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What happens after the start-up phase? In this episode, Adam Schwab, Co-Founder & CEO of Luxury Escapes, shares the realities of scaling a business into a global brand — without losing what made it special in the first place. We explore leadership evolution, saying no at scale, maintaining a premium brand, and the personal discipline required to lead over the long term. Adam also reflects on lessons learned through growth, pressure, and constant change. A must-listen for founders and leaders playing the long game. About Luxury Escapes: https://luxuryescapes.com/au/about-us

A must-listen for HR and people leaders looking to lead with impact, challenge traditional thinking, and build workplaces that truly put people at the centre. In this episode of the Mentor List Podcast’s HR Connect Leadership Series, we speak to Simone Wright, a strategic HR leader known for driving large-scale transformation and designing globally admired leadership and wellbeing programs. Together, they explore what human-centred leadership really looks like in practice, and how HR can shape the future of work through innovation, inclusion, and authentic employee experiences. Simone shares insights from her work across organisational design, talent strategy, and cultural change, and explains why attracting, developing, and supporting talent has become a defining capability for modern organisations. Love this episode? Let us know what you think in the comments!

In this episode of the Mentor List Podcast – HR Connect Leadership Series, host Simone Turner sits down with Colin Pritchard, a senior executive with a rare blend of deep HR expertise and commercial leadership experience across Australian and global organisations. With more than 25 years in HR and 15 years in commercial and strategic roles, Colin has led across IT&T and resources industries in Australia, the UK and South East Asia. His career spans workforce capability planning, learning and development, performance and reward, HR operations, acquisitions, strategic planning and finance—giving him a uniquely holistic perspective on leadership and organisational impact. Now the Founder of LaCe Professional Consulting, Colin works with leaders and SMEs through executive coaching and HR strategy consulting, helping them build resilient, high-performing teams and sustainable cultures. In this conversation, Colin shares his belief that leadership is a privilege, one grounded in empathy, authenticity and commercial impact. He explores the importance of understanding the individual, leveraging diversity, fostering continuous learning, and creating healthy cultures that drive innovation and long-term business growth. A thoughtful and practical discussion for HR professionals and leaders navigating transformation, culture and the evolving expectations of modern leadership. Show Notes: Discover more about our HR Connect memberships: https://mentorlist.com/hr-connectLearn more about LaCe Professional Consulting: https://www.laceprofessional.com

In this episode, we sit down with Peitta Dyball, Chief People Officer at Brown Family Wine Group, to unpack the evolving landscape of HR and the expanding influence of people leadership. Peitta shares insights from her extensive career, spanning aviation, transport, and now a fourth-generation family business, covering everything from leading through disruption and major organisational change to shaping culture as a strategic force. With experience across Qantas, Jetstar, Skywest Airlines, JTB, Keolis Downer (Operator of Yarra Trams) and now Brown Family Wine Group, Peitta reflects on pivotal industry moments such as Covid-19, the Qantas grounding, offshore Jetstar launches, and significant IR and legislative reforms. We also explore the growing remit of the Chief People Officer, how AI is reshaping leadership, and what it takes to build a meaningful and resilient career in HR today.

In this episode, we sit down with Georgegina Poulos, an extraordinary HR leader and Director of gamma3 Consulting. With a distinguished career spanning global and local roles across multiple industries, Georgegina brings deep expertise in strategic human resources, organisational transformation, and executive coaching. A seasoned senior executive, she is known for driving high-performance cultures, leading complex multi-site environments, and championing inclusive, people-centric workplaces. Her work as an organisational disruptor has helped businesses achieve sustainable growth while staying anchored in positive, values-driven cultures. Georgegina’s academic foundation includes a Master of Applied Sciences specialising in Organisational Dynamics, alongside a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Beyond her executive achievements, she is passionate about elevating the HR profession and actively supports charitable initiatives, including fundraising for Theodora’s Cheerful Givers. A true trailblazer, Georgegina made history as the first female Chair of the Board for the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2016–2019), leaving a lasting impact on both the organisation and the wider HR community. She also serves as the Chair of our new HR Connect program, something we’ll explore in more detail during the episode. Tune in for a rich, insightful conversation with one of HR’s most inspiring leaders.

