Amcham's 'how Business Really Works' Podcast

Did you know that many infrastructure projects are completed late, over budget and unsuccessfully? So many that government and financial institutions expect and now plan for poor performance, but it doesn't have to be that way. Today you'll discover that there are no cheap ports. Building, operating and running a port is costly... but is it cost effective? You'll learn why technology is less important than you think when it comes to ports and you'll hear the six ways of successfully delivering a large infrastructure with our returning guest Guillaume Lucci. Guillaume Lucci is an Officer and serves as Vice President for Global Engineering at International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), a Filipino company traded on the Philippines Stock Exchange (ICT). He is responsible for the entire lifecycle of the delivery of infrastructure and equipment for new ports and expansions of existing ports, from planning and design, through bidding, negotiating, awarding contracts, execution and start-up. In his role h

On this episode of AmCham's 'How Business Really Works' podcast we discuss the high cost of low performance with our guest Mark Langley, President and CEO, Project Management Institute (PMI).  You will learn how to drive change in your organisation that will increase efficiency, you'll hear how the trend to find champions in project management in organisations is literally saving millions and capturing value and you'll discover why the new legislation in the U.S. is a game changer on how projects are being run! Mark A. Langley leads a loyal and dedicated group of more than 700,000 stakeholders who live and work in nearly every country on Earth. As the chief spokesperson for PMI’s thought leadership and advocacy platform, Mark spends countless hours demonstrating the value of project, program and portfolio management to organization executives, government leaders, and the media. Mark travels the globe to work directly with practitioners: Institute members, credential holders, and volunteers to advance the prof

  Are you aware of the importance and impact that ports have on your life? It's greater than you think! Joining us on this episode of AmCham's 'How Business Really Works' Podcast is Guillaume Lucci, Vice President and Director of Global Engineering at International Container Terminal Services, Inc. You'll learn how 90% of the world’s trade is seaborne, you'll hear how ports facilitate trade and you'll see how everything you do, eat, drink, wear and consume comes via a port. Thank you for your continued support of this podcast series. Please continue to let us know how we can improve this service for you by sending an email to podcast@amcham.com.au

Today we turn to politics, in particular, US politics. Joining us today for a special extended episode is Australia's 'go-to guy' for deciphering US politics Dr David Smith, Academic Director and Senior Lecturer in American Politics and Foreign Policy, United States Studies Centre. David Smith is jointly appointed between the US Studies Centre and the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Sydney. Smith has a PhD in political science from the University of Michigan and a BA from the University of Sydney. His research examines political relations between states and minorities, with a focus on religion in the US. Thank you for your continued support of this podcast series. Please continue to let us know how we can improve this service for you by sending an email to podcast@amcham.com.au

Negotiating, it’s something everyone does every day. Our guest today, Allan Parker, shares three little words that are the key to unlocking our potential in negotiating better while also having more productive conversations. Would, could, might. What could we do? What might we do? What would you do if there was something that you always wanted to do but have been frightened to do? Allan Parker is the Managing Director of Peak Performance Development Pty Ltd, a Sydney based consultancy company, operating both within Australia and internationally, in the areas of Negotiation, Organisational Change Facilitation, Training and Dispute Management. Allan's areas of expertise in training include Facilitation, Negotiation, Presentation Skills, Dispute Management as well as Management and Leadership Development. In consulting, his work has included the facilitation of Public Policy, Organisational Change, Strategic Planning, Corporate Restructures and Mergers with many leading organizations in Australia and internat

On today's podcast you'll explore a roadmap for developing positive leaders underpinned by positive psychology, how leaders can become positive energizers and catalysts for organisational change and stratergies leaders can employ to create a positive culture and thriving performance in individuals, teams and the whole organisation with our host Michael Schoettler and his guest Sue Langley. Sue Langley is a speaker, master trainer, global business consultant, researcher and leading advisor on the practical workplace applications of neuroscience, emotional intelligence and positive psychology. Since founding the Langley Group of companies in 2002, she has used her gift for synthesising science into simple, practical tools anyone can use to teach thousands of business leaders, HR professionals and consultants how to harness the brain’s potential, create positive workplaces and be more intelligent about emotions. Sue works with top organisations such as Oracle, Schneider Electric and Wesfarmers to build positive

If you're interested in seeing why developing and implementing a disciplined, focused and energetic strategy for brands is the key to business success then this podcast is for you!  Joining us on this podcast episode is Garry Browne AM, CEO and Managing Director, Stuart Alexander & Co. Garry has forged a career as an expert in transforming organisations that have lost their way through a combination of cultural change and innovative practices. Garry is a respected business and industry leader and a master of brand building with over 40 years' experience successfully marketing and distributing some of the world's favourite household brands. A committed philanthropist and advocate of social corporate responsibility, his significant service to the community has been recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Thank you for your continued support of this podcast series. Please continue to let us know how we can improve this service for you by sending an email to podcast@amcham.com.au

