In Episode 141 of the No Limitations podcast No Passengers on Boards, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Jim Askew, Chairman of Syrah Resources Ltd and Robex Resources Inc.

Having held senior leadership roles in public mining companies listed in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia with assets on all major continents, Jim shares his perspective on the state of the ever-changing global mining industry, highlighting the enormous opportunities present in Africa where the development of vital infrastructure has paved the way for growth. He also touches on the critical minerals sector and the emerging trends in the electric vehicle and battery markets. Turning to Australia, Jim brings to the fore the challenges of pursuing further growth in what is becoming an increasingly competitive international market and how to address the disconnect across an array of stakeholders from governments to corporates, to traditional owners and all Australians. Finally, Jim reveals his philosophy on leadership and how he builds teams to ensure companies are on track for sustainable growth and success.

Jim is currently Chairman of graphite and anode material producer Syrah Resources Ltd, West African mine operator Robex Resources Inc. and a private New Zealand-focused mining company. He is also on the Board of the gold and copper producer Evolution Mining Ltd, where he is a Founding Director. Jim has previously served on the Boards of Sino Gold Ltd, Ausdrill Ltd, Golden Shamrock Mines Ltd, OceanaGold Corporation and PMI Gold Corporation. During his executive career, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Climax Mining Ltd, Golden Shamrock Mines Ltd, and Black Range Minerals Ltd. Earlier in his career, he consulted to a wide variety of domestic and international companies through his firm James Askew Associates, which is now known as AMC International Consultants.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 3 July 2024.

In Episode 141 of the No Limitations podcast No Passengers on Boards, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Jim Askew, Chairman of Syrah Resources Ltd and Robex Resources Inc.
Having held senior leadership roles in public mining companies listed in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia with assets on all major continents, Jim shares his perspective on the state of the ever-changing global mining industry, highlighting the enormous opportunities present in Africa where the development of vital infrastructure has paved the way for growth. He also touches on the critical minerals sector and the emerging trends in the electric vehicle and battery markets. Turning to Australia, Jim brings to the fore the challenges of pursuing further growth in what is becoming an increasingly competitive international market and how to address the disconnect across an array of stakeholders from governments to corporates, to traditional owners and all Australians. Finally, Jim reveals his philosophy on leadership and how he builds teams to ensure companies are on track for sustainable growth and success.
Jim is currently Chairman of graphite and anode material producer Syrah Resources Ltd, West African mine operator Robex Resources Inc. and a private New Zealand-focused mining company. He is also on the Board of the gold and copper producer Evolution Mining Ltd, where he is a Founding Director. Jim has previously served on the Boards of Sino Gold Ltd, Ausdrill Ltd, Golden Shamrock Mines Ltd, OceanaGold Corporation and PMI Gold Corporation. During his executive career, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Climax Mining Ltd, Golden Shamrock Mines Ltd, and Black Range Minerals Ltd. Earlier in his career, he consulted to a wide variety of domestic and international companies through his firm James Askew Associates, which is now known as AMC International Consultants.
Please note: this episode was recorded on 3 July 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

No Passengers on Boards | Jim Askew

In Episode 147 of the No Limitations podcast Modern Day Miracle, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Ian Wishart, Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation.



In a stirring discussion, Ian sheds light on the central mission of The Fred Hollows Foundation, which has helped restore sight or prevent blindness for more than 150 million people across 25 countries over the past 30 years. He reflects on his formative years in Port Moresby and how these experiences gave him purpose for helping those less fortunate. We hear of Ian’s early days as he commenced his career in the field of humanitarian aid, where he was deployed to civil war-torn Ethiopia as well as Rwanda, amidst an ongoing tragedy at that time, before dedicating his time to advancing children's rights and promoting gender equality. Ian then turns to his role as Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation. He shares with us their incredible DNA, where one never accepts the impossible, and how they are bringing together communities, supporters, governments, and experts from around the world to help realise a bold vision of not only restoring sight but changing lives. We learn of an ambitious five-year strategy, their plans for transforming countries, as well as stories of remarkable generosity, from the donors who offer a little amount regularly, why it counts, to the future of corporate partnership, and how it will be a game changer. Constant throughout is the underlying message of the goodness of humanity and its incredible spirit.



