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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 changeUsing design thinking to address complex organisational challengesHow to foster a culture of listening and empathy in project settingsThe role of strategic questioning in achieving impactful outcomesHow to overcome constraints and adapt to evolving client needsKey links
Heath Gledhill LinkedInSue Stewart LinkedInAurecon Design Academy at RMIT UniversityMyers Briggs Personality Profiling E50 – Rachel Zhang and David BradfordAbout 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
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 authenticityImposter SyndromeThe significance of seeking supportConcept of schemas—mental patterns that influence behaviour and perceptionsManaging digital distractionPractice of writing "morning pages" for mental clarityNavigating triggers and traumaProactive career developmentThe power of positive foundationsComplexity of identity and diversityKey links
DeAnna Avis LinkedInJulia Cameron’s "Morning Pages"Company Road Podcast E40 – Lael StoneAbout 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 businessFor 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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"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 CXThe 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 LinkedInA Closer Look Website A Closer Look Facebook PageA Closer Look X (Twitter ) PageToys R Us WebsiteTarget Website Burning Mountain Adventures LinkedInAbout 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.
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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"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 teamFostering trust through vulnerability The importance of spontaneity and playfulnessOvercoming your inner critic and embracing innovationThe importance of listening to connect, not to respondRedefining the standard 'Yes, and' to a 'Hell Yeah'Key links
Broni Lisle LinkedInImprov Conspiracy podcastGrowth Factory websiteSpontoon TV on YouTubeAbout 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.
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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“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 LinkedInCailie Ford InstagramAbout 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
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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“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 WrightThis 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 attractionEnsuring action and impact in initiativesMental health experiences influencing methodViews on supporting graduates and internshipsDesign of work and its effects on mental healthStrategies for workplace mental health improvementEffective business approaches to mental healthManaging constant change and uncertaintyMethods for creating lasting changeKey links
Andy Wright LinkedIn Never Not Creative Website Creative Mornings where Andy gave a talk on mental healthEverymindAnxious Achiever PodcastStreamtimeInterbrand LandorR/GANever Not Finishing School Allies and Never Not CreativeHBR Article - the concept of the "ideal worker" and its impact on personal identityAbout 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.
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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“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 BlissThis 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 LinkedInLondon School of Economics (LSE)National Australia BankTelstraNissanDepartment 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 KahnemanAbout 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
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 BubnovaThis 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 LinkedInTech Femme Fusion WebsiteAbout 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
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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"A lot of the ideas are existing and being able to get permission and the space to be able to work on ideas that maybe might have been someone else's baby at some point, but being able to sort of take them on and nurture them."
“Sometimes I like to refer to our team as the Lazarus team because they're sort of raising projects from the dead, but sometimes ideas are just not quite their time yet…being able to sort of resurrect that project, think about it slightly differently, and being able to communicate that internally is quite challenging when there's that rich history behind some of the sort of initiatives that are important but perhaps haven't been executed right in the past. ”
- Shane BurfordDon’t miss this episode where Shane Burford lays out the blueprint for embedding innovation practices that deliver long-term value. Tune in now to learn how you can bring these strategies into your own organisation and elevate your game to the next level!
In this episode you’ll hear about
What is Shane Burford's background and expertise in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship?What are some of the hardest challenges faced in establishing new businesses within large organisations?What strategies are effective in resurrecting and repurposing old ideas within a company?How does the "build-measure-learn" approach influence innovation in a corporate setting?What are the challenges in working with core teams on innovation projects in established organisations?What role does data play in justifying the investment of time and resources in a new innovation initiative?How do you measure the success of a new product or service, especially when aiming for mass-market adoption?What happens when an innovation idea doesn’t work out as expected, and what lessons can be learned from such failures?What is the attitude towards failure in innovation teams, and how can it be used as a learning experience?How to balance strategic thinking versus action-oriented approaches in your innovation processes?How does top-down support from leadership impact the ability to drive innovation?How to manage the risk of political sensitivities when developing new ideas?How to manage the process of killing ideas when they don’t meet customer needs or organisational goals?Key links
Shane Burford LinkedInCAR GroupNational Australia BankTelstraToyotaAbout our guest
Shane is an entrepreneurial leader focussed on establishing new growth businesses within existing organisations. He is focussed on embedding innovation practices in organisations so that they can discover and incubate higher risk and longer term opportunities.
