Future Women Leadership Series
A podcast series featuring conversations with influential women on leadership challenges. Host Helen McCabe, founder of Future Women, shares insights on building respect and loyalty, and navigating complex issues women face in senior roles. The show aims to inform and challenge thinking on leadership, drawing on the experiences of leadership thought-leaders. Produced by Future Women, a club for women to connect, learn and lead.
Episodes
Summit special: Your AI questions answered
Ever wished you could hand off the daily question of "What’s for dinner?" to a custom AI agent? In this live recording from the FW Leadership Summit, journalist Leila McKinnon leads a discussion on how AI is changing our daily lives - from the mental load to high-stakes executive decision-making. You’ll hear from The Productivity Commissions' Dr Angela Jackson, tech executive Row
Summit special: Astrid Edwards on how she stopped trying to do it all
This one is for all the perfectionists out there... Astrid Edwards is a Senior Director of Business Development at FW. In a speech delivered to the FW Leadership Summit earlier this year, Astrid reflected on a near death experience, and how it forced her to finally start accepting that ‘near enough really is good enough’. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development.&
Dr Ginni Mansberg's top health tips for leaders
You've probably heard of Dr Ginni Mansberg. She's a Sydney-based GP, bestselling author and leading voice in women’s health. Perhaps best known as the ‘Sunrise GP’ on Channel 7, Dr Ginni is also an entrepreneur and the founder of ESK Skincare. She's also just released a new book, The Women’s Longevity Handbook. It’s a practical, science-based guide for midlife wo
Dr Niki Vincent on how to drive greater gender equality
How can leaders drive structural systems change, particularly when tackling huge issues such as gender equality? Dr Niki Vincent is Victoria's gender equality regulator. She is the state's first Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner and leads the rollout of the Gender Equality Act. In this episode, she speaks to FW Deputy Managing Director Jamila Rizvi about gender equality, systems change an
Todd Greenberg's decision-making matrix
What is a fast, effective way to make complex leadership decisions? Todd Greenberg is one of Australia's most accomplished sports executives. Today he is the CEO of Cricket Australia. He has also led the Australian Cricketers' Association and was CEO of the NRL. In this episode he speaks to FW Deputy Managing Director Jamila Rizvi. Join the movement to fast-track your professional developme
Dr Sue Keay on leading in the AI era
What are the big challenges facing leaders with the rapid rise of AI? Dr Sue Keay is an expert in AI, robotics and automation. In this episode, she speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about how she uses her expertise to advocate for change. The pair also discuss humanoid robots, the 80/10/10 rule and being a stickybeak. Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership questions. W
Shannan Dodson on leadership's emotional toll
Shannan Dodson is the CEO of the Healing Foundation, a national organisation that supports Stolen Generations survivors, descendants and communities. In this episode, she speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about imposter syndrome, family legacy and leadership’s emotional toll. Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership questions. Wait to the end of the episode to
Sophie McCarthy's guide to all things mentoring
What are common mistakes people make when they want to seek out a mentor? Sophie McCarthy is the CEO of McCarthy Mentoring, a company that helps to match leaders with a network of coaches. In this episode, she speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about mentors, how to find one and her ‘glass half full’ approach to leading. Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your lead
Nathalie McNeil on people, pressure and progress
Nathalie McNeil is one of the most accomplished leaders in Australia’s healthcare sector. A pharmacist by training, today she is the VP and General Manager ANZ at Abbvie. In this episode, she speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about the shift from technical expert to people leader, and what it takes to lead with clarity, trust and self-regulation. Plus, this season Helen McCabe is ans
Sarah Moran on why leaders must learn to ignore stuff
What if leadership is about all the little things you choose to overlook? Sarah Moran is the founder of Girl Geek Academy, an organisation that’s encouraging more women to stay in tech careers. In this episode, she speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about AI, hustlers and the importance of ignoring stuff as a leader. Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership qu
Dr Siri Chilazi on how to hire the best
What is the best and fairest way to find top talent? Dr Siri Chilazi is a senior researcher at the women and public policy program at Harvard Kennedy School. She looks at research-backed ways to boost fairness and gender equality in the workplace. In this episode, she speaks with series producer Odessa Blain about the most common hiring mistakes and leaders should set about fixing them.
