In Episode 154 of the No Limitations podcast, The Quantum Cold War, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Rob Jesudason, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founding Partner of Serendipity Capital.

In a provocative discussion, Rob warns that increasing geopolitical tensions are heightening security risks as we shift towards a multipolar world order. He emphasises that the lack of sufficient investment from governments and businesses in technologies critical to national security, could put countries at a disadvantage, leaving both their physical and technological infrastructure vulnerable. Rob also closely examines the implications of Artificial Intelligence and questions whether economies like Australia can effectively leverage its resources and implement a long-term strategy to address current challenges in productivity, tax policy and investment incentives. Finally, Rob explores the complexities of building a business from scratch, sharing candid insights and personal anecdotes of his journey transitioning from a Senior Executive at Commonwealth Bank of Australia to founding Serendipity Capital.

Rob began his career at GE Capital in the United Kingdom before joining McKinsey & Company for four years. For the next 16 years, Rob held various senior leadership positions at several major banks, including Barclays Bank PLC, J.P. Morgan, Credit Suisse and Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where he was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in 2017. He also served as a Non-Executive Director of ASB Bank, PT Bank Commonwealth and TymeBank. Rob was appointed President of Block.one in 2018, before relocating to Singapore, where he founded Serendipity Capital, an early-stage investment firm that is focused on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, climate and sustainability, quantum technologies and security. In addition to being the CEO, Rob is also the Chief Investment Officer and is responsible for recommending investment decisions to the Investment Committee. He is a Non-Executive Director of several Serendipity portfolio companies including Deep Labs, Pollination and Fortaegis Technologies, and was previously on the Board of Cambridge Quantum Computing. Rob is a Visiting Professor at Aston University.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 6 May 2025.

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In Episode 153 of the No Limitations podcast Phoenix From The Ashes, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with James P. Farwell, Senior Fellow at Sympodium-Institute for Strategic Communications (London).

In an absorbing discussion, James contends that the world today is adrift and in need of a course to steer. Drawing on his background as a political, corporate, communications and national security advisor, James asserts that Donald Trump has used tariffs as an instrument of “purposeful unpredictability” and as a potent negotiating tactic. Turning to China, James believes that Xi Jinping is establishing total control over the Chinese Communist Party, the government and the military, and that Vladimir Putin is seeking to follow in the footsteps of Peter the Great in making Russia a dominant hegemonic power once again. James discusses a range of other interesting topics including cybersecurity, irregular warfare, his fascination with UFOs, and his recent engagement with the film industry in Hollywood. He finishes with a stirring conclusion about the nature of leadership centred around character, integrity and excellence in a thought-provoking conversation.

Earlier in his career, James was a Partner at Chaffe McCall law firm in New Orleans. Thereafter, and for over three decades, James has operated his own consultancy, The Farwell Group, through which he has advised United States and overseas presidential campaigns, gubernatorial candidates from Oklahoma, California, and Arkansas, and legislative candidates from Bermuda, Greece and Korea. James is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Biodefense Research. James was previously an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Strategic Communications, Department of War Studies at King’s College in London and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Middle East Logistics High Institute. A talented and prolific writer, James has nearly 130 publications to his name, spanning national security, corporate strategy, communications, cyberwarfare, and creative works including a West End musical and several films in the making.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 23 April 2025.

Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this podcast are James’ own and do not represent those of the United States government.

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In Episode 152 of the No Limitations podcast Culture Trumps All, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Steve Sargent, Chairman of Nanosonics Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

In a reflective yet upbeat conversation, Steve delves into the core principles which helped establish General Electric (GE) as one of the greatest leadership factories of the 21st century. He dissects the company’s performance-oriented culture, emphasising the importance of seamless operating systems as well as the power of candid communication and messaging. Steve challenges us to critically assess GE’s renowned leadership methodologies, such as Six Sigma, and whether they could still be employed by modern CEOs in today’s evolving business world. Finally, Steve offers his perspective on the broader business leadership challenges at both the Executive and Board level, and how the shifting geopolitical landscape may reshape the global economy and provide unprecedented and untapped opportunities for Australia.

Steve began his career at Westpac Banking Corporation before moving to the United States, where he joined GE. Over the next 25 years, he held a variety of leadership roles within the company, ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer and President, Global Mining. Steve was the first Australian appointed as a member of the company’s 45-member Corporate Executive Council and as an Officer of GE in the company’s long-standing history. Currently, Steve is the Chairman of Nanosonics Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Ramsay Health Care Ltd. He is also Chairman of the Origin Energy Foundation, Origin Energy’s philanthropic arm, and serves on the Board of The Great Barrier Reef Foundation and is a Non-Executive Director of Lumitron Technologies Inc.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 11 March 2025.

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In Episode 151 of the No Limitations podcast Commitment Bordering on Obsession, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with David Dicker, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dicker Data Ltd and Founder of Rodin Cars.

