The Company We Keep

VECTOR Advisors
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Welcome to The Company We Keep, a podcast powered by VECTOR Advisors, where we spotlight the people leading change and shaping the future across business, politics, sport and media. In each episode, we sit down with leaders, founders and decision-makers to explore the moments that defined them, the decisions that shaped their journeys, and the lessons learned along the way. At VECTOR, we believe our business is built on relationships — and this series reflects the calibre of people we’re privileged to work alongside. Expect candid conversations, real insights and the stories behind success.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Quantum Computing, AI & the Future of Human Creativity with John Barrington

    John Barrington is one of Western Australia's most quietly influential thinkers. He is a technology strategist, medical research driver, and leader in the arts sector, who has spent decades working at the intersection of science and creativity. From founding Barrington Consulting to co-founding Artrya Ltd., now an ASX-listed AI company with FDA clearance for detecting coronary artery disease, John has consistently been in the room before the rest of the world arrives. In this episode of The Company We Keep, host Shaun Duffy sits down with John to unpack the next frontier: quantum computing. John explains what quantum actually is, why Australia is a recognised world leader, and what the 'harvest now, decrypt later' cybersecurity threat means for boardrooms today. He also shares his conviction that AI isn't killing human creativity, it's making it more valuable and reflects on the lessons from a career built on following 'your blisters, not just your bliss. Whether you're a business leader, a curious mind, or someone trying to make sense of where technology is taking us, this conversation is worth listening to. Connect with John Barrington AM: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-barrington-am/ -------------------------------------- Key Takeaways: Quantum computers don't just compute faster, they solve problems that classical computers literally cannot, including modelling diseases, climate, and logistics challenges with infinite variables. Boardrooms need to act on quantum cybersecurity now: bad actors are harvesting encrypted data today, planning to decrypt it once quantum becomes widely available. AI isn't killing human creativity empathy, flair, and collaboration will become scarcer as machines take on more tasks, and scarcity creates value. Organisations must protect dedicated time for long-term thinking and stop labelling incremental improvement as innovation. Follow your blisters, not just your bliss: do the hard things that align with who you truly are, and the difference you make to others will follow. -------------------------------------- Follow the Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oQlEYFk3Gud0HgPRaxgdM?si=176ef52b5a0f4972 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-company-we-keep/id1895814064 Website: https://vectoradvisors.au/ Connect with Shaun Duffy: Shaun Duffy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-duffy/ Vector Advisors: https://au.linkedin.com/company/vector-advisorsau -------------------------------------- Chapters: (0:00) Cold open & preview (0:52) Introducing John Barrington AM: Management Consultant, Quantum Australia board member and arts patron (2:24) What is quantum computing, and what can it actually solve? (5:18) Where quantum is right now: from labs to early commercialisation (8:36) Top applications: Alzheimer's, cancer, climate, energy and logistics (10:46) The cybersecurity threat no boardroom is talking about: harvest now, decrypt later (12:00) Is quantum bigger than the internet? John's view on the coming step change (13:22) Arts, science and Da Vinci: Why you shouldn't have to choose (15:28) Is AI killing human creativity? Why the answer is the opposite (17:12) A hospital bed moment: the human skills machines will never replace (23:06) Artrya Ltd: co-founding an ASX-listed AI company to detect heart disease earlier (28:30) Advice to 18-year-old John: follow your blisters, not just your bliss Produced by Podwave Studios: http://www.podwavestudios.au The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and not financial advice.

