Investing for Life

In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest whose less than conventional career pathway has led her to oversee transformation of some of Sydney’s most treasured places.

Anita Mitchell was 17 years old when she began her environmental science university degree. Initially “horrified” at this pathway, her mother believed she was destined to tie herself to trees for a living (something Anita is yet to try, for the record). Despite being told she would waste her education and lack future financial security, Anita followed her passion.

Today, Anita has over 25 years’ experience in executive management, sustainability, social impact and corporate assurance spanning energy, water, waste, property and construction in both the public and private sectors. Having joined the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment as its inaugural Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW last year, Anita is now responsible for overseeing the management of Sydney’s most treasured places, including The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Sydney Olympic Park, among others.

Anita previously managed sustainability and environmental programs for one of Australia’s largest energy distributors, as well as the country’s largest water authority and waste management operator. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science, a Master of Environmental Management and an MBA – completed under full scholarship as ‘Australia’s top emerging leader and MBA scholar’, as selected by The University of Sydney and AFR BOSS magazine.

"Having an understanding of what you actually want to do, what the world needs and what you're good at is this sort of nexus of trying to find a career. I've got one of the best jobs in the world."

Listen to this conversation to:

- Hear how Anita navigated her parents' initial resistance to her pursuing her passions;

- Discover the ins and outs of her role as Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW, and what’s to come; 

- Hear Anita's reflections on how she has remained intellectually curious, adaptable and how she pushed herself to overcome career setbacks, including on her return to Australia; 

- Explore Anita's heartfelt account of losing her mum at a young age, and the lessons she’s learned as a result.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest with inspiring tenacity, who has turned major life setbacks into action, ideas and, as a result, had a real impact on the lives of many.

Dr. Annie McAuley was only 18 years when she suffered a traumatic brain injury while skiing, resulting in a loss of speech, memory and her ability to walk. Not only did Annie beat the odds herself, she went on to complete her biomedical PhD and, when confronted by her own daughter’s speech difficulties, used her personal and professional experiences to launch TalkiPlay - a world-first learning experience to accelerate language development through interactive play. 

Annie’s is a remarkable story of innovation and determination, to not only overcome her own injuries but to use that experience to ensure her daughter – and many more children globally – will always have a voice.

"I wanted to give her a voice. I want her to have friends, I wanted her to be included. I wanted to be part of her life and not locked out."

"I want every child to have the opportunity that my children do. I want to give every child a voice, every child the potential to do well in school, and to be who they want to be and to have their voice heard."

Listen to this inspiring conversation to:

• Hear Annie share openly about her brain injury and her journey to recovery;
• Learn how Annie applied this experience to better understand her daughter's speech difficulties as a one-year old and her determination to help her overcome and be heard; 
• Hear Annie's journey of innovation to business success: from problem solving her daughter Grace's speech difficulties, to creating a first prototype, seeking investment, starting a business and now inspiring other female entrepreneurs to do the same;
• Be inspired by Annie's goal to continue innovating for purpose and driving the change that she wants to see in the world for her own children, and children everywhere.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The most terrifying things at sea are when the thing you predicted might happen, actually happens."

This episode of the Investing for Life podcast explores the remarkable career, service and life journey of Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC. As someone who has spent his life facing into uncertainty, setbacks and challenges, Lee shares several stories with our host, Douglas Isles, about what happens when you have no other option but to face up to your worst fears.

After 34 years in the Royal Australian Navy responding to life-threatening situations like people smuggling and refugees lost at sea, Lee has learned a lot about leadership, decision making and resilience, and has now transferred those skills beyond defence. He explores what inspired this change, and shares what life is like today, through his work with AUKUS, the Minderoo Foundation, and as Chair of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

This is a fascinating discussion that tackles disconnection from family, keeping an open mind, and how the way you respond to major challenges defines your character and leadership qualities. In Lee’s words: “I think what I would be most proud as a leader, is if people remember how I achieved things, rather than what I achieved – even with my family.”

Listen to this conversation to:

- Learn about Lee’s origins as ‘a boy from the suburbs’ who joined the Navy as a teenager to escape banality;

- Discover the many setbacks and challenges he has faced at sea, including the most challenging moments like dealing with people smuggling and refugees lost at sea;

- Learn his first-hand experience of spending long periods away from family and friends, and how he built resilience;

- Hear how his experience recruiting helped him realise first impressions are not always correct (and how that applies in the investing world); and

• Discover why, after a 30+ year career in the Navy at age 50, Lee made the significant decision to explore a new path.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her early thirties, Felicity Menzies was working offshore in banking when she went through a disturbing workplace incident; a pivotal moment that would take her career in a completely different direction. Felicity was bullied by a senior employee and – given power structures at the time – ultimately asked to leave.

