Podcast · Business

15 Minutes with the Boss

by The Australian Financial Review · English · Business

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 19 min
Latest: 5 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026 · 19 min

This top exec knows how to get ahead of the pack, and stay there.

Rob Coombe, executive chairman Generation Life, planned his career moves meticulously and made sure not to trample on colleagues to climb the corporate ladder. Now Coombe is at the top of the corporate tree, he has tools and habits to help him stay there. On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten joins Coombe to discuss creating a high performance culture, how to survive it, and why EQ is so important for leaders. This podcast was sponsored by Ripple . Further reading: What makes this CEO drop everything in the middle of a meeting Natalie Culina, boss of iconic hat manufacturer…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S4 · E35 · 28 Sep 2026 · 18 min

How this CEO shook off imposter syndrome

Akubra chief executive Natalie Culina has over 20 years working with some of the most recognised and iconic Australian brands. When managing imposter syndrome she says that "you cannot forget that you have to master a skill in something, have to have a black belt in something. And that's something that you can always reach down into your core to draw upon". When she did, it faded away. On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with Culina to find out who is in her inner circle, how she overcame imposter syndrome and the one reason she will interrupt a meeting. This podcast…
S4 · E34 · 21 Sep 2026 · 17 min

‘One of the worst markets I’ve seen’: Property CEO fears job cuts

Jellis Craig chief executive Andrew McCann has been a real estate agent for almost 30 years, and he reckons "this is one of the worst markets" he's ever seen. "It's very hard for vendors to adjust to price changes, and it's very hard sometimes for agents to pick up the pace of change," he says. "And because of that, it's a challenging environment to navigate." On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the real estate boss to find out how he is navigating the property downturn, the effect it's having on staff and whether he expects it to change any time soon. This…
S4 · E33 · 14 Sep 2026 · 17 min

Gilbert + Tobin CEO Sam Nickless reveals what AI means for junior lawyers

When it comes to the rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace, Sam Nickless, the chief executive of law firm Gilbert + Tobin, has some useful advice for lawyers and executives in the early or middle stages of their careers. "The first level of advice is don’t freak out about it, but don’t ignore it either," he says. "Get really good at using it, but also be very attuned to the things that it doesn’t do and that you can do over and above it." On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out what the top lawyer thinks of AI disruption, how it will affect the…
S4 · E32 · 7 Sep 2026 · 22 min

Why Lune boss Kate Reid traded Formula 1 for croissants

Growing up, Kate Reid had always dreamt about working in Formula 1. And in her early 20s, she achieved that dream by joining the Williams team as an aerodynamicist. But this F1 enthusiast quickly realised the job was not all she'd hoped. "I imagined it would be an incredibly dynamic, collaborative, exciting job, and all of those things didn't come to fruition for me, and it sent me down a pretty dark path," says Reid. On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how this aerodynamicist applied her scientific rigor to become one of Australia's most well-known pastry chefs. This…
S4 · E31 · 31 Aug 2026 · 22 min

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on property prices, failure and conflict

As a teenager, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey loved federal budget day. “I’m not saying I was popular at high school, but I used to love it when [former Liberal treasurers] Peter Costello and John Howard would hand down the budget,” the self-confessed nerd says. As a 16-year-old, he may not have liked the Liberal grandees’ politics, but these days Mookhey “is a little bit more sympathetic and understanding of where they were coming from". On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the Labor politician to find out what eight years of opposition…
S4 · E30 · 24 Aug 2026 · 19 min

Climbing the seven summits taught this executive one big lesson

From a young age, Esther Colwill, a former partner at Deloitte and now country head for Australia at Korn Ferry, dreamt of climbing the highest peaks on each of the seven continents, including, of course, Mount Everest. Colwill succeeded, emerging with critical lessons that have helped her in both her private and professional life. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how having a goal outside work spurred on this executive’s professional career. This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband . Further reading: Do what others won’t do: AFL great Chris…
S4 · E29 · 17 Aug 2026 · 20 min

