15 Minutes with the Boss

Chris Andrews, chief executive of LaTrobe Financial, shares career insights rooted in commitment and patience. He argues that staying in one job longer fosters deep expertise and relationships, essential for professional growth. Morning routines and resilience from his athletic background shape his leadership style. Andrews reveals a powerful question he's introduced in meetings to minimize ego and encourage accountability. He also examines the role of technology in enhancing career paths and productivity in Australia.

In this week’s episode, Dr Toni Meath, principal and CEO of Melbourne Girls Grammar describes how a devastating moment in her personal life turned Plan A into an incredible Plan B, how introversion is her superpower and why you're probably smarter and braver than you think. This podcast is sponsored by PGIMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graham Kittle, Managing Partner of Heidrick & Struggles in Australia, opens up about how burnout unexpectedly led him to his dream job. He emphasizes the power of early mornings for productivity, mixing in his routine of coffee and surfing. Kittle shares transformative insights from navigating burnout through mentorship and the importance of strong professional networks. He highlights creativity through street photography as a tool for leadership and discusses how AI can enhance professional efficiency while advocating for resilience during tough career challenges.

Arnie Selvarajah, Co-CEO of Bell Financial Group, shares valuable insights on the importance of group success over individual accolades. He emphasizes the power of asking the right questions to gain a comprehensive view of any situation. Arnie also dives into his dynamic morning routine and pivotal career shifts that shaped his leadership philosophy. He advocates for collaboration and effective communication in navigating complexities, highlighting how thoughtful incentives can drive both individual and team achievements.

Lou Oppenheim, Executive Director of the Sydney Dance Company, transitioned from computational linguistics to the arts, merging data with creativity. She discusses how data reveals human stories and influences her decisions. Lou shares her joy in watching her staff thrive and highlights the shift in social dynamics in entertainment post-COVID-19. With a nod to her love for jazz singing, she emphasizes the emotional connections that drive both art and community engagement.

Ed Chung, Chief Executive of Technology One, shares insights on company transformations every seven years to adapt and thrive. He delves into how personal and professional reinvention is essential in the tech industry, shaped by pivotal career moments. Chung discusses mastering productivity while remaining flexible with your schedule. He also highlights the critical role of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need to define problems before seeking AI solutions, drawing parallels with the shift to cloud computing.

Paul Hitchcock, CEO of Patties Food Group, known for their iconic 4 and 20 pies, shares insights on effective leadership. He introduces his 'rule of three' to tackle non-performers and emphasizes the importance of quick restructuring to save time and resources. Paul also reflects on a failed product launch, discussing how lessons learned can drive future innovation. He reveals his transformative journey from self-doubt to confidence and his aspirations for future coaching roles in business and sports.

In this engaging conversation, Janine Allis, the founder of Boost Juice and a prominent figure on shows like Shark Tank, shares her inspiring journey and valuable insights. She discusses the importance of embracing opportunities and maintaining a structured routine as an entrepreneur. Janine dives into the significance of teamwork and effective communication in leadership, while also emphasizing lifelong learning and health practices for longevity. With a focus on a growth mindset, she encourages listeners to dismiss imposter syndrome and seize every chance that comes their way.

Matt Comyn, CEO of Commonwealth Bank and seasoned financial leader, shares insights from over two decades in banking. He emphasizes taking on tough challenges and personal accountability. Comyn discusses his health routine, advocating for exercise and sleep as keys to performance. He also reveals his preference for direct communication over email, aiming for deeper work and productivity. Additionally, he dreams of a year-long holiday to balance travel and family, while reflecting on personal growth and the importance of reconnecting with one's heritage.

Trevor Holland, the Australia New Zealand managing director of Lululemon, shares his journey from musical theatre to retail leadership. He discusses the fear of leaving a passion behind and the role of mentorship in navigating career transitions. Trevor emphasizes the importance of healthy habits, drawing insights from his favorite audiobook, 'Atomic Habits.' He also shares effective mindfulness strategies for personal growth and the transferable skills from performance that aid his professional journey.