Sweat Capital

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with former Westpac CEO Brian Hartzer to unpack one of the most fascinating careers in global finance - from studying history at Princeton to leading one of Australia’s biggest and most scrutinised institutions.Brian reflects on the realities of running a Big Four bank: balancing regulators, shareholders, customers and employees while operating under constant public scrutiny.We discuss the transition from consulting into banking leadership, what people underestimate about being a bank CEO, and the lessons he carried from ANZ and ultimately Westpac.We also explore Brian’s next chapter after banking - including his roles in fintech and as CEO of Quantium Health - where he’s now focused on the intersection of AI, data science and healthcare. A wide-ranging conversation about leadership, pressure, institutions, reinvention and building a career across multiple eras of business.You can also check out Brian's book: The Leadership Star: A Practical Guide to Building Engagement***This episode was recorded on 5 May 2026.Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠. We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this April recap episode, Lulu, Charlie & Dimi discuss what's actually redundant in the business world today...Cover letters?Business cards?Physical notebooks?Long hours?Reflecting on recent episodes with the likes of Trent Blacket and Charlie Viola, we dive into whether or not certain customs and conventions still earn their place – or whether we're holding onto them out of habit, nostalgia, or sheer professional inertia.We also provide an update on how how the show is progressing, as well as flagging some exciting upcoming guests.We hope you enjoy!***This episode was recorded on 4 May 2026.Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠. We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Sophie Greiner and Bella Filacuridi, co-founders of Dome, to unpack what it actually takes to build a business inside one of the fastest-moving corners of media – the $130bn global podcast industry.Podcasts have quickly become one of the most powerful vehicles for community, identity, and cultural conversation in the world, and yet the commercial value of genuine fandom has still not been fully recognised.Enter: DomeFest – Australia's first-ever podcast fan festival, held earlier this year at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion. We dive into how two founders with zero event experience convinced the country's biggest podcast talent, and the team behind Lost Paradise, to back their vision, and why the turnout (with attendees flying in from across Australia & New Zealand) convinced them the IRL opportunity might be even bigger than the platform itself.We also explore the commercial thesis driving Dome, why an engaged audience of 10,000 diehard listeners is worth more to a brand than a show reaching the masses, why podcast hosts are trusted more than influencers, and why the next wave of value in the industry will flow to communities, not download counts. For founders, creators, marketers, or anyone thinking about community, media, or how to carve out a category in an industry dominated by legacy players, this episode is a rare look at how two young operators in their early twenties are turning shared obsession into commercial opportunity by building something Australia has never seen before.***This episode was recorded on 17 April 2026. Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠. We'll see you in the next one, Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Charlie Viola, Founder of Viola Private Wealth, to unpack one of the toughest decisions in wealth management - walking away after you’ve successfully built a business and client base.Charlie helped grow Pitcher Partners’ wealth business from under $50 million to more than $3.5 billion in funds under management. At that point in his career, he made the call to execute a management buyout of Pitcher’s wealth arm.We discuss what drives a move like that, how winning clients changes when you’re on your own, and the realities of building a high-net-worth advisory business without the backing of an established advisory platform. Charlie also shares what wealthy clients actually value, how trust is built over decades, and how he’s scaled Viola Private Wealth to advising on over $3 billion today while maintaining a high-touch model.A conversation about relationships, credibility, and playing the long game in wealth management.***This episode was recorded on 8 April 2026.Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

