No Limitations

In Episode 97 of the No Limitations podcast, “Making Every Day Count,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Tim Ford, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Treasury Wine Estates Ltd, a world leader in wine with a remarkable global footprint.In a lively conversation, Tim offers a unique perspective into the world of wines: from the ones at the centre of some of life’s most important celebrations to the humble drop we savour at the end of a long day. We learn of the remarkable advancements in cultivation and some of the differences across cultures, as they cater to the many palates throughout the world. Finally, Tim shares insight into navigating the nuances of geopolitics and overcoming adversity, which has allowed Treasury Wine Estates to continue its evolution as a global leader in its industry.Prior to his appointment, Tim held various positions including Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director Europe, South East Asia, Middle East and Africa, and Director, Global Supply for Treasury W

In Episode 96 of the No Limitations podcast, “Taking the Opportunity,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Zlatko Todorcevski, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Boral.Against a backdrop of a jet-setting career that has seen Zlatko in the bustling metropolises of the world to remote regions many of us have only read about, we are treated to fascinating stories about navigating different cultures, the impact of leadership in a global context and being prepared to take on opportunities. We also glean into Zlatko’s aspirations for Boral, having been at the helm the past two years and overcoming the obstacles of an ever-changing competitive landscape. He highlights its massive potential and the way forward.Zlatko was previously Chair of Adbri Ltd, served on the Boards of Coles Ltd, The Star Entertainment Group Ltd and Konvoy Kegs as well as the University Council of the University of Wollongong. He was also formerly Chief Financial Officer of Brambles Ltd, Oil Search Ltd and then BHP Billi

In Episode 95 of the No Limitations podcast, “Finding a Way Through,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Elizabeth Ann Macgregor AM OBE, former Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Australia’s leading museum dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting contemporary art from across Australia and around the world.With a career that began on the road driving a travelling gallery around Scotland, Elizabeth gives us a glimpse into her remarkable journey that brought her to Australia to lead the metamorphic revitalisation of the MCA. From breaking down barriers to art and engaging with broader audiences to establishing the National Centre for Creative Learning and driving a major focus on artists as educators, she shares with us the challenges they had to overcome to allow her to develop MCA into the vibrant organisation The Art Newspaper has declared the most visited contemporary art museum in the world before the global pandemic.Elizabeth is also on the Board of the Sydney Swan

In episode 94 of the No Limitations podcast, “Shooting the Breeze,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson once again speaks to Mick McCormack, Chairman of Central Petroleum Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Origin Energy Ltd, Austal Ltd and the Clontarf Foundation.Mick offers his frank assessment on the current state of affairs in Australia; its leadership, the contentious debate on energy, matters surrounding the ageing population and support for Indigenous communities. He also encourages us to take a closer look at the values we promote as a society, especially in the midst of a time when accountability – or lack of – is impacting the lives of many. Finally, Mick reflects on the change of pace and environment, having made the transition to the Boardroom following his Executive career.Mick was formerly Chief Executive Officer of ASX top 50 energy infrastructure company APA Group. During his 14-year tenure, APA Group grew from 30 employees with assets worth $1.3bn to 3,000 employees, assets worth $24bn and deli

In episode 93 of the No Limitations podcast, “The Next Step,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Jillian Broadbent AC, Non-Executive Director of Macquarie Group Ltd, the Sydney Dance Company and the National Portrait Gallery Board Foundation. She was previously the Inaugural Chair of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Chair of Swiss Re Life & Health Australia and Chancellor of the University of Wollongong.Against a backdrop of an illustrious career spanning business, the public sector and the arts, Jillian shares with us the key learnings that allowed her to make an impact. She also highlights how we can see opportunities in the challenges of our time. Finally, with Australians deciding their future course in the coming weeks, Jillian challenges us to think about our legacy for generations to come and brings to the fore the spirit of generosity that is pertinent to today’s discourse.In 2019, Jillian was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for her eminent service to corporate, financia