Chris Judd’s formula for high performance – on and off the field

Asked about a pivotal moment in his career, former AFL star Chris Judd is quick to respond: don’t do what everyone else is doing. “[The pivotal moment] was taking complete control over my fitness program,” says Judd. In business, Judd, who is the founder and portfolio manager of Cerutty Macro Fund, a concentrated equities fund that invests primarily in smaller companies, applied the same rule – and it changed the course of his career. On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how the former West Coast Eagles captain secured a premiership, two Brownlow…
S4 · E28 · 10 Aug 2026 · 17 min

This exec left banking to buy a caravan park. Now he runs an empire

"I had everything on the wire, on the line," says Grant Wilckens, remembering when the global financial crisis hit. The chief executive and founder of G'Day Group had started his holiday parks business in 2004 when Lehman Brothers collapsed. "It was probably the hardest I've ever worked, the most stressed I've ever been." On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the former investment banker to find out how he survived the GFC, the lessons it taught him and how it fundamentally changed his business. This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband . Further reading: The…
S4 · E27 · 3 Aug 2026 · 17 min

How an exercise physiologist designed her ideal workout routine

“I've really changed my relationship with exercise over the past few years”, says Katie Lyndon, the chief executive of Exercise and Sports Science Australia. The exercise physiologist has made a conscious effort to shift her mindset around workout routines from something she has to do to something she loves. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with Lyndon to find out how she designed a workout program that provides physical, mental and professional benefits. This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband . Further reading: Inside Ahmed Fahour’s…
S4 · E26 · 27 Jul 2026 · 22 min

Thomson Reuters CEO on AI bill shock, career risks and his biggest mistake

The president and CEO of Thomson Reuters says the company has had "bill shock this year in the tens of millions of US dollars over and above our budget”. And while Steve Hasker maintains the global technology and information firm, which is valued at $US40 billion ($57 billion), is disciplined financially, the costs are rising. This week, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with Hasker to find out how the company is navigating these technological advancements and the benefits of making career mistakes. This podcast was sponsored by the City of Parramatta . Further reading: AI bill shock:…
22 Jul 2026 · 1 min

Trailer: How I Made It returns July 29

How I Made It is back with host Lauren Sams. Don’t miss season six as we uncover how Australia’s top entrepreneurs built their fortunes and what they learnt along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E25 · 20 Jul 2026 · 19 min

‘The phone stopped ringing’: How retirement shock hit this Olympian

In 2016, former Opals star player and Olympic medallist Lauren Jackson was forced to retire. She had had 17 knee operations and could not get on top of her injury. “At that point, I was really aware that my identity as a basketball player was gone,” the now-chief strategy and basketball partnerships officer for the WNBL Australia recalls. Since then, Jackson’s life on and off the court has taken several turns. In this week's episode, the former basketball player tells BOSS editor Sally Patten about the challenges she faced when she retired for the first and second time, and…
S4 · E24 · 13 Jul 2026 · 19 min

Fasting, coffee and no chores: A Young Rich Lister’s success formula

Oscar Ledlin is just 34 years old, but last year he was ranked number 55 on the Financial Review Young Rich List with a fortune valued at $123 million. The founder and chief executive of the Ledlin Group started the company after seeing a gap in the market for small commercial properties during the e-commerce boom. In this episode, the property entrepreneur sits down with BOSS editor Sally Patten and reveals the secrets to his success, including where his best ideas come from and the piece of advice he almost always ignores. This podcast was sponsored by the City of Parramatta . Further…
S4 · E23 · 6 Jul 2026 · 19 min

Why this expert thinks communication is ‘going down the gurgler’

Communications expert Louise Mahler has spent years helping leaders gain confidence, presence, and influence in the way they communicate. However, since the pandemic and the rapid increase of online platforms, Mahler believes people are losing the ability to engage with audiences. But she's hopeful that connection can be restored. On this week's episode, the former opera singers reveals her top public speaking tips to BOSS editor Sally Patten. This podcast was sponsored by the City of Parramatta . Further reading: Want to be better at public speaking? NIDA’s CEO shares her tips Chief…
S4 · E22 · 29 Jun 2026 · 18 min

