CEO Whisperer by Saurabh

CEO Whisperer by Saurabh
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CEO Whisperer by Saurabh is a podcast for CEOs who want clarity, not content. Each episode is a one-time coaching-style conversation where we unpack a real challenge and work toward a practical decision by focusing on what is going on within. The lens is built from lived reps: 10,000 hrs as a CEO, 10,000 hrs as a board member, and 10,000 hrs meditation

Episodes

  1. MAR 3

    EP 11: The Role of Resilience in Career Success with Sarah Derry

    In this deeply reflective and human episode, Saurabh Jain sits down with Sarah Derry, former CEO of Accor Pacific and current Chief People Officer at The Star Entertainment Group, to explore one of the least discussed but most challenging moments in senior leadership: transition after redundancy. Sarah shares her extraordinary career journey, from frontline hospitality roles to leading a 21,000-person organisation as CEO before being made redundant due to global restructuring. She offers a rare, honest account of what it feels like to lose a role at the highest level, how leaders can avoid being psychologically “damaged” by redundancy, and why confidence, identity, and self-belief must exist independently of title. Together, they unpack the realities of CEO succession processes, executive recruitment, negotiating redundancy, and why many senior leaders rush into their next role from a place of fear rather than strength. The conversation also explores parenting, resilience, privilege, gender dynamics in leadership, and how leaders can intentionally design the next chapter of their careers rather than reacting to circumstances. This episode is essential listening for CEOs, executives, founders, and senior leaders navigating career transitions, identity shifts, or moments of uncertainty at the peak of their careers. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Sarah Derry’s journey from hospitality operations to CEO of Accor Pacific How CEOs are selected and evaluated at the highest levels What it really feels like to be made redundant as a CEO Why redundancy damages many leaders—and how to avoid it The difference between confidence, title, and personal identity How to negotiate redundancy and protect future optionality Why rushing into the next role can limit long-term outcomes The role of mindset and self-belief during career transitions How parenting and leadership values intersect Why senior leaders must decouple self-worth from job titles How to intentionally design the “next chapter” of a career Why time, reflection, and clarity matter more than speed About the Guest Sarah Derry is a senior executive, former CEO, entrepreneur, board chair, and leadership coach. She previously served as CEO of Accor Pacific, overseeing more than 400 hotels and 21,000 employees, and has held multiple CEO and C-suite roles across hospitality, tourism, and large corporate environments. Sarah is also the founder of Women That, a network focused on inspiring and enabling women in travel, hospitality, tourism, and events, and she continues to advise leaders and organisations on executive transitions, leadership development, and organisational change. Links & Resources Connect with Sarah Derry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-derry/?originalSubdomain=au Connect with Saurabh Jain LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhjain10 Website: https://ceowhisperer.au/ Email: saurabh@ceowhisperer.au Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and subscribing: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ceo-whisperer-by-saurabh/id1862989706 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rbvHV1FEDxq91bERv1h8v YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEOWhisperer.au Your support helps more founders, CEOs, and investors discover the show.

    1h 30m

  2. FEB 24

    EP 10: Unlocking the Secrets of Strata Management with Christopher Miller

    In this candid and wide-ranging episode, Saurabh Jain sits down with Christopher Miller, co-founder of Vantage Strata and founder of Taylr Services, to unpack what it really looks like to build, scale, and evolve businesses over decades - while managing risk, capital, and personal conviction. Christopher shares his unconventional journey into strata management, growing Vantage Strata from zero to more than 14,000 lots under management, and why he ultimately stepped aside from the CEO role. The conversation centres on Taylr Services, a separate venture born from a long-held belief that strata communities represent untapped micro-economies - and why solving this problem is far harder, slower, and more capital-intensive than it appears. Together, they explore founder psychology, raising capital for your own business versus helping others raise, fairness versus ownership, and the hidden cost of building technology without deep technical capability. They also unpack why slow progress can sometimes be an advantage, how optimism shapes risk tolerance, and why founders must eventually focus only on the work where they have true comparative advantage. This episode is an essential listen for founders, CEOs, and operators wrestling with capital raising, venture timing, co-founder dynamics, and the mental load of building something genuinely new. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Christopher Miller’s journey from strata management to business ownership How Vantage Strata scaled from zero to 14,000+ lots Why founders sometimes need to step aside as CEO The origin story behind Taylor Services Why “behind-the-front-door” services in strata remain unsolved How conviction can keep founders invested through long, unprofitable phases Why raising money for yourself feels harder than helping others raise Fairness vs ownership in founder equity decisions The real challenges of building tech without in-house technical leadership Why slow progress can uncover better long-term solutions How optimism influences risk tolerance and capital decisions Why founders must focus on work where they have a true advantage About the Vantage Strata Vantage Strata is a leading Australian strata management company co-founded by Christopher Miller. The firm manages more than 14,000 residential and commercial lots and is recognised for its efficient operations, innovative service approach, and commitment to delivering value and satisfaction to property owners and residents. Links & Resources Connect with Christopher Miller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-miller-b04aba34/ Connect with Saurabh Jain LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhjain10 Website: https://ceowhisperer.au/ Email: saurabh@ceowhisperer.au Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and subscribing: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ceo-whisperer-by-saurabh/id1862989706 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rbvHV1FEDxq91bERv1h8v YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEOWhisperer.au Your support helps more founders, CEOs, and investors discover the show.