In episode 92 of the No Limitations podcast, “Draw the Distinction,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Tony Lowings, former Global Chief Executive Officer of KFC.Having led a $31bn business and over a million people, Tony shares with us his key learnings in mobilising a global workforce through a pandemic, the importance of trust and communication, and drawing the distinction in decision making. Against the backdrop of his globetrotting career, we hear of the impressive growth and scale of what is one of the world’s most popular brands with presence in over 149 countries across 27,000 restaurants.Tony also previously held the roles of Managing Director for KFC Asia Pacific based in Singapore, Managing Director for KFC Australia and New Zealand, Managing Director of Latin America (and Caribbean), and Chief Operations Officer of Yum! Restaurants International based in Dallas, with brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 91 of the No Limitations podcast, “Changing the Paradigm,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Hisham El-Ansary, Chief Executive Officer of Bupa Asia Pacific.In an insightful discussion, Hisham shares with us a unique view of Australia’s healthcare and aged care sectors, from the current state and challenges across the industry to the opportunities to unlock better outcomes, experiences and overall quality of life. We also hear of his journey, one that found him challenging and changing the paradigm, starting as the “young Turk wanting to prove himself,” finding himself across various sectors including retail, energy, aviation and construction, making the leap from CFO to CEO and how he decided to become the leader he wanted to be.Prior to his appointment as CEO, Hisham held the roles of Chief Financial & Strategy Officer and Managing Director of Bupa Health Services. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of Myer, Integral Energy and Airservices Australia and was a Non-Executive D

In episode 90, “The Edge of a New Frontier,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Luke Sayers AM, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sayers Group and President of the Carlton Football Club.In an insightful discussion, Luke shares with us the lessons, learnings and highlights from a career that has seen him continually evolve and always at the edge of a new frontier: finding success across different countries, being appointed CEO of PwC Australia at the age of 42, and now having established Sayers Group. We hear of the differing approaches to innovation around the world, with Luke seeing shifts in mindsets and people willing to break from – and challenge – tradition.Luke is also a Director of Sentient Impact Group and Chair of the Inclusion Foundation. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of PwC Australia and Vice Chairman of PwC Asia Pacific, where he led a team of over 700 partners and 8,000 staff, successfully growing the firm’s revenue from $1.4bn to $2.6bn.See omnystudio.com/listener for priv

In episode 89, “The Cost of Prosperity,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Senator Jim Molan AO DSC, Liberal Senator for New South Wales and a retired Major General of the Australian Army. He is also currently Chair of the Defence Sub-Committee and Deputy Chair of the Select Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media.In this candid conversation, we are given a unique insight into the highly complex arena of national security, global geopolitics and armed conflict. With threats to national security and the world order at large, Senator Molan shares with us the opportunities present to ensure the sustainability of the relative prosperity Australia has enjoyed in decades past and the safety of generations to come.During his 40-year tenure in the Australian Army, Senator Molan has been an infantryman, helicopter pilot and Commander of a division of 15,000 soldiers. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004 during a period of continuous and intense combat as Chief of Operations of the Coalition Force

In episode 88, “The Lottery of Life,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to entrepreneur, adventurer, philanthropist and 1986 Australian of the Year Dick Smith AC. Dick is widely known for founding Dick Smith Electronics, Australian Geographic and Dick Smith Foods.In a lively conversation, Dick shares with us his remarkable adventure, one that truly showcases his entrepreneurial flair and deep desire to make a difference. We hear of his enthralling aviation exploits: weathering hurricane-force winds in a balloon and persevering nasty conditions to make a timely appointment with Prince Charles in the first successful solo circumnavigation of the world in a helicopter. Looking back, Dick reflects on the crucial moments that led to his successes and his hopes for future generations.Dick was awarded Companion of the Order of Australia in 2015 for eminent service to the community as a benefactor of a range of not-for-profit and conservation organisations, through support for major fundraising initiatives f

