In this powerful episode of BRANDR, Richard and Roy sit down with George Christopoulos, entrepreneur, former Socceroo, marketer and lifelong Melbournian, for a passionate deep dive into what Melbourne was, what it has become, and what the city must do to reclaim its identity.

From migrant beginnings, small business grit, major event strategy and the rise of Melbourne’s multicultural heartbeat, the conversation tackles the future of Melbourne as a global brand, and some uncomfortable truths holding the city back.

George reflects on Melbourne’s rich history of community, small business culture, markets, and iconic personalities and explains why “the brand is the people” has never been more relevant. Together, the trio explore how policy, over-regulation, working-from-home, and shifting demographics have reshaped the city, and why the solution isn’t more government, but unlocking people, innovation and purpose.

Connect with us at brandrpodcast.com or @brandrpodcast

 

YOUR DOSE OF BRAND TRUTH

• Why Melbourne’s soul is its people and why policy is pushing that identity to the margins
• The decline of small business and how over regulation is killing innovation
• Melbourne’s “brand custodians” and why the city lacks continuity in identity
• The rise of Melbourne’s productivity culture and new business energy
• The shift from the CBD’s commercial dominance to events, experiences and precinct living
• Why the Comedy Festival may be Melbourne’s most powerful economic engine
• How Queen Victoria Market’s heritage clashes with modern consumer expectations
• How empty office buildings could become vertical markets and new cultural hubs
• The cultural cost of poorly designed public holiday policies and sporting event sponsorships
• Why Melbourne’s future relies on letting people loose, not increasing government involvement
• The importance of restoring community, identity and aspiration for the next generation
  
  

THE SCRIPT

00:00 – The Real Story Behind Melbourne Today
 Why Melbourne’s identity is shifting and why small business is under pressure.

00:53 – Meet George Christopoulos
 His migrant upbringing, family business roots, and the people who shaped his Melbourne journey.

01:36 – Football, Injury and Reinvention
 From teenage Socceroo to real estate and sports marketing — the turning points that defined him.

04:13 – How Migration Built Melbourne’s Community Identity
 Port Melbourne, early settlers, and the formation of Melbourne’s multicultural brand.

05:43 – The Icons Who Made Melbourne
 Retail giants, media personalities, business leaders and why “the brand is the people”.

07:45 – Who Owns ‘Brand Melbourne’?
 Precincts, councils, corporates and the shifting custodianship of the city.

09:19 – Events That Put Melbourne on the World Stage
 Formula 1, the Australian Open, the Comedy Festival and why some events matter more than others.

10:36 – Melbourne After COVID
 Remote work, population surge and the city’s new identity challenges.

12:29 – Innovation, Productivity and Influence
 Why Melbourne’s future is tied to culture, work ethic and youth driven energy.

14:17 – The Evolution of Melbourne’s Markets
 Queen Victoria Market’s history, challenges and the need for brand modernisation.

17:37 – The Future of Melbourne: Purpose, Work and Opportunity
 Brain drain, welfare culture and the risks of over regulation.

20:07 – Rethinking Melbourne’s Precincts and Infrastructure
 How the city’s outer ring and transport systems can power new community hubs.

22:10 – Small Business vs Big Events
 How public holidays, policies and branding impact local operators.

25:44 – Reinventing Empty Buildings
 Vertical markets, creative reuse and unlocking Melbourne’s unused spaces.

28:37 – The Big Message: Give Melbourne Back to the People
 Community, culture and the call to restore Melbourne’s soul.

30:21 – George’s Advice to His Younger Self
 Purpose, money, family and the emotional reality of small business branding.

32:26 – Closing Thoughts
 Melbourne’s brand future depends on its people and the ones like George who never stop caring.

 

HOSTS | Roy Tavenor and Richard Henderson

GUEST | George Christopoulos

SPONSORS | Red Design Group redgp.com and R-Co r-co.com.au

PRODUCED BY | Session in Progress sessioninprogress.com.au

#Brand #BrandStrategy #BrandStorytelling #BrandMelbourne #CommunityBranding #ExecutiveInsights #Entrepreneur #Leadership #BrandrPodcast #Brandr

 

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In this episode of BRANDR, Roy and Richard sit down with one of Melbourne’s most iconic hospitality figures, chef and restaurateur Guy Grossi. Across more than 40 years in the industry, Guy has shaped the cultural identity of Italian dining in Melbourne, stewarded the legendary Florentino and built a brand recognised globally.

