Arete Podcast with Richard Triggs

Hosted by Richard Triggs

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221

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Arete is a Greek word that essentially means “the fulfilment of one’s full potential”. Or as the famous Greek author Homer wrote, “where heroes gather to realise their full potential”. The Arete podcast is designed to showcase the careers of leading CEOs, Chairs and other successful senior leaders. Rather than a formal interview, this is a relaxed “fireside chat” style conversation, where Richard Triggs talks to the guest about their careers, key achievements, lessons learned along the way, and other interesting elements about how their careers have unfolded over the years. The idea is that aspiring and incumbent C-Suite executives and Non Executive Directors will have the ability to listen to those “who have walked the path before them”, in order to gain some insights and wisdom, and thereby accelerate the listener’s own career to its fullest potential. Richard is the Managing Partner of Arete Executive, a boutique executive search firm based in Brisbane. Richard Triggs’ new book “Uncover the Hidden Job Market – How to find and win your next Senior Executive role” was released in 2015.

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June 8, 202648 min

226 Richard Palmer - Building Businesses That Are Actually Worth Something

In this episode of the Arete Podcast, Richard Triggs sits down with Richard Palmer, Co-Founder and Partner at Qurate Advisory, to explore what it really takes to build a business that has lasting value. Richard has spent more than 25 years across corporate advisory, investment, governance, technology, M&A and executive leadership. His career has taken him from New Zealand to the UK and Australia, through high-growth technology, venture capital, funds management, CEO roles, board advisory and now Qurate Advisory, where he helps Australian business owners prepare for growth, succession, acquisition and sale. This conversation is a practical and honest look at the reality of business ownership. Richard and Richard discuss why so many owners start with the dream of building an asset, but end up creating a job for themselves instead. They explore why most businesses never sell, what makes a business genuinely valuable, and why value is ultimately about cash flow, risk and transferability. They also unpack the human side of business transition. Richard explains why many deals fail not because the business lacks value, but because owners, families or shareholders are not aligned on what they actually want. The conversation covers succession, trust, resilience, leadership, business owner pressure, Vistage, AI, tax, capital readiness and the importance of preparing for exit long before you want to exit. At its heart, this episode is about building with intention. It is a reminder that business owners can create income, impact and a valuable capital asset, but only if they start thinking about value early and treat readiness as a discipline, not a last-minute event. Key Timestamps 2:37 - Why Qurate Advisory exists and the problem it solves for business owners 5:49 - Lessons from the high-growth technology world at Orange 9:39 - Why running a business is very different from investing in one 18:10 - How Qurate Advisory began and why business transition starts with people 21:42 - The simple equation behind business value: cash flow and risk 27:00 - Why misalignment between owners, families and shareholders kills value 35:40 - How AI is changing risk, valuation and exit planning 47:02 - Why business owners should be capital ready every day, not just at sale USEFUL LINKS: Richard Palmer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardmpalmer1/ Qurate Advisory: https://qurate.com.au/ Richard Triggs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs/ Arete Executive Website: https://www.areteexecutive.com.au

June 1, 202637 min

225 Teva Smith - Creativity, Personal Brand and the Courage to Be Seen

In this episode of the Arete Executive Podcast, Richard Triggs sits down with Teva Smith, communications strategist, content creator and fractional communications consultant, to explore the power of creativity, personal brand and human connection in a world overloaded with digital noise. Teva’s career has moved across countries, industries and creative disciplines. From growing up in South Africa and spending almost a decade in the UK, to building a strong professional background in pharmaceutical PR, marketing and independent education, her path has been anything but linear. Today, she brings together more than 20 years of communications experience with a bold, funny and highly human online presence that has opened new professional doors. Richard and Teva discuss the rise of fractional work, why more businesses are looking for senior expertise without the risk or cost of a full-time hire, and how experienced professionals can bring value quickly across different organisations, projects and industries. They also explore the growing need for executives and business leaders to develop a more compelling online presence, not just as a polished career summary, but as a genuine expression of who they are. The conversation then moves into Teva’s own creative journey. She shares how making videos started as a personal outlet, why humour and vulnerability have helped her content resonate, and how authenticity, when handled with integrity, can become a serious professional advantage. This is a conversation about more than social media. It is about courage, creativity, reputation, reinvention and the importance of staying human in business. For leaders, executives and aspiring C-suite professionals, Teva offers a clear reminder: people do not just connect with credentials. They connect with personality, story and trust. Key Timestamps 1:46 - Teva’s work across fractional communications, content creation and creative projects 2:16 - The rise of fractional work and why businesses are using senior expertise differently 6:07 - Teva’s journey from South Africa to Australia, the UK and back to Brisbane 8:00 - Creativity, storytelling and human connection as the thread through Teva’s career 10:09 - How Teva started creating online videos and developed her distinctive voice 13:04 - Balancing professional reputation with personal expression online 20:24 - How leaders and business owners can start building a stronger personal brand 34:58 - Teva’s final message on bravery, creativity and having more fun in business USEFUL LINKS: Teva Smith on LinkedIn Teva Smith's Website Richard Triggs on LinkedIn SUBSCRIBE HERE: Apple Podcast | Stitcher | Subscribe on Android | Player.fm | RSS | Spotify

