15 Minutes with the Boss
Business & Finance
About
15 Minutes with the Boss is a podcast that gives listeners exclusive access to some of the top CEOs in the country. Each week AFR BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with a prominent leader and asks them to share the invaluable advice and wisdom they have accumulated throughout their careers. For stories of success and failure and everything in-between, search and follow 15 Minutes with the Boss. It’s 15 minutes you can’t afford to miss.
Episodes
- This exec was terrified of public speaking, but now she loves it
Allison Rossiter, President for Novartis in Australia and New Zealand, shares her journey of overcoming a fear of public speaking. She discusses how a coach, hypnotist, and a Hollywood movie helped her tackle this challenge, in conversatio…
- Why Vivid’s festival director won’t be reading any reviews
Vivid Sydney's festival director, Brett Sheehy, shares his perspective on success, emphasizing the audience's experience over critical reviews. He explains his method of evaluating success to BOSS editor Sally Patten.
- Don't ask about WFH: This top exec’s guide to job interviews
Felicity Walsh, managing director of Franklin Templeton in Australia and New Zealand, shares her job interview guidance. She discusses researching prospective employers and when to ask about working from home.
- Inside Ahmed Fahour’s high-performance morning routine
Ahmed Fahour, CEO of Gurner Group, shares his morning routine and its transformational impact on his clarity, weight loss, and productivity. He highlights the importance of sleep and how a new start to the day has driven high performance.
- Why the CEO of BMW Australia wants you to take a ‘sleep test’
Vikram Pawah, CEO of BMW Australia and New Zealand, talks about his career with major car and motorcycle brands. He explains how his "sleep test" aids him in making difficult decisions, as discussed with BOSS editor Sally Patten.
- ‘I didn’t realise how far gone I was’: How this CEO survived burnout
Jess Saxby, CEO of Banjo's Bakery Cafes, shares her personal story of experiencing and recovering from burnout after taking over the family business. She discusses the boundaries she has established since then. The episode features BOSS ed…
- Subway CEO shares secret to growing Australia’s largest fast-food chain
Shane Bracken, CEO of Subway in Australia and New Zealand, shares the three key steps that have been critical to expanding the sandwich brand. He discusses how he continues to grow the largest fast-food chain in Australia.
- Ruslan Kogan says he’s made many mistakes. But this one stands out
Ruslan Kogan, founder of Kogan.com, believes mistakes are an "additional asset" companies can learn from. He discusses an "existential mistake" he made and how he came to value decision-making.
- What being made redundant taught this CEO about leadership
Lisa Chiba, CEO of Momentum Energy, shares how her early executive experience of company divestment and workforce redundancy provided crucial leadership lessons in communication and transparency. She discusses the skills that helped her na…
- Judo Bank founder reveals the biggest mistake a CEO can make
Joseph Healy, co-founder of Judo Bank and Malu Health, shares insights from his executive career in banking. He discusses lessons he has learned as a CEO.
- Why this CEO believes she should’ve spoken up more early in her career
In this episode, Maud Page, director of the Art Gallery of NSW, reflects on her career journey. She shares insights into challenges faced early on and emphasizes the importance of speaking up.
- The promotion that set Orica’s CEO on a path to running the $12b giant
In this episode, Orica CEO Sanjeev Gandhi shares how a promotion early in his career at BASF influenced his path to becoming a CEO. He discusses his journey to executive leadership with BOSS editor Sally Patten.
- How this four-time Olympian and CEO handles high-stress situations
Bronte Campbell, a four-time Olympian and CEO of Earthletica, discusses her strategies for managing high-stress scenarios. She shares insights on how she handles demanding situations both in her athletic career and as a chief executive.
- Ray White boss wants fourth-generation family business to become five
Dan White, managing director of Ray White, joins "15 Minutes with the Boss" to discuss working in a family business. He shares insights on the benefits and challenges of leading Australia's largest real estate company alongside his father…
- Bega CEO reveals his latest health obsession – and it’s not only protein
Pete Findlay, CEO of Bega Group, talks about his health focus and the company's brands, including Vegemite. He shares insights into his role, which he states was not part of his original plan.
- Want to be better at public speaking? NIDA’s CEO shares her tips
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes shares her tips for public speaking with BOSS editor Sally Patten. She reveals secrets for delivering an effective address.
