The Company Road Podcast

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"We know that authentic content is what comes through. We know storytelling is so important. So I actually help businesses bring it back in-house if they felt like they were very over-reliant on external factors. No one knows us, our customer, and our business better than we do." – Kim James

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How platforms like Facebook and TikTok have changed over the years and the strategies that work today.
• Why authenticity and understanding customer behaviour are central to impactful marketing.
• The shift towards businesses managing their own social media and the benefits of in-house teams.
• Kim’s personal journey, including the risks she took and the lessons she learned about growth and purpose.
• The importance of building a personal brand for future-proofing your career and opening new opportunities.
• How to use AI tools to create content more efficiently without losing authenticity.

Key links

• Kim James on LinkedIn
• Career Girl Diaries on TikTok
• Career Girl Diaries on Instagram
• Hootsuite

About our guest 

Kim's candid stories and down-to-earth advice will make you laugh, think, and maybe even dream bigger.

With a decade of experience in content and digital marketing, Kim helps organisations launch and scale their marketing strategies, campaigns, and products.

Her approach integrates insights and a passion for consumer behaviour with human psychology to create industry-leading content strategies and funnels that can be applied to all industries.

About our host

Our host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.

Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.

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For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

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Ani Møller, founder of Ani Møller Coaching, discusses the growing awareness of neurodivergence in the workplace. Ani shares her deeply personal journey of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 41, which reshaped her understanding of past challenges and led her to a new purpose: helping neurodivergent professionals own their identities, navigate their careers, and thrive both personally and professionally.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Ani’s personal journey and discovery of being autistic and ADHD in her 40s.
• Challenges neurodivergent professionals face, from burnout to workplace stigma.
• How coaching helps individuals leverage their strengths and navigate executive dysfunction.
• Practical strategies for leaders to support neurodivergent team members.
• The role of universal accommodations in fostering inclusive workplaces.
• Misconceptions about neurodivergence and how to combat them.
• The importance of neuro-affirming workplace cultures.
• Tips for creating safety and thriving environments for all team members.
• Disclosure of neurodivergence and the factors individuals should consider.

Key links

• Ani Møller  Website
• Ani Møller Linkedin
• The Digital Picnic Website

About our guest 

Ani Møller (they/she) is a Business Transformation Consultant and Neurodivergent Coach based in Melbourne, Australia. They have worked on transformational programs of work for Myer, Jetstar, Qantas, University of Canberra, ActewAGL, Tourism New Zealand, and Māori Television.

Ani was an executive director running a digital agency and consulting to corporate Australia they found out they were Autistic and ADHD in their 40s. After their diagnosis they studied to be an ADHD Life Coach. 

Ani now provides a strengths-based coaching practice to neurodivergent people from all walks of life, to help build neuro-affirming lives and workplaces.

They help people work through the change that comes with wanting a better life for themselves, both professionally and personally. 

Ani’s led projects, departments and companies and now helps other neurodivergent people learn how to navigate corporate life and transform their lives.

About our host

Our host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.

Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.

Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.

Support the show

For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

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“Listening upfront is the most critical thing. You need to listen to the people that you're engaging with to be able to understand where they're coming from, what's the emotion behind the question or the challenge that they have in front of them and then ultimately thinking about it too and asking those questions around, what is the outcome that they're after? Because often when the challenge is in front of you, the outcome that they're trying to achieve, the two don't align.” - Heath Gledhill

Sue Stewart and Heath Gledhill are leaders with over two decades of experience in organisational transformation. They bring a unique approach that integrates communication, design, and trust-building to drive impactful changes.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The importance of building trust and open communication for change
• Using design thinking to address complex organisational challenges
• How to foster a culture of listening and empathy in project settings
• The role of strategic questioning in achieving impactful outcomes
• How to overcome constraints and adapt to evolving client needs

Key links

• Heath Gledhill LinkedIn
• Sue Stewart LinkedIn
• Aurecon Design Academy at RMIT University
• Myers Briggs Personality Profiling 
• E50 – Rachel Zhang and David Bradford

About our guest 

Sue Stewart is a seasoned strategist and change management expert with extensive global experience in design, professional services and government sectors. Over her career, she has successfully led transformative projects across America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, specialising in strategy development, business growth, cultural transformation and market expansion.

