Arete Podcast With Richard Triggs

In this episode of the Arete Executive Podcast, I speak with Vincent Berry, Director at Sajen Legal, about how business owners and executives can better protect their organisations from legal risk. Vincent shares his journey from young lawyer to firm director, why commercial litigation and insolvency are such critical areas right now, and how business leaders can mitigate risks with the right contracts, due diligence, and proactive legal strategies. We explore post-COVID legal trends, including the rise in insolvencies, shareholder disputes, and compliance pressures from the ATO. Vincent also explains why many executives underestimate the importance of contract terms, how failing to act quickly can cost millions, and why prevention is far cheaper than cure. From supplier contracts to shareholder agreements and employment restraints, this conversation is a practical masterclass in protecting what you’ve built before problems arise. Key Timestamps 1:12 – Vincent introduces Sajen Legal and its focus on commer

In this episode, I sit down with Kylie Sprott to explore her journey from senior executive roles into a true portfolio career that blends board directorships, consulting, mentoring, writing, and public speaking. Central to this transition is her latest venture, Sprott Methods—a leadership platform developed over three years that combines global collaborations, masterclasses, interviews, and practical resources for business leaders. Kylie explains how the platform is designed to cut through “noise” and provide digestible, real-world advice for leaders, while also celebrating insights from diverse leaders across industries. Kylie reflects on her philosophy of leadership, drawing on her 25 years in executive roles. She emphasises curiosity, humility, and breadth of knowledge as essential traits for modern leaders, qualities she likens to “unicorn leaders.” We also explore her perspectives on risk management, strategy, and how fictional characters like Ted Lasso can inspire leadership lessons. Kylie shares her a

In this episode, I sit down with Ashton Bishop, CEO of Step Change, to talk all things marketing, such as why so much of it fails, and how challenger businesses can cut through the noise without outspending their competition. We trace Ashton’s journey from co-creating 'R U OK? Day' to building a consultancy that helps companies, from small trades businesses to ASX-listed giants, unlock real growth. We unpack why too many organisations chase short-term tactics without a strategy, why distinctiveness beats differentiation, and how understanding behavioural economics can transform cut-through and conversion. We also explore practical tools like the “Value Visualiser” that can triple proposal conversions, why B2B buying decisions are still emotional at their core, and how AI, when used wisely, can deliver meaningful wins rather than just “garbage at the speed of light.” TIME STAMPS: 02:59 – What Step Change does and growth stories from $2M to $1B 06:08 – Ashton’s backstory: from R U OK? Day to launching Step C

In this episode, I’m joined once again by Dr Gavriel "Gav" Schneider — CEO, author, strategic risk expert, and one of Australia’s foremost thinkers on how to navigate uncertainty and unlock human potential. We dive deep into his latest book, 'Presilience: How to Navigate Risk, Embrace Opportunity and Build Resilience', exploring why most organisations still view risk too narrowly, and how reframing it as a strategic enabler can lift both performance and resilience. We talk about the post-COVID productivity slump, the challenge of leading five generations in the workforce, and why Australia’s risk-averse culture is holding back innovation. Gav shares the core skills every leader needs to thrive in a world of low certainty and limited control, and how his Presilience framework has transformed not only his own $45M business but also the outcomes of clients across sectors. This conversation is packed with practical insights, from rethinking work-from-home policies based on human behaviour, to leading through di

In this episode, Richard Triggs interviews long-time colleague Darren Finkelstein on how accountability drives performance, reduces overwhelm, and creates real behavioural change in teams and individuals. They reflect on Darren’s pivot from Apple executive to boating entrepreneur to becoming a sought-after accountability coach. The discussion highlights how leaders can model accountability, why frequent check-ins outperform annual reviews, and how Darren’s “seven steps to success” framework can increase goal achievement by up to 95%. They also explore themes from Darren’s latest book, NO: Building a Life of Choice Without Obligation, and why learning to say no is central to personal and professional effectiveness. 01:30 – Darren’s career pivot from Apple to boating to accountability coaching 08:00 – Accountability vs. responsibility: what’s the real difference? 13:45 – Why most leaders fail to create true accountability in their organisations 24:00 – Darren’s 7-step framework to increase goal achievement to

