The Inspired CEO

The Inspired CEO #9 Geoff Slade: Balancing Business

In this episode, Geoff Slade, founder and Managing Director of Slade Group and TRANSEARCH, shares his remarkable 58-year career in recruitment and executive search. Geoff recounts how he launched his first business with a $300 loan from his mother and built it into one of Australia’s largest executive recruitment firms. He reflects on the power of relationships, resilience, and passion for his work, emphasizing how honesty and care for candidates drive long-term success. Geoff discusses the evolving job market, the importance of leadership, and how to navigate economic downturns. His insights on career longevity, family balance, and mentoring the next generation offer valuable lessons for leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs. This episode is a testament to the enduring power of purpose and connection in business.

The Inspired CEO #8 Dr John Tickell: Rules of Longevity

In this episode, Dr. John Tickell, renowned medical doctor, bestselling author, and international speaker, shares his fascinating journey through medicine, wellness, and personal resilience. Dr. Tickell reflects on his diverse career, from general practice to global speaking engagements, and how his passion for preventative health was sparked by personal experiences. He discusses the importance of immunity, nutrition, and staying active, revealing how simple lifestyle changes can prevent chronic diseases. Dr. Tickell also opens up about his own battle with brain cancer and the role of healthy eating and mindset in his recovery. His inspiring philosophy, grounded in practical advice, highlights how small, consistent choices can lead to longevity and vitality. This episode is filled with valuable insights on health, happiness, and living a fulfilling life.

The Inspired CEO #7 David O'Donnell: Cardiology Innovation

In this episode of The Inspired CEO, host Kate Save sits down with Dr. David O’Donnell, founder and CEO of Advara HeartCare, to discuss the future of cardiology, the power of preventative healthcare, and what it takes to inspire real change in Australia's heart health.
Dr. O’Donnell shares his journey from a fascination with human physiology to leading innovation in cardiovascular care. He highlights the importance of patient engagement, measuring healthcare outcomes, and the role of a multidisciplinary team in achieving the best results. The discussion also explores Australia's high rates of heart disease, the need for a shift towards prevention, and the strategies Advara HeartCare is implementing to change the way we manage heart health.
Beyond cardiology, Dr. O’Donnell offers insights into balancing life as a CEO, doctor, and father—emphasising the importance of prioritising health, family, and personal well-being. From morning ocean swims to coaching his kids’ soccer team, he shares how structured routines and mindful engagement contribute to both professional success and personal fulfilment.

The Inspired CEO #6 Steven Baker: Grit Drives Resilience

In this episode, AFL legend and CEO of Grit, Steven Baker, opens up about his journey from professional football to coaching resilience and mental strength. Steven reflects on the highlights of his 203-game career, including grand finals and personal milestones, and how adversity after retirement shaped his passion for helping others. He shares how personal loss, including the passing of his father and close friend Shane Warne, led him to start speaking about mental health, eventually founding Grit. Steven discusses how sharing his story publicly helped others open up about their struggles, and he highlights practical strategies for building resilience through daily habits and routines. His message of perseverance, gratitude, and teamwork resonates across diverse audiences, from schools to corporations. This episode is a powerful reminder that overcoming challenges starts with small, consistent actions and the courage to speak up.

The Inspired CEO #5 Allan Sheffield: DNA Wellness Evolution

Allan Sheffield is a pioneering entrepreneur in Precision Health and the founder of MyDNA. Allan's journey is deeply rooted in a family passion for genetics, inspired by his father, A/Prof Les Sheffield, a leading geneticist dedicated to advancing genetic testing to improve medical practice. Allan co-founded MyDNA in 2007, combining his expertise in technology with his father's profound knowledge of genetics. Before MyDNA, Allan held significant roles at IBM and Fujitsu, managing IT outsourcing and business development. MyDNA has grown impressively under Allan's leadership, offering services in 15 countries, including the USA, Israel, Southeast Asia, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The company is a leader in pharmacogenomic and nutrigenomic services in Australia, analyzing genetic data to help doctors make informed decisions about prescriptions. MyDNA's reports provide a lifelong blueprint for optimal treatment based on individual genetic profiles. In January 2021, MyDNA expanded through the merger with Family Tree DNA and Gene by Gene, further enhancing its global footprint. The launch of Lumi Health in November 2023 marked another milestone, focusing on reproductive genetic screening. His story is a testament to the impact of combining technology with genetics to improve health outcomes on a global scale.

