No Limitations

In Episode 138 of the No Limitations podcast The Reckoning, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Adrian Turner, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ExoFlare.  In an absorbing discussion, Adrian asserts that Australia’s leadership needs to create a stronger sense of national purpose and ambition. He emphasises the need to develop new industries while boosting economic output, employment, and productivity, and to maintain our way of life and economic security in the face of massive change and uncertainty. Drawing on his Silicon Valley experience, Adrian implores aspiring entrepreneurs to become product experts, like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, who can master complexity with ease. Adrian speaks in detail about the biosecurity mission of ExoFlare and the role it aims to play in the $10 trillion global food industry. Lastly, Adrian encourages the next generation of business and political leaders to cast off the inertia and inaction of the previous decades and to strive for greater achievement, enabled by new technology and tools. Adrian was a Director of Philips Electronics before co-founding cybersecurity business, Mocana, in Silicon Valley where he served as Chief Executive Officer for eleven years. Thereafter, Adrian returned to Australia as the founding Chief Executive Officer of CSIRO’s Data61 before starting ExoFlare in 2021. Adrian has served on the Boards of SaltGrid, Australian eHealth Research Centre, AustCyber and Prezzee. In the non-profit sector, Adrian was the Chief Executive Officer of Minderoo Fire and Flood and the Chair of the Board for Australia’s Expatriate Network, Advance. He was a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on the Digital Economy.   Please note: this episode was recorded on 1 July 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 106 of the No Limitations podcast “To Dare and Endure”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Brian Hartzer, Chairman and Co-Founder of specialty lender 2Be and former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Westpac Banking Corporation. In a candid and insightful conversation, Brian shares with us the five Cs of building engagement as a leader and some personal insights into the pressure moments and testing times for decision makers. Greg and Brian also discuss the Australian banking sector, the broader economic landscape and the opportunities ahead. Brian is also Chairman of ASX-listed salary advance business Beforepay, AI-based HR technology startup Reejig, and the Australian Museum Foundation. He has previously served as Chairman of Save the Children Australia, Director of the Financial Markets Foundation for Children, and Chair of the Business Advisory Committee of the Australian National University. Brian was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Westpac Banking Corporation from 2015 to 2019 and prior to that spent 15 years in senior executive roles at major banks in Australia and the UK. His book, “The Leadership Star: A Practical Guide to Building Engagement”, was published in 2021.   Please note: this episode was recorded on 18 November 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 105 of the No Limitations podcast “Leadership Is a Contact Sport”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Michael Schneider, Managing Director of Bunnings Group Ltd, the leading retailer of home improvement and lifestyle products in Australia and New Zealand as well as a major supplier to project builders, commercial tradespeople and the housing industry.   In this episode, Michael underscores the heart and soul of a business – the magic of the team. Leading over 53,000 team members with a network of over 500 locations, Michael shares with us how he continues to preserve and enhance the unique Bunnings culture, which not only plays such a vital role in the organisation’s success but also in supporting the communities in which it operates. He also shares with us what’s in store for retail as we witness the continued evolution of the industry as well as the next normal for Australia’s workforce.   Prior to joining Bunnings in 2005, Michael had a diverse career across retail and financial services, holding senior roles in operations, human resources and strategy at organisations such as The Warehouse Group, Westpac Banking Corporation and Target. Michael is also Chair of independent motor neurone disease foundation FightMND and not-for-profit organisation Love Me Love You. He also serves on the Boards of Melbourne United Basketball Club, the Corporate Mental Health Alliance of Australia and the Global Home Improvement Network.   Please note: this episode was recorded on 12 October 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 104 of the No Limitations podcast “Taking Flight”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Rachael Neumann and Kylie Frazer, Founding Partners of early-stage venture capital firm Flying Fox Ventures. Challenging the traditional venture capital model to help more people take their first steps into angel investing, Rachael and Kylie share with us the intricacies of how it takes a village to raise a startup. We also hear about the challenges facing founders and other players in the ecosystems and how they see potential in the many entrepreneurs they work closely with. Rachael and Kylie have been across many parts of the startup ecosystem leading to the establishment of Flying Fox Ventures. Rachael was previously Head of Startups for Amazon Web Services in Australia and New Zealand and was Managing Director of Eventbrite in Australia and New Zealand. She is also on the Council of Trustees of the National Gallery of Victoria. Kylie brings over 20 years of experience as a corporate transactions lawyer, having worked for Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Urchin Legal and Ventures, having advised ASX200 and international companies on landmark deals across sectors including technology, agriculture, and consumer products.   