In Episode 172 of the No Limitations Podcast The Fight Has Just Begun, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Geoff Wilson AO, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Wilson Asset Management.

 

In this engaging conversation, Geoff discusses why he believes Australia is at a critical economic crossroads, arguing that rising taxes on capital and Australian businesses risk reducing productivity, discouraging entrepreneurship, limiting investment, and making it harder for younger generations to build wealth. Drawing on decades of investment experience, Geoff explores the importance of patient capital, share ownership, business growth and economic incentives, while also sharing his views on government policy, the future of the ASX, AI, leadership, philanthropy, and the opportunities Australia must protect if it is to remain a nation that rewards ambition, risk-taking and hard work.

 

Geoff brings more than 46 years of direct experience in investment markets, having held a variety of senior investment roles in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Geoff founded Wilson Asset Management in 1997, which today comprises 20 investment professionals who together offer more than 250 years of investment experience. The investment firm manages approximately $6 billion on behalf of more than 130,000 investors as the investment manager for nine listed investment companies (LICs), of which Geoff is Chair of eight, and four unlisted funds: Wilson Asset Management Leaders Fund, Wilson Asset Management Founders Fund, Wilson Asset Management Real Assets Fund and Wilson Asset Management Equity Fund. Geoff is also the Founder and Director of Future Generation Australia Limited and Future Generation Global Limited, and Director of WAM Alternative Assets Limited. In 2014, Geoff created Australia’s first listed philanthropic wealth creation vehicles, Future Generation Australia, and subsequently Future Generation Global in 2015. In 2024, Geoff was involved in the launch of the first all-female managed fund in Australia, Future Generation Women, delivering investment returns and advancing economic equality and opportunities for women and their children in Australia. To this day, the Future Generation companies have donated over $100 million to Australian not-for-profits. Additionally, Geoff holds a number of additional directorships with investment companies and non-profit organisations.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 2 July 2026.

In Episode 172 of the No Limitations Podcast&nbsp;The Fight Has Just Begun, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks to Geoff Wilson AO, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Wilson Asset Management.
&nbsp;
In this engaging conversation, Geoff discusses why he believes Australia is at a critical economic crossroads, arguing that rising taxes on capital and Australian businesses risk reducing productivity, discouraging entrepreneurship, limiting investment, and making it harder for younger generations to build wealth. Drawing on decades of investment experience, Geoff explores the importance of patient capital, share ownership, business growth and economic incentives, while also sharing his views on government policy, the future of the ASX, AI, leadership, philanthropy, and the opportunities Australia must protect if it is to remain a nation that rewards ambition, risk-taking and hard work.
&nbsp;
Geoff brings more than 46 years of direct experience in investment markets, having held a variety of senior investment roles in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Geoff founded Wilson Asset Management in 1997, which today comprises 20 investment professionals who together offer more than 250 years of investment experience. The investment firm manages approximately $6 billion on behalf of more than 130,000 investors as the investment manager for nine listed investment companies (LICs), of which Geoff is Chair of eight, and four unlisted funds: Wilson Asset Management Leaders Fund, Wilson Asset Management Founders Fund, Wilson Asset Management Real Assets Fund and Wilson Asset Management Equity Fund. Geoff is also the Founder and Director of Future Generation Australia Limited and Future Generation Global Limited, and Director of WAM Alternative Assets Limited. In 2014, Geoff created Australia&rsquo;s first listed philanthropic wealth creation vehicles, Future Generation Australia, and subsequently Future Generation Global in 2015. In 2024, Geoff was involved in the launch of the first all-female managed fund in Australia, Future Generation Women, delivering investment returns and advancing economic equality and opportunities for women and their children in Australia. To this day, the Future Generation companies have donated over $100 million to Australian not-for-profits. Additionally, Geoff holds a number of additional directorships with investment companies and non-profit organisations.
&nbsp;
Please note: this episode was recorded on 2 July 2026.

