People of VU

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: Ashwin's education journey from early years at Krishnamurti Foundation to Harvard University Equity in education and healthcare VU Delhi NCR Campus and the possibilities of the partnership together

This week, Adam chats with Peter Laver AM FTSE. Topics discussed: A 40-year career at BHP Shaping policy and industry Time as a Chancellor of VU

This week, Adam chats with Jonathan Sinatra. Topics discussed: Connection to VU and establishing a performing arts career Contemporary dance in various forms and what learnings Jono has garnered Belonging and community

This week, Adam chats with Dr Ruwangi Fernando Topics discussed: Championing intersectional equity in STEM Responsible AI Diversity for innovation

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: Sea changes and career changes from Mauritius to Melbourne Anousha's commitment to advocacy for diversity in IT as a member of the Victorian Directors of IT and Women in IT Community of Practice. Empowerment and growth across two degrees and VU's Future Leaders Program for staff. Links mentioned in this episode: http://example.com http://second-example.com

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: Career changing into the digital learning space at VU. What it feels like to be the new drummer in feminist punk Band Cat Crawl The grit, determination and training it took to step into the ring to compete in an MMA cage fight. Links mentioned in this episode: http://example.com http://second-example.com

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: Komal introduces the fundamentals of her fascinating thesis on decolonising education. From Delhi to Melbourne, walk in the shoes of an international student. See the synergy in literature, dance and education as Komal shares her passions Links mentioned in this episode: http://example.com http://second-example.com

This week, Adam chats with . How studying a Masters of Engineering resulted in a career in the field Working as a student mentor at VU Receiving two leadership awards and membership of the STEM Sisters program

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: Emma's recent appointment to the Professoriate from humble beginnings as a student A successful NHMRC Grant application for work in Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy Juggling a career with motherhood

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: The wealth of career development opportunities available for VU students to progress from student to staff member. The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood teaching which featured in Melanie's Education Studies at VU. Live your Lemon - a community support project built from the ground up by Melanie and her friends.

In the final part of this special live episode, Dr. José Ramos-Horta discusses the profound relationship between Timor-Leste and its international supporters, and the future of education for young Timorese. On behalf of Victoria University and all our listeners, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. José Ramos-Horta for his participation in the special live recording of the People of VU podcast on Friday 11 October. It was amazing — and so enjoyable.

In this special live episode, Dr. José Ramos-Horta continues sharing his experiences growing up in remote Timorese villages, his relentless pursuit of Timorese independence, and his reflections on global peace and the role of the United Nations. He also discusses the profound relationship between Timor-Leste and its international supporters, and the future of education for young Timorese. I encourage you to join me again for Part 2 of this enlightening conversation with His Excellency José Ramos-Horta.

Dr. José Ramos-Horta embodies the essence of hope—hope that is deeply rooted in belief, purpose, and inspiration. As the President of Timor-Leste, his journey is a testament to resilience and leadership. On 11 October, 70 guests had the incredible privilege of sharing in the hopeful journey of His Excellency José Ramos-Horta. In this special live episode, Dr. José Ramos-Horta shares his experiences growing up in remote Timorese villages, his relentless pursuit of Timorese independence, and his reflections on global peace and the role of the United Nations. He also discusses the profound relationship between Timor-Leste and its international supporters, and the future of education for young Timorese. Of all the world leaders I have been privileged to meet, Dr. José Ramos-Horta has the highest degree of steely humility —and an absolutely inspiringly wicked sense of humour (in the most humble and insightful sense of those words). As an appointed Distinguished Visiting Professor and holder of an Honorary Doctorate from VU, and as a deep, deep friend of VU, his contributions are proposed with real respect, admiration, and affection. I know you will be captivated by his story — as I was. I encourage you to listen to Part 1 now.

Mevan Fernando is proof that exploring your interests and passions can make for a fulfilling career and life. As the Digital Experience Officer at the Wyndham Tech School, Mevan encourages curiosity, exploration and collaboration. In this episode, Mevan speaks to embracing his Sri Lankan heritage through music, the joy of witnessing young people unleash their imagination through advanced technologies and growing up in a family of diversely talented individuals — all VU alumni! I was delighted to connect with Mevan over our shared love of music and the significant role Wyndham Tech School is playing in secondary students’ education.

Vince Lebon sees peoples' feet first and then their face. This is to be expected as the Founder, CEO and Designer of Rollie Nation—one of the world’s most interesting and successful shoe design enterprises. Today, Vince speaks to studying multimedia design at VU, his “cool-comfort” approach to footwear design and making calm decisions in business and life. I was delighted to speak with Vince about our shared love of trainers and welcome him as VU's 2024 Executive in Residence.

Karlee McCulloch is a natural leader who isn’t afraid to try something outside her comfort zone. Her inner motivation, determination, and desire to support others has enabled her to change the course of her life – and now do the same for others. Today, Karlee speaks to the people, roles, and organisations that helped her go from not speaking until age 9 to being one step closer to her ultimate dream of being a social worker. It was fantastic to hear her journey and we can’t wait to see what she does next!

In the latest People of VU episode, I am delighted to feature Katrina Gubbins – the originator of this podcast. Katrina has been an invaluable member of our VU community for over eight years. During this time, she brought her expertise in communications to various roles – from her beginnings in the community outreach team to working with us in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. As Katrina embarks on a new journey in the not-for-profit sector, I wanted the opportunity to sit down with her and delve into her experiences, insights, and memorable moments at VU and beyond. There is no doubt that her care and creativity shines through very brightly all the way through.

Whether on the field as a Western Bulldogs AFLW player or in the classroom, Lizzie is someone who motivates everyone she meets. I had a wonderful chat with Lizzie on the eve of her graduation – she is the first in her family to graduate from university. Today, Lizzie received her Bachelor of Education degree, and multiple generations of her family cheered from the crowd. It was fantastic to see and we hope she continues to kick goals in her career!