Born and raised on a dairy farm near Shepparton and the first person in her extended family to attend university, Wendy built a remarkable 32-year career with Accenture that took her from regional Victoria to leadership roles across Asia, New York and the global technology consulting sector.

Following her executive career, Wendy became one of Australia's most respected Non-Executive Directors, serving on the boards of organisations including Coles, Commonwealth Bank, Blackmores, Altium, Melbourne Business School and most recently PwC Australia. She also has a long association with Fitted For Work, the NFP supporting women in the workplace.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Wendy shares lessons from the boardroom and beyond, including:

• Her journey from country Victoria to global leadership.
• Building and leading large technology businesses across multiple countries.
• The hardest leadership lessons she learned during periods of organisational change.
• Governance under pressure and how boards respond when public scrutiny intensifies.
• The evolving relationship between shareholders, regulators and community expectations.
• The realities of CEO succession planning and why it remains one of the most important responsibilities of any board.
• The growing impact of artificial intelligence and technology disruption on corporate strategy.
• Why culture, relationships and authenticity remain critical ingredients for long-term business success.
• The challenges facing not-for-profit organisations and the importance of creating sustainable operating models.
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Wendy brings a rare combination of technology expertise, governance experience and practical leadership wisdom.

Whether you're a director, executive, business owner, investor or aspiring leader, there are valuable lessons throughout this conversation.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with your network.

Connect with James Stewart:

LinkedIn: James H Stewart GAICD

Instagram: @whatilearnedinbusiness

YouTube: What I Learned in Business (That Didn't Kill Me!)

Website: www.jameshstewart.com

Disclaimer

The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, associated organisations, employers, clients or affiliates. This podcast is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, legal, tax, investment or professional advice. Listeners should obtain their own independent professional advice before making any decisions based on matters discussed in this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If we are the "lucky country", why does life feel hard for so many of us?

Saul Eslake is one of Australia's most respected independent economists and his conversation with James H Stewart cuts through the political noise and examines the true state of Australia's finances.

Drawing on decades of experience advising governments, financial institutions and businesses, Saul provides a candid assessment of Australia's economic performance over the past quarter century and discusses the major challenges that will shape the nation's future.

Together they explore:

• How Australia's economy compares with global peers including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand

• Whether Australians are genuinely better off today than they were 20–25 years ago

• The country's productivity challenge and why meaningful economic reform has become increasingly difficult

• The role of minority parties and the Senate in shaping Australia's policy agenda

• The impact of global geopolitical tensions, tariffs and changing international trade relationships

• The 2026 Federal Budget and whether it is a genuine reform agenda or simply a revenue-raising exercise

• Housing affordability, negative gearing, capital gains tax and discretionary trust reforms

• Victoria's growing debt burden and whether the state is facing a long-term fiscal challenge

This is a wide-ranging conversation about economics, government policy, productivity, living standards and the choices Australia will need to make if it wants to remain prosperous in the decades ahead.

Whether you're a business owner, investor, director, executive, student or simply someone trying to understand where Australia is heading, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the most important conversations facing the nation.

CONNECT WITH JAMES STEWART

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9/

Instagram: whatilearnedinbusiness

YouTube: What I Learned in Business (That Didn't Kill Me!)

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe and share it with your network.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is intended for general information and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, taxation, legal, investment or professional advice. Listeners should obtain independent professional advice relevant to their own circumstances before making any financial, business or investment decisions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Online success is more than just a great platform, service or product.

Brand development, storytelling and communication sit front and centre of why customers will engage with you. This means understanding the power of language.

In this episode I sit down with Bernadette Schwerdt — entrepreneur, best selling author, founder of the Australian School of Copywriting, and host of the podcast So You Want to Be a Copywriter.

Bernadette has spent decades helping businesses and individuals communicate in a way that drives real commercial outcomes. But in today’s environment — shaped by artificial intelligence, shifting business models, and the explosion of digital content — the stakes around communication, storytelling, and intellectual property have never been higher.

We discuss Bernadette’s latest book, Secrets of the New Online Entrepreneurs, and the key lessons for anyone looking to build a business in today’s digital economy.

We also cover a wide range of other topics including:

• Bernadette’s journey from South Australia into acting, public speaking, authorship and entrepreneurship
• Building and scaling the Australian School of Copywriting
• What actually makes online businesses successful — and why many fail
• The commercial value of clear communication and why so many businesses get it wrong
• Lessons from entrepreneurs and authors she has worked with, including through her ghostwriting work
• The role of storytelling in building brands and influencing customers
• Common mistakes leaders make when presenting and communicating
• The impact of artificial intelligence on copywriting, content creation, and business models
• Where human creativity and judgement still matter in an AI-driven world

This is a conversation about far more than writing — it’s about how businesses create value, communicate it effectively, and adapt in a rapidly changing world.

The information, views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and are provided for general information purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal or professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should seek appropriate professional advice tailored to your individual circumstances before making any decisions. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information discussed, no representation or warranty is given as to its completeness or reliability.