How to futureproof your career
What are some of the best ways to remain relevant in the age of AI? This panel discussion, recorded live at the FW Leadership Summit, will help you to identify the skills required to futureproof your career and avoid being left behind. With Jobs and Skills Australia's Cliff Bingham, CSIRO's Stefan Hajkowicz and Hudson's Kimberley Hubble. Moderated by journalist Leila McKinnon. Join the move
Jasmin Bedir on why you should hire the diva
Why are organisations so often afraid of taking on a challenging, passionate employee? Jasmin Bedir is a powerhouse creative and CEO of advertising agency Innocean. In this episode, she speaks with Helen McCabe about innate influence, hiring and being a self-described "annoying" employee. Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership questions. Wait to the end of the epis
How to move past redundancy shame
This panel discussion, recorded live at the FW Leadership Summit, examines how to recover from redundancy and complex workplace situations. With actor/author/podcaster Mary Coustas, The Lantern Group's managing director Victoria Buchan and FW’s learning design and content specialist Briana Blackett. Moderated by FW Founder Helen McCabe. Join the movement to fast-track your profes
Kerri Hartland on how to keep leadership secrets
Kerri Hartland leads Australia’s most secret organisation. She oversees our network of spies and intelligence officers as the first-ever female Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS). But this highly-respected and accomplished leader has also had anything but a linear career path. In this episode, she speaks with FW's Helen McCabe about career pivots, keeping s
How to fix workplace culture killers
From passive aggressive emails to a 'not my job' mentality, there are corporate habits that might seem small but can creep up and create a toxic company culture. This panel discussion, recorded live at the FW Leadership Summit, will help you identify workplace culture killers and give you the tools to set about eliminating them. With The Mathpath's Aubrey Blanche, disability advocate Anja Ch
BONUS FW series: Melanie Silva was "too excited"
For years, in every performance review, Melanie Silva was told she was “too excited”. Too passionate. Not serious enough. Then she joined Google and, suddenly, that enthusiasm was exactly what was wanted. In this episode, Briana Blackett speaks with Mel – now the Vice President and Managing Director of Google Australia and New Zealand – about taking pay cuts to chase opport
Small moves for big rewards
What should you do if you are feeling stuck in your career? And what are the small, strategic steps you can make today to start moving forward? In this panel discussion, recorded live at the FW Leadership Summit, join FW’s Head of Business Expansion, Ruby Leahy Gatfield, as she talks about the small, strategic steps you can make today to reap long-term rewards in your career. With Chie
BONUS FW series: Pamela Naidoo-Ameglio was "too quiet''
Over 25 years, Pamela Naidoo-Ameglio has moved from diamond mines in South Africa to copper operations in rural Australia, and then made a leap that she never saw coming: running a nuclear reactor, despite having zero nuclear experience. Along the way she’s been told she’s "too quiet", and not assertive enough. In this episode, Pamela shares with Briana Blackett why curiosity beats con
Laura Kane's guide to navigating scrutiny
How would intense public scrutiny impact your leadership style? Laura Kane is one of the most closely watched leaders in the nation. At just 33, she became the first woman to serve as the AFL's top football official. Today she continues to hold one of the most prestigious football operating roles, and will lead the AFLW competition into the 2026 season. In this episode, she speaks with
BONUS FW series: Jamila Rizvi was "too co-dependent"
FW’s own deputy managing director Jamila Rizvi has spent her career as what she calls a “perennial number two” – from the Prime Minister’s office to media empires. She’s made bold pivots, survived life-altering health scares, and discovered that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit: I don’t want to do this alone. In this episode, Jamila chats wi
Nicole Scurrah on leading when people aren't your thing
What if your least favourite part of leading people is errr the people? Nicole Scurrah is an accomplished and widely-respected leader. She was Chief of Staff to Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, Telstra Health’s Chief Operating Officer and a partner at Sayers Group.Today, Nicole is founder and executive chair of Create Advisory. In this episode she talks to FW founder Helen McCa
