

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

Mar 11, 2024 • 18min
Google Australia boss Mel Silva reveals her pet hate
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.

Mar 4, 2024 • 20min
The downfall of being too ambitious with Carlton Blues CEO Brian Cook
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.

Feb 26, 2024 • 18min
How to be the CEO of your own career with Blackmores boss Alastair Symington
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.

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.