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

The Fight Has Just Begun | Geoff Wilson AO

In Episode 171 of the No Limitations Podcast The Dirty Mix, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Lt. Col. Jahara “Franky” Matisek (PhD), Principal Consultant, JLM Strategy and Research; Senior Fellow at the Payne Institute for Public Policy; and Visiting Scholar at Northwestern University.

 

In a wide-ranging discussion, Franky returns to talk on the shifting global geopolitical and economic landscape, which is centred on what he describes as the “revenge of the industrial age”. Franky argues that decades of globalisation have left Western economies dangerously dependent on complex international supply chains, particularly for critical minerals, energy, manufacturing and technology inputs that are increasingly controlled by geopolitical rivals such as China, Russia and Iran. Franky also explores the breakdown of the post-Cold War international order, the rise of nationalism and strategic competition, the growing importance of industrial capacity, and the weaponisation of trade, resources and supply chains. He also discusses major geopolitical flashpoints including Iran, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, Africa, China and the future of AUKUS, while highlighting how emerging technologies such as AI, drones, autonomous systems and quantum computing are transforming warfare and economic power.

 

Franky is a decorated Command Pilot at the United States Air Force, where he has served for over two decades and completed over 1,300 combat hours in major operations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Franky has over 3,700 hours of flight time in the C-17, E-11 BACN, T-6, and T-53; and has earned a Bronze Star in 2020 for commanding airbase operations at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Franky is currently a Principal Consultant at JLM Strategy and Research, a Fellow at the Payne Institute for Public Policy and the Co-Principal Investigator at the Defense Security Cooperation University. Franky also holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University where he is also Visiting Researcher.

 

Franky was a Military Professor at the U.S. Naval War College. He was also a Research Fellow at the European Resilience Initiative Center, SAGE Fellow at AFWERX, Fellow at the Irregular Warfare Initiative and an Associate Professor in MSS & Director of Research for SWC at United States Air Force Academy. In addition, he was the Minerva Co-Principal Investigator and Researcher at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. He is currently the most published active-duty officer serving with 2 books and over 200 articles on the defense industrial base, strategy, and warfare.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 24 June 2026.

 

Disclaimer: The views of Lt. Col. Matisek are his own and not those of the U.S. Air Force, Department of War, or the U.S. Government.

In Episode 171 of the No Limitations Podcast&nbsp;The Dirty Mix, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks to Lt. Col. Jahara &ldquo;Franky&rdquo; Matisek (PhD), Principal Consultant, JLM Strategy and Research; Senior Fellow at the Payne Institute for Public Policy; and Visiting Scholar at Northwestern University.
&nbsp;
In a wide-ranging discussion, Franky returns to talk on the shifting global geopolitical and economic landscape, which is centred on what he describes as the &ldquo;revenge of the industrial age&rdquo;. Franky argues that decades of globalisation have left Western economies dangerously dependent on complex international supply chains, particularly for critical minerals, energy, manufacturing and technology inputs that are increasingly controlled by geopolitical rivals such as China, Russia and Iran. Franky also explores the breakdown of the post-Cold War international order, the rise of nationalism and strategic competition, the growing importance of industrial capacity, and the weaponisation of trade, resources and supply chains. He also discusses major geopolitical flashpoints including Iran, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, Africa, China and the future of AUKUS, while highlighting how emerging technologies such as AI, drones, autonomous systems and quantum computing are transforming warfare and economic power.
&nbsp;
Franky is&nbsp;a&nbsp;decorated Command Pilot at the United States Air Force,&nbsp;where he has served for over two decades and completed over 1,300 combat hours in major operations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Franky has over 3,700 hours of flight time in the C-17, E-11 BACN, T-6, and T-53; and has earned a Bronze Star in 2020 for commanding airbase operations at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Franky is currently a Principal Consultant at JLM Strategy and Research, a Fellow at the Payne Institute for Public Policy and the Co-Principal Investigator at the Defense Security Cooperation University. Franky also holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University where he is also Visiting Researcher.
&nbsp;
Franky was a Military Professor at the U.S. Naval War College. He was also a Research Fellow at the European Resilience Initiative Center, SAGE Fellow at AFWERX, Fellow at the Irregular Warfare Initiative and an Associate Professor in MSS &amp; Director of Research for SWC at United States Air Force Academy. In addition, he was the Minerva Co-Principal Investigator and Researcher at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. He is currently the most published active-duty officer serving with 2 books and over 200 articles on the defense industrial base, strategy, and warfare.
&nbsp;
Please note: this episode was recorded on 24 June 2026.
&nbsp;
Disclaimer: The views of Lt. Col. Matisek are his own and not those of the U.S. Air Force, Department of War, or the U.S. Government.

