Bite BIG - Boss Women Leading Big

Amber Bonney
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BITE BIG - 'Boss Women Leading Big Brands' is a podcast that gets under the skin and inside the minds of great Australian brand bosses.  From start-ups to educators, independent hustlers to ASX listed chiefs - BITE BIG explores the personal mantras and motivations of top marketing gurus sinking their teeth into the daily challenges of big brand leadership. Hosted by agency Founder and Brand Strategist Amber Bonney, the BITE BIG podcast is researched, mastered, written, recorded, designed, produced and engineered by women, for women!

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  1. Amber Bites Big with Mim Haysom, Executive General Manager of Suncorp

    EPISODE 13 · VIDEO

    Amber Bites Big with Mim Haysom, Executive General Manager of Suncorp

    In Episode 13 of BITE BIG, I sat down with Mim Haysom, Executive General Manager of Brand and Customer Experience at Suncorp Group, to dig into exactly that. Mim’s career is one that most would consider enviable. From GM at M&C Saatchi to holding one of the most influential brand roles in Australia, overseeing AAMI, GIO, and Shannons, to name a few, her resume is heavy with achievements. But what really stood out in our conversation wasn’t her accolades. It was her authenticity, self-awareness, and a mantra that reminds us what really matters: Life is short, so love what you do. 👑 Boss Takeaways from Episode 13 with Mim “Life is short, so love what you do.” - Mim’s mantra, inherited from her father, is a powerful reminder to find meaning and joy in your work because we spend too much of our lives working not to. Passion can drive impact - From GayTMs to One House, Mim’s most defining projects were powered by belief, not just data. When purpose meets bravery, extraordinary things happen. Leadership is symbiotic - You’re only as good as your team, and they’re only as strong as the confidence and support you give them. Empowerment is not optional; it’s essential. Progress isn’t always linear - Forget the ladder. Mim’s journey proves that growth often comes from sideways moves, big leaps, and unplanned pivots. Say yes, but be intentional -  Early in her career, Mim said yes to everything. Now, she says yes to what aligns with her values and serves her whole self. A reminder for all of us to be more thoughtful about how we spend our time. Define your purpose early - Understanding your personal values and purpose isn’t a mid-career luxury, it’s a strategic advantage. Get clear on it sooner, and let it guide your path. Bite big and chew like hell - Taking on the Suncorp role was a huge pivot and she’s still chewing. Mim’s career is a masterclass in bold moves backed by belief and a lot of hustle.🔗 Follow BITE BIG for more unfiltered stories from women who lead big one mantra at a time. Links:Mim Haysom LinkedInMim Haysom FacebookSuncorp LinkedInSuncorp Instagram St Vincents Clinic FoundationThe Marketing Academy Amber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn The Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's Instagram CREDITS Host & ECD – Amber Bonney, The Edison Agency FounderProducer  – Niki Beeston, Group Account Director, The Edison AgencyMarketing – Liz Archer, Head of Operations, The Edison AgencySocial Assets – Alyssa Payad, Intern, The Edison AgencyPost Production – Francine Toscano, 17th Street Audio

    46 min
  2. Amber Bites Big with Lucy Bloom - Founder, Creative Director, CEO & Author

    EPISODE 14 · VIDEO

    Amber Bites Big with Lucy Bloom - Founder, Creative Director, CEO & Author

    In Episode 14, we crank the volume way up. Amber is joined by speaker, author, and rebel leader Lucy Bloom, a woman who doesn’t just challenge the rules of leadership, she rewrites them in hot pink. From running a top creative agency to leading game-changing charities and launching global firsts like Beer + Bubs (childbirth education for dads at the pub), Lucy’s career is a wild masterclass in passion, resilience and reinvention. With four books under her belt and a speaking career that lights up global stages, she brings truth bombs, belly laughs, and brilliant advice in equal measure. 💥 Boss Takeaways from Episode 14 with Lucy Bloom “Do it with passion or not at all.” Lucy’s mantra isn't just catchy, it’s a life philosophy. If it doesn’t light her up, it’s a no. Period. Burnout is not a badge of honour. After decades of going full tilt, Lucy’s now all about boundaries, sleep, and putting health first. Confidence is a muscle, not a gift. Lucy proves that being bold doesn’t mean being fearless, it means practicing courage over and over again. Be so good they can’t ignore you. Whether she’s on stage or running a business, Lucy’s approach to success is simple: back yourself and deliver. Purpose makes it worth it.From training midwives in Ethiopia to empowering women in Uganda, Lucy shows that real impact comes when passion meets mission. When in doubt, just start. Whether it’s a business, a book, or a sewing project, Lucy’s advice is clear: you don’t need a perfect plan, just the guts to begin.🔗 Follow BITE BIG for more unfiltered stories from women who lead big one mantra at a time. Links:Lucy Bloom LinkedInLucy Bloom InstagramLucy Bloom FacebookLucy Bloom WebsiteLucy Bloom's BooksLucy Bloom Blog: Why I will never work full time again The Imperfects: The Science of sleepLove Mercy Australia Amber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn The Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's Instagram CREDITS Host & ECD – Amber Bonney, The Edison Agency FounderProducer  – Niki Beeston, Group Account Director, The Edison AgencyMarketing – Liz Archer, Head of Operations, The Edison AgencySocial Assets – Alyssa Payad, Intern, The Edison AgencyPost Production – Francine Toscano, 17th Street Audio

    45 min
  3. Amber Bites Big with Donna De Zwart, CEO of Charitable organisation, Fitted For Work.