The Inspired CEO #4 Craig Harper: Unlocking Peak Performance

Tune into this interview as we explore the remarkable career of Craig Harper, a leading figure in Australian health and fitness since 1982. Craig shares what sparked his passion for fitness and how his journey has evolved over the decades. He discusses the principles of high performance, resilience, and leadership, offering strategies for managing teams during times of change. Craig’s Ph.D. research in Metacognition at Monash University provides fresh insights into motivation and personal transformation. His work in addiction recovery highlights innovative approaches to long-term healing. As a speaker, educator, and business owner, Craig shares practical advice on maintaining well-being while balancing multiple roles. This interview is packed with valuable lessons for those interested in health, leadership, and growth. Don’t miss Craig’s inspiring insights and extensive experience across fitness, neuroscience, and personal development.

The Inspired CEO #3 Liza Pavlakos: Cultivating Resilience

Liza Pavlakos is a remarkable entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Liza is the founder and CEO of Mind Hub Directory, where she collaborates with a dedicated team of psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and coaches to improve mental health. Her journey from surviving extreme violence, homelessness, and abduction to becoming a beacon of hope and resilience is truly inspiring. Liza's entrepreneurial spirit shone early on, hosting the Miss India International event at the age of 22 with no start-up capital. She later ventured into the hospitality industry by opening a bar and restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD, followed by launching and operating five successful tailoring stores. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Toastmasters Golden Gavel Award, and recognition as an empowerment expert on international media platforms. Through her motivational speaking and leadership at the Liza Pavlakos Foundation, she empowers individuals to overcome their personal challenges and achieve their dreams by harnessing perseverance, resilience, and inner strength. We are thrilled to delve into her insights on leadership, mental health advocacy, and personal transformation.

The Inspired CEO #2 Mark Sujecki: Leading with Care

In this episode, Dr. Mark Sujecki, founder of Mount Martha Village Medical Centre, shares his inspiring journey from immigrating to Australia to becoming a respected GP with over 35 years of experience. Mark reflects on how his early life experiences shaped his desire to pursue medicine and provide care that puts patients first. He discusses the evolution of healthcare, the importance of maintaining personal connections in an increasingly digital landscape, and how he fosters a supportive environment for both staff and patients. Mark opens up about navigating the challenges of COVID-19, leading by example, and finding balance through wellness practices like yoga, cycling, and meditation. A pivotal moment in his career—his own cancer diagnosis—deepened his empathy and transformed the way he connects with patients. This episode offers valuable insights into resilience, leadership, and the importance of prioritising health and longevity.

The Inspired CEO #1 Tobi Skovron: Community in Co-Working

In this episode, we sit down with Tobi Skovron, CEO of CreativeCubes.Co, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind launching one of Australia’s leading co-working communities. Tobi shares how his experiences in Los Angeles’ vibrant start-up scene sparked his passion for creating collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs. He reflects on the challenges of balancing work and personal life, the lessons learned from scaling a global pet product business, and how CreativeCubes fosters innovation and connection. Tobi’s leadership style flips the traditional hierarchy, putting his team at the forefront while he works to empower and support them. We also dive into the resilience required to navigate COVID-19, leveraging social currency to keep the business thriving during lockdowns. Tobi’s vision for expanding CreativeCubes continues to shape the future of hybrid workspaces across Australia. This conversation offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking to build community and success in the evolving workplace.