As AI reshapes how businesses operate, John outlines a growing divide between AI-native businesses and traditional operators. Those who adopt early and strategically will move faster and gain advantage, while others risk falling behind. However, technology alone is not the differentiator. Strategy remains critical. AI can accelerate output, but without clear thinking behind it, it risks amplifying ineffective activity.

The conversation also reinforces the value of perspective. For many business owners and CEOs of small businesses, leadership can be isolating. Through peer advisory, leaders gain access to broader thinking, helping them make better, more confident decisions.

Brad shares his journey from elite Paralympic sport to leading global technology businesses, drawing powerful parallels between athletic performance and business leadership. From competing on the world stage to transforming an ASX-listed company into a high-performing SaaS business. Brad unpacks the disciplines that underpin sustained success: clarity of vision, disciplined execution, accountability, and continuous feedback.

The conversation also dives into Brad’s leadership philosophy; why great leaders resist being the smartest person in the room, how coaching unlocks performance and why high-performing teams thrive on trust, openness, and constructive challenge. Brad also reflects on his transition from CEO to Vistage Chair, and what growth-focused CEOs can expect from a peer advisory environment.

Key Highlights

• Lessons from Paralympic sport on resilience, mindset, and performing under pressure

• Why clarity of vision is the foundation of execution — in sport and business

• Turning feedback into a competitive advantage without taking it personally

• The shift from “leader as decision-maker” to “leader as coach”

• Why high-performing teams need trust, challenge, and accountability

• Brad’s passion for growth, innovation, and taking Australian businesses to global markets

Ben explores curiosity as the defining capability of high-performing leaders and organisations, explaining why it outperforms any single technical skill in a world marked by volatility and rapid transformation. He breaks down what futurists actually do, how leaders can scan for meaningful signals of change, and why the goal is not prediction—it's preparation.

From the rise of AI agents to demographic transformation, declining workforce participation, and the realities of an ageing and increasingly multicultural population, Ben offers a clear, pragmatic lens on the mega-trends shaping the next decade. He also challenges the efficiency mindset that discourages exploration, and argues that leaders must build foresight into their everyday decision-making.

This episode will reshape how you think about workforce strategy, leadership, and long-term planning—and why the future now demands big, bold, transformative thinking rather than incremental tweaks.

Key Insights:

• Curiosity is the #1 future-ready capability—across people, strategy, discovery and leadership.

• Signals precede trends — leaders should pay attention to the “huh” moments.

• Backcasting beats forecasting when working 10 years into the future.

• Mega-trends beyond AI: demographic shifts, cultural diversity, ageing populations, skill shortages.

• AI will be essential, not a threat — we’ll need it to fill workforce gaps.

• Productivity is a flawed measure in a knowledge economy.

• Generations are a frame, not a solution — it’s about understanding individuals.

• The future of work requires redesigning jobs, not tweaking the old model.

Drawing on more than 20 years of global speaking and leadership coaching, Anthony reveals the three key mental barriers that hold people back and how leaders can identify and remove them. From tackling limiting beliefs to breaking patterns of self-sabotage, Anthony introduces his practical COFFEE model — six ways we unconsciously undermine our success:

Catastrophising, Overgeneralising, Filtering, Forecasting failure, Emotionalising, and being at the Effect of problems instead of the cause.

Anthony and Stephanie discuss how reframing even one limiting belief can shift behaviour, why recognising the right problem is crucial before solving it, and how small daily mindset changes can transform performance.

Whether you lead a sales team or a company, this conversation will help you challenge unhelpful thinking, take ownership, and get “above the line” — focusing on solutions that move you and your team forward.

Key takeaways:

• Identify your own “brain blinkers” — the beliefs and habits that narrow your thinking.

• Replace self-defeating thoughts with small, realistic reframes.

• Use the COFFEE model to spot common self-sabotage patterns.

• Stop reacting to problems — diagnose the real issue, then act.

• Lasting change requires consistency, self-awareness, and action over time.

John shares four decades of experience advising family enterprises across Australia and globally, unpacking the unique challenges of intergenerational wealth transfer, governance, and communication. From the baby boomer transition to the subtle influence of partners at the dinner table, John reveals how family businesses can thrive when values, transparency, and external advice come together.

