Giant Thinkers Podcast

Giants, this is episode #73! Today we have the CEO of BridgeClimb Sydney, which is the #1 ranked experience in Australia. To date, over 4 million people from more than 140 countries have climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge since 1998, including Oprah Winfrey, Hugh Jackman and Jamie Oliver. Previously, our guest was the CEO of Scenic World Blue Mountains where he served a 10-year tenure.   His formal studies include a Bachelor's degree in Business, Management and Marketing – plus a Master’s in Information and Communication Sciences – both at Ball State University, Indiana. He is a man of many layers, including being a servant leader that specialises in creating world-class cultures and building exceptional iconic experiences. He believes the heart of all business is people and that his role is to create a space where people can be the best version of themselves. One of the things that really got me was when he said that “in order to truly know and lead a person you have to know their pain”. Personally, the

Welcome to episode #72! Today’s guest is a household name. She’s a 3 time Olympic Gold Medalist and 5 time World Record Holder. She’s even been inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. When she was a full-time competitor, her rigorous training involved over 5 hours a day, 6 days a week, swimming 3,000 km a year – so we have front row seats to hearing from an elite athlete about physical fitness and mental toughness. Now as a retired athlete, she dedicates her time in entrepreneurship, mentorship, speaking engagements and supporting other swimmers through her courses and programs. Some of the topics we spoke about include: Her top 5 vegan ingredient staples Her self-talk prior to big races like the 2008 Beijing Olympics Tools and systems that kept her accountable for high-level training Her tips for breathing, strokes and leg kicks for non-confident swimmers — and we chat about plenty more.   So if you’re interested in having the mindset of a pro athlete and keen to implement that int

Today, we have someone super special. He’s been a top 4 contestant on MasterChef Australia’s Season 7 (in 2015 – where at the time he was only 20 years old) and he’s the Co-Founder of multiple family-run restaurants – including KOI Dessert Bar & Dining and Monkey’s Corner. He’s often been referred to as Sydney’s "dessert king" but his abilities span well beyond sweets and into the savoury. He’s been featured multiple times in the Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, Good Food, News.com.au and Vogue Australia. If you’ve ever tried his creations you’ll feel his passion for taking people on a journey through taste, texture and visual theatre.   A part of his story I’m excited for you all to hear is his humble beginnings which isn’t widely known or told. He emigrated from Indonesia to Sydney with his family when he was just 4 years old. The food and restaurant empire actually started in their family garage where his mother started operations with only $300 to support them. Through his story you’ll see why he’s

Giants, this is episode #70! Today I’m joined by one of the world’s top Graphic Designers; specialising in branding and logo design. Our guest has had over 15 years design experience, has spoken at TEDx, been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur and has been awarded LinkedIn’s exclusive “Best of 2017” for graphic design. With over 50 million views across his popular design blog, JUST Creative – which doubles as his award-winning graphic design and branding firm. Our guest has also worked across the globe – in New York, Sweden, Sydney and has travelled to 86 countries.     His portfolio includes clients such as Disney, Nintendo, Coca-Cola, Jerry Seinfeld and hundreds more. Graduating from The University of Newcastle, Australia, with a Bachelor of Visual Communication; for him design is a lifelong journey of continuously honing his craft, as well as educating other fellow designers to build on theirs.   Some of the topics we spoke about include: Introvert-proof ways to network How to grow and generate passiv

Giants, this is episode #69! Our guest is the Founder of Boost Juice & Retail Zoo – the parent company of Boost Juice, as well as Salsa’s Fresh Mex, CIBO Espresso and Betty’s Burgers. She’s also an Australian Shark Tank Investor, Author and mother of four children.     It all started with her vision of getting more fruit and veggies in people’s diet and – loving life along the way – which is now a reality, with over 2 million smoothies and juices sold every month. Boost Juice has more outlets in more countries than any other juice bar in the world. She also has a long list of awards to her name including BRW naming her one of fifteen people that changed the way Australia does business in the last 35 years. In total, her businesses span across over 650 stores worldwide, so it’s no surprise that as a Shark Tank investor, she can quickly pinpoint the difference between a good business – versus a great one. Part of her unique philosophy is that it’s not necessarily about “being better” – rather, it’s abo

Giants, Ram Castillo here. This is episode #68! Today’s guest is a Canadian businessman, author and TV personality from Shark Tank USA. He co-founded the technology firm SoftKey – which was later acquired for more than $4 billion dollars. He has since launched O’Leary Funds (an investment fund company), O’Leary Fine Wines – and a best-selling book series on financial literacy which covers everything you need to know about making, saving, and growing money. He’s even stepped his foot into the world of politics (which we briefly talk about).   He has a current investment portfolio of 29 companies (possibly more from when I interviewed him 2 months ago to now). He first learnt about entrepreneurship at a young age after his step-father advised him to not become a full-time photographer – a story I won’t spoil as our guest delivers it so well. And now he is on a mission to educate the next generation of entrepreneurs to truly succeed. Some of the topics we spoke about include: The common mistakes he sees p

Giants, this is episode #67! Today’s guest is a contemporary Cuban-American artist and portrait painter, best known for his ‘Syncretism’, a term he coined in 2011 to describe paintings where he presents two or more art tendencies in aesthetic balance. His work harmonises both classical and modern interpretations juxtaposed within each painting.   When he moved to America with his family aged 12, he got the real taste for the American Dream: “The worst thing that could happen in America was always a luxury in comparison to the Cuban lifestyle” (where he’s originally from). He studied at the Miami Dade College, then attended the New World School of the Arts for a period of time and even relocated to Florence for further painting education. The artist has received numerous accolades around the world, including the Grand Prize and People's Choice Award at the Academy of Realist Art Boston, First Prize at the Grand Central Academy Portrait Competition, The Hall of Fame Award at Miami Dade College and First Pla

G’day Giants, welcome to episode #66! Our guest today is a 10-time World Muay Thai Champion. He’s also a former Australian middleweight boxing champion, professional Kickboxer and Owner of Boonchu gym located in the Gold Coast, Queensland. He was the runner up on The Contender Asia, and the first Australian to fight at the Thai King’s birthday.   For extra context, he started Taekwondo at the age of 11 before moving onto Muay Thai at the age of 13. He’s grown a career from this passion, travels the world competing in professional matches, and all while running his Gym. . Now aged 42, “the passion has never worn off” – and he still fights professionally today. His mindset is to “concentrate on your own strength, not your opponent’s strength” . Having fought in front of 100,000 spectators, received 335 stitches to his face to date and fought in 145 career fights – this man’s drive is intoxicating . We learn how much of his outer strength comes from inner strength.   Some of the topics we spoke about inclu