CEO: Behind the Scenes

Is ESG just another corporate buzzword – or the key to long-term success? In this episode, Francesco Di Ciommo, President and CEO of FDC Consulting Digital ESG, reveals how sustainability has evolved from a compliance checkbox into a true driver of profitability and innovation. Di Ciommo shares how he transformed his own company by embedding ESG principles into its business model, proving that responsible leadership and growth can coexist. He explains why sustainability is no longer optional, how next-gen consumers are reshaping corporate strategy and what practical steps every organization can take to stay ahead. This conversation challenges traditional thinking about what it means to build a successful, future-ready business. Listen now to discover why embracing ESG might be the smartest business move you make. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Francesco Di Ciommo and FDC Consulting Digital ESG: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-diciommo Website: https://fdcesg.com/en/

Water security is the crisis hiding in plain sight – and most of us don't realize how close we are to the edge. In this episode, Francois Gouws, Managing Director of TRILITY, reveals why major cities are heading into another drought, how 100-year-old underground infrastructure is quietly failing beneath our feet and why the water we take for granted could become our scarcest resource. Gouws discusses why desalination and recycled water are no longer optional and how AI and robotics are revolutionizing the way we predict pipe failures before disaster strikes. Packed with insights on climate adaptation and the hidden technology keeping cities alive, this conversation will change how you think about the water flowing from your tap.  Listen now to discover how collaboration is preparing Australia for the crisis ahead. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Francois Gouws and TRILITY: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francoisgouws Website: https://trility.com.au/

Many believe manufacturing can't compete in high-cost markets like Australia, but Greg Stack, CEO of Nexans, proves otherwise. In this episode, Stack reveals how his company maintains profitable manufacturing operations despite higher labor and energy costs and why the ‘Made in Australia’ advantage is more valuable than ever. Stack discusses the E3 operating model that balances economic, environmental and engagement goals and the recycling breakthrough that achieved 30 percent circularity. Packed with insights on localizing global strategy, leading transformation in resistant markets and finding your differentiated value proposition, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom about manufacturing viability. Listen now to discover why being selective about your markets might be the key to sustainable manufacturing success. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Greg Stack and Nexans: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-stack-55866a24 Website: https://www.nexans.com.au/

Most leaders spend their energy defining goals and aligning teams, but Martin U Ripple, Group CEO of ANCA, reveals why the real work begins after that. In this episode, Ripple introduces the DAAD framework and explains why defending your strategy against distractions is where 80 percent of leadership energy should go. Ripple discusses why the best engineers often make poor managers, how to build a team of respectful contrarians and the Mercedes smart car lesson that shows why real innovation needs its own ecosystem. Packed with insights about pivoting and disruptive thinking, this conversation challenges conventional leadership wisdom. Listen now to discover why learning to say no might be the most important skill you develop as a leader. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Martin U Ripple and ANCA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinurippleceo Website: https://machines.anca.com/

Matthew Wilkins, Founder and CEO of Venergy Solar Australia, discusses how he transformed a small solar startup into a national leader. He emphasizes the importance of doing less but better, strong contractor partnerships, and the role of battery storage in energy resilience. Matthew shares insights on scaling operations, cultivating a growth mindset, and the value of ethical decision-making. He also reflects on personal changes and the importance of treating everyone well in business.

Verne Harnish, Founder and CEO of Scaling Up and a prominent voice in entrepreneurial growth, shares key insights into scaling businesses. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity-driven leadership and nurturing company culture while maintaining pricing power. Harnish reveals how great CEOs identify constraints and the need for strategic pricing models. He advocates for a coaching approach in management, encouraging modern compensation structures that reward top talent without pushing them into unwelcome roles. A fascinating discussion for any aspiring leader!

What if one of your most effective brand levers isn’t a campaign – it’s what your people wear every day? In this episode, Pamela Jabbour, Founder and CEO of Total Image Group (TIG), breaks down how intentional uniform design boosts confidence, signals values and delivers real ROI.  Jabbour shares the hard lessons behind her ‘no client over five percent’ rule, how B Corp certification reshaped operations without blowing the budget and why details – collars, pockets and trims – separate forgettable from iconic.  We also get into leadership habits: the power of the pause, ‘kill it with kindness’, reframing imposter syndrome into preparation and building sustainable growth as TIG expands into New Zealand. Listen now to learn how to turn uniforms into strategy – and culture – one thoughtful detail at a time. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Pamela Jabbour and Total Image Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-jabbour-875a2325/  Website: https://totalimagegroup.com.au/ 

The journey from founder to true CEO is statistically nearly impossible – 97 percent of businesses fail within 10 years. In this episode, Brandon Dawson, Co-Founder, CEO and Chairman of Cardone Ventures and 10X Health System, reveals what separates the rare few who break through to build nine-figure companies. Dawson discusses the critical distinction between founders and CEOs, the three questions that expose fake experts and why execution always matters. Having built two multimillion-dollar companies from the ground up in just 60 months, he shares the belief-action-results framework and leadership evolution that determines whether businesses stagnate or scale beyond US$25 million. Packed with insights on entrepreneurial intuition versus executive awareness, confidence versus ego and the depression trap catching 80 percent founders post-exit, this conversation delivers brutal honesty about what it takes to become a real CEO. Listen now to discover where you sit on the founder-to-CEO spectrum and what you must do differently to break through. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Brandon Dawson and Cardone Ventures: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmdawson Website: https://cardoneventures.com/

Family business succession rarely goes according to plan, but few stories are as dramatic as that of AME Systems. In this episode, Nick Carthew, AME Systems Managing Director, opens up about taking over a company torn apart by family conflict, being given just six months to prove himself and then facing unimaginable challenges that tested everything he'd built. Carthew discusses the falling out that nearly destroyed the business, the difficulties involved in such a rapid transformation and why the board initially had little faith in him. He shares candid insights on leading through loss, the power of company culture during crisis and why his employees took pay cuts and renegotiated mortgages to save the business. Packed with raw lessons on succession planning and loyalty that survives anything, this conversation reveals what it really takes to carry a legacy forward. Listen now to hear one of the most honest CEO stories you'll ever encounter. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Nick Carthew and AME Systems: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-carthew-4314ba32 Website: https://amesystems.com.au

What if the key to exceptional leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about how you view the people around you? In this episode, Stefan Vermeulen, Managing Director of Nespresso Oceania, reveals his transformative leadership philosophy and the five-part framework that has guided his 15-year journey with one of the world’s most iconic brands. Vermeulen discusses his “5Cs” leadership model, why vulnerability is actually a sign of strength and how building your own personal board of advisors can accelerate your growth. He also shares insights on leading through legacy, balancing global brand consistency with local innovation and how assuming good intentions changed how he approaches every leadership challenge. Packed with practical frameworks and real-world examples from sustainability initiatives to team dynamics, this conversation offers a masterclass in authentic leadership for today’s complex business environment. Listen now to discover the mindset shifts that separate good leaders from truly great ones. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Stefan Vermeulen and Nespresso: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-vermeulen-a1b2736 Website: https://www.nespresso.com/