Battleground Chats

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with James Ng (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-ng-0149243/), a long-time friend since our Deloitte days in 2009.

James shares his fascinating journey from IT audits at Deloitte to becoming a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). We delve into his career transitions, highlighting the pivotal role of networking and mentorship. James recounts his experiences at Tabcorp and Telstra, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and building strong professional relationships. We also explore the dynamic world of cybersecurity, discussing its collaborative nature and the shared mission against common threats.

Join us as James offers valuable insights for those aspiring to enter or advance in the cybersecurity field, underscoring the need to be proactive in shaping one's career path. Don't miss this engaging conversation on career transformation and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

In this live episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Kate Gannon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aa-kategannon) at the COBA 2025 event in Brisbane to explore her fascinating career journey. From starting as a chartered accountant and auditor in Australia to becoming a process and operating model consultant, Kate shares her experiences working in risk management across the globe.

We delve into her time in London, her role in transforming risk frameworks, and the challenges she faced during a cyber crisis. Now leading August Advisory, Kate is passionate about revitalising risk management with a focus on life integration and purposeful change.

Join us as we discuss the importance of adding value, teamwork, and bringing humour into the boardroom.

In this live episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Elsbeth Torelli (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsbeth-torelli-52218421/), a seasoned expert in risk and resilience, at the Customer Owned Banking Association conference in Brisbane.

Elsbeth shares her fascinating career journey from a legal executive to a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at a mutual bank and her transition to board roles, including her position at COBA. We delve into her experiences in risk management, discussing the evolution of the field, the impact of AI, and the importance of balancing risk and compliance.

Elsbeth also offers valuable insights for those starting in risk management, emphasising the blend of art and science in navigating this dynamic field. Join us for an engaging conversation on the multifaceted world of risk and resilience.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Paul Perkins (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulperkins/), a seasoned professional in the risk and resilience space, to explore his fascinating career journey.

Starting as an electrical engineer, Paul transitioned into software development, project management, and eventually found his niche in risk and resilience. We delve into the evolution of resilience as an organisation-wide concept and discuss the integration of risk management within various industries, including finance and superannuation.

Paul shares insights on the importance of systems thinking and the value of understanding business operations from end to end. Join us as we uncover how engineering principles can enhance risk management and the growing engagement of businesses in risk practices. Whether you're a risk professional or just curious about the field, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the interconnectedness of risk and resilience.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with my long-time friend, Craig Walsh (https://www.linkedin.com/in/crwalsh/), to explore his remarkable journey from a 25-year policing career to a successful transition into the corporate world.

We delve into Craig's experiences in various elite units, including the Armed Robbery Squad and Special Operations Group, and how these roles shaped his approach to crisis management and continuous improvement. Craig shares insights on leadership, authenticity, and the importance of being open to feedback. We also discuss his transition to Crown Casino, where he implemented significant changes and navigated challenging inquiries.

Join us for an engaging conversation about resilience, adaptability, and the power of reflective practice.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with my good friend and colleague, Peter Duffy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-duffy-6830782), to explore his fascinating career journey in risk and resilience. From his early days at Ernst & Winnie to navigating the challenges at HIH Insurance and Ansett, Peter shares insights into the world of insolvency and the lessons learned from high-stakes situations.

We delve into his time at CSIRO, discussing the complexities of managing risk in a multidisciplinary research environment. Now consulting with Battleground, Peter reflects on the full-circle nature of his career and the pivotal experiences that have shaped his approach to risk management.

Join us for an engaging conversation filled with stories of resilience, innovation, and real-world risk management.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I am thrilled to sit down with Jane Couchman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-couchman-89839622/), Chief Risk Officer and Group Executive for Sustainability at Aware Super.

Jane shares her journey from a country solicitor to a leader in risk management and sustainability. We delve into her passion for banking and finance, her views on the evolving role of risk management, and the integration of sustainability into her work.

Jane highlights the importance of agility, digitisation, and the strategic role of risk professionals in today's organisations. We also explore her thoughts on the future of risk management, including the impact of AI and the need for versatile skill sets.

Join us as we uncover the exciting opportunities and challenges in the world of risk and resilience.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Martin Simpson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-simpson-1260/), founder and CEO of a boutique advisory firm in the UK, to explore his fascinating journey from aspiring fighter pilot to resilience expert.

Martin shares how his career path took unexpected turns, leading him through roles at GE, Deloitte, and PwC, and ultimately to founding Big Wing Advisory. We delve into the principles of risk and resilience, drawing parallels between aviation and corporate strategy. Martin emphasises the importance of preparedness and adaptability in facing disruptions, offering insights into how organisations can build true resilience.

Join us as we discuss the lessons learned from Martin's diverse experiences and his vision for helping businesses navigate the complexities of today's world.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with my long-time friend and risk management expert, John Murton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-murton-169a3643/). As John prepares for a well-deserved break from the industry, we delve into his fascinating career journey, spanning from law and tax to risk management and business continuity.

John shares insights from his time at Fosters and AustralianSuper, highlighting the importance of keeping things simple and understanding your business. We also discuss the evolution of crisis testing and the impact of regulatory changes.

Join us for a compelling conversation on the art of resilience and risk management.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Vivek Chopra (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivek-chopra-b-com-m-acc-fcpa-gaicd-amiia-aicgg-96a72140/), a seasoned expert in risk and resilience.

Vivek shares his fascinating journey from external auditor to becoming a key figure in risk management. We delve into the importance of storytelling in transitioning careers, the challenges of keeping pace with technological and environmental changes, and the concept of "risk and resilience fatigue." Vivek emphasises the need for continuous learning and collaboration to stay relevant in the ever-evolving risk landscape. He also discusses the shifting dynamics in risk assessments and the growing demand for transparency from boards and committees.

Join us for an insightful conversation that explores the future of risk management, and the strategies needed to thrive in this critical field.