15 Minutes with the Boss
15 Minutes with the Boss is a podcast that gives listeners exclusive access to some of the top CEOs in the country. Each week AFR BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with a prominent leader and asks them to share the invaluable advice and wisdom they have accumulated throughout their careers. For stories of success and failure and everything in-between, search and follow 15 Minutes with the Boss. It’s 15 minutes you can’t afford to miss.
This Young Rich Lister is fascinated by Elon Musk. Here’s why
If Oscar Ledlin could ask Elon Musk one question, it would be what the Tesla CEO thinks about when he’s in the shower.
The commercial property developer says that’s where he gets his best ideas, and wants to know what the world’s first trillionaire mulls over when he’s showering.
The founder and chief executive of Ledlin Group has not one but several multimillion-dollar businesses and says juggling them remains a challenge.
In this episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the property entrepreneur to find out how he built hi...
Why this expert thinks communication is ‘going down the gurgler’
Communications expert Louise Mahler has spent years helping leaders gain confidence, presence, and influence in the way they communicate.
However, since the pandemic and the rapid increase of online platforms, Mahler believes people are losing the ability to engage with audiences. But she's hopeful that connection can be restored.
On this week's episode, the former opera singers reveals her top public speaking tips to BOSS editor Sally Patten.
This podcast was sponsored by the City of Parramatta.
Further reading:
Want to be better at public speaking? NIDA’s CEO sha...
This Four Pillars Gin co-founder is taking on whisky – and the ASX
Stuart Gregor has always been a keen storyteller.
From his first job working in journalism as a copy boy to co-founding craft gin brand Four Pillars, this entrepreneur has used his skills to build brands and their narratives.
Now the chief executive of ASX-listed Lark Distillery, the whisky boss is having to tell a new type of story to analysts and fund managers.
In this week's episode, Gregor tells BOSS editor Sally Patten about the various challenges of speaking to consumers, the industry and now the market.
Further reading:
W...
Ask about WFH and you’ll get dropped from shortlist, headhunter warns
“We’ve had a number of years when there was a huge emphasis on people’s work-life balance. Now it’s about performance,” says Chris Karagounis.
The managing director at executive search firm Alex Kaar says working in the office allows budding leaders to contribute to the culture and community, and to keep learning.
And if they're not there, then they risk falling behind.
On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out from the corporate headhunter what it takes to be a senior leader today, and how aspiring executives should approach issues suc...
How the death of her husband changed this exec’s career forever
When Sharon Pickering’s husband died, she realised she needed to choose where she directed her energy and focus on what mattered to her.
After years of being a dedicated scholar, the academic made a decision that would set her on a path to becoming the vice chancellor of Monash University.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the university boss to find out how a new role shifted Pickering’s career to one of leadership.
Further reading:
‘I’d lost my identity.’ How this exec recovered fr...
How this CEO changed his leadership style for the sake of top performers
Procter & Gamble’s Australian chief executive, Neal Reed, has been with the global manufacturer for 30 years.
The company behind household brands such as Pampers nappies, Gillette razors and Pantene and Head & Shoulders shampoos has long been committed to finding and developing top talent.
But as the CEO has discovered, the strategy presents a temptation to push high performers too hard.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how this P&G boss learnt he was overburdening senior leaders.
Further reading:
Why this CEO gets his advice...
Neil Perry opens up about the high cost of overspending
He’s one of Australia’s most influential chefs and restaurateurs.
But when Neil Perry was faced with the closure of his restaurant, Song Bird, he realised he’d broken his most important rule.
“You've always got to be prepared to walk away," Perry says.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out what went wrong with the Double Bay restaurant, and what he’s learnt as the culinary giant prepares to open Pizzeria Spotto.
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Why this smartphone boss called time on saying yes to everything
Praveena Raman, the head of Motorola in Australia and New Zealand, is a self-described yes person.
At the start of her career as an engineer, the “say yes to everything” mindset opened doors to pivotal opportunities that would set her on the path to becoming an executive.
But a crucial piece of advice also made the smartphone boss realise the importance of saying no.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the country head of the eighth-largest smartphone manufacturer globally to find out why she decided to shift her min...