Ian brings over three decades of senior leadership in humanitarian, development, and emergency relief work. After university, he commenced his career with World Vision Australia as an Emergency Relief Project Officer before becoming a Manager in the Emergency Relief Unit, a National Director in Laos, and a Strategy Manager based in Melbourne. Thereafter, Ian served as Chief Executive Officer of Plan International Australia for 18 years and also held the role of Global Project Director for five years, leading Plan International’s startup in Hong Kong. Since 2018, Ian has been the Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation.



Please note: this episode was recorded on 25 November 2024.



Below you will see Ian Wishart sharing the Fred Hollow’s Foundation Christmas Wish and the Blenheim Partners Christmas Album. So, enjoy your favourite Christmas tunes as we all get into the Christmas spirit and festivities.



Blenheim Partners Christmas Playlist



Together, we can make a difference. To make a donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation, please visit:



Donate – The Fred Hollows Foundation

In Episode 147 of the No Limitations podcast Modern Day Miracle, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Ian Wishart, Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation.
 
In a stirring discussion, Ian sheds light on the central mission of The Fred Hollows Foundation, which has helped restore sight or prevent blindness for more than 150 million people across 25 countries over the past 30 years. He reflects on his formative years in Port Moresby and how these experiences gave him purpose for helping those less fortunate. We hear of Ian’s early days as he commenced his career in the field of humanitarian aid, where he was deployed to civil war-torn Ethiopia as well as Rwanda, amidst an ongoing tragedy at that time, before dedicating his time to advancing children's rights and promoting gender equality. Ian then turns to his role as Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation. He shares with us their incredible DNA, where one never accepts the impossible, and how they are bringing together communities, supporters, governments, and experts from around the world to help realise a bold vision of not only restoring sight but changing lives. We learn of an ambitious five-year strategy, their plans for transforming countries, as well as stories of remarkable generosity, from the donors who offer a little amount regularly, why it counts, to the future of corporate partnership, and how it will be a game changer. Constant throughout is the underlying message of the goodness of humanity and its incredible spirit.
 
Ian brings over three decades of senior leadership in humanitarian, development, and emergency relief work. After university, he commenced his career with World Vision Australia as an Emergency Relief Project Officer before becoming a Manager in the Emergency Relief Unit, a National Director in Laos, and a Strategy Manager based in Melbourne. Thereafter, Ian served as Chief Executive Officer of Plan International Australia for 18 years and also held the role of Global Project Director for five years, leading Plan International’s startup in Hong Kong. Since 2018, Ian has been the Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation.
 
Please note: this episode was recorded on 25 November 2024.
 
Below you will see Ian Wishart sharing the Fred Hollow’s Foundation Christmas Wish and the Blenheim Partners Christmas Album. So, enjoy your favourite Christmas tunes as we all get into the Christmas spirit and festivities.
 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcS2aNixFXg&amp;list=PLQZ-dkpAAUFRD6MhYDEWe92VzNR8IyYzt" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DZcS2aNixFXg%26list%3DPLQZ-dkpAAUFRD6MhYDEWe92VzNR8IyYzt&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1733448927395000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CQvLCHQJlBCRNxic_MtbX">Blenheim Partners Christmas Playlist</a>
 
Together, we can make a difference. To make a donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation, please visit:
 
<a href="https://www.hollows.org/donate/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.hollows.org/donate/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1733448927395000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2AL1QbgW15BELR9aVS0hYO">Donate – The Fred Hollows Foundation</a>

Modern Day Miracle | Ian Wishart

In Episode 146 of the No Limitations podcast Something is Kind of Wrong, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Matt Barrie, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Freelancer Ltd (ASX:FLN), one of the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplaces with more than 77 million registered users and 25 million projects.



In an illuminating discussion, Matt outlines his various businesses and how they have supported new developments in engineering, aeronautics, and computer science. Reflecting on his past experiences, he explains the drawbacks of venture capitalism compared to “bootstrapping” a business, the strategic value of being late to market, and how advancements in artificial intelligence will significantly change approaches to customer engagement and daily operations. He also highlights the importance of fostering high-performing teams dedicated to delivering life-changing work. Finally, Matt discusses how despite a restrictive regulatory environment, Australia produces good business operators who will guide the nation’s next stage of economic growth.



