Vistage Live - Australia and New Zealand - Business and Leadership Insights

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• Complexity vs Consequence: Leading a Small Business in an AI World 08.04.2026 23хв

  In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie Christopher speaks with John Gutteridge about the intersection of global strategy, small business leadership and the accelerating impact of AI. Drawing on his experience leading global organisations and scaling smaller ventures, John highlights a key distinction. While large organisations deal with complexity, small businesses deal with consequence, where every decision carries weight. As AI reshapes how businesses operate, John outlines a growing divide between AI-native businesses and traditional operators. Those who adopt early and strategically will move faster and gain advantage, while others risk falling behind. However, technology alone is not the differentiator. Strategy remains critical. AI can accelerate output, but without clear thinking behind it, it risks amplifying ineffective activity. The conversation also reinforces the value of perspective. For many business owners and CEOs of small businesses, leadership can be isolating. Through peer advisory, leaders gain access to broader thinking, helping them make better, more confident decisions.
• From Player to Coach: The Leadership Shift That Matters 16.12.2025 33хв

  In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie explores leadership, resilience, and high performance with Brad Thomas, technology executive, board leader, and three-time Paralympian. Brad shares his journey from elite Paralympic sport to leading global technology businesses, drawing powerful parallels between athletic performance and business leadership. From competing on the world stage to transforming an ASX-listed company into a high-performing SaaS business. Brad unpacks the disciplines that underpin sustained success: clarity of vision, disciplined execution, accountability, and continuous feedback. The conversation also dives into Brad’s leadership philosophy; why great leaders resist being the smartest person in the room, how coaching unlocks performance and why high-performing teams thrive on trust, openness, and constructive challenge. Brad also reflects on his transition from CEO to Vistage Chair, and what growth-focused CEOs can expect from a peer advisory environment. Key Highlights Lessons from Paralympic sport on resilience, mindset, and performing under pressure Why clarity of vision is the foundation of execution — in sport and business Turning feedback into a competitive advantage without taking it personally The shift from “leader as decision-maker” to “leader as coach” Why high-performing teams need trust, challenge, and accountability Brad’s passion for growth, innovation, and taking Australian businesses to global markets
• Future-Ready Leadership with Ben Hamer, Futurist 26.11.2025 30хв

  In this episode of Vistage LIVE, futurist Dr Ben Hamer—recently named the #1 thought leader on the Future of Work in the Asia-Pacific—joins Stephanie Christopher for a powerful conversation on what leaders must pay attention to now to stay future-ready. Ben explores curiosity as the defining capability of high-performing leaders and organisations, explaining why it outperforms any single technical skill in a world marked by volatility and rapid transformation. He breaks down what futurists actually do, how leaders can scan for meaningful signals of change, and why the goal is not prediction—it's preparation. From the rise of AI agents to demographic transformation, declining workforce participation, and the realities of an ageing and increasingly multicultural population, Ben offers a clear, pragmatic lens on the mega-trends shaping the next decade. He also challenges the efficiency mindset that discourages exploration, and argues that leaders must build foresight into their everyday decision-making. This episode will reshape how you think about workforce strategy, leadership, and long-term planning—and why the future now demands big, bold, transformative thinking rather than incremental tweaks. Key Insights: Curiosity is the #1 future-ready capability—across people, strategy, discovery and leadership. Signals precede trends — leaders should pay attention to the “huh” moments. Backcasting beats forecasting when working 10 years into the future. Mega-trends beyond AI: demographic shifts, cultural diversity, ageing populations, skill shortages. AI will be essential, not a threat — we’ll need it to fill workforce gaps. Productivity is a flawed measure in a knowledge economy. Generations are a frame, not a solution — it’s about understanding individuals. The future of work requires redesigning jobs, not tweaking the old model.
• Removing the Brain Blinkers: How to Shift Beliefs and Unlock High Performance 28.10.2025 27хв