Motivated by this experience, Felicity turned a setback into a path-altering catalyst for positive change. She went back to university and studied psychology with a renewed passion for human behaviour and building more respectful workplaces. Today, Felicity is Principal Consultant and CEO of Culture Plus Consulting – a Sydney-based Global Diversity and Inclusion Consultancy. 

Over the past decade, Felicity and her team have worked tirelessly with organisations to champion a zero tolerance approach towards workplace misconduct and equality, believing: "No matter what your rank is, or how much money and power you have in an organisation, everyone must be held to the same standard of performance". 

Beyond Culture Plus Consulting, Felicity hopes to see even further progress around power imbalances, citing key opportunities like the Jenkins Report and how the recommendations provided provide hope and could be a game-changer for corporate Australia. "For many years, progress has been slow in the corporate world. However, we're now seeing individuals are more likely to understand it, to buy into it and to see it as fair. We want Australia to be a fair country."

Listen to this inspiring conversation to:

• Hear how Felicity turned her experience as a victim of workplace misconduct into purpose, passion and a profession that works to prevent this happening to others;
• Learn the key diversity and inclusion issues Felicity is committed to addressing, such as the concept of "hiring for cultural fit vs cultural add";
• Hear her perspective on recruitment "tokenism" and "hiring to meet a target";
• Discover what she believes is key to "mindful inclusion" in the workplace.

Felicity is the author of the book, A World of Difference: Leading in Global Markets with Cultural Intelligence. 

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest with one of the more remarkable stories of human courage and conviction.

Tristan Knowles, OAM was just nine years old when he was diagnosed with bone cancer and given a 10% chance of survival. What transpired was Tristan having his leg amputated above the knee, followed by a cancer relapse in his lung at age 11, and then – as a young boy – having to reconcile a future that seemed so different to his dreams of playing AFL for Hawthorn, let alone overcoming the very real prospect of death. 

Despite all these setbacks, Tristan – now Advice Manager at AIA Financial Wellbeing – looks back at life with no regrets. A decorated sportsperson and role model, Tristan went on to win multiple Paralympic and World Championship medals – including three gold – as part of Australia’s successful wheelchair basketball team. 

He is now committed to inspiring others to maintain perspective on life’s many privileges, including helping people secure their own financial and overall wellbeing. In his words: “Life is incredibly valuable. And it can change at the blink of an eye. I had never really forgotten about all the kids that I got to meet at the hospital that weren't as lucky as I was. I want to make sure that I don't waste any opportunity, and live life to the fullest.”

Listen to this powerful conversation to:

- hear Tristan’s experiences with bone and lung cancer as a child and how, against the odds, he survived through the unwavering support and positivity of his parents; 

- learn how he harnessed this life-altering experience to pursue new dreams, as a now-accomplished Paralympic and World Championship gold-medal winning athlete;

- drill down into his experiences playing one of the difficult and physically demanding sports in the world – wheelchair basketball – professionally in Australia and Europe;

• challenge your perspective and inspire you to look at challenges through a different lens: an opportunity to defy the odds, find deep happiness, and leave no regrets.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our second episode of this season, Douglas Isles interviews a very special guest who, as co-founder, was there at the origin of Platinum Asset Management almost three decades ago, and whose investment philosophy is the inspiration behind the Investing for Life podcast – Kerr Neilson.

Kerr shares a rare insight into his life growing up, how his father’s business challenges shaped his views on entitlement and hard work, learning the difference between luck and competitive advantage in investing, and how insecurities and the drive to win led to the creation of Platinum. 

Full of honesty, wisdom and ‘learning opportunities’, this discussion is as insightful for investors as it is for anyone looking to build a successful business. As Kerr explains, success comes from continuous improvement and not being wedded to old ideas, especially your own. In his words: “If you are open to criticism and if you are open to new ideas, you progressively get better.”

Listen to this conversation to:

- Learn where Kerr’s ability to find ‘unexpected’ value in the market came from, and why he believes awareness of any fashion is crucial to inform your own investment position;

- Hear how lessons learned from analysing others’ businesses helped shape his own approach to improving Platinum;

- Hear what Kerr believes are the two most important qualities candidates can have in an unpredictable market; 

- Gain an insight on his views on the current market and what lies ahead for the unprepared investor; and

• Discover what Kerr feels is the single most important driver for any business to succeed.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Douglas Isles launches the second season of the Investing for Life podcast with Nicolette Rubinsztein, non-executive director, actuary and author.

An advocate for mothers and work/life balance, Nicolette was named one of Australia’s top 10 most powerful part timers. She successfully balances motherhood with several board positions, and her passion for giving back by volunteering at home and abroad. In her former career, Nicolette was the General Manager at CBA and Colonial First State.