    1h 34m

  3. FEB 17

    EP 9: Innovation Without Disruption: How CEOs Balance Growth, Cost, and Strategy with Paul Bellette

    In this strategic and experience-driven episode, Saurabh Jain sits down with Paul Bellette, CEO of Dataline, to explore one of the hardest challenges facing established businesses: how to innovate without disrupting business-as-usual. Paul shares his leadership journey from senior roles at DHL, to CEO of Converger, and ultimately to becoming Owner and CEO of Dataline. Drawing on decades of experience across large corporates and owner-led businesses, he reflects on the realities of innovation, cost control, and growth, particularly in small to mid-sized organisations where the margin for error is slim. Together, they unpack why innovation often fails inside existing businesses, how different phases of a company require different leadership styles, and why growth through acquisition can sometimes outperform internal product innovation. The conversation also dives into CEO decision-making, risk appetite, capital allocation, and how leaders should align strategy with personal goals and time horizons. This episode is an essential listen for CEOs, founders, and operators who are wrestling with innovation, profitability, and long-term value creation without burning cash or destabilising the core business. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Paul Bellette’s transition from corporate executive to business owner and CEO Why innovation often disrupts rather than accelerates business performance How to innovate close to your core without breaking BAU The trade-off between growth, profitability, and risk Why cost discipline can dramatically increase business value How leadership style must change across different business phases When acquisition-led growth makes more sense than product innovation The importance of aligning strategy with personal and shareholder goals How CEOs should think about exit timelines and valuation Why most organisations struggle to execute meaningful innovation How to decide what not to invest in as a leader About Dataline Dataline is an Australian technology company specialising in finance and process automation, helping organisations improve efficiency, visibility, and control across core business operations. Under Paul Bellette’s leadership, Dataline has focused on disciplined growth, operational clarity, and innovation aligned closely to its core capabilities. Website: https://dataline.com.au/ Links & Resources Connect with Paul Bellette LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bellette-15a19b23/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with Saurabh Jain LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhjain10Website: https://ceowhisperer.au/Email: saurabh@ceowhisperer.auSupport the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and subscribing: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ceo-whisperer-by-saurabh/id1862989706 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rbvHV1FEDxq91bERv1h8v YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEOWhisperer.au Your support helps more founders, CEOs, and investors discover the show.

    53 min

  4. FEB 10

    EP 8: From Broker to CEO: How to Scale a Mortgage Business Through Leadership with William Thai

    In this insightful episode, Saurabh Jain sits down with William Thai, co-founder of Mortgage Pros, to explore the leadership evolution required to scale a modern mortgage broking business while maintaining performance, culture, and personal balance. William reflects on his journey from frontline mortgage broking into business leadership, sharing how early success driven by technical skill eventually required a deeper focus on leadership, emotional awareness, and personal development. He discusses the importance of self-reflection, structured training, and clear expectations in building high-performing teams, as well as the challenges of leading without formal leadership education. Together, they examine how founders can transition from operator to leader, manage cultural expectations across onshore and offshore teams, and use AI integration to reduce cognitive load and create leverage. The conversation also touches on the intersection of leadership and parenting, and how personal growth directly impacts business growth. This episode is essential listening for founders, CEOs, and operators in mortgage broking and professional services who want to scale sustainably while developing stronger leadership capability. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The transition from mortgage broking to business leadership Why emotional awareness is critical to effective leadership How self-reflection accelerates personal development and decision-making The role of training in building confident, capable teams Managing cultural expectations in offshore and distributed teams How AI integration can support leadership and operational efficiency The connection between parenting, leadership, and personal growth Why systems and structure are essential for long-term business growth About Mortgage Pros Mortgage Pros is an award-winning Australian mortgage broking firm focused on delivering structured lending solutions for professionals. The business is known for its strong emphasis on leadership development, training, and scalable operating systems, with teams based in Australia and the Philippines. Website: https://www.mortgagepros.com.au/ Links & Resources Connect with Will Thai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-thai-42074bb7/?originalSubdomain=au Connect with Saurabh Jain LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhjain10Website: https://ceowhisperer.au/Email: saurabh@ceowhisperer.au Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and subscribing: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ceo-whisperer-by-saurabh/id1862989706 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rbvHV1FEDxq91bERv1h8v YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEOWhisperer.au Your support helps more founders, CEOs, and investors discover the show.

