
15 Minutes with the Boss
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.
Latest episodes

11 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 19min
Trevor Holland: Letting go in order to move forward, building healthy habits and searching out mentors
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.

8 snips
May 26, 2025 • 20min
Paul McGrath: Defying a 5% survival prognosis, the 'work hard' myth & 3 key elements to transform businesses
Paul McGrath, CEO of YHA Australia, faced a daunting 5% survival prognosis after being diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia. He shares powerful insights on why working harder isn't always the answer and reveals three key elements essential for transforming businesses. McGrath emphasizes the importance of mindset and resilience in overcoming challenges. He encourages listeners to prioritize quality over quantity in their work, championing effective communication and simplification as pathways to success.

12 snips
May 19, 2025 • 20min
Melinda Petrunoff: The 20% rule for growth, her undelivered TED talk and why you shouldn’t hide your ambition
In this discussion, Melinda Petrunoff, the Australian MD for Pinterest, shares her insights on embracing discomfort to foster growth. She emphasizes how communicating her career ambitions opened up new opportunities and the vital role of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Melinda also candidly talks about the challenges of raising identical twins, connecting parenting lessons with professional life, and the importance of balance and mindset in overcoming obstacles. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that encourages ambition and personal growth!

14 snips
May 12, 2025 • 20min
John Longmire: Performing under pressure, how to instil loyalty and the ‘seven out of ten’ rule
In this week’s episode, John Longmire, the executive director of club performance at the Sydney Swans talks about the relentless pressure athletes are under and the strategies they use to help them focus, how sharing the spoils of success can foster a positive work environment and why it's OK for senior leaders to make mistakes. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 snips
May 5, 2025 • 21min
Holly Masters: Don't rush into a career, open every door and why she left a $15b company
Holly Masters, CEO of The McGrath Foundation, previously led teams at Estee Lauder before pivoting to the non-profit sector. She discusses the value of a non-linear career path, sharing how unexpected relationships can create new opportunities. Holly emphasizes the critical role of breast care nurses and the impact of her organization on cancer support in Australia. She also shares insights on strategic success through morning routines and the importance of personal purpose in leadership, encouraging exploration in careers.

18 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 19min
Damien Nicks: Getting your work-life balance right, starting a business and why the next 10 years are crucial
On this week's episode, AGL CEO Damien Nicks talks about the value of unwinding on weekends, the challenges of starting a business from scratch, and the importance of getting outside of his comfort zone and making mistakes. This podcast is sponsored by AICDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 20min
Grant Hackett: The common trait winners share, sweating the small stuff and learning to be vulnerable
On this week’s episode, Generation Development Group CEO Grant Hackett talks about the lessons he learned from his failure at the 2008 Olympics, shares his experience of going through a divorce and the importance of vulnerability and reveals how "sweating the small stuff" has been a key factor in his significant business achievements. This podcast is sponsored by AICDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 19min
Damien Mu: Why your HQ matters, failing to get a promotion and why you should 'declare you intent'
Damien Mu, CEO of AIA Australia, shares insights on the vital role of health quotient in effective leadership. He reflects on overcoming career setbacks, including being passed over for a promotion, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. Damien discusses the necessity of clear communication and the practice of declaring intent in leadership. He also highlights the importance of morning routines and health metrics in boosting productivity, while questioning traditional approaches focused solely on outcomes without understanding the deeper motivations.

Apr 7, 2025 • 19min
Brett Woods: How to accelerate your career, exploiting ‘nearism’ bias and learning the hard way
In this week’s episode, the CEO of Beach Energy Brett Woods talks about his decision to work for a smaller company, how junior employees can benefit from engaging with the CEO, and how a deal he was working on failed. This podcast is sponsored by AICDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 20min
Janine Allis: Health hacks, why imposter syndrome is BS, and saying “yes” to everything
Janine Allis, the dynamic founder of Boost Juice and former Telstra Businesswoman of the Year, shares her insights on life and leadership. She passionately debunks imposter syndrome, encouraging listeners to embrace their worth. Janine emphasizes the power of saying 'yes' to opportunities, recounting her leap into entrepreneurship. She also dives into effective leadership strategies, promoting wellness and the importance of a proactive mindset for personal and professional growth. Tune in for inspiring hacks and transformative ideas!