No Limitations

In Episode 143 of the No Limitations podcast The Valley of Death, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Dr Larry Marshall, Non-Executive Director of Fortescue Ltd and Nanosonics Ltd.

In a spirited discussion, Larry scrutinises Australia’s innovation dilemma, where despite the nation’s level of invention and scientific excellence, it is significantly behind in terms of commanding recognition on the global stage. He highlights the potential of capitalising on Australia’s resources to create a market vision to drive further economic growth. Larry also reflects on his time leading CSIRO, where he challenged the norm in the hundred-year-old organisation and delivered its first period of growth in three decades. He shares with us the essentials in catalysing success and the courage required as a leader in the face of failure. Finally, Larry reminds us of the importance of diversity, as different thoughts and perspectives will ultimately drive future innovation in Australia.

Larry Marshall is currently a Non-Executive Director of Fortescue Ltd and Nanosonics Ltd and also serves on the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Council of the Australian National University and the Australian Government’s Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group. Larry is also Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia. He was Chief Executive Officer of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency from 2015 to 2023. Prior to CSIRO, he spent a considerable amount of time in the United States, where he co-founded and led a number of technology and venture capital companies in biotechnology, telecommunications and semiconductors. He is also the author of “Invention to Innovation: How Scientists Can Drive our Economy,” which was published in 2023.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 27 August 2024.

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In Episode 142 of the No Limitations podcast The Dirty Deal, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Dr Adi Paterson, Founder and Principal of Siyeva Consulting. Adi was formerly Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Australia’s nuclear centre of excellence.

As we head into a critical juncture in Australia’s energy future debate, Adi joins us again to challenge our thinking around the game-changing opportunity for nuclear power in Australia. He highlights the enormous potential for small modular reactors, which can provide reliable energy that can transform regional Australia, lead to the creation of new markets, and accelerate the country’s growth. Adi also provides an assessment of where the nation currently stands in terms of renewables and warns us of the potential implications it may have not only on business and the broader economy, but also for the everyday Australian if we continue down the current trajectory. Finally, Adi stresses the need for leaders and policymakers to act swiftly to meet net-zero targets and address the desperate need for affordable and reliable energy.

Prior to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of ANSTO, Adi served as the General Manager of Business Development and Operations at the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Company in South Africa. Adi was Group Executive of the Department of Science and Technology within the South African Government and Executive Vice-President at the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Adi has contributed to numerous advisory Boards and committees and is currently a Board Member of HB11 Energy and AdvanCell Isotopes.

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In Episode 141 of the No Limitations podcast No Passengers on Boards, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Jim Askew, Chairman of Syrah Resources Ltd and Robex Resources Inc.

Having held senior leadership roles in public mining companies listed in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia with assets on all major continents, Jim shares his perspective on the state of the ever-changing global mining industry, highlighting the enormous opportunities present in Africa where the development of vital infrastructure has paved the way for growth. He also touches on the critical minerals sector and the emerging trends in the electric vehicle and battery markets. Turning to Australia, Jim brings to the fore the challenges of pursuing further growth in what is becoming an increasingly competitive international market and how to address the disconnect across an array of stakeholders from governments to corporates, to traditional owners and all Australians. Finally, Jim reveals his philosophy on leadership and how he builds teams to ensure companies are on track for sustainable growth and success.

Jim is currently Chairman of graphite and anode material producer Syrah Resources Ltd, West African mine operator Robex Resources Inc. and a private New Zealand-focused mining company. He is also on the Board of the gold and copper producer Evolution Mining Ltd, where he is a Founding Director. Jim has previously served on the Boards of Sino Gold Ltd, Ausdrill Ltd, Golden Shamrock Mines Ltd, OceanaGold Corporation and PMI Gold Corporation. During his executive career, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Climax Mining Ltd, Golden Shamrock Mines Ltd, and Black Range Minerals Ltd. Earlier in his career, he consulted to a wide variety of domestic and international companies through his firm James Askew Associates, which is now known as AMC International Consultants.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 3 July 2024.

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In Episode 140 of the No Limitations podcast Don’t Jump to Conclusions, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Coby Hanoch, Chief Executive Officer of Israel-based semiconductor IP company Weebit Nano Ltd.