Shane has worked in innovation at NAB, Telstra, Toyota and is currently building new businesses within CAR Group where he is Head of Design. With a background in product and design Shane is passionate about establishing new businesses that better solve customer needs whilst also delivering long term commercial and strategic value.
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 call myself a playful experience, and I really lean into the experience because that is where the magic happens. And if you create the playful experience the right way, you can draw out unexpected responses and unexpected underlying culture issues, because the power is solving a problem with a problem."
- Trudi BoatwrightTrudi Boatwright is a playful experience designer extraordinaire. Trudi challenges the notion that solving problems has to be a boring affair. She argues that by embracing playfulness, we can unlock new levels of creativity, improve communication, and foster stronger leadership.
Trudi shares her fascinating career path, including her early experiences working in seemingly unrelated fields. She describes how she began incorporating playful elements into her work, even when it meant pushing boundaries. Trudi also discusses the challenges of introducing playfulness into traditional business cultures.
Ready to experience the transformative power of play for yourself? Listen and discover Trudi's playful challenge that will help you see your problems in a whole new light!
In this episode you’ll hear about
The surprising origins of taking a playful approach in your organisation How workplaces have evolved over timeHow playfulness can solve problems (especially in communication)The truth about multitasking (and how to focus better)Tips to become a better listenerHow to make presentations unforgettable The undeniable benefits of a playful workplaceWays leaders can foster playfulness within their teamsChallenges to overcome when bringing play to workHow to be more playful at work (without being disruptive)The future of AI in the workplace and the importance of human connectionKey links
Trudi Boatwright WebsiteTrudi Boatwright LinkedInE37 – Dara SimkinRoyal Children's HospitalDame Phyllis Frost CentreTarrengower PrisonThe Elements of Play Toward a Philosophy and a Definition of Play BY Scott G. EberleE46 – Chris MitchellAbout our guest
Trudi is a Playful Experience Designer who specialises in solving problems with play! Working within the intersection of applied improvisation, design thinking and experiential learning, she leans on her Masters of Design Futures and 20 years of experience as an arts practitioner to use her playful learning theory to boost communication and connection.
She is a professional speaker, coach, and writer, working within organisations and government departments to utilise play as a problem solver and leadership tool through workshops, activations, and keynotes. She creates immersive theatre through her theatre company, TBC Theatre, runs a menagerie household of kids, cats, dogs and fish and believes that playfulness has the capacity to solve some of our most wicked problems.
About our host
Our host,
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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"Always give 110% in even that smallest line you draw on paper." - Sharbani Dhar
Sharbani Dhar, 2023 winner of the ISG Digital Titan Award and Founder and CEO of DotInfinity, a product and design consultancy. Sharbani started her career in architecture but her passion for problem-solving led her to design and user experience. She then migrated to Australia, facing the challenge of resetting her career due to a lack of local experience. Through perseverance and a focus on lifelong learning, she overcame these hurdles and built a successful career in design leadership.
Listen and learn how to become a champion intrapreneur, equipped with the tools and mindset to push boundaries and make a positive impact within your organisation!
In this episode you’ll hear about
Reinventing yourself: Sharbani's transition from architecture to UX design highlights the importance of embracing change and following your passions.Overcoming obstacles: Learn how Sharbani tackled the unique challenges faced by immigrants in the Australian job market.Authenticity in design: Discover why staying true to your values is crucial for creating impactful and user-centred solutions.The power of feedback: Sharbani shares practical advice for overcoming the fear of sharing work and seeking feedback, emphasising the importance of creating a safe space for teams to collaborate and innovate.Reframing failure: Explore the concept of "failure KPIs" and how embracing missteps can actually lead to greater success and innovation.Unravelling complexity: Sharbani reveals her strategies for breaking down complex problems and making informed decisions based on educated guesses about business impact and technical feasibility.Building alliances: Learn how to create strong relationships within your organisation by understanding the needs and motivations of your colleagues and stakeholders.The importance of diversity: Discover how diverse perspectives enrich problem-solving and lead to better outcomes.Navigating disagreements: Sharbani shares her approach to dealing with challenging personalities and fostering a collaborative environment.Key links
Sharbani Dhar LinkedInDotInfinityAustralian Post (Auspost) Monash HealthDesign OutlookMiro Figma TelstraAbout our guest
The 2023 winner of the ISG Digital Titan Award, Sharbani is the Founder and CEO of DotInfinity, a product and design consultancy.