Please note: this episode was recorded on 7 October 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 103 of the No Limitations podcast “A Period of Great Change”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Scott Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of leading energy company Viva Energy Group Ltd, which supplies about a quarter of Australia’s fuel requirements. With change occurring on a multitude of fronts, Scott and Viva Energy are uniquely positioned, catering to Australia’s energy needs now and well into the future. Scott shares with us not only Viva Energy’s rich 120-year history but also how they are positioning themselves for the new environment, as we embark on a monumental transition that will change the way we live. Having led Viva Energy in the last eight years as well as teams across the world, he casts a light on the pivotal role leadership plays in navigating uncertainty, inspiring new ideas and setting a clear direction. Following a long career with Shell in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore, Scott was appointed CEO of Viva Energy Australia in 2014. He is a Director of the Australian Institute of Petroleum and previously served on the Board of Viva Energy REIT.   Please note: this episode was recorded in June 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 110 of the No Limitations Podcast Ants and Elephants, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Cameron McIntyre, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of carsales.com Ltd. carsales is an ASX 100 business and global leader in digital marketplaces across Australia, Asia and The Americas, with over 1,700 team members. With a vision to create #1 digital marketplaces for vehicles around the world, Cameron shares how carsales are taking the lead to remain at the forefront of the industry, going from a founder-led startup to a global business, while continuing to evolve with the digital economy to make buying and selling a great experience for their customers. He touches on how carsales is utilising new technologies to further enhance the customer experience, the new markets for electric vehicles and connected cars, and how they’re helping develop an ecosystem for a future-facing workforce. Prior to his appointment in 2017, Cameron held various positions at carsales, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary. He was also previously Finance Director of directories and classified advertising business Sensis. Cameron serves as a Non-Executive Director of Inclusive Australia.   Please note: this episode was recorded on 19 January 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 98 of the No Limitations podcast “Best Effort, Right Attitude”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Anthony Boyd, Chief Executive Officer of Frasers Property Australia, one of Australia’s leading diversified property groups.Anthony shares with us the highlights and learnings from a career that has seen him start as a young man balancing work and rugby to now at the helm of a leading property group with a rich heritage going back almost a hundred years. We hear of the way forward and how they continue to set the standard for outcomes for innovation, the community and sustainability. Finally, Anthony gives us insight into high performance and leadership: the human connection, inspiring passion in others and the mindset to achieve.Anthony initially joined Frasers Property Australia in 2005; he progressed through senior leadership roles and was Chief Financial Officer prior to his appointment as CEO. He also represents Frasers Property on the Property Council of Australia’s Corporate Leaders Group and the Champions of Change Coalition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 97 of the No Limitations podcast, “Making Every Day Count,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Tim Ford, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Treasury Wine Estates Ltd, a world leader in wine with a remarkable global footprint.In a lively conversation, Tim offers a unique perspective into the world of wines: from the ones at the centre of some of life’s most important celebrations to the humble drop we savour at the end of a long day. We learn of the remarkable advancements in cultivation and some of the differences across cultures, as they cater to the many palates throughout the world. Finally, Tim shares insight into navigating the nuances of geopolitics and overcoming adversity, which has allowed Treasury Wine Estates to continue its evolution as a global leader in its industry.Prior to his appointment, Tim held various positions including Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director Europe, South East Asia, Middle East and Africa, and Director, Global Supply for Treasury Wine Estates. He also previously had senior management roles with National Foods and Carlton & United Breweries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 96 of the No Limitations podcast, “Taking the Opportunity,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Zlatko Todorcevski, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Boral.Against a backdrop of a jet-setting career that has seen Zlatko in the bustling metropolises of the world to remote regions many of us have only read about, we are treated to fascinating stories about navigating different cultures, the impact of leadership in a global context and being prepared to take on opportunities. We also glean into Zlatko’s aspirations for Boral, having been at the helm the past two years and overcoming the obstacles of an ever-changing competitive landscape. He highlights its massive potential and the way forward.Zlatko was previously Chair of Adbri Ltd, served on the Boards of Coles Ltd, The Star Entertainment Group Ltd and Konvoy Kegs as well as the University Council of the University of Wollongong. He was also formerly Chief Financial Officer of Brambles Ltd, Oil Search Ltd and then BHP Billiton Group’s Petroleum Division.Please note: this episode was recorded on 1 June 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 95 of the No Limitations podcast, “Finding a Way Through,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Elizabeth Ann Macgregor AM OBE, former Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Australia’s leading museum dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting contemporary art from across Australia and around the world.With a career that began on the road driving a travelling gallery around Scotland, Elizabeth gives us a glimpse into her remarkable journey that brought her to Australia to lead the metamorphic revitalisation of the MCA. From breaking down barriers to art and engaging with broader audiences to establishing the National Centre for Creative