The Wisdom Of... with Simon Bowen

Simon Bowen
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The Wisdom Of... with Simon Bowen delves into the intricate issues of our time. Join Simon as he converses with the world's leading thinkers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to uncover how they tackle complex problems, ignite innovation, and navigate significant projects. This podcast brings a Renaissance of Wisdom to your week, offering insights into leadership, ethics, global challenges, and cutting-edge ideas. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the decisions shaping our world and learn from the minds driving change. Get in touch and learn more at: https://thesimonbowen.com/show/

  1. FEB 2

    Diana Williams: The Unplanned Empire and the Power of Relentless Improvement

    In this episode of The Wisdom Of... Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Diana Williams, Founder and Chair of the Board at Fernwood Fitness, Australia's pioneering women-only health and fitness franchise. Diana shares profound insights on building businesses without business plans, franchising with purpose, and why 98% of what we worry about never happens. Discover how a stay-at-home mum with no industry experience created an entirely new category and became the first woman inducted into the Franchise Council of Australia Hall of Fame. Ready to systematically capture and codify your own business wisdom? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and how an abandoned classroom became a national franchise 05:18 The conviction that drove category creation in women's fitness 12:42 Why having no business plan sometimes works better than having one 18:52 From critical mess to critical mass - the early franchising chaos 25:36 The ownership solution - why franchisees brought what employees couldn't 33:44 Getting legal exemptions after creating the category, not before 40:08 Choosing succession from within - why Belinda was the right choice 41:00 The 98% rule - why most worries never materialise 52:57 Baby steps philosophy - putting brush strokes on the canvas About Diana WilliamsDiana Williams is the Founder and Chair of the Board of Fernwood Fitness, Australia's leading women-only health and fitness franchise. Over 36 years, she transformed a single makeshift gym in an abandoned school classroom in Bendigo into a national powerhouse with 73 clubs, 90,000 members, 2,200 employees, and $75M+ annual turnover. Recognised as a category creator who changed the landscape of health and fitness for Australian women forever, Williams is the first woman inducted into the Franchise Council of Australia Hall of Fame. She has received numerous honors including the 2005 Telstra Australian Businesswoman of the Year and multiple Hall of Fame inductions. In 2025, Diana transitioned from CEO to Chair, remaining actively involved in guiding the company's strategic direction. Connect with Diana WilliamsLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/diana-williams-b39b456 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianawilliamsofficial/?hl=en Fernwood Fitness: https://www.fernwoodfitness.com.au/ About Simon BowenSimon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organisations, recognising that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organisations. Connect with SimonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsimonbowen/ Website: a href="https://thesimonbowen.com/" rel="noopener...

    54 min

  2. 12/15/2025

    The Wisdom Of... 2025: Insights From Extraordinary Leaders

    Over the past 12 months, Simon Bowen has spoken with dozens of the world's most consequential leaders on The Wisdom Of... Show. This special compilation episode brings together ten profound moments of wisdom and leadership that continue to resonate as we close 2025 and step into 2026. From manipulation with good intent to AI as a new species, from emotional intelligence gaps that determine senior leadership success to fear as a preparation tool, these insights reveal what leadership looks like at the highest levels. Ready to master the systematic approach to capturing and applying wisdom like this? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction: Celebrating a year of extraordinary leadership conversations 03:45 Jeff Dudan: Leadership as manipulation with good intent and the power of positive influence 09:22 Cameron Herold: Why scale is not an extension of vision and the context versus concept delegation trap 16:18 Akshay Nanavati: Fear as a preparation tool and acceptance of isness as freedom from suffering 23:54 Tamara Jackson: Being a light for others and the true meaning of authentic leadership 31:07 Catriona Wallace: AI as a new species and the existential opportunities ahead 38:45 Nick Halaris: Business as a constant force for good and the intention behind every transaction 45:19 Mike Desjardins: The emotional intelligence gap that separates senior leaders who succeed from those who plateau 52:38 Jim Garrison: Wisdom begins as rebellion and living in questions rather than answers 59:43 Isaac Balbin: Humans plus machines and the future of competitive advantage 67:15 Radek Sali: Insights on scaling businesses with wisdom and intention About Simon BowenSimon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organisations, recognising that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organisations. Connect with SimonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsimonbowen/ Website: https://thesimonbowen.com/ Get Simon Bowen's Personal Newsletter for Leaders, Thinkers, and Entrepreneurs! Sign Up Now: https://thesimonbowen.com/newsletter. Join Simon's Masterclass: Unlock your leadership potential with The Models Method. Learn to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact. Watch it Now: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass.

