15 Minutes with the Boss

Being in charge of one of Australia’s biggest food and drink companies was never part of Pete Findlay’s plan. But the chief executive of Bega Group knows how beloved the brands are: “Never go messing with the Vegemite recipe. We do not touch that.” In the final episode of season three of 15 Minutes with the Boss, host Sally Patten finds out what this dairy products boss has for breakfast and why it’s not just protein he's focussed on. This podcast was sponsored by Vanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, Liz Hughes, CEO of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, shares her time-tested secrets for mastering public speaking. With a background in creative education, she emphasizes the importance of tailoring messages and embracing vulnerability to connect with audiences. Liz also offers practical stage techniques, like using marked scripts and paced breathing. Her insights into career choices and the impact of communication mistakes make this conversation a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their speaking skills.

Tim Hellyer, Country Head for State Street with a rich background in asset management, shares his career trajectory and leadership insights. He reflects on a pivotal $100 million project that honed his management skills. Admiring cricketer Pat Cummins, he praises his principled leadership style. Hellyer discusses the impact of AI on operations, highlighting its potential to transform asset servicing. He also emphasizes the importance of focusing on the big picture in career decisions and reveals a passion for property development.

Russell Cohen, CEO of PEXA, shares his insights from building businesses globally and discusses the universal fear of accountability. He emphasizes the value of candidness in leadership, arguing that embracing mistakes fosters a strong culture. Russell also reflects on pivotal career moments, including launching a SoftBank business in Japan and pivotal decisions during Grab's acquisition of Uber. He encourages open communication between leaders and their teams, and amusingly reveals that if he weren't a CEO, he'd pursue a career as a chef.

Rita Butera, Chief Executive of BreastScreen Victoria, is a seasoned public health leader known for her focus on cancer screening. She shares insights on her rigorous hiring practices, emphasizing the need for thorough referee checks and a beyond-skills approach. Rita also discusses her transformative career journey, the launch of the 1800 My Options helpline, and a whimsical desire to swap roles with an AFL team. Additionally, she reflects on the joys and challenges of parenting twins and imagines a creative life in Italy.

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone shares his journey from a hit restaurant in Beverly Hills to a $4 million flop that transformed his career approach. He discusses the importance of hands-on leadership, empowering teams, and embracing failures as learning experiences. Curtis also dives into his daily routines, stress relief through exercise, and his passion for gardening and winemaking. His insights into transitioning from cooking to media highlight the challenges of public speaking and leadership, offering practical advice for aspiring chefs and leaders.

In this discussion, Therese Frangie, the dynamic CEO of Oporto, shares her journey from clashing with a founder at Mad Mex to a deeper understanding of ego's role in leadership. She reveals how a business coach transformed her approach to conflict management. Therese emphasizes the importance of choice in responding to challenges and highlights the value of relationships for career advancement. She also discusses fostering a positive culture at Oporto, acknowledging personal circumstances, and her passion for empowering others through speaking.

Kristian Fok, the CEO of Cbus, leads Australia's $105 billion superannuation fund with a unique perspective shaped by his actuarial background. He discusses the challenges of navigating crises, like delayed insurance payments, and how these moments reveal the double-edged sword of leadership. Kristian emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking in decision-making and shares insights on the best growth sectors today, including AI and biotech. He also reflects on the difficulties of making tough people decisions, revealing the emotional weight behind leadership.

Professor Shelley Dolan, Chief Executive of Royal Melbourne Hospital, shares her journey from nursing to leadership, highlighting the challenges of managing stress in healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one's gut instincts in decision-making, recounting a pivotal moment when she corrected a pressured report that felt wrong. Dolan also discusses balancing short-term pressures with a long-term vision, daily stress management tactics, and her dedication to connecting with the hospital's diverse community. Plus, a glimpse into her unexpected path from aspiring theater director to nursing!

In this engaging discussion, Alex Pollak, Chief Investment Officer of Loftus Peak and a pioneer in tech investments, shares his journey from Macquarie Bank to focusing on disruptive technologies. He reflects on his life-changing meeting with SEEK founders and how it reshaped his approach to investment. Alex dives into the significance of machine learning, highlighting his 2016 investment in NVIDIA. He emphasizes the importance of culture in fund management and reveals his process for sourcing great investment ideas through unstructured conversations.