In Episode 108 of the No Limitations podcast The Forces of Nature, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Michael Batko, Chief Executive Officer of Startmate.

In today’s discussion, Michael welcomes us to the epicentre for startup ambition across Australia and New Zealand, where they work closely with founders, mentors, angel investors and venture funds. He shares with us the common denominator in the successful startups they’ve supported and the overwhelming power of the community pervading through this unique ecosystem. He also touches on the challenges facing founders and why it takes a force of nature to change the game.

Startmate have invested in over 190 startups with a collective portfolio value of $2bn. Prior to his current role, Michael was Head of Operations of Startmate and before that was involved in a number of startups, such as Expert360 and Mad Paws.



Please note: this episode was recorded on 1 February 2023.

In Episode 108 of the No Limitations podcast The Forces of Nature, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Michael Batko, Chief Executive Officer of Startmate.
In today’s discussion, Michael welcomes us to the epicentre for startup ambition across Australia and New Zealand, where they work closely with founders, mentors, angel investors and venture funds. He shares with us the common denominator in the successful startups they’ve supported and the overwhelming power of the community pervading through this unique ecosystem. He also touches on the challenges facing founders and why it takes a force of nature to change the game.
Startmate have invested in over 190 startups with a collective portfolio value of $2bn. Prior to his current role, Michael was Head of Operations of Startmate and before that was involved in a number of startups, such as Expert360 and Mad Paws.
 
Please note: this episode was recorded on 1 February 2023.

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.

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The Forces of Nature | Michael Batko

In Episode 144 of the No Limitations podcast, A Divided Nation Decides, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Stephen Loosley AM, a former Senator for New South Wales.



In a 2024 United States Presidential election special, Stephen evaluates whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris is best prepared to lead the free world for the next four years. He delivers a verdict on which candidate will claim the battleground states and asserts that the economy and reproductive rights will be the most important issues. Recognising that the world is at a critical juncture with rapidly escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine as well as rising tensions in the South China Sea, Stephen believes that the decision made at the ballot box in early November will be as important as ever for America, the West, the democratic free world, and the international balance of power.



Stephen was elected as a Senator for New South Wales in the 1990 federal election where he served in the Hawke and Keating governments and chaired the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. Thereafter, he left parliamentary politics to pursue a career in the law, but he remained a leading commentator on Australian and United States politics in media outlets such as Sky News and The Australian. He is an Ambassador for the University of Technology, Sydney and previously served as a Visiting Fellow at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney and the Chair of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Canberra. He has also been a Board member of leading organisations such as Crescent Capital Partners, National Rugby League and The Salvation Army.



Please note that the views and opinions expressed by Stephen in this podcast are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organisations he is involved with.

Please note: this episode was recorded on 18 October 2024.

In Episode 144 of the No Limitations podcast, A Divided Nation Decides, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Stephen Loosley AM, a former Senator for New South Wales.
 
In a 2024 United States Presidential election special, Stephen evaluates whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris is best prepared to lead the free world for the next four years. He delivers a verdict on which candidate will claim the battleground states and asserts that the economy and reproductive rights will be the most important issues. Recognising that the world is at a critical juncture with rapidly escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine as well as rising tensions in the South China Sea, Stephen believes that the decision made at the ballot box in early November will be as important as ever for America, the West, the democratic free world, and the international balance of power.
 
Stephen was elected as a Senator for New South Wales in the 1990 federal election where he served in the Hawke and Keating governments and chaired the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. Thereafter, he left parliamentary politics to pursue a career in the law, but he remained a leading commentator on Australian and United States politics in media outlets such as Sky News and The Australian. He is an Ambassador for the University of Technology, Sydney and previously served as a Visiting Fellow at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney and the Chair of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Canberra. He has also been a Board member of leading organisations such as Crescent Capital Partners, National Rugby League and The Salvation Army.
 
Please note that the views and opinions expressed by Stephen in this podcast are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organisations he is involved with.
Please note: this episode was recorded on 18 October 2024.

A Divided Nation Decides | Stephen Loosley AM

In Episode 143 of the No Limitations podcast The Valley of Death, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Dr Larry Marshall, Non-Executive Director of Fortescue Ltd and Nanosonics Ltd.



In a spirited discussion, Larry scrutinises Australia’s innovation dilemma, where despite the nation’s level of invention and scientific excellence, it is significantly behind in terms of commanding recognition on the global stage. He highlights the potential of capitalising on Australia’s resources to create a market vision to drive further economic growth. Larry also reflects on his time leading CSIRO, where he challenged the norm in the hundred-year-old organisation and delivered its first period of growth in three decades. He shares with us the essentials in catalysing success and the courage required as a leader in the face of failure. Finally, Larry reminds us of the importance of diversity, as different thoughts and perspectives will ultimately drive future innovation in Australia.



