No Limitations

In Episode 136 of the No Limitations podcast In Unexpected Places, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Robert Spurway, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GrainCorp Ltd.  In an insightful discussion, Robert provides an in-depth assessment of the global agriculture market, which has withstood challenges such as adverse weather conditions, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. Robert believes that there is cause for optimism as Australia is well placed to serve large markets in Southeast Asia and China, global demand for agriculture is outpacing supply, and Australian policymakers are placing greater importance on national biosecurity. Robert also proposes several initiatives by which GrainCorp Ltd can remain a market leader in the coming decades, including deploying its internal venture capital fund, improving rail networks, utilising data analytics, and adopting precision farming techniques. Robert started his career as a chemical engineer in the New Zealand dairy industr

In Episode 135 of the No Limitations podcast Another Hole in the Ground, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Douglas Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Coronado Global Resources Inc. In an enlightening discussion, Douglas offers a thorough analysis of the shifting market dynamics within the coal industry whilst underscoring the pivotal role of metallurgical coal in the global energy transition. Douglas critiques Australia's political inertia, lamenting its impact on the country’s global market positioning despite our abundant resources. He advocates that the nation needs to “shake loose” from its bureaucratic processes, emphasising the need for informed voting and proactive policymaking to leverage our resources effectively. Douglas redefines mining beyond just “another hole in the ground”, highlighting the vast career opportunities and sense of community that is deeply rooted within the industry. Embracing instability, he outlines how he stays agile as a leader and the importance of lifting one’s

In Episode 134 of the No Limitations podcast Ripe for Improvement, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Pat O’Sullivan, Chairman of three ASX-listed companies: SiteMinder Ltd; TechnologyOne Ltd; and CAR Group Ltd. In a captivating discussion, Pat contends that Australia remains the lucky country with abundant prosperity, an irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit, and stable political leadership. He asserts that Australia is ready for a big-picture vision to galvanise the nation and ensure it succeeds in the decades ahead. Pat speaks at length about his executive role at Singtel Optus in a fast changing and intensely competitive environment, where he learned the importance of building an extensive network of close professional contacts. Pat also discusses his tenure at Nine Entertainment, sharing tales about a confronting interview with business and media tycoon, Kerry Packer, working alongside James Packer and Eddie McGuire, and dealing with private equity suitors. Pat had a distinguished executive c

In Episode 133 of the No Limitations podcast Running Towards Fire, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Alexis George, Chief Executive Officer of AMP Ltd. In a spirited discussion, Alexis reflects on her journey to the corner office of one of Australia's most well-known organisations. Born and raised in regional Australia, Alexis’s career in the competitive world of financial services has seen her traverse the globe, holding senior positions in the UK, Europe and Asia. Shortly after returning to Australian shores, she joined ANZ Bank and, within a few years, was leading its Wealth business before becoming the Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Alexis took on the task of leading one of Australia’s foundational companies, AMP, joining during some turbulent times and in the heart of the pandemic. With no one in the office, Alexis set about communicating her message and sharing her vision, mindful of the significant heritage and excited by the enormous possibilities. Es

In Episode 132 of the No Limitations podcast Australian First, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to the Director, Indigenous Forum at the Centre for Independent Studies, Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO. In an inspiring discussion, Warren describes his start in life as one of eleven children in a poor household in regional New South Wales. His family then relocated to Sydney where he attended the local Catholic school. Despite leaving school early to work as a trolley boy and as a barman, Warren later completed his Higher School Certificate through night school. He then moved to Adelaide to study at the South Australian Institute of Technology, now called the University of South Australia . A common thread throughout the conversation is Warren’s belief in the importance of education and its unrivalled ability to uplift the disadvantaged, whether Aboriginal or otherwise. Warren asserts that Australia is the greatest nation on earth, free from discrimination and institutionalised racism, and he expresses pri

In Episode 131 of the No Limitations podcast Meeting in a Telephone Box, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to the 45th Premier of Tasmania, The Hon Will Hodgman. Will was the member for Franklin between 2002 and 2020 and is currently the Principal of Hodgman Partners. In a compelling discussion, Will describes his start in life in a family with an illustrious history in Tasmanian politics. Whilst emphasising the major achievements of his government, including budget repair, an improved tourism industry, better education outcomes, and a stronger economy, he also does not shy away from many of the chronic problems facing Tasmania today. Will depicts himself as a proud and passionate Tasmanian and explains his reasons for resigning as Premier after only six years in office. In addition, Will addresses a number of important topics, including the need for indigenous recognition in the Preamble to the Constitution, his thoughts on four year federal parliamentary terms, and his preference for Australia to b

In Episode 130 of the No Limitations podcast A Witch That Lived Under My Bed, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Dr Adi Paterson, Principal and Founder of Siyeva Consulting. Adi was formerly Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Australia’s nuclear centre of excellence.   In a confronting discussion, Adi recounts his early years in South Africa, amidst the turbulent backdrop of the apartheid era, to becoming a leading figure in nuclear research and innovation. He explores the untapped potential of nuclear technology, while fearlessly addressing misconceptions and advocating for a re-evaluation of Australia's political stance on nuclear power. With a rich blend of scientific expertise and personal anecdotes, he calls for Australians to “wake up” to the grave reality of our energy future and its consequences for our future generations and forgotten Australians. He delves into the complex lifecycle considerations of various energy sources, off

