Kim McKay: Why networking is 'BS', signs of a ‘lousy’ boss and why rehearsing for job interviews is underrated

Being in charge of one of Australia’s biggest food and drink companies was never part of Pete Findlay’s plan. But the chief executive of Bega Group knows how beloved the brands are: “Never go messing with the Vegemite recipe. We do not touch that.” In the final episode of season three of 15 Minutes with the Boss, host Sally Patten finds out what this dairy products boss has for breakfast and why it’s not just protein he's focussed on. This podcast was sponsored by Vanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Standing up and speaking to a room full of people is a task that many find daunting.  But there are a few tricks that can help you master the art of public speaking. On this week’s episode, National Institute of Dramatic Art CEO Liz Hughes sits down with BOSS editor Sally Patten to reveal her secrets for delivering a top address. This podcast was sponsored by Vanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most pivotal moments in Tim Helyar’s career was when he was first put in charge of a project, running a team and a $100 million piece of work. No longer unfamiliar with positions of leadership, Helyar is now the country head of State Street, the world’s fourth-largest asset manager. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how he’s developed his leadership style and why it’s the captain of the Australian men’s cricket team, Pat Cummins, whom he admires most. This podcast was sponsored by Vanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russell Cohen has set up businesses all around the world, and one of the things he says is a constant in all markets is the fear of accountability. “The fear is real … and that’s a global phenomenon,” the chief executive of PEXA says. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with the CEO of the real estate settlement giant to uncover the upsides of being candid and the cultural ramifications of evading responsibility. This podcast was sponsored by Vanta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working in public health, Rita Butera admits that finding the right candidate for a role can be challenging. The CEO of BreastScreen Victoria says looking beyond technical skills is pivotal to the process. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how this chief executive developed her approach to hiring. This podcast was sponsored by Telstra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone opened his first restaurant in Beverley Hills more than a decade ago, and it was immediately a smash hit. His next venture, however, quickly taught him how wrong things could go. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out the cookbook writer had to rethink his strategy to turn things around. This podcast was sponsored by Telstra. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Therese Frangie was working at Mexican fast-food group Mad Mex, she found herself “butting heads” with the founder.Frangie turned to a business coach to help her work through her frustrations. The coach had one word for her: ego.On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out what the chief executive of Oporto learnt about ego, conflict management and leadership. This podcast was sponsored by Telstra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Kristian Fok became the chief executive of Cbus, he “knew there was a lot to take on”. One strategy that’s helped him manage issues as they arise is determining the length of a productive meeting. On this week’s episode, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how the Cbus CEO navigates the various challenges that come with running a $105 billion super fund. This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelley Dolan is the first one to admit that a career in nursing is “stressful”, but also “hugely enjoyable”. It was during her first experience working in an executive role in the health sector that she learnt about the pressures of leadership and the importance of trusting your instincts. This week, BOSS editor Sally Patten sits down with Dolan to find out how the CEO of Royal Melbourne Hospital learnt to handle high-stress situations. This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief investment officer of fund manager Loftus Peak says he only gets one really good idea a year, and that it’s always about business. After looking into the rise of machine learning, Alex Pollak's “one good idea” in 2016 was to buy into Nvidia, which now boasts a market valuation of $US4 trillion ($6 trillion). This week, BOSS editor Sally Patten finds out how the local tech investor spots trends to stay ahead of the curve. This podcast was sponsored by Aussie Broadband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.