This conversation explores the art of brand custodianship, how to modernise a legacy without losing its soul and the business of hospitality at scale. Discover Guy’s next chapter as he shifts from restaurant operator to IP driven consultant.

If you are building a brand, buying a business, or want to understand how world class hospitality experiences are engineered, this episode is required listening.

YOUR DOSE OF BRAND TRUTH

• The evolution of Florentino from 1928 to today
• How to modernise a historic brand without alienating its loyal base
• The Grossi family philosophy and the depth of Italian cultural storytelling
• Building a dining experience that becomes synonymous with a city
• Customer experience systems and serving at a consistently high level
• The entrepreneurial role of restaurateurs in shaping Melbourne’s identity
• The shift from operator to IP and consultancy
• Family legacy, succession and redefining success after 40 years in kitchens

THE SCRIPT

1. Welcome to BRANDR – 0:00 to 1:00
2. The Founder’s Story – 1:00 to 5:00
3. The First Big Pivot – 5:00 to 8:00
4. Building a Brand That Matters – 8:00 to 12:00
5. The Challenge – 12:00 to 16:00
6. How We Solved It – 16:00 to 20:00
7. Lessons Learned – 20:00 to 24:00
8. The Vision Ahead – 24:00 to 28:00
9. Final Thoughts – 28:00 to 30:00

Key Takeaways1. Great brands are custodianship, not ownership

Guy explains how he approached Florentino with respect for its history, its regulars and the legacy of the Massoni family, bringing customers along for the journey rather than shocking them with change.

2. Brand depth is more powerful than brand width

The Grossi brand thrives because it is narrow, clear and uncompromisingly Italian. Every detail runs through a cultural filter that ensures consistency across venues.

3. Hospitality is storytelling

From the murals in the Mural Room to the greeting at the door, Guy describes how every touch point is a storytelling device that forms part of the Italian Melbourne identity.

4. Systems underpin good service

There is nothing accidental about great restaurants. Guy outlines how good systems create the illusion of effortless hospitality.

5. Melbourne shapes the brand and the brand shapes Melbourne

Guy and his peers have played a major role in positioning Melbourne as one of the world’s great dining cities, through entrepreneurial risk and cultural contribution.

6. Reinvention can mean stepping behind the scenes

With Florentino now passed on, Guy explains his next evolution of focusing on IP, consultation, training and brand building for others.

Guest Bio | Guy Grossi

Guy Grossi is one of Australia’s most respected chefs and restaurateurs. Known for Grossi Florentino, Ombra and other landmark venues, Guy’s work blends Italian heritage with the spirit of Melbourne. He is an author, television personality and cultural ambassador whose global influence spans food, design, heritage and hospitality leadership.

Quotes from the Episode

• "The art form in a brand is to tell a story in an instant."
• "You are only as good as your last service."
• "We are not selling food and beverages. We are selling an Italian cultural experience."
• "You must bring people along when you modernise a legacy."
• "Our story is not just an Italian story. It is very much an Italian Melbourne story."
  
  

HOSTS | Roy Tavenor and Richard Henderson

GUEST | Guy Grossi https://www.grossi.com.au/ 

SPONSORS | Red Design Group redgp.com and R-Co r-co.com.au

PRODUCED BY | Session in Progress sessioninprogress.com.au

#Brand #BrandStrategy #BrandStorytelling #Grossi #Hospitality #Leadership #thisIsBRANDR #BRANDRPodcast #BRANDR

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In this special episode of BRANDR, we explore the story of one of the most defining moments in Australia’s national identity, the 1983 America’s Cup victory with John Bertrand AO, skipper of Australia II and national icon.

Bertrand reflects on what that historic win meant for a country in recession, how the Boxing Kangaroo became a symbol of defiance, and why trust, honesty and curiosity remain the foundation of all high performing teams. He also discusses his later involvement with the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and what these milestone events say about Brand Australia, from its can-do attitude to its warmth and authenticity on the global stage.

Alongside reflections on design, innovation and leadership, Bertrand shares stories of legendary figures like Ben Lexcen and Bob Hawke, revealing how creativity, imagination and national pride fused into a defining cultural moment that continues to shape Australia’s identity today.

Key Themes

• Brand Australia What defines it and how it has evolved through sport, design and national moments.
• The America’s Cup Legacy How Australia II’s triumph broke a 132 year American winning streak and lifted national morale.
• Culture and Trust Why integrity, respect and fun are the cornerstones of great teams.
• Innovation and Vision Lessons from Ben Lexcen’s radical design thinking and over-the-horizon vision.
• Leadership Lessons Bertrand’s insights into curiosity and building cohesive teams.
• Olympics 2000 How Australia reshaped the Olympic brand with warmth, volunteer spirit and authenticity.
• The Boxing Kangaroo How a battle flag became a national symbol of pride and determination.
  
