15 Minutes with the Boss

In this insightful conversation, Paul Graham, the Chief Executive of Australia Post, shares his unique, unstructured career path and the role curiosity has played in his leadership style. He discusses the importance of connectivity over sheer productivity in the workplace, revealing how intuition and meaningful interactions span cultures. Graham also reflects on the balancing act between work, personal growth, and family life, offering anecdotes that underscore the significance of being present for loved ones while navigating corporate transformations.

Kellie Parker, the Chief Executive of Rio Tinto in Australia, shares her journey of overcoming impostor syndrome while managing a major mining operation. She dives into her transformational leadership experience, revealing her strategies for balancing family, career, and personal growth. Kellie discusses the lessons learned from the Juukan Gorge disaster and emphasizes the importance of community engagement and health safety. Her insights on maintaining mental balance and personal well-being offer a refreshing perspective on leadership.

Celebrity chef Matt Moran, known for his acclaimed restaurants like Aria, shares insights from his bustling culinary world. He discusses the necessity of being nimble in a high-stress kitchen, and why he embraces work, even on holidays. Moran reveals his secrets to hosting the perfect dinner party, emphasizing preparation and delightful dishes. He also reflects on his transformative journey in the restaurant industry, highlighting the importance of resilience, team building, and the joys of farm life while dreaming of future travels.

Tony Lombardo, Chief Executive of Lendlease, shares his inspiring journey from his parents' migration to Australia to leading major projects. He emphasizes the crucial need to seize finite opportunities and discusses how personal tragedies fueled his ambition. Lombardo also reflects on the balance between being a CEO and a parent, revealing insights about leadership authenticity. Plus, he shares unexpected lessons from Dave Grohl on engaging audiences and the enriching perspectives gained from travel. Don't miss his thoughts on the surprising benefits of karaoke!

Debby Blakey, CEO of HESTA and a trailblazer in the superannuation sector, shares insights on her journey to leadership. She discusses her passion for mathematics and how it shaped her career. Debby reveals her innovative 42-minute meeting strategy, which boosts productivity. With an enjoyable storytelling style, she elaborates on overcoming public speaking anxiety and the importance of mentorship in growth. Emphasizing authenticity, she highlights the balance between responsibility and creativity in leadership.

James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, shares his journey from corporate mundanity to leading an adventure travel giant without formal qualifications. He reveals his disdain for routines and explains how a pay cut was a pivotal moment in his career. The discussion touches on leadership lessons from companies like Patagonia, the significance of adaptability in diverse office environments, and tips for navigating jet lag. Thornton also dreams of a year-long family adventure, balancing spontaneity with the joys of travel.

M&C Saatchi CEO Justin Graham talks about creativity in business, his desire to compete on Survivor, and how facing challenges head-on leads to better outcomes. The podcast also delves into his morning routine, career trajectory, insights from global markets, and the importance of embracing noise in the office environment.

Mel Silva, the Managing Director of Google Australia and New Zealand, shares her perspective on career development and leadership. She argues that sideways moves can be as beneficial as upward ones and stresses the importance of skill acquisition by age 40. Silva also humorously reveals her pet hate: lateness! Dive into her obsession with Beyoncé, the significance of effective communication in teams, and reflections on childhood aspirations, making for an engaging and insightful conversation.

Carlton Blues CEO Brian Cook discusses the pitfalls of being overly ambitious, the importance of second chances, and how embracing adventure in life can shape leadership and team success on this podcast.

Blackmores CEO Alastair Symington discusses managing energy, AI in health, and communication in China. Morning rituals, stress monitoring, and leadership challenges are explored. Chat GPT for personalized health journeys, AI in healthcare, and giving back to communities are also discussed.