JCU Conversations

The Honourable Will Hodgman, Strategic Advisor to Trovio Group and Former Australian Higher Commissioner to Singapore, shares his perspective on good leadership as well as the challenges that he’s faced in his career.

This episode’s host: Andrew Chew, Former Chief Commercial Officer at James Cook University in Singapore

Connect with Will Hodgman on LinkedIn.

Benjamin Chua, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Speco, a Smart Hygiene company, shares about his career journey and how he contributes to society, as well as advice to up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

This episode’s host: Associate Professor Jacob Wood, Associate Dean of Research at James Cook University in Singapore

Find out more about Speco.

Connect with Benjamin Chua on LinkedIn.

Mel Gollan, Founder of RIPA Global, a New Zealand built connectivity platform for commerce, shares about her career journey, the commerce business, sustainability, and how emotional intelligence comes into play when designing products.

This episode’s host: Naomi Vowels, Co-Founder and CEO at Givvable

Find out more about RIPA Global.

Connect with Mel Gollan on LinkedIn.

As CEO and Founder of ESGTech, Andrew Gazal shares the importance of Environment, Social and Governance standards, and how data on these factors are crucial to companies across industries. He also shares how he believes companies and their leaders can become more sustainable.

This episode’s host: Associate Professor Wang Pengji, Associate Professor of Business at James Cook University in Singapore

Find out more about ESGTech.

Connect with Andrew Gazal on LinkedIn.

As the former Chief Sustainability Officer & Advisor at Monetary Authority of Singapore, Dr Darian McBain shares more about the fun of working in sustainability, how people can contribute to climate action, and the role of human rights in sustainability.

She is presently the CEO and Founder of OCSO Asia, an outsourced Chief Sustainbility Officer advisory service.

This episode’s host: Professor May Tan-Mullins, Former Dean International & Chief Sustainability Officer at James Cook University in Singapore

Connect with Dr Darian McBain on LinkedIn.

As the Chief Technology Strategist at the Ministry of Health Office for Healthcare Transformation, Professor Robert Morris discusses mental health, how the pandemic shaped healthcare, and his experience in computer science and AI technologies.

This episode’s host: Professor Caryn West, Dean of Research at James Cook University in Singapore

Connect with Professor Robert Morris on LinkedIn.

Advisor to the DesignSingapore Council Mark Wee (then Executive Director) wears many hats — architect, artist, designer, educator. Find out how he’s breaking down barriers as he shares his career journey and his thoughts on art, design, and education. 

This episode’s host: Professor Jason Pomeroy, Founding Principal of Pomeroy Studio and Pomeroy Academy

Find out more about Mark Wee on his website, or connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram.

CEO and Founder of The Great Room Jaelle Ang discusses her colourful childhood, educational journey, and career. She also shares the key traits that leaders should have, and how she overcame challenges while growing businesses in a foreign land. Her answers might surprise you!

This episode’s host: Professor Jason Pomeroy, Founding Principal of Pomeroy Studio and Pomeroy Academy

Find out more about The Great Room.

Connect with Jaelle Ang on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

CEO and co-founder of SaladStop! Adrien Desbaillets shares how he transitioned from shrimp peeling to joining the hospitality industry, and then founding SaladStop! with his father. He also shares the challenges of starting, running and growing a business, what aspiring entrepreneurs should look out for, and more!

This episode’s host: Professor Jason Pomeroy, Founding Principal of Pomeroy Studio and Pomeroy Academy

Find out more about SaladStop!

Connect with Adrien Desbaillets on LinkedIn. He also welcomes emails at [email protected] 

What does it take to lead a university? Professor Sandra Harding AO, former Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University, shares her interest in humanities and the social sciences, her passion for sustainability, the importance of an active holiday, and just what it takes to become a leader.

(This episode was recorded before Sandra’s retirement as Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University.)

This episode’s host: Pinky Sibal, Associate Director of Branding at James Cook University in Singapore

Find out more about James Cook University