The Decision Clinic

In this thoughtful episode of The Decision Clinic, Sophia Symeou describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur and shares her journey of helping people navigate complexity. From a young age, Sophia knew she wanted to make a meaningful impact, a journey that led to establishing neighbourhood dispute resolution centres, to working in state government, and ultimately to founding Bill Fairies — a hugely successful business that enables people to purchase gift vouchers to pay more than 21,000 different bills. Check it out: www.billfairies.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Nash, former CEO and founder of Booktopia, shares lessons from building and scaling the only business to appear on the AFR Fast 100 eight times. In this episode, he reflects on the mindset needed to navigate rapid growth and business challenges and the importance of being grounded, present, and adaptable in the midst of chaos. His wisdom includes the powerful reminder to learn to be better, not bitter from our experiences. It’s a rich and candid conversation on leadership, resilience, and the decisions that shape us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Gordon talks with UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador Princess Delaney about youth voices in politics, breaking through bureaucracy, and why young people’s ideas deserve a seat at the decision-making table. Princess shares how her journey through Youth Parliament sparked her desire to study politics and international relations — and how that passion now fuels her mission to bridge the gap between grassroots ideas and institutional change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our latest episode, we’re thrilled to have Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, founder of Wondiverse, join Paul Gordon for an incredible conversation about neurodiversity and creating spaces where all neurotypes can thrive. From a young age, Madeleine “played business” and called her venture Wondiverse—a dream that grew into a mission for inclusion and collaboration. Together they delve into diagnosis, masking and insights into neurodivergent advocacy, creativity and collaboration. It’s Insightful and inspiring!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ross Hastings, founder of NeLo—a marketing transformation consultancy—joins Paul for lively conversation on the intersection of marketing and decision-making.  They explore building alignment and breaking down silos to foster true collaboration. Leveraging data to inform smarter decisions and shaping brand perception and its powerful influence on target market behaviour. Tune in for actionable insights on how leaders can transform their marketing from the inside out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Will and Paul have a thought-provoking conversation about the evolving relationship between AI and decision-making. Will shares insights from his unique career path, moving from exploring the mysteries of the universe to diving deep into data-driven decisions and de-mystifying AI. They also explore how uncertainty is a barrier to decision making, how not knowing enough about the problem and deferring a decision can often lead to better outcomes.For more information, visit www.catalyzeapac.com or contact Paul directly on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/decisions/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From his early days in athletics to racing down the Skeleton track at breakneck speeds, Nick shares with Paul his incredible journey to becoming an Olympian. He dives into the world of split-second decisions that can make or break a race, offering insights and lessons that extend beyond the track. Tune in to hear Nick's inspiring story, his approach to high-stakes decision-making, and what it takes to compete at the highest level. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longevity seekers, Salem and Melissa Domiati are passionate about health, wellness and in particular, longevity. In this episode, they explore living life to the fullest as you grow into the later years. Have you ever thought of the age you want to be on your final birthday? Are you setting yourself up now so that your future self is mentally strong with a great memory and will die healthy? Learn more on this episode of The Decision Clinic. The Longevity Lab - https://thelongevitylab.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judi Wineland started her first safari company with a $300 investment over 40 years ago and never looked back. In this episode Judi talks about how passion drove her decision making to ultimately become one of the world’s best safari outfitters (rated by Travel and Leisure magazine). https://thomsonsafaris.