Are you interested in learning dramatic techniques to influence, motivate and inspire others? Our podcast guest today, Andre Alphonso of The Ariel Group Australia will give you insights on where these techniques can be drawn from. Andre will let you know how you can bring out your best in high-stake interactions through personal presence and he will share with you the ability to make profound authentic connections with people. The Ariel Group is an international training firm and registered B Corporation who believes the workplace functions better when people interact generously and communicate well. Their view is that leadership is about relationships—more specifically, the ability to connect authentically with the hearts and minds of others in order to influence or inspire them towards a desired outcome. They boost performance at every level of our global Fortune 1000 client organizations by helping their people leverage emotional intelligence, self-awareness and dynamic communication skills for maximum im

Welcome to the second part of our 2016 highlights. The episode brings sound advice from some of our previously recorded special guests. You'll hear from: Andy Vesey, Managing Director and CEO AGL Eneregy as he discusses the value businesses offer consumers and how it is evolving. Moe Ali, Group Vice President for Gartner Australia and New Zealand who gave an insightful analysis of the Gartner 2016 CEO Survey on what is means to be tech savvy.  Gavin Fox-Smith, Managing Director at Johnson & Johnson on the meaning of Authentic Leadership. Keith Dugdale, Managing Director of The Business of Trust  tells host Duff Watkins that trust is what matters and without it everything becomes suspicious.  Finally, International professional speaker and consultant Alan Weiss visited Australia in August where he discussed with Duff why story telling is a skill everyone should master. Thank you for your continued support of this podcast series. Please continue to let us know how we can improve this service for you b

  In this Christmas Special Podcast we hear from Dr Duff Watkins, Steve Schmidt - Vice Chairman Public Affairs at Edelman, Former U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey Bleich, Matt Bai - National Political Columnist at Yahoo! News, Governor of Nevada, Brian Sandoval and Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe. Thank you for your continued support of this podcast . Please continue to let us know how we can improve this service for you by sending an email to podcast@amcham.com.au.

Cory Middleton today speaks to our host Duff Watkins about your 'A Game' and the hidden forces that are shaping it. Do you have an A Game? Can you find your A Game? Listen in to hear all about it!  Dr Cory Middleton is an internationally recognised mental toughness expert, speaker and mindset coach (Performance Psychologist) providing performance enhancement workshops and one-on-one coaching to help you Activate Your A-Game. Cory helps business and sporting teams to get unstuck - activating personal strengths, increasing mental agility and toughness, whilst building the determination, focus and confidence they need to accelerate high performance results.  Formally at the Australian Institute of Sport (Performance Psychology), Cory completed ground breaking PhD research into the identification and development MENTAL TOUGHNESS. He reviewed over 70 years of resilience research that included examples from military, emergency services, survivors of abuse and neglect, and rehabilitation from trauma and injury. Next

Today our host Duff Watkins learns how a business of style stays in style with his guest Andy Lew, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Brooks Brothers. You'll learn how America's original clothier has survived in every changing, sometime turbulent, global economic environment for 198 years. You'll also find out why 39 out of 44 US Presidents wear one particular brand of clothing! In 1818, Henry Sands Brooks founded Brooks Brothers, the first ready-to-wear fashion emporium in America. Since then, they are proud to have upheld the same traditions and values with a steadfast commitment to American manufacturing for nearly two centuries, operating over 400 stores worldwide. They believe it is because of their attention to fine quality, personal service, commitment to social good and exceptional value that their customers consider them to be far more than a store. Thank you for your continued support of this podcast series. Please continue to let us know how we can improve this service for you by sending an email to

Our host Duff Watkins speaks with the 72nd Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe on this podcast episode. Since being sworn-into office, Governor McAuliffe has aggressively focused on building a new Virginia economy. Whether traveling to Bedford or Beijing, Governor McAuliffe has made it clear that his number one priority is economic development and he is working hard to create and maintain jobs throughout the Commonwealth. The Governor is also working to restore trust in government. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order imposing a $100 gift ban on himself, his family, and members of his administration and their families. He established through executive order the Commission on Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government, which will focus on ethics oversight and enforcement, limits on gifts and loans, rules on conflicts of interest, disclosure requirements and post-public service restrictions. Governor McAuliffe has proven that his administration will be smart stewards of Virginia’

Chris Heathcote CEO of the Global Infrastructure Hub discusses why infrastructure is so important for every society with our host Duff Watkins. Find out why everyone wants a piece of the infrastructure pie. Chris Heathcote was appointed CEO of the Global Infrastructure Hub in June 2015. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge in infrastructure, developed through extensive experience in both the public and private sector. Previously, Chris was a Director of Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets in the United Kingdom. His additional, recent, private sector experience includes positions held with WestLB AG and Lloyds Banking Group. During his time with these companies, Chris was involved in infrastructure projects in the United States, Europe, Turkey, China, the Ivory Coast and Australia. Chris also served as head of project finance at Partnerships UK (a joint UK Treasury and privately-owned company, which promoted the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and Public Private Partnerships (PPP)), with a focus on major

