Always Business Class

What if a $49 ticket, an invitation, and 90 phone-free minutes could change someone's life?In this episode of Always Business Class, Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with event producer, entrepreneur and Thinkable founder Desh Amila, the man behind the curtain who has brought some of the world's greatest minds to Australian stages.Desh shares his journey from promoting hip hop and R&B tours to founding Think Inc., where he toured names like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Richard Dawkins, Michio Kaku, Steven Pinker and Ryan Holiday to sold-out crowds. He opens up about the wildest artist riders he has seen, why intellectuals draw fan moments of their own (baby wombat included), and what it really takes to keep the audience from ever knowing what is going wrong backstage.The conversation explores why live events are booming in the age of AI, how deliberate friction and the power of invitation can lift attendance, the hidden fees behind your ticket price, and why Desh never skimps on flexible flights and black car transfers for his speakers. He also gives a first public look at Thinkable's next chapter, The Thinkable Review, an invite-only Founder Circle, and Serendip Collective, his boutique resorts on a working farm and in the jungle of his native Sri Lanka.This is a conversation about ideas.About building rooms people genuinely want to be in.And about travel, curiosity, and the kaleidoscope of perspectives that change how we see the world.GuestDesh AmilaFounder, ThinkableFounder, Think Inc. and Serendip CollectiveSponsorsFlights Club MembershipAccor Plus Explorer Membership

What if the secret to greater success isn't working harder, but stepping away more often?In this episode of Always Business Class, Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with executive coach, mindset mentor, speaker, and Boss in Heels podcast host Lara Nercessian to explore the psychology behind high performance, wealth, and why travel is one of the most powerful tools for a well designed life.Lara shares her journey from a windowless filing room to leading people and culture for 10,000 people across 14 brands at a two billion dollar company, and how a side blog she started in 2016 grew into a podcast, a coaching practice, and eventually her full time business.The conversation explores the three habits she sees in the world's top performers, why "what got you here won't get you there," how subconscious money beliefs keep people stuck, and why spaciousness, intuition, and time away from the desk are where the best ideas come from. Lara also opens up about her annual solo planning week, her Live List, and why some of her best trips have had zero agenda.This is a conversation about mindset.About designing your year with intention instead of reacting to it.And about building the health, wealth, and freedom to keep travelling for a lifetime.GuestLara NercessianExecutive Coach & Mindset MentorSpeaker & Host of The Boss in Heels PodcastSponsorsFlights Club MembershipAccor Plus Explorer Membership

What do a no fee credit card, a no contract gym and a Gen Z reinvention of Contiki have in common? One playbook for breaking big, tired industries.In this episode of Always Business Class, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with Katrina Barry, one of the sharpest brand builders in the country. Her career runs from McKinsey to seven years inside Richard Branson's Virgin Group, cofounding Virgin Active, then Managing Director of Contiki and Trafalgar, Global CEO of me&u, and most recently Group CEO and Managing Director of Webjet. Today she sits on boards including PetSure.Katrina shares the Virgin innovation framework she calls "design to the opposite," what Branson is really like away from the cameras, and the piece of gym market research so good it became a company mission: it is harder to get out of a gym contract than a marriage. She also unpacks her mission to turn Queenstown into the Silicon Valley of down under, why she believes travel creates better humans, and how the shift from SEO to AEO is about to reshape who wins in travel.If you have been telling yourself you will travel "when things settle down," this one is your nudge to go now, while your knees still work.Presented with thanks to Accor Plus Explorer.In This EpisodeBuilding a career across McKinsey, Virgin, Contiki and WebjetThe "design to the opposite" framework she learned at VirgiWhat it was really like working with Richard Branson.Why "divorce is easier than cancelling your gym" launched Virgin ActiveTurning Queenstown into a tech and innovation hubWhy travel creates better humansTravel wealth, travel longevity and going while you canThe shift from SEO to AEO and getting found by AI agentsWhy trust, not technology, decides the winners in travelRaising kids in the age of ChatGPTTime blocking, thinking time and working on the business not in itThe tired Australian brand she would love to transform