What this CEO of a drinks company learnt from the tech industry
One of Anubha Sahasrabuddhe’s proudest moments was getting Chinese consumers to drink Coca-Cola – and lots of it.
Earlier in her career, Sahasrabuddhe, now the chief executive of brewing giant Lion, was asked to go to China in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics and take on the competition, Pepsi.
Sahasrabuddhe’s stint was a success, but there were also failures. The experience led the chief executive to adopt a strategy she says the tech industry has mastered.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the boss of Australi...
What this executive learnt from working for Kerry Packer
Mary Wooldridge, the outgoing chief executive of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, worked for the media tycoon in the late 1990s.
While her time at Kerry Packer's company, Consolidated Press Holdings, taught her some invaluable skills, Wooldridge found it unmotivating.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out why the former politician traded a Packer deal-making role for public policy.
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This exec was terrified of public speaking, but now she loves it
When Allison Rossiter was offered a dream job, she had just one hesitation: she was terrified of public speaking.
But not wanting to walk away from the opportunity, the budding executive asked for a public speaking coach.
On this week’s episode, the president for Novartis in Australia and New Zealand tells BOSS editor Sally Patten how a new coach, a hypnotist and a Hollywood movie helped her tackle one of her biggest fears.
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Why Vivid’s festival director won’t be reading any reviews
For any arts production, reviews are a crucial metric of success. But for Brett Sheehy, what the critics have to say means very little.
For him, it’s all about the audience.
On this week’s episode, Vivid Sydney's festival director tells BOSS editor Sally Patten how he's determined his own way of measuring success.
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Don't ask about WFH: This top exec’s guide to job interviews
As the managing director of Franklin Templeton in Australia and New Zealand, Felicity Walsh has done her fair share of job interviews.
In that time, the local head of the global asset manager has figured out what candidates should – and should not – do during the process.
This week, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the top executive to find out her tips on researching prospective employers and potential interviewees, and when to ask about working from home.
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Inside Ahmed Fahour’s high-performance morning routine
The chief executive of Gurner Group and former boss of Australia Post says his morning routine has been transformational.
Ahmed Fahour says he now thinks more clearly, has lost 13 kilograms over the past two years and has discovered the best productivity hack: sleep.
On this week's episode, the top executive tells BOSS editor Sally Patten how a new start to the day has helped drive high performance at work.
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Why the CEO of BMW Australia wants you to take a ‘sleep test’
Vikram Pawah has loved cars since he was a child. Or more specifically, engines.
From Honda to Harley Davidson and now BMW, the chief executive has worked for some of the biggest car and motorcycle brands in the world.
And it was through motorcycle riding that the luxury car company CEO learnt how to avoid making rash decisions: “Sometimes what your reflex is telling you is the wrong thing in motorcycle riding – it might make you crash.”
On this week’s episode, the CEO of BMW in Australia and New Zealand sits down with BOS...
‘I didn’t realise how far gone I was’: How this CEO survived burnout
When Jess Saxby became the chief executive of Banjo’s Bakery Cafes, she went "hell for leather".
Taking over the family business, the new CEO was always chasing the next big thing for the chain. Until she realised she couldn't switch off.
On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the bakery boss to find out how Saxby overcame burnout and the boundaries she's put in place since.
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Subway CEO shares secret to growing Australia’s largest fast-food chain
Turning around a business never comes down to just one thing, says Shane Bracken.
The chief executive of Subway in Australia and New Zealand believes three key steps have been critical to expanding the sandwich brand across the country.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how this CEO continues to grow the largest fast-food chain in Australia.
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Ruslan Kogan says he’s made many mistakes. But this one stands out
The founder of online retailer Kogan.com firmly believes that mistakes are an “additional asset” that any company can learn from.
But the entrepreneur says there was one “existential mistake” he made that stands out.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the chief executive to find out how he came to value decision-making and the missteps along the way.
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What being made redundant taught this CEO about leadership
Lisa Chiba’s first executive role was “a bit of a rollercoaster”.
