Follow the Leader

In this episode of Follow the Leader , host Cassie Silver  sits down with Laura Hunter , CEO of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health and ECU science graduate. Laura shares how a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and human biology led to a purpose-driven career in public health advocacy.  She reflects on formative ECU experiences, the power of volunteering and mentoring, and her fierce commi...

This podcast features Dave Hamilton, Director of Performance Science for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. From Olympic coaching to winning the Super Bowl, Dave shares insider insights into elite athlete development, career transitions, and the secrets of high-performance sports.   Discover how Dave navigated different sports, worked with world-class athletes like Tom Brady, and learned the true meaning o...

In this episode ECU alumnus Christian Wright shares his journey into midwifery. Christian initially had no plans to pursue this field but became inspired by the high rates of preventable maternal deaths in developing countries.  Christian describes his positive experience at ECU, highlighting the unique practitioner model and the strong support he received from lecturers and peers, even as the onl...

In this episode, we sit down with Candice Rhodes, an ECU alumna who has built an impressive career at Rio Tinto. Candice shares how her time at ECU, including her degree and experiences, shaped her professional journey.  Candice provides insights on navigating the corporate ladder, the importance of soft skills, and maintaining work-life balance. She also discusses diversity, inclusion, and the po...

Amelia Burke is the Artistic Director of the Western Australian Youth Theatre Company, where she oversees their workshops, training programs, and productions. In the interview, Amelia discusses how her time at ECU shaped her approach to directing and prepared her for a career in the performing arts industry. She talks about the obstacles she faced transitioning from student to professional, and ho...

While most university students juggle a part time job while they are studying, few juggle a professional sporting career.  But Tom Carter did exactly that.  In the final few years of his time playing rugby union for the New South Wales Waratahs, Tom completed a Master of Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) through ECU.  When his playing career ended, Tom founded his company Human Performa...

Jessica Gethin is an award-winning conductor who has captivated audiences worldwide with her exceptional musicianship and dynamic performances. Jessica has earnt acclaim as one of the 'Top Twenty Australian Artists of the Year' by Limelight Magazine and a place in the 'Top 100 Women of Influence' by AFR. Her impact extends beyond her musical prowess; she is a passionate advocat...

ECU Engineering graduate Kieran Fazey has been able to achieve what most motorsports students can only dream of - working as a surface design engineer for Formula 1 team, Alpine. In this episode, Kieran talks about his journey from the ECU student racing team to working in Formula 1, the highs (and lows) of working in the high pressure environment of F1, and shares his tips on how to crack into th...

Having led marketing strategies for incredibly influential global brands including frank green and L’Oreal, Rebecca Smith has established an impressive career as a marketing leader, specialising in using ecommerce and social media campaigns to drive business growth. In this chat, you’ll gain insight into some of the marketing campaigns Rebecca has worked on, as well as valuable advice on networkin...

Ben Smith has had quite the career journey to date. Having originally studied sports management, Ben started off in the sports industry, working his way up over time to become Head of Commercial Operations at Basketball Australia, before changing direction into General Manager roles with high profile FMCG brands, 2XU and frank green. Ben discusses how he has been able to pivot between sectors to f...

From starting off as a TV journalist at Channel 7, to working as a video producer, starting her own successful production company, and creating an award-winning podcast about female health problems, storytelling has been at the heart of Cassie's career journey since she graduated with not one, but two broadcasting degrees from ECU. In this episode, Cassie takes us through her impressive caree...

In 2021, at just 30 years of age, Jaysen de San Miguel was elected the City of Bunbury's youngest-ever Mayor. A qualified accountant having graduated from ECU’s Bachelor of Commerce in 2013, being involved in local government, let alone becoming mayor, wasn’t always on Jaysen’s radar. In this chat, you’ll hear about what inspired Jaysen to become involved in local politics and how he progress...

Jenni Screen OLY has had an extraordinary career. She’s played as a professional basketballer. She’s a multiple Olympic medal winner. She’s also worked as a high performance coach, leadership mentor, commentator and sessional university lecturer.  Jenni has been able to juggle being a full-time athlete, with full-time study and working full-time - unbelievably all at the same time! In this episode...

Since leaving ECU with both a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) and a Graduate Diploma in Broadcasting, Jamie Burnett has forged a career spanning across almost all aspects of radio journalism. At the ABC alone, Jamie held the titles of broadcast journalist, field reporter, presenter, executive producer and host over a 9-year period. In this chat, he delves into detail about what each of the...

From working with national governments, the African Union and serving on the boards of multiple non-for-profits, ECU Alum Dr. Nalishebo Meebelo has built a remarkable career. Hear her story, her background and just some of the incredible work she does across her many roles.  Hosted by Henry Sims and Keely Lynch, and produced by Mirella Blood and Elizabeth Harris 

Have you ever considered a career in the police force? As you’ll soon find out, this can mean many different things. ECU Criminology and Justice graduate, Angela Nicholson, has done it all over her 18-year career with the WA Police Force. From working in regional police stations, to training new recruits, to helping implement new technologies and managing organisational change. Find out just how d...

Nail Brewing has been a mainstay of the WA craft beer industry since its inception in 1994 – but it hasn’t been a regular success story - in fact it’s a remarkable story of perseverance and overcoming some enormous challenges. ECU alum John Stallwood (BBus, 1995), the founder, owner and head brewer at Nail Brewing shares his compelling journey in this episode.  Hosted by Henry Sims and Keely Lynch...

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in producing a professional sports broadcast? This fortnights episode explores the career of ECU alum Jimmy Williams, a producer and commentator with SEN Perth. In this chat, Jimmy shares his experiences – from starting out in the industry, to working alongside experienced broadcasters and AFL Legends.  Hosted by Henry Sims and Keely Lynch, and...

From beginning her degree to finishing, Lisa’s career goals shifted significantly. In this chat, Lisa talks about how her career interests changed throughout the course of her degree, adapting to living and studying in a new country as an international student, and the benefits of being involved in extracurricular activities. This episode is hosted by Emily Chamberlain and produced by Elin Petters...

Getting your foot in the door to gain meaningful employment post-graduation can be a mix of putting yourself out there and being in the right place at the right time. In this chat, ECU Business graduate Anna Froederberg, shares her tips on how to access the hidden job market. Anna also talks about her study experience as an international student, including how to successfully manage your time to a...

Jermaine completed a Bachelor of Communications and Graduate Diploma of Broadcasting at ECU and has gone on to establish a career in radio, both in front of and behind the mic. This chat explores Jermaine’s career to date and gives some great insights into the world of radio production, including his experiences on what it’s like to work on one of the biggest radio shows in Australia, The Kyle and...

Despite only graduating from her Graduate Diploma of Broadcasting at the end of 2021, Phoebe Murray has already worked at two of the biggest broadcasters in the Australia, Channel 7 and Channel 10. In this episode, Phoebe talks about her student journey, including the importance of clubs and sporting teams at universities, and how to stand out from the crowd in a competitive job market.  This epis...

Dr Eunice Sari has built a unique career path, combining her passions in language, design and education to co-found user experience (UX) design company, UX Indonesia. In this chat, Eunice explains what UX design is, the importance of UX design in an increasingly digital world, and shares her experiences as a certified Google Design Sprint Master.  This episode is hosted by Luke Binetti, and produc...

Adam Rule graduated from ECU with a Bachelor of Communications in 2004, and has since forged an incredibly successful career in the creative industries. He’s worked as a graphic designer, videographer, photographer and creative director at a number of Perth advertising agencies, before setting up his own production agency, Rhythm Films. In this chat, Adam touches on his experiences working in the...