The Business Of
AGSM | UNSW Business School
As the pace of organisational change speeds up, a new generation of leaders is emerging who see the world differently. They are finding ways to grapple with complexity and make an impact in an accelerating world. What can we learn from them? In The Business Of, a podcast from UNSW Business School, a diverse group of business leaders from the corporate, start-up, government, and for-purpose sectors share their lived experiences in building businesses that can ‘do well’ and ‘do good’.
Host Dr Juliet Bourke, a UNSW Professor of Practice in the School of Management and Governance, speaks with leaders from a range o...
From cash to clicks – How technology is changing financial transactions
"Do you have cash?" It's a question that's becoming increasingly rare in 2025. Nowadays, many of us prefer the convenience of digital wallets over physical cards, not to mention banknotes and coins. According to Richard Holden, an economist and UNSW Scientia Professor, we're moving towards a "functionally cashless" society, with the costs associated with carrying cash on the rise. But what does this shift mean for businesses? And how can we ensure a smooth transition that doesn't leave anyone
The new marketing mix – Are podcasts the future of brand marketing?
Podcasting has completely reshaped the audio landscape, pulling audiences away from other media and into a space where brands, businesses, and creators can connect directly with engaged listeners. Today, companies are leveraging podcasts as a powerful marketing tool—leveraging the medium’s popularity as an accessible platform for authentic storytelling. James Cridland is the editor of Podnews, a world-leading podcast industry newsletter and he’s been tracking the r
Building Banish – How Lottie Dalziel turned a New Years resolution into a sustainability startup
In 2018, Lottie Dalziel scribbled down a New Year's resolution: Do better for the planet. Unlike most of us, she actually followed through. Frustrated by the lack of practical and authentic eco-friendly products on the market, Lottie decided she’d take matters into her own hands. While most startups take years to refine their product, test the market, and strategise their launch, Lottie built Banish – a marketplace and education platform focused on environmental responsibi
What’s the story? How to create a compelling brand narrative
Apple doesn’t sell computers. It sells creativity. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say people don’t buy computers, they buy the story a company tells about them – that they’re creative, clever, responsible, or anything else that might matter. Shane Currey, the founder of PRIME Collective Australia, learned this while working in the luxury brand space – without a powerful story behind a brand name, a laptop is just a laptop. So
Culture and data – What sets the Sydney Swans apart on and off the field
Game days start hours before the opening siren for Sydney Swans’ COO Drew Arthurson. His game prep usually includes hosting corporate events. And sometimes making coffee for the players. Everyone in the organisation has their own game-day rituals, but when you break it down, it’s the art and science of how individuals do their best work. Elite performance is what everyone at the Sydney Swans strives for, regardless of their role. Drew explains the key leadership pri
Programmed for loyalty – The psychology of consumer behaviour
For decades, the world’s best brands have refined their techniques to reach new consumers and create loyal, life-long customers. But the modern consumer is smart and informed, maybe even cynical. So how do you grow your business without resorting to manipulative psychological tactics? Consumer behaviour expert Professor Nitika Garg says the key to earning consumer loyalty is authenticity and a holistic approach to your brand’s identity. +++ The Business Of pod
Understanding Gen Z – How this start up is engaging a new generation of consumers
How can brands connect with the next generation of consumers? It's a question on the minds of many, especially in a bustling online marketplace. Yet, only a few have cracked the code. While most organisations have jumped on social media in a bid to attract young consumers, what they haven’t done – according to Sam Koslowski, co-founder of youth media brand The Daily Aus – is taken the time to truly understand their audience. TDA is doing
Hollywood hustle – From indie producer to CEO
Lights... Camera... Spreadsheets? Emile Sherman and his production company See-Saw Films have produced some of the most beloved films and TV shows of the last few decades, including The King’s Speech, Lion, Heartstopper and Slow Horses. It’s a job he loves, but it’s not all glitz and glamour. In fact, it's similar to running a business in almost any other field... Whether you're trying to spot the next big thing or learn when to say “no” to the big money, running a production company is far mor