May 6, 202633 min

224 Ewan McDonald - CEO & Founding Director - Spectra

In this episode of the Arete Executive Podcast, Richard Triggs sits down with Ewan McDonald, Founder and CEO of Spectra, to discuss the realities of building and sustaining a business through some of the most volatile conditions in the oil and gas sector. Ewan shares the story behind founding the business in 2009 during the coal seam gas exploration boom, and the evolution from its original beginnings as Protest Well Services into the technology-driven engineered services company Spectra is today. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the energy sector, Ewan reflects on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, including surviving multiple industry downturns, navigating the devastating impact of the 2011 Queensland floods, and adapting through periods of declining revenue and uncertainty. The conversation explores how adversity often forces innovation. Ewan explains how bringing engineering capability in-house during COVID became a major turning point for the business, enabling Spectra to develop proprietary technologies that are now delivering major operational efficiencies and emissions reductions for customers in the gas sector. He also shares the journey from early-stage ideas to securing commercial contracts with global energy companies including Shell. Richard and Ewan discuss leadership lessons learned over 17 years in business, including the importance of building strong leadership teams, creating alignment around a shared vision, and ensuring the right people are in the right seats. Ewan speaks candidly about managing cultural misalignment, building accountability, and fostering a safety-first environment in a high-risk industry where operational discipline and integrity are critical. The discussion also touches on the future of oil and gas, Australia’s energy security challenges, the ongoing role of LNG, and why the transition to alternative energy sources must remain grounded in practical realities. This episode is packed with insights for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams navigating uncertainty, scaling technical businesses, and building resilient organisations capable of adapting through changing market conditions. Key Timestamps 1:00 – Ewan’s role as Founder and CEO of Spectra 2:00 – Starting a business during the coal seam gas exploration boom 3:00 – Surviving industry downturns and the realities of entrepreneurship 6:00 – Understanding drill stem testing (DST) and coal seam gas exploration 10:00 – Scaling rapidly and the impact of the 2011 Queensland floods 11:30 – Evolving the business beyond DST services 14:00 – COVID disruption and the turning point of bringing engineering capability in-house 16:00 – Developing industry-changing technology and securing contracts with Shell 18:00 – Growth plans, acquisitions, and the future direction of Spectra 19:00 – Oil, gas, LNG, and Australia’s energy security outlook 21:30 – Leadership lessons from 17 years in business 24:00 – Getting the right people on the bus and managing cultural misalignment 26:00 – Safety, accountability, and operational integrity in high-risk industries 27:30 – Building a positive culture and aligning teams around a shared vision 29:00 – Balancing fly-in fly-out leadership, family life, and business growth

October 19, 202541 min

223 Birgit Schnelle – Certified EOS Implementer – Entrepreneurial Coach – EOS Worldwide

223 Birgit Schnelle – Certified EOS Implementer – Entrepreneurial Coach – EOS Worldwide by Richard Triggs

October 12, 202539 min

222 Andrew Rodgers – CEO of CST Hire and Non-Executive Director

In this episode of the Arete Executive Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer of CST Hire, Chair and Non-Executive Director. With more than two decades of leadership experience across resources, manufacturing, infrastructure, and professional services, Andrew shares the lessons from a career defined by reinvention, curiosity, and cultural leadership. Andrew discusses his journey from aspiring engineer to CFO and then CEO, spanning industries from energy and mining to law and logistics. He reflects on the mindset shift required to transition from technical leadership into people-centred leadership, and why emotional intelligence and culture are now central to how he builds teams. We explore the reality of balancing executive and board responsibilities, the discipline it takes to maintain governance boundaries, and how sitting on boards in different industries has sharpened his business acumen as a CEO. Andrew also talks about his current work at CST Hire — Australia’s leading truck and specialist vehicle rental business — where he’s driving diversification into renewables, rail, and infrastructure, while embedding innovation such as AI-powered fleet management and customer service automation. The conversation is rich with practical insights for leaders about staying curious, walking the floor, and creating cultures of accountability and engagement. Andrew’s reflections on learning, adaptability, and longevity offer valuable guidance for any executive considering their own evolution from C-suite to boardroom. Key Timestamps 2:00 – Overview of CST Hire and its national operations 5:00 – Balancing CEO and board roles effectively 8:00 – From engineer to CFO to CEO: lessons in reinvention 12:15 – Developing soft skills and emotional intelligence in leadership 17:00 – Building board experience and applying cross-industry learning 19:00 – Listed vs private company dynamics and leadership differences 22:30 – Culture, visibility, and leading from the floor 24:00 – Behaviour, accountability, and building team engagement 28:00 – CST’s diversification strategy and use of AI technology 34:00 – The appeal and reality of portfolio careers 36:00 – Life outside work: family, surf, and being a proud grandfather