No shortage of highly successful people have been quoted as saying “I sort of just fell into it...” but what are people really saying here?In this March recap episode, Lulu, Charlie & Dimi explore the concept of intentionality and whether people ascribe enough weight to intentional decision making and its impact on career progression versus the serendipitous circumstances that people often encounter.We also dive deeper into how to find comfort in an uncertain world where on any given day…”AI is coming for your job”. ***This episode was recorded on 8 April 2026.Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this week’s episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with former ethical hacker Assadi Youssef to unpack his journey to becoming the point man for many of Australia’s leading companies on the latest advancements in enterprise grade cybersecurity products.We unpack:- Assadi’s innate curiosity and how this contributed to his interest in the digital world- How he become a professional penetration tester/ethical hacker, hired by many of Australia’s leading organisations to test the strength to their cybersecurity infrastructure- Why hacking is as much social engineering as it is coding expertise- His role today as the trusted advisor to many of Australia’s leading companies, presenting them with access to IBM’s suite of products and services***This episode was recorded on 30 March 2026.Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Trent Blackett, founder of EMT Partners, to unpack how a legal career can evolve far beyond traditional advisory work – into venture building, global talent, and capital. Trent began his career as a lawyer, but early on carved out a niche in media and entertainment – a space where relationships, judgment, and commercial instinct matter just as much as black-letter law. We explore how that niche developed, the sacrifices involved in building global exposure, and the landmark moments that helped put him on the map. A major focus of the episode is Centr.com, the consumer wellness platform Trent co-founded alongside Chris Hemsworth and Chris Hadley – including the original investment thesis, scaling the business, and its eventual sale to the Bezos family. Trent shares what that experience taught him about brand, capital, and building real businesses alongside high-profile talent. We also dive into the evolution of EMT Partners from a legal advisory into a broader venture and talent platform, the rise of personal brands as scalable businesses, and why the old media model is being disrupted. For anyone interested in law, entrepreneurship, media, or how to use 'traditional' skills to carve non-traditional pathways, this episode is a practical look at turning expertise into ownership. ***This episode was recorded on 29 January 2026.Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Allen, Senior Partner at Kearney and CEO of Jumpstart Fertility, to unpack how seemingly “academic” and consulting-heavy career paths can turn out to be some of the most practical training grounds for real-world problem solving. Steph began her career with a PhD in Philosophy at University of Oxford, developing deep skills in logic, reasoning, and structured thinking. One of her earliest professional problems? Optimising bus timetables for a UK town. That same skillset would later be applied to advising governments and some of the world’s largest healthcare organisations on complex, high-stakes decisions. We explore how consulting — particularly in government and healthcare — trains you to break down ambiguous problems, balance competing incentives, and make decisions with imperfect information. Steph shares what it really takes to build credibility in consulting, the sacrifices involved in progressing to global leadership roles, and what differentiates truly high-performing advisory firms. The conversation also looks forward: the future of consulting in an AI-enabled world, why judgment still matters more than answers, and what ultimately led Steph to step out of advisory roles and into the CEO seat at an emerging Australian healthtech business. If you’re weighing academia, consulting, or leadership roles — or trying to understand which skills actually compound over time — this episode is a powerful reminder that learning how to think often matters more than learning what to think.***This episode was recorded on 3 February 2026.Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this final episode of our 2026 Future Minerals Forum series of interviews, we touch base with Eduardo Gama who provides us with an overview of life working in Brazil and the global mining industry.Eduardo has grown a contingent of over 20,000 Instagram followers! Giving his audience tangible BTS insights into the mining sector.A great way to round out our pods from Saudi Arabia. A massive thank you to the whole FMF team for their support.***This episode was recorded on 14 January 2026 at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit ⁠futuremineralsforum.com⁠Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Roger Baxter, Executive Chairman of Southern Palladium, to unpack the leap from mining policy and industry advocacy into the far harder world of project execution. Roger spent years at the centre of South Africa’s mining ecosystem, including as CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa, where he negotiated with government, shaped policy, and represented an entire industry. Today, he’s on the other side of the table – financing, permitting, and advancing Bengwenyama, one of the world’s most significant undeveloped platinum-group metals projects. We explore what truly differentiates Bengwenyama as a long-life, low-cost PGM asset; why mine life and cost position matter more than ever in attracting capital; and why high-quality projects can still trade at a deep discount in public markets. Roger explains how jurisdictional credibility, permitting certainty, and community relationships directly influence cost of capital – and where investors often misprice South African risk. For investors, operators, and young professionals weighing careers across policy, finance, or operations, this episode offers a rare perspective on how credibility is built before cash flow – and why execution matters more than narrative.***This episode was recorded on 15 January 2026 at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit futuremineralsforum.comFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Alex Currie, a project finance lawyer who has spent three decades advising on some of the world’s largest and most complex energy and infrastructure projects. Alex has worked across London, Moscow, Dubai, Sydney, and Riyadh, advising sponsors, lenders, and governments on projects involving billions of dollars, geopolitical risk, and long-dated capital commitments. Early in the conversation, he shares a story that captures the stakes of this work – being detained at a Russian airport during a live deal, and getting out by calling a former client: a major Russian gas company he’d previously advised. We unpack what actually makes a project bankable, where large infrastructure projects most often fail, and why trust, credibility, and judgment matter just as much as technical modelling. Alex explains how lenders and sponsors think differently about risk, what goes wrong before projects end up distressed, and how restructurings either preserve (or destroy) value. The discussion also spans geopolitics, the energy transition, and Alex’s current perspective from Saudi Arabia, where scale, speed, and ambition in project development look very different to Europe or Australia. For lawyers, financiers, or anyone interested in global infrastructure and energy, this episode is a rare look at how careers are built in high-pressure environments where mistakes are measured in billions – and decisions really matter.***This episode was recorded on 15 January 2026 at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit futuremineralsforum.comFollow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠LinkedIn⁠.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Lulu Ghattas, the person helping power the marketing machine behind one of Sydney’s fastest-growing startups, Kinso.Lulu’s career arc is anything but traditional. Before YouthForce and Kinso, she stacked early reps in elite rooms – Moët Hennessy campaigns, startup ecosystems like Startmate and Blackbird’s Giants program - learning how world-class brands think about attention, distribution, andpositioning.At Kinso, she plays a central role in building a marketing engine that has gone genuinely viral among young Australians. We unpack what most companies misunderstand about social, why distribution is everything, and how internet-native tone beats over-polished corporate messaging.We also dive deep into: How to build a personal brand while still at universityWhere personal brand ends and company brand beginsWhat makes a great cold outreachWhy early-career reps inside elite ecosystems compoundThis episode is a masterclass in attention, leverage, and building in public –  and a blueprint for young professionals who want to create opportunity instead of waiting for it.***This episode was recorded on 4 February 2026.Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Graham Kerr, CEO of South32, for a rare, career-focused look at leadership, capital allocation, and what it actually takes to succeed in mining. Graham’s path defies the stereotype. He didn’t study mining engineering — instead, he began with business, finance, and information systems before joining BHP as a graduate. By going all-in on learning, pushing beyond head-office finance roles, and taking on operational responsibility early, he progressed from analyst to CFO to CEO. We unpack his time at BHP, including what working inside one of the world’s largest resource companies taught him about capital allocation, scale, and optionality. Graham shares how moving into site-based and operational roles reshaped his leadership style — and why leaving the “safe path” at key moments proved critical to long-term growth. A major focus of the conversation is the BHP–South32 demerger and what it takes to build a company from day one. Graham reflects on creating culture from scratch, leading assets others didn’t want, making hard portfolio decisions, and why discipline — not size — defined South32’s strategy over the next decade. If you’re interested in leadership, mining, or how real careers are built inside complex organisations, this episode is a masterclass in learning fast, owning responsibility, and playing the long game. ***This episode was recorded on 14 January 2026 at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit futuremineralsforum.comFollow us on Instagram & LinkedIn.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