In an open discussion, Coby provides an overview of the global infrastructure of the rapidly growing, multi-trillion-dollar semiconductor industry, Weebit Nano’s opportunity as a differentiator as well as insight into leading players in the market including the United States, Taiwan and South Korea. As a company based in Israel, he offers insight into how historical conflict and limited natural resources have shaped the country’s culture of resilience, creativity and entrepreneurship. Coby emphasises the importance of persisting through failure and shares his leadership philosophy to building high-performing teams in particularly challenging times and circumstances. Finally, Coby gives his frank assessment on Australia’s regulatory environment particularly for listed companies and how this presents a potential obstacle to Australia developing into a “high-tech” economy and its ability to invest in technological innovations.

Coby has nearly 45 years in the semiconductor industry and has held roles spanning engineering, sales, and executive leadership. Before Weebit Nano Ltd, Coby served as Chief Executive Officer of optical layer transport solution company PacketLight Networks. Coby also served as Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Verisity Ltd and Jasper Automation. Coby also established EDAcon Partners, a consulting company assisting technology start-up companies.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 19 August 2024.

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In Episode 139 of the No Limitations podcast Last Man Standing, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Col. Douglas Macgregor (ret.), Former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense.

In a thought-provoking discussion, which will no doubt generate significant debate, Douglas provides a commentary on the state of leadership in the wider world today. He turns to the major flashpoints across the globe, and he assesses the rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and other parties in the Middle East and the Russian war with Ukraine, sharing his perspective as someone who has endured the horrors and futility of war. Douglas also evaluates the likelihood of an act of aggression by China against its immediate neighbours such as Taiwan in the South China Sea. Returning to the United States, Douglas emphasises the need for cultural unity and the successful assimilation of new waves of immigration into mainstream society. He also touches on the need to act decisively to reduce the burgeoning government debt and the possibility of emerging nations embracing bitcoin to curb the influence of the United States dollar.

Douglas was first commissioned into the United States Army in 1976. During his 28 years of service, he was a leader of the 1st Squadron 4th Cavalry, the 1999 Kosovo Air Campaign, the Battle of 73 Easting during the Gulf War, and the offensive into Baghdad in 2002. By the time of his retirement in 2004, Douglas was a decorated veteran with several awards for meritorious service, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. More recently, Douglas was the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, a position he held until then-President Trump left office. Douglas has written several books on military operations which have been the catalyst for profound changes in defense strategy in the United States and abroad. Douglas has also appeared as a defense analyst on Fox News, CNN, BBC, Sky News and public radio.  

Please note: this episode was recorded on 14 August 2024.

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In Episode 138 of the No Limitations podcast The Reckoning, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Adrian Turner, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ExoFlare. 

In an absorbing discussion, Adrian asserts that Australia’s leadership needs to create a stronger sense of national purpose and ambition. He emphasises the need to develop new industries while boosting economic output, employment, and productivity, and to maintain our way of life and economic security in the face of massive change and uncertainty. Drawing on his Silicon Valley experience, Adrian implores aspiring entrepreneurs to become product experts, like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, who can master complexity with ease. Adrian speaks in detail about the biosecurity mission of ExoFlare and the role it aims to play in the $10 trillion global food industry. Lastly, Adrian encourages the next generation of business and political leaders to cast off the inertia and inaction of the previous decades and to strive for greater achievement, enabled by new technology and tools.

Adrian was a Director of Philips Electronics before co-founding cybersecurity business, Mocana, in Silicon Valley where he served as Chief Executive Officer for eleven years. Thereafter, Adrian returned to Australia as the founding Chief Executive Officer of CSIRO’s Data61 before starting ExoFlare in 2021. Adrian has served on the Boards of SaltGrid, Australian eHealth Research Centre, AustCyber and Prezzee. In the non-profit sector, Adrian was the Chief Executive Officer of Minderoo Fire and Flood and the Chair of the Board for Australia’s Expatriate Network, Advance. He was a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on the Digital Economy.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 1 July 2024.

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In Episode 137 of the No Limitations podcast Flight to Gold, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Hooker OAM, Founder and Director of iHi Projects. 

In this relaxed discussion, Steve takes us behind the scenes of the Olympic Games, uncovering the magic, myths and mastery behind the sporting spectacle. He reveals what it truly takes to deliver on a world stage, as he describes the “pressure cooker” of Beijing's Bird's Nest and the moment he clinched gold amidst an 80,000-strong crowd. Steve discusses his journey beyond the track, where he has taken significant strides in the corporate arena, bridging the gap between sports and business while championing community building and sustainable impact. Through it all, Steve discusses the importance of “having a crack” and provides his insights on the standout stars to watch in the Paris Olympic Games.