In a relaxed yet discerning conversation, David reflects on his unique entrepreneurial journey. He recounts the pivotal moments and tribulations that propelled Dicker Data from its humble beginnings to the nation’s largest locally owned and operated ICT distributor. David shares the guiding principles that have been fundamental to his success, offering valuable insight to his approach to business strategy, the need for standards and translating it all into a remarkable growth story.

Finally, David takes the opportunity to discuss the new world, the political landscape, and what is next over the horizon.

Upon finishing high school, David pursued a refrigeration mechanics apprenticeship before joining his father’s building business. In 1978, he co-founded a computer company originally called the microcomputer division of AJ and JW Dicker.

The company later rebranded to Dicker Data and in 2011, was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Dicker Data is a distributor of computer hardware, software, and cloud products, serving over 5,000 registered reseller partners annually. David is also the founder of Rodin Cars, an emerging high-technology, high-performance track car developer based in New Zealand.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 19 March 2025.

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In Episode 150 of the No Limitations podcast Back to the Whiteboard, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with John Mullen, Chair of Qantas Airways Ltd, Brambles Ltd and Treasury Wine Estates Ltd.

In a topical discussion, John confronts the challenges plaguing Australian corporate Boardrooms, highlighting how these issues could undermine productivity and threaten the future growth of the nation. Drawing from his rich experience leading TNT and DHL Express, John shares his war stories and invaluable learnings, revealing the people challenges that continue to resonate in today’s corporate world. He offers a stark warning that over-regulation on ASX-listed entities is driving top talent away from public companies to the Boardrooms and management ranks of private capital. John concludes by emphasising that governance initiatives such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) should not be a mere tick-box exercise but rather something that should be strategically pursued if they add tangible value to the organisation.

John spent his early career with TNT Group, where he held several leadership positions, including as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TNT Express Worldwide from 1990 to 1994. He then advanced to the DHL Group, where he became Global CEO of DHL Express in 2006. John’s executive career continued as he served as Managing Director and CEO of Asciano Ltd, one of Australia’s largest port and rail operators, before taking on the role of Executive Chairman at The Toll Group. John served on the Board of Telstra Group Ltd from 2008 and held the position of Chairman from 2016 to 2023. Currently, John is the Chair of Qantas Airways Ltd, Brambles Ltd, Treasury Wine Estates Ltd, and Scyne Advisory, a PwC spin-off. He also serves as a Director at Brookfield Infrastructure Corporation, a US-based asset management firm.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 14 March 2025.

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In Episode 149 of the No Limitations podcast Accelerate and Boom, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Michael Reid, Chief Executive Officer of Megaport Ltd.

In an illuminating discussion, Michael first expresses optimism about the future of the United States and the wider world. Turning to his current role, Michael explains the technical features behind Megaport’s services, and he provides an appraisal of a range of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, data centres, space satellites, and quantum computing. Michael sheds light on the operating culture of Megaport, to disrupt the status quo through constant innovation, and he highlights the steps taken to return the company to profitability after he became the Chief Executive Officer two years ago. Michael addresses several other interesting topics including the need to attract outstanding talent, set an ambitious vision to galvanise a team, and continuously learn from customers.

Michael started his career at CSG, now a part of Fujifilm, in technology sales roles. He then spent over thirteen years at Cisco, mostly in Australia, before rising to become Managing Director of Worldwide Internet of Things Sales based in California. Thereafter, he was Chief Revenue Officer at Thousandeyes, also a part of Cisco, for two years. Michael is now the Chief Executive Officer of Megaport Ltd, and he is an Executive Member of Pavilion, an Advisory Board Member of Women in Digital International, an Advisory Board Member of GrowthQ, and an Advisor at Pano AI.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 3 March 2025.

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In Episode 148 of the No Limitations podcast The Tiger in the Room, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Lt. Col. Jahara “Franky” Matisek, Military Professor at the U.S. Naval War College.

In an erudite discussion, Franky asserts that the United States remains the chief defender of freedom, democracy and the global rules-based order, although he cautions that its political leaders have replaced diplomacy and protocol with unpredictable rhetoric. Turning to the wider world, Franky laments that Russia has become a pariah state with a depleted economy and that China is now a dominant superpower with a hegemonic outlook towards its neighbours in the Asia-Pacific region. Franky also delivers an astute assessment of the strategic significance of other nations such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, the United Kingdom, and Europe more broadly. Lastly, he shares his leadership philosophy centred around having the courage to follow your passion.      

Franky started his career at the United States Air Force as an Officer where he has served for two decades and completed over 1,300 combat hours in major operations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Franky holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University and is a Military Professor at the U.S. Naval War College. He is also a Fellow at the Irregular Warfare Initiative, the European Resilience Initiative Center, and the Payne Institute for Public Policy. In addition, he is the Minerva Co-Principal Investigator for improving United States security assistance at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defence for Research and Engineering. Franky is the most published active duty United States military officer with two books and a hundred articles in peer-reviewed journals and policy outlets to his name.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 18 February 2025.