It's been a big start to 2026 at Sweat Capital, and there's a lot to catch up on. In this monthly recap, Charlie, Will, and Dimitri discuss:Charlie & Will’s experience attending the Future Minerals Forum in Saudi Arabia The reality of locking in interviews at one of the biggest conferences in the worldWhat it’s really like to work and live in the Middle East and the incredible opportunities that existInterviewing Darren Lockyer and Grant Wechsel ahead of the London Broncos season opener in the UK The appeal of investing in sport Riding quad bikes in the sand dunes in DubaiFavourite lessons we’ve learned from guests The boys moving from Brissy to SydneyWill’s exciting new career update Check out Goldman Sachs' series on Investing in Sports.We hope you enjoy and thank you so much to everyone for all of your support! We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.***Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Armina Rosenberg, Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager at Minotaur Capital, to unpack how she actually finds investment ideas across every major market in the world. We trace Armina’s path from equity research at J.P. Morgan, through the family office world, to running global equities portfolios — and why covering the entire universe of listed companies forces you to think very differently about process, diversification, and speed. A major focus of the conversation is Taurient, the proprietary software Minotaur built in-house to screen, analyse, and compare companies globally. Powered by Python and AI, Taurient allows the team to translate overseas annual reports and transcripts, scan thousands of companies across markets, and surface opportunities most investors will never see. We also discuss: The trade-offs between institutional investing, family offices, and running your own fund How technology changes portfolio construction and risk management Why global diversification matters more than ever What Armina looks for when hiring analysts in a tech-enabled investment team If you’re interested in global equities, active management, or how modern fund managers actually build an edge, this episode is a masterclass in process over prediction. ***This episode was recorded on 3 February 2026.Follow Sweat Capital on Instagram & LinkedIn.

Joe Lombard, Global Vice Chair at Hatch, joined us to chat fresh off the announcement of Hatch’s $110bn deal with Maaden.We unpack his journey and how Hatch is partnering with organisations all over the world to deliver positive change.We hope you enjoy!We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.***This episode was recorded at the 2026 Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit futuremineralsforum.comFollow Sweat Capital on Instagram & LinkedIn

Flavia Tata Nardini always wanted to be an astronaut. Instead, she built one of the most advanced space-tech companies in the world.In this episode, we sit down with the Co-Founder and CEO of Fleet Space Technologies to unpack how she built an $800 million space company from almost nothing – surviving near-bankruptcy, delayed launches, and raising capital under extreme pressure.We explore the early days of building satellites by hand, convincing Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck to launch Fleet’s first hardware for $100, and turning deep scientific ambition into real customers like Rio Tinto and Ma’aden.We also discuss a major milestone ahead – in August, Fleet will launch the first ever Australian-built hardware into space, marking a defining moment for Australia’s space industry and for the company’s next phase of growth.We hope you enjoy!We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.***This episode was recorded at the 2026 Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit futuremineralsforum.comFollow Sweat Capital on Instagram & LinkedIn.

Recorded just prior to the club’s Rd 1 clash, we get privileged insight into:Why Darren and Grant have conviction on London as a place for Rugby LeagueHow the opportunity to buy the team, previously owned by the likes of Richard Branson and U.K. multimillionaire David Hughes, came across their deskWhy Darren and Grant believe that success from this investment will see a dominant London Broncos on and off the fieldWe hope you enjoy!Follow Sweat Capital on Instagram & LinkedIn.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