For more episodes, updates and enquiries:

Website: https://jameshstewart.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatIlearnedinbusiness

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coopers Brewery is one of Australia's oldest family businesses and most famous brewers.

In this episode James H Stewart sits down with Andrew Cooper, Executive Director of Coopers Brewery.

Founded in Adelaide in 1862, Coopers Brewery has survived wars, recessions, industry disruption, changing consumer preferences, and even a hostile takeover attempt.

But this conversation is about far more than beer.

Andrew shares his journey from investment banking and global consumer brands into the family business, why Coopers requires family members to earn their stripes outside the company before joining, and how the business approaches governance, succession planning and leadership development across multiple generations.

James and Andrew explore:

• The remarkable history and evolution of Coopers Brewery

• Why family members must gain external experience before joining the business

• Succession planning in a sixth-generation family enterprise

• The appointment of Coopers' first non-family Managing Director

• What makes naturally conditioned ale unique

• Vertical integration, brewing operations and supply chain strategy

• Consumer trends, moderation and the growth of low and no-alcohol products

• Brand portfolio management and innovation in a changing market

• Technology, automation and AI in modern brewing operations

• Coopers' expansion into whisky production

• The new Regency Park visitor experience, restaurant and tap room

This episode also provides a fascinating insight into how a family business can remain true to its heritage while continuing to innovate and evolve in a rapidly changing market.

Whether you're involved in a family business, interested in succession planning, or simply curious about how iconic Australian brands endure, this conversation is packed with practical lessons and insights.

What I Learned in Business (That Didn't Kill Me!) is hosted by James Stewart.

Connect with James:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9

Instagram: @whatilearnedinbusiness

YouTube: What I Learned in Business (That Didn't Kill Me!)

Disclaimer:

The views, opinions and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are their own and are provided for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute financial, investment, legal, taxation, business or professional advice. Listeners should obtain independent professional advice appropriate to their own circumstances before making any decision or taking any action based on the content of this podcast. While reasonable care is taken in producing this content, no representation or warranty is made regarding the accuracy, completeness or currency of the information discussed.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when business and government policy intersect? What happens when the institutions that underpin our democracy, economy and social cohesion come under pressure? What happens to leaders when moral clarity is lost?

James Stewart sits down with Jennifer Westacott AC — one of the most influential leaders in Australian public and business life.

From growing up in public housing, in a home marked by hardship, violence and instability… to becoming one of the most powerful voices in Australian business, government and the education sector, Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, courage and an unwavering commitment to fairness, dignity and opportunity.

Over a remarkable career Jennifer has served at the highest levels of public life — from leading major government departments in housing, education, planning and infrastructure… to building KPMG’s sustainability and government advisory practice… to spending 13 years as Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, where she became the public face of corporate Australia during some of the most turbulent economic and social challenges of our time.

Today, Jennifer is Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Chair of the Bradfield Development Authority, a Director of Wesfarmers, and a leading voice on social cohesion, education and the future of Australian institutions.

In this candid conversation, Jennifer shares:

• How growing up in public housing shaped her lifelong commitment to fairness and equity
• What she learned running one of the most politically sensitive portfolios in NSW
• The biggest policy battles and hardest lessons from 13 years leading the BCA
• Why weak productivity, falling living standards and social fragmentation pose major risks to Australia’s future
• Her views on business, government, housing affordability and the future of education.
• Why she believes leaders must act with moral clarity and consistency when institutions are tested
• Her deeply personal reflections on social cohesion and antisemitism
• 
  

This is a conversation about power, purpose, courage and what values-driven leadership looks like when the stakes are highest.

If you lead people… advise boards… build businesses… shape policy… or simply care about the future of Australia — this episode is essential listening.

This podcast is intended for general information, education and discussion purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or any affiliated organisations. Nothing in this podcast constitutes financial, legal, investment, political, or professional advice. Listeners should obtain independent advice relevant to their own circumstances.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wanted to be part of a Social Enterprise? What about building a business that does good for the community - at scale?

Kim McDonnell — founder of Thankful, Thankful4Farmers, and Saveful, and winner of the 2025 Women in Digital Champion of Change Award, has done just that (and more)!

Kim shares her remarkable journey from growing up in the remote mining town of Mount Isa, in outback QLD to building and selling a successful digital marketing agency, before making the bold decision to walk away from corporate success, sell literally everything she and her family owned and dedicate her life to solving some of the world’s biggest social and environmental challenges.

We unpack:

• The moment Kim realised commercial success alone wasn’t enough to fulfill her
• Why she sold everything to pursue a social enterprise mission
• The founding story behind Thankful and the science of gratitude
• Moving her family to New York City to pursue global impact
• Speaking at the United Nations during General Assembly week
• The creation of Thankful4Farmers with celebrity chef Matt Moran
• Why food waste is one of the world’s biggest hidden environmental problems
• How Saveful is using technology and behavioural psychology to help families save money and reduce waste
• The realities of startup life, resilience, capital raising, and purpose-driven leadership
• 
  

This is a powerful conversation about courage, values, behavioural change, and building businesses that aim to leave the world better than they found it.

Follow What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!) on your favourite podcast platform.