What happens when your very first trip to Antarctica ends with the ship on the sea floor?In this episode of Always Business Class, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with Greg Carter, CEO and founder of Terra Nova Expeditions and one of Australia's genuine Antarctic authorities. His first voyage ended in a shipwreck and a rescue by the Chilean Navy and the Argentinian Air Force. He has spent the twenty years since going back.Greg traces a career that runs from a secondhand laptop in London to the pointy end of polar travel: cofounding Chimu Adventures and selling it to Intrepid, a stint as Chief Commercial Officer at Albatros, and now a boutique company built on one idea, that in Antarctica the destination is the luxury, not the ship.Along the way they get into whether Antarctica is really overtouristed, why a smaller ship changes everything from your time ashore to who you end up crying next to on night nine, and the world first day sailing aboard the yacht Icebird.If Antarctica has been sitting on your bucket list, this episode is your reminder that the best time to start planning is now.Presented with thanks to Accor Plus Explorer.In This Episode The shipwreck that started it all, and why you never say "Titanic" Whether Antarctica is really overrun with tourists Why guides with PhDs matter more than you think Building Chimu Adventures and the exit to Intrepid Travel How smaller ships create a deeper experience The world first day sailing aboard Icebird How Antarctica changes the people who go The remarkable past life of the RMS St Helena Taking teenagers to the ice with the Antarctic ClassroomChapters00:00 The Shipwreck, and Never Say "Titanic" 01:22 Rescued by the Chilean Navy and Argentinian Air Force 03:29 Building Chimu From a Laptop in London 05:48 Is Antarctica Really Overtouristed? 07:15 Guides With PhDs and Peter Hillary's 43rd Voyage 08:39 The Exit to Intrepid Travel 12:00 Getting There: Flights and Visa Free Rules 14:47 Flying Over Antarctica and Mawson's Huts 18:03 Why Terra Nova: Smaller Ships, More Time Ashore 21:10 What "Immersive" Really Means 23:24 Icebird: A World First in Antarctica 25:45 How Antarctica Changes People 29:22 Internet on the Ice: Help or Hindrance? 37:17 Where the Name Terra Nova Comes From 38:15 The Extraordinary Life of RMS St Helena 41:55 The Antarctic Classroom 44:42 Rapid Fire Round

Is the goal really to fly business class… or is it to live a life filled with unforgettable travel experiences?In this episode of Always Business Class, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally reflect on the evolution of Flights Club, sharing why their mission has grown beyond premium cabins and into something much bigger: helping people redeem their travel dreams.Drawing on hundreds of conversations with members, they reveal that the biggest obstacle to travel isn't earning points—it's waiting for "someday." Whether it's Europe, Antarctica, the NFL in Melbourne, or a weekend wellness escape, every meaningful journey starts with making the decision to go.Steve and Steve also discuss how business owners can use travel to create a richer life, why frequent flyer points are simply a tool rather than the destination, and how their growing community is connecting people through shared experiences, business relationships, and a love of exploration.If you've been putting off your bucket list, this episode is your reminder that the best time to start planning your next adventure is now.In This EpisodeWhy Flights Club's mission has evolved beyond business classThe importance of defining your travel dreamsHow frequent flyer points help unlock more travelWhy business owners should prioritise experiences over possessionsThe idea of "80 great summers" and making every year countThe value of community through shared travel experiencesBooking smarter with points, cash fares, and flexible strategiesWhy now is the time to plan future travelHow Flights Club helps members maximise every tripThe future of travel, events, and member experiencesChapters00:00 Redeeming Your Travel Dreams01:42 Why Flights Club Has Evolved04:03 Defining Your Bucket List07:31 Travel Is More Than One Big Trip09:17 Creating Life-Changing Experiences12:00 Lessons From Flights Club Members16:39 Turning Points Into Real Travel18:06 Why Demand for Travel Is Surging20:58 Smarter Ways to Book Flights24:32 Planning Your Next 12 Months of Travel25:56 New Experiences and Member Events29:16 House of Points and Everyday Rewards30:31 The Future of Flights Club

