No Limitations

Christmas is a time for giving. Please join the Blenheim Partners Christmas Wish in supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia.

Under Louise’s leadership as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Starlight has been recognised as one of the most trusted children’s charities in the country, with a mission to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families at a time when they need happiness the most. Starlight is embedded in the Australian healthcare system as an essential service, now in every Children’s Hospital in Australia, supporting more than 140 indigenous and remote clinics and communities.

Together, we can make a difference. To make a donation to Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia, please visit www.starlight.org.au 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 29 November 2023.

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In Episode 127 of the No Limitations podcast The Dawn of New Thinking, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Dominic Barton BBM, Chair of Rio Tinto and Chair of LeapFrog Investments. He was previously Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company.

We are treated to an erudite discussion with Dominic as we delve into the dawn of a new form of capitalism, a re-imagined view of the world going through extraordinary times witnessing the fragmentation of the current international order, the rise of new superpowers, the emergence of new trading blocs, and the greatest re-allocation of capital in human history. As a former Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company having met nearly 3,500 Chief Executive Officers over the course of his career, he offers us rare insights into the elements of leadership including the nature of international business, how it intertwines with politics, and the importance of preserving the fabric of goodwill between nations. He shares with us how to have one eye on the telescope and another on the microscope, as Dominic ponders the future and conveys his excitement about many of the new and cutting-edge companies being launched.

From 2019 to 2021, Dominic was the Ambassador of Canada to the People’s Republic of China. He is currently a Senior Advisor and Partner at AI investment firm Radical Ventures, the Chancellor of the University of Waterloo and an Adjunct Professor at Tsinghua University. He was previously Chairman of Teck Resources, Non-Executive Director at the Singtel Group, Non-Executive Director at Investor AB, and an Advisory Board Member of the Olayan Group. Dominic also previously served as Chair of Standard Chartered’s International Advisory Council, Chair of the Canadian Minister of Finance’s Advisory Council on Economic Growth, and Chair of the Seoul International Business Advisory Council. Dominic was a Senior Trustee of the Brookings Institution, a member of the Singapore Economic Development Board’s International Advisory Council and a member of the Boards of Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. He has co-authored four books and received eight honorary doctorates. He also studied as a Rhodes Scholar at Brasenose College, Oxford University.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 26 October 2023.

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In Episode 126 of the No Limitations podcast Bears on Bicycles, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Peggy O’Neal AO, Chancellor of RMIT University and former President of the Richmond Football Club.

In a compelling conversation, Peggy discusses her start in life in a small coal mining town in West Virginia and how, after meeting an Australian backpacker in Greece, she relocated with him to Melbourne. Peggy then forged a reputation as one of Australia’s leading superannuation and financial services law experts and, since then, has taken on a range of Board positions. Peggy speaks about her role as President of the Richmond Football Club where they won three premierships in four years under her stewardship. From within the inner sanctum, Peggy sheds light on the euphoria of winning: the culmination of a new strategic agenda, improved financial management and the importance of consistency. She is also credited with strongly suggesting that coach Damien Hardwick complete a leadership course at Harvard where he learned the mantra of “excellence with happiness” that led to ultimate success for the Club. As the Chair of the now cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Peggy sheds some light on the behind the scenes challenges. In addition, as Chancellor of RMIT University, she emphasises the importance of both vocational skills and intellectual development in a tertiary degree and closes with her view on the nature of leadership in today’s society.

Peggy started her career in Australia as a solicitor, and later partner, at Herbert Smith Freehills and is currently a consultant to Lander & Rogers, having specialised in superannuation and financial services law for over 25 years. She is the Chancellor of RMIT University, the Chair of Vanguard Superannuation and a Board Member of Women’s Housing Ltd and Home for Homes (an initiative of The Big Issue). Peggy has also served on the Boards of MLC Super Ltd and the Commonwealth Superannuation Fund. She has been Chair of the Law Council of Australia’s Superannuation Committee and was a consultant to the federal government’s review of the superannuation system in 2010. In sport, Peggy is the immediate past President of the Richmond Football Club, having served on the Board since 2005. She was also Chair of the Victorian Minister for Sport’s Inquiry into ‘Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation’ and was appointed to the Australian Institute of Sport Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Advisory Committee, as well as serving on the AFL’s Mental Health Steering Committee. She was on the Victorian Ministerial Council on Women’s Equality for three years and was the inaugural Co-Chair of the Victorian chapter of the Minerva Network. Peggy is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a member of Chief Executive Women and the Melbourne Forum. In 2019, Peggy was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for her services to Australian rules football, financial services law and women in leadership. Peggy was awarded Melburnian of the Year in 2021, received VicSport's award for "Outstanding Contribution to Sport" in 2022, and will be inducted as an AFL Life Member for her services to Australian Rules Football in 2024.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 25th September 2023.