Connect with James Stewart on LinkedIn for more insights on leadership, governance, restructuring, entrepreneurship and business transformation.

Instagram:

@whatilearnedinbusiness

YouTube:

What I Learned in Business YouTube Channel

Website:

James H Stewart

This podcast is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not constitute financial, legal, investment, environmental, or professional advice. Listeners should obtain independent advice relevant to their own circumstances before making any decisions based on the content of this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How a Holocaust survival story shaped a family legacy and inspired a serial retail investor to keep striving for success.

In this deeply personal discussion, James H Stewart sits down with retailer, investor, former lawyer and long-time friend, Tom Krulis for a conversation that goes far beyond business.

Tom opens up about his family’s extraordinary journey, including the posthumous publication of his father Steven’s book, The Boy with the Suitcase, the enduring legacy of growing up as the son of a Holocaust survivor, and how those experiences shaped his values, leadership style, and appetite for risk.

James and Tom reflect on their shared experiences travelling through Rwanda, exploring one of the most remarkable national turnarounds of modern times following the Rwandan Genocide, and then rise of antisemitism in Australia what business leaders can learn from resilience, reconciliation, and rebuilding.

From there, the conversation shifts to Tom’s remarkable business career—from leaving law at Freehills, to helping drive the success of Godfreys Group through multiple ownership cycles, becoming an early investor in Petstock before its billion-dollar transaction with Woolworths Group, and navigating the recent collapse of value retailer, Cheap as Chips.

This is a conversation about:

• Legacy, family and values
• The lived experience of modern antisemitism in Australia
• Building, scaling and exiting retail businesses
• Private equity, public markets and investor discipline
• Why some businesses survive… and others don’t

A raw, honest and deeply human conversation with a man who has seen both extraordinary success… and the reality of loss.

This podcast is intended for general information, education and discussion purposes only. The views, opinions, experiences and recollections expressed by the host and guest are their own at the time of recording and do not necessarily reflect the views of any current or former employers, investee companies, portfolio companies, shareholders, directors, employees, advisers, governments, regulators, or other stakeholders.

This episode may include discussion of historical events, personal experiences, commercial transactions, business successes and failures, industry trends, legal and regulatory matters, and current social issues. Any references to companies, transactions, valuations, ownership structures, restructurings, administrations, market conditions, or investment outcomes are based on publicly available information, personal recollection, or opinion, and should not be relied upon as financial, legal, investment, tax, governance, or other professional advice.Where specific individuals, businesses, transactions or events are discussed—including current or former businesses—listeners should be aware that circumstances may have changed since the time of recording, and not all perspectives or stakeholders may be represented.

Listeners should conduct their own independent enquiries and seek appropriate professional advice before making any business, investment, legal, governance or personal decisions arising from matters discussed in this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Banking Royal Commission was the reset needed for the Australian banking industry and demanded by the community.

Sally Bruce's first hand experience at Macquarie Bank, National Australia Bank, AMP bank, gave her a unique insight into some of Australia's largest financial institutions, the important role than they play in the community and what can go wrong when the institution gets in its own way.

From rural Queensland, Sally is a straight shooter who calls it as she sees it and gives a unique insight into some of the more turbulent times in Australian banking. Her career pivot to technology scale up, Culture Amp, reframed her thinking around business and opened her eyes into a world of global technology and workplace culture.

Sal is also a dedicated believer in the power of social impact, both personally and in business, and has been involved in community organisations for decades, including opening her home to refugees from around the globe.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Sally:

• Ran her first P&L at just 21 years of age
• Led major corporate workouts and restructurings
• Helped transform Australia’s mortgage landscape
• Served as CEO during the turmoil of the Banking Royal Commission
• Pivoted from traditional banking into global technology leadership
• Sat on boards spanning banking, the arts, and women’s leadership
• Opened her family home to skilled refugees rebuilding their lives in Australia

In this candid and deeply personal conversation, Sally shares:

• How growing up in rural Queensland shaped her leadership philosophy
• What Macquarie Bank taught her about performance under pressure
• How customer-first thinking transformed mortgage banking at National Australia Bank
• Her unfiltered reflections on the Australian Banking Royal Commission
• What she learned moving from old-economy banking to high-growth tech at Culture Amp
• Why she believes social mobility, education and opportunity matter more than ever

This is a conversation about ambition, reinvention, resilience, humility — and what truly matters when the titles no longer define you.

This podcast is intended for general information, education and entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions and recollections expressed by the host and guest are their own, based on personal experience and publicly available information at the time of recording, and do not necessarily reflect the views of any past or present employer, board, shareholder, government agency, regulator, client or affiliated organisation. Nothing discussed in this episode constitutes financial, investment, banking, legal, tax, governance, employment or other professional advice. Listeners should obtain independent professional advice before acting on any information discussed.

This episode may include discussion of historical events, organisations, regulatory processes, personal experiences and leadership decisions which are discussed in good faith for educational and commentary purposes. Any references to third parties are made on the basis of publicly available information or personal recollection and should not be taken as findings of fact or criticism of any individual or organisation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.