Matt Barrie is an award-winning technology entrepreneur and a prolific speaker on a variety of topics including entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and macroeconomics. He is also the Chief Executive of Escrow.com, a world leader in secure online payments and Executive Chairman of Loadshift, Australia’s largest freight marketplace. Prior to Freelancer Ltd, Matt was an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Electrical and Information Engineering Department at the University of Sydney. He also founded and was Chief Executive of Sensory Networks Inc., a vendor of high-performance network security processors.



Please note: this episode was recorded on 8 October 2024.

In Episode 146 of the No Limitations podcast Something is Kind of Wrong, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Matt Barrie, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Freelancer Ltd (ASX:FLN), one of the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplaces with more than 77 million registered users and 25 million projects.
 
In an illuminating discussion, Matt outlines his various businesses and how they have supported new developments in engineering, aeronautics, and computer science. Reflecting on his past experiences, he explains the drawbacks of venture capitalism compared to “bootstrapping” a business, the strategic value of being late to market, and how advancements in artificial intelligence will significantly change approaches to customer engagement and daily operations. He also highlights the importance of fostering high-performing teams dedicated to delivering life-changing work. Finally, Matt discusses how despite a restrictive regulatory environment, Australia produces good business operators who will guide the nation’s next stage of economic growth.
 
Matt Barrie is an award-winning technology entrepreneur and a prolific speaker on a variety of topics including entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and macroeconomics. He is also the Chief Executive of Escrow.com, a world leader in secure online payments and Executive Chairman of Loadshift, Australia’s largest freight marketplace. Prior to Freelancer Ltd, Matt was an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Electrical and Information Engineering Department at the University of Sydney. He also founded and was Chief Executive of Sensory Networks Inc., a vendor of high-performance network security processors.
 
Please note: this episode was recorded on 8 October 2024.

Something is Kind of Wrong | Matt Barrie

In Episode 145 of the No Limitations podcast A Personal Perspective, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Christine McLoughlin AM, Chairman of Suncorp Group Ltd.



In a relaxed discussion, Christine provides an insightful perspective into the insurance and superannuation industries in Australia today but expresses frustration with the lack of equal gender representation on Boards and Executive Teams more broadly. Christine discusses her significant work in the sporting sector through the Minerva Network, alongside other high profile women such as current Governor-General Her Excellency The Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, and she emphasises the importance of sport as the “glue” that binds local communities together. Christine also laments the recent tendency for companies to take public positions on social or political issues as part of corporate branding and, in relation to the economy, she asserts the need to address housing affordability, inequality and access to necessary technology. Lastly, Christine presents her leadership philosophy centred around accountability, opportunity and strategy.



Christine has had an extensive Executive and Board career over the past two decades. Most recently, she was the Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, and she is currently the Chairman of Suncorp Group Ltd, a Director of Cochlear Ltd, and the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Minerva Network. Christine was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for services to business, the not-for-profit sector and women. She was also Telstra Businesswoman of the Year. Christine was the Private Sector Representative for Australia for the G20 Empowerment and Progression of Women’s Economic Representation.



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

In Episode 145 of the No Limitations podcast A Personal Perspective, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Christine McLoughlin AM, Chairman of Suncorp Group Ltd.
 
In a relaxed discussion, Christine provides an insightful perspective into the insurance and superannuation industries in Australia today but expresses frustration with the lack of equal gender representation on Boards and Executive Teams more broadly. Christine discusses her significant work in the sporting sector through the Minerva Network, alongside other high profile women such as current Governor-General Her Excellency The Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, and she emphasises the importance of sport as the “glue” that binds local communities together. Christine also laments the recent tendency for companies to take public positions on social or political issues as part of corporate branding and, in relation to the economy, she asserts the need to address housing affordability, inequality and access to necessary technology. Lastly, Christine presents her leadership philosophy centred around accountability, opportunity and strategy.
 
Christine has had an extensive Executive and Board career over the past two decades. Most recently, she was the Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, and she is currently the Chairman of Suncorp Group Ltd, a Director of Cochlear Ltd, and the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Minerva Network. Christine was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for services to business, the not-for-profit sector and women. She was also Telstra Businesswoman of the Year. Christine was the Private Sector Representative for Australia for the G20 Empowerment and Progression of Women’s Economic Representation.
 
Please note: this episode was recorded on 5 September 2024.

No Passengers on Boards | Jim Askew

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