    1h 18m

  5. FEB 3

    EP 7: Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape with Merv Small

    In this candid and strategically grounded episode, Saurabh Jain sits down with Merv Small, Founder and Managing Director of Agiro, a ServiceNow Premier Partner, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship and scaling a professional services business within the ServiceNow ecosystem. Merv shares his journey from building ServiceNow practices in a Big Four environment to founding and growing Agiro. He reflects on the non-linear path of entrepreneurship, the pressure of wearing multiple hats as a founder, and the challenge of accepting that founders cannot - and should not - be experts in every function of the business. Together, they unpack one of the most persistent challenges in founder-led businesses: sales. The conversation dives into founder-led sales versus hiring specialist sales talent, how to evaluate performance when you are not the domain expert, and why feedback, trust, and cultural fit are critical when building early sales capability. Merv also shares his thinking on market expansion, including why the UK emerged as a strategic next step for Agiro’s growth, and how proximity, relationships, and specialisation influence success in new markets. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Merv Small’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Agiro How Agiro differentiates itself in the ServiceNow ecosystem Why understanding client needs builds stronger client relationships Sales strategies for founder-led professional services businesses The challenges of hiring and managing sales talent How to assess sales performance without being a sales specialist The importance of feedback in performance management Why cultural fit matters when hiring and winning clients When and how to approach market expansion The role of cold outreach in driving sustainable business growth About Agiro Agiro is a specialist ServiceNow Premier Partner focused on bridging the gap between technology implementation and business process transformation. The firm helps organisations maximise the value of ServiceNow by aligning platform capability with real operational and organisational outcomes. Agiro Website: https://www.agiro.com.au/ Links & Resources Connect with Merv SmallLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merv-small-06a7a183/?originalSubdomain=au Connect with Saurabh JainLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhjain10Website: https://ceowhisperer.au/Email: saurabh@ceowhisperer.au Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and subscribing: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ceo-whisperer-by-saurabh/id1862989706 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rbvHV1FEDxq91bERv1h8v YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEOWhisperer.au Your support helps more founders, CEOs, and investors discover the show.

    1h 13m

  6. JAN 27

    EP 6: How to Raise Capital for a Private Credit Fund with Patrick William

    In this in-depth and highly strategic episode, Saurabh Jain sits down with Patrick William, co-founder and Managing Director of Rixon Capital, to explore the realities of building, scaling, and sustaining a specialist private credit fund in today’s capital markets. Patrick shares his journey from investment banking and M&A into private credit fund management, explaining why recurring revenue models, disciplined risk management, and asset-backed lending form the foundation of Rixon Capital’s strategy. He breaks down how the firm grew from inception to managing over $170 million in funds under management, while navigating the structural challenges faced by emerging fund managers. Together, they unpack the core business problem facing Rixon Capital today: raising capital at the speed required to meet borrower demand without compromising fund quality, investor trust, or long-term strategy. The conversation dives deep into distribution challenges, wealth manager dynamics, investor psychology, sales cycles, brand credibility, and why time and reputation remain critical currencies in funds management. This episode is an essential listen for fund managers, financial services founders, CEOs, investors, and operators seeking a candid look at capital raising, private credit, and the trade-offs between growth, quality, and control. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Patrick’s transition from investment banking to private credit fund management Why private credit became a compelling opportunity following bank retrenchment from SME lending How Rixon Capital structures asset-backed, high-yield lending strategies The difference between raising capital from wealth managers, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices Why sales cycles in funds management are long, uncertain, and relationship-driven The role of trust, brand, and track record in capital allocation decisions Why distribution is often the true constraint to growth for emerging funds The challenges of scaling without compromising investment discipline The psychological impact of entrepreneurship, risk, and financial uncertainty How founder background and personal history influence capital allocation decisions Why quality products do not always sell themselves in financial markets The trade-offs between accelerating growth and maintaining long-term control About Rixon Capital Rixon Capital is a specialist boutique private credit fund manager focused on asset-backed lending to underbanked small and medium-sized enterprises. The firm manages multiple funds, including income and credit opportunity strategies, designed to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns through disciplined underwriting, capital preservation, and diversification. Rixon Capital’s approach prioritizes quality borrowers, conservative structures, and long-term investor alignment over rapid, unconstrained growth. Website: ⁠https://rixon.capital/⁠ Links & Resources Connect with Patrick William LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickpwilliam/ Connect with Saurabh Jain LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhjain10Website: https://ceowhisperer.au/Email: saurabh@ceowhisperer.auSupport the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and subscribing: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ceo-whisperer-by-saurabh/id1862989706 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rbvHV1FEDxq91bERv1h8v YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEOWhisperer.au Your support helps more founders, CEOs, and investors discover the show.