    31 min

  2. Jun 23

    First Nations Leadership, Policy Reform & Life on the Fremantle Dockers Board with Colleen Hayward

    Colleen Hayward has spent a lifetime weaving together education, social justice, and human rights from the classroom to the courtroom to the boardroom. The daughter of Len Haywood, Western Australia's first Aboriginal teacher, principal, and South Fremantle premiership player, Colleen grew up with a profound understanding of what opportunity through education truly means. In this episode of The Company We Keep, host John Gardner sits down with Colleen to explore her remarkable journey from primary school teacher to cancer survivor, from the Aboriginal Legal Service and ATSIC to heading the Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research at Edith Cowan University. Colleen shares her bold vision for cross-university study, reflects on what it means to be named NAIDOC's National Aboriginal Person of the Year, and offers an insider's perspective on board life at both Mineral Resources and the Fremantle Dockers, including why Freo leads the AFL on Aboriginal inclusion. Whether you're interested in education reform, Indigenous leadership, or governance that goes beyond ticking boxes, this conversation is a masterclass in purposeful, principled leadership. Connect with Colleen Hayward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-hayward-39b14217/ --------------------------------------Key Takeaways:Colleen's father Len was WA's first Aboriginal teacher, principal and South Fremantle premiership player, a trailblazing legacy she wishes she had asked more questions about while she had the chance. A cancer diagnosis forced her out of the classroom but opened doors into law, policy and research, each role connected by the same threads of social justice, human rights and education. Normalising school attendance across generations, reaching parents and grandparents who had poor experiences at school, is more powerful than any single program or incentive. The best university-community partnerships go beyond funding: they contribute expertise, HR capability and genuine presence in the communities they serve. The Fremantle Dockers lead the AFL with their Aboriginal inclusion, not just recruiting Aboriginal players, but investing in cultural education for the entire club. -------------------------------------- Follow the Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/vectoradvisors Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-company-we-keep Website: https://www.vectoradvisers.au Connect with John Gardner: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gardner/ VECTOR Advisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vector-advisors/ -------------------------------------- Chapters: (0:00) Trailer (0:52) Introducing Colleen Hayward AM: teacher, ECU Pro Vice-Chancellor, Fremantle Dockers & MinRes board director (1:56) One career, many roles: social justice, human rights and education as the common thread (2:36) Growing up in a family of teachers: why school attendance was never negotiable (4:14) Are we doing enough for Indigenous kids in education (8:00) Father Lens: WA's first Aboriginal teacher, principal and South Fremantle premiership player (11:10) Arriving at Dalkeith Primary in the mid-1980s was a culture shock in both ways (15:22) Cancer, career pivot, and the path to the Aboriginal Legal Service (18:10) From ATSIC to the Telethon Institute to ECU and a vision for cross-university study (25:14) NAIDOC Aboriginal Person of the Year 2008: recognised by your own community (27:44) Fremantle Dockers: why Freo leads the pack on Aboriginal culture and inclusion (34:26) Legacy, policy change, and advice to an 18-year-old Colleen Produced at Podwave Studios: www.podwavestudios.au The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and not financial advice.

    37 min

  3. Jun 16

    West Coast Eagles, iiNet & 7-Eleven: What 30 Years in the Boardroom Teaches You with Michael Smith

