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Books To The Boardroom

Books To The Boardroom

Sumith Dissanayake

Are you interested in how Australia’s best leaders grew into the professionals they are today? The journey from University (Books) to Leadership positions (Boardroom) can take many different forms. Listen in as we interview CEO’s, CFO’s, and Executives, on how they ascended to leadership positions, made critical career choices, and overcame adversity throughout their career. The Books To The Boardroom podcast is co-hosted by Sumith Dissanayake, a CFO turned Business Owner based in Brisbane, Australia, who is fascinated by all things leadership and career development.
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Top 10 Books To The Boardroom Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Books To The Boardroom episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Books To The Boardroom for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Books To The Boardroom episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Embark on an inspiring leadership journey as we delve into the remarkable career of Denice Bennett, Group CFO of Third Age Health, in this week's episode of Books to the Boardroom.

Denice's journey is a striking testament to her exceptional leadership acumen, one that originated in a completely different realm—working with a London-based karaoke company. Her story showcases her remarkable ability to recognise and seize unanticipated opportunities, steering them towards transformation.

What truly distinguishes Denice as a leader is her unwavering focus on actively chosen opportunities, rather than dwelling on the paths she didn't take. Her leadership style is nothing short of inspirational; she leads by example, opting to lead from behind, thereby empowering her team to excel.

Denice's extensive background, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS), Chartered Accountant, and Certified Change Manager qualifications, equips her with the tools to seamlessly merge her passion for change with meticulous attention to detail and astute business acumen.

Join us as we delve deep into the profound impact of Denice's leadership style, her mastery of change management and how her relentless pursuit of excellence has made her a true exemplar in the realm of leadership.

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Today we are talking to Brent Charlton, Director of Altitude Advisors

We talk about how he navigated the GFC in his business, and as an individual.
Growing up with 2 parents as business owners, it seems Brent was always destined to become an owner himself and became a director in his late 20’s.

For an Accountant, Brent had a very unique university experience by engaging with the process in a way that is not typical.

He talks about only changing jobs twice in his whole career which makes for interesting listening.

Jack Ferguson co-hosted this episode.

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We're thrilled to host Anthony Quinn, Founder of Arctic Intelligence and Co-Founder of AML Accelerate.

Originally from the UK, Anthony's journey is a testament to resilience. Facing sponsorship challenges during his gap year in Australia, he turned setbacks into opportunities, ultimately creating a unique path back. His corporate experience includes roles at major banks like Goldman Sachs, Westpac, ING and Macquarie, where he juggled entrepreneurship while bootstrapping his own business.

In 2015, Anthony founded Arctic Intelligence, offering innovative audit, risk and compliance software platforms. A significant moment came in 2016 when he co-founded AML Accelerate, now a market-leading platform under Arctic Intelligence, revolutionising AML compliance efforts globally.

With over two decades as a management consultant, Anthony's early career at Accenture in London involved advising top-tier clients like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. Since his move to Australia in 2003, he's played pivotal roles in high-profile programs at Macquarie Bank, Westpac and the National Australia Bank.

As a member of the RegTech Association Advisory Committee, Anthony actively shapes the future of regulatory technology. Beyond his professional achievements, he finds balance on the Northern Beaches of Sydney with his wife and two children.

Join us in this episode as Anthony Quinn shares insights into his journey, the evolution of Arctic Intelligence, and the transformative impact of AML Accelerate on Books to the Boardroom.

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"Do I want to be a scientist or do I want to be creative and do arts?" In this week's episode, we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Paul Gavin, the CEO of Avecho Biotechnology Limited.

Dr. Gavin's story is a captivating blend of art and science, taking him from film school, where he aspired to be a writer and director, to the world of biotechnology. Along the way, he's had a diverse range of experiences, from winning an Australian Karate title to tending to bees as an apiarist, and even indulging in hobbies like painting, dry-stone wall building, and carting rocks from various corners of the world.

As a strong advocate for storytelling, he has seamlessly woven his passion for the arts into the world of science. His journey from individual contributor to a leader with a team has provided him with a unique perspective on leadership, learning valuable lessons from leaders he's encountered throughout his career.

