Épisodes

  • True Test of Character | Heston Russell
    Oct 7 2026

    In Episode 176 of the No Limitations Podcast, True Test of Character, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Heston Russell, Special Forces Veteran, Author, Keynote Speaker, Founder and Managing Director, Veteran Support Force and The Veteran Games.

    In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Heston reflects on a career spent leading soldiers in some of the world’s most challenging environments and the lessons that followed after service. Drawing on his deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, he shares insights into elite performance, leadership under pressure, resilience, accountability, and the importance of purpose-driven teams. Heston also discusses the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, the loss of identity and community after service, his public fight to defend his platoon's reputation, and his ongoing advocacy for veterans through initiatives such as the Veteran Games. Throughout the discussion, he emphasises that true leadership is built on competence, trust, service to others, and the ability to unite people around a common purpose.

    Heston is a retired Australian Special Forces Major, decorated combat veteran, author, keynote speaker and veterans’ advocate who served for more than 16 years in the Australian Army, including multiple operational deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Timor-Leste and the Middle East. After successfully completing Special Forces selection, he served within the 2nd Commando Regiment, later commanding the Commando and Support Staff Selection and Training continuum at the Special Forces Training Centre and serving on exchange with United States Special Operations Command. Since leaving the military, Heston has become one of Australia’s leading voices on leadership, resilience, veteran wellbeing and purpose-driven performance. He is the founder of Voice Of A Veteran, as well as the Founder and Managing Director of Veteran Support Force and the Veteran Games, initiatives dedicated to supporting veterans and their families while promoting positive change across the veteran community. His advocacy played a key role in the establishment of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and he has worked extensively with governments, organisations and community groups to improve outcomes for current and former service personnel. A sought-after keynote speaker, leadership consultant and media commentator, Heston draws on his unique experiences in Special Forces, business leadership and veteran advocacy to help individuals and organisations build high-performing teams, strengthen culture and develop resilience under pressure. He is also the author of the memoir “Forging The Will To Fight” and won a landmark defamation case against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 2023. Through his work, Heston challenges leaders to embrace accountability, connect people to purpose and unlock their potential in the face of adversity.

    Please note: this episode was recorded on 29 September 2026.

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    1 h et 48 min
  • Shattering the Old Order | Newt Gingrich
    Oct 12 2026

    In Episode 177 of the No Limitations Podcast, Shattering the Old Order, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Newt Gingrich, the 50th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

    In a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation, Newt shares his view of America’s future and why he believes the next 50 years could be defined by growth, innovation and renewed national confidence. He discusses America’s Golden Age, the power of optimism, the impact of artificial intelligence, space, healthcare breakthroughs, the future of the US economy, and why he believes the United States will remain the leading country on the planet. Newt also reflects on the rise of democratic socialism, the future of American conservatism, the role of Donald Trump, the challenge of China, the nature of Russia, the Middle East, Iran, AUKUS, and where Australia sits in America’s strategic thinking. Throughout the discussion, he brings the perspective of an historian, strategist and political leader who has spent decades thinking about power, leadership, national renewal and the consequences of ideas.

    Newt, the former and 50th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, is widely known as the architect of the “Contract with America”, that led to the Republican Party victory in the 1994 midterm elections and created the first conservative majority in the House in 40 years during the Bill Clinton presidency.

    Newt was also a Republican candidate for President of the United States in 2012. Newt is Chairman of Gingrich 360, a multimedia production and consulting company based in Arlington, Virginia. He is also a Fox News contributor, host of the Newt’s World podcast, syndicated columnist and author of 45 books, including 18 fiction and nonfiction New York Times bestsellers. Recognised internationally as an expert on world history, military issues and international affairs, Newt has served as the longest-serving teacher of the Joint War Fighting course for Major Generals, taught officers from all six services as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar and Professor at the National Defense University, served as a Member of the Defense Policy Board, and contributed to major policy work on terrorism and United Nations reform.

    His latest book, “America’s Golden Age: Trumpism and an Era of Limitless Possibilities”, argues that America is on the edge of a new period of prosperity, innovation and national renewal. In the book, Newt explores how artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, small modular nuclear power, biological breakthroughs and space travel could reshape America’s economy, national security and way of life over the coming decades.

    Please note: this episode was recorded on 8 October 2026.

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    43 min
  • Why Aren’t You Out There Changing The World? | Stephen Scheeler
    Sep 9 2026

    In Episode 175 of the No Limitations Podcast, Why Aren’t You Out There Changing The World?, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Stephen Scheeler, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Omniscient and Former Chief Executive Officer of Facebook Australia and New Zealand.

