
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

May 5, 2025 • 21min
Holly Masters: Don't rush into a career, open every door and why she left a $15b company
In this week’s episode, Holly Masters, CEO of The McGrath Foundation talks about why having a non-linear career path is so enriching, how forming relationships and networking can lead to surprising results and why she left Estee Lauder to work in the for-purpose sector. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

Mar 24, 2025 • 19min
Nick Flood: Becoming MD at 37, asking ‘dumb’ questions and when will we achieve AGI?
Nick Flood, Managing Director of IBM Australia and New Zealand, shares his journey to leadership at a young age. He discusses the power of asking 'dumb questions' and how supportive bosses shape careers. Flood also dives into the future of artificial intelligence, predicting when it might surpass human intelligence. He emphasizes humility in leadership and the transformative potential of AI in addressing global issues like climate change and healthcare, showcasing IBM's innovative collaborations.

Mar 17, 2025 • 19min
Jason Johnson: Mistakes even top execs make in job interviews and using AI to help get a new job
Jason Johnson, the Founder and CEO of Johnson Partners, shares his expertise in executive recruitment, having worked with major clients like Westpac. He reveals common mistakes even top executives make during interviews and emphasizes the importance of building rapport and showcasing strategic vision. The conversation also touches on how AI can prepare candidates for success in job hunting and the transformative ideas from the book 'The 80/80 Marriage,' advocating for radical generosity in both professional and personal relationships.

Mar 10, 2025 • 19min
Jun Bei Liu: How to boost your confidence, blocking out naysayers and how tackle mistakes
In this discussion, Jun Bei Liu, the founder and lead portfolio manager at TenCap, shares her insights on transforming mistakes into stepping stones for success. She reveals how to block out negativity and champions the importance of self-advocacy for career advancement. Jun Bei recounts her journey from China to Australia, highlighting resilience in overcoming cultural challenges. Emphasizing continuous learning and ambition, she encourages listeners to dream big and communicate effectively to navigate their professional paths.

Mar 3, 2025 • 20min
John Carfi: Making a good first impression, giving up sugar, and why he doesn’t care about being liked in business
John Carfi, CEO of Ingenia and expert in affordable housing, shares his compelling insights on leadership and productivity. He emphasizes the value of being admired over being liked in business. John reveals how quitting sugar and processed foods transformed his focus and energy, enhancing his mental clarity. He also highlights the critical role of first impressions in building rapport quickly, along with practical tips for maintaining personal fulfillment amidst a busy schedule.
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