And to make any decisions to purchase, let's say, any software, anyone who's not technical has to understand what it is, what problem is solving. And this is where I come on board and explain people how it's supposed to be. Like, if you're not technical person, I would explain, as a, like your five year old put it in simple terms for you.”Olga BubnovaThis month’s themeOlga Bubnova, a tech marketing and branding expert who’s spent 13 years helping companies simplify and thrive. Olga’s not just talking theory—she’s actively transforming businesses by bridging the gap between complex tech and everyday understanding. From industrial automation to AI, Olga has a unique gift for translating dense technical language into clear, actionable insights.In this episode, Olga shares her journey from translating embedded systems lingo into plain English to coaching businesses on how to present technology in a way that resonates with non-technical audiences. Whether you’re dealing with blockchain, cybersecurity, or just trying to make sense of software, Olga has tips that can help you break through the noise. Olga also unravels the common challenges faced by entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs alike, from the confusion of choosing the right tools to the paralysis that comes with tech overwhelm.If you’re ready to transform how your business approaches technology and cut through the noise, tune in to this episode. Learn how to stay ahead without getting lost in the tech shuffle.In this episode you’ll hear aboutWhat's different from normal marketing, and how does it help in the technology world?What were the words tech people were using that people didn't understand?How has Olga found, in her experience, the best ways to communicate technology to non-technical audiences? What are some major themes or strategies she focuses on?What are some steps that someone who isn't a technical person should take to understand a technology and translate it for the outside world?How would people within a software company, who aren't technical, go about learning things in the best way, do you think?How to help somebody reacting to tech overwhelm, how to facilitate a conversation to help them focus on the problem, challenge, or goal?Where should leaders look for insight and information about technological changes?How can leaders react more quickly to changes and adopt new technologies effectively?What advice would you give to entrepreneurs or leaders on setting up rituals that promote sharing knowledge about trends and technology within their teams?Key linksOlga Bubnova LinkedInTech Femme Fusion Website About our guest Olga is a tech marketing and branding expert, specialising in helping tech businesses stand out and attract new opportunities through strategic branding, marketing solutions, and powerful storytelling. Her expertise covers areas like industrial automation, tech start-ups, software development, blockchain, FinTech, cybersecurity, AI, and SaaS, and more.Olga is also the co-founder of a start-up named Tech Femme Fusion and hosts the "Marketing forFor weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text"A lot of the ideas are existing and being able to get permission and the space to be able to work on ideas that maybe might have been someone else's baby at some point, but being able to sort of take them on and nurture them." “Sometimes I like to refer to our team as the Lazarus team because they're sort of raising projects from the dead, but sometimes ideas are just not quite their time yet…being able to sort of resurrect that project, think about it slightly differently, and being able to communicate that internally is quite challenging when there's that rich history behind some of the sort of initiatives that are important but perhaps haven't been executed right in the past. ” - Shane BurfordDon’t miss this episode where Shane Burford lays out the blueprint for embedding innovation practices that deliver long-term value. Tune in now to learn how you can bring these strategies into your own organisation and elevate your game to the next level!In this episode you’ll hear aboutWhat is Shane Burford's background and expertise in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship?What are some of the hardest challenges faced in establishing new businesses within large organisations?What strategies are effective in resurrecting and repurposing old ideas within a company?How does the "build-measure-learn" approach influence innovation in a corporate setting?What are the challenges in working with core teams on innovation projects in established organisations?What role does data play in justifying the investment of time and resources in a new innovation initiative?How do you measure the success of a new product or service, especially when aiming for mass-market adoption?What happens when an innovation idea doesn’t work out as expected, and what lessons can be learned from such failures?What is the attitude towards failure in innovation teams, and how can it be used as a learning experience?How to balance strategic thinking versus action-oriented approaches in your innovation processes?How does top-down support from leadership impact the ability to drive innovation?How to manage the risk of political sensitivities when developing new ideas?How to manage the process of killing ideas when they don’t meet customer needs or organisational goals?Key linksShane Burford LinkedInCAR GroupNational Australia BankTelstraToyotaAbout our guest Shane is an entrepreneurial leader focussed on establishing new growth businesses within existing organisations. He is focussed on embedding innovation practices in organisations so that they can discover and incubate higher risk and longer term opportunities. Shane has worked in innovation at NAB, Telstra, Toyota and is currently building new businesses within CAR Group where he is Head of Design. With a background in product and design Shane is passionate about establishing new businesses that better solve customer needs whilst also delivering long term commercial and strategic value. For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text"I call myself a playful experience, and I really lean into the experience because that is where the magic happens. And if you create the playful experience the right way, you can draw out unexpected responses and unexpected underlying culture issues, because the power is solving a problem with a problem." - Trudi BoatwrightTrudi Boatwright is a playful experience designer extraordinaire. Trudi challenges the notion that solving problems has to be a boring affair.  