Creative conversations – The business of making and selling art
‘Dreaming is such an important thing. You have to have space to imagine what something could be.’ Carving out the time and space to imagine and ideate is crucial for all business leaders. The development and growth of their companies depend on it. And for contemporary artist Ramesh Nithiyendran, finding time to ‘daydream’ is only possible with the strong infrastructure he’s built around himself and his practice. Across the first decade of his professional career, Ramesh built a successful ar
The resilient entrepreneur – How this Aussie med tech start-up went global
At seven years old, Hayley Saddington experienced an incident that became the catalyst for her whole career. Decades later, Hayley founded two companies – HALO Medical Devices and PeakMedical – but she’s not your typical tech entrepreneur. For one thing, she doesn’t come from a tech background. Both companies have tested her patience, her drive and her sleep schedule, but her deeply personal purpose has kept her going. And as a mentor to budding entrepreneurs, Hayley wants to help others deter
Trade secrets – How hipages went from start-up to ASX listed company
It’s the early 2000s, and Roby Sharon-Zipser just wants his internet connection to cover his whole house. He’s on his hands and knees, trying to thread a cable through a hole in the floor, caked in white dust when he realises... I need some help! In that moment, the idea for hipages was born. And over 20 years later, it’s transformed from a Yellow Pages-style home improvement directory to an app-based marketplace, connecting tradies and homeowners right across the country. Roby explains how pl
Cyber security – How to keep data safe in the digital age
We’re finalists in the 3rd Annual Signal Awards! Help us win the Listener’s Choice Award by voting for The Business Of here. Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to data. In a digitised world, it is possible to collect reams of data on customers, but at what cost? Many companies don’t even realise they’re suffering an extreme case of ‘bad data hygiene’ which in the face of a cyber incident, could be critical. Laura Newton, a regulatory lawyer and cyber incident response lead
Psychosocial safety – Creating a healthy and productive workplace
How productive can you be if your working environment is bad for your mental health? Psychosocial hazards at work are often less visible than physical risks but can have a significant impact on employees' mental health and wellbeing and typically arise from the way work is structured, the organisational culture, and relationships within the workplace How can workplaces be better designed to better care for employee well-being and efficiency? Carlo Caponecchia, Associate Dean of Diversity, Equit
Crisis response – What to do when your business lands in hot water
Tell the truth and tell it fast, especially when faced with a crisis that has the potential to put people – and an organisation’s reputation – at risk. Most businesses have some sort of crisis management plan to enact when threatened with turmoil, but what happens when the best laid plans fail? Sue Cato, one of Australia’s leading crisis experts, has been at the coal face of many of those incidents, guiding an array of companies through their most vulnerable moments. Sue explains the com
Balancing act – How successful leaders blend creativity with commercial realities
Would you describe yourself as a right-brained or left-brained thinker? We’ve been conditioned to believe you’re either one or the other. And while we all know a math genius who couldn’t hold a paintbrush if they tried and some creative geniuses who’d be lost in the simplest of spreadsheets, we can all develop both our creative and logical abilities. And in business, having a balance of both is key to great leadership. Alexandra Smart knew this when she co-founded the fashion label Ginger &
The Business Of Sports Marketing
In today’s attention economy, it’s all about getting and keeping eyeballs on your product or service. How do you capture attention in an increasingly crowded market? And once you have it, how do you convert a casual fan into a die-hard fan? Darren Werner is the Head of Marketing at Kayo Sports, an Australian streaming service that airs live and on-demand programming. He explains how to capture viewer attention by adapting your product to changing consumer habits and leveraging the media platfor
Profit and purpose – Balancing short-term imperatives with long-term sustainability goals
