In Episode 137 of the No Limitations podcast Flight to Gold, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Hooker OAM, Founder and Director of iHi Projects. 

In this relaxed discussion, Steve takes us behind the scenes of the Olympic Games, uncovering the magic, myths and mastery behind the sporting spectacle. He reveals what it truly takes to deliver on a world stage, as he describes the “pressure cooker” of Beijing's Bird's Nest and the moment he clinched gold amidst an 80,000-strong crowd. Steve discusses his journey beyond the track, where he has taken significant strides in the corporate arena, bridging the gap between sports and business while championing community building and sustainable impact. Through it all, Steve discusses the importance of “having a crack” and provides his insights on the standout stars to watch in the Paris Olympic Games.

Steve remains one of only a handful of athletes to hold Olympic, World Championship, IAAF World Indoor Championship and IAAF Continental Cup titles simultaneously, after completing the winning set in the pole vault in 2010 and was the first Australian man to hold both the Olympic and World titles concurrently. Since retiring from competitive athletics, Steve has served as Chief Executive of Access Telehealth, Chief Executive Officer of Resimax Group, and Executive Director of the Australian Olympic Committee. Steve is currently a Director of Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Steve Hooker Sports.



Please note: This episode was recorded on 17 June 2024.

In Episode 137 of the No Limitations podcast Flight to Gold, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Hooker OAM, Founder and Director of iHi Projects. 
In this relaxed discussion, Steve takes us behind the scenes of the Olympic Games, uncovering the magic, myths and mastery behind the sporting spectacle. He reveals what it truly takes to deliver on a world stage, as he describes the “pressure cooker” of Beijing's Bird's Nest and the moment he clinched gold amidst an 80,000-strong crowd. Steve discusses his journey beyond the track, where he has taken significant strides in the corporate arena, bridging the gap between sports and business while championing community building and sustainable impact. Through it all, Steve discusses the importance of “having a crack” and provides his insights on the standout stars to watch in the Paris Olympic Games.
Steve remains one of only a handful of athletes to hold Olympic, World Championship, IAAF World Indoor Championship and IAAF Continental Cup titles simultaneously, after completing the winning set in the pole vault in 2010 and was the first Australian man to hold both the Olympic and World titles concurrently. Since retiring from competitive athletics, Steve has served as Chief Executive of Access Telehealth, Chief Executive Officer of Resimax Group, and Executive Director of the Australian Olympic Committee. Steve is currently a Director of Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Steve Hooker Sports.
 
Please note: This episode was recorded on 17 June 2024.

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

Flight to Gold | Steve Hooker OAM

In Episode 136 of the No Limitations podcast In Unexpected Places, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Robert Spurway, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GrainCorp Ltd. 

In an insightful discussion, Robert provides an in-depth assessment of the global agriculture market, which has withstood challenges such as adverse weather conditions, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. Robert believes that there is cause for optimism as Australia is well placed to serve large markets in Southeast Asia and China, global demand for agriculture is outpacing supply, and Australian policymakers are placing greater importance on national biosecurity. Robert also proposes several initiatives by which GrainCorp Ltd can remain a market leader in the coming decades, including deploying its internal venture capital fund, improving rail networks, utilising data analytics, and adopting precision farming techniques.

Robert started his career as a chemical engineer in the New Zealand dairy industry, before moving to Australia and holding general management roles at Goodman Fielder. A move to private equity-owned Mrs Crocket’s Kitchen resulted in his appointment to Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, a role he also held at Salad Fresh following their acquisition of Mrs Crocket’s. Thereafter, Robert joined New Zealand dairy business, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, where he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Global Operations. In March 2020, Robert was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GrainCorp Ltd.

Robert was the Chairman of Kotahi Logistics LP Ltd, Deputy Chairman of Prolesur S.A., and a Director of DFE Pharma GmbH & Co.



Please note: this episode was recorded on 5 June 2024.

In Episode 136 of the No Limitations podcast In Unexpected Places, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Robert Spurway, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GrainCorp Ltd. 
In an insightful discussion, Robert provides an in-depth assessment of the global agriculture market, which has withstood challenges such as adverse weather conditions, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. Robert believes that there is cause for optimism as Australia is well placed to serve large markets in Southeast Asia and China, global demand for agriculture is outpacing supply, and Australian policymakers are placing greater importance on national biosecurity. Robert also proposes several initiatives by which GrainCorp Ltd can remain a market leader in the coming decades, including deploying its internal venture capital fund, improving rail networks, utilising data analytics, and adopting precision farming techniques.
Robert started his career as a chemical engineer in the New Zealand dairy industry, before moving to Australia and holding general management roles at Goodman Fielder. A move to private equity-owned Mrs Crocket’s Kitchen resulted in his appointment to Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, a role he also held at Salad Fresh following their acquisition of Mrs Crocket’s. Thereafter, Robert joined New Zealand dairy business, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, where he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Global Operations. In March 2020, Robert was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GrainCorp Ltd.
Robert was the Chairman of Kotahi Logistics LP Ltd, Deputy Chairman of Prolesur S.A., and a Director of DFE Pharma GmbH &amp; Co.
 
Please note: this episode was recorded on 5 June 2024.

In Unexpected Places | Robert Spurway

In Episode 135 of the No Limitations podcast Another Hole in the Ground, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Douglas Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Coronado Global Resources Inc.

