CEO: Behind the Scenes

Great leaders aren’t driven by popularity – they’re defined by purpose, clarity and the courage to stand for something real. In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes, Anthony De Fazio, CEO of BankVic, shares how choosing respect over approval reshaped his leadership and strengthened the organization at every level. De Fazio explains how returning to foundational identity transformed culture, drove sustainable growth and deepened BankVic’s bond with the police and emergency services community. He also reflects on the realities of leadership – the isolation at the top, the need for decisiveness and the power of authenticity when pressure is highest. If you’re a CEO, founder or leader who wants to scale without losing your purpose, this conversation offers clear and practical guidance.   Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com   Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal     Follow Anthony De Fazio and BankVic: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydefazio Website: https://www.bankvic.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marcus Zeltzer, Co-founder and Managing Director of Yellow Canary, shares his insights on hiring, culture, and the challenges of scaling startups. He discusses how the wrong hiring decisions can hinder growth and the pivotal role of compliance in building trust within teams. Zeltzer reveals the impact of AI on workforce dynamics and the importance of strategic, long-term planning. He also reflects on the evolution from founder to CEO and the critical decision-making that shapes a company’s future. A must-listen for aspiring leaders!

When Michelle Aquilina became CEO of MoleMap Australia and New Zealand, the company was in financial distress and lacked a clear identity. Today, it's a global leader in skin cancer detection, combining clinical expertise with proprietary AI technology that achieves 95 percent accuracy. In this episode, Aquilina discusses the boldness required to take the first steps with AI technology, why human clinicians will never be replaced in healthcare and how she led her team through integrating Kāhu AI into clinical workflows without resistance. This conversation reveals what courageous leadership looks like in practice.    Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com   Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal     Follow Michelle Aquilina and MoleMap: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-aquilina-emba-44852727 Website: https://www.molemap.net.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most property investors wait for the perfect moment that never comes. In this episode, Lloyd Edge, Founder and Managing Director of Aus Property Professionals, reveals why getting started matters more than perfect timing – and how he built a portfolio that generated passive income equal to his teaching salary in just 10 years. Edge discusses the misconception that you need to be wealthy to invest in property, why analysis paralysis keeps people on the sidelines and the strategic approach that allowed him to scale from a single bedroom apartment to a multi-state business.  Packed with insights on portfolio strategy, this conversation offers a masterclass in long-term wealth building. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.comGet your copy of Positively Geared: https://www.auspropertyprofessionals-invest.com.au/ceo_magazine   Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal     Follow Lloyd Edge and Aus Property Professionals: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-edge-b417a399 Website: https://www.auspropertyprofessionals.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the banking industry grapples with the complexity of a digital, global market, one question remains: do community banks still matter? In this episode, Tim Crane, Wintrust Financial Corporation President and CEO, shares how local banks are quietly fueling America’s economic resilience by keeping relationships at the heart of finance. Crane explains why proximity and trust still give community banks a competitive edge, how local decision-making drives growth and what happens when financial institutions see themselves as partners in progress rather than profit centers. He also reflects on the cultural challenge of staying small while scaling successfully and the importance of community, connection and long-term impact. This conversation offers a compelling look at the future of finance. Listen now to discover how local banking is helping communities – and businesses – thrive.   Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com   Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal     Follow Tim Crane and Wintrust Financial Corporation: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-crane-aab9a1a Website: https://www.wintrust.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.