  In this energising episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie Christopher sits down with keynote speaker, coach and creator of Brain Blinkers, Anthony Bonnici, to explore how our own thinking often limits our potential. Drawing on more than 20 years of global speaking and leadership coaching, Anthony reveals the three key mental barriers that hold people back and how leaders can identify and remove them. From tackling limiting beliefs to breaking patterns of self-sabotage, Anthony introduces his practical COFFEE model — six ways we unconsciously undermine our success: Catastrophising, Overgeneralising, Filtering, Forecasting failure, Emotionalising, and being at the Effect of problems instead of the cause. Anthony and Stephanie discuss how reframing even one limiting belief can shift behaviour, why recognising the right problem is crucial before solving it, and how small daily mindset changes can transform performance. Whether you lead a sales team or a company, this conversation will help you challenge unhelpful thinking, take ownership, and get “above the line” — focusing on solutions that move you and your team forward. Key takeaways: Identify your own “brain blinkers” — the beliefs and habits that narrow your thinking. Replace self-defeating thoughts with small, realistic reframes. Use the COFFEE model to spot common self-sabotage patterns. Stop reacting to problems — diagnose the real issue, then act. Lasting change requires consistency, self-awareness, and action over time.
• Progress, Not Perfection: Navigating Family Business Dynamics with John Broons 15.09.2025 17хв

  In this episode of Vistage LIVE, host Stephanie Christopher sits down with John Broons—family business expert, author of Creating a Thriving Family Business: Progress, Not Perfection, and long-time Vistage Chair. John shares four decades of experience advising family enterprises across Australia and globally, unpacking the unique challenges of intergenerational wealth transfer, governance, and communication. From the baby boomer transition to the subtle influence of partners at the dinner table, John reveals how family businesses can thrive when values, transparency, and external advice come together. Listeners will gain practical insights into: Why planning and open conversations matter more than waiting until it’s too late. How family dynamics, not just business fundamentals, often dictate success or failure. The critical distinction between a business advisor serving an individual versus a family advisor supporting the whole family. Why progress—not perfection—is the mindset that sustains families in business over generations. Whether you’re running a small start-up with family shareholders or managing a complex, multi-generational enterprise, John’s stories and strategies provide clarity, encouragement, and actionable guidance.
• Decoding Strategic Decisions with Dr Chris Stephenson 21.08.2025 24хв

  In this episode of Vistage LIVE, host Stephanie Christopher is joined by Dr Chris Stephenson — a transformational leader with over 25 years of global executive experience and a doctorate in strategic decision-making. Chris has led company turnarounds across 12 countries and now mentors CEOs, helping them navigate complexity, make smarter choices, and unlock transformational growth. Chris unpacks why so many boards and leadership teams fall into the trap of suboptimal decisions, how politics inside organisations can derail strategy, and why diversity of thought is vital to overcoming blind spots. He also shares his simple markers for identifying whether decision-making is strong or flawed — and offers practical insights CEOs can apply immediately to sharpen focus, drive innovation, and lead with greater confidence. Key highlights: Why 85% of top management decisions are suboptimal — and how to change that The hidden role of organisational politics in shaping outcomes How CEOs can build safe spaces for challenge and diversity of thought The importance of hiring for attitude, not just skills Why leaders must embrace boldness, experimentation, and adaptability
• Ron Gauci on Resilient Leadership and Strategic Turnarounds 14.07.2025 36хв

  In this episode of Vistage LIVE, host Stephanie Christopher is joined by Ron Gauci—new Vistage Chair, seasoned CEO, and transformation expert whose leadership career spans Telstra, IBM, Microsoft, Melbourne Storm, Federation Square and more. Ron shares hard-won insights from leading organisations through adversity, uncovering potential, and achieving sustainable turnarounds—not just in crisis, but in complacency. Key Highlights: Three-Phase Turnaround Approach: Ron’s model of 30 days observation, 30 days planning, 30 days execution allows him to tailor unique strategies for each organisation. Creating Momentum: In the absence of urgency, Ron isn’t afraid to "manufacture a crisis" to overcome complacency and mobilise teams. The Power of Culture and Mindset: Execution starts with clarity—clear roles, accountability, and defining what success looks like. Ron draws from elite sport to foster a high-performance, “never-settle” mindset. Tough Conversations, Delivered Well: Authentic leadership means honesty with care—Ron is known for difficult conversations that earn trust, even from those he’s had to let go. Stories of Impact: From revitalising Melbourne’s Fed Square to rebuilding the Melbourne Storm after its salary cap crisis, Ron’s legacy is one of transformation and empowerment. Now stepping into his role as a Vistage Chair, Ron is seeking growth-focused business leaders ready to stretch themselves—and support others—in a confidential, high-calibre peer group.
• From Values to Ventures: How Vanessa Cullen Built a Purpose-Driven Enterprise 17.06.2025 28хв

