No Limitations Blenheim Partners

In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast The Middle-Class Artist, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Jaddan Comerford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UNIFIED Music Group.

In a relaxed discussion, we learn of Jaddan's pioneering and entrepreneurial journey into the rough and tumble of the music world. Starting out at the age of 17 as a one-man band in his parent's home, pursuing a dream, he learned on the fly, broke with tradition, and successfully reshaped the industry and the way we think about the business of music. In so doing, he has captured the imagination and support of emerging music talent and future greats, providing them with the platform and support to unlock and unleash their potential on the local and world stage. Jaddan lifts up the stage curtain, sharing with us the early days, the experimentations, the wins and the major breakthroughs. We uncover what lies ahead, the power of social media and new technologies, as we leave the dark days of COVID-19 behind and embrace the renaissance in music and all its creativity.  

Jaddan founded UNIFIED Music Group, an independent multi-service music company in 2011 and has attracted prominent artists such as Vance Joy, Dashboard Confessional, and Ocean Alley. This followed his debut in the industry, with the launch of Boomtown Records in 2002. Alongside UNIFIED, he's a Co-Founder and Start-up Investor at Side Stage Ventures, a venture capital fund, focused on building the ecosystem and supporting innovative companies, such as Heaps Normal, Vitruvian, Mr Yum, and Tixel.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 3 July 2023.
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In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast A Rising Tide Floats All Boats, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Paul Scurrah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific National.

In a highly engaging discussion, Paul, having worked at the pinnacle of logistics in Australia across all of rail, air and ports, shares his unique vision for the future of freight transport in Australia. Paul emphasises the need for a big-picture perspective as well as the importance of supply chain as an engine room for growth. Paul provides some salutary lessons from his time at the helm of Virgin Australia including its storied rivalry with Qantas and some advice for current airline management at a time when results and key decisions are much publicised, scrutinised and criticised. Paul sheds light on best practice for managing crises, having led through the darkest days of COVID-19 as well as, earlier in his career, having overseen Queensland Rail when most of its rail network was submerged by unprecedented floods. Paul discusses the substantial opportunities on offer for Australia in rail freight and touches on a range of interesting topics including high-speed rail networks, the appropriate place for ESG in commercial decision-making and the need for an apolitical and bipartisan future for rail and the broader transport sector. Lastly, Paul describes the touchstone values which have sustained him through the difficulties and successes in the upper echelons of corporate Australia, as well as his personal journey that took place away from the Boardroom.

Paul was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific National in 2021. His executive career began as Managing Director – Wholesale and Group Executive Director at The AOT Group and then as Chief Executive Officer at TravelOnline.com. Thereafter Paul held significant roles as Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Rail and as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DP World Australia. More prominently, Paul served as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Virgin Australia. Paul has served on a number of Boards, notably Australia Post, Gold Coast Suns Football Club and RPM Global.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 26 June 2023.
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In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast No Set Rules, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Jack Gance, Chairman and Co-Founder of Chemist Warehouse. Jack's journey began in 1972 alongside his brother Sam, as they embarked on a voyage that would eventually shape the landscape of retail pharmaceuticals.

Jack takes us on a personal journey as he shares how his upbringing, marked by resilience and a dedication to education, laid the groundwork for his visionary leadership in the retail pharmaceutical realm. Jack's contributions have not only propelled market presence and share but have also made essential prescriptions and medications accessible to a wider audience. Jack also offers valuable insights into Chemist Warehouse's strategic international expansion plans, highlighting the company's steadfast dedication to both growth and innovation. Moreover, Jack offers insights into the profound importance of leveraging your strategic advantage in any domain throughout your career journey. His wisdom is not just inspiring but practical, providing valuable takeaways for professionals and aspiring leaders alike.

Jack and his brother Sam founded Chemist Warehouse in 1972. They initially imported and distributed sunglasses and later expanded to include sunscreens, fragrances, and cosmetics from popular brands like Le Specs, Le Tan, Australis, and Colours of Australia. In 1993, they, along with business partner Mario Verrocchi, launched 35 stores under the My Chemist brand. Their significant milestone came in 2000 with the opening of the first Chemist Warehouse store in Melbourne. Today, the company has over 500 stores across Australia, New Zealand, China, and Ireland, with plans for future global expansion.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 19 June 2023.
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In Episode 119 of the No Limitations podcast Sitting Under the Mango Tree, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Jeff Quartermaine, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Perseus Mining Ltd, one of the largest gold mining companies listed in Australia with major mine sites in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Sudan.

