E4 Sam Roberts - From Dance Studio to Boardroom: A Fast-Rising Leader’s Take on Mindset, Training and Performance

Send us a text“It’s not that you are not creative, you just haven’t worked a little more on developing your capacity. We can all be creative.”  Dr. Maria CamachoDr. Maria Camacho is a global leader in design thinking and innovation. With over 30 years of experience across academia, consulting, and industry, she has helped shape the way organisations think about creativity and collaboration.In this episode, Maria talks about how design thinking can help people and companies navigate uncertainty.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why Design Thinking matters now more than everHow creative resilience is built through practiceThe emotional highs and lows of the innovation processWhy organisations still struggle to value designTips to support introverts and quieter voices in ideationHow to run a “dark horse” prototype that uncovers unexpected solutionsThe role of play and experimentation at workHelping teams fall in love with the process, not just the ideaWhen to introduce creativity in education and leadershipWhat it means to make creativity part of everyone’s roleKey linksDr. Maria Camacho LinkedInRecommended Book: The Design Thinking Toolbox: A Guide to Mastering the Most Popular and Valuable Innovation Methods (Design Thinking Series)Stanford UniversityFrogSwinburne University of TechnologyAbout our guest Dr. Maria Camacho is a globally recognised expert in design thinking and strategic innovation with over 30 years of experience across academia, industry, and consulting. With a PhD in Design Thinking and a decade-long partnership with Stanford University's flagship programs, Maria has helped shape innovation practices at global companies and institutions, including Frog, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Westpac, Swinburne University, and global European group Sonae.Maria’s career spans founding and directing award-winning academic programs, mentoring teams to embrace human-centred approaches, and delivering impactful workshops and keynote speeches around the world. Known for her evidence-based methods, she empowers leaders and teams to tackle complexity with creativity, empathy, and humanity.Today, Maria runs her independent practice as a speaker, corporate trainer, and advisor, inspiring organisations to foster cultures of innovation and collaborative problem-solving.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is an Intrapreneuship Coach, Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text"You cannot control how anyone's going to respond to what comes out of your mouth. I think you just have to do it with an open heart and with positive intent and then just let it land. " – Fiona WalshFiona Walsh specialises in guiding people through this kind of deep self-inquiry. She is a mindset coach, change adviser, and host of the Limitless: Unlocking Your True Potential Podcast. With over 20 years of experience, Fiona has helped business leaders and entrepreneurs shift their perspectives and align their careers with their true selves.In this episode, you’ll hear about:How self-awareness impacts leadership and career growthThe role of inner critics and how to manage themStrategies to overcome fear of failure and judgementThe importance of mindfulness and breathwork in stress managementHow to navigate difficult workplace conversations with confidenceUnderstanding workplace dynamics and setting boundariesThe power of gratitude and reflection in personal developmentManaging uncertainty in career transitionsThe neuroscience behind stress responses and decision-makingHow leaders can support teams through organisational changeKey linksFiona Walsh’s Limitless PodcastWork with FionaFiona Walsh’s InstagramFiona Walsh’s LinkedInEmail: [email protected] our guest Fiona Walsh is a mindset coach, change adviser and Podcast Host, who helps entrepreneurs and senior leaders unlock their true potential to create a life of alignment, fulfilment, and expansion. She believes in the power of deep self-discovery to tackle self-doubt and uncover blind spots: when your inner world expands, your external world transforms exponentially.With over 20 years of experience leading and advising on transformational change programs, including digital and culture transformations, customer experience strategy, and coaching high performers worldwide. Fiona brings a unique blend of strategic insight, personal growth expertise, intuition, and a lifelong curiosity about how humans, teams, and organisations evolve and thrive.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is an Intrapreneuship Coach, Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is in that little extra. It's about focusing in on the right things and fixing them...it's more about solutioning in that space."– Dr. Munib KaravdicDr. Munib Karavdic, an award-winning innovation executive, intrapreneur, and CEO of Wave Design. In this episode, Munib shares his journey from pursuing a PhD in E-Commerce in Australia to leading corporate innovation and eventually founding Wave Design. He discusses key turning points in his career, including the moment he shifted focus from technical E-Commerce to innovation and customer experience. He explains how he navigated corporate resistance to change, drove design-led strategies, and influenced leadership to embrace innovation.If you're an intrapreneur looking to make an impact, this episode is packed with insights on how to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and create meaningful change.