She champions design-led product strategies that harmonise customer-centric solutions with overarching business goals.
Her expertise spans multiple sectors, including Government, Telecommunications, Finance, and Technology. An active community member, she volunteers as a Consumer Advisor for Monash Health and as an Advisory Board member for Design Outlook.
Beyond her professional sphere, Sharbani explores her creative pursuits in film production, helping craft short films that illuminate socially relevant themes and mentoring young migrants trying to establish themselves professionally.
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 think it's adventure that drives me. So it's adventure that is at the heart of all of this. I didn't really enjoy school. I wasn't particularly good at school. I was diagnosed, you know, either dyslexic or dyspraxic or, you know, suffered from a bang on the head. But that wasn't until university. So school was kind of a constant experience of being told that I was smart but lazy, and it just didn't make sense to me. I wasn't very good at it. But then I worked. My first kind of career was in advertising, and I was very lucky, I think, to find places that valued people that thought differently." - Ben Mason
Ben Mason shares his journey of living and working remotely on a sailboat, discussing his background in strategy work and entrepreneurship, including his appearance on Dragon's Den. He describes the challenges of maintaining a balance between freelance work and boat life, his struggles with dyslexia and dyspraxia during school, and his innovative ventures like starting a pizza delivery social enterprise during COVID-19. He also talks about his current location in the Bahamas and plans to sail further.
Dive deeper into his adventures and learn how to embrace a lifestyle of remote work and adventure by listening to this episode, be inspired by his journey and embark on your own path to freedom and innovation today!
In this episode you’ll hear about
Ben Mason's background in strategy work, entrepreneurship, and appearance on Dragon's DenThe challenges of living and working remotely on a sailboatStruggles with school due to dyslexia and dyspraxiaBalancing freelance work with boat maintenanceThe feasibility and challenges of remote working, balancing client expectations with the realities of boat lifeFuture plans without limitsKey links
Ben Mason LinkedInBen Mason TwitterFortnum & Mason Dragon’s DenAbout our guest
Currently a freelance CSO providing marketing consultancy including brand strategy, product innovation, naming and creative ideas, Ben works remotely from his sailboat.
Previously Co-Founder at Love Triangle, a pizza delivery social enterprise launched summer 2020 during Covid lockdown. In the midst of lockdown they raised many thousands for a foodbank, met the King and employed over 100 people from the hard-hi hospitality industry.
Previously Ben founded a baked beans startup that Richard Branson described as 'a pioneering business idea' and The Daily Mail described it as, 'twice as good as Heinz and 10 times tastier than Waitrose'. Check out Ben's appearance on Dragons' Den!
About our hostOur 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
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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“When you were doing the intro, you know, you can just hear how diverse and broad the different types of roles or experiences and industries I've had were. I think you know some parts have been serendipitous right. Where you're just kind of following your instinct around what you enjoy like this constant search in your work for things where you feel good you know you're getting joy out of it you're learning you're collaborating with really clever people. That's like everything to me.” - Sam McCallum
This month’s theme
Sam McCallum shares insights from her extensive industry experience and strategic design background. Key topics include the importance of team alignment, the application of hypothesis-led experiments to address strategic scepticism, and maintaining work-life balance. Sam also emphasises the value of diversity, iterative feedback, and practical strategies for preventing burnout and ensuring effective project delivery.
Gain valuable insights from industry expert Sam McCallum on strategic design, team alignment, and maintaining work-life balance. Listen now to elevate your business strategies and achieve successful project outcomes.
In this episode you’ll hear about
Sam's background in strategic design and diverse industry experienceThe differences between consultancy and in-house rolesThe importance of strategic design in aligning with market trends and customer needsThe role of strategic designers in enabling executives and product teamsWhy it's important to bring people together for key project momentsHow hypothesis-led experiments can be used to address strategy skepticsThe benefits of diversity and inclusion in teamsThe value of iterative feedback in strategy development and the practical steps for implementing iterative processesThe importance of self-care and work-life balanceWays to avoid burnout and maintain energyKey links
Outfoxed.coSam McCallum LinkedInAbout our guest host
Sam brings 19 years of diverse experience from consultancies, digital agencies and client-side leadership roles. Known for CX, strategic design, business design and innovation, Sam has a track record of successfully delivering new products and business models to market.
Sam's industry experience includes Finance, Media, Telco, FMCG, Grocery, QSR, Retail, and Government, with roles including; Head of Experience Design at Latitude Financial, Head of Marketing at Fairfax Media, and Strategy Director at R/GA.