    1h 41m

  7. JAN 20

    EP 5- How to Develop Managers and Executives in the Trades, with Ben Tindale

    In this insightful and practical episode, Saurabh Jain sits down with Ben Tindale, owner of JSJ Roofing, to explore one of the most critical challenges facing growing trade and service-based businesses: how to develop people from individual contributors into effective managers, and from managers into capable executives. Ben shares his transition from a senior corporate leadership career at JLL to acquiring and scaling a roofing maintenance business in Sydney. Drawing on his experience leading large international teams, Ben explains why leadership development in the trades requires a very different approach from traditional corporate models, and why many businesses struggle to build a sustainable leadership pipeline. This episode is an essential listen for trade business owners, founders, CEOs, and operators who are focused on building strong leadership teams, scaling sustainably, and creating long-term business value. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Ben Tindale’s journey from corporate executive to trade business owner Why leadership development in the trades differs from corporate environments The key differences between individual contributors, managers, and executives When to promote internally versus hire leadership externally How to identify leadership potential before offering a promotion Why personal discipline, ambition, and long-term thinking matter more than technical skill alone Common mistakes business owners make when developing managers How to grow managers into executives without slowing business growth How founders can scale their teams without becoming the constraint About JSJ Roofing JSJ Roofing is a Sydney-based roofing maintenance company that works closely with strata managers and property owners. Under Ben Tindale’s leadership, the business has grown through strategic acquisitions, operational excellence, and a strong focus on leadership development within the trades.

    1 hr

  8. JAN 13

    EP 4 - From Neurologist to Entrepreneur: Building CU Health and the Future of Wellbeing Economics

    In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Saurabh Jain sits down with Dr. Patrick, neurologist and founder of CU Health, to explore his remarkable journey from traditional medicine into healthcare entrepreneurship, and how he is redefining the future of corporate wellbeing, leadership health, and digital healthcare innovation. Patrick shares how his background in neuroscience, clinical practice, and business leadership shaped the creation of CU Health, a virtual multidisciplinary healthcare platform designed to improve patient outcomes while strengthening company performance. From building brick-and-mortar medical practices to launching a scalable digital wellbeing system for enterprises, Patrick reveals what it truly takes to build a healthcare business that is both ethical and profitable. Together, they unpack the realities of scaling a health tech company, raising capital, navigating investor expectations, protecting founder rights, and maintaining strong governance—all while staying aligned with a long-term mission to improve lives. This episode is an essential listen for healthcare founders, CEOs, startup leaders, investors, and anyone passionate about digital health, wellbeing economics, and sustainable business growth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Patrick’s journey from neurologist to digital health entrepreneur How CU Health was built as a virtual multidisciplinary healthcare platform Why wellbeing is becoming a strategic driver of business performance The role of technology in improving patient outcomes at scale The challenges of raising capital while protecting founder rights How investor culture impacts long-term business success The importance of governance, leadership, and shareholder structure What “wellbeing economics” means and why it matters to modern companies How CU Health supports corporate teams, leaders, and employees Why prevention-focused healthcare creates stronger businesses About CU Health CU Health is a digital healthcare and wellbeing platform that connects general practice, psychology, dietetics, health coaching, and leadership support into one integrated virtual system. It is designed to improve employee health, reduce burnout, strengthen leadership performance, and help organizations grow sustainably through better wellbeing outcomes.