Business is an incredibly powerful force – how do you use it for good? How do you balance ambitious social impact targets with the realities of day-to-day operations? For Adam McCurdie, co-founder of social enterprise ticketing platform Humanitix, creating social impact was the priority from day one. How was he going to change the world? By starting a software company with a difference: one where he and his co-founder have no exit plan, and the profits go to charities around the world. But t
Future skills – The know-how you need for the next era of business
What will you need to know – or know how to do – to succeed in business over the next ten years? A decade ago, the answer would have been to up-skill in tech. According to Lee Hickin, the AI Technology and Policy Lead for Microsoft in Australia, the advances we've seen in the last decade mean that “technology is not this thing that happens as a segment of a business, it’s actually how a business runs today.” And mitigating the risks and impact of climate change is the new frontier. Penny Jose
Responsible AI – How your business can steer, not fear, new tech
Artificial intelligence becomes more powerful by the day – which means the dangers that come with it are growing too. If you’re using AI tools in your business, you need to know how to use them safely and responsibly. So where do you start? Dr Catriona Wallace, a world-leading AI expert and Adjunct Professor at AGSM, shares a framework for using AI ethically, and explains why that responsibility falls on the shoulders of leaders and not just tech teams. Stela Solar, Director of the CSIRO’s Nat
Back to basics – finance 101 for small to medium enterprises
So, you want to start a business. And no matter how big your ambitions are, chances are you’re going to start small as one of the 99.8% of businesses in Australia that operate as small-to-medium enterprises – or SMEs. Associate Professor Kristle Romero Cortés teaches people how to make confident financial decisions for themselves and their organisations every day at the University of New South Wales School of Banking and Finance. She’s going to help you unpack key concepts as you’re star
Super power – the Australian superannuation fund making retirement more equitable
Katrina McPhee is in the superannuation industry for the long haul now, but that wasn’t always the case. She’s currently the Chief of Staff at Aware Super, one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, but when she first entered the industry, she wasn’t interested in sticking around in a field not exactly known for its desire to shake things up. But that all changed after a Royal Commission investigated misconduct in the banking, superannuation and finance sectors, and sparked a renewed fo
Slow success – what this fintech startup can teach you about building trust
Tech start-ups have been the darlings of business media in recent years, and for good reason: new technology is exciting and flashy, and tech entrepreneurs tend to share pithy catchphrases about grinding, hustling, or “moving fast and breaking things.” But what happens when a start-up needs to slow down? In the case of the investment app Pearler, speed was never the ultimate goal. Co-founder Hayden Smith thinks veering away from that traditional startup mentality has been key to building rel
Prioritising purpose – How this ticketing company succeeded without traditional marketing
In their first few years of operation, Humanitix didn’t spend a cent on traditional marketing. Despite this, they managed to build up a client list that includes Google, TED, Red Bull, Canva and Facebook, and gave millions to charity in the process. How did they do it? Adam McCurdie is the co-founder and CEO of Humanitix, the new contender disrupting the fiercely competitive ticketing industry for all the right reasons. After making a pact with his close friend and co-founder, Adam left the cor
Beyond logos - why better branding means better business
How do you market your business when consumers pay not to see your ads? How do you make your name stand out when the internet is overrun with marketing? And how do you build trust and make your name sticks when everything’s moving so fast? Dee Madigan is an advertising expert, a founding panelist on ABC’s The Gruen Transfer and the creative director and owner of ad agency Campaign Edge. Dee breaks down one of branding’s most powerful tools – sponsorship. She explains to host Dr Juliet Bourke
Ethical marketing – is AI becoming a moral minefield for marketers?
What makes a great marketer? Maybe a good eye for product design, a deep understanding of market dynamics, excellent communication skills and the ability to give customers what they want. But what about a fierce devotion to ethics? Wendy Mak is the Chief Marketing Officer at Link Group, a global financial services company driven by digital and data technology. Wendy’s excited about the potential productivity gains promised by brand-new technology like generative AI, but she’s not all-in - yet.