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
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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"It felt like things were taking me into uncomfortable situations, and then learning from uncomfortable situations basically brought opportunity, and an opportunity then opened up other doors and things went from there. Really." - Chris Hudson
This month’s themeFor the past year, the Company Road podcast has been a beacon of inspiration for leaders and aspiring intrapreneurs. But today, the host, Chris Hudson, steps out of his usual role and into the interview chair.
In this special episode, Nathan Bell, Chris's long-time colleague, delves into Chris's fascinating journey. From a childhood marked by distance and isolation to a successful career in advertising, Chris shares the pivotal moments that shaped his outlook and his passion for helping others bring positive change to their workplaces.
This introspective conversation is packed with valuable insights for anyone who wants to find their voice, embrace their individuality, and become a changemaker within their organisation.
In this episode you’ll hear about
How Chris developed a view of the worldWhat made Chris feel like the world was against himWhen did Chris realise he needed to be more positiveWhat was Chris's moment of frustrationHow Chris found his tribe and rhythm within advertisingHow Chris learned to overcome adversityHow meeting his wife influenced his lifeThe challenges of balancing family life and a professional careerSome of Chris' tips for productivityHow Chris' experience as a father has made him a better leaderBalancing being a leader and being a role model for your childrenWhere Chris sees his company and podcast going in the futureKey links
The Carrot CollectiveNathan Bell LinkedIn
About our guest hostNathan Bell, Founding Partner of the Carrot Collective has anchored his career at the intersection of research, strategy, design and cultural change. With over 25 years in advertising, brand strategy, large format immersive technology and the built environment, Nathan has led some of the world’s most pioneering brands, cities, and institutions to solve complex design and societal problems.
About our guest (your normal 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.
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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“Any little action, no matter how small, can make a huge difference.” - Joel Vermaas
This month’s theme
Joel Vermaas, a seasoned researcher and founder of Vibrant Insights, breaks down the dramatic shift from traditional methods like face-to-face interviews to the data-driven approaches of today.
Joel also shares his passion for the vast and ever-changing landscape of market research, highlighting the opportunity to delve into everything from consumer goods to life's most delicate moments.
Listen and gain valuable insights from their target audience and make informed business decisions.
In this episode you’ll hear about
How research has transformed from traditional methods to a data-driven approach.Why critical skills are needed to thrive in the dynamic world of market research.What is the importance of "backwards market research" to focus on actionable outcomesHow to avoid common pitfalls that can derail your research efforts.The exciting world of choice modelling and its power to inform product development.How AI can be used to gather data and generate insightsKey links
Vibrant InsightsLinkedIn Instagram Facebook The Research Society Australian Data Insights Association Mark Ritson’s article Backwards Market Research Joel Vermaas LinkedInAbout our guest
Joel is the founder of Vibrant Insights – a market research, insights and strategy agency at the intersection of commercial work and community, helping brands thrive. Joel has been in research for nearly two decades, and worked at some of Australia’s leading quantitative agencies.
Joel started Vibrant Insights to demonstrate that businesses can balance mindful approaches, while remaining commercially viable.
Joel, and Vibrant, does a great deal of work in the commercial space, with a range of publicly listed and private companies across property portals, digital, consumer packaged goods, quick-service restaurants, and even end-of-life (funerals, cremations, memorialisation). This includes brand/comms work, innovation, advanced techniques like segmentation and choice modelling, and harnesses a range of research tech.
At the same time, it’s about building up a ‘peace chest’ from doing this commercial work, funding the ability to engage in pro-bono / low-bono work, helping not-for-profits, while also donating 10% of profits to charity.
To Joel, it’s about a small sacrifice to profit and salary, to ultimately make the world a better place.
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.
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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“If you're going to take a role, there are three things that are important: a good problem to work on, good people to work on it with, and good leadership that you have faith in or you believe in." - David Bradford
This month’s theme
This month we discuss the significance of identifying crossroads within our careers or organisations. In each episode, we explore the pivotal moments where decisions shape our professional trajectories, and strategies for navigating challenges and change as an employee or a leader.
From career transitions and industry shifts to leadership changes and organisational restructuring, we unpack practical strategies, share success stories, and empower listeners to embrace challenges and change as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Rachel Zhang and David Bradford share their experiences building a high-performing team at Telstra. They discuss the importance of authentic leadership, fostering trust, and creating a space where everyone feels valued. You'll hear how they approach interviews differently, focusing on finding the right fit rather than just skills.
