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How do you plan for the unexpected and build a Games that leaves more than memories behind? In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Andrew McCormack, partner in Ashurst’s Project and Energy Transition Team and lead of the Brisbane 2032 working group, returns to the conversation between Ashurst's global co-head of energy, Dan Brown, and Olympic risk expert Bob Walker. The discussion moves beyond operational logistics to focus on legacy, culture, and leadership. Bob reflects on the importance of agility in planning, drawing on real-world examples from the Sydney Olympics and other major events. He also speaks candidly about the need for meaningful First Nations engagement, not only in ceremonies, but across volunteer programs, leadership teams, and long-term planning. With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, this is a moment to get inclusion right and deliver genuine, community-driven outcomes. This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, license, or promotional affiliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to plan and deliver a safe, people-first Olympic Games in today’s fast-changing world? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Andrew McCormack, partner in Ashurst’s Project and Energy Transition Team, revisits a standout conversation from the 2032 and Beyond podcast series. Ashurst's global co-head of energy, Dan Brown, sits down with Bob Walker, who played a key leadership role in crisis and risk management for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, to explore the practical realities behind delivering one of the world’s largest and most complex events. The discussion covers the core elements of successful Olympic risk management, from large-scale crowd planning and emergency preparedness to leadership that places people at the centre. Bob reflects on the value of human connection, strong culture, and flexible contingency planning in delivering not just a safe Games, but an experience that resonates with communities long after the final event. This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, license, or promotional affiliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can we build the world’s most sustainable Games by rethinking waste, design, and supply chains from the ground up?” In this third mini-series episode, Andrew McCormack, as partner in Ashurst’s Project and Energy Transition Team and lead of the Brisbane 2032 working group,  reconnects with Jodie Briscout, Aurecon’s circular economy lead, to unpack the bold ideas driving the Brisbane 2032 legacy. They explore how the shift away from the “take, make, waste” model is reshaping the way we plan, procure, and deliver major infrastructure projects.Jodie outlines the three pillars of a circular economy “designing out waste, retaining value, and regenerating nature,” and makes the case for urgent, systems-based change. She also shares how digital tools like material passports and twins could soon be standard in Olympic Games infrastructure, and why strong partnerships between government and industry are key to lasting impact.This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, licence, or promotional affiliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can a mega-event like the Olympics become a catalyst for cutting emissions and building smarter cities? In this episode, Andrew McCormack is again joined by Ashurst Risk Advisory Director Mike Duggan to explore the Queensland Government’s strategy for managing the environmental footprint of the Brisbane 2032 Games. Mike explains how every gram of carbon saved will count toward the Games' climate goals: “Every single ounce of carbon that we actually save is going to be reflected in the downward pressure we see on that carbon budget.” The discussion covers practical innovations like decentralised energy systems, scalable efficiency measures, and how communities can co-create a low-carbon legacy. It also dives into the complexities of measuring long-term impact and why integration across legacy themes will be critical to lasting success. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to host an Olympic Games that leaves more than just memories? In this bite-sized episode, Ashurst’s Andrew McCormack revisits insights from the 2032 and Beyond series, shining a spotlight on Brisbane 2032’s ambitious sustainability and legacy goals. The episode emphasises that the legacy of the Games extends far beyond the venues themselves. From the creation of green spaces to job opportunities, Brisbane’s long-term strategy is being designed with the future in mind, ensuring the community continues to benefit long after the final medal has been awarded. “The one thing the organising committee has really done well from the beginning is set strict, best-practice sustainability standards for all the infrastructure projects,” says Ashurst Risk Advisory Director, Mike Duggan. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should seek legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even with the best planning, disputes are inevitable in projects of olympic scale. The key is how you manage them. In part two of this special two-part conversation, Ashurst’s Andrew McCormack continues the discussion with Melissa Yeo, Partner in Ashurst’s Dispute Resolution team, and Michael Duggan, Director in Ashurst Risk Advisory, turning the focus to how dispute resilience can be embedded into project delivery and legacy planning. Melissa explains how dispute boards, governance mechanisms and collaborative contracting can help reduce impact once issues arise, while Michael reflects on the role dispute management will play in shaping Brisbane 2032’s long-term infrastructure and reputation. They also explore what legacy looks like when dispute resilience is treated not as a legal afterthought, but as a leadership mindset. This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, license or promotional affiliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a