In Episode 162 of the No Limitations Podcast, Sword and Shield, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Ian Roberts, a former Australian and New South Wales professional Rugby League player and Director of Venues NSW.

 

In an open and insightful conversation, Ian reflects on his personal journey, recounting the challenges he faced both on and off the field and the key individuals who helped shape the person he is today. Ian discusses the sense of empowerment he discovered through his acting career, and how learning to read and write as an adult freed him from a lifelong burden of shame. Finally, Ian speaks about how he has used his professional identity and platform to strengthen education and foster more open discussions around social inclusion and mental health.

 

Ian played professional Rugby League from 1985 to 1998, making nine State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and playing in thirteen Test Matches with the Australian Kangaroos. During his distinguished career, Ian has represented multiple national and international professional Rugby League clubs, including the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wigan Warriors, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys. In 1994, at the height of his sporting career – Ian publicly came out as gay, becoming the second man internationally in a professional sports team to do so. Post retirement, Ian has become a strong advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights and an experienced wellbeing educator, particularly in the area of mental health. He is a Director of Venues NSW, an official patron of ACON’s Pride in Sports, and a member of the NSW LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council. He was also a Founding Director of Qtopia Sydney, Sydney’s first LGBTIQ+ Museum located on Taylor Square. Ian is also the subject of the upcoming documentary “Light – The Ian Roberts Story”.

 

If you would like to support Ian and the team in the upcoming documentary, please click here: https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/light-the-ian-roberts-story/

 

Please note this episode was recorded on 2 February 2026.

 

In Episode 162 of the No Limitations Podcast,&nbsp;Sword and Shield, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks with Ian Roberts, a former Australian and New South Wales professional Rugby League player and Director of Venues NSW.
&nbsp;
In an open and insightful conversation, Ian reflects on his personal journey, recounting the challenges he faced both on and off the field and the key individuals who helped shape the person he is today. Ian discusses the sense of empowerment he discovered through his acting career, and how learning to read and write as an adult freed him from a lifelong burden of shame. Finally, Ian speaks about how he has used his professional identity and platform to strengthen education and foster more open discussions around social inclusion and mental health.
&nbsp;
Ian played professional Rugby League from 1985 to 1998, making nine State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and playing in thirteen Test Matches with the Australian Kangaroos. During his distinguished career, Ian has represented multiple national and international professional Rugby League clubs, including the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wigan Warriors, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys. In 1994, at the height of his sporting career &ndash; Ian publicly came out as gay, becoming the second man internationally in a professional sports team to do so. Post retirement, Ian has become a strong advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights and an experienced wellbeing educator, particularly in the area of mental health. He is a Director of Venues NSW, an official patron of ACON&rsquo;s Pride in Sports, and a member of the NSW LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council. He was also a Founding Director of Qtopia Sydney, Sydney&rsquo;s first LGBTIQ+ Museum located on Taylor Square. Ian is also the subject of the upcoming documentary &ldquo;Light &ndash; The Ian Roberts Story&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
If you would like to support Ian and the team in the upcoming documentary, please click here:&nbsp;<a href="https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/light-the-ian-roberts-story/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/light-the-ian-roberts-story/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1771474388678000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EKatFvYOCyhnP4dwNzrjx">https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/light-the-ian-roberts-story/</a>
&nbsp;
Please note this episode was recorded on 2 February 2026.
&nbsp;

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

Sword and Shield | Ian Roberts

In Episode 161 of the No Limitations podcast Follow Your North Star, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Clare Pearson, Chief Executive Officer of Little Wings.

 

In a compassionate discussion, Clare speaks about the important mission of Little Wings, a charity which provides transport services for children with life-threatening illnesses in regional and rural areas, ensuring they get access to major metropolitan hospitals and healthcare facilities. Clare calls upon us all to act in the spirit of Christmas and the ethos of giving to those in need, whether through small or large donations, or as an individual or corporate donor, especially as charities require greater funding in order to keep pace with the rapid increase in demand for their services. Lastly, Clare shares some valuable lessons she has learned as both a charity and organisational leader and unveils her leadership philosophy, which is centred around self-belief, benevolence and teamwork.

 

Clare started her career as a Child Protection Case Worker with the Department of Family and Community Services in New South Wales, before becoming an Executive Manager at Children First in Sydney. Thereafter, Clare moved into senior executive roles, first as the Chief Executive Officer of Project Future, working against human trafficking, before becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Little Wings. Clare has also served on a number of Boards including Share Care Incorporated, Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Allevia Disability Services, Bankstown Sports Club, and Southern Cross University.

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

Below you will see Clare Pearson sharing the Little Wings 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

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bVVmuk9nxc&list=PLQZ-dkpAAUFRD6MhYDEWe92VzNR8IyYzt

 

Together, we can make a difference. To make a donation to Little Wings, please visit:

 

https://www.littlewings.org.au/ways-to-donate/

or

Donate – Little Wings

In Episode 161 of the No Limitations podcast&nbsp;Follow Your North Star, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks to&nbsp;Clare&nbsp;Pearson, Chief Executive Officer of Little Wings.
&nbsp;
In a compassionate discussion,&nbsp;Clare&nbsp;speaks about the important mission of Little Wings, a charity which provides transport services for children with life-threatening illnesses in regional and rural areas, ensuring they get access to major metropolitan hospitals and healthcare facilities.&nbsp;Clare&nbsp;calls upon us all to act in the spirit of Christmas and the ethos of giving to those in need, whether through small or large donations, or as an individual or corporate donor, especially as charities require greater funding in order to keep pace with the rapid increase in demand for their services. Lastly,&nbsp;Clare&nbsp;shares some valuable lessons she has learned as both a charity and organisational leader and unveils her leadership philosophy, which is centred around self-belief, benevolence and teamwork.
&nbsp;
Clare started her career as a Child Protection Case Worker with the Department of Family and Community Services in New South Wales, before becoming an Executive Manager at Children First in Sydney. Thereafter, Clare moved into senior executive roles, first as the Chief Executive Officer of Project Future, working against human trafficking, before becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Little Wings. Clare has also served on a number of Boards including Share Care Incorporated, Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Allevia Disability Services, Bankstown Sports Club, and Southern Cross University.
Please note: this episode was recorded on 11 November 2025.
Below you will see Clare Pearson sharing the Little Wings 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=0bVVmuk9nxc&amp;list=PLQZ-dkpAAUFRD6MhYDEWe92VzNR8IyYzt" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D0bVVmuk9nxc%26list%3DPLQZ-dkpAAUFRD6MhYDEWe92VzNR8IyYzt&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1764037800677000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1yIYB8SBebnhq4M0jh9Rb0">Blenheim Partners Christmas Playlist</a>
or
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bVVmuk9nxc&amp;list=PLQZ-dkpAAUFRD6MhYDEWe92VzNR8IyYzt" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D0bVVmuk9nxc%26list%3DPLQZ-dkpAAUFRD6MhYDEWe92VzNR8IyYzt&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1764037800677000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1yIYB8SBebnhq4M0jh9Rb0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bVVmuk9nxc&amp;list=PLQZ-dkpAAUFRD6MhYDEWe92VzNR8IyYzt</a>
&nbsp;
Together, we can make a difference. To make a donation to Little Wings, please visit:
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.littlewings.org.au/ways-to-donate/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.littlewings.org.au/ways-to-donate/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1764037800677000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3yVccLTNfkyqePtnQu2QEQ">https://www.littlewings.org.au/ways-to-donate/</a>
or
<a href="https://www.littlewings.org.au/ways-to-donate/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.littlewings.org.au/ways-to-donate/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1764037800677000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3yVccLTNfkyqePtnQu2QEQ">Donate &ndash; Little Wings</a>

Follow Your North Star | Clare Pearson

In Episode 160 of the No Limitations podcast Discipline is a Price Worth Paying, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with David Moffatt, Chairman of Ventia Services Group Ltd.

 

In a lively conversation, David offers a refreshing perspective about the future of business in Australia, challenging the pessimism that often dominates Boardrooms regarding innovation, productivity and growth. He encourages us to focus on the tremendous potential and opportunity that this country has to offer, but also stresses that better policies need to be in place to attract capital and foreign investment. He adds that as a society, we must value the concept of mastery if we are to unleash top talent and thrive as a global economy. David also asserts that businesses must take a proactive approach to risk management, particularly as the shifting geopolitical landscape continues to redefine how we think about energy security, cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. Finally, David shares his greatest learnings throughout his global career as a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as well as key defining moments that have shaped his leadership philosophy.

 

David’s early career included serving as the CEO of General Electric (GE) and GE Capital Australia and New Zealand. In 2001, he was appointed to the Board of The Foxtel Group as a Director and Chair of the Finance Committee. At the same time, David took on the role of Chief Financial Officer at Telstra Group Ltd, before being promoted to Group Managing Director – Consumer. In 2012, David was appointed as CEO of Lebara Mobile, based in the United Kingdom, and became Founding Chairman – Australia of American tech care company Asurion. In 2015, David joined Ventia Services Group Ltd as Chairman and served as the Group Chief Executive who led the acquisition of Broadspectrum Australia and New Zealand. Currently, David is also the Chairman – Australia and New Zealand of Apollo Global Management, Inc., and the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia. 

