15 Minutes with the Boss

Anthony Seibold, head coach of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, shares his leadership lessons from CBA CEO Matt Comyn and his thoughts on the pressure faced in high-profile coaching roles. He discusses the significance of mental resilience, morning routines for wellness, and personal reflections on coaching failures. Seibold also critiques the mindset behind 'she’ll be right,' advocating for proactive solutions in sports. His insights into team morale and the importance of understanding in coaching provide a fascinating look into the dynamics of leadership in sports.

Jane Lu, Founder and CEO of Showpo, shares her fascinating journey from accounting to the thriving fashion world. She reveals why her husband reminds her she’s 'not special' and discusses the secrets behind her daily routine, including her unique sleep habits. Jane opens up about her unconventional decision to hide her job change from her parents and dives into the importance of resilience and risk-taking in business. With a playful take on entrepreneurship, she inspires listeners to embrace challenges and learn from failures.

Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney and former leader in journalism, discusses the value of seizing opportunities over rigid career planning. He highlights how maintaining relationships is crucial for executives and shares insights from his experiences managing challenges in complex environments, particularly related to the Middle East. Scott also reflects on the importance of personal growth through literature and the necessity of balancing career ambitions with meaningful connections in life.

Scott Hartley, the Chief Executive of Insignia Financial, shares his transformation from redundancy at NAB to leading a thriving company. He emphasizes how a challenging career shift pushed him toward personal reflection and effective leadership. With insights on building a high-performance culture, Scott discusses the importance of understanding team motivations and fostering meaningful connections. He also reveals his early morning routines and dreams of spending a year exploring photography and family connections, aiming for adventure and inspiration.

Matt Comyn, CEO of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and leader of 50,000 employees, discusses his journey through leadership and the importance of tackling tough challenges. He shares insights on how a flexible morning routine and prioritizing health can manage stress. Comyn believes in minimizing email use for better productivity and emphasizes sleep, exercise, and recovery for peak performance. He also touches on the evolution of his public speaking skills and the significance of reconnecting with personal heritage through language learning.

In this insightful discussion, Adam Powick, the CEO of Deloitte Australia, dives deep into the nuances of leadership and feedback. He shares how perceptions shape careers, revealing the sacrifices of time away from family for professional pursuits. Adam emphasizes the importance of balance and self-awareness while navigating modern challenges like generative AI and prompt engineering. His thoughts on resilience in personal and professional realms, alongside reflections on balancing work with passions, offer a compelling look into the life of a CEO.

In this engaging discussion, Melanie Silva, the Managing Director of Google in Australia and New Zealand, shares her insights on leadership and the power of intentional communication. She reflects on how her experiences as a mother shape her leadership style and emphasizes the importance of role models for aspiring individuals. Melanie also explores the art of negotiation, highlighting empathy and effective communication as key for cultivating long-term workplace relationships. Her journey underscores the value of resilience and navigating career challenges with self-awareness.

Tom Harley, Chief Executive of the Sydney Swans and former AFL player, reflects on his impactful career journey. He discusses the lessons learned from the 2008 Grand Final loss, emphasizing the importance of leadership shaped by personal failures. Tom shares insights on balancing work and family, influenced by his father's parenting style. He also addresses mental health, team dynamics, and productivity hacks, revealing how clear values and self-reflection play crucial roles in achieving success and maintaining a positive outlook.

In our season finale of 2024, property developer and Rich Lister Tim Gurner discusses what he discovered by giving up alcohol, why he keeps a gratitude journal and the life changing advice he received from a 'hippie'. 15 Minutes with the Boss returns on January 28th 2025 but to keep you entertained until then we are releasing extended interviews of our favourite episodes as part of our Summer series from January 7. Happy holidays from the team at AFR podcasts. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim McKay, CEO of the Australian Museum, candidly discusses her views on networking, dismissing it as overrated and advocating for genuine connections instead. She shares valuable insights into job interview preparation, emphasizing the need for practice and authenticity. Reflecting on her evolution as a leader, she reveals how being labeled a 'lousy' boss shaped her growth. McKay also encourages resilience and lifelong learning as keys to success, challenging the notion that social metrics define achievement.