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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In Episode 144 of the No Limitations podcast, A Divided Nation Decides, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Stephen Loosley AM, a former Senator for New South Wales.

In a 2024 United States Presidential election special, Stephen evaluates whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris is best prepared to lead the free world for the next four years. He delivers a verdict on which candidate will claim the battleground states and asserts that the economy and reproductive rights will be the most important issues. Recognising that the world is at a critical juncture with rapidly escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine as well as rising tensions in the South China Sea, Stephen believes that the decision made at the ballot box in early November will be as important as ever for America, the West, the democratic free world, and the international balance of power.

Stephen was elected as a Senator for New South Wales in the 1990 federal election where he served in the Hawke and Keating governments and chaired the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. Thereafter, he left parliamentary politics to pursue a career in the law, but he remained a leading commentator on Australian and United States politics in media outlets such as Sky News and The Australian. He is an Ambassador for the University of Technology, Sydney and previously served as a Visiting Fellow at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney and the Chair of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Canberra. He has also been a Board member of leading organisations such as Crescent Capital Partners, National Rugby League and The Salvation Army.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed by Stephen in this podcast are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organisations he is involved with.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 18 October 2024.

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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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