BONUS FW series: Giaan Rooney was “too invested”
She was winning Olympic gold and World Championships. But at 23, Giaan Rooney was burned out. She retired from swimming, became a television presenter, then pivoted again – to a career you’d never expect. Giaan tells Briana Blackett how, at each turn, being “too invested” has seen her succeed. And how putting aside ego has given her the courage to change lanes – and h
Natalie Wilde's secrets to stakeholder management
Natalie Wilde is one of Queensland's top public servants. She has worked across the public sector for over 23 years and is the current Director-General of the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism. In this episode, she talks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about owning ambition, the secret to managing stakeholders and why she describes 85% of her
Ruby Riethmuller on how to choose the brave option
What does bravery mean in leadership? And are there secrets to being brave, even when you don't feel like it is possible? Ruby Riethmuller is the founder and CEO of Womn-Kind, a youth-led mental health platform. She launched the platform in 2020, after struggling with anxiety as a teenager and coming to terms with her own identity as LGBTQ in a small country town. She’s also a regional healt
BONUS FW series: Kate Reid was "too lucky"
Kate Reid is the founder of the world-famous Lune Croissanterie. But before creating her own formula for the perfect buttery, flaky croissant, she was a Formula One aerodynamicist, working on some of the fastest cars on the planet. And though she’s been labelled "too lucky", in this episode, she reveals the grit behind every seemingly effortless pivot, the years of hard work, and how a battl
Michael De'Ath on how to become a courageous leader
What if courageous leadership isn't always about immediate action. But instead knowing how to wait and build influence to create maximum impact... Michael De’Ath started his career as a teacher and went on to become one of the country’s most accomplished public servants before starting his own leadership advisory and executive coaching business. In this episode, he speaks with FW
BONUS FW series: Lana Jones was "too strong"
For almost two decades, Lana Jones was a principal dancer at the Australian Ballet, celebrated for lead roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Sleeping Beauty. And still, she was told she was “too strong”. After an illustrious career, Jones stepped away from the spotlight to retrain as a midwife. In this episode, Lana joins Briana Blackett to discuss how being “too strong” ha
BONUS FW series: Leemara Fairgrieve was "too accommodating"
From styling hair to fighting crime, Detective Senior Sergeant Leemara Fairgrieve made quite the switch when she left hairdressing to join Victoria Police. These days, she’s busting major drug syndicates and rising through the ranks. But while she’s tough on crime, Leemara admits she can be tough on herself, and at times, ‘too accommodating’. In this episode, Leemara joins
Summer shortcut: Prime Minister for a day
You shortcut to this season's top leadership advice... Over the summer, we're playing a special series containing season five's most interesting and practical leadership advice. Each episode revolves around a single question. This week it's: Imagine you are the Prime Minister, what is the one thing you would change? You'll hear from Director of the Australian-Geospatial Intelligen
BONUS FW series: Allegra Spender was "too nerdy"
Carla Zampatti’s daughter, self-confessed nerd Allegra Spender, never saw herself as a natural fit to lead her late mother’s fashion empire. But that’s where she ended up, before a runway-worthy career-pivot which saw her ride the Teal wave into federal politics. In this episode, Allegra joins Briana Blackett to discuss how being “too nerdy” helped her break the mould
Back to basics: Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg
This week, we're revisiting our interview with newly minted Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg. Bennell-Pegg is Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency, and the first person to train as an astronaut under the Australian flag. Back in 2024. she spoke with Helen McCabe about her remarkable career, imposter syndrome and whether grit is more important than talent.