Larry Marshall is currently a Non-Executive Director of Fortescue Ltd and Nanosonics Ltd and also serves on the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Council of the Australian National University and the Australian Government’s Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group. Larry is also Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia. He was Chief Executive Officer of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency from 2015 to 2023. Prior to CSIRO, he spent a considerable amount of time in the United States, where he co-founded and led a number of technology and venture capital companies in biotechnology, telecommunications and semiconductors. He is also the author of “Invention to Innovation: How Scientists Can Drive our Economy,” which was published in 2023.



Please note: this episode was recorded on 27 August 2024.

In Episode 143 of the No Limitations podcast The Valley of Death, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Dr Larry Marshall, Non-Executive Director of Fortescue Ltd and Nanosonics Ltd.
 
In a spirited discussion, Larry scrutinises Australia’s innovation dilemma, where despite the nation’s level of invention and scientific excellence, it is significantly behind in terms of commanding recognition on the global stage. He highlights the potential of capitalising on Australia’s resources to create a market vision to drive further economic growth. Larry also reflects on his time leading CSIRO, where he challenged the norm in the hundred-year-old organisation and delivered its first period of growth in three decades. He shares with us the essentials in catalysing success and the courage required as a leader in the face of failure. Finally, Larry reminds us of the importance of diversity, as different thoughts and perspectives will ultimately drive future innovation in Australia.
 
Larry Marshall is currently a Non-Executive Director of Fortescue Ltd and Nanosonics Ltd and also serves on the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Council of the Australian National University and the Australian Government’s Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group. Larry is also Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia. He was Chief Executive Officer of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency from 2015 to 2023. Prior to CSIRO, he spent a considerable amount of time in the United States, where he co-founded and led a number of technology and venture capital companies in biotechnology, telecommunications and semiconductors. He is also the author of “Invention to Innovation: How Scientists Can Drive our Economy,” which was published in 2023.
 
Please note: this episode was recorded on 27 August 2024.

The Valley of Death | Dr Larry Marshall

In Episode 142 of the No Limitations podcast The Dirty Deal, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Dr Adi Paterson, Founder and Principal of Siyeva Consulting. Adi was formerly Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Australia’s nuclear centre of excellence.



As we head into a critical juncture in Australia’s energy future debate, Adi joins us again to challenge our thinking around the game-changing opportunity for nuclear power in Australia. He highlights the enormous potential for small modular reactors, which can provide reliable energy that can transform regional Australia, lead to the creation of new markets, and accelerate the country’s growth. Adi also provides an assessment of where the nation currently stands in terms of renewables and warns us of the potential implications it may have not only on business and the broader economy, but also for the everyday Australian if we continue down the current trajectory. Finally, Adi stresses the need for leaders and policymakers to act swiftly to meet net-zero targets and address the desperate need for affordable and reliable energy.



Prior to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of ANSTO, Adi served as the General Manager of Business Development and Operations at the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Company in South Africa. Adi was Group Executive of the Department of Science and Technology within the South African Government and Executive Vice-President at the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Adi has contributed to numerous advisory Boards and committees and is currently a Board Member of HB11 Energy and AdvanCell Isotopes.

In Episode 142 of the No Limitations podcast The Dirty Deal, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Dr Adi Paterson, Founder and Principal of Siyeva Consulting. Adi was formerly Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Australia’s nuclear centre of excellence.
 
As we head into a critical juncture in Australia’s energy future debate, Adi joins us again to challenge our thinking around the game-changing opportunity for nuclear power in Australia. He highlights the enormous potential for small modular reactors, which can provide reliable energy that can transform regional Australia, lead to the creation of new markets, and accelerate the country’s growth. Adi also provides an assessment of where the nation currently stands in terms of renewables and warns us of the potential implications it may have not only on business and the broader economy, but also for the everyday Australian if we continue down the current trajectory. Finally, Adi stresses the need for leaders and policymakers to act swiftly to meet net-zero targets and address the desperate need for affordable and reliable energy.
 
Prior to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of ANSTO, Adi served as the General Manager of Business Development and Operations at the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Company in South Africa. Adi was Group Executive of the Department of Science and Technology within the South African Government and Executive Vice-President at the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Adi has contributed to numerous advisory Boards and committees and is currently a Board Member of HB11 Energy and AdvanCell Isotopes.

The Forces of Nature | Michael Batko

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