Brighter Futures Youth Podcast

Annie Zhou
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Welcome to the Brighter Futures podcast, where high school student Annie interviews experts from various fields to provide young people with invaluable tips and advice. Dive into engaging conversations on topics such as entrepreneurship, leadership, mental health, and student advocacy. Our mission is to equip you with practical skills and knowledge beyond the classroom, empowering you to build a brighter future for yourself and the world.

  1. From $0 to ASX: Building Airtasker with Tim Fung (Co-Founder & CEO, Airtasker) | Episode 18

    FEB 15

    From $0 to ASX: Building Airtasker with Tim Fung (Co-Founder & CEO, Airtasker) | Episode 18

    In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast, we sit down with Tim Fung, Co-Founder and CEO of Airtasker, to unpack the journey from a simple idea to building one of Australia’s leading online marketplaces. Tim shares the early challenges of entrepreneurship, the mindset behind scaling a trusted platform, and what it really takes to turn vision into impact. From navigating uncertainty to leading through growth, this conversation is packed with practical lessons for young people interested in startups, leadership, and the future of work. Whether you’re dreaming of building something of your own or simply curious about how modern businesses are created, this episode will leave you inspired to start, learn, and keep going.

    32 min
  2. Jeanette Cheah on Innovating Education for the Real World (HEX CEO & Co-Founder) | Episode 17

    JAN 9

    Jeanette Cheah on Innovating Education for the Real World (HEX CEO & Co-Founder) | Episode 17

    In this episode, I sit down with Jeanette Cheah, co-founder and CEO of HEX, to explore why entrepreneurial education matters now more than ever and what it really takes for young people to build clarity, confidence, and agency early in their careers. Jeanette reflects on building HEX from the ground up, leading with values in fast-moving systems, and rethinking education through a holistic, practical, and innovative lens. This is a honest conversation about leadership, growth, and creating impact. Listener bonus: HEX is offering 100% free access to their course “How to Build Your Network.” Use the code BFYP to enrol for free (one use per email, unlimited listeners). LINK: https://www.startwithhex.com/upskill-program/how-to-build-your-network

    34 min
  3. Financial Literacy with Darian Clark (CEO of CUFA) | Episode 16

    12/01/2025

    Financial Literacy with Darian Clark (CEO of CUFA) | Episode 16

    In this episode, I chat with Darian Clark, CEO of CUFA, about why financial literacy is more than just budgeting - it’s opportunity, confidence, and agency. We explore CUFA’s work across the region, the invisible barriers to financial inclusion, and how we can better support young people in building strong financial futures. We talk about what “financial literacy” really means when you’re teaching someone who has never held a banknote, why empowerment often begins with a single savings group, and how small, local ideas can ripple into generational change. Darian shares stories from the field, the unexpected moments that shaped his leadership, and the human side of building economic opportunity from the ground up. It’s a conversation about dignity, agency, and the power of giving people the tools to change their own futures.

    35 min
  4. Health for All with Lady Roslyn Morauta (Global Fund Chair, Former PNG First Lady) | Episode 15

    11/12/2025

    Health for All with Lady Roslyn Morauta (Global Fund Chair, Former PNG First Lady) | Episode 15

    In this episode, I sit down with Lady Roslyn Morauta, Chair of the Global Fund and one of the Pacific’s most respected leaders in public health and governance. From her years as First Lady of Papua New Guinea to her leadership in steering one of the world’s largest health organisations, Lady Roslyn has dedicated her life to improving access to healthcare and fighting inequality across the globe. We talk about what it means to lead in times of crisis, how communities can build resilience from the ground up, and why partnership, between countries, organisations, and people, is at the heart of lasting change. Lady Roslyn shares powerful insights on equity, compassion, and the hope driving the fight for a healthier world for all.

    21 min
  5. Youth Rights with Anne Hollonds (Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner) | Episode 14

    08/12/2025

    Youth Rights with Anne Hollonds (Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner) | Episode 14

    In this episode, I speak with Anne Hollonds, Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner, about her work advocating for the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people. Drawing on decades of experience in child and family policy, Commissioner Hollonds offers thoughtful insights into the challenges facing young Australians today from mental health and education inequality to the importance of listening to children’s voices in decision-making. Our conversation explores both the systemic reforms needed and the practical steps individuals can take to help create a society where every child has the opportunity to thrive. This is a powerful discussion for anyone interested in social policy, human rights, or the future of Australia’s next generation.

    22 min
  6. David Neal on Finance, Leadership, and Sustainability (CEO of IFM Investors) | Episode 13

    07/17/2025

    David Neal on Finance, Leadership, and Sustainability (CEO of IFM Investors) | Episode 13

    What does leadership look like when billions of dollars—and the public good—are on the line? In this episode, David Neal, CEO of IFM Investors and former CEO of the Future Fund, takes us through the defining chapters of his career in finance. From his early days in investment consulting in the UK to advising on the establishment of Australia’s sovereign wealth fund, and ultimately leading two of the country's most significant financial institutions, David reflects on the values, decisions, and mindset that have shaped his leadership. We explore what it means to invest with purpose, how to lead through complexity, and the importance of long-term thinking in a short-term world. David shares candid insights on transitioning from technical expertise to executive leadership, building institutional culture, and navigating finance not just as a numbers game, but as a platform for public impact.

    38 min
  7. Leading Australia’s Global Health with Dr Lucas de Toca (Global Health Ambassador) | Episode 12

    06/29/2025

    Leading Australia’s Global Health with Dr Lucas de Toca (Global Health Ambassador) | Episode 12

    What does it really take to protect people’s health on a global scale — and why does it matter to each of us? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Lucas de Toca, Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health, to unpack what health equity means in practice, how we can work together during crises, and what lessons we can’t afford to ignore after COVID-19. Dr de Toca shares stories from the frontlines — from coordinating vaccinations in remote communities to representing Australia in international negotiations — and explains how everyday people, especially young people, can play a bigger role than they might think. We talk pandemics, politics, climate change, and what gives him hope for a fairer, healthier future. If you’re curious about how global health decisions ripple into your own backyard — and what you can do to help shape them — this is an episode for you.

    25 min
  8. How to Build Something Extraordinary With Niki Scevak (Co-founder Blackbird Ventures) | Episode 11

    05/02/2025

    How to Build Something Extraordinary With Niki Scevak (Co-founder Blackbird Ventures) | Episode 11

    What does it really take to build something extraordinary? In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast, I sit down with Niki Scevak — Co-Founder of Blackbird Ventures and Startmate, and early investor behind some of Australia's most iconic startups, including Canva and SafetyCulture. Niki shares his journey from launching his own startups to backing founders with billion-dollar potential, and the powerful mindset shifts young people need to turn ideas into impact. We unpack what separates a good founder from a great one, how to take risks when the path isn't clear, and why Niki chooses to back the "hungry, not the proven." Whether you're dreaming of your first startup, or just want to think bigger about your future, this episode is packed with real-world advice, honest stories, and inspiration to get you started. We discuss: The habits and values that fuel long-term successWhat venture capitalists actually look for in foundersImportance of building community and cultureNiki’s advice to his younger self — and to you This is your invitation to start building something extraordinary. Tune in now.

    37 min
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About

Welcome to the Brighter Futures podcast, where high school student Annie interviews experts from various fields to provide young people with invaluable tips and advice. Dive into engaging conversations on topics such as entrepreneurship, leadership, mental health, and student advocacy. Our mission is to equip you with practical skills and knowledge beyond the classroom, empowering you to build a brighter future for yourself and the world.

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