This Month
Why most executives don’t reach their full potential
Early in his career, a senior colleague suggested Mick O’Brien, now a $900 million company CEO, take on a management role. Luckily his colleague could see his potential.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
July
This top fundie used to peel four sacks of potatoes every Friday
Ausbil Investment Management’s Paul Xiradis says it’s at the fish market that he probably got involved in markets, understanding how they’re priced and cleared.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
Why this top lawyer has a nanny
For KWM chief executive partner Renae Lattey, having home help means that she gets time to herself, as well as time to devote to her family and job.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
What this CEO eats depends how bad the last meeting was
Joy Krige, CEO of Cranecorp Australia in Perth, grazes from her snack drawer during the day, rather than eat a formal breakfast or lunch.
- Sally Patten
Why you shouldn’t set a deadline if you want to be more resilient
The strongest leaders believe in themselves and don’t try to set timelines for when a difficult period will pass, says Macquarie Technology Group CEO David Tudehope.
- Updated
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
Why the local CEO of this $26b company likes her commute
When QBE Australia chief Sue Houghton rises at 6am, the self-described introvert relishes a walk on her own.
- Sally Patten
BCG’s local boss Grant McCabe on why he has taken up pilates
Boston Consulting Group’s Australian chief, Grant McCabe, says rookie executives should “remove that baggage” about whether they are going to succeed.
- Lap Phan and Ciara Seccombe
June
Why this CEO doesn’t like flying business class
For Who Gives a Crap co-founder and CEO Simon Griffiths, sitting at the front of the plane doesn’t resonate with the company’s brand.
- Lap Phan and Ciara Seccombe
Why this CEO loves celebrity news
UBank chief Philippa Watson keeps a keen eye on her Gen Z employees, the technology they use and the news they consume.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
Inside Amazon’s art of decision-making
Janet Menzies, Australian country manager for the online retail giant, discusses business dinners and the surprising way decisions are made at the company.
- Sally Patten
Top CEO reveals the biggest mistakes he ever made
Koda Capital CEO Paul Heath says among the worst errors he has made is failing to realise how difficult change can be for staff.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
How this CEO survived two dud product launches
oOh!media chief Cathy O’Connor’s former boss told her the mistakes she made were the best thing that ever happened to her. He was right.
- Lap Phan and Ciara Seccombe
May
What this CEO has learnt about spouting off ideas in meetings
Netwealth CEO Matt Heine is a self-proclaimed “ideas fountain,” but has learnt the trait doesn’t always work in the top job.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
Aussies aren’t all Bondi Beach fit, Ozempic’s new local exec has just realised
Novo Nordisk Oceania managing director Cem Ozenc mourns the fact Australia’s obesity challenge is lost amid the celebrity hype surrounding the medication.
- Sally Patten
Adam Powick failed to make partner twice. Now he runs Deloitte
The chief executive says when people fail to get a promotion, they are often told they are doing a good job and should continue along the same path. He reckons that advice is “BS”.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
How the CEO of Oroton learnt to make the right career choices
Earlier in her career, Oroton CEO Jenny Child was frustrated at McKinsey and scored a job offer elsewhere. But a mentor warned her that the grass would not necessarily be greener. Child stayed at McKinsey, was made partner, moved to Australia and now runs a luxury retailer.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
April
This CEO didn’t go to uni and never had a career plan
Australia Post chief Paul Graham left school and tried out myriad manual jobs. Now he is responsible for 63,000 employees.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
What happens when Rio Tinto’s Australian CEO gets cranky
Kellie Parker, Rio Tinto’s Australian boss, discusses what happens when she gets tired, why she likes puzzles and why she continually tracks her emotions.
- Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
Why Lendlease CEO Tony Lombardo landed on the career fast track
The double jolt of his mother being diagnosed with cancer and his father dying at an early age put Lendlease CEO Tony Lombardo on the career fast track to everything.
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
The advice that helped land HESTA CEO Debby Blakey the top job
HESTA chief Debby Blakey talks about how maths helps her to make decisions, how a key piece of advice from a mentor helped her land the top job, and why she likes 42-minute meetings.
- Updated
- Sally Patten and Lap Phan
