Victoria University

People of VU

Society EN ↓ 56 episodes

Get to know the change-makers, leaders and storytellers of Victoria University. Hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker, we explore everything from leadership and career changes to passion projects and childhood memories.

Author

Victoria University

Category

Society

Latest episode

Jul 2, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 56: Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Prof. Kim Cornish AM PhD FASSA 02.07.2026

This week, Adam chats with Professor Kim Cornish AM PhD FASSA, Vice-Chancellors Distinguished Professorial Research Fellow; Global leader in developmental cognitive neuroscience, with pioneering work in early childhood development, learning and mental health.

Episode 55: Prof. Adam Shoemaker with John McCall MacBain 28.04.2026

This week, Adam chats with . Philanthropy has the power to genuinely change lives: opening up the doors to opportunity that may otherwise remain closed. Few embody this principle more clearly than John and Marcy McCall MacBain, both of whom have traversed the worlds of commerce; innovation; application and giving in Canada and all over the world. In his own right as a long-time donor to VU, John l...

Episode 54: Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Prof. Amin Saikal AM, FASSA 22.03.2026

This week, Adam chats with . Professor Amin Saikal AM, FASSA is one of Australia’s most respected voices in global affairs, and he generously shared his incredible story with us on the latest episode of the People of VU podcast.

Episode 53: Professor Adam Shoemaker with Ashwin Damera 08.01.2026

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: Ashwin's education journey from early years at Krishnamurti Foundation to Harvard University Equity in education and healthcare VU Delhi NCR Campus and the possibilities of the partnership together

Episode 52: Professor Adam Shoemaker with Dr Roshani Jayawardana 19.11.2025
Episode 51: Professor Adam Shoemaker with Peter Laver AM FTSE 22.09.2025

This week, Adam chats with Peter Laver AM FTSE. Topics discussed: A 40-year career at BHP Shaping policy and industry Time as a Chancellor of VU

Episode 50: Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Jono Sinatra 30.07.2025

This week, Adam chats with Jonathan Sinatra. Topics discussed: Connection to VU and establishing a performing arts career Contemporary dance in various forms and what learnings Jono has garnered Belonging and community

Episode 49: Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Dr Ruwangi Fernando 30.07.2025

This week, Adam chats with Dr Ruwangi Fernando Topics discussed: Championing intersectional equity in STEM Responsible AI Diversity for innovation

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Rohenna Young 04.06.2025
People of VU International Women's Day Podcast with Anousha Narain 06.03.2025

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: Sea changes and career changes from Mauritius to Melbourne Anousha's commitment to advocacy for diversity in IT as a member of the Victorian Directors of IT and Women in IT Community of Practice. Empowerment and growth across two degrees and VU's Future Leaders Program for staff. Links mentioned in this episode: http://example.com http://second-exampl...

People of VU International Women's Day Podcast with Vanessa Barnes 06.03.2025

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: Career changing into the digital learning space at VU. What it feels like to be the new drummer in feminist punk Band Cat Crawl The grit, determination and training it took to step into the ring to compete in an MMA cage fight. Links mentioned in this episode: http://example.com http://second-example.com

People of VU International Women's Day Podcast with Komal Rana 06.03.2025

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: Komal introduces the fundamentals of her fascinating thesis on decolonising education. From Delhi to Melbourne, walk in the shoes of an international student. See the synergy in literature, dance and education as Komal shares her passions Links mentioned in this episode: http://example.com http://second-example.com

People of VU International Women's Day Podcast with Adsheaya Vasakan 06.03.2025

This week, Adam chats with . How studying a Masters of Engineering resulted in a career in the field Working as a student mentor at VU Receiving two leadership awards and membership of the STEM Sisters program

People of International Women's Day VU Podcast with Professor Emma Rybalka 06.03.2025

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: Emma's recent appointment to the Professoriate from humble beginnings as a student A successful NHMRC Grant application for work in Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy Juggling a career with motherhood

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Melanie Inturrisi 06.02.2025

This week, Adam chats with . Topics discussed: The wealth of career development opportunities available for VU students to progress from student to staff member. The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood teaching which featured in Melanie's Education Studies at VU. Live your Lemon - a community support project built from the ground up by Melanie and her friends.

