Catalyst Conversations
20 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -Catalyst Conversations is your backstage pass into the minds (and boardrooms) of Australia’s most transformational Leaders. Hear from an impressive line-up of Executives as they share the latest business transformation insights in the context of Purpose, Vision, Brand and performance Culture.
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Episodes
Prioritising Psychological Health in the Workplace
March 20, 2024 00:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBIn this episode of Catalyst Conversations, our CEO, Ben Bars delves into the importance of psychological health and safety in the workplace with expert Arthur Papagiannis, Founder of AP Psychology. Discover how a thriving environment not only protects employees but also boosts productivity, and explore the transformative benefits of prioritising psychological health. Understand the pivotal role of Leaders and the power of authenticity in fostering a safe environment, and learn about the prof...
Purpose, partnerships and predictive analytics Part 2
November 13, 2023 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBHear Quantium CEO Adam Driussi talk AI, ethics and social responsibility in part 2 of the latest Catalyst Conversations podcast. There are over 120 zettabytes of data in the world, but less than 1% is ever analysed. That’s an extraordinary volume of unrealised value and potential. In part 2 of the discussion, Adam explains the potential pitfalls around HOW we discuss (and use) data, as well as the ethics and common misconceptions around AI and predictive analysis.
Purpose, partnerships and predictive analytics Part 1
October 30, 2023 23:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBIn the first episode of this two part conversation, Adam talks about the history of Quantium as a pioneer in the data space. Adam has always understood the far reaching power of data in decision making - to enrich decisions rather than dictate them. He talks about the importance of a clear company Purpose and the journey his organisation went through to unlock the full power of that purpose. Finally he talks about the importance of alignment - between data and creativity, values and behaviou...
Finger licking good marketing with Kristi Woolrych
December 05, 2022 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBToday's guest is the effervescent Kristi Woolrych, the kind of leader who leaves an imprint on everyone she meets. You'll find yourself saying "I want to work for her" as you hear how she graciously steers such a successful team. Ben and Kristi chat about her transition from CMO in finance, to quick service restaurants, how she keeps her team reaching for more and the inherent creativity in unleashing your free spirit. As Chief Marketing Officer at KFC South Pacific, Kristi was previously r...
Finger licking good marketing with Kristi Woolrych
December 05, 2022 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBToday's guest is the effervescent Kristi Woolrych, the kind of leader who leaves an imprint on everyone she meets. You'll find yourself saying "I want to work for her" as you hear how she graciously steers such a successful team. Ben and Kristi chat about her transition from CMO in finance, to quick service restaurants, how she keeps her team reaching for more and the inherent creativity in unleashing your free spirit. As Chief Marketing Officer at KFC South Pacific, Kristi was previously r...
Purpose is like oxygen with Leigh Barnes
November 16, 2022 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBCatalyst Conversations is back with a fresh new season of insightful conversations. In this episode, Ben Bars is joined by Leigh Barnes, Chief Customer Officer at Intrepid Travel for a thought provoking chat about Purpose in business. Intrepid Travel is the worlds largest adventure travel company with a very big mission - to be the best travel company for the world. It's that nuance that matters to Leigh, and Intrepid's devoted customers; for the world, not in the world. One simple word fo...
Rewriting the rulebook with Isa Notermans
December 06, 2021 21:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBThis week Ben Bars sits down with Isa Notermans for a refreshingly authentic and open conversation that leaves nothing unsaid. Isa is the Global Head of People and Culture at the fast growing scale-up Linktree, and has driven culture change across brands including Google and Spotify. With a scope that covers everything about the human experience at work, Isa’s ‘why’ is to help create pathways to enable her people to thrive and become the very best version of themselves.
Staying connected to community with Marnie Baker
November 15, 2021 12:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBThe backdrop of Regional Australia is the perfect foundation for a strong organisational culture - from the deep sense of community investment to that quintessential roll up your sleeves, take no s*#$ attitude. But how do you maintain that intimate, community spirit while taking your organisation to a national stage? MD at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Marnie Baker joins Ben Bars for this community-minded Catalyst Conversation. Marnie discusses what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in the organis...
Building cultures and serving communities with Josh Landis
October 25, 2021 04:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBThis Catalyst Conversation welcomes CEO of Clubs NSW and Executive Director of clubs Australia, Josh Landis as our guest with host Ben Bars. They discuss using Purpose as a beacon in difficult times and the healthy friction between change and tradition. Conversation highlights The evolving Purpose of Australian clubs How clubs have kept themselves purpose-driven throughout lockdown Diversifying what clubs mean and how they can service their communities Raising money for the community, ...
Futurism from the new frontier with Anders Sorman-Nilsson.
October 12, 2021 00:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MB‘Looking forward’ is the name of the game in this episode of Catalyst Conversations. Our guest is Futurist Anders Sorman-Nilsson who joins Ben Bars to discuss the changes ahead. From breaking down the most pressing global burning platforms and charting the great COVID accelerator to predicting the next global renaissance, there’s something for everyone to ponder. SHOW NOTES - The role of a Futurist in a future-focussed world - The unassailable power of planning and proactivity - Designing ...