She argues that by embracing playfulness, we can unlock new levels of creativity, improve communication, and foster stronger leadership.Trudi shares her fascinating career path, including her early experiences working in seemingly unrelated fields. She describes how she began incorporating playful elements into her work, even when it meant pushing boundaries. Trudi also discusses the challenges of introducing playfulness into traditional business cultures.Ready to experience the transformative power of play for yourself? Listen and discover Trudi's playful challenge that will help you see your problems in a whole new light!In this episode you’ll hear aboutThe surprising origins of taking a playful approach in your organisation How workplaces have evolved over timeHow playfulness can solve problems (especially in communication)The truth about multitasking (and how to focus better)Tips to become a better listenerHow to make presentations unforgettable The undeniable benefits of a playful workplaceWays leaders can foster playfulness within their teamsChallenges to overcome when bringing play to workHow to be more playful at work (without being disruptive)The future of AI in the workplace and the importance of human connectionKey linksTrudi Boatwright WebsiteTrudi Boatwright LinkedInE37 – Dara SimkinRoyal Children's HospitalDame Phyllis Frost CentreTarrengower PrisonThe Elements of Play Toward a Philosophy and a Definition of Play BY Scott G. EberleE46 – Chris MitchellAbout our guest Trudi is a Playful Experience Designer who specialises in solving problems with play! Working within the intersection of applied improvisation, design thinking and experiential learning, she leans on her Masters of Design Futures and 20 years of experience as an arts practitioner to use her playful learning theory to boost communication and connection.She is a professional speaker, coach, and writer, working within organisations and government departments to utilise play as a problem solver and leadership tool through workshops, activations, and keynotes. She creates immersive theatre through her theatre company, TBC Theatre, runs a menagerie household of kids, cats, dogs and fish and believes that playfulness has the capacity to solve some of our most wicked problems.About our hostOur host, For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text"Always give 110% in even that smallest line you draw on paper." - Sharbani DharSharbani Dhar, 2023 winner of the ISG Digital Titan Award and Founder and CEO of DotInfinity, a product and design consultancy. Sharbani started her career in architecture but her passion for problem-solving led her to design and user experience. She then migrated to Australia, facing the challenge of resetting her career due to a lack of local experience. Through perseverance and a focus on lifelong learning, she overcame these hurdles and built a successful career in design leadership. Listen and learn how to become a champion intrapreneur, equipped with the tools and mindset to push boundaries and make a positive impact within your organisation!In this episode you’ll hear aboutReinventing yourself: Sharbani's transition from architecture to UX design highlights the importance of embracing change and following your passions.Overcoming obstacles: Learn how Sharbani tackled the unique challenges faced by immigrants in the Australian job market.Authenticity in design: Discover why staying true to your values is crucial for creating impactful and user-centred solutions.The power of feedback: Sharbani shares practical advice for overcoming the fear of sharing work and seeking feedback, emphasising the importance of creating a safe space for teams to collaborate and innovate.Reframing failure: Explore the concept of "failure KPIs" and how embracing missteps can actually lead to greater success and innovation.Unravelling complexity: Sharbani reveals her strategies for breaking down complex problems and making informed decisions based on educated guesses about business impact and technical feasibility.Building alliances: Learn how to create strong relationships within your organisation by understanding the needs and motivations of your colleagues and stakeholders.The importance of diversity: Discover how diverse perspectives enrich problem-solving and lead to better outcomes.Navigating disagreements: Sharbani shares her approach to dealing with challenging personalities and fostering a collaborative environment.Key linksSharbani Dhar LinkedInDotInfinityAustralian Post (Auspost) Monash HealthDesign OutlookMiro Figma TelstraAbout our guest The 2023 winner of the ISG Digital Titan Award, Sharbani is the Founder and CEO of DotInfinity, a product and design consultancy.She champions design-led product strategies that harmonise customer-centric solutions with overarching business goals.Her expertise spans multiple sectors, including Government, Telecommunications, Finance, and Technology. An active community member, she volunteers as a Consumer Advisor for Monash Health and as an Advisory Board member for Design Outlook.Beyond her professional sphere, Sharbani explores her creative pursuits in film production, helping craft short films that illuminate socially relevant themes and mentoring young migrants trying to establish themselves professionally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text"I think it's adventure that drives me. So it's adventure that is at the heart of all of this. I didn't really enjoy school. I wasn't particularly good at school. I was diagnosed, you know, either dyslexic or dyspraxic or, you know, suffered from a bang on the head. But that wasn't until university. So school was kind of a constant experience of being told that I was smart but lazy, and it just didn't make sense to me. I wasn't very good at it. But then I worked. My first kind of career was in advertising, and I was very lucky, I think, to find places that valued people that thought differently."​ - Ben MasonBen Mason shares his journey of living and working remotely on a sailboat, discussing his background in strategy work and entrepreneurship, including his appearance on Dragon's Den. He describes the challenges of maintaining a balance between freelance work and boat life, his struggles with dyslexia and dyspraxia during school, and his innovative ventures like starting a pizza delivery social enterprise during COVID-19. He also talks about his current location in the Bahamas and plans to sail further.Dive deeper into his adventures and learn how to embrace a lifestyle of remote work and adventure by listening to this episode, be inspired by his journey and embark on your own path to freedom and innovation today!In this episode you’ll hear aboutBen Mason's background in strategy work, entrepreneurship, and appearance on Dragon's DenThe challenges of living and working remotely on a sailboatStruggles with school due to dyslexia and dyspraxiaBalancing freelance work with boat maintenanceThe feasibility and challenges of remote working, balancing client expectations with the realities of boat lifeFuture plans without limitsKey linksBen Mason LinkedInBen Mason TwitterFortnum & Mason Dragon’s DenAbout our guestCurrently a freelance CSO providing marketing consultancy including brand strategy, product innovation, naming and creative ideas, Ben works remotely from his sailboat.Previously Co-Founder at Love Triangle, a pizza delivery social enterprise launched summer 2020 during Covid lockdown. In the midst of lockdown they raised many thousands for a foodbank, met the King and employed over 100 people from the hard-hi hospitality industry.Previously Ben founded a baked beans startup that Richard Branson described as 'a pioneering business idea' and The Daily Mail described it as, 'twice as good as Heinz and 10 times tastier than Waitrose'. Check out Ben's appearance on Dragons' Den!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 For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text“When you were doing the intro, you know, you can just hear how diverse and broad the different types of roles or experiences and industries I've had were. I think you know some parts have been serendipitous right. Where you're just kind of following your instinct around what you enjoy like this constant search in your work for things where you feel good you know you're getting joy out of it you're learning you're collaborating with really clever people. That's like everything to me.” - Sam McCallumThis month’s themeSam McCallum shares insights from her extensive industry experience and strategic design background. Key topics include the importance of team alignment, the application of hypothesis-led experiments to address strategic scepticism, and maintaining work-life balance. Sam also emphasises the value of diversity, iterative feedback, and practical strategies for preventing burnout and ensuring effective project delivery.Gain valuable insights from industry expert Sam McCallum on strategic design, team alignment, and maintaining work-life balance. Listen now to elevate your business strategies and achieve successful project outcomes.In this episode you’ll hear aboutSam's background in strategic design and diverse industry experienceThe differences between consultancy and in-house rolesThe importance of strategic design in aligning with market trends and customer needsThe role of strategic designers in enabling executives and product teamsWhy it's important to bring people together for key project momentsHow hypothesis-led experiments can be used to address strategy skepticsThe benefits of diversity and inclusion in teamsThe value of iterative feedback in strategy development and the practical steps for implementing iterative processesThe importance of self-care and work-life balanceWays to avoid burnout and maintain energyKey linksOutfoxed.coSam McCallum LinkedInAbout our guest hostSam brings 19 years of diverse experience from consultancies, digital agencies and client-side leadership roles. Known for CX, strategic design, business design and innovation, Sam has a track record of successfully delivering new products and business models to market.Sam's industry experience includes Finance, Media, Telco, FMCG, Grocery, QSR, Retail, and Government, with roles including; Head of Experience Design at Latitude Financial, Head of Marketing at Fairfax Media, and Strategy Director at R/GA.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/

Send us a text"It felt like things were taking me into uncomfortable situations, and then learning from uncomfortable situations basically brought opportunity, and an opportunity then opened up other doors and things went from there. Really." - Chris HudsonThis month’s themeFor the past year, the Company Road podcast has been a beacon of inspiration for leaders and aspiring intrapreneurs. But today, the host, Chris Hudson, steps out of his usual role and into the interview chair.In this special episode, Nathan Bell, Chris's long-time colleague, delves into Chris's fascinating journey.  