Summer shortcut: The biggest leadership failures
You shortcut to this season's top leadership advice... Over the summer, we're playing a special series containing season five's most interesting and practical leadership advice. Each episode revolves around a single question. This week it's: tell me about your biggest leadership failure and what you learned from it? You'll hear from Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, former Virgin Austr
Summer shortcut: The best career feedback
You shortcut to this season's top leadership advice... Over the summer, we're playing a special series containing season five's most interesting and practical leadership advice. Each episode revolves around a single question. First up: What's the best piece of career feedback you've received? You'll hear from CBRE's Natalie Slessor, Senator Jane Hume, CEO of the Group of Eight Uni
Georgie Holt on why you need leadership anti-values
How often have you thought about your leadership values? Well, what if you flipped that and started thinking in terms of anti-values? Georgie Holt is the CEO of media start-up Flight Story - the powerhouse behind the Diary of a CEO podcast. She's also spoken a lot recently about AI and her efforts to see if she, as CEO, can remove large parts of her role. In this episode, she speaks ab
Paul Roos on what elite sports can teach corporate leaders
What can the corporate world learn about leadership from elite sports teams? All AFL fans will recognise the name Paul Roos. He was a legendary coach and player who is perhaps best known for ending the Sydney Swan's 72 year premiership drought. But his leadership insights extend well beyond the pinnacles of elite sport. Today Paul heads a company called Performance by Design, dedicated to im
Back to basics: Wendy McCarthy on the politeness trap
This week, we're revisiting one of our favourite FW Leadership Series episodes. Do you ever feel shackled by the expectation to be 'polite'? Wendy McCarthy is one of Australia’s leading feminists, businesswomen, activists, and a best-selling author. In this discussion with Helen McCabe, Wendy shares the many lessons she's learned about life, love and leadership. Join the movement to f
Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks on how to stop people pleasing
Does there come a point where you stop worrying about being likeable? Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks is the founder of media start-up Missing Perspectives. She is also the author of a new book called The Right Hand. In it, she speaks to chiefs of staff to some of the world’s most consequential leaders, from Jacinda Ardern to Nelson Mandela. In this episode, Phoebe shares what she's
Justine Cain on what being widowed at 29 taught her about leadership
Is there a trick to pushing through tough times? Justine Cain is the Group CEO of Diabetes Australia. In this episode, she speaks about resilience and how a great loss shaped her leadership philosophy. She also discusses her day-to-day approach to leading - from one-on-ones to org charts and skip meetings. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond me
Van Tang on how to be a hardworking but lazy leader
Van Tang is engineering giant GHD’s CEO for the Asia Pacific region. She leads a team of over 5600 people, spanning numerous countries and time zones. And yet, despite being incredibly hardworking, she holds onto a “lazy” leadership philosophy. In this episode, Van unpacks what she means by this and also shares why she can’t stand managing up and calls herself a 'bridging l
Mark Rigotti's guide to becoming a board member
What sort of career moves should you be making if you want to join a board? Mark Rigotti was the Global CEO at law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, and today, he is the CEO of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). In this episode, he talks Helen McCabe about complex power dynamics in the workplace and the sort of skills you need to be good at right now to end up on a board.
Erica Nelson's top tips for designing an effective org chart
What should leaders think about when designing org charts? And what are the secrets to creating ones that fuel, rather than hinder, collaboration? Erica Nelson is the Chief Leadership Development Officer at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. She’s got a background in psychology and - among many things - works one-on-one with executives to help them sort through leadership
Vicki Thomson on how to build compromise
How do we change as leaders over time? As CEO of the Group of Eight Universities, Vicki Thomson is one of the most important figures in Australia's education sector. In a former life she was also Chief of Staff to ex-South Australian Premier John Olsen. In this episode, she reflects on her leadership evolution from being a tough boss who "didn't suffer fools" to becoming an expert at "herdin
Kellie Hush's guide to career pivots
What is the best way to overcome a public leadership failure? Kellie Hush is one of the most influential players in the Australian fashion landscape. The former Editor-in-Chief of Harper's Bazaar Australia, today she is the Co-Founder of The Volte and CEO of Australian Fashion Week. In this episode, she talks about career pivots and what to do when it all goes terribly wrong... and, yes, she also