Connections, commerce and customer-obsession with Tony Karp
August 30, 2021 03:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBIn an increasingly digital and distanced world, connecting with your customers (and your people) presents an ongoing and evolving set of challenges. One organisation ahead of the curve is digital gift card service Prezzee, who’ve taken what was once considered a last minute gift alternative and reinvented it as a thoughtful and personalised gesture. In this week’s Catalyst Conversations, Prezzee CEO Tony Karp joins Ben Bars to discuss finding power in Purpose and guidance from values, pro...
The guiding principles of leadership with Nicole Sheffield.
August 16, 2021 22:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBHow does a 212 year old institution become so comfortable with change while staying true to who they are? One key is designing the right culture to enable growth, innovation and reinvention. The other is having the right people – those who build up your organisation’s culture and make good on its Purpose. Nicole Sheffield, Executive General Manager Community & Consumer at Australia Post is our guest on this week’s Catalyst Conversations talking sustainable change, equity and inclusion and a...
The crucial relationship between EX and CX with Richard Wallis
July 27, 2021 07:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBAdapting a Global brand to suit a diverse collection of markets is a fascinating challenge. For a powerhouse business like KFC, the key to success has always been to build a brand that feels universal – in its offerings, in its consistency but most of all in its purpose. This week, Richard Wallis details his 25 year journey from delivery driver to KFC South Pacific’s managing director and shares some of the lessons he learnt along the way about people, purpose and the pursuit of great custo...
Finding Purpose beyond your passions with Michael Klim
March 16, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBWhen radical change lies ahead, how do you draw upon Purpose to help you answer the question; ‘What’s next?’ When Olympic gold medalist Michael Klim hung up his speedos in 2007 and retired from professional swimming, he did exactly that, channelling his passions into a purpose-led entrepreneurial career. This week, Michael joins Ben Bars to discuss the lessons he took from the pool to the boardroom, the changes in store for the next generation of athletes and innovators and ‘what’s next?’ fo...
Evergreen lessons in leadership with Hamish Thomson
February 16, 2021 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBWhat are the top mindsets and behaviours of truly progressive leaders? And why does the working world need more ‘radiators’ and less ’drains’? Hamish Thomson, CEO and author of ‘It’s not always right to be right’ joins Ben Bars to talk about living a more purposeful life, the greatest lessons (and mistakes) of his career and what inspired him to write his book in our latest Catalyst Conversation. Conversation highlights Hamish’s resignation from Mars and the inspiration for his book The ...
Connecting ‘The Future of Work’ to the future of the workplace with Paul Edwards
January 14, 2021 06:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBThe future of work is upon us and the reality of the fixed, 9-5 place of employment is yesterday’s news. For the millions of office buildings around the globe, that means a dynamic rethinking of the purpose and function of the workplace. Paul Edwards, General Manager of Strategy and Customer at Global property heavyweight Mirvac, shares his insights on the work places, work styles and work strategies of tomorrow with Ben Bars on a brand new Catalyst Captions. Conversation highlights What’...
From culture to customer: The power of people with Antony Ritch, CEO of TFE Hotels
November 26, 2020 04:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBWhen hospitality is at the core of your brand, your people are your measure of success. But how do you ensure your employee culture is driving commercial success? And how might that change in an increasing digital (and distanced) world? Antony Ritch, CEO of global hospitality group TFE hotels, joins Ben Bars in our latest Catalyst Conversation. Conversation highlights How COVID-19 has impacted the group in surprising ways and how they’ve driven success through Building an adaptive busi...
The necessary tension between culture and performance with David Webster, President of Workday in Asia Pac & Japan
November 18, 2020 09:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBRate review and subscribe to the podcast so we can continue to reach as many people as possible with our inspiring guests. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareunity - The necessary tension between culture and performance with David Webster The race is on to redesign the workplace, and culture is the word on everyone’s lips. But what good is culture if it doesn’t translate into performance and commercial success? David Webster, David Webster, President of Cloud H...
Finding the intersection of creativity, culture and commercial success with Vanessa Morley, Director of People & Culture for Nine.
October 21, 2020 03:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBHow do you design a workplace culture that resonates with journalists and entertainment media alike? What role can work subcultures play in a dynamic and diverse working environment? Director of People & Culture for Nine, Vanessa Morley joins Ben Bars in our first podcast edition of Catalyst Conversations. Conversation highlights: Why Nine Australia saw Vanessa as the perfect fit for her role within the group The difference in pace between FMCG and a Media organisation The critical val...
Finding the intersection of creativity, culture and commercial success with Vanessa Morley, Director of People & Culture for Nine.
October 21, 2020 03:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBHow do you design a workplace culture that resonates with journalists and entertainment media alike? What role can work subcultures play in a dynamic and diverse working environment? Director of People & Culture for Nine, Vanessa Morley joins Ben Bars in our first podcast edition of Catalyst Conversations. Conversation highlights: Why Nine Australia saw Vanessa as the perfect fit for her role within the group The difference in pace between FMCG and a Media organisation The critical val...