This episode was recorded OnAir @ IMARC. For more information on the world's biggest mining conference and how to get involved, visit ⁠⁠⁠imarcglobal.com⁠⁠⁠.In this episode of Sweat Capital, we’re joined by Rob Adamson, Executive Chairman at RFC Ambrian, for a wide-ranging conversation across mining, deep tech, and career-building.Rob takes us back to his first job as a 16-year-old on a diamond drill rig in Central Western Australia – and how brutal summers in the mines became the motivation to study engineering, fund uni through holiday shifts, and eventually take a leap overseas to deep-level underground gold mining in South Africa at the back end of apartheid.From there, we unpack how Rob found his way into advisory, why RFC’s model is different to “spray and pray” venture capital, and how a disciplined venture-building approach helped bring game-changing technologies to market –including Chrysos (a modern alternative to fire assay), NextOre (MRI-style sensing for real-time ore grade detection), and MRead, where detection technology can identify landmines by sensing explosive compounds.We finish with Rob’s practical advice for young professionals: build your skillset, build your network, and most importantly – build your own brand.Follow Sweat Capital on Instagram & LinkedIn.We’ll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Anthony Brown, CEO of ASX-listed life insurer NobleOak, to unpack a way of thinking about careers that challenges the advice most of us young professionals are given. Anthony isn’t your typical CEO. After starting his career in the Audit team at KPMG in Sydney, he deliberately stepped off the conventional ladder. Rather than chasing a single linear progression, he moved across industries, roles, and functions – intentionally building what he describes as a career portfolio: a collection of experiences, skills, and calculated risks that compound over time. Anthony shares how embracing uncertainty, lateral moves, and even short-term discomfort helped shape his leadership perspective and ultimately positioned him to lead a publicly listed company.  A company which just so happens to be the very first IPO that Barrenjoey ever brought to market... For anyone who has ever felt anxious about not “keeping up,” questioned whether you’re on the right path, or worried that a non-linear move might set you back, this episode is for you. ***Follow Sweat Capital on LinkedIn & Instagram.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Brad Pulford, Managing Director of HP Australia, to unpack what’s really happening to the way Australians work - and why so many people feel disengaged, burnt out, or disconnected from their jobs. Brad draws on insights from HP’s Work Relationship Index, which shows that only a small minority of knowledge workers globally have a healthy relationship with work. We explore what’s driving that breakdown, how Australia compares to other regions, and why flexibility, autonomy, and meaning now matter more than traditional career incentives. We also trace Brad’s own career journey - from working across Africa and emerging markets to leading a major global technology business in Australia - and discuss what he’s learned about leadership, building teams, and progressing inside large corporates without getting stuck or complacent. The conversation goes deeper into the impact of AI and technology on careers, what work might look like over the next decade, and how young professionals can think more deliberately about the roles, environments, and organisations they choose to invest their time in. If you’re early in your career, navigating corporate life, or trying to understand how work is changing - this episode offers a data-driven, practical perspective on how to build a career that actually works for you, not just one that looks good on paper. ***Follow Sweat Capital on Instagram & LinkedInWe'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Mitch Hughes, founder of NextGen Ventures, for a real look at what it takes to raise a first-time fund – when you don’t have the “standard” VC network or track record behind you. Mitch breaks down how NextGen closed ~$2m in its first close (targeting $2.5m), what the fundraising process actually looked like, and why cold outreach was a huge part of getting momentum early. He explains the strategy they used to build credibility before writing a single cheque: setting up a national student scout network, meeting hundreds of startups, writing memos, and building proof points by showing which companies went on to raise from other investors. We also dig into the engine of NextGen: a student VC model across six universities, designed to find ambitious founders from “underground” campus communities - the people who won’t show up through the usual top-down channels. Mitch shares what he looks for in young founders (speed, rate of learning, customer obsession, ambition), why “first-time founder” can be a misleading label, and how the falling cost of building with AI changes the entire startup curve. This episode is for anyone thinking about venture, fundraising, building a fund, or building a company - and for students wondering what the next decade of careers might actually look like. Follow Sweat Capital on Instagram & LinkedIn.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

This episode was recorded OnAir @ IMARC. For more information on the world's biggest mining conference and how to get involved, visit ⁠⁠imarcglobal.com⁠⁠.In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Mark Kristoff, CEO of global commodities trading firm Traxys, to unpack how careers in physical commodities trading are built. Mark takes us back to his earliest jobs, running lawn-mowing and painting businesses as a teenager, learning early what it meant to be responsible for outcomes, cash flow, and customers. He walks through attending Cornell on a Navy ROTC scholarship, preparing for a career as a fighter pilot, and the abrupt pivot that forced him to rethink his future. We then dive into how Mark entered the commodities world through a job in the mailroom, why reading the shipping documents he was delivering on the subway mattered, and how understanding learnings from these moments of curiosity led to him making an ascension to lead Traxys as CEO. For anyone curious about commodities, trading, or how senior careers are built over decades - no shortcuts - this episode offers a rare, practical look inside an industry most people never see. Follow Sweat Capital on LinkedIn & Instagram.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Marcus Marchant, CEO of Vistaprint and founder of Bondi Joe, to unpack how a career actually evolves when you’re willing to pivot and take risk. Marcus reflects on his first job at Dymocks, what retail taught him about customers, and how those early lessons shaped everything that followed. He walks us through starting his career as a lawyer in M&A, realising it wasn’t where he wanted to stay, and the difficult decision to leave law without “starting from zero.” We dive into his transition through Citibank’s management associate program, where he combined legal knowledge with customer insight to launch a same-day personal loans product - and how that moment set the foundation for senior leadership roles. The conversation also explores corporate venture capital, innovation inside large organisations, and what Marcus learned founding Bondi Joe as a creative outlet alongside a demanding executive career. For anyone navigating early career decisions, considering a pivot, or trying to understand how skills compound across industries, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at how careers are actually built. Follow Sweat Capital on Instagram & LinkedIn.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

