15 Minutes with the Boss

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!

John Longmire, Executive Director of Club Performance at the Sydney Swans and former AFL coaching champion, delves into the high-pressure world of sports leadership. He shares strategies for helping athletes focus amid stress and the importance of fostering teamwork through shared success. Longmire emphasizes that making mistakes is part of leadership, presenting his '7 out of 10' rule as a realistic approach. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning from player to coach and the need for vulnerability to support a team after defeats.

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.

In this conversation with Damien Nicks, the CEO of AGL and a seasoned energy-leader, listeners dive into the art of work-life balance. Damien shares his disciplined morning routine and discusses the vital lessons learned from his startup experiences in the US. He emphasizes the importance of making mistakes and adapting leadership styles for diverse teams. Damien also tackles the urgent challenges of transitioning Australia’s power system while ensuring affordability amidst rising living costs, highlighting why regular downtime is crucial for effective decision-making.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.