What does it take to turn a simple everyday frustration into a globally recognised brand?In this episode of Always Business Class, Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with Rex Kuo, co-founder of Orbitkey, to unpack the journey from a side project built after work to one of Australia's most successful product design companies.Rex shares how a simple idea to eliminate noisy, bulky keys became a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign that raised over $210,000 in just 30 days, launching a business that now sells millions of products worldwide. Along the way, he opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with a full-time career as a pharmacist, building a global team, expanding through retail, and creating products that genuinely improve everyday life.The conversation also explores product innovation, crowdfunding, travel, family, business partnerships, and why building a purpose-driven company has been just as important as building a profitable one.Whether you're launching your first business, creating a physical product, or simply love hearing the stories behind iconic Australian brands, this episode is packed with practical lessons and founder insights.In This EpisodeHow Orbitkey started from a simple frustration with noisy keysRaising over $210,000 through Kickstarter in just 30 daysWhy you don't need to quit your job to start a businessBuilding a global product brand from AustraliaThe role of crowdfunding in validating new ideasLessons from launching 13 successful Kickstarter campaignsGrowing through retail, trade shows, and international expansionCollaborating with Disney and Marie KondoBuilding a strong company culture across global teamsUsing travel to inspire creativity, productivity, and better businessWhy purpose, sustainability, and B Corp certification matterSupporting neurodiversity in the workplaceChapters00:00 Meet Rex Kuo, Co-founder of Orbitkey01:59 The Idea That Started Orbitkey03:43 Launching Australia's First Kickstarter Success06:02 Turning a Side Hustle into a Business09:05 Growing Beyond One Product10:45 Taking Orbitkey Global Through Trade Shows15:10 Building a Loyal Community Through Kickstarter18:39 The Power of Great Co-founders20:42 Family, Travel and Frequent Flyer Points25:36 Building a Global Team and Company Culture30:33 Purpose, Sustainability and Becoming a B Corp33:18 Product Philosophy and Long-Term Thinking36:37 The Secrets Behind Successful Kickstarter Launches40:18 Collaborating with Disney and Marie Kondo42:24 Supporting Neurodiversity at Work45:31 Rapid Fire Travel Questions

What if travel wasn't just a reward for working hard, but one of the most powerful tools for improving how you think, make decisions, and perform?In this episode of Always Business Class, Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally explore the neuroscience behind travel and why stepping away from your routine can sharpen creativity, improve judgment, and help you return with greater clarity.Together, they unpack why new environments force your brain out of autopilot, how short, frequent trips can be more powerful than one long holiday, and why business owners should think of travel as a performance reset rather than simply time off.From staycations and business class to Crystal Cruises and spontaneous walks through unfamiliar cities, this conversation challenges the way we think about travel and productivity.In This EpisodeWhy travel activates different parts of your brainThe science behind breaking out of autopilotHow travel improves creativity and decision-makingThe four stages of a performance resetWhy shorter, more frequent trips can outperform long holidaysStaycations as an accessible performance toolRemoving friction through smarter travelHow travel experiences inspire better businessesWhy exploration helps you feel like you've lived longerThe philosophy behind "Redeeming Your Travel Dreams"Whether you're planning an overseas adventure or simply checking into a hotel across town, this episode offers a fresh perspective on using travel as an investment in your performance, wellbeing, and business.Chapters00:00 Travel as a Performance Reset01:22 Why Your Brain Needs New Environments07:31 The Four Stages of the Travel Reset09:30 Why Short Trips Can Be More Powerful14:06 Lessons from Crystal Cruises20:17 Removing Friction Through Better Travel22:16 Can Travel Be Better Than Therapy?24:26 Escaping Autopilot Through Exploration27:28 Redeeming Your Travel Dreams30:39 The Blueprint for Better Travel