In Episode 129 of the No Limitations podcast Put It On The Line, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Craig Tiley, Chief Executive Officer of Tennis Australia. Craig provides an insider’s perspective on the Australian Open and sheds light on the three main groups he and the team are responsible for: over one million patrons in attendance, a global viewership surpassing one billion, and over 800 players from more than 205 countries. Craig explains his new initiatives for the tournament in the next two years and his ambition for the Australian Open to become the best sporting event worldwide with over one billion dollars in revenue. Standing back, Craig explains how he fell in love with tennis in apartheid South Africa and shares with us his view on the “massive logistical exercise” of running the Australian Open as well as some interesting stories and perspectives. As Chief Executive Officer of Tennis Australia, Craig is also the Tournament Director of the Australian Open. Prior to this, he was the

In a special unredacted edition of Episode 115 of the No Limitations podcast The Spy Who Didn’t Come Home, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Jack Barsky, a former agent of the KGB, the foreign intelligence and domestic security agency of the Soviet Union.   In a fascinating and revealing discussion, Jack shows us both sides of the Iron Curtain as we delve into the world of espionage. We uncover his story from his beginnings as a high-achieving student recruited by the KGB through the East German Stasi, trained in Moscow and eventually inserted into the United States. We hear of his missions, the near misses that risked blowing his cover and the lead up to his fateful encounter with the FBI. Originally from East Germany, Jack was recruited by the KGB as a university student and later infiltrated the United States where he spent ten years spying for the Soviet Union. He severed his relationship with the KGB in 1988 and pursued a corporate career in information technology. He was eventually discove

Christmas is a time for giving. Please join the Blenheim Partners Christmas Wish in supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia. Under Louise’s leadership as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Starlight has been recognised as one of the most trusted children’s charities in the country, with a mission to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families at a time when they need happiness the most. Starlight is embedded in the Australian healthcare system as an essential service, now in every Children’s Hospital in Australia, supporting more than 140 indigenous and remote clinics and communities. Together, we can make a difference. To make a donation to Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia, please visit www.starlight.org.au  Please note: this episode was recorded on 29 November 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 127 of the No Limitations podcast The Dawn of New Thinking, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Dominic Barton BBM, Chair of Rio Tinto and Chair of LeapFrog Investments. He was previously Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company. We are treated to an erudite discussion with Dominic as we delve into the dawn of a new form of capitalism, a re-imagined view of the world going through extraordinary times witnessing the fragmentation of the current international order, the rise of new superpowers, the emergence of new trading blocs, and the greatest re-allocation of capital in human history. As a former Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company having met nearly 3,500 Chief Executive Officers over the course of his career, he offers us rare insights into the elements of leadership including the nature of international business, how it intertwines with politics, and the importance of preserving the fabric of goodwill between nations. He shares with us how to have one eye on t

In Episode 126 of the No Limitations podcast Bears on Bicycles, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Peggy O’Neal AO, Chancellor of RMIT University and former President of the Richmond Football Club. In a compelling conversation, Peggy discusses her start in life in a small coal mining town in West Virginia and how, after meeting an Australian backpacker in Greece, she relocated with him to Melbourne. Peggy then forged a reputation as one of Australia’s leading superannuation and financial services law experts and, since then, has taken on a range of Board positions. Peggy speaks about her role as President of the Richmond Football Club where they won three premierships in four years under her stewardship. From within the inner sanctum, Peggy sheds light on the euphoria of winning: the culmination of a new strategic agenda, improved financial management and the importance of consistency. She is also credited with strongly suggesting that coach Damien Hardwick complete a leadership course at Harvard

In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast The Man in the Arena, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Philip Kearns AM, Chief Executive Officer of AVJennings Ltd. Phil is a former Captain of the Australian Wallabies and was part of Australia’s successful campaigns that secured the Webb Ellis Cup in 1991 and 1999. He was recently appointed as a Director of the Board of the Local Operating Company for the next Rugby World Cup to be held in Australia. We are taken on a journey through the lens of an elite athlete and Chief Executive Officer as we examine the principles of leadership and the art of winning. We commence with the magic of the World Cup, the behind-the-scenes preparation, sacrifice, motivation and important rituals of the event. From the pitch to the Boardroom, we consider the foundations for success, the essence of confidence and the need to make every minute count. We also learn of the Balmoral Burn’s good karma and a certain special twenty cent coin. Phil represented Australia