  What does it take to build a profitable business without compromising your values? In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie sits down with Vanessa Cullen — founder of Forward Thinking Design and a true pioneer of sustainable, values-led leadership. With over 20 years’ experience across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, Vanessa shares how she’s turned ethics into enterprise, designing both spaces and strategies that create meaningful impact. We explore what it really means to be a social enterprise, how circular economy thinking is reshaping the future, and why being values-aligned from day one was the most strategic decision she ever made. Vanessa also opens up about her early challenges, the role of peer support in her journey, and the quiet power of doing business differently. Key Takeaways  1. A Social Enterprise Built on Values, Not Buzzwords2. Social Enterprise vs. B Corp vs. NFP — Know the Difference3. Circular Economy Is More Than Recycling4. Purpose and Profit Can Coexist5. A Business Leader Forged by Ethics, Resilience and Lived Experience6. The Power of Peer Support7. Advocacy and Giving Back Are Core to Her Mission8. Leadership That Minimises Waste and Maximises Meaning    
• Leading Through Change: Insights from President, International at Vistage Rob Ristagno 29.05.2025 23хв

  In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Vistage Australia and New Zealand MD Stephanie Christopher interviews Rob Ristagno, President, International at Vistage. Rob shares his insights on the evolving landscape of leadership and the challenges CEOs face in a rapidly changing business environment. He emphasises the importance of adaptability, strategic decision-making, and leveraging community-based learning for growth and resilience. Rob also discusses how Vistage is supporting CEOs with resources that foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable success. Key takeaways include: Embracing change as a constant and leading with flexibility. Building stronger networks through peer learning and global connections. Developing leadership skills that prioritise long-term strategy over short-term gains. Understanding how Vistage's unique ecosystem empowers leaders to navigate complexity with confidence.
• Unlocking the Sales Game: Building Trust Over Transactions with Ari Galper 22.05.2025 37хв

  In this insightful episode of Vistage Live, Stephanie Christopher sits down with Ari Galper, the world’s leading authority on trust-based selling and the founder of "Unlock the Sales Game." Ari shares his journey from high-tech sales to pioneering a sales philosophy that flips traditional methods on their head. He introduces the revolutionary concept of trust-based selling, where the key to closing deals is not about pitching your product but creating a genuine human connection rooted in trust. Ari explains how breaking free from outdated sales tactics and embracing a doctor-patient mindset transforms the sales process, allowing prospects to feel safe, understood, and open to engaging deeply. Listen in as Ari reveals why letting go of "selling" to focus purely on understanding your client's pain points is the true differentiator in today’s market.
• High Performance Under Pressure: Coaching Lessons from the Court to the Boardroom 23.04.2025 37хв

  In this dynamic episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie Christopher speaks with Emma Doyle — a former elite tennis player turned corporate high-performance coach. Emma shares how her early coaching experiences on the tennis court shaped her leadership philosophy, ultimately driving her to work with CEOs and business leaders across the world. Drawing parallels between sport and leadership, Emma unpacks what it takes to lead with energy, curiosity, and empathy under pressure. She explains why “leader as coach” is not just a philosophy, but the way of now. With practical tips on how to build trust, communicate across personality types, and turn pressure into performance, Emma offers powerful insights for leaders looking to unlock potential — in themselves and in others. Key themes include: Coaching as a mindset: Pulling out potential vs pushing information in. The opponent in your head: How internal blocks limit performance. The Grow Model: A simple but powerful framework for coaching teams. Emotional intelligence, trust, and curiosity as modern leadership superpowers. The importance of grounding: “Get your head where your feet are.” Emma’s energy and authenticity shine as she shares stories from her career in sport and business, making this episode a must-listen for leaders ready to step up under pressure.
• The Business of Leadership: How Experience Becomes Impact 14.04.2025 34хв

  In this engaging episode of Vistage LIVE, host Stephanie Christopher sits down with Tony Chamberlain—Vistage Chair, seasoned executive, and former Undercover Boss—to explore the power of leadership forged through real-world experience. Tony reflects on his early ambitions to run businesses, his transformative leadership at Staging Connections, and his evolution from hands-on CEO to thoughtful mentor and peer group facilitator. With candid insights, Tony reveals the lessons he's learned from turning around underperforming businesses, cultivating high-performing leadership teams, and creating trusted spaces for business leaders through his Vistage groups. He shares why he wishes he had discovered Vistage earlier, how he balances being a non-executive director with chairing peer groups, and what makes peer advisory so powerful for CEOs and business owners. And yes—he even shares the funny story of going undercover for the reality TV show Undercover Boss, wig mishaps and all.
• Scaling Up: Embracing a Scientific Approach to Business 28.03.2025 31хв

