Inner Chief Podcast

“A story wins the heart, and then the moral of the story wins the head.” In this Best of Series episode, we hear from globally-acclaimed freelance direct marketer, Alex Mandossian, on ethical influence and the art of storytelling.

“A plan executed aggressively now is better than a plan executed perfectly in a week's time. Let's just get on with it and we can finesse and refine as we go, as opposed to sitting on it and dreaming for another week.” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, we speak to Paris Thomson, Founder and Creative Director of SIRAP, on manifesting success and inspiration through full-sensory visualisation, and relationship-building in the flesh.

“I can't imagine coaching without these three strategies in my toolkit because it would be nearly impossible to deal hope.”   In today’s minisode, we are going to talk about how to prepare to run performance reviews. These are your one-to-one coaching sessions when you are assessing talent, or when you're about to go through a performance management process. Often, managers can run into trouble; either you can’t get a low performer to lift, or you are running out of inspiration and dealing hope to a high performer. So I will give you three strategies to move past stalling in a review.

“For anyone in a position that requires responsibility and decision-making, if you are un-overwhelm-able, you bring an enormous amount to the table.” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, we speak to Nicho Plowman, Co-Founder of the world’s number 1 meditation app, Insight Timer, on beating overwhelm and stress to think clearly everyday.

“One of the things that can make it a dream job is that if your suck factor is 20% or less, sweet spot baby!” In this Best of Series episode, we hear from speaker and author, Mitch Matthews of Dream, Think, Do, on bringing science to dreaming, and igniting your career.

“We've seen a societal shift on inclusivity and parenting and there's no magic bullet. Every family is quite different and unique.” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, we speak to Grainne O'Loughlin, CEO of Karitane, on parenting for executives and the first 2000 days of a child's development, and the inspiring legacy she is building.

“So many times we’re waiting for someone to save us. We’re not taking that ownership. No one’s coming.” In today’s episode we are going to turn the tables! That’s right, our Head of Production, Rob Flude, is going to interview me. Chiefs, we have recorded 272 episodes and it has been all me. I’ve either been the interviewer or the bloke giving you some short, concise advice in the form of minisodes. So today, I’m jumping into the hot seat and you are going to hear from me about my background, and my journey towards founding and running Chief Maker and the Inner Chief podcast, as well as searching for a life beyond my wildest dreams. I’ll also answer some of the regular Inner Chief CEO episode questions, and you’ll get to hear my no bull advice I have for future generations of leaders and executives.

“Too much granular data can stifle creativity and innovation, and it can also make people feel like they're carrying the weight of the world around on their shoulders.”   In this episode, we are launching a Chief Maker first! And that is a panel interview where we deep dive on a particular topic, which today is how these 3 Council of Chiefs members and former Inner Chief podcast guests go about using data, metrics and scoreboards to run their businesses.

“Often, CEOs get fixated on their competition. I think it's a really big mistake because you just end up impersonating them. Just look after your customers and give them a great product and service, such that you don't even have to be concerned about your competition.” In this Best of Series episode, we hear from Accidental CEO of AV1, Keith Wootton, on finding inspiration, daily disruption, and crafting a magnetic culture.

“Do you want to work in a company where your values align or are you okay with the fact that they don't?” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, we speak to Julie Mathers, Founder of Flora and Fauna and CEO of Snuggle Hunny, on being adventurous, bootstrapping a business, and first mover advantage.

“As a Chief, working on the business is both defining what it is you need to do AND how the business performance is assessed, and then executing and doing this consistently.” In today’s minisode, we are going to talk about how to work on the business, and in particular, the mindset that you can bring in order to absolutely nail your role as a senior executive. Working on the business is the role of a Chief, but it took me a number of years to truly understand that the business is actually an asset. It's something that has a value, it's something that has an impact, something that plays a role.

“Let's approach these problems humbly and not try to tell the customer what we think, but rather how can we offer a service that is definitely wanted now and that can grow into a software solution over time.” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, we speak to Ben Lipschitz, Co-Founder and CEO of FoodByUs, on being data-driven, starting and exiting a business, and successfully securing funding.

“Don't let other people control your agenda or the dynamics of your diary. I don't have any qualms saying to people that I’m postponing meetings and focusing on five things that are going to move the dial.” In this Best of Series episode, we hear from former MD & CEO of The Pact Group, Mal Bundey, on making a difference and bringing your ‘A Game’.

“There's 1.35 million tech-enabled impact-focused startups created every single year around the world. Entrepreneurs are spending 60% plus of their time trying to raise capital in a market that they don't understand because it's a dark art.” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to Ant Moorhouse, Co-Founder and CEO of EarthTech, on purpose-driven leadership, and changing the planet by harnessing technology and capitalism.

“Make building a track record of success the core thing from now because you can't possibly say you've made a difference in your job unless it's measurable.” In today’s first minisode for 2023, I wanted to give you a bit of guidance on how to focus on starting this year strong. I want you to look through the lens of executive excellence such that you will turn up every day in your job in a way that magnetically attracts opportunities, brings about that motivation and energy, and gets results. I want you to feel that you make an impact, that you do something that actually makes a difference in this world. Chief, starting strong is so important. So if you're feeling like the motivation isn't there anymore, or you’re overwhelmed, you’re not recognised for your efforts, you're not growing anymore or you feel like you can't lay down a track record, then this is for you!

“If you think the relationships you have to build are just at your level, then there's a very good chance down the track you're going to run into some trouble.”   In today’s minisode, I wanted to bring to you five new lessons from the Chiefs from 2022, and we wanted to bring to you and share with you these lessons to help you finish out the year and then come out fighting even better next year.  

In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, we speak to Casey Lyons, Co-Founder and CEO of LIVIN, on the rollercoaster of grief, being not weak to speak, practising self-care.

“When I don't put thinking time into my life, I just feel like the world is starting to close in around me and there's too many big things that are happening that I can't control.” In today’s minisode, I want to help you to make massive moves by allocating time in your diary to slow down and be more strategic. I’m sure there are busy periods of your life where you’re rushing around, and not delivering to capacity. You don’t slow down and stop to think, so as a result you end up with low quality consequences, possibly in several areas of your life.

“I've got this simple mantra: I refuse to listen to problems or issues, but I'll listen to opportunities and challenges.” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, we speak to Angus McPherson, Managing Director Australia of Diageo, on creating momentum, difficult conversations, and simplifying your message.

“I believe in the universal bank; I keep putting the positive in the universal bank and it keeps paying it back with interest.” In this Best of Series episode, we hear from personal finance guru, Noel Whittaker, on rising out of adversity, consistently turning up, and why honesty works.