    1h 38m

  9. JAN 6

    EP3 - from AWS Product manager to Revolutionising Home Loans, Rahul Lele CEO of Monetas

    In this conversation, Rahul Lele discusses his transition from a corporate career at Amazon to launching his own business, Monetas, which aims to help borrowers secure the best mortgage rates. He shares insights on the challenges of achieving product-market fit, customer acquisition strategies, and the importance of technology in streamlining the mortgage process. The discussion also touches on the role of brokers, the significance of trust in financial transactions, and the future of financial services with AI integration. Check them out at www.monetas.com.au

    1h 13m

  10. 12/29/2025

    EP2 - Navigating the FinTech Landscape: Insights from a CFO From Corporate to Startup- Lakun Agrawal CFO of Hello Clever

    The FinTech market is competitive; differentiation is key. Transitioning from corporate to startup requires a mindset shift. CFOs in startups face unique challenges, especially regarding cash flow. Effective financial forecasting is crucial for startup sustainability. Building a strong network is essential for career transitions. Establishing processes can improve operational efficiency in startups. Context switching is a necessary skill for startup CFOs. Transparency in financial matters fosters trust within the organization. CFOs must balance strategic oversight with operational tasks. The relationship between CEOs and CFOs is pivotal for startup success. There's a little bit of regulatory onboarding with every customer. We had to keep a strong eye on the finances and the cashflow. The moment I did the analysis, I'm already preparing to go to investors. We did slow down some of the hiring. You have to manage your own career. The default has to be yes in startups. You have to go after things that give you the best bang for buck. Working hard is one thing, but you have to be the promoter of your own work. You need to be a good general accountant. The importance of financial literacy across leadership teams. Chapters 00:00 Navigating the FinTech Landscape 02:04 Transitioning from Corporate to Startup Life 04:26 Challenges of a CFO in a Startup 06:52 The Shift from Corporate to Startup 08:16 Handling Career Transitions 12:00 Rebuilding Networks After Job Loss 13:57 Finding Opportunities in a Tough Market 15:15 The Role of a CFO in a Startup 19:30 Convincing the CEO to Hire a CFO 22:17 Understanding CEO and CFO Dynamics 26:09 Adapting to a New Work Environment 30:23 Managing Diverse Responsibilities 33:42 Implementing Structure in a Startup 34:38 Implementing a Triage System for Product Development 41:12 Navigating Financial Challenges in a Growing Startup 46:19 The Importance of Transparency in Financial Management 52:08 Balancing Optimism and Realism in Financial Forecasting 58:23 Strategic Decision-Making for Sustainable Growth 01:10:31 The Importance of Speed in Decision Making 01:12:34 Navigating Startup Challenges: The Default is Yes 01:13:59 Growth Strategies: Balancing Investment and Resources 01:15:56 Maximizing Client Relationships for Growth 01:18:52 Budgeting and Resource Allocation in Startups 01:22:14 Understanding Growth Dynamics and Market Entry 01:26:31 Cash Flow Management: Balancing Growth and Stability 01:33:33 The Role of Financial Literacy in Leadership

    1h 42m

  11. 12/23/2025

    EP1 - Japan Mehta CEO of Ticketless Parking

    Japan Mehta, CEO and MD of Ticketless Parking, discusses the challenges ofintroducing new payment technology in the parking industry and the need toalign the company's vision with the changing tech landscape. He also sharesinsights on leadership, board dynamics, and the importance of strategicdecision-making. The conversation delves into the challenges of leadership andorganizational change, as well as the strategic approach to introducing newpayment technology to clients. It also explores the dynamics of customer relationships and the role of the CEO in driving business growth. Theconversation delves into the challenges of managing a growing business and theimportance of having a competent 2IC. It also explores the need for emotionalinvolvement in sales and the misconception that price is the primary driver forcustomers.   Takeaways - Parkingindustry faces challenges in adopting new payment technology -Leadership and board dynamics play a crucial role in driving strategic changeLeadership transitions can be challenging, and the CEO's role involvesnavigating change and managing executive team churn. -Introducing new payment technology to clients requires a strategic approach,involving both lead generation and engagement with existing clients. - TheCEO's involvement in customer relationships and organizational change iscrucial for driving business growth and success. 2IC is crucial -Emotional involvement in sales - Priceisn't the primary driver for customers   Chapters - 00:00Navigating Board Dynamics and Strategic Decision-Making - 49:12Navigating Leadership Transitions - 54:30Strategic Approach to Introducing New Payment Technology -01:26:14 CEO's Role in Customer Relationships and Business Growth -02:16:16 The Role of Price in Sales

    2h 21m

  12. 12/21/2025

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About

CEO Whisperer by Saurabh is a podcast for CEOs who want clarity, not content. Each episode is a one-time coaching-style conversation where we unpack a real challenge and work toward a practical decision by focusing on what is going on within. The lens is built from lived reps: 10,000 hrs as a CEO, 10,000 hrs as a board member, and 10,000 hrs meditation

Information

  • Creator
    CEO Whisperer by Saurabh
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © CEO Whisperer by Saurabh
  • Show Website
    CEO Whisperer by Saurabh