 

In an insightful discussion, Jeff opens with his views on the appeal of mining as a career today. He touches on the challenges of managing operations in Africa, such as political risks and civil unrest, as well as making deals with local chiefs under the mango tree. Jeff emphasises the importance of maintaining a social licence to operate and doing good by local communities and other stakeholders. Jeff shares his thoughts on nations, such as Russia, China and the United States, jostling for influence in the region. Jeff also explains his core leadership philosophy, his major achievements at Perseus Mining and the values he looks for in hiring team members. Growing up in Far North Queensland, Jeff discusses the start of his career as an engineer and his rise through the ranks in the mining industry in Australia. Jeff also speaks about a number of other topics including, but not limited to, surviving COVID-19, the virtues of nuclear energy in Australia, and the value he gained from his MBA.

 

Jeff was appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Perseus Mining Ltd in 2013, having previously served as Chief Financial Officer. Early in his career, realising an affinity for the mining industry, Jeff became General Manager at Niugini Mining with operations in Papua New Guinea. After a short tenure in corporate finance, Jeff then moved into his first executive role as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Orogen Minerals Ltd. He was also Chief Financial Officer at MediVac Ltd. More recently, and prior to Perseus Mining, Jeff held further senior roles in the mining industry, including as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary at Lafayette Mining Ltd and at TriAusmin Ltd respectively.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 3 May 2023.
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In Episode 118 of the No Limitations podcast Hardest Opportunity on Offer, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Kate Munnings, Group Chief Executive Officer of Virtus Health Pty Ltd, a global leader in assisted reproductive services.

 

In a moving conversation, Kate reveals the eye-opening statistic that, in today’s society, one in six couples experience fertility issues. She reflects on her early days as a nurse during the HIV and AIDS epidemic, and how this experience played a pivotal role in shaping her professional path, ultimately leading her to transition into an established law career, followed by senior operations and executive roles at Transfield Services (now Ventia).

In this capacity, Kate provides a fascinating insider’s perspective into the world of detention centres and the plight of refugees. She also discusses her experiences at Ramsay Health Care Australia, shedding light on the challenges associated with introducing changes in the healthcare system.

Moreover, she reflects on assuming her inaugural Chief Executive Officer position, amidst the unprecedented times of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout her career, Kate learned that a title nor a position are necessary to be a leader, and that the essence of great leadership comprises camaraderie, courage and compassion.

Kate was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Virtus Health Pty Ltd in 2020. Prior to this, she was Chief Operating Officer of Ramsay Health Care Australia and earlier was Chief Risk and Legal Officer followed by Chief Executive – Operations at Transfield Services.

Kate started her career as a HIV/AIDS nurse at St Vincent’s Hospital before becoming a construction lawyer and Partner at law firms Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Baker McKenzie. Alongside Virtus, Kate is currently Chair of Digital Health Cooperative Research Centres. Kate has also served as a Board Member of South East Sydney Local Health District.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 16 May 2023.
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In Episode 117 of the No Limitations podcast Knowing Your Own Mind, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to the 28th Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Tony Abbott AC. He was the Member for Warringah in the Australian Parliament from 1994 to 2019.

In an open conversation, we unpack Tony’s thoughts on the current state of Australia, its leadership and standing on the world stage. Considering where he sees society heading from the debate in Australia leading up to the referendum and the cost-of-living crisis to the ongoing conflicts overseas and shifts in the power balance, we discuss his concerns for the country and the world at large. Finally, we uncover his thoughts on leadership and how it starts with one’s self.

Tony served as Prime Minister for two years following the 2013 Australian federal election. He was the Leader of the Opposition from 2009 to 2013 and also served as a Cabinet Minister during the Howard Government. Currently, Tony is a Director of the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation, serves on the council of the Australian War Memorial, and is an adviser to the UK Board of Trade. He is a patron to several charities, including Soldier On, the International Sports Promotion Society, and the Worldwide Support for Development. In 2020, he was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia and in 2022, he was conveyed with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 15 May 2023.
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