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In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast The Man in the Arena, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Philip Kearns AM, Chief Executive Officer of AVJennings Ltd. Phil is a former Captain of the Australian Wallabies and was part of Australia’s successful campaigns that secured the Webb Ellis Cup in 1991 and 1999. He was recently appointed as a Director of the Board of the Local Operating Company for the next Rugby World Cup to be held in Australia.

We are taken on a journey through the lens of an elite athlete and Chief Executive Officer as we examine the principles of leadership and the art of winning. We commence with the magic of the World Cup, the behind-the-scenes preparation, sacrifice, motivation and important rituals of the event. From the pitch to the Boardroom, we consider the foundations for success, the essence of confidence and the need to make every minute count. We also learn of the Balmoral Burn’s good karma and a certain special twenty cent coin.

Phil represented Australia in rugby union, having played 67 Tests after his debut in 1989. He was appointed Captain in 1992, leading Australia in 10 Tests and also played in the Rest of the World side against the All Blacks for the New Zealand Rugby Centenary celebrations. Prior to his current role, he was Managing Director of InterRisk Australia and Chief Executive Officer of Centric Wealth following an earlier career with Investec. Phil served on the Board of the Childhood Cancer Institute Australia, has been deeply involved with the Dumpty Dumpty Foundation and is the Founder of the Balmoral Burn event.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 19 September 2023.

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In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast Can’t Argue With The Truth, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Senator for the Northern Territory in the Parliament of Australia.

In a special edition, Jacinta presents her perspective on the upcoming Voice referendum. She discusses the major issues at length, including the Uluru Statement from the Heart, representative democracy, equality before the law, overcoming disadvantage and improving living standards for Indigenous people as a whole. Jacinta asserts that, despite the at times divisive referendum debate, Australia remains one of the best nations on earth with rich diversity, boundless opportunity, a belief in mateship and a "fair go" for all. Jacinta also sheds light on the ways in which the real and chronic social problems affecting marginalised Indigenous groups can be addressed and the means by which we can "close the gap". For Jacinta, the path to a better future for all Australians lies in ending separatism, self-empowerment and embracing our one national identity.

Jacinta was elected as a Councillor on the Alice Springs Council, serving from 2015 to 2021, and was Deputy Mayor in her last year. After running a strong but unsuccessful campaign for the federal seat of Lingiari, Jacinta ultimately won pre-selection for the Country Liberal Party’s number one Senate ticket and was successfully elected to the federal Senate in May 2022. Aside from political office, Jacinta has been a political commentator and a Director for Indigenous Research at the Centre for Independent Studies. After high school, Jacinta was also a singer and songwriter in hip hop groups and featured as an actress in children’s television programs.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 5 October 2023.

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In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast Four Pillars of Humanity, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Stuart Gregor, Co-Founder of Four Pillars Gin.

In a captivating conversation, Stu takes us behind the scenes of the creation of Australia’s largest craft distillery, Four Pillars Gin and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives it. He discusses his journey, from his early days as a journalist to his experience in the wine industry and the founding of Liquid Ideas. Stu also provides insight into the art and science of creative and impactful marketing, innovation, and the customer experience. He leaves us with a valuable perspective on how we can distinguish ourselves in a highly competitive landscape in a world that has never been more connected.

Stuart Gregor is the Co-Founder of Four Pillars Gin, an award-winning Australian gin brand and distillery. He is also the Founder of Liquid Ideas, a creative communications agency that partners with well-known brands in the food, drink, and lifestyle industries. Stu has served on the Boards of OzHarvest and Starlight Foundation, and was previously the Inaugural Board Chair for the Australian Public Relations Council, as well as the President and Chair for the Australian Distillers Association.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 28 August 2023.

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In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast The Middle-Class Artist, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Jaddan Comerford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UNIFIED Music Group.

In a relaxed discussion, we learn of Jaddan's pioneering and entrepreneurial journey into the rough and tumble of the music world. Starting out at the age of 17 as a one-man band in his parent's home, pursuing a dream, he learned on the fly, broke with tradition, and successfully reshaped the industry and the way we think about the business of music. In so doing, he has captured the imagination and support of emerging music talent and future greats, providing them with the platform and support to unlock and unleash their potential on the local and world stage. Jaddan lifts up the stage curtain, sharing with us the early days, the experimentations, the wins and the major breakthroughs. We uncover what lies ahead, the power of social media and new technologies, as we leave the dark days of COVID-19 behind and embrace the renaissance in music and all its creativity.  

Jaddan founded UNIFIED Music Group, an independent multi-service music company in 2011 and has attracted prominent artists such as Vance Joy, Dashboard Confessional, and Ocean Alley. This followed his debut in the industry, with the launch of Boomtown Records in 2002. Alongside UNIFIED, he's a Co-Founder and Start-up Investor at Side Stage Ventures, a venture capital fund, focused on building the ecosystem and supporting innovative companies, such as Heaps Normal, Vitruvian, Mr Yum, and Tixel.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 3 July 2023.

