Ai Group Podcasts

Brand is business; business is brand’ with David Schloeffel, Chief Enabling Officer, Brandness. In this insightful episode, David talks about using the company brand to build resilience into the business. “Brand is your biggest asset and it’s critical to the success of any business, regardless of size”, he tells host James Scotland. In this fascinating conversation, David reveals: • why a brand is essential to operations and supply lines; • how the expectations and performance level on B2B (business-to-business) companies have changed as a result of our experiences with B2C (business-to-consumer) companies; • why it’s important to ensure brand management is across the whole business and isn’t just a boardroom strategy; • how to carry out a brand analysis that includes customers, suppliers and staff and • how to transform from being product-based to brand-based — and why it’s important.  Find out more about David on LinkedIn.

In this first episode of 2024 James speaks with his colleague at Ai Group, the Director of Research and Economics Dr Jeff Wilson. In a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation, James and Jeff talk through the lessons from last year and the current economic trends framing the year ahead. They then discuss the findings of the recently released report ‘Australian Industry Outlook 2024’. This annual report is an analysis and summary of the opinions of what is ahead in 2024 according to 300 business leaders in Australia. The official release of the report says: After three years of pandemic-induced disruptions and volatility, Australian industry enjoyed much more stable conditions in 2023. But as business leaders look out into the new year, they have real worries about uncertainty and stagnation in 2024. This year, more than 300 senior leaders from across Australia responded to our eleventh annual Industry Expectations Survey. The report, due for release on 22 January, is a must-read resource to understand

Louise McGrath has been working in international trade for decades and now represents Ai Group and Australian industry at global industry meetings around the world. In this engaging conversation James and Louise share humorous stories and insights into the keys to effective cross-cultural communication in business, supply chains and international meetings. Louise also share her thoughts on the current state of international trade and what it means for Australian business. Industry topics discussed include: • The current effectiveness of Free Trade Agreement’s • The implications for Australian business with the USA Inflation Reduction Act • Insights into international trade meetings • The future of digital trade documents. The two have a lively discussion on international communication including • The impact of the power differential • The importance of words vs intent in communications • An understanding of socials norms and being positive • And much more. James and Louise are clearly good at communicati

For this last episode of the year James chats with Kerryn Fewster, the CEO of Change 2020 about the year that’s been, the year ahead and the leadership issues of both: the two dissect multiple questions like: What have we learnt? what has changed? What do we need to do to prepare for the year ahead?. They investigate the generational change underway in the workplace, the impact of Work from Home, A.I. and other new ways of collaborating and achieving. And they discuss how to holiday, how to rest, rest, recover and rebu ng episode on Leadership, Rest and Reset. It’s a lovely chat to finish another great year of engaging chats and conversations. ild. It’s a fascinati Spoiler Alert

In this episode- that last of 2023, the three amigos review the big issues of the last month, the upcoming events of note in the transition, and they review the year that was. Lots of things are discussed, including the upcoming Global Climate Change meeting in Dubai, the possibility of a Carbon Border Adjustment Tax for Australia and other countries, and much more. Another fascinating conversation, well worth a listen.

Supply Chain Infrastructure in Australia is a big issue for ‘Supply Circles’ listeners so its good to speak with the renowned Michael Kilgariff on what is happening, and why. Michael is a senior executive in this sector with over two decades of high level experience. He’s been the National Director Energy Infrastructure Policy & Government Affairs for Energy Networks Association, he was the Managing Director of the Australian Logistics Councils for 9 years and he recently finished a successful 5 year stint as the CEO of Roads Australia. So he’s the perfect person to ask about Australian supply chain infrastructure. Host James Scotland and Michael are old friends and both are very experienced. In this episode they have a relaxed yet insightful and entertaining chat about the current state of, and the future of: Australian port operations, airports, highways and roads. The broader picture of supply chain infrastructure. They discuss the implications of the recent High Court decision to strike down the plan

In this episode host James Scotland dives headfirst into the story of what Electric Vehicles will mean for your business. It’s a story of the sustainable supply chains of the future. A story of change, of current confusion, of coming regulations for business. It’s a story of digitalisation, of disruption, and of course, the decarbonisation of your business. Most of all, it’s a way of seeing new ‘smart’ vehicles in a new light. To help me unpack the supply chain story of Electric Vehicles and your business, James is joined by Ross De Rango, the head of energy and infrastructure at the Electric Vehicles council of Australia. Together they unpack the issue from many sides including… • Why Electric Vehicles (EVS)? Are they really better than Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs)? • How do EVs compare to ICEs in terms of overall costs, running and operating costs, value for money, impact on th e environment? • While EVs take the fun out of driving? • What about range anxiety of EVs? It is a real thing’ • Will b

