Executive Stories

Mitch Lally, Managing Director and creative genius at Mitch Lally films, is an award winning wedding cinematographer. He has a unique vision for crafting powerful wedding films which has given him opportunities to work with passionate clients and capture celebrations all over the world. Mitch provides youthful insight into his journey from freelance filmmaker to presiding over a multi million dollar film company – and what drove him to start in the first place. Don’t let Mitch’s age deceive you: his business acumen and wisdom are well beyond his years. We delve into: The influence Mitch’s dad had on his choice to start a business; The sacrifices Mitch has had to make; Making business smart promises; Recruiting the right people into a business where honed creative talent and attention to detail is everything.

Eddie is a BDO Tax Partner in Brisbane but he is also a non-executive director at numerous companies and not-for-profits.  Eddie’s role as a non-executive director sets him apart from all my others guest who are founders or executives.  The differences don’t just stop there.  Eddie isn’t your standard accountant or non-executive. He prides himself on being intuitive and has became an accredited Myers Brigger Type Indicator Certified Practitioner due to his passion of understanding different people’s personality types. In this episode we discuss: How to find board roles; What it’s like to be a non-executive director in a room full executives How understanding personality types can help bring cohesion to dysfunctional Boards Determining your career from your natural skills vs preferred career.

Dr. Jane Thomason is the CEO of Abt Associates-Australia but many listeners will know her better for her relentless pursuit Janes. Jane has ridden a wave of success establishing JTA International in 1999 and later merging into Abt Associates while never losing her passion for wanting to improve the lives in under developed nations including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Mongolia. It can be a case of ‘catch her while you can’ while Jane jet-sets around the world but the importance of family in her life is unmoving and a key reason why she can honestly say she has a fulfilling life. In this episode we delve into: Working out what’s important in life Balancing the duties of being a CEO and having passion projects Blockchain in developing countries Why Jane doesn't need any hobbies – her life is her hobby. Jane lives a life that is as colourful as her daily repertoire of delightful outfits and truly stands out as the flamingo in a flock of pigeons! 

Katrina is a Co-founder of Civic Ledger, an Australian start-up that uses the best of emerging technologies such as block chain to transform a wide range of business process challenges faced by public sector markets.    What’s great about this episode of Executive Stories is Katrina’s ability to explain what a blockchain company does and what it’s like to be involved in a blockchain startup pioneer.   Katrina has extensive experience in public policy and early stage commercialisation having worked in both public and not for profit sectors for over 20 years with a specific focus on business development, project management and revenue diversification. Katrina talks to Executive Stories about: What the blockchain is in terms that we can all understand and relate to; Blockchain, tokens and coins as a means of raising capital; A day in the life of a co-founder of Civic Ledger; Growing up and finding yourself. Katrina’s energy and passion is obvious when you hear her speak, which is what makes this such a great E

Paul is the General Manager of Pacific Data Systems, a company that provides solutions in the areas of environmental monitoring, data acquisition, scientific and industrial instrumentation remote computing and systems integration. Paul’s general to the role of General Manager is an interesting one as he was more or less thrown into the position when the founder of Pacific Data Systems suddenly passed away. Paul highlights the importance of family to help you through the tough times and he is incredibly honest about the trials, tribulations and the joys of his journey.  Paul isn’t afraid to hold himself publically accountable to very high standards of leadership and excellence, which is why his Executive Story is so rich and engaging.

Phil Smart started his professional career in 1976 by completing a Carpentry Apprenticeship and then held a General Builders License in both Queensland and New South Wales. After starting off as a builder Phil's foray into the recruitment industry began in 1994 as the financial backer and strategic adviser to a recruitment organisation, which is still in existence today. In late 1996 Phil sold his shareholding in that company, however, he had developed an affinity for the industry and decided to establish WorkPac in February of 1997. Today Phil remains a driving force behind WorkPac’s success but in his wisdom sees the value in allowing others to drive the company’s direction and values which continue to be hallmarks of who WorkPac is as an organisation.  In this episode we delve into: Scaling by leveraging other people’s time and not just your own; Cultural fit and recognising when someone isn’t the right fit; Investing heavily in your people: it’s just good business; Taking a step back from the business; a

If you’ve ever wondered what its like and how to do a corporate turn around then this interview with John Bourke, Managing Director of Kitchen Connection is for you.  John’s story is a very personal one that leads us down an emotional path that I think neither of us expected.  John reminds us that: Homing your skills at a big corporate can equip you well be life outside. There is a big difference between strategy and execution The importance of and to deliver an outstanding customer experience Life does throws set backs at you, but with willpower, determination and passion we can rise again. A special thanks to John for being so open and I am sure he will inspire many others as a result.

Matthew is not only cofounder of foundU, he is a really down to earth guy that is passionate about his industry and his clients.  His decision to pursue a goal of building from the ground up a world class end-to-end tech solution for labour force management has lead him on a wild journey.  Matthew’s journey began about three years ago when the founders of foundU saw a problem they all agreed needed to be  solved, and their journey since has been quite remarkable. This episode touches on: The importance of loyalty and trust Making money as a startup and staying sane at the same time Being grateful Taking time out with the family The benefits of having a development team in house Like me, Matthew is a firm believer in not compromising on the quality of client service while remembering not to take yourself too seriously.  Plenty of gems in this Executive Story for everyone.

Wayne is the cofounder and CEO of RedEye, a Brisbane software as a solution tech company with offices in Brisbane and Las Vegas. You are unlikely to meet another CEO with as much passion for startups, his people, his family and his home town Brisbane.   Wayne doesn’t pull any punches and calls it as it is, meaning we get right to the heart of topics such as: choosing the right people to do business with and having the right people on your team being authentic - online, offline, in social media and in business what keeps him awake at night how important it is to him to have the support of his wife to let him create something great from nothing why going on 7 day off road motor bike adventure was a form of meditation for Wayne. Wayne is authentic, influential and generous with his time.  Wayne is living proof that when you give before you take great things will come your way.  I am grateful to have him as my first guess on Executive Stories. Enjoy!