The Inspired CEO

The Inspired CEO #19 Dr Nicole Yap: Life Saving Detection

Dr. Nicole Yap is a leading Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon and the founder of the Australian Breast Care Centre (ABCC). With a special focus on women under 50, she is dedicated to improving early detection and surgical outcomes for breast cancer patients. Dr. Yap is a graduate of Melbourne University and specializes in breast cancer reconstruction, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, melanoma, and skin cancer. She is an advocate for genetic testing and MRI access, working tirelessly to enhance awareness of breast health. Through ABCC, she promotes better mental health by refining aesthetic outcomes for younger patients. Dr. Yap also collaborates with the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute and holds leadership roles in various medical organizations, including President of the Medico-Legal Society of Victoria. Practicing at St Vincent's Private, Epworth, and Mulgrave Private, she offers fast-tracked care, with appointments available within 24 hours for urgent concerns.

The Inspired CEO #18 Naomi Simson: Balancing Leadership

Naomi Simson is an influential entrepreneur, author, and speaker, widely recognized for her dynamic approach to business and leadership. As the founder of RedBalloon, one of Australia's leading online gift retailers, she has revolutionized the gift experience industry. Naomi's entrepreneurial journey is marked by her passion for innovation, customer engagement, and creating memorable experiences. With a career spanning over three decades, Naomi has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fostering positive workplace cultures and driving business growth. She is also known for her role as a 'Shark' on the television show "Shark Tank Australia," where she shares her expertise and invests in promising startups. In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Naomi is a sought-after keynote speaker and the author of several bestselling books, including "Live What You Love" and "Ready to Soar." Her writing and speaking engagements focus on inspiring others to pursue their passions, embrace creativity, and build resilient businesses. Naomi's dedication to community and philanthropy is evident through her involvement in various charitable initiatives. She continues to inspire business leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide with her authentic leadership style and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

The Inspired CEO #17 Hatem Saleh: Atlantic Excellence

In this episode, Hatem Saleh, founder and CEO of Atlantic Group, shares his remarkable journey from starting a small restaurant in Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, to leading one of Melbourne’s most prestigious hospitality groups. Hatem reflects on his early entry into the industry out of necessity, driven by his mother’s health challenges, and how his passion for high-end catering and hospitality grew from there.
Hatem emphasises the importance of consistency, quality, and creating exceptional experiences for guests across his venues, from premium restaurants to large-scale catering at events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix. His leadership philosophy centres on being present and leading by example, ensuring that both customers and staff feel valued and supported.
The conversation delves into the challenges faced by the Atlantic Group, particularly the sudden closure of Central Pier in 2019 and the subsequent impact of COVID-19. Despite the devastation, Hatem’s resilience and determination to rebuild shine through. He credits his focus on health, fitness, meditation, and strong support networks for helping him navigate adversity.
Hatem’s philanthropic contributions, including his role on the board of the Epworth Foundation and support for initiatives like Street Side Medics, reflect his commitment to giving back to the community.
This episode offers valuable insights into leadership, perseverance, and maintaining excellence in hospitality, even in the face of significant challenges.

The Inspired CEO #16 Ryan Trainor: Entrepreneur Insights

In this episode, Ryan Trainor, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, shares his journey from starting a retail security business by accident to building and exiting one of Australia's largest security companies. Ryan reflects on the lessons he learned from early business ventures, highlighting the importance of understanding your "why," seeking mentorship, and continuously expanding your skill set.
Ryan emphasises the value of balancing entrepreneurial drive with personal well-being, discussing how burnout crept up on him and how his daughter’s observation prompted a pivotal moment of reflection. His candid insights into managing stress, staying present, and prioritising family underscore the human side of entrepreneurship.
He also shares the inspiration behind his podcast, "Trainable by Ryan Trainor," where he engages in authentic conversations about health, wellness, and life balance. Ryan leaves listeners with practical advice on developing routines, embracing meditation, and maintaining a mindset that fosters sustainable success.
For entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to align their ambitions with personal well-being, this episode offers relatable stories and actionable wisdom.

The Inspired CEO #15 Scott Mendelsohn: FMCG Innovator

In this episode of The Inspired CEO, we sit down with Scott Mendelsohn, the distinguished entrepreneur and CEO of Raw C, one of Australia’s leading Coconut Water brands. With over two decades of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, Scott shares the fascinating story of his entrepreneurial journey. From his family’s influence on his early business insights to his work at Macquarie Bank and his role in transforming RM Williams, Scott’s career path is as diverse as it is impactful. Scott discusses how he identified a gap in the market to launch Raw C, a company dedicated to organic and natural products, which has since grown into an industry leader. He also touches on the importance of mentorship, community building, and fostering innovation in the FMCG industry. This episode offers valuable insights into resilience, strategic foresight, and the power of entrepreneurship, while also highlighting Scott's commitment to health and well-being in the face of business challenges.