After starting in the role of customer service director, the company entered a divestment process – making the entire workforce redundant.
It was an experience that would give the now-Momentum Energy CEO some of big lessons on communication and transparency.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the chief executive to find out about the skills that helped Chiba navigate the path to executive leadership.
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Judo Bank founder reveals the biggest mistake a CEO can make
When it comes to banking, Joseph Healy has seen it all.
After a long career holding executive positions at NAB, ANZ and Citi, the high-profile banker co-founded Australia’s first fintech unicorn, Judo Bank.
And beyond the world of financial services, the chief executive also started mental health group Malu Health last year.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out what drives this CEO and the most valuable lessons he’s learnt along the way.
This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.
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Why this CEO believes she should’ve spoken up more early in her career
Art Gallery of NSW director Maud Page says one of her biggest failures was not speaking up enough early in her career.
“I’ve always spoken up if I thought there was an injustice, but one that I feel was a failure was when I fell pregnant," the gallery's chief executive says.
On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with Page to find out about the early challenges she faced before taking on the state's top arts job – and the ones she's navigated since.
This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadb...
The promotion that set Orica’s CEO on a path to running the $12b giant
When Sanjeev Gandhi was called into the office of German chemical company BASF’s managing director, the young salesman was “tentative and concerned”.
It was a meeting that would go on to change the course of his career.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the CEO of mining services giant Orica to find out how an unexpected opportunity paved the way to executive leadership.
This week’s episode was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How this four-time Olympian and CEO handles high-stress situations
Three-time Olympic gold medallist Bronte Campbell knows a lot about high-stress situations.
But for the co-founder and CEO of sustainable athleisure company Earthletica, there are a few techniques she draws on no matter the circumstance.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how this athlete-turned-chief executive deals with high-stakes events – in the pool and the office.
This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.
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Ray White boss wants fourth-generation family business to become five
Managing director Dan White says his first day working alongside his father and brother at Australia’s largest real estate company was surreal.
A fourth-generation, family-run business, Ray White dominates the country’s competitive property market.
In this week’s episode of the new season of 15 Minutes with the BOSS, host Sally Patten sits down with the property leader to find out the perks and challenges of working with family.
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Bega CEO reveals his latest health obsession – and it’s not only protein
Being in charge of one of Australia’s biggest food and drink companies was never part of Pete Findlay’s plan.
But the chief executive of Bega Group knows how beloved the brands are: “Never go messing with the Vegemite recipe. We do not touch that.”
In the final episode of season three of 15 Minutes with the Boss, host Sally Patten finds out what this dairy products boss has for breakfast and why it’s not just protein he's focussed on.
This podcast was sponsored by Vanta.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...
Want to be better at public speaking? NIDA’s CEO shares her tips
Standing up and speaking to a room full of people is a task that many find daunting.
But there are a few tricks that can help you master the art of public speaking.
On this week’s episode, National Institute of Dramatic Art CEO Liz Hughes sits down with BOSS editor Sally Patten to reveal her secrets for delivering a top address.
This podcast was sponsored by Vanta.
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This asset manager says leaders have a lot to learn from Pat Cummins
One of the most pivotal moments in Tim Helyar’s career was when he was first put in charge of a project, running a team and a $100 million piece of work.
No longer unfamiliar with positions of leadership, Helyar is now the country head of State Street, the world’s fourth-largest asset manager.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how he’s developed his leadership style and why it’s the captain of the Australian men’s cricket team, Pat Cummins, whom he admires most.
This podcast was sponsored by...
PEXA’s CEO reveals the upside of ‘owning up to accountability’
Russell Cohen has set up businesses all around the world, and one of the things he says is a constant in all markets is the fear of accountability.
“The fear is real … and that’s a global phenomenon,” the chief executive of PEXA says.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the CEO of the real estate settlement giant to uncover the upsides of being candid and the cultural ramifications of evading responsibility.
This podcast was sponsored by Vanta.
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Why this CEO insists on 2 referee checks, and often does them herself
Working in public health, Rita Butera admits that finding the right candidate for a role can be challenging.
