FLY with Richard De Crespigny

In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Qantas Group Chair John Mullen reflects on a life shaped by adversity, responsibility and long-term thinking. From childhood trauma and early lessons in survival, to leading some of the world’s largest logistics and aviation organisations, John shares how resilience is built long before a crisis arrives.

We explore the collapse of Ansett and the brutal lessons of cash flow and timing, the realities of board accountability and leadership under pressure, and what it takes to restore trust in an airline that holds a unique place in Australia’s national identity. John speaks candidly about Qantas’ recent challenges, rebuilding employee and customer confidence, and the delicate balance between shareholder value and broader stakeholder responsibility.

LINKS

• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial

SUPPORT

• Child abuse: Bravehearts
• Surviving abuse: Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN)
• Mental health: Beyond Blue

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Fly, Richard is joined by one of Australia’s most experienced public relations professionals, John Connolly. With more than 30 years' experience working with some of the world’s largest companies and organisations, he's helped CEOs, boards, and companies navigate various challenging events, including mergers, hostile takeovers, and environmental disasters. In this episode, John and Richard discuss leadership during crises, lessons from global incidents, and what true resilience looks like in both corporate and national contexts.

LINKS

• More on John Connolly
• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Fly, Richard is joined by University of Sydney Associate Professor Sandra Peter and Professor Kai Riemer, Co-Directors of Sydney Executive Plus, to discuss their 2026 Skills Horizon report. They explore the future of leadership, the engagement of younger generations in the workforce, the growing role of automation and AI across a number of industries, and much more.

It’s a fascinating look into the future from two research leaders in the field, and essential listening for anyone currently in or looking for a leadership role.

LINKS

• Download the 2026 Skills Horizon report
• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Bailey was just like any other Year 12 student in 2015, until a persistent toothache lead to a devastating diagnosis. What doctors initially thought was Jake's wisdom teeth was actually an aggressive form of cancer invading his jaw and spreading throughout his body. Initially given just two weeks to live, an aggressive treatment plan and Jake's positive attitude saw him soon in remission and on a path to understand the psychology of resilience. 

LINKS

• Get a copy of Jake's book 'The Comeback Code' 
• Follow Jake on Instagram
• Watch Jake's viral school speech
• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Current data shows that as many as 11% of Australians will suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder at some time in their life. That figure balloons to 18% for former Australian Defence Force members. But dealing with the effects of PTSD can often feel isolating and overwhelming, and many don't seek help as a result. 

This week, I speak with retired senior Austrailan Army officer Major General Tim McOwan, AO, DSC, CSM about the realities of life in the military for our elite soldiers, the ongoing trauma that many face as a result, and the stigma of dealing with that trauma.

SUPPORT

• For support with PTSD, anxiety and depression, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue
• ADF members and veterans can access support through the Department of Veterans' Affairs or through Open Arms on 1800 011 046
• Further support for veterans can be found via Mates4Mates

LINKS

• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Ben Pettingill was just 16 years old, he lost 98% of his eyesight overnight thanks to a hereditary disease that had laid dormant up until that point. His resilience was quickly tested when Ben was forced to comprehend a new reality without his sight.

Not allowing his disability to get in the way of life, Ben has gone on to waterski, compete in Spartan obstacle course races, hike the famed Kokoda Track. When not at home with his wife and two daughters, Ben is travelling around the country speaking with children and companies, advocating for better mental health, and even hosting his own podcast.

In this raw and honest conversation, Ben opens up about the day he lost his sight, the drive to rebuild his life and finding his purpose in disability awareness and advocacy. 

SUPPORT

• For immediate help in a crisis, contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue

LINKS

• For more information on Ben and his speaking, check out his website
• Follow Ben on Instagram
• Check out Ben's podcast Talkin' Tough
• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crisis management is one of the elements of resilience. How a person or business handles a scandal or disaster can make or break their future. In the case of QF32, not one passenger spoke ill of Qantas, myself or the crew in the aftermath.  

In this episode, I speak with one of Australia's most respected and knowledgable crisis management and communication experts about getting the message right, how individuals and companies can plan for the worst, and why the CEO is not always the best person to front a crisis.

LINKS

• Sue Cato is a partner at Cato & Clive
• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Wright is an experience military and commercial pilot, who spent many years specialising in human factors and safety management with Qantas. It's a role that saw him teaching and testing the next generation of pilots in aviation best practice, developing and facilitating the courses to get the certified and in the air.

In this episode, Steve and Richard discuss pathways for up-and-coming pilots, the skills required to succeed and how the industry has changed over the years.

LINKS

• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well known in the Australian media industry as the co-founder of independent publisher Junkee Media, Tim Duggan knows about the monotony of corporate life. After selling off and leaving the business, Tim reflected on the way we work, finding that too many of us are overworked, disengaged and apprehensive about the future of our jobs. It prompted his work on the book 'Work Backwards', looking at fulfilment through values-led actions.

In this episode, Tim details the road trips that helped spark his 'Work Backwards' movement, the research that shows how overwork is killing us and his tips for finding purpose in your work and life overall.

LINKS

• Tim's book 'Work Backwards: The Revolutionary Method to Work Smarter and Live Better' is available now
• Follow Tim Duggan on Instagram
• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Howard is Australia's second-longest serving Prime Minister, responsible for revolutionary gun law reform and the introduction of the controversial goods and services tax (GST). From humble beginnings working for free at his father's petrol station, Mr Howard became a lawyer before moving into politics. Steadily moving up the Liberal Party ranks, he took on roles as Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs and Treasurer, before being elected party leader in 1985. In 1996, Australia voted Mr Howard in as the nation's 25th Prime Minister - a title he would hold for close to 12 years. 

In this candid and wide-ranging interview, John Howard discusses the resilience he gained from his modest childhood, his thoughts on the politics of the past and the current political landscape, and the importance of building a strong and dedicated team.

LINKS

• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.