The Growth Distillery

Welcome to Season 2 of Unfiltered where this time, we’re talking capacity, connection, and the people who hold us together.Success isn’t just about ambition. It’s about energy. The energy you give, the energy you protect, and the people who help you find your way back when it runs out.In this episode., we’re exploring what happens when friendship meets feedback. When empathy replaces ego. And when the powerful growth doesn't come from a coach, but from a friendtor.Listen to learn:* Why understanding your capacity first as a leader is the skill to start with
* What it means to be an energist, not an energy vampire
* How to build friendships that challenge, support, and call you forward
* Why vulnerability is a strength, if you learn not to weaponise itIf you’ve ever felt stretched, stuck, or like you’re carrying it all alone, this one’s for you. Hit play and recharge.

 Welcome to Season 2 of Unfiltered—this time, we’re going global.Success isn’t a solo sport. Behind every breakthrough, every bold move, and every moment of real growth, there’s someone else in the picture—a mentor, a rival, a co-founder, a friend.

This season, we’re diving deep into the partnerships that shape us. The people who push us. Challenge us. Make the impossible possible.

And in this episode, in collaboration with The Marketing Academy, we’re tearing up the career rulebook with Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis, the brilliant minds behind The Squiggly Career. Why traditional career paths are dead (and what’s replacing them)
 

How to embrace uncertainty & turn it into opportunity
 The skills you actually need to thrive in a squiggly world
 Why your career is a story, not a ladder—so it’s time to write your ownIf you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or just over the whole “ladder-climbing” thing—this one’s for you. Hit play and start squiggling! 

Welcome to Episode 2 of Unfiltered—and this one is for anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to have all the answers.

Markets change. Plans fall apart. Perfection is an illusion. So how do the best leaders thrive in the unknown? Leandro and Cat have the answer—and it’s not what you think.

Leandro believes leadership is about trust. The best teams don’t need micromanaging—they need space to grow, take risks, and make an impact. Cat has spent years battling perfectionism, learning that success isn’t about control—it’s about clarity, balance, and knowing when to let go.

This is the truth about leadership—raw, unfiltered, and real. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, decision-making, or balancing ambition with self-care, this conversation will shift your perspective.

Let’s get into it.

Welcome to Season 2 of Unfiltered! And this time, we’re going global.

Success isn’t a solo sport. Behind every big win, every breakthrough, every moment of real growth, there’s someone else in the picture—a mentor, a rival, a co-founder, a friend. This season, we’re unpacking the partnerships that shape us. The people who push us forward. The ones who make the impossible possible.

We’re kicking things off with “Beyond Ego: The Secret to Achieving More (By Caring Less),” featuring Gabbi Gray and Peter van Jaarsveld. They built a creative powerhouse—taking a team from 30 people in Johannesburg to over 700 worldwide. They scaled, they led, and then they took it even further: a long-term contract, a marriage, two new team members (also known as their kids), and a major life move to the UK.

This is Season 2 of Unfiltered—bigger, bolder, and spanning the globe. Because real success isn’t about going it alone.

Let’s get into it.

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Find out more about The Growth Distillery: https://www.thegrowthdistillery.com.au/

Welcome to Rules Don’t Apply, a series that redefines what’s possible by exploring the unconventional wisdom of pioneers, provocateurs, and disruptors.In this episode, filmed live at SXSW Sydney, we sit down with Poppy Reid—Co-founder of The Brag Media, a leading force in the world of music media. Poppy shares her inspiring journey from intern to industry leader, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges she faced and the strategies that helped her overcome imposter syndrome to build a media empire.Poppy reveals her thoughts on the future of storytelling, emphasising AI as a powerful tool for journalists rather than a replacement for creativity. She discusses how authentic leadership and building trust with audiences are essential to thriving in a media landscape that’s constantly evolving. With candour and insight, Poppy explores her commitment to elevating female voices in the industry and her belief that people connect more deeply with personalities than with brands.If you’re looking for a powerful story about resilience, leadership, and the courage to challenge conventions, this conversation with Poppy Reid is a must-watch.

