Vistage Live - Australia and New Zealand - Business and Leadership Insights

Stephanie Christopher, MD of Vistage Australia and New Zealand
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Join Stephanie Christopher, MD, Vistage Australia and New Zealand as she sits down with business leaders and inspiring guests covering wide-ranging conversations about all things leadership, exploring the questions that are top of mind for small to mid-sized businesses: strategic planning, exit strategies, family business, talent, scaling up, AI, transformation, economic updates and more. Success thrives on different perspectives. If you are passionate about growth, improving your decision-making or just interested in what is going on in the world of the midsized or small business then this podcast is for you. Take the first step towards results – listen now.

  1. From Player to Coach: The Leadership Shift That Matters

    12/16/2025

    From Player to Coach: The Leadership Shift That Matters

    In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie explores leadership, resilience, and high performance with Brad Thomas, technology executive, board leader, and three-time Paralympian. Brad shares his journey from elite Paralympic sport to leading global technology businesses, drawing powerful parallels between athletic performance and business leadership. From competing on the world stage to transforming an ASX-listed company into a high-performing SaaS business. Brad unpacks the disciplines that underpin sustained success: clarity of vision, disciplined execution, accountability, and continuous feedback. The conversation also dives into Brad’s leadership philosophy; why great leaders resist being the smartest person in the room, how coaching unlocks performance and why high-performing teams thrive on trust, openness, and constructive challenge. Brad also reflects on his transition from CEO to Vistage Chair, and what growth-focused CEOs can expect from a peer advisory environment. Key Highlights Lessons from Paralympic sport on resilience, mindset, and performing under pressure Why clarity of vision is the foundation of execution — in sport and business Turning feedback into a competitive advantage without taking it personally The shift from “leader as decision-maker” to “leader as coach” Why high-performing teams need trust, challenge, and accountability Brad’s passion for growth, innovation, and taking Australian businesses to global markets

    34 min
  2. Future-Ready Leadership with Ben Hamer, Futurist

    11/26/2025

    Future-Ready Leadership with Ben Hamer, Futurist

    In this episode of Vistage LIVE, futurist Dr Ben Hamer—recently named the #1 thought leader on the Future of Work in the Asia-Pacific—joins Stephanie Christopher for a powerful conversation on what leaders must pay attention to now to stay future-ready. Ben explores curiosity as the defining capability of high-performing leaders and organisations, explaining why it outperforms any single technical skill in a world marked by volatility and rapid transformation. He breaks down what futurists actually do, how leaders can scan for meaningful signals of change, and why the goal is not prediction—it's preparation. From the rise of AI agents to demographic transformation, declining workforce participation, and the realities of an ageing and increasingly multicultural population, Ben offers a clear, pragmatic lens on the mega-trends shaping the next decade. He also challenges the efficiency mindset that discourages exploration, and argues that leaders must build foresight into their everyday decision-making. This episode will reshape how you think about workforce strategy, leadership, and long-term planning—and why the future now demands big, bold, transformative thinking rather than incremental tweaks. Key Insights: Curiosity is the #1 future-ready capability—across people, strategy, discovery and leadership. Signals precede trends — leaders should pay attention to the “huh” moments. Backcasting beats forecasting when working 10 years into the future. Mega-trends beyond AI: demographic shifts, cultural diversity, ageing populations, skill shortages. AI will be essential, not a threat — we’ll need it to fill workforce gaps. Productivity is a flawed measure in a knowledge economy. Generations are a frame, not a solution — it’s about understanding individuals. The future of work requires redesigning jobs, not tweaking the old model.

    31 min
  3. Removing the Brain Blinkers: How to Shift Beliefs and Unlock High Performance

    10/28/2025

    Removing the Brain Blinkers: How to Shift Beliefs and Unlock High Performance

    In this energising episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie Christopher sits down with keynote speaker, coach and creator of Brain Blinkers, Anthony Bonnici, to explore how our own thinking often limits our potential. Drawing on more than 20 years of global speaking and leadership coaching, Anthony reveals the three key mental barriers that hold people back and how leaders can identify and remove them. From tackling limiting beliefs to breaking patterns of self-sabotage, Anthony introduces his practical COFFEE model — six ways we unconsciously undermine our success: Catastrophising, Overgeneralising, Filtering, Forecasting failure, Emotionalising, and being at the Effect of problems instead of the cause. Anthony and Stephanie discuss how reframing even one limiting belief can shift behaviour, why recognising the right problem is crucial before solving it, and how small daily mindset changes can transform performance. Whether you lead a sales team or a company, this conversation will help you challenge unhelpful thinking, take ownership, and get “above the line” — focusing on solutions that move you and your team forward. Key takeaways: Identify your own “brain blinkers” — the beliefs and habits that narrow your thinking. Replace self-defeating thoughts with small, realistic reframes. Use the COFFEE model to spot common self-sabotage patterns. Stop reacting to problems — diagnose the real issue, then act. Lasting change requires consistency, self-awareness, and action over time.

    28 min
  4. Progress, Not Perfection: Navigating Family Business Dynamics with John Broons

    09/15/2025

    Progress, Not Perfection: Navigating Family Business Dynamics with John Broons

    In this episode of Vistage LIVE, host Stephanie Christopher sits down with John Broons—family business expert, author of Creating a Thriving Family Business: Progress, Not Perfection, and long-time Vistage Chair. John shares four decades of experience advising family enterprises across Australia and globally, unpacking the unique challenges of intergenerational wealth transfer, governance, and communication. From the baby boomer transition to the subtle influence of partners at the dinner table, John reveals how family businesses can thrive when values, transparency, and external advice come together. Listeners will gain practical insights into: Why planning and open conversations matter more than waiting until it’s too late. How family dynamics, not just business fundamentals, often dictate success or failure. The critical distinction between a business advisor serving an individual versus a family advisor supporting the whole family. Why progress—not perfection—is the mindset that sustains families in business over generations. Whether you’re running a small start-up with family shareholders or managing a complex, multi-generational enterprise, John’s stories and strategies provide clarity, encouragement, and actionable guidance.