Learn how to create a thriving team environment that embraces diverse perspectives and fosters innovation.
In this episode you’ll hear about
How to maintain an open and authentic interview style, ensuring the right fit for both the role and the teamHow to create a space where introverts and other personalities can thrive in the workplaceHow to address the challenges of maintaining team connection and communication in a remote work environmentHow does bias in recruiting impact the hiring process, and what can be done to mitigate itHow does squad engagement and chapter engagement contribute to team morale and productivityHow to identify signs that an organisation may not be a good fit and how to navigate unexpected changes within an organisation.How to navigate unexpected challenges like market changes or innovation, manage conflicts effectively through communication and empathy, and promote authenticity as a superpower to build confidence and reduce stress in both personal and professional contextsKey links
Telstra Design Outlook RMIT University AKQA Accenture Parliament of Victoria Rachel Zhang on LinkedIn David Bradford on LinkedIn ANZ NABFor 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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“Some people are really good at corralling people towards a decision and doing so in a way that makes everybody feel like they weren't bullied into making that decision.” - Lina Patel
This month’s themeIn this episode, we delve into a crucial aspect often overlooked by organisations: the importance of cultivating strong relationships within teams.
Amidst the hustle of daily tasks and navigating organisational change, it's easy for us as leaders to prioritise the 'doing' over fostering meaningful connections and having open conversations.
Specifically, we are focussing on actionable strategies that leaders can take on to initiate a positive transformation within their organisations and communities. Join us as we uncover the power in collaborative and constructive relationships and its impact on success.
In this episode you’ll hear about
Mastering your first steps in facilitation: Tips to kickstart a career in the industryHow to identify different mentoring styles and the benefits of each approachWays to bring people together and inspire collaborationThe ways in which environmental factors can influence the success of a project of facilitation sessionThe importance of creating inclusive spaces that meet diverse needsKey links
Lina’a Consulting Firm: https://www.revmaconsulting.com/
Lina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linaxpatel/?originalSubdomain=au
The Value Web: https://thevalueweb.org/
Polykala: https://www.linkedin.com/school/polykala/
Company Road https://companyroad.co/
Kind Enterprises: https://www.kindenterprises.co/Stage A Change: http://www.stageachange.org/
The designer who created Lina's branded Mural templates is Zenaida Beatson
https://www.zbeatson.design/
The training Lina mentioned : Working Creatively with Difference https://anzpop.org/training-programs/process-work-public-courses/working-creatively-with-difference/About our guest
Lina Patel is a Facilitator and Collaboration Designer. Her mission is to alleviate needless workplace suffering and bring more kindness into the world, one team at a time.
With 25 years of experience in the public and private sector and in areas like finance, compliance, risk, and project management. She has been part of over 65 teams and facilitated more than 500 meetings onsite and online. She makes most sense in groups.
As a facilitator, Lina takes care of the details whilst supporting groups to achie
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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“Seniority doesn't win, experience does” - Kevin Finn
This month’s theme
This month we discuss the significance of identifying crossroads within our careers or organisations. In each episode, we explore the pivotal moments where decisions shape our professional trajectories, and strategies for navigating challenges and change as an employee or a leader.
From career transitions and industry shifts to leadership changes and organisational restructuring, we unpack practical strategies, share success stories, and empower listeners to embrace challenges and change as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
In this episode you’ll hear about
Ways to identify a crossroads in your career Reflecting on whether a company’s culture aligns with your valuesHow business leaders can create the conditions for successful transformation and change within their organisationHow to foster buy-in and collaboration from the wider team to drive organisational change forwardWays for employees to have constructive conversations with their leadership team during periods of changeKey links
Company Road
NO/BS
Nick Berman’s Episode 31
Kevin’s latest venture: Crossroads
Jim Antonopolous
Berlin Liew’s Episode 44
About our guest
Kevin Finn is a brand expert, author, internationally recognised branding designer and TEDx speaker. His personal belief is: There is wisdom in learning.
With 30 years experience, Kevin began his career in Dublin at the design studio that has created all of U2’s album covers. Following this, for seven years he was Joint-Creative Director of Saatchi Design, Sydney, part of the Saatchi & Saatchi global network. Between 2003 and 2018 he explored the intersection of design with social, cultural, political and economic issues through his independent self published design journal, Open Manifesto. His book ‘Brand Principles: How to be a 21st Century Brand’ was published in 2022. In 2007, he founded his independent design practice TheSumOf.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-finn-3aa8a33/
About our host
Our host, Chris Hudson is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of Company Road, helping businesses and leaders find meaning, impact and positivity.
