In Episode 152 of the No Limitations podcast Culture Trumps All, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Steve Sargent, Chairman of Nanosonics Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

 

In a reflective yet upbeat conversation, Steve delves into the core principles which helped establish General Electric (GE) as one of the greatest leadership factories of the 21st century. He dissects the company’s performance-oriented culture, emphasising the importance of seamless operating systems as well as the power of candid communication and messaging. Steve challenges us to critically assess GE’s renowned leadership methodologies, such as Six Sigma, and whether they could still be employed by modern CEOs in today’s evolving business world. Finally, Steve offers his perspective on the broader business leadership challenges at both the Executive and Board level, and how the shifting geopolitical landscape may reshape the global economy and provide unprecedented and untapped opportunities for Australia.

 

Steve began his career at Westpac Banking Corporation before moving to the United States, where he joined GE. Over the next 25 years, he held a variety of leadership roles within the company, ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer and President, Global Mining. Steve was the first Australian appointed as a member of the company’s 45-member Corporate Executive Council and as an Officer of GE in the company’s long-standing history. Currently, Steve is the Chairman of Nanosonics Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Ramsay Health Care Ltd. He is also Chairman of the Origin Energy Foundation, Origin Energy’s philanthropic arm, and serves on the Board of The Great Barrier Reef Foundation and is a Non-Executive Director of Lumitron Technologies Inc.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 11 March 2025.

In Episode 152 of the No Limitations podcast Culture Trumps All,&nbsp;Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks with Steve Sargent, Chairman of Nanosonics Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Ramsay Health Care Ltd.
&nbsp;
In a reflective yet upbeat conversation, Steve delves into the core principles which helped establish General Electric (GE) as one of the greatest leadership factories of the 21st&nbsp;century. He dissects the company&rsquo;s performance-oriented culture, emphasising the importance of seamless operating systems as well as the power of candid communication and messaging. Steve challenges us to critically assess GE&rsquo;s renowned leadership methodologies, such as Six Sigma, and whether they could still be employed by modern CEOs in today&rsquo;s evolving business world. Finally, Steve offers his perspective on the broader business leadership challenges at both the Executive and Board level, and how the shifting geopolitical landscape may reshape the global economy and provide unprecedented and untapped opportunities for Australia.
&nbsp;
Steve began his career at Westpac Banking Corporation before moving to the United States, where he joined GE. Over the next 25 years, he held a variety of leadership roles within the company, ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer and President, Global Mining. Steve was the first Australian appointed as a member of the company&rsquo;s 45-member Corporate Executive Council and as an Officer of GE in the company&rsquo;s long-standing history. Currently, Steve is the Chairman of Nanosonics Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Ramsay Health Care Ltd. He is also Chairman of the Origin Energy Foundation, Origin Energy&rsquo;s philanthropic arm, and serves on the Board of The Great Barrier Reef Foundation and is a Non-Executive Director of Lumitron Technologies Inc.
&nbsp;
Please note: this episode was recorded on 11 March 2025.

A series regarded amongst the most inspiring and honest conversations with elite world class performing men and women across a broad genre covering the issues, opportunities and challenges confronting them. 
Gregory Robinson, Managing Partner at Blenheim Partners Executive Search and Board Advisory firm discovers the influences that have shaped their destinies, unlocking crucial insights into each guests core character, their motivation, broader thinking, strategies and approach they have taken to succeed. 
In a thought provoking show that breaks with the status quo, the guests and "first among equals", reveal their secrets, triumphs and disappointments with rare personal insight and learnings that you may wish to adopt in today's rapidly changing and competitive global landscape.

Thought provoking conversations with global business leaders

No Limitations

Culture Trumps All | Steve Sargent

In Episode 154 of the No Limitations podcast, The Quantum Cold War, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Rob Jesudason, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founding Partner of Serendipity Capital.

 

In a provocative discussion, Rob warns that increasing geopolitical tensions are heightening security risks as we shift towards a multipolar world order. He emphasises that the lack of sufficient investment from governments and businesses in technologies critical to national security, could put countries at a disadvantage, leaving both their physical and technological infrastructure vulnerable. Rob also closely examines the implications of Artificial Intelligence and questions whether economies like Australia can effectively leverage its resources and implement a long-term strategy to address current challenges in productivity, tax policy and investment incentives. Finally, Rob explores the complexities of building a business from scratch, sharing candid insights and personal anecdotes of his journey transitioning from a Senior Executive at Commonwealth Bank of Australia to founding Serendipity Capital.