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emilya Colliver is Art Pharmacy & Sugar Glider’s highly respected Founder and CEO. With over 20 years of experience in the art world across the public and private sectors, Emilya is driven by her passion for supporting Australian art in a global landscape, and the practitioners who create it. Emilya shares challenges such as allocating resources and customer communication strategies with Paul in this episode. Art Pharmacy https://www.emilyacolliver.com.au/ https://artpharmacy.com.au/ https://www.sugarglider.digital/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Customers are affected by every decision an organisation makes. Whether it be an investment on new products, services, infrastructure or technology, ultimately if the investment decision isn’t at the heart of the customers’ needs then their experience will be impacted. In this episode, Paul sits down with Damian Kernahan who faces a unique and very relatable problem - bringing customer experience to the forefront of an organisations strategic decisions. Damian co-founded Proto in 2008 to help large organisations truly understand their customers, so they can deliver outstanding service solutions and experiences. We all know that providing a positive customer experience is what nurtures and ensures strong relationships; it can drive repeat business and help build a solid company reputation. But beyond providing a great service how exactly do you uncover if your products/services are providing the best solution and are you missing out on opportunities? Listen as Damian discusses the common decision ailments he faces. What diagnosis will Paul help provide? Damian has over 20 years’ experience in customer experience strategy and design, customer and design research and commercial strategy and implementation. Visit the Proto website or Damian’s LinkedIn profile below in the notes If you’d like to learn more. Proto Website: https://www.protopartners.com.au/ Damian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/customer-experience-innovation/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul sits down with Julia Cookson, Chair of Project Respect an organisation whose primary mission is to support women in the sex industry, including women who have experienced trafficking and advocate for the structural change needed to end all forms of sexual exploitation. As Certified Chair, Julia focuses her efforts on shaping inclusive governance frameworks, advocating at Federal and State level for funding and joined up thinking across social services to prevent and support victims of sex trafficking and modern slavery. Every decision made by the Charity is crucial in defining and assuring its strategic focus, ensuring their goals are sharp, aligned across the organisation while building their financial sustainability to enable long term programs and support. Julia asks ‘How will they gain access to the resources they need to deliver on their initiatives? Should they consider non-Government funding or philanthropic funding? And how do they continue building out education and spreading the message across all levels – grass roots, state and federal?’ Julia is a commercially astute, transformative executive leader, Board Director and Advisor with 18+ years’ experience across HR, finance, risk mitigation, digital transformation & corporate governance. Visit the Project Respect website below in the notes If you’d like to get involved or learn more.   Project Respect www.projectrespect.org.au/ Julia Cookson www.linkedin.com/in/julia-cookson/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The idea of connecting people through food has stuck with Rob Caslick since his Grandmother introduced him to a soup kitchen at the young age of 12. Fast forward to the present day where Rob has developed his passion of helping others through food and is now the Founder of Two Good Co - a business for good. Through the creation of beautiful, high quality food and products, they support, empower and employ women with lived experience of homelessness, domestic violence and complex trauma. As the business grows, so does the responsibility to stabilise revenue and maintain a viable business for staff and all its stakeholders. Big decisions need to be made in order to balance the financial independence against the heart and soul of the Company; providing social impact to disadvantaged women. Add to this, the effects of Covid and Rob finds himself at a crossroads. On the one hand he can apply resources and funds towards growing the business, adding strength and stability to its foundations and strengthening its product range and on the other hand can apply resources to continuing to provide the social impact. Listen as Paul works through Rob’s decision ailment and strategically uncovers the root cause to help Rob pinpoint what he truly values. Will Rob be able to apply a decision process that allows him to confidently make trade-off between both pathways?     Rob Caslick www.linkedin.com/in/rob-caslick-267bbb46/ Two Good Co. www.twogood.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Gordon sits down with Dr Susan McGinty - an award-winning scientist and highly regarded leader and leadership coach, with 25 years’ experience in STEM, Defence and National Security.  Susan is on a mission to transform the profile of leadership for women in STEM- and security-related organisations.  However, this is no easy-feat!  Traditionally the STEM and Security industry is male dominated with limited opportunities for women to find the support, guidance, resources and training programs they need to become leaders or enhance their careers. Thankfully, the industry across the globe is taking steps to remedy this and encourage diversity across all dimensions - enabling a more collaborative and empowering space for our future leaders.  How are we going to develop our climate change policies and the technology to support these policies without diversity?  Listen as Dr Susan discusses the common decision ailments she faces. What diagnosis will Paul help provide?    WiSDM - Women in Strategic Decision Making wisdm.org/ Aya Leadership ayaleadership.com/work-with-aya/ Dr Susan McGinty www.linkedin.com/in/susanmcginty-ayaleadership/?originalSubdomain=auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.