    1h 4m

  3. 12/08/2025

    The Hon. Victor Dominello: Building the Trust Trinity for Digital Age Transformation

    In this episode of The Wisdom Of... Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with The Hon. Victor Dominello, CEO of the Future Government Institute and Co-Founder of ServiceGen. As NSW's inaugural Minister for Customer Service and Digital, the first role of its kind anywhere in the world, Victor delivered landmark reforms that transformed fragmented government services into an internationally studied model of citizen-focused delivery. Discover the Trust Trinity framework that achieved 85% digital driver's licence adoption, how to build trust systematically in complex transformations, and why the moonshot approach beats incremental thinking every time. Ready to master the systematic approach to capturing transformational wisdom? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and creating the world's first Ministry for Customer Service and Digital 07:15 The foundational principle: governments exist to serve people 15:42 The Trust Trinity framework. Digital Identity, Digital Credentials, Performance 24:18 Why 85% adoption is possible when trust is built systematically 32:55 From dozens of agencies to one website, one phone number, one account 41:30 The digital identity paradox. How control enhances privacy 49:12 Performance measurement as feedback loops for continuous improvement 57:08 COVID-19 response and the $1.4 billion Dine & Discover economic injection 01:05:44 Moonshot thinking versus incremental improvement About The Hon. Victor DominelloVictor Dominello is a globally recognised leader in public sector transformation and a pioneer of secure, citizen-centred digital identity. His guiding principle is simple. Governments exist to serve people, and in the digital age, that service must be trusted, seamless, and measurable. As NSW's inaugural Minister for Customer Service and Digital, Victor delivered landmark reforms including one of the world's first fully digital driver's licences, with 85% adoption and 93% satisfaction, statewide QR check-ins, digital vaccine certificates, and the Dine & Discover programme which injected over $1.4 billion into local economies during COVID-19. Over his 12 years in cabinet, Victor held portfolios in Digital Government, Innovation, Finance, and Aboriginal Affairs. He drove transformative initiatives such as the creation of the Department of Customer Service, Service NSW, and the $2.1B Digital Restart Fund. Today, as CEO of the Future Government Institute, Victor advises governments, the World Bank, and major organisations on modernising services and embedding trust. He is also Chair of the Services Australia Independent Advisory Board, Senior Advisor to the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, and a Director of the Tech Council of Australia. Victor has been recognised in The Australian's Top 100 Innovators and in Okta's Identity 25 list of global visionaries, with his image featured on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square. Connect with Victor Dominello:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victordominello Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victordominello Twitter: https://x.com/VictorDominello Future Government Institute:...