Legendary Formula 1 driver David Brabham joins us to share his mentorship journey with aspiring racer Pat Heuzenroeder, offering listeners a firsthand look into the intricacies of the mentor-mentee dynamic in motorsport. Pat, a rising star in the GB3 Championship, reveals the commitment and sacrifices his family made to support his racing ambitions. Meanwhile, David draws from his illustrious experience and his own family's racing legacy to illustrate how a chance encounter turned into a fruitful mentorship, impacting both Pat’s career and his own reflections on racing. We unpack the razor-thin margins that define success in motorsport, with insights into how mindset shifts can transform a racer’s journey from self-doubt to self-belief. (00:00) - Mentor-Mentee Relationship in Racing (12:43) - Mentoring in Racing (24:36) - Building a Winning Racing Team (30:42) - Advancing in Motorsport (35:36) - Sponsorship and Racing Partnerships (43:22) - Team Dynamics in Motorsport (55:45) - Mutual Growth in Mentorship (59:17) - Promoting Racing Partnerships Online

Dr Shae Wissell joins us to navigate the nuanced and often misunderstood realm of neurodiversity and hidden disabilities. With her personal experiences and insights leading the way, Shea illuminates how neurodiversity, a concept akin to biodiversity, enriches our collective human experience. We explore the genetic influences of neurodevelopmental differences like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, especially among women who may mask these traits well into adulthood. Shea's narrative offers a compelling glimpse into the challenges of self-recognition and acceptance, setting the stage for a broader understanding of these conditions in both familial and societal contexts.In our deep dive into workplace dynamics, we uncover the transformative power of inclusive work environments for neurodivergent individuals. Moving beyond the constraints of the traditional nine-to-five schedule, we highlight the benefits of flexible work arrangements, from hybrid models to work-from-home settings, that align with personal productivity rhythms and sensory needs. Our discussion underscores the necessity of a strength-based approach, encouraging organizations to harness the unique talents of their teams. Through practical examples and statistics, we reveal the prevalence of neurodivergent traits in the workplace, challenging conventional norms and enhancing overall productivity. (00:00) - Neurodiversity and Hidden Disabilities (13:13) - Neurodiversity in the Workplace (27:52) - Empowering Neurodiversity in Leadership (36:44) - Dyslexia Insights

Steve Vamos, a revered leader with a vibrant history at major companies like Xero, Microsoft, and Apple, joins us to unravel the art of fostering high-performance workplaces. Drawing on a compelling story from an Olympic coach, Steve underscores the transformative power of small, consistent improvements over the allure of chasing big wins. As organizations grow, they often face the challenge of becoming "too corporate," and Steve offers his seasoned insights into maintaining operational discipline without succumbing to stifling bureaucracy. Through engaging anecdotes, we explore the delicate balance of scaling up while preserving flexibility and openness to change. Steve also shares his unique perspective on the critical roles of communication and decision-making in leadership. Reflecting on his experiences with industry icons like Steve Jobs, he emphasizes the importance of direct and empathetic conversations as catalysts for growth and improvement. Whether discussing a lesson learned in a liquor store or the intricacies of corporate communication, Steve highlights how courage and empathy in difficult dialogues pave the way for more effective leadership and better organisational outcomes. Chapters (00:00) - Creating High-Performance Workplaces (13:03) - Effective Communication and Decision Making (24:35) - Navigating Organizational Change and People Leadership (34:43) - Effective Performance Feedback and Leadership (40:26) - Building High-Performing Teams Through Reflection (48:06) - Leadership Lessons and Insights Shared

Josh Read, the dynamic Chief Operating Officer at ID Verse, shares his remarkable journey from telecommunications technology to becoming a key player in the identity verification arena. With a career spanning consultancy roles at Telstra, groundbreaking work in financial technology at KPMG, and pivotal roles at Equifax and Yellowfin, Josh brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation. He delves into the complexities of credit scoring for young people and offers a firsthand glimpse into the evolving credit reporting industry. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of fraud and identity management from someone who has navigated these challenges across multiple industries. Throughout our discussion, we tackle the biases and hurdles intrinsic to identity verification systems, especially within the realm of artificial intelligence. Josh sheds light on the ethical quandaries of AI-driven image and voice recognition technologies, addressing how deepfake technology threatens financial institutions. We explore the layered security measures necessary to combat these vulnerabilities, and Josh provides insights into the regulatory landscape surrounding biometric data management. He doesn't shy away from the tough questions about DNA data collection and the implications of these technologies on privacy and data security in our digital world. (00:00) The Evolution of Identity Verification (13:23) Biases and Challenges in Identity Verification (27:00) Balancing Friction in Fraud Prevention (33:30) Preventing Fraud in Identity Verification (45:40) Effective Communication in Leadership and Relationships (50:45) Comparing Security Solutions in Business

