No Limitations Blenheim Partners

In Episode 107 of the No Limitations podcast “Across the Waves,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Grant Blackley, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Media Group Ltd, which owns over 99 stations across FM, AM and DAB+ radio under the Triple M and Hit network brands, broadcasts 93 free-to-air TV signals across regional Australia, and operates LiSTNR, Australia’s free audio destination for consumers housing radio, podcasts, music and news.

Against the backdrop of an ever-changing media landscape, Grant shares with us his mantra of innovation and the willingness to take risk in an unforgiving market to those who stand still. We get a glimpse into the future of audio and broader media – the challenges and opportunities locally and internationally. Finally, he opens our ears and lets us into the “House of LiSTNR” as they change the way consumers engage with a variety of digital audio content, tailored for an audience of one.

With over 35 years in the media and entertainment sectors, Grant has served in numerous senior leadership positions, including at Network 10 as CEO from 2005 to 2010. Grant is also a Director of Commercial Radio & Audio as well as the Australian Association of National Advertisers.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 30 November 2022.
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In Episode 106 of the No Limitations podcast “To Dare and Endure”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Brian Hartzer, Chairman and Co-Founder of specialty lender 2Be and former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Westpac Banking Corporation.

In a candid and insightful conversation, Brian shares with us the five Cs of building engagement as a leader and some personal insights into the pressure moments and testing times for decision makers. Greg and Brian also discuss the Australian banking sector, the broader economic landscape and the opportunities ahead.

Brian is also Chairman of ASX-listed salary advance business Beforepay, AI-based HR technology startup Reejig, and the Australian Museum Foundation. He has previously served as Chairman of Save the Children Australia, Director of the Financial Markets Foundation for Children, and Chair of the Business Advisory Committee of the Australian National University. Brian was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Westpac Banking Corporation from 2015 to 2019 and prior to that spent 15 years in senior executive roles at major banks in Australia and the UK.

His book, “The Leadership Star: A Practical Guide to Building Engagement”, was published in 2021.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 18 November 2022.
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In Episode 105 of the No Limitations podcast “Leadership Is a Contact Sport”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Michael Schneider, Managing Director of Bunnings Group Ltd, the leading retailer of home improvement and lifestyle products in Australia and New Zealand as well as a major supplier to project builders, commercial tradespeople and the housing industry.

 

In this episode, Michael underscores the heart and soul of a business – the magic of the team. Leading over 53,000 team members with a network of over 500 locations, Michael shares with us how he continues to preserve and enhance the unique Bunnings culture, which not only plays such a vital role in the organisation’s success but also in supporting the communities in which it operates. He also shares with us what’s in store for retail as we witness the continued evolution of the industry as well as the next normal for Australia’s workforce.

 

Prior to joining Bunnings in 2005, Michael had a diverse career across retail and financial services, holding senior roles in operations, human resources and strategy at organisations such as The Warehouse Group, Westpac Banking Corporation and Target. Michael is also Chair of independent motor neurone disease foundation FightMND and not-for-profit organisation Love Me Love You. He also serves on the Boards of Melbourne United Basketball Club, the Corporate Mental Health Alliance of Australia and the Global Home Improvement Network.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 12 October 2022.
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In Episode 104 of the No Limitations podcast “Taking Flight”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Rachael Neumann and Kylie Frazer, Founding Partners of early-stage venture capital firm Flying Fox Ventures.

Challenging the traditional venture capital model to help more people take their first steps into angel investing, Rachael and Kylie share with us the intricacies of how it takes a village to raise a startup. We also hear about the challenges facing founders and other players in the ecosystems and how they see potential in the many entrepreneurs they work closely with.

Rachael and Kylie have been across many parts of the startup ecosystem leading to the establishment of Flying Fox Ventures. Rachael was previously Head of Startups for Amazon Web Services in Australia and New Zealand and was Managing Director of Eventbrite in Australia and New Zealand. She is also on the Council of Trustees of the National Gallery of Victoria. Kylie brings over 20 years of experience as a corporate transactions lawyer, having worked for Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Urchin Legal and Ventures, having advised ASX200 and international companies on landmark deals across sectors including technology, agriculture, and consumer products.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 7 October 2022.
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In Episode 103 of the No Limitations podcast “A Period of Great Change”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Scott Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of leading energy company Viva Energy Group Ltd, which supplies about a quarter of Australia’s fuel requirements.

With change occurring on a multitude of fronts, Scott and Viva Energy are uniquely positioned, catering to Australia’s energy needs now and well into the future. Scott shares with us not only Viva Energy’s rich 120-year history but also how they are positioning themselves for the new environment, as we embark on a monumental transition that will change the way we live. Having led Viva Energy in the last eight years as well as teams across the world, he casts a light on the pivotal role leadership plays in navigating uncertainty, inspiring new ideas and setting a clear direction.

Following a long career with Shell in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore, Scott was appointed CEO of Viva Energy Australia in 2014. He is a Director of the Australian Institute of Petroleum and previously served on the Board of Viva Energy REIT.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded in June 2022.
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In Episode 102 of the No Limitations podcast “Don’t Look at the Scoreboard”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Nick Farr-Jones AM, Director of Taurus Funds Management and a former Captain of the Australia National Rugby Union Team. Nick led the Wallabies to Australia’s first Rugby World Cup title in 1991.

In an illuminating and at times very personal conversation, we are treated to some rare insight into the crucial moments on and off the field that led to the Wallabies’ success in their 1991 Rugby World Cup campaign. Nick shares with us the core principles of leadership and the elements at play, from disappointment to the path forward, from the preparation and discipline to the essence of teamwork, and from the pressure on the big stage to the confidence and calmness in achieving victory.

Nick represented Australia in rugby union, having played 63 Tests after his debut in 1984. He was later appointed Captain in 1988 and led Australia in 36 Tests. Prior to his current role, he worked at French investment bank Société Générale in Paris before leading their mining finance team in Sydney. He is also Chairman of Stand Tall, a charity that supports the mental well-being of Australian youth. He previously served on the Boards of NRMA and Wesley Mission, was a Councillor of the City of Sydney, a Senator of the University of Sydney and was previously Chairman of New South Wales Rugby Union.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 6 September 2022.
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