Have you ever wondered why some businesses go broke and others are successful?
For 40 years I was a corporate undertaker. I buried businesses that failed and helped save those where there was still a pulse.
I was parachuted into some of corporate Australia’s biggest financial crisis, insolvencies and turnaround environments. I have been in Board rooms, Court rooms and on shop floors when all seems lost (and sometimes it was).
Over decades at the coal face of business (often in the most difficult circumstances), I have seen & heard stories that delighted and inspired me, as well as those which serve as a guide of the path not to take.
I also spent years in leadership roles at Ferrier Hodgson and KPMG Australia where I sat on the Board and was the National Consumer and Retail leader.
The purpose of What I learned about Business (that didn’t kill me!) is to share the stories behind some of the world's most interesting business situations, how they unfolded, how my guests dealt with them, and how those experiences changed them and the way they do business.
I hope that my podcast entertains and engages listeners who want to know more about the worlds great business leaders and the lessons that didn’t kill them…….
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you ever wondered why some businesses go broke and others are successful?
For 40 years I was a corporate undertaker. I buried businesses that failed and helped save those where there was still a pulse.
I was parachuted into some of corporate Australia’s biggest financial crisis, insolvencies and turnaround environments. I have been in Board rooms, Court rooms and on shop floors when all seems lost (and sometimes it was).
Over decades at the coal face of business (often in the most difficult circumstances), I have seen & heard stories that delighted and inspired me, as well as those which serve as a guide of the path not to take.
I also spent years in leadership roles at Ferrier Hodgson and KPMG Australia where I sat on the Board and was the National Consumer and Retail leader.
The purpose of What I learned about Business (that didn’t kill me!) is to share the stories behind some of the world's most interesting business situations, how they unfolded, how my guests dealt with them, and how those experiences changed them and the way they do business.
I hope that my podcast entertains and engages listeners who want to know more about the worlds great business leaders and the lessons that didn’t kill them…….
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From escaping civil war in Sri Lanka at just six years old, to building one of the most successful automation start-ups in Australia and New Zealand, Nishan Wijemanne has lived a business journey defined by resilience, reinvention and relentless curiosity.
In this episode, we trace Nishan’s extraordinary path — from his early years in Christchurch, to his foundational training at Dematic, one of the world’s largest logistics automation companies, and then to founding Cohesio Group. Cohesio quickly became a market leader, securing major clients such as The Reject Shop, Kmart and Wesfarmers’ Officeworks, and forging a groundbreaking partnership with Chinese robotics giant Geek+, before being acquired by German technology conglomerate Körber in 2019.
Nishan then teamed up again with long-time collaborator Rizan Mawzoon to launch Shiperoo in 2023 — a next-generation fulfilment and returns platform using robotics, automation and a modern tech stack to give retail brands an Amazon-level customer experience without becoming Amazon themselves. Today, Shiperoo is backed by Australia Post, and supported by industry leaders including John King, Paul Greenberg and Gary Starr.
We unpack the lessons Nishan learned building and selling Cohesio, the turning point that made him realise the returns economy was the next frontier of ecommerce logistics, and his views on the future of AI, automation and robotics in global supply chains.
Whether you’re in retail, ecommerce, logistics, robotics or leadership — or you simply enjoy stories of grit and ambition — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, James H Stewart, or the production team behind What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!). This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute business, financial, investment or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own independent advice before making decisions based on the content of this episode. All business examples, company references and personal experiences are presented in good faith and are based on publicly available information or the guest’s personal account. No responsibility is taken for any errors, omissions or changes in factual circumstances after the date of recording.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, James sits down with Bruce Carter AO, one of Australia’s most respected commercial advisors and arguably South Australia’s “Mr Fix-It”. Over more than three decades, Bruce has become the person governments, boards and business leaders call when the stakes are high and commercial pragmatism is in demand.
Bruce built his career in corporate restructuring and insolvency as a young partner at EY before founding Ferrier Hodgson’s Adelaide office. From there he became pivotal in some of South Australia’s biggest corporate challenges — Harris Scarfe’s collapse, the Elders refinancing, and government advisory roles on the Port Pirie smelter, Whyalla steelworks, the Olympic Dam expansion, and more. In 2021 he was appointed to the Board of Crown Resorts as it faced an existential reputational crisis and three Government Royal Commissions.