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The journey from academia to corporate leadership and entrepreneurshipThe challenges of introducing innovation in large organisationsHow small, incremental changes can have a big impactWhy human-centred design is crucial for business growthStrategies for influencing leadership and navigating corporate structuresThe importance of intrapreneurship and how to drive change from withinHow large organisations can work with start-ups effectivelyThe future of corporate innovation and leadership in AustraliaKey linksDr. Munib Karavdic LinkedInWave Design WebsiteMacquarie Bank Website St. George Bank WebsiteAMP Website About our guest Dr Munib Karavdic is an intrapreneur and award-winning innovation executive. He is an expert in design and innovation, helping leaders and organisations drive growth and confidently navigate change.As a senior executive and Conjoint Professor at UNSW, Munib has led award-winning teams, developed customer-centric strategies, and mentored the next generation of innovators. He combines commercial acumen with human-centred design to create transformative strategies, products, and services across industries.With a PhD in e-commerce and a career spanning corporate leadership and academia, Munib is passionate about turning ideas into impactful solutions.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is an Intrapreneuship Coach, Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text"I would go so far as to say it went past an adaption and into a reinvention almost. New York is that city that it's a little bit of a trope, but everyone goes there to reinvent themselves in a way... That’s petrifying, but also incredibly freeing, because you can start to rebuild the person that you really want to be at that stage in your life."  – Alanna LynchIn this episode, you’ll hear about:Alanna’s journey from Sydney to New York and back to AustraliaThe challenges of adapting to a new culture and leadership styleWorkplace relationships and how to set boundaries as a leaderThe balance between confidence and humility in leadershipWhy trust is the foundation of effective leadershipThe risks and rewards of reinvention in your careerThe importance of curiosity and stepping outside your comfort zoneHow to test ideas and make career decisions with a "fail fast, fail often" mindsetLeadership lessons from creative agencies, media, and the art worldPractical strategies for managing workplace dynamics and career growthKey linksAlanna Lynch LinkedIn Melior Futuri Website Melior Futuri by Alanna Lynch Instagram Melior Musings Substack Alanna's article on Strategic Friendships at WorkArtnet Website The New York Times Website About our guest Alanna Lynch is an executive coach and business advisor with over 15 years of experience in unlocking human potential to influence change and drive sustainable growth in creatively driven businesses.Alanna began her career in advertising in Sydney before moving to New York City, where she held senior leadership roles at some of the world’s most influential creative agencies, media companies, and art platforms.Before founding MELIOR FUTURI, Alanna was the COO of Artnet, a publicly traded fine art marketplace and newsroom, where she led the strategic transformation of the global operation and drove record growth in its media business. She has also served as CEO of The New York Times Experience Agency and interim CEO of their Social Storytelling Agency, overseeing a successful merger of the two. Previously, she was Managing Director of Chandelier, a renowned New York creative agency known for its work with luxury fashion and lifestyle brands.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is an Intrapreneurship Coach and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a textShow Notes"I think one of the main skills that an intrapreneur needs is diplomacy. You need to be able to manage upwards, downwards, sideways. You need to get people's buy-in, engage them in your ideas rather than ramming them down their throats." - Kate ToonKate Toon, an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and digital marketing expert, joins us for an insightful discussion. From her humble backyard shed, Kate has built a thriving business universe, empowering thousands through her educational platforms and marketing expertise.In this episode, Kate shares the valuable lessons learned during her transition from intrapreneur to entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of adaptability, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of a vision.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The key differences between entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs.How adaptability and creativity drive success in both roles.The importance of persistence over passion in achieving goals.Why diplomacy and confidence are essential in corporate environments.Lessons from Kate’s journey balancing business and parenting.Strategies for managing multiple roles and staying focused.Creating environments that foster creativity and autonomy.Recognising and harnessing the skills of intrapreneurs.Key linksKate Toon’s WebsiteKate Toon’s LinkedInBooks by Kate Toon: Six Figures in School Hours, Six Figures While You Sleep, The Confessions of a Misfit EntrepreneurThe Clever Copywriting School’s WebsiteThe Digital Marketing Collective’s WebsiteAbout our guest From her humble backyard shed, Kate Toon has masterminded an ambitious business universe, empowering thousands through her digital marketing and business expertise.She's the author of "Six Figures in School Hours," a testament to balancing a thriving business while being a dedicated parent. And she has recently released her latest book “Six Figures While you Sleep” - which I can highly recommend to anyone that has their own business and is looking to grow it.Her accolades include being voted Australia’s Most Influential Small Businesswoman 2022 and winning Businesswoman of the Year 2020.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders inFor weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text“The Elements Kit is about 'Who am I?' and 'What next?'