He's seen both the positive and negative aspects of leadership, particularly in the challenging field of clinical drug development, where success and failure are part of the game. Dr. Gavin shares insights into how leaders should handle these situations and emphasises the importance of not taking all the credit, as well as being true to yourself as you climb the leadership ladder.

Join us as Dr. Paul Gavin shares his remarkable story, the lessons he's learned along the way and his unique perspective on leadership in the ever-evolving world of biotechnology.

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Books To The Boardroom - In Conversation with James Brennan, CEO of Linius (ASX:LNU)
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08/21/23 • 41 min

Get ready to dive into the inspiring journey of James Brennan, CEO of Linius (ASX:LNU). Known for his analytical prowess and process-driven approach, James has led software and SaaS product development for both established corporations and startups, consistently achieving success. His extensive background in product management, sales, marketing and finance showcases his ability to grow businesses, uncover latent potential, and foster exceptional teams and cultures.

Currently serving as the CEO of Linius Technologies, James is at the forefront of unlocking the value of global video content. Linius introduces a groundbreaking way to personalize and curate video experiences, empowering users to create personalized compilations seamlessly. Under James' leadership, Linius has achieved unprecedented financial milestones, secured major partnerships, and launched scalable SaaS offerings.

James' influence goes beyond Linius, having led transformative growth phases at Integrated Research, Kaltura, BlueJeans Network and Polycom. Notably, he has orchestrated the launch of innovative SaaS solutions, expanded into new markets, and turned stagnating ventures into thriving market leaders. With a global perspective spanning Asia, North America and Europe, James is a master of SaaS business transformation, harnessing data-driven insights to reshape products, pricing, revenue models, and sales strategies.

Join us for this episode as we delve into James' remarkable career journey and gain valuable insights from his strategic expertise that continues to shape the technology landscape.

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Growth is a journey that requires the entire business to constantly adjust, optimise and execute, but it starts at the top. Only when the CEO, C-suite, and business-unit leaders have the right mind-set can leaders hope to drive growth across the entire organisation.

Today we speak with Jade McCarthy, Head of Global Acquisition and Growth at Global Payments. As a seasoned growth leader, Jade has developed and implemented top line growth strategies by taking teams through multiple growth phases to expand into new markets, acquire new customers and positively impact top line growth. By embracing design thinking and building empathy with the customer, she believes the whole organisation benefits, and this is evident in her leadership style.

Additionally, Jade shares a bit about her upbringing in the UK, time spent in Russia, previous leaders who have helped mold her into the leader she is today and so much more. You’ll definitely be inspired after the stories and lessons Jade shares on this week's episode of Books to the Boardroom.

Have a listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/3Nikos4

This episode was hosted by Sumith Dissanayake.

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Books To The Boardroom - In Conversation with Jacob Muraca, COO/CFO of Bondi Sands
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03/13/24 • 31 min

In this episode of Books to the Boardroom, we are thrilled to welcome Jacob Muraca, the accomplished COO/CFO of Bondi Sands, as our esteemed guest speaker. With his extensive experience in finance, operations, and strategic leadership, Jacob brings a wealth of knowledge and insights that are invaluable for today's business leaders.

Throughout his career, Jacob has demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive growth, optimize processes, and lead teams to success. Join us as we delve into his journey, exploring the strategies, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. From his role as a key executive at Bondi Sands to his previous experiences in finance and consulting, Jacob shares practical wisdom and actionable advice that can inspire and empower leaders at all levels.

Through engaging conversations and thought-provoking anecdotes, Jacob offers a glimpse into the inner workings of a fast-paced and innovative organization, shedding light on the principles of effective leadership and strategic decision-making. Whether you're a seasoned executive, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone curious about the secrets of business success, this episode promises to inform, inspire, and invigorate your leadership journey.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain exclusive access to Jacob Muraca's insights and expertise.

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In this episode of Books to the Boardroom, we have the privilege of welcoming Kate Carruthers, the esteemed Head of Business Intelligence and Chief Data & Insights Officer at UNSW, as this week's guest speaker. With her extensive expertise in data-driven decision-making, technology, and leadership, Kate brings a wealth of insights that are invaluable for today's business leaders.

