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 Logic 20/20, 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 Logic 20/20: 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/

What does it take to lead a brand through four generations and nearly a century of adventure? In this episode, Jørgen Jørgensen – CEO and fourth-generation owner of Norrøna – shares how a clear vision, strong values and a deep connection to nature have helped shape one of the world’s most respected outdoor brands. Jørgensen explains why staying private has enabled long-term thinking, how the company designs with ‘Loaded Minimalism’ and why sustainability is more than a department – it’s a mindset. Listen now to learn what it really takes to build a brand built to last. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Jørgen Jørgensen and Norrøna: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgen7/ Website: https://www.norrona.com

What if Australia’s most overlooked problem could actually be its biggest opportunity? In this episode, Richard Kirkman, CEO and Managing Director of Veolia Australia and New Zealand, shares how bold leadership, smarter infrastructure and a shift in mindset could transform the nation’s future.  From tackling landfill reliance and water security to scaling renewable energy and AI-powered efficiency, Kirkman explores the environmental and economic potential of circular thinking and the leadership it demands. For anyone serious about leading through complexity and delivering real impact, this episode offers both inspiration and a practical road map. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Richard Kirkman and Veolia Australia and New Zealand: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kirkman-2774b0a2/ Website: https://www.anz.veolia.com/

For years, brands have poured billions into advertising that no longer connects or converts – and it’s costing them more than they realize. Paul Dyer, CEO and President of /prompt., helps some of the world’s biggest brands move beyond outdated advertising tactics and reconnect with what truly drives customer loyalty.  In this candid conversation, Dyer pulls no punches, explaining why traditional advertising is failing, why disruption-led marketing often misses the mark. He explains how forward-thinking companies are shifting to frictionless customer experiences that earn growth without relying on media spend. He also reveals why personalization has replaced shared perception and why that shift could be a challenge. Using case studies from Diet Coke’s ad spend to Michael Bloomberg’s failed presidential run, Dyer shares real-world lessons for senior leaders aiming to build stronger businesses and future-proof their growth strategy. This is not just a marketing conversation – it’s a wake-up call for executives who want impact, innovation and influence in a world where advertising alone no longer delivers. Listen now and start transforming your marketing strategy to earn lasting growth. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Paul Dyer and /prompt.: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldyer/ Website: https://www.meetprompt.co/

Scott McAllister, CEO of Prosci, has spent decades helping leaders around the world navigate complex transformation, and he’s seen the same mistake play out time and again: thinking a clear strategy is enough. In this episode, he explains why even the best ideas fall flat if you don’t understand the people side of change and how senior leaders often overlook their most powerful asset – their own behavior. From building change muscle to empowering frontline managers, McAllister unpacks the proven practices that make change stick and the blind spots that keep it from landing. If you’re driving transformation in your business, this conversation might just change how you lead it. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Scott McAllister and Prosci: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmcallister Website: https://www.prosci.com/

What started as a personal frustration became a mission to rebuild an entire industry. Shaun Noorian, Founder and CEO of Empower Pharmacy – now the largest compounding pharmacy in the United States – is challenging the traditional model with a business designed for speed, affordability and patient-first care. In this episode, Noorian shares how he scaled a business that sidesteps traditional supply chains. In the process, he’s revolutionizing how medicine is made and putting control back in the hands of doctors and patients. It’s a candid look at what happens when innovation collides with one of the world’s most powerful industries. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Shaun Noorian and Empower Pharmacy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-noorian Website: https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatments discussed may not be approved for all uses and should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Growing up in inner-city Pittsburgh during the collapse of the steel industry, Vincent J Delie Jr learned early the value of grit, kindness and relentless work ethic. Now Chairman, President and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation, he shares how those roots shaped his leadership style, fueled a passion for innovation and helped him transform a struggling rural bank into a digitally driven powerhouse. In this inspiring conversation, Delie opens up about overcoming early struggles with dyslexia, building a winning culture grounded in collaboration and purpose, and preparing for the seismic shifts AI and digital transformation are bringing to banking. A masterclass in resilient leadership and building businesses that do well and do good. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Vincent J Delie Jr and F.N.B. Corporation: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f-n-b--corporation Website: https://www.fnb-online.com/

Culture isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the difference between short-term wins and long-term dominance. In this inspiring episode, Evan Shriver, CEO of Atlantic Constructors, shares how he transformed a traditional construction company into a mission-driven powerhouse by putting people and purpose at the center of everything.  By redefining core values and scaling innovation through modular construction, Shriver not only achieved strong retention and fast growth, he built a culture his team won’t trade for anything. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Evan Shriver and Atlantic Constructors: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanshriver Website: https://acibuilds.com

What does it take to prove the skeptics wrong? For Nasser Obeid, it meant uprooting his life, taking a bet on an untested business model and diving headfirst into one of the most complex and ambitious markets in the world. In this episode, the CEO of PureGym Arabia shares what it really took to launch a global fitness brand in Saudi Arabia – from navigating cultural nuance to rebuilding strategy from the ground up. He reflects on the personal sacrifices behind the move, the pressure to deliver fast results and the leadership lessons that came with it. This episode is a must-listen for anyone leading growth in high-pressure, high-potential markets. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Nasser Obeid and PureGym Arabia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasserthefitnessauthority Website: https://uae.puregymarabia.com/

Everyone talks about efficiency, but few know where it’s really won – or lost. Andy Redfern, Founding Partner at Chartwell, has spent decades inside some of the world’s most complex operations, and he’s seen what most leaders miss.  In this episode, he shares the overlooked levers that quietly drive transformation, the cultural blocks that keep companies stuck and the surprising reason top engineers are passing on traditional roles. If you think productivity is just about capital expenditure, think again. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Andy Redfern and Chartwell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewredfern Website: https://www.chartwell-consulting.com/

Before she was a ‘Shark’, Jane Lu was faking a day job and hiding her startup from her parents. Now she’s Founder and CEO of Showpo, one of Australia’s most successful online fashion brands, pulling in over US$100 million a year – all without external funding. In this episode, Lu shares how she turned fear and failure into fuel, what Shark Tank Australia taught her about imposter syndrome and why backing yourself is the ultimate investment. Her journey will change how you think about failure.  Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @theceomagazineg   Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Jane Lu: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelazyceo/  Website: www.showpo.com