This episode was recorded on 21 October 2025, OnAir @ IMARC. For more information on the world's biggest mining conference and how to get involved, visit ⁠imarcglobal.com⁠.In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Shane Jones, New Zealand’s Minister for Resources, to unpack what a career inside politics really looks like – and how responsibility changes the way decisions get made. Shane reflects on growing up in rural New Zealand, his first job in an abattoir, and how early life experiences shaped his appetite for leadership. He explains why a cancer diagnosis became a turning point that pushed him toward public service, and what surprised him most when he moved from governance and advisory roles into Cabinet. We also discuss the realities of governing: pressure, trade-offs, and why resource development and mining became culturally stigmatised – as well as what political leadership actually requires when you decide to challenge that narrative. Shane breaks down how governments think about certainty, regulation, fast-track approvals, and capital attraction, and why tone and execution matter as much as policy intent. For anyone interested in careers in politics, public service, leadership, or operating at the intersection of government and capital, this episode offers a rare, unfiltered look at how decisions are really made.Follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram.We'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down in New York with David Teh, Partner at Simpson Thacher, one of the world’s most prestigious law firms, to unpack what a truly global legal career looks like.  David traces his journey from Macquarie University to Hong Kong, London, and ultimately Wall Street - including formative years at Cravath during the dot-com boom and a front-row seat to the evolution of private credit from relationship lending to one of the most powerful forces in global finance.  We dive into how major financing markets actually develop, why cycles repeat under new labels, and how lawyers can add real value beyond black-letter law - particularly as clients demand sharper structuring advice and commercial judgment.  For law students, young professionals, and anyone curious about elite global careers, this episode offers rare insight into how top lawyers build trust, credibility, and client relationships over decades - not shortcuts. Follow us on Socials:InstagramLinkedInWe'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Steve Kovac, CEO of Idemitsu Australia, to unpack what it’s like running the Australian arm of a global Japanese conglomerate during a once-in-a-generation shift.  Steve shares how Idemitsu is navigating its transition from coal into critical minerals, what that pivot looks like in practice, and how global strategy, culture, and long-term thinking shape decision-making inside one of the world’s largest energy and resources groups.  We also dive into Steve’s personal journey – from early-career mining engineer to CEO – discussing how to build credibility on-site, make the right career moves, and lead through complexity as responsibility grows.  If you’re interested in the energy transition, critical minerals, or how to build a long-term career in mining and resources, this episode offers rare, practical insight from someone who’s actually done it. Follow Sweat Capital:InstagramLinkedInWe'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

This week on Sweat Capital, we are joined by Stellar Health CEO, Michael Meng.Mike’s transition from what many would see as a dream job, Principal at a high performing private equity firm, into taking a chance on a somewhat spontaneous opportunity is interesting in itself. But the challenge he took on certainly raised our eyebrows…A core goal of aligning the interests of health insurers, care providers and patients is something that many people would dismiss as utopian thinking. However, by leveraging their proprietary technology platform and >200 strong team, Stellar Health are doing just that.A must listen for anyone who is curious about the way that tech can impact problems in ways that we had never thought possible.Follow Sweat Capital:InstagramLinkedInKeep playing the long game,We'll see you in the next one.

This episode was recorded on 22 October 2025, OnAir @ IMARC. For more information on the world's biggest mining conference and how to get involved, visit ⁠⁠imarcglobal.com⁠⁠.In this episode of Sweat Capital, we’re joined by Bryan Quinn, Managing Director of Aurelia Metals, to unpack what it’s really like stepping out of big mining and into the driver’s seat of a mid-cap resource company.Bryan shares the lessons he learned moving from large, global firms to running a mid-cap miner – where capital allocation, operational discipline and decision-making hit very differently. We explore how Aurelia is positioning itself for the next phase of base metals growth, why these commodities matter in a changing global economy, and how leadership looks when every decision truly counts.We also chat about their key asset in the Cobar Basin – one of Australia’s most prospective and under-appreciated mineral districts – discussing its geology, infrastructure advantages, and why it remains central to Aurelia’s long-term strategy.If you’re interested in mining, commodities, or what it takes to lead a resource company through cycles of volatility and opportunity, this episode offers a rare, on-the-ground perspective.Join our growing community of high performers:InstagramLinkedInWe'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

This week on Sweat Capital, we welcome back Anthony Liveris, our first-ever returning guest – and for good reason. Anthony is the CEO of Proto Axiom, Australia’s first company creation and investment platform for the life sciences, and someone who’s shaping the direction of the industry in real time.In this episode, we explore why the life sciences industry is poised to become Australia’s breakout industry, the momentum Anthony is seeing across research, capital formation and talent, and how Proto Axiom has evolved since we last spoke. From scientific breakthroughs to commercialisation pathways, Anthony lays out the structural advantages Australia has - and what needs to happen next to compete globally.We also explore what life is actually like as a young CEO operating in a field defined by long timelines, high uncertainty and massive upside.If you’re interested in the future of frontier science, investing in uncertainty, or building high-conviction companies from the ground up, this should be a great listen.Best way to support us is by following our socials!​Instagram​LinkedInWe'll see you in the next one,Keep playing the long game.