This Four Pillars Gin co-founder is taking on whisky – and the ASX

Stuart Gregor has always been a keen storyteller. From his first job working in journalism as a copy boy to co-founding craft gin brand Four Pillars, this entrepreneur has used his skills to build brands and their narratives. Now the chief executive of ASX-listed Lark Distillery, the whisky boss is having to tell a new type of story to analysts and fund managers. In this week's episode, Gregor tells BOSS editor Sally Patten about the various challenges of speaking to consumers, the industry and now the market. Further reading: Whisky maker Lark hires Four Pillars Gin co-founder as CEO The…
S4 · E21 · 22 Jun 2026 · 17 min

Ask about WFH and you’ll get dropped from shortlist, headhunter warns

“We’ve had a number of years when there was a huge emphasis on people’s work-life balance. Now it’s about performance,” says Chris Karagounis. The managing director at executive search firm Alex Kaar says working in the office allows budding leaders to contribute to the culture and community, and to keep learning. And if they're not there, then they risk falling behind. On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out from the corporate headhunter what it takes to be a senior leader today, and how aspiring executives should approach issues such as…
S4 · E20 · 15 Jun 2026 · 18 min

How the death of her husband changed this exec’s career forever

When Sharon Pickering’s husband died, she realised she needed to choose where she directed her energy and focus on what mattered to her. After years of being a dedicated scholar, the academic made a decision that would set her on a path to becoming the vice chancellor of Monash University. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the university boss to find out how a new role shifted Pickering’s career to one of leadership. Further reading: ‘I’d lost my identity.’ How this exec recovered from redundancy A new coach, hypnotist and…
S4 · E19 · 8 Jun 2026 · 20 min

How this CEO changed his leadership style for the sake of top performers

Procter & Gamble’s Australian chief executive, Neal Reed, has been with the global manufacturer for 30 years. The company behind household brands such as Pampers nappies, Gillette razors and Pantene and Head & Shoulders shampoos has long been committed to finding and developing top talent. But as the CEO has discovered, the strategy presents a temptation to push high performers too hard. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how this P&G boss learnt he was overburdening senior leaders. Further reading: Why this CEO gets his advice from the 20-somethings in…
S4 · E18 · 1 Jun 2026 · 18 min

Neil Perry opens up about the high cost of overspending

He’s one of Australia’s most influential chefs and restaurateurs. But when Neil Perry was faced with the closure of his restaurant, Song Bird, he realised he’d broken his most important rule. “You've always got to be prepared to walk away," Perry says. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out what went wrong with the Double Bay restaurant, and what he’s learnt as the culinary giant prepares to open Pizzeria Spotto. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E17 · 25 May 2026 · 18 min

Why this smartphone boss called time on saying yes to everything

Praveena Raman, the head of Motorola in Australia and New Zealand, is a self-described yes person. At the start of her career as an engineer, the “say yes to everything” mindset opened doors to pivotal opportunities that would set her on the path to becoming an executive. But a crucial piece of advice also made the smartphone boss realise the importance of saying no. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the country head of the eighth-largest smartphone manufacturer globally to find out why she decided to shift her mindset. See…
S4 · E16 · 18 May 2026 · 20 min

What this CEO of a drinks company learnt from the tech industry

One of Anubha Sahasrabuddhe’s proudest moments was getting Chinese consumers to drink Coca-Cola – and lots of it. Earlier in her career, Sahasrabuddhe, now the chief executive of brewing giant Lion, was asked to go to China in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics and take on the competition, Pepsi. Sahasrabuddhe’s stint was a success, but there were also failures. The experience led the chief executive to adopt a strategy she says the tech industry has mastered. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the boss of Australia’s second biggest…
S4 · E15 · 11 May 2026 · 21 min

