15 Minutes with the Boss

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.

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.

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!

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.