  

Quotable Moments

• “It’s not rocket science, it comes from honesty, no bullsh**.”
• “Without trust, you have nothing.”
• “What now exists was once imagined, that’s the power of intuition.”
• “Fail fast. Learn. Succeed.”
• “Brand Australia is about the can-do attitude, getting sh*t done.”
  
  

HOSTS | Roy Tavenor and Richard Henderson

GUEST | John Bertrand AO 

SPONSORS | Red Design Group redgp.com and R-Co r-co.com.au

PRODUCED BY | Session in Progress sessioninprogress.com.au

#Brand #BrandStrategy #BrandStorytelling #OlympicGames #Brisbane2032 #Olympics #AustralianBrand #Leadership #thisIsBRANDR #BrandrPodcast #Brandr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRANDR, we explore the inspiring evolution of Vinnies with Liz Randle Head of Merchandise & Retail Innovation at St Vincent de Paul Society, a charity retail organisation that has transformed from humble beginnings into a vibrant retail brand deeply embedded in the community. The conversation dives into how Vinnies balances social purpose with commercial success, creating a unique shopping experience that attracts a diverse customer base.

From the importance of authentic storytelling and creative branding to strategies for engaging younger generations, the discussion uncovers how Vinnies continues to stay relevant and innovative in a changing retail landscape. Listeners will gain brand insights into the power of community, the shift in luxury perception, and the value of innovation in the non profit sector.

Connect with us at brandrpodcast.com or @brandrpodcast

YOUR DOSE OF BRAND TRUTH

• Vinnies fosters a strong sense of community, family and belonging
• The brand has evolved from centres of charity to a thriving retail operation
• Sourcing products primarily from donations keeps the range eclectic and distinctive
• A unique in store experience attracts shoppers from all walks of life
• The definition of luxury is shifting, today, uniqueness and story matter more than brand names
• Social media and modern marketing are key to engaging younger audiences
• Innovation and creativity are encouraged across all levels, driving a culture of experimentation
• Strategic brand evolution has led to sustained commercial success
• Private label products enhance the donated range, improving customer satisfaction
• Vinnies continues to support communities through economic hardship, staying true to its mission

THE SCRIPT

00:00 – Introduction to Vinnies and Its Community Impact
03:50 – The Evolution of Vinnies Brand
07:59 – Sourcing and Retail Strategy at Vinnies
11:54 – Creating a Unique Shopping Experience
15:58 – Stories from the Community. The Heart of Vinnies
19:47 – The Changing Perception of Luxury
23:53 – Engaging Younger Generations
27:38 – Innovation and Creativity in a Non Profit
31:43 – Commercial Success and Brand Relevance
35:52 – Private Label Strategy at Vinnies
39:49 – Navigating Economic Challenges
43:57 – Final Thoughts and Call to Action

 

HOSTS | Roy Tavenor and Richard Henderson

GUEST | Liz Randle, The St Vincent de Paul Society vinnies.org.au/

SPONSORS | Red Design Group redgp.com and R-Co r-co.com.au

PRODUCED BY | Session in Progress sessioninprogress.com.au

#Brand #BrandStrategy #BrandStorytelling #Vinnies #NonProfitBrand #PeopleOverProfit #ExecutiveInsights #Leadership #BrandrPodcast #Brandr

 

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In this episode, Kamal Ibrahim shares his remarkable journey from Ethiopia to Australia and the role soccer played as a universal language for connection and belonging. He reflects on the founding of ONE BALL, the non-profit organisation he created to empower young people through football and essential life skills.

Kamal discusses the importance of branding built on values and trust, not just logos, and how engaging families and communities has been central to ONE BALL’s success. He also introduces Positive Kick, his new initiative focused on youth empowerment, mental resilience, and personal growth through daily affirmations.

This conversation highlights the impact of authentic community initiatives, the power of sport in shaping lives and the importance of staying true to your vision.