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Dr. José Ramos-Horta - Part 3 06.11.2024

In the final part of this special live episode, Dr. José Ramos-Horta discusses the profound relationship between Timor-Leste and its international supporters, and the future of education for young Timorese. On behalf of Victoria University and all our listeners, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. José Ramos-Horta for his participation in the special live recording of the People of VU podcast on...

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Dr. José Ramos-Horta - Part 2 06.11.2024

In this special live episode, Dr. José Ramos-Horta continues sharing his experiences growing up in remote Timorese villages, his relentless pursuit of Timorese independence, and his reflections on global peace and the role of the United Nations. He also discusses the profound relationship between Timor-Leste and its international supporters, and the future of education for young Timorese. I encour...

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Dr. José Ramos-Horta - Part 1 06.11.2024

Dr. José Ramos-Horta embodies the essence of hope—hope that is deeply rooted in belief, purpose, and inspiration. As the President of Timor-Leste, his journey is a testament to resilience and leadership. On 11 October, 70 guests had the incredible privilege of sharing in the hopeful journey of His Excellency José Ramos-Horta. In this special live episode, Dr. José Ramos-Horta shares his experience...

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Thunu Rathnayaka 14.10.2024

The world needs more of so many things right now. Thunu Rathnayaka exemplifies why you can never contribute too much to these issues. She is a VU Law student, VU Student Ambassador, VU Law Society President, VU Student Union Board Member, VU Volunteer, and VU Community Leader. Amazing. In this episode, Thunu shares her experiences studying law at VU’s iconic City Tower campus, how growing up in Sr...

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Mevan Fernando 08.07.2024

Mevan Fernando is proof that exploring your interests and passions can make for a fulfilling career and life. As the Digital Experience Officer at the Wyndham Tech School, Mevan encourages curiosity, exploration and collaboration. In this episode, Mevan speaks to embracing his Sri Lankan heritage through music, the joy of witnessing young people unleash their imagination through advanced technolog...

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Vince Lebon 21.05.2024

Vince Lebon sees peoples' feet first and then their face. This is to be expected as the Founder, CEO and Designer of Rollie Nation—one of the world’s most interesting and successful shoe design enterprises. Today, Vince speaks to studying multimedia design at VU, his “cool-comfort” approach to footwear design and making calm decisions in business and life. I was delighted to speak with Vince about...

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Karlee McCulloch. 01.05.2024

Karlee McCulloch is a natural leader who isn’t afraid to try something outside her comfort zone. Her inner motivation, determination, and desire to support others has enabled her to change the course of her life – and now do the same for others. Today, Karlee speaks to the people, roles, and organisations that helped her go from not speaking until age 9 to being one step closer to her ultimate dre...

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Katrina Gubbins 04.04.2024

In the latest People of VU episode, I am delighted to feature Katrina Gubbins – the originator of this podcast. Katrina has been an invaluable member of our VU community for over eight years. During this time, she brought her expertise in communications to various roles – from her beginnings in the community outreach team to working with us in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. As Katrina embarks...

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Lizzie Georgostathis 21.03.2024

Whether on the field as a Western Bulldogs AFLW player or in the classroom, Lizzie is someone who motivates everyone she meets. I had a wonderful chat with Lizzie on the eve of her graduation – she is the first in her family to graduate from university. Today, Lizzie received her Bachelor of Education degree, and multiple generations of her family cheered from the crowd. It was fantastic to see an...

Prof. Adam Shoemaker with Anesu Ashley Masocha 08.02.2024

Despite this immense challenge, and with the (frankly, heartening) support of his family and VU’s Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation clinic, Anesu overcame his health setback and has truly excelled in life. Anesu's vibrant personality radiates positivity every time we meet. It was such a delight to really get to know him in the latest People of VU episode. Links mentioned in this episode: https://ww...

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