Brighter Futures Youth Podcast

In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast, we sit down with Tim Fung, Co-Founder and CEO of Airtasker, to unpack the journey from a simple idea to building one of Australia’s leading online marketplaces. Tim shares the early challenges of entrepreneurship, the mindset behind scaling a trusted platform, and what it really takes to turn vision into impact. From navigating uncertainty to...

In this episode, I sit down with Jeanette Cheah, co-founder and CEO of HEX, to explore why entrepreneurial education matters now more than ever and what it really takes for young people to build clarity, confidence, and agency early in their careers. Jeanette reflects on building HEX from the ground up, leading with values in fast-moving systems, and rethinking education through a holistic, practi...

In this episode, I chat with Darian Clark, CEO of CUFA, about why financial literacy is more than just budgeting - it’s opportunity, confidence, and agency. We explore CUFA’s work across the region, the invisible barriers to financial inclusion, and how we can better support young people in building strong financial futures. We talk about what “financial literacy” really means when you’re teaching...

In this episode, I sit down with Lady Roslyn Morauta, Chair of the Global Fund and one of the Pacific’s most respected leaders in public health and governance. From her years as First Lady of Papua New Guinea to her leadership in steering one of the world’s largest health organisations, Lady Roslyn has dedicated her life to improving access to healthcare and fighting inequality across the globe. W...

In this episode, I speak with Anne Hollonds , Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner, about her work advocating for the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people. Drawing on decades of experience in child and family policy, Commissioner Hollonds offers thoughtful insights into the challenges facing young Australians today from mental health and education inequality to the im...

What does leadership look like when billions of dollars—and the public good—are on the line? In this episode, David Neal, CEO of IFM Investors and former CEO of the Future Fund, takes us through the defining chapters of his career in finance. From his early days in investment consulting in the UK to advising on the establishment of Australia’s sovereign wealth fund, and ultimately leading two of t...

What does it really take to protect people’s health on a global scale — and why does it matter to each of us? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Lucas de Toca, Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health, to unpack what health equity means in practice, how we can work together during crises, and what lessons we can’t afford to ignore after COVID-19. Dr de Toca shares stories from the frontlines — fr...

What does it really take to build something extraordinary? In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast , I sit down with Niki Scevak — Co-Founder of Blackbird Ventures and Startmate, and early investor behind some of Australia's most iconic startups, including Canva and SafetyCulture. Niki shares his journey from launching his own startups to backing founders with billion-dollar pote...

In this episode of Brighter Futures Youth Podcast , I sit down with Liam Prince, the Director of ACICIS – the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies. We dive into the importance of cross-cultural education, regional engagement, and why young Australians should seize the opportunity to study in Indonesia. Liam shares how ACICIS provides students with immersive study experiences i...

In this episode, I chat with Isabella Mandis, the inspiring founder of Girls Into VC , about breaking barriers in venture capital and empowering the next generation of female investors. She is a Harvard undergraduate passionate about diversity in finance and entrepreneurship, and also a Kleiner Perkins Fellow, NEA Fellow, and the youngest member on Forbes 30 Under 30 Boston . We dive into her jour...

What does it take to be an authentic leader? In this episode of Brighter Futures Youth Podcast , I sit down with Mr Ashleigh Martin , Principal of Caulfield Grammar School, to explore the power of values-based leadership, the importance of community, and the lessons he has learned from his own leadership journey . Mr Martin shares how, in his early days as a principal, he struggled with the stereo...

In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast , I sit down with Dr. Sarah Richardson, an international education expert with over 30 years of experience in research, teaching, and leadership across the globe. Dr. Richardson has worked in countries like Australia, India, and the UK, and has led major education projects like PISA 2025. She’s passionate about empowering students to develop gl...

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a global success story? In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast , I’m joined by Fangzhou Jiang, the visionary co-founder of Crimson Education. From breaking barriers in the education system to empowering students worldwide to achieve their dreams, Fangzhou shares his journey of innovation, resilience, and impact. We dive into the challenges...

In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast , I sit down with MP Ben Carroll, the Education Minister, Medical Research Minister and Deputy Premier of Victoria, to explore what it is like to work as a politician, and how we can transform education to better prepare young people for the future. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in education today, the importance of youth empowerm...

In this episode of the Bright Futures Youth Podcast , I chat with Andrew Middleton, Program Director at the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship, about the highs, lows, and invaluable lessons of the entrepreneurial journey. Andrew shares his insights on building meaningful networks, navigating failure, and the mindset needed to succeed in the world of innovation and startups. From tips on forging au...

In this episode of the Brighter Futures Youth Podcast, we chat with Imogen Kane, a dedicated gender and youth advocate who’s making waves both in Australia and internationally. Imogen shares her experiences working on education, international affairs, mental health, and environmental projects across the globe, and discusses how young people can use holistic education as a tool for social change. F...

In this episode, we sit down with Cr. Nicky Luo, the Mayor of Monash City Council, to delve into her remarkable journey from an immigrant Australian to a McDonald's employee, and ultimately, to becoming the mayor of a thriving community. Mayor Luo shares her invaluable insights on leadership and the principles that have guided her path. Discover how Mayor Luo fosters diversity and inclusivity...

Welcome to the first episode of our podcast series, where we bring you valuable advice and insights from experts across various fields! In this inaugural episode, I am thrilled to have Julia Baron, the CEO of VicSRC (Victorian Student Representative Council), join me. Julia has nearly a decade of experience in the youth sector and a profound passion for advocating student involvement in decision-m...