Mark Scott's blueprint for leading as an 'outsider'
How should you approach leadership if you're an outside hire? Sydney University's Vice Chancellor Mark Scott is one of the country's most accomplished leaders. Throughout his career, Mark has been appointed from the outside of organisations with a mandate to drive large-scale change. In this episode, he shares what he's learned from being the 'outsider' and how he has approached leading much
Dr Kate Mason's guide to communicating with authority
What is the difference between a good and a gifted communicator? Dr Kate Mason is a leading communications expert. Her new book, Powerfully Likeable, is a roadmap for female leaders looking to communicate in a way that's both powerful and likeable. In this episode, she gives practical, actionable tips for how to avoid the constricting binaries and become a gifted communicator at work.&n
How to overcome a career plateau
What should you do when you're feeling stuck in your career? And how can you best transform a plateau into new opportunities. In this panel discussion recorded live at the FW Leadership Summit, join journalist Leila McKinnon as she probes the best ways to reframe the problem and embrace a growth mindset. With Co-Founder of Arise Foundation Tasnia Hannan, academic Fran Grant, Zing Wellbeing F
Senator Jane Hume on how to avoid the likeability trap
What should you do when strong convictions create conflict at work? Senator Jane Hume became a politician because of her strong convictions and beliefs. But these convictions aren't shared by all. Some love her for her beliefs and others... well, not so much. In this episode, she gives tips how leaders should navigate the thorny issue of ‘likeability’ at work and shares why
Rebekah Giles' secrets to reputation management
What should you do when your integrity as a leader is called into question? Rebekah Giles is one of the most high-profile lawyers in Australia. She's the Principal of Giles George, a law firm that specialises in reputational risk. In this episode, she speaks about how she has managed her own reputation as her public profile has grown as well as her insights into leadership, integrity an
Fiona David's guide to making criticism count
Can being criticised as a leader also be a sign of success? The answer, according to Fiona David, is yes. A lawyer and anthropologist by training, Fiona helped lead the development of the Global Slavery Index. Today she is the CEO and Founder of Fair Futures. In this episode, she share her strategies for turning criticism and tough feedback into positives as a leader. Join the m
Craig Tiley's four tips for hiring the best people
What are the key traits leaders should look for when hiring? CEO of Tennis Australia Craig Tiley has one of the most high-pressure and high-profile sports leadership roles. Each year he is reasonable for leading the team that makes the Australian Open a reality - a single mistake can quite literally be broadcast across the globe. In this episode, he shares what he looks for when hiring a team as w
Natalie Slessor on how to make your leadership ambitions visible
What is the most effective way to make your ambitions a reality? The answer - according to Natalie Slessor - could be to start thinking of your career as like a bingo card. In this episode of the Leadership Series, CBRE's Executive Managing Director of Property Management talks to Helen McCabe about moving sideways and how best to show ambition. Join the movement to fast-track your professi
Jay Weatherill's guide to navigating divisive topics at work
How can leaders build cultures of respect in our increasingly polarised times? The answer, according to former Premier Jay Weatherill, might just start with creating spaces for respectful disagreement. In this interview, he speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about how he has stayed above the fray since leaving politics, as well as how he navigates hot-button issues and polarisation as
BONUS FW SERIES: "LIke a game of chess." After she leaves
Trigger warning: domestic and family violence. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men have experienced violence from an intimate partner. This is a whole of society issue - including workplaces. That's why we wanted to share our latest series, There's No Place Like Home: After she leaves. This is episode tthree. Conor Pall never wanted to live with a man he calls ‘The Shadow’. But he was f
Dr Luci Ellis on leading as a technical specialist
Dr Luci Ellis is one of the most high-profile and respected economists in the country. She rose through the ranks to become Assistant Governor at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Today, she works as Group Chief Economist at Westpac. In this episode, she talks with FW's Helen McCabe about leading as a technical specialist and why she still jokingly calls herself a ‘silver medallist’
BONUS FW SERIES: "I know where you are." After she leaves
Trigger warning: domestic and family violence. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men have experienced violence from an intimate partner. This is a whole of society issue - including workplaces. That's why we wanted to share our latest series, There's No Place Like Home: After she leaves. This is episode two. After two women in Miranda’s* mothers group began to suspect she was being a