    Michael Smith has chaired some of Australia's most recognisable organisations including the West Coast Eagles, iiNet, 7-Eleven, Starbucks, Synergy, the Perth International Arts Festival, and now sits on the board of AusCycling. In 2014 he was awarded a Doctor of Letters from the University of Western Australia for his contribution to business and the arts sectors. In this episode of The Company We Keep, Michael shares the framework behind decades of boardroom leadership, from his concept of complicated vs. complex organisations, to the three tests that identify a true High Court matter, to why directors need to spend half their time ‘walking the village’ rather than sitting in the ‘castle throne room.’ He also reflects on navigating two of WA's highest-profile corporate crises (the iiNet hostile takeover and the 7-Eleven wage scandal), why he deliberately avoids holding power in his mentor role at Hawaiian, and what the ‘dog-on-a-freeway’ reality of directorship actually means for your wellbeing Michael Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-smith-a4059a57/ -------------------------------------- Key Takeaways: Servant leadership is the foundation & your job is to make the people you lead as effective as possible. Culture before financials: go sit in the call centre before you open a spreadsheet. Organisations aren't engines. They're complex adaptive systems. Treat them like machines and crises will sneak up on you. Being a director is like being a dog on a freeway. You will get hit, it's just a matter of when. 50% of a director's time should be in informal spaces like walking the village, not sitting in the castle’s throne room. -------------------------------------- Follow the Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oQlEYFk3Gud0HgPRaxgdM?si=176ef52b5a0f4972 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-company-we-keep/id1895814064 Website: https://vectoradvisors.au/ Connect with Shaun Duffy: Shaun Duffy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-duffy/ Vector Advisors: https://au.linkedin.com/company/vector-advisorsau -------------------------------------- Chapters: (0:00) Intro & preview (0:44) Introducing Michael Smith: corporate director royalty (2:18) Leadership philosophy: servant leadership, wisdom & no single model (3:16) Evaluating board seats: culture and call centres before financials (5:28) Why he avoids power -- mentor-in-residence, AICD mentoring & asking better questions (7:48) Complicated vs. complex: why organisations aren't engines (11:06) High Court matters: the three tests for decisions that demand the full board (13:34) The medieval village: why directors must spend 50% of time outside the throne room (16:50) Crisis in the boardroom: iiNet hostile bid, 7-Eleven scandal & the dog-on-a-freeway reality (19:26) Sport vs. business: bumblebee thinking, the Eagles, Oz Cycling & mountain biking (27:08) How 4,000 interviews a month for 20 years shaped an evidence-led strategy philosophy (32:18) Advice for 40-year-olds, 18-year-olds & the real risk-reward of ASX directorships Produced by Podwave Studios: https://www.podwavestudios.au The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

    39 min

  4. Jun 9

    Leading Agribusiness, WA's Grain Future & Becoming Curtin University Chancellor with David Lock

    David Lock has built one of Western Australia's most varied business careers from Coopers & Lybrand accountant to CEO of Craig Mostyn Group, MD & CEO of Mareterram Ltd, board roles at CBH and Harvest Road, and now Chancellor of Curtin University. In this episode of The Company We Keep, David joins host John Gardner as he unpacks the surprise phone call that led to the chancellorship, what 20+ years in agribusiness has taught him about family businesses and genuine leadership, and why Western Australia's grain industry is at a critical infrastructure crossroads after the live sheep export ban permanently reshaped the state's farming landscape. He also makes a compelling case for Australia's missed sustainable aviation fuel opportunity, offers a frank warning about the pitfalls of small, listed companies, and shares his three-ball theory for getting work-life balance right. Plus, the story of getting arrested in Panama while cycling through South America with a machete. David Lock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlock1/ -------------------------------------- Key Takeaways: 20+ years in agribusiness comes down to one thing - the people. Work-life balance is three balls: self, family, and work. Don't drop any of them but know which one needs your focus right now. Grab opportunities even when they don't look like career moves. International experience doesn’t always advance the resume, but the personal growth is enormous. Small, listed companies are often driven by the market, not your values. Private structures give you far more freedom. -------------------------------------- Follow the Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oQlEYFk3Gud0HgPRaxgdM?si=176ef52b5a0f4972 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-company-we-keep/id1895814064 Website: https://vectoradvisors.au/ Connect with John Gardner: John Gardner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gardner-maicd-8ab3a519/ Vector Advisors: https://au.linkedin.com/company/vector-advisorsau -------------------------------------- Chapters: (0:00) Intro & preview (0:44) Introducing David Lock, new Chancellor of Curtin University (1:28) A holiday phone call & the unexpected condition: become chancellor (3:20) First official duties - graduation ceremony in Malaysia (4:56) Early career: Coopers & Lybrand, Westpac's bad bank & moving to Perth (9:32) 20+ years in agribusiness & why the people keep him coming back (10:44) Craig Mostyn to Mareterram: a public listing that didn't go to plan (13:48) Australia's agribusiness outlook: grain growth, the sheep exit & infrastructure gaps (16:54) The canola-to-jet-fuel opportunity Australia is missing (19:18) Core values: building things, integrity and being nice to people (21:02) Caution: why small, listed companies drive you by the market, not your values (22:28) Cycling in South America, a machete arrest in Panama & the three-ball theory of work-life balance Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podwave Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.podwavestudios.au The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

