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Sally Patten

Yesterday

Why this CEO gave up measuring his sleep

Alex Davison, chief executive of L’Oreal Group in Australia and New Zealand, does a lot to ensure he gets eight hours sleep a night, but he doesn’t measure it anymore.

This Month

Don’t use a busy job as an excuse to drop everything else: Mark Scott

USyd vice chancellor talks about the importance of good relationships, the mistakes made in the uni’s handling of Jewish students, and general career advice.

University of Sydney vice chancellor Professor Mark Scott speaking at a parliamentary hearing into antisemitism.

Sydney Uni’s Scott says he failed to ‘listen, be curious’

Reflecting on the pro-Palestine camps and an antisemitism row on campus sparked by the Israel-Gaza conflict, Mark Scott admits the university fell short in its response.

Directors warn of investment delays amid Trump, election uncertainty

Company directors from Macquarie, Fortescue, Dexus and Perpetual say Donald Trump and the upcoming election will lead to projects being delayed or paused.

Scott Hartley features on this week’s episode of 15 minutes with the Boss podcast.

This CEO was made redundant at 49. Now he runs a $3b company

When Scott Hartley was let go from NAB in his late 40s it came as a shock. But he used the experience to forge a different career path.

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Sharon Pickering, Ian Narev, Bran Black and Guy Chalkley ahead of the roundtable discussion in Sydney on Friday.

How careers counsellors could help plug the skills gap

Encouraging teenagers to complete high school and giving them access to careers counselling are key to plugging the yawning skills gap.

Gurbaj Pawar at breakfast at BarLume in North Sydney.

Don’t go on holidays to relax, push yourself, says this top exec

Gurbaj Pawar, head of strategy at insurance broking company AUB Group and a 2024 BOSS Young Executive, hikes and plays with his young daughter to stay fit.

January

Private Healthcare Australia chief executive Dr Rachel David aims for five to six home workouts each week using the Les Mills workout app.

How these top CEOs stay fit and healthy

Chief executives understand that investing in regular exercise and proper nutrition is good for business. But not everyone likes to tick this box by hiring a personal trainer.

Kath Van Der Merwe from Telstra, Michelle Williams from Lottery,  christine Parker from Westpac, Jane Franks from ASX, Nicole Reid from Xero, Elisa Narone, from REA.

The workforce challenges keeping these HR bosses up at night

BOSS talks to six human resources executives about challenges they face in 2025. Rethinking diversity programs may not be one of them, but there are many others.

The brave career move that helped propel Matt Comyn to the top of CBA

The CEO of Australia’s biggest bank reveals pivotal moments in his career – and how much sleep he likes to get.

Ten CEOs share their favourite productivity hacks

For many of our CEOs, more useful than apps and computer programs were strategies that helped them zero in on the work that matters most.

Sinead Booth loves driving her Tesla.

Why this exec allows colleagues to see everything in her diary

Sinead Booth, group manager of decarbonisation delivery at Fortescue Metals, is one of the 2024 BOSS Young Executives. She practises radical transparency when it comes to her calendar.

Private Healthcare Australia CEO Rachel David: “I’ve long envied the seemingly endless parade of business influencers who swear by a 5am start ... but I remain an absolute zombie in the wee hours.”

How these CEOs get a good night’s sleep

Most CEOs aim for the recommended amount of seven to nine hours but some are weary of the dangers of chasing the perfect night’s sleep.

Kenvue managing director Nadia Stone is splitting her holidays between the beaches of NSW and the ski slopes of Hakuba in Japan.

Where CEOs are holidaying this summer

Beachside getaways on the Australian coast take pride of place in our CEOs’ list of vacations. But their picks also include stops in Japan and Chile.

Regis Aged Care CEO Linda Mellors said learning about generative AI was one of her key lessons in 2024.

The most important lessons these CEOs learnt in 2024

Celebrating your wins, staying grounded and embracing generative AI were some of the key things these top business leaders took away from last year. 

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The top six business trends for 2025

Here are six themes we expect to make news in 2025, from professional services to crypto and artificial intelligence across offices, boardrooms and suburbs.

Booking.com’s Todd Lacey heads to the airport gym on layovers.

This exec has a fix for jet lag that’s been staring you in the face

Booking.com Oceania manager and BOSS Young Executive Todd Lacey says he also swears by two supplements to keep him healthy.

December 2024

Why Gurner gave up alcohol – and what he learnt

The property developer and wellness entrepreneur has rarely had a drink for 18 months. He doesn’t like what he sees from people who are imbibing.

Sophie Jackman is likely to expand her team when the new sustainability reporting standards are introduced.

How accountants will help save the planet

The once humble accountant will be key to supporting the transition to net zero.

Australian Museum chief executive Kim McKay.

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.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/sally-patten-j7gdj