Kathryn McMullan on how to develop executive presence
Is executive presence innate? Or, is it something we can work on and develop as we grow as leaders? Kathryn McMullan is one of the country’s most senior national security leaders. She's also someone who knows how to command a room. As Director of Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, she has learned how to hold her own in the most intimidating of environments. In
BONUS FW SERIES: "The ultimate act of revenge." After she leaves
Trigger warning: domestic and family violence and homicide. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men have experienced violence from an intimate partner. This is a whole of society issue - including workplaces. That's why we wanted to share our latest series, There's No Place Like Home: After she leaves. In the first episode, we meet Dr Ann O’Neill. Dr O'Neill thought her estranged husband wa
Dr Rachel David on how to stamp out passive-aggressiveness
How can leaders best spot and put a stop to passive-aggressive behaviours in teams? CEO of Private Healthcare Australia, Dr Rachel David, is someone who has given leadership a lot of thought. She cut her teeth as a leader in her early twenties when she was thrown in the deep end as a trainee doctor in hospital emergency rooms. In this episode, she talks with FW's Helen McCabe about how
Part two: Mike Baird on managing underperformers
How can leaders bring the best out of team members? And what should they do when someone isn't pulling their weight? In the second part of a two-episode interview special, former NSW Premier Mike Baird speaks with FW's Helen McCabe about the times when his motivations as a leader have been misunderstood, or deliberately misconstrued. In it, the duo discuss managing underperformers and how to
Mike Baird on faith and leadership in the public eye
At first glance, former NSW Premier Mike Baird’s career could almost seem pre-determined. He followed his father into politics and quickly established himself as a big name in the Liberal Party. After becoming Premier, he went on to a high-powered role in the banking sector. But, since then, Baird has made surprising career calls. Ones that do not line up with the ‘typical’
Leading across genders
How can we best lead across genders? And how leaders should be thinking about bridging the gender divide? In this panel discussion recorded live at the FW Leadership Summit, join journalist Leila McKinnon as she examines how to lead across genders alongside Wayside Chapel CEO Rev Jon Owen, Workplace Gender Equality Agency CEO Mary Wooldridge and FW’s Head of Policy and Program Impact Ruby Le
Bernadette Black on learning to override fear
As a young mum, Bernadette Black had one of her most profound leadership realisations. Looking at her newborn son, she realised she would have to "override" fear and seek help. Bernadette's conviction that society could be better for families and young parents spurred her to set up the influential not-for-profit Brave Foundation. Today, she’s started an exciting new venture as the Foun
Katrina Gorry is finally ready to call herself a leader
Star Matilda's midfielder Katrina Gorry might be one of the most beloved athletes in the country. But for a long time she never saw herself as a leader...Gorry speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe ahead of the global release of her self-titled memoir. In this interview, she reflects on how difficult periods have shaped her leadership style and reveals the trait that most annoys her. Join the
Dr Kirstin Ferguson on blindspotting and why it matters
Is it possible for you to be entirely unaware of what is holding you back as a leader? Dr Kirstin Ferguson is an internationally-recognised executive coach, author and company director. She appeared on the podcast ahead of the global release of her new book Blindspotting. ‘Blindspotting’ as a leadership technique is all about the importance of leaders recognising where
Discover your leadership style
Why do different leadership styles go in and out of fashion? And is one version of leadership better than the rest? In this panel discussion recorded live at the FW Leadership Summit, join Helen McCabe as she examines different leadership styles. With Private Healthcare Australia CEO Dr Rachel David, Director of the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation Kathryn McMullan, SG Fl
Rowena Westphalen on leading half-human, half-digital teams
Could this be the last generation of CEOs? As the Senior Vice President of Innovation, AI and Customer Advisory ANZ at Salesforce, Rowena Westphalen is on the cutting edge of the AI revolution. In this interview, she talks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about what the future of leadership will look like as we start to manage half-human, half-digital teams. Join the movement to fast-
Leading future generations
How can leaders tap into Gen Z talent? In this intergenerational panel recorded live at the FW Leadership Summit, join Helen McCabe as she questions the best ways to support and learn from a generation that's grown up with the rise of digital technologies. With digital-audio executive Jennifer Goggin, head paralegal Gabi Stricker-Phelps, Adore Beauty chair Marina Go and project engineer Brit