    1h 3m

  4. 12/01/2025

    Jack Gance: Building a Retail Empire Through Customer Obsession

    In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Jack Gance, Chairman and Co-Founder of Chemist Warehouse. From opening his first pharmacy in 1972 to creating a multi-billion-dollar retail giant with over 600 stores, Jack shares his customer-first philosophy that transformed Australian retail. Discover his insights on maintaining culture through scale, the power of founder unanimity, the delicate balance between online and in-store experiences, and why true customer focus means imagining yourself on the receiving end of every interaction your business creates. Ready to elevate your leadership approach? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method. Learn how to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and Jack's extensive background in pharmacy retail 05:18 Customer value as a driving force rather than disruption 12:36 How Chemist Warehouse expands markets rather than stealing share 18:52 Supplier relationships and creating win-win partnerships 25:44 Maintaining consistent culture across 600+ stores 33:29 The power of unanimous decision-making among founders 38:22 Why testing small before scaling saved millions in mistakes 45:36 The surprising economics of online vs. in-store retail 52:12 The future of retail: technology vs. human connection 58:43 The ultimate customer experience test and legacy building About Jack GanceJack Gance opened his first pharmacy store in 1972, developing a successful distribution business through pharmacy before creating iconic Australian brands including Le Specs, Le Tan, Australis, and Colours of Australia. After building the largest pharmacy distributor business in Australia (which he sold in 1991), Jack completed an MBA at Monash and NYU Stern School of Business before returning to revolutionize the pharmacy industry. By 1993, Jack was running 35 stores through the My Chemist Pharmacy chain, which grew to 50 stores by 2000. He then created Chemist Warehouse, which became a major industry disruptor, commanding over 50% market share front of store and around 20% of all prescriptions written in Australia. Recently, Chemist Warehouse joined with Sigma Healthcare to create a $32 billion retail and pharmaceutical distribution powerhouse. Throughout his career, Jack has remained focused on his founding philosophy: "We are building this for our kids and grandkids, ensuring that we pass down a substantial, sustainable and successful business." Connect with JackLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-gance-96a38418/ Website: https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/ About Simon BowenSimon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organizations. Connect with SimonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsimonbowen/ Website:...

    49 min

  5. 11/24/2025

    Bryan Adams: Building Legacy Through Human-Centred Leadership in the Age of AI

    In this episode of The Wisdom Of... Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Bryan Adams, Co-Founder and CEO of Integrity, one of America's largest insurance and wealth management firms. From his upbringing in a small-town Texas funeral home to building a company that serves millions of families, Bryan shares profound insights on why technology without humanity creates nothing worth remembering, how small-town values scale to billion-dollar operations, and why the myth of being "self-made" is the biggest lie in business. Discover how legacy is operational, not aspirational, and why AI represents the greatest opportunity to amplify human connection at scale. Ready to systematise wisdom into frameworks that scale your business? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and the founding principles from a Texas funeral home 08:22 Why naming your company "Integrity" holds you accountable every day 15:47 The myth of self-made entrepreneurs and the power of inherited principles 23:18 How do you meet with every family? The scaling paradox of human connection 31:52 Small-town values in billion-dollar operations: big business done the small-town way 39:26 The delegation trap: concepts without context and why scale breaks 47:15 AI as human amplifier: the opportunity everyone is missing 55:38 The trust breach: when automation replaces people instead of amplifying them 01:02:43 Legacy Safeguard and why everyone needs to be remembered 01:09:17 Recording his parents' story nine days before his father passed 01:15:32 The Integrity Foundation and legacy in action 01:19:25 Final wisdom: lean into your parents' lives before it's too late About Bryan AdamsBryan Adams is the Co-Founder and CEO of Integrity, leading the day-to-day operations of one of America's largest insurance and wealth management firms. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Integrity. Bryan is the Founder of Legacy Safeguard, LLC, a company dedicated to helping members leave a lasting legacy and be remembered long after they're gone. He's considered one of the nation's leading experts in the Senior Market and speaks frequently across the country about the importance of helping families on one of the most difficult days of their lives. Prior to founding Integrity, Bryan was Vice President of Corporate Development at Directors Investment Group, Inc., where he became the youngest Vice President in the company's history. He has a degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech University. Bryan and his family live in Highland Village, Texas. Connect with Bryan Adams:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-w-adams-2794b8159/ Integrity: http://integrity.com/ About Simon BowenSimon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organisations, recognising that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organisations. Connect with SimonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsimonbowen/ Website:a href="https://thesimonbowen.com/"...