What this executive learnt from working for Kerry Packer

Mary Wooldridge, the outgoing chief executive of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, worked for the media tycoon in the late 1990s. While her time at Kerry Packer's company, Consolidated Press Holdings, taught her some invaluable skills, Wooldridge found it unmotivating. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out why the former politician traded a Packer deal-making role for public policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E14 · 4 May 2026 · 20 min

This exec was terrified of public speaking, but now she loves it

When Allison Rossiter was offered a dream job, she had just one hesitation: she was terrified of public speaking. But not wanting to walk away from the opportunity, the budding executive asked for a public speaking coach. On this week’s episode, the president for Novartis in Australia and New Zealand tells BOSS editor Sally Patten how a new coach, a hypnotist and a Hollywood movie helped her tackle one of her biggest fears. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E13 · 27 Apr 2026 · 21 min

Why Vivid’s festival director won’t be reading any reviews

For any arts production, reviews are a crucial metric of success. But for Brett Sheehy, what the critics have to say means very little. For him, it’s all about the audience. On this week’s episode, Vivid Sydney's festival director tells BOSS editor Sally Patten how he's determined his own way of measuring success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E12 · 20 Apr 2026 · 21 min

Don't ask about WFH: This top exec’s guide to job interviews

As the managing director of Franklin Templeton in Australia and New Zealand, Felicity Walsh has done her fair share of job interviews. In that time, the local head of the global asset manager has figured out what candidates should – and should not – do during the process. This week, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the top executive to find out her tips on researching prospective employers and potential interviewees, and when to ask about working from home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E11 · 13 Apr 2026 · 23 min

Inside Ahmed Fahour’s high-performance morning routine

The chief executive of Gurner Group and former boss of Australia Post says his morning routine has been transformational. Ahmed Fahour says he now thinks more clearly, has lost 13 kilograms over the past two years and has discovered the best productivity hack: sleep. On this week's episode, the top executive tells BOSS editor Sally Patten how a new start to the day has helped drive high performance at work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E10 · 6 Apr 2026 · 18 min

Why the CEO of BMW Australia wants you to take a ‘sleep test’

Vikram Pawah has loved cars since he was a child. Or more specifically, engines. From Honda to Harley Davidson and now BMW, the chief executive has worked for some of the biggest car and motorcycle brands in the world. And it was through motorcycle riding that the luxury car company CEO learnt how to avoid making rash decisions: “Sometimes what your reflex is telling you is the wrong thing in motorcycle riding – it might make you crash.” On this week’s episode, the CEO of BMW in Australia and New Zealand sits down with BOSS editor Sally Patten to explain how the…
S4 · E9 · 30 Mar 2026 · 16 min

‘I didn’t realise how far gone I was’: How this CEO survived burnout

When Jess Saxby became the chief executive of Banjo’s Bakery Cafes, she went "hell for leather". Taking over the family business, the new CEO was always chasing the next big thing for the chain. Until she realised she couldn't switch off. On this week's episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the bakery boss to find out how Saxby overcame burnout and the boundaries she's put in place since. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E8 · 23 Mar 2026 · 17 min

Subway CEO shares secret to growing Australia’s largest fast-food chain

Turning around a business never comes down to just one thing, says Shane Bracken. The chief executive of Subway in Australia and New Zealand believes three key steps have been critical to expanding the sandwich brand across the country. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how this CEO continues to grow the largest fast-food chain in Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 15 Minutes with the Boss

15 Minutes with the Boss is a podcast that gives listeners exclusive access to some of the top CEOs in the country. Each week AFR BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with a prominent leader and asks them to share the invaluable advice and wisdom they have accumulated throughout their careers. For stories of success and failure and everything in-between, search and follow 15 Minutes with the Boss. It’s 15 minutes you can’t afford to miss.

15 Minutes with the Boss is a English business podcast from The Australian Financial Review. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Australian Financial Review
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 19 min
Latest episode: 5 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1706782491

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