No Limitations

In Episode 48, “Innovation Is Just Hard Work”, Blenheim Partners‘ Gregory Robinson speaks to Sam Riggall, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Clean TeQ Holdings Ltd, an Australian and Canadian listed technology company focused on the development of resources to service new energy and materials markets. He previously held senior global roles with Rio Tinto Group and Ivanhoe Mines Ltd, where he led a successful negotiation with the Mongolian Parliament of a 50-year investment agreement for the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine.
In a very thought-provoking episode, Sam challenges us to consider where we are as a society, highlighting that the world is at a tipping point, especially with the technological advances that await us. As the leader of a technology company that could help revolutionise renewable energy and the automotive and aerospace industries, Sam also recognises the organisation’s potential in providing safe drinking water and basic sanitation to almost a quarter of the world’s population.
Sam takes us on a journey that covers the chemistry in mining, social issues in the Congo, the chessboard on which geopolitical power brokers manoeuvre in, the hope of the entrepreneur and the realisation that Elvis lives on in Rural Australia. Finally, he sheds light on the meaning behind how the rule book is being rewritten and those who succeed will be ones who adapt fastest.

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In Episode 47, “The Wake Up Call”, Blenheim Partners‘ Gregory Robinson speaks to Kate Carnell AO, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. She previously held the position of Chief Executive Officer for The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which represents more than 300,000 businesses across Australia, Beyond Blue, the Australian Food and Grocery Council, the Australian General Practice Network and the National Association of Forest Industries. Kate was also the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory from 1995 to 2000.
A pharmacist by profession, Kate ran her own small businesses for fifteen years, and went on to become the first female to become the National Vice-President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. In 2006, Kate was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her services to the community through contributions to economic development and support for the business sector, knowledge industries, the medical sector and medical technology advances.
In a powerful conversation, Kate brings to light the reality small businesses have to face as they try to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the constant ambiguity and the confronting issues, from hidden unemployment, mental health, to battles with landlords, we discuss how the time has arrived for us to wake up and seize the opportunity, as a nation, to cut the red tape and come together, embody the spirit of the entrepreneur and support the bedrock of the Australian and global economy.
Please note the podcast was recorded on 25th June 2020

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In Episode 46, “The Show Must Go On”, Blenheim Partners‘ Gregory Robinson speaks to Sophie Galaise, Managing Director of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO). She is also on the Board of Symphony Services International, a member of the Advisory Council of the Harvard Business Review, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the CEO Institute in Australia.
Starting her career as a principal flautist in Germany at the age of 17, Sophie went on to become the Artistic Director of the Orford Arts Centre in Canada, Executive Director of the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Sophie was named as one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence in 2015 and 2019.
Sophie shares with us how the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is working to break the mould and create a new DNA. By expanding their engagement with the community, they have transcended from being a traditional orchestra to capturing new audiences and winning hearts, through partnerships with sport and film, and crossovers with the likes of Elton John.
Finally, Sophie talks about the performing arts industry, arguably one of the most adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and calls for radical change to ensure its survival. She brings to light how the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has adapted, by being inventive, embracing technology and preparing for a different future, to broaden their reach to over five continents and keep the music playing.

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In Episode 45, “Desire to Deliver”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Marnie Baker, Managing Director of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. She has been with the organisation since 1989, an Executive since 2000 and was appointed Managing Director in 2018. Marnie provides us with an insight into her baptism of fire, being at the helm during some of the most challenging times in the industry and the country.
Marnie and Greg discuss the big picture of the Australian banking industry, the transition into a cashless society and the importance of a level playing field to ultimately provide customers with access to more competitive products. They delve into digitisation and the advances in technology made through partnerships; Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has always been at the forefront of innovation. In its 162-year history, it was the first to bring to market some of the services we use every day.
Furthermore, Marnie talks about leadership in a time of crisis, from the importance of effective communication to the improved speed of decision making. She talks about the opportunity surrounding infrastructure investment in regional Australia and how the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the weakness of having the majority of the population living in metropolitan areas. Lastly, Marnie talks about the desire to deliver on a purpose and changing the way people think about banking.

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In Episode 44, “Focus on What’s Important”, Blenheim Partners‘ Gregory Robinson is delighted to speak to Sam Weiss, Non-Executive Chairman of Altium Ltd and 3P Learning Ltd. Elected as Chairman of Altium Ltd in 2007, Sam has been instrumental in the expansion and outstanding growth of the company, currently with a share price of about 33 times as it was when Sam’s tenure commenced.
Sam shares with us his journey across various industries from the United States to Australia, which included a fascinating period in Europe with the sporting giant Nike. He vividly recalls his encounters with legendary athletes, such as Michael Jordan, Michael Schumacher, Cathy Freeman and the Brazilian footballer Ronaldo.
In a very insightful conversation, Sam and Greg talk about the technology industry, including trends on the global stage and what can be done in Australia to transform it from a society that predominantly consumes tech products into an environment conducive to developing and producing technology. Sam draws on his experiences, particularly with Altium, and imparts his knowledge and wisdom to current and aspiring Directors on how they can achieve the goal of generating value for shareholders.