    1h 20m

  6. 11/17/2025

    Dr. Isaac Balbin: When Technology Serves Humanity and Education Triggers Curiosity

    In this episode of The Wisdom Of... Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Dr. Isaac Balbin, a technologist, entrepreneur, and educational visionary who holds a PhD in electrical engineering and has expertise across 15+ technology domains, including blockchain, AI, quantum computing, and cannabis science. As founder of GLIDE (Generating Lifelong Interest in Deeper Education) and Executive Director of Green Gold Trading, Isaac bridges the gap between brilliant technology and solutions that actually serve people. Discover why collective intelligence matters more than individual genius, how learning while moving transforms education, why decentralising trust through technology serves humanity, and how to teach critical thinking in a post-truth world. Ready to master the systematic approach to extracting and applying educational and technology wisdom? Join Simon's exclusive Masterclass on The Models Method: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and "It's never been a better time to be alive" 02:26 The biggest issues in education: restrictiveness and disincentives to innovate 12:55 Living in a post-truth world: when nothing is true, everything is true 15:24 Technology's rhythm and cadence throughout human history 16:38 Educating people in scientific domains to enable intelligent discussions 17:58 Collective intelligence as humanity's most powerful tool 19:27 Teaching the scientific method through the "How do you know?" question 20:34 Decentralising trust through blockchain and distributed systems 23:28 The GLIDE Method: decentralising education and letting teachers innovate 24:49 Learning while moving: why Confucius and ancient Greeks walked while teaching 34:20 Generating Lifelong Interest in Deeper Education (GLIDE acronym explained) 43:04 Healthcare advocacy and the role of technology in patient outcomes 51:13 AI enabling entrepreneurs: testing billion-dollar ideas with AI tech teams 1:00:51 Using technology while leaving people with their personal agency 1:02:05 Three quick questions: time travel, Einstein's mind, and lessons from setbacks About Dr. Isaac BalbinDr. Isaac Balbin is a technologist, entrepreneur, thought leader, and speaker with a vision for how technology can shape our future. He holds a PhD in electrical engineering, where he published articles, won awards, and published patents.  The setback of seeing his academic technology stall before commercialisation became a catalyst. As he moved into entrepreneurship, he encountered blockchain technology, recognising its potential long before it entered the mainstream conversation. Isaac has become a thought leader and expert across 15+ domains, including blockchain, AI, cannabis science, RFID, IoT, quantum technologies, and many more. He is the founder and CEO of GLIDE, a revolutionary educational paradigm that combines "learning while moving" with practical, real-life information, student self-awareness, and societal consciousness. He serves as Executive Director of Green Gold Trading, applying science and technology to advance evidence-based healthcare through cannabinoid therapeutics. Isaac's mission is to share what he knows and envisions with the world, so that no one is left behind as technology accelerates. Connect with Dr. Isaac Balbin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-isaac-balbin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbalbin11/ GLIDE:a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/91363031/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 5m

  7. 11/10/2025

    Mike Desjardins: The Leadership Foundation and Why Emotional Intelligence Determines Every Result

