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 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

You know when two different people tell you, “You really need to meet her”? There’s usually a reason.
That was Jess Caire for me. And they were right.

Jess is sharp, accomplished, and leads in a space that’s traditionally male and corporate. But what struck me wasn’t just what she does. It was how she does it. She’s warm, funny, self-aware, and disarmingly real. The kind of person who makes you feel at ease while also reminding you of what’s possible.

In this episode, Jess shares her journey, from running her own business at 25, to stepping into senior leadership roles and navigating rooms not always designed for women. She’s honest about the learning, generous with her insight, and never afraid to laugh at herself.

Jess is a reminder that the best leaders aren’t the ones who pretend they’ve arrived. They’re the ones who stay open, keep growing, and lead with both impact and humility.

You know when two different people tell you, &ldquo;You really need to meet her&rdquo;? There&rsquo;s usually a reason. That was Jess Caire for me. And they were right.
Jess is sharp, accomplished, and leads in a space that&rsquo;s traditionally male and corporate. But what struck me wasn&rsquo;t just what she does. It was how she does it. She&rsquo;s warm, funny, self-aware, and disarmingly real. The kind of person who makes you feel at ease while also reminding you of what&rsquo;s possible.
In this episode, Jess shares her journey, from running her own business at 25, to stepping into senior leadership roles and navigating rooms not always designed for women. She&rsquo;s honest about the learning, generous with her insight, and never afraid to laugh at herself.
Jess is a reminder that the best leaders aren&rsquo;t the ones who pretend they&rsquo;ve arrived. They&rsquo;re the ones who stay open, keep growing, and lead with both impact and humility.

Jess Caire, Executive Director of Property Council QLD

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/2ca164ea-a00d-40fc-b3a1-b3b0007a2cae/transcript

In this episode, I sit down with David Hanham, CEO of the Queensland Rugby Union. And what struck me most wasn’t the role, the pressure, or the responsibility… it was his honesty.

David is one of those rare leaders willing to speak openly about the things he hasn’t always done well. The missteps, the blind spots, the moments he struggled. And hearing a CEO talk that vulnerably is powerful. What unfolds in this conversation is a masterclass in self-awareness: understanding your strengths, owning your weaknesses, and putting simple, practical steps in place to become a better human and a better leader.

It reminded me that even at the highest levels, leadership is deeply human. And speaking with David felt less like interviewing a CEO and more like talking to a good friend. Real, grounded, generous.

In this episode, I sit down with David Hanham, CEO of the Queensland Rugby Union. And what struck me most wasn&rsquo;t the role, the pressure, or the responsibility&hellip; it was his honesty.
David is one of those rare leaders willing to speak openly about the things he hasn&rsquo;t always done well. The missteps, the blind spots, the moments he struggled. And hearing a CEO talk that vulnerably is powerful. What unfolds in this conversation is a masterclass in self-awareness: understanding your strengths, owning your weaknesses, and putting simple, practical steps in place to become a better human and a better leader.
It reminded me that even at the highest levels, leadership is deeply human. And speaking with David felt less like interviewing a CEO and more like talking to a good friend. Real, grounded, generous.

David Hanham CEO, QLD Ruby Union (Reds)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/f4e10975-330c-4087-aac3-b39900661f8e/transcript

Zimi Meka, Co Founder & CEO of Ausenco

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