  Mark Bregman, a distinguished global business leader with a rich background in technology strategy and entrepreneurship, delivers profound insights into leadership, innovation and strategic thinking. Drawing from his extensive experience across Fortune 500 companies and startups, Bregman explores the nuanced art of leading organisations, emphasising the critical balance between operational excellence and strategic vision. Key Takeaways for Leaders: Leaders must challenge their own thinking – Recognising cognitive bias helps avoid decision-making pitfalls.Change is constant; adaptability is key – Organisations that embrace change will stay ahead of their competition.Technology is a leadership tool, not a threat – AI and automation should be leveraged to enhance decision-making, not replace human leadership.Strategy needs a long-term lens – Making decisions for short-term gains often leads to long-term struggles.Culture drives success – A strong, adaptable team culture is the foundation of sustainable business growth.  
• People & Culture: How to Win Through Your People with Mark Puncher 30.01.2025 35хв

  In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie Christopher speaks with Mark Puncher, a leading expert in employer branding and talent marketing, about how business leaders can navigate today’s rapidly changing workforce landscape. With economic pressures mounting and employee expectations shifting, Mark explores the risks of employer-employee disconnection and the crucial role of leadership in fostering engagement, performance, and loyalty. Key themes include: The Talent Landscape Shift – The job market has moved from a hiring boom to a more cautious and uncertain environment, requiring leaders to rethink their approach to people management. Authentic Leadership – Employees don’t just need to feel valued—they need to feel valuable. Leaders must engage their people in problem-solving and decision-making rather than just directing from the top. Balancing Empathy and Accountability – While businesses must prioritise people, they also need clear expectations and commercial discipline to succeed. Culture as a Competitive Advantage – Strong cultures aren’t about a one-size-fits-all approach but embracing the diverse ways teams operate while staying aligned to shared values. Transparent Hiring & Engagement – Leaders who acknowledge the realities of their workplace—both the strengths and the challenges—will attract and retain the right people. Why Business Leaders Should Listen This episode is essential for CEOs, business owners, and leaders who want to build a high-performance team in an evolving workplace. Mark offers practical strategies for creating a culture where people are genuinely engaged, empowered, and committed—not just compliant. 
• Navigating the AI Revolution: Strategies for Successful Business Adoption 28.11.2024 27хв

  In this insightful episode of Vistage Live, host Stephanie Christopher sits down with Michael Donoghue, founder of AdvisorAI, to demystify the critical journey of AI adoption for businesses. Drawing from his 16 years of expertise in fintech, digital payments, and AI innovation, Donoghue provides a pragmatic roadmap for organisations navigating artificial intelligence. The conversation cuts through the hype and confusion, offering clear guidance on how businesses can strategically approach AI integration, emphasising the importance of understanding AI's transformative potential across entire organisations, large or small. The discussion offers a practical approach to AI adoption, highlighting key strategies such as developing simple yet comprehensive AI policies, focusing on staff education, and embedding AI across all departments. Donoghue challenges business leaders to look beyond technological complexity and instead view AI as a powerful tool for strategic planning, creativity, and productivity. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to upskill employees, ensure data security, and proactively prepare for the significant technological shifts expected in the coming years, with a particular focus on 2025 as a pivotal moment of AI transformation.
• Future-Ready Leadership: Simplifying Strategy for 2025 and Beyond 27.11.2024 26хв

  Before you dive into strategic planning, have you clarified your strategic direction? In this episode of Vistage Live, Jon Lindsay, a leadership expert with over 30 years of business experience and Vistage Chair, shares the crucial first step that often gets overlooked: defining where you want to go and why and unpacks how leaders can bring clarity to their organisation's purpose and priorities, setting the foundation for meaningful strategic plans. Now is the perfect time to do the preparation needed to kick off 2025 with strong foundations in place. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or business owner, this episode will inspire you to step back, refocus, and ensure your organisation is aligned on the big picture. Tune in to learn how to create a clear and compelling direction that sets you up for success in the year ahead. 3 top tips to prepare for 2025, Jon recommends that business leaders: Keep things simple and focus on strategic direction rather than detailed planning right now. Use simple models and frameworks to facilitate open conversations with the leadership team. Look outside the business to understand industry trends and changes in the external environment. Don't try to do too much between now and the end of the year, but use this time to reflect on what's coming down the track. Prioritize clarity, usefulness, and focus in the strategic approach. The goal is to have a strategy that helps make decisions, not a lengthy document.
• AI Game On: Why Every Business Must Embrace AI Now 24.11.2024 32хв