In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Bruce talks through:
Bruce’s reflections are candid, thoughtful and packed with lessons for leaders, directors and anyone navigating high-pressure decisions.
This is a rare window into the mindset of someone who has helped steer companies, governments and communities through their most pivotal moments.
The views expressed in this episode are personal opinions only and do not represent the views of any organisation, board, government body or company with which Bruce Carter AO or James H. Stewart is or has been associated. Nothing in this episode constitutes financial, legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own independent advice before making any decisions based on the topics discussed.
Contact James
Website: jameshstewart.com
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Iain Nairn walks into a room, he brings over 40 years of global retail experience — and a lifetime of lessons in leadership, resilience, and reinvention.
From his early days with Laura Ashley in the UK to record-breaking years at Country Road Group, a short but powerful stint at David Jones, and a complete digital reinvention of Hudson’s Bay in Canada, Iain has led through every challenge retail can throw at you — turnarounds, acquisitions, cultural clashes, and even a global pandemic.
But its not all beer and skittles. In this conversation, we unpack:
It’s a powerful look inside the mind of a CEO who’s led billion-dollar brands, faced boardroom politics head-on, and still believes retail is a human story — not just a balance sheet.
For more insights, episode notes, and behind-the-scenes content, visit jameshstewart.com
or connect on LinkedIn.
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host and do not represent the views of any organisation, employer, or affiliate.
All information is provided for general discussion and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional advice.
Listeners should seek independent guidance before making any business, financial, or investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From a kitchen table in Brisbane to a global online fashion movement — this is the story of Black Milk Clothing.
In this episode of What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!), host James H. Stewart sits down with Jackie Kruger, CEO of Black Milk Clothing, the cult Australian label known for its bold designs, product range diversity, and fiercely loyal community of Sharkies.
Jackie shares how she stepped into the CEO role following the tragic passing of founder James “jL” Lillis, and what it takes to balance creativity, commercial discipline, and community trust in a brand built on authenticity. Together, they unpack:
This conversation is a powerful look at creativity, courage, and the soul of a brand — and what it takes to carry that forward.
🎧 Listen now on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Connect with James:
🌐 Website: https://jameshstewart.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, producers, or any affiliated organisations. The content is provided for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, financial, or business advice. Listeners should conduct their own research or seek independent professional guidance before acting on any information discussed.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
John King's global experience in retail and wholesale brands is unique. He led three major retailers—Matalan, House of Fraser, and Myer—through wildly different market cycles, against major headwinds and each with their own unique set of challenges. After an early career with Sainsbury's and Marks and Spencer in the UK, he spent 13 years in the wholesale sector, witnessed the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers in NYC, guided House of Fraser through the GFC and then Myer through Covid.
If you are a retail nut, this episode is a not to be missed conversation where James and John discuss the levers that actually move the needle in legacy retail: footprint and lease strategy, loyalty economics, online performance, and what it takes to lead through a crisis, stabilise balance sheets and set a retail business up for success.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host and do not necessarily reflect the views of any associated companies, organisations, or affiliates.
This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional, financial, or legal advice.
All rights reserved © What I Learned in Business (that didn’t kill me!)
Connect with James
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it take to transform a national treasure into a modern global brand?
In this episode, James H. Stewart sits down with Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO of Jim Thompson — Thailand’s most iconic names in silk design, craftsmanship, and culture.
Frank shares his journey from leading global retail giants in Asia like Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein to reimagining Jim Thompson for a new era. Under his leadership, the brand has evolved far beyond silk — opening the spectacular Heritage Quarter in Bangkok, expanding into fashion, homeware, and hospitality, and even featuring in The White Lotus (Season 3).
Together, James and Frank explore:
This is a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and respect for legacy — and a rare glimpse into what it takes to carry a 75-year-old brand into the future of global lifestyle retail.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Visit jameshstewart.com for updates, speaking events, and more episodes of What I Learned in Business (that didn’t kill me!).
