Kim McDonnell: The Social Enterprise Entrepreneur

Bernadette Schwerdt: The Secrets of Online Success

Online success is more than just a great platform, service or product. Brand development, storytelling and communication sit front and centre of why customers will engage with you. This means understanding the power of language. In this episode I sit down with Bernadette Schwerdt — entrepreneur, best selling author, founder of the Australian School of Copywriting, and host of the podcast So You Want to Be a Copywriter. Bernadette has spent decades helping businesses and individuals communicate in a way that drives real commercial outcomes. But in today’s environment — shaped by artificial intelligence, shifting business models, and the explosion of digital content — the stakes around communication, storytelling, and intellectual property have never been higher. We discuss Bernadette’s latest book, The Secrets of Online Success, and the key lessons for anyone looking to build a business in today’s digital economy. We also cover a wide range of other topics including: * Bernadette’s journey from South Australia into acting, public speaking, authorship and entrepreneurship * Building and scaling the Australian School of Copywriting * What actually makes online businesses successful — and why many fail * The commercial value of clear communication and why so many businesses get it wrong * Lessons from entrepreneurs and authors she has worked with, including through her ghostwriting work * The role of storytelling in building brands and influencing customers * Common mistakes leaders make when presenting and communicating * The impact of artificial intelligence on copywriting, content creation, and business models * Where human creativity and judgement still matter in an AI-driven world This is a conversation about far more than writing — it’s about how businesses create value, communicate it effectively, and adapt in a rapidly changing world. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information, views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and are provided for general information purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal or professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should seek appropriate professional advice tailored to your individual circumstances before making any decisions. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information discussed, no representation or warranty is given as to its completeness or reliability. 🔗 CONNECT WITH THE SHOW For more episodes, updates and enquiries: Website: https://jameshstewart.com/ [https://jameshstewart.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatIlearnedinbusiness ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Andrew Cooper: Coopers Brewery

Coopers Brewery is one of Australia's oldest family businesses and most famous brewers. In this episode James H Stewart sits down with Andrew Cooper, Executive Director of Coopers Brewery. Founded in Adelaide in 1862, Coopers Brewery has survived wars, recessions, industry disruption, changing consumer preferences, and even a hostile takeover attempt. But this conversation is about far more than beer. Andrew shares his journey from investment banking and global consumer brands into the family business, why Coopers requires family members to earn their stripes outside the company before joining, and how the business approaches governance, succession planning and leadership development across multiple generations. James and Andrew explore: • The remarkable history and evolution of Coopers Brewery • Why family members must gain external experience before joining the business • Succession planning in a sixth-generation family enterprise • The appointment of Coopers' first non-family Managing Director • What makes naturally conditioned ale unique • Vertical integration, brewing operations and supply chain strategy • Consumer trends, moderation and the growth of low and no-alcohol products • Brand portfolio management and innovation in a changing market • Technology, automation and AI in modern brewing operations • Coopers' expansion into whisky production • The new Regency Park visitor experience, restaurant and tap room This episode also provides a fascinating insight into how a family business can remain true to its heritage while continuing to innovate and evolve in a rapidly changing market. Whether you're involved in a family business, interested in succession planning, or simply curious about how iconic Australian brands endure, this conversation is packed with practical lessons and insights. What I Learned in Business (That Didn't Kill Me!) is hosted by James Stewart. Connect with James: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9] Instagram: @whatilearnedinbusiness YouTube: What I Learned in Business (That Didn't Kill Me!) Disclaimer: The views, opinions and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are their own and are provided for general information and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute financial, investment, legal, taxation, business or professional advice. Listeners should obtain independent professional advice appropriate to their own circumstances before making any decision or taking any action based on the content of this podcast. While reasonable care is taken in producing this content, no representation or warranty is made regarding the accuracy, completeness or currency of the information discussed. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Jennifer Westacott AC: The Voice of Business

What happens when business and government policy intersect? What happens when the institutions that underpin our democracy, economy and social cohesion come under pressure? What happens to leaders when moral clarity is lost? James Stewart sits down with Jennifer Westacott AC — one of the most influential leaders in Australian public and business life. From growing up in public housing, in a home marked by hardship, violence and instability… to becoming one of the most powerful voices in Australian business, government and the education sector, Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, courage and an unwavering commitment to fairness, dignity and opportunity. Over a remarkable career Jennifer has served at the highest levels of public life — from leading major government departments in housing, education, planning and infrastructure… to building KPMG’s sustainability and government advisory practice… to spending 13 years as Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, where she became the public face of corporate Australia during some of the most turbulent economic and social challenges of our time. Today, Jennifer is Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Chair of the Bradfield Development Authority, a Director of Wesfarmers, and a leading voice on social cohesion, education and the future of Australian institutions. In this candid conversation, Jennifer shares: * How growing up in public housing shaped her lifelong commitment to fairness and equity * What she learned running one of the most politically sensitive portfolios in NSW * The biggest policy battles and hardest lessons from 13 years leading the BCA * Why weak productivity, falling living standards and social fragmentation pose major risks to Australia’s future * Her views on business, government, housing affordability and the future of education. * Why she believes leaders must act with moral clarity and consistency when institutions are tested * Her deeply personal reflections on social cohesion and antisemitism * This is a conversation about power, purpose, courage and what values-driven leadership looks like when the stakes are highest. If you lead people… advise boards… build businesses… shape policy… or simply care about the future of Australia — this episode is essential listening. DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for general information, education and discussion purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or any affiliated organisations. Nothing in this podcast constitutes financial, legal, investment, political, or professional advice. Listeners should obtain independent advice relevant to their own circumstances. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Kim McDonnell: The Social Enterprise Entrepreneur

