Exceptional

Monica Attard is a renowned Australian journalist celebrated for her work with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as a foreign correspondent in Russia during the collapse of the Soviet Union, a tenure that earned her international recognition and the prestigious Gold Walkley Award. With a journalism career spanning more than four decades, she has been acknowledged with the Order of Aust...

About the Guest: Carolee Williamson swapped corporate finance at Ernst & Young for one of the world's toughest gigs—U.S. diplomacy in crisis zones. Over 15 years, she's navigated complex assignments across Kabul, Beirut, Jerusalem, Washington, Kuwait, and Ho Chi Minh City, leading teams through genuine life-or-death situations. What makes Carolee's story compelling isn't just her diploma...

About the Guests: Paula Duncan AM : An acclaimed Australian actress, Paula Duncan has received multiple Logie Awards and an Order of Australia for her contributions to acting and charity work. She is also an ambassador for women's health and actively involved in organizations supporting people with disabilities. Bridget Clark : Accomplished rugby player, Bridget Clark is a prominent member of the...

Jane Sulis is a distinguished alumna of Santa Sabina College and a former college vice captain. With a career dedicated to education and social justice, Jane has made significant contributions as a teacher, mentor, and community advocate. Her commitment to the Dominican values of truth, compassion, and service has been recognized with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023 for her relentless...

If you need support after listening to this episode you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  Siobhan Toohill is a pioneering leader in corporate sustainability and social impact. As the first Chief Sustainability Officer at Westpac, she was instrumental in shaping the bank's climate strategy, human rights initiatives, and purpose-led leadership. A recipient of the prestigious Women in Leadership A...

Season 2 of Exceptional opens with Professor Georgina Long — Australian of the Year and proud Santa Sabina College alumna. We return to her 2024 Speech Night Address, as one of the world’s leading melanoma researchers, Georgina shares the power of science and imploring us to be curious.  This conversation marks the beginning of a season devoted to legacy in action — and Geor...

Kim Parer (Mulcahy) looks back on the life and memories of her four siblings, Jodie, Glen, Stuart and Dean who lost their lives way too young. Equal parts grief and happiness, this is a story of perseverance, and finding light amongst the challenges given to her. Above all, this is a story of love and family. If you need support after listening to this episode you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  S...

Professor Helen Beange is an Order of Australia Medal recipient for her work into developmental disability medicine. We chat about attending Sydney University during World War II, how she transitioned back to work after having children and her pioneering medical research of people with intellectual disabilities in Australia. Helen is 97 and widowed.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Ann Maree Mulders is an ovarian cancer survivor. She listened to her body when no one else did and became her own advocate in what was a hard journey through surgery, treatment and healing. She now advocates for others as an Ovarian Cancer Australia ambassador. This is her story, through cancer and out the other side.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melanie Evans, CEO of ING Australia shares her journey from being a 17 year old banking cadet to the Australian CEO of a global company. We discuss her purpose and passion for creating future change, what makes a good leader and a progressive work place. She’ll also share her lived experience around asking for parental leave, leading a workforce through covid and why she speaks up for bigger...

Ex-Student, former College Principal and Dominican sister, Sr Judy Lawson talks candidly about some lesser known features of her life: from studying at Boston College to election monitoring for the 1994 South African election to the establishment of Mary Bailey house and the work she’s doing in her “non-retirement” to aid religious Congregations who are facing the prospect of com...