high-stakes, high-pressure undertaking. With less than seven years to plan, build and deliver, the risk of disputes is real, and the cost of getting them wrong could be enormous. In this first of a two-part conversation, Projects and Energy Transition Partner Andrew McCormack speaks with Melissa Yeo, Partner in Ashurst’s Dispute Resolution team, and Michael Duggan, Director in Ashurst Risk Advisory, about how early planning and a risk-based approach can help prevent disputes before they arise. They explore why dispute management is mission-critical for Brisbane 2032, how robust contracts and early collaboration can manage complex interfaces, and why a proactive culture matters when timelines are tight and public expectations are high. Michael also outlines how governance and risk systems can actively support both dispute prevention and resolution from the outset. This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, license or promotional affiliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of the Powering Change mini-series, this episode dives into the evolving role of biomethane in the energy transition. Host Cameron Smith, a partner in Ashurst’s Projects & Energy Transition team, is joined by Philipp Lukas, CEO of Future Biogas, one of the UK’s leading developer and operator of anaerobic digestion plants. They discuss how Future Biogas is helping corporates like AstraZeneca take steps to decarbonise its operations using biomethane, and why partnerships, feedstock strategy, and supply chain transparency are critical. The episode also explores the path forward for biomethane and what barriers and opportunities remain. Listen to this episode to understand the key role biomethane will play in the net-zero future and what businesses need to know to stay ahead. To explore the insights discussed during this episode, check out our Powering Change: A New Era for the Energy Transition report. To listen to this episode, search for “Business Agenda” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast player. And to find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts, visit ashurst.com/podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode of our Powering Change mini-series, Ashurst’s Bree Miechel is joined by special guest Simon McFadden, a digital infrastructure expert at Aurecon. Together, they discuss how data centres – often referred to as “the factories of the digital age” – are evolving to keep pace with demand in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond. Simon reveals the inside story of Aurecon’s extensive work across the data development lifecycle and explains why proximity to urban hubs, skilled labour, and supply chains remain vital, even as conversations around rural, renewables-linked data centres attract attention. He also tackles pressing issues such as water scarcity, artificial intelligence and regulation, and weighs up the relative merits of utility-scale batteries and modular nuclear reactors. To listen to this episode, and to subscribe to future episodes, search for “Ashurst Business Agenda” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about the issues covered in this episode, read Ashurst’s latest Powering Change report. And to read an ongoing series of Ashurst insights on data centres visit this web page. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part of the Powering Change mini-series, this episode explores the key trends shaping the global energy transition. Host Bree Miechel speaks with Rory van Weerdenburg, Project Director of Gippsland Skies, one of Australia’s first offshore wind projects, about the sector’s rapid evolution. With Australia positioning itself as a leader in offshore wind, they discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead, from securing infrastructure and investment to navigating policy and building social license. As Victoria targets 9GW of offshore wind by 2040, collaboration between developers, government, and communities will be critical to success. Listen now to learn how offshore wind is set to transform Australia’s energy landscape. Download Ashurst’s latest Powering Change report for more insights. To hear this episode search for “Ashurst Business Agenda” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast player. And to find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts, visit ashurst.com/podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 3rd December, the International Day of people with disabilities, we recognise and celebrate the stories of two individuals who have who have transformed their own experiences of disability into powerful journeys of innovation and advocacy. In this special episode we celebrate the International Day of People with Disability by exploring the power of inclusive design and accessibility. Louise McMillan, a systems analyst at Ashurst, speaks with Matthew Walker, co-founder of Adapt Ability, a company creating innovative mobility solutions. Both guests share inspiring, personal journeys of resilience and adaptation, demonstrating how workplaces can empower individuals by embracing inclusive practices and human-centered design. Matt shares his story of how a life-changing accident inspired him to create mobility devices that emphasise freedom and independence, such as the Omeo, a revolutionary device that’s changing perceptions of disability. While Louise opens up about how Ashurst’s support transformed her experience as she adapted to life in a wheelchair, “They've never made me feel disabled. They've always made me feel able and supportive in order to get me what I need to do to be.” This episode is part of Ashurst’s special Outpacing Change mini-series that includes a collection of conversations with innovators and disruptors who have challenged the status-quo and are changing the world around them. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether she’s burning around race circuits in a Lamborghini or giving business leaders a steer on diversity, Charlie Martin always gives it everything she’s got. In this podcast, Charlie shares hair-raising tales from the track and her inside story of being a transgender woman in a male-dominated industry. Outpacing the competition? Breaking the status quo? Life or death decisions? As a motor racing driver and LGBTQ+ activist, Charlie Martin knows a thing or few about all these things, and more. In this episode of the Outpacing Change mini-series, Charlie takes us on an incredible personal and professional journey: from humble beginnings, to paying her dues on the club racing circuit, to becoming the first transgender driver to compete in the legendary Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2020 and securing a podium finish in the Super Trofeo opening race at LeMans this year. Along the way, Charlie explains her approach to innovation in motorsport and shares her advice for business leaders to champion diversity in their organisations. “The environments we create for our teams in business – it's one of the most important investments we can make,” she says. “A big part of it is encouraging empathy and compassion. It comes down to trust, sharing and psychological safety.” Subscribe to Ashurst Business Agenda and listen to all our Outpacing Change episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode of our Outpacing Change mini-series, tech founder Christy Laurence shares the inside story of Plann, a social media scheduling tool with millions in revenue and has been downloaded more than three million times worldwide.  In this entertaining discussion, Christy: Discusses her personal and professional forays into generative AI and how she encourages everyone in her business to participate in product development and innovation Offers tips to business leaders on social media Shares what she learned from her time in Silicon Valley Along the way, Christy talks about how to take bold steps into the unknown, reflects on how the pandemic changed LinkedIn for the better, and explains why Plann has a “No Monday Meetings” policy. She also talks about her passion for art and admiration for a marketing campaign fronted by a sad, angry owl (aka Duolingo). “Social media and business can be fun,” Christy concludes, “and if I could impart any knowledge from my journey, it’s that the more fun we have, the better our results are.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our latest Outpacing Change episode takes us to Gotenburg, Sweden and an insightful discussion with Volvo Trucks Director of Environment and Innovation, Lars Martensson, and the innovative world of electric, autonomous and connected freight solutions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the logistics sector and improve road safety.     Quality, safety and environmental care are three themes that have been synonymous with the Volvo brand since its inception in 1927, and today the company remains razor focused on their importance, “I work with what is fun and what is important. Environment is what is really important, while fun is obviously innovation,” states Volvo Trucks, Director of Environment and Innovation Lars Martensson, “In my role I primarily think about climate and circularity.” Volvo Trucks' commitment to innovation in creating electric, autonomous, and connected trucks, which not only advance the industry but also significantly reduce the environmental impact of freight transport is central to Martensson’s work where his focus on developing sustainable technologies steers the company's dedication to environmental stewardship and its leading role in moving towards a more sustainable future.In the episode, Lars emphasises the concept of circularity as a longstanding practice at Volvo Trucks that is becoming even more pertinent today, while discussing the company's approach to integrating recycled materials into new trucks, ensuring longevity, and enabling the remanufacturing of parts. The synergy between different branches of Volvo, and across the industry, is presented as a critical factor in driving forward these environmental initiatives. The power of partnership and collaboration in achieving rapid change is a strong theme in Outpacing Change episodes and is critical too at Volvo Trucks. Lars mentions the importance of working together with suppliers, customers, transport buyers like Amazon and IKEA, and energy companies to implement new technologies and ensure access to green energy and infrastructure. This collaboration is viewed as essential to meeting climate goals and adhering to the Paris Agreement, and Volvo Trucks positions itself as a leader in fostering these necessary alliances. “Our mantra in a way is that partnership is the new leadership,” Lars concludes.  The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, which forms part of a special Powering Change mini-series, we look at the current energy-from-waste (EfW) market, flag the major opportunities and challenges, and consider what lies ahead. Ashurst's 2024 Powering Change report shows that energy-from-waste is one of the core technologies of the energy transition, with 41% of surveyed G20 energy sector leaders currently investing or planning to invest in EfW. So, in this podcast episode, we pause to consider recent developments and the current state of the market. We discuss how, in the UK’s maturing market, funders are adjusting their risk tolerance levels, and we explore how the Emissions Trading Scheme and other challenges are impacting the sector. We also cast our eyes overseas, to consider opportunities in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. And we discuss how the EfW industry may evolve in the years ahead. This discussion features Ashurst partner Cameron Smith alongside two fellow experts on energy transition and infrastructure: Stefan Barrow and Andrew Howie. Stefan is a director in the infrastructure team at  MUFG ,. Andrew Howie is director of EfW Development at Encyclis. To listen to this episode, and to subscribe to future episodes, search for “Ashurst Business Agenda” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.