Mentor List

The Mentor List
Mentor List

A collaboration of business services and professional growth, we are dedicated to connecting the very best minds and insights in Australia in order to achieve greatness together.

  1. 10 MAR

    Unraveling Neurodiversity: Empowering Hidden Strengths in Society and the Workplace with Dr Shae Wissell

    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

    43 min
  2. 24 FEB

    High-Performance Workplaces: Leadership Lessons with Steve Vamos

    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

    53 min
  3. 10 FEB

    Navigating the Complex World of Identity Verification and Fraud Prevention with Josh Read

    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

    53 min
  4. 20 JAN

    Cultivating Organisational Success with Emotional Intelligence

    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

    1h 2m
  5. 6 JAN

    Strategic Growth and Market Expansion with Robert Iervasi

    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/

    41 min
  6. 11/11/2024

    Maximising AI Value: Jeremiah Mannings on Strategic Adoption and Long-Term Benefits

    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

    1h 2m
4.9
out of 5
71 Ratings

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A collaboration of business services and professional growth, we are dedicated to connecting the very best minds and insights in Australia in order to achieve greatness together.

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