Welcome to Rules Don’t Apply, a series that redefines what’s possible by exploring the unconventional wisdom of pioneers, provocateurs, and disruptors.In this episode, filmed live at SXSW Sydney, we’re joined by Adam Spencer—mathematician, comedian, and AI enthusiast—to explore the future of work, creativity, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence. Known for his unique ability to make complex topics accessible and entertaining, Adam takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the digital revolution.From radio broadcasting to the rise of chatbots, Adam shares his insights into how AI is reshaping the workplace and unlocking new opportunities for creativity. He tackles the big philosophical questions—Can AI be truly alive? How do we navigate the ethical challenges of AI "hallucinations"?—and offers his perspective on how everyone, from seasoned professionals to curious newcomers, can approach this brave new world with curiosity and resilience.If you’re ready to unlock your creative potential and embrace the opportunities AI brings, this conversation with Adam Spencer is a must-watch.Tune in to hear Adam Spencer’s refreshing take on AI and how it’s redefining not only our work but our understanding of intelligence, creativity, and what it means to be human.Find out more about The Growth Distillery: https://www.thegrowthdistillery.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthdistilleryau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-distillery
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowthdistillery

Welcome to Rules Don’t Apply, a series that redefines what’s possible by exploring the unconventional wisdom of pioneers, provocateurs, and disruptors.In this episode, filmed live at SXSW Sydney, we’re joined by Noelle Russell, Chief AI Officer at the AI Leadership Institute and founder of the I Heart AI community. Recognised as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in AI and executive coaching, Noelle has received Microsoft’s MVP award four times and VentureBeat’s award in AI ethics and mentorship. She’s a visionary in responsible AI and a fierce advocate for democratising access to AI knowledge.Noelle dives into some of today’s most pressing topics in technology, from bridging the AI literacy gap to the rise of AI-generated misinformation. She explores why AI literacy is essential for businesses, marketers, and anyone looking to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Through thought-provoking discussions, Noelle explains how democratised AI is transforming traditional marketing and highlights the role of human creativity in a future dominated by intelligent machines.With AI rapidly advancing, Noelle also reflects on how ethical development and civil discourse can shape a healthier digital future, emphasising the need for divergent thinking and responsible innovation.If you’re ready to understand the true power and responsibility that comes with AI, this conversation with Noelle Russell is a must-watch.Don’t miss Noelle’s insights on how we can prepare for a future where AI and human creativity coexist to build a better world.Find out more about The Growth Distillery: https://www.thegrowthdistillery.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthdistilleryau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-distillery
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowthdistillery

Welcome to Rules Don’t Apply, a series that redefines what’s possible by exploring the unconventional wisdom of pioneers, provocateurs, and disruptors.

In this special episode, filmed live at SXSW Sydney, we sit down with futurist and professor Brian David Johnson to uncover the future of AI, human creativity, and longevity.

Brian shares his compelling vision for a world where AI isn’t just a tool, but a force that reshapes our lives, careers, and understanding of what it means to be human. With thought-provoking insights, he reveals why creativity may be our strongest asset in the age of AI, and explores the potential to extend our lifespans and what it could mean for society.

If you’re ready to dive into the big questions shaping tomorrow, this conversation is for you.

Tune in to hear Brian David Johnson’s bold predictions for a future that’s not just inevitable—but one we can create.

Find out more about The Growth Distillery: https://www.thegrowthdistillery.com.au/

Welcome to Rules Don't Apply, a series that redefines what’s possible by exploring the unconventional wisdom of pioneers, provocateurs, and disruptors.

oin us as we peel back the layers to reveal the untold stories behind some of Australia’s most influential marketing, advertising, and creative minds. In each episode, we dive into the lives of industry leaders who have driven growth and innovation, uncovering the overlooked moments, challenges, and inspirations that fueled their achievements.Recorded at Cannes in Cairns, this series spotlights a diverse array of luminaries, from renowned marketers to pioneering entrepreneurs and visionary brand creators. We explore the personal and professional journeys that have defined their careers, sharing the struggles, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shaped their paths.Discover the experiences that sparked their curiosity and the key decisions that altered their career trajectories. This series delves into the human stories behind extraordinary accomplishments, offering insights into the complexities of success. We unpack the lessons, doubts, and setbacks encountered along the way, providing a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive in these dynamic fields.In this episode, Adam Ferrier from Thinkerbell delves into the importance of fitting in to build influence, emphasising that "fit in more to stand out later." He challenges conventional marketing wisdom, advocating for brands to be seen as the entire business rather than just communication tools. Adam also shares his belief in a brand-focused approach over consumer-centricity, encouraging businesses to be interesting and authentic. Tune in to hear Adam's unique insights on personal branding, brand strategy, and the value of staying true to one's path. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion!Find out more about The Growth Distillery: https://www.thegrowthdistillery.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthdistilleryau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-distillery/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowthdistillery