In this episode, I sit down with Zimi Meka, Co-Founder and CEO of Ausenco ,a Brisbane start-up that grew into one of the world’s most respected engineering companies.

Zimi’s story is one of grit, heart, and quiet conviction. From his father’s journey as a refugee to his own path as a global leader, he shares the moments that shaped him ,the setbacks, the instincts he trusted, and the values that never shifted.

It’s an honest conversation about boldness, humility, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

In this episode, I sit down with Zimi Meka, Co-Founder and CEO of Ausenco ,a Brisbane start-up that grew into one of the world&rsquo;s most respected engineering companies.
Zimi&rsquo;s story is one of grit, heart, and quiet conviction. From his father&rsquo;s journey as a refugee to his own path as a global leader, he shares the moments that shaped him ,the setbacks, the instincts he trusted, and the values that never shifted.
It&rsquo;s an honest conversation about boldness, humility, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

Brave Always is a podcast that explores all things BRAVE ( Bold, Resilient, Authentic, Vulnerable and Empathetic) with some of Australia’s best CEO’s, entrepreneurs and outstanding leaders in their field. Hosted by the Founder of Emjoy, Emma Hall with over 20 years experience in Leadership, Employee Experience and Culture. As the former GM of Culture for Virgin Australia, Emma is passionate about truly changing the landscape of culture, through braver leadership. The conversations dive deep into each guest’s journey to success, explores the challenges along the way and showcases to all that real leadership, requires real vulnerability and real bravery. These are conversations you would unlikely ever here from some of the best in the business. 

Brave Always is a podcast that explores all things BRAVE ( Bold, Resilient, Authentic, Vulnerable and Empathetic) with some of Australia’s best CEO’s, entrepreneurs and outstanding leaders in their field. Hosted by the Founder of Emjoy, Emma Hall with over 20 years experience in Leadership, Employee Experience and Culture. As the former GM of Culture for Virgin Australia, Emma is passionate about truly changing the landscape of culture, through braver leadership. The conversations dive deep into each guest’s journey to success, explores the challenges along the way and showcases to all that real leadership, requires real vulnerability and real bravery. These are conversations you would unlikely ever here from some of the best in the business.

Brave Always

Brave always is a people podcast designed for everyday people to ask those burning questions when it comes to work.  Emma and Luke are leaders in the field of culture and employee experience and have over 25 years experience leading culture, engagement, recruitment & holding senior leadership roles. Following on from a long tenure leading culture at one of the worlds global brands Virgin, they launched Emjoy in early 2021, with a passion to help make real change in the world of culture, leadership and helping people love where they work. This podcast is informative but light-hearted and aims to help everyone from employees to leaders look at the challenges they face with a new perspective.

Zimi Meka, Co Founder & CEO of Ausenco 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/90aa9d33-95dc-46f8-b153-b38e005bff7d/transcript

In this episode I sit down with Kendall Gilding and what struck me most wasn't the twenty years on camera or being one of the youngest news anchors in the country. It was her honesty about what it actually cost to hold it all together.

For eight years Kendall was the face of Queensland's afternoon news. And then she walked away from the thing that made her, to build something of her own. What unfolds in this conversation is so much more than a career story. We talk about what it really takes to look composed when you're falling apart behind the scenes, the quiet bravery of leaving, and what she's learning about leading as herself rather than the version the anchor desk asked her to be.

My chat with Kendall was just the reminder I needed that day. That we're all just doing our best and are so very human. As inspired as I always am in my chats with people with such incredible success stories, it's their immense vulnerability that inspires me the most. This was no exception

In this episode I sit down with Kendall Gilding and what struck me most wasn't the twenty years on camera or being one of the youngest news anchors in the country. It was her honesty about what it actually cost to hold it all together. For eight years Kendall was the face of Queensland's afternoon news. And then she walked away from the thing that made her, to build something of her own. What unfolds in this conversation is so much more than a career story. We talk about what it really takes to look composed when you're falling apart behind the scenes, the quiet bravery of leaving, and what she's learning about leading as herself rather than the version the anchor desk asked her to be.
My chat with Kendall was just the reminder I needed that day. That we're all just doing our best and are so very human. As inspired as I always am in my chats with people with such incredible success stories, it's their immense vulnerability that inspires me the most. This was no exception

Kendall Gilding, Former 7NEWS Queensland Presenter and Founder of The Art of Communication

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/a8e94ff8-8092-482f-acd6-b487004c4c3f/transcript

He started in real estate at 16 and never looked back. Jonny built Housemark, Wingman Group and the entire CREATE Holdings empire into something rare: a business that scales without losing its soul. This one is full of gold. His approach to trust, culture and building in the messy middle makes him one of the most compelling young leaders in the country.

He started in real estate at 16 and never looked back. Jonny built Housemark, Wingman Group and the entire CREATE Holdings empire into something rare: a business that scales without losing its soul. This one is full of gold. His approach to trust, culture and building in the messy middle makes him one of the most compelling young leaders in the country.

Jonny Bell, Founder of CREATE Holdings and Wingman Group

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/60e7fab9-3755-4f37-9085-b460000862ab/transcript

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Moore. Former Wallabies Captain, World Cup winner, and one of Australian rugby's most decorated leaders.

And honestly? I wasn't prepared for how much I'd like him.

Because Stephen Moore is not what you'd expect. He's not the alpha in the room. He's not the guy performing his own highlight reel. He's someone who will openly tell you what he doesn't know, what he's still figuring out, and why he thinks relationships and trust matter more than almost anything else in leadership.

Watching him navigate the leap from elite sport into the corporate world. With no ego, no armour, just a genuine commitment to keep growing, reminded me that the best leaders aren't the ones who've arrived. They're the ones who never stop becoming.

This conversation left me thinking: this is exactly the kind of person you'd want leading you. Not because he's impressive (though he is) but because he's real.

Unscripted. Honest. And quietly one of the most compelling leaders I've sat across from.

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Moore. Former Wallabies Captain, World Cup winner, and one of Australian rugby's most decorated leaders.
And honestly? I wasn't prepared for how much I'd like him.
Because Stephen Moore is not what you'd expect. He's not the alpha in the room. He's not the guy performing his own highlight reel. He's someone who will openly tell you what he doesn't know, what he's still figuring out, and why he thinks relationships and trust matter more than almost anything else in leadership.
Watching him navigate the leap from elite sport into the corporate world. With no ego, no armour, just a genuine commitment to keep growing, reminded me that the best leaders aren't the ones who've arrived. They're the ones who never stop becoming.
This conversation left me thinking: this is exactly the kind of person you'd want leading you. Not because he's impressive (though he is) but because he's real.
Unscripted. Honest. And quietly one of the most compelling leaders I've sat across from.

Stephen Moore, AM Managing Director BMS Group Former Australian Rugby Union Captain

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/002b3f10-d652-425a-b9d5-b4270034f671/transcript

Zimi Meka, Co Founder & CEO of Ausenco

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