The Dirty Mix | Lt. Col. Jahara “Franky” Matisek (PhD)

In Episode 170 of the No Limitations Podcast, There's a Better Way, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and Senior Scholar at the U.S. Air Force Academy Institute for Future Conflict.

In a far-reaching discussion, David offers insights from decades of experience spanning warfighting, technology, strategy, and leadership. He explores how the character of conflict is changing, how great power competition is reshaping global security, and what these shifts demand of leaders, both military and civilian, in an increasingly uncertain world.

David is a pioneer in planning and executing aerospace operations at the highest levels of national security. He has operated at the sharp end of combat, at the centre of joint and coalition command, and at the strategic heart of Pentagon decision-making.

David was the principal attack planner for Operation Desert Storm, widely regarded as the most successful air campaign in modern military history. In the wake of September 11, he led the Combined Air and Space Operations Center, orchestrating America’s initial response and shaping the air campaign over Afghanistan. He has twice served as a Combined and Joint Task Force Commander, commanded No-Fly Zone operations over Iraq, and led air operations in both major combat and humanitarian missions from the Middle East to Antarctica and the South Asia tsunami relief effort.

He was also the first U.S. Air Force Chief of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, where he transformed the ISR and remotely piloted aircraft enterprise, setting standards that have since been emulated by militaries around the world. As a Command Pilot, David has over 3,000 flying hours, including 400 hours in combat.

Beyond uniformed service, David has continued to shape strategic thinking as the Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and as a Senior Scholar at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Institute for Future Conflict. He has served on congressional commissions on the future of U.S. Defense, advised governments and institutions globally, and has been recognised as one of the most influential figures in U.S. Defense for his lifetime contribution to national security thought and practice. David is also featured in the book “Airpower Pioneers: From Billy Mitchell to Dave Deptula”.

Please note this episode was recorded on 8 May 2026.

In Episode 170 of the No Limitations Podcast,&nbsp;There's a Better Way, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks with Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and Senior Scholar at the U.S. Air Force Academy Institute for Future Conflict.
In a far-reaching discussion, David offers insights from decades of experience spanning warfighting, technology, strategy, and leadership. He explores how the character of conflict is changing, how great power competition is reshaping global security, and what these shifts demand of leaders, both military and civilian, in an increasingly uncertain world.
David is a pioneer in planning and executing aerospace operations at the highest levels of national security. He has operated at the sharp end of combat, at the centre of joint and coalition command, and at the strategic heart of Pentagon decision-making.
David was the principal attack planner for Operation Desert Storm, widely regarded as the most successful air campaign in modern military history. In the wake of September 11, he led the Combined Air and Space Operations Center, orchestrating America&rsquo;s initial response and shaping the air campaign over Afghanistan. He has twice served as a Combined and Joint Task Force Commander, commanded No-Fly Zone operations over Iraq, and led air operations in both major combat and humanitarian missions from the Middle East to Antarctica and the South Asia tsunami relief effort.
He was also the first U.S. Air Force Chief of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, where he transformed the ISR and remotely piloted aircraft&nbsp;enterprise, setting&nbsp;standards that have since been emulated by militaries around the world. As a Command Pilot, David has over 3,000 flying hours, including 400 hours in combat.
Beyond uniformed service, David has continued to shape strategic thinking as the Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and as a Senior Scholar at the U.S. Air Force Academy&rsquo;s Institute for Future Conflict. He has served on congressional commissions on the future of U.S. Defense, advised governments and institutions globally, and has been recognised as one of the most influential figures in U.S. Defense for his lifetime contribution to national security thought and practice. David is also featured in the book &ldquo;Airpower Pioneers: From Billy Mitchell to Dave Deptula&rdquo;.
Please note this episode was recorded on 8 May 2026.