  Listen to this insightful conversation with Tim Trumper, author of "AI Game On," as he shares practical wisdom on how businesses of all sizes can effectively embrace AI. As both an entrepreneur and chairman of a multi-billion dollar conglomerate (NRMA), Tim brings a unique dual perspective on AI adoption that bridges the gap between entrepreneurial innovation and corporate governance. Key highlights: Hear Tim's simple but powerful framework of "Mindset, Skillset, Toolset" for approaching AI adoption Discover how AI tools costing just $30/month can transform business operations, from customer analysis to procurement Hear real-world examples of how AI is being used practically, including preparing for AGMs, analysing contracts, and creating strategic presentations Understand why Tim believes "AI won't take your job, but a business who understands AI will take your customers" A must listen to gain actionable insights on getting started with AI without getting overwhelmed by the technology. Tim demystifies AI adoption by focusing on business outcomes rather than technical complexity, sharing examples that any sized business can implement immediately. His message is clear: AI adoption isn't optional, but it doesn't have to be complicated – it starts with asking the right questions and having the right mindset. Most importantly, Tim emphasizes that "the day of the blank page is gone" – AI tools are now accessible to everyone who can hold a conversation, making them invaluable for any business leader looking to stay competitive in today's rapidly evolving marketplace. CopyRetry     Claude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
• Unlock Real Marketing Value in B2B and B2C - Beyond the Buzzwords 12.11.2024 29хв

  In this episode our guest Ashton Bishop challenges typical marketing myths, jargon, and the emphasis on vanity metrics that often obscure true profitability and growth and demystifies the distinctions between B2B and B2C marketing. A must listen for CEOs and business leaders this frank and insightful conversation provides actionable insights to help leaders optimise their marketing effectiveness and equips business leaders with the knowledge to assess their current marketing efforts more critically and to craft strategies that resonate with buyers, ultimately enhancing growth and profitability.
• The Evolution of Work: Reimagining Leadership with Maja Paleka 15.10.2024 28хв

  In this episode of Vistage Live, Maja Paleka joins host Stephanie Christopher to discuss the evolving relationship between individuals and work, particularly in the post COVID world. They explore the shift in how people view work, the rise of anti-work sentiments, and the importance of balancing care and accountability in leadership. Maja explains that many people experienced a paradigm shift during the pandemic, leading to a re-evaluation of the centrality of work in their lives. This shift has resulted in resistance to returning to old ways of working, with many now valuing flexibility and autonomy.  Top Takeaways: Shift in Work Identity: People have started questioning the role of work in their lives, especially after experiencing remote work and a different pace during the pandemic. Many no longer want their identity and sense of achievement to revolve solely around work. Rising Anti-Work Sentiment: Maja highlights the emergence of trends like quiet quitting and "lazy girl jobs," which reflect a growing disenchantment with traditional work demands. While these trends can go too far, they underline the need for businesses to rethink employee engagement. Balancing Care and Accountability: Maja emphasises that leaders must find a balance between caring for employees' well-being and holding them accountable for performance. This requires setting clear expectations, coaching, and having difficult yet compassionate conversations. Navigating Remote Work Challenges: There is a tension between the desire for flexibility and the need for in-person collaboration. While leaders may find it easier to manage in-office teams, employees have grown accustomed to autonomy, and businesses must decide how to strike the right balance. Importance of Radical Candor: Difficult conversations are necessary to foster growth and engagement. Maja encourages leaders to approach these conversations with care and compassion, as they can strengthen relationships and enhance trust within teams. The podcast highlights the need for leaders to adapt to these new realities, combining empathy with accountability to create a work environment that respects employees' changing needs while maintaining productivity and engagement.
• The Power of Organisational Alignment 05.08.2024 27хв

  In this epidsode Ron Schwartz, founder of Brass Tax and expert in organisational transformation shares valuable insights on aligning your organisation by asking five key questions, and the importance of roles, goals, and decision rights. Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, Ron's advice on creating effective management systems and aligning talent is a must-listen! Tune in to learn how to turn challenges into growth opportunities. Two top areas of focus for mid-sized business: Management Systems - Systems and processes for growthAligning your talent around roles, goals and decision rights