Another busy month in the transition, and there’s a lot to discuss. This month the three amigos consider: - Will the transition deadline result in inflation in decarbonise resources? - The structure of future electricity grids and the role of microgrids in providing electricity. - The High Court’s decision to reject Victoria’s EV tax and what it means for all cars not just EVs. - The new $2billion Hydrogen Headstart program - And so much more…. Another informative and insightful discussion from the team- well worth a listen.

Today’s guest is not a bot… he’s a real person with a lot of knowledge of bots. And Artificial Intelligence. And Automation. And so much more. Matt explains how he discovered AI and went on to make it, and automation, his chosen career path. He says Artificial Intelligence and its huge potential for improved efficiency is his favourite topic and this is evident in this conversation with show host James Scotland. In a wide ranging and fascinating conversation, James and Matt discuss how business managers should approach A.I., automation and much more. • What is A.I. and what is generative Artificial Intelligence? • Why is there an inherent bias in AI and Chat GPT and how do businesses overcome it? • How does AI and Blockchain work together? • How employees and A.I. will work together, to create improved efficiency. • What is the future of work when we factor in generative AI, automation and blockchain? • What business operators should do today to start implementing A.I expertise. • Why A.I. will provide

Host James Scotland ask John Grimes for the keys to creating sustainable businesses in todays economy. John mounts a strong argument for moving your business to electric power via solar and batteries. He explains the numbers and the opportunities for business owners – this is an episode full of exciting insights and business ‘nuggets’ James and John discuss electrification of business, of vehicles and of society, and they have a look at business opportunities in the infrastructure build of the transition. John also explains his view of the new economics of renewables, of power storage and of government support: It adds up to a great opportunity for business improvement. Other issues discussed in this wide ranging discussion include • The electrification of China • Opportunities from the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act • What is Smart Energy • Is nuclear an option? • Australia’s unique role and opportunity in renewable energy systems • And much more. Find out more about John and the Smart Energy Council

In this month’s ‘What on Earth...’ James, Tennant and Paul again examine the ‘issues of the day for the last month’ as we in Australia and globally transition to the post-carbon emissions business environment. The podcast asks ‘What on Earth’…. is going at a policy, economy, global and at the enterprise level as we race to Net Zero carbon requirements for our businesses and for the economy. Topics covered this month include: • China’s apparent new and emerging economic growth strategy, and what it might mean for Australia and for the transition, • The need to diversify our economy, especially as we and the world transition away from carbon-based fuel and export products, • Why business is pushing back in the U.K. and elsewhere as politicians get skittish about carbon targets and/or are faced with changes brought about by political concerns and geo-politics (delaying just add cost and politician pain down the line) • What’s happening with Australian energy, petrol and electricity prices and possible cost

In this episode we address the important emerging supply chain and business sustainability issue: The management concept of Product Stewardship….. The centrepiece of all supply chains is a good product but what actually is a ‘good’ product in the modern world. It’s a complex question with many of aspects to it, including ESG requirements, maximum value, minimal waste, through life support and end-of -life waste management In this episode James speak with John Gertsakis of the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence to learn about Product Stewardship and how it helps businesses to build sustainable and resilient supply chains. Many issues are covered including: • The role of research in product design, • System wide thinking in product management, • The potency of good product and system design, • What good looks like, • The Waste Hierarchy and why its important, • The role of the balance sheet in whole of life design, • The keys to preventative solutions, • The bottom life improvements in good produc

I Chose to look the other way - by Don Merrell by Ai Group

This is the story of the mouse that roared. Of the small manufacturing business in a suburb in Adelaide that went from one product, one major customer to a well-respected, innovative, complex supply chain with a global brand in just 25 years. Still headquartered at the same location in South Australian the business now has operations, sales people and distribution channels throughout the world. Anthony Kittel has been at the helm for the whole time, and in this podcast he shares his story and REDARC’s amazing journey, its commitment to research and operational excellence, and his plans for the future. In a wide-ranging and insightful interview, James and Anthony discuss, among many other things • the role of R&D in rapid growth • the structure of effective strategic plans • the connection between new product development and existing manufacturing capacity • innovative approaches to selecting the ‘riht’ staff • insights into being a successful supplier as well as being a successful buyer, and • Anthony in