Listeners will gain practical insights into:

• Why planning and open conversations matter more than waiting until it’s too late.

• How family dynamics, not just business fundamentals, often dictate success or failure.

• The critical distinction between a business advisor serving an individual versus a family advisor supporting the whole family.

• Why progress—not perfection—is the mindset that sustains families in business over generations.

Whether you’re running a small start-up with family shareholders or managing a complex, multi-generational enterprise, John’s stories and strategies provide clarity, encouragement, and actionable guidance.

Chris unpacks why so many boards and leadership teams fall into the trap of suboptimal decisions, how politics inside organisations can derail strategy, and why diversity of thought is vital to overcoming blind spots. He also shares his simple markers for identifying whether decision-making is strong or flawed — and offers practical insights CEOs can apply immediately to sharpen focus, drive innovation, and lead with greater confidence.

Key highlights:

• Why 85% of top management decisions are suboptimal — and how to change that

• The hidden role of organisational politics in shaping outcomes

• How CEOs can build safe spaces for challenge and diversity of thought

• The importance of hiring for attitude, not just skills

• Why leaders must embrace boldness, experimentation, and adaptability

Ron shares hard-won insights from leading organisations through adversity, uncovering potential, and achieving sustainable turnarounds—not just in crisis, but in complacency.

Key Highlights:

• Three-Phase Turnaround Approach:
  Ron’s model of 30 days observation, 30 days planning, 30 days execution allows him to tailor unique strategies for each organisation.

• Creating Momentum:
  In the absence of urgency, Ron isn’t afraid to "manufacture a crisis" to overcome complacency and mobilise teams.

• The Power of Culture and Mindset:
  Execution starts with clarity—clear roles, accountability, and defining what success looks like. Ron draws from elite sport to foster a high-performance, “never-settle” mindset.

• Tough Conversations, Delivered Well:
  Authentic leadership means honesty with care—Ron is known for difficult conversations that earn trust, even from those he’s had to let go.

• Stories of Impact:
  From revitalising Melbourne’s Fed Square to rebuilding the Melbourne Storm after its salary cap crisis, Ron’s legacy is one of transformation and empowerment.

Now stepping into his role as a Vistage Chair, Ron is seeking growth-focused business leaders ready to stretch themselves—and support others—in a confidential, high-calibre peer group.

In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie sits down with Vanessa Cullen — founder of Forward Thinking Design and a true pioneer of sustainable, values-led leadership. With over 20 years’ experience across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, Vanessa shares how she’s turned ethics into enterprise, designing both spaces and strategies that create meaningful impact.

We explore what it really means to be a social enterprise, how circular economy thinking is reshaping the future, and why being values-aligned from day one was the most strategic decision she ever made. Vanessa also opens up about her early challenges, the role of peer support in her journey, and the quiet power of doing business differently.

Key Takeaways 

1. A Social Enterprise Built on Values, Not Buzzwords
2. Social Enterprise vs. B Corp vs. NFP — Know the Difference
3. Circular Economy Is More Than Recycling
4. Purpose and Profit Can Coexist
5. A Business Leader Forged by Ethics, Resilience and Lived Experience
6. The Power of Peer Support
7. Advocacy and Giving Back Are Core to Her Mission
8. Leadership That Minimises Waste and Maximises Meaning

Key takeaways include:

• Embracing change as a constant and leading with flexibility.

• Building stronger networks through peer learning and global connections.

• Developing leadership skills that prioritise long-term strategy over short-term gains.

• Understanding how Vistage's unique ecosystem empowers leaders to navigate complexity with confidence.

Drawing parallels between sport and leadership, Emma unpacks what it takes to lead with energy, curiosity, and empathy under pressure. She explains why “leader as coach” is not just a philosophy, but the way of now. With practical tips on how to build trust, communicate across personality types, and turn pressure into performance, Emma offers powerful insights for leaders looking to unlock potential — in themselves and in others.

Key themes include:

• Coaching as a mindset: Pulling out potential vs pushing information in.

• The opponent in your head: How internal blocks limit performance.

• The Grow Model: A simple but powerful framework for coaching teams.

• Emotional intelligence, trust, and curiosity as modern leadership superpowers.