In this month’s internal Sweat Capital pod, we unpack a few things that have shaped how we’re thinking about the show and our own careers lately – starting with the power of simply asking for advice. We talk about why vulnerability builds connection, why you don’t need a formal “mentor” to get world-class guidance, and how your own experiences can become a real competitive edge.We also break down the learnings from our first truly “sort-of viral” clip – what worked, what didn’t, and what it means for how we approach short-form going forward.Finally, we run through what we’re planning for the Sweat Capital offsite: tightening our strategy, getting clearer on our brand, and building the systems that will help us improve the show.Follow Sweat Capital:⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn

This week on Sweat Capital, we sit down with Blue Owl Managing Director Marc Pillemer – an Australian who’s built a global career inside one of the world’s leading alternative asset managers with over $300B AUM. Marc takes us inside how GP staking actually works - from sourcing deals, to evaluating culture and strategy, to deciding which investment firms will endure over the next 10–20 years. He breaks down the art of saying no, the importance of long-term relationships, and why permanence, alignment and discipline sit at the centre of every great deal. We also dive into his journey from actuarial studies at Macquarie to Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong and New York, Blackstone’s GP stakes platform, and ultimately Blue Owl - where he now helps shape one of the most active investing strategies in global alternatives. If you’re interested in private markets, building a career in finance, or understanding how elite investors think, this is a must-listen.Follow Sweat Capital:InstagramLinkedIn

Paul Tranter, CFO of Boston Consulting Group, joins Will and Charlie from his home in Boston, USA to share his remarkable story from a boy on the farm to a global leader in management consulting.We explore:Paul’s unique path to university, including going back to complete Year 12 at the age of 22 and how he considers this decision to be the “turning point” of his lifeHis pathway into management consulting at BCGThe impact that Harvard had on Paul’s personal developmentHis role as Global CFO at Boston Consulting GroupA great lesson in how to use adversity as a catalyst for growth and why grit can take you to places you have never dreamed (in Paul’s case the 61st floor of an office building!).We hope you enjoy!

Steven Marshall (President, American Australian Association; Former Premier of South Australia) joins Will and Charlie to unpack a career spent at the crossroads of public service, business and international engagement. We dig into Steven’s time leading South Australia (2018–2022) and the tough, high-stakes decisions he made during the COVID outbreaks.We trace his beginnings, his move from state politics into international advocacy, and what his new role at the American Australian Association actually involves — building networks, trade links and people-to-people ties between Australia and the United States.A major thread of the conversation is why Australians keep punching above their weight in the U.S. - the cultural traits and networks that help people land at the very top of global firms.A great listen if you have global aspirations for your career.***Follow us for BTS content and to stay up to date with the show!⁠Spotify⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Instagram

It's been a huge October at Sweat Capital, and there's a lot to catch up on.In this monthly recap, Charlie, Will, and Dimitri discuss:The whirlwind launch and rebrand of the showCharlie and Will's trip to New York to interview world-class investors like Matthew McLennanLessons we've taken from conversations about value investing, career ambition, and not sweating the small stuff.BTS from the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2025What makes Aussies stand out globallyWhat's in store for NovemberWe hope you enjoy and thank you so much to everyone for all of your support!Means the world.***THiNK Substack: https://thinkbypan.substack.com/Follow us for BTS content and to stay up to date with the show!SpotifyApple PodcastsYouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokXThis episode was recorded on 24 November 2025 at the University of Sydney's CreateSpace.

This episode was recorded OnAir @ IMARC. For more information on the world's biggest mining conference and how to get involved, visit imarcglobal.com.From Wollongong to leading a team of over 160,000 staff as CEO of Anglo American, Mark Cutifani CBE is an example of how Australia’s best are amongst the most elite mining executives across the globe.In this episode, we unpack…How Mark self-funded his way through universityHow he thinks through complex business problems by combining his on-the-ground technical experience with a commercial lensThe importance of meaningfully engaging with middle management, particularly the General ManagersA rare conversation with one of mining's most renowned corporate leaders.***Follow Sweat Capital on all platforms to stay up to date:InstagramLinkedInTikTokX

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew McLennan, Head of the Global Value team at First Eagle Investments, in his New York City office for a rare, wide-ranging conversation on investing, temperament, and compounding wisdom over time.Matthew shares stories from his childhood in rural Queensland, lessons from mentors at Goldman Sachs in both Sydney and London, and what he learned stepping into senior leadership at First Eagle during the GFC in 2008.We explore:How his early mistakes shaped his disciplineThe lessons he learned in the Asset Management Team at Goldman SachsWhy patience, humility, and temperament are undervalued in modern marketsThe rise of passive and AI investing — and what it means for value investorsHis best advice to his younger selfA rare conversation with one of the most thoughtful investors of our time.This episode was recorded on 19 September 2025.