With Tennant in China for High Level Dialogue meetings, Paul and James address a range of current issues. As James says; “it’s the podcast that discusses the transitioning economy issues of the day, each month. “ This episodes contains interesting and insightful analysis and comment on a number of issues including: • The challenges and opportunities of the Pilbara region of Western Australia, an area often called ‘ The global mining industry’s version of Silicon Valley’ • Why the Pilbara can be the global model for decarbonisation • Why clusters are a useful structure for the transition, and how it works. • The opportunities for manufacturing in the sustainment of the Hydrogen Industry in the decades ahead. • The cost of the transition and the role of global government subsidy and funding support in presenting challenges • The release of Australia’s first national Electric Vehicle strategy and what it means for business. A jam packed episode of insights and opinions. Worth a listen.

Innes Willox On ABC NewsRadio 733am 4.9.23 by Ai Group

Louise McGrath has been working in international trade for decades and now represents Ai Group and Australian industry at global industry meetings around the world. In this engaging conversation James and Louise share humorous stories and insights into the keys to effective cross-cultural communication in business, supply chains and international meetings. Louise also share her thoughts on the current state of international trade and what it means for Australian business. Industry topics discussed include: • The current effectiveness of Free Trade Agreement’s • The implications for Australian business with the USA Inflation Reduction Act • Insights into international trade meetings • The future of digital trade documents. The two have a lively discussion on international communication including • The impact of the power differential • The importance of words vs intent in communications • An understanding of socials norms and being positive • And much more. James and Louise are clearly good at commun

In this 2nd episode focusing on the SME section of supply chains, James chats with Mal Hiley, the Managing Director of Baker & Provan, a successful Western Sydney engineering and services company with an international supply line. Baker & Provan, a family owned business have specialised in the manufacture and supply of quality engineering products for over 75 years. It is now a significant and long-term supplier to the Defence Industry. Still based in St Marys in a 6,500sq metre workshop and employing over 80 fulltime staff, the company is a well-respected, successful modern engineering company suppling large buyers across the nation. James and Mal discuss the challenges of managing SMEs and the keys to managing demanding buyers, and in sustaining international suppliers. Mal opens up on the difficulties and the processes needed to sustain success in demanding industries, including: • The structure and history of the business. • The challenges of sovereign capability and the role Bake &

This month, James, Tennant and Paul have another wide-ranging conversation full of fascinating insights and observations. The podcast’s goal of unpacking this current major issues and the progress of the transitioning economy was certainly achieved this month… Issues covered are many including: • The emergence of clearer thinking in the green hydrogen industry • Opportunities and challenges for Australian businesses with the U.S. multi-billion dollar Inflation Reduction Act • Why is China emerging as a key Electric Vehicle markets around the world. • The emerging thinking of supply chain management in critical minerals and energy systems- multiple options for creating new supply chains and new economics: Close to energy source or close to end market? • What is meant by ‘scaling’ green hydrogen’: Paul explains. • The ‘Connecting Green Hydrogen’ conference and hat Paul learnt by attending. • The ‘Developing North Australia’ conference and what Tennant learnt by attending • And much more. Another fascinatin

Our guest is Lucy Finlay. James and Lucy have a wonderful chat about the tension and healthy conflict of ….innovative new products hitting the market quickly and…. the need to ensure standards are in place for these new products. Lucy is the Standards and Regulations Manager for Schneider Electric and the perfect person to ask. Think of this: We buy exciting new products almost every day: smart phones, smart TVs, new vehicles, air fryers, complicated and next gen hair dryers and toasters and water bottles, even ‘smart’ blenders: many of these products did not exist a few years ago. Certainly the ‘smart’ part didn’t… … Yet we expect all of these products to perform as promised at purchase…. To meet this expectation, specific manufacturing standards and quality standards must be developed, agreed and implemented. Quickly, efficiently, and accurately. It’s a fascinating supply chain challenge of our time. Lucy explains the difficulties, the challenges and the competing issues of managing fast innovation