Inner Chief Podcast

In this Best of Series episode, we hear from Nicky Sparshott, CEO of Unilever Australia & New Zealand, on being brave, taking the path less trodden and differentiating yourself. chiefmaker.com/221 REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT MINI-MBA INTAKE: chiefmaker.com/miniMBA Nicky has been involved with FMCG firm Unilever since 2006, as a senior manager and executive in various roles and locations around the world. She became the CEO of Unilever Australia & New Zealand in March 2020, but we interviewed Nicky back in October 2017 when she was the Global CEO of T2 Tea, a luxury retailer and Unilever brand. Nicky is also a non-executive director for a number of organisations and has built up quite the impressive resume and expertise across FMCG, Retail, Luxury, and Ecommerce. In this episode, you’re going to hear Nicky talk about: her lessons from a failed product launch; taking the path less travelled, even if others don’t think it’s a good idea for you; being brave and not being scared to fail; and creating a track re

Our topic today is the All-in Mindset. chiefmaker.com/220 REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT MINI-MBA INTAKE: chiefmaker.com/minimba We look at how you can elevate yourself to a new level of being through the all-in mindset. We’re going to talk about: Making a conscious decision to shift course; Looking back to plan a way forward; Using small moments to go all in, that compound into massive changes. Stay epic, Greg

In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, you’ll hear from Ian Snape, CEO of Frontline Mind, on resilience by design, leading Antarctic expeditions and relaxing in high stakes environments. chiefmaker.com/219 LAST CHANCE! REGISTER FOR OUR JANUARY MINI-MBA INTAKE: chiefmaker.com/minimba Ian has over 30 years of experience leading and managing teams in strategy, innovation, and adventure. His speciality in coaching and training is on the topics of resilience, performance, recovery and wellbeing, especially to people who operate in complex high-risk situations such as Special Forces, police, paramedics, as well as Olympic athletes, company directors and senior executives. He has a PhD in Geochemistry from the University of Edinburgh and also has a Graduate Certificate in Neuro-linguistic Programming. He has led teams on expeditions to the Antarctic to conduct research on pollution issues in cold regions that were crucial to policy and regulatory decisions. He is the co-founder of two related coaching and trai

In this Best of Series episode, we hear from Trevor Matthews on how a leader is a dealer in hope, building a track record and thinking globally, acting locally. chiefmaker.com/218 REGISTER FOR OUR JANUARY MINI-MBA INTAKE: chiefmaker.com/miniMBA We interviewed Trevor back in September 2017 when he told us the story of his remarkable career from Actuary to CEO and Chair of some of the world’s biggest insurance companies. He is also the Former MD/CEO of Legal & General Australia, Manulife Canada and Japan, and has since gone on to become a trusted advisor, Chair and Board member at companies like Bupa, CMC Markets APAC, State Insurance Regulatory Authority and Preferred Global Health. In short, Trevor is an elite Chief and we were privileged that he came on the show. In this episode, you’re going to hear Trevor talk about: Why a leader is a dealer in hope; How he got new roles as a result of building a track record of solving problems; How he brought ideas from around the world and implemented them locally;

In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, you’ll hear from Fiona Crawford OLY, Chief Human Resources Officer of CreditorWatch, on doing extra, celebrating success, and enabling the business. chiefmaker.com/217 REGISTER FOR OUR JANUARY MINI-MBA INTAKE: chiefmaker.com/minimba Fiona joined fintech startup, CreditorWatch, in September 2021 as GM of People & Culture. Her career spans almost 20 years in human resources, training and coaching across a range of industries including sport, fitness, finance, hospitality and automotive. Fiona is a dual Olympian softballer, claiming the bronze and silver medals for Australia at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games respectively. In this episode we talk all about: How she got a place on the team by always doing extra; Why the successful teams are the ones that encourage feedback; Teaching organisations to celebrate success; and Removing the noise and enabling the business. Connecting with Fiona Crawford OLY You can connect with Fiona via LinkedIn Books a

Our topic today is self-belief. For more info check out chiefmaker.com/216 REGISTER FOR THE JANUARY INTAKE OF OUR MINI-MBA: chiefmaker.com/minimba We look at how you can harness self-belief in a constructive way to build your track record. We’re going to talk about: The physical impact of positive and negative mindsets; Myth-busting negative self-belief; and Finding a place where negative self-talk is non-existent. Stay epic, Greg

In this episode of The Inner Chief, you’ll hear from Dr Bronwyn Evans AM, CEO of Engineers Australia, on theory vs practice, empathetic performance management, and advancing society through great engineering. chiefmaker.com/214   REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT MINI-MBA INTAKE: chiefmaker.com/minimba   Bronwyn is the CEO of Engineers Australia, the Chair of Building4.0 CRC, and a Director of the Australia-Japan Foundation. She has previously held positions in innovation initiatives, including as Chair of the Industry Growth Centre for Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals, and previously as the CEO of Standards Australia and VP of Finance of the International Standards Organisation (ISO). She has over 35 years’ experience in various engineering roles and was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2021. She’s also been recognised as one of Australia’s 100 most influential engineers and is in the list of top 100 Women of Influence. She is also a Member of the Champions of Change STEM Group which aim

