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.

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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.

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In Episode 168 of the No Limitations Podcast, Crash or Crash Through, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with David Williams, Chairman of Kidder Williams Ltd.

In a stimulating and thought-provoking conversation, David shares his stories and explores the evolution of investment banking in Australia and the critical role capital plays in scaling innovative businesses. He also shares firsthand perspectives on high‑profile transactions across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and agribusiness, and reflects on the strategic decisions behind building globally competitive companies from Australia. He also offers his perspective on the Australian Federal Budget and where the nation stands economically, highlighting the opportunities and challenges shaping the country’s landscape. David further discusses the realities of principal investing, leadership in complex markets, and what it takes to turn breakthrough medical technologies into commercially successful and life‑saving products.

David is one of Australia’s most prominent investment bankers in healthcare and agriculture, with decades of experience advising leading companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategy. He has played a pivotal role in landmark transactions, including the return of Vegemite to Australian ownership, the sale of SPC, and the global rollout of innovative medical technologies such as the Green Whistle pain relief device and PolyNovo Ltd’s wound care platform. He has also built a strong track record as a principal investor, helping transform businesses such as Tassal Group and Medical Developments International Ltd into global success stories, while contributing to the growth of life‑saving medical innovations.

Alongside his advisory and investment work, David has had an extensive board career, serving as Chairman and Director across a wide range of public and private companies. He is currently Chairman of Kidder Williams Ltd, where he was the former Managing Director, Seminal Artist Group, Mobile Tyre Shop, RMA Global Ltd and Arovella Therapeutics Ltd and has previously held chairmanships at PolyNovo Ltd, INOVIQ Ltd, Tassal Group, Clever Communications Australia Ltd and Medical Developments International Ltd. He also held various Non-Executive Director roles spanning multiple sectors including healthcare, technology, consumer, and agriculture, reflecting a deep expertise in governance, growth, and strategic transformation. David has also held senior M&A leadership roles at Societe Generale, Challenger Corporate Finance, SG Hambros, ANZ McCaughan, and Arthur Andersen, and was recognised as Chairman of the Year 2017 by Biotech Daily.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.