Have you ever wanted to be part of a Social Enterprise? What about building a business that does good for the community - at scale? Kim McDonnell — founder of Thankful, Thankful4Farmers, and Saveful, and winner of the 2025 Women in Digital Champion of Change Award, has done just that (and more)! Kim shares her remarkable journey from growing up in the remote mining town of Mount Isa, in outback QLD to building and selling a successful digital marketing agency, before making the bold decision to walk away from corporate success, sell literally everything she and her family owned and dedicate her life to solving some of the world’s biggest social and environmental challenges. We unpack: * The moment Kim realised commercial success alone wasn’t enough to fulfill her * Why she sold everything to pursue a social enterprise mission * The founding story behind Thankful and the science of gratitude * Moving her family to New York City to pursue global impact * Speaking at the United Nations during General Assembly week * The creation of Thankful4Farmers with celebrity chef Matt Moran * Why food waste is one of the world’s biggest hidden environmental problems * How Saveful is using technology and behavioural psychology to help families save money and reduce waste * The realities of startup life, resilience, capital raising, and purpose-driven leadership * This is a powerful conversation about courage, values, behavioural change, and building businesses that aim to leave the world better than they found it. 🎧 CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Follow What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!) on your favourite podcast platform. Connect with James Stewart on LinkedIn for more insights on leadership, governance, restructuring, entrepreneurship and business transformation. Instagram: @whatilearnedinbusiness [https://www.instagram.com/whatilearnedinbusiness/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] YouTube: What I Learned in Business YouTube Channel Website: James H Stewart [https://www.jameshstewart.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not constitute financial, legal, investment, environmental, or professional advice. Listeners should obtain independent advice relevant to their own circumstances before making any decisions based on the content of this episode. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Tom Krulis: Godfreys. Petstock. Cheap as Chips.

How a Holocaust survival story shaped a family legacy and inspired a serial retail investor to keep striving for success. In this deeply personal discussion, James H Stewart sits down with retailer, investor, former lawyer and long-time friend, Tom Krulis for a conversation that goes far beyond business. Tom opens up about his family’s extraordinary journey, including the posthumous publication of his father Steven’s book, The Boy with the Suitcase, the enduring legacy of growing up as the son of a Holocaust survivor, and how those experiences shaped his values, leadership style, and appetite for risk. James and Tom reflect on their shared experiences travelling through Rwanda, exploring one of the most remarkable national turnarounds of modern times following the Rwandan Genocide, and then rise of antisemitism in Australia what business leaders can learn from resilience, reconciliation, and rebuilding. From there, the conversation shifts to Tom’s remarkable business career—from leaving law at Freehills, to helping drive the success of Godfreys Group through multiple ownership cycles, becoming an early investor in Petstock before its billion-dollar transaction with Woolworths Group, and navigating the recent collapse of value retailer, Cheap as Chips. This is a conversation about: * Legacy, family and values * The lived experience of modern antisemitism in Australia * Building, scaling and exiting retail businesses * Private equity, public markets and investor discipline * Why some businesses survive… and others don’t A raw, honest and deeply human conversation with a man who has seen both extraordinary success… and the reality of loss. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for general information, education and discussion purposes only. The views, opinions, experiences and recollections expressed by the host and guest are their own at the time of recording and do not necessarily reflect the views of any current or former employers, investee companies, portfolio companies, shareholders, directors, employees, advisers, governments, regulators, or other stakeholders. This episode may include discussion of historical events, personal experiences, commercial transactions, business successes and failures, industry trends, legal and regulatory matters, and current social issues. Any references to companies, transactions, valuations, ownership structures, restructurings, administrations, market conditions, or investment outcomes are based on publicly available information, personal recollection, or opinion, and should not be relied upon as financial, legal, investment, tax, governance, or other professional advice.Where specific individuals, businesses, transactions or events are discussed—including current or former businesses—listeners should be aware that circumstances may have changed since the time of recording, and not all perspectives or stakeholders may be represented. Listeners should conduct their own independent enquiries and seek appropriate professional advice before making any business, investment, legal, governance or personal decisions arising from matters discussed in this episode. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.