Steve remains one of only a handful of athletes to hold Olympic, World Championship, IAAF World Indoor Championship and IAAF Continental Cup titles simultaneously, after completing the winning set in the pole vault in 2010 and was the first Australian man to hold both the Olympic and World titles concurrently. Since retiring from competitive athletics, Steve has served as Chief Executive of Access Telehealth, Chief Executive Officer of Resimax Group, and Executive Director of the Australian Olympic Committee. Steve is currently a Director of Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Steve Hooker Sports.

Please note: This episode was recorded on 17 June 2024.

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In Episode 136 of the No Limitations podcast In Unexpected Places, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Robert Spurway, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GrainCorp Ltd. 

In an insightful discussion, Robert provides an in-depth assessment of the global agriculture market, which has withstood challenges such as adverse weather conditions, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. Robert believes that there is cause for optimism as Australia is well placed to serve large markets in Southeast Asia and China, global demand for agriculture is outpacing supply, and Australian policymakers are placing greater importance on national biosecurity. Robert also proposes several initiatives by which GrainCorp Ltd can remain a market leader in the coming decades, including deploying its internal venture capital fund, improving rail networks, utilising data analytics, and adopting precision farming techniques.

Robert started his career as a chemical engineer in the New Zealand dairy industry, before moving to Australia and holding general management roles at Goodman Fielder. A move to private equity-owned Mrs Crocket’s Kitchen resulted in his appointment to Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, a role he also held at Salad Fresh following their acquisition of Mrs Crocket’s. Thereafter, Robert joined New Zealand dairy business, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, where he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Global Operations. In March 2020, Robert was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GrainCorp Ltd.

Robert was the Chairman of Kotahi Logistics LP Ltd, Deputy Chairman of Prolesur S.A., and a Director of DFE Pharma GmbH & Co.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 5 June 2024.

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In Episode 135 of the No Limitations podcast Another Hole in the Ground, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Douglas Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Coronado Global Resources Inc.

In an enlightening discussion, Douglas offers a thorough analysis of the shifting market dynamics within the coal industry whilst underscoring the pivotal role of metallurgical coal in the global energy transition. Douglas critiques Australia's political inertia, lamenting its impact on the country’s global market positioning despite our abundant resources. He advocates that the nation needs to “shake loose” from its bureaucratic processes, emphasising the need for informed voting and proactive policymaking to leverage our resources effectively.

Douglas redefines mining beyond just “another hole in the ground”, highlighting the vast career opportunities and sense of community that is deeply rooted within the industry. Embracing instability, he outlines how he stays agile as a leader and the importance of lifting one’s head to look over the horizon.

Lastly, Douglas urges listeners not to lose sight of the magic in the moment whilst “challenging the next giant”.

Douglas joined Coronado in August 2021 as the Chief Operating Officer of Australia and was subsequently appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer in May 2023. Prior to joining Coronado, Douglas was employed by CIMIC Group Ltd, where he held the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Thiess since 2017. Additionally, in the role of Mining and Mineral Processing Executive, Douglas was responsible for leading CIMIC Group’s operating company Sedgman. Douglas commenced his mining career at Gold Fields Ltd in South Africa, where he held various leadership roles during his tenure.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 12 June 2024

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In Episode 134 of the No Limitations podcast Ripe for Improvement, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Pat O’Sullivan, Chairman of three ASX-listed companies:

• SiteMinder Ltd;
• TechnologyOne Ltd; and
• CAR Group Ltd.

In a captivating discussion, Pat contends that Australia remains the lucky country with abundant prosperity, an irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit, and stable political leadership. He asserts that Australia is ready for a big-picture vision to galvanise the nation and ensure it succeeds in the decades ahead. Pat speaks at length about his executive role at Singtel Optus in a fast changing and intensely competitive environment, where he learned the importance of building an extensive network of close professional contacts. Pat also discusses his tenure at Nine Entertainment, sharing tales about a confronting interview with business and media tycoon, Kerry Packer, working alongside James Packer and Eddie McGuire, and dealing with private equity suitors.

Pat had a distinguished executive career, serving as Chief Financial Officer of Goodman Fielder New Zealand, Chief Financial Officer of Singtel Optus, and Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director of Nine Entertainment and PBL Media. Thereafter, Pat transitioned into a Board career, where he has been a Non-Executive Director of iiNet, Isentia, APN Outdoor, Marley Spoon and Afterpay. Pat was also the Chairman of Lux Group, LocalAgentFinder, and Healthengine, as well as Deputy Chairman of Calvary Health Care. He is currently the Chairman of the non-profit group Dreams2Live4.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 29 May 2024.

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