This Month
Why this CEO reckons networking is ‘BS’
For Australian Museum boss Kim McKay, work and life are about having meaningful conversations. Social media chit-chat doesn’t cut it.
Staff got a nine-day fortnight, but still waste time on one thing
Grant Thornton CEO Greg Keith doesn’t like to see staff, who work a nine-day fortnight, wasting time waiting for everyone to get their coffee before they go back to the office.
- Updated
November
Why being good at your job isn’t enough to get a promotion
Brighter Super CEO Kate Farrar reveals the secrets to getting a promotion, what she does at 4am and what she learnt from failing at an investment bank.
- Updated
Why retail was the Bunnings MD’s third career choice, and why he stayed
Michael Schneider found doing the thing he was passionate about helped make his career much more worthwhile than seeing it as a job with a fortnightly pay.
October
What this CEO learnt from losing $30m
Kyle Faulconer, the CEO of PepsiCo in ANZ, discovered the value of rapid prototyping and minimum viable products after a failed launch cost his client $30m.
The simple ‘reframe’ that helped this leader become a big bank CEO
Zip Co CEO Cynthia Scott nominates a simple reframing exercise that taught her not to fear the word ‘no’ as the best career advice she ever received.
Why Nelson Mandela’s election was a turning point for this CEO
A contract to provide the computers for South Africa’s first all-race democratic elections in 1994 was a pivotal moment in the career of BioPak CEO Gary Smith.
This CEO gave up drinking 10 years ago, and never looked back
Why Australian Chamber Orchestra boss Richard Evans swapped alcohol for walking and a cup of tea.
Why we should all learn to be OK with embarrassment
If we let fear of failing and ego get in the way, we will stop trying and stop moving forward, says this high-profile education leader.
September
Former David Jones boss on the ideal time to quit as CEO
Paul Zahra, the former chief executive of David Jones, says, as a general rule, there is a minimum and maximum amount of time the leader should be in the role.
What this CEO learnt from Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar
Culture Amp chief Didier Elzinga met the Atlassian duo at an awards function years ago, and got an insight into scalable business models.
How this former accountant became a top music exec
Sean Warner, the CEO of Universal Music in Australia, thought he wanted to be an accountant, until he realised he didn’t.
How a tragic car accident upended this CEO’s life
Rest Superannuation’s Vicki Doyle worked at insurer Suncorp for more than nine years. Three weeks into her first general manager role, she got a phone call.
August
How this former McKinsey consultant finds jobs she loves
Allegra Spender’s route to becoming an independent MP was a roundabout one and taught her about the power of putting yourself forward and following your passions.
How this CEO wins back clients his business has lost
Advertising boss Michael Rebelo is a big believer in being magnanimous when he loses a deal or a client.
Why most executives don’t reach their full potential
Early in his career, a senior colleague suggested Mick O’Brien, now a $900 million company CEO, take on a management role. Luckily his colleague could see his potential.
July
This top fundie used to peel four sacks of potatoes every Friday
Ausbil Investment Management’s Paul Xiradis says it’s at the fish market that he probably got involved in markets, understanding how they’re priced and cleared.
Why this top lawyer has a nanny
For KWM chief executive partner Renae Lattey, having home help means that she gets time to herself, as well as time to devote to her family and job.
Why you shouldn’t set a deadline if you want to be more resilient
The strongest leaders believe in themselves and don’t try to set timelines for when a difficult period will pass, says Macquarie Technology Group CEO David Tudehope.
- Updated
BCG’s local boss Grant McCabe on why he has taken up pilates
Boston Consulting Group’s Australian chief, Grant McCabe, says rookie executives should “remove that baggage” about whether they are going to succeed.