• The importance of grounding: “Get your head where your feet are.”

Emma’s energy and authenticity shine as she shares stories from her career in sport and business, making this episode a must-listen for leaders ready to step up under pressure.

With candid insights, Tony reveals the lessons he's learned from turning around underperforming businesses, cultivating high-performing leadership teams, and creating trusted spaces for business leaders through his Vistage groups. He shares why he wishes he had discovered Vistage earlier, how he balances being a non-executive director with chairing peer groups, and what makes peer advisory so powerful for CEOs and business owners.

And yes—he even shares the funny story of going undercover for the reality TV show Undercover Boss, wig mishaps and all.

Key Takeaways for Leaders:

Leaders must challenge their own thinking – Recognising cognitive bias helps avoid decision-making pitfalls.
Change is constant; adaptability is key – Organisations that embrace change will stay ahead of their competition.
Technology is a leadership tool, not a threat – AI and automation should be leveraged to enhance decision-making, not replace human leadership.
Strategy needs a long-term lens – Making decisions for short-term gains often leads to long-term struggles.
Culture drives success – A strong, adaptable team culture is the foundation of sustainable business growth.

Key themes include:

• The Talent Landscape Shift – The job market has moved from a hiring boom to a more cautious and uncertain environment, requiring leaders to rethink their approach to people management.
• Authentic Leadership – Employees don’t just need to feel valued—they need to feel valuable. Leaders must engage their people in problem-solving and decision-making rather than just directing from the top.
• Balancing Empathy and Accountability – While businesses must prioritise people, they also need clear expectations and commercial discipline to succeed.
• Culture as a Competitive Advantage – Strong cultures aren’t about a one-size-fits-all approach but embracing the diverse ways teams operate while staying aligned to shared values.
• Transparent Hiring & Engagement – Leaders who acknowledge the realities of their workplace—both the strengths and the challenges—will attract and retain the right people.

Why Business Leaders Should Listen

This episode is essential for CEOs, business owners, and leaders who want to build a high-performance team in an evolving workplace. Mark offers practical strategies for creating a culture where people are genuinely engaged, empowered, and committed—not just compliant. 

The discussion offers a practical approach to AI adoption, highlighting key strategies such as developing simple yet comprehensive AI policies, focusing on staff education, and embedding AI across all departments. Donoghue challenges business leaders to look beyond technological complexity and instead view AI as a powerful tool for strategic planning, creativity, and productivity.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to upskill employees, ensure data security, and proactively prepare for the significant technological shifts expected in the coming years, with a particular focus on 2025 as a pivotal moment of AI transformation.

Now is the perfect time to do the preparation needed to kick off 2025 with strong foundations in place. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or business owner, this episode will inspire you to step back, refocus, and ensure your organisation is aligned on the big picture. Tune in to learn how to create a clear and compelling direction that sets you up for success in the year ahead.

3 top tips to prepare for 2025, Jon recommends that business leaders:

• • Keep things simple and focus on strategic direction rather than detailed planning right now. Use simple models and frameworks to facilitate open conversations with the leadership team.
  • Look outside the business to understand industry trends and changes in the external environment. Don't try to do too much between now and the end of the year, but use this time to reflect on what's coming down the track.
  • Prioritize clarity, usefulness, and focus in the strategic approach. The goal is to have a strategy that helps make decisions, not a lengthy document.

A must listen for CEOs and business leaders this frank and insightful conversation provides actionable insights to help leaders optimise their marketing effectiveness and equips business leaders with the knowledge to assess their current marketing efforts more critically and to craft strategies that resonate with buyers, ultimately enhancing growth and profitability.

Maja explains that many people experienced a paradigm shift during the pandemic, leading to a re-evaluation of the centrality of work in their lives. This shift has resulted in resistance to returning to old ways of working, with many now valuing flexibility and autonomy. 

Top Takeaways:

1. Shift in Work Identity: People have started questioning the role of work in their lives, especially after experiencing remote work and a different pace during the pandemic. Many no longer want their identity and sense of achievement to revolve solely around work.

2. Rising Anti-Work Sentiment: Maja highlights the emergence of trends like quiet quitting and "lazy girl jobs," which reflect a growing disenchantment with traditional work demands. While these trends can go too far, they underline the need for businesses to rethink employee engagement.