Kathy Doyle, the dynamic Chief People Officer at Symbio, joins us for an insightful discussion on her impressive journey across various industries, from education and aviation to banking. Her passion for humanizing technology shines through as she highlights the crucial role of emotional intelligence in harnessing the potential of individuals within organizations. Kathy also shares the fascinating story of Symbio's evolution as Australia's pioneering voice over internet protocol business, with strategic collaborations with giants like Microsoft and Zoom, and their recent acquisition by Aussie Broadband. At the heart of Symbio's success is its robust company culture, nurtured under the guidance of its visionary founder and CEO. Kathy unveils the company's innovative approach of appointing cultural ambassadors, chosen by their peers, to uphold and spread core values, dramatically reducing employee turnover from 40% to just 6%. This cultural framework, combined with a seamless integration of global teams, has cultivated an environment that prioritizes customer experience and employee engagement, with strong managerial and peer relationships forming the bedrock of talent retention. Diving into the realm of diversity and inclusion, Kathy addresses the significant challenges women face in leadership roles and the need for systemic changes to foster gender equality. She passionately discusses the 40-40-20 diversity model, stressing the importance of setting aspirational targets over rigid quotas. By sharing personal anecdotes and the impactful role of mentors, Kathy advocates for creating an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and encourages open dialogue. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone eager to understand how a thoughtfully crafted talent mix can propel organizational success. Chapters (00:00) - Creating Superpower Through Talent Mix (09:16) - Building Company Culture and Employee Experience (21:34) - Global Gender Equality and Inclusion (35:29) - Debating Targets vs Quotas in Diversity (42:22) - Empowering Women in Leadership Roles (52:30) - The Power of Experience and Reflection (59:57) - Choosing the Right Path

Renowned for his strategic acumen, Robert Iervasi, a veteran leader with experience from Asahi, illuminates the intricate art of mergers and acquisitions. He shares his profound insights on the essence of strategic planning, emphasizing deliberate choices over fleeting opportunities that may detract from overarching goals. Iervasi warns against the trap of chasing "shiny objects" and underlines the need for flexibility and adaptation to navigate the ever-changing market landscape, using Asahi's business practices as a prime example. Our discussion pivots to the complexities of M&A integration within the beverage industry, exploring the benefits of a diverse product portfolio and the subtle yet pivotal role of logistics and accounts receivable in shaping brand perception. We delve into how companies can successfully integrate these functions into their culture, whether outsourced or not, and focus on common strengths and synergies. Iervasi sheds light on the critical decision-making process of knowing when to walk away from a deal to avoid potential pitfalls and unmet expectations. (00:00) Strategic M&A With Robert Iervasi (12:52) Integration Strategies in M&A Expansion (23:11) Corporate Strategy and Long-Term Growth (31:24) Global Expansion Strategies With Robert Iervasi Connect with Us: ⁠⁠Mentor List Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Mentor List Website⁠⁠ Follow Your Host: ⁠⁠David Lewis LinkedIn⁠⁠ Follow Your Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-iervasi-334b6a56/

Jins Kadwood brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this episode, bridging the worlds of sports and business. Known for his transformation from a football coach with the Australian young socceroos to a high-performance coach for business teams, Jin reveals his insights on team dynamics and performance. His upcoming book, "Lead with Love," delves into building relationships and creating a familial atmosphere within teams, concepts that he believes are essential for both sports and corporate success. Chapters (00:00) - Cultivating High Performance in Business (14:14) - Building High Performance Teams in Business (26:03) - Achieving High Performance Through Collaboration (36:31) - Observing and Coaching High Performance (42:44) - The Power of Team Collaboration (48:01) - Lessons in Leadership and Innovation (59:00) - Uncovering Entrepreneurial Insights in Luxury Brands Connect with Us: ⁠Mentor List Instagram⁠ ⁠Mentor List Website⁠ Follow Your Host: ⁠David Lewis LinkedIn⁠ Follow Your Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjkadwood/

