Épisodes

  • 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.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 40 min
  • Run a Straight Line | Fred Harrison
    Jun 10 2026

    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.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 39 min
  • Crash or Crash Through | David Williams
    May 27 2026

    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.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h et 56 min
  • Unfinished Symphony | Patrick Forth
    May 13 2026

    In Episode 167 of the No Limitations Podcast, Unfinished Symphony, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Patrick Forth, Group Executive Director, Connected Economy at Future Secure AI.

    In a wide‑ranging and forward‑looking conversation, Patrick explores the strategic implications and misconceptions of AI adoption and Generative AI. He also discusses digital transformation and how it remains the main challenge for companies today, given the vast potential of AI. Patrick also reflects on the long-term strategy and leadership challenges amid rapid technological change across industries.

    Patrick currently serves on multiple boards across Australia and Asia, bringing over 35 years of experience advising boards, CEOs, and senior executives globally across all industries, with a focus on technology, media, and telecommunications. His current board appointments include being a Non‑Executive Director at Axiata in Malaysia, Chair of Fabulate, a leading influencer marketing solutions provider, and Chair of Teach For Australia, a not‑for‑profit organisation focused on addressing educational inequity nationwide. He is also a Board Member of the Association of Rhodes Scholars Australia through the Rhodes Trust, and a long‑standing Advisory Board Member at the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW Business School. Patrick was previously a Senior Advisor with Boston Consulting Group and was formerly a member of its global leadership team, leading its Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice with double-digit growth for 8 years. Patrick was also a founding Board member of BCG Digital Ventures, which has built over 200 new businesses in partnership with corporations and launched BCG's Growth Tech Practice. Prior Patrick was a Rolls Royce Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, developing cooling and performance solutions for gas turbines.

    His experience covers digital technology, advanced analytics and AI, leadership, strategy and direction, portfolio/M&A, growth, transformation and operational improvement, organisation and performance improvement. His domain expertise covers fixed and mobile telecommunications, software, enterprise ICT, devices, all media categories and digital transformations in all industry sectors. He has lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Europe, the U.S., South-East Asia, Africa and Australia. Patrick was also named by the Australian Financial Review as one of Australia's most powerful consultants in 2022.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 41 min
  • The Real Agenda | Col. J. David “Dave” Patterson (Ret.)
    Apr 29 2026

    In Episode 166 of the No Limitations Podcast, The Real Agenda, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Col. J. David “Dave” Patterson (Ret.), Former Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense in the 43rd Presidential Administration, National Security Contributor for Liberty Nation News and Executive Advisor to SMA, Inc.

    In an in‑depth conversation, Dave draws on decades of Military, Policy, and Defense-Industry experience to examine the evolving national security environment, highlighting how global affairs and major power dynamics are reshaping the U.S. security priorities. He also explores the challenges facing the U.S and other nations around the globe as they seek to navigate strategic and political uncertainty in an era of intensified great‑power rivalry and persistent geopolitical risk.

    Dave is a former non‑paid Special Government Employee, where he served on the Defense Science Board Taskforce on the Defense Industrial Base and advised senior Defense Department leadership on strengthening U.S. industrial base capabilities and internal organizational efficiency. His senior government service includes serving as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) during the Bush 43 Administration, where he helped oversee a Department of Defense budget exceeding $515 billion, represented the Comptroller on the Defense Acquisition Board, supported the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process, led acquisition reform efforts, and managed Department of Defense financial policy and modernisation initiatives. Dave also served as Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and led the Defense Acquisition Performance Assessment Project, gaining deep insight into Pentagon decision‑making and operations. He also served in the U.S. Air Force from 1970 to 1993, retiring as a colonel after combat service in Vietnam and senior leadership roles across operational, joint, and Pentagon assignments. His private‑sector experience includes executive leadership at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing and directing the National Defense Business Institute, and he holds a Top Secret/SCI‑eligible clearance, a master’s degree from Chapman University, and is a graduate of the NATO Defense College.

    Please note this episode was recorded on 1 April 2026.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 27 min
  • It’s an Odds Game | Peter West
    Apr 15 2026

    In Episode 165 of the No Limitations Podcast, It’s an Odds Game, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Peter West, a Non-Executive Director of Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd and Former Regional Managing Director, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners for Australia, Pacific and South-East Asia.

