The Downer Difference

In this episode, we speak with Sam Astwood-Maddren, National Defence Manager, about how data-driven decision making, strong teamwork and a calm, solutions-focused mindset can transform performance on some of New Zealand’s most complex contracts.   Sam shares how having the right data enables better decisions, improved KPIs and a culture of continuous uplift. She reflects on the power of havin...

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Welling, Executive General Manager, Health & Education, to explore the leadership habits that drive operational excellence. We discuss what it means to show up as a leader, how strong team dynamics accelerate performance, and why raising organisational ambition is essential for solving complex problems. Peter shares practical insights on understanding yo...

In this episode, we sit down with Murray Robertson, Managing Director New Zealand, to explore his leadership journey across New Zealand’s evolving construction and infrastructure landscape. Murray reflects on the importance of staying agile and well-rounded – knowing when to step up and when to follow. He shares how New Zealand’s shift toward ‘design and construct’ models, and the rise of early co...

In this episode, we speak with Deniz Molokov, Acting Chief Information Officer at Downer, about the evolving cyber-risk landscape and how organisations like Downer are stepping up.  We dive into what it takes to build and coach high-performing cyber teams beyond traditional IT borders, how knowledge transfer and culture shape resilience, and what leaders should keep front of mind as the threa...

A year after our first conversation with Peter, we reconnect to explore how leadership and growth have evolved at Downer. This episode unpacks what it means to lead authentically, create real customer value, and sustain growth in the right way. We discuss the cultural shifts needed to stay relevant, the challenges of transformation, and how leaders can keep challenging themselves, and their teams...

In this episode of The Downer Difference , we sit down with Michael Franks, Defence Sector Leader and recipient of the Downer Culture Champion Award. A proud Air Force veteran and golf enthusiast, Michael brings a unique perspective shaped by his military engineering background and his current role on the Downer Defence team, contributing to major projects like the Woomera redevelopment, Riverina,...

In this episode of The Downer Difference , we speak with Jarred Rowland, Senior Project Manager at Downer Rail & Transit Systems, about his journey from the tools to becoming a senior leader, and how frontline experience has shaped his approach to safety, leadership, and culture change. Jarred shares a compelling case study from a high-risk project site where injury rates were too high, and ho...

In this episode of The Downer Difference, we explore what makes good companies great and the hidden truths about the CIO role. Joining us is Nicola Dorling, Group CIO, Downer Digital, who shares her insights on business transformation, enabling delivery, and excellence as a pursuit. From her earlier role as a CFO to CIO at Downer, this is an entertaining and engaging conversation for those interes...

With oversight of more than 3 million tonnes of asphalt produced annually and responsibility for the procurement, supply, and production of over 300 million litres of bitumen products, George is a recognised expert in road construction and surfacing solutions. His deep industry knowledge and passion for sustainable infrastructure make this a must-listen conversation. We explore what it takes to tu...

In this episode of The Downer Difference, we deep dive into developing relationships with multinational partners to develop green transport corridors across the planet. Joining us is Christian Douglas, Future Architecture Energy Lead at Downer, who shares his insights on solving complex energy transition problems in the aviation and maritime industries with French, Japanese and German partners. Fr...

In this episode of The Downer Difference, we dive into the critical elements of building and sustaining high-performing teams. Success isn’t just about strategy - it’s about owning the outcomes, fostering the right team dynamics, and creating an environment where people can thrive.   Joining us is Leo Triplik, who shares insights on what it takes to build and nurture a team that delivers cons...

In this special International Women’s Day episode of The Downer Difference, we sit down with Emma Gamblin, Chair of EmpowHer - Downer’s first enterprise-wide employee network supporting women across the business.   Creating an inclusive workplace isn’t just the right thing to do, it drives better outcomes for our people, customers, and communities. In this conversation, Emma shares her insigh...

In this episode of The Downer Difference , we sat down with Peter Tompkins, Downer Group CEO, as he reflects on what The Downer Difference means to them and how it’s shaping Downer’s work. This episode begins with a relaxed and intimate conversation, starting with book recommendations - perhaps a few you'll want to add to your own reading list - before diving into their favourite music artists. We...

Welcome to The Downer Difference, the podcast inspired by the launch of Downer’s new culture, created to share the stories of our people and the impact they’re making shaping Downer’s success.  Through engaging conversations, we dive into what makes Downer tick - from driving a high-performance culture to delivering remarkable outcomes for our customers and empowering communities to thrive by...