In this episode of the Arete Podcast, I speak with Trudy MacDonald, founder of Talent Code HR and a former CEO of three organisations, with a background in organisational psychology. Trudy shares powerful insights into the post-pandemic leadership landscape and what it takes to build high-performance teams in today’s evolving world of work. We explore the shift toward more empathetic leadership, the emerging challenge of balancing empathy with accountability, and why too much flexibility can sometimes erode performance cultures. Trudy discusses practical frameworks for instilling accountability without losing connection, the importance of redefining employer branding, and how expectations around pay and remote work have transformed. We also touch on the role of AI in shaping the future of leadership and performance, and close with a personal look at what fuels Trudy’s drive, her early mornings, rowing, and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve. TIME STAMPS: 01:55 – Trudy’s background in organisationa

In this episode of the Arete Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Griffiths, a renowned author and speaker. Andrew reflects on our 11-year friendship and shares his journey from buying a dive shop at 17 to becoming an international sales manager and eventually a prolific author with 14 books published. We delve into the importance of creating a strong personal brand, especially for executives, and the role of authenticity in writing and speaking. We discuss leveraging tools like chat GPT and the significance of mentorship and continually learning from others to build and maintain your personal brand. Andrew's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark professionally and personally. Useful Links: Andrew Griffiths' website: www.andrewgriffiths.com.au Andrew Griffiths on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/griffithsandrew Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jake Swinglehurst, the CEO of Lucas' Papaw Remedies. Jake, who has been sporting his iconic mustache for seven years, shares the fascinating history of Lucas' Papaw Remedies, a family-owned business founded by Dr. Lucas in 1910. Jake discusses the legacy carried on through six generations, the challenges and milestones faced by the business, and its organic growth through endorsements by celebrities like Jennifer Hawkins and Miranda Kerr. Jake also talks about his personal journey, stepping into various roles within the company, and the vision for the future, including potential new products and international expansion. This conversation provides an insightful look into the dedication, heritage, and future aspirations of a company deeply rooted in its Australian origins. Useful Links: Lucas' Papaw Remedies Website - https://lucaspapaw.com.au/ Jake Swinglehurst on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-swinglehurst-61b9551a4/ Richard Triggs on LinkedIn

In this episode, I reconnect with my long-time friend and mentor Rex Urwin, who joins me on the Arete Podcast. Rex shares his journey from coaching to mentoring, emphasising the transformative potential within each individual. We discuss the significance of mentorship, the evolution of personal growth, and the role of ancient wisdoms and practices such as breathwork and hermetic principles in contemporary self-improvement. We also delve into the societal trends impacting self-identity and success, and the challenges of keeping grounded in an increasingly materialistic world. As always, it’s a pleasure to explore these profound topics with Rex and to reflect on our nearly four-decade friendship and collaboration. Useful Links: Mind Matters website: https://mindmattrz.org/ Rex Urwin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexurwin/ Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au

In this episode, I sit down with Mark, the Managing Director of Bennett + Bennett. We discuss his experiences growing up in Brisbane, his journey in the land surveying industry, and his rise through the ranks at Bennett and Bennett. Mark shares insights on the company’s history, their involvement in major projects like Snowy Hydro and Gold Coast Light Rail, and the importance they place on wellness and leadership programs. He also opens up about the personal transitions that accompanied his professional growth and his future vision for the company amidst the exciting backdrop of the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Useful Links: Bennett + Bennett website: https://bennettandbennett.com.au/ Mark Billsborough on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/mark-billsborough-gaicd-836a334a Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au