The Inspired CEO #14 Shannah Kennedy: Lessons for Life

In this episode, Shannah Kennedy, renowned Australian life coach and author, shares insights on unlocking potential through structured life planning. Shannah recounts her career journey from the high-pressure world of sports management, where burnout led to chronic fatigue, to her transformative pivot into life coaching. Inspired by the structured coaching that elite athletes receive, Shannah built a practice focused on helping individuals create life plans to achieve goals and prevent burnout.
Shannah introduces the concept of a "personal Olympic plan," emphasizing that everyone is an athlete in the marathon of life. She highlights the importance of mapping out life experiences, health goals, and emotional well-being, offering practical tips to start creating a life roadmap today.
Shannah also explores the evolving needs of clients in midlife, encouraging individuals to plan the next chapter post-career and family milestones. Her passion for holistic well-being and actionable strategies serves as a guide for anyone seeking clarity, purpose, and balance in life.
If you’re ready to visualise your future and create a plan to thrive, this episode offers invaluable tools and inspiration.

The Inspired CEO #13 Maria Palazzolo: GS1 CEO Leads Industry Transformation

In this episode, Maria Palazzolo, CEO of GS1 Australia, shares insights from her remarkable 42-year career shaping the future of supply chain and retail technology. Maria recounts her journey from a part-time role in a two-person organization to becoming one of Australia's longest-serving female CEOs. She reflects on the evolution of barcodes from a new and misunderstood technology to an indispensable part of global commerce.
Maria discusses the rollout of 2D barcodes and how this innovation will enhance supply chain transparency, reduce food waste, and empower consumers with detailed product information. She highlights how this shift will reshape retail, allowing for batch tracking, allergen data, and sustainability insights.
Maria also opens up about the challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a leader and how her experiences have shaped her advocacy for employee well-being today. Her story is one of perseverance, leadership, and driving technological transformation that impacts millions every day.

The Inspired CEO #12 Dr Peter Brukner: Fighting Diabetes

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Peter Brukner, a leading sports and exercise physician and Professor of Sports Medicine at La Trobe University. Known for his pivotal role in establishing sports medicine as a specialty in Australia, Dr. Brukner has been the team doctor for the Australian cricket team, Liverpool FC, and the Socceroos. He’s also the founding partner of the charity SugarByHalf and the Defeat Diabetes program. Dr Peter Brukner is also on an incredible mission to help the 1.2M Aussies with Type 2 Diabetes, plus one newly diagnosed case every 5 minutes, to put their Diabetes into remission with his program at Defeat Diabetes . In this interview with Dr Peter Brukner reveals how his own health experience transformed the way he practised medicine 💊 as well as his own nutrition and lifestyle practices.

The Inspired CEO #11 Lee Holmes: Supercharge Your Health

In this episode, Lee Holmes, CEO of Supercharged Food and author of Nature's Way to Healing, shares her remarkable health journey and how it led to the creation of her wellness empire. Lee opens up about being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and an autoimmune condition, which left her bedridden and searching for answers. Through simple, nourishing foods and natural remedies, she transformed her health, leading to the launch of her blog and gut-friendly product range. Lee also discusses her battle with long COVID, Mass Cell Activation Syndrome, and a near-fatal car accident that gave her a new perspective on life and well-being.
Balancing business, family, and health, Lee shares her morning routine, non-negotiable wellness practices, and how meditation, nature, and simple pleasures keep her grounded. Her story is a testament to resilience, the power of natural healing, and the importance of living in the moment.

The Inspired CEO #10 Lauren Wild: Wild Business Growth

In this episode, Lauren Wild, founder of Wild Women in Business, shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and rapid business growth. Lauren opens up about her challenging childhood, marked by personal loss and hardship, and how these experiences shaped her drive and success. From purchasing her first business at 24 to scaling it from $900,000 to $2.5 million in a few short years, Lauren reflects on the lessons learned in leadership, recruitment, and navigating setbacks. She discusses balancing family, business, and personal wellness, highlighting the importance of mental health, gym routines, and unique hobbies like rock climbing. Lauren’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and prioritising self-care to thrive in both life and business.