The Canberra Business Podcast

A Canberra success story meets global scale: Greg sits down with Sarah Bailey, Group Executive Director and CEO Australia at Penten Amio, to unpack how a startup founded by 11 local families became a trusted partner to the Five Eyes. From secure communications that enable classified access anywhere to AI powering electronic warfare decoys, we get inside the technology, the strategy, and the people behind a binational mission.
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What does it take to prove competence when the stakes are sky-high? We sit down with ASPEQ’s Hamish Finlay to unpack how a New Zealand–born exam provider became a global engine for regulators, running high-stakes testing for pilots, trades, healthcare, and emergency services across 25 countries while anchoring leadership, IT, and candidate services right here in Canberra.

Hamish traces the company’s origins to New Zealand’...

Australia’s biggest customer isn’t a corporation; it’s the Commonwealth. We sit down with AQMN Legal’s Matthew Bautz to map a practical path for SMEs that want to sell to government without getting lost in rules, panels, and paperwork. Matthew explains why procurement inside Canberra runs on transparency and value for money, not speed. Including how that changes the way you bid, partner, and protect your IP.

We get specifi...

If your business runs on a card reader, a laptop, and a phone, you already rely on more connectivity and data than you think. We sit down with Telstra’s Nathan Gumley - Telstra Executive for Strategy, Transformation and Planning to unpack a practical playbook for growth and resilience: networks that do more than connect, AI that actually helps teams work faster, and security habits that stop expensive mistakes before they happen.

Ready to steer a boat for the first time—at walking pace—past Parliament House and the War Memorial? Greg sits down with GoBoat Canberra co-owner Amy Wetherby to unpack how an electric picnic boat venture won locals’ hearts, turned casual staff into leaders, and kept sustainability at the centre without losing sight of cash flow and safety. This is a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at building a small tourism business that feels p...

What does it take to build a globally competitive content company from Canberra? Michael Tear, CEO of Wildbear Entertainment, reveals the extraordinary journey from two university students with a dream to a 180-person powerhouse creating documentaries for Netflix, Disney, BBC and beyond.

The path wasn't straightforward. Starting with virtually no industry connections, Michael and co-founder Serge faced years of strugg...

When Michael Minns and Blanca Barreras of Hayes Recruitment stepped into our new podcast studio, they brought fresh perspectives on how digital transformation is reshaping the recruitment landscape while preserving the irreplaceable human element at its core.

"Digital transformation is a technology solution to a business problem," Michael explains, cutting through the buzzwords to the heart of what matters for or...

When office buildings become more than just places to work, magic happens. That's the powerful message Tashi Dorji, head of FlexSpace at JLL Flex Solutions, brings to the Canberra Business Podcast as he unpacks the evolution of co-working spaces from simple desk rentals to vibrant communities driving innovation and connection.

Remember when "cool" offices just meant bean bags and ping pong tables? Those days...

Jane Brownbill stands at a crossroads many of us dream about – after decades in high-powered roles as a CEO and senior manager, she asked herself what she truly wanted to do when she "grew up." Her answer became See Yourself, a coaching practice specifically designed for young adults and neurodiverse individuals who need support finding their unique path forward.

See Yourself offers a suite of tailored programs including o...

Data is everywhere in your organization, but do you truly understand what it means? Sam Spencer, CEO and CISO of Aristotle Metadata, reveals how the missing piece in most data strategies isn't fancy algorithms or massive storage capabilities—it's simply understanding what your data means and where it lives.

From measuring podcast listeners to protecting patient information, Sam explains how his Canberra-based sof...

Nestled in Canberra's southern suburb of Tuggeranong stands the area's first new hotel in 12 years. Punthill Hotel Apartments is breaking the mold of traditional accommodation and challenging assumptions about where business travelers want to stay.

Nick Bell, National Account Manager for Government at Punthill, joins us to reveal why this strategic location makes perfect business sense. "You'll never se...

With 36 years of experience in personal injury management, Susie Walford, General Manager of Federal Self-Insurance at Employers Mutual Limited (EML), offers a powerful perspective on building purpose-driven workplaces that prioritize both people and performance.

In this compelling conversation, Walford reveals how EML—Australia’s largest personal injury claims provider—has cultivated an award-winning culture while deliver...

Is your business ready for the new AML/CTF reform? ACT AML's Director, Tim Bourke has everything you need to know to be prepared on this episode of the Canberra Business Podcast! 

Tim brings us along as he explains the new Tranche 2 reforms, who exactly is going to be affected, how you can protect your business, and when the deadline will hit.  Tim explains how ACT AML delivers tailored risk assessments for businesses...

Meet Andrew Waghchoure, the passionate owner and head coach behind Little Kickers ACT, who's bringing structured football skills development to Canberra's youngest residents. After 14 years in the classroom, this primary school teacher is channeling his love for education and football into a growing business that's capturing the attention of families across the region.

Little Kickers isn't your typical ...

A thriving workplace isn't just about attractive salaries – it's about nurturing employee engagement that drives productivity, innovation, and business growth. Sarah Rajic, Managing Director of Capital Recruit, reveals that engaged employees can be 200-300% more productive than their disengaged counterparts, directly impacting your bottom line.

Drawing from her dual perspectives as both a successful business lead...

What if AI could make us better humans instead of replacing us? That's the question at the heart of Evolutioned's journey from traditional management consulting to AI innovation.

Joel Madden, Evolutioned's CEO, takes us through his company's fascinating transformation as they developed Ambience, their flagship AI product designed to help organizations tackle conversations they've been avoiding. Rat...

What does the ACT's fiscal future look like under new Treasurer Chris Steel, MLA? The answer shapes everything from housing affordability to business growth across Canberra.

This illuminating conversation tackles the hard questions Chamber members are asking about development approvals, property rates, and business taxation in the ACT. Mr. Steel addresses concerns about approval processes moving at "snail's ...

What does it take to build a thriving healthcare business in an underserved market? Dr. John Deery, CEO of YourGP and chair of the Australian GP Alliance, reveals the fascinating intersection of medicine and entrepreneurship in this eye-opening conversation.

From his competitive drive to enter medicine to building a healthcare network that now employs 45 doctors and 60 staff across multiple Canberra locations, Dr. Deery sh...