CEO: Behind the Scenes

When Craig Kearney became CEO of Vitaco in 2018, he faced a counterintuitive challenge: the company had too many brands. While conventional wisdom says more products equal more revenue, Kearney discovered the opposite was true. In this episode, Kearney reveals how he cut Vitaco’s brand portfolio and watched revenue double. He shares the ruthless decision-making process behind discarding profitable products to focus resources on fewer, stronger brands. This is the portfolio management masterclass that shows how less really can be more in business. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Craig Kearney and Vitaco: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-kearney-8508a23 Website: https://vitacohealth.com/

Most property investors worldwide are trapped in negative cash flow cycles, watching residential yields drop while mortgage rates climb. In this episode, Scott O'Neill, Founder and CEO of Rethink Group, sits down with Chris Dutton, Founder of The CEO Magazine, to reveal why he abandoned residential property. O'Neill, who achieved financial freedom by 28, explains why commercial tenants pay all your expenses and how to recession-proof your portfolio with boring businesses. He also shares his zero-failure formula for building multiple companies. This is the investment shift that's creating wealth while residential investors struggle. Listen now to discover why the smart money is moving to commercial property and how you can escape the negative cash flow trap forever. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Scott O’Neill and Rethink Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-o-neill-0b0aa151/ Website: https://www.rethinkgroup.com.au/

The AI revolution has many leaders questioning whether they still need entry-level workers, but what if they have it backwards? In this episode, David Ellis, Managing Partner of IBM Consulting for Australia, reveals why his company is actually increasing graduate hires during the AI boom and how smart leaders can turn young talent into their competitive advantage. Ellis discusses the 50 percent displacement prediction, why AI-native workers possess untapped potential and the IBM strategy that delivered 50–80 percent productivity gains. Packed with insights on workforce strategy and responsible AI implementation, this conversation will challenge how you think about talent acquisition. Listen now to discover why betting on young workers might be the smartest move you make this year. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow David Ellis and IBM Consulting: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidellis Website: https://www.ibm.com/au-en

Healthcare is at a tipping point – growing demand, limited resources and soaring costs are testing the system like never before. In this episode, Mark Middleton, Group CEO of Icon Group, reveals why innovation and authentic leadership are the only ways forward and what it takes to transform care at scale. He discusses the global cancer burden, the cost of resisting change and the technologies redefining treatment, while sharing how leaders can balance urgency with discipline when making bold decisions. Packed with lessons on resilience, purpose and the future of healthcare, this conversation will challenge how you think about innovation, leadership and impact. Listen now to gain insights that matter for every leader facing transformation. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Mark Middleton and Icon Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-middleton-au Website: https://icongroup.global/en/

Ambition can open doors, but execution is what keeps them open. In this episode, Kimberley Jonsson, CEO of CHU, shares why delivering in your current role – rather than chasing the next title – is the real driver of career progression and business success.  She unpacks the toughest leadership lessons she’s learned, from building influence without authority to leading with integrity and fostering collaboration across teams. Packed with practical takeaways, this conversation will leave you rethinking how you approach ambition, execution and sustainable leadership. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Kimberley Jonsson and CHU Underwriting Agencies: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-jonsson-92300342/ Website: https://chu.com.au/

In the race to harness AI, chasing perfection can be a costly trap. In this episode, Travis Jones, COO of Logic20/20, explains why adaptability, not flawless systems or perfect data, is the real key to success. Drawing on years of experience guiding Fortune 1000 companies through digital transformation, Jones shares practical insights for leaders on how to move quickly, empower teams and capture opportunities before the competition does. From cutting through AI hype to building a culture of change, this episode is essential listening for executives who want to lead confidently in the AI era. Tune in now and learn how to avoid the leadership mistake that could be costing your organization millions. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Travis Jones and Logic20/20: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisjones2/ Website: https://logic2020.com/

What does it take to bounce back from failure and turn it into lasting success? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Neil, Managing Director of Safari Group, to explore the lessons he has learned from building – and rebuilding – a business. A licensed builder and founding member of Safari Group, Neil is a pillar in the industry who has shaped the company’s strategic direction from acquisitions to sales. With decades of experience, he shares candid insights into resilience, leadership and the mindset needed to thrive through challenges. Whether you are leading a team, growing a business or navigating setbacks of your own, Neil’s story offers powerful lessons in grit, perseverance and long-term vision. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Robert Neil and Safari Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-neil-4333b925/ Website: https://safarigroup.co.nz/

What makes people choose your culture every single day? In this episode, Jeremy Hauk, CEO and Managing Partner of Eide Bailly, reveals the leadership mindset that keeps a 108-year-old firm thriving.  Hauk shares how small-town values shaped his leadership, why saying yes to opportunity matters and the surprising daily habits that keep him grounded. He also reveals what it truly means to be the custodian of culture – and why leaders must earn the right to be chosen again and again by their people and their clients. If you’re a leader who wants to strengthen your culture, inspire your team and build an organization people never want to leave, this conversation is for you. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Jeremy Hauk and Eide Bailly LLP: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-hauk-1a73b485/ Website: https://www.eidebailly.com/

The future of work won’t be defined by automation; it will be defined by human connection. In this episode, Jim Dunn, President and CEO of LD Human Capital Consulting, shares why leaders must shift their focus from process to people and how putting the “human” back in human resources is the key to building trust, engagement and long-term success. Dunn redefines employee experience in a hybrid world and tackles the psychological impact of AI, offering a thought-provoking perspective on what employees truly need to thrive and what leaders must do to deliver it. Listen now to uncover the strategies that will keep your people engaged, your culture strong and your leadership relevant in the age of AI. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Jim Dunn and LD Human Capital: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdunnphd/ Website: https://www.ldhcc.com/

David Hughson, Chief Revenue Officer at RemoFirst, has been helping companies manage their global expansion and hiring for more than 15 years – and he’s been a proud remote worker since 2018.  In this episode, he shares how business leaders can build high-performing teams across borders, avoid costly mistakes in global hiring and tap into talent pools they may never have considered. Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading a multinational, Hughson’s insights will help you think bigger, hire smarter and grow faster in today’s borderless world. Listen now to uncover the surprising strategies behind building an outstanding global team. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow David Hughson and RemoFirst: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhughson1 Website: https://www.remofirst.com/