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Anthony AO – third-generation Federal MP and former Minister for Social Security in the Howard government – for a deep dive into life in and out of Parliament.We cover the early days of his political career, including his unconventional campaign methods (including riding a push bike around Byron Bay), his infamous hungover Question Time appearance in Parliament, and what it's really like managing the largest spending portfolio in the Commonwealth in his role as Minister for Social Security.We also dig into the mechanics of being a Cabinet Minister, the behind-the-scenes workings of government, and how a young person can look to get a start in a political career.Plus, Larry shares his reflections on the Anthony family's political legacy, the transition from Parliament to business, and his work today as Chairman of the SAS Group. It's an honest look at politics, legacy, and leadership – from someone who's lived it all.We hope you enjoy!Follow our socials:LinkedInInstagramX TikTok

Welcome to the first episode of Sweat Capital – the next chapter in our journey of exploring ambition, effort, and the long game in business and life.In this launch episode, we introduce the new brand, share what Sweat Capital stands for, and set the stage for the conversations ahead. At its core, Sweat Capital is about doing the daily work, making the most of opportunities, and building something real over time – careers, companies, and character – with no shortcuts.Joining us is Dimitri Gremos, Head of Creative & Strategy at Sweat Capital, who has played a key role in shaping the brand’s identity and vision. Dimitri takes us behind the scenes of the rebrand, how we landed on Sweat Capital, and what listeners can expect from this new era of the podcast.If you’ve been with us since the early days, thank you for being part of the journey. If you’re new here, welcome – we’re just getting started.This episode was filmed at the University of Sydney's ThinkSpace.

Martijn Wilder AM has spent decades at the intersection of climate, capital, and policy—shaping the way governments and private markets respond to the challenge of decarbonisation.In this episode, we unpack Martijn’s career journey—from starting out in law and founding Pollination Group, to playing a key role in the National Reconstruction Fund and sitting on boards like WWF and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. He shares what drew him to emerging markets and frontier projects, how he thinks about sustainable investing, and why public-private partnerships are crucial for climate outcomes.We also dig into Australia’s policy landscape, the future of energy and innovation, and what advice he has for young people who want to build a meaningful career in climate or capital.

Andrew Purcell – Energy, Emerging Markets, and the Value of Going Off-PisteFrom investment banking in Hong Kong to drilling exploration wells in Cuba, Andrew Purcell has built a career that defies convention. In this episode, we sit down with the Executive Chairman of Melbana Energy to explore how and why he’s always chosen to operate in the world’s harder-to-navigate markets.We talk about his early leap from banking into energy and infrastructure, what keeps him committed to jurisdictions like Cuba, and the strategic thinking behind deals like the recent Santos farm-in. Andrew also shares reflections from decades of investing across Asia—Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia—and the lessons he's learned about political risk, capital allocation, and long-term conviction.

Justine Morton started her career on the trading floor at Lehman Brothers in London—where she was the only woman in a sea of 100—and was offered the role of Global Head of Hedge Fund Sales in her twenties. But despite the prestige and momentum, she made the rare and courageous decision to walk away.In this episode, we dive into that early chapter of Justine’s career—life in the high-stakes world of London finance, the lessons from working with world-class hedge funds, and the turning point that led her back to Australia.Now an Executive Advisor at Providence, Justine helps families and not-for-profits make long-term, values-aligned investment decisions. We explore how she brings clarity to complex information, her approach to sustainable investing, and what it really means to be a trusted adviser across generations.

Following last week’s episode on intrapreneurship inside a Big Four firm, this week we sit down with someone doing something just as bold—on the legal side.Xavier Keary is the co-founder of G&T Ventures, a specialised group inside Gilbert + Tobin dedicated to supporting startups, scaleups, and investors. After starting his career as a capital markets lawyer, Xavier made the leap into the early-stage ecosystem—at a time when many questioned whether law firms had a role to play in backing founders from day one.In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to build a startup-facing offering inside a top-tier law firm, why legal advice needs to be fast, human, and commercially savvy, and the common traps founders fall into when raising capital. Xavier also shares his views on Australia’s innovation landscape, how he’s scaling a relationship-led business, and what the legal profession can learn from venture-backed models.

Amanda Price didn’t follow the traditional Big Four path. After building and scaling startups early in her career, she brought that same founder mindset into KPMG—where she now leads High Growth Ventures, a division built to serve Australia’s most ambitious startups.In this episode, Amanda shares how she carved out a space for startup-focused work inside one of the world’s largest professional services firms, and how she overcame early scepticism to build a nationally recognised offering. We dive into the unique challenges of integrating top-end advisory services with early-stage companies, how her team works like “portfolio managers,” and why trust, speed, and empathy are central to their model.We also talk about intrapreneurship, what makes a great founder to back, and the personal tools Amanda relies on to handle pressure and maintain clarity.

