

15 Minutes with the Boss
The Australian Financial Review
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 6, 2025 • 26min
Summer series: Extended interview of Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley
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.

Dec 16, 2024 • 20min
Tim Gurner: Unintended consequences of quitting alcohol, his challenging interviewing technique and the purpose of gratitude
Tim Gurner, a renowned property developer and wellness advocate, shares his transformative journey after quitting alcohol, revealing enhanced sleep and energy levels. He discusses the significance of his daily gratitude journal, a habit he picked up during COVID to alleviate stress. Tim also recounts invaluable life lessons from a pivotal mentorship and shares a unique interview technique designed to test adaptability in job candidates. His insights into resilience and personal growth make for a compelling conversation!

20 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 20min
Kim McKay: Why networking is 'BS', signs of a ‘lousy’ boss and why rehearsing for job interviews is underrated
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.

Dec 2, 2024 • 19min
Greg Keith: Finding happiness at work, what he 'hates' about coffee breaks and the benefits of a nine-day fortnight
In this week’s episode, CEO of Grant Thornton Greg Keith talks about the pros and cons of a nine-day fortnight, he reveals his two office pet hates and provides tips for finding happiness at work. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 19min
Kate Farrar: The key to getting a promotion, controlling the uncontrollables and why she wakes up at 4am
Kate Farrar, CEO of Brighter Super, shares her journey in the superannuation world, revealing the secrets to getting promotions within her organization. She discusses the challenges of leadership, including balancing perfectionism with team dynamics. Kate also opens up about her morning routine, waking up at 4am to tackle emails and prioritize wellness. She reflects on a significant career transition and the importance of seizing opportunities while managing stress with breathing exercises and personal hobbies.

Nov 18, 2024 • 19min
Sally-Ann Williams: What not to do in a job interview, the key to making better decisions and leveraging self-awareness for success
In this week's episode, Sally-Ann Williams, CEO of Cicada Innovations, reveals her secret to making better decisions. She discusses how she thrives at times when there are no obvious answers and reveals a key don't in job interviews. Take it from her. She's been there. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 11, 2024 • 19min
Paul Scurrah: From AFL to the boardroom, how to stand down 8000 people empathically and the secrets to avoiding distractions
In this week's episode Paul Scurrah, CEO of Pacific National, talks about redefining success in times of crisis, the importance of balancing shareholder, customer and employee interests to avoid problems, and his secret to a productive day starts by building a "focus moat". This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 4, 2024 • 19min
Why Mike Schneider spends so much time in Bunnings stores and why retail wasn’t his first career choice
In this week's episode Mike Schneider, the Managing director of Bunnings Group, talks about his journey as an accidental retailer, having a consistent and honest leadership style, his willingness to take risks but accepting when mistakes happen and putting things right. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 28, 2024 • 19min
Kyle Faulconer: Why coming out was a tipping point for this CEO, lessons from losing $30m and how to reset like a superhero
In this week's episode, PepsiCo AU/NZ chief executive Kyle Faulconer talks about the valuable lessons learnt from a $30m mistake, how to energise staff with superhero micro breaks, and the benefits of having a personal board of directors. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 21, 2024 • 19min
Cynthia Scott: The competition she 'hates' most, reframing the word 'no' and calling the police with Thierry Henry
In this week's episode, Zip Co chief executive Cynthia Scott talks about her dislike of inter-departmental competition, how she overcame her fear of the word 'no', and why she had to call the police when she brought the English Premiership League Trophy to Australia. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie BroadbandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