- This asset manager says leaders have a lot to learn from Pat Cummins
Tim Helyar, country head of State Street, shares insights into his leadership style and explains why he admires Pat Cummins, captain of the Australian men's cricket team. This episode explores Helyar's career development and his approach t…
- PEXA’s CEO reveals the upside of ‘owning up to accountability’
PEXA CEO Russell Cohen discusses the fear of accountability, a global phenomenon. He explores the benefits of candor and the cultural impacts of avoiding responsibility.
- Why this CEO insists on 2 referee checks, and often does them herself
In this episode, Rita Butera, CEO of BreastScreen Victoria, shares her approach to hiring, including her practice of conducting referee checks herself. She highlights the importance of assessing candidates beyond their technical abilities.…
- Curtis Stone on the $4m flop that forced him to rethink everything
In this episode of "15 Minutes with the Boss," Curtis Stone shares his experience with a $4 million restaurant flop, which prompted him to re-evaluate his business strategy. He discusses the challenges he faced and how he turned the situat…
- The single word that helped Oporto's CEO land her biggest job
In this episode of 15 Minutes with the Boss, Oporto CEO Therese Frangie shares how a single word from a business coach helped her understand ego and improve her approach to conflict management and leadership. She discusses these insights w…
- Why the Cbus CEO says 45 minutes is too long for a meeting
Kristian Fok, CEO of Cbus, shares his approach to managing challenges, including his perspective on the ideal length for productive meetings. He discusses leading a $105 billion super fund.
- The moment the Royal Melbourne Hospital CEO learnt to trust her gut
Shelley Dolan, CEO of Royal Melbourne Hospital, shares her experiences with leadership pressures and the importance of trusting instincts in the health sector. She discusses handling high-stress situations with BOSS editor Sally Patten.
- This investment guru backed Nvidia in 2016. Here are his other tips
Alex Pollak, chief investment officer at Loftus Peak, discusses his investment strategy, including his 2016 decision to invest in Nvidia. He shares how he identifies market trends to stay ahead in the tech sector. BOSS editor Sally Patten…
- The biohacking therapies this muesli boss does each morning
Carolyn Creswell, founder of Carman's Kitchen, describes her morning "biohacking" routine and her exploration of alternative therapies. She also discusses using AI to enhance her company's productivity. BOSS editor Sally Patten interviews…
- Medibank's CEO reveals his secret to managing stress
David Koczkar, CEO of Medibank, shares his approach to managing stress and developing a mindful leadership style. He discusses insights gained since his time during the launch of Jetstar.
- The ‘marketing genius’ of property whisperer Monika Tu
Monika Tu, founder of Black Diamondz Group, shares her journey in luxury real estate. She discusses her career change after meeting her third husband and becoming a celebrity agent.
- Trailer: ‘How I Made It’ Returns September 22
This is a trailer for the return of 'How I Made It' on September 22. The new hosts are Lauren Sams and Yolanda Redrup. The show will feature Australian entrepreneurs discussing how they built their fortunes.
- How a pair of shoes kick-started this CEO’s career
Mark Teperson, CEO of Baby Bunting, talks about how a chance retail sale altered his career path. He discusses this with BOSS editor Sally Patten.
- How Clayton Utz's top lawyer made partner at 29 years old
Clayton Utz CEO Emma Covacevich discusses her career path, including becoming a partner at 29 after an unexpected move to Melbourne. She advises graduates to keep an open mind about their careers.
- Luke Mangan went broke at 35. Now he’s one of hospitality’s biggest stars
This episode of "15 Minutes with the Boss" features celebrity chef Luke Mangan. He discusses his journey in the hospitality industry, highlighting his rise to prominence after facing bankruptcy at age 35.
- Kellie Hush: Never take your eye off the customer and the surprising benefits of mixing sport with fashion
In this episode, Kellie Hush, CEO of Australian Fashion Week and co-founder of The Volte, shares how optimism has guided her in life and leadership. She discusses the importance of keeping an eye on the customer and reflects on experiences…
- Simon Banks: How to gain mindfulness from manual work and why leadership requires both the head and heart
Simon Banks, managing director of PayPal Australia, talks with Sally Patten about leading with both head and heart, gaining mindfulness from manual work, and using empathy in leadership. The discussion covers how these elements contribute…
- Christelle Young: Radical transparency and a daily matcha ritual
Christelle Young, managing director of T2 Australia, joins Sally Patten on "15 Minutes with the Boss" to discuss radical transparency with staff. She also shares insights from a silence retreat and talks about the rising popularity of matc…
- Chris Andrews: Why you should stay in your current job longer and the question that removes ego from the room
In this episode, Chris Andrews, CEO of La Trobe Financial, talks with BOSS editor Sally Patten about career longevity and a technique for fostering humility in meetings. He explains why frequently changing jobs might hinder career progress…
- Dr Toni Meath: When 'Plan B' eclipses 'Plan A' and the secret powers of an introvert
In this episode, Dr. Toni Meath, principal and CEO of Melbourne Girls Grammar, shares how a personal challenge transformed her Plan A into an unexpected Plan B. She also discusses introversion as a superpower and highlights inner strength.