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In Episode 43, “Down the Line”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Ian Pollard, Chairman of RGA Reinsurance Company of Australia and Director of Milton Corporation Ltd and the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists. He was also the Chairman of Billabong International and Managing Director of Development Finance Corporation. Ian coaches CEO’s and Senior Executives and authored numerous books on corporate finance, self-help and human capital.
In these challenging times, Ian shares lessons on how to cope with pressure, highlighting his experience at Billabong International, where the Board had to meet around a hundred times in a period of one year. He provides valuable insight and words of wisdom to new and aspiring Directors to enable them to leave a mark on the company.
Ian talks us through his fascinating youth as a Rhodes Scholar, Captain of the Australian Junior Davis Cup team where he faced an up-and-coming Bjorn Borg and being appointed Chair of a company at 25 years of age. An actuary by background, Ian’s early career was in investment banking. He also founded the investment company Development Capital of Australia and is a pioneer of Australian corporate finance.

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In Episode 42, “Picking Up Sticks”, Blenheim Partners‘ Gregory Robinson speaks to Mick McCormack, former Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of APA Group. Under Mick’s fourteen-year leadership, APA Group grew from 30 employees and assets worth $1.3bn to 3,000 employees and assets of $24bn and delivered a compound rate of return to shareholders of over 17% per year.
The big vision coupled with the resilience instilled in him growing up on a farm, we hear of Mick’s journey from hard hats and steel caps to leading an ASX 50 Company. Mick shares his views on authentic leadership, decision-making and setting the culture that are crucial to an organisation’s success.
In a candid conversation, Greg and Mick discuss energy infrastructure in Australia and compare it to the standards overseas, a high point of topic as all nations examine how gas supply will help stimulate an economic recovery. They delve into Mick’s motivations, the causes he is passionate about and the changes he looks forward to seeing in the country. Lastly, we hear of , which has proven to be a reliable tool Mick calls upon in helping him focus and bring things to perspective.the mum test

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In Episode 41, “Open for Debate”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to John Fraser, Chairman of AMP Capital Holdings Ltd, Director of AMP Ltd, Judo Bank, the Future Fund and Advance. John served as the Secretary to the Australian Treasury from 2015 to 2018 and before that was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UBS Global Asset Management based in London. He was previously a Member of the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Council of Financial Regulators, as well as the Chair of the G20 Global Infrastructure Hub and the Victorian Funds Management Corporation.
In this insightful conversation, John shares with us his unique perspective on the path to recovery as we deal with the economic and social consequences of the pandemic, the incoming shifts in global markets, particularly China and the United States, as well as Australia’s vital role in addressing key geopolitical matters. Greg and John discuss the importance of open and constructive debate, which in times has been marred by unhealthy, zealous political correctness.
John gives us a rare glimpse into the corridors of power, spanning from Canberra to Washington, D.C., where he had postings at the International Monetary Fund and the Australian Embassy, from London to the Middle East, in his roles with UBS Global Asset Management and UBS Saudi Arabia, and from Presidents to Prime Ministers.

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In Episode 40, “This Too Shall Pass”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Mehrdad Baghai, Chairman of Alchemy Growth, a strategy advisory firm, and Global Chief Executive Officer of High Resolves, a not-for-profit organisation focused on immersive citizenship education programs for young people in Australia, Canada, the United States, Brazil and Mexico.
Mehrdad is the author of New York Times bestseller , as well as international bestsellers and . Mehrdad was previously an Executive Director of the CSIRO and worked at McKinsey and Company as a partner and co-leader of their worldwide Growth Practice.As OneThe Alchemy of GrowthThe Granularity of Growth
Greg and Mehrdad discuss leadership during a crisis, the difficult decisions that have to be made and dealing with the delicate topic of trust, especially now as we are in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Mehrdad also brings to light the unique growth opportunity brought about by a crisis; by looking within and asking the tough questions, we can rise with renewed maturity from this collective wakeup call.
We hear about Mehrdad’s upbringing, and how his family moved from Iran to Canada to escape persecution. Drawing from his experiences, he had a keen interest in collective action, went on to study at Harvard University and worked with Nobel laureate Thomas Schelling. Mehrdad stresses the importance of messaging to inspire collective action, especially with the extraordinary circumstances we currently face.

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In Episode 39, “Challenge to Greatness”, Blenheim Partners' Gregory Robinson is delighted to speak to Naomi Simson, Founder of the leading online experience retailer RedBalloon and Co-Founder of The Big Red Group. She is also a Member of The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Business and Economics Board and a Governor of The Research Foundation of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Naomi is the author of the best-selling books Live What You Love and Ready to Soar and was one of the Sharks in the television program Shark Tank Australia.
Naomi talks us through beginnings of her business and brand, after biding her time in the corporate world, she started RedBalloon at home with a second hand computer and eventually became a household name and media personality. Last year, the Big Red Group delivered $850m worth of economic value to the community and looking forward, aims to serve an experience every second, somewhere on earth, by 2030.
Greg and Naomi discuss the changes we are going through, from the evolution of technology to new working arrangements. In these times, Naomi presents us with the challenge to greatness: how we, as one community, can rally and support one another to bounce back stronger than ever.

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