Our topic today is the number 1 performance environment for executives - meetings.   For more info check out chiefmaker.com/213   REGISTER FOR THE NEXT INTAKE OF OUR MINI-MBA: chiefmaker.com/minimba   We look at being a high performer in the meeting room, and how to unlock the power of this environment in bringing your entourage along with you and building your track record.   We’re going to talk about: Preparing for meetings with an outcomes-based approach; Why this environment should be seen as your theatre; and Creating an experience for the attendees.   Stay epic, Greg

In this latest episode of our Best of Series, you’ll hear from Jonathan Ling, Chairman of Planet Innovation, on telling wow stories, top 3 skills to be CEO, and pulling the right levers. chiefmaker.com/212 REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT MINI-MBA INTAKE: chiefmaker.com/minimba Jonathan is currently the Chairman of Planet Innovation and of Pro-Pac Packaging, as well as a Non-Executive Director of The Pact Group, but was the CEO of GUD Holdings when we interviewed him back in July 2017. His executive experience also includes having been CEO of Fletcher Building, Laminex Australia and Visy Recycling. He is the former Chairman of the Melbourne Rebels’ Advisory Board and has previously held a number of other board roles including ASB bank and Pacific Brands. Jonathan’s story is a fantastic one of a little Chinese boy that rose from the frontline all the way through the ranks to becoming CEO. He has taken on some of the biggest challenges in business and succeeded commercially through the cultures he creates. In this episode

In this episode of The Inner Chief, you’ll hear from Antonia Mercorella, CEO of The REIQ, on tackling the hard stuff, resolving conflict, and sharing your vision. chiefmaker.com/211 REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT MINI-MBA INTAKE: chiefmaker.com/minimba Antonia is the Chief Executive Officer of The Real Estate Institute of Queensland. She is the first female CEO, and also the youngest person ever appointed to lead the organisation, and has transformed the 103-year-old Institute into one of most progressive and high-profile industry associations in Australia. Prior to her appointment as CEO, Antonia worked with the REIQ as Deputy CEO and before that, as General Counsel. She has also worked as principal legal advisor to the Real Estate Institute of South Australia, and as a commercial lawyer specialising in property and real estate. In this episode we talk all about: Tackling the hard stuff that no-one else wants to; Resolving conflict early and effectively; The key you skills you need to have as a CEO; and Sharing you

Our topic today is 3 questions you MUST be able to answer about key stakeholders. For more info check out chiefmaker.com/210 REGISTER FOR THE NEXT INTAKE OF OUR MINI-MBA: chiefmaker.com/minimba We look at how to build connection and trust with stakeholders, so as to improve how others view you when you're not in the room. We’re going to talk about: Track records and integrity; Incentives;  Pressure; and Personality. Stay epic, Greg

In this latest episode of our Best of Series, you’ll hear from Jennifer Holland, Founder & CEO of Throat Scope and Holland Healthcare, on preparedness, persistence and revolutionising the healthcare industry. chiefmaker.com/209 Jennifer’s passion lies in inventing, designing and developing medical products that will revolutionise the healthcare industry. Her first invention was Throat Scope, which was the recipient of $50,000 prize money for the ‘What’s Your Big Idea Queensland?’ in 2011, allowing her to build several prototypes and register a patent. In 2015, she secured investment from Steve Baxter on Shark Tank Australia, helping the business grow exponentially and attract significant publicity. Her mission is to raise awareness for Head & Neck Cancer & introduce an affordable oral health system for the underserved and she has received many awards for her entrepreneurship and volunteering, and actively participates in speaking and networking events internationally.   In this episode we talk al

In this episode of The Inner Chief, you’ll hear from Ben Darwin, Co-Founder of GAIN LINE, on cohesion analytics, understanding versus skill, and sacking staff too soon. chiefmaker.com/208   REGISTER FOR OUR MINI-MBA BEFORE 31st AUGUST: chiefmaker.com/minimba   Ben is the Co-Founder and GM of GAIN LINE Analytics, an operations and management consultancy dedicated to building consistently successful teams.   He represented the Brumbies in Super Rugby and played at international level 28 times for the Wallabies. In his last ever game of competitive rugby, he broke his neck, but extraordinarily, has since recovered.   Ben has considerable experience in coaching, player development and analysis in both Australia and Japan and is a highly-sought after speaker all around the world and in the media.   In this episode we talk all about: Achieving his boyhood dream of making the Wallabies and being surrounded by his own heroes; The science of cohesion, namely systems, interpersonal and positional understanding; How t