For our 100th episode, we’re joined by Cathie Reid—an entrepreneur, board director, investor, and trailblazer whose career is anything but conventional. Cathie opens up about how a breakup in her early twenties sparked the journey that would see her build and scale a pharmacy empire, move into aged care and then founded a global cancer care business. We talk about losing 60% of revenue overnight in the early Epic Pharmacy days, navigating exits, chairing an ASX-listed company during a hostile takeover, and what she's learned along the way about leadership, pressure, and reinvention.She also shares insights into her work with Arc31, the family office she runs, her time on the Brisbane Lions board, and what it means to invest with purpose. A story of grit, growth, and not being afraid to start over—Cathie Reid is the perfect guest to mark our 100th episode.

Dr Nick Coatsworth became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, fronting national press conferences as Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer. But behind that calm presence is a remarkable career in medicine, public health, and humanitarian aid.In this episode, we explore Nick’s path from medical school to conflict zones with Doctors Without Borders, his time working in the Northern Territory, and how he found himself unexpectedly stepping into one of the country’s most visible health leadership roles.We dive into the personal toll of high-stress environments, how he thinks about mental health and burnout, and what keeps him driven today outside of the public spotlight.This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the unexpected turns careers can take—even at the highest levels.

Few lawyers can claim a career as dynamic and globally mobile as Lewis Grimm. With decades of experience across New York, Europe, and now Australia, Lewis has built a reputation as a trusted legal adviser on some of the most complex and high-stakes leveraged finance and restructuring deals in the world. From billion-dollar chapter 11s in the U.S. to groundbreaking Australian schemes of arrangement, Lewis has consistently found himself at the centre of transactions where the law meets commerce—and where the stakes couldn’t be higher.What makes Lewis particularly unique is his ability to marry legal precision with commercial acumen. Starting his career in New York’s high-pressure legal scene and now advising in Australia on cross-border sponsor-backed transactions, Lewis has worked alongside some of the world’s most prominent financial institutions, sponsors, and funds. Whether it’s the record-fast Southcross Holdings restructure or advising Macquarie on the Beauparc Utilities acquisition, his approach blends strategy, creativity, and deep legal expertise.In today’s episode, we delve into Lewis’s global legal journey, what it takes to be a truly great deal lawyer, and how the role of legal advisers is evolving in an increasingly commercial world.We also explore trends in private credit, insights into sponsor-led deals, and the legal intricacies behind some of the most fascinating transactions in recent memory.

Stephen Cole oversees four mining hubs, thousands of employees, and the daily operations that keep one of Australia’s largest iron ore producers running. In this episode, we sit down with Fortescue’s Director of Mining Operations to explore what that leadership actually looks like—on the ground and from the air.We talk about his early days at BHP, the cultural shift he experienced moving to Fortescue, and how operational decisions get made at speed in a high-pressure environment. Stephen also opens up about the personal side of the job—the toll it can take, how he manages mental health, and why showing up on site still matters.We also discuss Fortescue’s push into green iron and hydrogen, building a culture of safety and inclusion, and what it means to lead in a cyclical, capital-intensive industry.Recorded after a tour of Fortescue’s Perth office, this episode is a candid look at leadership, resilience, and transformation in the mining sector.

Innovation is often talked about in terms of breakthroughs and big ideas—but the real challenge lies in turning those ideas into investable, scalable businesses. That’s where today’s guest comes in. Ken Jefferd is the Executive Director of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation at the University of Melbourne and Managing Director of its commercialisation arm, helping guide one of Australia’s most significant research portfolios into the hands of industry, investors, and end users.Ken’s background bridges both corporate and academic worlds. Before joining the university sector, he held senior global roles at BP, including as Head of Research & Technology and later CEO of one of BP’s Australian subsidiaries. Now, he oversees a $1.5 billion research and innovation enterprise, helping shape the infrastructure, capital pathways, and partnerships that fuel Australia’s knowledge economy.In today’s episode, we dive into Ken’s global experience, how Australia can better capitalise on its research strength, and the impact of new initiatives like Tin Alley Ventures and the Jumar Bioincubator.We also unpack the policy settings, funding gaps, and collaboration models that are shaping the future of commercialisation in Australia. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Ken Jefferd.

Turning world-class research into real-world impact is no easy task. It takes deep scientific knowledge, a sharp commercial eye, and a whole lot of persistence. Few people understand this better than our guest today, Dr. Peter Devine, CEO of Uniseed—Australia’s longest-running venture fund focused on research commercialisation.Peter’s career has spanned the lab bench and the boardroom. With a background in biochemistry, microbiology, and a PhD in gynaecological oncology, he’s spent time in both academia and industry, giving him a unique perspective on how breakthrough science can become investable innovation. Before leading Uniseed, Peter worked in commercialisation offices like UniQuest, helping university researchers navigate the complex world of IP and tech transfer.In today’s episode, we dive into Peter’s journey from scientific research to venture capital, his leadership at Uniseed, and what it takes to back high-risk, high-reward science-driven startups.We also unpack the challenges of early-stage investing in Australia, the profile of successful deep-tech ventures, and Peter’s advice for young scientists looking to turn research into a career in innovation or investing. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Dr. Peter Devine.Check out Peter Devine's Music: HERE