 

David’s community and charitable activities include being a Founding Director of Giant Steps, a Sydney school for autistic children and a former Chairman of the Finance Committee and Director of Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and St Michael’s Grammar School. David was also involved with the development of the heritage management plan for “The Lost Battlefield of Kokoda” and as a financial supporter of education and health programs through The Kokoda Track Foundation.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 9 October 2025.

In Episode 160 of the No Limitations podcast&nbsp;Discipline is a Price Worth Paying, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks with David Moffatt, Chairman of Ventia Services Group Ltd.
&nbsp;
In a lively conversation, David offers a refreshing perspective about the future of business in Australia, challenging the pessimism that often dominates Boardrooms regarding innovation, productivity and growth. He encourages us to focus on the tremendous potential and opportunity that this country has to offer, but also stresses that better policies need to be in place to attract capital and foreign investment. He adds that as a society, we must value the concept of mastery if we are to unleash top talent and thrive as a global economy. David also asserts that businesses must take a proactive approach to risk management, particularly as the shifting geopolitical landscape continues to redefine how we think about energy security, cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. Finally, David shares his greatest learnings throughout his global career as a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as well as key defining moments that have shaped his leadership philosophy.
&nbsp;
David&rsquo;s early career included serving as the CEO of General Electric (GE) and GE Capital Australia and New Zealand. In 2001, he was appointed to the Board of The Foxtel Group as a Director and Chair of the Finance Committee. At the same time, David took on the role of Chief Financial Officer at Telstra Group Ltd, before being promoted to Group Managing Director &ndash; Consumer. In 2012, David was appointed as CEO of Lebara Mobile, based in the United Kingdom, and became Founding Chairman &ndash; Australia of American tech care company Asurion. In 2015, David joined Ventia Services Group Ltd as Chairman and served as the Group Chief Executive who led the acquisition of Broadspectrum Australia and New Zealand. Currently, David is also the Chairman &ndash; Australia and New Zealand of Apollo Global Management, Inc., and the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
David&rsquo;s community and charitable activities include being a Founding Director of Giant Steps, a Sydney school for autistic children and a former Chairman of the Finance Committee and Director of Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and St Michael&rsquo;s Grammar School. David was also involved with the development of the heritage management plan for &ldquo;The Lost Battlefield of Kokoda&rdquo; and as a financial supporter of education and health programs through The Kokoda Track Foundation.
&nbsp;
Please note: this episode was recorded on 9 October 2025.

Discipline is a Price Worth Paying | David Moffatt

In Episode 159 of the No Limitations podcast Bumps on the Road, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Alf Ianniello, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Codan Ltd.

In an earnest discussion, Alf contends that Australian businesses must invest more in research and development to deliver world-class intellectual property, which can be commercialised, manufactured and scaled at pace, and lead to a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Today, Alf is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Codan Ltd, a role he stepped into in January 2022. With more than three decades of global leadership across packaging, defence, and automotive industries, Alf has a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and cultural transformation. Before Codan Ltd, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Detmold Group for fourteen years, where he successfully expanded the business across existing and new markets, and positioned the company as a global leader in sustainable packaging. Known for his ability to leverage innovation and foster organisational excellence, Alf now leads Codan Ltd’s global expansion strategy, building on the company’s proud heritage while steering it toward a more sustainable and diversified future.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 26 August 2025.

In Episode 159 of the No Limitations podcast&nbsp;Bumps on the Road, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks to Alf Ianniello, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Codan Ltd.
In an earnest discussion, Alf contends that Australian businesses must invest more in research and development to deliver world-class intellectual property, which can be commercialised, manufactured and scaled at pace, and lead to a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
Today, Alf is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Codan Ltd, a role he stepped into in January 2022. With more than three decades of global leadership across packaging, defence, and automotive industries, Alf has a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and cultural transformation. Before Codan Ltd, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Detmold Group for fourteen years, where he successfully expanded the business across existing and new markets, and positioned the company as a global leader in sustainable packaging. Known for his ability to leverage innovation and foster organisational excellence, Alf now leads Codan Ltd&rsquo;s global expansion strategy, building on the company&rsquo;s proud heritage while steering it toward a more sustainable and diversified future.
&nbsp;
Please note: this episode was recorded on 26 August 2025.

Sword and Shield | Ian Roberts

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