. What choices can I make for a really fulfilled and aligned life? Bringing all those components into balance.” - Lisa JohnsonLisa Johnson, an experienced designer with expertise spanning interior design to service design, joins us to share her journey and her innovative creation, The Elements Kit. With a foundation in systems thinking and human-centred design, Lisa has built a toolkit that aligns personal talents, values, and ambitions, offering a unique path to creative self-actualisation.Lisa discusses the origins of The Elements Kit, which started as a thesis project and evolved into a powerful tool for individuals and teams. She explains the concept of archetypes and how they reflect human behaviour in distinct ways. She explores topics such as psychological safety, the gap in traditional psychometric tests, and how teams can use The Elements Kit to uncover untapped potential.Hear about Lisa’s offer to work with teams and organisations, providing a holistic approach to enhancing alignment, productivity, and individual fulfilment using The Elements Kit.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The origins of the Elements Kit as a thesis project.Why traditional psychometric tools miss the mark on human complexity.The six key elements: expression, connection, leadership, knowledge, navigation, and belief.Archetypes and how they provide a holistic view of human behaviour.How psychological safety enables creativity and team collaboration.Balancing light and shadow sides of archetypes for personal growth.Insights into team dynamics and the importance of valuing individuality.The role of self-reflection in navigating life and career.Applications of the Elements Kit across different age groups, from children to seniors.How the kit enables organisations to align team values with company culture.Key linksThe Elements Kit WebsiteLisa Johnson on LinkedInAccenture SongAbout our guest As an experienced design consultant and mentor, Lisa has a deep understanding of the delivery of creative projects from research and discovery through to design, production and implementation, and decades of experience mentoring others in human-centred design.With broad agency and client-side experience across UX, CX, EX and Service Design, Lisa is skilled at collaborating, co-ordinating and leading diverse stakeholder and consultant teams. Lisa has a particular strength in strategic visual thinking and narrative.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text"We know that authentic content is what comes through. We know storytelling is so important. So I actually help businesses bring it back in-house if they felt like they were very over-reliant on external factors. No one knows us, our customer, and our business better than we do." – Kim JamesIn this episode, you’ll hear about:How platforms like Facebook and TikTok have changed over the years and the strategies that work today.Why authenticity and understanding customer behaviour are central to impactful marketing.The shift towards businesses managing their own social media and the benefits of in-house teams.Kim’s personal journey, including the risks she took and the lessons she learned about growth and purpose.The importance of building a personal brand for future-proofing your career and opening new opportunities.How to use AI tools to create content more efficiently without losing authenticity.Key linksKim James on LinkedInCareer Girl Diaries on TikTokCareer Girl Diaries on InstagramHootsuiteAbout our guest Kim's candid stories and down-to-earth advice will make you laugh, think, and maybe even dream bigger.With a decade of experience in content and digital marketing, Kim helps organisations launch and scale their marketing strategies, campaigns, and products.Her approach integrates insights and a passion for consumer behaviour with human psychology to create industry-leading content strategies and funnels that can be applied to all industries.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a textAni Møller, founder of Ani Møller Coaching, discusses the growing awareness of neurodivergence in the workplace. Ani shares her deeply personal journey of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 41, which reshaped her understanding of past challenges and led her to a new purpose: helping neurodivergent professionals own their identities, navigate their careers, and thrive both personally and professionally.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Ani’s personal journey and discovery of being autistic and ADHD in her 40s.Challenges neurodivergent professionals face, from burnout to workplace stigma.How coaching helps individuals leverage their strengths and navigate executive dysfunction.Practical strategies for leaders to support neurodivergent team members.The role of universal accommodations in fostering inclusive workplaces.Misconceptions about neurodivergence and how to combat them.The importance of neuro-affirming workplace cultures.Tips for creating safety and thriving environments for all team members.Disclosure of neurodivergence and the factors individuals should consider.Key linksAni Møller  WebsiteAni Møller LinkedinThe Digital Picnic WebsiteAbout our guest Ani Møller (they/she) is a Business Transformation Consultant and Neurodivergent Coach based in Melbourne, Australia. They have worked on transformational programs of work for Myer, Jetstar, Qantas, University of Canberra, ActewAGL, Tourism New Zealand, and Māori Television.Ani was an executive director running a digital agency and consulting to corporate Australia they found out they were Autistic and ADHD in their 40s. After their diagnosis they studied to be an ADHD Life Coach. Ani now provides a strengths-based coaching practice to neurodivergent people from all walks of life, to help build neuro-affirming lives and workplaces.They help people work through the change that comes with wanting a better life for themselves, both professionally and personally. Ani’s led projects, departments and companies and now helps other neurodivergent people learn how to navigate corporate life and transform their lives.