The CEO of BreastScreen Victoria says looking beyond technical skills is pivotal to the process.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how this chief executive developed her approach to hiring.
This podcast was sponsored by Telstra.
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Curtis Stone on the $4m flop that forced him to rethink everything
Celebrity chef Curtis Stone opened his first restaurant in Beverley Hills more than a decade ago, and it was immediately a smash hit. His next venture, however, quickly taught him how wrong things could go.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out the cookbook writer had to rethink his strategy to turn things around.
This podcast was sponsored by Telstra.
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The single word that helped Oporto's CEO land her biggest job
When Therese Frangie was working at Mexican fast-food group Mad Mex, she found herself “butting heads” with the founder.
Frangie turned to a business coach to help her work through her frustrations. The coach had one word for her: ego.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out what the chief executive of Oporto learnt about ego, conflict management and leadership.
This podcast was sponsored by Telstra.
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Why the Cbus CEO says 45 minutes is too long for a meeting
When Kristian Fok became the chief executive of Cbus, he “knew there was a lot to take on”.
One strategy that’s helped him manage issues as they arise is determining the length of a productive meeting.
On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how the Cbus CEO navigates the various challenges that come with running a $105 billion super fund.
This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.
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The moment the Royal Melbourne Hospital CEO learnt to trust her gut
Shelley Dolan is the first one to admit that a career in nursing is “stressful”, but also “hugely enjoyable”.
It was during her first experience working in an executive role in the health sector that she learnt about the pressures of leadership and the importance of trusting your instincts.
This week, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with Dolan to find out how the CEO of Royal Melbourne Hospital learnt to handle high-stress situations.
This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.
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This investment guru backed Nvidia in 2016. Here are his other tips
The chief investment officer of fund manager Loftus Peak says he only gets one really good idea a year, and that it’s always about business.
After looking into the rise of machine learning, Alex Pollak's “one good idea” in 2016 was to buy into Nvidia, which now boasts a market valuation of $US4 trillion ($6 trillion).
This week, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how the local tech investor spots trends to stay ahead of the curve.
This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.
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The biohacking therapies this muesli boss does each morning
When it comes to her morning routine, Carolyn Creswell describes herself as a bit of a “biohacker”, trying out different types of alternative therapies.
But it’s not just in the mornings that the founder of Carman’s Kitchen explores new ways to get the most out of each day; the chief executive is also looking to AI to boost the company's productivity.
This week, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out about the career and lifestyle hacks of this muesli boss.
This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.
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Medibank's CEO reveals his secret to managing stress
David Koczkar reached exhilarating heights during the launch of Jetstar, but the stressful role came at a cost.
In this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the chief executive of Medibank to find out how he learnt a new, more mindful pace of leadership.
This podcast was sponsored by 5 in 5 with ANZ podcast.
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The ‘marketing genius’ of property whisperer Monika Tu
Ready to retire at 45, everything changed for Monika Tu when she met her third husband and took on a whole new career.
In this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the founder of property concierge Black Diamondz Group to find out how the celebrity agent rose to the top of luxury real estate.
This podcast was sponsored by 5 in 5 with ANZ podcast.
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Trailer: ‘How I Made It’ Returns September 22
How I Made It is back with new hosts Lauren Sams & Yolanda Redrup. Join us to learn how Australia’s top entrepreneurs built their fortunes and what they learnt along the way.
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How a pair of shoes kick-started this CEO’s career
The CEO of Baby Bunting thought he’d end up in corporate finance.
In this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with Mark Teperson to find out how a chance retail sale changed the trajectory of his career.
This podcast was sponsored by 5 in 5 with ANZ podcast.
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How Clayton Utz's top lawyer made partner at 29 years old
Clayton Utz chief executive partner Emma Covacevich always tells her grads to keep an open mind: sometimes your career “true love” can arrive in unexpected places.
This week, the leader of one of Australia’s top-tier law firms speaks to BOSS editor Sally Patten about how an unexpected move to Melbourne helped propel her to partner at the age of 29.
This podcast was sponsored by 5 in 5 with ANZ podcast.
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