Sue is known as an out-of-the-box thinker with the ability to see and leverage connections across an ecosystem. With advanced expertise in communication, design thinking and leadership, she has presented and lectured on a range of topics including strategy, design, strategic communications, change management and organisational culture. Sue holds a Master of Arts in Communications, Honours in research and is accredited in Prosci and MBTI, positioning her as a trusted coach and leader in guiding organisations through sustained continuous improvement and innovation.

Heath Gledhill, is a passionate integrated strategist committed to unlocking hidden value, overcoming financial and operational challenges, and driving evocative yet practical solutions, Heath draws on his qualifications in both design, management and business, to drive successful teams, businesses and project solutions.

With over 20 years of professional experience, his transformational leadership to complex urban infrastructure projects and programs makes him widely sort after globally. A Committed advocate to cross industry borders, he is an active voice, driving a greater awareness of the need for better planning and integration of disciplines from the outset. A Fellow, Board Director and past Chapter President + Executive member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, he brings experience from both the public and private sectors.

Support the show

For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

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"Imposter syndrome is not conquered by achievements. The more achievements that you have, sometimes it can disconnect you more from your sense of worth. That is why I believe in being so raw and open about my stuff now. Now that I have the privilege to do it." - DeAnna Avis

This week’s theme

DeAnna Avis’ story is not your typical corporate success tale—it’s raw, real, and powerfully inspirational. From the glittering stages of strip clubs to the boardrooms of global corporations, DeAnna's transformation is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

In this episode, DeAnna takes us through her difficult upbringing, battling mental health struggles, addiction, and homelessness, all while navigating the highs and lows of working as a stripper. But that's only the beginning. Today, she's a global executive, therapist, and coach who helps others thrive through adversity. DeAnna candidly discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing authenticity, and the challenges of staying true to yourself in a world that often judges from the outside. Her insights into personal growth, leadership, and breaking free from self-limiting beliefs are inspiring and deeply relevant for intrapreneurs aiming to create their own success stories.

Don’t miss this episode—DeAnna’s story will shake up everything you think you know about success, resilience, and the power of transformation.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The impact of authenticity
• Imposter Syndrome
• The significance of seeking support
• Concept of schemas—mental patterns that influence behaviour and perceptions
• Managing digital distraction
• Practice of writing "morning pages" for mental clarity
• Navigating triggers and trauma
• Proactive career development
• The power of positive foundations
• Complexity of identity and diversity

Key links

• DeAnna Avis LinkedIn
• Julia Cameron’s "Morning Pages"
• Company Road Podcast E40 – Lael Stone

About our guest 

DeAnna Avis is a speaker, consultant and coach on thriving through adversity. A former stripper, she climbed the ranks of corporate, taking on global leadership roles and winning multiple awards for her work in customer experience and culture change. 

She since went on to re-train as a therapist and coach, and uses her experience of adversity to uplift other leaders and entrepreneurs. Her mission is to conquer imposter syndrome through helping other ambitious misfits to embrace their unique brilliance.

About our host

Our host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Organisational, Service & Product Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road. 

Chris helps organisations become more customer-centric, and sets up systems within businesses to motivate teams to deliver against higher value outcomes. 

Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. 

He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.

Support the show

For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us Fan Mail

"The consumer, quite honestly, especially the younger generation, is looking for something more than just love me because I'm spending my money, they want to be connected to a brand." - Chris Gillen

This week’s theme

As the CEO and co-owner of A Closer Look, Chris brings nearly three decades of expertise from the frontlines of retail and customer service, guiding brands through the labyrinth of CX transformation.

Curious about how to leverage these insights to transform your own approach to customer experience? Tune in to hear Chris Gillen share practical strategies and visionary ideas that can help you stay ahead in this dynamic landscape. Don’t miss out—listen to the full episode now!