October 7, 202540 min

221 Damien van Brunschot – Director at EvolveResolve and Host of The Resolution Room

In this episode of the Arete Executive Podcast, I sit down with Damien van Brunschot — Director of EvolveResolve, host of The Resolution Room podcast, leadership coach and trainer, and former Managing Partner with 29 years of legal experience. Damien shares his journey from decades in commercial litigation and governance through to his transition into mediation, conflict resolution, and leadership coaching. We explore how his experience as a Managing Partner shaped his perspective on dispute resolution and why he now champions proactive mediation as a pathway to stronger workplaces and healthier leadership. In the second half of the conversation, Damien dives into the psychology of conflict — how leaders can defuse tension, reframe disputes as opportunities, and build cultures where difficult conversations drive connection rather than division. This episode is rich with practical wisdom for executives navigating both boardroom decisions and workplace dynamics. Key Timestamps 2:00 – Damien’s 29-year career in law and leadership, and why he pivoted into mediation and coaching. 6:15 – The roots of EvolveResolve and the mission to transform how organisations approach disputes. 10:40 – Common mistakes leaders make in conflict situations — and how to avoid them. 15:30 – Why unresolved disputes erode culture, productivity, and trust. 21:50 – The role of mediation in turning workplace friction into collaboration. 28:10 – Insights from hosting The Resolution Room podcast and conversations with leaders. 34:30 – Leadership lessons from managing a law firm and guiding teams through pressure. 40:45 – Coaching leaders to embrace vulnerability and courage in conflict. 47:20 – Building organisations where disagreement becomes a catalyst for growth and innovation.

September 14, 202558 min

220 Tim Dwyer – Business Growth Strategist – Creator of the Tolemy Map

In this episode of the Arete Executive Podcast, I sit down with Tim Dwyer, business growth strategist and founder of Tolemy, to explore how leaders can create clarity, alignment, and activation across their organisations. Tim shares the journey from his early vision in 2008 to develop a “Google Maps for business” through to the creation of the Tolemy Map and his recently published book. We unpack how Tolemy helps leadership teams chart their direction, align their decision-making, and leverage the collective genius of their people. In the second half of the conversation, Tim shifts gears to talk about the importance of slowing down to speed up, taking time to reinvent your business, and nurturing health, relationships, and brand. This episode blends practical strategy with deep leadership reflection — a must-listen for any executive looking to lead with clarity and purpose. Key Timestamps 1:15 – Tim’s original 2008 vision to build a “Google Maps for business” and remove the stress from growth. 4:00 – The inspiration behind the Tolemy name and why navigation is a powerful metaphor for strategy. 6:45 – How the Tolemy Map aligns leadership teams around direction and decision-making. 9:30 – Turning the map into a reference manual for businesses — setting direction, aligning teams, activating plans. 13:20 – The cost of disconnection between leadership teams and how Tolemy closes the gap. 20:40 – Leveraging the “genius” of every person in the business for maximum growth. 34:50 – The danger of accelerating faster and faster — why leaders must create space for relationships. 37:30 – “Slowing down to speed up” — reconnecting with health, business fundamentals, and people. 42:10 – Tim on the current “reinvention window” and why now is the time to reimagine business. 46:00 – Practical ways to build a less frantic, more connected, more intentional organisation.