In episode 87, “Creating the Culture,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Radek Sali, former Chief Executive of Swisse Wellness Group and currently Chairman and Founder of Light Warrior Group, an investment firm committed to creating shared value by investing in businesses that are socially responsible and environmentally conscious.In today’s conversation, Radek shares with us the guiding principles that have seen him galvanise people towards a common purpose, the pioneering exploits in positioning a premium product as he revolutionised Australia’s health and wellness sector as well as the important lessons learned in a fascinating journey. As Chief Executive of the Swisse Wellness Group, Radek helped negotiate the sale of the group to Hong Kong-listed Biostime for 1.7 billion dollars – one of the largest private company transactions in Australian history.Radek continues to advocate for a purpose-driven approach to business. He is also Executive Chairman of Wanderlust, a Director of Stratosphere, A

In Episode 86, “A Future for All,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Tony Stuart, Chief Executive Officer of UNICEF Australia.In an eye-opening discussion, Tony shares with us the sobering reality children from the most disadvantaged and marginalised sectors in Australia and around the world face; the threats to their safety as they grow up in a society rife with conflict and disasters. He also sheds a light on UNICEF’s efforts to keep children safe, provide education, nutrition and health care as well as to support their long-term development and wellbeing.While Australia remains one of the richest countries in the world, some 3 million people, including more than 731,000 children are living in poverty. To find out more about UNICEF Australia and to support this most worthwhile of causes, please visit www.unicef.org.au.Tony also currently serves as Chair of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Advisory Board and is a member of the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership

In Episode 85, “Look Up, Not Down,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Graham Mirabito, Non-Executive Director of Harcourts International, Lendi, Archistar and Cipherpoint Ltd.In an engaging and candid conversation, Graham lends us his lens to the world and shares with us his journey across continents, venturing into the unknown, opening new markets and staying at the forefront of game-changing technology. Now in the Boardroom and an avid investor in PropTech and FinTech, Graham sheds a light on the unseen opportunities as well as provides us with valuable insight into the Australian property market.Graham was previously Chief Executive Officer of RP Data/CoreLogic, having grown the business tenfold as it expanded its range of property data and analytics services. He also previously held senior executive roles at Telstra Corporation, including Executive Director eBusiness and Innovation, Managing Director Telstra UK and Senior Vice President Telstra International.See omnystudio.com/listener for pri

In Episode 84, “No Middle Ground,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Andrew Jolliffe, Managing Director and Co-Founder of HTL Property, a boutique specialist and pure brokerage agency.Andrew, having personally overseen the acquisition or divestment of hundreds of valuable hotel, leisure and tourism assets, shares insights into an industry brimming with opportunity – a unique proposition in what is a core feature of the Australian way of life. We are treated to fascinating stories throughout his career, having started at one of Sydney’s most popular beach-front venues to now leading the premier specialist agency in the country.Prior to establishing HTL Property, Andrew owned and operated the market-leading hospitality property business within the Ray White Group. He was also previously Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of National Leisure and Gaming Ltd, Managing Director of Grant Samuel Private Equity Hospitality Fund and General Manager of Palace Leisure Group.See omnystudio.com/liste

In Episode 83, “Power through Purpose,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Linda Mellors, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Regis Healthcare Ltd, one of Australia’s largest aged care services providers.In today’s episode, Linda shares some valuable insight into an industry on the cusp of major reform, having gone through an eye-opening Royal Commission as well as a global pandemic that has seen their residents as some of society’s most vulnerable. With Australia’s ageing population continuing to rise, Linda, at the helm of Regis, is uniquely positioned to make a profound impact on the way we tend and care for our elderly loved ones today and in the future.Linda is also currently a Director of Mackillop Family Services. Prior to joining Regis, Linda held a range of leadership roles in hospital and health systems, as well as a national aged care service. She was also formerly Co-Chair of the Victorian Metropolitan Hospital Chief Executive Group, Inaugural Chair of the Aged Care Reform

