The Canberra Business Podcast

If your business runs on a card reader, a laptop, and a phone, you already rely on more connectivity and data than you think. We sit down with Telstra’s Nathan Gumley - Telstra Executive for Strategy, Transformation and Planning to unpack a practical playbook for growth and resilience: networks that do more than connect, AI that actually helps teams work faster, and security habits that stop expen...

Ready to steer a boat for the first time—at walking pace—past Parliament House and the War Memorial? Greg sits down with GoBoat Canberra co-owner Amy Wetherby to unpack how an electric picnic boat venture won locals’ hearts, turned casual staff into leaders, and kept sustainability at the centre without losing sight of cash flow and safety. This is a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at building a...

What does it take to build a globally competitive content company from Canberra? Michael Tear, CEO of Wildbear Entertainment, reveals the extraordinary journey from two university students with a dream to a 180-person powerhouse creating documentaries for Netflix, Disney, BBC and beyond. The path wasn't straightforward. Starting with virtually no industry connections, Michael and co-founder S...

When Michael Minns and Blanca Barreras of Hayes Recruitment stepped into our new podcast studio, they brought fresh perspectives on how digital transformation is reshaping the recruitment landscape while preserving the irreplaceable human element at its core. "Digital transformation is a technology solution to a business problem," Michael explains, cutting through the buzzwords to the he...

When office buildings become more than just places to work, magic happens. That's the powerful message Tashi Dorji, head of FlexSpace at JLL Flex Solutions, brings to the Canberra Business Podcast as he unpacks the evolution of co-working spaces from simple desk rentals to vibrant communities driving innovation and connection. Remember when "cool" offices just meant bean bags and pi...

Jane Brownbill stands at a crossroads many of us dream about – after decades in high-powered roles as a CEO and senior manager, she asked herself what she truly wanted to do when she "grew up." Her answer became See Yourself, a coaching practice specifically designed for young adults and neurodiverse individuals who need support finding their unique path forward. See Yourself offers a su...

Data is everywhere in your organization, but do you truly understand what it means? Sam Spencer, CEO and CISO of Aristotle Metadata, reveals how the missing piece in most data strategies isn't fancy algorithms or massive storage capabilities—it's simply understanding what your data means and where it lives. From measuring podcast listeners to protecting patient information, Sam explains...

Nestled in Canberra's southern suburb of Tuggeranong stands the area's first new hotel in 12 years. Punthill Hotel Apartments is breaking the mold of traditional accommodation and challenging assumptions about where business travelers want to stay. Nick Bell, National Account Manager for Government at Punthill, joins us to reveal why this strategic location makes perfect business sense....

With 36 years of experience in personal injury management, Susie Walford, General Manager of Federal Self-Insurance at Employers Mutual Limited (EML), offers a powerful perspective on building purpose-driven workplaces that prioritize both people and performance. In this compelling conversation, Walford reveals how EML—Australia’s largest personal injury claims provider—has cultivated an award-win...

Is your business ready for the new AML/CTF reform? ACT AML's Director, Tim Bourke has everything you need to know to be prepared on this episode of the Canberra Business Podcast!  Tim brings us along as he explains the new Tranche 2 reforms, who exactly is going to be affected, how you can protect your business, and when the deadline will hit.  Tim explains how ACT AML delivers tailored risk...

Meet Andrew Waghchoure, the passionate owner and head coach behind Little Kickers ACT, who's bringing structured football skills development to Canberra's youngest residents. After 14 years in the classroom, this primary school teacher is channeling his love for education and football into a growing business that's capturing the attention of families across the region. Little Kicker...

A thriving workplace isn't just about attractive salaries – it's about nurturing employee engagement that drives productivity, innovation, and business growth. Sarah Rajic, Managing Director of Capital Recruit, reveals that engaged employees can be 200-300% more productive than their disengaged counterparts, directly impacting your bottom line. Drawing from her dual perspectives as both...