3. Balancing Care and Accountability: Maja emphasises that leaders must find a balance between caring for employees' well-being and holding them accountable for performance. This requires setting clear expectations, coaching, and having difficult yet compassionate conversations.

4. Navigating Remote Work Challenges: There is a tension between the desire for flexibility and the need for in-person collaboration. While leaders may find it easier to manage in-office teams, employees have grown accustomed to autonomy, and businesses must decide how to strike the right balance.

5. Importance of Radical Candor: Difficult conversations are necessary to foster growth and engagement. Maja encourages leaders to approach these conversations with care and compassion, as they can strengthen relationships and enhance trust within teams.

The podcast highlights the need for leaders to adapt to these new realities, combining empathy with accountability to create a work environment that respects employees' changing needs while maintaining productivity and engagement.

Two top areas of focus for mid-sized business:

Management Systems - Systems and processes for growth
Aligning your talent around roles, goals and decision rights

Gain valuable tips on how to build strategic relationships, including the importance of authenticity, the right timing for making an ask, and creating high-value connections. Raj's RICH referral recipe (Right people, Intuitive environment, Creating a friendly environment, High-value connections) is particularly insightful.

Raj outlines a clear framework for effective networking, focusing on three pillars: access, learn, and grow. This structured approach helps listeners understand how to leverage exclusive opportunities, gain valuable knowledge from industry leaders, and expand their professional network.

Simon explains how the Hero's Journey, a narrative structure found in mythology and films, can be applied to personal and professional development. He emphasises the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in leadership and encourages individuals to reflect on their own stories and motivations. He also highlights the power of storytelling in business, as it allows leaders to connect with their clients on a personal level and create a meaningful impact.

He delves into the implications of government policies, offers credible forecasting and provides a long-term perspective on demographic and technological shifts. Whether you're a business owner, investor, or simply interested in understanding the economic landscape, this episode gives listeners a unique opportunity to gain valuable economic insights, stay informed about relevant policy developments, and enhance their understanding of the broader economic landscape's implications for business and society.

From the importance of differentiation versus distinctiveness to the role of market segmentation in targeting the right audience, this podcast provides actionable strategies for mid-size businesses aiming for exponential growth. Find out how to measure the effectiveness of your brand efforts and strike the perfect balance between short-term gains and long-term success.

Whether you're a startup looking to establish your presence or a mid-size business seeking to scale, this episode offers invaluable advice on crafting a winning marketing strategy. Tune in and gain the confidence to invest in your brand's future while driving short-term results.

Business leaders will gain insights into the motivations of salespeople and practical strategies for transforming sales mindsets and fostering a positive sales culture.

Two top takeaways are:

• The critical need for alignment between sales and marketing teams. Sophie emphasises the importance of shared goals, open communication, and collaboration between these two functions
• The fundamentals of effective lead generation, emphasising the significance of understanding the ideal customer profile. She encourages businesses to actively engage with their audience, seek feedback, and adapt their marketing strategies based on real-world insights.

In this fascinating podcast, Debbie Haski Leventhal's talks about her childhood and upbringing in the Kabbalah Centre, a cult-like environment, highlighting the challenges, control mechanisms and the twisted rituals that were practiced, her escape and the difficulties faced by those trying to leave such organizations.

This experience informed her views about the importance of critical thinking which led to her academic and professional pursuits, and the significance of corporate social responsibility in making a positive impact. Her work as a professor, focuses on corporate social responsibility and the positive impact that companies can make beyond their regular business activities. She cites examples of social enterprises and companies that can make a real difference in the world.

Over the past few years, there has been a shift from "The Great Resignation" to "The Great Renegotiation" and ultimately "The Great Exhaustion." Leaders are facing burnout in an environment where they are under more pressure than ever before.

Trudy highlights four key reasons contributing to burnout:

1. Ways of Working: Hybrid and remote work models are here to stay, impacting relationships and connections within teams.
2. Role Clarity: Leaders have taken on too many responsibilities, leading to role compression and overwhelming workloads.
3. Changing Demands of Leadership: Leadership now requires a more humanistic approach, balancing empathy and accountability, which can be challenging.
4. Culture: Creating a culture of psychological safety where toxic behaviours are not tolerated is crucial, especially in remote or hybrid work environments.

