The Catalyst Project

The people around us, the habits we build and the environments we create all have a bigger impact than we might think.

In this episode of The Catalyst Project, Liam McBean joins Mark Johnson to explore the influence of our everyday surroundings, from being intentional about who we spend time with to creating workplaces where people genuinely want to belong.

Drawing on his own experiences, Liam shares how making small changes to his daily routines and influences has helped him find greater productivity and fulfilment. He also discusses why connection, community and a sense of belonging are so important in creating positive workplace cultures.

You'll hear about:

• Why the people we surround ourselves with matter

• How everyday habits and routines shape our productivity

• Making more intentional choices about the influences in our lives

• Why belonging and connection matter in the workplace

• How leaders can create environments where people feel valued and want to contribute

Whether you're thinking about your own personal growth or the kind of workplace you want to create, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the environments that help people thrive.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations about leadership, careers, workplace culture and the future of work.

When did being an adult become all work, responsibilities and remembering to put the bins out?

In this episode of The Catalyst Project, Shanelle Franklin sits down with Yasmine to unpack the ideas behind her brilliantly titled book, Because Adulthood Shouldn't Be This Boring. They explore happiness, finding joy in everyday life, making time for the things that matter and why adulthood doesn't have to mean putting fun on the back burner.

You'll learn: how to make more room for joy, why happiness deserves to be a priority, how to reconnect with the things that energise you, and why a fulfilling life is about more than simply ticking off your to-do list.

If you've been feeling stuck in the routine of work, responsibilities and repeat, this conversation is your reminder to make some room for the good stuff.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations about leadership, careers, wellbeing and living a meaningful life.

AI isn't replacing leaders, but leaders who embrace AI will have a significant advantage. Are you ready?

In this episode of The Catalyst Project, Tim Wilson shares how organisations can move beyond the AI hype and start adopting artificial intelligence in practical, responsible and impactful ways. Drawing on more than 30 years of executive leadership and transformation experience, Tim explores what it takes to build AI capability, manage risk, lead cultural change and prepare teams for the future of work.

You'll learn:

• How to adopt AI responsibly in your organisation
• Why leaders need to experiment with AI now, not later
• The biggest risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence
• How to build AI capability across your workforce
• Why governance and guardrails matter for successful AI adoption
• Practical leadership strategies for navigating digital transformation

Whether you're a CEO, executive, people leader or simply curious about how AI is reshaping the workplace, this episode will give you practical insights to help your organisation embrace change with confidence.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations with Australia's leading business minds.

Why do so many Australians avoid talking about money and how much could it be costing their future?

In this episode, financial strategist and Rise High Group Founder Marissa Schulz shares practical advice on financial literacy, wealth creation, superannuation, retirement planning and why women need to take control of their financial future.

You'll learn:

• How to build long-term wealth
• Common super mistakes
• Retirement planning tips
• Why financial literacy creates freedom.

If you're looking to build confidence with money and create lasting financial security, this episode is for you.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations with Australia's leading business minds.

Thinking about your next career chapter after executive leadership?

In this episode, former healthcare CEO Helen Chalmers explains how executives can transition into board and governance roles, build a board portfolio and continue creating meaningful impact after operational leadership.

You'll learn:

• How to secure board positions
• Governance skills that matter
• Transitioning from CEO to Non-Executive Director
• Building influence later in your career.

Whether you're an executive or aspiring board member, this episode is packed with practical career advice.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations with Australia's leading business minds.

Everyone talks about startup success—few talk about what it actually takes to get there.

Founder Freddy Bartlett shares the realities of entrepreneurship, building a business from nothing, overcoming setbacks and making difficult decisions that drive long-term success.

You'll learn:

• Startup lessons
• Entrepreneur mindset
• Scaling a business
• Leading through uncertainty

If you're building a business or dreaming of starting one, this episode is full of practical insights.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations with Australia's leading business minds.

Is AI changing recruitment faster than businesses can keep up?

EGM Co-Founder Mark Johnson explores the future of work, AI in recruitment, hiring trends, flexible work, generational expectations and what employers need to do to attract top talent.

You'll learn:

• AI in hiring • Recruitment trends
• Flexible work strategies
• Hiring the best people.

Whether you're hiring or job hunting, this episode will help you stay ahead of the market.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations with Australia's leading business minds.

What does it take to lead in one of Australia's most challenging industries?

Amanda Brady shares how she's built a successful legal career while championing diversity and leadership for women in construction.

You'll learn:

• Leadership under pressure
• Women in construction
• Legal leadership
• Influencing change

If you're looking to lead with confidence and create meaningful impact, this episode is for you.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations with Australia's leading business minds.

Numbers don't build businesses. Great leaders do. Finance executive Steve McGrath shares how successful CFOs make better decisions, lead high-performing teams and turn financial data into business growth.

You'll learn:

• Finance leadership
• Strategic decision-making
• CFO mindset
• Building resilient businesses.

Perfect for leaders wanting to make smarter commercial decisions.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations with Australia's leading business minds.

How do you lead through one of Australia's biggest industry transformations?

Jessica Morris shares how SA Power Networks is navigating the energy transition through innovation, customer strategy and long-term thinking.

You'll learn:

• Energy transition
• Customer experience
• Business strategy
• Leading change.

If you're interested in leadership, sustainability or innovation, you'll love this episode.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations with Australia's leading business minds.