What if AI could make us better humans instead of replacing us? That's the question at the heart of Evolutioned's journey from traditional management consulting to AI innovation. Joel Madden, Evolutioned's CEO, takes us through his company's fascinating transformation as they developed Ambience, their flagship AI product designed to help organizations tackle conversations they&...

What does the ACT's fiscal future look like under new Treasurer Chris Steel, MLA? The answer shapes everything from housing affordability to business growth across Canberra. This illuminating conversation tackles the hard questions Chamber members are asking about development approvals, property rates, and business taxation in the ACT. Mr. Steel addresses concerns about approval processes mov...

In today's episode Greg has a conversation with Brendan Smyth, the Commissioner for International Engagement for the ACT Government. Listen to him speak about ACT's International Engagement Strategy and on how he is driving this agenda.  This episode is supported by the University of Canberra and the ACT Government.

What does it take to build a thriving healthcare business in an underserved market? Dr. John Deery, CEO of YourGP and chair of the Australian GP Alliance, reveals the fascinating intersection of medicine and entrepreneurship in this eye-opening conversation. From his competitive drive to enter medicine to building a healthcare network that now employs 45 doctors and 60 staff across multiple Canber...

In this episode, Greg Harford talks to Clarke Smith from CareSuper about his role, how CareSuper engages with businesses to help them support their employees, why employers need to offer a default super scheme for their teams, and upcoming changes to superannuation rules, including PayDay Super, coming in from next year. Note: the information discussed in this podcast is general information only a...

What does it really take to turn a handyman service into a thriving family business? Jane Lombard and her husband Troy Wilkinson have spent six years building Hire a Hubby Western Creek into more than just a property maintenance company—they've created a trusted community resource that older residents and busy homeowners across Canberra rely on daily. The journey hasn't been without its...

The urban mobility landscape is changing, and ARIO stands at the forefront of this revolution. Founded just last year with a bold vision to transform how we move through cities, ARIO has quickly established itself as not just another scooter company, but a technology-driven solution to long-standing problems in the micro-mobility space. Mitchell Price, Head of Government Relations for ARIO, reveal...

When Dr. Chloe Lim discovered her hours as a molecular biologist and epigenetics researcher were being reduced due to funding cuts, she never imagined a request to twist balloons at a church event would transform her career path. Yet six years later, she's the award-winning owner of two thriving Canberra businesses that blend scientific knowledge with creative entertainment. From laboratory r...

"Every six minutes, an Australian business is hacked. Is yours next?" Roy Borekar, founder of Solution Tech and a 20-year cybersecurity veteran, shatters the dangerous myth that small businesses are too insignificant to attract hackers. In this eye-opening conversation with Greg Harford, Roy reveals why smaller operations are actually prime targets for cybercriminals who recognize these...

Chief Minister Andrew Barr offers candid insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Canberra in this wide-ranging conversation about economic growth, budget pressures, and infrastructure development. Having served as Chief Minister since 2014 and in the Assembly since 2006, Barr reflects on the secrets to his political longevity: "A combination of good policy being good politics, e...

What happens when girls in one of Australia's most educated and affluent communities are quietly suffering the poorest mental health outcomes in the nation? The answer: Fearless Women steps in to transform young lives. Glenda Stevens, founding CEO of Fearless Women and 2024 ACT Senior Woman of the Year, shares the remarkable journey of building an organization dedicated to empowering vulnerab...

Craig Gillman believes he might have the best job in ACT government, and after listening to his vision for Canberra's city center, you might agree. As CEO of the City Renewal Authority, Gillman is at the forefront of transforming the capital's urban core into something truly dynamic, inclusive, and competitive. Forget outdated stereotypes about Canberra being dull or family focused. Toda...

"Done is better than perfect" might be the most liberating advice for businesses struggling with content creation. In this revealing conversation, Ty Ridgeway, Managing Director of Shoelace Creative, shares practical wisdom about modern marketing that cuts through the noise of complicated strategies. The digital landscape has shifted dramatically, with audiences now craving authentic, re...