Our topic today is where strategy execution goes wrong.   For more info check out chiefmaker.com/207   REGISTER FOR OUR MINI-MBA BEFORE 31st AUGUST: chiefmaker.com/minimba   We look at three key scenarios of when the execution of a strategy could fall over.   We’re going to talk about: Vertical and horizontal trust; Operating rhythm; and Resourcing.   Stay epic, Greg

In this episode of The Inner Chief, you’ll hear from Eric Morris, CEO of The PAS Group, on culture shocks, lessons from sport and treading your own path. chiefmaker.com/206 REGISTER FOR OUR MINI-MBA BEFORE 31st AUGUST: chiefmaker.com/minimba   Eric has been CEO of The PAS Group since its inception in 2005 and has led nine of the Group’s acquisitions and the successful integration of the Group’s businesses. He has held senior executive positions at the likes of Myer, Walt Disney International, Reebok International in both Hong Kong and Cape Town, and Woolworths South Africa. In total, he has over 36 years’ experience in retail, wholesale/supply, licensing, manufacturing and distribution. In this episode we talk all about: His amazing journey working in different countries and the various culture shocks he had to endure; How sport has shaped his leadership style; Taking the leap of faith and going out on your own; and Finding positivity and navigating a new world post-COVID. Connecting with Eric Morris You c

Our topic today is coaching principles.   For more info check out chiefmaker.com/205   REGISTER FOR OUR MINI-MBA BEFORE 31st AUGUST: chiefmaker.com/minimba   We look at three really powerful principles that you can use when leading your people or even coaching a client.   We’re going to talk about: Helping someone to create a congruent future vision of themselves; Ownership of all insights; and Believing in everyone’s ability to be great.   Stay epic, Greg

In this fourth episode of our Best of Series, you’ll hear from Vivek Bhatia, CEO of Link Group, on lifelong learning, going beyond your job description, and having your antenna on. chiefmaker.com/204 Vivek is currently the CEO of financial services firm Link Group, but was the CEO of iCare when we interviewed him back in July 2017. He has over two decades of experience in financial services, government and management consulting, having also been CEO of Wesfarmers Insurance and the QBE Insurance Group APAC. Vivek holds an undergraduate degree in engineering, a post graduate in business administration and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. He is an Indian migrant and this episode is an inspiring story of how after arriving in Australia, he rose above the pack to become a CEO in just 10 years. In this episode we talk all about: How to treat your boss like your most important customer; Looking for other opportunities in the business and going above your role description; What the most effective use of a leader’s

Our topic today is powerful coaching questions. For more info check out chiefmaker.com/203 REGISTER FOR OUR MINI-MBA BEFORE 31st AUGUST: chiefmaker.com/minimba I've been a coach now for nearly 14 years and throughout that time, what you learn to be is really good at asking questions and at interviewing people. The reason is because you have to be curious and you've got to listen very carefully to what people say, the pitch and tone of the voice when they say things, where their attention is, their nonverbal cues, and their body language that goes with it. Remember, all leaders are effectively coaches. That means you, Chief, are also a coach. So when you're leading your people, or when you are even self-reflecting on your own career and challenges, have these questions somewhere to call upon regularly. Stay epic, Greg

In this third episode of our Best of Series, you’ll hear from Daniel Hunter, CEO of Business NSW, on the new breed of CEO, purposeful storytelling and building teams. chiefmaker.com/202 Daniel is currently the CEO of Business NSW, but was the CEO of HealthShare NSW when we interviewed him back in June 2017.   His previous senior management roles include CFO of Services NSW, and two executive roles at Sydney Water, namely General Manager of Transformation and General Manager of People Leadership and Culture.   Daniel was our third ever Chief to be interviewed on the podcast and in this episode we talk all about: How the ‘command and control’ CEO is being replaced by a humble, empathetic one; Bringing a sense of purpose to the organisation through story-telling; Giving your leaders and their teams some space to achieve the organisation’s goals; Getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations, and avoiding wasting time on people who don’t want to develop. Connecting with Daniel Hunter You can connect with

In this second episode of our Best of Series, you’ll hear from Mike Pratt AM, Secretary of Treasury in the NSW Government, on being well prepared, disciplined, transparent and keeping integrity in everything you do. chiefmaker.com/201   REGISTER FOR OUR MINI-MBA ASAP: chiefmaker.com/miniMBA   Mike is currently the Secretary of the Treasury in the NSW Government. He is also the former Deputy Chancellor of Western Sydney University (WSU), a former Chairman of Bennelong Funds Management, and a former President of the Australian Institute of Banking & Finance.   His previous senior management roles include CEO of Consumer and SME Banking North East Asia with Standard Chartered Bank, Group Executive of Westpac Business & Consumer Banking, CEO of Bank of Melbourne, CEO of NAB’s Retail Financial Services arm, and CEO of Bank of New Zealand.   Mike was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday 2016 Honours List, recognised as a role model for Australian society for providing