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host and do not necessarily reflect the views of any associated companies, organisations, or affiliates.
This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional, financial, or legal advice.
All rights reserved © What I Learned in Business (that didn’t kill me!)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Private-equity veteran Patrick Elliott (Founding Partner, Next Capital; ex-Macquarie PE; former Chair of JB Hi-Fi) joins James H Stewart to unpack career pivots, equity investing and what they teach us about risk, governance, and value creation.
Patrick traces his path from restructuring at Ferrier Hodgson to Private equity investing at Macquarie, then the leap to found Next Capital. We dig into the JB Hi-Fi MBI-to-IPO journey, the lessons from the collapse of Topshop Australia and how to approach turnarounds when the exit options are limited.
Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor, you’ll get a playbook in patient investing, strategic pivots, and why great businesses are built around great people.
Practical, candid, and loaded with real examples.
Key Takeaways:
“If you’re not learning or growing, you’re already going backwards.” — Patrick Elliott
About Patrick Elliott:
Patrick Elliott is Co-Founder of Next Capital and former executive at Macquarie Bank. A graduate of IMD (Switzerland), he has led investments across retail, consumer, and industrial sectors — combining analytical precision with entrepreneurial instinct.
Connect with Patrick:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-elliott-374a3214b
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share.
What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!) — hosted by James H. Stewart, exploring the stories behind resilience, reinvention, and leadership.
Connect with James:
🌐 JamesHStewart.com | LinkedIn
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organisations, affiliates, or of the host. This podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as business, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own independent advice before making decisions related to any topics discussed.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, James H Stewart sits down with Di Gillett — a fashion-design student, turned retailer, turned headhunter, turned podcaster — whose life and career are a study in resilience and reinvention.
Di began her career in fashion and retail with Myer and Country Road, before spending more than 30 years in executive search, working with industry icon Andrew Banks at Talent 2 and later founding her own firm, Agora Partners. Today, she hosts the acclaimed Power of Women Podcast, and with almost 100 episodes, is approaching the top 1% of podcasters globally.
In a deeply honest conversation, Di shares the moments that shaped her — from surviving sudden alopecia to navigating the loss of her sister-in-law, elite cyclist Amy Gillett, whose death inspired a national road-safety movement.
Together, James and Di explore how adversity reshapes ambition, and why confidence and visibility matter more than ever for women in business.
Key Takeaways:
“When you lose what defines you, you find out who you really are.” — Di Gillett
About Di Gillett:
Di Gillett is a business founder, podcast host, and advocate for women’s empowerment. With a background in retail and recruitment — including work with Andrew Banks and Talent2 — Di brings a grounded perspective on leadership, courage, and finding voice through adversity.
Connect with Di:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share.
What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!) — hosted by James H. Stewart, celebrating real stories of resilience, leadership, and growth.
Connect with James:
🌐 JamesHStewart.com | LinkedIn
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organisations, affiliates, or of the host. This podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as business, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own independent advice before making decisions related to any topics discussed.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of What I Learned in Business, James H Stewart sits down with Evan Thornley — entrepreneur, investor, reformer, and one of Australia’s most original thinkers on business and social change.
Evan’s career has been anything but conventional. He co-founded LookSmart, one of Australia’s first tech companies to list on NASDAQ at the height of the dot-com boom, before riding out its spectacular crash. He later entered Victorian politics, led the global Better Place electric-vehicle venture, helped rescue ABC Learning through the creation of Goodstart Early Learning, and today chairs LongView, a business tackling housing affordability and generational inequality.
James and Evan explore:
This is a conversation about big ideas, bold failures, and rebuilding success with meaning.
Key Takeaways:
“The line between visionary and fool is very thin — but it’s where all the progress happens.” — Evan Thornley
About Evan Thornley:
Evan Thornley is an Australian tech entrepreneur, investor, and impact leader. He co-founded LookSmart, led Better Place Australia, was a driving force behind the GoodStart consortium that rescued 650 childcare centres from the financial collapse of ABC learning and now heads LongView, a purpose-driven property business focused on long-term wealth and housing reform.