    In this episode of The Wisdom Of... Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Mike Desjardins, CEO of ViRTUS, a leadership expert who has spent more than two decades helping leaders transform not just their businesses, but their people. Mike challenges what we think leadership really is, revealing why emotional intelligence is not a soft skill, but the concrete foundation for every result that truly matters in business. Discover the Leadership Triangle (IQ + EQ + AQ), why "the me has overtaken the we" threatens our collective future, and how curiosity becomes the most powerful tool a leader possesses. Ready to master the systematic approach to extracting and applying leadership wisdom? Join Simon's exclusive Masterclass on The Models Method: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and "As go the leaders, so goes the world" 05:11 The first-time leader trap: why personal excellence doesn't equal leadership success 08:47 Why you manage processes but lead people 17:18 Teaching EQ practically across industries 24:32 The five components of emotional intelligence and building them in children 34:42 Adaptability Quotient (AQ) and operating with resilience in VUCA environments 37:20 Why subject matter expertise is just table stakes 42:43 The erosion of truth in leadership and untruth by omission 45:04 Expanding emotional vocabulary and the wheel of emotions 47:15 How curiosity builds instant connection 48:11 The $330,000 deal closed in 5 minutes after 55 minutes of genuine connection 54:15 Play and curiosity as the pathway to AI fluency 59:40 From fragmentation to collaboration: "The me has overtaken the we" About Mike DesjardinsMike Desjardins is CEO at ViRTUS, where he drives strategy, growth, and vision. With a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC's Sauder School of Business, a CPHR designation, and over two decades of experience transforming businesses, Mike is a master in strategy and leadership development. From entrepreneurial businesses to large public companies and public-sector organisations, Mike focuses on driving return on investment in every client engagement. He is passionate about leveraging his team to co-create ViRTUS's future vision and using ViRTUS as his vehicle to empower leaders both within the company and among their clients. Mike has been a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organisation (EO) since 2002 and served as President of the Vancouver Chapter. He received the Business in Vancouver Top 40 Under 40 Award in 2006 and served on the Board of Directors for CPHR BC from 2010-2016. Connect with Mike Desjardins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedesjardins/ Website: https://www.virtusinc.com/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1i7yNzzuOnFa3CRf0Oynsf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtus.inc/  About Simon BowenSimon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organisations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organisations. Connect with SimonLinkedIn:a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 1m

  8. 11/03/2025

    Mark Fitzgibbon: The Sustained Transformation Framework and the Art of Disciplined Leadership

    In this episode of The Wisdom Of... Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Mark Fitzgibbon, retired CEO and Managing Director of nib Group, who transformed a regional mutual health fund into Australia's fourth largest private health insurer and an ASX 100 company over 22 years. From local government reform to reshaping the clubs industry to building a healthcare empire, Mark shares profound insights on systematic transformation, critical thinking cultures, and why consistent outperformance requires discipline, not just vision. Discover how one leader's methodology works across completely different industries and why questioning everything becomes the foundation for lasting success. Ready to master the systematic approach to capturing transformation wisdom? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and the three-sector transformation journey 07:18 Why transformation begins with replacing the senior management team 14:52 The "steel pipes moment" and keeping organisations focused on purpose 22:36 Building critical thinking cultures through psychological safety 29:44 The business model challenge method that drives consistent outperformance 37:22 Multi-sector validation and why the same principles work everywhere 44:18 Seeking outlier views over consensus thinking 51:33 The wisdom versus theory tension and staying intellectually curious 58:06 Post-executive reflections on 22 years of sustained transformation About Mark FitzgibbonMark Fitzgibbon is the retired CEO and Managing Director of nib Group, where he led the organisation from 2002 to 2025.  During his tenure, nib grew from a smaller regionally-based mutual health fund to Australia's fourth largest private health insurer. In 2007, nib listed on the ASX, rising to become an ASX 100 company with a portfolio of healthcare businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Today, nib covers or supports approximately 2 million people. Mark is well known for his progressive and entrepreneurial approach. nib has a long track record of challenging business models and innovation. Mark began his career in local government, culminating in leading three significant Councils in NSW. He was subsequently recruited as Chief Executive Officer at Clubs NSW and Clubs Australia, where he led an agenda of modernisation and developed responsible gambling practices across the sector. Mark holds an MBA (UTS), MA (MGSM), has attended Harvard Business School and INSEAD, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is now pursuing a post-executive coaching career, sharing his systematic transformation wisdom with leaders navigating complex change. Connect with Mark Fitzgibbon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fitzgibbon-3754504/ About Simon BowenSimon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organisations, recognising that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organisations. Connect with SimonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsimonbowen/ Website:...

    59 min
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About

The Wisdom Of... with Simon Bowen delves into the intricate issues of our time. Join Simon as he converses with the world's leading thinkers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to uncover how they tackle complex problems, ignite innovation, and navigate significant projects. This podcast brings a Renaissance of Wisdom to your week, offering insights into leadership, ethics, global challenges, and cutting-edge ideas. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the decisions shaping our world and learn from the minds driving change. Get in touch and learn more at: https://thesimonbowen.com/show/

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