

15 Minutes with the Boss
The Australian Financial Review
15 Minutes with the Boss is a podcast that gives listeners exclusive access to some of the top CEOs in the country.
Each week AFR BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with a prominent leader and asks them to share the invaluable advice and wisdom they have accumulated throughout their careers.
For stories of success and failure and everything in-between, search and follow 15 Minutes with the Boss. It’s 15 minutes you can’t afford to miss.
Each week AFR BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with a prominent leader and asks them to share the invaluable advice and wisdom they have accumulated throughout their careers.
For stories of success and failure and everything in-between, search and follow 15 Minutes with the Boss. It’s 15 minutes you can’t afford to miss.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2025 • 18min
The biohacking therapies this muesli boss does each morning
When it comes to her morning routine, Carolyn Creswell describes herself as a bit of a “biohacker”, trying out different types of alternative therapies. But it’s not just in the mornings that the founder of Carman’s Kitchen explores new ways to get the most out of each day; the chief executive is also looking to AI to boost the company's productivity. This week, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out about the career and lifestyle hacks of this muesli boss. This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 20min
Medibank's CEO reveals his secret to managing stress
David Koczkar reached exhilarating heights during the launch of Jetstar, but the stressful role came at a cost. In this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the chief executive of Medibank to find out how he learnt a new, more mindful pace of leadership. This podcast was sponsored by 5 in 5 with ANZ podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 22, 2025 • 17min
The ‘marketing genius’ of property whisperer Monika Tu
Ready to retire at 45, everything changed for Monika Tu when she met her third husband and took on a whole new career. In this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the founder of property concierge Black Diamondz Group to find out how the celebrity agent rose to the top of luxury real estate. This podcast was sponsored by 5 in 5 with ANZ podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 18, 2025 • 1min
Trailer: ‘How I Made It’ Returns September 22
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.

4 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 18min
How a pair of shoes kick-started this CEO’s career
Mark Teperson, Chief Executive of Baby Bunting and a former footwear retailer, shares his unconventional journey into retail. He reveals how a simple shoe sale shifted his career focus from finance to retail management. Mark discusses the resilience he developed through school challenges and emphasizes that time is the most valuable resource in career growth. He also highlights the influence of family on his choices and reveals his favorite interview questions that assess honesty and work style.

Sep 8, 2025 • 20min
How Clayton Utz's top lawyer made partner at 29 years old
Clayton Utz chief executive partner Emma Covacevich always tells her grads to keep an open mind: sometimes your career “true love” can arrive in unexpected places. This week, the leader of one of Australia’s top-tier law firms speaks to BOSS editor Sally Patten about how an unexpected move to Melbourne helped propel her to partner at the age of 29. This podcast was sponsored by 5 in 5 with ANZ podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 18min
Luke Mangan went broke at 35. Now he’s one of hospitality’s biggest stars
Join celebrity chef Luke Mangan, an influential restaurateur in Australia with nine venues and five cookbooks to his name, as he discusses his remarkable journey through the culinary world. He shares the importance of resilience, revealing how he transformed setbacks into success and advocates for positive leadership and inclusivity in kitchens. Luke also reflects on morning routines that fuel creativity and the importance of detail in dining, emphasizing the need for adaptability and customer feedback in the ever-evolving restaurant landscape.

16 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 20min
Kellie Hush: Never take your eye off the customer and the surprising benefits of mixing sport with fashion
Kellie Hush, the Chief Executive of Australian Fashion Week and co-founder of The Volte, shares insights drawn from her dynamic career in fashion journalism. She reflects on how her former boss inspired her ambition and the optimism that guides her leadership. Kellie amusingly discusses her preference for soccer boots over spreadsheets, highlighting the importance of aligning brand vision with customer aspirations. The conversation also touches on the mixing of sports and fashion, showcasing how diverse interests can enrich one's professional journey.

Aug 18, 2025 • 19min
Simon Banks: How to gain mindfulness from manual work and why leadership requires both the head and heart
Simon Banks, Managing Director of PayPal Australia, leads with a unique blend of intellect and empathy. He shares how manual work helps reset his mind and enhances mindfulness. Simon discusses the necessity of accountability in leadership, emphasizing transparency for team growth. Reflecting on the challenges of expanding a FinTech startup, he highlights the resilience needed in setbacks while maintaining personal passions. His insights on blending emotional engagement with professional responsibilities offer a refreshing perspective on effective leadership.

Aug 11, 2025 • 20min
Christelle Young: Radical transparency and a daily matcha ritual
Editor of BOSS Sally Patten sits down with Christelle Young, the managing director of T2 in Australia, to talk about the importance of being honest with staff, what she learnt from a 10-day silence retreat and why matcha tea is taking the world by storm. This podcast is sponsored by PGIMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.