 

Rob began his career at GE Capital in the United Kingdom before joining McKinsey & Company for four years. For the next 16 years, Rob held various senior leadership positions at several major banks, including Barclays Bank PLC, J.P. Morgan, Credit Suisse and Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where he was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in 2017. He also served as a Non-Executive Director of ASB Bank, PT Bank Commonwealth and TymeBank. Rob was appointed President of Block.one in 2018, before relocating to Singapore, where he founded Serendipity Capital, an early-stage investment firm that is focused on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, climate and sustainability, quantum technologies and security. In addition to being the CEO, Rob is also the Chief Investment Officer and is responsible for recommending investment decisions to the Investment Committee. He is a Non-Executive Director of several Serendipity portfolio companies including Deep Labs, Pollination and Fortaegis Technologies, and was previously on the Board of Cambridge Quantum Computing. Rob is a Visiting Professor at Aston University.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 6 May 2025.

In Episode 154 of the No Limitations podcast,&nbsp;The Quantum Cold War, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks with Rob Jesudason, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founding Partner of Serendipity Capital.
&nbsp;
In a provocative discussion, Rob warns that increasing geopolitical tensions are heightening security risks as we shift towards a multipolar world order. He emphasises that the lack of sufficient investment from governments and businesses in technologies critical to national security, could put countries at a disadvantage, leaving both their physical and technological infrastructure vulnerable. Rob also closely examines the implications of Artificial Intelligence and questions whether economies like Australia can effectively leverage its resources and implement a long-term strategy to address current challenges in productivity, tax policy and investment incentives. Finally, Rob explores the complexities of building a business from scratch, sharing candid insights and personal anecdotes of his journey transitioning from a Senior Executive at Commonwealth Bank of Australia to founding Serendipity Capital.
&nbsp;
Rob began his career at GE Capital in the United Kingdom before joining McKinsey &amp; Company for four years. For the next 16 years, Rob held various senior leadership positions at several major banks, including Barclays Bank PLC, J.P. Morgan, Credit Suisse and Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where he was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in 2017. He also served as a Non-Executive Director of ASB Bank, PT Bank Commonwealth and TymeBank. Rob was appointed President of Block.one in 2018, before relocating to Singapore, where he founded Serendipity Capital, an early-stage investment firm that is focused on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, climate and sustainability, quantum technologies and security. In addition to being the CEO, Rob is also the Chief Investment Officer and is responsible for recommending investment decisions to the Investment Committee. He is a Non-Executive Director of several Serendipity portfolio companies including Deep Labs, Pollination and Fortaegis Technologies, and was previously on the Board of Cambridge Quantum Computing. Rob is a Visiting Professor at Aston University.
&nbsp;
Please note: this episode was recorded on 6 May 2025.

The Quantum Cold War | Rob Jesudason

In Episode 153 of the No Limitations podcast Phoenix From The Ashes, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with James P. Farwell, Senior Fellow at Sympodium-Institute for Strategic Communications (London).

 

In an absorbing discussion, James contends that the world today is adrift and in need of a course to steer. Drawing on his background as a political, corporate, communications and national security advisor, James asserts that Donald Trump has used tariffs as an instrument of “purposeful unpredictability” and as a potent negotiating tactic. Turning to China, James believes that Xi Jinping is establishing total control over the Chinese Communist Party, the government and the military, and that Vladimir Putin is seeking to follow in the footsteps of Peter the Great in making Russia a dominant hegemonic power once again. James discusses a range of other interesting topics including cybersecurity, irregular warfare, his fascination with UFOs, and his recent engagement with the film industry in Hollywood. He finishes with a stirring conclusion about the nature of leadership centred around character, integrity and excellence in a thought-provoking conversation.

 

Earlier in his career, James was a Partner at Chaffe McCall law firm in New Orleans. Thereafter, and for over three decades, James has operated his own consultancy, The Farwell Group, through which he has advised United States and overseas presidential campaigns, gubernatorial candidates from Oklahoma, California, and Arkansas, and legislative candidates from Bermuda, Greece and Korea. James is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Biodefense Research. James was previously an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Strategic Communications, Department of War Studies at King’s College in London and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Middle East Logistics High Institute. A talented and prolific writer, James has nearly 130 publications to his name, spanning national security, corporate strategy, communications, cyberwarfare, and creative works including a West End musical and several films in the making.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 23 April 2025.

