The Canberra Business Podcast

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...

In this episode, Greg Harford talks to Clarke Smith from CareSuper about his role, how CareSuper engages with businesses to help them support their employees, why employers need to offer a default super scheme for their teams, and upcoming changes to superannuation rules, including PayDay Super, coming in from next year.

Note: the information discussed in this podcast is general information only and doesn’t take into account your ob...

What does it really take to turn a handyman service into a thriving family business? Jane Lombard and her husband Troy Wilkinson have spent six years building Hire a Hubby Western Creek into more than just a property maintenance company—they've created a trusted community resource that older residents and busy homeowners across Canberra rely on daily.

The journey hasn't been without its challenges. Jane shares ca...

The urban mobility landscape is changing, and ARIO stands at the forefront of this revolution. Founded just last year with a bold vision to transform how we move through cities, ARIO has quickly established itself as not just another scooter company, but a technology-driven solution to long-standing problems in the micro-mobility space.

Mitchell Price, Head of Government Relations for ARIO, reveals how their three-wheeled ...

When Dr. Chloe Lim discovered her hours as a molecular biologist and epigenetics researcher were being reduced due to funding cuts, she never imagined a request to twist balloons at a church event would transform her career path. Yet six years later, she's the award-winning owner of two thriving Canberra businesses that blend scientific knowledge with creative entertainment.

From laboratory research on DNA's &quo...

"Every six minutes, an Australian business is hacked. Is yours next?"

Roy Borekar, founder of Solution Tech and a 20-year cybersecurity veteran, shatters the dangerous myth that small businesses are too insignificant to attract hackers. In this eye-opening conversation with Greg Harford, Roy reveals why smaller operations are actually prime targets for cybercriminals who recognize these businesses lack the resour...