When office buildings become more than just places to work, magic happens. That's the powerful message Tashi Dorji, head of FlexSpace at JLL Flex Solutions, brings to the Canberra Business Podcast as he unpacks the evolution of co-working spaces from simple desk rentals to vibrant communities driving innovation and connection.

Remember when "cool" offices just meant bean bags and ping pong tables? Those days are gone. Today's flexible workspaces serve as strategic assets for building owners and tenants alike, functioning as what Dorji calls a "Trojan horse for some really cool stuff" – podcast studios, media rooms, event spaces, and amenities that make commuting worthwhile. These spaces aren't just about accommodating work; they're about creating experiences that can't be replicated at home. The future of work isn't just about flexibility – it's about creating environments where meaningful connections happen naturally and people genuinely want to be.

Haven Workspaces provides a diverse array of flexible membership options tailored to suit your professional needs. Their offerings range from a prestigious business address for startups and entrepreneurs, to convenient casual access for those requiring occasional workspace, to fully-equipped private offices designed for small teams and established enterprise organisations. Whatever your working style, Haven Workspaces has the ideal solution to enhance your productivity and business image. 

Jane Brownbill stands at a crossroads many of us dream about – after decades in high-powered roles as a CEO and senior manager, she asked herself what she truly wanted to do when she "grew up." Her answer became See Yourself, a coaching practice specifically designed for young adults and neurodiverse individuals who need support finding their unique path forward.

See Yourself offers a suite of tailored programs including one-on-one success coaching, "Get Unstuck" for directionless young adults, "Spicy Business" for neurodiverse entrepreneurs, and fractional operations management for organisations. The power of this approach comes through in the testimonials from volunteers Blanca and Supre, who describe finding not just professional development but genuine belonging. Their enthusiasm speaks volumes about the need for such spaces in our business community. As Jane puts it, Next Gen Leaders is about creating a place for "misfits and outliers" to thrive together – where walking in and feeling immediately comfortable is the norm, not the exception.

Want to experience this unique community yourself? The Next Gen Leaders program launches its monthly gatherings in September at Ambrosia Gin Distillery. Visit www.seeyourself.net to learn more or reach out to Jane directly if you're a business professional interested in supporting this remarkable initiative through mentorship, prizes, or running a masterclass.

Data is everywhere in your organization, but do you truly understand what it means? Sam Spencer, CEO and CISO of Aristotle Metadata, reveals how the missing piece in most data strategies isn't fancy algorithms or massive storage capabilities—it's simply understanding what your data means and where it lives.

From measuring podcast listeners to protecting patient information, Sam explains how his Canberra-based software company helps organizations describe their data in human terms. "A database will tell you how many listeners there are in a podcast, but it won't tell you how you measure a listener or what a listener is for your context," Sam notes, highlighting the critical difference between having data and understanding it.

The journey of Aristotle Metadata is a testament to bootstrapped entrepreneurship. Starting with code written in a "dingy little apartment" in Belconnen a decade ago, the company has grown to over 20 staff with clients across government, healthcare, and academia in Australia and internationally. Sam shares candid insights about surviving near-catastrophe when 40% of his workforce left within two weeks, and why—despite preaching the importance of taking breaks—he's only now planning his first real holiday in seven years.

Have a listen!

Nestled in Canberra's southern suburb of Tuggeranong stands the area's first new hotel in 12 years. Punthill Hotel Apartments is breaking the mold of traditional accommodation and challenging assumptions about where business travelers want to stay.

Nick Bell, National Account Manager for Government at Punthill, joins us to reveal why this strategic location makes perfect business sense. "You'll never see us down at the rocks in Sydney," Nick explains, describing Varia Group's distinctive approach of targeting industrial and business hubs across Australia. With thousands of government employees working for Service Australia and the Department of Social Services in Tuggeranong, the demand for quality accommodation has been largely unmet—until now.

Whether you're interested in Canberra's evolving accommodation landscape, curious about strategic business location decisions, or considering a career in hotel management, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating successful hospitality ventures beyond the typical CBD locations.

With 36 years of experience in personal injury management, Susie Walford, General Manager of Federal Self-Insurance at Employers Mutual Limited (EML), offers a powerful perspective on building purpose-driven workplaces that prioritize both people and performance.

In this compelling conversation, Walford reveals how EML—Australia’s largest personal injury claims provider—has cultivated an award-winning culture while delivering exceptional outcomes for injured workers. As a mutual organization, EML reinvests profits into client support, research, and community programs—channeling an impressive $142 million into initiatives that make a tangible difference. One standout example: the free Injured Workers Support Service in the ACT, which provides critical assistance and drives better recovery outcomes.