Throughout her impressive career, Kate has spearheaded initiatives to harness the power of data and analytics to drive innovation and achieve strategic objectives. Join us as we delve into her journey, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that have shaped her approach to leadership. From her role at UNSW to her contributions to the broader data and technology community, Kate shares practical wisdom and actionable advice that can inspire leaders at all levels.

Through engaging discussions and compelling anecdotes, Kate offers a deep dive into the transformative potential of data and insights, illuminating the path to organizational success in the digital age. Whether you're a seasoned executive, an aspiring data leader, or simply someone interested in leveraging data for competitive advantage, this episode promises to inform, inspire, and empower you on your leadership journey.

Join us as we explore the intersection of data, technology, and leadership, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation in today's dynamic business landscape.

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Books To The Boardroom - In Conversation with Sigal Pilli, CFO of Seer Medical
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11/28/23 • 37 min

Step into the world of leadership with Sigal Pilli, the Chief Financial Officer of Seer Medical, on this week's episode of Books to the Boardroom. Sigal's journey is nothing short of remarkable, and she's here to share her experiences and leadership insights.

Nearly two decades ago, Sigal immigrated to Australia with her partner and three children, embarking on a profound adventure filled with challenges and triumphs.

Her early exposure to leadership dynamics occurred when she accompanied her father to his clothing factory during school holidays. At just 16, Sigal managed the factory in her father's absence, igniting her passion for leadership.

Early in her career, Sigal prioritised learning and mentorship, shaping her future success. Leading a team as a Financial Controller, she fostered open and transparent relationships, guiding her team members.

During her tenure at Envato, Sigal faced unique challenges as her responsibilities expanded significantly. Learning to embrace this dynamic and master delegation were crucial lessons she gleaned as a leader.

Intriguingly, Sigal once worked as a security officer at an airport, assessing passengers' risk levels and even participating in thrilling drills.

Don't miss this captivating episode, where Sigal shares her extraordinary life journey and invaluable leadership insights on Books to the Boardroom. Join us for inspiration and insight into the world of leadership.

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In this insightful episode of "Books to the Boardroom," we are honoured to host Rimma Gayfullina, the financial controller at GoSee. Recognised as the 2022 New Zealand Emerging Finance Manager, she has an extraordinary story that begins in Eastern Russia. It's here that her fascination with international accounting emerged. In our discussion, Rimma unfolds her transformative journey, emphasising how her academic pursuits in accounting expanded her outlook, underscoring the vital role of a global perspective in the finance sector.
Rimma details her ambitious move from her small hometown to join KPMG, one of the prestigious Big 4 accounting firms. Her narrative takes an exciting turn when she talks about seising an unexpected opportunity with the Auckland KPMG office, a decision that shaped her career path despite not having her certification at the time.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rimma discusses her leadership roles in Rotaract in Europe, and her engagement with the global expat community, showcasing her adaptability and cultural acumen. She also delves into her experience founding MoneyMindLab, an initiative dedicated to empowering women in the realms of finance and business.
This episode offers a deep dive into the world of international finance, leadership in multicultural settings and the journey of an immigrant reshaping her career in a new country. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing opportunities and the importance of a global mindset in today's interconnected financial landscape. Join us for an episode filled with valuable insights for professionals navigating the dynamic world of global finance.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Books To The Boardroom have?

Books To The Boardroom currently has 111 episodes available.

What topics does Books To The Boardroom cover?

The podcast is about Accounting, Podcasts, Finance, Self-Improvement, Education, Business and Careers.

What is the most popular episode on Books To The Boardroom?

The episode title 'In conversation with Judy Farcus Serra, CFO of Headquarter Automotive' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Books To The Boardroom?

The average episode length on Books To The Boardroom is 52 minutes.

How often are episodes of Books To The Boardroom released?

Episodes of Books To The Boardroom are typically released every 8 days, 17 hours.

When was the first episode of Books To The Boardroom?

The first episode of Books To The Boardroom was released on Sep 4, 2019.

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