Trudy emphasizes that this shift in leadership requires leaders to be visible, accessible, and empathetic. By building trust and a sense of belonging within teams, leaders can create a culture where accountability and support go hand in hand. Starting with the leadership team and modelling the desired behaviours is essential for implementing these changes effectively.

Hear how leaders can help themselves and their teams to mitigate burnout and become a high performance team.

Melo's lessons draw on his three decades of professional experience and on his life of cycling and trekking more than 30,000 kilometers across five continents, of course. His work has been described as truly transformational. 

In this podcast you'll hear insights about: self-awareness, self-regulation, thinking about yourself as a person and as a leader, and then thinking about your teams as well. As a leader, teaching people about preventing burnout and being more mindful in their work, will also lead to greater productivity 

Harriet tells a great entrepreneurial story. Hear the ups and downs of building a business from scratch, with incredible strokes of luck and about the people that helped them along with way. Their controversial business plan, resilience and belief in their vision and purpose helped them stand out from an already crowded marketplace. 

This episode highlights the power of luck, seizing opportunities, and the importance of strong leadership and culture within a business that paved the way for rapid growth and more to come.

I highly recommend listening to this podcast episode, it offers a unique perspective on building a successful business, overcoming obstacles, and embracing the journey of growth. 

Tim sheds light on the historical journey of AI, from its origins in the post-World War II era to the present day. He touches on the concept of machines thinking like humans and the intermittent phases of progress and setbacks that have marked the development of AI over the years.

He points out that it’s essential to understand the nuances of AI Chatbots and shares tips on unlocking their full potential. ‘Generative AI is not meant to replicate human thinking or replace human intelligence but serve as a powerful tool to augment human capabilities and streamline work processes. It enables us to offload repetitive tasks, accelerate information retrieval, and empower us to focus on higher-level strategic thinking and creativity’ says Tim.

To gain insights into the implications of generative AI for your organisation this is a must listen to episode.

Warren emphasizes the need for Australia's cash rate to surpass 4% in order to achieve a zero real interest rate. He argues that negative real interest rates historically do not help control inflation and can even contribute to its rise. By maintaining a zero real interest rate, Hogan believes the country can achieve a soft landing and effectively manage inflation.

Despite concerns about a potential economic downturn, the Australian economy has shown resilience Warren says and he also mentions interactions with mid-sized companies and their positive outlook, indicating that business activity remains strong. Adding recent employment data and member feedback showing that businesses are still hiring due to labor shortages.

Warrens shared his view that the cash rate could reach 4.35% or possibly 4.6% by the end of September. However, suggesting that once this target is achieved, there should be a genuine pause of four to six months to observe the effects of previous rate hikes. This pause period would allow the economy to stabilize and inform future monetary policy decisions.

This podcast is highly recommend listening, giving a comprehensive providing valuable perspectives and insights into Australia's economic outlook and the role of interest rates and other economic levers in managing inflation.

Sandra and Stephanie delve deeper into the topic - DEIB and discuss the importance of fostering an inclusive culture, where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. They also explore the positive impact that diverse teams have on decision-making, problem-solving, and overall organisational performance.

Danielle explains why it's important for CEOs and business leaders to preserving their energy and make conscious choices about where to invest their time. Gain insights on fostering creativity, gaining perspective outside of your business, and recognizing that the CEO role extends beyond individual responsibility.

It's time to conquer critical moments and empower yourself as a leader.

In this podcast Paul explores the true purpose of a board and the change in mindset required to create or shape a board for effective stewardship, good decision-making and be your number one competitive advantage!

Dr East and Stephanie Christopher deep dive into how leaders need to strike a balance between competence and character, that is, between demonstrating their knowledge and expertise and showing their humanness and ability to connect with people.

In partnership with TEC, Dr Neryl East shares her ground-breaking research. This research uncovers the keys for leaders to navigate the challenges of our post-pandemic world and rebuild trust with fragmented teams. Read about the 6 Lenses of Credible Leadership required in 2023 and beyond. Download the whitepaper here: https://tec.com.au/a/thankyou-whitepaper-download/

Elias shares an insider's view about what happened on 9/11 when the plane he was a passenger in was diverted, alongside another 37 planes, to Gander International Airport due to the terrorist acts in the US (New York City, the Pentagon and DC). What the passengers expected was going to be a short layover, turned into five days as they were hosted by the Salvation Army in Newfoundland, Canada.