In this episode of the Arete Podcast, I welcome Nick Symonds, the director of MAS, a Brisbane-based architecture studio specialising in hotels, resorts, and multi-residential projects. Nick shares insights into his company's focus, the transition from an established firm to starting his own business during COVID, and the strategic decisions that paved the way for MAS's growth. He also touches on his early life, the influence of his upbringing, and his creative interests. The conversation highlights the importance of team culture, adaptability, and strategic planning in running a successful architecture firm. Nick also talks about his personal pursuits, including building his own house and future travel plans to Europe. Useful Links: MAS - Architectural Studio website: https://www.mas.com.au/ Nick Symonds on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-symonds-82414631/ Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au

206 - Matthew Dowd - Co-Founder - Keystone Training Group by Richard Triggs

205 - Darren Godwell - Chief Executive Officer - i2i Global by Richard Triggs

204 - David Smith - Chair & CEO - Ceres Tag Ltd by Richard Triggs

The sky's the limit when it comes to aerospace, and ASX-listed Quickstep taking that literally. I spoke with Mark Burgess, MD and CEO, about the stellar growth the company has had in recent years, growing from a staff of 12 to 265 just on one manufacturing site alone. The company has diversified from being primarily focused on the international military market and now includes commercial transport, including sophisticated commercial drones. We discussed the hard recruitment and employment decisions Mark had to make to turn the company around when he took the helm some six years ago. It was a fascinating interview that will leave you in no doubt that Australia is at the leading edge of this important industry. Useful Links Mark Burgess on LInkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-burgess-43238b49/ Quickstep Website: www.quickstep.com.au/ Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au Richard's book on Amazon: areteexecutive.com.au/free-book/

When you can contribute to improving the education and prospects of young people, you can sleep at night knowing that your work is worthwhile. This interview gives us a brief, behind-the-scenes look at the work of an organisation that’s doing fantastic work and changing lives at the point where it’s most critical. It’s a testament to what can happen when a husband and wife start off with a simple, yet powerful idea. Useful Links Australian Indigenous Education Foundation website: aief.com.au/ Andrew Penfold AM on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewpenfoldam/ Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au Richard's book on Amazon: areteexecutive.com.au/free-book/

Useful Links Omnii website: omnii.com.au/ Peter Glodic on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/peter-glodic-3625101/ Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au Richard's book on Amazon: areteexecutive.com.au/free-book/

Engineering workshops have come a long way in the past 30 years. With the advent of computer-aided design (CAD), laser cutting and CNC folding, much of what used to be noisy and dirty work is now done by machines that wouldn’t look out of place in a hospital. My guest on the podcast this week is Douglas Dart, Director of GCI Group, a fabrication business started by his father 18 years ago. What started as a retirement project for his father is now a thriving enterprise, employing over 120 staff. Douglas says it’s the type of business that normally wouldn’t have made it past the business planning stage but, because there was no business plan it’s been able to succeed on its own terms. Useful Links GCI Group Australia website: gcigroup.com.au/ Douglas Dart on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/douglas-dart-3a207814/ Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au Richard's book on Amazon: areteexecutive.com.au/free-book/

While most industries have embraced digital innovations over the past 30 years or so, few people probably appreciate the enthusiasm with which the energy and resources sector have done so in that time. With infrastructure downtime costing hundreds of thousands of dollars per hour, and optimisations returning millions of dollars in bottom-line profit, ignoring digital trends is not an option for any serious players in the sector. But in order for organisations to be ‘on-trend’ they have to work with other organisations that are already ahead of the curve. I interviewed the Managing Director of one such firm on the podcast this week; Nick Bamford, from SRO Technology. Nick described how the business takes customers from a breakdown support situation, through to ongoing preventive maintenance programs, then to optimisation programs by making use of the vast amounts of data collected on sites. It’s a formula that’s proving successful, and has seen the business grow from five million dollars revenue to $20 mil

Kookaburra Kids website: https://kookaburrakids.org.au/ Lee Knight: kookaburrakids.org.au/about/governance-board-of-directors/ Patricia Reid on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patricia-reid-par88/ Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au Richard's book on Amazon: areteexecutive.com.au/free-book/