September 7, 202544 min

219 Zena Burgess - Chief Executive Officer at Australian Psychological Society

In this episode of the Arete Executive Podcast, I speak with Dr Zena Burgess FAICD FAPS, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Psychological Society, about her leadership journey across psychology, governance, and health reform. Zena shares how she scaled APS into a digitally enabled organisation with influence at state and federal levels, while also balancing a diverse board portfolio that includes Diabetes Australia, Bully Zero, and a psychedelic start-up. We discuss the importance of advocacy, how to navigate ambiguity as a leader, and why coaching, networks and patience are essential for long-term success. Zena also reflects on gender barriers she overcame early in her career, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and why aligning heart and mind is the key to effective profit-for-purpose organisations. Key Timestamps 00:20 – CEO role at APS: representing 26,000 psychologists, influencing government, and transforming the organisation’s digital capability. 02:33 – Board portfolio: Diabetes Australia, Bully Zero, and psychedelic start-up work in PTSD and pain. 06:26 – Early life: convent school, father a judge/hostage negotiator; learning resilience through debate and gender barriers. 10:44 – First CEO role at the College of GPs: stepping up when her CEO retired; focus on enabling teams. 12:59 – Preparing for leadership: continuous learning through Harvard, Columbia, INSEAD, and working with business coaches. 15:24 – Proud RACGP achievements: resolving 25-year GP training issue, influencing government policy, advancing mental health reforms. 23:31 – APS transformation: raising external profile, digitisation, and stronger student/emerging leader engagement. 26:29 – Advocacy philosophy: patience, persistence, and aligning ideas with others to achieve change. 28:09 – Best career advice: “learn the grey,” embrace uncertainty, tolerate imperfection, and learn to say no. 35:08 – Diabetes Australia as a model: blending lived experience with commercial discipline; why it’s rare and effective.

August 31, 202536 min

218 Vincent Berry – Director – Commercial Litigation & Insolvency Specialist – Sajen Legal

In this episode of the Arete Executive Podcast, I speak with Vincent Berry, Director at Sajen Legal, about how business owners and executives can better protect their organisations from legal risk. Vincent shares his journey from young lawyer to firm director, why commercial litigation and insolvency are such critical areas right now, and how business leaders can mitigate risks with the right contracts, due diligence, and proactive legal strategies. We explore post-COVID legal trends, including the rise in insolvencies, shareholder disputes, and compliance pressures from the ATO. Vincent also explains why many executives underestimate the importance of contract terms, how failing to act quickly can cost millions, and why prevention is far cheaper than cure. From supplier contracts to shareholder agreements and employment restraints, this conversation is a practical masterclass in protecting what you’ve built before problems arise. Key Timestamps 1:12 – Vincent introduces Sajen Legal and its focus on commercial litigation and insolvency. 2:28 – Asset protection and structuring to safeguard clients if things go wrong. 6:19 – Post-COVID legal trends: ATO pressure, insolvencies, and shareholder disputes. 10:09 – Why contracts matter more than ever and the dangers of DIY terms (Google, ChatGPT). 15:57 – Evidence tips: don’t send emotional emails, assume you’re being recorded. 20:27 – Shareholder disputes, strategy, and why early legal advice is critical. 22:00 – Common mistakes: waiting too long, losing rights to secure assets. 28:00 – Employment law risks: intellectual property and restraints of trade. 31:41 – Vincent’s key advice: don’t expect courts to guarantee fairness—act early. 33:38 – Personal reflections: running his own firm, growth plans, and becoming a new father.

August 25, 202555 min

217 Kylie Sprott – Board Director – Advisor – Speaker – Founder of Sprott Methods

In this episode, I sit down with Kylie Sprott to explore her journey from senior executive roles into a true portfolio career that blends board directorships, consulting, mentoring, writing, and public speaking. Central to this transition is her latest venture, Sprott Methods—a leadership platform developed over three years that combines global collaborations, masterclasses, interviews, and practical resources for business leaders. Kylie explains how the platform is designed to cut through “noise” and provide digestible, real-world advice for leaders, while also celebrating insights from diverse leaders across industries. Kylie reflects on her philosophy of leadership, drawing on her 25 years in executive roles. She emphasises curiosity, humility, and breadth of knowledge as essential traits for modern leaders, qualities she likens to “unicorn leaders.” We also explore her perspectives on risk management, strategy, and how fictional characters like Ted Lasso can inspire leadership lessons. Kylie shares her approach to board service, explaining how she positions her skills within board matrices, and how she balances advertised opportunities with those found through the hidden job market. Timestamps 2:15 - The launch of Sprott Methods and its global collaborations 5:36 - Cutting through the noise: practical leadership education 7:39 - Risk registers and real-world business resilience 9:00 - The “business unicorn” metaphor and what makes great leaders 12:01 - Lessons from Top Gun and Ted Lasso applied to leadership 15:05 - The “malaise of mediocrity” and striving for improvement 20:05 - Building board capability and defining a skills matrix 23:21 - Hidden job market vs advertised board opportunities 26:02 - Differentiating coaching, mentoring, and advisory roles 30:00 - Public speaking and lessons from vulnerability