In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast Can’t Argue With The Truth, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Senator for the Northern Territory in the Parliament of Australia. In a special edition, Jacinta presents her perspective on the upcoming Voice referendum. She discusses the major issues at length, including the Uluru Statement from the Heart, representative democracy, equality before the law, overcoming disadvantage and improving living standards for Indigenous people as a whole. Jacinta asserts that, despite the at times divisive referendum debate, Australia remains one of the best nations on earth with rich diversity, boundless opportunity, a belief in mateship and a "fair go" for all. Jacinta also sheds light on the ways in which the real and chronic social problems affecting marginalised Indigenous groups can be addressed and the means by which we can "close the gap". For Jacinta, the path to a better future for all Australians lies in ending separatism

In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast Four Pillars of Humanity, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Stuart Gregor, Co-Founder of Four Pillars Gin. In a captivating conversation, Stu takes us behind the scenes of the creation of Australia’s largest craft distillery, Four Pillars Gin and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives it. He discusses his journey, from his early days as a journalist to his experience in the wine industry and the founding of Liquid Ideas. Stu also provides insight into the art and science of creative and impactful marketing, innovation, and the customer experience. He leaves us with a valuable perspective on how we can distinguish ourselves in a highly competitive landscape in a world that has never been more connected. Stuart Gregor is the Co-Founder of Four Pillars Gin, an award-winning Australian gin brand and distillery. He is also the Founder of Liquid Ideas, a creative communications agency that partners with well-known brands in the food, drink, and lifes

In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast The Middle-Class Artist, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Jaddan Comerford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UNIFIED Music Group. In a relaxed discussion, we learn of Jaddan's pioneering and entrepreneurial journey into the rough and tumble of the music world. Starting out at the age of 17 as a one-man band in his parent's home, pursuing a dream, he learned on the fly, broke with tradition, and successfully reshaped the industry and the way we think about the business of music. In so doing, he has captured the imagination and support of emerging music talent and future greats, providing them with the platform and support to unlock and unleash their potential on the local and world stage. Jaddan lifts up the stage curtain, sharing with us the early days, the experimentations, the wins and the major breakthroughs. We uncover what lies ahead, the power of social media and new technologies, as we leave the dark days of COVID-19 behind and em

In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast A Rising Tide Floats All Boats, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Paul Scurrah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific National. In a highly engaging discussion, Paul, having worked at the pinnacle of logistics in Australia across all of rail, air and ports, shares his unique vision for the future of freight transport in Australia. Paul emphasises the need for a big-picture perspective as well as the importance of supply chain as an engine room for growth. Paul provides some salutary lessons from his time at the helm of Virgin Australia including its storied rivalry with Qantas and some advice for current airline management at a time when results and key decisions are much publicised, scrutinised and criticised. Paul sheds light on best practice for managing crises, having led through the darkest days of COVID-19 as well as, earlier in his career, having overseen Queensland Rail when most of its rail network was submerged by u

In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast No Set Rules, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Jack Gance, Chairman and Co-Founder of Chemist Warehouse. Jack's journey began in 1972 alongside his brother Sam, as they embarked on a voyage that would eventually shape the landscape of retail pharmaceuticals. Jack takes us on a personal journey as he shares how his upbringing, marked by resilience and a dedication to education, laid the groundwork for his visionary leadership in the retail pharmaceutical realm. Jack's contributions have not only propelled market presence and share but have also made essential prescriptions and medications accessible to a wider audience. Jack also offers valuable insights into Chemist Warehouse's strategic international expansion plans, highlighting the company's steadfast dedication to both growth and innovation. Moreover, Jack offers insights into the profound importance of leveraging your strategic advantage in any domain throughout your career journey. His wis

In Episode 119 of the No Limitations podcast Sitting Under the Mango Tree, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Jeff Quartermaine, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Perseus Mining Ltd, one of the largest gold mining companies listed in Australia with major mine sites in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Sudan.   In an insightful discussion, Jeff opens with his views on the appeal of mining as a career today. He touches on the challenges of managing operations in Africa, such as political risks and civil unrest, as well as making deals with local chiefs under the mango tree. Jeff emphasises the importance of maintaining a social licence to operate and doing good by local communities and other stakeholders. Jeff shares his thoughts on nations, such as Russia, China and the United States, jostling for influence in the region. Jeff also explains his core leadership philosophy, his major achievements at Perseus Mining and the values he looks for in hiring team members. Growing up in Far North Quee

In Episode 118 of the No Limitations podcast Hardest Opportunity on Offer, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Kate Munnings, Group Chief Executive Officer of Virtus Health Pty Ltd, a global leader in assisted reproductive services.   In a moving conversation, Kate reveals the eye-opening statistic that, in today’s society, one in six couples experience fertility issues. She reflects on her early days as a nurse during the HIV and AIDS epidemic, and how this experience played a pivotal role in shaping her professional path, ultimately leading her to transition into an established law career, followed by senior operations and executive roles at Transfield Services (now Ventia). In this capacity, Kate provides a fascinating insider’s perspective into the world of detention centres and the plight of refugees. She also discusses her experiences at Ramsay Health Care Australia, shedding light on the challenges associated with introducing changes in the healthcare system. Moreover, she reflects on assum