    EPISODE 15 · VIDEO

    Amber Bites Big with Donna De Zwart, CEO of Charitable organisation, Fitted For Work.

    In Episode 15 of BITE BIG, Amber is joined by Donna de Zwart, CEO of Fitted for Work, a social enterprise that’s helped over 46,000 women reclaim their independence through employment. With a career spanning education, consulting and social enterprise, Donna’s mantra is clear and quietly radical: “Look for the beauty.” Born from personal hardship, it’s a daily practice that shapes everything from the way her team answers the phone to how they prepare clients for job interviews. 👑 Boss Takeaways from Episode 15 with Donna “Look for the beauty” – Donna’s mantra reminds us that even in moments of darkness, beauty can be found in people, in purpose, and in the quiet dignity of starting again. Work is power – It’s not just about a job. Employment is a key to choice, safety and autonomy, especially for women recovering from family violence. Reinvention is resilience – From wardrobes to worldviews, Donna shares how beauty and creativity are deeply connected to personal reinvention and healing. The ripple effect is real – Helping one woman into work can shift the trajectory for entire families, communities and future generations. Systemic change starts with action – From launching programs for girls as young as 14 to partnering with corporate giants like Coles and Accenture, Donna proves that small acts can spark big shifts. No safety net? Build one – Donna’s decade of leadership at Fitted for Work hasn’t been easy. But with tenacity, vision and a board that believes, she’s shown that passion, not privilege, builds progress.🔗 Follow BITE BIG for more unfiltered stories from women who lead big one mantra at a time. Links:Donna De Zwart LinkedInDonna De Zwart Instagram Fitted For Work WebFitted For Work InstagramFitted For Work Facebook Page Amber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn The Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's Instagram CREDITSHost & ECD – Amber Bonney, The Edison Agency FounderProducer  – Niki Beeston, Group Account Director, The Edison AgencyMarketing – Liz Archer, Head of Operations, The Edison AgencySocial Assets – Alyssa Payad, Intern, The Edison AgencyPost Production – Francine Toscano, 17th Street Audio

    47 min
  4. Amber Bites Big with Jenni Romaniuk, Associate Director - Ehrenberg-Bass Institute

    EPISODE 16 · VIDEO

    Amber Bites Big with Jenni Romaniuk, Associate Director - Ehrenberg-Bass Institute

    Episode 16 of BITE BIG features the brilliant Professor Jenni Romaniuk, Associate Director of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute and leading voice in marketing effectiveness, brand salience and distinctive brand assets. Jenni’s mantra, “Progress is more important than perfection”is the lens through which she approaches her life’s work: from developing world-first theories in mental availability to helping brands avoid the costly trap of vanity metrics. Her insights are as grounded as they are game-changing. 👑 Boss Takeaways from Episode 16 with Jenni Progress is more important than perfection – Jenni reminds us that great ideas come from testing many imperfect ones. Don’t wait for perfect, start moving and make it better as you go. Evidence VS Ego – Good marketers don’t just have opinions; they evolve with the evidence. The best ideas hold up under scrutiny. Distinctive beats different – You don’t need to be wildly different to win. You need to be unmistakably you. Distinctive assets are your brand’s true superpower. Don’t chase the loudest voices – Social media can distort reality. Make decisions based on balanced data, not Twitter tantrums. Big brands aren’t invincible – Size brings opportunity, but also complexity. Without visual consistency and evidence-led direction, scale can become a liability. Know what you know – Confidence comes from expertise. Jenni’s advice to women: anchor your voice in what you know best and let your impact grow from there.🔗 Follow BITE BIG for more stories from women who lead big one mantra at a time. Links:Jenni Romaniuk LinkedInJenni Romaniuk BooksEhrenberg-Bass Institute webEhrenberg-Bass Institute InstagramAcademy Of Social Sciences AustraliaCatherine HouseAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn CREDITSHost & ECD – Amber Bonney, The Edison Agency FounderProducer  – Niki Beeston, Group Account Director, The Edison AgencyMarketing – Liz Archer, Head of Operations, The Edison AgencySocial Assets – Alyssa Payad, Intern, The Edison AgencyPost Production – Francine Toscano, 17th Street Audio

