In this episode, I speak with Anne Hollonds, Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner, about her work advocating for the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people. Drawing on decades of experience in child and family policy, Commissioner Hollonds offers thoughtful insights into the challenges facing young Australians today from mental health and education inequality to the importance of listening to children’s voices in decision-making.

Our conversation explores both the systemic reforms needed and the practical steps individuals can take to help create a society where every child has the opportunity to thrive. This is a powerful discussion for anyone interested in social policy, human rights, or the future of Australia’s next generation.

What does leadership look like when billions of dollars—and the public good—are on the line? In this episode, David Neal, CEO of IFM Investors and former CEO of the Future Fund, takes us through the defining chapters of his career in finance. From his early days in investment consulting in the UK to advising on the establishment of Australia’s sovereign wealth fund, and ultimately leading two of the country's most significant financial institutions, David reflects on the values, decisions, and mindset that have shaped his leadership.

We explore what it means to invest with purpose, how to lead through complexity, and the importance of long-term thinking in a short-term world. David shares candid insights on transitioning from technical expertise to executive leadership, building institutional culture, and navigating finance not just as a numbers game, but as a platform for public impact.

What does it really take to protect people’s health on a global scale — and why does it matter to each of us? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Lucas de Toca, Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health, to unpack what health equity means in practice, how we can work together during crises, and what lessons we can’t afford to ignore after COVID-19.

Dr de Toca shares stories from the frontlines — from coordinating vaccinations in remote communities to representing Australia in international negotiations — and explains how everyday people, especially young people, can play a bigger role than they might think.

We talk pandemics, politics, climate change, and what gives him hope for a fairer, healthier future. If you’re curious about how global health decisions ripple into your own backyard — and what you can do to help shape them — this is an episode for you.

What does it really take to build something extraordinary?

In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast, I sit down with Niki Scevak — Co-Founder of Blackbird Ventures and Startmate, and early investor behind some of Australia's most iconic startups, including Canva and SafetyCulture. Niki shares his journey from launching his own startups to backing founders with billion-dollar potential, and the powerful mindset shifts young people need to turn ideas into impact.

We unpack what separates a good founder from a great one, how to take risks when the path isn't clear, and why Niki chooses to back the "hungry, not the proven." Whether you're dreaming of your first startup, or just want to think bigger about your future, this episode is packed with real-world advice, honest stories, and inspiration to get you started.

We discuss:

• The habits and values that fuel long-term success
• What venture capitalists actually look for in founders
• Importance of building community and culture
• Niki’s advice to his younger self — and to you

This is your invitation to start building something extraordinary. Tune in now.

In this episode of Brighter Futures Youth Podcast, I sit down with Liam Prince, the Director of ACICIS – the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies. We dive into the importance of cross-cultural education, regional engagement, and why young Australians should seize the opportunity to study in Indonesia. Liam shares how ACICIS provides students with immersive study experiences in Indonesia, equipping the next generation with the skills and understanding needed to build stronger regional ties and become globally minded citizens. Whether you're passionate about international relations, education, or simply curious about what it's like to study abroad in Southeast Asia, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Tune in to hear how education beyond borders can shape brighter futures for young people and communities alike.

In this episode, I chat with Isabella Mandis, the inspiring founder of Girls Into VC, about breaking barriers in venture capital and empowering the next generation of female investors. She is a Harvard undergraduate passionate about diversity in finance and entrepreneurship, and also a Kleiner Perkins Fellow, NEA Fellow, and the youngest member on Forbes 30 Under 30 Boston. We dive into her journey as a young entrepreneur, how she’s building a global community, and her insights on making VC more inclusive. If you're passionate about empowerment in finance, startups, or how to build your networks and skills, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

What does it take to be an authentic leader? In this episode of Brighter Futures Youth Podcast, I sit down with Mr Ashleigh Martin, Principal of Caulfield Grammar School, to explore the power of values-based leadership, the importance of community, and the lessons he has learned from his own leadership journey.

Mr Martin shares how, in his early days as a principal, he struggled with the stereotypical expectations of leadership before realising that the best leaders stay true to themselves. He opens up about the role of compassion, open-mindedness, and connection in leading a school community and leaves us with a powerful reminder:

Join us as we discuss resilience, leadership, and the skills young people need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Richardson, an international education expert with over 30 years of experience in research, teaching, and leadership across the globe. Dr. Richardson has worked in countries like Australia, India, and the UK, and has led major education projects like PISA 2025. She’s passionate about empowering students to develop global competence—a critical skill for success in today’s interconnected world.

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of global education, from the challenges of researching diverse education systems to the importance of fostering intercultural understanding. Dr. Richardson shares her personal journey in the field, insights on how education systems are evolving worldwide, and practical advice for young people who want to make a difference through education. Whether you're interested in education policy, international research, or simply want to learn how to become more globally aware, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for the leaders of tomorrow.

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a global success story? In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast, I’m joined by Fangzhou Jiang, the visionary co-founder of Crimson Education. From breaking barriers in the education system to empowering students worldwide to achieve their dreams, Fangzhou shares his journey of innovation, resilience, and impact.

We dive into the challenges of building a company from the ground up, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his advice for young changemakers ready to take on the world. Whether you’re aiming for a top university, starting your own venture, or simply looking for a dose of inspiration, this conversation will leave you motivated to dream big and take action.

In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast, I sit down with MP Ben Carroll, the Education Minister, Medical Research Minister and Deputy Premier of Victoria, to explore what it is like to work as a politician, and how we can transform education to better prepare young people for the future. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in education today, the importance of youth empowerment, and what steps we can take to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all students. Tune in for actionable insights, inspiring stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at shaping education policy in Victoria.