In-depth conversations with CEOs and senior leaders from Australia and New Zealand
Each episode examines how leadership is practised in the ANZ context, how leaders' approaches evolve over time, and the values, decisions, and moments that shape effective leadership today.
Hosted by Professor Ruth McPhail from Griffith Business School, the podcast offers practical insight, reflection, and advice for current and emerging leaders.
Made in association with the Blackmore Family Foundation
Episode 1
Steve Chapman
Founder, Baron Partners
Chairman of the Blackmore Family Foundation
With more than 40 years of experience in corporate advisory, Steve Chapman has held senior leadership and board roles across financial services, consumer products, media and technology.
In this episode, Steve reflects on his leadership journey. He shares insights on purpose, self-awareness and the value of reflection, and discusses why leadership isn't about having a title or being the loudest voice in the room, but about making a meaningful impact in business, community and society.
Episode 2
Steve Jurkovich
Chief Executive, Kiwibank
With over 20 years of banking experience in Australia and New Zealand, Steve’s career has spanned senior executive leadership roles across retail, corporate, commercial and rural banking, as well as legal, with some of New Zealand’s largest banks.
Steve shares the leadership lessons that have shaped his career, the mentors who influenced him, and why great leadership starts with caring about people. He also discusses leading with purpose, building cultures of belonging, navigating the impact of AI, and offers practical advice for the next generation of leaders.
Episode 3
Lynn Kraus AM
CEO, Australian Payments Plus
With more than 30 years of experience in Australia, Lynn Kraus has held senior leadership roles across professional services, consulting and payments, including as CEO of Australian Payments Plus.
Lynn reflects on her unconventional leadership journey, the importance of stepping into your power, and why great leaders don't need to have all the answers. She shares insights on building capable teams, leading with purpose, navigating complexity and change, and creating an environment where people feel empowered to bring their best.
Episode 4
Audette Exel AM
Founder and Chair, Adara Group
With a career spanning law, banking, corporate advisory and international development, Audette Exel AM is the Founder and Chair of Adara Group, and CEO of Adara Advisors and Adara Partners. She has also held senior board and leadership roles across the financial services sector.
In this episode, Audette shares lessons on purpose, courage and integrity, the importance of unleashing the talent in others, learning from failure, and why there is no single way to lead.
Meet the host
Professor Ruth McPhail is Dean (Engagement) at Griffith Business School and a passionate educator, mentor, coach and leadership advocate. Throughout her career, she has held several senior leadership roles, including Director of Undergraduate Studies and Head of the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resources.
An award-winning educator, Ruth has received Griffith University's Vice Chancellor's University Teacher of the Year Award and a national citation recognising her sustained commitment to supporting first-year student success. Through the Leadership Matters podcast, Ruth explores the ideas, experiences and insights that shape exceptional leaders.
Blackmore Family Foundation Business Leadership Partnership
We have partnered with renowned Australian business leader Marcus Blackmore AM with his Blackmore Family Foundation providing to pave the way for world-class business leadership in Australia. Our vision is to build a community of outstanding, passionate, and values-based leaders here in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region who regularly come together, to inform and develop leadership practice and impact.