    30 min

  5. Jun 2

    Playing in the AFL, Pilbara Water Opportunities & Leading High-Performance Teams with James Clement

    James Clement has lived multiple careers in one lifetime, from a defender in the AFL, to a marine biologist, a finance professional, and now MD & CEO of Vysarn, a vertically integrated water services provider operating across the Pilbara and eastern Australia. In this episode of The Company We Keep, James joins host, John Gardner, as he unpacks how he spotted the water opportunity hidden inside the Pilbara's iron ore sector, what it really takes to build and lead high-performance teams (including how to handle your 'flawed geniuses'), and why he believes Australia's water security crisis demands urgent government action far beyond what's currently on the table. He also reflects on life lessons learned from AFL coach Mick Malthouse, the challenge of keeping financial markets patient while building long-horizon infrastructure, and why success for him has nothing to do with legacy or wealth. James Clement: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-clement-a71910112/ -------------------------------------- Key Takeaways: Your most brilliant people are often your most difficult, in sport and in business. Water security in Australia needs urgent, coordinated federal and state action. When managing markets, go quiet on the long plays and talk only about what's real and short-term. Groundwater in the Pilbara is finite and large-scale solar-powered desalination is the only realistic long-term answer. -------------------------------------- Follow the Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oQlEYFk3Gud0HgPRaxgdM?si=176ef52b5a0f4972 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-company-we-keep/id1895814064 Website: https://vectoradvisors.au/ Connect with John Gardner: John Gardner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gardner-maicd-8ab3a519/ Vector Advisors: https://au.linkedin.com/company/vector-advisorsau -------------------------------------- Chapters: (0:00) Intro & preview (0:34) Introducing James Clement, MD & CEO of Vysarn (1:02) From fishing to water: discovering the Pilbara opportunity (2:14) Vysarn's vertically integrated water services model explained (4:26) From AFL to marine biology to CEO: a career built on curiosity (5:16) Mentor Peter Hutchinson & the qualities that opened doors (6:54) Leadership: straight talking, high performance & flawed geniuses (9:48) The Collingwood Rat Pack & lessons from Mick Malthouse (12:06) Managing long-term water projects against short-term market pressure (14:20) Global uncertainty: what is keeping James awake right now (16:00) Australia's water security crisis & the case for desalination (20:14) Success, loyalty, friendship & advice to a younger James Clement Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podwave Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.podwavestudios.au The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

    24 min

  6. May 19

    34 Years in the Media, Fake News & Finding Purpose with Georgie Gardner

    After 34 years at the forefront of Australian media from the Today Show to the Channel Nine evening news, Georgie Gardner speaks with host Sam Macpherson to reflect on a remarkable career, the stories that shaped her, and what comes next. In this episode of The Company We Keep, Georgie opens up about covering two of Australia's most devastating events: the Port Arthur massacre early on in her career and the Bondi shooting at its close. She shares what it was like to report both without and then amid the firehose of social media, and why she believes the line between misinformation and deliberate disinformation has never been more dangerous. Georgie also reveals the most charismatic people she's ever interviewed (the names will surprise you), why everyday people often make for the best television, and the real reason she chose to walk away from journalism at the peak of her career. Georgie Gardner: https://www.instagram.com/georgiegardner9/ -------------------------------------- Key Takeaways Failed acting auditions leading to a pathway in journalism Misinformation is accidental, disinformation is deliberate Embrace your mistakes and just be yourself -------------------------------------- Follow the Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oQlEYFk3Gud0HgPRaxgdM?si=176ef52b5a0f4972 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-company-we-keep/id1895814064 Website: https://vectoradvisors.au/ Connect with Sam Macpherson: Sam Macpherson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-macpherson-6ba11ba2/ Vector Advisors: https://au.linkedin.com/company/vector-advisorsau -------------------------------------- Chapters: (0:00) Preview (0:40) Introducing Georgie Gardner (1:00) From acting to radio to TV (2:54) Live TV, the Today Show & the roles that challenged her most (4:28) Career bookended by tragedy: Port Arthur to Bondi Beach (6:12) Today Show memories & entertaining interviews (7:02) The most charismatic people she's met (9:28) Has the 24-hour news cycle made audiences better or worse informed? (12:50) Misinformation vs. disinformation (14:28) Why Georgie stepped away from journalism after 34 years (19:04) Advice to her younger self & closing remarks Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podwave Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.podwavestudios.au The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