There's a Better Way | Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.)

In Episode 169 of the No Limitations Podcast, Run a Straight Line, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Fred Harrison, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ritchies Stores Pty Ltd.

In a grounded and candid discussion, Fred reflects on the economic pressures shaping retail, highlighting how rising living costs are creating a two-speed economy, forcing many families to cut back on their shopping while at the same time others continue to spend freely. He underscores the mounting strain of inflation, particularly its lasting impact on small businesses through rising CPI-linked costs and what the Independent Retailers do against the intense competition from the major supermarket chains. He examines Ritchies' point of difference, their personalised service, high-quality fresh foods, competitive pricing and exceptional community engagement.

We learn of the essence of trust and the return in loyalty, whilst gaining insight into a business founded on strong values and respect for their people. As Fred looks forward, he stresses the need for growth through expansion and reinvestment, alongside strong leadership grounded in optimism, honesty, and resilience, ultimately arguing that integrity and a strong culture are key to future long-term success.

Fred has built a distinguished career spanning more than 50 years with Ritchies, beginning as a casual employee in 1975 while still attending Frankston High School. He secured his first full-time role as Assistant Manager at the Thompson Street store in Frankston, before gaining broad operational experience as a relief manager across the company’s early network of six stores. By the age of 20, he was appointed Store Manager of Ritchies Bayside, then the company’s leading location.

Progressing steadily through the organisation, Fred was appointed General Manager in 1984 and later Chief Executive Officer and Director in 1994. Under his leadership, Ritchies has grown to more than 85 supermarkets and liquor stores, employing approximately 6,000 team members and generating an annual turnover of around $1.4 billion. His enduring passion for the industry and significant contributions to independent retail have established him as one of Australia’s most accomplished retailers, recognised by his induction into the IGA Hall of Fame in July 2016.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 14 April 2026.

In Episode 169 of the No Limitations Podcast,&nbsp;Run a Straight Line, Blenheim Partners&rsquo; Gregory Robinson speaks with Fred Harrison, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ritchies Stores Pty Ltd.
In a grounded and candid discussion, Fred reflects on the economic pressures shaping retail, highlighting how rising living costs are creating a two-speed economy, forcing many families to cut back on their shopping while at the same time others continue to spend freely. He underscores the mounting strain of inflation, particularly its lasting impact on small businesses through rising CPI-linked costs and what the Independent Retailers do against the intense competition from the major supermarket chains. He examines Ritchies' point of difference, their personalised service, high-quality fresh foods, competitive pricing and exceptional community engagement.
We learn of the essence of trust and the return in loyalty, whilst gaining insight into a business founded on strong values and respect for their people. As Fred looks forward, he stresses the need for growth through expansion and reinvestment, alongside strong leadership grounded in optimism, honesty, and resilience, ultimately arguing that integrity and a strong culture are key to future long-term success.
Fred has built a distinguished career spanning more than 50 years with Ritchies, beginning as a casual employee in 1975 while still attending Frankston High School. He secured his first full-time role as Assistant Manager at the Thompson Street store in Frankston, before gaining broad operational experience as a relief manager across the company&rsquo;s early network of six stores. By the age of 20, he was appointed Store Manager of Ritchies Bayside, then the company&rsquo;s leading location.
Progressing steadily through the organisation, Fred was appointed General Manager in 1984 and later Chief Executive Officer and Director in 1994. Under his leadership, Ritchies has grown to more than 85 supermarkets and liquor stores, employing approximately 6,000 team members and generating an annual turnover of around $1.4 billion. His enduring passion for the industry and significant contributions to independent retail have established him as one of Australia&rsquo;s most accomplished retailers, recognised by his induction into the IGA Hall of Fame in July 2016.
Please note: this episode was recorded on 14 April 2026.

The Fight Has Just Begun | Geoff Wilson AO

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