Governor of Nevada, Brian Sandoval speaks to our podcast host Duff Watkins on ' The New Nevada' on our podcast today. You'll learn how the 'driest state in the U.S.' leads the Nation in water innovation, why and how Nevada is the lighthouse for Economic Development and much more.  Brian Sandoval was elected the 30th Governor of Nevada in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. In 2005 he was appointed United States District Judge for the District of Nevada and in 2002 he was elected Attorney General of Nevada. He has previously served as chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission and in the Nevada Legislature. His accomplishments as Governor include work to make Nevada the most veteran and military-friendly state in the nation, transforming Nevada’s approach to economic development, expanding health care coverage, implementing new innovative gaming policy and leading the effort for an unprecedented investment in and modernisation of Nevada’s public education system. During his inaugural legislative session, Governor Sando

Have you ever wondered how a company chooses a charity? Did you know a company should research which company they should support in the exact same way they would research a company to go into business partnership with? Learn all about this and more in today's podcast with our host Duff Watkins Judy Tanna who is the National Major Donor Manager at The Smith Family.  The Smith Family is a national children’s charity that helps disadvantaged young Australians to succeed at school, so they can create better futures for themselves. The Smith Family steps into a disadvantaged child’s life while they are still at school, to help them get the most from their time there. By supporting a child to participate in education, The Smith Family prevents them experiencing a lifetime of poverty. Established in 1922, today their work reaches more than 124,902 disadvantaged children and families in 94 communities across Australia. By investing in a child’s education, we can break a cycle of disadvantage. Thank you for your cont

Our podcast host today Robert Hossary, General Manager NSW/ACT at The American Chamber of Commerce discusses 'Authentic Leadership' with guest Gavin Fox-Smith, Managing Director at Johnson & Johnson Medical ANZ and AmCham Governor.  Mr Fox-Smith joined Johnson & Johnson Medical Australia/NZ in 1997 as a Regional Business Director and in February 2012 was appointed Managing Director for Global Surgery and Johnson & Johnson Medical ANZ. Over the past 15 years Gavin has held leadership roles in Sales, Marketing and General Management across Ethicon, EES, DePuy and Cordis. The ongoing problems in business leadership in the past has underscored the need for a new kind of leader in the twenty-first century: the authentic leader. You also do not have to be at the top of your organization. Anyone can learn to be an authentic leader. The journey begins with leaders understanding their life stories. Authentic leaders frame their stories in ways that allow them to see themselves not as passive observers but

What does trust mean to you? To Keith Dugdale, Duff Watkins' guest on today's podcast, trust is what matters and without it, everything becomes suspicious.  Keith is a successful author, business coach and international speaker on client relationships and building trust in business. He is the co-author of the best-selling “Smarter Selling: How to grow sales by building trusted relationships” published by Financial Times Prentice Hall, which has now been translated into 5 languages including Chinese and Russian, and is the co-developer of the ENGAGE training program which has been delivered to more than 10,000 people worldwide, directly resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in sales. For more than 30 years, Keith’s career focus has been on relationships between people in business, primarily in a sales environment. This has led him to a career with positions varying from head of training and development for PwC China to a business development and sales coach in Australia.

 Having learned the consulting

In this episode, Duff discusses the 'US Election Reality Show' with Matt Bai, National Political Columnist, Yahoo! News. Matt Bai is the national political columnist for Yahoo! News, where his “Political World” column appears every Thursday. Before joining Yahoo at the end of 2013, he was the chief political correspondent for the New York Times Magazine, where he covered three presidential campaigns, and a columnist for the Times.  In addition to being a national US political journalist, Matt is a published author, screenwriter and sometime actor – having played himself in several episodes of the second season of the Netflix series House of Cards. He also appears regularly on major national US political television shows as an expert commentator. Matt is presently covering the US Presidential Election for Yahoo News. This is the fourth Presidential election he has covered as a major political journalist. His weekly column ‘Political World’ is widely read with his most recent column on Donald Trump generating i

Everyone has a story and everyone needs to know how to tell their business story. Today Duff Watkins and his guest Alan Weiss will discuss why and how you need to tell this story. Alan Weiss is a consultant, speaker and author. His consulting firm Summit Consulting Group, Inc. attracts clients such as Merck, Hewlett-Packard, GE, Mercedes-Benz and many more. Alan is an inductee into the Professional Speaking Hall of Fame® and the concurrent recipient of the National Speakers Association Council of Peers Award of Excellence, representing the top 1% of professional speakers in the world. He has been named a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, one of only two people in history holding both those designations. Thankyou for your continued support of this podcast series. Please continue to let us know how we can improve this service for you by sending an email to podcast@amcham.com.au