    21 min

  7. May 6

    Relationships, Resilience & the Real Deals Behind WA Business | Peter Toll

    Peter Toll is the National Leader of Food & Agribusiness, Deal Advisory M&A Partner, and International Liaison Partner at BDO. In this inaugural episode of The Company We Keep, Peter joins host John to unpack what nearly 30 years in professional services has really taught him. From growing up on a Merino stud farm in Wagin to advising on some of WA's most significant private M&A transactions, Peter draws a direct line between country values such as hard work, community, and deep relationships. He shares his unfiltered take on the baby boomer wealth transfer that's quietly reshaping Australia's private business landscape, why most businesses aren't actually ready to sell (even when they think they are), and how the corporatisation of Australian agriculture is transforming the very sector he grew up in. Peter Toll: https://au.linkedin.com/in/peter-toll-80652b14 -------------------------------------- Key Takeaways Relationships are the foundation The baby boomer wealth transfer is real and accelerating Most businesses aren't buyer-ready Selling a business is emotional, not just transactional Say yes to the hard jobs. Success isn't the financial outcome -------------------------------------- Follow the Podcast: Website: https://vectoradvisors.au/ Connect with John Gardner: John Gardner: https://au.linkedin.com/in/john-gardner-maicd-8ab3a519 Vector Advisors: https://au.linkedin.com/company/vector-advisorsau -------------------------------------- Chapters (0:00) Relationships, community, and deal making (0:45) Welcome to The Company We Keep (1:00) Introducing Peter Toll | National Leader, Food & Agribusiness at BDO (1:25) What's kept Peter at BDO for nearly 30 years (2:15) The International Liaison role explained (2:55) Growing up on a Merino stud farm in Wagin (5:35) Community values and the power of rural relationships (8:00) Current deal activity and market sentiment (10:00) Sectors driving WA deal flow (10:35) The corporatisation of Australian agriculture (12:25) The changing face of rural communities (16:45) Advising private vs. publicly listed companies (17:45) The emotional psychology of selling a business (19:35) Preparing vendors for life after the deal (25:10) Advice to a younger Peter Toll Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podwave Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.podwavestudios.au The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

    27 min

  8. Trailer

    The Company We Keep

    "The Company We Keep" is a dedicated section on VECTOR Advisors' website that profiles a curated selection of notable individuals across business, politics, sport and media. The purpose is to celebrate the people VECTOR works alongside, strengthen relationships, and amplify the voices of those shaping their respective industries. At VECTOR, we pride ourselves on the strength of our relationships and this series is one way we celebrate the people we work alongside. We’ve taken this initiative to profile a select group of people.

    1 min

Trailer

About

Welcome to The Company We Keep, a podcast powered by VECTOR Advisors, where we spotlight the people leading change and shaping the future across business, politics, sport and media. In each episode, we sit down with leaders, founders and decision-makers to explore the moments that defined them, the decisions that shaped their journeys, and the lessons learned along the way. At VECTOR, we believe our business is built on relationships — and this series reflects the calibre of people we’re privileged to work alongside. Expect candid conversations, real insights and the stories behind success.

Information

  • Creator
    VECTOR Advisors
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © VECTOR Advisors
  • Show Website
    The Company We Keep

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