Manufacturing is the most promising capability to transform Australia from a lucky country to a smart country, says Jens.

He advocates that Industry needs to take charge and be more responsible for transforming the economy for the better and our education system also has an important role to play in this.

Jens is passionate that a country’s ability to make complex things is its' most important capability. Australia needs to add complexity to our commodities and value-add on shore - Creating more jobs and significantly impacting our GDP

Just the beginning of an important conversation …

PS Here's the video link about Jen's skydiving record mentioned: http://bit.ly/3XRDn1D

Robert and Stephanie jump into The Three Horizons of Growth framework, originally developed by McKinsey and Company, and discuss the findings of CapFeathers research that discovered which Horizon was the most profitable innovation pathway for high performing companies and the five essential elements of creating long lasting growth.

There's so much here you'll listen to this multiple times!

Related article: https://www.capfeather.global/the-best-next-move-strategy

'People are fundamentally driven by needs' says Rob. Find out the 6 Core needs (CAPFUL) and why it's important for every businesses to develop a theory of purchase that's valid. 

A great 9 minute listen!

Stephanie and Ashton start their conversation with the ‘R’ word and the mindset needed to look beyond the media hype – ‘remember it’s a cycle’ says Aston.

Ashton reveals the 5 smart marketing moves SME leaders can make to increase their share of voice in the category and drive their business forward in a recession.

There are so many tips, reminders and lessons learned about marketing spend in the digital space and what the REAL metrics are that leaders should be looking at - you'll need to listen to this podcast more than once!

This timely podcast provides a look into the most critical security issues and risks facing leaders in 2023. You’ll learn about the evolving role of the leader in the cybersecurity space, how to work collaboratively with other business executives, manage third-party exposure, and make better cyber risk decisions.

Bernard kicks off the conversation with the 80:60:20 Paradox - Why is it that 80% of leaders claim to spend 60% of their time in teams, yet only 20% of teams are high performing, collaborative teams?

He takes the confusion out of what we mean by collaboration, 'we can’t see what we can’t distinguish' and draws a dominant distinction between a team that functions and is cohesive versus a team that is collaborative and flourishes - a subtle but significant one and the 3 key elements that determine that distinction... 'Collaboration dances with conflict'.

Stephanie and Bernard explore the culture of a flourishing team and what to look for and then finish off with the 3 steps for leaders to get started on the journey to a high performance team.

Dave Sewell, shares his perspective about the importance of Leaders putting psychological safety at the core of everybody's development. What stops you as a leader getting the best outcomes and working together with a common goal? Stress can be a major inhibitor to great performing teams and inclusive cultures. 

Leaders need to be the calm in the storm. By being able to hold a place of psychological safety, will give you the skills to face your fears and have those difficult conversations with people. 

Where do leaders start? Dave shares the 3 steps that a leader can take to work towards psychological safety within the workplace. The leader shows the way, but it’s everyone’s responsibility.

A former fighter pilot and now successful entrepreneur, Christian Boucousis (Boo), dedicates his life to helping leaders have the courage to be accountable for their own journey.

Boo shares insights into how Great leaders create clarity through chaos and reveals the ‘Do Loop’ a brain hack that gives you 50% more brain power in 4 steps and creates a culture of action and outcomes.

Maja Paleka talks about how we can retain those benefits as we move into a new norm. Whatever workforce model organisations opt for, it needs to be designed with a human centered approach. Maja shares how a Hybrid model can be the best of both worlds, but it does require a bit work to get there. It needs a very clear framework, tailored implementation and constant review process. Here Maja’s 3 step framework for success!

1. Create your company Vision
2. Define your financial targets
3. Create your Strategic Statement (A broad business statement as to how are you going to deliver theses targets and your vision)

He's passionate about supporting leadership teams around the world to build personal and organisational resilience.

In this podcast he's engaging, enthusiastic, and an authentic communicator who'll inspire and motivate you into positive action by offering practical ways to improve life, work and leadership.