In Episode 82, “Taking Calculated Risks,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to former public servant, businessman and engineer, Tim Besley AC. Previously, he has been Chairman of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Leighton Holdings and the CIG Group, Chancellor of Macquarie University and Managing Director of Monier Ltd.We are treated to some fascinating stories from Tim’s distinguished career that spanned both public and private sectors, which saw him walk the corridors of power and his eventual appointment as Chairman of the Commonwealth Bank where he played a key role in its privatisation in the 1990s. He shares his views on the financial services industry today, Australia’s place on the global stage, and the opportunities. We also hear of Tim’s beginnings as an engineer, landing in Sydney at the then Rose Bay International Airport going on to work for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority, or the Snowy Scheme, which has been hailed as one of the civil engineering wonders of the modern wor

In Episode 81, “The Pub Test,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Dan Brady CEO and Managing Director of listed Redcape Hotel Group, CEO and Managing Director MA Hotel Management - an investment grade Hospitality Manager (a subsidiary of MA Financial Group) and an Executive Committee Member of MA Financial Group. Dan leads a hospitality group of more than 1200 dedicated people who passionately enrich 31 different communities along Australia’s east coast.In an engaging and energising conversation, Dan shares the key pillars to his leadership success including how he leads stakeholder success by elevating common values through a clear and simple vision and strategy which engenders a high level of trust within teams. Dan speaks about his leadership journey and his belief that if you have purpose driven, values aligned people they create a value chain of satisfied customers which in turn delivers sustainable Total Shareholder Returns (TSR).Through a powerful and insightful conversation, what sets Dan a

In Episode 80, “Moving the World Forward,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Tami Erwin, Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Business.At the helm of a $32bn business employing 26,000 people across 50 countries, Tami gives us a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s largest communication technology companies, and shares the key tenets behind her impressive rise within the ranks of Verizon and the story behind her moniker, “The Velvet Hammer.”As the world ushers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and continues to unlock cutting-edge technology, from 5G and edge computing to artificial intelligence and big data, Tami brings to the fore the endless opportunities available to us to address and overcome the challenges individuals, companies and societies face.Alongside her current position as an Executive Vice President of Verizon Communications Inc., Tami also serves on the Boards of Deere & Company, The Paley Media Center and the Verizon Foundation. Having started as a customer serv

In Episode 79, “The Perfect Blend”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Les Schirato AM, Chief Executive Officer of Vittoria Food and Beverage, home of Australia’s leading pure coffee brand.Finding himself in a quiet Australian coffee scene many years ago, Les shares with us his journey fuelled by a relentless drive and spirited entrepreneurship, overcoming sociocultural barriers and a conservatively uninspired market to shape the Australian coffee culture we know and love today. As Australia’s “Coffee King”, he has remarkably built a thriving international business and wonderfully brought together the best of Australian and Italian cultures. Finally, Les sheds light on passion, drive, trust and loyalty, elements behind the perfect blend paramount to his success.Les has served as President of the Australian Coffee and Tea Associate and Chairman of the YPO Gold Sydney Chapter. Les' passion and his service to the community through philanthropic contributions to health, youth, social welfare organisati

In Episode 78, “The Fundamental Cornerstone of Leadership”,Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Magnus Nicolin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ansell Ltd, employing over 13,000 people across 55 countries and with customers in more than a hundred countries. In a captivating conversation, dialling in from Brussels, Magnus reveals his key learnings from an extensive international career and speaks about the importance of finding something to like about every situation, inner determination and building trust with all stakeholders, all fundamental in seizing opportunities and inspiring success.Magnus has led Ansell as CEO for the last 11 years and will in the next month hand over to his successor, Neil Salmon. Under Magnus’s leadership, Ansell has been thoroughly transformed into a focused safety company with fully integrated innovation, manufacturing and global sales. Sales have doubled, EBIT increased threefold, while shareholders have seen an average annual TSR of more than 14 per cen