    In a perceptive and incisive discussion, Peter draws on his leadership experience across Mars, Arnott’s, Lion, and Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners to explore how ownership structures influence business performance and decision‑making. He also discusses the evolving challenges confronting consumer‑facing businesses amid economic uncertainty, shifting consumer behaviour, and increasing operational complexity. Beyond this, he explores how global brands must balance growth, productivity, and resilience while navigating cost pressures.

    Peter held various senior executive roles at Coca Cola Amatil, before it was acquired by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in 2021. He was also previously Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand, and Asia at Lion Dairy & Drinks, a subsidiary of the Japanese beverage conglomerate, Kirin Holdings Company Ltd. Peter spent two phases of his career at Mars. It was the training ground for his early development, where he started in the Pet Care business. He returned to Mars in 2005, where he was General Manager – Australia and simultaneously ran the marketing for the Snickers Brand. He was also appointed Regional President for Continental Europe and served as the strategic leader for the M&M Brand, which he was significantly involved in launching. Additionally, he was General Manager at Arnott’s Australia and New Zealand, having held a range of senior leadership roles during his time with the organisation.

    Please note: this episode was recorded on 26 March 2026.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h et 13 min
  • We’re Getting Gamed | Craig Tindale
    Mar 31 2026

    In Episode 164 of the No Limitations Podcast, We’re Getting Gamed, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Craig Tindale, a Private Investor and a Financial and Economic Analyst.

    In a profound and sharply astute discussion, Craig delivers a compelling assessment of where global power and influence truly reside. In doing so, he exposes who is shaping the world’s future, the forces at play, the strategies at work, and the high‑stakes contest unfolding on the international stage. He reveals how this struggle is woven through an intricate web of energy dominance, technological supremacy, rare‑earth control, international finance, global investment flows, and the race for future reserve currencies.

    He spent four decades at the nexus of Western capital, Asian production, and global financial infrastructure, holding senior regional leadership roles at Oracle, IBM, Telstra, and multiple U.S. technology firms. Across this period, he delivered large‑scale outsourcing, systems integration, and infrastructure programs, installing and operating hundreds of enterprise systems across banking, payments, telecommunications, logistics, and manufacturing. He represented American and multinational vendors throughout Asia as billions in production shifted offshore, working directly with central banks, telcos, financial institutions, and national infrastructure operators. His career included two major Telstra joint ventures, leading Australia’s largest outsourcing deal, a $3.2B contract to IBM and building multiple Asia‑Pacific businesses from the ground up as Regional VP for several U.S. companies. A frequent keynote speaker and founder of numerous successful start‑ups, he developed a granular, operational understanding of how trade, finance, and production interlock under real‑world pressure. From 2018 to 2025, he ran a private family office investing in logistics, fintech, and environmental technology, including hands‑on strategy work with AirSeed Technologies in drone‑based carbon farming. Most recently, Craig authored the influential paper “Critical Materials: A Strategic Analysis”, examining the geopolitical and supply‑chain vulnerabilities facing Western economies today.

    Please note: this episode was recorded on 18 March 2026.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h et 5 min
  • In The Shadow of War | Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC
    Mar 19 2026

    In Episode 163 of the No Limitations Podcast, In The Shadow of War, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC, a Non-Executive Director of Austal Ltd.

    In a candid and perceptive discussion, Lee evaluates the current geopolitical environment and explains how rising tensions in the Middle East are amplifying friction among major Western powers. He also highlights the significance of Australia maintaining strong capabilities to address both anticipated and unforeseen security threats, as well as the challenges the nation may encounter in an increasingly polarised global arena.

    Prior to becoming an Active Reserve Officer in 2021, Lee was dual appointed as Commander – Maritime Border Command and Operation Sovereign Borders, where he was responsible for the law enforcement and operational oversight of Australia’s maritime economic and security zones. From 2017 to 2019, Lee also served a two-year secondment in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. In 2014, he was promoted to Commodore and assumed the role of Commander Surface Fleet, commanding 18 major warships. Lee is currently a Non-Executive Director of Austal Ltd, the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, Southern Launch, Pymble Ladies College and the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation. He is also a Strategic Advisor to Saronic Technologies, Salus Ventures, and Famille Capital, as well as Chairman and Race Director of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Lee is also a former Company Director of Ocius Technologies, The Whiskey Project Group and the Australian Missile Corporation, where he was the inaugural CEO.

    Please note this episode was recorded on 11 March 2026.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 11 min