Learning and driving a major focus on artists as educators, she shares with us the challenges they had to overcome to allow her to develop MCA into the vibrant organisation The Art Newspaper has declared the most visited contemporary art museum in the world before the global pandemic.Elizabeth is also on the Board of the Sydney Swans Foundation and was previously President of the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art, Chair of the Federal Government’s Creative Economy Task Force, and a Director of UNICEF Australia. Prior to her 22-year directorship of MCA Australia, she was the Director of the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, one of the major contemporary art galleries in the United Kingdom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 94 of the No Limitations podcast, “Shooting the Breeze,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson once again speaks to Mick McCormack, Chairman of Central Petroleum Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Origin Energy Ltd, Austal Ltd and the Clontarf Foundation.Mick offers his frank assessment on the current state of affairs in Australia; its leadership, the contentious debate on energy, matters surrounding the ageing population and support for Indigenous communities. He also encourages us to take a closer look at the values we promote as a society, especially in the midst of a time when accountability – or lack of – is impacting the lives of many. Finally, Mick reflects on the change of pace and environment, having made the transition to the Boardroom following his Executive career.Mick was formerly Chief Executive Officer of ASX top 50 energy infrastructure company APA Group. During his 14-year tenure, APA Group grew from 30 employees with assets worth $1.3bn to 3,000 employees, assets worth $24bn and delivered a compound rate of return to shareholders of over 17% per year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 93 of the No Limitations podcast, “The Next Step,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Jillian Broadbent AC, Non-Executive Director of Macquarie Group Ltd, the Sydney Dance Company and the National Portrait Gallery Board Foundation. She was previously the Inaugural Chair of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Chair of Swiss Re Life & Health Australia and Chancellor of the University of Wollongong.Against a backdrop of an illustrious career spanning business, the public sector and the arts, Jillian shares with us the key learnings that allowed her to make an impact. She also highlights how we can see opportunities in the challenges of our time. Finally, with Australians deciding their future course in the coming weeks, Jillian challenges us to think about our legacy for generations to come and brings to the fore the spirit of generosity that is pertinent to today’s discourse.In 2019, Jillian was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for her eminent service to corporate, financial, clean energy and cultural organisations, to higher education, and to women in business. She has served on the Boards of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Woolworths Group, the Australian Securities Exchange, SBS, Qantas Airways, Westfield Property Trusts, Woodside Petroleum, Coca-Cola Amatil, the Sydney Theatre Company, NIDA, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.Please note: this was recorded on 27 April 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 92 of the No Limitations podcast, “Draw the Distinction,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Tony Lowings, former Global Chief Executive Officer of KFC.Having led a $31bn business and over a million people, Tony shares with us his key learnings in mobilising a global workforce through a pandemic, the importance of trust and communication, and drawing the distinction in decision making. Against the backdrop of his globetrotting career, we hear of the impressive growth and scale of what is one of the world’s most popular brands with presence in over 149 countries across 27,000 restaurants.Tony also previously held the roles of Managing Director for KFC Asia Pacific based in Singapore, Managing Director for KFC Australia and New Zealand, Managing Director of Latin America (and Caribbean), and Chief Operations Officer of Yum! Restaurants International based in Dallas, with brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 91 of the No Limitations podcast, “Changing the Paradigm,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Hisham El-Ansary, Chief Executive Officer of Bupa Asia Pacific.In an insightful discussion, Hisham shares with us a unique view of Australia’s healthcare and aged care sectors, from the current state and challenges across the industry to the opportunities to unlock better outcomes, experiences and overall quality of life. We also hear of his journey, one that found him challenging and changing the paradigm, starting as the “young Turk wanting to prove himself,” finding himself across various sectors including retail, energy, aviation and construction, making the leap from CFO to CEO and how he decided to become the leader he wanted to be.Prior to his appointment as CEO, Hisham held the roles of Chief Financial & Strategy Officer and Managing Director of Bupa Health Services. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of Myer, Integral Energy and Airservices Australia and was a Non-Executive Director of Very Special Kids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 90, “The Edge of a New Frontier,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Luke Sayers AM, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sayers Group and President of the Carlton Football Club.In an insightful discussion, Luke shares with us the lessons, learnings and highlights from a career that has seen him continually evolve and always at the edge of a new frontier: finding success across different countries, being appointed CEO of PwC Australia at the age of 42, and now having established Sayers Group. We hear of the differing approaches to innovation around the world, with Luke seeing shifts in mindsets and people willing to break from – and challenge – tradition.Luke is also a Director of Sentient Impact Group and Chair of the Inclusion Foundation. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of PwC Australia and Vice Chairman of PwC Asia Pacific, where he led a team of over 700 partners and 8,000 staff, successfully growing the firm’s revenue from $1.4bn to $2.6bn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 89, “The Cost of Prosperity,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Senator Jim Molan AO DSC, Liberal Senator for New South Wales and a retired Major General of the Australian Army. He is also currently Chair of the Defence Sub-Committee and Deputy Chair of the Select Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media.In this candid conversation, we are given a unique insight into the highly complex arena of national security, global geopolitics and armed conflict. With threats to national security and the world order at large, Senator Molan shares with us the opportunities present to ensure the sustainability of the relative prosperity Australia has enjoyed in decades past and the safety of generations to come.During his 40-year tenure in the Australian Army, Senator Molan has been an infantryman, helicopter pilot and Commander of a division of 15,000 soldiers. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004 during a period of continuous and intense combat as Chief of Operations of the Coalition Forces. Following his retirement from the Australian Army in 2008, he released his first book, “Running the War in Iraq.”Please note, this episode was recorded in January 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 88, “The Lottery of Life,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to entrepreneur, adventurer, philanthropist and 1986 Australian of the Year Dick Smith AC. Dick is widely known for founding Dick Smith Electronics, Australian Geographic and Dick Smith Foods.In a lively conversation, Dick shares with us his remarkable adventure, one that truly showcases his entrepreneurial flair and deep desire to make a difference. We hear of his enthralling aviation exploits: weathering hurricane-force winds in a balloon and persevering nasty conditions to make a timely appointment with Prince Charles in the first successful solo circumnavigation of the world in a helicopter. Looking back, Dick reflects on the crucial moments that led to his successes and his hopes for future generations.Dick was awarded Companion of the Order of Australia in 2015 for eminent service to the community as a benefactor of a range of not-for-profit and conservation organisations, through support for major fundraising initiatives for humanitarian and social welfare programs, to medical research and the visual arts, and to aviation. He recently published his autobiography, My Adventurous Life, where he shares more of his inspiring story and the lessons he's learned about staying true to yourself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 87, “Creating the Culture,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Radek Sali, former Chief Executive of Swisse Wellness Group and currently Chairman and Founder of Light Warrior Group, an investment firm committed to creating shared value by investing in businesses that are socially responsible and environmentally conscious.In today’s conversation, Radek shares with us the guiding principles that have seen him galvanise people towards a common purpose, the pioneering exploits in positioning a premium product as he revolutionised Australia’s health and wellness sector as well as the important lessons learned in a fascinating journey. As Chief Executive of the Swisse Wellness Group, Radek helped negotiate the sale of the group to Hong Kong-listed Biostime for 1.7 billion dollars – one of the largest private company transactions in Australian history.Radek continues to advocate for a purpose-driven approach to business. He is also Executive Chairman of Wanderlust, a Director of Stratosphere, Anthem, Conscious Investment Management, Igniting Change and the B Team Australasia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 86, “A Future for All,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Tony Stuart, Chief Executive Officer of UNICEF Australia.In an eye-opening discussion, Tony shares with us the sobering reality children from the most disadvantaged and marginalised sectors in Australia and around the world face; the threats to their safety as they grow up in a society rife with conflict and disasters. He also sheds a light on UNICEF’s efforts to keep children safe, provide education, nutrition and health care as well as to support their long-term development and wellbeing.While Australia remains one of the richest countries in the world, some 3 million people, including more than 731,000 children are living in poverty. To find out more about UNICEF Australia and to support this most worthwhile of causes, please visit www.unicef.org.au.Tony also currently serves as Chair of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Advisory Board and is a member of the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership. Previously, Tony was the CEO of the National Roads and Motorists' Association and Sydney Airports Corporation. He also recently chaired the Not-for-Profit Advisory Board to the National COVID-19 Commission, was a founding Director of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals, and a former Director of the Heart Research Institute of Australia and the Starlight Children’s Foundation National Board.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 85, “Look Up, Not Down,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Graham Mirabito, Non-Executive Director of Harcourts International, Lendi, Archistar and Cipherpoint Ltd.In an engaging and candid conversation, Graham lends us his lens to the world and shares with us his journey across continents, venturing into the unknown, opening new markets and staying at the forefront of game-changing technology. Now in the Boardroom and an avid investor in PropTech and FinTech, Graham sheds a light on the unseen opportunities as well as provides us with valuable insight into the Australian property market.Graham was previously Chief Executive Officer of RP Data/CoreLogic, having grown the business tenfold as it expanded its range of property data and analytics services. He also previously held senior executive roles at Telstra Corporation, including Executive Director eBusiness and Innovation, Managing Director Telstra UK and Senior Vice President Telstra International.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.