Connect with us at brandrpodcast.com or @brandrpodcast

YOUR DOSE OF BRAND TRUTH

• Kamal’s migration story shaped his passion for community and giving back
• Soccer became a powerful tool for inclusion, connection and youth empowerment
• ONE BALL helps young people build confidence through football and life skills
• Branding is about values, authenticity, and trust, not just design
• Positive Kick will focus on mental resilience and affirmations for personal growth
• Community engagement and feedback are essential for long-term impact
• Consistency and belief in one’s vision are critical to success
• The future of branding lies in authentic connections

THE SCRIPT

 

 00:00 – Kamal Ibrahim: A Journey from Ethiopia to Australia

 02:48 – The Power of Football in Building Community

 05:44 – Creating One Ball: A Brand with Purpose

 08:45 – The Significance of the One Ball Brand

 11:59 – Evolving the One Ball Logo and Identity

 14:49 – Trust and Authenticity in Branding

 17:48 – Measuring Success Beyond Financials

 20:45 – The Future of One Ball and Positive Kick

 23:35 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

 26:36 – Engaging the Community and Building Trust

 34:46 – Advice for launching a creating a brand

 39:39 – What's the most valuable lesson Kamal has learnt 

HOSTS | Roy Tavenor and Richard Henderson

GUEST | Kamal Ibrahim oneball.org.au

SPONSORS | Red Design Group redgp.com and R-Co r-co.com.au

PRODUCED BY | Session in Progress sessioninprogress.com.au

#Brand #BrandStrategy #BrandStorytelling #OneBall  #CommunityBrand #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveInsights #Leadership #BrandrPodcast #Brandr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how Bunnings and other major retailers are reshaping the future of branding. In this episode with Shane Lipton, we dive deep into the evolution of private labels, exploring how storytelling, authenticity and consumer perception are redefining what makes a brand successful.

From the business side of branding to Australia’s role in the global market, this conversation uncovers what retailers must do to stay ahead. If you’re in retail, marketing, or brand strategy, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your brand and connect more meaningfully with customers.

 YOUR DOSE OF BRAND TRUTH

• How Bunnings builds consumer trust through authenticity
• Why private labels are becoming trusted brands
• The importance of storytelling in retail branding
• Shifts in consumer perception of private brands
• The role of profitability, innovation and strategy in brand growth
• Why Australia is a global player in retail branding

Connect with us at brandrpodcast.com or @brandrpodcast

THE SCRIPT

00:00 – The Power of Branding in Retail

02:55 – Bunnings: A Case Study in Brand Development

05:52 – Creating Authenticity in Private Labels

08:45 – The Role of Storytelling in Branding

11:57 – Consumer Perception of Private Brands

14:45 – The Business Side of Branding

17:50 – Market Dynamics and Brand Strategy

20:37 – The Evolution of Retail Branding

23:49 – Private Labels Across Different Retailers

26:30 – Australia’s Position in Global Branding

29:38 – Actionable Insights for Retailers

32:34 – The Future of Branding in Retail

HOSTS | Roy Tavenor and Richard Henderson

GUEST | Shane Lipton brandmerchant.com.au

SPONSORS | Red Design Group redgp.com and R-Co r-co.com.au

PRODUCED BY | Session in Progress sessioninprogress.com.au

 

#Brand #BrandStrategy #BrandStorytelling #PrivateLabel #RetailBrand #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveInsights #Leadership #Bunnings #BrandrPodcast #Brandr

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In this episode, Roy Tavenor and Richard Henderson dive deep into the power of branding and its impact on business success. Discover why branding is more than just design... It’s about aligning your brand identity with organisational culture, building emotional connections and staying relevant in a rapidly changing market.

We explore brand strategy, the role of creativity and how businesses can strengthen audience engagement to grow sustainably. Whether you’re a business leader, marketer, or entrepreneur, this conversation will give you practical branding insights to sharpen your brand strategy and drive long term growth.

YOUR DOSE OF BRAND TRUTH

• Why branding is essential for business success
• How culture and brand identity must align
• The role of creativity in building strong brands
• How to keep your brand relevant
• Why audience engagement shapes brand perception

If you’re looking to improve your brand strategy and understand what makes successful brands stand out, this episode is for you!

Connect with us at brandrpodcast.com or @brandrpodcast

 

00:00 – The Essence of Branding and Business 

01:58 – Aligning Brand with Organisational Culture

05:53 – The Journey of Brand Development

10:04 – The Role of Creativity in Branding

13:57 – Understanding Brand Relevance

17:49 – Engaging the Audience in Branding Conversations

 

HOSTS | Roy Tavenor and Richard Henderson

SPONSORS | Red Design Group redgp.com and R-Co r-co.com.au

PRODUCED BY | SESSION in PROGRESS sessioninprogress.com.au

 

#Brand #BrandStrategy #BrandRelevance #BrandIdentity #BrandDesign #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveInsights #Leadership #BrandrPodcast #Brandr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.