Disclaimer: The views of Lt. Col. Matisek are his own and do not reflect the official positions of the United States Air Force, Naval College, Department of Defence, or United States Government.

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In Episode 147 of the No Limitations podcast Modern Day Miracle, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Ian Wishart, Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

In a stirring discussion, Ian sheds light on the central mission of The Fred Hollows Foundation, which has helped restore sight or prevent blindness for more than 150 million people across 25 countries over the past 30 years. He reflects on his formative years in Port Moresby and how these experiences gave him purpose for helping those less fortunate. We hear of Ian’s early days as he commenced his career in the field of humanitarian aid, where he was deployed to civil war-torn Ethiopia as well as Rwanda, amidst an ongoing tragedy at that time, before dedicating his time to advancing children's rights and promoting gender equality. Ian then turns to his role as Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation. He shares with us their incredible DNA, where one never accepts the impossible, and how they are bringing together communities, supporters, governments, and experts from around the world to help realise a bold vision of not only restoring sight but changing lives. We learn of an ambitious five-year strategy, their plans for transforming countries, as well as stories of remarkable generosity, from the donors who offer a little amount regularly, why it counts, to the future of corporate partnership, and how it will be a game changer. Constant throughout is the underlying message of the goodness of humanity and its incredible spirit.

Ian brings over three decades of senior leadership in humanitarian, development, and emergency relief work. After university, he commenced his career with World Vision Australia as an Emergency Relief Project Officer before becoming a Manager in the Emergency Relief Unit, a National Director in Laos, and a Strategy Manager based in Melbourne. Thereafter, Ian served as Chief Executive Officer of Plan International Australia for 18 years and also held the role of Global Project Director for five years, leading Plan International’s startup in Hong Kong. Since 2018, Ian has been the Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 25 November 2024.

Below you will see Ian Wishart sharing the Fred Hollow’s Foundation Christmas Wish and the Blenheim Partners Christmas Album. So, enjoy your favourite Christmas tunes as we all get into the Christmas spirit and festivities.

Blenheim Partners Christmas Playlist

Together, we can make a difference. To make a donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation, please visit:

Donate – The Fred Hollows Foundation

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In Episode 146 of the No Limitations podcast Something is Kind of Wrong, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Matt Barrie, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Freelancer Ltd (ASX:FLN), one of the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplaces with more than 77 million registered users and 25 million projects.

In an illuminating discussion, Matt outlines his various businesses and how they have supported new developments in engineering, aeronautics, and computer science. Reflecting on his past experiences, he explains the drawbacks of venture capitalism compared to “bootstrapping” a business, the strategic value of being late to market, and how advancements in artificial intelligence will significantly change approaches to customer engagement and daily operations. He also highlights the importance of fostering high-performing teams dedicated to delivering life-changing work. Finally, Matt discusses how despite a restrictive regulatory environment, Australia produces good business operators who will guide the nation’s next stage of economic growth.

Matt Barrie is an award-winning technology entrepreneur and a prolific speaker on a variety of topics including entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and macroeconomics. He is also the Chief Executive of Escrow.com, a world leader in secure online payments and Executive Chairman of Loadshift, Australia’s largest freight marketplace. Prior to Freelancer Ltd, Matt was an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Electrical and Information Engineering Department at the University of Sydney. He also founded and was Chief Executive of Sensory Networks Inc., a vendor of high-performance network security processors.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 8 October 2024.

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In Episode 145 of the No Limitations podcast A Personal Perspective, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Christine McLoughlin AM, Chairman of Suncorp Group Ltd.

In a relaxed discussion, Christine provides an insightful perspective into the insurance and superannuation industries in Australia today but expresses frustration with the lack of equal gender representation on Boards and Executive Teams more broadly. Christine discusses her significant work in the sporting sector through the Minerva Network, alongside other high profile women such as current Governor-General Her Excellency The Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, and she emphasises the importance of sport as the “glue” that binds local communities together. Christine also laments the recent tendency for companies to take public positions on social or political issues as part of corporate branding and, in relation to the economy, she asserts the need to address housing affordability, inequality and access to necessary technology. Lastly, Christine presents her leadership philosophy centred around accountability, opportunity and strategy.

Christine has had an extensive Executive and Board career over the past two decades. Most recently, she was the Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, and she is currently the Chairman of Suncorp Group Ltd, a Director of Cochlear Ltd, and the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Minerva Network. Christine was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for services to business, the not-for-profit sector and women. She was also Telstra Businesswoman of the Year. Christine was the Private Sector Representative for Australia for the G20 Empowerment and Progression of Women’s Economic Representation.

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

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