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Emotive loyalty vs. Transactional loyalty.
• Impact of COVID-19 and inflation on CX
• The role of AI in customer experience.
• Generational shifts in consumer behaviour.
• Proactive vs. Reactive customer service.
• The value of human connection.
• Proactive leadership in customer experience.
• Consumer empowerment and expectations.
• Innovation amid economic challenges.

Key links

• Chris Gillen LinkedIn
• A Closer Look Website 
• A Closer Look Facebook Page
• A Closer Look  X (Twitter ) Page
• Toys R Us Website
• Target Website 
• Burning Mountain Adventures LinkedIn 

About our guest

As CEO and co-owner of A Closer Look, Chris leads the team towards achieving their vision of being the ultimate partner for brands fanatical about the customer experience. He is dedicated to building brand loyalty for clients of all industries by providing robust data about the first-hand experiences of all customers who interact with their brand.

Chris’s experience in helping businesses iterate and improve their customer experience spans nearly three decades, including various leadership positions in retail companies known for phenomenal brand loyalty. His extensive expertise in leading and managing customer service programs has been instrumental in helping businesses improve their service offerings through the use of technology.

About our host

Our host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.

Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.

Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.

Support the show

For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us Fan Mail

"Improvisers don’t have time to hypothesise about the future of an idea. If you bring me an idea or a brick, I can't consider if it’s viable for the rest of the show; I just have to trust that it is and know the process will land us somewhere interesting. In businesses, leaders often assess the future of an idea instantly and may deny it, rather than just saying, 'Yes, and let’s build on this idea.' The improviser remembers the past, honours the present, and cares not for the future." - Broni Lisle

This week’s theme

Broni Lisle, a seasoned improv performer with decades of experience, shares how the art of improvisation can radically reshape the way teams communicate, collaborate, and innovate. Drawing from his work both on stage and in business settings, Broni Lisle reveals how improv helps individuals embrace spontaneity, listen deeply, and create a culture of trust and openness. 

Tune in to discover how you can apply these game-changing improvisational techniques to your business. Broni’s insights are sure to spark creativity and open new doors for your team’s success. Listen now!

In this episode you’ll hear about

• Building stronger communication in your team
• Fostering trust through vulnerability 
• The importance of spontaneity and playfulness
• Overcoming your inner critic and embracing innovation
• The importance of listening to connect, not to respond
• Redefining the standard 'Yes, and' to a 'Hell Yeah'

Key links

• Broni Lisle LinkedIn
• Improv Conspiracy podcast
• Growth Factory website
• Spontoon TV on YouTube

About our guest 

Broni has been a professional performing artist and creative for 23 years. A theatre practitioner, writer, actor, songwriter, musician and all the et ceteras in between. Over a career of thousands of stage shows, international and national tours, radio play and countless hours in rehearsal rooms, Broni has distilled his values and passion in the performing arts down to a few things; authenticity, trust, and whimsy. These values dictate the projects and the people worth collaborating on and with.

In addition, Broni holds degrees in Theatre and Education and is an expert teacher, director and facilitator of improvisation, theatre and music.

Broni works with corporate individuals and teams on becoming better communicators, collaborators and improving their creativity, ultimately creating a happier workplace. 

About our host

Our host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.

Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.

Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.

Support the show

For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us Fan Mail

“Your health is the only thing that's keeping you there, doing your job. ... Your body might not give you that choice. ... You keep running at such a pace and we keep expecting our body to just sustain us, which it does, to a point, but at some point it might decide that's enough and it forces you to stop." - Cailie Ford

This week’s theme

Cailie Ford, a clinical nutritionist with a background in change management, has channelled her passion for food and health into a thriving practice.

Don’t let the demands of work jeopardise your health. Tune in to this episode and discover how to nourish your body and mind, so you can thrive both at work and in life.