Connect with Evan:
LinkedIn | https://longview.com.au
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share.
What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!) — hosted by James H. Stewart, exploring the real lessons from business, innovation, and resilience.
Connect with James:
🌐 JamesHStewart.com | LinkedIn
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organisations, affiliates, or of the host. This podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as business, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own independent advice before making decisions related to any topics discussed.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!), host James H Stewart sits down with Paul Howes — one of Australia’s most recognisable public figures and a leader whose career has spanned the union movement, politics, and corporate life.
Raised by a single mother in Sydney’s Blue Mountains, Paul became the youngest ever National Secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union, rising to national prominence during the Beaconsfield mine disaster. He later became a key player in Labor’s 2010 leadership drama which led to Julia Gillard becoming Australia's first female prime minister— an experience he chronicled in his book Confessions of a Faceless Man.
Today, Paul reflects on the lessons learned from crisis leadership, public scrutiny, and career transformation — from the factory floor to the boardroom. He also discusses his work with Beyond Blue, and his next chapter as CEO of Tenet Advisory & Investments, founded by Luke Sayers.
This is a candid, insightful, and at times surprising conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what leadership looks like under the spotlight.
Key Takeaways:
“Leadership isn’t about power — it’s about accountability when it matters most.” — Paul Howes
About Paul Howes:
Paul Howes is the incoming CEO of Tenet Advisory and Investments (from January 2026), former National Secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union, National Managing Partner of KPMG's Enterprise and Consulting divisions and a respected voice on business transformation and social reform. He served on the National COVID-19 Advisory Board and the Beyond Blue Board, bringing together business and community leadership.
Connect with Paul:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pahowes/
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share.
What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!) is hosted by James H. Stewart — senior commercial advisor uncovering the real stories behind leadership and resilience.
Connect with James:
🌐 JamesHStewart.com | LinkedIn
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organisations, affiliates, or of the host. This podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as business, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own independent advice before making decisions related to any topics discussed.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Born out of the ashes of Enron and the collapse of global Big 5 firm Arthur Andersen, Korda Mentha has become a powerhouse advisory firm in Australia/Asia fuelled by winning some of the biggest and most high profile mandates in the country.
In this episode of What I Learned About Business (That Didn’t Kill Me), James H Stewart sits down with Mark Korda, co-founder of KordaMentha to discuss the inside story of founding KordaMentha, the lessons learned through some of Australia’s biggest corporate crises — including Ansett Airlines, Timbercorp, and Arrium, and the difficult cultural journey to transform Australia's most successful sporting club, Collingwood FC.
Key Takeaways:
“You don’t learn much when things go right — you learn, when everything almost falls apart.” — Mark Korda
About Mark Korda:
Mark Korda is Co-Founder of KordaMentha and a former President of the Collingwood Football Club. With decades in corporate restructuring, he’s been at the helm of landmark Australian administrations and continues to shape thinking on business recovery and governance.
About Korda Mentha:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kordamentha/posts/?feedView=all
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share.
What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!) is hosted by James H. Stewart — Senior commercial advisor and founder of JamesHStewart.com.
Connect with James:
🌐 JamesHStewart.com | LinkedIn
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organisations, affiliates, or of the host. This podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as business, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own independent advice before making decisions related to any topics discussed.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For 40 years I was a corporate undertaker. I buried businesses that failed and helped save those where there was still a pulse.
I was parachuted into some of corporate Australia’s biggest financial crisis, insolvencies and turnaround environments. I have been in Board rooms, Court rooms and on shop floors when all seems lost (and sometimes it was).
Over decades at the coal face of business (often in the most difficult circumstances), I have seen & heard stories that delighted and inspired me, as well as those which serve as a guide of the path not to take.
I also spent years in leadership roles at Ferrier Hodgson and KPMG Australia where I sat on the Board and was the National Consumer and Retail leader.
What I learned about Business (that didn’t kill me!) shares the stories behind some of the world's most interesting business situations, how they unfolded, how my guests dealt with them, and how those experiences changed them and the way they do business.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.