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In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast A Rising Tide Floats All Boats, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Paul Scurrah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific National.

In a highly engaging discussion, Paul, having worked at the pinnacle of logistics in Australia across all of rail, air and ports, shares his unique vision for the future of freight transport in Australia. Paul emphasises the need for a big-picture perspective as well as the importance of supply chain as an engine room for growth. Paul provides some salutary lessons from his time at the helm of Virgin Australia including its storied rivalry with Qantas and some advice for current airline management at a time when results and key decisions are much publicised, scrutinised and criticised. Paul sheds light on best practice for managing crises, having led through the darkest days of COVID-19 as well as, earlier in his career, having overseen Queensland Rail when most of its rail network was submerged by unprecedented floods. Paul discusses the substantial opportunities on offer for Australia in rail freight and touches on a range of interesting topics including high-speed rail networks, the appropriate place for ESG in commercial decision-making and the need for an apolitical and bipartisan future for rail and the broader transport sector. Lastly, Paul describes the touchstone values which have sustained him through the difficulties and successes in the upper echelons of corporate Australia, as well as his personal journey that took place away from the Boardroom.

Paul was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific National in 2021. His executive career began as Managing Director – Wholesale and Group Executive Director at The AOT Group and then as Chief Executive Officer at TravelOnline.com. Thereafter Paul held significant roles as Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Rail and as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DP World Australia. More prominently, Paul served as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Virgin Australia. Paul has served on a number of Boards, notably Australia Post, Gold Coast Suns Football Club and RPM Global.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 26 June 2023.

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In the latest episode of the No Limitations podcast No Set Rules, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Jack Gance, Chairman and Co-Founder of Chemist Warehouse. Jack's journey began in 1972 alongside his brother Sam, as they embarked on a voyage that would eventually shape the landscape of retail pharmaceuticals.

Jack takes us on a personal journey as he shares how his upbringing, marked by resilience and a dedication to education, laid the groundwork for his visionary leadership in the retail pharmaceutical realm. Jack's contributions have not only propelled market presence and share but have also made essential prescriptions and medications accessible to a wider audience. Jack also offers valuable insights into Chemist Warehouse's strategic international expansion plans, highlighting the company's steadfast dedication to both growth and innovation. Moreover, Jack offers insights into the profound importance of leveraging your strategic advantage in any domain throughout your career journey. His wisdom is not just inspiring but practical, providing valuable takeaways for professionals and aspiring leaders alike.

Jack and his brother Sam founded Chemist Warehouse in 1972. They initially imported and distributed sunglasses and later expanded to include sunscreens, fragrances, and cosmetics from popular brands like Le Specs, Le Tan, Australis, and Colours of Australia. In 1993, they, along with business partner Mario Verrocchi, launched 35 stores under the My Chemist brand. Their significant milestone came in 2000 with the opening of the first Chemist Warehouse store in Melbourne. Today, the company has over 500 stores across Australia, New Zealand, China, and Ireland, with plans for future global expansion.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 19 June 2023.

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In Episode 119 of the No Limitations podcast Sitting Under the Mango Tree, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Jeff Quartermaine, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Perseus Mining Ltd, one of the largest gold mining companies listed in Australia with major mine sites in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Sudan.

In an insightful discussion, Jeff opens with his views on the appeal of mining as a career today. He touches on the challenges of managing operations in Africa, such as political risks and civil unrest, as well as making deals with local chiefs under the mango tree. Jeff emphasises the importance of maintaining a social licence to operate and doing good by local communities and other stakeholders. Jeff shares his thoughts on nations, such as Russia, China and the United States, jostling for influence in the region. Jeff also explains his core leadership philosophy, his major achievements at Perseus Mining and the values he looks for in hiring team members. Growing up in Far North Queensland, Jeff discusses the start of his career as an engineer and his rise through the ranks in the mining industry in Australia. Jeff also speaks about a number of other topics including, but not limited to, surviving COVID-19, the virtues of nuclear energy in Australia, and the value he gained from his MBA.

Jeff was appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Perseus Mining Ltd in 2013, having previously served as Chief Financial Officer. Early in his career, realising an affinity for the mining industry, Jeff became General Manager at Niugini Mining with operations in Papua New Guinea. After a short tenure in corporate finance, Jeff then moved into his first executive role as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Orogen Minerals Ltd. He was also Chief Financial Officer at MediVac Ltd. More recently, and prior to Perseus Mining, Jeff held further senior roles in the mining industry, including as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary at Lafayette Mining Ltd and at TriAusmin Ltd respectively.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 3 May 2023.

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