    43 min
  5. Amber Bites Big with Shamini Rajarethnam , CEO Rationale Skincare

    EPISODE 17 · VIDEO

    Amber Bites Big with Shamini Rajarethnam , CEO Rationale Skincare

    In Episode 17 of BITE BIG, we go behind the scenes of one of Australia's most successful luxury skincare brands, Rationale, with its trailblazing CEO, Shamini Rajarethnam. From navigating global expansion and regional relocation, to staying ruthlessly focused in a fragmented market, Shamini shares the story of building an enduring brand without compromising on values. With a mantra passed down from her father, "Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care", Shamini's leadership style is deeply human, deeply strategic, and unapologetically clear on what matters most: purpose, people, and integrity. 👑 Boss Takeaways from Episode 17 with Sharm Leadership is caring: Sharm’s leadership mantra reminds us that empathy and connection are the real currencies of influence.I Curiosity builds capability - From digital marketer to CEO, Sharm’s rise was fuelled by intellectual curiosity, humility, and the courage to ask questions, no ego required.“ Integrity is your strategy- Saying no to distractions and staying laser-focused on your North Star isn’t just brand discipline it’s brand leadership. Culture starts at the top You can’t delegate culture. Sharm leads her team with the same care and intention she brings to her customers. Bite big, but know when to stop- From global expansion to building a regional HQ, Sharm proves that knowing when to pivot or quit is as brave as pushing forward. DE&I drives insight - Diversity isn’t a checkbox—it’s a competitive edge. From packaging to policy, inclusive voices lead to better decisions and better design.🔗 Follow BITE BIG for more unfiltered stories from women who lead big—one mantra at a time. Links:Shamini's LinkedInShamini's Instagram Rationale SkincareRationale InstagramRationale Facebook Primed to Perform by Neel DoshiThe Let Them Theory by Mel RobbinsFight Parkinson’s Amber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn The Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's Instagram CREDITSHost & ECD – Amber Bonney, The Edison Agency FounderProducer  – Niki Beeston, Group Account Director, The Edison AgencyMarketing – Liz Archer, Head of Operations, The Edison AgencySocial Assets – Alyssa Payad, Intern, The Edison AgencyPost Production – Francine Toscano, 17th Street Audio

    55 min
  6. Amber Bites Big with Astrud Burgess, Group Chief Marketing Officer at ANZ bank

    EPISODE 18 · VIDEO

    Amber Bites Big with Astrud Burgess, Group Chief Marketing Officer at ANZ bank

    In Episode 18 of BITE BIG, I sat down with Astrud Burgess, Group Chief Marketing Officer at ANZ, to unpack the mindset, mantra and marketing savvy behind her powerhouse leadership. Astrud’s journey from the retail floor to the C-suite is anything but typical. Starting as a graduate at ANZ, her path has spanned continents, industries, and disciplines, from media and telco in London to transforming customer experience, brand, and data strategy back home. Now, as Group CMO, Astrud is proving that creative instinct and commercial impact are not mutually exclusive. Her mantra? “Optimise for joy.” A deceptively simple philosophy that drives how she leads, how she works, and how she stays sane in a high-pressure world. 👑 Boss Takeaways from Episode 18 with Astrud: “Optimise for joy.” It’s not about chasing happiness, it’s about choosing the work that energises you, builds momentum, and lets you play to your strengths. Embrace job kleptomania, mindfully. Astrud owns her love of saying yes to big opportunities, but with one caveat: it has to serve joy, not just busyness. Creative empathy is a leadership superpower. Whether leading data teams or developing brand platforms, Astrud blends logic with intuition and consistently backs her team with trust. Longevity in agency partnerships pays off. Her 12-year relationship with ANZ’s creative agency proves that trust, listening, and curiosity lead to bold, effective work. Brand is your trust engine. Especially in industries under public scrutiny, brand isn’t fluff, it’s foundational. And when done well, it lifts every other comms piece in market. Intuition = a personal data set. For a leader driven by evidence, Astrud still champions the value of gut instinct, because decades of experience is data, too. Help women take up space. From mentoring young marketers to advocating for financial literacy, Astrud is helping more women step up, take risks, and thrive.🔗 Follow BITE BIG for more unfiltered stories from women who lead big—one mantra at a time. Links:Astrud LinkedInANZ WebsiteANZ InstagramOrange Sky NZ Amber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn The Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's Instagram CREDITSHost & ECD – Amber Bonney, The Edison Agency FounderProducer  – Niki Beeston, Group Account Director, The Edison AgencyMarketing – Liz Archer, Head of Operations, The Edison AgencySocial Assets – Alyssa Payad, Intern, The Edison AgencyPost Production – Francine Toscano, 17th Street Audio

    43 min
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BITE BIG - 'Boss Women Leading Big Brands' is a podcast that gets under the skin and inside the minds of great Australian brand bosses.  From start-ups to educators, independent hustlers to ASX listed chiefs - BITE BIG explores the personal mantras and motivations of top marketing gurus sinking their teeth into the daily challenges of big brand leadership. Hosted by agency Founder and Brand Strategist Amber Bonney, the BITE BIG podcast is researched, mastered, written, recorded, designed, produced and engineered by women, for women!

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