The Westside Stories: Beyond the CBD

11 Episodes

Reverse

Episode 11: The Westside Stories Podcast - Aniss Chami - CEO - Vitex Pharmaceuticals - ep011

2026-09-1601:07:52

In Episode 011 of The Westside Stories Podcast: Beyond the CBD, Sean Johnston sits down with Dr Aniss Chami, CEO of Vitex Pharmaceuticals, for a powerful conversation about family, leadership, medicine, manufacturing and Western Sydney’s future.Aniss shares his journey from studying medicine, pharmacy, business and finance through to stepping into the CEO role at Vitex Pharmaceuticals and helping lead the next stage of growth for the family business.The conversation explores the values that shaped Aniss, the influence of his parents, the transition from founder-led business to the next generation, and the responsibility that comes with leading a major Australian pharmaceutical manufacturer.Sean and Aniss also discuss why keeping pharmaceutical manufacturing onshore matters, the importance of Australian standards and sovereign capability, and the role Western Sydney can play in advanced manufacturing, logistics and global export.A thoughtful and compelling conversation about business, family, leadership, resilience, Australian manufacturing and building a legacy that extends beyond one generation.

Episode 10: The Westside Stories Podcast - Ray Hanly - Group CEO - The Kitchenary - ep010

2026-09-0144:58

In this episode of The Westside Stories Podcast: Beyond the CBD, Sean Johnston sits down with Ray Hanly for a practical conversation about leadership, business transformation and what it takes to build something that lasts.Ray shares his career journey across the food industry, from operational leadership roles in the UK through to moving to Australia and helping shape a market that was still evolving.The conversation explores leadership, resilience, long-term thinking, customer relationships, technology, automation and the importance of taking people on the journey through change.Sean and Ray also discuss health and fitness, developing the next generation of talent, backing yourself when opportunities appear and the role Western Sydney’s people, diversity and workforce have played in the business and its success.A grounded and insightful conversation about people, purpose, business growth and the discipline required to keep moving forward.

Episode 9: The Westside Stories Podcast - Abs Osseiran - Managing Partner Western Sydney - Deloitte - ep009

2026-08-1145:23

Episode 009 of The Westside Stories Podcast: Beyond the CBD is now live. In this episode, I sat down with Abs Osseiran, The Western Sydney Office Managing Partner at Deloitte Australia. Abs has had a fascinating career, from studying commerce and law, to building his career across Big Four professional services, spending a decade in London, and working with global organisations including Accenture, Cadbury, Sony and Lion before joining Deloitte. What stood out to me in this conversation was the way Abs speaks about resilience, opportunity and authenticity. He talks openly about losing his father at a young age, the strength and sacrifice of his mother, and the work ethic that shaped him early in life. We also spoke about leadership, building credibility, learning from the people around you, and why leaders do not always need to have the answer straight away. And, of course, we spoke about Western Sydney. Abs brings a great perspective on the energy, diversity and ambition of the region, and why Western Sydney is not simply an extension of the CBD. It has its own business community, its own culture and its own momentum. A great conversation about career, leadership, global experience and the future of Western Sydney. 🎧 Listen to Episode 009 now!

Episode 8: The Westside Stories Podcast - Kristal Kinsela - Leadership Coach & Consultant l Non Executive Director I AFR 100 Women of Influence I Meet the Mob Podcast, Author - ep008

2026-07-2801:05:22

In this episode of The Westside Stories Podcast: Beyond the CBD, Sean Johnston sits down with Kristal Kinsela, a proud Jawoyn and Wiradjuri woman, Western Sydney local and leading voice in Indigenous procurement, business and reconciliation.Kristal shares her journey from growing up in Blacktown and Doonside to working across education, government, Indigenous business and supplier diversity.The conversation explores identity, opportunity, the power of education and Kristal’s passion for helping organisations build stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.Sean and Kristal also discuss Indigenous procurement, the impact of the Indigenous Procurement Policy, and why businesses need to move beyond compliance and tokenism if they want to create genuine value.Kristal also speaks openly about personal adversity, including founding her own business during a difficult period in her life, the role of resilience, her Everest Base Camp fundraising challenge, and her breast cancer journey.A powerful and honest conversation about business, purpose, community, reconciliation and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

Episode 7: The Westside Stories Podcast - Anthony Boyd - CEO - Sydney Markets - ep007

2026-07-1458:21

In Episode 007 of The Westside Stories Podcast: Beyond the CBD, Sean Johnston sits down with Anthony Boyd, CEO of Sydney Markets.Anthony brings deep executive experience across property, infrastructure, investment, development and logistics, having spent more than two decades with Frasers Property before stepping into the CEO role at Sydney Markets.The conversation explores Anthony’s transition from technical finance roles into broader leadership, including the importance of asking better questions, empowering experts, backing people around you and understanding that career progression is not always a straight upward path.Sean and Anthony also discuss Sydney Markets, its history, its role in the fresh produce and logistics network, and the opportunities ahead as technology, AI, digital tools, infrastructure and Western Sydney’s growth shape the next chapter of the precinct.A practical conversation about leadership, complex organisations, career growth and the systems helping move Sydney forward.

#box-pro-ellipsis-178969790876761{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}The Westside Stories: Beyond the CBD