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.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hudson-7464254/
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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"AI is a little bit like fine wine in that everybody knows the name. Everybody thinks it looks great, but most people still really don't understand it."
Simon Kriss
This month’s theme
This month we explore the latest trends reshaping various sectors in Australia, from technological innovations driving business growth to market disruptors demanding strategic adaptation for survival.
Key topics include leveraging cutting-edge technologies to spur growth as well as formulating agile strategies to respond effectively to industry disruptions.
In this episode you’ll hear about
How to educate CEOs and leaders about AI and its potential impact.How CEOs and C-suite leaders need to communicate their position on AI to alleviate fears and build a safe environment for experimentation.How to use AI to explore new boundaries and create new products.How to identify pain points in the organisation and prioritise AI use cases Where to start your AI journey today.Key links
Simon's website: https://simonkriss.ai
Simon's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonkriss/ (Simon mentioned he will send a free PDF of his book to anyone who connects with him after listening to this podcast episode)Simon's book on Amazon: "The AI-Empowered Customer Experience" by Simon Kriss https://www.amazon.com.au/Empowered-Customer-Experience-practitioners-possibilities-ebook/dp/B0C9YCPT4J
CSIRO's Data61: https://data61.csiro.au/
Australian Government AI Ethics Principles: https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/building-australias-artificial-intelligence-capability/ai-ethics-framework/ai-ethics-principles
OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/
Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com/
Hugging Face: https://huggingface.co/
Canva: https://www.canva.com/
Beautify: https://beautifycloud.com/
Allmybraindecor: https://allmybrain.com/
Katonic: https://katonic.ai/
Brainfish: https://brainfish.ai/
About our guest
Simon Kriss, Chief AI Officer at simonkriss.ai is a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant. He is author of “The AI Empowered Customer Experience”, hosts podcasts on CX and AI, and was named in the 2024 CX Top 50 Global Influencers to follow.
Based in Melbourne Australia, Simon is a CX and AI futurologist who presents to audiences around the world and works with company boards and C-suite executives to help them better understand where the AI opportunities lie for their businesses.
About our host
Our host, Chris Hudson is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of Company Road, helping businesses and leaders find meaning, impact and positivity.
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.
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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“If it's a bigger organisation, you find out who's doing the financial you'll probably notice it will be coming around reports from someone, you can build a relationship with that person”
Chris Mitchell
This month…We're pushing into the theme of innovation and trends and drivers of growth, both for organisations and intrapreneurs as leaders on a more personal level.
In this episode you’ll hear about…
How Canstar steered its transformation from a small B2B research business into a huge digital marketplace as one of Australia's biggest financial comparison sites, turning it into a brand that over 10 million Australians use every year.Revolutionising digital business: Driving scale and growth by empowering consumers to save time and moneyMatching Consumers desires into seamless Digital SolutionsMaximising finance potential amidst commercial leadership constraintsAligning personal passion with your business goals The need to adapt to trends: navigating the process within your teamFostering innovation by facilitating collaboration within your organisationKey links
Canstar
Chris Mitchell on Linkedin
Canstar on Linkedin
JD Power
About our guest
Chris Mitchell is the CFO of Canstar, Australia’s biggest financial comparison site. Chris has been with Canstar since 2007 and has co-piloted its transformation from a small B2B research business into a B2B2C digital marketplace.
Canstar is Australia’s biggest financial comparison site, comparing over 300 brands in banking, insurance and superannuation. We’ve grown the business from a specialist research company into a mainstream Australian brand used by over 10m Australians each year. Canstar Blue was launched in 2010 to compare telco, energy and other consumer products. Deloitte Fast 50. AFR Fast 100. Great place to work 5th in Australia 2021.
Prior to Canstar, Chris held senior financial and commercial roles in advertising in London and hospitality in Canada. With over 25 years’ experience, Chris started his career in audit in North
Queensland, having grown up in the bush and completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree at James Cook University in Townsville. Chris has been a CA since 2000 and has completed the AICD company directors course (2013).
About our host
Our host, Chris Hudson is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of Company Road, helping businesses and leaders find meaning, impact and positivity.
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.
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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