Recognized as one of the best workplaces for women, EML exemplifies how a values-led approach can elevate both employee engagement and client impact. Whether you're an employer navigating workers' compensation, a leader seeking to foster inclusion, or someone exploring a career in injury management, Walford’s insights offer a blueprint for aligning purpose with practice. As Walford shows, when organizations put people first, exceptional outcomes naturally follow.

Is your business ready for the new AML/CTF reform? ACT AML's Director, Tim Bourke has everything you need to know to be prepared on this episode of the Canberra Business Podcast! 

Tim brings us along as he explains the new Tranche 2 reforms, who exactly is going to be affected, how you can protect your business, and when the deadline will hit.  Tim explains how ACT AML delivers tailored risk assessments for businesses that may be affected my money laundering schemes, how to protect themselves and keep their business secure. 

For more insights, listen to this episode!

Meet Andrew Waghchoure, the passionate owner and head coach behind Little Kickers ACT, who's bringing structured football skills development to Canberra's youngest residents. After 14 years in the classroom, this primary school teacher is channeling his love for education and football into a growing business that's capturing the attention of families across the region.

Little Kickers isn't your typical sports program—it begins with children as young as 18 months old. Through age-appropriate sessions spanning four distinct developmental stages, children progress from basic motor skills and color recognition to structured match play by age eight. What makes the program truly special is its blend of imaginative play with physical development. Balls transform into rocket ships and pirate ships, while activities cleverly incorporate fundamental learning concepts. As Andrew explains, "It's not like they're playing soccer... they're doing games that they might have played in preschools or daycare, and we're just putting a ball element into it."

For parents interested in developing their child's coordination, social skills, and physical abilities in a structured yet imaginative environment, Little Kickers offers a unique opportunity to introduce sport at a foundational age. Follow Little Kickers ACT on social media to learn more about their weekend sessions and upcoming expansion locations.

A thriving workplace isn't just about attractive salaries – it's about nurturing employee engagement that drives productivity, innovation, and business growth. Sarah Rajic, Managing Director of Capital Recruit, reveals that engaged employees can be 200-300% more productive than their disengaged counterparts, directly impacting your bottom line.

Drawing from her dual perspectives as both a successful business leader and recruitment specialist, Sarah shares practical wisdom on creating meaningful engagement. Rather than aiming for unrealistic "perfect 10" engagement scores, she advocates for sustainable approaches that maintain healthy 7-8/10 levels while addressing areas of disengagement through clear expectations and supportive conversations. 

Being compliant with the law, and understanding the impacts of the "Closing Loopholes" changes to the Fair Work Act are a key part of this, and productive teams drive great outcomes for business.

This episode is supported by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and funded by the Productivity, Education and Training Fund.

Subscribe to the Canberra Business Podcast for more expert insights to help your business thrive, and remember that Canberra Business Chamber members can access free workplace relations support through our employer assist hotline.

What if AI could make us better humans instead of replacing us? That's the question at the heart of Evolutioned's journey from traditional management consulting to AI innovation.

Joel Madden, Evolutioned's CEO, takes us through his company's fascinating transformation as they developed Ambience, their flagship AI product designed to help organizations tackle conversations they've been avoiding. Rather than focusing on eliminating human jobs, Evolutioned has created a tool that enhances our capabilities by providing evidence-based insights into the messy human dynamics of organisational life.

Listen now to discover how AI might help your organization have its most important conversations and unlock human potential in surprising ways. Then share your thoughts on how you're approaching AI in your business – we'd love to hear your perspective!

This episode is supported by CareSuper.

What does the ACT's fiscal future look like under new Treasurer Chris Steel, MLA? The answer shapes everything from housing affordability to business growth across Canberra.

This illuminating conversation tackles the hard questions Chamber members are asking about development approvals, property rates, and business taxation in the ACT. Mr. Steel addresses concerns about approval processes moving at "snail's pace," revealing that 85% of development approvals currently proceed on time while detailing specific reforms to streamline decision-making across government directorates.

Whether you're a local business owner navigating Canberra's economic landscape or simply interested in understanding how budget decisions shape a community's future, this episode offers valuable insights into the territory's financial priorities and challenges. Follow the Canberra Business Podcast for more conversations that matter to our region's economic vitality.

This episode is supported by CareSuper.