Unlock the secrets to maximising the value of AI tools in your business with our insightful conversation featuring Jeremiah Mannings. Understand why not every business problem needs an AI solution and how parallels can be drawn between today's AI and past technologies like blockchain. Discover the challenges organisations face in justifying the costs of AI tools like Microsoft's Copilot, and learn why a strategic approach is essential for effective AI adoption within your company. Hear about the long-term benefits of AI that go beyond immediate financial returns, such as productivity increases and customer service improvements. Learn the value of understanding user needs and the importance of clear communication in change management. Plus, get Jeremiah’s insights on the transition to cloud-based systems, the evolution of data leadership roles, and the critical balance between customisation and standardised processes within cloud environments. Podcast Chapters 00:00 - Navigating the Value of AI Tools 05:46 - Evolving Ownership and Use of AI 11:33 - Data Leadership Roles and Responsibilities 22:39 - Transitioning to Cloud-Based Systems 28:11 - Managing AI Integration & Information Governance 35:27 - AI Impact on Workforce and Processes 46:50- Explaining Value Beyond ROI Metrics 53:09 - Slow Is Fast 58:37 - Gen AI vs Traditional Data Analytics Connect with Us: Mentor List Instagram Mentor List Website Follow Your Host: David Lewis LinkedIn Follow Your Guest: Jeremiah Mannings LinkedIn — www.instagram.com/mentorlist www.mentorlist.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmannings/ www.linkedin.com/in/jmannings

What drives a founder to turn an idea into a groundbreaking startup? In this episode, we invite Bede Moore to explore the evolving landscape of startups and venture capital in Australia. Bede shares his journey from studying colonial history to becoming a key player in the venture capital scene. We also discuss the federal government's ESVCLP regime and its significant impact on the growth of these investment funds. Bede offers insights into the high-risk nature of venture capital and the types of businesses that tend to thrive in this environment, providing valuable advice for those seeking seed-stage funding in emerging markets.Bede shares inspirational stories of founders who have overcome significant obstacles and highlights the importance of open-mindedness, domain expertise, and tenacity. We also touch on the exhilarating first months following a pre-seed investment, the concept of power law in venture capital, and the transformative journey of being a founder. Podcast Chapters 00:00 - Navigating the Future of Startups 12:00 - Understanding Venture Capital and Business Growth 18:29 - Identifying Traits of Successful Founders 29:19 - Founders 40:03 - Building a Successful Startup 54:58 - Entrepreneurial Journey and Insights 59:58 - Startup Strategies and Insights Connect with Us: Mentor List Instagram Mentor List Website Follow Your Host: David Lewis LinkedIn Follow Your Guest: Bede Moore LinkedIn

Christine Zeitz, a trailblazer in the defence industry, joins us to share her remarkable journey leading to her ascent in leadership. Christine's diverse experience in finance, commercial contracts, procurement, and business development has equipped her with a unique skill set essential for top-tier leadership roles. As she articulates, balancing commercial returns while maintaining customer satisfaction is a delicate act, but one that is vital for success in the defence sector. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the intersection of merit, quotas, and diversity, with a keen focus on gender equality. Christine offers a candid look at the advantages and challenges she faced as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry.  She highlights the importance of leveraging past experiences to open new opportunities and the significance of having role models in leadership positions. Christine also discusses her ethical boundaries in career choices and wraps up with some rapid-fire questions on impactful books, corporate leadership, and defence technology. Podcast Chapters 00:00 - Navigating Male-Dominated Industries 15:43 - Navigating Gender Equality and Diversity 25:08 - Transitioning to Non-Executive Board Roles 41:40 - Impactful Books and Rapid-Fire Questions Connect with Us: Mentor List Instagram Mentor List Website Follow Your Host: David Lewis LinkedIn Follow Your Guest: Christine Zeitz LinkedIn