 

Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this podcast are James’ own and do not represent those of the United States government.

In Episode 153 of the No Limitations podcast&nbsp;Phoenix From The Ashes, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks with James P. Farwell, Senior Fellow at Sympodium-Institute for Strategic Communications (London).
&nbsp;
In an absorbing discussion, James contends that the world today is adrift and in need of a course to steer. Drawing on his background as a political, corporate, communications and national security advisor, James asserts that Donald Trump has used tariffs as an instrument of &ldquo;purposeful unpredictability&rdquo; and as a potent negotiating tactic. Turning to China, James believes that Xi Jinping is establishing total control over the Chinese Communist Party, the government and the military, and that Vladimir Putin is seeking to follow in the footsteps of Peter the Great in making Russia a dominant hegemonic power once again. James discusses a range of other interesting topics including cybersecurity, irregular warfare, his fascination with UFOs, and his recent engagement with the film industry in Hollywood. He finishes with a stirring conclusion about the nature of leadership centred around character, integrity and excellence in a thought-provoking conversation.
&nbsp;
Earlier in his career, James was a Partner at Chaffe McCall law firm in New Orleans. Thereafter, and for over three decades, James has operated his own consultancy, The Farwell Group, through which he has advised United States and overseas presidential campaigns, gubernatorial candidates from Oklahoma, California, and Arkansas, and legislative candidates from Bermuda, Greece and Korea. James is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Biodefense Research. James was previously an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Strategic Communications, Department of War Studies at King&rsquo;s College in London and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Middle East Logistics High Institute. A talented and prolific writer, James has nearly 130 publications to his name, spanning national security, corporate strategy, communications, cyberwarfare, and creative works including a West End musical and several films in the making.
&nbsp;
Please note: this episode was recorded on 23 April 2025.
&nbsp;
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this podcast are James&rsquo; own and do not represent those of the United States government.

Phoenix From The Ashes | James P. Farwell

In Episode 151 of the No Limitations podcast Commitment Bordering on Obsession, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with David Dicker, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dicker Data Ltd and Founder of Rodin Cars.

In a relaxed yet discerning conversation, David reflects on his unique entrepreneurial journey. He recounts the pivotal moments and tribulations that propelled Dicker Data from its humble beginnings to the nation’s largest locally owned and operated ICT distributor. David shares the guiding principles that have been fundamental to his success, offering valuable insight to his approach to business strategy, the need for standards and translating it all into a remarkable growth story.

Finally, David takes the opportunity to discuss the new world, the political landscape, and what is next over the horizon.

Upon finishing high school, David pursued a refrigeration mechanics apprenticeship before joining his father’s building business. In 1978, he co-founded a computer company originally called the microcomputer division of AJ and JW Dicker.

The company later rebranded to Dicker Data and in 2011, was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Dicker Data is a distributor of computer hardware, software, and cloud products, serving over 5,000 registered reseller partners annually. David is also the founder of Rodin Cars, an emerging high-technology, high-performance track car developer based in New Zealand.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 19 March 2025.

In Episode 151 of the No Limitations podcast&nbsp;Commitment Bordering on Obsession, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks with David Dicker, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dicker Data Ltd and Founder of Rodin Cars.
In a relaxed yet discerning conversation, David reflects on his unique entrepreneurial journey. He recounts the pivotal moments and tribulations that propelled Dicker Data from its humble beginnings to the nation&rsquo;s largest locally owned and operated ICT distributor. David shares the guiding principles that have been fundamental to his success, offering valuable insight to his approach to business strategy, the need for standards and translating it all into a remarkable growth story.
Finally, David takes the opportunity to discuss the new world, the political landscape, and what is next over the horizon.
Upon finishing high school, David pursued a refrigeration mechanics apprenticeship before joining his father&rsquo;s building business. In 1978, he co-founded a computer company originally called the microcomputer division of AJ and JW Dicker.
The company later rebranded to Dicker Data and in 2011, was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Dicker Data is a distributor of computer hardware, software, and cloud products, serving over 5,000 registered reseller partners annually. David is also the founder of Rodin Cars, an emerging high-technology, high-performance track car developer based in New Zealand.
Please note: this episode was recorded on 19 March 2025.

Culture Trumps All | Steve Sargent

In 1 playlist(s)

No Limitations

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips