
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

Feb 19, 2024 • 18min
Why Aware Super’s CEO Deanne Stewart broke down after being promoted
Aware Super CEO Deanne Stewart discusses overcoming fear and self-doubt in her career growth, the importance of leaders in shaping company culture, and her interest in psychology for personal growth.

Dec 11, 2023 • 18min
How the Y2K bug reset Opera House CEO Louise Herron's career
Louise Herron, CEO of the Sydney Opera House, discusses managing stakeholders, morning routines, pivotal career moments, coping mechanisms for stress, and the importance of taking opportunities.

Dec 4, 2023 • 18min
AirBnB boss Susan Wheeldon on the perils of being too good at negotiation
AirBnB country manager, Susan Wheeldon, discusses the drawbacks of being too good at negotiation, her pet office hate, and her journey into making unicorn cupcakes.

Nov 27, 2023 • 18min
Airtasker CEO Tim Fung on the redundancy that made his career
Tim Fung, the founder and CEO of Airtasker, shares his journey from redundancy to entrepreneurship. He discusses how crises can be a springboard for unexpected opportunities while shedding light on his innovative no-meeting Fridays that boost productivity. Tim opens up about balancing newfound parenthood with personal wellness, including his intermittent fasting journey. He emphasizes cultivating curiosity over judgment in leadership and reflects on work-life balance aspirations, including exciting plans for mountaineering adventures.

Nov 20, 2023 • 19min
Why Insignia CEO Renato Mota was once told to make more mistakes
Renato Mota, CEO of Insignia Financial, discusses embracing risk, challenging the status quo, and the importance of allowing the mind to wander. He shares his morning routine, the power of making mistakes, and the negative consequences of remote working on mental health. The podcast also explores the impact of leadership philosophy and generative AI in the financial advice industry. Additionally, it delves into the trade-off between company time and family time for CEOs, emphasizing the significance of people, culture, and relationships.

Nov 13, 2023 • 19min
Why Luxury Escapes CEO Adam Schwab runs marathons in bare feet
Adam Schwab, co-founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, shares intriguing insights from his journey in the travel industry. He discusses the personal lessons learned from taking a break from his business and why he admires Netflix's Reed Hastings. Adam also delves into his daily routine, revealing how barefoot running has changed his life and reduced injuries. He speaks candidly about his transition to vegetarianism, motivated by health and ethics, and how it surprisingly boosted his athletic performance.

Nov 6, 2023 • 18min
How CoreLogic CEO Lisa Claes walks fine line between burnout and development
Lisa Claes, Chief Executive of CoreLogic International, shares insights from her extensive experience leading a property research firm with a global reach. She emphasizes finding the balance between comfort and burnout, revealing her unique morning routine for mental stamina. Claes redefines leadership, focusing on team unity over expertise. Engaging in a playful segment, she shares productivity hacks and the power of creative activities for personal growth. Finally, she reflects on prioritizing work-life balance, stressing family time and personal interests.

Oct 30, 2023 • 18min
Bega Group boss Barry Irvin on why empathy is a deal maker's secret weapon
Barry Irvin, executive chairman of Bega Group and chair of Giant Steps, shares insights into leadership driven by empathy. He discusses the power of vocalizing daily goals and the balance between personal challenges and career demands, particularly as a father of a profoundly autistic son. Irvin emphasizes the importance of good manners in negotiations, drawing from personal experiences and advocating for respect in professional relationships. He also dreams of a long-distance trek, highlighting how such journeys can rejuvenate the mind.

Oct 23, 2023 • 18min
Why DigitalX CEO Lisa Wade uses 'hippie trippy' methods to combat stress
In this conversation, Lisa Wade, the innovative CEO of DigitalX, shares her passion for habits and mindfulness in high-pressure environments. She reveals her transformative morning routine, which includes wellness practices like yoga and meditation, crucial for managing stress. Lisa discusses the dual impact of AI on finance, emphasizing the importance of resilience and engagement. She also highlights the significance of pursuing passions and the calming effects of mindful travel as a way to navigate challenges.

Oct 16, 2023 • 18min
How embracing failure has helped Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley
Tom Harley, CEO of Sydney Swans and former Geelong captain, shares his insights on embracing failure and its role in personal growth. He discusses the importance of morning routines and exercise for productivity and reflects on how family influences career decisions. Harley also emphasizes managing technology use to boost efficiency and offers strategies for addressing team conflicts constructively. Additionally, he shares his passion for skiing and how it fosters a sense of balance in life, blending personal joy with family connections.
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