In this episode you’ll hear about

• Cailie’s journey from change management to nutrition.
• Key areas Cailie targets in her wellness programmes.
• Bad habits in corporate environments and how to address them.
• Strategies for managing stress through nutrition and lifestyle changes.
• Easy adjustments for improving nutrition, including managing stress.
• Balanced breakfasts and intermittent fasting for women.
• Hydration Tips.
• Balancing weight loss goals with a busy work life.
• Physical activity in sedentary jobs.
• Mindful eating and simplifying nutrition.

Key links

• Cailie Ford's Website 
• Cailie Ford LinkedIn
• Cailie Ford Instagram 

About our guest 

Cailie is a motivational speaker, clinical nutritionist and accredited change manager.  Cailie works with businesses and across the globe, providing customised workshops and programs to support employees to feel better and achieve more. 

Workshops and programs focus on the relationship between physical and mental wellbeing and their impact on business performance, working towards a healthier, happier and more engaged workforce. 

Cailie also runs a busy private practice, specialising in gut health, hormones, sustainable fat loss and women's health across the lifespan.

About our host

Our host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.

Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.

Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally

Support the show

For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us Fan Mail

“You just got to put the supports in place and show them why they're doing something and give them a reason for being, rather than just, you know, hey, here's a task. Get that done, and then I'll give your next one. We want stuff at work that feels rewarding and that shows that we are progressing in our work. And that, to be honest, is just being a good manager, being a professional business, showing people their pathways through your company. If you can do that, you'll improve mental health much better than yoga on a Thursday, meditation Monday morning, and some healthy fruit and snacks in the fridge.”
 
 Andy Wright

This week’s theme

Andy Wright, the visionary CEO of Streamtime and founder of Never Not Creative, who is on a mission to revolutionise the way we think about mental well-being in our work environments.

Andy Wright brings a wealth of experience and an innovative mindset to the table, revealing how he’s tackled pressing issues like anxiety and depression within the creative sector.

Tune in to this episode for actionable insights and inspiring strategies to transform mental health practices in your creative workspace.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Deciding focus and project attraction
• Ensuring action and impact in initiatives
• Mental health experiences influencing method
• Views on supporting graduates and internships
• Design of work and its effects on mental health
• Strategies for workplace mental health improvement
• Effective business approaches to mental health
• Managing constant change and uncertainty
• Methods for creating lasting change

Key links

• Andy Wright LinkedIn 
• Never Not Creative Website 
• Creative Mornings where Andy gave a talk on mental health
• Everymind
• Anxious Achiever Podcast
• Streamtime
• Interbrand 
• Landor
• R/GA
• Never Not Finishing School 
• Allies and Never Not Creative
• HBR Article - the concept of the "ideal worker" and its impact on personal identity 

About our guest 

Andy is an experienced leader in the creative industry with a successful track record of business growth, and creating award winning innovative brands and products. Andy is the creator of Never Not Creative.

Currently, CEO of Streamtime, project management software for the creative industry, Andy previously co-founded creative agency For The People, and worked in leadership positions at Interbrand, Landor and R/GA. Passionate about improving outcomes for emerging talent, mental health and recognising the value of creativity he founded Never Not Creative in 2018.

Support the show

For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us Fan Mail

“So it's about being able to marry the two, so quant and qual, and to be able to use either one to more deeply explore whatever pattern of behaviour you're trying to unpack...so I think bringing the two together is super powerful.”
- Angela Bliss

This week

Angela Bliss, a seasoned behavioural scientist and designer, shares her unique insights into how decisions are often made subconsciously, long before we’re aware of them. Angela has worked with top-tier companies and government bodies, seamlessly blending behavioural insights with creative execution.

In this episode, Angela dives deep into the fascinating world where behavioural science meets data science, exploring how this powerful combination can transform the way organisations approach user experience (UX) research. She reveals how understanding subconscious decision-making can be the key to designing truly impactful products and services. Angela shares insights from her experience working with a major bank, where AI and behavioural science are reshaping internal and external campaigns. Angela discusses how organisations are shifting their risk appetite, driven by the need to innovate with AI.

