CEO: Behind the Scenes

Family business succession rarely goes according to plan, but few stories are as dramatic as that of AME Systems. In this episode, Nick Carthew, AME Systems Managing Director, opens up about taking over a company torn apart by family conflict, being given just six months to prove himself and then facing unimaginable challenges that tested everything he'd built. Carthew discusses the falling out that nearly destroyed the business, the difficulties involved in such a rapid transformation and why the board initially had little faith in him. He shares candid insights on leading through loss, the power of company culture during crisis and why his employees took pay cuts and renegotiated mortgages to save the business. Packed with raw lessons on succession planning and loyalty that survives anything, this conversation reveals what it really takes to carry a legacy forward. Listen now to hear one of the most honest CEO stories you'll ever encounter. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Nick Carthew and AME Systems: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-carthew-4314ba32 Website: https://amesystems.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the key to exceptional leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about how you view the people around you? In this episode, Stefan Vermeulen, Managing Director of Nespresso Oceania, reveals his transformative leadership philosophy and the five-part framework that has guided his 15-year journey with one of the world’s most iconic brands. Vermeulen discusses his “5Cs” leadership model, why vulnerability is actually a sign of strength and how building your own personal board of advisors can accelerate your growth. He also shares insights on leading through legacy, balancing global brand consistency with local innovation and how assuming good intentions changed how he approaches every leadership challenge. Packed with practical frameworks and real-world examples from sustainability initiatives to team dynamics, this conversation offers a masterclass in authentic leadership for today’s complex business environment. Listen now to discover the mindset shifts that separate good leaders from truly great ones. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Stefan Vermeulen and Nespresso: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-vermeulen-a1b2736 Website: https://www.nespresso.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Craig Kearney became CEO of Vitaco in 2018, he faced a counterintuitive challenge: the company had too many brands. While conventional wisdom says more products equal more revenue, Kearney discovered the opposite was true. In this episode, Kearney reveals how he cut Vitaco’s brand portfolio and watched revenue double. He shares the ruthless decision-making process behind discarding profitable products to focus resources on fewer, stronger brands. This is the portfolio management masterclass that shows how less really can be more in business. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Craig Kearney and Vitaco: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-kearney-8508a23 Website: https://vitacohealth.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most property investors worldwide are trapped in negative cash flow cycles, watching residential yields drop while mortgage rates climb. In this episode, Scott O'Neill, Founder and CEO of Rethink Group, sits down with Chris Dutton, Founder of The CEO Magazine, to reveal why he abandoned residential property. O'Neill, who achieved financial freedom by 28, explains why commercial tenants pay all your expenses and how to recession-proof your portfolio with boring businesses. He also shares his zero-failure formula for building multiple companies. This is the investment shift that's creating wealth while residential investors struggle. Listen now to discover why the smart money is moving to commercial property and how you can escape the negative cash flow trap forever. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Scott O’Neill and Rethink Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-o-neill-0b0aa151/ Website: https://www.rethinkgroup.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AI revolution has many leaders questioning whether they still need entry-level workers, but what if they have it backwards? In this episode, David Ellis, Managing Partner of IBM Consulting for Australia, reveals why his company is actually increasing graduate hires during the AI boom and how smart leaders can turn young talent into their competitive advantage. Ellis discusses the 50 percent displacement prediction, why AI-native workers possess untapped potential and the IBM strategy that delivered 50–80 percent productivity gains. Packed with insights on workforce strategy and responsible AI implementation, this conversation will challenge how you think about talent acquisition. Listen now to discover why betting on young workers might be the smartest move you make this year. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow David Ellis and IBM Consulting: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidellis Website: https://www.ibm.com/au-enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Healthcare is at a tipping point – growing demand, limited resources and soaring costs are testing the system like never before. In this episode, Mark Middleton, Group CEO of Icon Group, reveals why innovation and authentic leadership are the only ways forward and what it takes to transform care at scale. He discusses the global cancer burden, the cost of resisting change and the technologies redefining treatment, while sharing how leaders can balance urgency with discipline when making bold decisions. Packed with lessons on resilience, purpose and the future of healthcare, this conversation will challenge how you think about innovation, leadership and impact. Listen now to gain insights that matter for every leader facing transformation. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Mark Middleton and Icon Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-middleton-au Website: https://icongroup.global/en/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambition can open doors, but execution is what keeps them open. In this episode, Kimberley Jonsson, CEO of CHU, shares why delivering in your current role – rather than chasing the next title – is the real driver of career progression and business success.  She unpacks the toughest leadership lessons she’s learned, from building influence without authority to leading with integrity and fostering collaboration across teams. Packed with practical takeaways, this conversation will leave you rethinking how you approach ambition, execution and sustainable leadership. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Kimberley Jonsson and CHU Underwriting Agencies: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-jonsson-92300342/ Website: https://chu.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the race to harness AI, chasing perfection can be a costly trap. In this episode, Travis Jones, COO of Logic20/20, explains why adaptability, not flawless systems or perfect data, is the real key to success. Drawing on years of experience guiding Fortune 1000 companies through digital transformation, Jones shares practical insights for leaders on how to move quickly, empower teams and capture opportunities before the competition does. From cutting through AI hype to building a culture of change, this episode is essential listening for executives who want to lead confidently in the AI era. Tune in now and learn how to avoid the leadership mistake that could be costing your organization millions. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Travis Jones and Logic20/20: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisjones2/ Website: https://logic2020.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to bounce back from failure and turn it into lasting success? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Neil, Managing Director of Safari Group, to explore the lessons he has learned from building – and rebuilding – a business. A licensed builder and founding member of Safari Group, Neil is a pillar in the industry who has shaped the company’s strategic direction from acquisitions to sales. With decades of experience, he shares candid insights into resilience, leadership and the mindset needed to thrive through challenges. Whether you are leading a team, growing a business or navigating setbacks of your own, Neil’s story offers powerful lessons in grit, perseverance and long-term vision. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Robert Neil and Safari Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-neil-4333b925/ Website: https://safarigroup.co.nz/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes people choose your culture every single day? In this episode, Jeremy Hauk, CEO and Managing Partner of Eide Bailly, reveals the leadership mindset that keeps a 108-year-old firm thriving.  Hauk shares how small-town values shaped his leadership, why saying yes to opportunity matters and the surprising daily habits that keep him grounded. He also reveals what it truly means to be the custodian of culture – and why leaders must earn the right to be chosen again and again by their people and their clients. If you’re a leader who wants to strengthen your culture, inspire your team and build an organization people never want to leave, this conversation is for you. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Jeremy Hauk and Eide Bailly LLP: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-hauk-1a73b485/ Website: https://www.eidebailly.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.