Dr Katie Spearritt on the future of D&I
What does the widespread backlash to D&I signify? And how should leaders navigate it? Dr Katie Spearritt is a diversity and leadership expert in Australia. She's the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Diversity Partners, a specialist D&I consultancy firm. In this interview, she talks with Helen McCabe about how leaders could be framing D&I initiatives, why the business case i
Deanne Stewart on the pivotal moment that shaped her career
How can leaders best support talent? Deanne Stewart is one of the most in-demand executives in the country. As CEO of AwareSuper, she's in charge of one of Australia's largest superannuation funds. She was also the CEO of MetLife, and has held senior roles at BT, Westpac and McKinsey & Co. In this episode she shares why she does not schedule any meetings before 8:30am, how she became a l
Georgie Dent on navigating a breakdown and becoming CEO
"On paper things looked great … [but] I was a mess. And after 18 months, I sort of fell apart pretty catastrophically." Georgie Dent is the CEO of The Parenthood, a not-for-profit that advocates to make Australia the best place in the world to raise a child. She's also a writer, journalist and, in her words, "reformed lawyer". Her company recently partnered with FW to produce the podcast s
Bonus: Georgie Dent on nothing less than a revolution
Join Georgie Dent in our third and final bonus episode as we unpack the costs of the childcare crisis to gender equality and the economy Plus: experts share five key solutions that could help make childcare truly accessible and affordable for all – which would be transformative for our country, and especially women. Liked this episode? Follow At What Cost Become an FW member to join the mov
Peggy O'Neal on how to navigate being 'the first'
Peggy O'Neal is best known for being the first woman in AFL history to serve as a club’s President. As President at Richmond, she helped steer the club through a period of outstanding success. But this didn’t come without its share of challenges and it wasn't the only time in her leadership career where she has had to navigate being 'the first'. Join the movement to fast-track y
Bonus: Georgie Dent on the childcare deserts
When is a choice not a choice? Almost a quarter of Australia’s population is now living in a ‘childcare desert’ - and this scarcity means that many families’ financial and work schedules hinge on being offered a childcare spot in the first place. Liked this episode? Follow At What Cost Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional developm
Jayne Hrdlicka on stepping down as CEO of Virgin Australia
As a leader, how should you best step away from a role you've loved? Jayne Hrdlicka has had a high-profile and high-powered career as CEO of Virgin Australia. She was also CEO of Jetstar, held senior roles at Qantas and was CEO of The a2 Milk Company. In her first interview since stepping down from Virgin, she opened up about what leadership looks like from the top and what she wishes sh
Bonus: Georgie Dent on the guilt-filled juggle
How did struggling to access affordable childcare become the norm? The sky-high costs directly impact women’s economic security, career progression and happiness – and fuel the gender pay gap and gender super gap, as well as homelessness later in life. Georgie Dent speaks with parents and experts to examine the true cost of childcare in this country … and learns why –
Tahnee Sharp on the dangers of personal brands
How should leaders be thinking about building brands - now and into the future? Tahnee Sharp's business was born out of frustration, disappointment and anger with the marketing industry. Flash forward and she's now CEO of The Marketing Room, an independent marketing powerhouse that’s expanded across the globe. In this episode, she discusses everything from Roxy Jacenko and
Rhian Allen on leading with tenacity
What role does tenacity play in leadership? Rhian Allen is a wildly successful entrepreneur. She walked away from a high-powered role as a sales director to launch The Healthy Mummy. After a turbulent period saw her need to walk away from the business she loved, Rhian struck once again and is now the CEO and founder of Zing Wellbeing. In this episode, Rhian shares what she has learned
Tara Rae Moss on the power of public advocacy
What is the best way for leaders to speak out and take a stand? Tara Rae Moss is - among many things - a best-selling author, documentary host and chronic pain advocate. She's also the host of FW's award-winning podcast series There’s No Place Like Home. If there is one thread that connects Tara Rae's varied career, it's her fearless advocacy for causes she is passionate abo
Bonus: Turia Pitt on being "too combative" and owning it
Turia Pitt is one of Australia’s most inspirational women. She is a wearer of many hats - an author, speaker, business owner, ambassador. She is also a runner. Running changed her life forever when, while competing in an ultramarathon in remote Western Australia, she was caught in an out of control grassfire and sustained burns to 65 per cent of her body. In this episode, Pitt joins Helen Mc