What if the biggest competitive advantage in business isn't AI, but curiosity?In this episode of Always Business Class, Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with innovation strategist, author, speaker, and Wonder & Wonder founder Sarah Pirie-Nally to explore the intersection of technology, human behaviour, travel, and the power of wonder.Sarah shares lessons from her years leading innovation initiatives at Commonwealth Bank, her work helping organisations embrace emerging technologies, and why curiosity remains one of the most valuable skills in a rapidly changing world.The conversation explores how AI can become a genuine business advantage, why human-centred design matters more than ever, and how travel creates the pattern interrupts that lead to better ideas, stronger relationships, and happier lives.This is a conversation about innovation.About designing experiences people genuinely want.And about using technology to create more freedom, more creativity, and more meaningful travel experiences.Sarah Pirie-NallyFounder, Wonder & WonderAuthor, Speaker & AI StrategistFlights Club Membershiphttps://iflyflat.com.au/membership/Accor Plus Explorer Membershiphttps://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/00:00 Why Travel Activates Wonder01:45 Meeting Sarah & The Origins of Wonder04:10 Innovation, Curiosity & Better Questions06:45 From Corporate Innovation to AI Strategy10:00 Why Businesses Need Wonder More Than Ever12:05 AI Is Not Your Strategy14:00 Understanding Human-Centred Design17:05 Building Products People Actually Want18:30 How Travel Changes The Way We Think20:00 Pattern Interrupts & Everyday Wonder23:00 AI, Customer Experience & Business Growth26:10 Building Your Business Operating System29:00 Creating A Second Brain For Teams32:00 Using AI To Simplify Family Life35:00 Buying Back Time With Technology36:20 Why Travel Creates Better Humans38:40 AI, Wonder & The Future Of Business

What if your groceries, fuel, Uber rides, takeaway coffees, and family expenses could fund your next holiday?In this episode of Always Business Class, the team sits down with travel and points expert Deena, founder of Committed to Collect, to unpack how everyday Australians can turn normal spending into free or heavily discounted travel experiences.After more than 30 years in the travel industry, including 25 years at Flight Centre, Deena shares the moment that completely changed how she viewed points, loyalty programs, and travel freedom.From redeeming more than $100,000 worth of flights in a single year to helping teenagers fly to Bali on points alone, this episode breaks down the psychology, systems, and practical strategies behind modern points collecting.If you've ever thought points were too complicated, only for big spenders, or just a “credit card game”, this conversation will completely shift your perspective.SponsorsFlights Club MembershipAccor Plus Explorer MembershipIn this episode:How Deena redeemed over $102,000 worth of flights using everyday family spendingWhy most Australians massively underuse their loyalty programsThe “Get Appy” method for simplifying point collectionWhy points are not just for business travellers or high earnersHow households can “triple stack” rewards across multiple systemsThe emotional power of travel and family holidaysWhy travel points can improve workplace wellbeing and reduce burnoutThe difference between earning points and strategically using themHow teenagers are now flying internationally on points from normal spending habitsWhy Dina believes holidays become “more affordable and more frequent” with points

What does it take to go from doing customs forms by hand at Australia Post to running a $100M+ global fashion brand?In this episode of Always Business Class, Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with Jane Lu, founder of Showpo, to unpack the real story behind building a global brand from her parents' garage, why naivety is a founder's greatest asset, and how backing yourself is the only strategy that matters.They also get into delegation, content creation as a CEO, the aisle vs window seat debate, and why business class is the best investment a founder can make.We cover: Why entrepreneurs need naivety to take the leapHow a trademark crisis nearly wiped out everything she built Building Like Minded Bitches Drinking Wine to 180,000+ women Why delegation changes everything The aisle vs window seat debate, settled What is still on the bucket listThis is not just about travel. It is about building something you love and choosing to do it in style.Guest: Jane Lu Founder and CEO, ShowpoSponsors: Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Accor Plus Explorer Membership: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-members...