The progress principle - how climate resilience is influencing the jobs of the future
“In future, I expect that everybody will have climate resilience and climate mitigation as part of their roles.” Penny Joseph is the Head of Climate Resilience at major Australian electricity provider Ausgrid, but when she began her career, this type of role didn’t exist. As the climate heats up and more industries are feeling the effects of changing weather, Penny explains to The Business Of host Dr Juliet Bourke that roles like hers will become the norm. How are the leaders of tomorrow lea
Risky business - How we adapt to climate change could ‘insure’ a better future
You might have come across the term black swan events – commonly used in the insurance space – they’re considered rare occurrences that are almost impossible to predict. As our climate and weather patterns continue to change at pace, the unexpected is really all we can expect now. How do businesses like insurers plan for risk and implement resilience strategies in the face of uncertainty? Leading with clarity during these high-pressure events takes a systematic approach, and for James Fitzpat
Policy in the slow lane - Can we speed up change and drive down emissions?
The battle to halt climate change is impacting most aspects of our day to day lives – right down to the cars we drive. But there’s a missing piece in motoring that could improve things – the electric vehicle industry. Manufacturers are making higher quality EVs than ever before, and more of them. At the same time, more Aussie drivers want their next car to be electric. So why is our country one of the slowest in the world in making the transition? More importantly – how do we get in the fast l
The Business Of - A podcast for curious minds with a bias for action
The way we do business originates in the minds of great leaders, thinkers and doers. And that’s what we’re in the business of. From the art world to the world of artificial intelligence, The Business Of brings real-world lessons from industry leaders together with cutting-edge research coming out of the University of New South Wales Business School. You’ll hear host Dr Juliet Bourke speaking with people at the top of their fields as they grapple with the stickiest problems of the day. You’l
Lock and key - how to protect your (and your customer's) data online
Over the last few years, Australia has seen its fair share of major data breaches, affecting more than 147 million individuals and shaking the trust people had in organisations responsible for safeguarding their data. There is no doubt that AI is now capable of performing tasks that were once considered science fiction just two decades ago. How can you know that your privacy and data is protected? Learn about the innovative AI solutions being developed by the UNSW Business AI Lab for the benefit
From sickness to health - how AI is transforming healthcare
Imagine you're a radiologist with 500 scans awaiting your thorough review. Each scan demands your undivided attention, and the process is anticipated to span over a week. Now, consider the prospect of AI technology drastically shortening this time frame, potentially completing the same comprehensive assessments in a matter of just a few hours. What option would you choose? Hear how a ground-breaking healthcare technology company, harrison.ai, combines human intelligence with artificial intellige
Human error - what needs to change to create truly ethical machine learning
AI and machine learning are transforming our world, but here's the catch: they can either enhance our best qualities or magnify our worst biases. Getting AI right is both exciting and scary and the big question is, can businesses just race ahead without considering the consequences? Hear how research and industry come together to discuss the natural tensions between rapid AI advancements and the need for AI to be ethical as we work towards a brighter future. Guests: Professor Toby Walsh, UNSW S
Burning up - What happens when we run out of energy?
If you’ve opened your energy bill with a sense of dread in the last 12 months, you’re not alone. With energy prices soaring around the world, individuals and organisations alike have been left asking: how long can it go on like this? Reliable access to affordable, sustainable energy is nothing new. Whether it's future-proofing energy supply or calculating the impact of human-driven climate change, access to affordable and sustainable energy has been a major issue for decades. So how can leaders
Farm to factory to fork – who’s really feeding you?
In wealthy countries, we tend to take for granted where our food comes from, taking comfort in the fact that our supermarket shelves will always be stocked – that is until potatoes become a scarce luxury and a head of lettuce nudges twenty dollars. Then, we might remember that political, environmental, social, and technological forces and disruptions to global supply chains all impact its supply. So how can emerging technologies, like blockchain, biotech and digital sustainability make food supp
Lifting the lid - How important are ethical supply chains?
From seedless apples to Apple iPhones, complex global supply chains give us access to products we didn’t even know we needed. But are they ethical? For many organisations the list of reasons not to meaningfully track suppliers and prove their commitment to ethical practices is rapidly dwindling, with fresh regulations and incentives being introduced every year. How do organisations stay committed to transparency when the social, human and environmental sides of supply chains are largely invisibl
Skills of tomorrow - The future's got (tech) talent
Technology is no longer a thing that happens as a segment of a business, or the sole domain of the IT Department. Core functions of how a business runs are technology-based and rely on people, processes and systems being interlinked. But with rapidly evolving organisational needs and tech talent in high demand and short supply, how can today’s leaders prioritise skills development and innovation in a rapidly changing workforce? Listen to one of the industry’s tech titans explain how the impact o
The Great Reorganisation – can work-from-anywhere policies really work?