From a childhood marked by distance and isolation to a successful career in advertising, Chris shares the pivotal moments that shaped his outlook and his passion for helping others bring positive change to their workplaces.This introspective conversation is packed with valuable insights for anyone who wants to find their voice, embrace their individuality, and become a changemaker within their organisation. In this episode you’ll hear aboutHow Chris developed a view of the worldWhat made Chris feel like the world was against himWhen did Chris realise he needed to be more positiveWhat was Chris's moment of frustrationHow Chris found his tribe and rhythm within advertisingHow Chris learned to overcome adversityHow meeting his wife influenced his lifeThe challenges of balancing family life and a professional careerSome of Chris' tips for productivityHow Chris' experience as a father has made him a better leaderBalancing being a leader and being a role model for your childrenWhere Chris sees his company and podcast going in the futureKey linksThe Carrot CollectiveNathan Bell LinkedInAbout our guest hostNathan Bell, Founding Partner of the Carrot Collective has anchored his career at the intersection of research, strategy, design and cultural change. With over 25 years in advertising, brand strategy, large format immersive technology and the built environment, Nathan has led some of the world’s most pioneering brands, cities, and institutions to solve complex design and societal problems.About our guest (your normal host!)Our 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/

Send us a text“Any little action, no matter how small, can make a huge difference.” - Joel VermaasThis month’s themeJoel Vermaas, a seasoned researcher and founder of Vibrant Insights, breaks down the dramatic shift from traditional methods like face-to-face interviews to the data-driven approaches of today.Joel also shares his passion for the vast and ever-changing landscape of market research, highlighting the opportunity to delve into everything from consumer goods to life's most delicate moments.  Listen and gain valuable insights from their target audience and make informed business decisions.In this episode you’ll hear aboutHow research has transformed from traditional methods to a data-driven approach.Why critical skills are needed to thrive in the dynamic world of market research.What is the importance of "backwards market research" to focus on actionable outcomesHow to avoid common pitfalls that can derail your research efforts.The exciting world of choice modelling and its power to inform product development.How AI can be used to gather data and generate insightsKey linksVibrant InsightsLinkedIn Instagram Facebook The Research Society Australian Data Insights Association Mark Ritson’s article Backwards Market Research Joel Vermaas LinkedIn About our guestJoel is the founder of Vibrant Insights – a market research, insights and strategy agency at the intersection of commercial work and community, helping brands thrive. Joel has been in research for nearly two decades, and worked at some of Australia’s leading quantitative agencies.Joel started Vibrant Insights to demonstrate that businesses can balance mindful approaches, while remaining commercially viable.Joel, and Vibrant, does a great deal of work in the commercial space, with a range of publicly listed and private companies across property portals, digital, consumer packaged goods, quick-service restaurants, and even end-of-life (funerals, cremations, memorialisation). This includes brand/comms work, innovation, advanced techniques like segmentation and choice modelling, and harnesses a range of research tech.At the same time, it’s about building up a ‘peace chest’ from doing this commercial work, funding the ability to engage in pro-bono / low-bono work, helping not-for-profits, while also donating 10% of profits to charity.To Joel, it’s about a small sacrifice to profit and salary, to ultimately make the world a better place.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.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text“If you're going to take a role, there are three things that are important: a good problem to work on, good people to work on it with, and good leadership that you have faith in or you believe in."  - David BradfordThis month’s themeThis month we discuss the significance of identifying crossroads within our careers or organisations. In each episode, we explore the pivotal moments where decisions shape our professional trajectories, and strategies for navigating challenges and change as an employee or a leader. From career transitions and industry shifts to leadership changes and organisational restructuring, we unpack practical strategies, share success stories, and empower listeners to embrace challenges and change as a catalyst for growth and innovation.Rachel Zhang and David Bradford share their experiences building a high-performing team at Telstra. They discuss the importance of authentic leadership, fostering trust, and creating a space where everyone feels valued. You'll hear how they approach interviews differently, focusing on finding the right fit rather than just skills.Learn how to create a thriving team environment that embraces diverse perspectives and fosters innovation.In this episode you’ll hear aboutHow to maintain an open and authentic interview style, ensuring the right fit for both the role and the teamHow to create a space where introverts and other personalities can thrive in the workplaceHow to address the challenges of maintaining team connection and communication in a remote work environmentHow does bias in recruiting impact the hiring process, and what can be done to mitigate itHow does squad engagement and chapter engagement contribute to team morale and productivityHow to identify signs that an organisation may not be a good fit and how to navigate unexpected changes within an organisation.How to navigate unexpected challenges like market changes or innovation, manage conflicts effectively through communication and empathy, and promote authenticity as a superpower to build confidence and reduce stress in both personal and professional contextsKey linksTelstra Design Outlook RMIT University AKQA Accenture Parliament of Victoria Rachel Zhang on LinkedIn David Bradford on LinkedIn ANZ NABFor weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/