Tune in to this episode and discover how to harness the subconscious mind's power to drive better decisions.

In this episode you’ll hear about

• What is the importance of quantitative data in design?
• How can designers overcome biases and improve their work?
• How can one check their own biases?
• What are the implications of making decisions before being consciously aware of them?
• What is the best way to understand a person’s point of view or decision-making?
• How can we design for cognitive ability, including cognitive decline?

Key links

• Angela Bliss LinkedIn
• London School of Economics (LSE)
• National Australia Bank
• Telstra
• Nissan
• Department of Health (Victoria)
• Department of Transport (Victoria)
• "Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness" by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
• "Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions" by Dan Ariely
• "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

About our guest 

Angela Bliss is a behavioural scientist and designer with over 20 years of experience working with Australia’s largest businesses and government departments including NAB, The Reece Group, Wesfarmers Health, Department of Health, Victoria, Department of Transport, Victoria, Telstra, MYOB, Bunnings, Coles and Nissan. Angela works in the field of applied behavioural science, combining behavioural insights with creative execution across service, product and communication design. Angela is a member of the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists (GAABS) and holds degrees in economics and marketing, and art history. She also holds a M.Sc., Behavioural Science (Distinction) from the London School of Economics.

Support the show

For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

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“I would put tech language and technologies in simple terms. So I pull it apart, put it, and put it back into simple terms that other people would understand. Because with my many years experience of working with tech people, sometimes it's quite difficult for non tech people understand what they talk about. And to make any decisions to purchase, let's say, any software, anyone who's not technical has to understand what it is, what problem is solving. And this is where I come on board and explain people how it's supposed to be. Like, if you're not technical person, I would explain, as a, like your five year old put it in simple terms for you.”

Olga Bubnova

This month’s theme

Olga Bubnova, a tech marketing and branding expert who’s spent 13 years helping companies simplify and thrive. Olga’s not just talking theory—she’s actively transforming businesses by bridging the gap between complex tech and everyday understanding. From industrial automation to AI, Olga has a unique gift for translating dense technical language into clear, actionable insights.

In this episode, Olga shares her journey from translating embedded systems lingo into plain English to coaching businesses on how to present technology in a way that resonates with non-technical audiences. Whether you’re dealing with blockchain, cybersecurity, or just trying to make sense of software, Olga has tips that can help you break through the noise. Olga also unravels the common challenges faced by entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs alike, from the confusion of choosing the right tools to the paralysis that comes with tech overwhelm.

If you’re ready to transform how your business approaches technology and cut through the noise, tune in to this episode. Learn how to stay ahead without getting lost in the tech shuffle.

In this episode you’ll hear about

• What's different from normal marketing, and how does it help in the technology world?
• What were the words tech people were using that people didn't understand?
• How has Olga found, in her experience, the best ways to communicate technology to non-technical audiences? What are some major themes or strategies she focuses on?
• What are some steps that someone who isn't a technical person should take to understand a technology and translate it for the outside world?
• How would people within a software company, who aren't technical, go about learning things in the best way, do you think?
• How to help somebody reacting to tech overwhelm, how to facilitate a conversation to help them focus on the problem, challenge, or goal?
• Where should leaders look for insight and information about technological changes?
• How can leaders react more quickly to changes and adopt new technologies effectively?
• What advice would you give to entrepreneurs or leaders on setting up rituals that promote sharing knowledge about trends and technology within their teams?

Key links

• Olga Bubnova LinkedIn
• Tech Femme Fusion Website 

About our guest 

Olga is a tech marketing and branding expert, specialising in helping tech businesses stand out and attract new opportunities through strategic branding, marketing solutions, and powerful storytelling. Her expertise covers areas like industrial automation, tech start-ups, software development, blockchain, FinTech, cybersecurity, AI, and SaaS, and more.

Olga is also the co-founder of a start-up named Tech Femme Fusion and hosts the "Marketing for Tech" podcast.

Support the show

For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/