In an enlightening discussion, Douglas offers a thorough analysis of the shifting market dynamics within the coal industry whilst underscoring the pivotal role of metallurgical coal in the global energy transition. Douglas critiques Australia's political inertia, lamenting its impact on the country’s global market positioning despite our abundant resources. He advocates that the nation needs to “shake loose” from its bureaucratic processes, emphasising the need for informed voting and proactive policymaking to leverage our resources effectively.

Douglas redefines mining beyond just “another hole in the ground”, highlighting the vast career opportunities and sense of community that is deeply rooted within the industry. Embracing instability, he outlines how he stays agile as a leader and the importance of lifting one’s head to look over the horizon.

Lastly, Douglas urges listeners not to lose sight of the magic in the moment whilst “challenging the next giant”.

Douglas joined Coronado in August 2021 as the Chief Operating Officer of Australia and was subsequently appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer in May 2023. Prior to joining Coronado, Douglas was employed by CIMIC Group Ltd, where he held the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Thiess since 2017. Additionally, in the role of Mining and Mineral Processing Executive, Douglas was responsible for leading CIMIC Group’s operating company Sedgman. Douglas commenced his mining career at Gold Fields Ltd in South Africa, where he held various leadership roles during his tenure.



Please note: this episode was recorded on 12 June 2024

In Episode 135 of the No Limitations podcast Another Hole in the Ground, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Douglas Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Coronado Global Resources Inc.
In an enlightening discussion, Douglas offers a thorough analysis of the shifting market dynamics within the coal industry whilst underscoring the pivotal role of metallurgical coal in the global energy transition. Douglas critiques Australia's political inertia, lamenting its impact on the country’s global market positioning despite our abundant resources. He advocates that the nation needs to “shake loose” from its bureaucratic processes, emphasising the need for informed voting and proactive policymaking to leverage our resources effectively.
Douglas redefines mining beyond just “another hole in the ground”, highlighting the vast career opportunities and sense of community that is deeply rooted within the industry. Embracing instability, he outlines how he stays agile as a leader and the importance of lifting one’s head to look over the horizon.
Lastly, Douglas urges listeners not to lose sight of the magic in the moment whilst “challenging the next giant”.
Douglas joined Coronado in August 2021 as the Chief Operating Officer of Australia and was subsequently appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer in May 2023. Prior to joining Coronado, Douglas was employed by CIMIC Group Ltd, where he held the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Thiess since 2017. Additionally, in the role of Mining and Mineral Processing Executive, Douglas was responsible for leading CIMIC Group’s operating company Sedgman. Douglas commenced his mining career at Gold Fields Ltd in South Africa, where he held various leadership roles during his tenure.
 
Please note: this episode was recorded on 12 June 2024

Another Hole in the Ground | Douglas Thompson

In Episode 134 of the No Limitations podcast Ripe for Improvement, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Pat O’Sullivan, Chairman of three ASX-listed companies:
SiteMinder Ltd;
TechnologyOne Ltd; and
CAR Group Ltd.

In a captivating discussion, Pat contends that Australia remains the lucky country with abundant prosperity, an irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit, and stable political leadership. He asserts that Australia is ready for a big-picture vision to galvanise the nation and ensure it succeeds in the decades ahead. Pat speaks at length about his executive role at Singtel Optus in a fast changing and intensely competitive environment, where he learned the importance of building an extensive network of close professional contacts. Pat also discusses his tenure at Nine Entertainment, sharing tales about a confronting interview with business and media tycoon, Kerry Packer, working alongside James Packer and Eddie McGuire, and dealing with private equity suitors.

Pat had a distinguished executive career, serving as Chief Financial Officer of Goodman Fielder New Zealand, Chief Financial Officer of Singtel Optus, and Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director of Nine Entertainment and PBL Media. Thereafter, Pat transitioned into a Board career, where he has been a Non-Executive Director of iiNet, Isentia, APN Outdoor, Marley Spoon and Afterpay. Pat was also the Chairman of Lux Group, LocalAgentFinder, and Healthengine, as well as Deputy Chairman of Calvary Health Care. He is currently the Chairman of the non-profit group Dreams2Live4.



Please note: this episode was recorded on 29 May 2024.

In Episode 134 of the No Limitations podcast Ripe for Improvement, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Pat O’Sullivan, Chairman of three ASX-listed companies:
<ul>
<li>SiteMinder Ltd;</li>
<li>TechnologyOne Ltd; and</li>
<li>CAR Group Ltd.</li>
</ul>
In a captivating discussion, Pat contends that Australia remains the lucky country with abundant prosperity, an irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit, and stable political leadership. He asserts that Australia is ready for a big-picture vision to galvanise the nation and ensure it succeeds in the decades ahead. Pat speaks at length about his executive role at Singtel Optus in a fast changing and intensely competitive environment, where he learned the importance of building an extensive network of close professional contacts. Pat also discusses his tenure at Nine Entertainment, sharing tales about a confronting interview with business and media tycoon, Kerry Packer, working alongside James Packer and Eddie McGuire, and dealing with private equity suitors.
Pat had a distinguished executive career, serving as Chief Financial Officer of Goodman Fielder New Zealand, Chief Financial Officer of Singtel Optus, and Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director of Nine Entertainment and PBL Media. Thereafter, Pat transitioned into a Board career, where he has been a Non-Executive Director of iiNet, Isentia, APN Outdoor, Marley Spoon and Afterpay. Pat was also the Chairman of Lux Group, LocalAgentFinder, and Healthengine, as well as Deputy Chairman of Calvary Health Care. He is currently the Chairman of the non-profit group Dreams2Live4.
 
Please note: this episode was recorded on 29 May 2024.

Flight to Gold | Steve Hooker OAM

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