Since millions worked remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become clear that not everyone needs to work face-to-face in an office environment to be successful. Some companies – like global travel company Airbnb have gone as far as adopting a ‘work from anywhere policy’, piloting programs to attract digital nomads to their workforce. Is a work-from-anywhere approach a help or a hindrance when it comes to teamwork, talent and culture? Hear from an industry leader who is part of a work-from-
Home & away - The tricky business of making hybrid work, work
A few years ago an hour-long commute in crawling traffic or on a crowded bus seemed like an inevitable part of working life. But today, lots of workplaces are spending millions setting up their workforce to complete their day to day from the comfort of their own homes. The benefits for workers are obvious - but does working from home actually work for business? Hear how a company with over 1000 employees manages remote work and what the UNSW Hybrid Leadership Lab has found about the most effecti
Meet the CEO: Shemara Wikramanayake
At the latest UNSW Business School Meet the CEO event, Shemara Wikramanayake, Managing Director and CEO of Macquarie Group, joined UNSW Chancellor David Gonski in a wide-ranging discussion about the future of green investment, how to build diverse and high-performing teams and businesses, and how to lead a global workforce. Prefer video? You can watch the interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxMxnacyit0 More details: The transcript and show notes can be found on our website: htt
The Business of Art
For art auction houses, in-person events are a central part of art buying. But during the pandemic, the industry had to quickly pivot to survive. In this episode, we investigate how online purchases and technology like NFTs is growing and opening the art market to a new generation of enthusiasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Sport
Australia has a mega-reputation as a sporting nation but how does that global success play out locally? In this episode, we investigate the opportunities and challenges for sports to succeed on and off the field in Australia, where professional teams face a battle for the hearts and minds of fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Mental Health
This episode unpacks how mental health support services are evolving with technology. Lifeline International CEO Thilini Perera speaks with Professor Nick Wailes, Senior Deputy Dean and Director at Australian Graduate School of Management. We also hear from Professor Frederik Anseel, Senior Deputy Dean (Research & Enterprise) at UNSW Business School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Finance
This episode explores how rapid advances in technology are creating new business opportunities while shifts in consumer behaviour demand ethical investment. Guests include Camilla Love, Managing Director at eInvest and Elvira Sojli, Associate Professor of Finance, School of Banking and Finance at UNSW Business School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Climate Change
This episode explores how climate change is impacting business, industry and global markets, and what we all can do to address it. Guests include Penny Joseph, Head of Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation at Sydney Water and Kingsley Fong, Associate Professor, School of Banking and Finance at UNSW Business School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of AI
This episode unpacks how business and government can better understand and implement AI. Dr Catriona Wallace, tech entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of Ethical AI Advisory speaks with Professor Nick Wailes, Senior Deputy Dean and Director AGSM. We also hear from Dr Sam Kirshner, Senior Lecturer in the School of Information Systems and Technology Management at the UNSW Business School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Tourism
This episode explores the rise of Indigenous tourism experiences and the opportunity they bring to Australia’s tourism industry. Phil Lockyer, Head of Indigenous Affairs at Tourism Australia speaks with Professor Nick Wailes, Senior Deputy Dean and Director at AGSM. We also hear a story from the AGSM New Tracks Indigenous Leaders Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Food
This episode investigates how the food industry is responding to the sustainable food movement. Tristan Harris, Co-CEO of Harris Farm Markets speaks with Professor Nick Wailes, Senior Deputy Dean and Director at AGSM. We also hear from Nitika Garg, Associate Professor of Marketing at UNSW Business School, an expert on consumer behaviour trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Purpose-led Leadership Part 2
In this episode we explore what it takes to lead with purpose - from identifying the personal contribution you want to make to the world through your career, to purpose-driven business models.Guests include Victoria Momsen, Strategic Planning Manager at Lendlease Digital; Alison Harrington, CEO & Founder of Moove and Groove; and Leisa Sargent, Senior Deputy Dean and Co-Deputy Vice Chancellor Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at UNSW Business School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor
The Business of Purpose-led Leadership Part 1
In this episode we explore the business and societal impact of leading with purpose. Guests include Will Felps, Associate Professor at the UNSW Business School; Annie Parker, Global Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Microsoft for Startups; and Pete Horsley and Alan Jones, founder and entrepreneur in residence at disability tech accelerator, Remarkable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Transformational Leadership Part 2
Our second episode on Transformational Leadership focuses on artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning and the implications they hold for the future of work. Host Emma Lo Russo is joined by Professor Toby Walsh (UNSW), Kristi Barrow (Kritikality) and Magnus Gittins (AGSM).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Transformational Leadership Part 1
Our first episode on Transformational Leadership focuses on innovation and digital transformation in the ‘now of work’. Host Emma Lo Russo is joined by David Thodey (CSIRO), Deborah Young (RegTech Association) and Patrick Sharry (Program Director and Adjunct Faculty AGSM).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Inclusive Leadership - Part 2
In this episode, we look closely at the three key elements of inclusive leadership: equity, diversity and - of course - inclusion. Guests include Professor Eileen Baldry, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Equity, Diversity and Inclusion UNSW, Kristal Kinsela-Christie, Owner and Managing Director of Indigenous Professional Services, and disability advocate Mark Tonga. 747bbe79a797a7d7f7434cd570916e31a4afb9c0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Inclusive Leadership - Part 1
This episode of AGSM’s The Business of Leadership podcast examines inclusive leadership and how access to a diverse range of perspectives is critical for leaders to thrive in an accelerated world. Guests include Professor Nick Wailes, Belinda Sheehan and Quentin Masson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Adaptive Leadership Part 3
In this episode, we speak to leaders from the financial services sector and explore how they’ve adapted and led through successive crises. Guests include: Rob Adams, CEO and Managing Director at Perpetual; Suzana Ristevski, Chief Marketing Officer at National Australia Bank; and Dan Peters, Chief Revenue Officer at fintech disruptor Limepay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Adaptive Leadership - Part 2
Part two in our series on Adaptive Leadership focuses on transformation and how leaders can leverage complex change with a growth mindset. Host Emma Lo Russo is joined by Curtis Davies (KPMG), Adele Schonhardt (Melbourne Digital Concert Hall), and Greg Joffe (Nous Group).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Adaptive Leadership - Part 1
This episode examines adaptive leadership through the lens of crisis recovery and the universal challenges business leaders face as a result of COVID-19. Guests include Phillipa Harrison, managing director at Tourism Australia, Quirin Schwaighofer, Co-CEO and Co Founder of MadeComfy, and Richard Holden, professor of economics at UNSW Business School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Sustainable Leadership
This episode examines sustainable business models and a prevalent issue in global supply chains — modern slavery. Guests include Dr. David Cooke, departing Chairman and Managing Director at Konica Minolta Australia, UNSW Professor of Law Justine Nolan, co-author of the book Addressing Modern Slavery, and James Bartle, CEO and Founder of Outland Denim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Resilient Leadership
This episode examines the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the valuable lessons it provides business leaders on how to build and nurture a culture of resilience and innovation within their organisations. Guests include strategic consultants, Martin Stewart Weeks and Dr. Jeffrey Tobias, psychologist Melanie Fisher, and Professor of Management and Associate Dean Research at the UNSW Business School, Frederik Anseel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Business of Ethical Leadership
This episode explores the intricacies of ethical leadership and the challenges and opportunities leaders face combining profit with purpose. Guests include Dr. Simon Longstaff Executive Director of the Ethics Centre, Emma Weston Co-Founder and CEO of AgriDigital, and Director at the UNSW Centre for Social Impact, Professor Kristy Muir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.