    18 min
  5. Decoding Strategic Decisions with Dr Chris Stephenson

    08/21/2025

    Decoding Strategic Decisions with Dr Chris Stephenson

    In this episode of Vistage LIVE, host Stephanie Christopher is joined by Dr Chris Stephenson — a transformational leader with over 25 years of global executive experience and a doctorate in strategic decision-making. Chris has led company turnarounds across 12 countries and now mentors CEOs, helping them navigate complexity, make smarter choices, and unlock transformational growth. Chris unpacks why so many boards and leadership teams fall into the trap of suboptimal decisions, how politics inside organisations can derail strategy, and why diversity of thought is vital to overcoming blind spots. He also shares his simple markers for identifying whether decision-making is strong or flawed — and offers practical insights CEOs can apply immediately to sharpen focus, drive innovation, and lead with greater confidence. Key highlights: Why 85% of top management decisions are suboptimal — and how to change that The hidden role of organisational politics in shaping outcomes How CEOs can build safe spaces for challenge and diversity of thought The importance of hiring for attitude, not just skills Why leaders must embrace boldness, experimentation, and adaptability

    24 min
  6. Ron Gauci on Resilient Leadership and Strategic Turnarounds

    07/14/2025

    Ron Gauci on Resilient Leadership and Strategic Turnarounds

    In this episode of Vistage LIVE, host Stephanie Christopher is joined by Ron Gauci—new Vistage Chair, seasoned CEO, and transformation expert whose leadership career spans Telstra, IBM, Microsoft, Melbourne Storm, Federation Square and more. Ron shares hard-won insights from leading organisations through adversity, uncovering potential, and achieving sustainable turnarounds—not just in crisis, but in complacency. Key Highlights: Three-Phase Turnaround Approach: Ron’s model of 30 days observation, 30 days planning, 30 days execution allows him to tailor unique strategies for each organisation. Creating Momentum: In the absence of urgency, Ron isn’t afraid to "manufacture a crisis" to overcome complacency and mobilise teams. The Power of Culture and Mindset: Execution starts with clarity—clear roles, accountability, and defining what success looks like. Ron draws from elite sport to foster a high-performance, “never-settle” mindset. Tough Conversations, Delivered Well: Authentic leadership means honesty with care—Ron is known for difficult conversations that earn trust, even from those he’s had to let go. Stories of Impact: From revitalising Melbourne’s Fed Square to rebuilding the Melbourne Storm after its salary cap crisis, Ron’s legacy is one of transformation and empowerment. Now stepping into his role as a Vistage Chair, Ron is seeking growth-focused business leaders ready to stretch themselves—and support others—in a confidential, high-calibre peer group.

    36 min
  7. From Values to Ventures: How Vanessa Cullen Built a Purpose-Driven Enterprise

    06/17/2025

    From Values to Ventures: How Vanessa Cullen Built a Purpose-Driven Enterprise

    What does it take to build a profitable business without compromising your values? In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie sits down with Vanessa Cullen — founder of Forward Thinking Design and a true pioneer of sustainable, values-led leadership. With over 20 years’ experience across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, Vanessa shares how she’s turned ethics into enterprise, designing both spaces and strategies that create meaningful impact. We explore what it really means to be a social enterprise, how circular economy thinking is reshaping the future, and why being values-aligned from day one was the most strategic decision she ever made. Vanessa also opens up about her early challenges, the role of peer support in her journey, and the quiet power of doing business differently. Key Takeaways  1. A Social Enterprise Built on Values, Not Buzzwords 2. Social Enterprise vs. B Corp vs. NFP — Know the Difference 3. Circular Economy Is More Than Recycling 4. Purpose and Profit Can Coexist 5. A Business Leader Forged by Ethics, Resilience and Lived Experience 6. The Power of Peer Support 7. Advocacy and Giving Back Are Core to Her Mission 8. Leadership That Minimises Waste and Maximises Meaning

    28 min
  8. Leading Through Change: Insights from President, International at Vistage Rob Ristagno

    05/29/2025

    Leading Through Change: Insights from President, International at Vistage Rob Ristagno

    In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Vistage Australia and New Zealand MD Stephanie Christopher interviews Rob Ristagno, President, International at Vistage. Rob shares his insights on the evolving landscape of leadership and the challenges CEOs face in a rapidly changing business environment. He emphasises the importance of adaptability, strategic decision-making, and leveraging community-based learning for growth and resilience. Rob also discusses how Vistage is supporting CEOs with resources that foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable success. Key takeaways include: Embracing change as a constant and leading with flexibility. Building stronger networks through peer learning and global connections. Developing leadership skills that prioritise long-term strategy over short-term gains. Understanding how Vistage's unique ecosystem empowers leaders to navigate complexity with confidence.

    23 min
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About

Join Stephanie Christopher, MD, Vistage Australia and New Zealand as she sits down with business leaders and inspiring guests covering wide-ranging conversations about all things leadership, exploring the questions that are top of mind for small to mid-sized businesses: strategic planning, exit strategies, family business, talent, scaling up, AI, transformation, economic updates and more. Success thrives on different perspectives. If you are passionate about growth, improving your decision-making or just interested in what is going on in the world of the midsized or small business then this podcast is for you. Take the first step towards results – listen now.

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