From a career that began in the social services of inner-city Manchester to now leading successful organisational mergers and launching Loom Consulting, Alex’s journey is one of intentional pivots, entrepreneurial thinking, and a relentless drive to “do good, better.” Chris and Alex explore how embracing commercial strategies, fostering innovative governance, and harnessing technology can unlock new ways for charities to deliver on their missions while avoiding the pitfalls of risk aversion and stagnation.

Alex’s story is a fresh reminder: meaningful change and even commercial success are possible in the purpose-driven sector, if you’re willing to challenge tradition! If you’re building impact in the “for purpose” world, be bold, merge missions, embrace technology, and never forget the human factor.

Want to get in touch with Alex or learn more about Loom Consulting? Head to loomconsulting.com.au for all the details.

What happens when the chef at the top of her game realises the recipe for success is destroying her health? Award-winning chef, author, and nutritionist Bridget Foliaki-Davis joins Chris to share how she went from running Sydney’s finest kitchens to overhauling her life, losing 35 kilos, healing from burnout and turning food into medicine.

Bridget shares the intense realities of professional kitchens, the battles of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and the surprising business lessons she learned along the way. Her story takes a pivotal turn when burnout and health issues force her to rethink her approach to food, business, and well-being. 

If you’re ready for a raw, inspiring take on health, business and purpose, this episode serves it straight - no sugar-coating.

In this episode, Chris sits down with David Altamura, founder of Wild Soul Wellness, to unpack a journey from adversity to opportunity. From personal training and swim coaching in Melbourne to launching wellness spaces in Byron Bay, David eventually returned home to lead a fast-growing franchise network. Along the way, he nearly lost it all in a $60,000 construction disaster, a messy legal battle, and the gut punch of starting over with his young family. 

Chris and David dig into the lessons that helped him bounce back, scale up, and now guide franchisees through the growing pains with real-world tools like hands-on lease support and a community-first business model. If you're building something, starting over, or just need a hit of entrepreneurial honesty, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to keep going. 

To find out more about David and Wild Soul Wellness, visit www.wildsoulwellness.com.au

What if your biggest failures turned out to be the launchpad for the life you were truly meant to live? In this episode, Chris sits down with Luke McLeod, who went from artillery gunner in the Australian Defence Force to starring on Australia’s highest-rating reality dating show, before finding his real calling: helping people unlock everyday enlightenment.

Luke’s story is one of unexpected pivots. He opens up about the moment everything crashed - his business failed, his relationship ended, and his world shrank to a one-bedroom apartment and four blank walls. A chance Netflix documentary inspired a one-way ticket to India, where he learned that true growth doesn’t come from escaping discomfort, but leaning into it.

Today, through his app Soul Alive, his book Everyday Enlightenment, and corporate mindfulness sessions, Luke’s mission is to show that meditation isn’t just for monks or wellness gurus, it’s a practical tool to help us stay grounded when life doesn’t go to plan.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to pick up the pieces after a setback, or how to find real calm in the middle of the chaos, Luke’s honest insights will remind you that the road to growth is rarely straight but always worth it.

Tune in as Chris and Luke explore what it means to embrace failure, stay present, and truly experience the rollercoaster of life, one step, one breath at a time.

What if the setbacks that nearly stopped you in your tracks were actually nudges pushing you toward something bigger? In this inspiring episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris reconnects with long-time friend Lish Feia, an ABC presenter, science communicator, and co-founder of FixIt Chicks, to peel back the curtain on a career built not despite failure, but because of it.

Lish’s journey from making science come alive for kids with the Questacon Science Circus, to helping everyday Australians cut their energy bills, to rebooting her career after a surprise contract non-renewal, shows how change, even when devastating, can become an unexpected launchpad. Chris and Lish explore the value of persistence, the vulnerability of reinvention, and the power of sharing struggles openly to discover that you are in fact, not alone.

Whether you’re starting over, facing uncertainty, or just looking for a pep talk from someone who’s been there (and bounced forward), Lish’s story is equal parts honest, relatable, and uplifting.

Tune in to hear why finding your way sometimes means getting lost first, and how the path to making a difference is rarely a straight line.

What does it take to build a business that lasts and thrives for over a decade? In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris sits down with Ben Lucas, former professional athlete and co-director of Flow Athletic, as they reflect on 12 years of building one of Sydney’s most recognised fitness communities.

Shaped by an upbringing that instilled resilience and a deep work ethic, Ben shares how he has approached both business and life with a relentless drive to challenge himself. Together with his business partner Kate Kendall, Ben has built Flow Athletic into a business that balances excellence with authenticity and community with commercial success. In this conversation, Chris and Ben unpack how staying curious, studying what other industries are doing well and adapting with intention have been key to Flow’s longevity. Ben also reflects on how keeping true to his values, prioritising meaningful impact and fostering a strong team culture have allowed him to lead with clarity, all while staying dedicated to his young family.

Whether you are in your early years of business or striving to build something that endures, Ben’s insights on balancing ambition with humility and performance with purpose will leave you with plenty to think about.

What if your biggest failures were actually the keys to your success? In today’s episode, Chris sits down with Brittany Bennett, the founder of Bennett PR—a powerhouse in the health, fitness, and wellness communications space. Brittany’s path is anything but linear: from an early career in the fashion capitals of Europe to making her mark in Australia's PR industry, she shares how setbacks, tough work environments, and even toxic workplaces shaped her approach to business and leadership.

We dig into her lessons learned—how adversity built resilience, why boundaries matter, and how letting go of negative influences led to growth both personally and professionally. Brittany also opens up about navigating business pivots and the biggest mistakes she sees brands make in PR. Whether you're navigating entrepreneurship or simply seeking motivation to turn obstacles into opportunities, this episode offers invaluable wisdom that'll resonate long after it ends. 

For more info on Brittanny and her services at Bennett PR, check out:
https://bennettpr.com.au/

Nicolas Bivero, co-founder of Penbrothers, sits down with Chris for an enlightening conversation that bridges the worlds of martial arts and business. Discover how Nicolas' martial arts background has instilled in him a profound sense of perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of learning—qualities that have been instrumental in navigating business challenges.

Together, Chris and Nicolas delve into their shared experiences of building a remote team-building service in the Philippines. They discuss pivotal decisions that have shaped their company culture and underscore the importance of curiosity and humility as cornerstones of successful entrepreneurship. Whether you're grappling with your own business challenges or seeking motivation from a seasoned fighter in the entrepreneurial arena, tune in to explore innovative remote work strategies, gain cultural perspectives, and learn how to transform setbacks into stepping stones for growth.

In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris sits down with Carly Martin, founder of the consultancy group Venture Bench, to unearth the intricate dance between legal frameworks and business creativity. As a former Amazon executive, Carly shares her journey of leaving the corporate giant to help Australian businesses scale globally. Tune in to explore how smart risk-taking, curiosity, and a strategic mindset can unlock growth and innovation. Carly's insights into balancing legal protections with entrepreneurial ambition will resonate with anyone looking to make informed, bold moves. Prepare for a deep dive into the world of venture capital, corporate governance, and the art of building an agile advisory board. Whether you're a start-up enthusiast or a seasoned business professional, this episode offers invaluable takeaways for navigating the complex business landscape.

From much-loved Mayor to NSW Member of Parliament, Michael shares his unconventional career journey into politics. Underscored by a desire for real change and an ability to get shit done, Mike is not just another Poli. In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris and Mike discuss the importance of vision, resilience, and collaborative compromise to deliver projects that benefit the greater good. His story reminds us that success isn't always tied to a formal education. It's about saying yes to opportunities, asking the right questions, and giving it your all.