She was president of the Actuaries Institute in 2019, holds an executive MBA, is a fellow of the AICD, an ASFA Lifetime member for her work in superannuation policy, and author of the book Not Guilty – a guide for career mums.

Throughout this insightful and honest interview, Douglas and Nicolette unpack her successes using a framework modelled on Platinum’s time-tested investment principles.

Listen to this conversation to:

- Hear Nicolette describe the devastating setback of five miscarriages, how she navigated this enormous challenge and, importantly, how it’s strengthened her today;

- Learn about the long-term view she has held to ensure she remains on the right path, including advocating for part-time roles, investing in herself and leaning into what energises her – giving back through her charitable pursuits; and

- Hear how she embraces qualities that help her stand out from the crowd: her feminine strength and kindness.
 

Follow Nicolette on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoletterubinsztein/ or find more information on her book, Not Guilty, here: http://nicoletterubinsztein.com/not-guilty/

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of this season of Investing for Life, host Douglas Isles interviews Stirling Mortlock AM, Founding Partner of XV Capital Advisory and former Australian professional rugby union player who captained the Wallabies, ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels. After a celebrated sporting career, Stirling has transitioned his success into the corporate world, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Today he is the founding partner XV Capital – a sports advisory firm that works with partners to leverage and capitalise on large sports markets in Asia Pacific, Europe & the Americas – but his journey to get there is one of reinvention.

Listen to this conversation to:
- learn more about Stirling’s childhood growing up on Sydney’s North Shore enjoying
“perpetual non-stop motion”, healthy sibling rivalry as one of five children, and an early passion for sport including playing rugby from the age of four.
- hear Stirling’s reflections on early career setbacks including not being selected in junior representative teams;
- be inspired by his drive to overcome further challenges including a series of serious
injuries throughout his professional rugby career – 15 operations in total – and what he learned as a result; and
- hear about his evolution from professional sportsperson to corporate leader, and how he navigated this transition to ensure the ‘second half’ of his career built on his first.

Stirling’s Investing for Life story offers a deep dive into the journey of one of Australia’s sporting greats who navigated fear, uncertainty and insecurity to pursue a life beyond rugby. This conversation promises to inspire us all to give life “everything you’ve got” and view challenge and change not as a negative, but an opportunity to learn, grow and come back even stronger in the long run.

Follow Stirling on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stirling-mortlock-am-14428b60/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Investing for Life episode, host Douglas Isles interviews Elayne Grace, CEO of the Actuaries Institute Australia.

With 25 years’ international experience with leading consulting firms and major insurers, Elayne has provided strategic, economic and financial advice across a range of issues. She understands the importance of – and is passionate about – building a strong, outward-looking profession that is in high demand now and in the future.

Elayne’s views are respected and sought after, having contributed to a range of industry climate change papers, Geneva Papers, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, UNEP Finance CEO briefing papers and actuarial conference papers. She was a member of the Expert Advisory Panel to the Indigenous Land Corporation and participated in the Commonwealth Study Conference and Chief Executive Women’s Leadership Program. In 2019, Elayne was named in the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence in the public policy category.

Listen to this conversation to:

- hear Elayne’s origin story and reflections on growing up in Ireland;
- learn more about the challenges she has faced throughout her career and how she navigated each setback;
- be inspired by her journey re-entering the workforce between and after children, and her advice for both men and women looking to walk that path;
- hear how she led her people through the pandemic and her thoughts around the future of work.

Delivered with joyful enthusiasm, Elaine’s Investing for Life story is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Her experience is a poignant reminder that standing out from the crowd can – and should be – a deliberate choice that reaps returns in the long run.

Follow Elayne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elayne-grace-56455548/.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Investing for Life episode, host Douglas Isles interviews Robbie Robertson, Lead Partner at Deloitte Digital Sydney, Deloitte Australia.

With 23 years’ experience in London, New York, Singapore and throughout Southeast Asia, Robbie currently heads up a team of specialists helping clients connect with their customers through digitally-enabled experiences. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Design at Swinburne University and holds a deep passion for diversity and inclusion (D&I), leading the Deloitte Globe (LGBT+) network and sitting on the National D&I Council.

Listen to this conversation to:

- Hear Robbie’s honest reflection on his struggles growing up in a traditional boarding school in Scotland - wrestling with his homosexuality and the setback of glandular fever which derailed his passion for sport and sense of self;
- Learn from his conviction to be his authentic self and the workplace discrimination setbacks he has faced on this journey;
- Be inspired by how he has nurtured his entrepreneurial spirit and successfully built several businesses throughout his career.

Robbie’ Investing for Life story is one that will encourage you to reflect on your own journey – how setbacks can become your strengths, and why embodying your authentic self can in fact help you stand out from the crowd and access opportunities only you can.

Follow Robbie at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsonrobbie/
Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.