- Graham Kittle: Recovering from burnout, building networks and getting up at 4:30am
Graham Kittle, managing partner of Heidrick & Struggles in Australia, discusses recovering from burnout, the importance of networking through coffee meetings, and his habit of starting his day at 4:30 AM.
- Arnie Selvarajah: The best (last) question to ask and how to generate high value ideas.
Arnie Selvarajah, co-CEO of Bell Financial Group, shares insights on fostering group success over individual recognition, strategies for incentivizing both individuals and teams, and a crucial question he uses to gain a complete understand…
- Lou Oppenheim: How data stories drive decisions, changing entertainment patterns & the joy of seeing staff flourish
Lou Oppenheim, Executive Director of the Sydney Dance Company, shares her journey from computational linguistics to the arts. She discusses how she utilizes data to inform decisions and illuminate human stories.
- Ed Chung: The 7 year shift, the AI question you need to ask and how to dominate your diary.
Ed Chung from Technology One discusses inciting company upheaval every 7 to 10 years, the work ethic he learned from his parents, and mastering diary management while remaining flexible. He explains how significant change can benefit both…
- Paul Hitchcock: Failing fast, the rule of three & nominating a devil's advocate
Paul Hitchcock, CEO of Patties Food Group, shares his 'rule of three' for identifying non-performers and insights on rapid business restructuring. He also discusses lessons learned from a product launch that was not successful.
- Janine Allis: the extended interview
This is an extended interview with Boost Juice founder Janine Allis. She shares insights on productivity, imposter syndrome, and the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities.
- Matt Comyn: the extended interview
This episode features an extended interview with Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn. He discusses taking on hard challenges, his approach to health and fitness, and email habits.
- Trevor Holland: Letting go in order to move forward, building healthy habits and searching out mentors
Trevor Holland, managing director of Lululemon Australia New Zealand, discusses his career change, lessons from "Atomic Habits," and the importance of mentors. He shares insights on letting go to move forward and building healthy habits.
- Paul McGrath: Defying a 5% survival prognosis, the 'work hard' myth & 3 key elements to transform businesses
YHA CEO Paul McGrath shares his experience with lymphoblastic leukemia, challenges the idea of working harder to get ahead, and outlines three key elements for successful business transformation. This episode explores his journey and insig…
- Melinda Petrunoff: The 20% rule for growth, her undelivered TED talk and why you shouldn’t hide your ambition
Melinda Petrunoff, Australian MD for Pinterest, shares her insights on professional growth, the importance of communicating career ambitions, and the challenges of raising identical twins. She discusses feeling uncomfortable for 20% of her…
- John Longmire: Performing under pressure, how to instil loyalty and the ‘seven out of ten’ rule
John Longmire, executive director of club performance at the Sydney Swans, shares insights on how athletes perform under pressure, strategies to foster a positive work environment, and why it is acceptable for senior leaders to make mistak…
- Holly Masters: Don't rush into a career, open every door and why she left a $15b company
Holly Masters, CEO of The McGrath Foundation, shares insights on the benefits of a non-linear career path and the importance of networking. She also discusses her decision to leave Estee Lauder for the for-purpose sector.
- Damien Nicks: Getting your work-life balance right, starting a business and why the next 10 years are crucial
Damien Nicks, CEO of AGL, shares his insights on achieving work-life balance. He also talks about the challenges of starting a business and the value of making mistakes.
- Grant Hackett: The common trait winners share, sweating the small stuff and learning to be vulnerable
Grant Hackett, CEO of Generation Development Group, discusses lessons from his 2008 Olympics failure, his divorce, and the importance of vulnerability. He also shares how "sweating the small stuff" contributed to his business achievements.