Leadership Odysseys

Wilson Poon doesn’t just build businesses, he builds trust. From his early days as a software engineer to founding Whitetower Digital and co-founding MemberPulse, Wilson’s journey has been marked by sharp strategy, deep integrity, and a human-first approach to innovation. In this candid and compelling conversation, Wilson shares how he’s grown multiple businesses, sold a company, navigated failure, and led with quiet clarity all wh...

Michael Ragavan was born in Australia to parents who had fled genocide in Sri Lanka, arriving with little more than resilience, hope, and an unshakable belief in opportunity. That belief would become the foundation for Our Leg Up, a bold venture reimagining home equity as a tool not just for building wealth, but for widening the path to ownership and opportunity. In this conversation, Michael shares the grit it took to challenge th...

Nearly two years on, we’re thrilled to replay Episode  1 of Leadership Odysseys with Simon Molnar. Simon’s path from weekend shifts in his parents’ jewellery store to helping drive Afterpay’s surge and now reinventing in-store retail with Flagship encapsulates everything our mantra, 'Embrace the Journey,' stands for. Press play to hear the lessons, pivots, and breakthroughs that shaped his leadership—and reignite your own sense of ...

In this deeply human episode of Leadership Odysseys, Kirsty sits down with Michelle Brenton—clinical naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist, personal trainer, and founder of Cell Wellness Co for a conversation that goes far beyond supplements and health advice.

Michelle shares the evolution of her 20+ year career in the wellness space: from running health food stores and clinics to co-creating Cell Charge, a globally trusted micronutr...

In this profound episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with transformational coach Linda Wallace, whose journey spans global leadership roles, a personal reckoning, and a deep return to self. Once climbing the ranks of major corporate brands, Linda hit burnout—mentally, physically, and emotionally. But instead of pushing through, she paused. And in that pause, everything changed.

Today, Linda helps others step into lives of a...

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we’re joined by Claudine Ogilvie, an executive and entrepreneur who’s spent over two decades at the intersection of technology, transformation, and leadership.

From her time as CIO at Jetstar and Ridley Corporation to board roles with Cuscal and Scyne Advisory, Claudine has built a career shaped by curiosity, courage, and bold transitions. Today, she’s the founder and CEO of HivePix, a data o...

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with Raf Adams, global thought leader and creator of The Suited Monk philosophy. Raf shares the profound personal journey that led him from corporate success in global shipping to emotional burnout, and ultimately, to founding a global leadership movement that’s helped thousands of executives and organisations around the world.

Through his signature framework, distinguishing betwe...

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with Alan Shields—entrepreneur, board advisor, speaker, and co-founder of RFI Global. With over two decades of experience scaling a two-person startup into a global data insights powerhouse, Alan shares his leadership journey, the importance of storytelling, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts. From physics to financial services, Alan’s path is grounded in curi...

In this extraordinary episode of the Leadership Odysseys podcast, we step into the world of Jim Frecklington MVO, OAM—Australia’s master royal coach builder and the man behind some of the most iconic ceremonial carriages in modern history.

From the rural fields of Peak Hill, NSW, to the grand halls of Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, Jim’s journey is a testament to passion, craftsmanship, and courageous leadership. He has buil...

In this powerful episode of Leadership Odysseys, Kirsty sits down with Robyn Saranah—Executive General Manager at Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand and former National GM of Commonwealth Private. Robyn is not only a leader in finance but a lifelong champion for social impact and financial empowerment, especially for women. From growing up in a small country town to leading change across some of Australia’s most respected institut...

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, I sit down with Caterina (Cat) Embersic-Dunne—a dynamic executive coach, lecturer, and leadership expert who brings an unconventional yet highly effective approach to coaching: play. Through her work and doctoral research, Cat has pioneered the integration of play into leadership and team development, helping individuals unlock creativity, foster resilience, and navigate challenges with a fre...

What does it take to truly embrace your journey when the world questions your place in it? In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, I sit down with Suzan Mutesi—an actress, award-winning fashion designer, author, and influencer whose story is one of relentless reinvention. From growing up in Uganda during the civil war to building a life and career in Australia, Suzan’s journey has been anything but conventional.

She opens up about ...

What does it take to go from a punk rock guitarist to leading Enterprise in one of the fastest-growing fintech enterprises in the world? Huw Griffiths has never followed the conventional path. From his days playing in Kid Courageous to becoming Head of Enterprise ANZ at Airwallex, his journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and deep connection. In this episode, we uncover the defining moments that shaped Huw—his leap from music ...

What does it take to redefine an industry, navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and still emerge with a relentless drive for impact? In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with Arvin Singh—a visionary fintech leader whose journey from the rice fields of Guyana to co-founding hoolah, and driving its acquisition by ShopBack, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Arvin’s story is one of bold decisions, unwavering...

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, Oliver Weidlich, Founder and Director of Design & Innovation at Contxtual, reveals why Spatial Computing isn’t just the next big thing—it’s the future of how we’ll work, learn, and connect. With over two decades of experience in User Experience (UX) design and a background in psychology, Oliver has been at the forefront of digital innovation, from the rise of mobile technology to the cutt...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Carla Oates, founder and CEO of The Beauty Chef, who has revolutionised the beauty and wellness industry by championing the connection between gut health and radiant skin. From her early days of dealing with eczema to pioneering the global inner beauty category, Carla shares her remarkable journey of resilience, innovation, and passion for holistic well-being. Discover how her unwavering c...

In this episode of the Leadership Odysseys Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome an Australian TV icon, Larry Emdur. A Gold Logie winner for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television in 2024, Larry shares insights from a career spanning over four decades. From hosting The Price Is Right to co-hosting The Morning Show and The Chase Australia, Larry’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the art of meaningful co...

In this captivating episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with Sophie Firmager, visionary leader, executive coach, and founder of Realised Potential Group. Sophie’s extraordinary journey—from navigating challenges as a young immigrant to excelling as the Executive Director of People & Culture at Tiffany & Co.—is a testament to resilience, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership. Her story offers profound...

Mastering Your Inner Game: Stella Petrou Concha on Self-Mastery, Resilience, and Leading with Purpose

In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we welcome Stella Petrou Concha, the Co-Founder and CEO of Reo Group, an award-winning recruitment firm that has redefined the way businesses approach talent acquisition and leadership. Stella’s journey is as diverse as it is inspiring—starting in medicine and evolving into a trailblazing car...