    In this insightful and dynamic conversation, Stephen reflects on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, innovation and leadership in an era of unprecedented technological change. He draws on his experience leading Facebook in Australia and New Zealand during a period of significant growth and transformation, overseeing the rapid expansion of the business in Australia and New Zealand as social media became an increasingly important platform for consumers, advertisers and organisations. He discusses his current work at Omniscient, which is at the forefront of AI-powered neuroscience, and explains why the combination of organic and artificial intelligence represents one of the greatest opportunities for business and society, the leadership capabilities needed to navigate disruption, and how organisations can create lasting value beyond productivity and efficiency gains. Stephen shares his perspective on Australia's potential as a global innovation leader, the importance of attracting talent and investment, building high-performing cultures, embracing curiosity and continuous learning, and why leaders must balance technological advancement with human ingenuity to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

    Stephen is the Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Industry Head of Facebook and Instagram for Australia and New Zealand, where he helped transform the business from a fast-growing startup into one of Facebook's most successful markets globally. Today, he is the Founder and CEO of The Digital CEO, the CEO of Omniscient, an AI company pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to decode the human brain and serves on the Advisory Panel of Sovereign Australia AI as a Member. He has previously been Chairman of CEBIT Australia, a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, and an Executive-in-Residence at AGSM @ UNSW Business School. As a keynote speaker and advisor, Stephen has spoken to or advised many prominent organisations including Google, PwC, EY, Deloitte, Westpac, Macquarie Bank, Citibank, Mastercard, American Express, Toyota, Oracle, Telstra, Seek, Qantas and the Australian Government, helping leaders navigate digital transformation and emerging technologies. A frequent media commentator on AI, technology and the future of business, he has appeared on major stages including TEDx and SXSW Austin and is a member of the Australian Prime Minister's Knowledge Nation 100, recognising Australia's leading innovators and thinkers. Through his work, Stephen continues to challenge business leaders to rethink leadership, strategy and innovation in an AI-driven world.

    Please note: this episode was recorded on 25 August 2026.

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    2 h et 23 min
  • There's No Possible Way Out Until There Is | Graeme Cowan
    Aug 19 2026

    In Episode 174 of the No Limitations Podcast, There's No Possible Way Out Until There Is, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Graeme Cowan, Founding Director of R U OK? and author of Great Leaders Care.

    In this deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation, Graeme reflects on his extraordinary journey back from a five-year battle with severe depression, a period during which he believed with "110% certainty" that he would never recover. Drawing on that lived experience, he explains why great leaders care, arguing that the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives and that the most successful teams are those where people care about each other, have each other’s back, and encourage one another. Graeme explores the concepts of the "red zone" and the "green zone", the power of psychological safety, the importance of vulnerability and purpose, and why leaders who combine a culture of care with high performance create more resilient, engaged and successful organisations. He also shares practical insights on building strong teams, recognising when people are struggling, navigating workplace stress, embracing change and AI, and creating the conditions for sustainable growth, resilience and wellbeing.

    Graeme is one of Australia’s leading voices on workplace resilience and mental wellbeing. A former senior executive with Johnson & Johnson, Morgan & Banks, Pfizer and AT Kearney, he has spent more than two decades helping leaders build healthier, more successful workplaces. He is a Founding Director of R U OK?, helping establish one of Australia’s most recognised mental health movements, and is the co-founder of WeCARE365, which has trained more than 300,000 leaders globally through scalable wellbeing, psychological safety and psychosocial risk programs.

    Graeme is also on the Board Services Committee at Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney. Graeme has delivered more than 700 presentations in 15 countries and is widely recognised for his practical and authentic approach to leadership and resilience. Graeme also runs Graeme Cowan Enterprises, where he builds team psychological safety and resilience. He is the author of five books, including the internationally acclaimed "Back From The Brink", which became a bestseller in China and earned praise from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, as well as his latest book, "Great Leaders Care: Building Safe, Resilient and Successful Teams". Through his speaking, writing and advocacy, Graeme continues to champion the belief that high care and high performance are not competing priorities but essential partners in building thriving organisations and communities.

    Please note: this episode was recorded on 5 August 2026.

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    1 h et 40 min
  • Game Changer | Adam Druissi
    Jul 29 2026

    In Episode 173 of the No Limitations Podcast, Game Changer, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Adam Driussi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quantium and Chairman of Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs Rugby League Club Ltd.

    In this thoughtful, illuminating and at times confronting conversation, Adam shares his professional journey, from the early days as a young entrepreneur, the creation of Quantium, and how Quantium, through the transformative power of data, has markedly assisted in the improvement of operational performance, customer engagement and growth for organisations across multiple sectors and geographies. Adam then challenges us all with his candid and sobering synopsis of AI, and how the speed of change is unlocking new horizons and will extinguish others who fail to embrace the new world. He shares his personal story with AI, his digital twin, and the Gus Gould digital twin as we learn of Adam’s lifelong passion for sport and his insights as the Chair of the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs for not just the sport but business and leadership.

    Quantium is a leading Australian data science and artificial intelligence company that helps global brands deploy AI systems, optimise supply chains, and analyse customer behaviours across retail, banking, telecommunications, and healthcare. Prior to founding Quantium in 2002, Adam was a Partner at Deloitte working in actuarial and analytics consulting. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia.

    Please note: this episode was recorded on 7 July 2026.

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    2 h et 2 min
  • The Fight Has Just Begun | Geoff Wilson AO
    Jul 15 2026

    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.

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    2 h et 7 min
  • The Dirty Mix | Lt. Col. Jahara “Franky” Matisek (PhD)
    Jul 9 2026

    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.

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    1 h et 36 min
  • There's a Better Way | Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.)
    Jun 18 2026

    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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    1 h et 40 min