Australian Industry Group Podcasts

Louise McGrath has been working in international trade for decades and now represents Ai Group and Australian industry at global industry meetings around the world. In this engaging conversation James and Louise share humorous stories and insights into the keys to effective cross-cultural communication in business, supply chains and international meetings. Louise also share her thoughts on the cur...

For this last episode of the year James chats with Kerryn Fewster, the CEO of Change 2020 about the year that’s been, the year ahead and the leadership issues of both: the two dissect multiple questions like: What have we learnt? what has changed? What do we need to do to prepare for the year ahead?. They investigate the generational change underway in the workplace, the impact of Work from Home,...

In this episode- that last of 2023, the three amigos review the big issues of the last month, the upcoming events of note in the transition, and they review the year that was. Lots of things are discussed, including the upcoming Global Climate Change meeting in Dubai, the possibility of a Carbon Border Adjustment Tax for Australia and other countries, and much more. Another fascinating conversatio...

Supply Chain Infrastructure in Australia is a big issue for ‘Supply Circles’ listeners so its good to speak with the renowned Michael Kilgariff on what is happening, and why. Michael is a senior executive in this sector with over two decades of high level experience. He’s been the National Director Energy Infrastructure Policy & Government Affairs for Energy Networks Association, he was the Managi...

In this episode host James Scotland dives headfirst into the story of what Electric Vehicles will mean for your business. It’s a story of the sustainable supply chains of the future. A story of change, of current confusion, of coming regulations for business. It’s a story of digitalisation, of disruption, and of course, the decarbonisation of your business. Most of all, it’s a way of seeing new ‘s...

Another busy month in the transition, and there’s a lot to discuss. This month the three amigos consider: - Will the transition deadline result in inflation in decarbonise resources? - The structure of future electricity grids and the role of microgrids in providing electricity. - The High Court’s decision to reject Victoria’s EV tax and what it means for all cars not just EVs. - The new $2billion...

Today’s guest is not a bot… he’s a real person with a lot of knowledge of bots. And Artificial Intelligence. And Automation. And so much more. Matt explains how he discovered AI and went on to make it, and automation, his chosen career path. He says Artificial Intelligence and its huge potential for improved efficiency is his favourite topic and this is evident in this conversation with show host...

Host James Scotland ask John Grimes for the keys to creating sustainable businesses in todays economy. John mounts a strong argument for moving your business to electric power via solar and batteries. He explains the numbers and the opportunities for business owners – this is an episode full of exciting insights and business ‘nuggets’ James and John discuss electrification of business, of vehicles...

In this month’s ‘What on Earth...’ James, Tennant and Paul again examine the ‘issues of the day for the last month’ as we in Australia and globally transition to the post-carbon emissions business environment. The podcast asks ‘What on Earth’…. is going at a policy, economy, global and at the enterprise level as we race to Net Zero carbon requirements for our businesses and for the economy. Topics...

In this episode we address the important emerging supply chain and business sustainability issue: The management concept of Product Stewardship….. The centrepiece of all supply chains is a good product but what actually is a ‘good’ product in the modern world. It’s a complex question with many of aspects to it, including ESG requirements, maximum value, minimal waste, through life support and end-...

I Chose to look the other way - by Don Merrell by Australian Industry Group

This is the story of the mouse that roared. Of the small manufacturing business in a suburb in Adelaide that went from one product, one major customer to a well-respected, innovative, complex supply chain with a global brand in just 25 years. Still headquartered at the same location in South Australian the business now has operations, sales people and distribution channels throughout the world. An...

With Tennant in China for High Level Dialogue meetings, Paul and James address a range of current issues. As James says; “it’s the podcast that discusses the transitioning economy issues of the day, each month. “ This episodes contains interesting and insightful analysis and comment on a number of issues including: • The challenges and opportunities of the Pilbara region of Western Australia, an a...

Innes Willox On ABC NewsRadio 733am 4.9.23 by Australian Industry Group

Louise McGrath has been working in international trade for decades and now represents Ai Group and Australian industry at global industry meetings around the world. In this engaging conversation James and Louise share humorous stories and insights into the keys to effective cross-cultural communication in business, supply chains and international meetings. Louise also share her thoughts on the cur...

In this 2nd episode focusing on the SME section of supply chains, James chats with Mal Hiley, the Managing Director of Baker & Provan, a successful Western Sydney engineering and services company with an international supply line. Baker & Provan, a family owned business have specialised in the manufacture and supply of quality engineering products for over 75 years. It is now a significant and lon...

This month, James, Tennant and Paul have another wide-ranging conversation full of fascinating insights and observations. The podcast’s goal of unpacking this current major issues and the progress of the transitioning economy was certainly achieved this month… Issues covered are many including: • The emergence of clearer thinking in the green hydrogen industry • Opportunities and challenges for Au...

Our guest is Lucy Finlay. James and Lucy have a wonderful chat about the tension and healthy conflict of ….innovative new products hitting the market quickly and…. the need to ensure standards are in place for these new products. Lucy is the Standards and Regulations Manager for Schneider Electric and the perfect person to ask. Think of this: We buy exciting new products almost every day: smart ph...

Host James Scotland chats with the Chief Executive of Australian Industry Group, Innes Willox and learns of the organisation’s 150 years of continuous operation as the peak industry organisation supporting Australian business and industry. The conversation covers the history, the role and the importance of industry organisations,and considers the enormous changes to business and the Australian com...

With Paul on holidays in Scotland, James and Tennant discuss the multiple emerging opportunities in the infrastructure build of the transition, both nationally and internationally. Tennant starts by laying out the challenge of establishing goals and targets for the new economy before moving on to the opportunities from the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, the critical mineral industry and the ‘growth...

In this episode, host James Scotland ask Adam Blake: ‘How do we, in Australia, build resilient and sustainable supply chains in and from Australia’. Blundstone is a 150-year, family-owned, Hobart-based, globally-successful boot and apparel manufacturer. The company sells over 3 million pairs of boots annually to multiple markets in over 70 countries. It has a well-structured brand story and comple...

James chats with two leading Australian supply chain academics and explores climate change, value chains, value-creation risk assessments, resilient business models and several other current and emerging issues. Lots of good discussion points including recognising investment as the answer to value risk, the urgency of recognising and identifying multiple energy sources in your business, and the ra...

With our podcast host James Scotland on holidays overseas our podcast today is the re-release of the audition podcast James recorded with a former Ai Group employee. Whilst there are technical difficulties, its an engaging interview. Here’s the synopsis: What exactly is the circular economy, and where is it at in Australia today? Is circular economy the answer to our current supply chain issues in...

In this episode, the three amigos address the question: What on Earth do businesses in Australia need to understand about the transition to the post carbon economy? After some detailed assessments of the current structures, three conclusions are reached: 1. Energy and carbon are deeply entrenched in our day-to-day lives and in our businesses, there is a large transition underway 2. The transition...

According to global research over 53 per cent of managers were left ‘burnt out’ in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many leaders and managers have realised it’s important to take occasional extended career breaks: to refresh, re-centre, renew. In this episode, podcast host James Scotland delves into the concept of a mid-career sabbatical. He chats with senior executive Melissa Anderson who is at...