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text“Listening upfront is the most critical thing. You need to listen to the people that you're engaging with to be able to understand where they're coming from, what's the emotion behind the question or the challenge that they have in front of them and then ultimately thinking about it too and asking those questions around, what is the outcome that they're after? Because often when the challenge is in front of you, the outcome that they're trying to achieve, the two don't align.” - Heath GledhillSue Stewart and Heath Gledhill are leaders with over two decades of experience in organisational transformation. They bring a unique approach that integrates communication, design, and trust-building to drive impactful changes.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The importance of building trust and open communication for changeUsing design thinking to address complex organisational challengesHow to foster a culture of listening and empathy in project settingsThe role of strategic questioning in achieving impactful outcomesHow to overcome constraints and adapt to evolving client needsKey linksHeath Gledhill LinkedInSue Stewart LinkedInAurecon Design Academy at RMIT UniversityMyers Briggs Personality Profiling E50 – Rachel Zhang and David BradfordAbout our guest Sue Stewart is a seasoned strategist and change management expert with extensive global experience in design, professional services and government sectors. Over her career, she has successfully led transformative projects across America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, specialising in strategy development, business growth, cultural transformation and market expansion.Sue is known as an out-of-the-box thinker with the ability to see and leverage connections across an ecosystem. With advanced expertise in communication, design thinking and leadership, she has presented and lectured on a range of topics including strategy, design, strategic communications, change management and organisational culture. Sue holds a Master of Arts in Communications, Honours in research and is accredited in Prosci and MBTI, positioning her as a trusted coach and leader in guiding organisations through sustained continuous improvement and innovation.Heath Gledhill, is a passionate integrated strategist committed to unlocking hidden value, overcoming financial and operational challenges, and driving evocative yet practical solutions, Heath draws on his qualifications in both design, management and business, to drive successful teams, businesses and project solutions.With over 20 years of professional experience, his transformational leadership to complex urban infrastructure projects and programs makes him widely sort after globally. A Committed advocate to cross industry borders, he is an active voice, driving a greater awareness of the need for better planning and integration of disciplines from the outset. A Fellow, Board Director and past Chapter President + Executive member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, he brings experience from both the public and privateFor weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

Send us a text"Imposter syndrome is not conquered by achievements. The more achievements that you have, sometimes it can disconnect you more from your sense of worth. That is why I believe in being so raw and open about my stuff now. Now that I have the privilege to do it." - DeAnna AvisThis week’s themeDeAnna Avis’ story is not your typical corporate success tale—it’s raw, real, and powerfully inspirational. From the glittering stages of strip clubs to the boardrooms of global corporations, DeAnna's transformation is nothing short of jaw-dropping.In this episode, DeAnna takes us through her difficult upbringing, battling mental health struggles, addiction, and homelessness, all while navigating the highs and lows of working as a stripper. But that's only the beginning. Today, she's a global executive, therapist, and coach who helps others thrive through adversity. DeAnna candidly discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing authenticity, and the challenges of staying true to yourself in a world that often judges from the outside. Her insights into personal growth, leadership, and breaking free from self-limiting beliefs are inspiring and deeply relevant for intrapreneurs aiming to create their own success stories.Don’t miss this episode—DeAnna’s story will shake up everything you think you know about success, resilience, and the power of transformation.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The impact of authenticityImposter SyndromeThe significance of seeking supportConcept of schemas—mental patterns that influence behaviour and perceptionsManaging digital distractionPractice of writing "morning pages" for mental clarityNavigating triggers and traumaProactive career developmentThe power of positive foundationsComplexity of identity and diversityKey linksDeAnna Avis LinkedInJulia Cameron’s "Morning Pages"Company Road Podcast E40 – Lael StoneAbout our guest DeAnna Avis is a speaker, consultant and coach on thriving through adversity. A former stripper, she climbed the ranks of corporate, taking on global leadership roles and winning multiple awards for her work in customer experience and culture change. She since went on to re-train as a therapist and coach, and uses her experience of adversity to uplift other leaders and entrepreneurs. Her mission is to conquer imposter syndrome through helping other ambitious misfits to embrace their unique brilliance.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Organisational, Service & Product Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road. Chris helps organisations become more customer-centric, and sets up systems within businesses to motivate teams to deliver against higher value outcomes. Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/